Winter 2011
MADE IN INDIA: a WA woman’s journey through surrogacy
Eating Out
with the kids
Meet Baz’s new
baby girl
The Contributors ARI O’CONNELL, COLUMNIST has had work published in Australia, Japan and England, and is currently completing her first novel as part of a PhD project. Ari has recently given birth to her first child, Gabriel.
currently doing the breakfast show on 92.9 FM with Basil Zempilas and Sam Mac. As a mother, Lisa wants to “nurture, encourage, teach, inspire and give my love unconditionally... because the reward is so incredibly great”.
MELANIE HEARSE JOURNALIST and mother of seven and four year old boys, has worked on a range of local and national publications, focusing on parenting, health and lifestyle articles. She worked for 10 years in the public health sector before deciding to follow her passion to be a writer when her first son Max was born.
Claire Armstrong, Journalist a journalist of five years and a mother of two. “I love a challenge, journalism provides me with a mental challenge and motherhood has the ability to challenge every aspect of my being, and I wouldn’t have life any other way.”
GARY AUSBRUCH, ACCOUNTANT
DEVON PLUMLEY, MIDWIFE believes her work is most satisfying when she can empower a woman and her partner to birth their baby naturally; and the new little human being thanks his mummy with a squeal!
is financial controller for a Perthbased mining company. When not busy controlling the finances, he has had columns published on the challenging subject of the lighter side of accountancy, and has written for SBS TV. He has two young children, Ella and Sebastian. JOHANNA GARNETT, FOOD & NUTRITION is the owner of JVG Events and created Yum In My Tum, which is the only food festival dedicated to children in Australia. Yum In My Tum is devoted to educating children on growing, cooking and tasting food.
Kate Bullen, Dietitian
BROOKE EVANS BUTLER, JOURNALIST has written for home
JENNIFER BLACK, TRAVEL WRITER
improvement, bridal and women’s lifestyle publications, but says Offspring enables her to combine writing with her new favourite hobby, being a mum to her beautiful baby boy, Caleb.
HEATHER ZUBEK, WRITER/TEACHER has worked in schools and the corporate arena in both Perth and Brisbane. Now a mother of two teenage boys, Heather works from home as a freelance writer for a variety of state and national publications. Heather loves discovering and writing about all things books, boys and family.
4 Offspring | winter 2011
LISA FERNANDEZ, RADIO ANNOUNCER is a Perth girl who is
is co-founder of www.doyoueat. com.au and mum to two young children. Kate loves chocolate and pizza – usually eaten separately! Her passion lies in making healthy eating simpler for everyone, and you will often hear Kate saying that food should be enjoyed!
was an Award Winning Travel Manager for Flight Centre and Harvey World Travel for 10 years. After years of personal travel experiences and now with two young boys in tow, Jennifer writes about ‘Family’ Travel - where to go and how to get there with minimum stress! MIYA MAEDA, ARTIST/BLOGGER earned a BA in Fine Art and worked in the visual arts industry for over 10 years. Miya is the creator of the kids craft blog: jellyfishjelly.com She currently cares for her young family by day and writes for her blog by night.
A
fter recently reading about the 2011 Federal Budget I am
concerned that further Government efforts to make everybody employed are not always in the best interests of Cover photograph of Amy and Basil Zempilas, with their daughter, Ava, was taken by Jordan Shields.
ISSUE 6 WINTER 2011
Offspring magazine is produced and published by Family Life Publications ABN: 55 398 258 346 PO Box 724 Claremont 6910
the family. The recent move to cease welfare payments for single mothers unless they return to work or school
that is far different than women being
before their child turns one, as well as
forced to go back to work when their
the shift to reduce or cease payments
children are very young.
for families where there is a stay at
Many women are already torn
home parent, seems to be yet another
between having to work and staying
scheme to get everyone working.
at home with their children because
Once upon a time the family came first, now it seems it’s our economy,
it’s not financially viable to be a stayat-home mum.
Contact Phone 08 6161 7819
and to get everyone back on the
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employment treadmill – young, old,
pressure on mothers to return to work
male, female, mothers – as quickly
quickly after having children because
as possible, regardless of what sort
there is a common view that mothering
of unpaid ‘work’ with the family
is not a credible job. I know I personally
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they’re already doing. I wonder what
heard all too often: “So when are you
is becoming of the Australian social
going back to work?” or “Have you put
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fabric when economic stimulus seems
your child in day care yet?” or better
to be favoured over family welfare.
still, “So, what have you been doing?”
Editorial enquiries editorial@offspringmagazine.com.au
Publisher & Editor Kate Durack
It seems to me all the financial
I also believe there is a lot of
As if I was on “time out” and somehow
incentives to use childcare, coupled
being a stay at home mother wasn’t
Contributing writers Lisa Fernandez, Kate Durack, Ari O’Connell, Gary Ausbruch, Claire Armstrong, Melanie Hearse, Ngala Parenting Team, Helen Davey, Alana Blacka, Miya Maeda, Vishal Maharaj, Rhiann Allen, Leah Hansen, Kate Bullen, Johanna Garnett, Jennifer Black.
with increasing the early childhood
enough. And I thought parenting was
education hours, is to encourage both
the most important job in the world!
parents to work. (When I was a child I
I say bring back the opportunity
went to Pre Primary for a couple of half
to be a stay at home parent, certainly
days only; now Pre Primary is full time
don’t penalise people who want to be
and from next year Kindy will be three
at home with their children. In fact, I
Graphic Designers Sally Travis, Karmen Lee
full days per week.) And why? Is it really
go a step further and say women (or
to offer our children great education and
either parent) should be paid if they
Photography Deborah Arnold (Butterfly Moments Photography), Michelle Hollings (Bella Vie Photography), Jordan Shields
learning opportunities? Or, is it so both
choose to stay at home with their
parents can return to work as quickly
children; and effectively receive proper
as possible? I suspect the latter. The
recognition of the good “work” they do.
Printed by Scott Print
value of parenting seems to have taken a backseat to an obsession with driving
wrong thing and our Government
Distribution 30,000 copies distributed by paid subscriptions and for free at selected locations throughout Perth and surrounding areas.
our economy forward.
should be the first to recognise this,
Offspring magazine is an independent magazine published quarterly by Family Life Publications. Opinions represented are not necessarily those of the publisher. Offspring magazine contains general information and does not claim to substitute for health or parenting advice. All content is subject to copyright, and may not be reproduced without permission.
be that’s fine because it’s her and
If women want to return to the workforce and opt to use childcare because that’s where they’d rather
These parents are not doing the
and certainly not be pushing mothers of young children back to work. Happy parenting – it’s the best job in the world!
her family’s choice. I am a working mother because I enjoy the sort of stimulation offered by non-domestic work (and we can’t survive on a single income!), and many mothers do, but,
P.S. Please join our Facebook page!
Offspring | winter 2011 5
contents winter
4
The Contributors
5 Editor’s Note 10
Letters to the Editor
Feature articles 12
Announcing Ava Channel 7 news reporter and 92.9FM breakfast show host, Basil Zempilas, shares his joy of becoming a father
16
Made in India: the journey
through surrogacy
12
One West Australian woman’s journey through surrogacy takes her to India
22
Off the Air with Lisa Fernandez – The dog whisperer 92.9FM’s breakfast show host is rehabilitated by Cesar Milan
24 Winter fashion favourites Keeping kids cool in the cold months
16
28 Funny Mummy’s Business – Bedtime stories Ari O’Connell discusses baby’s night time antics
30 Product reviews Indulge in a pregnancy massage at Yummy Mummy; and find out about a high chair that grows with your child
32 Dad’s word
Gary Ausbruch’s day in the life of Mr Mum
34 Dining out in Perth – with the Kids
Melanie Hearse searches for Perth’s most
family-friendly restaurants
24 6 Offspring | winter 2011
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Pregnancy & Birth 40 Evolution of building brains How we can help our babies start learning - even before they are born
43
Offspring Facebook competitions Find out what great prizes we have in store for Offspring Facebook fans
44 Internet feature Our selection of websites offering gorgeous products for your little ones
Babies 46 Driveway delivery One mum’s amazing story of delivering her baby on the driveway
49
56
Early Childhood 49
Let’s ‘Just Pretend’ Helen Davey explores the lost art of
00
imaginative play
54 Boys germs Frogs and snails and puppy dogs tails:
46
A selection of stuff just for boys
56
Crafty ideas for uncrafty parents Three simple craft ideas for even the most artistically challenged parents
54
8 Offspring | winter 2011
40
Primary Years 58
If the school fits Claire Armstrong identifies the different approaches to schooling in Western Australia
66
The bullying issue Is your child a victim of bullying? How to identify the
77
58
warning signs
68 Our darlings Gorgeous photos of Offspring readers’ children
Health
70
Losing baby weight Why losing weight after having a baby isn’t as simple as it seems
72 Revive for Offspring Nurse Practitioner Leah Hansen offers health care advice to readers
Food and Nutrition 74
Fussy pants Practical ideas to put an end to hearing ‘I don’t like this’ at dinner time
77
Winter warmers A tempting recipe for the perfect Tomato Soup
79
The great outdoors – kids love it!
Our guide to camping with families
82
Calendar of Events
Events for WA families this Winter
85 Directory - Parties 86 Directory - General
79 Offspring | winter 2011 9
Letters to the editor
Quest for a baby Thanks for sharing your editor letter in the latest Offspring mag. In my own search for an answer I started an article on making the decision to have another baby. It is hard when the desire for another baby is there and each month there is disappointment. I have been in a quandary about whether to have another baby yet feel the disappointment each month when I know I’m not. I always thought I wanted three or four children. I have two and last year I had a miscarriage, which seems to be such a taboo subject to talk about. It makes people very uncomfortable yet everyday I think about it. Now as I acknowledge the first anniversary of that loss, I finally have stopped calculating how old that baby would be if the pregnancy had continued. In deciding to have another baby I worry about my age (37), the risks to the baby and, even more so, my energy levels and how I would cope with more on my plate. I’m not sure I’m doing such a great job with the two
children I have. Money concerns come into play as I have returned to parttime work and that would have to stop for a period. My mum is also not keen on the idea (everyone has an opinion) and the support (including childminding) could be compromised. I’m also very scared of another miscarriage. Then I think perhaps I should just be thankful for the two healthy children I have, particularly hearing stories such as the one about Aurora (it also made me stop and feel the love in my heart for my two). Maybe it would be greedy and I’d be tempting fate. However, none of the rationale defies my desire to nurture another baby, for my children to have another sibling and to grow our lovely family. I guess with all my searching for the ‘right’ answer I have discovered that for me to be at peace with whatever decision I make the answer has to come from me and what is right for our family. As far as an age gap, there are
Exotic birthing tales Hi just finished reading your Autumn edition and had a huge laugh with my husband about the article on cultural births! It was so fascinating, and I especially laughed hard about the Mexican women who get to tie a rope around their husbands’ testicles and pull it each time they feel a contraction!! I love that! Hubby didn’t laugh as hard as I did :) I also wish I knew about the Maori’s
idea of reading out a list of baby names and picking whichever one the baby sneezes at. That could have come in handy for us as we struggled to choose a name for our 15 month old boy! Anyway, this is the first time I read your magazine from cover to cover – was given a copy at Gymbaroo – and love it. Really well designed (I am a journo and sub myself) and the articles are great. You do an awesome job. Rebecca Wallis, Herne Hill
We want to hear from you! If you would like to express your opinion in response to an article or feature in this edition of Offspring please write to The Editor, PO Box 724 Claremont 6910 or email editorial@offspringmagazine.com.au Subject: Letter to the Editor. You can stay anonymous if you wish.
10 Offspring | winter 2011
six years between my daughter and son. It has been great as each has had their time to be ‘the baby’ and my daughter is an amazing help with the maturity to understand the demands of a baby. So Kate, I wanted to wish you all the best and hope for your baby dreams to be realised in the near future. NAME WITHHELD, PERTH
In deciding to have another baby I worry about my age (37), the risks to my baby and… my energy levels and how I would cope with more on my plate.
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Farmer Jacks
Ava
announcing
By Melanie Hearse
Popular Perth media personality, Basil Zempilas, and wife Amy have embraced parenthood taking in their stride the changes that come with having a newborn.
12 Offspring | winter 2011
A
finalist in Cleo’s Bachelor of the Year and currently the weeknight sports
presenter on Seven News, AFL commentator for Melbourne radio station SEN and co-host of the “Lisa, Baz & Sam” show on Perth’s 92.9FM, Basil Zempilas is a man unfazed by a busy schedule. His wife Amy, a former mining industry PA and international flight attendant is also used to a demanding schedule but is just as ready to settle into her new life as parent to nine week old daughter, Ava. Basil and Amy both grew up in Perth, with Basil attending Floreat Park Primary School and Hale School. He graduated from Murdoch University in 1992 with a degree in English Literature and Mass Communications, and took up a cadetship as a sports reporter with Seven News. Basil was also a member of the West Perth Football Club, playing five seasons before retiring to focus on his media career. Amy attended primary school across several states of Australia before completing her secondary education in London. Zempilas has had a successful and fulfilling career. In 1996 he was promoted to weekend sports anchor on Seven News, and then to weeknights in 2001. During this time, he also hosted a locally-produced football
Hotel in Mt Lawley. “We were
show, Basil’s Footy Show and is now the
introduced by mutual friends and
regular studio anchor for Channel 7’s
immediately found the conversation
Telethon. Basil has also been involved
easy. We kept in touch and slowly from
knew I was ready to move to the next
in the coverage of five Olympic Games
a firm friendship our relationship
phase of my life and begin thinking
with the Seven Network.
developed. It was a very exciting time
about starting a family,” she says.
for both of us,” Amy says.
“When Basil and I started spending
Basil and Amy met at the Queens
A couple of years into their
“I think Ava is very lucky to have Amy as a mum and I think in many ways I love her even more now seeing how good she is with our little girl.”
On the 6th September 2009, Amy and Basil married in Kastellorizo, Greece. “When I came back from Dubai, I
time together again, we both realised
relationship, Amy decided she was
we were in the same place, we had a
keen to explore other career options.
lot in common and it just felt right.
