PakMag Townsville - February 2020 Issue 111

ISSUE: FEB 2020

111

TOWNSVILLE

FREE

Huge Prizes • Basketball Babies: Meet Suzy Batkovic's Double Dribblers Under 5's Activity Guide • Managing Mindset and Money

Welcome Hello and welcome to the February edition of PakMag.

4 Entertainment 7

The Thing Is

8

Basketball Babies: Suzy Batkovic

11

Managing Mindset and Money

Our children are likely in a new environment, making new friends, getting to know a new teacher or even a new school. It’s a daunting time for both parent and child.

But finally, there is some routine back into our worlds. I don’t know about your house, but it’s certainly taken my boys a little while to get used to going to bed and getting out the door on time.

15 Inspiring Young Minds 17

Terrific Teachers

18 Coding for Young Minds 21 Extrovert, Introvert and

Ambivert in the Family 25 The PakMag Experts 27 10 Things to Avoid

when Pregnant 28 WIN: Bump, Bub and Beyond 31 What’s On February

Lost shoes, forgotten lunchboxes, mad rushes out the door with toast in hand rattling off a list of “have you got this, have you got that?” before you head out the door, only to be told two minutes down the road that their “yes mum” was in fact a “no mum” and you have to make a decision to turn around or let them deal with the consequences. It’s enough to want the school holidays back again!

My hot tip; make a laminated sheet with their list of jobs and items to pack daily. They tick it off every morning and afternoon, and all you have to nag them on is to do their sheet. You’re welcome.

Enjoy this edition and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

33 MiniMag 41 All Things Tweens and Teens 42 The Importance of

Mental Health

Bree

45 All Things Health 49 One Year On: Floods 51 Local Produce Recipes 52 Home: Calm, Minimal Living 54 1300Smiles Snapped 56 Buzzy Bee Celebration 59 Under Five’s Activity Guide 64 Daddy Diary

PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

Bree James PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Contact Us: p 4053 3331 e admin@m2f.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 www.pakmag.com.au www.marketingtofamilies.com.au

Senior Graphic Designer Clare Winter

Sales Manager and Marketing to Families Expert Lianne Van Ballegooyen Marketing to Families Expert Dan Kendrick Marketing and Events Coordinator Alyssa Marino Media Interns Blair King Emily Bremner

Graphic Designer Sara Williams Videographer & Podcast Producer Monique Saggers Journalist Jenna Galley Content Creator Kalisha Fitsch Accounts Trent Stievano

Our North Queensland Channels PakMag Townsville Parents of North Queensland pakmag_nq Parents and Kids of

North Queensland Our Global Parenting Channels PakMag Online pakmag_online PakMag The Give It A Go Group

For Parents The PakMag Parents Podcast PakMag TV

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 ideas expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000. Most recent CAB Publisher Statement Conducted September 2019.

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

families www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 3

Entertainment

Check it Out Parent Information Session: Triple P Overview When: Tuesday 4th February, 9.30am - 10.30am Where: CityLibraries Aitkenvale, 4 Petunia St More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au As we all know, it’s rewarding and enjoyable to be a parent, but certainly not always easy. Raising the next generation can be demanding, frustrating and exhausting.

Mamma Mia! When: Thursday 30th January Saturday 8th February Where: Townsville Civic Theatre More info: www.ticketlink.com.au

The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program aims to support parents to raise well-adjusted children. This session gives an overview of the principles, recommended for all families. Free, but bring your medicare card for Queensland Health.

Jam packed with musical hits of Abba, this stage spectacular will have you singing along as you join a young woman on her quest to find her real father, just in time to walk her down the aisle. Book now for the feel-good musical experience of 2020, brought to you by the Townsville Choral Society.

Cowboys Community Day When: Friday 7th February, 5.30pm - 7.30pm Where: Training Field, Cowboys HQ More info: www.cowboys.com.au Cowboys Community Day is back, and it’ll be the first opportunities for fans and members to greet the 2020 squad before the season begins. There will be a player signing session, live music by IRAR, amusements for the kids, a free sausage sizzle, giveaways, memberships, new merch on sale and more.

Family Fun Day When: 15th February, 10.00am - 12.00pm Where: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery More info: www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au Head over to Perc Tucker Regional Gallery for their FREE family fun day!

There will be free art making activities for families, all materials provided. Drop in for five minutes or for the entire two hours!

4 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

Lonely Hearts Valentine’s Day Sale When: Saturday 8th - Saturday 22nd February, open 9.30am 3.30pm weekdays and 9.30am - 2.00pm Saturday (closed Sundays).

Where: Animal Care and Adoption Centre, 69 Tompkins Rd, Shaw More info: www.townsville.qld. gov.au/animals Be my Valentine, meow and pawever. Townsville City Council is hosting a 50 percent off sale for all dogs and cats that have been at the facility for 30 days or more. If you’re looking for a new furry friend to join the family, now is the perfect time.

Entertainment

Shake the Rainbow - 3Doodler Pen Workshops When: Thursday 27th February - Sunday 1st March Where: Stockland Townsville More info: www.stockland.com.au Shake the Rainbow is all about fun, creativity, multi-sensory experiences encouraging the community to unleash their inner artist. Visit the vibrant colour hub, decorate your own donut, have a mini makeover, create an acrylic painting and use the 3Doodler Pen to draw in 3D.

Sleeping Beauty

Stockland Townsville is offering PakMag readers an opportunity to be one of the first to experience the 3Doodler Pen workshops on the 27th and 28th of February!

Princess Aurora is dancing with four princes on her 16th birthday when she pricks her finger on a needle hidden in a bouquet of flowers and falls into a deep sleep.

Keep an eye on the PakMag Townsville Facebook page for your chance to WIN first access to these awesome workshops!

When: Thursday 19th March, 7.30pm - 10.00pm Where: Townsville Civic Theatre More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au

Moscow Ballet La Classique returns to Townsville with the beloved fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty. This dance spectacular is one that ballet lovers of all ages are sure to enjoy.

Battle of the Brains When: Friday 27th March, from 6.00pm Where: Brothers Leagues Club Townsville More info: www.thepyjamafoundation.com The Pyjama Foundation aims to change the direction of the lives of children in foster care with learning, life skills and confidence.

Gather a team of friends, family or colleagues and get ready to flex your knowledge. It’s all about finding out who is the smartest while raising funds for a good cause. There will be a prize for the best dressed - pyjamas are encouraged!

2020 Townsville North Queensland Games When: Thursday 9th - Monday 13th April Where: Various locations around Townsville More info: www.nqsports.com.au The North Queensland Games is the largest multi-sport event in regional Australia, held biennially, this year in Townsville. There will be over 30 sports to choose from including netball, powerlifting, swimming, tenpin bowling, tennis, equestrian, BMX, gymnastics, karting and more. An estimated 4000 plus participants to be involved. The official opening ceremony will be held on Thursday 9th April.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 5

The Thing Is

The Thing Is with Bree James As a mother of boys, my life is filled with adventures in the great outdoors. Lots of camping, fishing, and getting dirty. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun and a complete contrast to my office which is mostly filled with women (who thankfully like to shower), but these experiences in the great outdoors certainly make me appreciate the simple things in life, like hot showers.

They sleep like someone has knocked them out.

You sleep like you have an intruder in your home – you hear every wild animal and wonder if something is getting into your food.

The thing is, nothing challenges a woman who takes pride in her personal hygiene than to have it taken away for a few days to ‘be in nature’.

The thing that is my absolute least favourite is when we have a trailer involved in our trip. Nothing puts more pressure on a relationship than the stress of having an extension to your vehicle that needs precision involved.

This is the time when the short-fused man and woman come out.

One of the things I have observed is that when you put the male species into the wild, they turn into cave men. They let it all hang out; they lose their manners and all regard for personal hygiene, the way they speak changes, and the world becomes their toilet.

If a male needs to pee, it takes them one minute to find a spot and do their business. If a female needs to pee, it takes five minutes just to find a spot that is out of view, snake and spider free, and flat enough so you don’t have a rogue piece of grass tickle your bits and make you jump higher than Michael Jordan, thinking a spider has crawled on your lady parts.

They wear the same clothes for four days. Meanwhile, you change your clothes four times in one day because you’ve peed on them trying to pop a squat and gotten the flow, angle, or position wrong.

They think a swim is a good enough shower. You gather water from the creek in the camp shower, hook it over a tree to get the heat of the day to warm it up and attempt to wash yourself with a stream of water that flows and empties faster than your grandma’s bladder.

You’ve looked forward to that hot shower all day, and it wasn’t very good – but it was better than nothing.

They wake refreshed and excited. You wake like you’ve slept on concrete and you’re counting down the days until you’re back in your glorious bed.

From my experience with trailers, every instruction is often wrong. You’re standing in the wrong spot.

You didn’t give the right signal. They can’t hear you, you’re not listening, you’re doing it wrong blah, blah, blah. Also, don’t fall for the “why don’t you give it a go” offer. It’s a trap, only a rare breed of super human can reverse a trailer and I am not one of them.

At the end of the day, the great outdoors is an experience you will remember for both the good and the not so good moments. And whilst you spend the next week unpacking and doing a billion loads of washing (even though they didn’t wear the clothes – they all smell) you’ll think about the great time everyone had, and know you’ll be doing it all again in no time.

Bree www.breejames.com www.myvisionbook.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 7

Feature

Basketball Babies: Meet Suzy Batkovic’s Double Dribblers STORY Jenna Galley For 23 years, WNBL legend Suzy Batkovic dunked and dribbled through a very successful basketball career.

But these days it’s less alley-oop and more baby-poop as she takes on her biggest competitors to date – her four-month-old twins, Charli and Layla.

Suzy and her partner, Dan Ryder, welcomed their girls on 15 September, right on 35 weeks’ gestation, just months after Suzy retired from the basketball court.

