Palmy Parent 291 October November 2019

PALMY PARENT PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

October / November . 2019

WHAT’S BEST FOR BABY’S BRAIN DEVELOPMENT?

THE ART OF BABYWEARING

WHY DADS BABYWEAR

PARENTS CENTRE

Preggy to Preschool

Garage Sale

When?

Saturday 5th October 2019, 9am - 11am

Where?

Palmerston North Central Baptist Church, 190 Church St (opposite The Warehouse)

Gold coin entry.

Good quality pre-loved clothes, equipment, accessories and toys for 0-5 year old’s.

Sold by local families at very reasonable prices.

Raffle with great prizes, Barista Coffee available and PNPC Bake Sale www.palmyparentscentre.org.nz

EDITOR’S NOTE Wow, it’s hard to believe, but we’re almost at the end of the year again and heading fast into the busy season!! Term four is upon those of us with school or kindy-aged children, Christmas events are on the horizon, and the beginnings of Summer are in the air. The perfect time to start to get out and about, and what better way to do so with a baby than to wear them?

This month is babywearing month, and as such, we have some great articles on the topic, including one about Dads babywearing, and another primer for the absolute beginners out there. And if you’re not sure on where to start in terms of finding a carrier that’s perfect for you, check out our reviews section, and make sure to get in touch with Babywearers Manawatu, who run a fantastic sling library and are full of great wisdom. If you do happen to feel like getting out somewhere different one sunny weekend, Viv’s Kitchen makes for an awesome family outing to Sanson for our family friendly outing this edition.

This month we also have a great piece by the amazing Dr Laura Markham on the fundamentals of what is best for baby’s brain development, and the importance of fostering great attachment. For those of you feeling the end-ofyear tiredness, there’s some great ideas from the legendary Pinky McKay for games to play with your toddler when you’re just not feeling like playing, and an excellent article following up from last month’s health feature on how to keep your healthy bugs happy and foster a healthy gut.

I hope you all have a wonderful couple of months, and manage to get out and enjoy some sunshine, rest and relaxation in amongst the busy-ness of the season.

Erin Evis, Editor

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Disclaimer: Opinions and articles in this magazine do not necessarily reflect Parents Centre NZ policy. Advertising in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Parents Centre.

ISSUE 291 . October | November 2019

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CONTENTS FEATURES What’s Best For Baby’s Brain Development? 13 Six Games to Play When You Don’t Want to Play Anymore

16

The Art of Babywearing

18

Why Dads Babywear

24

IN EVERY ISSUE Editor’s note

3

PNPC seminars & events

6

What’s on ... In our region

9

Book Review

10

Welcome to the World

12

Birth Story: Enzo’s arrival

20

Product Review: Carrier Reviews

22

Health: Healthy Gut = Healthy Child

26

Craft: Salt Dough Pendant

29

Family Friendly Outings: Viv’s Kitchen

30

Community support groups

32

Member discounts

33

Playgroups in your area

34

GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? CHECK OUT OUR WINNERS Bruce McKenzie Book Giveaway

10

Kind Hearts, Streetwise Coffee

19

Cottage Flowers Arrangement

29

The Hair Company styling treatment

30

CONTRIBUTORS Laura Wenden-Green, Erin Evis, Wal Herring, Laura Markham, Pinky McKay, Fritha Linklater, Victoria Royds, Babywearers Manawatu, Jess Williamson F r o n t c o v e r : M a c k e n z i e , P e n n y, L a u r a a n d A d d i s o n , Tokaanu

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Want to share some helpful advice or a great book you’ve read? Let us know and we’ll share it with our members. Or, if you would like to have your baby’s photos printed, write about your birth experience, review a book or a family friendly venue you have visited recently, we’d love to hear from you!

Email the Editor at: palmyparenteditor@gmail.com

COMMITTEE NEWS “On August 2, 3 and 4 2019, over 58,000 people around the world took part in the tenth Global Big Latch On, demonstrating their support for breastfeeding. 19,414 breastfeeding parents attended events held in their community and virtually through social media. At the specified time, over 18,500 children ‘latched’ and were breastfed.

With 814 events taking place in 28 countries, this synchronized breastfeeding event as part of World Breastfeeding Week supports and celebrates breastfeeding families in the community they live in.

This event is about normalizing breastfeeding journeys, however they look and that’s often not the same for everyone. Just a quick look on our social media feeds over this World Breastfeeding Week 2019 shows this. https://biglatchon.org/

On behalf of all the hosts I would like to say a big thank you to all our generous donors and supporters, I made the events incredibly special.

The Parent and Child Expo is happening for the second year on the 20th of October 2019 at the Awapuni Function Centre from 10 am- 3pm. As last year showed it will be a great event for the whole family, local businesses coming together to showcase their products and services to our local families. There are going to be everything you expect at an expo, including goody bags and a prize package.

Check us out on Facebook for more information – Palmy Parent & Child Expo (there will be giveaways in the lead up to the event on the FB page and send us an email if you are a local business interested in having a stall.

Saritta

On Friday the 2nd August we co-hosted an event with Te Papaioea Birthing Centre, Barnardos Bumps to Babies and La Leche League Just like last year the event was all about MUM! There was lovely food handed around, goodie bags for all who attended and an epic amount of spot prizes won.

And then on the 3rd of August we co-hosted an event with La Leche League we loved hosting the intimate group of women and particularly we enjoyed being able to offer our working mums a space to enjoy their breastfeeding journeys. There was a spot prise and goody bag for everyone and plenty of yummy food for everyone to enjoy. We already have plans for the same atmosphere, the same support, and even more fun and community aroha!

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PNPC

SEMINARS & EVENTS AUGUST & SEPTEMBER BABY AND YOU CLASSES Wednesday 16, 23, 30 October Wednesday 13, 20, 27 November This program follows on from antenatal classes and offers sound tips and strategies as you begin your remarkable journey into parenthood during the fourth trimester. The class is best suited to babies 0-6 weeks. Bring your baby with you for the 3 sessions of the course.

Cost: $40 per family HOT TOPIC- NEW BABY, HELPING OLDER SIBLINGS COPE Monday 14 October, 7.30pm This Hot topic will cover how to address some of the key questions around sibling relationships: -How can we help our little one adjust to the new baby?

-How do we juggle all the needs in the family?

-What on earth do I do when my toddler keeps hurting the baby?

Although aimed at younger children the concepts discussed will apply to all sibling relationships.

Cost: $10 PNPC members, $15 non-members

making mealtimes easy and how you can support your toddler to develop a healthy relationship with food.

Cost: $6 members; $12 non-members RESPONSIVE PARENTING COURSE Sunday 3 November and Sunday 10 November, 9am4pm Palmerston North Parents Centre’s Responsive Parenting Workshops are designed to encourage, support and equip families with positive, ‘responsive’ and non-punitive strategies for the parenting journey.

Cost: $20 single; $35 couple INFANT CPR Thursday 14 November, 10am This short course will cover baby and infant CPR, choking, burns, convulsions, fevers, illness warning signs and accidental ingestion of toxins. This is a baby friendly course.

STARTING SOLIDS Saturday 2 November, 10am

Cost: $6 members; $12 non-members

Perfect for parents of 3-9 month olds. In this popular seminar with our new presenter Registered Dietitian and mum Megan Somerville, you will learn the signs that your baby is ready for complementary feeding, what to introduce when, other topics to ensure you are confident and ready for this next step.

NEWBORN BREASTFEEDING Saturday 23 November, 10am

Cost: $6 members; $12 non-members FEEDING TODDLERS Saturday 2 November, 1pm Join Registered Dietitian and mum Megan Somerville to discuss the practicalities of feeding 1-3 year olds.

Learn about common challenges such as fussy eating, and discuss practical tips and strategies around

Designed for ALL expectant and new mums who are intending to, or have recently started breastfeeding.

Learn how to prepare for and get started with breastfeeding, along with strategies for an effective and sustainable breastfeeding journey.

You can attend this seminar while pregnant and again in the early weeks with your newborn. Partners welcome.

