PakMag Townsville - March 2017 Issue 76

ISSUE: MAR 2017

76

TOWNSVILLE

Best careers FOR PARENTS

THE IMPORTANCE OF ETIQUETTE

Birth a BUSINESS

MATERNITY WEAR

Nurturing NurserY

Fertility TO FIRST YearS

MULTIPLE BIRTHS

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CONTENTS

HELLO

ISSUE NO. 76 MAR 2017

Hello and welcome to the March edition of PakMag. I can’t believe we’re into March already, but I’m glad we are as this is one of my favourite editions, our Maternity Edition!

06 Entertainment: Check This Out

Check out our Fertility to First Years feature on page 33 for tips on your options in Townsville for fertility assistance, pregnancy and post-natal healthcare, and buying for baby.

10 Is It Time For You To Birth

Our maternity theme runs throughout the magazine with a piece on the importance of tummy time one page 17, tips for more than one baby on page 19 and much more too.

We also focus on parents and our Adult Education feature discusses the best careers for parents and how you can get the skills you need to land your dream job. And for those who are thinking about starting a business, the Birthing a Business story on page 10, is for you!

As you can see, this edition of the magazine is jam-packed with great stuff and I really hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

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

Bree

09 The Thing Is... With Bree James

A Business?

13 Parenting: The Importance

Of Etiquette

17 Health 19 Baby: Multiple Birth Week 20 Bump and Bub: WIN 23 What’s On Guide 25 Mini Mag 33 Fertility To First Years 37 Adult Education: Best Careers

BREE JAMES / PAKMAG PUBLISHER

For Parents

41 Developmental Disabilities And

Net Distribution Per Issue 10,000 CAB Publisher Statement Period ending 30th July 2016

Concerns In Early Childhood

43 What’s News In Business 45 Kid Friendly Recipes 46 Home with Caro & Kingi: PAKMAG HEAD OFFICE P 4053 3331 F 4053 3350 E admin@grandpublishing.com.au PO BOX 7433 Cairns QLD 4870 FB www.facebook.com/pakmagtownsville T #pakmag ON THE COVER Maddison McBow and Lachlan Cresswell PHOTOGRAPHY Vicki Miller Photography WEB www.vickimillerphotography.com PAKMAG'S CORE VALUES

Create happier communities

Love connecting families & business

Collaborate with creativity

Lead & engage with heart

Nurturing Nursery

48 Fashion: Maternity Wear 50 Daddy Diary

Publish authentic content with integrity

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

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

Awesome Administrator Gleisy

Daring Designer Lise

Bree's Wingwoman Rose

Sales Star Lisa

Darling Designer Clare

Talented Trent

Grand Poobah Bree

Pedantic Production Manager Janelle

Rad Sales Rep Jacqui

Word Wizard Jenna

www.pakmag.com.au MARCH 2017

Savvy Sales Sandra

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pakmag ENTERTAINMENT

CHECK IT OUT

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7

th Mar

Cowboys Vs Raiders

International Women’s Day Luncheon – Insights into Leadership

WHEN Saturday, 4 March 2017, 6.00pm WHERE 1300 Smiles Stadium MORE INFO www.1300smilesstadium.com.au The North Queensland Cowboys are back for the 2017 NRL season and will be playing Round 1 on their home ground against the Canberra Raiders. Gates opens 3.30pm. NYC kick off 3.45pm. Main game kick off 6.00pm

16th - 19th Mar World’s Greatest Shave WHEN 16 - 19 March 2017 WHERE Various MORE INFO www.worldsgreatestshave.com

th Mar

WHEN Tuesday, 7 March 2017 WHERE The Brewery Townsville MORE INFO facebook.com/TBWCircle Phone: 0400 486 972 Email: admin@tbwc.com.au TBWC are hosting a luncheon for International Women's Day to celebrate Local Women in Leadership thanks to Success Business Magazine. This high-level panel of local leaders will candidly share their experiences, honest insights and advice for anyone looking to pursue leadership in any industry. This event is an acknowledgement of the calibre of successful business women in our city and will also be used to announce the first BOQ Castletown Women's Education Bursary winner for the region.

18th Mar

NQ Cowboys Vs Manly Warringah Seagulls WHEN Saturday, 18 March 2017, 6.00pm WHERE 1300 Smiles Stadium MORE INFO www.1300smilesstadium.com.au The Manly Warringah Seagulls face the North Queensland Cowboys for Round 3 on the 2017 NRL season. Gates open 5.30pm. NYC kick off 5.45pm. Main game kick off 8.00pm

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th Mar

The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave is 16th-19th March, Australia-wide. Child care centres and schools all around Townsville and surrounds will get involved by ‘colouring their hair to show they care’ on Funky Hair Day. Shave or colour at work, at school, at home or with family and friends to help support North Queensland blood cancer patients.

Visit www.worldsgreatestshave.com for more information and tips on how you can get involved.

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MARCH 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

Battle of the Brains – Pyjama Trivia Night!

WHEN Saturday, 25 March 2017, 6.00pm – 9.30pm WHERE Townsville Darts Association MORE INFO www.thepyjamafoundation.com Battle of The Brains Pyjama Trivia Night is all about coming together with your family, friends and colleagues to go head to head with other teams to see which team is the smartest.

It’s also about raising much-needed funds for children in foster care who deserve a brighter start in life. Participants are encouraged to don their pyjamas or onesies! Trivia questions are drawn from general knowledge, fun facts, music, movies and sports. Individual tickets $20.00 or team of 6 $120.00

25th Mar

NQ Babies and Kids Market WHEN Saturday, 25 March 2017, 8.30am WHERE Emmaus Hall – Ryan Catholic College Snr Campus – Morindo Drive, Kirwan MORE INFO www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com It’s back again! North Queensland Babies and Kids Markets have great quality pre-loved, new, handmade, information and promotional stalls with everything you need for you and your little ones.

Come along for an exciting morning shopping for bargains and beautifully handmade items. This market is a specialised market for babies and kids, mums & mums to be. $2.00 entrance / Kids are free

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st Mar

NQ Cowboys Vs South Sydney Rabbitohs WHEN Friday, 31 March 2017, 7.05pm WHERE 1300 Smiles Stadium MORE INFO www.1300smilesstadium.com.au Round 5 will see the North Queensland Cowboys go ahead to head with the South Sydney Rabbitohs at 1300SMILES Stadium. Gates open 4.35pm. NYC kick off 4.50pm. Main game kick off 7.05pm

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th Apr

SAVE THE DATE

Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Young People’s Theatre Season: Circus Oz: Model Citizens WHEN Thursday, 20 April 2017, 7.30pm Friday, 21 April 2017, 12.30pm and 7.30pm WHERE Townsville Civic Theatre MORE INFO whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Circus Oz explodes back onto stage, audaciously unpacking the myths of modern Australia with our latest high octane circus show Model Citizens, the first creation fuelled by the new artistic director Rob Tannion.

Set in a beautiful yet chaotic model kit world, Model Citizens seamlessly blends the risk, beauty and rawness of acrobatic circus with pumping live music, stunning lighting, breathtaking physical improbability and no shortage of absurdity.

www.pakmag.com.au MARCH 2017

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The Thing Is...

STORY Bree James

March 8th is International Women’s day, a day where women are celebrated around the globe. I think it’s a wonderful day and I am really looking forward to it. I grew up with a mother who is a feminist; I often had to do the “man” type work around the house to help her as I was raised to believe a woman can do anything she sets her mind to and that I must never rely on a male. I guess that is a big reason why I have taken on a role in life that is considered unusual for most women.

I am the breadwinner and a business owner, and I am a woman that can do anything she sets her mind to including dirt bike riding and many other things that makes me a proud tomboy.

But the thing is, I am also a woman who doesn’t feel like she fits in with her own gender at times, and if I am honest, any gender really. Admittedly, it’s mostly my fault that I feel like I am an outcast, but my feeling is that women are feeling more and more misunderstood and alone these days.

I believe the biggest reason for this is because we have become Judge Judy’s. Women are so judgmental of others, but mostly of themselves. We criticise, compare and analyse everything and a huge per cent of it is in a negative way.

She works too hard. She doesn’t work enough and is lazy.

She has too much of a social life. She has no life and is living through her kids. She must have lots of money as she is married to a doctor. She must have no money as she is a single mum.

And the list goes on and on and on and on.

Women are expected to do it all and can do it all, but it’s coming at a cost and it’s mostly our sanity and our connection with each other as women. We have a generation of women who are struggling because of what is socially acceptable and what is not. The world is confused as to what life should look like now for a woman, but now, no matter what a woman does, it seems to be WRONG.

Sixty years ago, most women had one aim, get married, have kids and look after the family. If you didn’t do this and you were one of the few women that had a career, you were judged. Now if you do either of these roles you are judged.

Men are also feeling the heat too. If they take the role of “wife” in the family, they are judged just as harshly.