Suzy acknowledges it’s been quite an adventure, and a change of pace from the pressures on the court.

“My career was obviously a priority and has been a big part of my life. It’s who I was,” Suzy tells PakMag. “But the plan was always to have kids, that was a no brainer for me.”

Suzy fell pregnant naturally and was thrilled to discover she was expecting twins.

“I’ve always wanted twins but it was pretty amazing and a big shock as well.”

A Rocky Start The girls arrived early and spent 24 days in NICU at The Mater, which Suzy admits was incredibly tough.

“Layla had breathing difficulties. I’ve never been so stressed in my life. All the little things, all the problems you think you have, they are so irrelevant.”

Suzy credits her obstetrician, paediatrician, midwives, mum and partner for getting her through the experience.

Of course, the twin snuggles makes the lack of sleep all worthwhile and Suzy loves watching her babies’ cheeky personalities develop every day.

“Motherhood has its moments, it has its days, but nothing beats them looking at you, giving you a smile.

It makes all the tough times go away. They really are my greatest achievement.”

The Townsville Connection Suzy’s career has taken her across Australia, to Europe and America and to three Olympic Games, but she has always had a special connection to Townsville where she, Dan and the girls live.

She first moved to Townsville when she was 20 to play for the Townsville Fire. She returned to The Fire several years later, met Dan and fell even more in love with the laid-back FNQ lifestyle. In fact, it’s this community spirit that inspired Suzy to take on her next challenge – running for councillor for Division 6 in the local government elections.

“I’ve loved being part of the community,” Suzy tells PakMag. “That’s why I’ve decided to run as a councillor for Division 6. I live in the division and I love the division.

It’s something I’m passionate about and I want to be that voice for people.”

From Hoop Dreams to Councillor Hopeful For the former basketball captain, it’s all about finding that happy medium between cuddles and campaigning for her community. In between nappy changes and tandem feeds, Suzy is out door knocking and campaigning and she is absolutely loving it so far.

“Townsville has been so supportive of me and for me, it’s all about giving back. I want my twin girls to grow up and live in a beautiful place and I want to help when things need to get done and fixed, whatever the issues may be.”

“I couldn’t have asked for two better doctors and I don’t know if I would have coped without them. I’ve definitely cried more in those stages than I have ever in my life.

Lucky for us, both babies came out great.”

Double Dose of Cute Now the cheeky tots are thriving, putting on weight, hitting all their milestones and keeping their mum on her toes.

“There’s been lots of learning. You learn that you cope with minimal sleep. I’ve been pretty good - I may look tired but I can function pretty well.”

8 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

The local Townsville election will take place at the end of March 2020.

Josephine Carter Photography

Motherhood has its moments, it has its days, but nothing beats them looking at you, giving you a smile. It makes all the tough times go away. They really are my greatest achievement.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 9

Money

Managing Mindset and Money STORY Kalisha Fitsch As we all know, money doesn’t grow on trees. If it did, we’d all be growing plenty of them in our backyards.

In a society so driven by money, it’s no surprise that many of us find it stressful to manage with the endless bills, grocery runs, empty fuel tanks and birthdays.

This stress is likely caused by your money mindset.

What is a Money Mindset?

Your money mindset is defined as the core beliefs you have about money and how money works in the world.

It shapes what you believe you can and cannot do with it, right through to your ability to invest. It’s your attitude towards it, and it probably resides in your subconscious. You may not even be aware of it.

You might find yourself living paycheck to paycheck, or you may be afraid to spend money the moment it appears in your bank account. If either of these sound like you, it’s quite possible you’ve cultivated a scarcity mindset in relation to your finances. In other words, you feel as if you never quite have enough money no matter how much you may have. So, how does this happen, and how do we shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance?

Denise Duffield Thomas is a money mindset mentor and bestselling author, having helped thousands of people change their mindset on money. She believes that awareness is the first step to improving your mindset, and shared some of her wisdom with us on Episode 26 of The PakMag Parents Podcast.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 11

Money

How is Your Money Mindset Established?

At some point in your life, without realising it, you may have experienced an event which now dictates your mindset concerning your finances. Young children are like sponges, always observing their parents and how they deal with various things in life, including finances.

Think back to your very first interaction with cash.

“Everyone’s first interaction with money is “don’t put that in your mouth, money is dirty,” Denise explained.

“Your next interaction with money may be asking for something, and your parents respond with “do you think I’m made of money?” and you realise that adults are really stressed about this. We are told that money is somehow scarce and hard to get.”

Many people think that if you grew up with or without money, this is the reason for your money blocks.

However, this isn’t always true. “I’ve worked with people who grew up very poor, middle class, and people who have even won the lottery, and everyone still has money blocks,” Denise said.

When we eventually grow up and get jobs, we get different messages from our work about money. “It’s ingrained in our culture that you have to work to make money. Another day, another dollar. It’s constantly reinforced,” Denise explained.

How to Change Your Mindset Deep down, many of us wish we’d all win the lottery so we could spend the rest of our days holidaying, driving nice cars and buying whatever we’d like. It seems like it would instantly solve all our problems, however, this isn’t necessarily the case.

“Money itself doesn’t cure your money mindset.

The way you talk about it, the way you deal with it in

your life, that’s what’s going to impact your children,” Denise explained. “You could add extra zeros onto your money right now, and you’ll be exactly the same with it if you don’t change your mindset.”

Ultimately, you’ll want to shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance. In order to do this, we need to be aware of how we treat our finances, and keep in mind every possible favourable outcome for your finances, while staying open to each one. “Awareness is such a great first step,” Denise said.

An abundance mindset asserts that you will always have more than you need in order to meet your goals, and if you keep this focus, that is what your outcome will be.

You can start shifting your mindset by setting up a budget or financial plan, cutting out emotional spending and remembering that money is personal, not relative.

It’s easy to compare your financial situation to those of your family members or friends, but this can create feelings of lack. Examining your mindset and setting these goals for yourself will get you on your way to being a money mindset master.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that while adopting a healthier money mindset is important, no one is perfect with it. “We’re never going to be perfect with money. Even the most famous personal finance authors wouldn’t be perfect with money,” Denise said. “We should feel as if money is our friend and our tool to do good in the world.”

As with anything in life, a lifelong mindset can be difficult to change, but it’s possible. And along the way, you’ll notice how it changes your outlook on not only your finances, but the rest of your life as well.

$ Money Saving Tips Try a 30 day no-spend challenge. You can still spend on necessities such as groceries, medicine, rent and fuel, but no eating out, takeaway coffee or new clothes and toys. Track all your expenses and compare it to a ‘normal’ month of spending.

If something breaks, try to fix it first before replacing it.

Before you buy something, ask yourself why you are buying it. Is it a necessity, or are you just emotionally spending? Does this item make your life better? If you put it back and go home, will you regret not buying it later?

Try only paying in cash instead of card. Physically counting out the cash and handing it over will make you more aware of your spending rather than just tapping your card.

Give experiences instead of gifts. This goes for when you want to treat yourself, too. A weekend away, admission to the zoo or entry to an event is much more memorable. When your child’s birthday is coming up, ask them whether they would rather have a new toy or a family adventure.

12 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

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Advertorial

Inspiring Young Minds STORY Laura King – Teacher/Director, St Benedict’s Kindergarten “Children want the same thing we want. To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted.” Dr Seuss.

This is what children that enter the doors of a Mary MacKillop Childcare North Queensland (MMCNQ) Kindergarten experience every day. After all, our children are our future and inspiring these young minds is the key to future success.

MMCNQ Kindergartens understand this and offer programs that are delivered by qualified Early Childhood teachers that are engaging, stimulating and promote school readiness. These programs are based on a holistic approach to learning, and not only cater for the child’s needs, but also their interests.

The programs promote child-initiated play where the child is encouraged to explore the outside natural environment in dry creek beds, sandpits and mud patches.

Inside, children are encouraged to draw, create and construct using a range of resources available to them.

This is complemented with instructional tasks led by the teacher. MMCNQ Kindergartens focus on the social and emotional development of a child to ensure they have the confidence and skills to be engaged learners as they continue their learning journey into Prep.

When a child attends a MMCNQ Kindergarten, there is the added benefit of incorporating spirituality where

children are taught about the values and teachings of Jesus. Through these lessons, children are taught about friendship, compassion and respect as well as how to live like Jesus did by making good choices. Children are supported to learn ‘Christian Meditation’ and the importance of stillness and silence.

MMCNQ Kindergartens on Catholic school sites have the added benefit of children being able to visit school facilities. A relationship is then built with many at the school which aids in the transition to Prep. MMCNQ Kindergartens promote the Kindergarten year as the foundation year of learning where a love of literacy and numeracy is fostered and developed.

MMCNQ Kindergartens promote diversity and all children aged three to five years are welcome. We offer flexible operating times from 7.00am-6.00pm with low affordable fees and some locations offer Child Care Subsidy. Children can attend MMCNQ Kindergartens at a number of locations in the Townsville Diocese from Proserpine to Charters Towers, Mt Isa to Palm Island with five locations in Townsville.

Call the Kindergarten Office on 1300 KINDERGARTEN or email childcare@mmcnq.catholic.edu.au to enquire about enrolment to inspire your young ones mind for future success.

“A mind when stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions.” – Anonymous

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 15

Advertiser Feature

Terrific Teachers Tessa McKinnon

Eilish Venz

St Joseph’s Catholic School, The Strand

Catholic Kindergartens Townsville

“I love seeing the little “aha” moments every day when students finally achieve a skill. It’s also nice to see them choosing to “let go” of something they have been stewing over. St Joey’s is a fairly small school, and it has a really nice community feel to it.

Everyone supports each other.

“For me, the highlight of teaching is every day when the children come into your classroom and you know they want to be there.

