minds at home
Issue 19, 2016 | FREE
A colourful start at home Transition to school Focus on you
Expert advice from Dorothy Waide
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P18
Features A colourful start at home ................................................. 2
Let’s PORSE is published twice a year. Two hundred thousand
Nanny sharing a popular choice .................................... 4
copies are distributed free throughout New Zealand. You can also
The learning just never stops .......................................... 7
website.
see what's happening at PORSE on our social media channels and
Building relationships with technology ...................... 8 Focus on you - Dorothy Waide .................................... 10 Making food for fussy eaters ........................................ 12 Te Reo rocks ........................................................................ 14 Living the dream ................................................................ 16 In-home is healthier ........................................................... 17 A foundation of love ......................................................... 18 A confident start at school ........................................... 20 Oodles of energy ............................................................... 22 Unearthing mother nature ............................................. 23 Big surprise for single mum ......................................... 24
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Pure Born - Baby clothing.................................................... 1
Claire Turnbull - Books ...................................................... 13
Eco Yoga Store - Yoga gear .............................................. 6
Te Reo Singalong - Books ................................................ 15
Love to Sing - Alphabet CD's ........................................... 9
Mud Mates - Overalls ......................................................... 19
Dorothy Waide - Book and tutorial ................................ 11
SmartPlay - Puzzles............................................................. 21
Please note: Let's PORSE giveaways close 30 June 2016. You can enter online at www.letsPORSE.co.nz/competitions
As a mum with a toddler I am always trying to find ways to be better - a better parent, better partner and better person. I still struggle with the 'mummy guilt' of being a working mum. Some great advice was given to me when I did our Growing in Connection course when I was still pregnant (a must do course for all new or expecting mums). The facilitator told us, 'don't try to be the perfect mother she doesn't exist – so just do your best!' My now three year old has been lucky enough to grow up with PORSE. Having a Nanny Intern while I was on maternity leave and transitioning back into work helped all of us settle and find a routine that worked for us in our own home. She stayed with us for over two years as our Nanny before we transitioned to a in-home Educator. Seeing the benefits quality home-based care and education has had on our entire family makes me more passionate about the work that we do.
Editorial team Catherine Wedd, Alisha Neilson
I’m really excited by this edition of Let's PORSE. We’ve teamed up with Nutritionist Claire
and Anna Lorck
Turnbull, who has provided some recipes to tame fussy eaters. Dorothy Waide, The Baby
Creative design
Whisperer, has offered some tips from her book - You Simply Can't Spoil a Newborn - on the value to taking time to focus on ourselves. What really resonated with me was the 'it's
Ingrid Edwards and
ok mantra' and that we as parents should remain confident,
Tracy Andersen
following our own instincts and intuition. Most
Photography
importantly, we need to remember "ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi " – let the uniqueness of the child guide our work. Ngā mihi
Stephen Barker Susan Maclaurin Nicola Topping Tracy Andersen
Editorial enquiries Catherine Wedd P 06 878 3196 or E catherine@attn.co.nz
Kerry Henderson PORSE General Manager
Advertising enquiries Pip Thompson P 06 873 0033 E pip.thompson@porse.co.nz
Proudly printed by
Disclaimer: PORSE In-Home Childcare (NZ) Ltd and Attn! Marketing PR are not responsible for the content or photos published in this magazine which have been authorised by independent Educators and families of children pictured. This magazine is prepared for the provision of information to PORSE In-Home Childcare (NZ) Ltd stakeholders.
Let’s PORSE is giving away 5 x Romper and beanie sets valued at $50.00 each from Pureborn Organic.
It is to the best of our knowledge correct at the time of printing.
To enter, visit us online at: www.letsporse.co.nz/competitions
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A colourful start at Excitement levels are always high at Hindi Educator Nimmi Chhabra’s house, as she and her PORSE children often share a dress up day and an authentic home-cooked lunch. Activities like these are common at Nimmi's Botany home and are part of her culture that she is proud to show off to her two PORSE children Reiden Seegers (two) and Roan Penheira (20 months). The children, who have South African and Bangladeshi backgrounds, spend five days a week with Nimmi and thrive on her culturally diverse programme. Hindu festivals ‘Navratra’ and ‘Diwali’ are an opportunity to dress up with Nimmi and learn more about her vibrant culture. "Navratra is celebrated at the beginning of October and is held over nine days. As a ritual, Hindus fast for the duration then end by preparing and enjoying a meal of cultural food,” says Nimmi. "Diwali or the Festival of Lights, is held over a few days in November and is the Indian New Year. We celebrate by decorating the house with lights and colourful decorations and the entrance with Diwali artwork or ‘rangoli’ and distributing sweets among friends and family. The children love getting involved and of course eating the lollies!” Almost 10 years as a PORSE Educator is cause for Nimmi to reflect on how it all started and why. Nimmi reveals she was lucky to have a fortunate childhood growing up in Delhi and, after marrying her Indian husband back in India, she moved to Auckland to settle with him in Botany 12 years ago. The couple have two children (a son, 20 and daughter, 11) and although they are ‘more Kiwi now’, Nimmi says their culture is still extremely important to them. “Hindi culture is all about relationships, being together for emotional support and putting others before yourself. In many ways, it’s a lot like my PORSE work. I’m very passionate about kids, they can see the warmth and motherly love I have. I feel like they are my kids and I behave like I’m their mum,” says Nimmi. Bonds with Nimmi’s PORSE children have always been strong, none more so than with Alexsandra van Tonder. Alexsandra
Exposing Alexsandra to different cultures from a young age has been humbling for the South African-born mother.
“Alexsandra has been fortunate enough to grow up in a country that has many cultures. Being in Nimmi’s care taught her to embrace, respect and
started with Nimmi at 5 months old and left her last August to
understand other cultures. As young as she may
start school. Since leaving, her mother Lee Ann has been blown
be, this has become an important part of who
away by the reports her daughter has had from her teachers.