The thing is, in many parts of the world, roles have changed, and I am grateful that gender is slowly becoming one big blend. Men and women are removing gender and doing what needs to be done, in particular in the home raising a family.

But, what has to change is our attitude towards this blend.

So, ladies and gents, this International Women’s Day and beyond, I hope you to do two things.

1. Celebrate others. Don’t be jealous of what others have, all it says about you is that you think you deserve it more than that person and that is yucky.

2. Don’t judge others for what they are doing, as what you see is often a reflection of what you need to work on.

Judging a person doesn’t define who they are, it defines who you are.

Happy International Women's Day, #BeBoldForChange, and with less jealousy and judgement, I am sure we can help forge a more inclusive and gender equal world.

Bree www.pakmag.com.au MARCH 2017

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Is it Time for You to

birth a business?

STORY Bree James

Starting a business is much like starting a family; it takes planning, preparation, a sense of humour and a never-give-up attitude.

Most people put off starting a business as they believe that they have to be 100 per cent dedicated time-wise to the business. But in reality, it doesn’t have to consume your every waking hour. In fact, it’s possible to work full time and have a small business on the side. And doing things this way means that the business is being run because there is a passion and desire to run a business. It’s not all about the money, and it gives you time to slowly transition from being employed to being self-employed, if that's what you dream of.

Whether you want to have a business that you work on full time, or you want to only dedicate 10 per cent of your work time to a business, it’s still better than having a dream that you put zero per cent of your time into. Doing something is better than doing nothing at all.

No matter how much time you are able to, or want to, commit to your venture, being 100 per cent committed to your business in your heart is an absolute must!

So, you have an idea, where to from here?

First you need to ask yourself some hard questions.

1.

YOUR WHY?

Your why is very important. Your why for starting a business can’t just be to earn more money, to have more holidays, or to be popular. Your why must go deeper than that. In my opinion, it needs to be focused on your customer. I have a big why - it’s to make families happier and more connected to their community. A big why means that when the going gets tough, you can pull out your why and it will motivate you to keep going. Have it printed and put it on the fridge, or on your mirror at home

so that you are reminded of it every single day. My why means that even when I am having to put my family last to work on the business, I can justify it in my heart because what I am doing is making a huge difference to many families, so the sacrifice to me is justifiable.

2. YOUR LIFESTYLE It’s really important that you think about the lifestyle you want. If you want to start a business in a physical location, or the business’s main operating hours are going to be on the weekends, after a little while you may resent the business if it’s impacting the lifestyle you want. If you want a business that can operate from anywhere in the world, you need to ensure your idea can cope with that and will work.

3. YOUR INVESTMENT All businesses will take some investment, the biggest one will be your time, in most instances. A lot of us want to start a business on a shoe string budget, and it’s certainly much easier to do these days, but you need to have a budget that you are willing to spend on creating this business.

Investing in a logo, a website, business cards, business registration and trademarking, if relevant, are

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MARCH 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

all essential first steps. And, of course, setting a marketing budget, purchasing accounting software and deciding whether you need staff initially are all costs that need to be considered as a start.

There are many, many other things too. Having a solid business plan to include all of your costings is important but to ensure the success of your business if things don’t go to plan you need a contingency. Look into the cost of all of the things you need to invest in, and then double it.

However long you estimate to start the business, double that too. If you can manage the thought of the cost of the start-up at double what you think, and double the length of time it could take before you earn one dollar, let alone a profit, then you are good to go! If it freaks you out, good. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t launch your business, you should, but you need to think of the worst case scenario and be prepared for it.

4.

PLANNING TIME

You have your big why, you have found a business idea that will work with your lifestyle and you are prepared to put your hand in your pocket to pay for it. Now it’s time to do some testing to see if your idea has legs. You need to do some

FEATURE

research online, talk to people, and research everything you possibly can about your idea. Is there anyone else doing it? Will you have a point of difference? Why should people buy from you instead? What do you like about what they are doing? What do you dislike about what they are doing? Can you make money out of this idea?

If the answer is still a yes, then it’s time to put it on paper. The dreaded business plan. There are many free templates online, especially ones provided by the Australian Government. Do one, you won’t regret it. Building a business without a plan is much like building a house without

a plan - not a good idea. If you aren’t planning on getting a loan to start the business, then it doesn’t have to be too intense with a hundred pages, but it does have to cover the main things you need to think about, including finance and how you are planning on rolling everything out and by when.

Then, I’d suggest doing a marketing plan that covers a social media strategy too.

And how do you want the business to end? Will you sell it, will you shut it down, will you amalgamate with another business and when would you like this to happen by?

pakmag

Researching any insurances, talking to your accountant about the best financial structure to set up the business, and checking if there are any legislative things to keep in mind are all necessary to ensure you’re on the right track to business success.

Once you have these plans on paper, you can see what it's going to take to do this business.

5.

REGISTER AND ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES.

Lastly, it’s time to register your business name, a trademark, buy the domain name, get a logo designed, a website built, and basically put all of your plans into place.

EASIER BUSINESSES WITH LESS SET-UP STRESS

All of the hard work is done with a proven formula, you have support of head office and with some training you are good to go.

Get involved with a multi-level marketing company Things like Arbonne, Nucerity, Enjo, Amway, Avon, Herbalife, Isagenix and hundreds more are all simple ways to have a sideline business.

Buying a license or management rights Things like management rights to a hotel or property mean that you manage the building and earn

money from it running successfully.

You can also buy the license to a product or service. Being the licensed seller of a certain software or having rights to print Micky Mouse on whatever you wish, for example.

www.business.gov.au www.smallville.com.au www.ato.gov.au/Business/ Starting-your-own-business www.business.qld.gov.au/ business

Be a virtual assistant

www.mahiweb.com.au

Work from home and do errands for people all over the world.

www.cciq.com.au

HELPFUL WEBSITES

Buy a franchise

Put your skills on websites like www.fiverr.com If you can do voiceovers, create logos, edit videos and more then this is a great site to get some extra work.

Starting a business will be one of the hardest things you do… but once it’s born, you are going to love it, and through the infant stage, toddler stage all the way to teenage stage there are going to be highs and lows that you will have to roll with. Enjoy them, celebrate your wins and learn from your losses, and have as much fun as you can along the way.

I hope that your business makes our world a better place for you, your family and anyone else you can impact in a positive way. www.pakmag.com.au MARCH 2017

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PARENTING

pakmag

THE IMPORTANCE OF ETIQUETTE:

Please, Poise and Nose-Picking STORY Teresa Jadvick, E&M Etiquette Training and Coaching

After interviewing for an exciting employment opportunity, a young candidate was rejected. "When I asked for real feedback, the interviewer told me that although my job skills and education were a good fit, some of my table manners raised a red flag. The position entails many client dinners and I guess I had a few bad habits that they saw at meals during the interview process."

Acknowledging a gap in his etiquette education, the candidate continued, "I am quite frankly embarrassed by my lack of manners."

Sadly, the situation the interviewee faced is not uncommon.

Competition is fierce for good schools, jobs and seats in good universities. There are many more highly qualified applicants than positions and being judged on how one presents and conducts oneself is now commonplace in our competitive culture.

and time again until good practices become habit. Remind children whenever a slip in manners occurs but don't scold or nag.

Every caring parent wants to launch their child into the world with the best possible advantage. We are judged by our manners and etiquette, and as our children’s first educators, it’s our job as parents to teach them the basics. But let’s be realistic, with the hectic schedule of most parents, balancing work and family activities, who has time to sit down of an evening to a family meal and manners training?

As children grow their motor skills improve (so they can hold cutlery correctly) and their ability to understand concepts and empathy develops, making teaching respect, kindness and politeness easier. With constant repetition, by the early teen years, children will have built up a comprehensive collection of manners which parents need only fine-tune for teens to be capable of behaving well or attending social functions.

Practicing good manners daily will eventually lead to mastery and manners will become second nature.

Why are Manners Important?

Good manners will often take people where neither money nor education will take them...

So, how can you teach your children manners?

Teaching our children manners is something that should be incorporated into daily life and can start in very young children, with more refined lessons as the child matures.

Unlike maths or science, manners, in the early stages, at least, can be taught through correction of behavior or learning through practical examples as they arise, rather than formal lessons, meaning it doesn’t have to be a chore. Consistency and repetition are very important when teaching children. Parents should reinforce the rules time

1. Good manners give good impressions.

Whether it’s a job interview or meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time, we all want to make a good impression. People want to deal with, associate with and generally know wellmannered people, and therefore the impression you leave on those you meet essentially garners the kind of relationship and involvement you’ll have with them. So, give a firm handshake, listen, make eye-contact and show a regard for good manners and you’ll be setting yourself up for getting that job, or getting her hand!

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2. Good manners are not the norm.