Presented by Cheryl Benn, Lactation Consultant, selfemployed midwife, and Regional Midwifery Advisor to MidCentral and Whanganui DHB Cost: Free to all

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INTRODUCTORY WATER SKILLS FOR INFANTS Venue: Freyberg Community Pool Thursday 28 November, 11.30am Introduce your child to water in this “taster” swimming class. For babies and toddlers aged 5 months to 3 years old. Approximately 30 minutes duration.

Cost: Free; this session is kindly provided by CLM Swim Magic.

To register please see our website: http://www.palmyparentscentre.org.nz/ All seminars and events can be found in our calendar on the website.

For any queries please email: info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz

PARENT CENTRE PARTNERS:

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MEMBERS’ OFFERS: Free barista hot drink or pair of grips socks when you present your membership card at a coffee and kids morning on Mon to Thur 10-12.

For Children under 6, $7 per child (Parents get free entry)

Visit our facebook page @ fantailsnestnz and receive free shipping using the code: PALMYFLYSFREE

www.thesleepstore.co.nz

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Enter the coupon code PARENTS20 at the checkout to SAVE on selected items at The Sleep Store To see which items you can apply the discount to visit www.thesleepstore.co.nz/content/parentscentre

Unique Beginnings

Visit www.thesleepstore.co.nz/content/parentscentre for further details & exclusions on this offer. Coupon applies to selected items listed on this webpage, Offer cannot be used with coupons, vouchers, discounts, 2-pack offers or combo deals. Cannot be used on shipping fee or other brand items, gift cards or in conjunction with any other offer or discount. The Sleep Store reserves the right to update or amend this offer at any time.

with Rebecca Robinson

Birth preparation & beyond, Lactation Consultant support

www.uniquebeginnings.co.nz

5% OFF all services

ph: 021 066 0394

8 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

Pay no booking fee when enrolling with Puddleducks if parents centre member ($50 saving)

WHAT’S ON . .. in our region FUN FOR THE FAMILY Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Manawatu Twilight Gala Saturday 19th October, 4.30pm-7.30pm 88 Rhodes Drive, Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North

Dannevirke Fantasy Cave Spring Special Opening

Friday 25th October, 10am-2pm 60 High Street, Dannevirke

Halloween Night Trains, Palmerston North Esplanade Scenic Railway

Monday 28th, Thursday 31st October, Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd November, 6pm-10pm Victoria Esplanade, Palmerston North

Koanga Spring Bonfire

Saturday 2nd November, 5pm Ahimate Park, Maxwells Line, Palmerston North

Fireworks Over the River

Tuesday 5th November, 9pm-9.20pm Anzac Park, Cliff Road, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North

Manawatu A&P Show

Saturday 9th November, 9am Manfeild, Feilding Awesome Awapuni Day - Whanau Well-being Saturday 9th November, 11am-2pm Rangitane Park, cnr Racecourse Road and Maxwells Line, Palmerston North

Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter Open Day 2019

Sunday 10th November, 10am-2pm Palmerston North Hospital, 50 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North

Cross Hills Gardens Country Fair

Saturday 16th November, 9am-4pm Cross Hills Gardens, 339 Rangiwahia Road, RD54, Kimbolton, Feilding and District

Marton Market Day

Saturday 23rd November, 9am-3pm Marton Town Centre, Broadway, Marton

REGULAR PROGRAMMES Baby Bop Central Library - Events, ground floor Thursdays during term time - 10am - 10.30am A fun filled baby time session aimed at early literacy and baby development. Music, bubbles and more!

Jumping Jellybeans Central Library - Events, ground floor Wednesdays during term time - 10am - 11am Don’t miss out on the most fun you can pack into one hour. Free preschool session aimed for children aged 2 - 4 year. Enjoy stories, activities, music, craft and FUN! Active Tots Te Manawa, 326 Main St, Palmerston North Mondays 10.15am - 11.45am A programme for the under-5s, focused on self-directed play and exploration. Nau mai, haere mai!

Story Time at Boho Cafe Boho Cafe, 2 Pitama Road, Palmerston North 9.30am - First Wednesday of every month (even in school holidays) Join the author of the new ‘Dog and the Mog’ book as she shares other stories about the rascally pair and reads other popular stories to your little ones while you enjoy a lovely coffee. Session runs for approx. 30mins. All ages welcome.

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BOOK REVIEW

FLOSSIE AND THE BURGLARS Reviewed by Desiree Harvey Story by Jim Henderson, Illustrations by Phill Simmonds Available from Bruce McKenzie Booksellers on George St for $23.99 This is the fourth instalment in the series starring Cracker Jim, Flossie the farmdog and Bertie the bull. The story starts out describing how Cracker Jim keeps his creek water clean and well fenced, a topical subject today though the book was published in 2012. We learn how Cracker Jim takes care of his farm and discover that there is a problem with some jokers stealing farm bikes in their area. Flossie takes her guard dog job very seriously and, one night when the burglars visit Cracker Jim’s farm, she finds Jim is too tired from the days’ work to be woken, but she won’t let that stop her. Flossie takes matters into her own hands, enlists Bertie’s assistance to frighten the burglars away and into the effluent pond, foiling the theft and saving the day again.

This is a lovely story to read aloud. There are a few lessons to take away for the older kids, while still an entertaining and fun story for the young ones too, with bold and bright illustrations. The author Jim Henderson is another talented local, who farmed organically in Whanganui for 17 years.

The Flossie and Cracker Jim series currently comprises seven different stories.

I V G E A K WAY O O B Be in to win this issue’s reviewed book!

Just follow these 3 easy steps!

1

To enter the draw to win this issue’s book, email your name, with ‘Book Giveaway’ in the subject line to info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz

2

31 st October 2019 That’s

all!

The winner’s name will be printed in the next issue of the Palmy Parent and the winner can collect their book from the Palmy Parent Centre.

ratu Cong lation Eliana George

: s to

3

Entries for the next draw must be received by

who has won a copy of ‘The Dog and the Mog’

10 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

The children’s book reviewed above has been generously donated by Bruce McKenzie Booksellers on George Street, Palmerston North to give away to a lucky Parents Centre Member.

Bruce McKenzie’s Booksellers is situated in George Street beside the entrance to the Palmerston North Library. Bruce McKenzie’s carries an enormous range of books from children’s to specialist non-fiction and is definitely worth a visit. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask the staff who are always willing to help.

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WELCOME TO THE WORLD

WELCOME TO THE WORLD Welcome to all the new babies born to our wonderful Parent Centre members!

If there are any corrections to the list below, please email palmyparenteditor@gmail.com

Class: 24th November 2018 | Hostess: Liam Rutherford | CBE: Jen Geraghty

Zoe Jane Cameron born to

Monica Cameron

Veronica Arasi Aoife Selesa Toleafoa born to

Jessica and Jay Toleafoa

23 May 2019

25 May 2019

Sienna Eloise Korff

Lincoln James Hamilton

born to

born to

Renee and Asher Korff

Shinkal & Danny Hamilton

31 May 2019

14 June 2019

Hugo Alamein Johnstone

Boston Graham Tennant

born to

born to

Courtney Potaka & Brodie Johnstone

Sara Harvey & Andrew Tennant

17 June 2019

18 June 2019

Bodhi Vincent Taika Larsen born to

Toni & Darron Larsen

27 June 2019

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Dr Laura Markham - AHa! Parenting Here are seven basic strategies to help you nurture your baby’s emotional and intellectual development.

to expect. Routines also foster cooperation, because there’s no power struggle about what will happen next.

1. Be Responsive, But Be The Leader

3. Don’t Interrupt a Baby’s Play

One of the most important factors in growing a healthy human being is the presence of an adult who is responsive to their needs and emotions.

That means that when a baby expresses a need or emotion, you respond.

Please don’t feel like you need to “entertain” your baby. Babies are always working and learning -- noticing things, grabbing at things, moving their limbs. Our job is to facilitate the work they are engaged in by giving them an environment that encourages their exploration, not to interrupt their work by trying to teach them what we think they should be learning!