They have big smiles, they greet you with a hug, they give you a picture and have a big chat.

Those moments are my favourite, I think it’s so important that children feel like they belong.

It’s nice to be in a small community where you know not only the child, but their whole family.

My advice for parents of school-aged kids is to read with them, even when they are in upper primary. Adults still love picture books and so do kids. Talk about the day after bath time when they are feeling relaxed rather than the second they get in the car when they are tired and exhausted.”

I want students to know how loved they all are and that they belong. They are all so special and can achieve amazing things.”

enquiries@sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au www.sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au

enquiries@tsv.catholic.edu.au www.tsv.catholic.edu.au

Renee Umstead

Nicole Dallimore

Townsville Grammar School

The Cathedral School of St Anne and St James

“I became a teacher because I really enjoy working with young children and fostering their love for learning. The best thing about being a teacher is nurturing the students you teach and encouraging a real love of learning by providing a safe, positive and supportive learning environment for them.

One of my funniest memories was when I was teaching Prep in a Catholic School and we were learning about Jesus. At the end of the lesson, I asked if there were any questions, when one of my students asked me if I went to school with Jesus. It was hilarious!” tgs@tgs.qld.edu.au www.townsvillegrammar.com

“I wanted to become a teacher since I was in primary school. I had a fabulous teacher in Year 6 who was truly inspiring. When I was a student, I was pretty studious and usually tried to do the right thing. I did dabble with the idea of accounting for a little while, but after some work experience in Year 10, I was convinced that teaching was my passion.

I have been teaching for 20 years after graduating from JCU in 1998. I have taught in primary schools in Townsville but also had some fabulous years teaching in Papua New Guinea.” tcs@cathedral.qld.edu.au www.cathedral.qld.edu.au

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 17

STEM

Coding for Young Minds In a rapidly-changing digital world, we are unknowingly preparing our children for jobs that don’t even exist yet. Technology is more prevalent in our lives now than ever, and this is just the beginning!

Coding poses a challenge for young minds.

They will experience failure, but will learn to bounce back, learn from their mistakes and try again until it’s working.

What is Coding?

If they choose to pursue their interest in coding, it can lead them to a career in software or web development, computer engineering, database administration and jobs that are yet to be invented.

Technology, such as computers, robots and apps, are pretty amazing. However, they aren’t able to think for themselves (or at least, not yet). They need a human to give them instructions.

To put it simply, coding is a list of step-by-step instructions that get devices to do what you want.

Coding makes it possible for us to play games, use apps, create websites, animate robots and much, much more.

Why it’s so Great to Learn According to Code.org, 71 per cent of all new STEM jobs are in computing, but only eight per cent of STEM graduates are in computer science. The world is in need of more coders!

Teaching your kids how to code is a great way to set them up for academic success that can definitely lead them into a successful career. It teaches them not only how computer programs work, but also perseverance, organisation skills and focus. Additionally, it improves their maths and writing skills, confidence, problem solving, and encourages them to be creative – the list goes on.

How to Learn From a glance, coding may seem like a daunting, complicated world. However, there are simple and fun activities and games that can teach kids as young as five to code. Before you know it, your child will be creating games, apps, animations and much more.

Many schools offer a STEM program which covers coding, or after school innovation clubs. Programs such as Scratch, Code.org and Tynker also offer a great online introduction to coding.

If you’re after a gift that’ll help them learn, the Kano Make Your Own Computer Kit allows children to learn how to build their very own computer, followed by over 100+ projects with simple steps to create art, music, apps and more. However, learning to code doesn’t necessarily mean sitting behind a computer all day.

A robot kit, such as the Strawbees Coding and Robotic Kit, encourages kids to test their programming skills by creating and animating their very own robot.

1 2

1. Strawbees Coding and Robotic Kit - Providing multiple parts and a straightforward, intuitive coding platform, the Strawbees Coding & Robotic Kit is a great choice for encouraging kids to test their programming skills and enrich their creativity with making different robot designs - $198 www.harveynorman.com.au 2. Kano Make Your Own Computer Kit - No technical knowledge required! Build the screen, battery, USB ports, speaker, sound sensor and more. Learn to code with 100+ playful projects. With simple steps learn to make art, music, apps, exclusive voice, and sound projects $499.99 - www.kidzinc.com.au

18 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

Coding Books that Introduce Programming to Children in a Fun and Adventurous Way How to Code a Sandcastle

by Josh Funk and Sara Palacios Pearl has been trying to build the perfect sandcastle all summer, but frisbees and puppies keep getting in the way and knocking it down.

With one last chance, she gathers her robot friend Pascal, and together they use fundamental computer coding concepts such as sequences and loops to get the job done. If they can create a code that works, this could turn into the best beach day ever.

Computer Coding for Kids

by DK Australia A unique step-by-step guide, this book is perfect for beginners, covering everything from binary code to building games. This book starts with the fundamentals, using simple, clear examples that show how programming works. It takes the complex art of programming and makes it clear, teaching the basics of JavaScript, Python and C++. It builds up to more advanced projects such as games, apps, 3D models and websites.

Coding for Beginners: Using Scratch

by Rosie Dickins This friendly, fully illustrated and accessible book offers an introduction for absolute beginners with little or no coding knowledge, teaching children the basics of Scratch (a free, online coding programme widely used in primary schools).

Children will start with fun, easily achievable projects to stretch their skills to create games and animations. The book then moves into more complex projects to further their skills.

Parenting

Nurturing the Extrovert, Introvert and Ambivert in the Family STORY Kalisha Fitsch I think we can all agree that life is pretty tiring for some while others have endless energy. We all need to take time to recharge our batteries and energise ourselves, and each person has their own way of doing so. For some, recharging their ‘battery’ might involve sitting down in a comfy chair and reading a book, while for others it might be going to an event and socialising with other like-minded people.

These personality types fall into the categories of extrovert, introvert and ambivert. People with these traits require different things in day-to-day life to stay energised and happy, and the same applies to children, but in a different way.

What Type of Personality Do You Have?

Are you an introvert, extrovert or an ambivert?

You may have caught yourself wondering at times, or have an answer to that question already.

If you find it difficult to fit into the introvert or extrovert box, you may just be an ambivert.

It’s probably fairly easy to pinpoint which category you fall into – but pinpointing your child’s personality type and nurturing that can pose a challenge. However, knowing this part of your child helps you better recognise and better respond to your child’s needs to help them become the best version of themselves.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 21

Parenting

Here is a quick rundown of these personality types in adults and children.

Extroverts – Extroverts are generally outgoing and sociable. They often love discussing their ideas with others and spending time with other people, and gain their energy from being around others.

If your child is the life of the party, loves to meet new people and is happiest in the company of others, they might just be an extrovert. Extroverted children are typically outgoing and find it easy to make friends.

Introverts – Introverts are more reserved and tend to listen more than they speak. They often prefer to spend the evening at home with a cup of tea and their favourite show on the TV. Introverts find it draining to be around lots of people, and an outing is often followed by time alone in order to recharge.

Children who are more reserved when they meet new people and enjoy time playing alone may be introverts.

They can be just as energetic as extroverts, but dislike being the centre of attention.

Ambiverts – If you don’t quite fall under the extrovert or introvert umbrella, you may fall into the lesser known ambivert category. Ambiverts fall somewhere in the middle. They love socialising with friends but also crave alone time. They are confident, but have some reclusive tendencies – and all of this may be confusing to your loved ones.

Children who are ambiverts demonstrate a combination of extroverted and introverted traits. They get their energy from being around other kids, but also from being alone. They may be outgoing in some situations, but feel more reserved in others.

Pinpointing What Your Child Needs What does all this information about varying personality types mean to you as a parent? Being aware of their needs is essential to help understand how they tick and how to help them reach their full potential. Even if all your other children are extroverts this does not mean your other child can’t be an introvert, and it’s important you help them energise themselves according to their personality type.

22 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

For instance, extroverted children may become sad, irritable or despondent if they go too long without meaningful interactions. Being aware of when your child’s social battery needs a little recharging helps them be the best version of themselves. Some extroverts crave social time on a daily basis, while others are satisfied going a few days without much social interaction. Scheduling regular play dates with friends and signing them up for extracurricular activities can keep them happy.

Introverted children tend to feel drained after spending time with other people in large groups such as at parties or family gatherings, making a full day of school tough for some. Many prefer to play quietly after school, and while they still crave social time, these needs are fewer and further between compared to extroverts.

They are also often shy when meeting new people, and may be hesitant upon giving Aunt Mary a big hug.

Ambivert children gain energy from being around others, but also from being alone depending on the situation. Trying different tactics may help you figure out what your child needs. In some instances, it may be a play date, while other times they may prefer to have a cuddle with mum or dad, or quiet time reading a book.

Sometimes it can be a struggle to understand children who fall into the ambivert category. While in some situations they’re happy to be social, in others they may not, leaving some parents wondering why they’re being ‘rude’. Your child is likely working out their inner needs and not being rude at all, and probably shows their appreciation in different ways such as drawing a picture for somebody.

Is There Ever a Time to be Concerned?

It’s normal for the different people within the family to have their own unique personality traits. However, if your extroverted child suddenly becomes withdrawn, it may be a sign of an emotional issue.

You know your child best and if they are suddenly not acting like themselves, it may be a good idea to have a heart to heart chat with them, or if it persists, take them to the doctor.

Expert Advice

The PakMag Experts Cassandra Chiesa

Dr Betty Wamola

Helping Hands - Hand, Wrist & Arm Clinic

Townsville Paediatrics

Dear Cassandra, I think my daughter has sprained her finger, what is the treatment?

Finger sprains and ball sports often go hand in hand. Resting, icing and some compression can take pain and symptoms away within 24 to 48 hours.

Dear Dr Betty, How do I know if my child is constipated?

