Sydney MamaMag Jun/Jul

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mamamAg Jun/Jul 2021

WIN YOUR FAMILY A GETAWAY AT THE FULERTON HOTEL SYDNEY MamaMag’s 7th birthday Loose parts play The perfect party Kids after iso Why won’t you sleep

free Support and fun for the Sydney mum 1

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It’s party time Hey Sydney mamas. So glad you’ve joined me on this little MamaMag journey. Whilst MamaMag is pretty new in Sydney (we launched in August last year), MamaMag actually turns seven this month! (yes, that’s a pic of me when I was 7 for laughs!). Who knew when I started this little pocket sized mag that it would grow so far?

To date we have printed over 1.5 million magazines as well as all our digital issues and content. Our reach truly astonishes me, especially since it started off in Melbourne with just 5,000 mags a month.

Last month saw us proudly launch the printed version of Sydney MamaMag and we gave out 10,000 copies at the PBC Expo. It was so great to be able to share a physical copy of MamaMag with you all and to see the baby expos finally back up and running after such a shitty 2020. Ironically, while I write this now, I’m in the middle of Melbourne’s 4th lockdown, so thank god we came up when we did!

So please, join me on my MamaMag journey and enjoy the free fun. Subscribe to our digital mag and follow our socials. To me MamaMag isn’t a job. It’s just who I am now. It’s what I do. It has changed my life, given me purpose as a single mother, and it has allowed me to meet so many other wonderful mothers along the way.

I’m still wondering when I’m going to meet a nice single dad, but that’s a story for another time! I hope MamaMag brings you similar joy in your parenting journey.

Sarah Cavalier support and fun for the everyday mum Editor - MamaMag - @thecavaliermama MamaMag is designed and published bi-monthly free for Sydney mums, families and carers.

Publisher: Grizzle Design Pty Ltd. ABN: 26 042 138 550.

PO Box 8018, North Road LPO, Brighton East VIC 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au | www.grizzledesign.com.au Editor in Chief/Creative Director: Sarah Cavalier: sarah@mamamag.com.au For advertising enquiries contact: Olivia Wilson: olivia@mamamag.com.au Want to write for us or have an article idea? submissions@mamamag.com.au

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WIN

Contents Loose parts play

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Create, design and discover

Replaced... 8 Christian O’Connell on daughters

Children, play and technology

10

Exploring the link

The perfect party

12

Great party ideas

Be super concerned

14

Women’s superannuation

Home party DIY

16

worth

$470

Lombard’s tips

Our kids after iso

18

Mental health support

Let the eat cake

22

#melbournecakes great Insta finds

Golly, why won’t you sleep

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Tips from paediatrician Dr Golly

Mama can cook

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Tasty treats from Mayvers

Map it

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Australian National Maritime Museum

Drop the mother’s guilt

32

Time for some self-care

Winter warming tips

34

Protect your pets

On the shelf

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Latest release books

Parental pay win

WIN an overnight Family Getaway at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney Holiday at home in Sydney and treat your family to a special weekend, or school holiday, overnight getaway. In a superior guest room little ones can delight in a special play zone complete with a plush Fullerton Postmaster Bear and a kids’ play tent. After a restful night’s slumber, enjoy a leisurely à la carte breakfast for two and more!

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Public sector union success

Oh hey sweetie

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Avoid sugar with Funday

Sophie is 60

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Celebrating our favourite giraffe

Colour to win

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5 $100 Lombard vouchers up for grabs

A mum’s empowerment

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Time to be brave The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishing staff. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission of the publishers. Health related articles are designed to be informative and educational. They are not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace one-on-one advice from your health practitioner.

Some featured books contain affiliate links. If you purchase using these links there is no extra cost to you but MamaMag earn a small commission that helps us continue to provide MamaMag as a FREE resource to you.

MamaMag Jun/Jul 2021

Entries are open to Australian residents only. Competition starts June 1st 12.01am and closes July 31st 2020 at 11.59pm. Prize not transferable or redeemable for cash.

Prize valid 6 months from date of issue. Blackout dates apply. Total prize value $470.

Visit www.mamamag.com.au/competitions for full terms and conditions.

For your chance to win enter at www.mamamag.com.au/fullerton

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loose parts play Early education settings provide a range of learning environments for young children.

Using loose parts has become an established method to encourage children’s learning through their play. The theory of loose parts was proposed 50 years ago by architect Simon Nicholson. It suggests that offering children a variety of open-ended materials for their play significantly influences how they play and what they are able to create, design and discover.

The unique features of loose parts are that they are able to be moved around, rearranged, put together, pulled apart and redesigned, and this has an irresistible appeal for children.

Planners, designers and inventors Using diverse materials, big and small that can be used in many different ways allows children to bring their own ideas and imagination to their play. Loose parts don’t come with a set of instructions for use. They can be used on their own or combined with other materials.

Children develop complex thinking skills as they work together to plan their play and make decisions about how they will use the loose parts. They begin to invent games and play worlds around the materials.

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Natural, recycled and repurposed objects Almost anything can be used in loose parts play and opportunities are everywhere. Nature offers a rich bounty of open-ended objects: seed pods, pine cones, leaves, gumnuts, pebbles, rocks, sticks, feathers, flowers, etc.

Ordinary items such as boxes, bottle lids and cardboard rolls all provide scope for children’s creativity where they can be used for stacking, balancing, making patterns, or together with other objects for construction. Craft materials including pipe cleaners, patty pans, ribbon and string have multiple uses. Children enjoy experimenting with how to put things together and the challenge of using different items to connect and fasten promotes their reasoning and problem solving skills. Small mats, trays and shallow containers are useful for children to sort and position items and they provide a ready-made frame for their arrangements. Add in children’s preferred toys such as blocks, or people and animal figures and their play ideas will flourish.

Sensory learning

Immersed in play

Children are curious and observant about their environment. They are instinctively drawn to touch and feel objects, to sense many different, sights, smells and textures, to pick things up and move them around. The brain processes this sensory input and helps the child to understand concepts, e.g. light and heavy, warm and cold, smooth and rough.

Sand and water play experiences are always popular with children and are offered across all Story House Early Learning services to support children’s sensory learning. As they manipulate different objects, children are fine tuning their eye-hand coordination, learning to grasp, hold and control the movement of objects. It takes careful hands to hold a feather and a stronger grip to lift and place a rock. As part of their sensory exploration young children will put things in their mouths. Supervision is important, checking that play items are safe and don’t present a choking hazard.

Sometimes loose parts play can be labelled as unstructured play or free play, which perhaps understates its significance and impact for children’s learning. The renowned educational researcher and theorist Maria Montessori stated that play is the work of the child. Playing with loose parts invites children to lead their own play, to develop the work, to learn through a hands-on approach. This builds concentration and focus as children become increasingly engaged in their play, developing their resilience when encountering small obstacles and working through ways to resolve them.

This type of play also benefits other skill development. Children playing together will constantly communicate, describing their play and extending their language and social skills.

They practice their storytelling abilities as they invent and adapt their play, uncovering new ways to create with loose parts. Maths skills are broadened as children count, measure and classify items. They begin to understand the basics of science concepts such as floating and sinking, and seasonal changes in nature.

Loose parts can inspire and sustain spontaneous and complex play. They stimulate children’s curiosity, and lead to unlimited learning possibilities.

Reference: Daly, L and Beloglovsky, M; Loose Parts, Inspiring Play in Young Children, Redleaf Press 2015 St Paul, Minnesota.

By Sabina Klepp, Education Practice Partner – Story House Early Learning. www.shel.edu.au

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replaced...

Undoubtedly moving to Australia had a huge effect on my daughters. They became teenage girls on Lance Armstrong levels of hormones.

Their new powers became too strong for me.

Just the other day I was told by my tormentors that I was, and I quote, a ‘basic white dad’.

I had been reduced to this, and no longer worthy of their respect. However, the biggest change in my girls was in the area of . . . boys.

Let me tell you this: nothing in life prepares you for the first time you see your daughter making out with her first boyfriend. Nothing.

This was always going to happen. But nothing prepares you.

One day I came home and found Ruby, who had turned fifteen, and a young man lying down—lying down!—together on my couch!

It was all too much. We’d gone from no interest in boys to lying down on the couch with them.

WTF! Don’t you work up, or down, to that?

Did I mention they were lying down?

I had to take a knee just to catch my breath.

Life had hit me hard. I know she was fifteen, and this was what she should be doing, and enjoying, and . . . but . . . she had her first boyfriend.

I always wanted to be one of those cool dads.

I thought I would be, because my job is pretty cool. I was interviewing U2 frontman Bono, and we were talking about being dads. I put it to him that he’d actually be that rare thing—a cool dad.