So when your child is occupied, make it a practice not to distract or interrupt. In the same way that you would try to avoid waking a sleeping baby, try not to interrupt a baby who is engaged and playing by herself.

In other words, your baby needs to know that you’ll be there for her if she needs you. But it’s NOT helpful for a baby to feel that they’re always the focus of attention, or that life revolves around them.

Human babies are designed to develop by interacting with their loved ones and observing family and community life. That means that what your little one most needs is to interact with you in a loving, warm, joyful way, and to observe as you go about the tasks of daily life.

STORY CONTINUES OVER PAGE

So respond to her needs and set up her environment so that she can explore and thrive. Feed her when she’s hungry and create the opportunity for her to nap when she’s tired. Take the time she needs when she wants to watch the bug on the sidewalk. But also involve your baby in your day, while you cook and fold clothes and shop for food and chat with the neighbor. Don’t make every moment about your baby -- that kind of pressure would make any child anxious! You don’t want her to feel that you’re often looking at her and saying “What shall we do now?” She needs to know that someone bigger than her is in charge; it would feel scary to her to feel like she’s calling the shots.

2. Set Up a Routine Set up a schedule and routine that will work for her: “In the morning mom does the dishes while I play nearby with my toys; then we go out to do errands.” Routines help little ones develop cognitive understanding and a deep sense of security, because they love knowing what ISSUE 291 . October | November 2019

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FEATURE

WHAT’S BEST FOR BABY’S BRAIN DEVELOP MENT?

WHAT’S BEST FOR BABY’S DEVELOPMENT? - Continues

BRAIN

Babies don’t benefit from over-stimulation.

They need plenty of interaction with us, but they also need plenty of time to play with their toes, listen to music, stare at the dust motes in a shaft of light, and just figure out how their own muscles work. They don’t need us to rush in at those times and justify our own existence by teaching them anything or occupying them; they’re already occupied. All babies need time to play in the security of our presence, but without our interference. Learning to do that is an important developmental accomplishment.

That means that on a regular basis throughout the day, you have “play time” where you put your baby down to let her play, and sit next to her. Keep your mouth shut as much as possible.

Keep your hands to yourself unless she is getting very frustrated and needs your help. As she gets involved in something, ease yourself across the room to do something else. When she has had enough, pick her up. Over time, your child will learn to engage and explore by herself, and the length of her play will get longer.

4. Remember That Babies Learn Most from Interacting with Us Even though your baby’s brain is growing new neural connections every day in response to her environment, the most important work she’s doing is developing the capacity for trust and intimacy. So “relating” to you is her most important work and sets the tone for her relationship with the world. She uses you as her secure base from which to explore the world, and she looks to you to know how to interpret what she experiences. As she interacts with you, her brain makes the neural connections that will shape it for life.

In other words, human intellectual development is built on the foundation of emotional security.

That means your primary attention needs to be on enjoying your baby, engaging with her, responding to her, showing her the world, and reassuring her when she expresses concern about things. Studies show that infants who are the most advanced intellectually, emotionally and physically are the babies whose mothers are more attentive, responsive, and warmly engaging with them.

5. Foster Attachment Security All babies need to develop a secure attachment to their special people. Secure attachment comes from feeling: Safe - Trusting that your special people will be there to take care of you and protect you in what can be a big, scary world.

Seen - Trusting that your special people understand how you feel and love you exactly as you are, even with those sometimes overwhelming emotions.

Soothed - Trusting that your special people will comfort you and help you feel better when life is hard.

Notice that this means we accept the full range of a child’s emotions.

One of the biggest mistakes most people make in playing with babies is trying to get the baby to laugh. That’s usually fun for us, and it can be fun for the baby in limited doses. But take your cues from your baby and be careful not to be invasive in your efforts to get a laugh. Babies express lots of different emotions, and our job is to accept and acknowledge what the baby expresses, not to jostle and tickle to get the response we want.

6. The Intellect Grows from Engagement & Discovery, Not from Being Taught A baby’s brain does not need academic or sensory bombardment; she will find plenty to stimulate her cognitive development as she engages with you in the activities of daily life. She definitely does not need you to focus on her intellectual development in the sense of counting, ABC’s, or any conventional intellectual tasks. She will find great intellectual stimulation in games of hide ‘n seek, in pulling all the pans out of your cupboard, and in seeing the world from the safety of a backpack or baby carrier as you grocery shop or interact with other people. You may have heard that reading to a baby is good for her, and it is. But even better is talking to and with her. Involve her and speak with her as you move through your daily tasks: folding laundry, washing dishes, cooking dinner.

Should you play brain development games with her? There’s certainly no harm in it, but make it interactive and age appropriate--which means sensory, not just cognitive. Sing to her, play pat-a-cake type games, massage her, play

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music of different kinds for her, dance with her.

Make sure that she gets plenty of opportunities to see other babies and children.

If you run out of ideas, spend half an hour at the bookstore browsing the baby shelves. There are a lot of books out there that offer specific ideas for games, that you probably don’t need to own to be inspired by. (And you’ll find some good links in the Resource section below.)

Should you let her watch Baby Einstein videos?

Experts warn against it. First, babies who watch any video are spending less time interacting with actual humans, so studies show that their language development is delayed, and we suspect there are other delay effects. Second, watching screens changes brain development.

We don’t know enough yet, but screen use in the early years when the brain is taking shape so rapidly has definitely been associated with shorter concentration spans.

7. Facilitate Exploration and Get Outside Soon your daughter will be at the crawling stage, and she’ll want to explore everything.

It’s worth mentioning that babies who are told “No” a lot learn not to think inside the box. If you want to give your daughter’s intellect a boost, baby-proof well and supervise, but give her curiosity free reign to explore. It will mean

a couple of months of restoring your books to the shelves every day, but she’ll soon be past this stage and onto the next, having concluded that the world is well worth exploring and nothing need stop her.

Babies love changes of scenery. If she’s squirmy in her sling, let her play on the floor, practicing turning over and hoisting herself up onto her hands and legs. If she’s not happy being left to her own devices while you clean the bathroom, take a break and let her play with the water with you. Babies love to see how things work, which is second in fascination to them only to interactions with their parents.

And don’t forget to take your baby outside for as much of every day as you can. All humans need to be outside as much as possible, and babies are no exception. We’re just learning all the scientific reasons that nature makes us more calm and happy, but we know it does.

Since babies’ brains are growing so fast in response to their environments, it’s possible that more time outside will actually help them grow happier, calmer brains. But even if that isn’t true, babies love being outside and calm down more readily when they’re outside, and parents report that they’re able to be more patient and present when they spend more time outside. That should be inspiration enough.

Puddleducks are proud to have been a locally owned and operated family business since May 2000. We value the communities we live and work within and are focused on supporting local businesses and community services and amenities. We believe in the Manawatu and all it has to offer families.

Our centres offer excellent teacher to child ratios above the Ministry of Education requirements, healthy cooked meals* , community and environmental inclusion, free play and primary care for infants.

Contact us now to enquire. enquiries@puddleducks.co.nz or 0800 897 382 Manchester Street, Feilding 0-5years Ward Street, Palmerston North 2-5 years Russell Street, Palmerston North 2-5 years Albert Street, Palmerston North 0-5 years Haggitt Sreet, Feilding 0-5 years NEW centre opening 2019, Featherston Street, Palmerston North 0-5 years * Not all centres provide this service currently. Please enquire for details

ISSUE 291 . October | November 2019

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FEATURE

SIX GAMES TO P LAY WHEN YOU DON’T WANT TO P LAY ANYMORE

By Pinky McKay It’s been a long day – you have been Spiderman and a princess and the mum and the dad and a pirate; you have done puzzles and coloured in and made a hungry caterpillar with egg cartons and now you just want a quiet cuppa, uninterrupted.

You don’t have to be an all-dancing, all-singing entertainer every moment of the day. Your child is blessed with a wonderful imagination.

He will survive without you being his best playmate, at least long enough for you to have that quiet cuppa. But try telling that to a bright, active child who is home alone with you.