Alexsandra is today and will be in the future.
“When Alexsandra started school we were amazed at just
She’s become a more sociable, empathetic and confident girl
how well she managed with settling in and coping with the
who was shown a lot of love and respect from Nimmi. I feel it is
work. Being part of in-home care, Nimmi was able to provide
because of that, she is able to give the same love and respect to
Alexsandra with the one-on-one time she needed to practice her
others,” says Lee Ann.
letter writing and reading skills leading up to the start of school.
“It is important to broaden children's views and developmental
“We feel she would not have been given the same opportunities
skills to make it easier for them to adjust everywhere. The world is
or attention had we placed her in an environment with more
not small anymore, kids travel to learn and have to be adaptable
children,” says Lee Ann.
to, and accepting of, different cultures.”
2
home
Hindi culture is all about relationships, being together for emotional support and putting others before yourself. In many ways, it’s a lot like my PORSE work, says Nimmi. Left: Reiden, Nimmi and Roan.
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Nanny sharing a popular choice Sharing a nanny between families is a trend that is on the up with the number of PORSE Nanny share placements in Auckland tripling in the last year! Auckland parents Wayne and Melanie Ilich and Fran and Dave
Debbie cares for Sophie and Freddie at Fran’s house as it’s
Burley say their nanny share has become a ‘godsend’.
enroute to Mel’s work.
Nanny Debbie Kessell cares for Sophie Ilich (two) and Freddie
“We chose Debbie due to her huge amount of experience
Burley (18 months) and they all agree they love the perks that
– she has sons of her own and has been a nanny for over 10
it delivers.
years. Reading her references, people refer to her as a ‘Mary
Mel said when she returned to work she looked at many options but the nanny share was the best and most flexible. “The one-on-one care the children get in an in-home environment is brilliant, not to mention extremely cost effective. Auckland traffic can be unpredictable at the best of times and if I’m running late Debbie is always flexible which takes the pressure off.”
Poppins’ and she absolutely is! She even carries a suitcase full of educational games. We’d be devastated if we didn’t have her. “It has been so much more than I expected. The time, effort and love that Debbie puts into caring for and educating Sophie and Freddie is truly outstanding. Continued...
I couldn't recommend the nanny share more highly. Not only is the one-on-one care great for Freddie's development, but he also really benefits from sharing his day with another child in his own home, says Fran. PORSE Tutor Sharon Porteous says nanny shares are usually recommended for two families with a maximum of four children. "In areas where the availability of home Educators is limited, we can suggest a nanny share which is an affordable option for many families." Nanny share families are able to negotiate an hourly rate with their nanny, and they also have access to WINZ subsidies and 20 hours ECE for children three years and over. “It’s a ‘total picture’ approach for busy families who not only need professional childcare, but someone reliable to keep on top of things at home. It’s not a household service or about doing last night’s dishes but once all three parties are clear what the expectations are, a nanny share can change lives,” says Sharon.
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Melanie (left), Debbie and Fran with Sophie and Freddie.
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5
Looking for a nanny or nanny share?
Nanny sharing a popular choice continued... It is really nice getting home from work and reading the journal that Debbie has written about the day’s activities and what the children have been learning about.” “An in-home environment gives the children low ratio and one-on-one benefits whilst still providing access to socialising at playgroups. They really get the best of both worlds!”
A PORSE Nanny provides your child with the best possible start. Many families are teaming up to access a PORSE Nanny share - a more affordable option that offers all the benefits of a having your own nanny. All PORSE Nannies receive free on the job training, and regular, ongoing support from trained early childhood teachers.
A 12 year partnership with PORSE has seen Debbie nanny share for many families, most of whom she’s stayed in touch with. The closer bonds she has made was the reason she left a former job working in a local daycare centre. “Bonding one-on-one is really important for me. With smaller numbers I can meet youngster’s individual needs more specifically and not be stuck in one place. If we want to go out we can go to different playgrounds, beaches, music groups and I feel like I’m nurturing them more as a ‘nana’ than a ‘nanny’,” says Debbie. Caring for just two children, Debbie feels she has more room to enjoy Sophie and Freddie as opposed to managing larger numbers. Activities like mat time, reading, music and dancing are commonplace amid Debbie’s PORSE programme. They are also treated to a personal reading of Debbie’s very own self-published children’s book entitled ‘Angelic Thunder’. A story about two little angels on cloud duty who decide to have a bit of fun on the job, and raid the orchestral room to see who can make the biggest racket. The book was written to help take the fear out of electrical storms for children.
Let’s PORSE is giving away 2 x Get Me Going Yoga kits from Eco Yoga Store valued at $125.00 each. Kit includes a TRIBE Yoga mat and foam block. To enter, visit us online at: www.letsPORSE.co.nz/competitions
0800 023 456 porse.co.nz 6
PORSE Programmes
The learning just never stops
Gaining a Level 3 Certificate in Early Childhood Education confirmed for PORSE Nanny Tia McGreevy that the value of her 'on the job' experience is gold. “This is my first post-school qualification, and a real
“I think having a fit for purpose qualification is a point of
confidence boost. For me personally, it’s a great endorsement
difference that many families will look at when considering
to know I’m succeeding in a career I love,” says Tia.
employing someone to care for their children.
From her school days babysitting, to starting her first Nanny
“Backed with work experience, along with training, PORSE is
role in Taupo, to au pairing in Sydney, Tia now works fulltime
providing families with the best service available and I think
for an Auckland family caring for toddler Levi and four year
that’s great for people like me to grow in my career. I belong
old Poppy.
to a network that is respected and has earned a professional
Tia, who left school with Level 3 NCEA, had been thinking
reputation, and I’m working with a great family.”
about study and through PORSE she was able to access
Tia says she is a great supporter of encouraging more
free training and support.
