PakMag Townsville - October 2018 Issue 95

ISSUE: OCT 2018

95

TOWNSVILLE

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE

SEEMINGLY INNOCENT THINGS THAT ARE DANGEROUS

HALLOWEEN PARTY FUN

MASCULINE VS FEMININE ENERGY IN PARENTING

NEW BEGINNINGS: TIPS FOR TRANSITION

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN: SPOOKY RECIPES

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

CONTENTS 4

Entertainment: Check It Out

6

Feature: 10 Seemingly Innocent Things that are Dangerous

9

The Thing Is: With Bree James

11

New Beginnings: Tips for Transition

15 Masculine Vs Feminine

Energy in Parenting 19 Principal’s Pen 21 The PakMag Experts

Hello and welcome to the October edition of PakMag, our Halloween Extravaganza.

This month we have an exclusive preview of Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween - head to www.pakmag.com.au for your chance to win, and get the kids to do their Mini Mag for more chances to win.

We have so many exciting things happening in the background at PakMag HQ, we can’t wait to share them with you. So if you aren’t following us on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, or signed up as a PakClub member on our website - you should!

Until next time, hope you have a sensational month, don’t forget to tell everyone you read it in PakMag.

23 Bump, Bub and Beyond:

Pregnancy Problems 24 Bump, Bub and Beyond: WIN 27 What’s On Guide

Bree James Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief

29 Mini Mag 37 Kids in the Kitchen: Halloween 38 Nourishing Recipes 41 Communication Disorders

in Children 42 Health 45 Why Kids Need

Swimming Lessons 46 Home with Caro and Kingi:

Playroom Paradise 48 Mater Snapped 50 Celebrate: Halloween Fun! 55 School Holiday Guide 58 Daddy Diary

Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James Content and Marketing Manager Naomi Porter Marketing to Families Manager Lisa Gillman Marketing to Families Experts Dan Kendrick Colleen DuBois

On the cover Maci, Jodyn and Matilda Cover Photography Josephine Carter Photography www.josephinecarterphotography.com Contact Us: p 4053 3331 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 / Unit 5, 78 Anderson St, Cairns PakMag Townsville t #pakmag

Digital Manager Rose Foster Lead Graphic Designer Clare Winter Graphic Designer Sara Williams Marketing, Events and Administration Assistant Alyssa Marino

Accounts Trent Stievano Journalist Jenna Galley Videographer Monique Saggers Content Creator Kalisha Fitsch Podcast Producer Alana Scalici

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 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 31st March 2019

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 3

Entertainment

CHECK IT OUT Breakfast with Dinosaurs When: Tuesday 2nd October, 7.30am - 9.30am Where: Museum of Tropical Queensland More info: www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au The day starts before the museum opens with a yummy BBQ breakfast on the balcony, followed by a guided tour of the Dinosaur rEvolution: Secrets of Survival exhibition. Join performing paleontologist Professor Flint as you discover the giant creatures that used to roam the planet millions of years ago. Includes all day museum admission.

Parent Information Session: Sleep for Toddlers

Constellation Cup 2018 Australia V New Zealand

When: Tuesday 9th October, 9.30am - 10.30am Where: CityLibraries Aitkenvale More info: www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au

When: Wednesday 10th October, 6.30pm - 8.30pm Where: Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre More info: www.tecc.net.au

Sleep can be a challenging beast to tame, especially as children grow up and their sleep patterns change. This session will equip you with simple tools to help support your child’s behavioural development. No bookings are required, but bring your Medicare card. Sleep tight!

If you’re a netball fanatic, this is an event not to be missed. Watch the Samsung Diamonds go up against the New Zealand Silver Ferns in this fiercely strong contest. This will be a historic event as international netball takes place in North Queensland for the final match of the Constellation Cup.

PakMag Movie Preview - Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween When: Wednesday 24th October, 6.30pm 8.30pm Where: BCC Cinemas Townsville Central More info: PakMag Townsville www.pakmag.com.au Halloween is just around the corner, and in anticipation we want you to come to the movies with us! Head on over to our Facebook page and website for your chance to win a family pass to be the first to see an exclusive PakMag premiere screening of Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween - if you dare!

Riverway Movie Night - The Nut Job 2 - Nutty by Nature When: Friday 19th October, 6.30pm - 9.00pm Where: Riverway More info: www.whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Join Surly the squirrel and his friends on a quest to save their beloved home from being bulldozed and turned into an amusement park! Bring your blanket and enjoy this free family-friendly movie under the stars and raintrees.

4 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au pakmag.com.au

Glendi Festival When: Saturday 13 October - Sunday 14 October, from 9.00am Where: Riverway More info: www.glendifestival.com.au See cultural music and dance performances, taste a variety of mediterranean cuisines, and keep the kids entertained at Glendi Festival. There will be a special visit from the stars of Paw Patrol, rides, animals, and face painting to make for a fantastic weekend for the whole family to enjoy.

Sk8way Halloween Weekend When: Friday 26th October - Sunday 28th October Where: Sk8way More info: www.sk8way.com.au Whether you prefer to skate or jump, this Halloween put on your costume and head down to Sk8way or Inflatable Kingdom. There are prizes to be won, games to play and lots of fun to be had. Gather your friends, pick your best costume and get ready for a frighteningly fantastic time.

10 Seemingly Innocent Things That Are Actually Quite Dangerous STORY Jenna Galley You probably know that there are certain diet and lifestyle habits that should be avoided, or at least limited.

Eating unhealthy foods, drinking excessive alcohol, using toxic sprays around the house, all come to mind.

But did you know that there are a few daily habits that we probably have all picked up that come with serious health concerns?

Not convinced radiation is connected to your devices?

Head to Pakmag’s YouTube channel to see what happened when we tested it out using a radiation monitor.

The good news is that it’s easy to limit these unhealthy habits from impacting ourselves and our families. It’s simply a matter of identifying them first.

Bad Habit #1: Sleeping with Wi-Fi on Before retiring for the night, you probably shut the windows, lock the doors, and perhaps set the alarm.

But do you turn your Wi-Fi off?

Sleeping with your devices near you (or on you) increases your radiation exposure which can lead to many health issues including brain tumours.

Switch your devices to flight mode, turn the Wi-Fi off and keep your distance from your devices when you’re not using them. After all, it’s not like you need to check your emails at 4am. Even if your brain is telling you otherwise.

6 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

WATCH IN THE ONLINE MAG Bad Habit #2: Putting your phone in your bra Placing your phone in your bra seems like the logical thing to do when you’ve run out of hands and pocket space. But it could be causing serious damage.

Feature

The World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have classified mobile phones as a “possible carcinogen”, which means there’s currently not enough research to say whether it causes cancer. But it’s better to be safe than sorry so keep those devices away from your breasts and genitals.

This goes for iPads on kids’ laps too.

Bad Habit #3: Re-using (and reheating) plastic water bottles You’re out with the kids. They’re thirsty and you’ve left the BPA-free water bottles at home! We’ve all been there. And we’ve all bought the occasional plastic bottle of water from the shops.

But did you know that re-using these plastic water bottles is actually quite dangerous, especially if the plastic has been exposed to heat (such as being left in a hot car)?

Plastic water bottles are made from a material called polyethylene terephthalate. Numerous studies have concluded that when heated, this substance excretes the chemicals BPA and antimony. Both are bad for our bodies and have been linked to some seriously startling conditions including cancer, ADHD, obesity, heart problems, neurological issues and diabetes. Eek! The bottom line? If you must buy a plastic water bottle, then make sure you don’t reuse it, especially if it’s been left in the car. Chuck it straight in the recycling bin.

Bad Habit #4: Not washing your fruit and veg This is another one we’re probably all guilty of doing from time to time. Even though Australia is considered one of the safest food suppliers in the world, it’s still so important to wash your fruit and veg before serving.

This can help eliminate foodborne illnesses including those caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria and E coli.

Washing your fruits and veggies can eliminate any residue left by harmful pesticides and ensure you’re not bringing home the germs from other shoppers who may have touched the produce before you. Soaking your veggies in one part vinegar to three parts water is an even more effective way to get rid of the nasties.

Or, you can invest in a fruit and veg cloth which also does the trick.

Bad Habit #5: Binge-watching TV We all need a bit of chill time. And what better way to relax than to binge watch episodes on Netflix or Stan?

But spending hours on the couch can increase your risk of a number of health issues including diabetes, heart disease and even cancer.

If you are planning a marathon movie sess, follow the 2/30 rule. For every two hours of watching, get up and do some light exercise for 30 minutes.

Bad Habit #6: Eating margarine Many of us assume that margarine is the healthier equivalent to butter but this actually isn’t the case.

Sure, butter is a little on the fatty side, but it is a lot better for you than margarine which is highly synthetic with heaps of additives and cheap, low-grade oils and trans-fat. Make the switch (back) to butter and give your body a break from the chemicals.

Bad Habit #7: Using chemicals around the house Speaking of chemicals, cleaning products are full of them! Consider swapping to bicarb and vinegar for your basic cleaning needs as well as eucalyptus and hot water for your dusty furniture.

Bad Habit #8: Burning toxic candles and essential oils Candles and essential oils are great for relieving stress but did you know that some candles actually let out toxic fumes, such as benzene and toluene?

Nope? Me neither! Make the swap to vegetable-based, non-scented, non-pigmented candles.