If you are all played out, but your child isn’t, and you don’t want to resort to TV, it’s OK to cheat. If you are feeling desperately in need of some time out (for yourself, you can’t lock your kids in a cupboard!), try these:

HIDE AND SEEK Boil the kettle, then tell your kid, “let’s play hide and seek. You can hide and I’ll come and find you – I’ll count to 100. Then I’ll come and find you.” Sit down with your lovely hot cuppa and count – very loudly and slowly.

Comment, “I wonder where he is hiding? I bet he’s found a very secret hiding place! I can’t see him anywhere!”

hide the black sharpie), roll up your trousers, lie back on a towel or old rug (even washable markers can stain a good couch) and let your kid draw on your legs. You will probably have to wear tights or jeans for a few days until the colour completely washes off – unless you are so exhausted you don’t give a crap who sees your rainbow legs.

MASSAGE MUMMY Your fantasy includes a luxurious massage at a day spa but it’s not happening any time this afternoon. If you have given your little one massages since he was a baby, now it’s payback time. Pour a little safe vegetable oil into a saucer (a whole bottle of oil would probably buy you time to have a 2 hour nap but you might not feel so relaxed when you wake up to the glory of your tot’s ‘adventure’). Lie on a towel on the floor with your top off. Let the little person massage your back. He will have a great time ‘making you shiny’ while you get to relax (pretty much), and at least you will know exactly where he is. If you feel guilty about ‘slacking off’, remind yourself what a brilliant sensory experience you are providing.

DEAD FISH This game is great if you have more than one child . Get yourself a drink before you start – you will need to supervise but it’s pretty

PAINT THE FENCE Set your little pocket rocket up with a shallow bucket of water and a large paintbrush (the kind you paint houses with). Sit back and watch him paint the fence or the verandah while you enjoy your cuppa – while it’s hot!

TATTO O TIME You don’t want a cuppa but your eyes are almost closing, you are so damn tired. You want to lie down. Grab some markers (washable –

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simple. Get the kids to lie on the floor and be ‘dead fish’. They have to lie very still – the one who keeps still the longest is the winner! You can play it over and over so each one gets a turn at winning.

BUBBLE BATH No you can’t leave your child alone in the bathroom, but you can take your cuppa and drink it while your little one plays with cups and sponges and bubbles. Or you can have a bubble bath together.

Often a good splash and some bubble play will help you both to relax. Your child’s emotional tank will be filled so he will be less ‘demanding’ and you can dress him (and you) in your pyjamas afterwards.

Then you won’t have to face the evening bath routine when you are both exhausted.

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DEVELOPMENTAL PLAY

THE ART OF BABYWEARING

By Babywearers Manawatu B a bies love being held, but it c a n s ometimes be hard to get things d o n e w hen you’re holding your baby (hangi ng o u t washing with one hand is a bit o f a c hallenge). So using a baby carrier f r e e s u p your hands to deal with other child r e n, d o housework and shopping.

F or centuries, mothers right around t he w o rld have used baby carriers. The pra c t i c e o f babywearing became uncommon i n We stern cultur es, but in the early 198 0 s i t s t a rted to gain visibility again thank s t o t he invention of the ring sling which w a s e a s y to use and offered lots of bene f i t s f o r parents.

B a by wearing gives a lot of comfor t t o b a bies and it can help settle those ba b i e s w ho are a little fretful or restless. Rese a r c h ha s shown that babies who are worn f o r 3 hours a day on average cry 43% l e s s t ha n babies not worn by their caregi v e r s , w hich gives them more time in a s t a t e o f quiet alertness, which is when ba b i e s a r e able to learn the most. Research ha s a l s o shown that babies who are wor n b y t he ir caregivers have enhanced visual a nd a u ditory alertness.

U s i ng a stroller makes you realise ho w i na ccessible a lot of places are. Wea r i ng y o ur baby me ans you can go anyw he r e y o u can walk so you don’t have to w o r r y a b out negotiating your pram thro u gh s m all doorways and aisles, or finding a l i f t a t the shopping mall. And a baby ca r r i e r i s also easier to pack and transport w he n y o u travel.

N o t all baby carriers are created equ a l l y .

F or example, bag-type slings have b e e n f o und to be dangerous as there is no w a y t o safely position the baby as they l i e l e ngthways in the sling. The type of s l i ng o r baby carrier to choose can differ f r o m o ne person to another. There are a f e w t hi ngs to consider: A good sling will mimic how you w ou l d na t urally hold your baby.

Ma k e s u r e t he c a r r i e r y o u c ho o s e i s r i ght f o r y o u r b a b y ’ s a g e a nd w e i ght .

Yo u r b o d y t y p e a nd l i f e s t y l e f a c t o r s w i l l a l s o ha v e a b e a r i ng o n w ha t t y p e o f c a r r i e r is suitable for you.

I d e a l l y y o u s ho u l d a l s o c ho o s e a b a b y c a r r i e r t ha t i s d e s i g ne d t o ho l d y o u r b a b y i n a “ p hy s i o l o gi c a l l y c o r r e c t ” p o s i t i o n – t ha t m e a ns t ha t b a b y i s he l d w i t h t he i r k ne e s h i g he r t ha n t he i r hi p s , b ot t o m ni c e a nd l o w a nd f a b r i c g o i ng f r o m b a c k - o f k ne e t o b a c k - o f - k ne e ( o f t e n r e f e r r e d t o a s t he M p os i t i o n) .

Ma k e s u r e t ha t y o u r c a r r i e r i s a d j us t e d t o t ha t y o u r b a b y i s n’ t d a ng l i ng d o w n t o o l o w – t he y s ho u l d b e c l o s e e no u gh t o k i s s .

I t ’ s r e c o m m e nd e d t ha t y o u t r y d i f f e r e nt t y p e s o f s l i ng s a nd c a r r i e r s t o s e e ho w t he y f e e l a nd ge t a n i d e a o f ho w t o u s e t he m .

B a b y w e a r e r s Ma na w a t u , a l o c a l i nd e p e nd e nt s u p p o r t gr o u p , h a s a g r o w i ng b a b y c a r r i e r a nd s l i ng l i b r a r y , s o a t t e nd i ng a m e e t i ng i s a n e a s y w a y t o ha v e a c c e s s t o m a n y d i f f e r e nt t y p e s a nd b r a nd s o f b a b y c a r r i e r s , w i t h e x p e r t s o n ha nd t o d e m o ns t r a t e t he c o r r e c t w a y t o u s e t he m .

18 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

S l i ngbabies has the most up-to- d a t e , a c c urate information on choosing and u s i ng b a b y carriers and slings in New Zea l a nd .

T he y don’t sell any products, so they o f f e r a n unbiased view and are passionate a b o u t m a t ching up the right carrier and bab y .

a nd b r a nd s o f c a r r i e r s t o g e t a b e s t f i t a nd t o s ho w t he m ho w t o u s e t he m s a f e l y w i t h y o u r b a b y , t o d d l e r a nd o l d e r c hi l d r e n.

B a b y w e a r e r s Ma na w a t u a l s o r u n a s l i ng l i b r a r y , w he r e c a r r i e r s c a n b e h i r e d f o r a small fee.

Babywearers M a n a w a t u

Yo u c a n f i nd B a b y w e a r e r s Ma na w a t u o n Facebook: w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / g r ou p s / b a b y w e a r e r s m a n a w a t u/

B a b ywearers Manawatu is a local i nd ependent support group, which aim s t o e na ble families to try a selection of t y p e s

As part of the Kind Hearts Movement

d n i K ea ts H

has bestowed a random act of kindness upon

Julia Tong You will each receive a free coffee voucher!

Don’t forget to pay it forward!