She was accepted into Emirates
We had grown up with similar family
Airlines and promptly moved to Dubai
values and beliefs,” Amy explains.
where she was based for four years. “We kept in touch and maintained
Both intend for Ava to grow up knowing about her Greek heritage and
a good friendship. I suppose you could
plan to take her to visit her Greece
say we went our separate ways for a
based family whenever time allows.
time but I think that time spent apart
Amy’s pregnancy with Ava was
made us much stronger when we
a welcome surprise to both of
reunited,” she says.
them, and after the excitement of
Offspring | winter 2011 13
discovering they were expecting while away on holidays, Amy settled in to a straight-forward pregnancy, save the initial 12 weeks of rolling nausea. At one week overdue, Amy was induced. “I walked into the labour ward feeling slightly apprehensive – we had done the classes and we knew the basics, but it’s not the kind of experience you can fully prepare for so I will admit to a few nerves,” shares Amy. “A huge positive was our fantastic health care team; my obstetrician was very accommodating and happily talked me through every stage and made me feel supported and confident,” she says. A close relationship with both their families has helped Basil and Amy in their new incarnation as parents. “We’ve been very blessed to have both sets of parents nearby to help out, with someone dropping food in every couple of days, or coming over for a visit, just generally to be around and let us know how much support we have with raising Ava,” says Amy. Amy and Basil, in part, credit their
“There is a lot of pressure on kids to work hard and achieve great things, and while we do want that for her, we really want her to enjoy life and have fun with it – it is more important to enjoy the journey than to slog away with the sole aim of being top of the game.”
smooth transition into parenthood to receiving dire warnings in the lead-up
hands-on dad, I’d spend every day
things, and while we do hope she’ll
to Ava’s birth.
with Ava if I could but I know Amy’s
be successful, we really want her to
going to do a wonderful job with her
enjoy life and have fun with it. It is
painted a picture of no sleep and no
when I’m not around because of work
more important to enjoy every day of
time for anything else once she arrived,”
commitments. Amy and I share similar
the journey rather than be locked in
Amy says. “But our reality has been a
values which makes me confident
by goals and the sole aim of being top
very pleasant experience. We’re blessed;
that Ava will be getting the same
of the game.”
she’s been a wonderful little girl, a real
qualities instilled in her, regardless of
delight.” The couple acknowledge it is
whether it’s Mum or Dad delivering
experience from marriage to
still early days, “but so far so good, we
the message,” he added.
pregnancy and now sharing a new
really are enjoying every minute of being
Basil commented that the whole
As for their dreams for Ava, they
baby has been very positive. “Amy
parents and the new challenges each
share the hope that she will grow up
thrived during her pregnancy and
day brings,” Amy says.
to be a happy and confident girl who
even more so now as a new mum.
feels encouraged and supported to
I’ve been very proud of the way
they agree Basil is likely to be the
chase whatever her passion may turn
she has adapted and embraced the
firmer of the two, though both are
out to be.
changes. She’s a wonderful mum; I
When it comes to parenting styles,
certain they want to instil the same
“Basil and I are lucky people, we
think this is what she was destined
genuinely enjoy what we do, and we
to do, be the best mum she can be.
want that for Ava, for her to enjoy
She’s doing a great job, I think Ava is
parents, though I probably will be
and find success with whatever she
very lucky to have her as a mum and
stricter – especially when she gets a
decides to do,” says Amy.
I think in many ways I love her even
values in their child. “I think we will be pretty similar
bit older and the phone starts ringing!” says Basil. “I’d like to think I’m a very
14 Offspring | winter 2011
“There is a lot of pressure on kids to work hard and achieve great
more now, seeing how good she is with our little girl.”
Photography by Jordan Shields
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Made in India
a journey through
surrogacy Melanie Hearse talks to one Western Australian woman whose health ordeal prevented her from carrying her own child, but led to complicated but inspirational path through surrogacy.
N
ardia and Cameron’s journey into surrogacy began when Nardia was diagnosed with cervical cancer after a routine pap smear at
only 29 years of age. Only weeks after returning from her romantic honeymoon, Nardia dropped into her GP’s office to talk about getting her body prepared for pregnancy. Her GP suggested that it would be a good idea to do a pap smear in case she fell pregnant quickly. The results would mark the start of a whole new pathway in the newlyweds’ life plan – Nardia had cervical cancer and needed a hysterectomy, meaning they would not be starting the family they had planned. “A panel of doctors discussed my case, and I was told that a hysterectomy was the only way forward,” she shares. “As you can imagine, that kind of information hits you in the face like a brick wall - a 29 year old woman planning to have children suddenly facing the fact that pregnancy was never going to happen. I was told that keeping my ovaries carried a 5% risk of the cancer coming back, but I decided that it was a small enough risk and I didn’t want to make decisions about my fertility that
There are restrictive requirements that surrogate mothers
couldn’t be undone, so I decided to keep them. It sounds
have to meet, as well as medical and psychological
all very rational and well thought out now, but at the time
assessments, not to mention the difficult task of actually
it was about grabbing at options so that I could think about
finding a woman willing to carry another’s child. It is
it later when everything slowed down.”
illegal in Australia to make financial gain from surrogacy,
The decision turned out to be an important one – while
so women are certainly protected from being exploited.
Nardia and her doctors are reasonably confident the
However, it makes it hard to justify, unless you have some
cancer has been successfully treated, keeping her ovaries
compelling reasons to do so, such as it being for a family
meant that the option of surrogacy was still open. While
member or close friend.
the option was theoretically open, it was only the first step on a very long and difficult road. Surrogacy in Australia is far from straight forward.
16 Offspring | winter 2011
In the beginning, after her father-in-law suggested surrogacy, Nardia’s sister put her hand up to carry the couple’s child for them, but even this plan failed. Under
Offspring | winter 2011 17
“That kind of information hits you in the face like a brick wall – a 29 year old woman planning to have children suddenly facing the fact that pregnancy was never going to happen.” Australian legislation, a surrogate must already have had her own children. “We were blind sided by that. My sister was happy to do it for us, and we had talked through the possible ramifications. We knew it would be hard, but because of the law and the fact that she hadn’t had children yet, it was no longer even an option. She hadn’t had children yet because she wasn’t ready to raise a child, but she was happy to carry a baby for her sister who couldn’t,” says Nardia. The next step involved scouting on websites for Australian women willing to be a surrogate. Though they had some success finding women that would help, this option turned out to be a dead end, as every woman that had agreed eventually pulled out. “I do understand this, it is a huge thing to put your body, your family and your emotions through, but at our end it was just devastating. We started losing hope that we would ever have a child of our own,” confesses Nardia. “We didn’t want to exploit anyone, and we weren’t looking for an easy road to parenthood. We were a couple in love, with a good home, who just wanted to bring a baby into our family.” At this point, Nardia started looking into overseas surrogacy. Her internet research showed that many successful Australian surrogacy’s were performed overseas in the US and India. After rejecting the US as too expensive (you can pay over $200,000), Nardia starting zoning in on India, where the cost averaged around $35,000 - $50,000. This constitutes years of annual wages in India, enabling surrogates to put their children through school, including University, and still have enough to buy a home. While this can be seen as incentive for exploitation, there is also the reality that for some women this is a win-win situation -
18 Offspring | winter 2011
they give the gift of life and then have the opportunity to
Nardia and Cameron had to return home for almost
set their family up for the long term.
nine nail-biting months. Medical reports and scans were
Nardia read about a doctor whom had already had great
sent regularly, and the doctor was always available for
success and had a solid reputation in the field. The doctor
questions. But their child was growing and developing in
had recently opened up her own clinic in India, the Corion
another country, in a virtual stranger’s womb and home.
Fertility Clinic. “To start with, we had little to go by, just some email
“To be honest, at times it was almost easier that this process was happening in another country, sometimes
and phone communication and a lot of reading at my end
we just needed to shut ourselves off and pretend it wasn’t
about the work the doctor had already done,” Nardia says.
happening. The last couple of years had been full on, and
“We were obviously nervous as we’d had such bad luck
to be so close was hard,” Nardia confides. “I have to say
already and it was so far away. We wouldn’t necessarily
that anyone going through this needs a strong marriage
meet the mother, we wouldn’t be in the same country
and a good support network because it is a very hard way
while our baby was developing. It just wasn’t how we had
to become a parent.”
planned to start a family. But, we wanted a child more
At 37 weeks, the surrogate mother was induced, and
than anything, and in our gut we knew this was the right
Nardia and Cameron had only five days notice to book
clinic and the right way forward for us.”
flights, fly to India and get settled into their temporary
From here, Nardia had to go through the standard grueling IVF procedures, including daily injections and hormone swings, then a painful operation to harvest her eggs. Nardia and Cameron had to travel to India to sign contracts and were there when the embryos were implanted, where they experienced their first breakthrough – their surrogate became pregnant on the first try. After the successful and reaffirming pregnancy results,
“We started losing hope that we would ever have a child of our own... We didn’t want to exploit anyone, and we weren’t looking for an easy road to parenthood.”
Offspring | winter 2011 19
home, before checking in at the hospital two days before the birth. On the day of the induction, Nardia asked the nurse what time everything was starting, only to have her return saying it was time to get moving – the surrogate was having an emergency caesarean and things were about to happen very quickly. their children to be born and suddenly a little bundle came through the doors. Our son Lawson Cameron was with us. It all happened really quickly, we thought we’d be there for hours and all of a sudden our boy was in front of us, it was pretty overwhelming! He was taken away for all the standard tests, and we went back to our room. After four long hours he was back with us in our suite and ours from that point on.” After the hospital, there was a lot of paperwork to arrange
we look back at the last couple of years and wonder if we are mad to even think about it, but we have always wanted
in order to take Lawson back to Australia. They had to apply
to have our own children, and we definitely want more.
for a birth certificate, then citizenship, a passport, and finally
All I can say is, if you really, really want something like we
an exit permit to leave India. It was 17 days after his arrival
wanted babies, you just have to keep slogging away until it
before they were able to board a plane and come home.
happens. It might not be the experience you pictured, but
“Arriving at Perth International airport with our son was amazing, we had some very excited family members waiting
the end result is there and very worth it.” Looking at Nardia and Cameron standing with their
to meet him but we were just exhausted – we wanted to get
miracle son Lawson, it is easy to see that they fully
home and start settling into the normal routine and life with
appreciate the experience that brought them together.
our boy that every new parent looks forward to.”
The funny thing about doing things the hard way is that it
When asked if she was planning on going through
can bring an extra appreciation to something many take
it again (Australian legislation permitting) Nardia was
for granted. And while it might never be the path you’d
positive she would. “Look, it was hard, and there are times
choose, it is well worth the difficulties along the way.
20 Offspring | winter 2011
Photography by Deborah Arnold, Butterfly Moments
“We waited in the hall with three other men waiting for
Surrogacy in Australia: the laws
In all states in Australia (except Tasmania which bans all surrogacy under the Surroga cy Contracts Act 1993), altruistic surrogacy has only rece ntly become legal. However, in all states and the Australian Capital Territory arranging commercial surroga cy is a criminal offence. In Western Australia (under the Surrogacy Act 2008) altruistic surrogacy is only lega l for couples consisting of the opposite sex (single people and same sex couples are banned from altruistic surroga cy).
Meeting the criteria
• To become a surrogate mot her in Australia, you must meet the following criteria: • You must be older than 25 years and younger than 52 years of age. The only exce ption to this will be the unique circumstance whereby the gestational carrier is carrying a child on behalf of her daughter or daughter in-law. In this circumstance a maximum age of less than 55th birthday will apply. • You must have given birth to a baby, which has become a healthy child. • You cannot have prior history of pregnancy exacerbated illnesses or pregnan cy complications or have a current illness that is like ly to be exacerbated by pregnancy. • You must have an established relationship with the commissioning parents for a period of no less than 2 years by the time of the embryo transfer. • Neither the carrier nor the would-be recipient can suffer from a significant psychia tric disorder that would impair either the decisio n-making around the surrogacy process or the ability of the commissioning parents to care for the child.
Overseas surrogacy
In March 2011, laws came into effect in New South Wales which make it illegal to pay a woman overseas to act as a surrogate mother, and similar laws are already in place in Queensland and the ACT. At this stage it is not the case in Wes tern Australia, however there are rumblings that the tim e will come. Before returning to Australia with the child, an application must be made for an Australian Citizenship by Descent, which requires proof that the birth mother is not the biologic al parent of the child. Surrogacy births in India will list the biological parents and not the birth mother on the birth certificate.
The concerns around surrogac
y
The key concerns around surrogac y are based on two issues; the best interests of the child and the rights and feelings of the surrogate mother. There are things you will need to consider before you enter into a surrogacy arrangement, and counseling, whe ther it is legislated or not, is a good idea. Issues need to be considered such as how parties will feel if the surr ogate changes their mind pre or even post pregnancy. Nardia now works as a voluntee r Ambassador for the Corion Fertility Clinic, as she wants other women in her position to be able to talk to someone that has been through the experience. She can be contacted at indiasurrogacy1@gmail.com
The process
• You will undergo a medical consultation with the proposed surrogate mother and the Assisted Reproductive Technologies and medical treatment required will be explained. • Counseling must be underta ken by all involved parties, including children of the surrogat e if over the age of four. • All parties may be required to have independent psychiatric and obstetric asse ssment. • All parties must each obtain independent legal advice from a solicitor or barrister, who will be required to provide the clinic assisting the procedure with a written certificate confirming that they have advised the couple on their rights and obligations and the implications for any children arising from the surrogacy arrangement. • All relevant information will be submitted to an Ethics Committee at the chosen clinic for final approval. • Once a pregnancy is confirm ed, ongoing consultation with the clinic counsellor will take place. This is to ensure that the full implication s of the surrogacy, particularly in relation to plan s for delivery and handing over the baby, have bee n discussed. • Under current legislation, the child is deemed to be that of the birth mother, meaning you must legally adopt the child.
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Offspring | winter 2011 21
OFF THE AIR with Lisa Fernandez
The dog whisperer With some expert advice Lisa learns that it can be safe for dogs and children to live together.