Educators and Nannies to gain their Level 3 certificate. “It gives you a real sense of achievement and while you may know you are doing a great job, achieving a recognised New Zealand qualification confirms it.”
“The certificate put the theory behind what I was doing every day in my job, it helped to me learn more about the reasons behind what works and what doesn’t." “Studying alongside your job
'Selfie fun' for Tia, Levi and Poppy
is a great way to learn and helps you gain greater knowledge. As well as confirming what I already knew, I also enjoyed learning more about child nutrition and brain development, and the value of one-on-one secure attachments between a child and their carer.” Tia’s Nanny family got right behind her. “They wanted to help me achieve which is very important because I needed to apply what I was doing in my job into the 18 papers that make up Level 3,” she says. The certificate took Tia six months to complete, which she says allowed her the time to put in a top effort and feel proud of her work. Looking ahead, she says gaining her Level 3 has been a great stepping-stone into furthering her education beyond secondary school. “It’s opened me up to the possibility of one day going on to university.
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Left: Bridie, Connor, Louisa, Henry and Skye.
I think it's really important that parents feel they have a window into their child's day, so they feel connected,
Building relationships with technology
says Louisa.
Louisa Picker used to sit behind a desk, working in demanding marketing communications roles for over 10 years. Now she is holding down a high-powered job of another kind, influencing little peoples' lives and loving every minute of it. “The career change is the best thing I ever did. Relationships
“It has given me the chance to spend time with my sons,
and people have always driven and inspired me and this is what
Alfie and Henry and I believe the job has been my biggest
inspires me in my job as a PORSE Educator now. The close
challenge yet. It’s certainly much harder than my previous
relationships I’ve developed with the children and their families
career because I am one hundred percent emotionally and
have been life changing.”
professionally invested in it.”
Louisa moved to New Zealand from the UK with her husband
Louisa runs a childcare programme, that has parents ‘wowed’
James eight years ago. Shortly after having her first son and
and she goes the extra mile to ensure her families are well
returning to work, she decided to become an Educator.
connected with their children.
“I became dissatisfied with my work life balance and realised
Using her communication skills and knowledge of technology
that my priorities had changed. My one year old son, Alfie was
Louisa keeps her families well up to date with daily activities.
at a daycare centre in Wellington, so I decided to reassess my
She has set up a secure website and invited them to join it to
goals and I’ve never looked back.
receive insights into their children’s day.
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“I think it’s really important that parents feel that they have a window into our day, so they feel connected and they aren’t missing out on anything. I know that’s what I was missing sat at my desk every day and that’s what I wanted to provide to others.” Louisa also tailors the website to answer questions parents have and keeps them well informed. “We go to music group each week and sometimes parents find it hard to understand the songs their children are singing when they go home, so in response to a musical family’s needs I began uploading music video links so parents know the words and can sing along with their children too.” “We have a very busy programme each day, which involves a morning activity out, whether it’s music or a trip to the zoo and in the afternoon we enjoy time at home together.” Louisa’s group has grandparents all over the world who love logging on to the website to check out what their grandchildren have been up to for the day. Skye’s mother Morag Zaric says it’s a good way for the whole family to feel connected with Skye. “As a working mother of a littlie, I am torn between work and being with Skye. Louisa’s regular updates help me feel included in Skye’s day."
Let’s PORSE is giving away
“Louisa is amazing and keeps me updated the whole time
15 x Alphabet CDs from
with photos and videos of Skye. She also gives us a full DVD
Love to Sing valued
slideshow of photos each year. It’s really special to have her
at $16.99 each.
journey so well documented.” Louisa says she knows how hard it is to have family living overseas and makes the extra effort to ensure they are
To enter, visit us online at: www.letsPORSE.co.nz/competitions
updated.
Chat with us online or call us We’re here 24/7 to help meet your childcare needs. On our website you’ll find information about individual Educators and Nannies, what programmes and activities they offer, testimonials, qualifications and the days and times they have vacancies. You can search by town or suburb, days of the week, or use keywords to refine your results easily. We also have a fantastic team of consultants available to answer any queries, or help you find that perfect person to help care for your child. Call us Monday to Thursday from 8.30-7.30pm and Fridays from 8.30-5.30pm or Live Chat with us via our website.
Call
0800 023 456 or visit porse.co.nz
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Focus on you Dorothy Waide is one of the world's most sought-after baby consultants, celebrated for her practical approach to baby care, practiced over a career spanning three decades. Here she offers some sound advice for new mums on the importance of looking after yourself. The early stage of parenting is extremely physical and
Keep snacks and water on hand so that when your baby
emotionally draining yet your well-being is just as important
feeds, you can refuel too. If you also have a toddler or two,
to your baby’s growth and development now as it was during
napping together in the afternoon is a calming way for the
your pregnancy. The happier and healthier you are, the better
family to bond and share time.
prepared you’ll be to care for both yourself and your newborn.
For some mothers, postnatal hormones create a sense
Be kind to yourself. Both you and your newborn will need extra
of euphoria and a surge of energy that can suddenly and
rest and this will be so much easier if you have an extra set
dramatically subside in the first week. Being aware of this can
of hands, whether from a qualified person, a close friend or a
help you manage your time and energy better, and confirms
family member, ask for and accept help so you can build up
that what you are going through is normal.
reserves. You don’t have to do it all on your own.
Have No Expectations
However, if you are without help, try to rest when your baby
Don’t worry about doing things the ‘right’ way. Practise trial
sleeps. Resist falling into the trap of ‘I’ll just do the washing
and error, and don’t expect perfection from yourself or your
and mop the floors etc and then have a lie down. In the first
baby. Try not to feel guilty if sometimes you get it wrong or
few weeks there is no guarantee of how long your baby will
think you have got it wrong - remember there is no right or
sleep. Rest first, chores second.
wrong way to parent - besides, babies are endlessly forgiving!