Streetwise Coffee Cart, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North

ISSUE 291 . October | November 2019

19

BIRTH STORY

ENZO’S ARRIVAL

By Victoria Royds After a stressful conception and pregnancy (IVF, countless scans and specialist appointments after an anomaly was found at the 20 week scan, and a huge amount of worry even after genetic testing showed our baby was most likely fine), my husband Andrew and I were given the option of having a Caesarean section. We discussed the pros and cons with our doctor and decided a c-section was best for us. I’d previously thought of a c-section as a worst case scenario, as I hadn’t had major surgery before, and had heard stories of c-section complications and really painful recoveries. But in this instance, it seemed like the best way we could safely bring our baby into the world.

As the day of our baby’s birth drew closer, I tried not to think too much about the surgery and recovery, and focused instead on the excitement of soon having our baby in our arms. I have two other children, but with them being teenagers, I felt like I was preparing to become a first time mum all over again. Andrew and I attended antenatal classes, and with this baby being Andrew’s first, we grew more and more excited to meet our baby boy.

We told everyone the date our baby would be born.

Friends and family were so happy for us, and everyone was counting down the days. Then a few days before our scheduled big day we were advised that things had changed, we had to be rescheduled, and would be waiting another week to have our baby. We were so disappointed, but when we thought about it further we realized this new date actually suited our family better. We just needed to be patient and try to contain our excitement a bit longer.

The day of our baby’s birth arrived. We got to the hospital at 7am and were soon taken through to a room where we changed into hospital attire - a gown and robe for me, and scrubs for Andrew. He was given a visitor tag to wear, in case someone mistook him for a surgeon and called him away to whip out a pair of tonsils. We sat and waited, excitedly discussing how many minutes it would likely be before our big event and our baby would be in our arms. Our surgeon and anaesthetist visited and I signed a final consent form.

I was asked if I’d like my tubes tied at the same time - I declined, not ready to make such a big decision on the spot.

Before long it was time - I kissed Andrew goodbye and was wheeled off to theatre. I felt really emotional - not from fear, but from the fact that our long awaited dream of having a baby together was coming true. Anaesthetic was injected into my spine, and to my relief this didn’t hurt at all. Slowly my lower body went numb, with the numbness then spreading up my torso. Unable to feel most of my body, I was moved into a lying position, and Andrew was brought into the room to join me. There were so many people in the theatre and it seemed everyone was excited for us to have our baby safely here.

With Andrew by my side, and the anaesthetist behind me, I was able to talk to them and was fully aware of what was happening - I couldn’t feel a thing, but I knew that as the surgeons worked, any moment now we would hear some suction, then our little man would be born. The doctors said there would be some tugging, and I did feel my torso being moved around, but there was no pain. After what felt like just a few

20 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

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minutes, a nurse commented on the large volume of amniotic fluid that was now all over the floor, we heard the suction, then the best noise ever - our baby’s first cry. He was lifted up over the curtain that divided Andrew and me from my torso area, and we got our first glimpse of his gorgeous little face. With jokes and congratulations from the surgeon and other staff in attendance, this was an amazing experience, with Andrew and I getting tearful due to the joy and relief that our son was finally here.

Our little boy, Enzo, was taken to a table to be checked by a paediatrician and our midwife, and Andrew was able to cut the umbilical cord while a nurse took photos. Having been declared perfectly healthy, Enzo was soon placed on my chest for skin to skin contact, and with Andrew back by my side, we started getting to know our son while the surgeons sewed up my incision. Photos were taken of the cord cutting and the skin to skin contact, and they are pictures we will always treasure.

I was transferred to another bed, and with Enzo still on my chest, we were taken to the recovery room. I breastfed Enzo for the first time, and thankfully he took to it like a champ straight away. Our midwife had been by our side in theatre, and she was still by our side in recovery. Her care and support throughout the c-section and afterwards were fantastic, and following our transfer to the postnatal ward, she said goodbye, and Andrew, Enzo and I got to spend time alone.

Seeing Andrew interact with Enzo, and his joy at finally becoming a father were very special moments.

I stayed in hospital for three nights. With a healthy, happy baby who was feeding well, and no complications from my c-section, I felt that was ample time for me to be physically and mentally ready to take Enzo home with us. While in the postnatal ward I enjoyed excellent care from the midwives there, and to my surprise I really enjoyed the food. I’d been dreading the hospital food, but found that whilst some of it looked pretty unappetizing, every meal I had was really tasty. The toast and cups of milo brought to me during the night by kind midwives while I fed Enzo for hours on end were also very much appreciated.

My birth experience was not what I planned when I became pregnant. Having had two natural births previously, I expected a c-section to be scary and painful, but I can happily say I really enjoyed Enzo’s birth. My recovery has been great - as long as I keep taking the painkillers as directed I feel no pain, and I’m looking forward to being fully recovered in a few weeks time so I can get out walking, driving, and taking Enzo to visit people.

My best advice to anyone having a c-section - get support around you, as afterwards you can’t lift anything heavier than your baby, and you need to rest. I’ve been very lucky in that Andrew has taken to fatherhood so well, and has done a brilliant job looking after me. It’s brought us closer, and we’re loving having our new little family member, Enzo Valentino, at home with us.

ISSUE 291 . October | November 2019

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PRODUCT REVIEW

CARRIER REVIEWS With thanks to Manawatu Baby Wearers team for providing reviews.

Caboo Close Carrier

There are plenty of places to purchase carriers new once you have decided which one you would like to get. The most widely used stores with positive reviews are: The Sleep Store, Cheeky Cherubs, Woven, Scarecrow Farm and Treasureu.

RRP

$169

If you would like to buy second hand the best place to start is the NZ babywearing marketplace (NZBWMP Sales) on Facebook, where there are almost 15,000 members and plenty of people selling the carriers you will likely be looking for.

From newborn to approx 6 months this is the easiest carrier to use daily and by multiple people. This hybrid stretch carrier is fast and easy to use to provide quick and effortless cuddles with your new addition. Like a Moby but easier.

Manduca

RRP

$225

Structured carrier for babies (inbuilt infant insert) to children up to 20 kg.

Multiple adjustment points, which enables a perfect fit and straps can be worn straight or crossed over on the back. Suitable for front, back and hip carries. Available in a range of plain colors for people who want a neutral carrier that blends in, along with limited editions in a variety of patterns.

Congratulates

Susan Doohan For winning a Treatment, Cut and Blowwave for being a current Palmerston North Patents Centre member Ph: 358 4010 | Hotel Coachman,134 Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North | thehaircompany.co.nz Open Mon - Sat, late nights Tues and Thur

22 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

Woven Wrap Ring Sling Ring slings are suitable from newborn (prem friendly) until roughly 15 kilos depending on the brand. The beauty of using a woven wrap without the hassle of actually learning how to tie wraps!

Suitable for front carries and hip carries once your child has sufficient head and neck support.

Possible to back carry if you are an experienced user. Easy to adjust, just pull the fabric through the rings too secure and off you go! One shoulder support, which distributes weight over your back evenly. Price depends on length, blend of fabric, pattern and brand.

RRP Between

$99 and

$240

Fidella fly tai

RRP Between

$130 and

$200

A fully adjustable wrap conversion meh dai. Fly tais are lovely and soft out of the box making them great to use with little babies, and the woven fabric means they are supportive enough for bigger babies.

The baby size can be used from birth and is weight tested to 15kg. Meh dais are excellent for back carrying with smaller babies as it’s easy to get them up nice and high. (But you can get straight from the manufacturer during a sale for half the price.)

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Event and wedding invitations Business branding and stationery • Website design • •

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FREE address labels with every order of arrival, thank you cards until 30/12/18 Just mention this advert.

ISSUE 291 . October | November 2019

23

FEATURE

WHY DADS BABYWEAR

By Jess Williamson (Babywearing with Jess) Slings and carriers can be a fantastic tool for parents of small children. The reasons fathers use these tools may be the same as many mothers; it can help comfort our children and give them a sense of security, carried babies tend to cry less and settle more quickly, it can help with reflux and other digestive issues and it saves your back; carrying a child in an ergonomic, well fitted carrier is much better for your posture and spine.

tool kit, which can really help minimise the chance of postnatal distress or depression. It is important to remember that it is not just mothers who can suffer from this and it can be just as difficult and debilitating in some cases for dads, even if it is commonly expressed differently.

