PakMag Australia – February 2018 Issue 30

ISSUE: Feb 2018

30

AUSTRALIA

NEWBORNS: THINGS NOBODY TELLS YOU WHY DO KIDS FIDGET? LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

ALLIED HEALTH HOME: ON TREND

FREE www.pakmag.com.au | February 2018 1

CONTENTS 4

Feature: Love, Love, Love

Welcome to the February edition of PakMag.

7

The Thing Is...

With Bree James

9

Allied Health: What is it and Why do we Need it?

I’m really going to make an effort this year to not talk about how fast the year is going. I feel like every year we talk about how we “can’t believe it’s February already, it was Christmas two minutes ago!” When we talk like that, it perhaps indicates that it has time has slipped by without us noticing, and that’s no way to live. So, join me this year in living life and appreciating every moment!

13 Health 15 Bump, Bub and Beyond:

Things Nobody Ever Tells You

About Newborns 16 Bump, Bub and Beyond: WIN 19 Education: Why do

Kids Fidget?

23 10 Things You Need to Stop

Doing Now 27 Parenting: Changes to

Benefits and Rebates

for Childcare 28 Celebrate: Sporty Spree 30 Home with Caro & Kingi:

On Trend

We’re continuing our New Year’s resolution to be healthier this year, and our feature on Allied Health is a great way to get to grips with your options health wise.

Do your kids fidget? Learn how fidgeting and learning can be linked and the best practises to encourage healthy behaviours when it comes to this issue, on page 19.

Until next time, have a great month and don’t forget to tell them you read it in PakMag.

Bree James Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief

33 Romantic Recipes

Contact Us: p 4053 3331 f 4053 3350 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a Po Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 fb facebook.com/pakmagaustralia t #pakmag

Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

Marketing to Families Experts Lisa Gillman Janelle May

Operations Manager Rose Foster

Sub-Editor Kate Moloney

Graphic Designer Clare Winter

Accounts Trent Stievano

Supply & Distribution Manager Gleisy Meireles Media Intern Monique Saggers Social Media Intern Kalisha Fitsch

Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th July 2018

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2018 3

LOVE, Love, Love, LOVE, Love LOVE STORY Bree James

Feature

They say love makes the world go round, but with more distractions and everyone getting busier and busier, are we loosing the ability to really connect to people and love with our whole hearts? I think so.

I read an article recently that warned that loneliness and social isolation have the risk of becoming a greater public health threat than obesity. However, we can interact with pretty much anyone, anywhere at any time; our world is more connected than it has ever been.

How is loneliness even possible?

I thought about it some more and realised that personally I have felt quite lonely the past few years, even though I have a lot of great people and things in my life to keep me busy. So I can only imagine what life is like for someone who doesn’t have these things and how lonely they would feel.

So why is loneliness on the increase?

I believe it’s because of a lack of quality connections with others.

Many of us have war scars from life, where we have ‘loved and learned’ and it makes us very weary to let others in. A lot of us hold people at arm’s length so that we cannot be hurt by them and so that we don’t hurt them too. But the downside to doing that is that we feel like no one really understands us, we aren’t really close to anyone, and we feel lonely, unworthy, and unloved.

Most of us are living life a bit like a robot; do what needs to be done, keep your emotions stable and try not to let anyone upset you or anyone around you, and above all keep moving forward at all costs.

So what should we do if we are not feeling the love?

Here are a few things to think about.

1. Work out your love language. If you haven’t read “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by Gary Chapman, it’s a great read. It helps you identify how you show love to others, and also what you need to feel loved by others. You rate whether Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving of Gifts, Quality Time, or Physical Touch is most important to you to give love and receive love.

You could show your love through Acts of Service, but to feel loved you need Words of Affirmation. The problem that happens is that people around us feel love in a different way from us too. So, to feel loved, your partner may need to receive gifts, but you don’t show your love that way very often. But once you know your love language and that of those around you, you are better at giving and receiving love.

•• Write down some things you could do for your lover, children, family, friends, colleagues and community to show them that you love them. The more love we show others, often the more love we feel.

•• If you are up for it, you can also do the opposite to all of these questions too.

3. Take some time out. It’s really hard to get clarity on your life when you are in it. Get some alone time so that you have time to reflect and have some honest conversations with yourself, even if it’s an hour to go for a walk.

4. Do an audit. Take a look at your life and write down all of the things that make you feel less love. Less love for yourself, less love for others, and less love for the planet.

I stopped watching TV three years ago, limited my engagement with negative news, stopped doing things that made me feel less love for myself (eating crappy food, and not taking care of my body), and began trying my best to do better for the planet. Even cutting down by 10 per cent will make a difference to your life, like only hopping on social media between 8pm and 9pm once a day. Observe how things in your life make you feel.

5. Plan some connection time. Everyone needs attention. But with less time, we give less of it to the people we love and not in the way that they want.

What gets planned has more chance of getting done than just going with the flow. Work out the top ten people (or however many people you want to connect with) and plan them in.

•• Do a phone roster. Call parents every Saturday, call brother first Saturday of the month, call friend every Wednesday.

•• Have a socialising plan. Do lunch monthly with BFF, do dinner fortnightly with partner, plan a girls get together bi-monthly.

•• Have a weekend/holiday plan. Annual holiday with family, 3 weekends away, annual girls weekend, annual weekend to yourself. What does it look like?