Constipation is very common in children. The signs include difficulty passing stools, passing very hard or large stools, abdominal pain, withholding behaviours such as crossing legs, crying or hiding and sometimes overflow incontinence.

If the finger appears deformed, bent or very painful, it’s best to see a hand therapist to fully assess the finger and ensure all tendons, ligaments and bones are working accordingly.

They are lots of things you can do. Encourage a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and natural fibre such as cereals.

A period of splinting may be necessary to rest the finger and keep it well positioned to reduce the risk of deformities. Thin custom moulded splints offer comfort and ensure the hand is able to function near to normal.

Establish a regular toilet routine, sitting on the toilet for three to five minutes three times a day. ‘Bowel training’ requires motivation and encouragement. Use a star chart system of rewards to encourage your child.

4755 2337 www.helpinghandsclinic.com.au

4427 5817 www.townsvillepaediatrics.com.au

Diane Ruhl

Matthew Calanna

Ruhl Family Law Centre

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy

Dear Diane, How can my child be heard in Family Court proceedings?

Children don’t go to court to tell the judge what they want.

Their view is usually obtained by a Family Report. This involves a psychologist specialising in family separations interviewing the child/ren and parents.

Dear Matthew, How can prickly heat be treated?

Prickly heat, or Miliaria, is caused by heat and humidity and sweating more than usual.

It is very common in the tropics, especially in babies and young children as their sweat glands haven’t developed properly yet.

The weight given to a child’s view will depend on their maturity and whether they appreciate what their view would mean. For example, if a child wants to live with a parent because they don’t make them do homework, this is not maturely held. Children’s views are one of many considerations for the Court.

The rash will generally clear up on its own, but you can speed up the process by keeping the child cool, giving lukewarm baths and dressing them in light cotton clothing. If it persists, try a product such as Mario’s Prickly Heat Spray which is designed to provide relief and treat the issue by drying out the blocked sweat glands.

4772 7672 www.ruhlfamilylaw.com.au

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 25

Bump, Bub and Beyond

10 Things to Avoid When Pregnant STORY Kalisha Fitsch Pregnancy is a time that is so exciting, but it can turn the best of us into worry-warts. Bringing life into the world is an experience incomparable to any other.

Your body goes through many stages during this time, and certain things from your pre-baby life may not be safe for you or your baby.

There are certain foods, drinks and activities that should be avoided during pregnancy, as they may carry a risk (although often small) of infection, poisoning or other harm to you both.

Food and Drink Raw fish – Raw fish can cause several infections, such as Salmonella, Vibrio and Listeria. Pregnant women are up to 20 times more likely to get infected by Listeria than the general population, so hold off eating that sashimi until after birth.

Soft cheeses – Avoid mould-ripened soft cheese, such as brie and camembert. The mould can, again, contain Listeria, so it’s important to take precautions.

However, you can still eat hard cheeses such as cheddar and parmesan (phew).

Activities Don’t paint the nursery – Exposure to toxicity from the paint may harm your unborn baby. Just find someone else to do the painting; win-win.

Don’t change the kitty litter – Cat faeces may carry toxoplasmosis, a rare parasitic disease. While rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry – and if you must do it yourself, wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.

Don’t go on any rides – Steer clear of those rollercoasters and any other rides that involve forceful take off and landings, especially if you are prone to nausea.

Don’t go in hot tubs or saunas – As tempting as it may be to soothe your aching body, soaking in a hot tub or relaxing in a sauna can be harmful as it raises your body temperature, which has been linked to birth defects.

Liver products – Liver pâté or sausages may contain a lot of vitamin A, too much of which may harm your baby.

Certain exercises – Staying active while pregnant is great and carries many health benefits for you and therefore your baby, but not all exercises are safe. Avoid repetitive high impact exercises, avoid contact sports and activities that have a risk of falling, such as cycling, horse riding or gymnastics.

If you are unsure what exercises are safe for you, a doctor or physiotherapist will be able to point you in the right direction.

Alcohol – There is no safe level of alcohol to drink during pregnancy, so it is safest to have none at all as even the smallest amount can negatively impact your baby’s brain development.

Steer clear of the above, and you should be a-okay.

It’s completely normal to be worried about the things that may potentially harm your baby, so if you are ever in any doubt, ask your doctor.

Raw or partially cooked eggs – You may want to avoid ordering eggs benedict next time you’re at brunch, as there is a risk of Salmonella poisoning.

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Bump, Bub and Beyond

Bump, Bub and Beyond Featured products, reviews and prizes. Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

The Birthday Yearbook RRP $54.95 - www.mymemorybooks.com.au The Birthday Yearbook is a once-a-year book that captures every birthday memory from the first to the eighteenth. That means every cake, every party and every birthday smile. It also has a page for each year where the parents can write a letter to the child.

A unique take on the traditional baby book.

Carry All Caddy RRP $39.00 www.theneatfreak.co An ideal baby shower gift that is so versatile – it can be used for carrying and storing lots of things. The exclusive caddy and change mat set has a waterproof lining to alleviate any stress when you’re in the middle of a nappy change.

Made from durable felt and with removable compartments, it's a stylish portable nappy caddy that can also be used as a nappy bag for when you're out and about.

28 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

BUNZI by Chillafish RRP $120.00 - www.chillafish.com The Bunzi gradual balance bike from Chillafish is a unique 2-in-1 balance bike that can be switched between three-wheel mode and two-wheel mode in just a few seconds.

Teach your child balance in a fun and step-by-step way by starting in threewheel mode and then switching to two-wheel mode once your child is ready. You can switch back and forth as many times as you want.

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Pains During Pregnancy and What They Could Mean Pregnancy can be uncomfortable. Sore feet, tender breasts and an achy back – all worth it, of course, but it’s not the most comfortable time of your life.

However, if you’re experiencing abdominal cramps or pain, that discomfort can quickly turn into worry. But is there really a need to worry?

The good news is that pains or cramps are very common, and usually nothing to worry about. After all, your body is doing its best to accommodate your growing baby by moving your organs and stretching your ligaments, which can certainly cause some discomfort. Trapped wind or constipation can also cause the cramps – glamorous. These pains can be sharp or crampy, and usually go away by adjusting your position, taking a rest or having a warm shower or bath, or they clear up on their own shortly after onset.

As with other pains, you can help keep it under control by eating a balanced diet, exercising often and in a way that is safe and avoid standing for long periods of time.

Be careful when lifting heavy loads – especially children!

Bend at the knees, keep your back as straight as you can and raise yourself back up slowly.

Helpful Tip With your organs shifting and your belly growing, unsurprisingly, comes some back pain.

Your growing baby changes your whole centre of gravity, leading to pain in the middle lower back area and may even wrap around to your hips and pubic bone, too.

Exercises such as squats, lunges or bridges can help support your posture, and swimming is another pregnancy-friendly way to get moving and take the stress off your joints. Overly tight pelvic muscles can also contribute to back pain, so it’s a good idea to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. You can also practise deep breathing, mindfulness, or treat yourself to a pregnancy massage.

However, if the pain is accompanied with vomiting, fever, chills, bleeding or spotting or the pain is continuous, it’s important to contact your doctor or midwife just to be safe. Trust your intuition; if something doesn’t seem right, it doesn’t hurt to get it checked out.

Did You Know?

Pregnancy is known for giving women some seriously wacky cravings, and they can be difficult to ignore, even though you’re trying to eat the best diet for your growing baby. Some reported cravings include tomatoes with frosting, hot sauce with peanut butter, chalk, dirt and even concrete.

Craving substances that have no nutritional value like clay, chalk, dirt or paper is a symptom of a psychological disorder called pica. Pica is common during pregnancy, so don't panic if this sounds like you. It may mean that you have a nutritional deficiency, so talk to your GP to make sure everything is in order.

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What's On • February SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY Mamma Mia! Runs until 8 February Townsville Civic Theatre www.townsville.qld.gov.au 1.30pm / $35-55 / Family The Wolfe Brothers Dalrymple Hotel www.oztix.com.au 8.00pm / $33.70 / 18+ Yrs Rescue - Hands-On Kids Exhibits Runs until 8 March Museum of Tropical Queensland www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au 9.00am / Museum Entry / Family JCU Townsville Fire Vs Bendigo Spirit Townsville Stadium www.wnbl.com.au 6.00pm / $14-25 / Family World Wetlands Day Tree Planting Mundy Creek Landcare Site www.conservation volunteers.com.au 4.30pm / Free / Family Chinese New Year Dinner The Ville Resort-Casino www.ttcci.org.au 6.30pm / $35-70 / Family Family Fun Fair Milestones Early Learning Bushland Beach www.bushlandbeach. milestones.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family Sign On Day Townsville Basketball www.townsvillebasket ball.net.au 9.00am / Free / Family

Estates Soccer Club Sign On Day Victoria Park www.estatesfc.com.au 2.00pm / Free / Family Family Fun Fair Aussie Kindies Early Learning Deeragun www.deeragun.aussie kindies.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family Free Community Open Day Condon Kids Early Learning Centre www.kidselc.com.au 9.00am / Free / Family SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY Story Party Townsville True Dating Stories The Ville Resort-Casino www.storyparty.co 7.00pm / $40 / 18+ Years World Travel Expo 2020 Townsville Entertainmen & Convention Centre www.travelexpo.net.au 9.00am / Free / Family Hypnobirthing 1 Day Intensive Hypnobirthing Envision Health Qld Townsville www.hypnobirthingtsv.com.au 9.30am / Check Website / Family

With Triple M’s Pricey

FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY Burdekin Singers & Theatre Company presents Beauty & The Beast Runs until 16 February Burdekin Theatre www.burdekintheatre.com.au Various times / $39-45 / Family

Combined Sign On Day Townsville Hockey Association www.commercialshockey.com.au 4.00pm / Free / Family