O
prah Winfrey once called Cesar Milan to personally
(who is now 18 months old) I already had a baby boy. He is big
ask for his help with her unsocial dog. I mean, how
with black and tan hair and he drools a lot, especially when
impressive is that? Well, according to Cesar it wasn’t. He said
it’s hot. His name is Atticus and he is a beautiful nine year
he treated her just like any other person because his main
old Rottweiler. Up until then, my relationship with Atticus
purpose was to teach her how to be calm and assertive and
had been a walking, talking cliché of man’s (or in this case
train her dog. It was Oprah who needed rehabilitating. Can
woman’s) best friend. We did almost everything together. We
you imagine telling Oprah she has the problem and not the
would take long, leisurely walks around Mount Lawley and
dog? The man has balls, I’ll give him that.
he would sit at my feet while I sipped coffee at one of our
My interview with Cesar took place right here in Perth
regular Beaufort street cafes. When I was chilling out at home
when I was five months pregnant with my daughter Isabella.
he would edge up onto the couch and snuggle close to me as I
I love the work Cesar does with dogs whilst ‘rehabilitating
watched TV, and I didn’t have the heart to kick him off. (They
people’ so I was completely and utterly star-struck when I
don’t call them puppy dog eyes for no reason!)
walked in the room. My first thought was, ‘Wow he’s tiny!’ and the second was, ‘I hope to God he can help me!’ Now, you may not know this, but before I had Isabella
I felt safe with Atticus because I knew he would always protect me. And he was big enough to hug when I felt a bit sad. He always seemed to sense when I’d had a bad day and he would amble over to lick my face as if to say, “Hey it’s cool...I’m here for you!” Quite simply, he adored me and the feeling was more than mutual. But things were about to change for my best friend and I because the, as yet, unnamed baby was due to arrive in less than four months! Which is why I found myself standing in front of Cesar Milan with a picture of a 45 kilogram Rottweiler and an ultrasound scan asking, “What should I do???” He looked at me, expressionless. He looked at the picture of Atticus, and then slowly moved his head to look at the ultrasound of my unborn child. There was a silence in the room, so long and painful, I wondered if perhaps he had spoken but due to some pregnancy-related medical anomaly I had suddenly become deaf. But then I saw it. A grin. Which
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22 Offspring | winter 2011
turned into a smile. Which became a chuckle and then I heard his incredibly sexy accent for the first time as he said, “I have four Rottweilers. And two small boys. You will be ok as long as Atticus knows who is boss”. Well, let me just tell you that my heart soared. I felt pure relief as a weight lifted from my shoulders. I could have a dog in the house with a baby and furthermore it was going to be fine! I was like a Christian at the feet of an evangelist preacher being told what the righteous path was, and knowing I was on it! I soaked up every bit of advice he imparted regarding dogs and small children. I frantically took notes as he spoke: always
environment so that Isabella would always be safe, and in
make sure the dog knows his place in the family; I am the boss,
turn, how he would instinctively be her companion and
then the child and then the dog. He told me to set boundaries
protector.
with Atticus but also to include him in activities with the baby.
I do understand that not everyone will share my
Go on walks together but always have the pram in front so he
positive attitude towards dogs and children living together.
knows his place. Be calm and assertive when saying, “Get back”
And I stress that supervision is an unquestionable
if Atticus is too close to the baby and remember that I am the
requirement. Dogs should never be left alone with
pack leader and let him know I’m in charge. I’m sure that most
children. But I’m glad that Isabella has had the opportunity
good dog training books will provide similar information but
to grow up with a canine companion. I have watched them
Cesar also gave me a confidence and a mindset that cannot be
communicate with each other in a silent language that
bought over the counter.
even I as her mother find wondrous.
Cesar took away my fear of bringing a baby into a house with a big dog. He showed me how to take control of my
Offspring | winter 2011 23
Cafe au lait
Think caramel lattes and babycinos, marshmallows and cupcakes... Keep warm this season with CafĂŠ-inspired hues. By Tara Dryland
24 Offspring | winter 2011
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www.leaptherapy.com.au Offspring | winter 2011 25
rain, rain,
go away
By Tara Dryland
These colourful pieces are sure to beat the Winter Blues and keep your toddler happy!
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Offspring | winter 2011 27
FUNNY MUMMY with Ari O’Connell
BEDTIME STORIES
Sleep deprivation is not a four letter word but it could be. It should be. Heck, in this house it is.
I
f you have a baby who likes to party into the early
they boost your antioxidants or something.
morning hours, you have my bleary-eyed sympathy. Not
If you’ve got one of those babies that has slept from
only must you front like a reasonable parent when half your
6.00pm to 7.00am from three weeks of age you’re probably
brain has done a runner, you have to wade through sleep
shaking your head and making tut tutting sounds. That’s
advice from books, the internet, well-meaning friends and
because you still have a brain that works, one that can
family and, most wearyingly of all, Parents Of Good Sleepers.
count to 10 and spell K-A-T and realises when you’re
Not that I’m jealous or anything, but when faced with
wearing your jumper inside-out-and-backwards. You’re
Parents Of Good Sleepers graciousness can be a problem.
one step ahead in the parent game. But if you could just
In fact it can be Very Hard Work to smile and nod when
stop tutting for a moment and listen up, there are a couple
your baby has been displaying an over-sized fiesta gene for
of things I need to say.
as long as you can remember. Very Very Very Hard Work.
Fibbing is okay with me. You want to white-lie about
What I’m really saying is, graciousness is overrated. We
how your baby has you up every two hours, and you’re so
can’t all be Audrey Hepburn. In fact, a jolly good tantrum
tired you crunch coffee beans to keep yourself going? I’m
– when you know deep in your toes that you will NEVER
all ears and sympathy. In fact, the more lies about how
get a proper sleep again - never hurt anyone. There are
much sleep you aren’t getting, the better. Knock yourself
probably health benefits to having regular meltdowns. I bet
out! Grow that nose, Pinocchio. You have a friend in me.
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28 Offspring | winter 2011
It takes a village to raise a child. I think we should pretend we’re that village and swap our babies for a couple of days. Hillary Clinton would be pleased. Now, if you’ve got the other sort of baby, one that has a penchant for 3am milk shooters and pre-dawn paaaarrrrtttttaaaaaayyyyssss, you’re probably feeling like
Your baby needs a strict routine or he will become a Hippy-Flavoured Menace To Society. Let your baby lead and go with the flow or he will become a Rigid-Corporate-Style Menace To Society. Poor sleeping is about poor parenting. You are creating A Very Menacing Menace To Society.
a Parent On The Edge Of A Meltdown Moment. Luckily
It’s All Your Fault! Menace Creator!
enough help is at hand. There’s loads of sleep advice
Look, it probably is all my fault but at this stage I
around – just take your pick. It goes something like this. Give your baby a dummy. If you don’t soothe him he’ll become A Menace To Society. Don’t give your baby a dummy. You’ll create A Dummy Dependent Menace To Society.
don’t want to know about it. When my kid is a teenager, everything’s going to be my fault. There’s plenty of time for the hair shirt. I don’t need to start now. In the meantime, I’ve got the scoop on those miracle babies. The ones who aren’t Menaces-In-Training, I mean.
Your baby is too hot. He Might Overheat!
The ones who like nothing more than a good night’s
Your baby is too cold. He Might Freeze!
sleep, with nary a peep for milk or a cuddle or the dummy
Your baby has a milk habit so give him water. He’s Got
they’ve chucked out of the cot for the twentieth time. Do you want to know the truth about those perfect,
To Learn. Your baby is hungry. For Goodness Sake Don’t Starve Him! Your baby is manipulating you so let him cry. Otherwise You Will Be His Slave Forever, Even When You Are 100 And Have A Letter From The Queen. Never leave your baby to cry. You will damage him psychologically and create A Menace To Society. Play womb-like heartbeats to soothe your child. He Misses Being In Mummy’s Tummy! Keep your baby’s room quiet and bore him to sleep.
sleeping, cherubic babies? Can you handle the truth about those perfect, sleeping, cherubic babies? Well, this is the truth about those perfect, sleeping, cherubic babies. They are not real. They do not exist. Fantasy! Yup. Their parents look you straight in the eye and tell you big, fat fibs about how their baby sleeps and sleeps, and everyone in the family sleeps and sleeps, and their life is one big happy Festival Of Sleep and that nobody –
Silence Is Golden! Co-sleep. Your baby needs you. Don’t Stunt His
nobody! – snores. How do I, of all people, have this scoop of scoops?
Emotional Development! Never co-sleep. Your baby will grow up to be dependant and clingy and A Menace Clinging Dependently To Society.
Unfortunately, if I told you I’d have to...well, get all Godfather on you. And that would be very tiring.
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Offspring | winter 2011 29
Product Review A TREAT FOR YUMMY MUMMY
E
very woman needs a bit of pampering from time to time, and every pregnant woman certainly deserves a treat. If she has to forego wine, soft cheeses and smoked salmon for nine months or more what better reason to indulge in other ‘beneficial’ practices – like a good dose of pampering at a day spa for example. Offspring was recently invited to review one of the packages offered by Yummy Mummy Day Spa in Leederville and My, what a delight! The massage was very good – pleasurable and effective – the therapist worked the joints and helping to iron out the aches and pains that are so often a part of the ‘pregnancy package’. The massage style can be tailored to suit individual preferences. Mine certainly wasn’t one of those ‘fluffy’ rubs, as is sometimes the case whereby the masseuse is afraid to touch a pregnant woman with enough pressure. The massages are reasonably priced too, a rarity at most day spas. Yummy Mummy offers good value packages too which work out to be well priced and a wonderful treat! The facial was absolutely heavenly
and the pedicure was simply fabulous. The setting is gorgeous – comfortable, attractive décor and a peaceful, relaxing ambience, complete with candles and lovely music. An unexpected treat was the delectable offering of food and tea at the end of the session. Biscuits, cheese, fruits and special teas completed a special day out for this mum-tobe. Another reason Yummy Mummy is a cut above the rest is that the facilities are not only for pregnant women, but for mothers in general. They also have a crèche so babysitters aren’t a problem, and mum can pop in any day of the week for a spot of pampering. Yummy Mummy Day Spa comes highly recommended as something special for any mother, that won’t necessarily cost the Earth. Yummy Mummy owner, Amy Mitchell says she started the day spa after identifying a gap in the market. “I started Yummy Mummy because having been through pregnancy myself a couple of times, I knew how hard it was to get a pregnancy massage or some pampering from a place that knew exactly what to do during this special time,” she says. Every single treatment we offer has been created for pregnant women to enjoy at any stage both safely and comfortably. All the women who come in to see us simply love being able to lie face down again while pregnant!” ◆ For more information visit www.pregnancydayspa.com.au
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Aussie ‘Boomer’ chair great for kids
T
here is a wealth of information, backed up by numerous studies, which highlight the importance of family mealtimes. Eating together helps children develop important social skills such as table manners, taking turns speaking and listening to others talk, just to name a few.
Piccolo Innovations is proud and excited to launch the revolutionary Boomer highchair into the market. The unique and innovative design of the Boomer high chair facilitates the inclusion of baby in family mealtimes by allowing them to be seated at the dining table with the rest of the family, whilst at the same time teaching your child to sit with the correct posture thanks to the adjustable foot platform – say goodbye to those dangling feet! “My two lively and energetic sons, combined with my own life experiences, and discussions with fellow parents, have been the inspiration for the creation of the Boomer high chair,” says the founder of Piccolo Innovations, Morna Frankowiak. “Not only is the Boomer chair practical, extremely sturdy and easy to clean, it is made from plantation wood, and also grows with your child –
becoming a loved piece of furniture until your child reaches 14 or 15 years old. I can tell you that there are not many highchairs on the market that are so versatile and long lasting.” Bernd Liebold, designer of the Boomer high chair has drawn on German design as well as the iconic Australian boomerang shape (which gives the chair its very stable base) in designing the Boomer. “The result is a well priced, exceptionally well designed, practical piece of furniture that won’t look out of place in any home,” says Bernd. ◆ For more information visit www.piccoloinnovations.com
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Offspring | winter 2011 31
DAD’S WORD with Gary Ausbruch
A day in the life of Mr Mum I
t was 3 o’clock on a Thursday
liquor cabinet, then back to the clock.
Clearly the poor little thing misses
afternoon and I was exhausted.
Hold yourself together Man! I finally
her daddy. And yes, Daddy misses
I’d hung out two loads of washing,
understood why the first thing I hear
her, but I’ll say it: I’m happy I’m the
fed the kids their breakfast, snacks
after walking through the door after
one that gets to go to work. Having
and lunch, done the dishes and the
work on most nights is the clink of ice
kids brings me great enjoyment, but
dishwasher, and had lost track of
cubes on glass.
I count myself lucky I’m able to leave
Just about every morning, one of
the number of bottoms I’d wiped.
a chaotic house in the mornings to go
No matter how many times I
the first things my daughter says
and sit on my behind and drink cups
vacuumed the living room carpet,
when she sees me is, “Daddy, are you
of tea in peace and quiet.
crumbs seemed to keep magically
going to work today?” “Hell Yeah!” I
regenerating. I was Mr Mum for the
think to myself.
It takes a special of type of bloke to be a Mr Mum; to do – and I know this
“Unfortunately, yes I am, darling,” is
day and I was struggling. Finally sitting down and closing my eyes for a minute, I opened them and glanced towards the clock, then the
is generalising, but I think it’s true –
my response on five out of seven days.
what comes more naturally to women
“But I want to play on your iPhone.
than men. You need high doses of
Can you leave it here?” she asks.
patience, empathy, more patience and
Have your say!
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Sue & Olive
Phone: 08 9444 7175 www.ballandskittle.com.au 12/04/11 9:01 AM 1 Ball & Skittle.indd
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energy, which unfortunately aren’t
jacket-cape thing with buttons in
understand me. I keep my cool, just,
my best attributes, plus a knack for
strange places.
with a big fake smile plastered on
arts and crafts. And although you can
And again when she saw how I
my face. “Come on kids,” I urge them.
take deep breaths, learn empathetic
tried to present her lunch on the plate
techniques and drink coffee, there’s
to look like a clown, but managed to
just no teaching artiness or craftiness.
make it more like the evil Chucky doll
I get nervous when I see my daughter assembling an assortment of glues, sticky tape, scissors, coloured paper, feathers
“That’s not how Mummy does it,” she critiques, after inspecting my feeble efforts at collage.
and glitter. “That’s not how
“Let’s embrace change!” And that’s really what it boils down to. A change of routine is as
from the Child’s
unsettling for parents as much as it is
Play movies. I
for kids, and that’s why the occasional
know our one
day being a Mr Mum can be such a
year old was
challenge for all concerned. But just
thinking the
as being a stay at home parent can be
same thing based
monotonous, exhausting and tiresome
on the strange
on occasions, so can commuting to
look he gave me
and from work with all the other ants
after he let the
and sitting in an office staring at a
first mouthful
screen all day. The key is to live in
Mummy does it,” she critiques, after
of the mashed vegetable concoction
the moment and throw yourself into
inspecting my feeble efforts at collage.
I prepared cascade down his top, and
whatever role you find yourself in.
The same comment was made in the
the second one plop over the side of
Which is easier said than done.
morning after I attempted to dress
his high chair. “Well that’s how Daddy
her in an unnecessarily complicated
does it,” I retort to him, as if he can
So to all the Mr Mums, no, I don’t want to be you. But I salute you.
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Offspring | winter 2011 33
Special Feature
EATING OUT with the kids M
any first time parents experience a real shock when
their formerly well behaved baby turns into a toddler and a dining out nightmare. By the second time around though most parents have a couple of restaurants up their sleeves that know how to handle the kids – offering something extra to make their children so welcome they don’t distract the other diners (half of which are normally toddlers anyway!). Melanie Hearse shares her “happy places” that have been wining and dining her clan since her eldest hit 12 months.