What do you want to do?

•• Work out some rituals. What are little things you can do daily to give love to yourself? Exercise, yoga, meditate, have a bath? Write on little pieces of paper all the things you do to give love to yourself, put them in a jar and pull one out at random every day if you need variety.

2. Work out what you want. It’s paper and pen time.

It’s very easy to be negative, cold and robotic in this world.

So we need to get clarity, and focus on what is important to us and those around us, and make considered decisions that help us have more love in our life.

•• Write down the qualities you love about yourself that are important to you.

To give more love, and get more love, it starts with you.

Only you can control the love in your life.

•• Write down the qualities you want the world to see in you. Are you showing them?

•• Write down the qualities you want from the people in your life.

•• Write down the things you want more of in life.

So please, love yourself as much as you can, and do things that light your fire and fuel it with all the things you need to keep burning. Only then can we can warm others, have them drawn to us and in turn, hopefully fuel the fire within them too.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2018 5

The Thing Is

The Thing Is...

STORY Bree James

School has been back a couple of weeks, the routines have been established (as much as any family can be organised, ha ha!), and the kids are making new and solidifying old friendships. Everything seems to be going well, then ‘BAM!’ your child is upset because of a bully making their lives a misery.

The thing is, up and down relationships are a part of everyone’s life at some point. But it’s important to know the difference between a row between friends and when your child is being bullied. Children can be relentless. I know that all too well.

I certainly was not a popular child when I grew up, in fact, quite the opposite. My childhood was day after day of tears due to severe bullying to the point I started playing with and helping the special needs kids. Then one day, one of the girls pushed me backwards down 12 stairs, and my teacher suggested that from then on I should hang out in the classroom during lunch breaks and do jobs for her. I cleaned storerooms, did photocopying, and helped her do heaps of jobs. I was happier, and I found my role in the school. It was the beginning of my finding my role in life.

Unfortunately, in high school the bullying continued, one afternoon riding home from school, my front tyre came off over a speed hump because someone had undone the bolts. My mum was furious and told the Principal.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t contend with all 1,200 students laughing at the situation in assembly the next day, and mocking me for months after!

I have so many stories that I laugh about now, but when I look back at those hurtful times, I realise how hard it must have been for my mum, as well as me.

I didn’t know it then, but I had something inside me that helped me deal with my situation in a constructive way.

It’s something I count myself lucky for, as without it, my experience may have been a more tragic one.

Bullying sucks, it really does, and in the digital age it is even scarier as at least I could go home from school, and the bullying stopped so I got a break from it. Unfortunately, our kids these days often aren’t that lucky.

With stories in the news about children who suicide as a result of relentlessly being put down, told they’re worthless and even being physically bullied, it really puts into perspective how much we really have to do as a society to stop this epidemic. We know all too well of the keyboard warriors who criticise others from the comfort of their own homes and it is all too easy for children to get into this habit too. Cowardly bullies and anonymous messaging apps are a recipe for disaster.

These times are very different to when I was being bullied at school, and my mum could physically see my wounds most of the time. But the injuries to selfconfidence, self-belief and self-worth, caused by cyber bullying, are invisible.

Thankfully, I have grown into a resilient person as a result of my experiences, and was lucky that from an early age, I realised I had my own special place in the world. But explaining to a child that they are special, when they just want to fit in, is truly difficult.

Show your kids how even the most successful people have been where they are. People from Oprah to Tony Robbins, Charlize Theron to Jim Carrey have all come out the other side. Adversity is not always a negative; it can ignite a fighting spirit that can lead us to do incredible things.

Something for us all to ponder more.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2018 7

Health

Allied Health: What is it and Why do we need it?

STORY Rose Foster

Allied health is the term used to describe a broad range of healthcare professionals who don’t fall under the category of doctor, nurse or dentist. Allied health practitioners help patients with a range of conditions and illness including diagnosing and treating. Often, their role is to help patients to live their best life possible in terms of health, pain management and their ability to live as close to a ‘normal’ life as possible.

When it comes to healthcare, sometimes navigating the plethora of options can be confusing. Our first port of call is generally our GP, which is a great first step in moving forward with our, or our children’s health issues.

By definition, GPs deal with general health issues, but when more specific treatment is required, a referral to a specialist or allied health professional may be needed.

That said, for many allied health services, a referral is not always necessary, but without fully understanding what allied health is and how these practitioners can help, many patients can feel lost in knowing where to start.

So, let us guide you through the most common types of allied health professionals and when you should see them.

Chiropractor Chiropractors help with more than just neck and back pain; their purpose is to remove interference to the body’s natural healing power. It’s a holistic method of treatment that can help with numerous problems. For children, it may surprise you to hear that chiropractic treatment can be successful in assisting with issues such as colic, tongue-tie, digestive issues and behavioural problems.

Physiotherapist Generally, physiotherapists help with physical development, rehabilitation and improved movement.

If your child is experiencing physical developmental delays (i.e. there is a significant delay in meeting milestones), they have an unusual posture or they have low tone, a physiotherapist may be able to help.