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Expert insight The fewer expectations you place on yourself, and your baby, the better your experience will be.
Time Management What doesn’t get done today can always wait until tomorrow.
Pay attention to your feelings. It is natural to experience
The biggest change will be the pace at which you live -
extreme emotion and mixed feelings in the early weeks in
everything now takes longer than you expect. Gone are the days
response to hormonal changes, lack of sleep and the sheer
when just hopping in the car and driving to the shops takes 20
emotional impact of being a new parent. Many mothers talk
minutes - it will take you all that time just to get into the car!
about the overwhelming love they feel for their baby, but
A good idea is to do as much as you can in the morning when
fewer speak openly about the feelings of inadequacy, anxiety
you have more energy, so that the afternoon is available for you
and misgivings that they experience while facing their new
to be with your baby - or deal with the unexpected.
responsibilities. It’s far more common than you imagine. Feeling apprehensive does not make you a bad mother! Most mothers take time to find their feet. Some don’t know what to share with partners, family or friends and what not to share. They worry that sharing too much may reveal incompetence or vulnerability. Yet not sharing can be overwhelming. Unburdening your feelings can help lighten the load. If you have a partner, involving them gives them an opportunity to
Try not to be over-ambitious. Mothers often comment that they haven’t achieved much in a day. Wonderful! To me, that’s a sign of good parenting and that your priorities are right. All this goes a long way to giving your baby a sense of security so that they feel considered and their needs met.
understand what you are going through and, more often than
Don’t feel beholden to arrangements. I believe it is always a new
not, helps strengthen your bond. As time passes, the more
mother’s prerogative to change her mind.
confident you will both become - and the easier it will get.
Time Out Moments of utter exhaustion, insecurity or despair are more common than you think yet many mothers don’t talk openly about them for fear of seeming a failure. Parenting isn’t about achievement - it’s not a competition!
Staying positive
Showing your emotions, being upset and feeling worn out are all relevant in building your relationship with your newborn and finding your way together. It is only natural that you want to be the best you can be with
• Take your time.
your baby, but it is also okay to admit that when your baby
• As much as possible, stay calm
nurturing mood. Bonding isn’t just about the good times and the
and be patient.
is crying and inconsolable, you might not feel in a loving or cuddles - it’s also about navigating your way through the tough times.
• Surround yourself with good friends
These early weeks are an ideal opportunity to hibernate at home,
and supportive family members.
enjoy your baby and get to know each other. I believe that doing
• Ask for help, don’t wait for offers.
this will help lay sound foundations for the rest of your baby's life.
• Don’t feel you need to present yourself as a ‘perfect mother’ - she doesn’t exist! • There’s no such thing as a perfect baby either. • Don’t feel beholden to arrangements it’s okay to say no.
Let’s PORSE is giving away Dorothy Waide's book and a digital tutorial session.
• Acknowledge what's working. • Cut yourself some slack.
To enter, visit us online at: www.letsPORSE.co.nz/competitions
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Making food for fus If there’s one thing Healthy Food Guide Nutritionist Claire Turnbull has learnt from having a toddler, it’s that meal times can be fickle but rather than fight it, she’s found ways to make it work and for making food to go further. How would you describe Zac’s eating habits and what are your tips to keep food ‘fuss-free’ for toddlers?
cheap and a perfect addition to any mince meal I make and Zac
Zac is 21 months old now and his attitude towards food is
Eggs are a super food and perfectly okay to offer as a meal a
summed up in one word – ‘variable’. He can have a great appetite
couple of times a week.
one day and eat three meals and 3 three snacks and still want
Do you have an easy-peasy ‘go-to’ recipe toddlers will love?
more, and the next day only want a small amount. The trick is to try and avoid making an issue out of food. I’ve never forced Zac to eat because I know if he’s not hungry or being difficult at one mealtime, he’ll eat at the next. As a nutritionist it’s important to help other parents understand that children naturally are very good at regulating their own appetites, and the challenge for us is not to put too much pressure on littlies for not eating enough – if they are hungry, they will eat.
How can we feed fussy eaters economically with less food wastage? It comes down to planning and organisation. Not all of us are natural planners but it’s about finding ways that work for you. Look at the week ahead - buy less and waste less. My best advice to make food go further is bulk cooking and freezing. As a working mum, I’ve found this the most cost effective and stressfree way of feeding Zac - particularly on the days when cooking a meal from scratch just isn’t realistic. I aim to bulk cook a meal at least once a week, for example, I’ll cook a chicken curry or a
loves them. As a healthy snack he enjoys chickpeas, drained and rinsed straight from the can. Yes, he’s a nutritionist’s son!
Yes absolutely! My ‘go-to’ at the moment is a Banana Spinach Smoothie: •
1 small handful of baby spinach
•
1 small banana
•
¾ cup milk
•
1 tsp peanut butter (optional)
Blend together and serve for a great morning or afternoon snack. My other favourite recipe is Banana and Coconut Loaf (see right).
In summary, what should we keep in mind when it comes to teaching toddlers about food? Ultimately we want toddlers to have an open mind about food and one way of doing that is getting them involved in the shopping and food preparation. Take opportunities to show them the vegetables you’re buying. Show them the garden and how things grow and get their input on how they’d like their food presented. That way they can take ownership of the process and hopefully develop a healthy relationship with food.
mince dish which is cooled and divided into 10 flat freezer bags. I
Planning, bulk cooking/freezing and adapting recipes to make
even pre-cook white/brown rice for reheating later. Not only does
them cheaper is key. Try not to buy under pressure and when
this save me money it ensures portion control and takes the stress
things go ‘pear shaped’ take a deep breath and know that you’re
out of producing a meal quickly when demand is high!
doing the best you can.
How do you make meals go further?