Essential oils can also be incredibly dangerous, especially if accidentally consumed. If you have a curious tot in the house, then you can never be too careful with things like this. Some common essential oils are also toxic to pets, including tea tree oil and pennyroyal.

Bad Habit #9: Lathering your skin with chemicalbased products Our skin is our biggest organ which is why it’s so important to take care of it. Sunscreen is a must and so is moisturiser. When buying skincare products, check the ingredient list first. Some of the ingredients to avoid include parabens, synthetic colours, phthalates, triclosan, formaldehyde, SLES and SLS. Bad Habit #10: Not checking food labels Many kids are fussy eaters which makes it a bit tricky to find foods that they will actually eat. But before you reach for the packaged, colourful funny-shaped snacks, check the labels.

Plenty of these packaged foods are loaded with extra ingredients including sugar, salts, added colouring, preservatives and sacillates. These added ingredients can lead to problems in children, including trouble sleeping and moodiness.

As a general rule, when choosing snacks, the fewer ingredients, the better.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 7

The Thing Is

The Thing Is...

STORY Bree James

Comparison is the thief of joy. It’s the thief of your joy if you compare your life to others.

The thing is… we do it all the time. It’s a terrible habit that hurts.

Both have a really tough time juggling life with kids.

Both have moments when we wish we had the opposite life.

We look at our kids, and compare them to other kids.

“I wish my kids behaved like yours”, “If only my kids would be as responsible as your kids are”. Saying to my older child, “Your little brother can do it, why can’t you?” is probably the worst thing he has heard me say (ok maybe not THE WORST, but you get my drift).

I wish at times I was the one at home, educating our kids, and investing in them first. They are my biggest asset, but (sometimes) not my biggest investment.

It’s hard. I have to invest most of my best time, and best energy into my business. My family gets what’s left of me at the end of the day. I work on this every day to try and improve, but there is only so much Bree to go around.

My kids have said comparisons to me “Mummy why don’t you come to the school like the other mums?”

Sure, it looks like I have it all together on the outside, my life may look glamorous to you.

Comparisons hurt.

But don’t envy a life that you only see the surface of.

Don’t let your partner wish you to be a person that you are not. Sure. My husband wishes I was a stay at home mum - sometimes. But then he really thinks about what that would actually mean (me home every day running our house with a million family projects)!

I’ve had women in the past few months tell me their partner has said “Why can’t you be more like Bree?

She works and juggles family”. My instant reaction is I’d like to throat punch them, but I take a breath and say “I am so sorry he said that, but trust me, your partner wouldn’t want that if he knew what it actually meant”.

I’ve had men come up at the end of presentations and say “I’m glad you aren’t my wife”. Others have said “I wish my wife had more ambition, like you”. Both statements break my heart a little. Sure, I want to inspire people, but I certainly don’t want them feeling 'less than'.

Women who are working or are the bread winner, don’t have it all together.

Our brains are trained to look for what’s wrong.

Saying things that make people feel less than is not cool.

Sure, we all want better. But in my opinion, if you are using all the skills you were given in this life then you will be happy. So if being a stay at home parent fulfils you, that’s wonderful. If being a working parent fulfils you, then that’s wonderful too. But please, stop the comparison. It’s no good for you.

Women who are staying at home, don’t have it all together either.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 9

Education

NEW BEGINNINGS: Tips for transition STORY Steph Meekings, Cairns Catholic Education and Peter Gazzola, Trinity Anglican School Your little one’s introduction to prep can seem equal parts anxiety-inducing and exciting – and it’s important to be prepared for a range of emotions from both yourself as parents and carers as well as from your child. Finding the right school for your family and being prepared to support your little one’s emotional needs can make the process much easier than you may think.

Starting prep is not just about the first day of school, but rather setting your child up for a smooth transition from early learning to a life of education. Parents should work in partnership with their chosen school to make this big step much less daunting. According to the Victorian Education Department, “successful transition programs contribute to 60 per cent of student learning improvement in academic and social development”.

With this in mind, the school’s transition program is imperative to not only your little one’s adjustment into prep, but also their long-term academic outcomes.

So be sure to attend information sessions and educate yourself on the school’s transition period and how it can assist your little one.

Finding the right fit Choosing a school with a successful transition program offers families and schools the opportunity to get to know one another and brings the entire family on the journey from enrolment right through to the first year. It gives your child the chance to build relationships with teachers and peers, as well as feel comfortable, confident and supported in their new learning environment.

Common objections: “I don’t want to go to that school!”

Make sure your child has the chance to be heard. Get down on their level or bring them up to your level so you are eye-to-eye. Ask them what they are concerned about and reassure them that their feelings are valid rather than dismissing how they are feeling. It is likely they are worried about not knowing anyone or not fitting in, so you can comfort them by letting them know their classmates will be feeling the same way and will want to make new friends, too. You could also reassure them by explaining their pre-prep transition days will give them the chance to meet new friends.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 11

Education

The big day

Primary to Secondary School - Are your children ready?

Offer plenty of opportunities for communication prior to their first official day so your little one has a better understanding of what to expect. You can start to mention big school, school uniforms and how proud you are of them or involve school talk in playtime at home. The Queensland Government offer a ‘Starting School Game’, which is available to download online and includes games and information encouraging parents and kids to talk about starting school in a playful way. If you find your child is overwhelmed or worried about starting prep, this is a fun way to get them accustomed to the idea.

There is no doubt that the environment of a primary and secondary school traditionally are very different.

Common objections: “I want to stay home with you!”

It can be so difficult to see your little one upset at drop off, but reassuring them and being prepared for how they may react will help you to respond to the situation. Kids Matter recommends learning from other transition periods and tailoring an approach that suits your little one’s temperament. For example, think about a time your child experienced another transition period. What approach helped them through this stage? Use this experience and tailor it to this situation.

Prep and beyond Once your child is settled into prep, clear communication with the school is crucial for ongoing success. Schools see education as a partnership between schools and families and parents and carers are welcomed as members of the school community.

The classroom teacher in the primary school has always been the person to deliver or manage the educational needs of their students.

They are multi-disciplined and can deliver and teach content from most subject areas, while in secondary school, teachers have been seen as masters of their subjects, often delivering content from one or two subject areas.

A local teacher with experience in both primary and secondary schools told us their story, recalling an interesting conversation in a secondary staffroom. The teacher had been teaching year six for about ten years and decided to teach year nine humanities. In this particular staffroom, the teachers prided themselves on mastering their disciplines. "One by one the teachers were exclaiming ‘I teach history but my specialty is Ancient Greece,’ or ‘I teach maths and I’m an expert in trigonometry’. Eventually they turned to me and asked what I taught, and I replied ‘I teach students’."

A significant difference has been how teachers viewed their role; in primary, teachers are very student focused - while in secondary, teachers can be very subject focused.

Secondary schools have changed significantly in the last ten years.

Over time it has been realised that care to the individual must not be lost, particularly as students move from primary to secondary.

Many schools have transition programs that include exposure to the routines of secondary school. Primary students will often spend time in secondary schools by shadowing year seven students for a day. Some schools even allow primary students access to the science labs available in secondary schools.

In order to manage transitions, there are mentoring programs both before and after students commence secondary school.

Strong pastoral care programs have become a feature of transition programs, and parent meetings are held to explain communication channels as these are often quite different in secondary schools.

Teachers are often asked the question, "when is it the right time to begin the transition process for primary students?" To which the local teacher's answer is, "no matter what age some students still struggle.

The answer lies within the skills and attitude of the student”.

This teacher recently researched and wrote an educational framework for middle schooling (years five to nine) which included interviewing students. The most common concern of students moving from year six to year seven, especially when moving to a new school, was making friends. The students that coped the best were the students with high resilience, organisational and social skills. These cannot be taught overnight, but are lifelong skills and should be encouraged and nurtured both at home and school.

While schools can do a great deal to help students cope with the transition, parents can too.

12 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Parenting

Masculine vs Feminine Energy in Parenting STORY Jenna Galley Parents wear many different hats. We’re always mum and dad but we are also so much more. In the blink of an eye we can go from loving comforters, nurturing our little ones after a bad day at school, to fearful enforcers, kindly asking (okay, yelling at) our kids to pick up their shoes (for the eighth billion time).

While most of us can easily shift from the kind, loving, accepting parent to the strict, ordered and practical parent, did you ever stop to think what’s guiding these changes?

There’s an energy system at play here, known as masculine and feminine energy. And it impacts our daily lives more than we may realise.

How masculine and feminine energy works We all have masculine and feminine energy in ourselves.

Typically we are guided more by one over the other.

However, just because you are female doesn’t necessarily mean you are more guided by feminine energy. Despite the name, masculine and feminine energy isn’t a gender thing.

In relationships, we tend to think that one person must be guided by masculine energy and another by feminine energy. This is how the law of attraction works - the more opposed these energies are, the stronger the attraction.

But when it comes to parenting, this isn’t the case. Sure, being pregnant and giving birth, channels our feminine energy. But parenthood requires both masculine and feminine energy on a daily basis which is why we can all benefit from learning how to identify and develop both.

The masculine energy at work Typically, masculine energy is at play when doing the practical things - planning meals for the week, budgeting for the month, scheduling the kids’ many activities, ushering everyone out the door on time in the mornings, organising birthday parties and disciplining the kids when they misbehave.