These professionals will work with your child to assess their limitations, set goals for their physical improvement and help your child in their journey to achieving these goals.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2018 9

Health

Speech Pathologist

Dietitian

If your child has a developmental issue related to their speech i.e., they stutter, are missing speech milestones or struggle to articulate, the obvious choice is to see a speech pathologist. But despite what the name suggests, speech pathology is not simply about speech. Speech pathologists can help with cognitive-communication skills (including aiding cognitive processes related to attention, memory and awareness), social language (including understanding the different ways to communicate and following conversation rules), and even swallowing and feeding issues.

The very word ‘dietitian’ comes with a certain connotation of losing weight and healthy eating, but these professionals deal with behavioural issues and digestive issues, and they can also provide a plan for children with special healthcare needs such as cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities.

Occupational Therapist Referred to as OTs, these professionals help people improve their everyday lives by improving their ability to perform tasks. Whether your child has an injury, physical disability, psychological problem or intellectual disability, an OT can help your child develop independent living skills, or maximise your child’s ability to perform tasks themselves. OT treatment is tailored to the individual’s situation.

Osteopath Osteopaths treat musculoskeletal problems and for children, osteopathy can help with the effects of cerebral palsy, developmental dysplasia of the hips and growing pains. For babies, walking issues and foot pain can be resolved through this type of treatment.

Psychologist Psychologists are trained to help with issues that may prevent children (and adults) from reaching their full potential from a mental standpoint. Managing behavioural issues, helping with coping mechanisms, dealing with emotional challenges and working with patients with anxiety are amongst the most common ways that psychologists help.

And the list doesn’t stop there. There are a multitude of different specialists that you and your child could benefit from seeing depending upon your ailments and issues.

For example, services such as Innate Therapies offer counselling but use a technique called Clayfield to treat children and adults who have experienced trauma. The concept behind this integrates physiological and psychological elements. Through therapy combining touch, patients experience a level of security which helps them overcome PTSD and trauma related problems. You can find out more about this type of therapy at our website, or by visiting www.innatetherapies.com

And sometimes, looking into allied health doesn’t have to be as a result of an issue. It’s important that we know that we’re living the best life possible. Pharmacists are classed as allied health professionals and can help you to understand your body and how to ensure you remain healthy and recover quickly. At Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy, for example, their myDNA tests help you discover the best types of exercise for your body, which foods you should eat and which you should avoid, and how each medicine will affect you (to make sure you’re taking the most effective medication for you). Bree went to try out these tests, check them out below.

WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE ONLINE MAG

WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE ONLINE MAG

Finding the right allied health professional for you may take time as the issue may not be immediately apparent.

Working together with your GP can really help point you in the right direction. Sometimes, you may simply want to take steps yourself to figure out which type of therapy works best for you and your child.

For many problems, there’s no right or wrong solution. Some problems can be treated just as effectively by one as another. Sometimes a combination of therapies will be necessary. One important thing to remember is that no matter what therapy is needed, it is generally the case that early diagnosis and treatment makes for better results, so if you think your child needs to see a professional, don’t delay.

10 February 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Health

HEALTH Give your heart some love

Going Viral

STORY Kalisha Fitsch

With the kids being back in care or school, it is the time of the year where we tend to see a rise in the spread of viral infections as they kindly share their germs amongst each other. One virus that is easily spread from one person to another is hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). This common disease is mainly seen in children under the age of ten.

February is the month of love, a time when our heart tends to rule, a time when our heart is brought to the forefront of our thoughts. Let’s also make it a time when it’s overall health that is paramount too.

Your everyday lifestyle choices affect the state of your heart.

Be smoke-free.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart. If you want to quit smoking, speak to your doctor; there are an array of options available to help you quit, so don’t quit on quitting if your first option does not work.

Manage your cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance carried around the body in the blood. When cholesterol levels are too high, this can pose a danger to the heart. Reduce your cholesterol levels by eating fresh fruits and vegetables and plain meat, poultry, and fish. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, such as sausages, fatty meats, cakes, and biscuits.

Reduce your blood pressure.

High blood pressure isn’t usually something you can feel. The causes often aren’t clear, but can be influenced by salty foods, weight, alcohol intake, and by how much physical activity you participate in. Some simple small changes to your diet and routine can help keep your blood pressure under control.

Give your heart some love and make some easy lifestyle changes that could make all the difference. If you have any concerns regarding your heart’s condition ensure you consult your GP to discuss.

STORY Kate Moloney

HFMD is aptly named as it causes sores in a child’s mouth and a rash on their hands and feet. If your child has been infected with HFMD, they will also most likely present with a fever, a sore throat, be generally feeling unwell and irritable and be experiencing a loss of appetite.

This virus is spread by either touching the fluid from inside the HFMD blisters, the nose and mouth or through sneezing and coughing. Bowel movements can also continue to carry the virus up to several weeks after infection.

To prevent the spread of this virus, ensure good hygiene practices especially washing of hands and do not share items such as cutlery, cups, towels, toothbrushes and clothing. It is also really important to keep your child home if they are affected until the fluid in their blisters has dried up.

As HFMD is a virus, there is no treatment, but you can reduce your child’s discomfort with pain relief and always ensure they remain hydrated. If you are concerned, consult your GP, or if your child complains of a headache, stiff neck or back pain seek medical advice immediately.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2018 13

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Things nobody ever tells you about newborns STORY Kate Moloney

Finding out that you are pregnant that very first time is such an amazing and emotional time. For many, it is a time of sheer joy and excitement mixed with a whole lot of fear and doubt.