2020 Cowboys Community Day Training Field, Cowboys HQ www.cowboys.com.au 5.30pm / Free / Family

Adoption Day Petbarn Townsville www.petbarn.com.au 10.00am / Various pricing / Family

The Beautiful Girls Otherwise Bar www.moshtix.com.au 7.30pm / $43.79 / 18+ Yrs

URT Bushfire Charity Camp 19 Aitken St, Aitkenvale URT Transformation Centre 7.00am / Free / Family SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY

SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY Lonely Hearts Valentine's Day Sale Runs until 22 February Animal Care and Adoption Centre www.townsville. qld.gov.au/animals 9.30am / Various prices / Family Awesome 80s Show Cowboys Leagues Club www.cowboysleagues.com.au 6.30pm / $20 / Adults

TUESDAY 4 FEBRUARY

Migi Yarn Women's Book Club CityLibraries Thuringowa Central www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / 15+ Yrs

Parent Information Session: Triple P Overview CityLibraries Aitkenvale www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 9.30am / Free / Family

Riverway Vikings Come and Try Day Charles Moroney Park, Kelso www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / Family

Free Community Open Day Charters Towers Kids Early Learning Centre www.kidselc.com.au 9.00am / Free / Family

Parental First Aid and CPR Workshop Nurture Family Health Centre www.nurturehealthcentre.com 10.15am / $30 / Adults

Renegade Handmade Market Marian School Renegade Handmade 8.00am / Free / Family Songs of the Shows Carlton Theatre www.whatson.townsville.qld. gov.au 2.00pm / $15-25 / Family Three Divas and the Gentlemen of Jazz NQ Licensed Events Centre www.jazztownsville.com 6.00pm / $10-40 / Family Sign On Day Curra Swans Football Club www.curraswans.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family TUESDAY 11 FEBRUARY Expectant Parent Information Night Townsville & District Multiple Birth Association Inc. www.townsvillemultiples.com.au 7.30pm / Free / Family

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What's On • February WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY International Ocean Film Tour BCC Cinemas Townsville Central www.adventure entertainment.com 7.00pm / $18-22 / Family Morning Melodies The Swingin' Martinis Burdekin Theatre www.burdekintheatre.com.au 11.00am / $15 / Family Chicks at the Flicks - Ghost Event Cinemas (Townsville City) www.eventcinemas.com.au 6.00pm / From $15 / Family FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY Anh Do - The Happiest Refugee Townsville Civic Theatre www.alist.com.au 8.00pm / $59.90-64.90 / Family Open Day Calvary Early Learning Centre www.elc.calvary.qld.edu.au 9.30am / Free / Family SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY Hotter Than Hell Kirwan Tavern www.oztix.com.au 2.00pm / Check Website / 18+ Years Glory Days: The Bruce Springsteen Show The Ville Resort-Casino www.the-ville.com.au 6.30pm / $39 / 18+ Yrs Family Fun Day Perc Tucker Regional Gallery www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / Family

Try Sail Experience Townsville Sailing Club www.townsvillesailing.com.au 2.00pm / $10-20 / Family SATURDAY 22 FEBRUARY Family Fishing Tournament Runs until 23 February Taylors Beach www.hinchinbrookway.com.au 7.00am / Check Website / Family Stadium Open Day Queensland Country Bank Stadium www.queenslandcountry bankstadium.com.au Check Website / Free / Family SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY Castle Hill Trail Run Castle Hill www.outerlimits adventure.com.au 6.00am / Check Website / Family Sip and Paint in Townsville: Monet's Footbridge Jezzine Barracks Townsville Art Classes 2.00pm / $64.39 / Adults MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY In My Blood It Runs Screening Event Cinemas (Townsville City) www.inmyblooditruns.com 7.00pm / $23 / Family TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY Come and Try Night Murray Sports Stadium Monsoons Volleyball Club 6.30pm / Free / Family WEDNESDAY 26 FEBRUARY The Blood of Kings Runs until 7 March

32 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

Townsville Civic Theatre www.theatreinq.com Check website / Family THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY Shake the Rainbow Runs until 1 March Stockland Townsville www.stockland.com.au Daily / Check Website / Family SATURDAY 29 FEBRUARY Elton John - Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour Queensland Country Bank Stadium www.eltonjohn.com 6.00pm / Check Website / Family

With Triple M’s Minty

FRIDAY 13 MARCH NQ Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos Queensland Country Bank Stadium www.queenslandcountry bankstadium.com.au 7.00pm / Check Website / Family THURSDAY 19 MARCH Sleeping Beauty Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 7.30pm / $55-85 / Family WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH

The Mystery Feast Burdekin Theatre www.burdekintheatre.com.au 5.30pm / $80 / Adults

Kinky Boots Runs until 4 April Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 8.00pm / $35-50 / Family

SAVE THE DATES:

FRIDAY 27 MARCH

SUNDAY 1 MARCH

Townsville Battle of the Brains Brothers Leagues Club Townsville www.thepyjamafoundation.com 6.00pm / $20 / Adults

Bedside Manners Pimlico State High Performing Arts Centre Townsville Little Theatre 8.00pm / TBA MONDAY 2 MARCH 10cc Live in Concert Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 8.00pm / $69.90-99.90 / Family FRIDAY 6 MARCH Ocean Film Festival World Tour Townsville Civic Theatre www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 7.00pm / $24-34 / Family

Regular Markets on P. 37 Regular Events on P. 38

Pull-out kids activity mag!

For your chance to WIN a Wahu Skim & Hoop, tell us what your favourite thing to do in the pool is and why. Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win Competition closes 29/02/2020 Wahu Skim & Hoop - RRP $99.99 - Wahu Skim & Hoop is a large inflatable which can be used both in and out of the pool! Featuring 2 basketball hoops, 3 circular skim scoring targets, a detachable net on the rear plus an 11cm ball, you'll be all set for summer! Ideal for unlimited rounds of pool basketball challenges, water polo, pool football/soccer or skim ball challenges! For Ages 6+ - www.wahu.com.au

Mini Mag

For your chance to WIN a Engino Dragon’s Evolution Kit, tell us which dragon you would build and why. Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 29/02/2020 Engino Dragon’s Evolution Kit - RRP $54.95 - This STEM Heroes kit introduces children into the world of STEM disciplines (Science – Technology – Engineering and Mathematics) through a completely new and playful approach. Choose to build Phoenix Dragon, Pterosaur, Elder Dragon, Phaegal Dragon or Twinheaded Dragon. - www.engino.com.au

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For your chance to WIN a pair of Suneez, tell us which path leads the monkey to the bananas. Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 29/02/2020 Suneez - RRP $47.00 - Suneez, a UK based company are offering a brand-new range of stylish, polarised, funky kids’ sunglasses, which feature all the sun-blocking properties of an expensive pair of adult sunglasses. They come in one size, designed to fit kids from ages 3-10 years and are available in a range of cool colour combinations to make your little one look the part this summer - www.suneez.com

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Regular Markets Castle Hill PCYC Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.00am - 11.00am Location: Castle Hill PCYC

Bluewater Twilight Markets Date: 2nd Saturday of the month Time: 4.00pm - 8.00pm Location: Bluewater Community Centre

Mundingburra Markets Date: 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 7.30am - 12.00pm Location: Mundingburra State School

Riverway Moonlight Markets Date: 3rd Friday of the month Time: 5.00pm - 9.00pm Location: Riverway

Bushland Beach Markets Date: 1st and 3rd Sunday

of the month Time: 9.00am - 1.00pm Location: Bushland Beach Park

Cotters Markets

Strand Night Markets

Date: Every Sunday Time: 8.30am - 1.00pm Location: Flinders St & Townsville Bulletin Square

Date: 1st Friday of the month (runs from Feb to Dec) Time: 5.00pm - 9.00pm Location: Strand Park

Date: 1st Saturday of the month (Mar - Dec) Time: 9.00am - 12.00pm Location: Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village, 60 Beck Drive, Condon

Horseshoe Bay Markets

Willows Rotary Markets

Date: Every 2nd and last Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am - 2.00pm Location: Horseshoe Bay Foreshore

Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.30 - 11.30am Location: Willows Shopping Centre Car Park

North Shore Night Markets

Mount View Plaza Markets

Date: 2nd Friday of the month Time: 5.00pm - 9.00pm Location: North Shore Display Village

Date: Every Saturday (excluding Jan) Time: 8.00am - 2.00pm.

Location: Mount View Market Place

Date: 1st Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Fisherman’s Landing Balgal Beach

Magnetic Island RSL Markets

Aitkenvale Uniting Church Markets

Date: Every Friday (excluding Good Friday) Time: 5.30pm - 8.00pm Location: Magnetic Island RSL

Date: 3rd Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 12.00 noon Location: Cnr Anne St and Ross River Rd

Carlyle Gardens Arts & Crafts Markets

Renegade Handmade Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Marian School

Balgal Beach Markets

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Regular Events Townsville Galleries Free Family Fun Day - Art Activities for the Family Days: Third Sunday of the month Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm Location: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery More Info: 4727 9011 Cost: Free

Townsville City Council Townsville Eats Days: Last Friday of the month Time: 5.00pm - 10.00pm Location: 334 Flinders St More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free entry

Belgian Gardens State School Playgroup Days: Mondays Time: 9.00am - 11.00am Location: Belgian Gardens SS Hall More Info: 4717 1333 or rickandjules4@bigpond.com Cost: Gold coin donation

First Five Forever Parent Information Sessions Days: Second Friday of the month Time: 9.30am Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free

Newborn and Family Drop-In Service Days: Tuesdays (9.00am 2.00pm), Saturdays (9.00am - 12.00pm) Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free Messy Play (bookings required) Days: Wednesdays Time: 9.15am & 10.30am Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale Cost: Free

Riverway Parkrun Days: Saturdays Time: From 7.00am Location: Meet at the front of Tony Ireland Stadium on the grassed area near the ticket box.