For dads specifically, carriers can help them share the load of a new baby in their family.

It can facilitate bonding and it can be really helpful for them to feel the same sense of closeness as that the mother may have felt during pregnancy. Oxytocin, the love hormone, is important for all of us and carrying our children close gives our bodies a big surge of it, which is so critical for bonding.

In the process of trying to decipher some of the specific reasons dads may babywear, I developed a list of my own that I thought might be relevant to men and showed it to my husband, pretty proudly thinking what a great effort I had made. His response was to state, “hmm”. When prodded he said to me, “Don’t you think these dads you’re trying to empower might get enough of being told what to do by other women? Maybe if you truly want to empower them you should use dad’s own words?”

Carriers can provide a sense of freedom and act as practical resource in the parenting

From him opening up my eyes in that profound comment, the Why Dads Babywear project was

24 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

born. Using the quotes and photos of fathers from around the world, a series of images online, a project group and subsequent print book is currently in the works.

From the humorous to the heartwarming there are over 100 reasons, and more shared regularly on our instagram account @ whydadsbabywear. Join the conversation and share your own photos on the Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/ whydadsbabywear

ISSUE 291 . October | November 2019

25

HEALTH

HEALTHY GUT = HEALTHY CHILD How looking after ‘gutties’ influences your child’s health

By Wal Herring Would you like to have a healthy, thriving child?

Let me tell you the one thing you can do to help your child be the healthiest they can be.

Take care of their Gut(and teach your child to take care of their Gut).

You take flour out of bread and it falls flat, if you don’t look after your gut, your health will fall flat. A healthy gut is the crux of a healthy child.

The Run Down of the Gut Gut. Aka, Microbiome, Digestive System & Colon is the area where the magic happens.

Your Guts microbiome is located at the end of your digestive system, in your large colon.

The microbiome refers to the millions of bacteria that live inside us. We have more bacteria cells in us than we do human cells. Way more.

Look at your hand, if your hand represented how many bacteria and human cells you have in your body combined. The area of your pinky is human, and the rest of your hand is bacteria.

Some people joke we are more bacteria than human.

We used to think that all bacteria were harmful.

But, not any more. Your child needs bacteria not only to thrive but to survive. Learning to take care of these bacteria located in the Gut will

help your child be the healthiest they can be.

I like to think of them as a pet that lives inside me. In our house, we call them ‘gutties’. I have taught my kids that they need to take care of their gutties if they want to stay healthy.

Why we need to Look after Gutties The area of microbiome research is exciting. The understanding of how these little guys affect us is exploding. What we know, as of now is, Gutties are involved in: • Gut maturation • Education of the immune system • Protection against harmful virus and bacteria • Influencing brain activity • Affecting metabolism • Absorption of vitamins and minerals What this means for your growing child is that their microbiome (Gut) can influence • their life-long health • risk of food allergies and autoimmune disease • how often they get sick • their risk of developing obesity, heart disease & cancer later in life • their behaviour • their cognitive development (IQ) • their energy levels

NOTE: First 1,000 During your child first their gut is maturing. you can do to feed the either through breas feeding their gutties introduce solids and the better they will be they grow up. (see in solid emails course a adventurouslittleeat freebies/) Also as a life-style hin baby play in sand and d dog. A little dirt is perf child’s developin

BaBY Study Do you want to know how much milk you produce and if supplements will increase it?

If you are • • • •

Aged 16 years or older, Breastfeeding your baby, Happy with using a breast pump, Living within 1 hour driving distance from Palmerston North.

You are welcome to take part in this study!

In this study, you will • • • • • •

Take a supplement for four weeks Visit the researcher three times Pump milk from your breast in each visit Give 50 ml breast milk in each visit to analyse your milk Complete 6 online questionnaires Record your baby’s feeding and nappy change in two separate days

Please contact: Ms Lili Jia (PhD candidate and main investigator) Email: baby@massey.ac.nz Telephone: 06 951 6367 Cell phone: 022 191 0568 Or scan this QR Code to check your eligibility for this study first.

This project has been reviewed and approved by the Massey University Human Ethics Committee: Southern A, Application 18/80. If you have any concerns about the conduct of this research, please contact Dr Lesley Batten, Chair, Massey University Human Ethics Committee: Southern A, telephone 06 356 9099 x 85094, email humanethicsoutha@massey.ac.nz.

https://massey.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b89iAGXEamSWz Ep

26 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

This list will keep getting longer with more research.

So, if you answered yes to the opening question: Do you want to have a healthy, thriving child?

Then the way to that healthy child is through their Gut. Teaching your kids to take care of their gutties is a gift that keeps giving.

How do we look after gutties?

The short answer is with diet.

It only takes 24 hours of eating a better diet for the microbiome to change.

Diet is of thought of as all or nothing.

But, first, we can only start where we find ourselves. And secondly, even small changes sustained over time make huge gains.

Change of mindset = Change of diet.

Our families motto when eating is: Feed yourself - Feed your gutties.

Thinking of meals and snacks that not only will nourish your child but nourish their gutties is a mindset that will serve you well.

What food nourishes gutties?

When it comes to encouraging people to change their diet, I am a big fan of ‘adding in’ rather than taking out.

So, concentrate on the three general food groups that nourish gutties. By eating more of these foods, you will crowd out the other foods that do not nourish gutties.

The three groups are Soluble fibre, Pre-biotics Foods and Probiotic foods.

0 days 1,000 days The more eir gutties stmilk or when you d beyond, e off when ntroducing at http:// ters.com/

nt, let you dirt, adpot a ect for your ng gut.

Soluble Fibres Foods high in: Raw oats, lentils, beans, avocados, kumara, broccoli, pears, carrots and apples, to name a few.

How to Increase in your family: To add more fibre to your family’s diet, try Bircher muesli made with kefir for breakfast. Or when you do you next Lasagne or Chili, swap ½ the mince for lentils — snack on carrots with hummus or fruit instead of crackers & muesli bars. Small changes can make a big difference.

Pre-biotic Foods Foods high in: Garlic, onions, leek, green banana’s, apple, seaweed, to name a few.

How to Increase in your family: To add more of these to your family’s diet try blending onions or leeks into your next meal – kids sometimes can take a bit to enjoy the texture of onions, so blend them up instead. The more they have meals with these foods, the more you kids will like the taste and be willing to accept the texture in the future.

For lunch, you can make some rice balls that they can wrap with the small packs of seaweed. The cooked and cooled rice and seaweed is a double whammy of goodness for your little one’s gutties.

STORY CONTINUES OVER PAGE

ISSUE 291 . October | November 2019

27

WHAT’S HEALTHY CHILD = HEALTHY GUT - Continues Probiotic Foods Cultured (fermented) vegetables: Any vegetables… Sauerkraut, fermented kumara & kimchi are a few that can be made kidfriendly. (See adventurouslittleeaters.com for recipes for these) If I had a magic wand that granted every parent the ability to make one recipe, do you know what that recipe would be?

Sauerkraut.

Go to http://adventurouslittleeaters.com/ kids-favourite-sauerkraut/ for the kid-friendly version that after a bit of training their taste buds, your kids will love eating. Sauerkraut is the one constant in my kid’s lunch box; they love teaching their class-mates and teachers about sauerkraut.

Fermented Dairy: Kefir and natural yoghurts.

You can buy both of these at the supermarket – make sure they are not loaded with sugars or sweeteners.

If in doubt, go for the natural, no added sugar/sweetner varieties.

Smoothies are great ways to get this probiotic into your kid’s diet – for a simple recipe blend 1 cup of kefir with ½ banana, add in a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla and you have

an easy banana milkshake kids will love. (if the bananas are green then this will add a good dose of prebiotics as well!)

Japanese Favourites: Miso and natto, two popular foods.

Are you getting sushi for lunch? Order a miso soup to go with it. Natto is more of an acquired taste, but with some taste training is an excellent way to start the day.

Want more family-friendly meals that will help nourish your kid gutties? Check out the adventurouslittleeaters.com blog.