Suddenly, you are reading every book ever published on pregnancy and birth, trying to find out what you are about to encounter. Antenatal courses are attended as you prepare for the day that your new little bundle of joy will enter the world. All this preparation, yet somehow despite all of this, when we take our precious baby home, amazingly there are so many things that we discover that nobody ever told us about newborn babies.

force backwards. I stuck out my foot and caught the chair an inch from the ground. My friend was in awe, but really that was nothing. The time he went over the arm of the lounge was more impressive.

I dove and caught him by the ankle; his hair was brushing the carpet. Phew, mama-save.” - Jodie Woodford, PakMag Ambassador.

“Your body might not produce enough milk to feed your baby. This was a huge thing to realise. After almost two weeks, the reason my baby was crying all night was that she was starving! Once I started complementary feeding a bottle at night, I had an all-night sleeper.” Janelle May, PakMag.

I never knew that a one-week-old baby girl could pee with such force (and I’m sure deliberate aim) when their nappy was removed. I’m still not sure how I moved fast enough not to be hit, but I learnt from that day to have a new nappy open and prepped before removing the old one!

“When I had my boy, his jumpsuits were continuously wet around the bottom area, and I couldn’t work out why. It was doing my head in since I had no experience with boys, having only a girl. Then one day I worked it out! Make sure a certain part is facing south in the nappy, not up!” - Leah Sisley, PakMag Ambassador.

So, as a gift to new first-time mums to be and for experienced mums alike, for whom these will no doubt bring back a few funny memories, we are ‘lifting the lid’ on some of these secrets.

“No matter what anyone tells you, you never really believe what it’s truly like until you’re in the thick of it!

People will tell you that you’ll never sleep a night of your life again, and you shrug it off and don’t really believe it.

But it’s true!” - Steph Bartram, PakMag.

“Babies can projectile vomit and poo and hit someone a metre away. Baby boys get erections from birth, and it’s really awkward to change their nappy. And babies aren’t easy to feed, my second had a tongue tie which gave him colic.” - Bree James, PakMag Founder “I allowed my son to learn gravity on his own to a certain extent, but I still had a few moments when my super ninja came out. Once was at the beach at a 1st birthday party. My boy was sitting at a little table set and went to stand up and slide his chair back. The chair caught on a crack in the cement, and he flipped full-

“I freaked out when bub was lifted up for me to grab my first glimpse of her after an emergency caesarean. She was far from the little sweet-cheeked pink bundle I was expecting or had seen on a million TV shows. I never knew babies could be born with purple/bluish coloured skin and wished just one person had pre-warned me! I burst into tears at the sight of her, but that could have also been the fact I'd just given birth or the hormones or drugs I'd been pumped full of, but in hindsight probably all of the above!”- Victoria Hickey, PakMag Ambassador.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2018 15

Bump, Bub and Beyond

BUMP, BUB AND BEYOND Featured products, reviews and prizes. Visit www.pakmag.com.au for your chance to win!

Maze Activewear

Glimmies Glimhouse pack

RRP $79.00, www.mazeactivewear.com.au

RRP $14.99, www.shop.funtastic.com.au

These figure flattering tights are super comfy. They will give you extra abdominal and thigh support with our breathable and seam-free tummy panel which grows with you during pregnancy. So no visible lines across your belly and no pulling up your belly band. It goes up to just below you bra, perfect for pregnancy pilates, yoga and any other workout really!

Stability power mesh and hi-tech performance fabric wicks sweat from the skin to the fabric exterior. Mesh panels for enhanced breathability.

What's not to love about ultimate support that's super comfy!

Glimmies is a collection of fairies, sent by the moon to take care of the “Glimmieswood” forest animals.

This is why Glimmies have cute resemblances to forest animals and love endless adventures in the name of friendship. During the dark, Glimmies magically light up the wood shinning bright, creating a beautiful and magical light like a firefly.

Glimmies always shine bright at night and hide their light, but in the dark or held in a cupped hand, they will reveal their beautiful glow to their human friends.

Protect-A-Bed® Signature® Series Queen Sized Mattress Protector and matching twin pack of pillow protectors RRP Queen $149.99 + Matching Twin Pack Pillow Protectors $59.99, www.protectabed.com.au Everyone Deserves the simple pleasure of a good night’s sleep. Protect-A-Bed’s® Signature® Series Queen sized Mattress Protector protects your mattress from spills and stains. You and your family from dust mite, mould and bacteria allergens. Made from TENCEL® a hypoallergenic wood based fibre it is softer than silk, cooler than linen and more absorbent than cotton. Protect-A-Bed’s® Miracle Layer® waterproof, yet breathable. Silent and comfortable, you won’t even know it’s there. Eczema Association sensitive skin tried and tested, approved by the National Asthma council of Australia Sensitive Choice Program. Proudly Australian made and owned.

16 February 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Six tips for starting kindergarten

Creating Early FriendFriendships ships

STORY Goodstart Early Learning

STORY Kalisha Fitsch

Starting kindergarten is an important milestone in the life of a young child. Preparing for the transition is important, and taking a few simple steps can really help children make a confident start to their kindergarten year.

It can be easy to forget that we’re not the only ones in need of a social life, your little ones need one too. Being close to Mummy and Daddy is great, but interaction with other little ones is also important for their early development. Here are some great ways to help your toddler (and you) socialise with others early in their life.