It might sound smug but I hardly ever buy packaged snacks,
Bulking meals up by increasing the vegetable content and adding lentils, beans or shredded cabbage is a really smart way of making a dish go twice as far. It’s quicker, easier, and cheaper to add a few extra veges at the start that can be frozen for later use.
not only are they often packed with sugars and unwanted additives but they’re damned expensive! Most often Zac has unsweetened yoghurt or cubes of cheese and some fruit as a snack or a smoothie if we are at home – he even helps me make it! Occasionally I will make a healthy banana loaf and freeze it in
I always buy what’s seasonal but am a huge fan of frozen peas,
slices or make homemade oat biscuits that I also freeze and pull
corn and green beans, they’re often better than fresh produce
out as needed. As a culture we’ve developed a crazy relationship
because they’re snap frozen at their optimum nutrient levels and
with sugary foods, where we feel like we need them when we
taste great all year round. I buy broccoli and cauliflower a lot but
simply don’t. We have just learnt to think this normal, when really
instead of throwing away the stalks, I chop them up and add them
it shouldn’t be! I’m not a control freak but as a parent now I have
to the dish, they’re a great source of fibre and a really clever way
a responsibility to offer Zac healthier alternatives.
of bulking the dish out. Black beans, kidneys beans and lentils are
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ssy eaters
Wellbeing and Nutrition
Banana and Coconut Loaf Ingredients •
1/3 cup oil (e.g. canola/rice bran/olive)
•
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
•
2 eggs
•
1 cup mashed bananas (approx 2 large bananas)
•
1/4 cup unsweetened/natural yoghurt
•
1 tsp baking powder
•
1 tsp baking soda
•
1 tsp vanilla extract
•
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
•
1/2 tsp mixed spice (You can use 1 tsp of either if you don't have both.)
•
1/2 cup high grade, wholemeal or gluten free flour
•
1 cup rolled oats
•
1/2 cup coconut desiccated coconut
•
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions 1.
Preheat oven to 170 degrees celcius and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat the oil and honey/maple syrup together with a whisk or fork. Add the eggs, mashed bananas and yoghurt and beat. 3. Add the baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, spices and whisk to blend. 4. Stir in flour, oats and coconut until combined. It won’t be a smooth mixture – lumps are normal! If you want to add any nuts, now is the time. 5. Pour the mixture into the greased loaf tin and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or mixed spice. 6. Bake for 50 mins to 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. 7. Let the bread cool in the loaf pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool, then slice.
Perfect for freezing! Let’s PORSE is giving away 4 x Feel Good For Life books from Claire Turnbull valued at $30.00 each. To enter, visit us online at: www.letsporse.co.nz/competitions
For more advice on toddler nutrition go to: www.claireturnbull.co.nz
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Te Reo rocks
At 66, June Te Maro is a rock in her community of Paraparaumu where she takes immense pride in keeping Te Reo alive and giving back to her people. During the six years working as a PORSE Educator, she’s
powder tins are used as drumkits while old pots and pans and
become endearingly known as ‘Nanny June’ to dozens of local
teapots are reused to grow seedlings to feed and nourish the
Māori families, who, through her guidance, have continued to
children,” says June.
keep Te Reo alive. Parents of children who’ve been taught by June say it’s her ‘old school’ values and wise counsel that draw the best out of every individual. Kelly Anne Mulligan’s son Caleb started with June when he was two years old. “Caleb is a quiet, observant boy who the teachers find astute, very polite and routine based. His early success at school has set him off on the right foot and I believe that can be attributed to the time he spent with June," says Kelly Anne.
And feed them she does. In fact, June’s children are so well nourished they always go home ticking five plus a day. “For lunch I serve them lots of vegetables mashed up with homemade gravy. The children learn to grow their own kai by helping me plant the seeds which is really special,” says June. June's homely environment allows the children the freedom to relax and
Growing up on the Pa at Ngaruawahia as one of nine children,
be totally at ease, safe
June’s family spoke Te Reo fluently. Life was very simple, and
in the knowledge
money certainly wasn’t needed for fulfilment.
they are in tune with
“It was a beautiful upbringing. We went without luxuries but we learnt to be resourceful, the house was titivated with punga and eels were caught using the toi toi to sweep them onto shore. All the cousins were around and nobody ever knocked on the door, our house was an open-door,” recalls June fondly. These days June’s home has the same open door policy and those who walk through, become part of the whānau.
June’s Te Reo PORSE programme is helping keep Māori culture alive with today’s younger generations and is leaving life changing imprints on the tamariki she teaches. “When the children are around Te Reo all the time, they become very receptive to it. By seeing my body language and hearing and making their own observations they can absorb so much,” says June. “Our daily outings happen from 9:30-10:30am. We visit the moana (beach) to feed the ducks and seagulls, collect driftwood, visit the elderly and enjoy the coastlands walk.” June believes children cannot read but they can talk through pictures in a book and that is what her children do. In her words ‘to be proud, to take a stand as a child is simple’. “I don’t have many toys, and I don’t see sense in throwing things out, call it a hangover from my Pa days but old baby
Pictured: June with former PORSE child Tangaroa.
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their feelings, their environment, the land, and their whānau.
When the children are around Te Reo all the time, they become very receptive to it, says June.
d From left: Tammy, Nicholas, Naiomi, Keita and Zandar.