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‘You’d think so,’ he said. Then he told a story about Jay-Z and Beyoncé staying at his home in Dublin. Pretty cool, right? Two of the world’s hottest stars, staying at yours! The bragging rights over your mates would be huge.

‘Your kids must’ve been blown away,’ I said to Bono.

He continued his story, saying that at one point during the night, he went to get some more wine and on the way he happened to overhear his fifteen-year-old daughter on the phone.

And word for word, this is what she was saying: ‘Yeah, Dad’s in there now, boring the arse off them about third-world debt.’

Then Bono told me: ‘The thing was, Christian, I was boring the arse off them about thirdworld debt.’ Those nights round at Bono’s must really fly.

Anyway, this just shows that no dad is cool.

Don’t even waste your time trying. A modern dad is a terrified half-man. Scared of screwing up his kid’s self-esteem, and scared he’s being a terrible parent. Pretending to understand TikTok. Us modern dads are caring and sensitive. We read blogs on sugar intake and know that gluten is the most dangerous gateway drug in the world. Our parents weren’t like this. I don’t think I had a glass of water until I was 32.

My kids aren’t really that scared of me. They shouldn’t be. Well, maybe just a little bit. But the only thing I have over them is turning off the wi-fi.

All of which explains why, when I met my daughter’s boyfriend for the first time, he wasn’t quaking in my presence. Which upset me.

I said ‘Hello’ and ‘Nice to meet you.’ And then I did something really sad. Any time the kids have a friend over, I, as a hard-wired professional people-pleaser, start to do some schtick so they’ll like me.

Yes, I’m saying I wanted my daughter’s boyfriend to like me. I actually went giddy when Ruby told me after he’d left, ‘He said your dad’s funny.’ Which was nice, although part of me would have preferred, ‘He actually shat his pants when he met you.’

Part of me would have preferred, ‘He actually shat his pants when he met you.’

I knew she had a ‘boyfriend’ but seeing him, in my own home, lying down on my couch, was something else. I was happy for her—it’s an amazing time in our lives, those first flushes of young love.

As her boyfriend was leaving, Ruby, having waved him off with her face flushed with joy, turned to me, who was staring silently and taking in the scene, and said: ‘This must be hard for you, Dad, it must feel like you’ve been replaced.’

Thanks, daughter, for helping me identify just what that searing aching pain in my heart is. I had been replaced. Nothing had prepared me.

Parenthood is a constant cycle of arrivals and departures. My little girl was arriving in a new place in her life. And I was departing.

Replaced . . .

From ‘No One Listens to Your Dad’s Show’ by Christian O’Connell, the funny and moving story of Christian O’Connell’s very public journey from number one to no one. Published by Allen & Unwin and available now in all good book stores.

Just maybe don’t have that amazing time in my house, or on my couch.

So, my daughter, my angel, the little girl whose tiny little cute shoes I used to put on her tiny little cute feet, is on the couch before me, interlocked with a boy. And while she was high on the rush, I’d hit a new low.

My life as a dad, as I’d known it, was suddenly over. I felt like a fading football coach, sacked from the job I’d held successfully for years. Now I had to reapply as some kind of dad consultant.

Thanks, Australia, for your super dose of teenage hormones, and for boys keen on my girl.

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CHILDREN, PLAY AND What is the link between play, technology and learning?

Researchers have proposed that technology is an integral learning tool for promoting social, linguistic and cognitive development in young children. But how does this ‘tool’ become part of young people’s lives?

Children and Technology Lab (ChatLab) at the University of Sussex where much of the research involves exploring how technology can enhance children’s playful learning experiences and improve social skills. Play with augmented technology can help children with developmental difficulties to communicate, learn and become more socially aware.

For young children, learning through play, exploration and observation is important and technology is a cultural tool that children use and assimilate into their everyday experience.

In our evolutionary past, traditions in tool use were passed on across generations through children observing and copying their parents.

Nowadays formal education also has a part to play in what is transmitted from generation to generation.

Children, from a very young age, are surrounded by the technology used by their parents, older children and other adults. It is, therefore, unsurprising that even babies pay attention to toys that are similar to their parents’ smartphones or tablets. Toys that make noises, flashlights and use words are attractive to young children. And the more similar that these toys are to their parent’s devices the more popular they are with young children.

When babies and young children are awake, it is rare to see them sitting completely still.

Movement is important not just for physical development, but also in the development of social and cognitive skills.

A few years ago we ran an impromptu study with my young granddaughter, Emmie (then eight months old) where we gave her a choice of two mobile communication devices. I placed the two devices on the floor within crawling distance of the eight-month-old and she made her choice by crawling towards a device and grasping it. No matter how many times we repeated the ‘experiment’ (moving her away from the two devices, moving the devices around, placing them screen down) she invariably chose one over the other.

Babies show a positive response to action play from an early age; I recently watched my six-month-old grandson’s face light up as he was hoisted high into the air. Babies enjoy the feeling of movement whether it is through their own efforts – perhaps by kicking and waving their arms - or by being carried, rocked or jiggled up and down. The varying sensations experienced through motion are the first forms of both solitary and social play. Children also learn self-control through play, by controlling their own actions and also by developing an understanding of the need to be sensitive to other’s gestures and movements.

But what do we mean by play in the context of technology? If children chose an activity, actively engage in it and mould it to fit their experiences then this is play. Technology that allows children to be creative enhances their learning and can also help them with their social development. I am associated with the 10

My granddaughter’s preference for one device over the other is probably because of her familiarity with that particular device. The device that Emmie preferred was her father’s mobile which she often played with. Children, even young ones, tend to imitate the people around them and they most frequently observe and copy their parents’ behaviour. To a certain extent child will be drawn to technology because they see their parents using electronic devices a lot of the time.

Children play and learn with technology.

In previous decades there was a debate about television interfering with children’s

TECHNOLOGY learning; nowadays play with technology is criticised because it potentially inhibits children’s imagination. It is unlikely that children’s creativity and imagination is stifled by technology; play is creative and children often take the cultural tools available to them and use them in innovative ways. The most beneficial synthesis of children, play and technology is when parents involve themselves in their children’s playful learning experience; remember that the best form of parental investment is the quality time that parents spend with their children!

By Dr. Julie Coultas. Dr. Julie Coultas is an evolutionary social psychologist with a particular interest in education and is a member of VTech’s Expert Panel.

VTech understands that play is the work of children, learning to navigate their world, themselves and those around them. Each and every electronic learning toy VTech creates encourages children to Learn. Play.

Develop. Learn in ways that are relevant and age-appropriate, through fun and engaging Play, to Develop the necessary skills for each stage of their young lives. www.vtech.com.au

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the Perfect Party No matter what style of party your child wants, we’ve got you covered!

Go-Karts: Entertainment Park 20 / 361 Milperra Road, Bankstown entertainmentpark.com.au Your one stop shop for indoor entertainment and fun. Whether the kids feel like go-karting, bowling, virtual reality, racing car simulators or traditional old-style arcade games, this family owned and operated venue will keep your kids occupied for hours on end.

Bounce & Climb: Skyzone 75 O’Riordan St, Alexandria. www.skyzone.com.au With more than 117 interconnected trampolines they can hop, flip, jump and climb their way to a next level kid’s party! With all this antigravity action, they’ll be sure to jump up an appetite. After their jump session they’ll head on back to their private party HQ where their host will have wrangled some lunch to tuck in to.

Plaster fun: Little Plaster House F76 / 24-32 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista. littleplasterhouse.com.au Their fun, bright and chilled out plaster painting venue is the perfect place for an exclusive and creative birthday experience. Have your nohassle plaster painting party here and take the mess out of your home.

Choose your theme: fairy, unicorn, superhero, little Picasso, little Van Gogh or little Warhol, and let the creativity and fun begin.

Arcade: Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq 75 O’Riordan St, Alexandria. www.archiebrothers.com.au

With games galore and plentiful prizes, it’s the perfect Kids party venue!

Their Ringmaster host will fuel the fun and see that your little darlings run themselves ragged around our arcade and activities. All you have to do if put your feet up, knowing that you’ve mastered this years’ birthday bash (without any mess to clean up!).

LEGO love: Bricks 4 Kidz Crows Nest, Collaroy and Gordon. www.bricks4kidz.com.au BRICKS 4 KIDZ® is the world’s most popular provider of LEGO® birthday parties for kids, bringing that experience to your budding builder. Choose any of their popular party ideas; Superhero Academy, Brick City, Galaxy Far Away, Spinning Ninjas, Mining and Crafting, Princesses and Palaces. Parties Includes 1 hour of party activity time and 30 minutes food and cake time.