The emphasis on learning good manners is not as strong today as it was fifty years ago. Opening the door for others, not talking with your mouth full or even saying please and thank you are all manners which, whilst still considered important, are not necessarily exhibited by the majority. With that said, having impeccable manners makes you stand out. It makes you different, in a good way, and therefore memorable.

3. Good manners help when you least expect it.

Ever needed to ask for a favour? The manners you’ve shown towards others in previous interactions might just be the difference between them saying yes or no when asked if they can help you out. If you’ve been helpful, gone out of your way or shown the right amount of gratitude in the past, you may just have the same done unto you in the future.

4. Good manners build good relationships.

Life is all about relationships. Whether that be at work, amongst friends, or within your family, our relationships fundamentally shape our lives, so we need to ensure our behaviour gives us the best chance at creating good ones. Being kind, polite, respectful and showing genuine appreciation can go a long way to making people want to have you in their lives and show you the same qualities in return.

5. Good manners are good for the soul.

Regardless of whether you’ve tried to build sound relationships, make good impressions or have someone do you a favour, good manners should be followed, perhaps most importantly, for yourself. Being able to rest easy in the knowledge that, in spite of how you are viewed, you’ve done all you can to be respectful, polite and kind to others is a wonderful feeling indeed!

Did You Know?

In 18th century France, King Louis XIV was unimpressed with visitors to Versailles walking on the grass and so he had signs, or tickets, made up advising people to “Keep off the Grass”. These tickets, called etiquettes in French, expanded to include a list of rules issued by the courts for official functions on what to do and where to stand. Over time the word has been incorporated into other languages as a broad term to describe the rules which govern socially acceptable behaviour.

PLEASE KEEP OFF THE GRASS, THANK YOU

Sheryl Eberly, is an advocate for good manners. In her 2015 Q Ideas talk, she says “children just need to learn, this is how things are done in polite society… these are the rules that help us get along with one another.”

It’s an opinion that she’s held for many years and one of the reasons she wrote 365 Manners Kids Should Know in 2001, which was updated in 2011 in line with the more modern views of ‘acceptable behaviour’.

We’ve picked our top ten manners from the 365, but highly recommend you pick up a copy of the book – you may even learn some manners you’d forgotten!

1. Say “Please” when asking for something and “Thank you” when receiving.

9. Smile and always have a positive attitude.

2. Don’t interrupt adults when talking.

365 Manners Kids Should Know is available online.

3. Say ‘I’m sorry’ not “I didn’t mean to”.

4. Say “excuse me” when asking for somebody’s attention.

5. Knock on closed doors before entering.

6. Have good table manners – no elbows on the table or talking with your mouth full, wait for everyone to receive their meal before you eat and ask permission to leave the table.

7. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

8. Don’t pick your nose!

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10. Act like a guest at someone else’s house.

HEALTH

pakmag

+ HEALTH The Health Benefits of Tummy Time STORY Dr. Muhammad Raihan Anwar With the introduction of the Back to Sleep campaign there has been a lot of concern among many parents as to whether a small baby can ever be left on their tummy. Back to Sleep is no doubt an important step from avoiding cot deaths in babies, but at the same time some tummy time is essential for babies for their growth and wellbeing.

The question that is most commonly asked by concerned parents is how to go about giving tummy time to their baby.

The best way to go about it is to give tummy time while the baby is awake and an adult can supervise this at all times.

It is important to note that a baby should be put on the back if the adult cannot supervise the tummy time.

Tummy time is the time a baby lies on its tummy with the body supported on its forearms. The advantages of this activity if done on a regular basis are immense.

Regular tummy time is thought to help baby digest milk well and may be quite helpful in avoiding gastroesophageal reflux.

Another problem that babies who are always lying on their backs may face is Plagiocephaly (abnormal shape of the head).

Regular tummy time can avoid this issue as well as lessen it for babies who already have developed some irregularity in their head shape.

Tummy time, in addition to the above benefits, can help to develop a healthy spine and muscle tone in the baby, and helps them achieve their developmental milestones easily.

The recommendation is to start this activity as soon as possible, as most babies should be able to lift their heads above the bed within the first few days of life (if this is not observed, the baby should be be reviewed by a doctor).

Tummy time should be commenced gradually, initially for few minutes, and should be increased over a period up to 15 minutes daily. Placing soft toys close to the baby can help make it more interesting for him or her. Tummy time can be given on the lap as well, if the baby does not like it on the floor.

It should be kept in mind that as the baby starts to get stronger, they can move while having tummy time, so all dangerous items should be removed from the vicinity as it happens.

TUMMY TIME FOR ADULTS

As it is said “Back to sleep; Tummy to play”.

Just as tummy time in babies helps develop a healthy spine, the constant hunching over computers and slumping in chairs can have the opposite effect on adults. Poor posture accounts for a multitude of secondary issues such as back, neck and shoulder pain, digestive issues and even depression. Adult tummy time can be a good way to combat these issues.

Spending just a few minutes per day stretching out on our front, watching TV or just performing a backbend every day may be the key to change. For many of us, ‘lying around’ isn’t really seen as the best use of our time. So, how can we incorporate tummy time into our lives? The answer could be in an exercise regime that includes tummy time – think yoga and Pilates.

Although regular visits to the yoga studio are better than intermittent trips, the health benefits of doing yoga just once per week have been proven to build muscle strength, help with focus and encourage better sleep.

So, why not give it a go and see how adult tummy time can improve your health?

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Multiple Birth Week STORY Rose Foster You may have heard about Perth woman, Kim Tucci, who conceived quintuplets (that’s five babies!) naturally in 2015. This one in 60 million chance lead to the popular Facebook page and blog, unsurprisingly named, Surprised by Five!

It makes for a cute story, especially if you saw any articles about their adorable first birthday party last month. But in reality, for Kim, and the 2 per cent of Australian families with multiples, as they’re known, there are a unique set of issues that present themselves as a result of their miracle babies.

Multiple Birth Awareness Week, held annually in March, seeks to bring much needed awareness to the challenges that can come with pregnancy, birth and quality of life for multiples themselves.

MOTHERS Excited, overwhelmed, terrified.

However, for the multiple mummyto-be, the reality of possible complications during pregnancy and labour can be an unnerving prospect. Common issues include preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, both of which can be deadly if untreated.

It is also common for mothers of multiples to have preterm labour, defined as labour prior to 37 weeks.

And this becomes earlier with each additional baby. Pregnancies of single babies usually have a 39-week gestation length. This becomes, on average, 36 weeks for twin pregnancies, 32 weeks for triplet pregnancies, 30 weeks for quadruplets and 29 weeks for quintuplets.

SUPPORTING FAMILIES WITH MULTIPLES

And preterm labour can bring with it its own set of problems too. In addition to having low birth weights, premature babies can have ongoing

health issues such as intellectual disabilities, lung and heart problems and hearing and vision problems.

CHILDREN Children from multiple families generally lead happy lives with their twin brother, trip sisters or quad siblings being a positive presence in their world. But sometimes, coming as a set can prove difficult when vying for parents’ attention, having friends and establishing oneself as an individual.

Identity issues and social isolation are two major issues facing children of multiple births. It’s something that is not always recognised by parents and even less so with other adults and children in their lives.

At home, parents of multiples should give equal time and treat their children as individuals, referring to them by name instead of ‘the twins’. At school, teachers should help by encouraging multiples who

do everything together to integrate with their classmates, have their own friends and follow their own educational paths.

FAMILIES Immediate issues surrounding multiple births can have a big impact on family life and not simply because there are more babies in the house. Mothers of multiples are more susceptible to pre- and post-natal depression. What’s more, both initially and as children get older, financial pressure can also contribute to depression and related family issues too.

The Australian Multiple Birth Association understands the challenges that come with multiples.

That’s why the organisation is proactive on increasing awareness, providing support and connecting mothers, children and families from around Australia so they can enjoy their life with multiples for what it is – a wonderful miracle!

• Let them know it’s ok to accept help and that they are not alone. Whether that be in the form of you physically helping out or letting them know it’s normal and perfectly fine to seek the help of the medical professional.

• Pitch in. Lending a helping hand to new mothers is always much appreciated but it can be a lifeline for those with twins or more. Hold the babies whilst mum showers, bring food or entertain older siblings for a while • Encourage parents to connect with others. The Australian Multiple Birth Association website (www.amba.org.au) has a multitude of resources for parents of multiples and connects them with other parents in similar situations.

• Appreciate individuality as multiples get older. Issues surrounding identity can be lessened simply by acknowledging multiples as the individuals that they are.

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Bando can be doubled over as a seamless boob tube.

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MARCH 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

Perfect Mum: How to Survive the Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood WEB www.selfesteemonline.com.au RRP $29.99 Perfect mum provides a safe (private) support tool, which is filled with practical resources you can implement to raise your energy levels, increase your confidence, improve your health and feel more in control of your life and the lives of your loved ones.