Up the road in Dannevirke, PORSE educator Tammy Johnson’s Te Reo programme is attracting whānau far and wide. The service Tammy provides is so popular, eight families are
“Being an in-home Educator means there’s no limit to what
currently on her waiting list and they’re happy to wait. With
activities we can do, if we want to take the children to
many of Tammy’s children going on to full Māori immersion
Palmerston North for the day, we can. PORSE respects my
school or Te Kura Kaupapa Māori O Tamaki Nui A Rua, learning
programme and has made my job so much easier. It’s been the
to speak Te Reo fluently is essential. Time for Tammy is also of
best move I’ve made.”
the essence and the 18 children enrolled in her programme are
“Te Reo gives me sustenance. It fills me with a sense of who I
split across four time slots each day, comprising four children
am, where I came from and the ground I stand on," says June.
each. For example, four children between 7-11am, 11-3pm and 3-6pm and for night shift parents there is a 6-10pm session. Alongside that, Tammy also runs a Saturday Te Reo class from 8-2pm. By the time they reach school, her PORSE children can identify food, numbers, shapes, colours and spell their name in Māori. “It’s my passion to teach Te Reo because if I’m not doing my bit, how can we pass it down to anyone else? Whether it’s karakia, waiata, poi, harakeke or kapa haka,
Let’s PORSE is giving away 2 x sets of 5 books from Te Reo Singalong Books valued at $250
my children get an experience a lot of other children here in Dannevirke will never get,” says Tammy. Tammy spent many years with Kohanga Reo before
To enter, visit us online at: www.letsPORSE.co.nz/competitions
moving to PORSE and she hasn’t looked back.
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15
Living the dream I thought I can do this, it's the perfect job for me. I love children, says Sia
Quincy, Sia and Kaylee.
Four years after arriving in New Zealand to be closer to her family, grandmother Sia Pritchard has settled in with a job she loves and a great support network. “Along with having every day filled with the joy of caring for
“I regularly catch up with other Educators living in my
children, becoming a PORSE Professional Educator has helped
community. We go on walks and to the beach and share
me support myself, meet new people and make friends.”
experiences and talk about what’s happening and offer each
“When I moved from my homeland Samoa to Papakura, I could
other ideas and support, which is very important when you
only dream of having the life I do now," says Sia. Sia found out about PORSE from another Educator who was caring for her grandchildren at the time. “I thought, I can do this, it’s the perfect job for me, I love children.” Sia has also achieved the Level 3 Certificate in Early Childhood Education.
are working from home." “It’s also been the perfect job to help me support myself, I have been able to work and become more financially independent. I’m close to my family, I’m active and happy,” she says. Sia cares for Quincy Te Whata (one and a half), and Kaylee Frances Wilds (one). With an increasingly aging workforce, becoming a granny
“I feel everything I have learned during my life has helped
home-based Educator is becoming a popular late career
me become a better Educator. I was able to draw on my own
choice, where you can care for your own grandchildren, or
experience from all my years caring for my own children and
provide care for another family.
others in my wider family and relate this practical experience into theory as well as learn new things,” she says
PORSE can help grandparents to run their own businesses, and provide them with better access to resources Grand-
One of the best parts of being with PORSE, says Sia, is the
parents can also benefit from the training programmes
local network of support.
available through PORSE.
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In-home is healthier
Arthur’s mother Anna Yates reflects on how tough things were for her little boy while he attended an Auckland daycare centre. Arthur Yates is a picture of happiness as he plays chase with
enjoyable. I feel like we’re not surviving anymore, but thriving
his PORSE friends, but rewind a few months and life wasn’t so
without the added stress of a sick child,” says Anna.
rosy for the energetic toddler and his family.
Over the seven years Dorren has worked as a PORSE
Anna says, "A constant stream of sickness last year left our
Educator, she says several children have transitioned from
then eight month old struggling to sleep at night and unable
daycares, just like Arthur.
to function at his best. He had a series of ear infections, tummy bugs and runny noses over four months, which really took its toll on us."
“As soon as they come to me their sickness seems to stop. They may pick up the odd flu or bug through the winter but nothing to worry about. I believe this is one of the major
“Arthur also ended up sick in hospital for four nights with a
benefits of in-home childcare. We are caring for fewer
severe respiratory infection. He was often sick and when I
children with smaller ratios so they are less exposed to
returned to work I found this a struggle.”
sickness and infections.”
After becoming tired of constant sicknesses and upon advice
Dorren encourages hygiene routines and is strict about
from her doctor, Anna moved Arthur to PORSE Educator,
cleaning hands before eating and after being outdoors.
Dorren Va’aelua.
"We adore Arthur and he has settled in extremely fast and
“We needed to take him out of daycare because he’s prone to
loves the older kids. He's a typical boy, into trucks, big boy's
getting sick and that wasn’t going to improve. Some children
noises and water play but best of all, he's happy."
pick up sniffles, which is perfectly normal, while a few like Arthur will develop full-blown illnesses.”
With no family support in Auckland (in the Yates family), Dorren has become a constant and a steady source of
Soon after Arthur started with Dorren, the 14 month old’s
dependability. Anna can now work four days a week in her
chesty symptoms and runny nose cleared up and Anna says he
role as an environmental and social consultant and Arthur
has not been sick since.
enjoys his new routine.
“Arthur isn’t sick anymore which has made a world of
“As soon as he sees me in the morning he starts jumping up
difference to the whole family. He is healthy again so we are
and down in his car seat, clapping and throws his arms out to
now getting a good night’s sleep. Home life is so much more
greet me,” says Dorren.
Anna, Arthur and Dorren.
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17
From left: Savannah, Lily-Rose, Marisa, Taize and Jack.
Growing in Connection Programme
A foundation of love Being a mother of four, Marisa Weymes knows how hard it is to find time for ‘quality one-on-one’ with her little ones. Since completing the PORSE Growing in Connection Programme, her attitude to parenting and childcare has changed.
"I completed the Growing in Connection Programme as it was
Marisa had her first child Shae, when she was 16 and used
my goal to become a PORSE Professional Educator and this
home-based childcare.
course was a part of that journey.