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Themed parties - Oz Funland Comes to your home. www.ozfunland.com Described as a magical (indoor) kingdom of birthday wonder, this fantastic, fully themed kids birthday party venue features specialised character hosts with fun kids activities, face painting, putt putt golf, glow-in-the-dark disco arena, playmaze, jumping castle and more.

Choose themes including Frozen, the Wizard of Oz, Moana, Paw Patrol, Minions, Princesses and so many more..

Get Arty: Art Est. Art School 4/67-69 Lords Road, Leichhardt. www.artest.com.au

Give your next party a creative twist and have everyone creating their own masterpieces. Choose your favourite art activity and the kids will feel like budding artists from the moment they arrive and pop on their aprons, and all take home their artwork as memory from the party.

Ice Skating: Ice Zoo 689 Gardeners Road, Alexandria. icezoo.com Lace up your skates and take to the rink, before gliding across to your private rinkside Igloo. Jump, twirl and spin around the rink while your birthday guests either join in or watch. ICE ZOO hosts Sydney kids birthday parties 12 months of the year, on any day of the week with several party options and themes to chose from.

Playcentre fun: Nubo Unit 201, Building 2, 160 Bourke Road, Alexandria www.nubo.com.au Play. Connect. Grow. NUBO is all about fun, simple, purposeful and beautiful learning experiences. From a wilderness themed table for five toddlers to a seriously big bash for the whole class...find out why your party at NUBO will be the talk of the town at one of Sydney’s most beautiful playcentres.

Bouldering: Umbrella Nine Co Shop 6010 Warringah Mall, Brookvale. umbrellanineco.com.au Bouldering? It’s like climbing, without the ropes, just you against the wall, which are obviously lower and surrounded by soft padded mats to catch the kids when they fall! Parties are best for kids 6 – 13 years and include a party host and 1.5hrs of fun.

Indoor Sky Diving: iFly Sydney 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith. www.iflyworld.com.au Ever wanted to experience the adrenaline of the free-fall you get when you skydive, but too scared to actually jump out of an aeroplane? Soaring through their column of air is an exciting and unforgettable experience. Make your party experience extra special by booking the flight session exclusively for your group up to 12 flyers aged between 3 - 17 years old.

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be super concerned The Budget has increased women’s savings by billions by not messing with the legislated super increase and mandating that super is paid to all part-time workers.

But the government has refused to pay super on Commonwealth paid parental leave – more than 90% of which would be paid to women.

Women retire with a third less super than men, a big driver is the time women take out of the paid workforce for unpaid caring – if the government was serious about closing the gender super gap they would get super paid on every dollar earnt, including parental leave.

NSW woman are typically retiring with $60,000 less super than men – as the federal government drags its feet on fixing outdated policies that harm women’s retirement savings.

NSW women not only retire with about a third less super than men, the state’s median female balance of $48,700 also trails the national female median of $49,300.

The gender super gap opens noticeably once a woman enters her 40s. From her late 40s onwards, women can expect to have almost a third less super than men. The balance for women in their 60s is $143,500, well below the $204,100 median male balance.

The Super Guarantee rate will lift to 12% by 2025 as legislated – the increases will allow millions more families to save enough for retirement than if the rate was frozen at 9.5%.

Women on low to middle-incomes will get the super rate increase in the greatest numbers so lifting the rate is also an important step to bridging the gender savings gap. The $85,000 savings boost the typical 30-year-old woman will get from the super rate increase is an important step to ensure fewer women face economic insecurity at retirement.

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The Super Guarantee will not only lift Australia’s retirement savings it will provide billions in additional investment to grow the Australian economy, creating jobs and higher wages.

Abolishing the outdated $450 threshold, which means super was not paid if you earned less than that figure a month, will see $200,000 lower-income women get a much-needed rise.

To further help women the government should also move the Low-Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO) so it better aligns with the income tax brackets, a tax cut that would benefit more than 700,000 women on low incomes.

Other super Budget measures to allow first home buyers to contribute more voluntary super contributions towards a deposit will make no difference to housing affordability, it could lead to higher property prices. Increasing the amount retirees can contribute to their super after downsizing their home needs to be examined in further detail, with wealthy selffunded retirees most likely to benefit.

A recent retirement survey, commissioned by ISA, found that on average women spend 12 years less in the full-time workforce than men, this time away from work is having a dramatic impact on their super balance.

One in three women retire with no super balance at all, according to a 2016 Senate report.

After employers and workers pulled the economy through a really tough year, it’s good that Australians can bank on super going to 12% but a real let down that the government didn’t take the opportunity to close the gender gap by getting super paid on paid parental leave.”

Industry Super Australia Chief Executive Bernie Dean

CHEERS TO A BETTER LIFE FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED

BY CANCER Sign up for Dry July and raise money for cancer support and care that makes life better.

visit dryjuly.com today

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HOME PARTY DIY You can create a home party that is not only amazing but budget friendly. Whether it is a baby shower, kids party or a milestone birthday, organising your own party can be fun, even if you’ve never done it before.

Lombard is here to help with everything you need to create an unforgettable party with a personalised touch. If DIY isn’t your thing let us do the work, with styling packages, balloons and party hire delivered to your door.

Party under a marquee Marquees are a practical necessity to any outdoor party. They not only protect your guests from the elements but can look spectacular if styled properly. By adding design features such as backdrops, lighting, balloons and signage you can transform a simple space into an unforgettable, show-stopping scene for you and your guests.

Table styling that’s just right

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Beautiful backdrops Creating a beautiful backdrop for your party not only creates a gorgeous space for flawless photos, it transforms a dull space into something magical! The right backdrop will be a feature of your décor and tie everything else in perfectly. The best things about hiring?

There’s no wastage for your WOW factor! Take your backdrop to the next level by adding neon signs, balloons and personalisation.

A cake creation A simple cake is all you need. If you’re into DIY but don’t have the time, why not get a naked premade or frozen cake and decorate it yourself. Add the finishing touches with ready to use frosting, sprinkles, and toppers to suit every age and theme. If you’re wanting your cake to stand out or stand up, display it on a cake stand or plinth for a special photo moment. Oh, and don’t forget the candles!

Less is most certainly more when it comes to table styling. While the place setting must look and feel welcoming, food and beverages need enough space. To create something simple but stunning, you just need to start off with the basics: tablecloth, plates, cutlery, drinkware and napkins. You can coordinate your table with the theme by adding centrepieces like jars filled with popcorn or line tables with foliage and guest name cards.

More friends than chairs

Say it with signage

Be my guest

Personalisation is key. Adding a personalised message to your party décor not only serves to enhance your party space, and create a dazzling backdrop for photo opportunities, it can be used to direct your guests. An acrylic sign on an easel may include your table seating details or highlight your menu. You could also put your name or a message on a balloon, it will not only look great but will add that all important personal touch to your party.

Welcome your guests with a red-carpet entrance, add a backdrop, giant light up numbers and a balloon garland for the perfect host photo moment. Position it all alongside your present table with a guest book and welcome sign then suddenly, you are the talk of the town! When they’re on their way out, thank your guests with a party bag full of goodies or a special memento for lasting memories.

Why limit the number of guests based on your home décor? Simply hire tables, chairs and party equipment to create the perfect party space. Hiring is a sustainable, seamless option.

From a buffet table to a popcorn machine getting your party needs delivered to your door not only saves you time, it puts you in complete control of your party space.

Lombard The Paper People is an Australian owned family business since 1969 specialising in packaging, parties and events. lombard.com.au

Access to period products is a right, not a privilege

period products at your local Woolworths store this August or visit our website to find your closest collection point

our kIds after Iso The pandemic has been tough on many kids - and some would benefit from mental health support.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many kids with ongoing anxiety about the virus and the future. Parents are noticing it too but aren’t sure where to get guidance for their children’s mental wellness needs.

There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns have taken their toll on the mental health of kids and parents. If you’re a parent, chances are that any extra anxiety you felt about the pandemic was felt by your children too.

As we were forced to slow down with lockdowns and manage long periods of home-schooling, it’s not surprising that children experienced a raft of new and unfamiliar pressures. While spending 24 hours a day at home, parents were noticing first-hand behaviours they might not have noticed in their kids before.

It’s been more than a year since the COVID-19 pandemic started, but many parents and kids are still feeling uncertainty and some anxiety about what the future holds. As we adjust to life in a new ‘COVID-normal’, it’s important to recognise its impact on the mental health of kids and provide support where needed to help mitigate any long-term effects.

A recent Chology survey of 1,000 Australian parents of primary school aged kids found that two out of three parents were concerned about the long-term impacts of the pandemic on their children’s mental health and behaviour.