Taking care of gutties and feeding them the foods that nourish them will be of massive benefit for your kids, both for now but also their life-long health.

So, if you want healthy, thriving children?

Think Feed yourself, Feed your Gutties.

Wal Wal Herring offers family child approved family-friendly recipes that are not only good for your Gut but simple to make. Check out the adventurouslittleeaters.com blog.

Hire a Tens Machine Hire a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine to help reduce your pain during labour and childbirth.

Palmerston North Parents Centre (PNPC) has five TENS machines available for hire by our members for ONLY $20 for up to four weeks’ hireage (plus a $40.00 refundable bond).

Machines can be booked for the two weeks prior to your due date until two weeks post due date.

Watch a video interview with a TENS machine expert at youtube.com/ watch?v=4gUEtYAqPw8 Book your TENS Machine from: Junior Kids Store, 23 Broadway Ave, Ph 06 354 5516, info@juniorkidsstore.co.nz, Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm › Sat 9.30am - 4pm. Please pay by cash and bring your PNPC Membership card. Full terms and conditions on our Facebook page: facebook.com/PNorthPC

28 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

CRAFT

SALT DOUGH PENDANT

By Fritha Linklater What you need: • 2 cups flour • 2 cups salt • 1 cup lukewarm water • Rolling pin • Baking paper • Craft knife • Spray paint • Kebab stick

Instructions: 1. Mix all ingredients together with a wooden spoon, then tip onto a floured bench and knead until smooth, adding more flour or more water if needed. This is where everyone can have their own bowl and mix or knead their own dough. Kids just love squishing it in their hands and whacking the dough!

2. Roll to about 3mm thick 3. Make sure surface is clean (no fluff etc) 4. Wet with a damp cloth (to ensure a good print comes out).

5. Press your child’s finger down, not too hard otherwise you’ll go right through! Do a couple just to make sure you get a good print.

6. Now for the cutting; ensure you have enough room around print, you can do any shape, but make sure it’s not too big, otherwise it will be a heavy necklace.

10. Extra: Now for the fun part, kids can make anything they desire, this is the part that’s about them!!! Explore shapes with little ones, bring out their creative side by telling a story about what you are building, e.g. this is my bear and he’s got a friend called dragon… make the animals in your story, little ones will just love it!!! Also it makes it foolproof, as they aren’t worried about making a perfect animal etc!! You can also cut out shapes using either a cookie cutter or your own design - think monsters, robots, butterflies, fairies or whatever you like. Simple, solid shapes hold together well.

11. Insert a paperclip into the dough at the back if you want to hang your model, or make a hole with a bamboo skewer. Rough edges can be smoothed with a wet knife.

You can press patterns into the dough as well-try a grater or button or slotted spoon.

7. If you’d like to add your child’s name use the kebab stick to write their name, you’ll need a steady hand for this!!! Go carefully so you don’t push right through to the bottom of the dough. Push a hole through so you can hang on your chain or necklace, check the hole is big enough.

8. Bake in a low heat - about 100 degrees Celsius for two hours, until very hard.

9. Then spray paint once cooled, I used silver spray paint to make it look like real silver.

ISSUE 291 . October | November 2019

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FAMILY FRIENDLY OUTING

VIV’S KITCHEN

By Erin Evis Viv’s Kitchen is a welcoming old-time-diner styled cafe located on the main street of Sanson (at the Bulls end), and a great spot for a coffee with the kids. It’s very popular, so be prepared to be met with crowds if you arrive at a busy time of day, but there is ample seating in a number of areas both indoors and out, and plenty of food, so you’ll never be stuck for long!

The decor in this diner is bright and warm, with turqoise walls decorated with images of 50s icons, and music of the era playing in the background. The staff are always helpful and friendly, greeting you with a smile and dressed in gorgeous rock n roll style outfits, and great with children. The cafe’s slogan is ‘food the way it used to be’, and doesn’t disappoint.

You won’t find much in the way of instagrammable millennial wellness-blogger style treats here; with

30 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

a menu full of staples like the all-day breakfast and various toasted sandwiches and cabinet snacks, you really do get home-style comfort food. We usually just get drinks though, and the coffee is always good.

A visit wouldn’t be complete without sampling the ‘famous cream horn’ they market themselves as the home of - essentially a pastry cone filled with cream and fruit jam. Absolutely delicious, though a health food it is not! There is a kids menu for hungry tummies, though it’s not particularly healthy or exciting (chicken nuggets, burgers, chips etc) so we usually just stick to a fluffy or water.

The great attraction for the wee ones though, and something of a surprise if you’ve never visited, is the extensive back garden that the owners have developed into an excellent children’s play area,

tucked well away from the busy main road. There are a number of picnic tables under a shade sail for the adults to sit on, and a decent sized playhouse on stilts, complete with a very slippery slide. There are two swings (including a baby one), a rotating seesaw, a humongous trampoline with nice strong nets, and always a few balls to kick around, too. There are trees to sit under in Summer, lovely gardens to stroll around with additional picnic tables and seating, and even a candy-colour-painted ice cream hut separate to the main diner serving ice cream in the warmer months. There are decent toilet and changing facilities for infants, too, making this a great spot to spend an afternoon for the whole family. The children are safe and can have fun playing, the food is decent, and the staff are lovely - everything you could ask for in a family-friendly destination.

Hayley Wall

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS Across Te Kotahitanga O Te Wairua We can provide a range of social services which include: Counselling, Family support (including respite care for children), Parenting advice/information and programmes, Advice on other services available for parents and families.

Contact: Graeme on (06) 356 7486 or visit www.across.org.nz Allergy New Zealand Support groups are a great way to meet others in a similar situation to you. They are very relaxed, informal sessions to share ideas, discuss your concerns, and get information and resources. Our regional support group is there to help put you in contact with others, to provide you with information such as those all important recipes, and to listen when you need someone to talk to. They are not medically qualified but can refer your queries on and seek information on your behalf. For further information phone 0800 34 0800 or visit www.allergy.org.nz Babywearers Manawatu This is a great way to try different carriers while finding a carrier that suits you and your baby. Babywearers Manawatu Sling Library is on most Wednesdays 12 pm - 1 pm (check FB for up to date info) at Palmerston North Parents Centre, 30 Waldegrave Street, Palmerston North. Membership is one off payment of $10 and carrier hire costs $5 for one week.https://www.facebook.com/groups/ babywearersmanawatu/ Brain Injury Association Central Districts We provide advocacy information and support for people with brain injury, their families, whanau and carers. For more information call (06) 354 3540.

Breastfeeding Help An IBCLC (often called lactation consultant) is a breastfeeding specialist qualified to prevent, recognise, and resolve breastfeeding problems. All members of NZCLA hold the professional qualification of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Any mother, family member or health professional interested in obtaining the contact details of an IBCLC can phone 0800 4 LACTATION (0800 452 282) during daytime hours.

HOPE An opportunity for parents of premature babies to meet and chat and to offer hope and support to those who currently have babies in the Neo-Natal Unit. Graduates welcome. Held at: Plunket Family Centre, 42 Albert Street, Palmerston North. Monday 1pm – 2.30pm. Contact: Karlyn Sullivan-Jones (06) 353 0663 or karlynandmark@xnet.co.nz Itchy Kids A national support group for parents and whanau who care for children with eczema and allergies. For more information contact Sarah Hartley 027 333 7385 or email hartleyfamilynz@gmail.com or visit itchykids.org.nz Manawatu Toy Library Now located at 200 Church Street, Palmerston North, this fabulous toy library has a collection of over 2000 toys. Our members include families, carers, and educational groups. We have toys suitable for babies 5+ months through to school age children.

Membership costs $95 per annum or $60 for six months. You are welcome to visit to see what we offer. To find out more, including opening hours: manawatutoylibrary.nz, or call 027 364 6911.

Manawatu Down Syndrome Association Regional contact is Andrea Wales (06) 356 1767.