1. Organise a play date – It helps you feel confident about the centre while your child gains familiarity with their educators and environment.

2. Start a conversation – Letting your child know what to expect can help them feel prepared.

3. Something special – A new (or hand-me-down) item helps children feel excited about their upcoming kindergarten experience.

4. Role play – Act out the new routine! There is nothing like a game of role play to practice the family’s new routine.

5. Get organised – Getting children ready in the morning can be a rushed process on a usual day, so ensure you give yourself and your children time to get ready.

6. Plan your exit – Give a warm but short goodbye and tell your child the time you’ll be coming back.

Don’t linger, it creates nervousness, and your child may wonder why they are getting an extra-long cuddle.

If you have any questions about starting kindergarten, don’t hesitate to ask the Centre Director or Teacher.

They’re there to ensure your child develops a lifelong love of learning.

Host a playdate.

Through interacting with other children around the same age as them, kids learn about perspective, negotiation, affection, and empathy. Especially when interacting with cousins, this will strengthen their bond as family members and keep them close together as they grow up. Playdates are also a great idea to introduce your child to your friends’ children.

Go to a playgroup.

This is a great way to meet other parents and to introduce your child to activities that they may not have access to at home. Playgroups can be the start of long-term friendships that may continue well into school years.

Join a class.

Joining a class with your son or daughter can be a great bonding experience, where you get to learn something new whilst also meeting other parents and babies. There are numerous classes on offer including swimming, yoga or music to name a few.

All of these are great ways for you as a parent to meet other parents which is beneficial to both yours and your baby’s social and emotional well-being.

Need some inspiration then check out our Tiny Tots guide on page 45.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2018 17

Education

Why do kids fidget?

STORY Kait Cummins, Occupational Therapist, The Play Project.

Ever wondered why your child fidgets so much and if it’s something you should be worried about?

Have you ever noticed how your energy changes when you've been sitting for a while compared to when you walk to the fridge to grab a drink? This happens because moving helps us to regulate our attention. Think back to how much you learnt when your kindergarten teacher made you sit and watch how to cut and paste a picture, compared to how much you learnt by actually doing the activity yourself.

Today there are more than 33,000 research papers that demonstrate the impact and importance of movement and learning. As adults, we have dozens of strategies that we use every day to support us to move in subtle and appropriate ways to allow us to maintain the

attention that we need to complete tasks efficiently and concentrate well. Some of us exercise, meditate, drink coffee, snack while we work, play with our jewellery, tap our feet or cross and uncross our legs. We are in charge of our body and generally our environment so whenever we feel the need to, we can stand up and move, grab a snack or change tasks to allow us to keep our body in an optimal state for learning or working.

Just like us, kids learn best through movement, so they instinctively find ways to help their body attend and focus. The difference is that kids are still learning what their body likes, what works in different situations (e.g. how to concentrate when sitting on the mat versus playing soccer) along with the rules or social expectations of the environment.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2018 19

Education

For many kids, given the right environment and teachers, they learn this well and can adapt their body and fidget strategies to the demands of the task and environment. For others, there are other factors to consider, including: •• Overstimulation from technology. This is especially evident in kids who watch TV or play devices before school.

This is where an experienced occupational therapist can help.

Through assessment and observation, they can support parents and teachers to identify strategies to enable the child to either manage or overcome the fidgeting behaviours.

Some general examples of effective strategies include:

•• Lack of opportunities for intensive movement during the day, like getting their heart rate up.

•• Eliminate technology including the TV from the morning routine.

•• Working their muscles and banging and crashing.

•• Get to school early to allow lots of time to play on the climbing equipment before school. The Raising Children Network recently released the new Australian guidelines for healthy living which suggest that kids need two to three hours of active play per day of which at least one hour should be moderate to intense play, like running and climbing.

•• Asking them to sit still for too long. The attention span of a child is generally their age plus two, so of a typically developing five-year-old, you could expect them to sit still and listen for around seven minutes.

•• Poor core strength or low muscle tone. This makes holding the sitting position very difficult for some children, and they will need to move more frequently to rest and reset their muscles.

•• Food sensitivities. A qualified dietitian, naturopath or nutritionist who specialises in working with children can help you identify if there may be food related triggers.

•• Neurological conditions; such as ADHD, ASD and sensory processing differences.

•• Anxiety.

•• Children who have been exposed to neglect or trauma.

Does fidgeting have a positive or negative effect on concentration and learning?

•• Walk or ride to school. Be sure to let the child carry their own backpack as the weight provides ‘heavy work’ into their muscles and joints which gets their body ready for learning.

•• Complete short movement breaks throughout the day. These are best when transitioning between tasks.

•• Minimise processed foods in their diet, and align as closely as possible to the Australian healthy food guidelines for portion sizes and recommended daily intake amounts as fussy eaters tend to crave foods that exacerbate their fidgeting. A dietitian or nutritionist can help support you with this.

Kids are programmed to do what makes their body feel best, but what makes them feel best is not always the same as what helps them learn best. While lots of kids can listen and concentrate well by playing with an object in their hands or wandering around the room, other kids become more distracted by these attempts to self-regulate. The best approach for a parent or teacher is to observe how the child is learning while they are fidgeting and how much their fidgeting is impacting on the learning, safety and comfort of others. When the fidgeting is interfering with one of these areas, then support is recommended.