Sienas Leederville Sienas Leederville has an indoor playground that is a glass-fronted room so parents can keep an eye on the under five action (older children are of course welcome). The food is good, the menu offering standard Italian fare, simply executed with mid range prices and plenty of tasty children’s options. The true value however, lies in being able to sit back with a good coffee or wine after the meal while the kids give themselves
very wet). The food is fantastic, the
dishes that are very tasty and the
a sleep-inducing work-out in the
beer selection has always kept the
desserts are divine for an afternoon
playroom. Monday to Wednesday is
men folk happy and the massive
catch-up with the girls.
$12 - $15 pizza and pasta night and
park that backs up to the outdoor
bookings are highly recommended.
dining area is a winner with the kids.
friendly City Beach venue with the
115 Oxford Street, Leederville
Bringing a football is a good idea as
same great food and child-friendly
(08) 9444 8844 www.sienas.com.au
the adults can take turns kicking it
environment.
with the kids. For the younger ones,
51 Cantonment St, Fremantle
Clancy’s have cleverly thought to
(08) 9335 1351
sell reasonably priced Playdough. For
195 Challenger Drive, City Beach
Clancy’s in Freo is fantastic for a
those who don’t like seafood, there is
(08) 9385 7555
Sunday lunch (though less so if it’s
always a small selection of non-fishy
www.clancysfishpub.com.au
Clancy’s Fish Pub
34 Offspring | winter 2011
Clancy’s now offers a family-
Ninniku Jip If you’re in the mood for tasty Korean food, Ninniku Jip is modern, delicious and has a children’s playground right in the middle of the restaurant. Surrounded by a glass wall so that you can see all the playroom action, the playground is fitted out with a slide, playhouse, X-box and a Play station. Even better, the restaurant itself is wheelchair and baby-pram friendly (the restaurant is spacious enough to accommodate twin prams). 867 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park Ph: 9355 1988 www.ninniku.com.au
Tips to improve your children’s dining out etiquette Here are a few simple tricks to encourage good behavior when dining out
1
Look at it from their point of view Work with them by choosing a restaurant that allows a bit of noise
and provides some kind of entertainment such as a playroom, toys or pencils and coloring in books (or bring your own). Also make sure the cuisine is suitable for their tastes and that you are not expecting them to eat hours later than they would normally (and get straight in there and ask for an appetizer to buy yourself a bit of menu consideration time!)
2
Teach restaurant manners at home Children only know what they have been taught and what is
reinforced, so if they are allowed to zoom around with a mouthful and walk back and forth picking at their plate at home, that is what you can expect to see when you dine out. You can also help yourself out by practising restaurant dining at home on occasion. Start with a salad dish, then a main course and then dessert, as this will teach them to sit at the table longer.
3
Leave on a high note Make sure you don’t hang around for hours just because the kids are
tolerating it. Rather than waiting for them to melt down, make a point of trying to leave while everyone is still happy – this sets up a nice routine and allows you to reward them for their good behavior.
www.piccolo-innovations.com Offspring | winter 2011 35
Special Feature
Dim Sum – Northbridge
The Beachouse has a massive indoor climbing
For a Sunday catch up with friends or family, those with
gym and heaps of other
young toddlers can get a lot of mileage out of a dim sum
areas with ball pits, video
lunch. As the food is continuously brought around on trolleys,
games and bikes to ride.
and they tend to be very busy, the kids will be sufficiently
It can get loud and very
distracted from their need to get up and create a scene. A
hot and cold depending
word of warning – not all kids are adventurous eaters, so come
on the weather, so layers
prepared with a few snacks the first time you go. Two of our
are recommended for
family favorites for food and service are:
everyone.
Golden Century Chinese Seafood Restaurant,
5 O’Malley St (At rear of
191 James St, Northbridge (08) 9328 2388
the building), Osborne Park (08) 9242 8800 www.thebeachhouse.org.au
Xintiandi Restaurant 40 Francis St, Northbridge (08) 9228 9619
Salt on the Beach
The Beachhouse
Offering a large playground and an
This one rates a mention even though most parents have
open door policy on
already found it because it is the ultimate place for a
sandy feet, this North
school holiday catch up coffee with the girls. The coffee
Fremantle beer garden/
is delicious and there is a good lunchtime food selection,
restaurant is a very
and the best part is – the kids will be good to you for up to
relaxing way to pass
three days after you visit just out of gratitude!
an afternoon or enjoy an early evening meal. The food is good, and the prices reasonable, but it is the ability to kick back in a seat and enjoy the salt air while eyeballing the children that makes it really work. They also offer kids’ birthday party packages and a very reasonably priced weekend breakfast buffet where children under four eat for free and it’s only $10 for those under 10. Salt has an outdoor playground inside the venue and a Kids’ club which offers face painting and games every Friday from 5.30 to 7.30, and their mascots, Salty the dolphin and Peppa the penguin, roaming the area. 44 Port Beach Rd, North Fremantle (08) 9430 6866 www.onthebeach.net.au
36 Offspring | winter 2011
Cafe Savini
If you’re not quite ready to completely give up your pub
This is a trickier
lifestyle, the Rosemount in North Perth has a decent beer
one – if you are in
garden with giant Jenga and Connect Four for the kids to play.
for the long haul or
The yard space is pretty tiny, and it gets really busy after
Special Feature
Rosemount Hotel
trying to eat with a
12pm (and smoking is permitted outside, so when it gets
large group Savini’s
busy it gets a little smoky), but if you sneak in at just the
may not fit the bill,
right time for an early lunch the kids will be very happy to
but for an incident-
play where you can see them, and the food is fantastic for
free, nice family meal,
families - nachos, burgers, seafood and pizzas.
Savini’s is well worth
Cnr Angove and Fitzgerald St, North Perth (08) 9328 7062
a visit. The food is
www.rosemounthotel.com.au
amazing; pricey, but not overpriced, and the owners are so friendly and interested in talking to the kids and making sure they have what they need (including books, toys and pencils) that our children have neither the time nor the inclination for their normal antics. 80 Walcott Street, Mount Lawley (08) 9271 6366
Offspring | winter 2011 37
Special Feature
Heathcote Reserve
The Eden Hill Bar and Bistro Originally the Rangeview Hotel, the Eden Hill Bar & Bistro
There are
underwent an overhaul in 2010 and now boasts an alfresco
actually a couple
beer garden and massive kids’ room that has arcade
of dining options
machines, toys, kids movies, colouring-in and a playground.
at Heathcote – a
There’s a good range of food at reasonable prices
lovely basic café
and plenty of room for children to move around within
with great coffee
eyesight, meaning more meal time before the kids make it
as well as a fine
clear it’s time to move on.
dining option, the
260 Morley Drive East, Eden Hill, 6054
Bluewater Grill.
Ph: 9279 4222 www.edenhill.com.au
Many of the times we’ve been down to play on the massive outdoor play area (it’s very elaborate with wooden pirate ships to climb on and multiple play areas along the whole side of the building) we’ve witnessed gorgeous wedding receptions, so if you were looking for a child-friendly venue for a wedding, it would top my list. The restaurant itself is very elegant and slightly back from the playground area, but there is a large lawn area out the front where little people can let off steam between courses. For those with a minimal budget, you can enjoy a picnic in the play area with a couple of fresh coffees from the outdoor café. 56 Duncraig Rd, Applecross, 6153 Ph: 9315 7700
Stickybeaks Café The food is fantastic and well priced, but what really sells this place is its setting within the grounds of one of Perth’s best playgrounds, the Lotterywest playground at Kings Park. While they are closed in the evening, they do a great breakfast and lunch making it a lovely weekend destination for a lazy brunch. Sticky Beaks Café 37 Kings Park Road, West Perth (08) 9481 4990
38 Offspring | winter 2011
Situated on the Fremantle Esplanade in the middle of the park with playgrounds nearby, this is a great early morning
Special Feature
Carriage Coffee Shop
breakfast option for the kids. You can sit down and enjoy a basic breakfast and if your kids are particularly twitchy to get out and play, you can grab your coffee takeaway and stroll over to the play equipment. The prices are reasonable and the coffee is good. 45 Marine Terrace, Fremantle 6160 Ph: 9335 3645
Mundaring Weir Hotel Perfect for an afternoon out with a large group, the Mundaring Weir Hotel caters well for families and groups – a good pick for an afternoon birthday celebration if you have plenty of friends or family with kids. There is a good range of food available and all of it good (traditional pub grub as well as wood-fired pizzas). Sunday is family day and the pool is open to visitors. From 3pm onwards you can partake in the lamb spit roast. Mundaring Weir Road, Mundaring, 6073 Ph: 9295 1106 www.mundaringweirhotel.com.au
Have you heard of the Movie Masters Bubs Club? Bubs Club screenings happen every Wednesday morning (excluding school holidays), and are a chance for you to bring your bub along to enjoy a new release movie in a hassle free environment! Each session is held in a dimly lit cinema with reduced sound levels to make it easy for you to tend to your baby’s needs. Playgroup WA Members- $6
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Offspring | winter 2011 39
Pregnancy & Birth
Building
BRAINS By Ngala Education Team
Contrary to common belief the baby’s brain is not just determined by genetic makeup. Similar to the construction of a house, formation of the brain needs to happen in a sequence that supports the long-term developmental blueprint for brain development.
J
ust as the lack of the right materials can result in altered blueprints, the absence of appropriate
experiences can lead to alterations in genetic potentials. Furthermore, even though the brain retains the capacity to adapt and change throughout life, this capacity decreases with age. An early, growth-promoting environment takes place during pregnancy. It is therefore essential that the unborn baby receives adequate nutrients to develop normally. Just as the selection of the best building materials is important in the realisation of the full potential of an architect’s blueprint, a healthy environment in the pregnancy allows the brain to develop to its full potential. This includes an abundant supply of nutrients and a healthy lifestyle of the expectant mother. Lack of nutrition, high levels of prolonged stress and severe maternal infection contribute to changes in the baby’s brain. Alcohol and certain drugs (legal and illegal) may affect the developing brain. One of the most exciting advances in child development
40 Offspring | winter 2011
has been the discovery that babies actually learn before they are born. Hearing is the easiest of the senses to assess. Modern ultrasound scanning has shown that from 25
So what is the ‘Sequence of an unborn baby’s brain development’?
1-4
Weeks
weeks onwards, the foetus responds
The egg is implanted into the uterine wall, and conception is considered
with rhythmic swimming or kicking
at two weeks old. Although it is
movements to sounds and vibrations
still an embryo in its definition and
from the outside world.
formation, the backbone, cardio-
We have all seen how newborn
vascular system (a beating heart) and
babies turn their heads in the
the brain begins to form. In this phase
direction of a sound, but what is
the embryo further develops the three
amazing is that during pregnancy a
sections of the brain.
developing baby is already displaying this skill. In the last trimester, the baby’s brain busily processes the
5-8
Weeks
rich orchestra of gurgles, swishes
The neural tube that connects the brain and spinal cord also closes in
and beats that can be heard through
this period and the formation of the
the amniotic fluid and the sense of
brain hemispheres, combined with
hearing becomes increasingly refined.
some brain wave activity begin.
It is perhaps not surprising that
Other organs such as the
the sense of hearing is remarkably
circulatory system begin to function
well developed at birth. No wonder
with all four chambers of the heart
the sound of the vacuum cleaner or
present. The facial features begin to
washing machine soothes and settles
develop, with clear and distinguished
the newborn baby! And of course, the
arms and legs, complete with fingers.
baby is familiar with mum and dad’s voices. At 38 weeks gestation the baby forms a memory of the sound
9-12
Weeks
By now, the nervous system is quite developed with brain neurons rapidly
patterns that echo through the womb
forming at 250,000 per minute. The
and reacts with exquisite sensitivity
nervous system by now is quite
to strange rhythms and tones. If the
developed with brain cells (neurons)
mother relaxes to a favourite song, it
rapidly forming (250,000 per minute.)
will have an immediate and calming
The spinal cord is clearly defined
effect on the baby. Even after birth,
and the spinal nerves start to stretch
hearing a familiar tune can settle and
out from it. The brain enlarges very
soothe a fretful baby.
little as compared to its birth size and shape, along with the development of the taste buds and vocal cords.
“One of the most exciting advances in child development has been the discovery that babies actually learn before they are born.”
Pregnancy & Birth
13-16 Weeks
The heart, liver, spleen and many other organs are already functioning, and the baby is receiving plenty of nourishment through the
“As the brain is actively processing many senses it is quite possible that your unborn child will begin to dream.”
placenta. The baby also begins its practice of inhaling and exhaling for breathing. The baby’s torso is now growing rapidly and is completely covered with lanugo (fine hairs that protect the skin). The sense of hearing also sharpens at this stage. The baby makes its presence known by pulling and tugging on the umbilical cord.
17-20 Weeks
At this stage the uterus begins to expand to allow more room for the baby. The bones are growing
the nerve cells that have so far formed and developed
and becoming hard. A barrier made from a
independently begin to join and form a complete nervous system.
substance called Myelin protects the spinal cord. The developing brain becomes capable of forming millions
The brain starts to regulate all body functions and
of motor neurons, enabling the baby to develop and create
activates the auditory and visual systems that heighten
muscle movements voluntarily. The fore brain develops into
the baby’s overall senses.
the left and right hemispheres of the brain and complex nerve connections of sensory perceptions are being produced.
21-24 Weeks
25-28 Weeks
As the brain deciphers complex sensory
The spinal cord begins to harden and straighten out and the nervous system is more developed and capable of controlling voluntary breathing. The
optic nerve is heightened in perceiving light from any direction.
perceptions the baby becomes capable of distinguishing between different sounds. All
During the previous weeks the brain was smooth in its form. At this stage, its tissues begin to develop creased, wave-
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stage which enhances auditory and visual sensors.
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42 Offspring | winter 2011
As the brain is actively processing many senses it is quite possible that your unborn child will begin to dream.
29
WeeksTERM
This stage is highlighted with a slowing of brain development. The brain continues to grow and increase rapidly in size, all the while establishing
connections between nerve cells. The brain along with the lung is the last organ to develop, and is completed close to the end of the third trimester. A newborn’s brain is only about onequarter the size of an adult’s but contains 100 billion neurons, which is the most a human being will ever possess! As you can see, it is truly nature and nurture working together to give children the best start right from conception. To maximise your baby’s brain growth before he or she is born try singing, stroking your tummy, laughing, eating healthy food and trying to minimising stress, which can only enhance your baby’s development. Ngala holds two-hour workshops on “Building Brains”. Please visit www.ngala.com.au for details of the next workshop.