During the past year, more than 66% of parents noticed higher levels of anxiety in their children while doing everyday things like catching the bus and being in social situations like spending time with friends. Some children were showing more defiant and challenging behaviour while

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others were demanding more screen time and showing less interest in learning.

This uncertainty and anxiety in both parents and children is expected to continue for many families, particularly if we continue to face more lockdowns, job uncertainties and other restrictions on family activities and lifestyles.

The pandemic has shone a brighter light on our kids’ mental health and just how tough it is for parents to support and foster their kids’ mental wellness during such an unpredictable time.

Chology’s research also found that many parents were unsure how best to support their kids’ mental health, and where to go to find resources or help. It found: • More than a quarter (27%) of parents weren’t sure what steps to take to give their child the support they need • A third (32%) turned to Google to research parenting strategies • Only 12% talked about anxiety and behavioural changes in their child with their doctor Despite those growing levels of anxiety among children and parents, almost one in three (30%) parents hadn’t taken any action to help their children’s mental health, and of that group, less than one in 10 (9%) planned to do something.

However, many parents are finding good support from their children’s schools, with the research finding that more than a third (35%) of parents are working with their child’s school to support their mental health and wellbeing.

There’s no doubt that schools are a valuable means of support. However, if you have ongoing concerns about your child’s behaviour or wellbeing, then a professional assessment is always recommended.

A psychological assessment can help identify the cause of a child’s difficulties and determine the right strategies to best manage their needs.

“27% of parents didn’t know what steps to take to give their child the support they need”

As a parent, simply being able to recognise the signs of a mental health or behavioural issue is a really powerful thing and can change the course of your child’s life.

If you feel you or your child need extra support, there is help available. See your GP or book in to see a psychologist, who can give you – and your child – some strategies to navigate any challenging situations or anxiety they may cause.

At Chology, we provide online, tele-health assessment services that evaluate social, emotional, behavioural and schoollearning difficulties in Australian school age children aged 6 to 18 years.

Tom Osborn is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Chology. www.chology.co

“More than 66% of parents noticed higher levels of anxiety in their children” 19

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, GOLLY, WHY WON T YOU Aussie paediatrician, and dad of three, Dr Golly (Dr. Daniel Golshevsky) knows all about poor sleep. After experiencing a deeply unsettled baby, and distressing postnatal period as a parent, he directed all his energies into finding solutions for unsettled behaviour and poor infant sleep - to prevent others from going through what he experienced. He put these learnings to practice every day, with extraordinary results but one problem remained, reaching more people.

One doctor can only see one person at a time. So Dr Golly created an online sleep and settling program for children 0-5 years old and here’s the cool bit... it focuses on fathers (or the nonbreastfeeding parent) as the secret weapon to a good night’s sleep. Golly, tell me more...

For years, women have been achieving more and more in society. Greater heights of education, expectation and employment than any other time in history – but have we seen an equivalent reduction in the expectation to do the majority of newborn parenting?

When a baby enters a family unit, there’s so much focus on the baby and on the mother, especially if the mother is breastfeeding, as is most often the case. This makes perfect sense – the baby is the new arrival, requiring roundthe-clock care and attention, and the mother is the one recovering from pregnancy and delivery, while simultaneously being the source of nutrition at the same time.

But I’d like to shift the paradigm a little and put the spotlight onto fathers, we play a significantly greater role than many think – and we might just be the key to having a perfectly well-settled baby and entire family unit.

Nowadays, babies arrive into families of all different shapes and sizes. From traditional couples to single parents, surrogacy, same-sex families and more. It’s wonderful that almost everyone has the ability to become a parent now – but regardless of the look of the family unit, it’s important we focus for a moment on the role of the non-breastfeeding parent. For ease of explaining, I’ll just refer to them as the father for now, but know that it can be anyone else in the home.

Following a baby’s birth, a mother gets a flood of oxytocin (hormone) which plays a fundamental role in social bonding, love, trust 24

and generosity. It also activates a part of the brain called the amygdala. This is important for processing memory and drives emotions like fear, anxiety and aggression. The heightened amygdala activation is what drives a mother’s hypersensitivity to their baby, making her attentive, loving and deeply affectionate. This also makes the mother far more likely to want to feed an unsettled baby.

It’s close to impossible for a breastfeeding mother to not feed when picking up an unsettled baby. And if the baby is being held right next to a food source, knowing that it will be comforted by the closeness and the sucking reflex – then why wouldn’t they want to feed?

That is why fathers are more likely to be able to resettle a baby, if something wakes them before a scheduled feed.

If you could give parents just one tip what would it be and why?

That’s mean. How could I possibly stop at just one?! The single most important thing that I want to convey when I’m talking with parents is how skilled they already are. They have the instincts and warmth already - all they need is to grow their understanding of a baby’s forms of communication and not to underestimate how well our babies talk to us when they need something.

SLEEP? What are the common mistakes parents make?

Not trusting themselves and their own abilities as parents. There is so much noise in the wonderful, wild and windy world of newborns. Social media (and the internet in general) have made information instantly accessible, but dangerously unreliable. Parents of unsettled babies will often jump from one solution to the other, out of desperation and sleep deprivation. You needn’t trial treatments to manage colic and unsettled behaviour.

Instead, find out why. Identify the problem, eradicate it - and guess what? Your baby will settle. It seems simple - yet so few resources seek to identify the underlying problem; and there always is one.

What are 1-2 common patterns or themes that you see?

The most common pattern I see is babies sitting in a negative cycle. If the root cause of unsettled behaviour isn’t identified and addressed, the go-to method for calming a baby is just to feed them. Then we enter a negative cycle of frequent feeding, just to stop the crying.

After that, it’s parents believing that poor sleep, developmental leaps and sleep regressions are actual things.

These are the terms that people use when they can’t identify the problem, or are having trouble solving it. Babies don’t go through identifiable leaps at strict time points, you never have to ‘ride out’ unsettled weeks and sleep regressions are absolutely preventable.

Does letting a child cry it out lead to anxiety?

Leaving a child to cry-it-out has never been studied safely in children under 6 months of age. Therefore it shouldn’t be used as a method of achieving a desired routine.

Beyond this age, crying is always avoided but it’s important to understand that cries come in many different forms, for different reasons. These need to be acknowledged and addressed individually.

While controlled crying remains controversial, capped comforting is ok in smaller babies involving a more hands-on approach. Spaced soothing is a far gentler approach than controlled crying and is easier on babies and parents!

Regardless of which settling technique is chosen there is bound to be some crying as the baby adjusts to a new routine. It’s important to remember that this is not because your baby feels abandoned or unloved, but rather because your baby is tired or perhaps frustrated that expected reactions are not taking place. The crying should be interpreted as a protest, as opposed to pain or suffering.

With the settling techniques recommended in the Dr Golly Program, make sure you choose one that is achievable for your family! Every parent and family is different, but both caregivers should be on the same page to give your baby the same, consistent message.

The Dr Golly™ Baby Sleep Program is the only sleep and settling program globally designed and written by a paediatrician, as well as the only one that focuses on dads (or the non-breastfeeding parent) as the secret weapon to a good night’s sleep. It was written with input from a wide range of healthcare professionals including midwives, infant sleep consultants, lactation consultants, paediatric dieticians, dentists and paediatric psychologists. For more information visit www.drgolly.com

25

MAMA CAN COOK Tricks for sneaking in nutrients into your child’s diet to support their immune system As we brace ourselves for the cooler months ahead, Australians have been warned to expect a surge in colds and flus this winter, after spending last year predominantly indoors.

The pandemic’s social distancing measures and increased hygiene practices resulted in a significant decrease in the number of influenza cases recorded around the country and historically, record low years are followed by big flu years .

With immunity at the forefront of our minds, it’s a great time to remind you that eating a healthy and balanced diet is integral for maintaining every single one of our body’s organs and cells, which includes our immune system.

However, it can be tricky convincing our loved ones to eat more nutritious foods especially for those that are fussy eaters.

While education about nutrition with our children is important, sometimes you just have to hide it amongst other foods they like!

In winter it can be especially hard to stay away from indulgent, comfort foods, however comfort foods can be healthy too!

Essential foods to add to your winter diet include spinach, strawberries, peanuts or a 100% natural peanut butter like Mayver’s, almonds, garlic, ginger, sweet potato and foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids assist in reducing inflammation within the body to support the immune system and are typically found in oily fish. There are also smaller amounts of plantbased Omega-3 in flaxseeds, linseeds and some nuts.

Mixing fresh fruit, nuts or peanut butter, ginger and certain vegetables like spinach into an after school smoothie is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients.

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And similarly for loaded jacket potatoes, swapping out normal potatoes for sweet potatoes that are still covered with your children’s favourite toppings is another option.”