“This was the best ECE course I have ever done. I was at an extra special stage in my life, only 10 weeks away from having my fourth child. “Not only did it reinforce my own beliefs on attachment parenting but opened my eyes to a whole deeper level of parenting and helped me understand my baby's cues and
“After seeing the benefits of home-based childcare, I knew that I wanted to be an Educator and I have never looked back. I love my job and the relationships I have developed with the children and their families. It has also meant I can spend time with my own children.” After doing the Growing in Connection Programme Marisa says she understood her children more.
watching for those moments to connect together,” says
“We raised our children with the belief and model of
Marisa.
attachment parenting but when it came time to transition
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them to kindergarten and school, they did not detach well from us and it was a stressful experience. As parents it made us wonder if the this model was the right choice but after completing the course our faith was restored and we felt confident we were doing the right thing.” “I recognised so many more cues with my youngest child, Taize, that I didn’t see with my other children. I’m not rushing to do anything. I’m giving him the time to express himself.” During the programme, Educators and parents learn about early brain development and how important the first three years of life are. As a mother is soothing and comforting an upset baby, she is wiring their brain to understand love and trust. “The negative is a feeling that is connected to your brain and the brain will store the negative. So we want to make sure all the children we care for have positive experiences. Every interaction is growing the brain.” Another part of the programme focuses on the time parents spend with their children. “This made me reflect. When you have four children it is difficult to give them time on their own. But a big highlighting for me from the programme was that we need to slow down and stop to reflect more.” Learning about the importance of secure attachment relationships was also a highlight for Marisa. "Children have a cirle of security which I now see everywhere. A child in a playground will always look back to their person of attachment. If there is a strange person who comes in and the attachment person isn't there, the child can become distressed or anxious. “This shows that secure attachment relationships give them experience and confidence."
"The course has given me the tools to be a better person, parent, partner and Educator. My family, extended family and everyone around me benefits." Says Marisa.
W h a ka t i p u i te h o n on g a
growing in
connection Understanding the science of relationships and building a foundation of love Growing in Connection focuses on what we all need to reach our full potential. It encourages participants to think about how they interact and build relationships with the children in their lives. We explore the wonder of human development, learning and behaviour alongside environmental factors that influence every individual from birth and throughout life. Our trained facilitators provide informative, useful and cutting edge programmes backed by child mental health specialists, researchers and early childhood education tutors.
Let’s PORSE is giving away 3 x Coveralls in personalised drawstring bag valued at $64 each from Mud Mates.
To find out when a course is being run in your area, call 0508 FOR LIFE www.forlifenz.com
Enter online at: www.letsPORSE.co.nz/competitions
porse.co.nz
19
A confident start at school
Long time Hastings PORSE Educators Carolynn Angell and Jean Rogan have transitioned many children to school and are passionate about getting youngsters ready for the big move. Graduates of the PORSE programmes are hitting the ground running in class, leaving quite an impression on their school teachers. Annalyse and Carolynn.
Starting school can be a daunting time for children and parents. Are they ready? How will they adapt and have we prepared Penny, Jean and Ella.
20
Georgia.
them well enough?
Annalyse and Mathew.
Whilst it’s always been a focus for PORSE, in the past year
Sharing those sentiments is fellow Hastings
the company has offered professional development sessions
PORSE Professional Educator Carolynn Angell.
for Educators with a particular interest in Transition to School. Integrating school curriculum skills like literacy and numeracy into everyday play is paying dividends. Several past
Fifteen years nurturing little minds has taught her how to maximize children’s learning abilities
students of Jean Rogan’s are excelling beyond their peers.
without it feeling like hard work.
One in particular, Scarlett Fothergill tested a year ahead in
“The children are never pushed. They learn through play so
reading and six months ahead in mathematics, after a year at school and mum Karina firmly believes it was Scarlett’s solid grounding with PORSE that made the difference.
that it’s a natural progression. Five minutes here and there can really add up in a child’s understanding of how things work. For example, I don’t just teach them how to count, but
“Scarlett was with Jean from 10 months of age until four and
what a number looks like and the importance of being able to
by the time she left for pre-school, she had already mastered
recognize that number,” says Carolynn.
the alphabet, so they had to find ways to extend her further. Because Jean forms such warm, loving bonds, she’s tuned in to where the children are at and how she can extend them. She recognised Scarlett was hungry to learn more and she kept feeding that,” says Karina.
Carolynn’s PORSE environment is specifically set up to support children to be confident and ‘school ready’. A steel jungle gym, fort, slide, walking see saw, bikes, beams and moonhoppers are on hand to help strengthen bodies and muscles for the learning to come. Fine motor skills are encouraged through Carolynn’s extensive array of stationery where children enjoy experimenting with pens, pencils,
It gives them confidence when they start school. They have a little bit of a head start and transition more easily with all the skills necessary to fit in, says Jean.
rubbers, staplers, cellotape, greeting cards and glue. By the time they reach school, Carolynn’s children have not only learnt basic literacy and numeracy skills but can take their shoes on and off, get themselves dressed and are responsible for their belongings. PORSE Programme Tutor Mariana Oosthuizen says Transition to School ensures Educators are consciously preparing children to be ‘school ready’, without the need for formal assessment. “Our Educators focus on building children’s confidence levels, to complete an activity and not to give up. To take responsibility for their own wellbeing and belongings and to be resourceful. It’s holistic learning – nurturing initiative,
For Scarlett’s PORSE Professional Educator Jean, it’s been
resilience, sharing and socialising skills."
gratifying feedback. Level 3 ECE trained and with 12 years experience, Jean knows which learning approaches work with children. By not prolonging what she teaches and keeping it fun, Jean is able to engender a genuine enjoyment for reading and writing with her littlies. By the time they leave Jean to start school, they generally know the alphabet, can write their name and count to 100. A day at Jean’s house is always interactive, starting with mat time in the morning, singing the alphabet and counting songs and using hand puppets. The children are gently taught letter and word recognition and the skills to use phonetics to sound a word out. Learning is picked up at their own pace and is never forced. “A secure child is a confident child and PORSE provides
Let’s PORSE is giving away 13 x Children's Puzzles from SMART PLAY total value $271 To enter, visit us online at: www.letsPORSE.co.nz/competitions
that smaller, secure environment where they can relax and be themselves without having to compete for space and attention. Going to school at five is a big deal so they deserve to have their childhood in a low-key secure environment," says Jean.