•• Limit the length of time the child is expected to sit still and whenever possible provide hands-on and multi-sensory learning opportunities, e.g. music, smart board, small group activities or games.

How can fidgeting be managed for best learning results?

If these strategies are having very little impact, a referral to a paediatrician or occupational therapist is recommended.

The better we can understand the exact cause of the behaviour, the more effective the interventions can be.

20 February 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

•• Brain food, crunchy snacks and drink bottles that have a straw nose are great for supporting attention and concentration.

•• Sit and move cushions, wobble stools, weighted lap pillows, and discrete fidget toys like elastic bands or blue tac when introduced with clear boundaries can also help.

Lifestyle

10 Things you need to stop doing for your health and happiness STORY Rose Foster

In an age of Uber Eats, Netflix binges and officebased jobs, it’s easy to identify obvious pitfalls that can contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle. But our modern lifestyles have given way to other unhealthy habits that fly under the radar until they become a big problem.

Here’s our top 10 things that you need to stop doing in 2018 for a healthier and happier life.

1. Wasting Money The idea of saving and budgeting is not new, but in an era where we can make purchases at the click of a button from the comfort of our one home, the increasing ability to spend makes saving something of a pipedream.

But it’s not simply the ease of access. For those who aren’t tempted by online delights, wasting money is still entirely possible, and extremely likely, if finances are not tracked and opportunities to save money are not taken up. Gym memberships that aren’t being used, insurance premiums that you’re paying too much for and phone plans that you don’t fully use (and could drop to a lower plan) are amongst the most common money wasters.

Entertainment and treats such as going out for dinner and grabbing your morning coffee are sometimes

flagged as unnecessary purchases, but if these are budgeted for, then they’re fair game!

2. Comparing Yourself Comparing yourself to others can be one of the most damaging things, emotionally, that we can do to ourselves. Thinking others are thinner, prettier, more successful, happier, better parents or wealthier causes us to consider ourselves as less than we are.

This mindset causes us to find (either consciously or unconsciously) the qualities in others that we don’t see in ourselves and forget the amazing qualities we do possess.

Social media has made it much easier to feel inadequate compared to our peers. Just remember, a life created on Facebook or Instagram, is often not reality.

3. Mummy Guilt Another emotional health sabotager is Mummy Guilt. Allow yourself to be your own person, hide the chocolate and go for dinner with your partner without feeling guilty and that you’re a bad parent. The very fact that you’re feeling guilty is a sign that you’re a bloody good one! But seriously, stop it.

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Lifestyle

1. Being Attached to Your Device With news constantly surrounding us about society spending more time connected to their phones or iPads than connecting with the real world, we are acutely aware of the negative impacts to our health both physically and emotionally. But the effects of extended use of these devices runs deeper than we may think.

Chiropractors now speak of treating “Text Neck” where patients complain of neck pain as a result of constantly looking down at their phones. Exposure to blue light (which is emitted from phones), especially just before bed, is a culprit in interrupted sleep, and it can keep you awake twice as long as coffee does!

Being in close proximity to your device on a regular basis is becoming an increasing worry, with researchers finding a link between radiation from these devices and cancer. So, stop sleeping next to your phone, holding it in your bra and having it next to you 24 hours per day!

2. Spending Time with the Wrong People The people you spend time with can drastically impact your emotional state. People who have a negative outlook on life, don’t support you or find ways to bring you down, and generally just suck the happiness out of situations should be cut out of your life.

Often, these people can be friends who have been in your life for years or family, so it’s difficult to completely cut them out. Start by reducing the amount of time you spend with them and see your happiness sore!

sunscreen into your morning routine and remember to reapply during the day.

5. Being a Health Procrastinator In our busy lives, looking after ourselves can often be put to the back of our minds. Between picking up the kids, working and running a household, who has time to book a doctor’s appointment? It’s not always a time factor either. Our very mindset of “she’ll be right” means that we often shrug off health niggles and think we’ll just deal with them, or that they aren’t serious enough for us to see a doctor.

Stop putting it off. If you’ve got a pain you can’t explain, there are changes to your body, or you just don’t feel yourself, go see your doctor! Most medical professionals will tell you that early detection and treatment is best in the vast majority of cases, regardless of the nature of the issue.

6. Not Getting Enough Sleep The importance of sleep should not be underestimated.

Your weight, mood and overall productivity are dramatically affected if you don’t get enough sleep.

Don’t believe us? Try to get eight hours sleep per night for the next week and see the difference you feel.

We get it though, for those with children who don’t sleep through, sleep deprivation can be brutal. For those of you in this category, make sleep a high priority and get creative about how you can get it.

3. Putting out Negative Vibes

7. Assuming You’re Not At Risk

Just as other people’s negativity can impact you, so can your own. Life really is what you make it, so if you’re constantly being negative, you’ll get negative back.

Now, after reading the first nine points, you’ll be in one of two camps; “yes, I should stop doing that” or “meh, I’ll be alright”. If you’re in the latter, we’re talking to you!

If you catch yourself in a pessimistic trap, try to identify these thoughts and train yourself to think of the situation in a positive light.

Thinking that you are not someone who could be susceptible to social media addition, someone who just tans and doesn’t burn, and not considering that you could be affected by anyone else’s negativity is no healthier for you than actually committing the nine sins above.