With Perfect Mum you will have access to a therapeutic manual loaded with tools to support you through the emotional roller coaster of motherhood. In addition, the book includes comments from a range of mothers, detailing their own experiences of motherhood to provide you with a deeper appreciation and understanding that you are NOT ALONE in your journey.

BABY

Positive goodbyes – tips for managing separation anxiety STORY Goodstart Early Learning There is no doubt that dropping your child at day care or moving your child from one early learning centre to another can be a stressful experience – for both you and your child.

Infantile Colic STORY Dr Liam O’Regan Infantile colic is a very common reason for worried parents to present to their GP with their new baby.

Infantile colic, otherwise known as Irritable Baby Syndrome, is described as prolonged and unsoothable, painful-sounding crying. Infantile colic peaks at six weeks, usually resolves by around four months of age and occurs in about one in ten infants.

Separation anxiety is normal in the early weeks of a child’s first introduction to a centre. Particularly if you have recently moved and your child may already be feeling unsettled.

A normal six-week-old infant is expected to cry for on average three hours per day. Colic is usually defined as crying for more than three hours per day, on more than three days per week for more than three weeks.

Sometimes separation anxiety can peak between 14 and 18 months but it typically decreases throughout childhood.

Sometimes it can last longer if there have been difficult separations in the early years.

There is no single recognised cause and several theories have been proposed. Some of these theories include excessive gas, reflux and the baby’s temperament.

When some children are separating from their parents at a new early learning centre, they may throw tantrums or refuse to get out of the car. Understanding this behaviour is important, as is speaking softly, stroking their hair or cuddling them.

Separation anxiety can be very draining for everyone involved, making it very difficult for you to leave your child when they are upset. So, while there’s no magic formula to wave goodbye to separation anxiety, here are a few tips that may help.

• Take your child to visit the new centre to meet the educators before they start.

• Talk to your child about what will happen at the centre, when you will be leaving and reassure them that you will be coming back.

• Work together with your children’s teachers and educators because they will be able to offer advice and guidance.

• Make sure your goodbyes are quick – it’s important not to linger after you’ve said goodbye.

• Let an educator settle your child with something they enjoy such as reading a book or playing with some blocks.

• Be calm, respond to your child’s distress but be firm about leaving.

• Spend extra time with your child at the end of the day and encourage them to talk about their experiences.

pakmag

The most important factor in diagnosing infantile colic is ensuring the baby is well and thriving. If this is not the case, other diagnoses should be investigated such as lactose intolerance, food allergy, reflux and infections.

When dealing with a colicky baby one of the key factors is acknowledging the impact it has on the parents and the family. If there are no other conditions suspected, support and reassurance is often all that is necessary.

Many parents have often tried simple things like feeding, playing and sleeping by the time they present to their GP. But are many other tips and tricks to try and sooth a colicky baby. Some infants respond well to distracting stimulation such as being carried in a sling, soothed by gentle music, or going for a ride in the pram.

If you are worried about the amount that your baby is crying or you are having trouble soothing your baby go and speak to your GP or Paediatrician.

www.pakmag.com.au MARCH 2017

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WHAT'S ON MAR Wednesday 1

Thursday 2

AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOCIATION DISCUSSION MEETING: HOW DOES BREASTFEEDING WORK? IMPS Building, Kirwan Health abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 9.30am / Free / Family

FANTASEA DESTINTATION ADVENTURE MOUNTAIN BIKE RETREAT Bungalow Bay 0425 796 042 Check website for further information / Cost / Adult

DINOSAUR DISCOVERY: LOST CREATURES OF THE CRETACEOUS Runs all month long Museum of Tropical Queensland www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au 9.30am / Cost / Family

BEAU'S BUDDIES: FOR CHILDREN UNDER 6 Every Thursday Museum of Tropical Queensland www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au 9.45 - 10.30am / Local's half price admission / kids under 6

FREE WOMEN'S SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES United Martial Arts & Fitness www.umfacademy.com.au Check website for further information / Free / Women

Friday 3 THE WORLD OF MUSICALS Townsville Civic Theatre 4727 9797 7:30pm / Cost / Family

FREE INTRODUCTION SWIMMING LESSONS FOR CHILDREN 2.5 TO 4 YEARS Love 2 Swim Schools Kirwan 4723 3447 or Kokoda – 4725 5357 8.30am / Free (bookings required) www.love2swimschool.com.au / Kids FREE ANTI-BULLLYING CLASSES All year long on the first Wednesday of every month United Martial Arts & Fitness 0427 537 771 5.30pm / Free / Kids 8-12 years old OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR 2017 Riverway Arts Centre oceanfilmfestivalaustralia.com.au 7.00pm / Cost / Family AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $150.00 for Term 1 / Kids

STAND BY ME Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times / Cost / Family U3A TOUR Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 1.30pm / $5.00 U3A Membership

Saturday 4 WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS MIDDLE SCHOOL Runs until 5th Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family DISNEY FILM FESTIVAL SLEEPING BEAUTY Until 5th Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times / Cost / Family

"Minty picks International Women's Day Luncheon - Insights into Leadership on Tuesday 7th" COWBOYS VS RAIDERS 1300 Smiles Stadium www.1300smilesstadium.com.au 6.00pm / Cost / Family

Sunday 5 DARK ALLURE EXHIBITION LAUNCH Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 11.00am / Free / Family

Tuesday 7 FREE ANTI-BULLLYING CLASSES All year long on the first Tuesday of every month United Martial Arts & Fitness 0427 537 771 4.30pm / Free / Kids 4-7 years old ART-BOX Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 10.00am / Gold Coin Donation / Under 5's AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $150 for Term 1 / Kids INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY LUNCHEON - INSIGHTS INTO LEADERSHIP The Brewery Townsville admin@tbwc.com.au 11.30am / Cost / Women

Wednesday 8 AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $150 for Term 1 / Kids

FREE INTRODUCTION SWIMMING LESSONS FOR CHILDREN 2.5 TO 4 YEARS Love 2 Swim Schools Kirwan 4723 3447 or Kokoda – 4725 5357 8.30am / Free (bookings required) www.love2swimschool.com.au / Kids

Friday 10 BRING YOUR BABY: HIDDEN FIGURES Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / $6.00 / Adult

Saturday 11 WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS BALLERINA Runs until 12th Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family DISNEY FILM FESTIVAL THE LITTLE MERMAID Until 12th Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times / Cost / Family

Sunday 12 TOWNSVILLE & DISTRICT MULTIPLE BIRTH ASSOC. MBAW: MEMBERS MINI GOLF & JUMP PARTY Townsville Mini Golf www.facebook.com/ TownsvilleMultiples 9.30am / Cost / Family FAMILY FUN DAY – PEPPA PIG MY FIRST CINEMA EXPERIENCE PEPPA’S AUSTRALIAN HOLIDAY Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 11.00am / $10.00 / Family

EMAIL EVENTS TO: ADMIN@GRANDPUBLISHING.COM.AU

www.pakmag.com.au MARCH 2017

23

WHAT'S ON MAR

"Chooky picks North QLD Babies & Kids Market on Saturday 25th"

Monday 13

Friday 17

Monday 20

Friday 24

BRING YOUR BABY: HIDDEN FIGURES Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / $6.00 / Adult

PLAYMOVES Runs until the 19th APEX Camp Rec Centre Picnic Bay 0476 590 004 Check website for further information / $150.00 / Adult

BRING YOUR BABY: THE SPACE BETWEEN US Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / $6.00 / Family

BRING YOUR BABY: LOGAN Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / $6.00 / Adult

Tuesday 14

BRING YOUR BABY: THE SPACE BETWEEN US Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / $6.00 / Family

FLUOROPHONE Runs until the 15th Riverway Arts Centre 4727 9797 6.30pm / Cost / Family

FREE RIVERWAY MOVIE – THE JUNGLE BOOK Riverway Lagoons www.townsville.qld.gov.au 7.15pm / FREE / Family

AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $150 for Term 1 / Kids

Wednesday 15

WORLD’S GREATEST SHAVE Various www.worldsgreatestshave.com Check website for further information

AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOCIATION COFFEE AND CHAT IMPS Building, Kirwan Health abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 9.30am / Free / Family

Saturday 18

BRING YOUR BABY: HIDDEN FIGURES Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 12.30pm / $6.00 / Adult FREE INTRODUCTION SWIMMING LESSONS FOR CHILDREN 2.5 TO 4 YEARS Love 2 Swim Schools Kirwan 4723 3447 or Kokoda – 4725 5357 8.30am / Free (bookings required) www.love2swimschool.com.au / Kids AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $150 for Term 1 / Kids

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS MONSTER TRUCKS Runs until 19th Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family NQ COWBOYS VS MANLY WARRINGAH SEAGULLS 1300 Smiles Stadium www.1300smilesstadium.com.au 8.00pm / Cost / Family

Tuesday 21 ART-BOX Pinnacles Gallery 4773 8871 10.00am / Gold Coin Donation / Under 5's AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $150 for Term 1 / Kids