Oily fish is not always a favourite of small children but to help them get their Omega3’s via other foods, Mayver’s has launched it’s Omega-3 Super Peanut Butter for those who can’t stomach the fishy flavours, disguised in the taste of peanut butter kids know and love.

Peanut butter also can be used as a dipping sauce for fruit and vegetable sticks to disguise the flavour of the vessel.

Add more vegetables to your stews and bolognaise sauces and if your child has a super talent for picking out vegetables, you can try cooking the vegetable elements first, like carrot, celery, spinach, sweet potato until they’re super soft and re-adding to your dish to be disguised in the sauce before serving.”

Try my immunity hot chocolate with a hidden boost of Omega-3, thanks to Mayver’s Omega-3 Super Peanut Butter for an nutritious yet indulgent treat this winter!

Susie Burrell

Susie Burrell is a qualified dietitian with a masters in coaching psychology.

Peanut Butter & Choc Chip Cookies Makes: 10 cookies Time: 30minutes Ingredients: 2 cups almond meal 3/4 cup coconut sugar 1/4 cup maple syrup 2 eggs 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips 1/2 cup Mayver’s Crunchy Peanut Butter

Method: Preheat oven to 190 degrees celsius fan-forced and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Combine all ingredients and mix well until the egg and coconut sugar is fully incorporated.

Place large dollops of cookie dough onto tray using a spoon, ensuring 2cm between cookies.

Bake cookies for 13 minutes or until golden brown on the top.

Remove from oven and enjoy hot or cold!

A big batch of both of these recipes would make fantastic, and delicious, party food options when you know nut allergies are not a problem with any of your guests.

27

PB & J Banana Bread Muffins Time: 60 minutes | Serves: 6 Gluten Free / Dairy Free / Vegetarian / Sugar Free Ingredients: Wet Ingredients: 1 ½ cups ripe smashed bananas 1/3 cup plant based milk (almond, coconut, soy) ½ cup Mayver’s Skin On Peanut Butter 1 flax egg (1.5tbsp flax powder mixed with 3 tbsp water) Dry Ingredients: 1 ½ cups spelt flour 1 ¼ cups + 2 tbsp coconut/ cane sugar

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1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp sea salt ¼ cup raspberries (fresh/ frozen/dried) Toppings: Raspberry chia jam Extra Mayver’s Skin On Peanut Butter Method: Pre heat oven to 180C. Smash the bananas in a bowl until smooth. Add in all the wet ingredients together and stir to combine.

In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix to combine.

Fold in the raspberries to the mixture.

Evenly separate mixture into each muffin tin tray and bake muffins in the oven for 4550 minutes (check to see if ready by poking knife/skewer through the centre and if it comes out clean, it’s ready).

When finished baking, transfer muffins to cooling rack and let them cool completely to room temperature.

Once cooled, top each muffin with a teaspoon of the raspberry chia jam and extra peanut butter.

This recipe was provided by @growthegrin

Thanks Mayvers for these awesome Winter warmers!

Immunity Hot Chocolate Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 1

Method:

Dairy Free/Gluten Free/Egg Free

Combine the cocoa powder, honey and boiling water in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk to combine.

Ingredients: 1.5 tbsp Mayver’s Omega-3 Super Peanut Butter 1.5 tbsp cocoa powder 1 tsp honey 2 tbsp boiling water 1 cup skim milk 15g 70% cocoa dark chocolate, grated (optional)

Add in peanut butter and whisk rapidly to form a thick consistency.

Gradually pour in milk and continue to whisk over medium heat for a further two minutes.

Pour hot chocolate mixture into a mug and top with grated dark chocolate (if desired). Serve immediately.

29

MAP IT These school holidays the Australian National Maritime Museum wants your kids to Map It! Hurry before this exhibition closes July 11th and help your kids to undertake a quest across land, sea, and space to explore the role of mapping and navigation in everyday life.

Map It! visitors will be captivated and surprised in the quest to explore cities, oceans, and the night sky, and develop their own mapping skills as they complete the quest map and uncover hidden layers of information. They will find seven ‘quest’ stations to solve puzzles and collect different parts of their own map, which can then be viewed and brought to life through augmented reality.

Mapping and navigation has been at the heart of the human experience since the dawn of our species, underpinning advancements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) over millennia. Maps are created using layers of data to help us understand the world around us and guide how we interact with it.

This family exhibition, featuring cutting edge technologies and STEM experiences has been developed to engage children aged between 5 - 12 years.

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Map It! visitors will use different navigational tools and techniques to find their way through dangerous reefs and shipwrecks, escape a virtual building in an emergency, and pilot a simulated underwater exploration vehicle.

They can operate a real sonar scanner to map themselves and their friends, or take on the challenge of a giant game of Battleships.

Visitors have the chance to explore the intricate global ocean currents using real-world scientific modelling by tracking the movement of debris from a spilled cargo container full of rubber ducks.

Using the oldest navigational techniques known to humankind, visitors will learn to use the stars to find their way across both land and ocean, just as our ancestors did tens of thousands of years ago.

Created by Scitech in Perth, Australia, the exhibition uses cutting edge technologies and experiences that are relevant, inspiring, and effective in sharing STEM skills and knowledge.

The museum is so pleased to have Scitech’s excellent, interactive exhibition here to engage families. It combines STEM skills in fun ways for people young and old and brings science to life.

For bookings and information go to www.sea.museum/map-it

Supporting FightMND at your school is as simple as 1, 2, 3!

1 2 3

Organise a DIY Big Freeze day and nominate your teachers or school principal to take on the ice bucket challenge! @fightmnd #BigFreeze7 Turn your school blue with the Big Freeze 7 Very Important Beanie.

You can even sell Big Freeze beanies to support FightMND at your school. @fightmnd #BigFreeze7 #VIB SockIt2MND socks are a great way for your school teams to support FightMND. Whether it's the Chess Club or your AFL team, it's the perfect way to get everyone involved! @fightmnd #Sockit2MND21

For more info, visit: diybigfreeze.com.au

drop the guIlt How about a lot less mother guilt with a side of self-care?

As a parent, the ingrained expectations you place on yourself to put the needs of your child first - giving them the perfect start to ‘living their best life’ – at the expense of your own happiness and wellness, are a constant struggle.

Expectations from yourself, your partner, your in-laws or even Instagram all contribute to a mother-load of guilt; am I good enough? Am I doing enough for them? If we stop and ask our kids what they want from their Mum – what would they say?

The pressures we put on ourselves to be perfect, to meet unrealistic standards while juggling family life, careers and relationships, is unsustainable. Mothers need to look after themselves – because they’re the ones who look after everyone else. We need to release mother guilt, embrace acceptance and feel self-empowered. Your child wants you to be your perfectly imperfectly human self, not pretending to be anyone or anything but you.

My 4-year-old daughter one day asked ‘why do kids have mums?’ I was surprised at her question and as I began to explain the many reasons kids have mums and the mothering role in general. I stopped myself and asked her ‘why she thought kids have mums?’

Her response was simple and heart-felt ‘To love them’.” My lesson that day has carried forward – get your mind out of all the stuff that needs doing and simply come back to human connection. Kids have mums to love them.

Full stop.

The liberation of letting go of perfection and accepting imperfection as perfection needs to be celebrated. The strong correlation between a child’s health and happiness and their mother’s health and happiness is real.

In my first two years and seven months of motherhood, I had three children. Yes, they 32

were all planned! Some people called me ‘crazy’, others called me ‘amazing’, others, when in public would look at me with eyes of sympathy as I pushed three children on a stroller (two seated, one on a glider board, and often lots of grocery bags pushed into the stroller’s underneath storage!). I called it ‘my normal’.

Although it had its challenges, it certainly had its rewards.

In my first two years and seven months of motherhood, I had three children. Yes, they were all planned!

The early years of motherhood were filled with much fascination, and joy, alongside the undercurrents of mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical fatigue, trying to be a ‘good enough’ mother, always striving to achieve ‘perfection’ status (whatever that is?!). Together with this ambition, was the desire to be a ‘good’ wife, daughter, sister, friend, and leader, running a Speech Pathology company, that served, and continues to serve, the needs of numerous families, health and educational professionals and organisations. I used to be that mum, wanting to get mothering ‘right’.

Thankfully after much soul searching, I experienced the liberation of letting go of ‘perfection’ and accepting imperfection as perfect. I more fully embraced ‘my normal’, and celebrated it, as I came to realise and appreciate my own personal growth on the evolutionary motherhood path. It also became hugely exciting to accept that I was sharing my new space of growth with the children in my life, just as they were sharing and discovering their personal growth journeys with me.

This opened the doors to more gratitude, more self-compassion, and self-kindness. Ingredients that led to a healthier style of self-love and an amazingly deep and enriching way to experience daily life.