When our masculine energy is at work, we often place intellect and logic over emotion. We’re practical, forceful, assertive and reasonable. We use forwardthinking and are focused on the task at hand.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 15

Parenting

The feminine energy at play Our feminine energy is often what guides us through those late night feeds with our newborns, what makes us swell up with pride (and tears) when our child wins a race at an athletics carnival and what allows us to see the frustration our toddler feels underneath those awful tantrums.

When we are guided by our feminine energy, we are connected to emotions. More adaptable, sensual, imaginative, intuitive, creative and playful.

Still a bit lost? Think of it this way. Masculine energy is made up of a straight line. It’s all about getting from point A to point B. Practical. Logical. To the point.

Feminine energy is more of a curved line or swirl. It’s fluid, flexible and all over the place. Feminine energy allows us to do 25 things at once, adapt, grow and take emotions and changes into account.

Finding the balance It’s quite common for us to get caught up in one over the other which can put ourselves and our ability to be a balanced parent all out of whack.

For example, if you’re letting the masculine energy guide you too much, you may start to feel tired, stressed, overworked and missing that element of fun.

But if you let the feminine energy guide you too much, you may have trouble making decisions, standing your ground or getting tasks done.

Here are a few ways to channel your feminine and masculine energies.

Feeling overworked? Find your feminine Head outdoors - Rainforests, creeks and the ocean are all teeming with natural feminine energy. Go for a hike in the rainforest or a stroll along the beach if you’re feeling the masculine burn.

Try something creative - Draw, cook, colour in, paint, dance, write or simply take some time to build animals out of Play-Doh with the kids. These tasks let you relax and express yourself through a creative outlet.

Let go of the control - It sounds easy, but it’s not (take it from me, a self-confessed control freak)! Sometimes letting someone else take control and watch them do

it wrong (I mean, differently), can leave you feeling agitated. Breathe and take a step back. It’s good for your soul.

Live in the now - Our world is fast-paced and it can be quite easy to get caught up in the ‘what’s next’ mentality. It’s hard to get used to this feeling of ‘relaxing’ when you’re constantly busy and it can feel like you ‘should’ be doing something. You shouldn’t. We all need to do nothing every once in a while. Read a magazine without feeling guilty, watch an entire Pixar movie in bed with the kids, sit outside and stare at the trees. And put the phone away – it’s hard to live in the ‘now’ when you’re checking emails, Facebook messages or scrolling through what others are up to.

Unfocused and unmotivated? Bring on the masculine Challenge yourself - Start something with a goal to not only finish it, but nail it. Whether it’s a challenge through your gym or a challenge that involves you going out of your comfort zone, find the motivation to give it a go.

Construct something - The act of building something is very masculine. This doesn’t mean you have to buy out half of Bunnings in an attempt to rebuild your kitchen.

You can, of course, or you can start a bit smaller. My son and I recently made a little key holder (following instructions I found online) which was a fun bonding activity that used that linear masculine thinking.

Plan ahead - Masculine energy is all about moving forward. To channel this masculine energy, plan a function, an event or a holiday. Make a list of things to do and tackle them, one by one. To-do lists are great when we need to find that productiveness that might be lacking.

Using masculine and feminine energies to your advantage Conflict at home, with your partner and with your kids, often occurs when masculine and feminine energies are not in balance. For example, if both you and your partner are taking on the masculine role, it can lead to a fight for power.

Remember, polar energy attracts. Be aware of what energy is guiding yourself, your partner or your children at any given time and try to adjust accordingly. Finding that harmonic balance at home starts with learning how to identity and develop these very powerful energies.

Find out more Interested in finding what energy guides you? Check out www.tonyrobbins.com where there are heaps of great resources and a free five-minute quiz on masculine and feminine energy.

16 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Principal’s Pen

PRINCIPAL’S PEN

Townsville Grammar School Timothy Kelly, Principal Transitioning from home to Prep? As a parent, you are faced with many decisions that will have a huge impact on your child’s life. One of these is making an informed decision on where your child starts their schooling. You want a school that seeks to offer a supportive, embracing environment, looking to draw out the personal best in every child, and one that provides them with opportunities and strong values.

Then there is the role you play in transitioning your child to their Prep teacher. Some useful pointers for a successful transition include: •• Encouraging your child to separate from you/ their carer, tends to make them feel more at ease •• Helping your child express themselves by encouraging them to talk about their day •• Teaching your child tasks like tying shoelaces, doing up buttons, independent toileting, and washing and drying hands •• Developing responsibility and social skills such as helping tidy up toys and pencils

The Cathedral School Luke Baills, Head of Junior School The Cathedral School celebrated its 101st birthday in July, so it is fair to say we have been a part of the Townsville landscape for a significant amount of time. Having such a long-standing relationship with the Townsville community, I am always amazed when a new school family tells me that they have never been into the school grounds.

There is always genuine amazement as to just how spectacular the school grounds are, and that’s before they have even stepped foot into our state-of-the-art classrooms. Having been located at Mundingburra for 60 years, students reap the benefits of learning in a well-established campus.

If you would like to know more about Grammar’s Early Education Centre, please contact Townsville Grammar School.

I don’t want to give away the details of what lies beyond our front gates, as words will never do it justice. Instead I invite you to venture in and see for yourself at our next whole of school tour (ELC, Junior, Middle and Senior School) on Tuesday 6 November at 10am.

e tgs@tgs.qld.edu.au townsvillegrammar.com

e tcs@cathedral.qld.edu.au cathedral.qld.edu.au

•• Reading to your child as regularly as possible, to build their literacy and communication skills.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 19

Expert Advice

THE PAKMAG EXPERTS BLOMBERG DENTAL

RUHL FAMILY LAW CENTRE

Dear Blomberg Dental,

Dear Ruhl Family Law Centre,

I am terrified of the dentist, how can I make sure my children don’t have the same fears?

I am the father of two children and I’m going through a divorce. Will my ex automatically get custody of the kids?

In a list of the most common human fears, number one is public speaking and number two is death. This means that at a funeral most people would rather be in the casket than reading the eulogy!

Sadly, a visit to the dentist also rates highly in this list of fears. Fear of the dentist is commonly due to a traumatic experience as a child. This fear can be passed down to our kids by the way we behave and talk about the dentist. Making sure they have minimal dental problems early in life will ensure they grow up loving their dental visits.

Tips to reduce children’s dental anxiety: •• Portray a dental visit as something fun and the dentist as someone who helps them.

•• Lead by example, have regular dental checks yourself.

•• Control the sugar in their diet and help them brush to avoid dental issues early in life.

In parenting matters, no one is “automatically” given care of the children. The Family Law Act states that the Court must make Orders that it considers to be in the children’s best interests. This considers the benefit to the children of having a meaningful relationship with both parents, any risks to the children, and a number of other factors.

Unless there is risk to the children, or it is not practicable for the children to spend time with both parents regularly (for example, if you live in different towns), the Court will usually Order that children spend time in both parents’ care. The time arrangement will have regard to a number of factors, such as the capacity of each parent to care.

The Court does not consider mothers and fathers as having specific roles which are different from each other, and neither is inherently more important than the other.

COASTAL KIDS SPEECH PATHOLOGY Dear Melanie, What can I do to help my 3 year old’s development?

By now, most children have a reasonable amount of words and are making little sentences. What research has shown, is that for strong language skills, now is the time to start exposing your child to more sophisticated words, so using words like ‘purchase’ instead of buy, or cutlery instead of knives and forks. You can explain these as you go, and link them to things your child already knows about. For example “We need cutlery to cut our food up for dinner…. Can you please get the knives and forks from the cutlery drawer?” The size of a child’s vocab at age 4 is directly related to their literacy outcomes at school, so feeding in a variety of more complicated words now is worth the investment!

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 21

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Pregnancy Problems STORY Jenna Galley Ahh pregnancy. It’s an incredibly exciting journey for you and your growing family. But in addition to a budding baby bump, you may have a few growing concerns about the various strange symptoms that come with pregnancy.

Some women breeze through the nine (okay, ten) months of pregnancy with very few issues. But, it’s quite normal to experience at least a few bumpy patches along the way.

Here are a few of the rather uncomfortable side effects that come with the joy of growing a baby.

but you may also find that you are not just craving certain foods, but craving food in general. An increased appetite is normal, especially during the first and third trimester. Some women even find themselves craving non-food items such as chalk. This is known as Pica.

Swollen… everything - You expect your breasts and your belly to swell. But you may also discover your hands, feet, ankles, and even private parts are bulging out of control. This has to do with the hormones circulating within and the extra water retention.

Check with your doctor if you are experiencing strange non-edible cravings. As for the mammoth appetite, have light snacks on hand to keep up with your new found hunger.

Some ways to calm the crazy swelling include wearing compression stockings, doing gentle exercise and taking a warm bath.

Voice changes and congestion - Other areas to swell?

Your vocal cords, causing your voice to change, and your sinuses, leading to a constant congested feeling (and possibly snoring at night).

Skin and hair concerns - You may discover a line of hair growing on your belly, dark patches on your face, veins on your legs and skin tags or moles popping up everywhere.

While we can blame the melanin for these common pregnancy problems, it's best to err on the side of safety and ask your doctor to check any new moles.

The majority of these issues go away after pregnancy but you can also see a dermatologist for removal options after having baby.

Pee problems - Fact: Your bladder will hate you during pregnancy. Some days you will feel the need to go constantly. And other days you may find that your bladder just gives up, especially when sneezing, laughing or coughing. Thanks a lot, bladder.