Wednesday 22 AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOCIATION ONLINE NIGHT MEETING: NIGHT WAKING AND NIGHTTIME PARENTING IMPS Building, Kirwan Health abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 7.30pm / Free / Family JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Runs until the 25th Townsville Civic Theatre nqomt.com.au 7.30pm / Cost / Family

Sunday 19

BRING YOUR BABY: THE SPACE BETWEEN US Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 12.30pm / $6.00 / Family

FAMILY FUN DAY Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 10.00am / Free / Family

AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $150 for Term 1 / Kids

RESOLUTION NEW INDIGENOUS PHOTOMEDIA EXHIBITION LAUNCH Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 6.30pm / Free / Family

Saturday 25 NTH QLD BABIES & KIDS MARKET Emmaus Hall – Ryan Catholic College Snr Campus www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com 8.30am / $2.00 adult entry / Famliy BATTLE OF THE BRAINS TRIVIA NIGHT Townsville Darts Association www.thepyjamafoundation.com 6.00pm / $20.00 / Family Friendly CINEBUZZ CREW WEEKEND – THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 3.30pm / $11.00 Cinebuzz members / Family DINOSAUR DISCOVERY: SOUND DOWN EXPERIENCE Museum of Tropical Queensland www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au 9.30am / Local's half price admission / Kids WEARABLE ART TOWNSVILLE: THE SHRED-X ENVIRONMENT WEARABLE ART WORKSHOP Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts www.umbrella.org.au 9.00am / $55.00 / Adult

EMAIL EVENTS TO: ADMIN@GRANDPUBLISHING.COM.AU

24 MARCH 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

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WHAT'S ON MAR BALLERINA-SENSORY SCREENING. Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 11.00am / $8.00 / Family with special needs

Sunday 26 WORLD SCIENCE FESTIVAL BRISBANE TOWNSVILLE REGIONAL TOUR Runs until the 27th Museum of Tropical Queensland whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au Check website for further information / Family

NEIGHBOUR DAY 2017 All of Townsville www.neighbourday.org 8.00am / Free / Family

CINEBUZZ CREW WEEKEND – THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $11.00 Cinebuzz members / Family

TRANQUILLITY OR ILLUSION EXHIBITION LAUNCH Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9012 11.00am / Free / Family

Monday 27

MELANOMA MARCH TOWNSVILLE - FUNDRAISING Riverway, Village Boulevarde 9911 7200 8.00am / Cost / Family

BRING YOUR BABY: LOGAN Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.30am / $6.00 / Adult

Tuesday 28

Thursday 30

AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $150 for Term 1 / Kids

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times / Cost / Family

Wednesday 29 AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOCIATION COFFEE AND CHAT IMPS Building, Kirwan Health abatownsville@yahoo.com.au 9.30am / Free / Family

SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au Check website for times / Cost / Family

Friday 31

BRING YOUR BABY: LOGAN Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 12.30pm / $6.00 / Adult

COWBOYS VERSUS RABBITOHS 1300 Smiles Stadium www.1300smilesstadium.com.au 7.00pm / Cost / Family

AFTER SCHOOL ART Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 4727 9011 3.30pm / $150 for Term 1 / Kids

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Museum of Tropical Queensland www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au 5.30 - 8.00pm / Adult $20 / Child $15

EMAIL EVENTS TO: ADMIN@GRANDPUBLISHING.COM.AU

REGULAR MARKETS BALGAL BEACH MARKETS

CASTLE HILL PCYC MARKETS

TIME/DATE 8.00am - 1.00pm, First Sat of the month LOCATION Fishermans Landing Balgal Beach

TIME 7am to 11am

BLUEWATER COMMUNITY

COTTERS MARKETS

CENTRE TWILIGHT MARKETS DATE Every Second Saturday LOCATION Bluewater Community Assoc BUSH N BEACH MARKETS TIME 8.00am – 1.00pm DATE Second and Forth Sundays Location Bushland Beach CARLYLE GARDENS ARTS & CRAFTS MARKETS TIME 9.00am DATE 1st Sat of the month (Mar - Dec) LOCATION Carlyle Gardens Retirement Resot, Beck Drive, Condon

DATE Every Sunday LOCATION Castle Hill PCYC

TIME 8.30am-1pm DATE Every Sunday LOCATION Flinders St & Townsville Bulletin Square.

HORSESHOE BAY MARKETS TIME 9.00am - 2.00pm DATE Every second and last Sunday LOCATION Horseshoe Bay Foreshore LABEL TRADERS MARKET TIME 8am-12pm DATE 3rd Sunday of the month LOCATION Mundingburra State School

LUCINDA MARKETS

STRAND NIGHT MARKETS

TIME 8.00am – 12.00pm DATE Second Sunday of the month (May to September) LOCATION Borello Park

TIME 5.00pm - 9.30pm DATE First Friday LOCATION Strand Park (Runs from May to Dec)

MAGNETIC ISLAND RSL MARKET TIME 5.30pm-8pm DATE Every Friday (Exc Good Friday) LOCATION Magnetic Island RSL MOUNTAINVIEW PLAZA MARKET TIME 8am-2pm, DATE Every Saturday (Excluding Jan) LOCATION Mountainview Plaza NQ FARMERS MARKET TIME 6.00am - 12.00pm DATE Every Saturday LOCATION North Shore Town Centre RENEGADE HANDMADE MARKET TIME 8.00am - 1.00pm DATE 2nd Sunday of the month LOCATION Marian School

TOWNSVILLE ARTIST MARKET TIME 9.00am - 12.00pm DATE/LOCATION August 1 at Strand Ephemera, October 24, Riverway Arts Centre WILLOWS ROTARY MARKETS TIME 7.30-11.30am DATE Every Sun LOCATION Willows Shop Centre Carpark UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY MARKETS TIME From 3.00pm DATE 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month LOCATION Apex Park, Riverway Drive, Rasmussen

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REGULAR EVENTS TOWNSVILLE GALLERIES VARIOUS DAYS MONDAY MORNING ART GROUP (Adults) Time/Day 9.00am, Monday Location Pinnacles Gallery, 4773 8871 ART-BOX - ART ACTIVITIES for Under 5's Time/Day 10.00am, First Tuesday Location Pinnacles Gallery Cost/Phone Free (Kids) 4773 8871 PERCIVAL'S LIFE DRAWING (Adults) Time/Day 6.30pm, Tuesday Location Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Cost/Phone $15, 4727 9011 FREE FAMILY FUN DAY - ART ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAMILY Time/Day 10.30am, Third Sunday Location Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Cost/Phone Free, (Family) 4727 9011

BROTHERS LEAGUES CLUB TOWNSVILLE VARIOUS DAYS KIDS CLUB (Supervised) Time/Day 6.00pm - 9.30pm Every Night Location Brothers Townsville Phone 4773 8000 BROTHERS KIDS NIGHT Time/Day 6.00pm - 9.00pm Friday Location Brothers Townsville Phone 4773 8000 (Free)

BELGIAN GARDENS STATE SCHOOL PLAYGROUP MONDAYS Time 9.00 - 11.00am Location Belgian Gardens SS Hall Cost/Phone $2 per person, 4717 1333 Email rickandjules4@bigpond.com

FIRST FIVE FOREVER VARIOUS DAYS PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS Time/Day 9.30am, First Tuesday Location City Libraries Aitkenvale Web www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost Free

RIVERWAY PARKRUN

FREE DAY FOR TOWNSVILLE AND BURDEKIN LOCALS AT THE MUSEUM OF TROPICAL QLD (Excl School Holidays) Time 9.30am - 5.00pm

SATURDAYS

TOWNSVILLE TOY LIBRARY TOWNSVILLE TOY LIBRARY Days/Times Every Tuesday and the 1, 2 & 3 Saturday from 9.30 until 11.00am.

Location Toy Library is at the Railway Estate Community Centre, 23 First St

NEWBORN AND FAMILY DROP-IN SERVICE Time/Day Tuesday (9am to 2pm), Saturdays (9.00am to 12.00pm) Location City Libraries Aitkenvale Web www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost Free

THURSDAYS DURING SCHOOL TERMS For Babies to pre prep aged children.

Fun, music, morning tea and Free play

MONDAY / THURSDAY NIGHTS

PLAYGROUP TOY LIBRARY

DODGEBALL & VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT Time 6.00pm to 8.00pm Location Launch Zone, 1300 528 624 Cost $90 per team (Weekly - $15pp)

Days/Times Last Saturday of the month from 8.30 - 10.00am Location The Toy Shed, Fitzroy St, Heatley

MOUNT LOUISA SCOUT GROUP JOEYS AND CUBS (6-10) Time/Day Tuesdays, 6:30pm-8:00pm SCOUTS (10-14) Time/Day Thursdays, 6:00pm-8:00pm Location Mt Louisa House of Praise (Bayswater Rd) Phone 0403 862 449 (Matt)

MUSEUM OF TROPICAL QLD

Starting at 6.45am Runners head off at 7.00am and the event finishes when the last participant crosses the line.