The strong correlation between a child’s health and happiness and their mother’s health and happiness is real. This applies both ways. I have given and received many, much needed warm, and reassuring embraces in the realm of motherhood, for which I am forever grateful.

I needed to write my book, as a gift, to share an unending warm embrace, to honour all mothers, to celebrate and support all mothers, and remind mums that, your best is good enough. You matter too. You have got this.

The 21 ways to thrive with self-care and acceptance, shared in my book, are the culmination of decades, learning, listening, teaching, observing, coaching and mentoring mothers throughout my professional life, combined with my own unique personal motherhood experience.

Throughout life, I have observed, questioned, and wondered about many things. There are some things that I do continue to wonder about.

Often, while driving – a bird will be standing in the middle of the road. As I inch closer in my car, it does not seem to move. I continue to inch closer, the bird walks a little faster toward the side of the road. As my car gets ridiculously close, the bird needs to, and does, scurry across the road with urgent hurriedness to save itself.

Every time this has happened, it has made me wonder… Why does it not use its gift of wings, to fly?

Flourish for Mums. May it be your hand holding companion, sharing in your journey of nurture, as you grow, flourish, and spread your graceful wings and fly.

I BELIEVE IN YOU. Sonia xo

By Sonia Bestulic, author of Flourish for Mums 21 Ways to Thrive with Self-Care and Acceptance (Big Sky Publishing $19.99).

Let me share, one of those things that I still to this day observe time and time again, and it causes me to ask myself the same question, time and time again…

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WINTER WARMING TIPS TO PROTECT PETS THIS SEASON From kennel cough and freezing cars, to staying sun smart or adjusting indoor heating, winter poses several risks to our four-legged friends, some of which aren’t commonly known amongst pet owners.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, maximum temperatures from May to June remain slightly warmer than average for large parts of Australia, however it’s important to keep your four-legged friend dry, warm and safe from the dangers that wet and cold weather can bring when the temperature does drop.

It’s critical that pet owners prepare themselves, their household and their pets as we head into the cooler months to help keep our buddies safe. Ensuring your pet has the correct bedding, coat and general care will keep them comfortable throughout winter and reduce their risk of suffering from winter related illnesses, injuries or diseases.

To help pet owners navigate the change in season and keep all pets safe, we’ve compiled a helpful guide of unknown winter dangers.

Weather and travel safety Whether you’re camping or hiking through the great outdoors, remember to always pack winter essentials to help keep your buddy safe.

Items in your pack should include a portable water bowl, a spare waterproof coat, first aid kit and a towel.

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If your pet is exposed to cold and wet conditions, they may be at risk of developing hypothermia. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, stiff muscles, stumbling or lack of coordination, collapsing or a low heart rate. When exploring in wet weather, monitor your pet closely for any of these symptoms.

If you’re heading on a snow adventure, monitor your pet for signs of frostbite, especially in pets that haven’t previously experienced a snowy climate. Pack a sweater or coat, even if your pet is a fluffy breed, as years of domestication may reduce their resilience to the elements. It’s also essential to fit them for snow or regular boots before heading to the snow as their paw pads can be incredibly sensitive to freezing grounds if their breed type isn’t built for it.

Leaving pets in the car We all know the dangers of leaving pets in cars during summer but leaving pets in cars for an extended period during winter can also be detrimental to their health.

Breeds with thicker coats such as Huskies, Saint Bernard’s, or Golden Retrievers are built to withstand cooler climates. Whereas French Bulldogs, Dachshunds or Greyhounds are less protected due to their thin coat and are more likely to become hypothermic.

Kennel cough Just like humans, dogs are more prone to sicknesses in the cooler months. Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis, more commonly known as kennel cough, is a highly infectious respiratory disease that is often spread through boarding facilities, dog parks or other areas where dogs are exposed to one another.

Symptoms of kennel cough include goose-like honking noises or consistent sounds of choking or gagging.

Kennel cough is treated through cough medication and sometimes antibiotics in more serious cases. It is more commonly found in unvaccinated puppies under the age of six months, however fully vaccinated dogs can still get kennel cough in high-risk areas or if they are immunocompromised. The purpose of the vaccine is to dramatically reduce their symptoms if they contract it. If your pet develops symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.

Staying sun smart Even during winter pets are exposed to the sun, which can lead to sunburn or harmful sun induced skin diseases or cancer. Pet owners should carry pet-friendly sunscreen on all daily walks during winter, especially for breeds with light coloured or thin coats that are more susceptible to the sun. Pet owners should apply sunscreen regularly to exposed areas and use a winter jacket for added protection.

Indoor heaters and fireplaces If you have a safe heating system, remember to keep it on a mild temperature when leaving your home so that your pet doesn’t suffer from heat exhaustion in your absence. If you regularly use a fireplace during winter, ensure the iron guard is placed over the fireplace when your pet is indoors.

“

Candles also pose a risk to pets, especially for curious cats or inquisitive dogs that might be drawn to the flame or scent. Never leave your pet unattended in a room with a candle, and always remember to blow it out when leaving your home and your pet. Finally, beware of any hot wax left in a recently blown-out candle!

Grooming A pet’s winter coat can hide trouble, such as lumps, bumps or sores. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig, regular brushing will help you identify fleas and prevent matting.

When brushing, carefully examine your pet’s skin for any unwanted illnesses. Avoid giving your pet a full trim during the winter months to help keep them warm and cosy.

By Dr Natalia Li. Dr Li is PETstock’s full time veterinarian. www.petstock.com.au

It’s critical that pet owners prepare themselves, their household and their pets as we head into the cooler months to help keep our buddies safe.

“ 35

Register to host your own Little Rockers

Get silly for a serious cause!

Put on your dancing shoes for the Little Rockers Red Nose Disco, Friday 13 August 2021 You can host a disco at your childcare, early learning centre, day-care, playgroup or your own home!

Sign up or learn more at rednoseday.org.au/get-involved or visit littlerockersradio.com.au

Do the right thing – always check in

More information www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 37

© NSW Health November 2020.

on the shelf

kids

Goal!!! by Lydia Williams Little Lydia moves from the desert to the big city. Leaving her animal friends behind is hard - but before long she’s meeting new ones at the zoo.

At first she can’t keep up with Tiger, Bear and Gibbon - their skills are amazing. But soon Lydia discovers that learning from others is the best way to improve AND have fun.

A joyous and triumphant picture book about friendship, sport, and teamwork

by Lydia Williams, goalkeeper for the Australian Matildas and for UK’s Arsenal.

Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $19.99.

A pair of pears and an orange by Anna McGregor Big Pear and Little Pear love playing together. But when Orange joins in, their games don’t work and Big Pear feels left out. A relatable, hilarious, and kindhearted tale about navigating friendship when three definitely starts to feel like a crowd! From the author of much-loved Anemone is not the Enemy.

This is an entertaining and gently educational tale, perfect for reading aloud with early primary school-aged kids who may be feeling jealousy around newly formed friendships and changing social dynamics.’

Published by Scribe Publications. RRP $24.99.

Kokey Koala and the Bush Olympics by Trixie Whitmore 20 years ago Trixie Whitmore published Kokey Koala and the Bush Olympics children’s picture book just in time for the Sydney Olympics.

Now, after her passing last year, Trixie’s family has republished the book in hardcover as a tribute and legacy to the late author. Then nominated as a recommended resource by the NSW Education Department, Kokey Koala and the Bush Olympics is the story of a cute koala who, with determination and courage, participates in a series of Bush Olympics sports with the hope of winning an Olympic gold medal. www.kokeykoala.com.au. RRP $19.99

For Love by Cristina Neri Set on a sleeping volcano in the Mediterranean Sea, this book conjures a magical world filled with bees, caper bushes, peaches and prickly pears.

Superbly illustrated in a unique style using a limited palette, For Love will capture the imagination of all young readers and adults alike. Written from the heart, Cristina Neri tells a tender story of a father who teaches his daughter that not only is beauty an opportunity to feel love but that even the most painful occasion invites us to experience the power of love.

Published by Lake Press. RRP $24.99.

38

t(w)een Drum Roll Please … It’s Stevie Louise by Tanya Hennessy Meet Stevie Louise. She is an entrepreneur, an entertainer, and an extrovert on the inside (wait, is this a thing?). Stevie has a brilliant plan. She’s going to have fun, make money, and most importantly, make sure the Brooke Street kids stay best friends forever. Then a new neighbour arrives and threatens to derail all Stevie’s plans. But the show must go on. After all, Stevie is a professional.

A gloriously warm, funny and relatable story from much-loved comedian, writer, radio announcer and social media sensation Tanya Hennessy.

Published by Albert Street Books. RRP $16.99.