You might want to invest in underwear-protecting products for the time being. Alternatively, PakMag readers recieve an exclusive 15 per cent discount on Modibodi underwear that have built-in protection.

Use the code PAKMAG11 at the checkout.

The desire to eat the entire contents of your fridge - You’ve probably heard about pregnancy cravings

Other strange pregnancy side effects you might experience? Frequent headaches, hot sweats, bleeding gums, excess discharge and saliva, pelvic and back pain, mild cramping, emotional outbursts and the discovery that people constantly want to touch your belly. It’s all part of the roller coaster of pregnancy fun! So buckle up and enjoy the ride.

More Serious Concerns In addition to the common concerns above, there are a few very uncommon pregnancy complications that will require medical attention. These include: •• Incompetent Cervix •• Hyperemesis Gravidarum •• Pre- Eclampsia •• Gestational Diabetes •• Rhesus Negative (negative blood type) •• Placenta Previa •• Placenta Abruption •• PUPPS •• Obstetric cholestasis If diagnosed with any of the above, your doctor or midwife will assess your situation and determine what’s best for you and baby. But try not to stress! – these complications are very rare.

Go to www.pakmag.com.au to learn more about these complex issues.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 23

Bump, Bub and Beyond

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

Legionnaire Hat or Bucket Hat ‘Bats’ Print RRP $30.95 - $32.95 www.bedheadhats.com.au Bedhead Hats are super comfy baby and kids hats in SunSmart styling with an excellent rating of UPF50+ protection.

Made with super-stretchy and lightweight cotton jersey and an anti-flop brim to keep kids' heads cool under the hot Aussie sun. Bedhead Hats are built for comfort and have a fit that is second to none.

Bedhead Hats 'Bat' Print is available in Legionnaire, Baby Bucket or Classic Bucket Hat styles.

Koala Hugs swaddle wraps

SUBO Food Bottle

RRP $49.95 www.babylovessleep.com.au

www.suboproducts.com.au RRP $29.95

Wrap the perfect swaddle every time!

Baby Loves Sleep have re-invented the traditional square wrap by creating the Koala Hugs swaddle wrap, which gently cocoons your baby’s arms in hidden pockets within the wrap.

The comfortable design calms a newborn’s startle reflex and guarantees to prevent their tiny hands from escaping and waking them up!

The creators of the Subo Food Bottle signed a deal on Channel 10's Shark Tank thanks to their ingenious and simple design of a food bottle. These can be used by toddlers and babies without causing a mess due to their suction base, nonsqueeze technology and handy moveable platform.

It goes without saying that Subo is perfect for parents to feed their children easy and nutritious meals at any time (at home, in the car, on a plane, you name it) without the food going all over the place. Subo is a real gamechanger for parents on the go!

24 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Careful, Comfortable, Convenient Co-Sleeping

Just a Little Wee Problem

STORY Jenna Galley

Urinary incontinence. Also known as “one of the many unexpected side effects of giving birth where we mums can’t even jump on a trampoline without our bladders leaking” (okay, so this isn’t the “medical” description, but it should be).

Co-Sleeping: 80 per cent of us do it at one stage or another, either by choice or necessity. But before you make the choice to co-sleep, make sure you know how to do it safely.

•• Never co-sleep and drink. Or smoke. If you’re taking sedatives or medications that make you drowsy, it’s also not a good idea to co-sleep.

•• Place baby on her back to sleep, never on her tummy or side.

•• Check that the bed is firm.

•• Remove pillows, heavy doonas and soft underlays that could trap baby.

STORY Jenna Galley

Incontinence is actually described as any accidental or involuntary loss of urine from the bladder. It is incredibly common (45 per cent of mums experience it after giving birth), even though most of us don’t bring it up in every day conversation.

What did you do today? Oh, you know, we went grocery shopping, I took the baby to swimming lessons, I peed myself during a sneeze…

•• Choose practical sleepwear for the temperature such as a swaddle or baby sleeping bag.

While it’s normal for your body, your bladder and your bowels to need some time to recover after giving birth, incontinence can continue to give you grief if it’s not correctly addressed.

•• Place baby beside one parent, never in the middle.

So what can you do to stop this wee issue in its tracks?

•• Check there is adequate space so baby is not placed right on the edge.

Tighten those muscles, ladies!

•• Ensure baby’s head is not covered during sleep.

•• Consider a co-sleeper bassinet which allows you to remove one side for easy access.

Your pelvic floor may have taken a beating but it’s never too late to bring it back to life. Make it a habit to tighten your pelvic floor muscles. Hold the contraction and relax it, several times a day.

Why Co-Sleep

Consider shorts for the short term

It’s comfortable: Compared to sleeping with a snoring husband or a wriggly toddler who insists on kicking you every 15 seconds, sleeping with a baby is incredibly comfortable. Plus babies take up next to no space AND they don’t steal the blankets.

There are exercise shorts and underwear that can also aid in bladder leakage while out and about. Check out ModiBodi and EVB.

•• Make sure she cannot get trapped against a wall.

It’s convenient: Especially if you’re breastfeeding and your breasts are on tap 24/7.

It’s what baby wants: Your infant is used to sleeping in a super snug, warm womb bath. Co-sleeping is as close to the womb as it can safely get. Many babies sleep better with mum right beside them. And if baby sleeps, mum can sleep. Fingers crossed, at least.

Get help There are a number of non-surgical treatments available.

Who should you call? A physiotherapist is a good option but you can also contact your doctor to determine the best path for you to take.

Head over to www.pakmag.com.au for more tips and tricks on tackling urinary incontinence.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 25

WHAT’S ON OCT OCT TUESDAY 2 OCTOBER

FRIDAY 5 OCTOBER

Print Play - School Holiday Workshop Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts www.umbrella.org.au 10.00am / $5 / School Aged

Ravenswood’s 150th Anniversary Ravenswood Raven Tours 9.00am / Free / Family

Gondwana Indigenous Children’s Choir CityLibraries Thuringowa Central CityLibraries Townsville 1.00pm / Free / Family Breakfast with Dinosaurs Museum of Tropical Queensland www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au 7.30am / $18 / 5+ Come and Play Sessions GymbaROO Townsville www.gymbaroo.com.au 9.00am / $15 / 6 weeks - 6 yrs WEDNESDAY 3 OCTOBER School Holiday Kickfest Sherriff Park www.grasshoppersoccer.com.au 3.00pm / Check Website / 5 - 9 Yrs Family Yoga Learn Naturally www.booking.learnnaturally. com.au 10.00am / $8 / Family Spring Workshop: Composting and Recycling for Everyone CityLibraries Thuringowa Central www.townsville.qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / Adults

School Holiday Workshop with LEGO Jurassic Brick Park Riverside Gardens Community Centre Bricks 4 Kidz (Townsville, QLD) 9.00am / $40 / 5+ Come and Play Sessions GymbaROO Townsville www.gymbaroo.com.au 9.00am / $15 / 6 weeks - 6 yrs Light The Night Lantern Walk The Strand www.lightthenight.org.au 6.00pm / Check Website / Family The Ten Sopranos Burdekin Theatre www.burdekintheatre.com.au 8.00pm / $38 Adult / Family Elvis an American Trilogy Townsville Civic Theatre www.ticketshop.com.au 8.00pm / $65 / Adults SATURDAY 6 OCTOBER Halloween Dance Wulguru Community Hall www.townsvilletwincities rocknrolldanceclub.com.au 7.00pm / $15 / Adults Star 1063’s Fire In The Sky Strand Park Star 1063 Townsville 4.00pm / Free / Family

Create Natural Body Products CityLibraries Thuringowa Central www.townsville.qld.gov.au 10.00am / Free / Adults Stampin’ Up for Aussie Farmer Oonoonba Community Centre Stampin’ Up Demonstrator Russarna Gasparini 10.30am / Free / 10+ SUNDAY 7 OCTOBER Junior LockIn Townsville Tenpin www.townsvilletenpin.com.au 2.00pm / $25 / Family TUESDAY 9 OCTOBER Parent Information Session: Sleep for Toddlers CityLibraries Aitkenvale www.townsville.qld.gov.au 9.30am / Free / Family WEDNESDAY 10 OCTOBER Constellation Cup Samsung Diamonds V New Zealand Silver Ferns Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre www.tecc.net.au 6.30pm / Check Website / Family THURSDAY 11 OCTOBER Strictly Ballroom Runs until 20 October Townsville Civic Theatre www.ticketshop.com.au 8.00pm / $50 Adult / Family

Making Friends with Finance The Metropole Hotel Townsville Women 6.00pm / $49 / Adults FRIDAY 12 OCTOBER Happily Ever After Riverway Arts Centre www.whatson. townsville.qld.gov.au 7.30pm / $55 Adult / 15+ Elvis - The Early Years Townsville RSL www.townsvillersl.com.au 8.00pm / $49 / Family We Need To Talk - Townsville Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre www.tecc.net.au 8.00pm / $49.90 / Adults Women of Achievement Luncheon A Touch of Salt www.womenof achievement.com.au 12.00pm / Check Website / Adults Calvary Christian College Spring Fair Calvary Christian College www.calvary.qld.edu.au 5.00pm / Free / Family Burdekin Readers and Writers Festival Runs until 14 October Burdekin Theatre www.burdekintheatre.com.au Check Website / Family Catholic Business Breakfast The Ville Resort Casino www.tsv.catholic.org.au 7.00am / $55 / Adults