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.

MAINLY MUSIC

LAUNCH ZONE

JUMP FITT Time/Days Monday (6.00pm), Wednesday (5.30pm), Saturday (8am) Location Launch Zone, 1300 528 624 Cost $15 per person

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

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

MESSY PLAY (Bookings Required) Days Wednesdays Time 9.00am & 10.30am Location City Libraries Aitkenvale

VARIOUS DAYS

30 MARCH 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH

LEARN JAPANESE PLAYGROUP MONDAYS DURING SCHOOL TERM Location Annandale Community Centre Time 9.30 - 10.30am Email oyakodejapanese@hotmail.com Cost Gold coin donation per family

Time From 9.30am Location St Peter’s Anglican Church, West End Cost $3.00 per child Phone Call 0414 807 179 for more information

Fertility First Years TO

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND BABIES STORY Jenna Galley

Every couple’s journey to parenthood is different. Some couples struggle to conceive while others accidentally fall pregnant naturally. Regardless of whether you fall into the first category or the latter (or somewhere in between), there are a number of services that can help you conceive and ensure that both you and bub are healthy throughout the pregnancy, delivery and vital first year of bub’s life.

Conception, pregnancy, labour and postnatal care can be a tricky road to navigate with plenty of bumps along the way.

The good news is that there is a community full of support in Townsville. From fertility clinics to postnatal depression counsellors, from breastfeeding lactation consultants to family assistance, below are a few services that are here to help.

Healthcare For many women, having one healthcare provider to help them from fertility to their baby’s first few years, and beyond is an option that gives them peace of mind. One such practice that offers a comprehensive service is North Shore General Practice.

Their monthly Well Woman’s Clinic helps women through fertility issues and postnatal planning and their antenatal care with The Townsville Hospital means that whether trying for a baby or bringing your new bundle of joy home, you and your little one will be well looked after.

Visit them at 1/50 North Shore Bvd, go to www.northshoregp. com.au or call them on 07 4758 7000.

Your Birth Options One of the things you need to decide on is where you will give birth and what type of prenatal care you would like. This will depend on a number of factors including your budget, whether you have private healthcare and where you feel most comfortable receiving the care you and baby will need.

The Women’s Unit is located at Oxford Street Hyde Park and has easy access and parking for visitors.

Follow them on Facebook at Mater Mums Townsville for all the news.

For more information call 07 4722 8866.

Buying for Baby Every baby requires the basics – food, clothes and shelter.

What tools and equipment you choose to use to provide these things will depend on your situation. However, regardless of whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed, to co-sleep or let baby sleep in her cot from day one, you can expect the list of baby goods to be a long one!

Some of the essentials all parents will require include a car seat, a pram (and/or carrier), a nappy bag, a change table or dresser, clothing, baby blankets and swaddles, feeding equipment (bottles, formula, breast pump, etc.) and a cot (and/or bassinet).

In Townsville, you have the option of giving birth in the public hospital, private hospital, Townsville Hospital Birth Centre or at home with the assistance of a qualified doula. In terms of prenatal and postnatal care, you can see your general practitioner, a private obstetrician/gynaecologist (ObGyn) or a qualified midwife through the public system.

The Mater Women’s Unit is a modern facility offering 25 private maternity rooms with ensuites and five birth suites.

You have a choice of obstetricians and paediatricians and partners are encouraged to room in with you during your stay.

Their experienced midwives are beside you on this amazing journey of becoming a parent. They will guide and support you with personal care before, during and after the birth.

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33

And this is only the beginning! You will also need to consider the smaller items such as nappies, wipes, creams, towels, soap and shampoos. You might want a rocker or glider, a swing or bouncer, a few toys for stimulative play and baskets to keep all of these items organised.

This is a service offered by Zen Den and one of their specialties. To find out more visit www.zenden.net.au or call them on 07 4724 3100.

Luckily, there are plenty of places in Townsville to help you with everything you need for your little one, like Bubz to Bratz where you can shop and hire baby goods. The North Queensland Baby and Kids Market is also a great place to pick up some baby essentials. The next market is on 25th March at Emmaus Hall, Ryan Catholic College.

Keeping baby comfortable, content and well-fed is only one aspect of being a mum. The fun part is exploring your world with your new little bundle of joy. There are plenty of organised activities and programs designed just for new parents where you can socialise with other parents, gain advice from professionals and introduce your little one to the fascinating world of fitness, music, books and more!

Mementos are also an important part of having a baby.

Twinkle Toes gives you memories you’ll treasure for ever with their unique service giving you framed sculptures of your baby’s hands and feet. Choose from gold or silver coloured sculptures and plaques and a range of framing options to suit your taste.

Call your local Townsville Twinkle Toes representative (Christie) on 07 4728 8547.

Baby Health Your GP or private paediatrician will advise you on your baby’s health including vaccinations, developmental milestones and monitoring your bub’s progress. But there are also a number of other health services available to your new baby.

Most people know the benefits of acupuncture with infertility and inductions. One area that is not widely known, is an acupuncture treatment for babies, especially in their first six months.

Acupuncture can help relieve signs and symptoms of colic, restlessness, sleep issues and skin conditions.

This might sound a little scary for your little one, but it is actually pretty easy. The treatment only takes about five to ten minutes, and the acupuncture needle is a super-fine Japanese needle which is only inserted superficially, held for two to three seconds, then moved to the next point.

Entertaining Baby

Teaching your child to swim is an essential skill that is entertaining too. Love2Swim School offers an excellent Learn to Swim Program and provide experienced teachers.

The Love2Swim School Babies Program has been researched over 20 years from different countries and is the foundation of their school to build champion swimmers. The school is objective based and a certificate is awarded after each level is accomplished.

To find a place at one of their schools please phone Love2Swim School Kirwan on 07 4723 3447 or Love2Swim School Mundingburra on 07 4725 5357.

Little Snappers Northside offer a free program for two and three-month-old babies and have a range of classes no matter your bub’s age or stage of development. And Paul Sadler Swim School offer classes to babies from four months old.

Visit www.littlesnappers.com.au and www.paulsadlerswimland.com.au for more information.

Good luck on the journey ahead and be sure to pick up your edition of PakMag every month for more family-friendly activities to enjoy as your little one grows.

Useful Numbers PERINATAL ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SUPPORT HELPLINE Ph: 1300 726 306 Helpline Hours: 10.00am - 5.00pm (AEST), Monday to Friday.

AFTER HOURS GP HELPLINE Ph: 1800 022 222 Helpline Hours: 24 Hours BREASTFEEDING HELPLINE Ph: 1800 686 268 Helpline Hours: 24 Hours

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MARCH 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

ADULT EDUCATION pakmag

BEST CAREERS

for Parents STORY Rose Foster

Balancing family and work life can be challenging. With a huge number of parents reporting that their work impacts them taking care of their families, or being able to allocate enough quality time to their children, it begs the question, should we be making a career change to fit in with our lifestyles?

Believe it or not, there are a number of career paths out there that will afford you the flexibility to both work and spend time at home. But what are these elusive jobs, and how do you get one? Check out our tips on the best careers for parents, and what you need to land one.

Child Care and Disability Support With disability support and child care, not only can hours be flexible, but many of the skills needed to provide a great service to clients/children are used by parents in their daily lives whilst looking after their own children.

And whilst some additional training is required, the basics of being kind, caring and compassionate mean that these career paths can be great options for parents.

Marketing Assistant Parents are usually resourceful and organised, and often have marketing experience without even knowing it – ever helped with a fundraiser or school event? This means working in marketing can be a good choice for parents.

The beauty about a job in marketing is that there are many rungs on the ladder (marketing assistant in a small firm or marketing manager in a national one) and you can choose which one you want to aspire to, based on your lifestyle and how much time and energy you’re willing to commit.

Teacher’s Aide Many parents are natural teachers. They are invested in their children’s education, and have been encouraging learning from an early age. Becoming a teacher is a great way to further your passion for teaching children, however, for some, investing in their own education to achieve this goal is not always a viable option. Becoming a teacher’s aide, however, can be much more attainable, and whilst teacher aide training is necessary, getting qualified can be much more

manageable. And what’s more, you’ll work whilst your kids are at school so you won’t miss out on time with them.

Work from home For many, working from home is the ultimate goal, but how do you find a company willing to pay you to work from your couch? Well, in actual fact, many roles, which have been traditionally located in a corporate environment are being outsourced to home-based workers. Project managers, business analysts and accountants are all jobs that can be done from home now. Not all companies have come around to this way of thinking so it may be that you have to work in the office and broach the subject of working from home once you’re a trusted member of the team. Alternatively, go for the interview and make your case – what’s the worst that can happen?

Other jobs are solely advertised as home-based positions, such as data entry, freelance blogger, virtual assistant and inbound telemarketer, so if you’re set on working from home, one of these careers may be for you.