Manawatu Home Birth Association Offering information, advice and support to women and their families seeking to birth their babies at home. Birth pools and other equipment available for hire. Library, sibling kits, and bimonthly

newsletters also available. Call (06) 356 BABY (06 356 2229) for more information.

Manline Manline services are unique in that we are the only “men helping men” organisation in the Manawatu and Tararua region offering services for men to explore issues within their lives. Our programs are designed to be educational, developmental, rehabilitative, and preventative. http://www.manline.co.nz/home or 06 358 1211 Miscarriage Support Miscarriage can be a very lonely experience and is often not talked about. Miscarriage support groups have produced quality information and pamphlets for women/couples who may need information and support. These invaluable resources can be downloaded from miscarriage.org.nz Methodist Social Services Offering free programmes for primary/intermediate aged children and their parents/caregivers, around the areas of anger management, grief loss and change, and confidence building. We also offer family, couple, and individual counselling, and have both male and female counsellors available. Advocacy and social work support services are provided along with an emergency food service. For all enquiries, please call 06 350 0307, 663 Main Street, Palmerston North.

Palmerston North Breastfeeding support group We provide a relaxed place to come and ask questions about breastfeeding and parenting , we hold regular meeting on the first Monday of the month at Palmy Parents Centre, Ruahine St, 10am. We have a library with a wide range of books relating to breastfeeding and parenting. http://www.lalecheleague. org.nz/palmerston-north or https://www.facebook.com/ PNbreastfeedingsupport/ Parent to Parent Supporting families of children with a special need, health impairment, or disability. For more information please phone (06) 355 0787or email manawatu@parent2parent.org.nz Parentline 24 Hour Crisis Line. Offering help and support for parents 24 hours a day. Phone 0800 4 FAMILY. Plunket Education Services For parent education classes please contact the Plunket family centre in Albert Street, Palmerston North, (06) 356 7248 for more information regarding classes in 2016.

Reflux Support Contact: Sharon 354 7280 Sands A voluntary group who have lost babies before, during or after birth. They can provide first hand support, guidance, and information on miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death. Further information and support can be found by contacting Shaun and Gaylene Vivian (06) 356 9715 or visiting sands.org.nz Supergrans Manawatu Charitable Trust Supergrans Manawatu is all about helping people help themselves.

A service to all to brush up on the basic skills needed to provide for oneself or for a family. Our motto is not a ‘do it for you today’ it is a ‘help you to do it tomorrow’ concept. This is a free service.

It is concerned with encouraging better skills in those everyday tasks around the home that sustain life. We work with you in your own home. Phone (06) 354 3804 or 021 0669 442 for further information.

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MEMBER DISCOUNTS

10% OFF

FREE! Address labels with any birth announcement, thank you cards until 30/12/18

Coleman Mall, Palmerston North Ph: 06 357 1976

GRANT IRVINE PHARMACY

10% OFF

Ground Floor, TSB Building 12-19, Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North

168 Albert Street, Palmerston North Ph: 06 357 8782

10% off for all massages over $40 to PC members

06 358 8549

PRECIOUS MEMORIES

$10 OFF Present this coupon and receive $10 off a framed sculpture.

Ph: Katte 06 329 3262 or visit www.preciousmemories.co.nz

FREE TEA OR COFFEE Receive a free tea or coffee with the purchase of food.

95 the Square, Palmerston North

HAIR TRANSFORMER

15% OFF Discounted, low ratio childcare – For 30 hours WAIVED weekly admin & placement fees

TV aerial/satellite installer

10% OFF All current PNPC members receive 10% off labour only Call Now for a FREE Quote Robert Torok Ph: 06 354 5664 or 027 294 3972

Link Arcade, Broadway Avenue Palmerston North Ph: 06 358 1309

$10 OFF All current PNPC members receive $10 off, offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Sharlene Adkins (t) 06 355 4939 (e) sharlene@smallp.com (m) 021 185 2064. www.smallp.com

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PLAYGROUPS IN YOUR AREA Plunket Family Centre Playgroup

ASHHURST

Ashhurst Playcentre

AWAPUNI/WESTEND Kingston St Chapel

CENTRAL

42 Albert Street

021-808-340

Mondays & Fridays 10am to 12noon

118 Standford Street

326 9270

Mon to Thurs 9am - 12pm

Kingston St

358 0716

Tues & Thurs 9am- 11:30am

Crossroads Early Childhood Salvation Army Rudolf Steiner Seventh Day Adventist Church Playgroup with Hope

220 Church St 358 0669 cnr Church & Princess Sts 358 7455 187 Ruahine St 354 4514 257 Ferguson St 282 Cuba Street (opposite Briscoes) Contact: Heather 027 334 9981

Mon to Fri 9am to 12noon Thurs 9:30am to 11am Tues 9:30am - 12noon & Thu 2pm -3:30pm Wed 9:30 to 11:00am Tuesday 9.30-11.30am playgroup@hopevineyard.nz

FEILDING Feilding Playcentre Community Fielding Playcentre Doodlebugs SPACE Bright Sparks Preschool Programme

254A Kimbolton Rd 42 North St Knox Hall, North St 22 Bowen St Feilding Library

323 6100 323 1918 323 7240 323 7221 323 5373

Mon to Fri 9am to 1pm Mon to Fri 9am to 1pm Thurs 9am to 11:30am Contact for more details Wed 10:30am to 11:30am

12-32 Brentwood Ave

358 2255

Fri 8:30am to 12noon

339 Albert St Huia St extn

357 9411 357 0791

Wed 9:30am to 10:30am Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9am - 12noon

HIGHBURY

Te Aroha Noa Community Services

HOKOWHITU

St Albans Church Park Road Playcentre

LINTON

Linton Playgroup

MILSON

Milson Playcentre

OPIKI

Opiki Playgroup

ROSLYN/KELVIN GROVE

Kelvin Grove Salvation Army Church on Vogel Plunket Roslyn Over 1’s Coffee Group

Linton Camp (Community Centre) 3519970

Mon & Wed 9am to 11:30am

1a Seaforth Ave

Mon, Wed & Fri 9am-12noon

356 9824

St Andrews Church, Main Road

Tues 10am to 12noon

99-103 Kaimanawa St 127 Vogel St 177 Vogel Street

Wed 9:30am to 11:30am Wed 9:30am to 12noon Wednesdays 9.30am to 11am

353 0917 357 7336 021-808-340

RONGOTEA

Te Kawau Playcentre Medway St 324 8246

SANSON

Sanson Playcentre

TERRACE END

St David‘s Presbyterian Church Terrace End Playcentre

Mon to Thurs 9:15am to 12:15pm, Fri 11:45am to 2:45pm

2 Philipps St

329 3503

Tues and Fri 9am to 12noon

Cnr Main & Rainforth 77 Ruamahanga Cres

358 3246 0221400610

Tues 10:00am to 11:30am Wed, Thu, Fri 9.30am to 12.30 school term

SPECIALIST GROUPS

La Leche League 355 3104 Manawatu Multiple Birth Club Kingston St Church 357 9773 Parent 2 Parent Special Needs Matipo St 355 0787 ABCD early intervention group 9 Woburn Place 0800 693 724 - Down Syndrome French for Preschoolers 1st floor, 47 the Square 021 207 0114 Spanish Class – 2 yrs and up 355 8257 Plunket Bhutanese Playgroup 25 Franklin Ave 3574844 Book Bubs baby book club PN Library

34 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

Contact for more details Every 2nd Wed,10am 1st and 3rd Tues each month, 1-3pm Once a month on Thurs 10am to 12noon Fri 3.30pm to 4.30pm Contact for further details Mon 12.30 – 2.30pm Thursday 10.30 – 11 am fortnightly.

PREGGY TO PRESCHOOL GARAGE SALE

Date: Saturday 29th April 2017 Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Place: Central Baptist Church, 190 Church Street (Opposite the Fire Station) Come along for great bargains on new & used baby/children’s clothes, toys, books, nursery equipment, maternity wear and more!

old Coin Entry – This is a fundraising event for Parents Centre

ok a table online at www.palmyparentscentre.org.nz

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