4. Getting Sunburnt As summer comes around, the sound of “Slip, Slop, Slap” rings in our ears but every year we still go out without sunscreen and get burnt. It’s a dangerous habit, and with Australia still sitting at the number one spot for the highest incidence of skin cancer (with the highest contributors being Queenslanders), it’s a habit we need to break.

If you’ve had burnt shoulders this summer, you’re guilty of this habit! If you’re going to be outside, incorporate

24 February 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

The truth is, we are all human and although we’re all different, when it comes to our nature and our makeup, we are all essentially the same. Don’t think it won’t happen to you, because if it does, it will come as more of a shock than you’d imagined.

And as for what you should start doing. Well, more than anything, we implore you to start living your best life possible.

Parenting

Changes to benefits and rebates for childcare STORY Rose Foster

There are some important changes to the way parents will pay for childcare from 2 July 2018. The current Child Care Benefit and Child Care Rebate will cease and will be replaced by the Child Care Subsidy.

Three factors will determine the subsidy amount for each family – combined family income, how much the parents work (based on the parent who works the least) and the type of childcare used.

So, here’s the facts: 1. There will no longer be an annual cap which is currently $7,613 per year, per client.

2. There will now be an hourly cap on the subsidy. For centre-based child care, the subsidy is $11.55, $10.70 for family day care and $10.10 for out-of-school-hours care.

3. Unlike the rebate, payments will be made directly to the childcare providers so they reduce their fees accordingly, instead of you paying upfront and receiving a fortnightly payment.

4. To be eligible, both parents must meet the activity test.

5. Many families will be better off as a result of this change – almost 816,000 families, according to the Government.

6. Around 128,000 families will be worse off, including 52,100 families who earn less than $65,710 per annum.

This is a mainly because they do not work enough to be eligible. Having said that, those that do have incomes of $65,710 or less and the parent who works the least engages in volunteering, study or another activity for more than eight hours per fortnight, they may end up better off.

7. Providing they meet the activity test, for families with an annual income of $65,710, 85 per cent of fees will be covered. This gradually decreases to 50 per cent for those earning more than $65,710, upto $170,710.

8. The subsidy stays at 50 per cent between $170,710 and $250,000 and then decreases to 20 per cent at $340,000.

9. Those who earn over $350,000 per year, will no longer receive a rebate.

10. Those earning over $180,710 annually can claim a maximum of $10,000 per child.

For more information visit www.education.gov.au where you can read more about the changes and use the estimator to see what your potential subsidy will amount to.

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Celebrate

SPORTY SPREE Kick off your next party the sporty way! There are so many ways to get creative with a sports-themed party to make it a memorable experience for your child. Are you looking to make your little athlete’s next party extra special? Here are some fantastic suggestions: Go team!

Before everyone arrives, it’s time to turn your house into a stadium. Decorate the party area with items from your child’s favourite sport or team, such as banners and buntings in their team colours. If you want to take it a step further, you can transform team coloured shirts into sports jerseys by writing or using iron-on transfers to put their names and a team number on the back of each shirt. This then doubles up as a party favour that they can take home.

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Let’s play ball.

Once everybody has arrived, it’s time for games. The kids will have a ball (get it?) shooting hoops. Play a team on team game or play different ball games. How many hoops can you shoot? Can you get the ball in the hoop backwards or blindfolded? Make the games as easy or difficult as you’d like, but keep it appropriate to the age of the children.

The winning child could receive a sports-themed toy.

A basketball hoop will provide outdoor fun year-round for the aspiring athlete but just be prepared to be asked to come play too.

Stay hydrated.

All that running around will be sure to make your guests a little tired and thirsty. Ensure you provide an area with some comfy pillows where they can sit to rehydrate. Handmade funky-looking, sporty individual bottles are incredibly easy to decorate and are sure to encourage your guests to want to stay hydrated, too. No time for individual bottles? Turn your water tap into a water break station by adding a sign and setting up some cups so your guests can help themselves to a refreshing cold drink.

Snacks after the game.

After such activity, it’s time to refuel the team. Platters with adorable mini hamburgers, deliciously sweet sports ball themed cupcakes, and various other nibbles will have everyone cheering for more. Alternatively, why not give your party an American twist and serve traditional stadium food, such as hot dogs, popcorn and lemonade?

The Grand finale.

Of course, the cake! The most anticipated part of any birthday party. Whether you choose to bake one yourself or have somebody make it for you; make it an impressive cake dedicated to your child’s favourite sport. Whether it is a golf ball, a tennis racket, a soccer ball or a cricket bat… the possibilities are endless. If you prefer to leave the cake creativity to somebody else, Cakes Annietime create magnificent cakes that will be sure to impress your guests.

A sports themed party is sure to be a hit (did it again!) with your child and a party that the ‘team’ will be talking about for the rest of the season!

1. Soccer Party Decoration Ideas 2. Sports Cupcakes www.thecraftingchicks.com 3. S.R.Smith Pool Basketball and Volleyball Hoop - See in store for details - www.swimart.com.au 4. www.projetosinventivos.blogspot.com.au 5. Kip & Co - Pea Cushion Denim Clouds - RRP $89.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 6. Wooden Play Ball with Beads - RRP $21.90 - www.ellej.com.au 7. Water Break Station - www.ideas.evite.com 8. Custom Birthday Cake. The possibilities are endless with Cakes Annietime www.cakesannietime.com.au

Home

On TREND: GO BOLD WITH COLOUR AND IRIDESCENT ACCENTS With the Block’s Caro and Kingi

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Our bedroom is our private space, a place where we take refuge, where we recharge and restore our energy. It’s our place of sanctuary from what might at times be a somewhat crazy household. Is your sanctuary lifting your spirits or is it in need of a little inspiration?