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 27

WHAT’S ON OCT OCT SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER

FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER

Glendi Festival 2018 Runs until 14 October Riverway www.glendifestival.com.au 9.00am / Free / Family

Maggies’ Festival of the Arts Riverway St Margaret Mary’s College 7.00pm / Check Facebook / Family

Bill Bailey - Townsville Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre www.tecc.net.au 8.00pm / $89.90 / Adults

Riverway Movie Night The Nut Job 2 Nutty by Nature Riverway www.whatson.townsville. qld.gov.au 6.30pm / Free / Family

SUNDAY 14 OCTOBER Townsville Sands Queensland Walk to Remember Anzac Memorial Park SandsQueensland 7.00am / Free / Family Bring the kids to Empire Empire Alternacade and Events Empire Alternacade and Events 10.00am / Pay per game / Family Day for Krystal Fundraising Family Picnic Townsville Turf Club www.eventbrite.com.au 3.00pm / Free / Family Free Come and Try Inline Hockey Townsville Inline Hockey Club Townsville Inline Hockey Club - home of the ‘Titans’ 10.00am / Free / Family

Wear A Bear Day 2018 Townsville Hospital Foundation www.thfoundation.org.au Check Website / Family Townsville Cup on Wheels Runs until 20 October Townsville Velodrome www.townsvillecycle.club 5.00pm / Check Website / Family Ronald McDonald House Golf Day Hosted by Page and Pearce Rowes Bay Golf Club www.rmhc.org.au/na 10.00am / Check Website / Adults SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER

THURSDAY 18 OCTOBER

An Evening with Johnathan Thurston Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre www.tecc.net.au 7.00pm / $79 Adult / Family

Financial Independence Workshop for Women Endeavour Drive Townsville QSuper Fund 9.30am / Free / Family

Townsville Taiko Festival The Strand www.ajsnq.org.au 4.00pm / Check Website / Family

28 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Kindness Walk The Strand Be Kind - Townsville 6.30pm / $5 / Family MarqueNQ Townsville Drift Runs until 21 October Reid Park www.marquenq.com.au 8.00m / Check Website / Family Iggy Park Disco Ignatius Park College www.ipc.qld.edu.au 6.30pm / $15 / 12-17 Yrs Townsville Toy Library’s 40th Birthday Party Townsville Toy Library Townsville Toy Library 9.30am / Free / Family WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER PakMag Movie Preview Goosebumps 2 Haunted Halloween BCC Cinemas Townsville Central www.pakmag.com.au 6.30pm / Check Website / Family THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Townsville Civic Theatre www.ticketshop.com.au 7.30pm / $35 Adult / MA 15+ FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER Harry Potter Trivia Night for Camp Quality Townsville RSL www.fundraise.campquality.org. au/fundraiser/nickieclayton 6.00pm / $50 / Family

Halloween Weekend Runs until 28 October Sk8way Townsville Sk8way Townsville Check Website / Family Halloween for 2018 Haunted House Runs until 27 October 109 Lillipilli St, Vincent Mumma Bears Halloween 6.00pm / Gold Coin / Family SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER Barrier Reef Orchestra and Queensland Symphony Orchestra Townsville Civic Theatre www.ticketshop.com.au 7.30pm / $38 Adult / Family Angel-Paws Inc Adoption Day Petstock Domain Central Petstock Townsville Angel-Paws Inc Animal Rescue North Queensland 10.00am / Free / Family I Gant Belive it Townsville Ignatius Park College www.thaville.oztix.com.au 7.00pm / $39.80 Adult / Family MarqueNQ October Reid Park Sprint Reid Park www.marquenq.com.au 7.30am / Check Website / Family North Qld: HeartKids Gala Dinner Rydges Townsville www.heartkids.org.au 6.30pm / $100 / Adults

A FAMILY PASS (FOR FOUR) TO THE EXCLUSIVE PAKMAG PREMIERE SCREENING OF GOOSEBUMPS 2: HAUNTED HALLOWEEN

For your chance to WIN: Tell us how many gummy bears are on this page for your chance to win a family pass (for four) to the exclusive PakMag Premiere Screening of Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween on Wednesday 24th October, 6.00pm (for a 6.30pm start) at BCC Cinemas Townsville Central. Be sure to wear your best halloween costume! Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/minimag Win a Family Pass (for four) to the exclusive PakMag Premiere Screening of Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween.

Competition closes 19/10/2018

30 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

What do you get if you cross a computer with a vampire bat?

Love at first byte.

How do vampires flirt?

They bat their eyes.

What do bats do at night?

Aerobatics.

Why don’t bats live alone?

What's the first thing bats learn at school?

The alpha-bat.

They like to hang out with their friends.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 31

32 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

WHAT’S ON OCT OCT SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER

WEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBER

Townsville Rock Fest Gone Country Murray Sports Complex www.townsvillerockfest.com.au 12.30pm / Check Website / 18+

Bluewattle’s Halloween Trick or Treat Trail Bluewattle, Rasmussen Bluewattle 5.00pm / Free / Family

SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER

SAVE THE DATE

Walk for Prems 2018 Strand Park, North Ward www.walkforprems.org.au 8.00am / $15 Adults / Family

REGULAR MARKETS Castle Hill PCYC Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.00am to 11.00am Location: Castle Hill PCYC Bluewater Twilight Markets Date: 2nd Saturday of the month Time: 4.00pm - 8.00pm Location: Bluewater Community Centre Label Traders Market Date: 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 12.00pm Location: Mundingburra State School Riverway Moonlight Markets Date: 3rd Friday of the Month Time: 5.00pm - 9.00pm Location: Riverway

TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER

SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER

SAVE THE DATE FRIDAY 16 NOVEMBER

SAVE THE DATE

Melbourne Cup Lunch Townsville RSL www.townsvillersl.com.au 11.30am / Check Website / Adults

TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER

Seabreeze Markets Date: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Bushland Beach Park

Cotters Markets

Carlyle Gardens Arts & Crafts Markets Date: 1st Saturday of the month (Mar - Dec) Time: 9.00am Location: Carlyle Gardens Retirement Resot, Beck Drive, Condon

Riverway Arts Centre www.ticketshop.com.au Check Website / $15 Adult / Family

Garbutt State School Fete Garbutt State School www.garbuttss.eq.edu.au 11.00am / Check Website / Family

Riverway Movie Night Ferdinand Riverway Arts Centre www.townsville.qld.gov.au 7.00pm / Free / Family

The Gruffalo - Live on Stage Runs until 14 November

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

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

Strand Night Markets Date: 1st Friday of the month (Runs from May to Dec) Time: 5.00pm - 9.30pm Location: Strand Park

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

Willows Rotary Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: 7.30 - 11.30am Location: Willows Shop Centre Carpark

North Shore Markets Date: Every Saturday Time: 7.00am - 1.00pm Location: North Shore Town Centre

Lucinda Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month (May to September) Time: 8.00am – 12.00pm Location: Borello Park

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

Mountainview Plaza Market Date: Every Saturday (Excluding Jan) Time: 8.00am - 2.00pm.

Location: Mountainview Plaza

Balgal Beach Markets Date: 1st Saturday of the month Time: 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Fishermans Landing Balgal Beach

Email your event or market to admin@grandpublishing.com.au to be included. Spaces are limited.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 33

Regular Events

REGULAR EVENTS TOWNSVILLE GALLERIES Art-Box - Free Art Activities for Kids Under 5 Days: First and third Tuesdays of the month Time: 10.00am Location: Pinnacles Gallery More Info: 4773 8871 Free Family Fun Day - Art Activities for the Family Days: Third Sunday of the month Time: 10.00am Location: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery More Info: 4727 9011 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: $2 per person 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

MAINLY MUSIC For babies to pre prep aged children. Fun, music, morning tea and free play Days: Thursdays (during school term) Time: From 9.30am Location: St Peter’s Anglican Church, West End Cost: $3 per child More Info: 0414 807 179

(Bookings Required) Days: Wednesdays Time: 9.15am & 10.30am Location: City Libraries Aitkenvale

MOPS - Mothers of PreSchoolers

RIVERWAY PARKRUN

Days: Fridays – fortnightly during School terms Time: 9.30am - 11.30am Location: Mount Louisa House of Praise (425 Bayswater Rd) Cost: $9 per session More Info: 0421 658 535 (Juliana)

Days: Saturdays Time: From 6.45am Location: Meet at the front of Tony Ireland Stadium on the grassed area near the ticket box.

Riverway parkrun is a 5km course along Ross River which 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.

This course is wheelchair friendly.

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

34 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

For mothers with children 0-6 years. Connect, relax and recharge.

GET ACTIVE + HEALTHY TOWNSVILLE Free Fitness + Activities Days: Everyday Location: Various Locations More Info: www.townsville.qld.gov.au TOY LIBRARY TOWNSVILLE (THE TOY SHED) Days: Second Thursday of month (excluding January) Time: 3.30pm - 5.30pm Days: Second Saturday

(excluding January) Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm Location: Fitzroy Street, Heatley Librarian: 0420 585 069 or childsplaytownsville@gmail.com Secretary: 0400 815 279 or facebook Toy Library TOWNSVILLE TOY LIBRARY Days: Every Tuesday and Saturday Time: 9.30am - 11.00am Location: 23 First Street, Railway Estate Community Centre More Info: Check their Facebook page Townsville Toy Library for updates 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.