There are a number of great sites out there that can help you find work-from-home opportunities such as www.workathomemums.com.au and www.stayathomemum.com.au, which are both for mums and dads, despite the name!

Create your own job If you have a passion for something and want to be your own boss, setting up your own business may be for you. It’s not for everyone, and certainly not for the faint-hearted, but get it right and you could be leading the life you want in no time. See Bree’s tips for starting a business on page 10.

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pakmag ADULT EDUCATION

Your Education Whether you have the skills needed for your dream job or you’re still learning the ropes, there are a number of courses out there to help you get the recognised qualifications, experience and skills you need to launch yourself into your chosen career.

With online and face-to-face options available, we’re in an age where getting an education has never been easier, no matter what your circumstance.

Study Online with Swinburne Leonie North, Bachelor of Business alumnus from rural Victoria, chose to study with Swinburne Online because she didn’t want to give up her full-time work and relocate her children to study in the city.

“I always thought that I should go back and study a degree but it just kept being put on the back burner.

“When I realised I could study online in my spare time that was when I thought I have to bite the bullet and make it happen.

“There’s always been a bit of a stigma attached to not having a degree, so I always felt a bit defensive about my experience and my abilities.

“Now having the degree, I can actually see the difference and the value in it. It does build your knowledge and your confidence, and I don’t feel the need to defend my

experience and my abilities now because I have achieved the qualification.”

Visit www.swinburneonline.edu.au for more information about courses and applying.

Study with the Child Care Experts Looking to study Early Childhood Education or Childcare?

Want the option to study online, face-to-face or a mix of both? Then Australian National Training Group might be for you.

With their dedicated team, with you every step of the way and access to great trainers, ANTG makes returning to study easy and less intimidating.

ANTG supports those looking to make a difference, inspire the next generation and develop tomorrow’s future by helping them gain the relevant skills to begin their career.

For more information on their courses visit www.antg.com.au or call them on 1800 611 661

Adult Education Myths I’m too old to study.

It’s too late for a career change.

No matter how old you are or what stage of life you’re in, you can return to education. Online courses and TAFE classes usually do not set age limits. If you want to study something you’re passionate about, go for it.

Is it really? It’s common these days for people to have several different careers over the course of their life, and it’s becoming much more accepted amongst employers too. In fact, a new generation of middle aged apprentices are entering the workplace – you could be one of them!

I haven’t got time.

The beauty of courses these days is that you can allocate as much or as little time to studying as you can afford. Full and part time options are

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available on many degrees offered by universities, and for those who have to study out of business hours, around looking after their children or other commitments, the number of online study options out there means that time is no excuse not to study.

I can’t afford it.

Flexible payment options, government subsidies and loans can all provide assistance to those looking to return to study. Some course fees can be covered whilst you’re studying and paid back when you’re working. To check out the options available to you visit www.studyassist.gov.au or contact your course provider.

Developmental Disabilities

and Concerns in Early Childhood

STORY Keran Thomas, Birdwing Therapies Parents love to compare how their children are developing with others of a similar age. This can be a good way to get a sense of how your child is fairing developmentally. Keeping an on eye on how they move, look, hear, speak, and socialise helps us to see if there are any concerns.

What is considered a developmental disability?

A developmental disability is a chronic condition pertaining to mental or physical impairments.

These disabilities usually cause the sufferer to have difficulties with living an independent life and often affect speech, mobility and learning.

Intellectual Disability (ID) is one of the most common developmental disabilities. People with ID have a below-average intelligence for their age and often lack the understanding to perform tasks in everyday life without help.

Other developmental disabilities include cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and spina bifida.

Diagnosis Early diagnosis of developmental disabilities are essential and whilst some conditions such as Down syndrome can be detected in pregnancy, some involve monitoring your child’s development at home.

When children are young and their brains are still developing, they are more responsive to therapy. It is, therefore, important you have your child assessed and diagnosed if you think there is a problem, to access early intervention services which

ensure your child receives the best care, and best chance of living an independent life.

Who provides a diagnosis of developmental delay in Townsville?

Paediatricians diagnose children with developmental disabilities in Queensland. Partly based on information provided by parents, paediatricians assess children on where they should be in their development at a given stage. Since developmental disabilities come in different forms, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and child psychologists may be part of the diagnosis process too.

After diagnosis In order to meet the needs of the child, it is critical that parents and professionals create and maintain a partnership to help each other help the child reach his or her full potential.

Local organisations, such as AEIOU, who help families manage autism spectrum disorder and breakthru, who provide support for many types of disabilities, can be a lifeline for families with children with developmental difficulties.

And the introduction of the NDIS means that families now have more

control in making decisions for their child’s care.

Developmental Delays AND NDIS Support Coordination Did you know that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides early intervention funding to assist children with disability access the support needed to live their best life possible? The NDIS can feel difficult to navigate but breakthru supports individuals and families in Queensland through a range of services including NDIS support coordination. breakthru Support Coordinators work alongside parents, carers and families to implement their child’s NDIS plan by connecting them with available support services, including early developmental health providers. breakthru are an approved provider for The National Disability Insurance Scheme, and customers of any age can access breakthru services via both government and privately funded support options.

For more information visit www.navigateNDIS.com or call 0423 029 066 to speak with your local Support Coordinator, Michelle Christie. For all other enquiries please call 07 3252 7422.

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WHAT'S NEWS pakmag

WHAt's NEWS in Business Have You Heard?

You can now take advantage of great education in Townsville across three locations! Townsville’s oldest secondary school, Townsville Grammar School, was opened in North Ward in 1888, then opened its first Junior School at Annandale twenty years ago, in 1997.

And this year TGS has added a second Junior campus – this one in North Shore.

Grammar’s North Shore campus has opened, offering a thrilling blend of learning and laughter to children from Prep to Year 2 this year, in addition to their Early Education Centre at the same location. As the children grow, the campus will grow with them, adding to the educational choices available in the northern beaches area of Townville.

Our Pick for Business Resources Navigating which business resources we should be using can be difficult, with a number of apps, programs and websites claiming to be the best things for our business. How do you pick the right one for you?

In the spirit of not being over faced with options, we’ve come up with two great tips to help you become more efficient and successful in business, both operationally on a day-to-day basis and in the long-term, planning and overall goals sense.

Normally a new school would mean taking a leap of faith about the type of education your child will be experiencing but this is where the North Shore Grammar campus has a huge advantage: 100 per cent of the staff are from Grammar’s Annandale campus, with a track record of giving children the best possible start in their educational journey.

To complement the North Shore campus, the School has also co-located an Early Education Centre just over the fence, offering Pre-Kindy for three-year-olds and Pre-Prep for four-year-olds. To ensure this opportunity is accessible to the whole family there is also a free bus service from the North Shore campus to the Annandale campus for Years 3 to 6; and a second bus directly from the North Shore campus to the North Ward campus for Years 7 to 12. A complete educational package to ensure all children have access to this educational opportunity.

Doing: If you’ve never heard of Trello, you need to look into it, now! Trello helps you organise projects, create checklists and ensure your whole team knows what they’re doing and by when. This online platform is great for managing big projects with a big team or just managing your own workload. Visit www.trello.com to find out more.

Learning: Business website Smallville is for small business owners who think big. Featuring awesome content from business experts, professional speakers, authors, entrepreneurs and marketing experts, Smallville provides business people with practical yet thought provoking articles and a number or free resources. Check it out at www.smallville.com.au

Balancing Baby and Business WITH WHEN BUSINESS MEETS BABY BOOK Balancing your home life and work life can be tricky, particularly if you’re in the midst of setting up a business.

Rachel Allan, author of When Business Meets Baby, has openly embraced the role of mother to her energetic daughter. Her transition to supermum-entrepreneur didn’t happen overnight, and she discovered a LOT along the way. In her book, she shares her experiences, along with tips and tricks from parenting and selfcare experts, and women who have worked out shortcuts to success, providing a practical guide to being a successful parent and entrepreneur simultaneously.

Check out the PakMag website to enter the draw to win a copy of When Business Meets Baby.

www.pakmag.com.au MARCH 2017

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KID FRIENDLY RECIPES Alte rn

Gnocchi Nap

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INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

1 cup rock salt 4 large potatoes 2 egg yolks 1/2 cup plain flour 1 tsp salt 1 brown onion, diced 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tin diced tomatoes

2 tbls tomato paste 1 tbls olive oil 1 tbls italian herbs 1 tsp basil 1 tsp oregano Parmesan to serve Salt & pepper to taste

1 cup oats 1 cup desiccated coconut 2 tbs coconut oil, melted 1 tbs honey 2 tbs 100 per cent pure maple syrup 1/2 tsp baking powder 10 dates 1 egg

? time rt on Sho can now e You pre-mad f so up i p ck ient bag The d e m r o g r in ef ds! recip Foo this e Bulk c r u So

HOW TO MAKE

HOW TO MAKE

Preheat oven to 200°C. Place salt in centre of large baking tray. Place potatoes on top. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until tender. Once cooked set aside for 10 minutes to cool.