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21
Jaxon, Shona and Charlotte.
Oodles of energy PORSE Educator Shona Boyes has so much energy if you were to bottle it everybody would be buying it. When most of us are staggering out of bed in the morning, Shona has long since bounded out and pounded the pavement for over an hour. She then prepares for a day’s activities with two busy pre-schoolers. Last year Shona walked 12 half marathons, clocking a personal best time of 2 hours 37 minutes. Just don’t ask her age – her PORSE children occasionally do and she tells them she’s 100! As one of PORSE’s first in-home Educators, Shona has helped shape and nurture many children over the years but still takes every opportunity to develop her skills through further ECE study. “It’s mindboggling and thoroughly rewarding to see what you can achieve with a child through fostering effective secure attachments. The confidence it gives children on an emotional level gives them the best start in life.” For three days a week, Shona looks after Jaxon (four) whilst also caring for Charlotte (two) five days a week. She enjoys a wide range of activities with the children including walking down to the local boat ramp to have a picnic and participating in music and other PlaySchool sessions. Shona even takes the children supermarket shopping, allowing them to handle the money and receipt.
It's not just teaching them the value of a dollar, but also road safety, following instructions and how to behave in a public area, says Shona
Shona admits she takes pride in preparing the children for school more effectively than she herself was. “I was brought up on a dairy farm at Te Awamutu as the third of four children, we didn’t go to any type of formal early childhood education and were completely unprepared for school. I like to think I can offer
Nature PlaySchool is a large part of Shona's week. This
a programme that nurtures the child in literacy, numeracy, and
involves going to the Hamilton Gardens to explore a different
physical and emotional wellbeing.
garden with other PORSE Educators on a weekly basis.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is the art of observing. As parents
"We go rain or shine and they love it! One time we went on
and carers I think too often we dive in trying to help children
a frog hunt, but ended up finding turtles! We had to be very quiet for the turtles to pop up, which was a bit of a mission.”
22
when we should sit back more and allow them to draw their own conclusions."
Unearthing mother nature Many hands make light work and thanks to some smaller green fingers, Hamilton PORSE Educator Bronwyn George has successfully cultivated a vege patch bursting with tomatoes, cucumbers, blueberries and strawberries. Gardening hasn’t always come naturally to Bronwyn but encouraged by her PORSE children, she started the groundwork for what has become a much loved activity. That was five years ago and now Bronwyn admits the children have taught her the art of patience and to get over her fear of bugs and spiders. Bronwyn has been with PORSE 12 years, first as a Nanny then an Educator. “Watching the little ones grow up, when they come to you at 10 months guiding them through learning to walk and talk and eventually preparing them for school, has meant I’ve made such awesome bonds. The close relationships with the children and their families and working alongside each other towards the same goals - that’s what’s satisfying.” Bronwyn’s become like an ‘Aunty’ to the children she has cared for and often gets impromptu visits from them over the weekends and invites them to watch movies with her. As the mother of one son now aged 24, with no extended family in Hamilton, Bronwyn treats all her PORSE children like her own.
Max, Ziggy, Margot and Bronwyn.
This is the best, most rewarding job in the whole world! People tend to assume being a caregiver must be a hard job but the rewards far outweigh the work. I wake up and think “yahoo!”, I’m working today, says Bronwyn Bronwyn’s varied PORSE programme and are often seen
so intrigued I had to put a brave face on and pretend how
out and about at local parks, the library, music, gym and
amazing this creature was!”
playgroup. Bronwyn likes to give them new experiences like supermarket shopping and hopes that by doing so she’s making parents’ jobs easier. But sometimes leading by example is easier said than done. “One day in the garden a giant weta crawled up my arm
Even after 12 years doing what she loves, there is never a dull moment, and for that, Bronwyn George is thankful. “I’m just so grateful and honoured when a family chooses me as their Educator. I would have had a million children if I could have. This way I can say I have!”
and my instinct was to scream, but the kid’s faces looked
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23
Prize winner
Big surprise for single mum Single mum Sian Gulliford works hard to provide for her little boy Luca, sometimes working 10 hour days. She’s a Barista at a local café in Mount Maunganui, so when it comes to childcare she needs flexibility and reliability, because she has to drop Luca off at 6.30am each morning. In January she found PORSE Educator, Kelly Veen who was everything she was looking for and was prepared to do the early start. At the time PORSE was running a promotion for parents who enrolled. Sian entered the draw and never gave it another thought, until recently when she received the exciting news. “I couldn't believe it! I got a call to say I had won $4000. It was so overwhelming. I have never won anything in my life so to win such a big prize was awesome. “The money went straight into my savings bank account, so I was very happy,” Sian said. PORSE consultant Vicki Nimmo says she was happy that someone as deserving as Sian won the prize.
Sian works hard and is bringing Luca up on her own, with the help of Kelly. It's great to see the money will be put to good use and will help Sian buy her first home, says Vicki.
Craft Idea
Leaf Autumn
You will need Autumn leaves Glue Paint optional
Butterflies Collect different shaped and coloured autumn leaves. Try to select leaves that still have their stalks on them as these create interesting antennae. If you decide to paint additional coloured markings on your leaves they will need to be dried and flattened so they don’t curl. Glue your leaves into position to create your gorgeous butterfly wings. You can add little seeds and twigs for decoration.
24
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Want to earn a living while at home raising your own child? With PORSE you can work from home, be independent, have flexibilty and start your early childhood career. Call us today to find out more.
0800 023 456 porse.co.nz Learn and teach te reo the easy way. Buy online.
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