Days: Every Wednesday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Aitkenvale State School More Info: 4753 0650 Days: Every Thursday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Garbutt State School More Info: 4753 0650 Days: Every Friday Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Location: Heatley State School More Info: 4753 0650

Recipes

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN Recipes for Halloween Lollies are the signature nibbles of Halloween, but there’s so much more that can be cooked up. These recipes are sure to surprise your Halloween party guests or make an adorably spooky addition to a lunch box.

Monster Bites Makes roughly 17 monster bites Ingredients 125g softened butter 2 cups plain flour ¾ cup sugar 1 egg 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla essence Peanuts or oats 1 cup mini marshmallows 1 bar milk or dark chocolate, finely chopped Method Cream the butter, sugar and vanilla together until you achieve a light and fluffy texture. Add in the egg as you continue beating the mixture.

Sift flour and baking powder into the bowl and combine thoroughly.

Shape a heaped teaspoon of the mixture into a round, flat biscuit shape and place on the oven tray. Sprinkle the top with peanuts or oats to create a ghoulish, warty texture.

Bake at 190c for about 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Take out of oven and transfer to a rack to cool.

When the biscuits are cool, prepare the chocolate for the decorating process. Place chocolate in a heatproof bowl that fits on top of a saucepan.

Fill the saucepan half-way with water and bring to a simmer. Place your bowl with chocolate on top, ensuring it does not touch the water. Stir with a metal spoon until melted.

Once biscuits have cooled off, flip the biscuits upsidedown and spoon on some melted chocolate. Place a second biscuit on top to create a monster head.

Add facial features with mini marshmallows. Use the chocolate as glue to stick them down and hold them in place, creating eyeballs and pointy teeth. Don’t forget two tiny drops of melted chocolate to create the pupils of your monsters. Be careful, they may bite you back!

Eyeball Pasta Serves 4 Ingredients 320g dried spinach spaghetti 400g can chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 crushed garlic clove 1 tsp dried basil 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tomato 1 ball of fresh mozzarella 4 olives Method Heat olive oil in a pan. Add the crushed garlic clove and gently fry for one minute.

Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree and basil and bring to the boil.

Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for five minutes. Stir occasionally.

Boil spinach pasta according to package directions.

When cooked, drain pasta and add to plate with a generous amount of your tomato sauce on top in a round shape.

Turn your yummy plate of pasta into a monster by adding slices of fresh mozzarella to create an eyeball and teeth, sliced tomato to create the iris of the eye, and sliced olive to create the pupil and eyelashes.

Dig in… if you dare!

PakMag Tip: Can’t find spinach spaghetti? Alternatively, cook your pasta to package instructions, add to a plate and mix in a teaspoon of fresh pesto to create that spooky green colour.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 37

Recipes

RECIPES Nourishing recipes for the family This month, we’ve got two deliciously wholesome recipes to share with your family. From the savoury to the sweet, these will satisfy the cravings of even the fussiest eater (hopefully).

Lamington Jam Bliss Balls Makes approx. 20 Ingredients Wholesome Buddha Bowl Serves 4 Ingredients 2 cups long-grain white rice 2 chicken breasts 2 cups red cabbage 400g tin chickpeas 2 avocados 1 red capsicum ½ red onion 1 tbsp black sesame seeds Salt, pepper, paprika and dried parsley to taste for seasoning chicken Method Preheat oven to 190 degrees. Drain the chickpeas and spread them into a single layer on a baking tray.

Bake for 30 minutes, shaking the tray every now and again. When they are golden brown and crispy, remove from oven and let them cool.

Rinse the rice. Add to a pot together with three cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until all water has been absorbed.

Cut chicken breasts into strips, season to taste with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried parsley.

Fry chicken breasts in a pan with a little coconut oil, until cooked. Slice up your avocado, capsicum, onion and red cabbage.

Assemble your bowl by lining the bottom with rice and topping with your delicious chicken, capsicum, avocado, red onion, cabbage and roasted chickpeas. Garnish with black sesame seeds and tuck in!

For the coating ½ cup finely chopped chocolate ½ cup desiccated coconut

For the bliss balls 2 cups cashews 1 ½ cup desiccated coconut cup maple syrup 4 tbsp coconut oil

For the jam 2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen) 3 tbsp chia seeds 2 tbsp water 1-2 tbsp honey or sugar, to taste Method

For the jam, place the raspberries, chia seeds, water, and honey or sugar in a small pot and boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.

Once the mixture has thickened, sweeten the mixture with a little more sugar or honey to taste. Transfer to a jar and let it cool in the fridge for one hour.

For the bliss balls, put the cashews and desiccated coconut into a food processor and blend until they have a texture of coarse crumbs.

Add coconut oil and maple syrup and blend until it has been combined.

Wet your hands and spoon roughly two tablespoons of the mixture into your hands, wrapping it around a small dollop of your raspberry chia jam. Place them into the freezer to let them set.

Fill a saucepan half-way with water and bring to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top and place the finely chopped chocolate inside, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Stir chocolate with a metal spoon until melted.

To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply replace the chicken with grilled tofu.

Roll your bliss balls around in the melted chocolate and desiccated coconut. Place them in the fridge for 10 minutes to set, and enjoy!

PakMag Tip: If you haven’t got one, a rice cooker is a fabulous investment for fail proof rice.

PakMag Tip: If you’re unable to make your own jam, a store-bought jam will taste just as yummy.

38 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Challenges

Talking the Talk Communication Disorders in Children STORY Jenna Galley Children learn more quickly during their early years than at any other time in life. Within the first year most kids have mastered how to roll, crawl, walk, laugh, point, stand and even communicate their needs (or at least attempt to through hand gestures, speech and the occasional tantrum). However, it takes years (and years and years) to fully master the fine art of communication.

•• Limited vocabulary and poor sentence structure •• Trouble with retelling stories, repeating phrases and relaying information to others •• Finds meaning from a situation through visual information rather than oral •• Difficulty with peer interaction

Every child learns at a different rate and this is no different when learning how to talk and communicate effectively. In some instances, children who have difficulties with communicating could have a communication disorder and may need a little extra assistance.

However, just because your child has trouble expressing what’s inside doesn’t mean there is an underlying communication disorder. But if you are concerned with your child’s language progress, it doesn’t hurt to speak to a Speech Pathologist or visit an Early Intervention Centre. Early intervention is key and can ensure your little one is on the right path.

What is a Communication Disorder?

How to Help Your Child:

A communication disorder is any disorder that affects an individual's ability to comprehend, detect or apply language. Some communication disabilities are the result of another diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy or hearing loss.

Consider visual aids

There are also specific communication disorders not related to other conditions including:

Children learn through play, especially when you are playing with them. Talk about what they’re doing and use a variety of words. Incorporate reading into your playtime, which is essential in early speech, language, literacy and narrative development.

•• Mixed receptive-expressive language disorders •• Expressive language disorder •• Speech-sound disorders •• Childhood-onset fluency disorder •• Social communication disorder When to be Concerned: As many as 20 per cent of four-year-olds have a speech or language disorder and the symptoms can range immensely. Here are a few things to watch for: •• Not speaking at all or limited word choice for age •• Trouble grasping simple directions or naming objects •• Difficulty in using language to express their ideas, thoughts and feelings

Look for aids to help teach without the need to rely too heavily on words. Some great visuals include: abacus, peg boards and tangrams.

Play... with patience

Be patient when playing. Don’t force them to speak or express themselves. Let them listen to you. Through this interaction they are learning so much, even if some days it doesn’t seem like it.

Try not to put too much pressure on your child and yourself As a parent it’s hard not to compare your child to other kids around the same age. Focus on your child’s individual journey and remember, every child learns at a different pace. What matters most is that they are moving forward, even if it is taking them a bit longer to get there.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 41

Health

HEALTH Keep an Eye on Technology

Travelling Plane and Simple

STORY Kalisha Fitsch

The idea of getting on a plane with children may sound like a nightmare to some parents, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Technology exists all around us, and while it provides us with a long list of benefits, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. It’s not uncommon to see kids glued to their iPad, computer, or game console, but what harm is this doing to their eyes?

Digital eyestrain is identified as burning, tired, or itchy eyes caused by excessive screen time. This can lead to headaches, blurred vision and a sore neck. While the short-term effects of digital eyestrain are not usually harmful, with many children spending upwards of three hours per day on their digital device, the constant exposure to blue light can cause the eyes to age quicker.

In a digitally-dominated age, exposure to technology is practically unavoidable. So, what can be done to keep screen time to a healthy and safe standard?

Take a break. It’s recommended that children take a break from the screen every 20 minutes.

STORY Kalisha Fitsch

It's true, kids become overtired during travel and with their routines all shaken up it can be difficult to find a balance at your home away from home. If you're travelling with children, here's a few things to be mindful of to help make your trip run smoothly.

Pack smart. At some point during the trip, your kids will be bored, tired or hungry. Often all three at once. Prepare accordingly by packing an activity book, their favourite stuffed animal and some healthy, mess-free snacks (such as rice crackers or dried fruit).

Take it slow. A tired kid means a cranky kid. Don't pack too much into your itinerary and aim to spend more time in fewer places. Plan for quiet activities as well as more adventurous ones.

Rent equipment. Save yourself space on the plane and save your back from lugging around a pram by hiring one at your destination.