Cost: Free

Mainly Music For babies to pre prep aged children. Fun, music, morning tea and free play.

Days: Thursdays (during school term) Time: 9.30am - 11.00am Location: St Peter’s Anglican Church, West End More Info: 0414 807 179 Cost: $3 per child MOPS - Mothers of PreSchoolers For mothers with children 0-6 years. Connect, relax and recharge.

Days: Fridays – fortnightly during chool terms Time: 9.30am - 11.30am Location: Northreach Baptist Church, Kirwan More Info: 0428 926 442 mops@northreach.org.au Cost: $8 per session

Riverway parkrun is a 5km course along Ross River that you can complete by running or walking (or both) and is for all ages. Children, prams and dogs are all welcome to join in the fun. Please note: Scooters and bikes are not allowed for safety and insurance reasons.

Get Active + Healthy Townsville

This course is wheelchair friendly.

Toy Library Townsville (The Toy Shed)

Registration is free and available at www.parkrun.com.au/riverway

Days: 2nd Saturday of every month (excluding January) Time: 9.00am - 12.00pm

38 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

Free Fitness + Activities Days: Every day Location: Various Locations More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost: Free

Location: Fitzroy St, Heatley Cost: $80 / year membership.

Hire upto 10 toys per month.

More info: 0420 585 069 Or 0400 815 279 Townsville Toy Shed

Townsville Toy Library Days: Every Tuesday and Saturday Time: 9.30am - 11.00am Location: Townsville Grammar School (Brazier Dr, Annandale) More Info: Townsville Toy Library Cost: $100 / year membership.

Giggle N Grow Playgroup Come along for arts, craft, sensory play, a healthy morning tea, connect with other families and more. Children 0 - 5 years.

Cost: Free Days: Every Wednesday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Aitkenvale State School More Info: 3333 8720 Days: Every Thursday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Garbutt State School More Info: 3333 8720 Days: Every Friday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Heatley State School More Info: 3333 8720

All Things Tweens and Teens

All Things Tweens & Teens Connecting with your Teenager Sometimes, it’s difficult to comprehend that one day, your sweet little baby will grow into a fully independent adult.

Yet here they are entering their teenage years, and with that comes a whirlwind of hormones, new interests and body changes. Things that were once interesting to them as a child may not be interesting to them anymore, so how can parents connect with them?

A few ways you can connect with your teen is by eating meals and catching up together, being involved in what interests them by attending their sports games or dance performances and simply being there for them. Adolescence is a confusing and sometimes difficult time for children, and while they may not act like it – they still need your support and affection.

Alcohol, Smoking and Drugs A common concern for parents is whether their teenagers are drinking alcohol, smoking, vaping or taking drugs, since teenagers often feel pressured to experiment with these substances.

Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement or provoke antisocial behaviour. Smoking can turn into a lifelong addiction and lead to a multitude of health problems including cancer.

There are many different types of drugs that can damage the brain and other parts of the body.

You can help your teen by talking to them about peer pressure, supporting them, encouraging healthy friendships, knowing their activities, establishing rules and consequences, discussing reasons not to join in, debunk myths about the topic and be prepared to answer questions truthfully. It’s also important to set a good example; if you drink, do so in moderation and explain to them why it’s okay for adults to drink responsibly.

MEBEME Natural Skincare For Tweens Struggling to tackle those adolescent pimples and body odour? MEBEME is a fresh natural skincare brand made especially for young tween skin.

Their line includes everything tween boys and girls could ever need such as facial cleansers, moisturisers and deodorant, and encourages them to look after their skin in a super easy way, using awesome natural products. They are gentle and delicate, free of chemicals and smell great.

MEBEME is all about creating good personal care habits, positive attitudes, not harming animals and most importantly, celebrating “me being me”. Check out their website for more information at www.mebeme.com.au WIN a MEBEME prize pack worth $48.85, which includes a moisturiser, cleanser and deodorant!

Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 41

All Things Tweens and Teens

The Importance of Mental Health STORY Kalisha Fitsch Mental health is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century. With half of all mental health conditions in adulthood emerging by the age of 14, it is more important than ever to start a conversation about them. Unfortunately, while this is so important, there is still a stigma around these issues. So, let’s talk about it.

What Mental Health Issues Affect Teens?

While there are a number of different mental health issues, some common ones include: Anxiety disorders – Excessive worrying about or overthinking everyday matters, feeling extremely self-conscious and phobias. People with anxiety disorders may also experience panic attacks.

Depression – Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety and/or emptiness, usually accompanied by a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Eating disorders – Categorised by disordered eating symptoms leading to a distorted body image, intense fear of gaining weight, restricting food intake and over-exercising.

What Causes Mental Illness?

Mental health is multilayered, and determined by a variety of factors. Here are just a few: School or work stress – Being under a lot of pressure at school or work can cause teens to become overwhelmed. They may also struggle figuring out their career path or if they are being bullied.

Relationships – Problems within a relationship can make teens feel confused, hurt and upset – more so when the relationship turns emotionally or physically abusive.

Health – Dealing with ongoing health issues, such as a chronic illness or a disability, can take a toll on their happiness and may cause worries about their future.

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Social media – While social media offers many upsides, popular trends and viral posts can give an unrealistic expectation of what their life, body or career should be like. Think about those Instagram models with thousands of followers and seemingly ‘perfect’ lives.

Other factors include substance abuse, social issues, trauma, losing someone close to them and more.

Genetics may be at play too.

Signs that Something May Be Off Many young people feel down sometimes. It’s perfectly normal, especially with all those hormones at play; but sometimes, there may be something bigger happening.

Signs include changes in sleep or energy level, changes in appetite, an out-of-character irritability, lack of interest in fun activities or making self-deprecating comments. If your teen is telling you about their ongoing worries, shutting themselves off or simply not acting like themselves, it’s a good sign that it’s time to seek help.

How You Can Help You can help your teen tackle their worries by letting them know they can always talk to you, making arrangements with their school to put less stress on them and seeing a health professional. Don’t be too quick to take their phone away, as many teens chat with their friends as a coping mechanism – but encourage them to disconnect every once in a while.

75 per cent of people who receive treatment experience notable improvements. Understand that there is help out there for your child, and remind them that they are never alone in their struggles, and that they are always loved.

Helpful Resources • www.headspace.org.au

• www.mindblank.org.au

• www.beyondblue.org.au

• www.ruok.org.au

Health

All Things Health All About Chronic Pain Chronic pain is defined as a persistent pain that lasts for more than three months. There are many types, including nerve pain and pain from bones, muscles and joints. It can be anything from mild to severe, but anyone who has experienced it will be able to tell you how frustrating it can be to deal with.

It can be caused by a variety of conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, endometriosis, ehlers-danlos syndrome, degenerative diseases or cancer. Chronic pain can also happen after having surgery. Because it’s so inhibiting, it can mess with your everyday life and may lead to depression.

Listen Up: Facts About Ears The smallest bones in your body are in your middle ear; the incus, the malleus and the stapes (also called the anvil, hammer and stirrup).

There are many different ways you can attempt to handle your chronic pain. You can try planning your days differently, learning to relax, going for walks, trying acupuncture, using heated wheat bags, looking into physical therapy and speaking to your doctor about what options may suit you. At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that every body is different and responds differently to these methods. If you’re unsure, consult your doctor to ensure that these methods are safe for you.

There are also DNA tests like the myDNA test which is available at Calanna Wholehealth stores. These can give you and your GP valuable insight into what pain medications work best for your genetic profile.

Spot My UV Detection Stickers Your exposure to UV today is different to your exposure tomorrow.

These handy and easy to use stickers take the guesswork out of your sun protection.

SPOTMYUV’s™ patented skin mimicking technology shows how much UV is getting through your skin. When you’re in the sun and exposed to UV rays, SPOT’s™ purple dye is visible. When you’re wearing (enough) sunscreen, UV rays are blocked and SPOTMYUV™ is clear.

These handy stickers offer an easy way to know when it is time to reapply sunscreen for yourself and your family. They are the perfect addition to your outdoor kit and available at Calanna Wholehealth.

Your ears help you balance.

A common condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) occurs when tiny calcium particles inside your ears clump together in the inner ear, affecting the messages sent from your inner ear to your brain and causing you to feel dizzy and nauseous.

Not all creatures hear with their ears. Snakes use their jawbones; male mosquitoes use antennae and fish respond to changes in pressure. Birds have an inner ear system similar to that of a human’s.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 45

Health

All Things Health Health Benefits of Dates Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree. They’re a delicious sweet snack, and have become quite popular in recent years – luckily for us, not only are they delicious, they’re super healthy too.

High in fibre. Fibre benefits your digestive health by preventing constipation and promotes regular bowel movements, and dates are a great source of it.

High in antioxidants. Dates contain various antioxidants which protect your cells from free radicals. Compared to similar types of fruit, dates have the highest antioxidant content.

Natural Remedies for Period Cramps Menstrual cramps are an uncomfortable monthly part of life for many women (unless you’re one of those people who never gets them – in which case, lucky you!). For some, they can be difficult to manage and leave you wanting to curl up in bed for a few days. Let’s explore some natural remedies that may help.

May promote natural labour. Eating dates during the last few weeks of pregnancy may promote cervical dilation and may even be helpful in reducing labour time, several studies have shown.

How interesting!

Dates serve as an excellent natural sweetener, and are delicious added to smoothies, muffins, oatmeal, salads and bread. They’re great as a snack too, so next time you’re craving something sweet, why not reach for some dates instead of lollies or cookies?

Stay hydrated – Water, water, and when you think you’ve had enough, have some more water. Sipping on a chamomile tea can help too.