9303 9111
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28/04/11 3:09 PM
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Offspring | winter 2011 43
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Offspring | winter 2011 45
Pregnancy & Birth
Driveway
delivery
By Claire Armstrong
Real Life
A home birth is usually a private and peaceful experience, but it’s another story entirely when it’s unplanned and takes place in your driveway.
T
he road to motherhood for a second time was long and sometimes rough for personal trainer Christine
Manfour who at one stage had all but given up hope she would ever have another child to call her own. After two miscarriages, Christine and partner Damieon Cribb approached their third pregnancy with caution and reservation. “At the time I fell pregnant we were not trying, quite the opposite in fact, we were in the midst of moving from Queensland to Western Australia,” Christine says. “I was hesitant to tell Damieon because the previous losses had been so hard on him. We were both sceptical about the outcome and found it hard to get excited.” Christine confides it wasn’t until the third scan the pair realised this baby was hanging around, but says even up until delivery they had doubts of a successful outcome. “Despite my fears, I tried to give the baby a lot of love and constantly talked and rubbed my belly,” Christine adds. During the pregnancy she was plagued with chronic morning sickness, even feeling unwell on the day of the delivery.
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46 Offspring | winter 2011
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5/02/11 11:25 AM
hospital, but things started happening much quicker than anticipated. “I got to the front door and the contractions were just
Pregnancy & Birth
The couple once again prepared to head to the
piling on top of each other. I doubted we were going to make it to the hospital,” Christine explains. “By the time I got to the first pillar in the driveway I was calling to Damieon to get a towel and he was yelling to hurry up and get in the car. “I managed to get around to the passenger door and he
“All I could think about was him catching the baby, I remember saying it over and over that he had to catch him.”
lent across and opened it for me. I put one hand on the open door and one on the car roof and knew the baby’s head was right there. “I yelled that he needed to call an ambulance.” Damieon ran inside and called an ambulance and the head was completely out by the time he was back outside. “All I could think about was him catching the baby, I
With her history in mind, Christine decided a homebirth was out of the question and wanted to be in
remember saying it over and over that he had to catch
a hospital setting when she delivered to ensure medical
him,” Christine recalls with electricity in her voice. “Damieon tried to lay me down or get me to sit on the
attention was on hand if necessary. Three days before delivery, there was a false start with
driveway, anything to make me more comfortable, but
intense Braxton Hicks. The day before Christine noticed
once I was pushing, I had to stay where I was and that was
reduced movements from her otherwise active baby.
simply standing there leaning on the car door.
And then things started happening for real at their Halls Head home in the early hours of Monday 18th April. It was evident the end of her pregnancy was looming; she was going to become a mother again. “The contractions really picked up about 3.30am when the pain became unbearable,” she told Offspring. “I woke Damieon and told him it was time to head into the hospital. We left for the hospital about 4.45am.” Unfortunately upon arrival the contractions slowed and became increasingly sporadic and an internal examination showed only 2cm dilation. A midwife suggested the couple return home for a while longer as the labour wards were full.
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Once home, the contractions started gaining in intensity. “I knew he was coming and soon,” Christine said.
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Offspring | winter 2011 47
Pregnancy & Birth
“I wasn’t screaming, but I was bearing down, obviously making enough commotion that the neighbours started coming out.” In the end there were two neighbours in assistance, unfortunately the retired midwife who lived in the street had gone away the day before. “While the shoulders were passing through I could feel Damieon behind me, guiding the baby out and one more push and Haanei was here, in our driveway and not breathing. It was so surreal,” Christine gushes. “I was calling out ‘Is he ok?’ It was my Number One concern.” “We were starting to freak out, as we had no medical attention or knowledge of what to do, but finally, after what felt like ages, Haanei started crying and a huge relief swept over us, we knew he was ok, at least to some degree.” In the few minutes before birthing the placenta, Christine managed to get back inside the house. “So there I was having just given birth, sitting with the door wide open, Damieon holding Haanei, the placenta being delivered and all thoughts on if the baby was ok and ambulance officers appeared beside me.” The cord was clamped and Damieon cut it, and the family were swept off to the hospital.
On arrival Haanei and Christine were examined by the surprised midwives. Despite his early arrival at 37 weeks and 4 days at 3.25pm, Haanei George weighed a healthy 3.07kg and was 48.5cm in length. The lack of medical attention meant Haanei had some fluid on his lungs, but seemed otherwise in good health, however, after an initial breastfeed, he refused to feed for “Blood tests showed an infection somewhere in his body, so they started intravenous antibiotics and we were sent home with oral antibiotics,” Christine explains. “The first week of his life was emotionally very hard.” “I never visualised his birth happening the way it did. But as a result his dad has formed a very tight bond with him and after the losses and initial reservation, we had it is so important to have that love surrounding Haanei. After all it is not just sleep and food that helps them grow, but love too.” The birth did grant Christine her wish to be drug free. “It was at the top of my list, with exclamation marks, and clearly I accomplished that,” she laughs. The tiny bundle gurgling in his father’s arms remains completely oblivious to the commotion surrounding his first moments.
$10 48 Offspring | winter 2011
“Damieon is already talking about next time. I could see us doing a home birth again, but definitely with a midwife in assistance. I’ll just take it one step at a time for now, I have been blessed with my miracle,” she muses. “I guess we will have a pretty amazing story to tell at his 21st birthday party though.”
Photography Michelle Hollings, Bella Vie Photography
another day, sparking concern.
Special Feature
Let’s
“just pretend” By Helen Davey, B.A.Ed, Principal of Helen O’Grady Drama Academy
Research indicates too much “screen time” is affecting the psychological development of young children, with current recommendations suggesting parents should limit their children’s screen time to no more than two hours per day.
T
he prevalence of electronic modes of communication, work and play with screen based devices such as TV, DVD’s, Play Stations,
emails, social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, ipods and iphones, is concerning many educators and parents. They fear children are no longer learning how to engage and socialise properly, face to face, the good old fashioned way. Let’s not forget you only get to be a kid once! We need to encourage our children to get outside and play games and sport, not just sit in front of a TV or computer screen to play; to get together with their friends & family in person and talk, rather than communicate by texting or emailing. We should make sure that at a young age children interact with their friends in imaginative play, rather than be spoon-fed imaginative ideas by the TV or movies.
Offspring | winter 2011 49
Early Childhood Babies
Bringing back good old fashioned “Let’s Pretend” is a great place to start as it encourages children to be creative and imaginative, something of which they have bucketloads, but which often needs to be helped along by finding an appropriate outlet.
A very effective way of encouraging children to engage in imaginative play is to provide them with the good old “dress-up box”.
This is where the Performing Arts can be a fantastic creative outlet for children. We are so lucky in Perth to have quality programs around that expose children to music, dance and speech and drama classes, and which provide opportunities for children to interact, use their imaginations, be in a creative environment and learn so many important life skills – in particular, sound communication skills! A while ago, I received a call from Kylie, Mum of five year old Jacob. She was very concerned that Jacob was not making friends at school and had been told
Puppets can bring lots of excitement and creativity to imaginative play. Finger puppets, hand puppets and handmade puppets (such as popsticks and paper plates or socks, material and buttons) are a great way to get children playing and interacting. Puppets can use different voices, lots of emotions and also provide a way for children to learn how to express themselves verbally with no pressure. Parent involvement can be loads of fun and play sessions can even end in a puppet show.
by his Pre-Primary teacher that he hardly spoke in class and couldn’t even look his teacher in the eye. Kylie mentioned that Jacob spent a lot of time at home watching DVDs and
A shop – use shopping bags, cans and packets of (non-perishable) food, play money, a cash register (shoe box). Doctor’s office – toy doctor’s kit, or handmade equipment such as tea towels for slings, toilet paper for bandages, band aids, pen and paper for taking notes, plastic syringes for giving medicine. A boat – made out of a large cardboard box, or even some chairs and rugs. Include fishing rods (sticks and string), oars, hats, buckets, telescopes or binoculars (empty toilet rolls!). Cars/trains/planes – again, made out of cardboard boxes, or chairs. Kitchen – old cooking utensils, boxes or chairs to represent the stove, oven and fridge. Plastic food can be used, or you may even like to use some real food such as cereal, pasta and so on!
50 Offspring | winter 2011
An “Imagination Corner” can be a small area in a child’s bedroom, loungeroom, or on the patio where an imaginary real life scenario is set up. The theme can change as often as you feel like.
Jacob’s mum says he watches far less TV as he is too busy playing with his friends, getting his mum to help him write stories and also making up plays with his brother which he likes to perform for the whole family. We all want similar things for our
that he could recite every word of
children: we want them to be happy,
some movies and act out many of the
successful and healthy. We want them
characters at the same time. She said
to be able to speak out for themselves
that at home he was pretty verbal and
and we want to arm them with the
had a great imagination, but it didn’t
ability to be active participants in
seem to transfer to school or other
whatever life has to offer.
social situations. It had been suggested
That is why I wholeheartedly agree
to her by the teacher that she give
that we should limit our children’s
drama classes a go.
daily screen time to two hours or less.
Well, to cut a long story short, Jacob
After all, there is plenty of time in front
has been going to his weekly speech
of a screen once we are responsible
and drama classes for over a year
adults. Incidentally, if you multiply
now. Initially, he was shy and quiet
the two hours daily by 365 days and
in class and merely followed other
multiply that by 17 years – it works out
kids around in the various activities –
to 12,410 hours which is equivalent to
always with a little smile on his face.
approximately 517 days. Crazy!
Gradually, that smile grew and grew
Think back to your own childhood
and so did Jacob’s confidence. Jacob
before the obsession with TV and
began to put his hand up and offer
computer screens. What did you do
creative suggestions, to be the first to
with those 12,000 odd hours? How
volunteer to get up in front of the class
do we want our children to use that
to demonstrate his ideas, to bounce
time? Whilst the temptation of the
into the class, look his drama teacher
screen has never been stronger, the
in the eye and say “Hi Caroline! Wait
variety of alternatives such as the
til you hear what I did at school
many performance arts programs
today!” From the little boy who was
available has thankfully never been
practically dragged into his first class
more varied. We, as parents, have the
by his mother, to the outgoing, friendly,
opportunity to expose our children
articulate boy who wishes “drama was
to creative outlets which will help
on every day” there has been a huge,
unlock their incredible potential. So
positive change.
help your child find that drama, dance
Jacob now has lots of friends at
or music class which is not only going
school and plenty of play dates after
to give them bright, ‘technicolour’
school. He wants to take news each
memories of a vibrant childhood, but
day to Year One so that he can get up
also give them the tools they need for
in front of his class and talk to them.
a bright, ‘technicolour’ future.
Offspring | winter 2011 51
Early Childhood Babies
Be the best you can be! Performers Academy Australia opened in February 2010 and has been going from strength to strength. All classes are taught by qualified teachers with firsthand performance experience so they are suitably equipped to inspire, instruct and encourage students to reach their full potential and be the best they can be! Principal, Carolyn Sinnett, has been dancing since she was two and enjoyed a successful and varied career as a professional dancer, singer and actress, appearing in musicals in the West End and on tour, in productions aboard cruise ships and on television. Here in Perth, she also teaches at WAAPA and has choreographed productions at the Regal Theatre and His Majesty’s Theatre. “Whether students wish to pursue a career in the performing arts or simply dance for fun and fitness, they are all encouraged to work hard and do their best in a fun and nurturing environment,” she says. “Whilst they learn and develop dance and performance related skills, students also gain many valuable transferable life skills such as self-awareness, confidence and discipline which will aid them in the future, whatever career path they choose.” Classes are available to students aged 3 years and upwards. For further information visit www.performersacademy.com.au or call 0404 545 845.
Fun and fitness through dance The Michelle Babicci School of dance has been running successfully since 1990 with weekly classes currently held at the Uniting Church Hall in Wembley. It offers classes for beginners to intermediate and advanced for three year old children through to teenagers and even adults. The Michelle Babicci School of dance also offers classes for intellectually disabled primary school students, teenagers and adults. Principal, Michelle Babicci, says it is a “no frills dance school that offers a fun and relaxed learning environment”. “We focus on developing a variety of dance skills in a caring and non-competitive atmosphere to enable each student discover their own creativity,” she says. “Each student is special in their own way and we endeavor to encourage them to have an appreciation for one another and their God-given talents.” Students can do classes for fun & fitness with the option of assessment and exams in classical ballet. The School also holds an annual concert near the end of the year which is a highlight for all the students. The School aims to develop ongoing fitness and technical improvement; to create team spirit and confidence, while fostering a genuine love and freedom through the enjoyment of dance. For information visit www.michellebabiccischoolofdance. com.au
Michelle Babicci School of Dance Fun and caring classes
Creative & non competitive fun for 3yrs old to adults. Beginners to advanced. Also classes for intellectually disabled • Jazz / hip hop • Classical ballet • Contemporary
Phone: 9243 6946 Email: michellebabicci@yahoo.com.au www.michellebabiccischoolofdance.com.au
52 Offspring | winter 2011
Early Childhood Babies
Showstopping fun with Miss Sabrina
KINDY DRAMA KIDS ARE ALL STARS! Some of our Kindy Drama lessons (for 3 – 5 year olds), involve our students in dressing up in their favourite costumes! Our self development program, which aims to give preschoolers confidence, verbal skills and self esteem, runs three main themes each term and each theme includes opportunities for children to dress up and enjoy using props. Pictured here, are some of our groovy kids dressed up as stars for our recent “Music” theme. Fun-filled Kindy Drama classes are run by the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, which has been running after school programmes for 5 – 17 year olds for over 30 years! After many requests from parents, the Kindy proram was started for 3 – 5 year olds and is held weekly in the Northern and Western suburbs of Perth, during the day, after school and on Saturday mornings. They have become very popular and places fill fast! Weekly classes are held for 3 – 5 year olds, 5 – 8 year olds, 9 – 12 year olds and 12 - 17 year olds throughout Perth, so there is a class near you! To enrol now, call Principal, Helen Davey, on 9242 4722 or email Helen.Davey@helenogrady.net.au.
CREATING CONFIDENCE IN KIDS!
Come join in the fun and let us help your child to SHINE!
Based in Cockburn Central, Tiny Showstoppers Mums and Bubs classes (18 months-2 years) and Tiny Showstoppers classes (2 -5 years) include a creative movement session where fun songs are used to encourage singing, dancing and actions. (Exciting props such as ‘Magic’ Capes, Scarves, Shaker Eggs, Bells, Beanbags, Magic Wands, and Ribbon Sticks are used throughout the program.) There is also a Mat time session which includes Mystery Box Newstime, and Singing and Learning Time. Drama Showtime classes (5 -14 years) are FUN and include singing, improvisation, skits, creative movement, scriptwork and theatre games – all designed to increase your child’s self-confidence and bring out the ‘natural performer’ in them! Acro-stars (5-12 years) is a NEW class where students can learn acrobatic tricks in a fun and encouraging atmosphere taught by a qualified gymnastics/acrobatics instructor. For enquiries and enrolments please contact Sabrina Phone 0414 801 733 or email tinyshow@tpgi.com.au.