Go bold and change your room and your mood: New colour scheme.

A fresh coat of paint on the walls can so easily and effectively change the atmosphere of your bedroom.

Bold shades can be used to give the room a modern yet still relaxed feel. Enhance your new wall colour scheme with complimentary bed linen and dress your bed with bold patterned or colourful pillows for that pop of colour.

Let the light In. The feel of your bedroom can change tremendously just by letting more light in. Swap your dark curtains for lighter ones or change to a sheer curtain if you require some privacy but still want that light to flow. Alternatively, replace the curtains and create a more streamlined look by installing blinds.

Raw materials.

Incorporating raw materials like a hemp rug or a rope basket into the room’s theme gives it a touch of nature and a relaxing feel. Add another layer of calmness to your room with a scented reed diffuser.

Iridescent accents.

Add a touch of glamour and glimmer to your space with some iridescent items. Golden geometric-shaped ornamental pieces, rose gold pendant bedside lamps, or a gorgeous decorative stained-glass feather can add wonderful points of interest.

Transform your sanctuary with one or all of these bold on trend ideas and feel the difference it makes to your spirit.

1. Styling: NC Interiors. Picture: Cricket Studio. Artwork: Morgan Jamieson - www.realestate.com.au 2. Navy Rim Cotton Rope Basket - RRP $19.95 www.ellej.com.au 3. Kip & Co Cushions: Cotton Euro in Light Denim RRP $59.00 / Cotton Euro in Indigo RRP $55.00 / Velvet Pea in Dark Rose RRP $89.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 4. Armadilo & Co Hemp Rug - RRP $800.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 5. Reed Diffuser in Cranberry Plum & Cassis - RRP $34.95 www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 6. Iridized Stained Glass Feather RRP $34.16 - Etsy Store: Moonlitstainedglass 7. www.lilyroseinteriors.com

Romantic Recipes

ROMANTIC RECIPES

The Bounty Cake 8+ Serves. Recipe by Taline Gabriel @talinegabriel Base 1: ½ cup of pecans ½ cup almonds 1 cup shredded coconut 1 tbsp cacao powder ¼ to ½ cup of rice malt syrup 3 medjool dates pitted pinch of salt

Filling: 1 2 ½ cups cashews (soak 4 hours) ¾ cup rice malt syrup ½ cup coconut oil ½ cup coconut milk ½ cup non dairy milk 1 tbsp coconut butter (or nut butter) ¼ cup cacao powder

Base 2: ½ cup cashews (soak for 1-2 hours) 2 cups shredded coconut ¼ cup coconut cream 1-2 tbsp rice malt syrup 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 cup desiccated coconut

Chocolate: ¼ cup coconut oil 2-3 tbsp cacao powder 2 tbsp maple syrup 50g dark chocolate ¼ cup coconut flakes 1-2 tbsp buckinis

Base Method: To make base 1, reduce almonds, pecans and coconut to small pieces in the food processor. Add all other ingredients and process until well combined. To make base 2, drain and rinse cashews and process with shredded coconut. Add coconut cream, coconut oil and race malt and whizz. Remove from processor and stir desiccated coconut through the mix. Combine base 1 and 2 to create a marble effect. Press base (approx. 1cm in thickness) into 22cm round cake tin lined with baking paper and freeze. Roll remaining base mixture into varying size bliss balls. Place in the fridge.

Filling Method: Drain and rinse cashews and blitz in processor with rice malt, coconut oil, coconut milk, non dairy milk, and coconut butter. Mixture should be smooth and creamy. Add cacao powder and pulse. Spread chocolate layer over cake base and freeze. When you are ready to serve the cake, remove from cake tin and place on a serving plate. Make the chocolate by whisking the coconut oil, cacao powder and maple syrup. Place bliss balls over the cake and randomly pour the chocolate over the middle allowing it to spill down the side of the cake. Sprinkle with buckinis and add coconut flakes. Beast eaten within 30 minutes of removing from freezer.

Recipe bought to you by The Source Bulk Foods. You can pick up quality, fresh ingredients for these recipes from The Source Bulk Foods. Check them out on Facebook: /TheSourceBulkFoodsCairns

Easy Valentines Fudge 2 ½ cups cake mix (we recommend red velvet) 2 cups icing sugar ½ cup butter ¼ cup milk 2/3 cup chocolate chips Heart-shaped sprinkles or icing to decorate Grab a square pan and line with baking paper.

Put cake mix, icing sugar, milk and butter into a bowl and pop in the microwave for 2 minutes.

Stir immediately until ingredients are thoroughly mixed together. Mix in chocolate chips whilst still warm so they melt slightly.

Pour mixture into your pan and tap pan on counter to ensure it is a nice even layer. Decorate with sprinkles quickly so they stick to your fudge whilst it’s still warm. Alternatively, wait until the fudge cools completely and pipe on icing.

Cover with glad wrap and put in the fridge for two hours. Cut into pieces then enjoy!

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