The same applies for car seats, breast pumps, and much more!

PakMag readers receive an exclusive 5 per cent discount with Hire For Baby. Head to www.hireforbaby.com and use the code PAKMAG at the checkout or click here in the online mag.

Pack a medical kit. Put together a kit with vitamins, paracetamol, Band-Aids, insect repellent, and various other items to keep you and your family feeling tip-top and ready for adventure at all times.

Eye exams. Take your child for an eye exam every year to ensure their eyes are developing properly and not being damaged by screen time.

Get active. Encourage your kids to put down their device and play outside for at least an hour per day.

Sleep tight. Avoid exposure to screens one hour before bed.

WATCH BREE'S MEDICAL KIT TIPS IN THE ONLINE MAG

While screens are a great source of entertainment for children and adults alike, it’s important to remember the harm they can do and to “disconnect” every once in a while.

With a bit of planning ahead your next holiday is sure to be the trip of a lifetime. And when (or if) things do go wrong, just remember, those bad travel experiences make for the best stories!

Happy travels.

42 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Why Kids Need Swimming Lessons There’s plenty to love about living in Townsville.

The gorgeous sunny climate (almost) year round is certainly at the top of the list. Where there’s warm weather there’s a desire to get wet, either in a pool, creek, ocean or swimming hole.

As swimming is part of the lifestyle up here, many parents choose to put their little ones in swimming lessons. Even if your child is always supervised around water or knows the basic doggy paddle, it’s so important that all children receive a hands-on education in the fine art of swimming and water safety. Here are a few reasons why.

Swimming lessons can: Encourage their love of the water Water is a wonderful thing. But it can be a bit scary, especially to children. Introducing your kids to the water in a comfortable environment can ensure a positive experience. Most swim schools offer small class sizes, heated pools and a warm, nurturing atmosphere to help create a safe and secure first swim.

Perfect the proper strokes and breathing techniques Even if your child isn’t going to be the next Thorpedo, all children should learn the basic strokes and breathing techniques. This can help them if they are ever in danger in the water. Swim schools aim to teach children how to swim the various strokes, tread water and master side breathing, all of which are necessary when in water.

Keep them fit and active year round Most sports run with the school terms. Swimming lessons are the same but there are no seasons which means children can continue lessons summer through to winter. For parents and kids who thrive on routine, this is an extra bonus. Having a weekly lesson (or two) ensures your little one is maintaining a level of fitness no matter what the weather is like.

Improve independence and confidence Kids love to learn new skills. It is through these newfound skills that they gain confidence and learn selfworth. With every level they pass or skill they master, kids build their sense of pride and achievement.

Promote water danger awareness

Build social and physical skills

While some kids are a bit hesitant of water, others are fearless, diving in without a worry. This can be concerning for parents, especially if you happen to have a pool in the backyard. Swimming lessons teach children about the various water hazards as well as survival techniques if they ever find themselves in trouble.

In addition to building those little arm and leg muscles, swimming is also proven to help children improve their social and emotional skills. Because classes are typically small, even the more reserved kids have a chance to interact and engage with kids their own age, allowing them to come out of their shell and introducing them to group activities.

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 45

Home

PLAYROOM Paradise With The Block’s Caro and Kingi Play is a vital part of childhood and development.

Nurture your child’s creativity by giving them a space to unleash their imagination and play to their heart’s content in their very own playroom.

Keeping the creative mess contained in one room is an added bonus.

to painting and colouring in, there’s so much that can be created – and all you’ll need is a table, chair, and an array of colourful craft supplies. Position all this in a well-lit space with an old tablecloth and when creativity calls, your child will have all they need ready to go.

World of their own

Play is one of the best ways for kids to learn new skills.

Learning definitely does not need to be boring. Older children will be entertained while constructing their very own anatomic T-Rex or learning about nature, watering their own plants and watching them grow over time.

Younger children can learn their colours by exploring the colourful toys within the playroom together with mum and dad.

During childhood, many children create an imaginative world of their own full of adventure, wonder and discovery. An excellent way to nurture this imagination is by providing kids with a fantasy playset, allowing them to embark on their very own adventures. Why not opt for a pirate ship, farm yard, medieval castle or zoo animal set?

If your little one is a bit too young for itsy-bitsy toy parts, stuffed animals, baby dolls and toy trucks make for a fantastic alternative.

Get crafty Do you love it when your child presents a home-made craft project from school? It’s actually easy to provide kids with their own craft space at home. From drawing

Learn, learn, learn

A playroom is a space for children to be inspired, have fun and get creative while at the same time boosting problem solving and fine motor skills, and it doubles up as a fantastic space for play dates.

There are some gorgeous storage options to (try to) keep the mess under control. Hopefully parents can enjoy some quiet time as children become engrossed in their play and (you don’t need to tell them) learning!

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46 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

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About Town Removals

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Get $10 off your order when you spend $80 or more! Use code PAKMAG389926. www.yellowoctopus.com.au

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Get $40 off your order when you spend $150 or more. Use code PAKMAG11. www.aprilandoak.com.au 7 8

1. Alimrose Butterscotch Linen Bobby Bunny - RRP $32.95 - www.ellej.com.au 2. Olli Ella Belly Basket - RRP $35.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 3. Pirates Combat Ship by Playmobil - RRP $144.95 - www.playmackay.com.au 4. Green Cathedral Mini Babanees Stool in Pink - RRP $175.00ea www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 5. Triceratops Ceramic Dinosaur Planter Pot 15cm - $59.99 - www.yellowoctopus.com.au 6. Alimrose Butterscotch Linen Pippa Doll - RRP $69.95 - www.ellej.com.au 7. Build Your Own T-Rex 4D Anatomy Model - RRP $34.99 - www.yellowoctopus.com.au 8. Down To The Woods White Garland - RRP $41.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

Koru Furniture and Homewares Koru is a boutique homewares store and Interior Design & Style studio located in Tropical North Queensland. p 4053 3152 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

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Do you help with home improvement or maintenance? You need to be seen here! e admin@grandpublishing.com.au p 4053 3331 www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 47

snapped

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1. Big sister Riley-dee Boland with little sister Aluka Boland 2. Elsie Stella Eastaughffet 3. Nick Lauder with baby Kai Donald Lauder 4. Jeremy Doyle with baby Jordan Matthew Keith Doyle 5. Hunter Raymond William Meehan 6. Remington Jesser 7. Taleah Guyer 8. Bea Gracie Windsor 9. Big brother Logan Gerard Pease with little brother Hudson Terence Pease 10. Allison Eyles with baby Hazel Patricia Eyles

48 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

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Mater Snapped

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Photography thanks to: Maria O‘Brien (Josephine Carter Photography) www.josephinecarterphotography.com

11. Sampson Ray Lockhart 12. Liam Pritchard with baby Tate William Freddy Pritchard 13. Honey McKinley Trickey 14. Evette Alice Seligmann 15. Thomas James Anscomb 16. Finlee Harper Juides 17. Abigail Clare Bradwell 18. Hamish Oliver Turner 19. Thomas Jesser with baby Remington Jesser 20. Millie Kate Mostachetti 21. Big sister Kailee Patricia Smart with her little sister Isabella Kathleen Smart

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 49

Celebrate

HALLOWEEN FUN! Halloween is just around the corner and it’s time to start planning! From costumes to food and decorations, there’s plenty of ways to get creative this Halloween. Whether you just plan on taking your child for a good old night of trick-or-treating or you’re hoping to throw a Halloween party, we’ve got plenty of ideas to make this Halloween the best (and spookiest) one yet.

Spooky Snacks Sugary lollies aside, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative with your Halloween nibbles and even add a healthy twist (your child’s teeth will thank you).

Using various Halloween themes such as black cats, pumpkins, bats, and skeletons, you can turn any regular meal into a spooky snack. Why not try making your own bat-shaped crackers with dip or constructing a skeleton out of veggies for a creative, yet healthy meal? If food art isn’t your strong suit, head over to your local craft store and you’re bound to find some Halloween-shaped cookie cutters to help spark your imagination and cut preparation time in half.

Creative Costumes “What do you want to be for Halloween?” A question that can be met with something quick and simple or something that’ll require a bit of creative thinking and crafty efforts from mum or dad. Whether you plan on breaking out the sewing machine and glue gun or constructing a spooky outfit from face paint and storebought items, creating a daring costume doesn’t have

to be difficult. Something as simple as a pair of elegant floral bunny ears, magical star-shaped wands or a homemade superhero cape can make for an adorable yet effective Halloween costume for your little one.

Daring Decorations If you’re expecting a visit from many eager trick-ortreaters, decorating your house is a must! Why not put a creative spin on some traditional Halloween decorations this year? Get the kids involved and turn it into a fun activity by letting them paint pumpkins, create bedsheet-ghosts, and dangle toy spiders from various fixtures around the house and yard using fishing wire.

If you plan on hosting a party, don’t forget to take your daring decorations indoors as well. It’s all part of the fun, and will have your guests saying “wow!”

Whether you’re planning a Halloween celebration with friends and family or you’re looking for a creative twist on your spooky porch decoration in anticipation of the trick-or-treaters, we’ve got your back with a range of creative Halloween ideas. This Halloween, don’t forget to be safe, have fun, and eat healthy afterwards. Boo!

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CLICK HERE IN THE ONLINE MAG TO GET THESE FREE PRINTABLE INVITATIONS!