WEEKLY
N GET IN ON THE ACT! • Dramatic Dra amatic P Play lay • Creative Movement • Story Telling • Songs • Language Skills • Confidence
CLASSES NEAR YOU! Northern Suburbs Duncraig, Greenwood, Banksia Grove
Ph: 9402 8744 Justin.Lowson @helenogrady.net.au
Central Suburbs Karrinyup, Leederville, Mt Hawthorn, Subiaco, Wembley
Ph: 9242 4722 Helen.Davey @helenogrady.net.au
We offer UNIQUE and EXCITING TERM 2 AND 3 Creative Movement and Drama OFFSPRING classes for children aged 18 months SPECIAL – TRY FIRST CLASS FOR to 14 years ONLY $5.00! If your child enjoys Music, Singing, Dancing and Acting, they will LOVE these classes!
Also NEW Acro-stars(5-12 years) Fun Acrobatics class in 2011!
www.tinyshowstopperswithmisssabrina.com
ENQUIRIES Sabrina tinyshow@tpgi.com.au or PH: 0414 801 733
ds Classes also held for 5 - 17 year olds throughout Perth
021511-280 2 21511 -280
Based in Cockburn Central
www.helenogrady.net.au Offspring | winter 2011 53
Early Childhood Babies
What boy doesn’t like to spot a plane, bird or helicopter up the sky? Bring that joy into his room and light it up with this awesome Kite Light available through www.thelittlekidzcloset.com.au for $104.95
boys
By Alana Blacka
Boys Germs delivers buzzworthy, unique and innovative products for babies, toddlers and mini men found online. Boys Germs features a daily mix of quality reviews with the belief that there is plenty out there for boys – you just have to dig a little deeper to find them! For great boys’ products visit www.boysgerms.com.au
Vroom Vroom, scoot over horsey. Wooden scooter available through www.limetreekids.com.au for $89.95
Take a trip to the moon and have a game in space with a little old fashioned fun. This wooden Space Pinball game is available through www. flyingpenguin.com.au for $89.95
54 Offspring | winter 2011
Bring your boy’s dreams to life and make him feel like a little hero while he sleeps in his own Fire Engine Toddler Bed. Available through www.bubbabling.com.au for $319.00
Babies
These gorgeous prints by Little Beehive have each been signed by the artist are available through www.larkmade.com.au for $65.00 Dress him up and have him looking squeaky cool in these gorgeous leather shoes. Available in sizes 3-7 through www.mybabyshoes.com.au for $32.95 Dress your boys in what celebs are dressing their kids in. Fresh from LA with designs influenced from the streets of Hollywood, these trendy jeans by Mini Shatsu have everything going for them. Available through www. lookingatyourkid.com.au for $46.95 Join the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle until you have completed the construction of the race track. Now buckle up and race your car around the bends and straights of the circuit. Available through www.sendatoy.com.au for $79.95
This cute little critters can teach you to tie your shoe laces, do your buttons and buckles and work a zip all while playing. Available through www.bambinipronto.com.au for $49.95
Offspring | winter 2011 55
Early Childhood Babies
Crafty critters
Crafty Ideas for Uncrafty Parents
By Miya Maeda, creator of JellyfishJelly.com
Crawling Caterpillar Here’s how to make a simple caterpillar that really wriggles. ● Suits ages 3 and up. Crafting time: ½ hour. You will need: ❏ 10 x plastic cups ❏ Toilet rolls ❏ string ❏ joggle eyes (optional) ❏ pipe cleaner
M
ost parents have probably looked at the clock with despair and
wondered, “How on earth am I going to fill the next five hours until bed time?” Although craft may be way at the bottom of your To Do list – somewhere after “teach the kids the drums” or “juggle venomous spiders” – it can be simple, inexpensive and lots of fun!
1. Punch a hole into the base of each plastic cup.
2. Cut the card rolls into pieces about 5cm long.
3. Tie a large knot into the string and thread it into the cup and out the bottom.
4. Next thread on a piece of card roll.
5. Repeat with cups and card rolls until the caterpillar reaches a suitable length.
6. Attach a pipe cleaner to form the antennae.
7. Twist to secure.
8.Then tie off the last cup. Use the remaining length of string to pull the caterpillar along.
With the right ideas and a few supermarket items, you’ll be getting crafty in no time. Here are some bright ideas to get you started.
Stick or draw on some eyes and your caterpillar is ready to wiggle!
56 Offspring | winter 2011
This activity is suitable for children of all ages; even babies can have a go. The best part is it takes seconds to make. The idea is simple – poke the straws into the holes. Use the box to store all the straws in.
Early Childhood Babies
Straw box
You will need: ❏ small cardboard box such as a shoebox ❏ coloured straws ❏ scissors ❏ pen or pencil with a reasonably thick diameter
Stained Glass Mosaics A fancy name for a simple project using coloured Contact and whatever bits you have around the house. Children can easily stick objects straight to the plastic. No glue, tape or staples required. ● Suits ages 6 months and up. Crafting time: 5 minutes to set up.
1. Cut the straws into a variety of sizes. Use the pen to pierce several holes into one side of the box. 2. Show your child how to thread the straws into the holes. *Optional: Draw different coloured circles around each hole that match the colours of the straws. Show them how to put the right coloured straws into the corresponding hole.
You will need: ❏ Contact – one colour or many ❏ sticky tape ❏ scissors ❏ a range of things to stick on the Contact 1. Cut a piece of Contact to fit whatever convenient window space you have. Use a window or glass door that is easy for the child to reach. Peel off the backing paper and use the sticky tape to adhere the corners of the Contact to the glass. Remember to put the non-sticky side of the contact against the glass. The sticky side should be facing out. 2. Children can now stick the pieces straight onto the Contact. For many more projects and crafty tips visit www.jellyfishjelly.com
Offspring | winter 2011 57
Special Feature
If the
By Claire Armstrong
school fits
58 Offspring | winter 2011
W
philosophy schools, it is vital to make your decision early, as there are often waiting lists and fees to consider. Many parents without religious attachments are still
Special Feature
Preparing to send your child off on their first day of school is a momentous occasion, destined to bring a tear to the eye of many parents. Nerves will be running high as parents contemplate the choice of institution which will set the foundations for their child’s learning future.
eager for their children to gain a private education. It may seem the options are limited in Western Australia, outside of alternative philosophy approaches, but there are several schools without any affiliations, including Murdoch College, Helena College, the International School of WA, for example and several Christian colleges who tout their non-denominational approach, as well as community schools. The best place to start looking is
here your child will attend school is as
the internet. Almost every school has a
easy as geography for those parents happy
website, some more comprehensive than
with the education provided at the local
others. Once you have your shortlist you
public school. For others it may follow religious values,
will be able to find out more through open
or be a mirror image of the education they themselves
days, tours or meeting with the school
experienced, or is perhaps set in family history. But for
principal and key staff members.
many, the options are endless and at times overwhelming. Whether you elect for private or independent education, which covers a realm of religious and educational
Your local council’s website should have a list of schools in your area which is useful when considering travel time.
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Offspring | winter 2011 59
Primary Years
To enrol, parents must provide a birth certificate and immunisation record, and sometimes proof of residency in the form of a utility bill. If you are not happy with the local school assigned to your catchment area, you can put your child’s name down at another government school, in the hope that a place becomes available once the local intake enrolments are complete. All government schools have some form of fee structure and, while encouraged, it is still voluntary and ranges from $100-300 in primary years. The only way to know the exact cost of a particular school is to ask. In addition to the voluntary contributions, parents will also have to pay for stationery, books, school uniform, sports equipment, Friends and family can provide valuable feedback about
musical instruments, school trips and camps.
their personal experiences with schools. But remember, reputations are often slow to change; unlike staff, principals and attending students, which change from year to year. Here is a broad overview of the schooling options available.
Religious There are 11 major religions represented in WA schools including Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Free
Public
Reformed, Greek Othodox, Islamic,
Going to school close to home can have its advantages. These
Jewish, Lutheran, Seventh-
include having friends in the neighbourhood, the option of
day Adventist and Uniting
walking to school, having other parents nearby to assist with
Church.
school runs and the potential for involvement in the local community. Most government schools take enrolments from the
The majority of religious schools are Catholic, however the religious content varies between schools as does
second term of the year before your child will start school
the level of commitment expected by the
with preference given to students within the local area.
school to its religious ethos.
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Primary Years Most Catholic schools require copies of your child’s birth certificate, immunisation record, latest school reports if transferring from another school, baptismal certificate, letter of reference from a church pastor and an application fee, generally $35-50. The school follows up applications and interviews with the prospective students and their families before offering places with annual fees ranging from $900-2350 plus levies for early primary years. An enrolment preference scheme is in place at most Catholic schools, with First Round offers given to students of the religion from within the parish with a priest reference, however Baptist and Anglican schools usually offer places according to the date of receipt of the application. Many of the Baptist, Anglican, Lutheran, Islamic and Jewish schools in WA come with the added bonus of hosting classes from Kindergarten
Children are free to choose their own activities and work at an individual pace … Classes are grouped in a three year age range.
through to Year 12, allowing students to remain in the same environment for the duration of their studies. Annual fees at Baptist schools range from $2100 to $4350 for junior school, meanwhile fees at Anglican schools can fetch anywhere from $2500 to $15,500 for primary education. Lutheran education averages $2500 annually for early primary, Islamic $1400 to $3000 annually, with heavy discounts for siblings and Carmel School, the only Jewish school in Perth, charges an enrolment fee of $200 and states a fee schedule is available upon application; however, the school’s philosophy is to not exclude any Jewish child and offers fee assistance as needed.
*Condit ions Valid U ntil 30th Apply August 2011
Offspring | winter 2011 61
Primary Years
Montessori approach Montessori education is growing steadily in Australia. It is based around Dr Maria Montessori’s belief that education begins at birth and during the first years the child’s power of absorption and learning is at its highest. Children are free to choose their own activities and work at an individual pace within the ‘prepared environment’ classroom. Classes are grouped in a three year age range. The role of the teacher in the Montessori approach is held by a director who observes and unobtrusively monitors each child’s development. Most schools require attendance
Steiner schools are structured differently to the majority of schools with no hierarchy or principal and the teacher stays with the same class for the duration of primary school.
and are siblings of students are often given priority. The application process includes a non-refundable fee of around $100. Annual fees range from $4600-$8000 for primary years, with additional levies and fees.
at information evenings or classroom
When choosing Montessori education it is
observation prior to application. Preference is given to
important to consider secondary education as many schools
children in order of wait lists and on the basis of interviews;
do not go beyond primary years. The Montessori School in
however, children who have attended Montessori playgroups
Kingsley is the first in WA to include a secondary school.
Steiner – Waldorf approach Steiner or Waldorf education is based on the methods of Rudolf Steiner and aims to educate the child artistically, from a holistic approach, by weaving art into every subject to bring academic subjects to life. Steiner schools are structured differently to the majority of schools with no hierarchy or principal and the teacher stays with the same class for the duration of primary school. The use of electronic media by students, particularly television, is strongly discouraged. Whilst there are fewer Waldorf schools than Montessori, they are also generally cheaper. The application fee ranges from $35-60 and annual fees from $2500-$4500 for Year One. Few Steiner schools cater for the high school years. The Perth Waldorf School in Bibra Lake is one rare example offering Kindergarten through to Year 12.
Community/Alternative/Open Learning Another option is community schools, sometimes called alternative or open learning education. The schools act independently and form their own curriculum and ethos, the core philosophy is child-centred learning. The schools pride themselves on encouraging a direct partnership between parents and teachers in the
62 Offspring | winter 2011
people in remote locations home based learning is the only
multi-cultural and non-denominational.
option. However, other factors such as disability, illness,
One such example is Bold Park Community School
Primary Years
education of children and are often small, co-educational,
behavioural problems, gifted children, cultural or religious
(BPCS). Rose Carey, the Registrar, says the school is unique
conflict or lack of confidence in the local schooling system
in its ability to offer the Reggio Emilia style of education
can lead families to opt for home schooling.
beyond early childhood, into primary, middle and college years, after gaining registration to teach Year 11 and 12 from this year. Rose explained that the Reggio Emilia approach views
Still confused? While it is important to consider each school based on its
young children as strong and capable. The child is not
individual information, parents should visit the schools
an empty vessel ready to be filled with knowledge but a
and meet with staff. At any school the staff and their
unique individual who already has a great deal to offer.
commitment will make a difference to the environment
Enrolment usually consists of a form and registration fee. However, fees vary greatly as the schools operate
and child’s experience. All schools, whether state, private, religious or
independently. For example, Kerry Street Community
alternative have their own culture and philosophies, so it
School in Hamilton Hill charges $310 per term and does
is important to consider your family’s beliefs and interests.
not have a book list or uniform, and charges half price
There is no point sending your child to a school which
fees for siblings, while the Quintilian School in Mount
holds values you do not respect.
Claremont has a $130 application fee and annual tuition of $1745 per term for primary years.
The directory of public schools in WA can be found at http://www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline/home.do To find out the private schools in your area try
Home School
http://www.privateschoolsdirectory.com.au/ or http://www.ais.wa.edu.au/
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Offspring | winter 2011 63
Special Feature
Teach your child to read using ‘TOE BY TOE®’ Are you looking for a program to teach your beginning or struggling reader to read? Would you like a program that improves your child’s reading age in terms of years within months? If your answer is “Yes” then ‘Toe by Toe®’ can help. Toe By Toe® is a little red book that uses a phonics approach to teach a beginning or struggling reader to read. A 15 minute session, a few times a week can turn a struggling reader into a confident reader within months. All that is required is a Toe by Toe manual, a pencil and a person who can read. Toe by Toe breaks the process of reading down to the tiniest of steps – one ‘toe’ at a time. The fact that the learning steps are small means that a child and parent can measure progress from the first page and the child’s confidence is boosted as a result. Toe by Toe is used throughout Australia in many schools and family homes. It is recommended and used by speech pathologists, educational psychologists and teachers.