Eat well – You may be craving sugary, salty, or fatty foods during this time, but what your body really needs is anti-inflammatory foods like cherries, blueberries, tomatoes and capsicums.

Heat – A hot water bottle, heating pad or wheat bag against the abdomen can help relax the muscles and bring you some relief.

Gentle exercise – It may be the last thing on your mind, but trust us; go for a walk. Exercise releases endorphins, which are nature’s natural pain relievers.

46 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

Advertorial

One Year On – Townsville Floods STORY Coralee O’Rourke - Member for Mundingburra, Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services & Seniors 26th January 2019 was the beginning of a time that Townsville and many areas of North Queensland will not forget. A time when the sun didn’t shine, but the rain fell and continued to fall for the following 11 days.

We saw the local Council, Defence personnel, our Emergency Services personnel, hundreds of volunteer groups, community groups and members of the public come together to help those in need. The Palaszczuk Government proactively worked alongside the Local Disaster Management Group to support the community in recovering from this unprecedented event.

We established the State Community Recovery Hubs, the Small Business Recovery Centre and the Rental Recovery Hub around the city offering affected residents financial assistance, housing and support services.

One year on from this catastrophic event, an event that lead to families being forced from their homes, businesses having to close their doors, water-logged schools and an unimaginable amount of damage to our city, we are slowly seeing residents rebuilding and businesses reopening.

To date, more than $30 million in personal hardship assistance was administered through the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors (DCDSS) in Townsville, benefiting almost 103,000 people.

In addition, we have seen the Small Business Disaster Recovery Centre take more than 2,550 phone calls and receive 1,443 visits to the Centre. A total funding of $1,171,007 has been allocated to the Townsville Local Government Area since the activation of disaster assistance for Small Businesses.

With a vast number of residents displaced from their place of residence through rental accommodation, the Rental Recovery Hub received more than 800 registered requests for housing assistance, supporting over 1,800 residents throughout this time. Further, the Queensland Government supported close to 5,000 public housing tenants during their time of need during the flooding event.

It cannot be denied this severe weather event impacted almost every person in Townsville and surrounds. But our city came together during and after one of the worst events that we’ve faced, and the community should be extremely proud of how resilient and compassionate we are when we all work together in accomplishing a common goal.

Townsville support services are still accessible from the Queensland Government with information available on the following site or by contacting my electorate office on 4766 8100 for guidance to access the services. www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/ 0021/54750/townsville.pdf

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 49

Advertiser Feature

Local Produce Recipes

Pasta Alla Puttanesca Tasty Butter Chicken RECIPE Jana Gorski - Naturopath Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp butter 1 onion, diced 1 tsp ginger, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 chicken breasts, cut into chunks ½ cup Greek yoghurt

1 400g BPA-free can tomato puree 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp cumin ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Method Place the yoghurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin and paprika into a bowl. Stir in the chicken until evenly coated, and refrigerate for an hour.

In a saucepan, heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened. Add the chicken mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken begins to brown.

Add the tomato puree, cover and bring to the boil, reduce heat to low and let it simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally.

When the mixture has thickened, it’s ready to eat. Serve with hot Basmati rice and fresh corriander.

RECIPE Matthew Calanna Ingredients ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 400g cans pureed tomatoes 3 garlic cloves 2 tbsp capers 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup black olives, halved and pitted 1 tsp dried oregano ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 500g dry spaghetti Grated parmesan cheese, to taste Method Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, then add in the tomato puree, olives, capers, oregano and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat until thickened.

Bring a pot of water to the boil and salt it. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and return to the same pot, adding the sauce, cherry tomatoes and parsley. Toss over low heat until the sauce coats the pasta.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve.

Jana's Tip: Protect the health of your whole family and only use BPA-free cans.

Matthew's Tip: To make this recipe a bit punchier, add three or more minced anchovy fillets.

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 51

Home

Calm, Minimal Living 1

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PakMag's Tip: For those sentimental items that you can’t part with, display them in a special spot, such as the centrepiece of a table, on the window sill or on top of your wardrobe. If you are struggling to find a spot for the item but simply can’t part with it, store it inside a cupboard, drawer, or invest in a storage ottoman.

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www.lightingstores.eu

1. Middle of Nowhere Palm Resort Framed Print - $395.00 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 2. Kore Clock Black and Grey - $28.00 - www.freedom.com.au 3. Recess Coffee Table Natural and Marble - $699.00 - www.freedom.com.au 4. Black Beauty Deco Object - $49.00 - www.freedom.com.au 5. Miray Mindnight Vanilla Candle - $19.20 - www.freedom.com.au 6. Titan 60W E27 Floor Lamp - $249.00 - www.freedom.com.au 7. Docklands 2.5 Seat Fabric Modular Sofa with Chaise - $1399.00 www.freedom.com.au

52 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

www.theultralinx.com

Less is more. The minimalist lifestyle has gained some popularity over the years, and contrary to popular belief, it’s not always about empty counters and minimal possessions. It’s more about clearing and storing the clutter from your life, highlighting what is most important to you and allowing you to live in peace.

Here are some tips for calm, minimal living.

Examine and Declutter The first step to minimal living is decluttering your living space. Easier said than done, that’s for sure – especially with little humans around the house. Thankfully, getting started is the hardest part. First, get rid of any duplicate items, followed by items you never (or very rarely) use.

That shirt you haven’t worn in over a year? Give it to charity.

That birthday card from months ago that’s collecting dust on the shelf? Let it go. Hold onto items that are special to you, but reduce the number of knick-knacks you own.

If you’re struggling to decide on whether to get rid of something, put the item in a box and set it aside.

If you don’t feel the overwhelming need to save it after a few weeks, give it away.

This decluttering process includes food and personal hygiene products, too; use it up before buying more. Avoid buying things just because they’re cheap – this will help you save money down the track, too.

Calm and Collected Vibes Let lots of light into the room, keep clutter at bay and invest in comfortable things. Light curtains or open shutters, tidy surfaces with minimal objects on them and comfy couches with soft cushions are a recipe for relaxation. Ensure you have a lamp with soft lighting for when the sun goes down, bright enough for reading but not so bright that it keeps you from getting sleepy.

Light a delightful candle in your favourite scent, take a deep breath, and chill out. Turning your home into a space where you like to relax will subconsciously help you calm down at the end of a long day.

Tranquil Decorations While keeping your spaces tidy, fill your home with items that make you feel calm or are meaningful to you. Think framed photographs or paintings of nature scenes, animals or portraits, plants to add a touch of green and a few elegant decorative objects. Sculptures of animals or geometric shapes work perfectly in the modern minimalistic style, but it can be whatever you want. Another way to keep your space calm is by sticking to neutral colour schemes such as whites, greys and blacks, with touches of colour in the corners of the room.

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1. Tulah Namok & Junior Tamwoy - The Strand 2. Antonette Fajardo - Strand Rockpool 3. Lily Ferguson - The Strand 4. Ethan Ferguson - Strand Waterpark 5. Astrid, Roald & Rosalie Theron 6. Tarak Massey & Bhaerava Massey - Strand Rockpool 7. Sebastian Ferguson - Strand Waterpark 8. Gina Blarrey & Marvis Sipi - The Strand

54 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

Snapped

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Photography thanks to: Josephine Carter Photography p 0455 295 416 e josiarnold87@gmail.com Josephine Carter Photography www.josephinecarterphotography.com

9. Shreya Massey - Strand Rockpool 10. Felicity Blarrey - The Strand 11. Uma Rennella - Strand Waterpark 12. Kalii Massey - Strand Rockpool 13. Tarak Massey & Alex Massey - Strand Rockpool 14. Atiya Burford - Strand Rockpool 15. Amelia Dau - The Strand

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 55

Celebrate

Buzzy Bee Celebration

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www.catchmyparty.com

www.chasinivy.com

Get 10% OFF! Use code: PAKMAG

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Rain or shine, a buzzy bee themed party is sure to brighten up anyone’s day. With vibrant colours, sweet treats and a warm vibe, this party is going to be the bee’s knees. Whether you’re hosting a party for the little ones or a get-together for the girls, we’ve got what you need to make it a sweet day.

Turn Your Home into a Beehive Bees are often associated with sunny weather and colourful flowers, so keep this in mind when planning the décor for your party. Choose a bright and natural colour scheme, such as white, yellow and green.

Pick some flowers or head over to the store and pick out a lovely bouquet to serve as the centrepiece on your table. Give your guests a vibrant flower crown on arrival that they can take home with them after the party.

Drinks with a Little Buzz Sugar, ohh, honey honey. Adding honey to your drinks will add a little touch of sweetness. Keep it simple with honey and mint infused water or take it up a notch with honey strawberry lemonade or honey and peach iced tea. It works fantastically in mocktails as well, which the tweens and teens are sure to love.

If your party is more for adults, try adding honey to your alcoholic beverages. Honey melon mojitos, wildflower honey punch or wild berry and honey sangria are sure to bring the buzz.

Treats Sweet like Honey When you think of honey, the first thing you likely think about is yummy sweet treats. Head into the kitchen and get your hands dirty (or sticky, especially when working with honey). Add it to cookies, cakes, fudge and donuts. For some savoury options, try incorporating it into glazed chicken wings, grilled prawns and dips.

Keep them Buzzy To complete your party, keep your guests ‘buzzy’ with a variety of party games and activities. Why not make a queen bee or beehive pinata out of paper mâché, filled with small toys and yummy snacks?

Alternatively, put a twist on the classic “pass the parcel” by passing around a soft toy bumblebee and shouting out “buzzy bee” when stopping the music, or play pin the stinger on the bee.