The Boy Who Stepped Through Time by Anna Ciddor When Perry steps into a crumbling ruin while on holiday in France, he is not expecting to be transported back 1700 years to Roman times. While he hunts desperately for a way home, he must blend in as a slave - even if it means eating mice for dinner. Gradually, Perry is caught up in the fascinating world of grand Villa Rubia and a life he could never have imagined. But when he makes a new friend, he thinks he might already know her terrible fate. Perry is faced with an impossible choice: to find his way home or stay and guard his friend’s life - and risk being trapped in the past forever…

Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $19.99.

How to Make a Pet Monster Flummox by Lili Wilkinson Doesn’t everyone want their very own pet monster? If you are like me, the answer is NO, because you think monsters don’t exist. If you are like Willow, the answer is YES DEFINITELY. Willow and I found an ancient spell book called the BIGGE BOKE of fetching monsters, which shows you how to make REAL MONSTERS. We made HODGEPODGE, who’s a bit furry and a bit stinky. He’s my best friend.

Willow wants to make a best friend, but I’m worried. Now that I know monsters are REAL, what if this new one is REALLY dangerous?

Published by Albert Street Books. RRP $14.99.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean Izumi Tanaka has lived an uneventful seventeen years in her small, mostly white, northern California town, keenly aware of all the ways in which her family is different from most of her classmates’. But then Izumi discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity... and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means outspoken, irreverent, can-burpthe-alphabet Izzy is literally a princess. Soon she’s traveling overseas to meet the father she never knew and discover the country she’s only dreamed of.

But being a princess isn’t all ball gowns and tiaras...

Published by Pan Macmillan. RRP $18.99.

39

adults Julia Morris makes it easy by Julia Morris Hilariously half-baked life advice from yet another deluded celebrity.

Welcome to Julia Morris’s immaculately conceived EASY system: a crackpot satire on celebrity self-help culture. Julia will help you figure out the stuff you don’t need to do, cut down on the crapola you’ve decided you don’t want to do, make the stuff you absolutely have to do a breeze - and ensure you enjoy the whole lot. Brace yourself for a deluge of slacker life hacks, nice-butnot-very-bright advice and life-changing inspiration. If you think this book is going to be like other celebrity self-help books, think again Published by Harper Collins. RRP $12.99

The Pick-up by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish Lizzie, Sam and Megan are very different people who became best friends over good coffee and good laughs at school drop-off. Single-mum Megan is contemplating a slightly scandalous relationship. Newly divorced Sam is navigating the ‘delights’ of online dating. And Lizzie is flat out juggling four kids and an absent husband. As if that wasn’t enough, this year the trio have decided to embrace their inner parent helper and volunteer to go on the annual school camp. If they think their personal lives are chaotic, this camp’s going to teach them what chaos really means...

Published by Echo Publishing. RRP $29.99

No one listens to your Dad’s show by Christian O’Connell As a radio DJ in London, Christian O’Connell appeared to have it all. He hosted the number one show in the UK for over two decades. But now, for the first time, he reveals why he gave up his coveted position in British radio and risked everything to move to Melbourne as GOLD 104.3’s new breakfast host.

No One Listens to Your Dad’s Show is not just about radio and getting back on top (spoiler: he eventually did). Instead, in hopes of raising awareness of these issues, Christian bravely details his mental health challenges that predetermined his move to Australia. In addition, Christian also leads a discussion on life transition, the mid-life crisis and the happiness curve.

Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP $32.99

Generation Alpha by Mark McCrindle & Ashley Fell Generation Alpha are the most globally connected generation of children ever.

Covering those born between 2010 and 2024, these kids are living through an era of rapid change and a barrage of information - good, bad and fake.

For parents, teachers and leaders of Generation Alpha looking for guidance on how to raise their children, worried if their kids are spending too much time on screens, concerned how global trends are impacting them and wondering how to prepare them for a world where they will live longer and work later, this is the book you need.

Published by Hachette Australia. RRP $34.99

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parental pay WIN NSW parents working in the public sector have had a win, as the Public Service Association secures universal parental leave.

The longer women spend away from the professional workforce the harder it becomes to return. As a result we see a widening gender pay gap, and women’s superannuation balances suffer.

All new parents working in the NSW public sector will have the potential to access up to 14 weeks paid parental leave, following a decade-long campaign by the Public Service Association.

There is no silver bullet to addressing gender inequality in our workplaces. But universal parental leave paves the way for significant cultural shift.

From 1 July 2021, NSW public sector employees who are primary carers will be able to access 14 weeks paid parental leave in the first year of their baby’s life. Previously public sector employees were entitled to up to 14 weeks paid parental leave if the maternal parent, or up to 1 week paid leave if the “other” parent.

This gives families more choice about how they’ll care for their new child. But it also means women will be able to more readily return to work once they’re ready, knowing that the other parent also has access to paid parental leave to take their place at home.

“I recently took eight weeks off after the birth of my daughter. As a father, I only had access to one week paid parental leave, the remaining seven weeks was scrapped together from recreation leave, accrued flex leave and leave without pay.

Having 14 weeks of fully paid parental leave will be massive for me and my family. It will make it so much less stressful for my wife and I to have more children. Importantly, it will enable her to complete her Masters and get back to her career as a clinical neuropsychologist.”

PSA member, working in Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

The Public Sector Industrial Relations advised the union that it would expand the NSW public sector parental leave entitlement to two categories to include the birth or primary parent at the time of birth, adoption or surrogacy, and the “other parent” who has primary responsibly for the care of the child not at the time of the birth, adoption of surrogacy.

The “other parent” category can access two weeks paid leave at the time of birth, and an additional 12 weeks paid leave, which can be taken at 24 weeks half pay, in the first 12 months of the baby’s life.

Both parents should be able to take time to bond with their new child, to learn how to care for them, and to share the load. Neither parent should be in a position where they have to make a choice between their career or their child. Universal paid parental leave makes NSW public sector workplaces fairer, and paves the way for the private sector to follow.

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OH Hey sweetIe Everything you eat and drink can have a major effect on the health of your teeth and gums.

Tooth decay is a diet-related disease that commonly develops in response to our consumption of sugar. Sugar from the foods and drinks we consume is taken up by decaycausing bacteria that live on the surfaces of our teeth. These bacteria process the sugar, turning it into acid which is then excreted on the surface of our teeth where it draws out minerals from the tooth. If this process happens over and over, without any effort to prevent or stop the disease process, it can eventually result in the formation of tooth decay.

Find below pro tips for reducing your sugar consumption.

Drink lots of water Water is the best choice for your teeth. It is good for you, it is sugar free and in most areas in Australian it contains fluoride. Drinking fluoridated tap water is one of the most costeffective ways to try to prevent tooth decay.

Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks and even fruit juices are packed with sugar. These drinks provide no nutritional content and increase your risk of developing tooth decay as well as a range of other health conditions like Type 2 diabetes. Even the sugar-free varieties can cause damage to your teeth as these drinks have a low pH, making them acidic, which can cause the tooth’s surface to soften and become worn.

How much is too much?

Do you know that one 600ml bottle of soft drink, on average, contains 16 teaspoons of sugar? This is over twice the recommended daily sugar intake for adults.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adult sugar intake be equal to 5% of your daily total energy intake (kJ) to 42

decrease your risk of developing tooth decay as well as other health benefits. For the average adult, this equates to 6 teaspoons (equal to 24 grams) of free sugar per day.

You will see the term free sugar used above.

Here are various descriptors used for sugar: Added sugar – sugar added to food and drink products during processing, manufacturing or at the time of consumption, such as adding sugar to your tea or coffee or sprinkling it over your morning breakfast cereal.

Free sugar – this includes added sugars, as well as the sugar naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juice and fruit juice concentrate.

Natural sugar – sugar that is part of the natural structure of food products, including vegetables, fruits (fructose) and dairy (lactose).

To know how much sugar is in the foods and drinks you purchase, it is best to read the Nutrition Information Panel located on the food label to make a healthy choice.

Reading the label When deciding between products based on their sugar content, look at the amount of sugar per 100 grams. This will allow you to compare ‘apples with apples.’ If you use the sugar per serve value, you may be comparing ‘apples with oranges’ instead.

It is best to look for foods with 5g or less sugar per 100g. Between 5g and 10g is okay also. If a product has over 15g of sugar per 100g, it may be best to find a healthier alternative.

Not all products will advise the amount of added sugars present as a value on the label.

To check for added sugars, it is best to read the list of ingredients, which are usually found at the base of the label. The higher an ingredient is to the top of the list, the more of it is present within the item.

For more information visit the Australian Dental Association. www.ada.org.au

If you’re trying to avoid sugar but you’ve still got an appetite for something sweet, read on!