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• Extends emotional intelligence through various activities Key Features & benefits of the program: • Eases the child’s transition to school • Materials used are specially designed to help the children’s • Extends emotional intelligence understanding of literacy, numeracy, geography, society and through various activities environment, geometry, practical-life etc. • Materials enable hands-on sensorial learning, free exploration • Children develop good hand-eye coordination and expands their creativity. and fine motor skills. • Children develop good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. • Children learn to be independent, develop good social skills & confidence • Children learn to be independent, • Montessori and Reggio Emilia combined approach
Teach your child to read using
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develop good social skills & confidence
• Ideal for children who have struggled with reading
• Montessori and Reggio Emilia combined approach
• Success has been achieved in children with dyslexia
Call Selvi 0423 820 777 selvi@crescenteec.com.au
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• Recommended and used by Teachers, Speech Pathologists and Educational Psychologists
For further information contact Catherine
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64 Offspring | winter 2011
Crescenteec (Crescent Early Enrichment Centre), known by children as “Selvi’s Place”, provides hands-on materials, toys and a stimulating environment to help children learn through play and be prepared for school. Parents, children and the early childhood professional play, explore, create and learn together as a community to help emotional learning take place. It is inspired by the Montessori philosophy and the Reggio Emilia approach. Crescenteec strongly believes that when children are exposed to such an environment with their parents they gain confidence and acquire the skills for emotional learning at a more rapid rate. Thus, they are more at ease when it is time for them to enter school. Parents often leave the centre after each session contented that they have spent quality time with their child and children always look forward to coming back for more stimulation, exploration and fun. Come and visit Crescenteec to learn more about the “Heart Start” program where children play, care, explore, create and learn with the love for learning. Call Selvi at 0423 820 777 for more information or visit www.crescenteec.com.au for more information.
Enrol for one hour per week – Key it’s Features & benefits of&the affordable soprogram: beneficial!
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Getting your child ready for school
Email: catherine@redgatelane.com.au Phone: 040 777 5427
Toe by Toe.indd 1
www.redgatelane.com.au
9/02/11 5:03 PM
Photo: Sophie Roads, Harrison Smith, Amelie Williams and Monique Hashem
Slow Food at St Hilda’s Pre-Primary students at St Hilda’s are transforming anunused area of the school into a flourishing food bowl. The integrated program in Pre-Primary pulls together English, Mathematics, Science, Technology and Enterprise and History. This year, the vehicle for all these subject areas is the planning, building, planting, harvesting and cooking from their very own garden. The girls have embraced the Junior School’s partnership with the Slow Food Movement. With their love of gardening and enthusiasm to observe the growth of a tiny seeds, they set about establishing a herb garden. Enjoying the slow food process of growing and harvesting food will continue in the weeks to come as the herbs are harvested, in particular when making bouquet garnis and mint sauce.
Guildford Grammar School has a longstanding reputation for providing an outstanding broadbased education for young people. The School is known for its high academic standards, sporting and cultural opportunities, and traditional values. Catering for K-12, the School is made up of a co-educational Preparatory School, a boy’s only Senior School and boarding facilities for around 110 boys. Guildford Grammar School has developed its own junior secondary curriculum for Years 7, 8 and 9; one that is specifically “built for boys”. The Catalyst program offers young men the opportunity to participate in a three-year program of courses and projects with a foundation of numeracy and literacy, as well as providing the flexibility and opportunity for boys to pursue areas of individual interest. The Catalyst program is generating international interest, with the School invited to present a paper at an international teaching and learning conference in May 2011. For more information visit www.ggs.wa.edu.au or call 9377 9222.
Special Feature
Guildford Grammar: a catalyst for change
Offspring | winter 2011 65
Primary Years
The
Bullying ISSUE
By Vishal Maharaj, Child and Adolescent Psychologist, Azure Psychology
The Australian Federal Government reports that one in every four students in Australian schools are victims of bullying.
B
ullying is not something new and has been
range from hitting, shoving, name-calling, threats, and mocking to extorting money and treasured possessions. Modern technology and communication forums such as chat rooms and social networking sites have seen a rise in cyber-bullying, so much so, that serious bullying is prevalent amongst most social groups. According to statistics commissioned by the Australian
around for much of human history and can be
Federal Government in 2010 one in every four students in
defined as the intentional tormenting of others
Australian schools are victims of bullying.
through physical, verbal, or psychological behaviour. It can
Email your details to subscription@offspringmagazine.com.au or call Offspring magazine 08 6161 7819
Subs third v2.indd 1
66 Offspring | winter 2011
11/05/11 3:53 PM
Bullying is the intentional tormenting of others through physical, verbal, or psychological behaviour.
Some parents find it difficult to elicit information from their children because bullying can be shameful and embarrassing for the victim as it displays a clear indication of their inability to deal with the situation. There is also fear that if you do tell someone life
Primary Years
Detecting Bullying in your child
will become much more difficult. Given this restraint, it is critical that parents, caregivers, family members and friends are able to identify some of the warning signs of bullying:
depression, thoughts of suicide, self-harm, forgetfulness,
• Returns from school with torn, damaged or missing
poor concentration, flashbacks, an unusual degree of fear
belongings
and social isolation.
• Has unexplained cuts, bruises, and/or scratches
behavioural symptoms - tearfulness, irritability, angry
• Has few, if any, friends
outbursts, obsessiveness (the experience takes over your
• Appears afraid of going to school
life), hyper vigilance (feels like but is not paranoia), mood
• Has lost interest in school work
swings, withdrawal, picking, scratching and drug use. Any of the above symptoms are in fact serious and if
• Complains of headaches, stomach aches • Has trouble sleeping and/or frequent nightmares
not addressed at the right time can lead to more complex
• Appears sad, depressed, or moody
problems in adulthood. Therefore, it is important to
• Appears anxious and/or has poor self-esteem
address the issues once the problem has been identified.
• Is quiet, sensitive, and passive • Significant changes to general routine
Additional information If you feel that your child is currently a victim of bullying or in fact a bully please contact Azure Psychology on
Impact on mental health
(08) 9349 0624. Email: admin@azurepsychology.com.au
In terms of childhood development, socialisation is very
Website: azurepsychology.com.au
important once children enter the school environment. It is here that children continue their learning process of establishing trust and forming positive peer relations as well as developing respect for authority and building confidence. If there is disruption to any of these developmental components, it is more than likely the child will experience
Are you:
a deficit in their social and academic development. This
c c c
could have a negative impact on the young person’s physical, mental and social health in the following ways: physical symptoms - reduced immunity to infection leading
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Offspring | winter 2011 67
OUR darlings
Snapshots supplied by our readers!
Please send high resolution, good quality images for publication to editorial@offspringmagazine.com.au Subject: Our Darlings
Ava Salgado (4 mths) of Thornlie
Cisco (3) and Havana (2) Hutchinson of Sorrento rugged up in Margaret River
Montaya (5) from Boddington
Noah Myers (6 wks) of Crestwood
Dakota (3) of Secret Harbour
Isabella (4.5) and Lucas Campeotto (2) of Ballajura
Jacob Brown (3) of Canning Vale courtesy of Gary Wong Photography
68 Offspring | winter 2011
Stephanie Watson (4) of Narrogin getting to know the local farm life
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ethan Morris (6) of Merredin
Ewan Hartley (16 mths) of Bullsbrook
Oliver Viljoen (4) of Orelia, Molly Robertson (5) of South Fremantle and Thomas Viljoen (3) of Orelia
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www.theplayroom.com.au Offspring | winter 2011 69
Health
How to lose
baby weight By Rhian Allen, owner of losebabyweight.com
The average weight gain in pregnancy is anywhere between 12-14 kilograms however many women gain more than 15 kilograms, making it more difficult for them to regain their pre pregnancy shape and be at optimal health post pregnancy.
give successful results. The key to any successful and long term weight loss and good health is a combination of nutrition, food, exercise, understanding your metabolism and having the right support and motivation. Without these it is very easy to fall off the ‘weight loss bandwagon’, especially when tiredness kicks in.
Why do you want to lose weight? Firstly, you need to establish why you want to lose the baby weight and really think about it. Write down how still carrying your baby weight makes you feel. Do you feel a lack of confidence when going out? Do you crave to fit into your old clothes? Do you want to have more energy to play with your children? Do you want to look good naked? Do
A
you want to have a healthy body inside and out? Do you
s any mother knows the first few months at
want to look good for a special occasion? Or do you want
home with a newborn is exhausting and normal
to slim down to prepare for baby Number Two or Three?
weight loss rules don’t apply. Mums have a whole new
When you have established your reasons have them close
set of priorities that need juggling all whilst experiencing
at all times, for example in your wallet or on your fridge
extreme sleep deprivation. Therefore, post pregnancy
as you will have moments of weakness, and remembering
weight loss needs a different approach to that of pre
why you are doing this will help you use will power to
pregnancy in order to fit in with a mother’s new life, and
overcome food cravings.
70 Offspring | winter 2011
Health
Food and nutrition At the heart of healthy living and weight loss is cellular nutrition, where our cells are fully nourished so they function properly enabling the whole body to work properly, leading to a poor immune system, poor digestion, poor nutrient absorption, poor metabolism and an inability to lose weight. In today’s hectic lifestyle it can be hard to ensure we have
speed up weight loss.
“It is well documented in personal training circles that spot fat removal – such as belly fat – is not possible and that an all over body exercise routine needs to be established to successfully rid areas of fat, like the stomach.”
Finally, it is very important to only start exercising after caesarean section once the doctor has given the all clear. Due to this procedure impacting severely on all three layers of the abdominal wall, there needs to be adequate time post-pregnancy to allow for the tissue to repair significantly before attempting exercise. Mums need to be very conscious of lifting and
adequate nutrition as food is
bending after having a Caesarean
heavily processed, and we’re busy
due to the resultant weakness in
mums, often lacking the time to eat properly at every
your core and abdominal area.
meal, often resorting to unhealthy fast or processed foods that are devoid of good nutrition. So what are some ways around this? Firstly, don’t buy processed foods - you just don’t know what has been
Lose Baby Weight was created to help mothers lose weight in a safe and healthy way. For more information and for easy-to-prepare recipes visit www.losebabyweight.com.au
added to them. Always stock up on lots of fresh vegetables and fruits so that you have healthy foods on hand to snack on. Plan ahead and decide on the foods you are going to eat during the day as a common issue is being time poor, then opting for eat junk food. Also, cook recipes and meals that are easy to make and don’t require endless amounts of preparation because you won’t do it if it is too hard.
Exercise One of the most common questions mums ask is “How do I get rid of my belly fat.” Mums are plagued with a jelly belly after the birth of their babies and although the weight that has been acquired on bums, legs and arms can be hard to shift, sometimes removing the belly fat can seem like an impossible task. It is well documented that spot fat removal – such as belly fat – is not possible and that an all-over body exercise routine needs to be established to successfully rid areas of fat, like the stomach. However, post pregnancy, the core is important to focus on as it has not had much of a workout over the previous nine months. The stomach muscles need to be reactivated as soon as possible to help reseal the muscle separation that occurred when the bump was growing. This will help gain muscle support around the back and spine to avoid injury when going about caring for your baby. By doing some basic core and abdominal exercises six weeks after the birth of a baby you improve your chances of having your belly return to its pre-pregnancy shape and size. An all-over cardio exercise, such as walking, will help
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Offspring | winter 2011 71
Health
Revive
for Offspring Revive Clinic is a new initiative offering the community, affordable, simple and convenient healthcare for minor illnesses and general wellbeing. The company currently operates six in-pharmacy clinics nationwide with plans to open 60 more. Coupled with the fact that Medicare rebates are now available for all patients and the walk-in nature of the clinic, it is just like visiting your doctor, but without the waiting. For further information go to: www.reviveclinic.com.au
Q
My children are one and three and they’re always getting sick! They’re not in day care but we do a lot of activities like playgroup and dancing. We always seem to come away with a cold, gastro or some other nasty illness, while my friend’s kids cruise through germ free. Is there anything I can do to bolster their immune systems? Will the endless parade of illness ever end??
MEDICAL ADVICE FROM LEAH HANSEN Chief Nurse Practitioner, Revive Clinic
Last winter they were constantly sick and I’d rather avoid that this year if possible. They eat balanced diets, have plenty of fresh air and exercise and I strongly encourage hand washing. What can I do other than staying home all winter? A On average toddlers have around nine colds per year, with Kindy kids having around 12 colds per year, and adolescents and adults have up to 7 colds per year. Some people will have more or less dependent on their own immune systems, level of exposure to the virus and other factors such as exposure to cigarette smoke, diet, exercise, sleep etc. The best way to prevent children from catching colds is to teach them proper hand washing. The common cold is spread mostly by hand-to-hand contact. For example, a child with a cold blows or rubs their nose and then touches your child, who then touches their eyes or picks up food increasing the risk of becoming infected with the cold virus.
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72 Offspring | winter 2011
8/11/10 2:21 PM
Health The common cold is also spread by infected objects such as door handles, books, pens, remotes, computer keyboard and mouse. The common cold virus can live on objects for several hours, allowing time for your child to touch the object and then rub his or her eyes or nose or eat food prior to good hand hygiene. If your child or other family member has symptoms of a cold it is wise to keep them home and avoid contact with other people to keep the cold from spreading. You should also encourage your child to cover his or her mouth when sneezing, to use a tissue for nose blowing and to wash their hands after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing. If a tissue is unavailable, teach your child to cough in their sleeve. Keep a track on your calendar of when the children have a cold; the symptoms they have and how long it lasted and if you noted any potential triggers. If you are concerned this will provide you with some good information to take to your GP.
Q
I have a 20 month old and am concerned that we’re not brushing his teeth well enough. It’s not easy to do even when he’s being 100% cooperative. What’s the best way to take care of his teeth and at what age should he go to the dentist?
A Your child should see a dentist by the time they are one year old and tooth brushing is crucial from the time your baby has even one tooth. Start to develop a habit of brushing in the morning and night to establish a routine. Even before your baby has teeth, you can gently brush the gums, using water on a soft baby toothbrush, or clean them with a soft washcloth. Once there are additional teeth, use infant / baby toothbrushes that are very soft. Brushing should be done twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste. Flossing should begin when two teeth touch each other. Ask your dentist to show you the right flossing techniques and guide you as to how often this should be performed.
Q
Its a bit sensitive I guess but I have two boys (seven and three years old) whose foreskins don’t retract. One doctor has told me they have Phimosis and they will never retract and another has told me not to worry and to leave it alone!
So, I’m stuck in my opinion of what to do and how it will end up. I don’t want to lop off their foreskins unnecessarily. However I don’t want them to end up having to be operated on when they are older and suffer even more. They have no infections and no discomfort so far. A This is a highly debateable topic. For expert advice I suggest you talk to an urologist or urological surgeon for expert advice if you are concerned. Phimosis, is the inability to retract the foreskin of the penis. In fact, only about 4% of male babies are born with retractable foreskins and normal bathing of the penis with water and mild soap are generally sufficient to cleanse the penis. Many people view this normal condition in children as phimosis and mistakenly attempt to force the foreskin back. This can cause harm and lead to the formation of lesions and the condition called acquired phimosis. Generally this condition in young children will totally disappear in all but a few cases by age 17.