Preheat fan forced oven to 180°c (200°c conventional). Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

In the meantime, to prepare the sauce, place a large fry pan over med-high heat and add olive oil. Cook onion and garlic until soft and add remaining ingredients for the sauce. Season to taste. Turn heat to low and simmer until gnocchi is ready.

Line baking tray with baking paper. Remove and discard skin from potatoes. Using a potato ricer or a fine sieve, process potato flesh into a large bowl. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Add sea salt, yolks and flour to potato. Using a wooden spoon, stir to combine.

Turn dough onto a well-floured surface. Knead gently until smooth. Divide into 4 portions. Roll 1 portion into a 30cm long log. Using a lightly floured knife, cut into 2cm pieces.

Place on prepared tray. Cover with a clean tea towel.

Repeat with remaining portions.

Place all ingredients into a food processor and blend until the dates are broken up. Shape the mixture into cookies by rolling them into balls and pushing them down slightly using the back of a spoon once on the baking tray.

Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown on top, turning the tray half way through cooking time to ensure even baking.

Allow to cool slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack.

TIPS: Make sure you give the raw mixture some distance (3cm) between each biscuit on the tray as the mixture expands slightly in the oven as it cooks. Anzacs will keep for up to a week in the fridge.

RECIPE BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil over high heat. Add one-third of the gnocchi. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until gnocchi rises to surface. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a large bowl. Cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining gnocchi. Gently stir in sauce. Serve topped with Parmesan.

RECIPE BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

For more recipes, head to: www.modernpantry.com.au

Get your ingredients from The Source Bulk Foods.

Check them out on facebook: /thesourcebulkfoodsnorthward RECIPE CREATED BY: Liz Richards of Simple Nourishment.

Check them out online: www.simplenourishment.com.au on Instagram: simple.nourishment or on facebook: /simplenourishment www.pakmag.com.au MARCH 2017

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pakmag HOME

Nurturing Nursery

www.paigejones.us

With The Block's Caro and Kingi They may be teeny, but babies need a surprising amount of stuff!

Having a nursery not only allows you to keep bub’s stuff neat and tidy, but it also helps to instil healthy sleep patterns in your little one. While bub’s sleeping patterns will probably be all over the place for the first three months, having a cot and a familiar Ostheimer Wooden Trees - African Tree www.earthtoys.net (RRP $75.00ea)

sleeping setting where you place baby night after night can help create a bedtime routine that works for your family.

Here are our tips for creating a calming and nurturing nursery: 1. Choose your big-ticket items first – This includes the cot, the dresser, the change table and possibly a rocking chair or glider.

You may wish to purchase these items all in a similar colour of timber and then choose accessories that complement the colour of these items. Light coloured timber works well with monochrome and pastel colour schemes while brighter colours tend to work

Bamboo Mobile - Owl Family www.earthtoys.net (RRP $79.00ea)

Pastel Stacking Rainbow www.earthtoys.net (RRP $150.00ea)

better with darker timber furniture.

2. Decide on your nursery essentials – These will vary for

everyone, but, in addition to the big-ticket items above, you will probably want a rug or mat, a lamp, curtains and a storage system to keep baby’s items organised. Woven baskets can brighten up a room and keep things tidy.

3. Select your colour scheme – What will it be? Pink and black?

Blue and green? Silver and red? Baby’s eye sight is not the best

when she is born and many experts suggest choosing bright, bold colours for the nursery. However, be careful, as too many colours can be confusing and overstimulating for bub.

4. Set the stage for night time – Block out curtains are a good

idea to help bub differentiate between night and day. A night light or lamp can help you navigate baby’s room in the middle of the night without tripping over a basket of toys.

5. Don’t over crowd – The last thing you want is a nursery that

is too cluttered to be comfortable. You want to create a calming space for both you and your baby, where you don’t have to worry about constant cleaning and clutter. Try not to get too carried away with toys, books, stuffed animals and every baby gadget on the market. You have plenty of time to buy these items – for now, Choosy Baby Animal Cushion Covers www.choosy.com.au (RRP $39.00ea) For your chance to WIN a Choosy Baby Lion Cub Cushion Cover goto www.pakmag.com.au

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MARCH 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

just concentrate on the essentials with a couple of focus items scattered around the room to personalise the space and create a cosy environment for your new arrival.

Wooden Rocking Horse www.earthtoys.net (RRP $170.00ea)

Natural Sling Bookshelf www.earthtoys.net (RRP $129.95ea)

Ready To Frame Print Love Her But Leave Her Wild Etsy store: HelloFernAustralia (RRP $25.00ea)

Koala & Heart Teether Wooden Story www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $44.95ea)

Petite Rose Musical Rabbit - Kaloo www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $54.95ea)

Kip & Co Strawberry Shortcake Tassel Throw www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au (RRP $269.00ea)

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FASHION pakmag

v

WEAR STORY Gerlinda Stella - Personal stylist, image expert, speaker, fashion consultant and style blogger. www.gerlinda.com.au Show off your baby bump!

Stretchy fabrics: Embrace your bump with fitted fabrics such as lycra. Having figure hugging styles will showcase your growing belly. For looser styles a belt will be your best friend. Place these under the bust, wrap styles can also create the same effect.

Keep it simple: Monochrome/one-coloured outfits always look stylish and sophisticated. To look your slimmest, avoid large patterns and instead opt for tiny prints that are no bigger than a 50 cent piece.

Top it off: Add a long necklace, dangly earrings or a bright bangle to complete your outfit. This may be your last chance to accessorise for a while, after the baby is born it’s almost impossible to wear jewellery without it being yanked off you and potentially swallowed!

1.

3.

2.

5.

11.

8.

4.

6.

9.

7.

10.

1. Floressa Malik Nursing tank dress RRP $99.95 WEB www.queenbee.com.au 2. Esprit Navy butterfly print dress RRP $109.95 WEB www.queenbee.com.au 3. Seraphine Berry side ruched dress RRP $109.95 WEB www.queenbee.com.au 4. Esprit Grape cowl neck nursing dress RRP $99.95 WEB www.queenbee. com.au 5. Blue Scarab Elements Bracelet RRP $35.00ea WEB www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 6. Blue Scarab Island Tassel Aqua Earrings RRP $25.00ea WEB www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 7. Holiday Azure Savana Necklace RRP $19.95ea WEB www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 8. Esprit Midnight abstract print tea dress RRP $109.95 WEB www.queenbee.com.au 9. Holiday Gold Heart Earrings RRP $14.95ea WEB www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 10. Holiday Azure Bracelet RRP $19.95ea WEB www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 11. Multi Strand Necklace RRP $34.99 $27.00ea WEB www.prettylittlesomething.com.au www.pakmag.com.au MARCH 2017

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Daddy Diary This column is gross. You've been warned. To the parents reading this month’s edition of PakMag, you'll be fine. There is absolutely nothing I could write that's grosser than what a newborn serves up on a daily basis. If you're pregnant or yet to be blessed with a little baby bundle of joy, the following words may come as a shock.

Alright, so let's just rip the BandAid off, shall we? We're training our daughter to use the toilet. Her name is Matilda, she's a little over two and a half and she sits on Disney princesses to poop. I wish that last line was a joke but thanks to my K-Mart addicted wife, Michelle, it's 100% fact. Nothing says "number two" like Snow White, Belle and Ariel printed on one of those little bum toilet seats that sit on top of the big girl loo seat.

I've written about toilet training before.

And why wouldn't I? It's a big deal for any toddler. I am happy to report that our Little Miss Muffet has come ahead in leaps and bounds since I last penned a column on the topic.

She's about 75% of the way there.

By Cliffo 50

MARCH 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

She's still wearing a nappy at bedtime but during the day it's all about the undies (again with princesses printed on them). Sure, we have the occasional accident but that's what disinfectant and an old mango bucket in the laundry are for. But most of the time we're good. Particularly with the number 1's. It's the number 2's that are proving to be the challenge.

I don't know what it is, but lately the number 2 train has been a scary one to board. Matilda can bang out ten 1's a day without issue. But when it comes to the other end, it’s just become a bit of a thing.

She was going well, then one day, just like that, she took a huge step backwards. She's just started to hold on. And by hold on, I mean for the whole day. She’s got a bum off steel, let me tell you. Then, of course, about 30 minutes after that night-time nappy goes on, the train finally arrives at the platform. And it's a bloodbath. Those nappies make Pulp Fiction look like Frozen. Not ideal just before mum and dad sit down to dinner, that's for sure.

My wife and I recently took a step back and chilled out about the whole ordeal. She's only two and a half, we reminded ourselves. She's doing well and we'll definitely get there.

There's no rush. It's not a race. In the meantime though, does anyone know where I can by one of those big orange biohazard suits the government officials wear in ET?