50 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

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Bodysuit $29.99

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4-Pack Butterfly Hair Clips $5.99

Cotton Peplum Blouse $12.99

Espadrilles $14.99

Dress $29.99

Sandals $29.99

Patterned Pull-on Trousers $24.99

Sunglasses $9.99 Printed T-Shirt $14.99 Printed T-Shirt $19.99

Trainers $27.99

Sweatshirt Shorts $12.99

Cotton Cap with Embroidery $12.99 Mesh Trainers $39.99

T-Shirt $19.99

Twill Trousers $19.99

Sandals $24.99 Slim Fit Chinos $27.99

Bodysuit $29.99

www.stockland.com.au/Townsville

School Holiday Guide

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE WILLOWS SHOPPIN G CENTRE

LITTLE SNAPPERS SWIM SCHOOL

Be sure to head down to Willows Shopping Centre these school holidays. Dinosaurs will land and come to life until the 7th of October with jaw-dropping life-size exhibitions throughout the Centre. Bringing 165 million years in the past into the present day. Check out the life-like animatronic dinosaurs throughout the Centre and paint your own 3D dinosaur.

The weather is heating up, and it’s time to get back in the pool! Brush up on those swimming skills by taking the kids to Little Snappers Swim School for a day of fun, learning and cooling off in the water.

Creative workshop 10.00am - 2.00pm daily at the Target Forecourt Kids can release their inner Baker these school holidays and decorate a Jurassic World dinosaur cookie at the Muffin Break dinosaur cookie workshop.

10.00am to 2.00pm daily. Located near Muffin Break in the Food Court.

The above activities are free!

P 4799 9100 Willows Shopping Centre www.willowsshoppingcentre.com.au STOCKLAND SHOPPING CENTRE Check out Stockland’s activity program these school holidays! Visit their website and like their Facebook page to keep up to date.

P 4779 6033 Stockland Townsville www.stockland.com.au FAIRFIELD CENTRAL Check out all there is to do at Fairfield Central these school holidays!

Mini Aquarium Workshop – create your own underwater garden!

When: Wednesday 3 – Sunday 7 October 10.00am – 1.00pm Where: Opposite Massage Zone Plus, FREE coffee for the first 20 parents each day, so get in quick!

You could also WIN a $100 EB Games voucher by spending $20 at any Fairfield Central retailer – just enter via the iPad stations located in the centre or online.

T&Cs apply P 4778 4249 Fairfield Central www.fairfieldcentral.com.au CASTLE TOWN SHOPPINGWORLD Head down to Castle Town Shoppingworld for some school holiday fun! Be sure to keep up with their website and Facebook page to see what’s happening.

P 4772 1699 Castle Town Townsville www.castletown.com.au

Book now for Term 4!

P 4751 6111 - North Side P 4789 0227 - Riverway Little Snappers Swim School www.littlesnappers.com.au PCYC PCYC Queensland is now the #1 provider of gymnastics across the State. As a not-for-profit organisation, PCYC supports our local communities by reinvesting all profits back into each community via programs and youth activities.

Their gymnastics team strives to provide quality coaching that improves fundamental motor skills, strength, flexibility and fitness. They cater for all ages from 12 months to adults with a pathway program to suit all abilities.

Gymnastics is inclusive where boys and girls can have fun in a structured environment. They aim to provide an inspirational gymnastics program to our communities so members can maximise their physical and personal goals.

Call one of their Clubs today for more information on how you can be a part of this exciting program. New members who sign on in Townsville will receive a 10% introductory discount for term 4.

P 4781 9100 - Townsville P 4783 1009 - Burdekin www.pcyc.org.au TOWNSVILLE RSL Family dining at Townsville RSL has never been easier.

The Cadets Kids Club (fully supervised fun kids’ room) is open Thursday to Saturday from 5.00pm to 10.00pm for ages 3 to 12 years. Gold coin donation.

P 4759 9500 Townsville RSL www.townsvillersl.com.au GRILL’D – HEALTHY BURGERS What’s better than a delicious burger? A burger and a movie, of course!

Be sure to head down to Grill’d and enjoy their free family movie nights these school holidays.

When: The free movie nights are on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings of the school holidays from 6.30pm in their Secret Garden.

Mention PakMag to receive FREE CHIPS for the family!

P 4976 9990 Grill’d Townsville www.grilld.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | October 2018 55

School Holiday Guide

PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY

www.tyto.com.au

If you have a creative child who’d love to expand their art skills, a visit to Perc Tucker Gallery is sure to spark their inspiration. Come along and discover the current exhibitions.

LA LUNA YOUTH ARTS

Be sure to check the website for upcoming exhibitions and events.

You’ll find a range of workshops these school holidays to suit your child’s creative interests, including ones in visual arts, dance, filmmaking, acrobatics, craft, animation and more. There’s something for everyone!

P 4727 9011 www.townsville.qld.gov.au LOVE2SWIM SCHOOL Summer is just two months away! How did that happen?

Brush up on those swimming skills at Love2Swim school - now teaching at two convenient locations including Kirwan Aquatic Centre and Kokoda Memorial Pool.

P 4723 3447 Kirwan Pool P 4725 5357 Kokoda Pool www.love2swimschool.com.au TYTO

Do you have a creative child? They’re invited to be involved in La Luna’s school holiday program!

Alternatively, head over and try the “come and play” sessions – suited to different age groups with fun, shorter workshops including hula hooping, dance routines, silhouette lanterns, bracelet-making, circus tricks and much more. $15 per workshop or 4 for $50.

Head over to their website for the full school holiday program.

P 4773 6377 www.lalunanq.com

TYTO is eclectic and unexpected; a place where the discovery of art, culture, nature and knowledge unfolds. There is so much for the family that you could easily spend a jam packed day here doing activities and games.

CHIPMUNKS PLAYLAND & CAFÉ

These school holidays, head out to TYTO wetlands for some awesome family fun. Check out all there is to do for the kids.

Open 9.00am - 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 10.00am - 4.00pm on Sundays.

Located in West End, the play centre features the latest playground experience with a large main playground, a dedicated under 5’s area and a separate baby area providing hours of fun for children of all ages.

Tiny tots at TYTO 10.00am - 11.00am on Thursdays

Under ones and adults are free, 1 - 2 year old’s $9.90 and over 3s $13.90.

Storytime at TYTO 10.30am - 11.30am on Thursdays

PS, don’t forget your socks!

Mini Military Museum 10.00am - 4.00pm daily

P 4724 2219 www.chipmunks.com.au

Head over to their Facebook page for details on fantastic regular events for children and teens.

P 4776 4792 Visit TYTO

56 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au

Let them know you read it in PakMag!

DADDY DIARY ATTENTION PARENTS. Be alert but not alarmed.

Today it is my (self-imposed) duty to inform you we have a common enemy in our midst. Alarmingly his eyes are set firmly on the children of this great nation.

He goes by the name Giggle. Jimmy Giggle. Spine chilling stuff I know. He’s most commonly spotted on the telly in the afternoons with an owl named “Hoot” by his side. Probably in the mornings also but I don’t really know as I’m usually at work. But be warned parents. This “Giggle & Hoot” combo is a dangerous mix. Ever so slowly they’re wedging themselves deeper and deeper into our kids minds.

Full on stuff I know. I always did have a flair for the dramatic. While the above might be my slightly warped version of events it does seem like my daughter’s less interested in her mother and I, and more interested in a 30 something man and his side kick owl throwing into old episodes of Peppa Pig. The tipping point came last week when the first thing my daughter said to me upon daycare pickup wasn’t hello. What it was frankly shocked and kind of upset me.

So, it was a regular weekday afternoon. Probably about 4.30pm-ish. I’d like to say that I was just leaving the gym but more than likely I had just scoffed down an

afternoon snack (often my daughter Matilda’s Tiny Teddies) and decided pickup time had arrived. I strolled into our Goodstart, signed my 4-and-a-bit year old out, like I always do. I grabbed her school bag then ventured to the playground to greet my little angel. But this particular greeting wasn’t one I had received before.

It wasn’t the usual semi-shouted “HELLO DADDY” I’ve grown accustomed to. Far from it. This particular day Matilda looked straight up from the see-saw looking contraption she was sharing with another little boy.

She smiled, ran towards me and asked one simple question. ‘Daddy can I watch Jimmy Giggle when we get home?’ I was SHOCKED! When did TV become priority number one? She’s 4 years old for heaven’s sake. This lukewarm at best greeting naturally prompted another question. What do I do now?

I have to say something to her, right? I decided I’d let a super cool head prevail and waited til we were in the car.

I turned to face Matilda and calmly explained that the TV was a treat and a sometimes thing (like the Cookie Monster’s beloved “sometimes food”). Instead I suggested maybe we go into the backyard, talk a bit and play on the swings. To this Matilda replied TV would be better but OK if she could have snacks. I’m always one for snacks so I was more than happy to compromise.

While my wife and I have since laughed about the Jimmy Giggle incident it did offer us a bit of perspective. We do Netflix, Email, Facebook, Instagram and whatever the hell else in front of our daughter, way too much. So we’ve made a pledge to pull back. Spend more time off our screens together. We’re sure it will be great for the three of us. Even if it does mean the family misses out on those awesome arvo Giggle & Hoot adventures.

Cliffo Hit 103.1 Townsville

58 October 2018 | www.pakmag.com.au