1. Legoe Otis Nursing Dress in White - RRP $109.00 (Get 10% off this price using code: PAKMAG) - www.queenbee.com.au 2. Blue Planet Polarized Eyewear Classic Pop Jr - RRP $52.50 www.misustreetwear.com.au 3. Salt Water Shark Kid's Sandals in White - RRP $74.95 - www.cocoshop.com.au 4. Handmade Bee Headband - RRP $38.00 - Etsy Store: FORvHER

Under Five's Activity Guide

Under Five's Activity Guide Ann Roberts School of Dance Ann Roberts School of Dance opens the doors to the wide world of dance, providing each student with strong technical and performance skills as well as helping to enhance their personal development. Students can learn classical ballet, character, tap, jazz, contemporary, highland, song and dance, hip hop and fitness. All ages are catered for, from tiny tots right through to adults.

Teeny Tots – Mums (or a family member) and their toddlers get together to explore movement and music while connecting with each other. A great, light-hearted introduction to the dance environment.

Tiny Tots – For three- and four-year olds, this class encourages musicality, coordination and locomotion skills. Classes are structured to keep their attention, encourage them to explore movement patterns and have fun.

with other children while their brain actively begins the journey of music, song and dance.

Each session will include activities that involve singing, dancing, percussion and fun music games!

The emphasis is on having lots of fun! Join us on a Musical Journey that will leave you smiling from ear to ear and with a feeling that only music can bring.

A 28 Hamilton Street, Level 2, Townsville City P 0439 706 579 E info@kingkonzmusic.com King Konz School of Music www.kingkonzmusic.com

Wildcatz Indoor Sports Wildcatz Indoor Sports is the perfect fully-airconditioned place to have fun, exercise, and meet new friends.

A 8-10 Fletcher St, Townsville P 4771 3385 Ann Roberts School of Dance www.annroberts.com.au

They offer a variety of junior sports such as cricket, netball and soccer, as well as a range of levels, from social through to competitions. Nominate a team with your friends, or let the friendly staff find a suitable team for you. Suitable for all ages and abilities.

King Konz School of Music

Under 8’s play for FREE in the Rugrats soccer program.

King Konz School of Music’s unique programs give your child an experience that will inspire and enrich their passion and love for music.

Mum and dad can sit back at the café and enjoy a coffee while their little one plays.

From Baby Chimps to Rockstar Chimps, classes introduce children to learn through play. Engage their senses through gentle movement and engagement

A 18 Black Hawk Boulevard, Thuringowa Central P 4723 1414 Wildcatz Indoor Sports (Official) www.wildcatzindoorsports.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 59

Under Five's Activity Guide

Paul Sadler Swimland

Croft Gilchrist School of Dancing

Swim classes from four months of age.

Professionally-run dance classes offering a number of exciting courses.

A Swim Australia five-star accredited, private swim school where they ensure that every child learns the skills needed to swim confidently, to enjoy the water, and to feel relaxed in a safe environment. Lessons at Swimland are fun for all.

Swordy Tots – Baby, infant and toddler swimming from four months old.

Learn to Swim – For children aged over three years.

If you are looking for great value, then check out their unlimited make up policy for missed regular classes (for current customers) plus their new defence discount.

Bookings are essential.

For more information check out their website or give them a call.

P 4779 4647 A 20-22 Freshwater Dr, Douglas www.paulsadlerswimland.com

Full Throttle Theatre Company Full Throttle Theatre Company’s Props Youth Theatre is for performers aged five to 17 years. Some of the activities and initiatives include theatrical productions, kids in the city, play reading nights, audition preparations, social events, and day care visits. The theatre program consists of four six-week blocks from February to December, as well as five mainstage shows and two youth shows.

Through these activities, Full Throttle Theatre Company aims to be a hub of mentoring and training for young people with a love for the theatre.

Cost: $100 per term A The Old Courthouse Theatre, Cnr Sturt and Stokes St, Townsville City P 0476 590 004 Full Throttle Theatre Company www.fullthrottletheatre.com

60 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au

Croft-Gilchrist School of Dance provides a variety of dance classes, from Tiny Tots and Dance with Me all the way to classes in ballet, modern jazz & tap, highland, acrobatic and teenage and adult.

Tiny Tots and Dance with Me – These classes teach students from the age of two to develop the skills of movement, coordination, music appreciation and to be flexible working with others.

A 36 French St, Pimlico P 4771 5843 Croft-Gilchrist School of Dance – Dance Studio www.croftgilchristdance.com.au

Townsville Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA) TAPA cultivates the love of the art of dance in a nurturing atmosphere. The energetic pre-school programs Ready Set Dance and Ready Set Ballet focus on developing the 3 C’s for preschoolers – Confidence, Co-ordination and Creativity. Introduce your preschooler to the magic of these classes in 2020.

TAPA was recently awarded both Ready Set Ballet Studio of the Year and Ready Set Ballet Teacher of the Year for 2019 from over 200 studios in Australia and New Zealand.

They also deliver quality training from experienced qualified teachers in many genres of dance including, ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, acrobatics, Irish, hip hop, song and dance.

A 1/14 Black Hawk Blvd, Thuringowa Central P 4723 2101 TAPA www.tapa.net.au

Under Five's Activity Guide

CityLibraries Townsville First5Forever Baby Rhyme Time, every Monday at Aitkenvale and Thursday at Thuringowa – Sing songs and rhymes, clap, move, and explore books together.

Designed for children from birth to two years.

First5Forever Toddler Time, every Tuesday at Thuringowa, Wednesday at Flinders St and Thursday at Aitkenvale – Develop your toddler’s early literacy skills and concentration with fun songs, dance, and a story.

First5Forever Storytime, every Tuesday at Flinders Street, Wednesday at Thuringowa and Friday at Aitkenvale – Encourage and nurture your child’s love of books while helping them develop early literacy and social skills. Sessions involve several story readings as well as rhymes and a craft activity. Suitable for ages 3-5.

Firs5Forever Messy Play, every Wednesday at Aitkenvale – Your child will develop their fine and gross motor skills by exploring fun, sensory, and creative messy play.

Library branches are located at Thuringowa, Townsville City and Aitkenvale.

A 86 Thuringowa Dr, Thuringowa Central A 4 Petunia St, Aitkenvale A 1/280 Flinders St, Townsville www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Inflatable Kingdom Inflatable Kingdom provides a high-energy, action packed environment with inflatables of all shapes and sizes.

Book online to save 10% off entry price.

Don’t forget your socks!

A 72-88 Hervey Range Rd, Condon P 4032 2844 Inflatable Kingdom www.inflatablekingdom.com.au

Mini Ninjas – Nurture your mini ninja with these sessions, focused on the development of movement and coordination in a fun environment. This program is for children aged three to six.

Casual Play Sessions – Ninja Parc specialises in play, providing casual play sessions that allow children to move at their own pace. These sessions are mostly unstructured and ideal for little ones as well as families.

A 18 Black Hawk Blvd, Thuringowa Central P 0427 139 762 Ninja Parc Townsville www.ninjaparc.com.au

Sk8way Sk8way provides a facility for both recreational and competitive skating.

Learn 2 Skate sessions – Broken up into three levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced), let the staff guide you towards helping you become an expert in skating. Lessons are $10 per skater (includes skate hire).

Skating sessions – If you’d rather skate on your own terms, simply attend one of the general skating sessions. Skate hire available for just $4 per person.

A 72-88 Hervey Range Rd, Condon P 4755 4422 Sk8way Townsville www.sk8way.com.au

NQ Football NQ Football of Excellence specialises in introducing children of all ages to “The Beautiful Game”.

They currently run free soccer training sessions every second Friday afternoon for children 5 years and under (Mini Cubs).

Ninja Parc

They focus on children learning in a fun, encouraging environment. NQ Football aims to develop their ball skills and general understanding of the game through team-based exercises and one on one training.

For more information please visit their website.

Discover a world of movement through an indoor obstacle course with rope climbs, poles, vertical and horizontal doors and much more for your little ninja.

P 0427 919 997 E admin@nqfootballofexcellence.com www.nqfootballofexcellence.com

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2020 63

Daddy Diary

Daddy Diary Move over Game of Thrones, take a backseat Seinfeld, and step aside The Simpsons. Whilst you three were recently voted some of the most loved TV shows of all time (an impressive feat), your popularity has no standing in the "House of Clifton". Your place at that mantle has been pilfered by an adorable Blue Heeler and his band of merry pooches. Long live King Bluey!

That's where I'll end the G.O.T references. I think you get my drift, but the point remains. If you are the parent of a remote wielding child, no doubt you are well across channel number 22 and its biggest star. Move over Hoot and take a backseat Jimmy Giggle. Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for Bluey.

As mentioned, Bluey is as cute as the day is long.

The only thing nicer than the aesthetics of Australia's

Head to Parents and Kids of North Queensland YouTube Channel to see Bree’s up close interview with Cliffo.

favourite Blue Heeler (sorry Mount Thomas) is the warm and fuzzy feeling you get at the end of every episode.

Bluey is a kids’ TV show with a message. I love that this simple little show is produced right here in Queensland and exported right around the world. Go Sunshine State.

But Bluey is not the only big ABC2 hit in our family.

The Wiggles, Play School, Go Jetters (great jingle on that show), PJ Masks, Peppa Pig and Octonauts all hold a special place in my kids’ hearts. If only I could get Matilda and Charlie to look at me the way they look at ABC2. Now that's love.

But of course, I'm only half serious. TV time can and should be limited for young eyes. It's definitely a sometimes thing and should never take preference over family time, a good book or a play outside.

You get the idea. But I do think that it's awesome that dear old Aunty has set a up pretty much full time TV channel and app just for the youngest viewers in our country. And I love that a show like Bluey with all its heart is up there as my kids’ favourite.

Now to go outside an get some fresh air. It's what Bluey would want.

Cliffo Hit 103.1 Townsville

64 February 2020 | www.pakmag.com.au