Local Aussie entrepreneur Daniel Kitay has turned your favourite sugar fix into a health kick and it all started with a transformation story.

Daniel trained as a lawyer before moving into the vitamin and supplement sector, driven by an unhealthy relationship with food as a child and a desire to bring healthier options to the masses. Now, he’s the creator of Australia’s first “truly healthy lolly.” Like many entrepreneurs, Funday™ Natural Sweets was born as the result of a problem: Daniel cut almost all added sugar from his diet to lose weight. It worked — he got fitter. But he wanted to bring back the funfactor with sweets.

“I didn’t want to eliminate sweets forever.

I’ve always been torn between eating sugary confectionery or sugar-free lollies, which are full of nasty sugar alcohols which always give me an upset stomach.”

Our appetite for sweet treats are changing.

In America, the ‘better for you’ confectionery trend has been around for some time, and according to industry reports has only become more popular in COVID-19. Today’s customers want sweets that make them feel more virtuous for eating them.

So Daniel got busy creating in his kitchen, after enlisting the help of some of Australia’s top food scientists, nutritionists and chefs. And the result; delicious lollies with no sugar and no sugar-alcohol, plus seven grams of plant-based fibre per bag. This type of fibre is a prebiotic which means it can also do great things for your gut health. These beauties are perfect for your next birthday party goody bags or just a sweet treat for mama!

Funday Natural Sweets has just launched in Australia and is an innovative new lolly that is a deliciously natural with up to 90% less sugar than other leading lolly brands. www.fundaysweets.com

When Daniel hit Google he discovered he wasn’t the only person that sugar-free sweets didn’t agree with. The primary culprits are sugar alcohols, which can cause a laxative effect for some people if digested in large quantities (remember that warning on the side of your chewing gum?) and are a common component of sugar-free products.

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SOPHIE IS SIXTY! Sophie La Giraffe is synonymous with so many Australian family’s parenting journeys, but did you know this cute little rubber Giraffe actually hails from France and this year celebrates her 60th birthday!

So just how did she end up in Australia?

Two French ladies, Cecile Boston and Isabelle Gardy, who grew up together as best friends in the heart of France, never thought that they would both end up marrying Aussie’s and moving to live in Australia. But this they did and soon after, with new born babies of their own, the girls naturally went to buy the Sophie teether that their homeland was so famous for.

To their amazement Sophie wasn’t available here, so the girls started their own company, Les Folies, which became the exclusive distributor of Sophie in Australia!

Remarkably, sixty years after the very first Sophie the Giraffe was handmade from allnatural rubber from the Malaysian hevea tree, this chic toy loved by parents and teething babies around the world, is still produced in the very same way. Naturally, and by hand.

Since her creation by Mr Rampeau in Paris in 1961, 70 million Sophie the Giraffes have been sold globally, in over 85 countries. In France annually, there are 2 Sophies sold per baby born! Sophie the name means ‘wisdom’ and her design was clever from day one. This adorable 18cm baby giraffe stimulates all 5 senses as well as soothing a baby’s sore gums.

Sophie’s trademark dark spots are identifiable by young developing eyes; her natural rubber smell becomes very familiar to little noses; 100% natural rubber and food grade paints make her safe to chew; her unique shape and size make her easy to grip, whilst her distinctive squeak sound emitted when squeezed keeps babies amused for hours. Sophie’s soft texture and numerous chewable parts (ears, horns, legs) are perfectly designed for soothing sore gums for teething babies, with the longer back legs designed to reach a toddler’s back molars.

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To commemorate this milestone occasion and for the first time ever in Sophie’s history, the brand is releasing a limited edition commemorative 60th anniversary design, as voted by the public, that will be released in September this year.

Sophie the Giraffe has also entered into a significant partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) to help protect and conserve this endangered animal species, particularly in Africa. Over the past 30 years, the number of giraffes in Africa has decreased by nearly 30%, disappearing completely from seven African countries. The brand has released a special 60th Anniversary Save the Giraffe pack RRP $44, featuring a full-size Sophie the Giraffe and a key ring, with founding company Vulli donating 1 euro per pack sold to GCF. You can purchase your own Sophie the Giraffe from www.lesfolies.com.au

WIN

1 of 5 Party Packs from

t Valued a

$1ea0ch0

Time to party with Lombard The Paper People, an Australian owned family business since 1969. With a huge selection of party supplies, decorations, tableware, 1000’s of costumes, cake supplies, candy and balloons, Lombard will help you create your life’s special moments.

Simply colour to win!

Click to download a copy See www.mamamag.com.au/competitions for terms and conditions. Parent’s email will be added to our monthly MamaMail. You can opt out at any time.

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A mum’s empowerment Do you know your Mum’s empowerment story? Do you know about your mother’s life before you were born? Her story beyond her role as a mother. Her dreams and ambitions – lived or unlived. It takes courage to have a real conversation with our mothers about their stories and histories.

When we are brave enough to do so, there are great rewards, as we come to know of the virtues and wisdom our mothers behold.

Mother Wisdom are the gifts and virtues that have been handed to us genetically down the maternal line.

The greatest gift you can give to your mother and yourself this Mother’s Day is to create the opportunity know and really see her.

Our mother is our first love. For nine months in utero, we are but one. When a mother gives birth, a process of separation begins between the mother and child. During this process of separation, so often our mother’s story is lost, ignored or not honoured.

Up levelling women’s empowerment It is an exciting time of women’s empowerment. Brave female voices are speaking up and influencing social change.

Women’s circles are being birthed at a rapid rate and women are collectively redefining roles, pay grades and visibility. Yet there is a powerful force, that can offer great healing, that is unaddressed within this movement. That is the powerful bond between our mothers and ourselves and the exponential healing that is offered when we know her empowerment story.

This can be one of the greatest tools for selfempowerment. Perhaps it truly allows both 46

ourselves and our mothers to be seen. And being seen in the world is how we heal.

Mother wisdom Science has shown that trauma can leave a chemical mark on a person’s genes which is passed down to subsequent generations.

Epigenetic gene expression means that the feelings, traumas, and memories of previous generations may be experienced in our lives as truths, even though the environment is different. Mother Wisdom is the opposite of the Mother Wounding. Mother Wounding is the pain of being a woman, passed down through generations of women in patriarchal cultures.

We all have wounds, but they must not define us. The core belief of the Mother Wounding is ‘Am I worthy?’ This is not our voice, but a voice from many generations ago. What is not spoken about is the epigenetic expressions that relate to Mother Wisdom - the triumphs, gifts and virtues of our mothers. Perhaps the telling and retelling of our mother’s stories in a powerful way can activate this gene expression too.

My mother’s story I have come from a line of brave woman. Brave because they have had to endure difficulties.

My mother had an arranged marriage and migrated to a new country leaving behind her entire family at a young age. My grandmother’s husband died suddenly of a heart attack when she was in her early forties, she then raised four children on her own with little money. Courage, tenacity, and resilience were generational virtues handed down to me.

The more stories we have of the courageous woman, the heroine, the more memories we stand to build for the collective. This starts with our own family. This starts with our mothers.

My story I was born into a very intuitive family. When I stopped rejecting who I was in the world I could finally stand in my power and call myself a professional psychic medium. As Finance Director in the corporate world, I could say the words out loud without wincing and expecting a negative response. I had to fully embrace my feminine nature, my intuitive gifts and heal my deep Mother Wound. I had to stop hiding this part of my story.

When we were children my mother talked about dreams, past lives and visions that came to her. She would describe the voices who spoke to her. I found this part of my mother mysterious, and I would sit and ask questions.

When I shut this ability down as I grew up, she did too. The umbilical cord of self-judgement joined us. When I accepted, harnessed, and used my intuitive abilities, I noticed that my mother did too. I started to feel differently about my mother and our relationship. I bravely opened up a dialogue with my mother about her empowerment story. We started to see each other through new eyes. Through the lens of respect, reverence, and acknowledgment our gifts became visible to ourselves and each other.

5 brave questions to ask your mother 1. What was your relationship with your own parents like?

2. What is something you always wanted to do but didn’t and why didn’t you?

3. What is the most trouble you have ever gotten in?

4. What was your hardest breakup like?

5. Who were your role models? Who did you look up to when you were younger?

Who do you look up to now?

Your mother’s empowering story is her legacy to you. This article is dedicated to my mother, and all the mothers of the world.

Sheila Vijeyarasa is the author of Brave: Courageously Live Your Truth (Rockpool: $29.99). She is a powerful psychic medium and transformational coach. www.sheilav.co. Brave is available at all good bookstores and online at rockpoolpublishing.com.au.

Give happiness to sick kids

Donate today at starlightday.org.au

Anabela, age 7