To have your medical questions answered by Leah please send an email to: editorial@offspringmagazine.com.au Subject Heading: Revive column
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Offspring | winter 2011 73
food & nutrition Babies
fussy
Pants By Kate Bullen, dietician and co-founder of www.doyoueat.com.au
Are the words ‘yuck’ or ‘I don’t like this’ frequently heard at dinner time in your house? And are they generally voiced in reference to vegetables or meat? Well, you are not alone.
A
s a mum and a dietician, these words are regularly uttered in my house too. So, I started to do some
reading, and it seems that the most disliked foods are vegetables, followed by meats and fruit. No huge surprises there! Here are a few reasons why these foods are most often rejected: 1. It might be a protective mechanism, passed down from our ancestors, to avoid poisonous foods. 2. Children seem to have a preference for sweet foods. 3. Children are creatures of habit and are often happy to eat foods with which they are comfortable and familiar. Fussiness is usually age related. Children often develop fussiness with food around the age of two, while it dissipates as they start school. Eating or not eating food is a way for kids to express their independence and often has nothing to do with the actual food you are giving them.
74 Offspring | winter 2011
food & NUTRITION Babies
When kids reject food it can be about the power play. Remembering this can be empowering when you’re trying to cope with the constant food rejection! The good news is that there are a number of ways to tackle fussiness, including continuing to offer different types of foods on a regular basis. A two year old will need to be offered a food at least 10 times before they show an interest. A four to five year old may need to be offered a food 15 or more times before they will accept it. Also, it is not only how often a food is offered but how the food is offered. The mother is usually the most influential person when it comes to kids liking food. Not surprisingly, the foods that mum likes is often what the kids will like. And the reverse – if mum doesn’t like a food, then usually the kids won’t like it either. I am guilty of this – the only food that I really don’t like is potato (five years at boarding school ... and I suspect way too much Deb potato!). Now my four year old daughter doesn’t like potato either. This isn’t a big issue as we can get through life without mashed potato, but if mum doesn’t like mushrooms, carrots, cucumber, peas, beans and asparagus, then the children probably won’t either. Our role modelling as mums is very powerful and
tasty vegetables
& get kids to choose at • Serve up a shared family salad and gives kids some least 10 pieces. Good for counting control • Offer vegetables as snacks small tin of corn, grated • Make plain pikelets and add a hroom zucchini, carrot or chopped mus rnoon snack. Try lettuce, afte an as wich sand • Have a salad ed carrot, mushrooms, cucumber, tomato, avocado, grat beetroot. e your own bases. Add • Pizza – use pita bread or mak , mushrooms, baked pumpkin, zucchini, capsicum tomatoes and baby spinach.
not to be under-estimated.
tasty meat • Kids gene rally like lean meat, so cut choose lean m all fat from m eat and ince. • Offer mea t with a dippin g sauce • Meatballs are fantastic as the meat is m • Meat keba oist bs – add colo ur with capsicum tomato and zu , pineapple, cchini • Try differe nt cuisines – ta cos with lean strips and sala mince or beef d, or tender slo w cooked go • Burgers w ulash ith mince patt ies and salad.
Offspring | winter 2011 75
food & nutrition Babies
tasty fruit
tter quality son – cheaper and be • Choose fruit in sea up) on hand. fruit (in juice – not syr • Always have tinned about Great for when out & baking cereal, in milkshakes and on • Frozen fruit is great The ch! mu r option. Just not too • Dried fruit is anothe . size are a great serve small boxes of sultanas be used es and mandarins can ang Or • Add fruit to salads. g. instead of salad dressin
Vegetables are often preferred raw. A tasting plate is something that I use at home. Some days I will get out all our vegetables and ask my four year old to pick four or five
to your advantage! If you know they will eat something elsewhere then they can eat it at home with you. Another tip I use is having an early dinner – say 4.30-
to have on her plate. Giving her some involvement and
5.00pm (yep – that early!). Then, if needed, a quick snack a
choice really helps reduce the fussiness.
little later, bath and bed. Keeping it simple is the key!
Social situations can encourage children to eat foods
If your child still refuses to eat then they are probably
that they usually don’t eat at home. A typical story is a
not hungry. An easy trap to fall into is to keep offering
child at day-care who will eat all their vegetables but never
food but my advice is calmly take the food away (I put it
will at home. Consider this early peer pressure and use it
in the fridge in case they are hungry later) and move on. A healthy child will not suffer from missing the odd meal but they will learn a valuable lesson. We have had many
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nights when my four year old daughter has gone to bed without dinner. She is fine and she has now worked out that if she doesn’t eat dinner then nothing else is offered.
Children often develop fussiness with food around the age of two, which tends to dissipate as they start school. Coming into winter, your family might not have seen winter vegetables, such as sweet potato, pumpkin, swede and turnip for many months. Try offering a food that your child hasn’t tasted, or previously didn’t like, with a food
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| winter 2011
they do like. For example, when I make up a vegetable plate I will often include a fruit (eg: apple, pear, mandarin, kiwifruit) that they like. The fruit adds sweetness and increases the chance of snow peas, carrots, roast pumpkin and sweet potato being eaten. Kate Bullen is an Accredited Practising Dietician and Mum to a four year old and 18 month old. For more information can be found at www.doyoueat.com.au
20/10/10 6:40:29 PM
food & NUTRITION Babies
winter warmers By Johanna Garnett
W
inter has to be one of my favourite seasons - log fires, thick jumpers and cold toes. It’s also one of my favourite cooking seasons. Soups and stews are amongst some of the oldest dishes in the world and teamed with fresh warm bread … well, I’m in foodie heaven! They are also some of the easiest dishes to make and so very simple for children to help prepare. Growing up, a favourite of mine was always tomato soup. The following recipe is based on a dozens of varieties I’ve tried over the years, along with some input from family and friends. I have finally found my perfect winter warmer....
Tommy Soup 800g canned whole tomatoes 1 long red chilli, chopped 4 garlic cloves, chopped ½ carrot, grated 1 tsp caster sugar 2 tbs olive oil 2 slices of sour dough bread, crust removed and cubed 2 tbs balsamic vinegar 2 tbs freshly chopped basil 250ml water Salt and pepper to taste.
Place tomatoes, chilli, carrot, garlic, sugar, oil, 250ml water and salt and pepper in a pan and bring to the boil. Then simmer for 15 mins. In a separate bowl, place the bread and balsamic and allow to soak for 10 mins. Add the bread and some fresh basil to the soup simmer for another 10 mins. Then, using a stick blender, blend until smooth. Serve with fresh bread and small fresh basil leaves.
Easy Peasy My favourite kitchen appliance to use during these cooler months is by far the slow cooker. I just throw all the ingredients in on the morning and by evening I have a house filled with delightful smells and not long after a belly filled with warming food! Probably my favourite meat to cook in the slow cooker is beef, although lamb comes a close second. And the great thing is, I don’t need to give you a recipe because anything really does go! Just put some chunks of beef, potatoes and any veggies you fancy along with some beef stock (enough to cover the meat) and maybe a dash of red wine and some fresh thyme or bay leaves and you can’t go wrong. Just add a bit of cornflour at the end to make a lovely, thick gravy. Lamb forequarters or shanks are also a great alternative, although I do like to brown the lamb first in a pan prior to placing it in the slow cooker. Don’t forget to join us on Facebook to connect with other Mums for recipe ideas and up to date news about Yum In My Tum!
Offspring | winter 2011 77
TRAVEL
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
! t i e v o l s kid By JENNIFER BLACK
A
ll kids need dirt, trees, water,
experiences with animals and
adventure to grow healthy, happy and strong! You can get all of these wonderful experiences from … camping! You don’t need to have camping gear
Tents, Caravans, Cabins Many caravan parks offer cabins with your own kitchen
you can hire a campervan or rent a chalet or cabin in a
facilities but only provide communal showering/toilet
caravan park. In fact this is a good way to find out if your
blocks. For those who want to really camp and stay
family enjoy it before you start investing in tents and
in a tent, you can enjoy a much cheaper holiday and
sleeping bags.
experience the curiosity and excitement that ‘tent living’ brings to children. Camping offers your children a chance
Suggested camping destinations
to meet and play with a host of other children and
Within a two to four hour drive of Perth: Yanchep, Greenhead,
hopefully as you point out the luxuries of your home that
Dongara, Geraldton, Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, The
they are missing, they will appreciate them more when
Perth Hills, Toodyay, Pinjarra, The Stirling Ranges.
you return home.
For those wanting to escape the Perth winter consider going further afield and exploring The Coral Coast, Pilbara
Heading north for the winter
or Kimberley, as May to October is the best time to visit
With all of this in mind we took the boys camping last
these areas.
September. We hired a Maui van and drove up the coast to Shark Bay. Did you know the region, including and
Campervans
surrounding Shark Bay, is World Heritage Listed? You don’t
For those of you cringing at the thought of sharing showers,
need to take your family overseas to experience culture
camp kitchens and going without home comforts such as
and history, it is right on your doorstep and you need to
TV, campervans are a good way to begin camping. Many
show your kids, after all it is their heritage! The van was
provide their own shower and toilet and come equipped with
lots of fun and a great way to travel. The boys could sit
kitchens, TVs and DVDs so you don’t have to go completely
at the dining table in the back and draw and play games
cold turkey especially for those with older children.
while we drove, as the camper is fitted with seat belts. This
Offspring | winter 2011 79
TRAVEL
made for a very peaceful journey and not nearly so many “Are we there yets?” It is advisable to plan an itinerary and book ahead as you will need a powered site and June to October is busy. The boys really enjoyed the changes in landscape and farm animals, which prompted many questions on science, agriculture, climate and geography. The wildflowers were also in full bloom and a beautiful sight. We stopped for a night at Wildflower Caravan Park to break up the journey and then headed to Nanga Bay – an hour south of Shark Bay. Nanga Bay This is a terrific spot, right on the beach. It's a safe camp site environment for kids to be able to do some exploring on their own. Facilities include a swimming pool, hot natural spa and a range of camping options, from tent sites to chalets. Keep in mind that the shop has limited supplies and is pricey however they do offer great value ‘family roast nights’. Next we stayed at Shark Bay Caravan Park which was clean, has a great pool area and is central enough to walk or scoot into town.
Monkey Mia is worth a day trip but is not for camping; the resort is lovely but really only offers an up-market holiday. The kids loved the dolphin experience and enjoyed a camel ride on the beach. If you have time to drive further north to Warroora Station (pronounced Warra) it is an ideal place to experience the Australian outback in its most natural state. They can accommodate caravans and motor homes, but for a true ‘outback, all natural, camping holiday’ you can’t beat Warroora. You can find your own secluded spot in the dunes near pristine coastline and enjoy fantastic fishing, exploring and the most amazing night skies. An important tip – take fly nets as this is a working cattle and sheep station. The property is ‘eco-friendly’ and they pride
We’ve got plenty of fun stuff for kids of all ages.
themselves on taking care of the ‘fragile nature of this area’. For more information on booking, facilities and rules
Challenge Stadium
Arena Joondalup
visit www.warrorrastation.com
Swim School | Gym Dance | Kanga Karate Holiday Sports Club ZumbAtomic | Fit Club
Swim School | Gym Flippa Ball | Sporting Clinics Holiday Sports Club | Fit Club Vacation Care
Sample Pricing – family of four Campervan.
9441 8222
9300 3355
bedding and crockery is supplied.
venueswest.wa.gov.au/cs
venueswest.wa.gov.au/aj
Hurry limited places.
Seven nights Maui 4 berth van, approx $245 per day. All Camp grounds and caravan parks ranged from $35 - $100 a night. Tip - We stocked up on food before we left Perth. www.mauicampers.com.au
80 Offspring | winter 2011
Planning ahead for the summer school holidays
• Teach young children to stay within eyesight, and
One of my favorite overseas destinations is New Zealand
• Sort and pack each day of your children’s clothes
older children within earshot.
and the best way to see it is to drive. New Zealand
within individual small plastic grocery bags in his
has some of the best camping grounds you will find
suitcase. This way your child can grab a bag in the
anywhere in the world. They have excellent facilities, are
morning and have a full set of clothes for the day,
exceptionally clean and they are everywhere!
and at night he can stuff the dirty ones back in the
So if you want to combine camping with a plane ride
bag thus not mixing up the rest of the suitcase.
and Duty Free shopping this family holiday takes some
• The key to comfortable camping with kids is to
beating. The campervan companies are all located at
dress them in several layers, which can be peeled
the airport so you can literally step off the plane straight
off as they get warm or added on as they cool off.
into your accommodation and start driving. The roads
• Provide each child with their own torch to prevent
are fantastic, it is easy to get around and you are never
any arguments. Children love to play with the
more than half an hour’s drive from the next place. New
torches and having one also makes them more
Zealanders love tourists; they are exceptionally helpful
at ease after dark. Torches are also handy when
and proud of their country.
making trips to the showers/toilets, for making
The kids will love the camping grounds, action-packed adventure parks and activities like jet boats, white water
shadow puppets on tent walls and for reading before bed.
rafting, caving, hiking, and skiing, and will be fascinated by
• Teach your children to treat the outdoors kindly.
the Maori villages and traditions. The parents will love how
It’s a great opportunity to educate them about
easy this holiday is, not to mention the delicious cuisine
sustainability, animal habitats, littering and caring
and award winning wines! You will need to book now for
for our environment.
the December to March period which is the best time to go
• Camping with children is more fun when you
camping in New Zealand and booking in advance will get
bring a playmate along. Two or more children will
you the cheapest airfares.
entertain themselves for longer periods than will a
www.newzealand.com
TRAVEL
ilies Camping tips for fam
single child. • If you have a campervan and are staying in caravan
Heading south – winter or summer
parks it is easier not to use the onboard bathroom/
After declaring the Shark Bay camping trip a huge success we
toilet facilities – less that you have to clean. We
decided to go camping again, but this time we headed south.
used this area as storage space.
Bush camping is the best way for kids to really explore the outdoors with few limitations (other than safety factors), allowing them to get dirty and make their own fun. Finding moments of stillness and quiet in an otherwise noisy and overly stimulated environment is precious. For this type of ‘free or natural’ camping visit www.exploreaustralia.net.au Advantages of touring the South West in a campervan: Unlike when you head north, there are many towns close together so you can enjoy a few different locations without having to spend hours driving. The winter time can be beautiful Down South; although it can be quite cold, there is still lots of sunshine around. Winter Down South offers you a chance to explore more than just the beach. Sample Pricing There is literally an abundance of caravan parks, cabins, farm stays, holiday houses to chalets so the best way to get started is to Google the area you want to visit. You will have plenty of information and websites to choose from
handy camping websites
www.westernaustralia.com/camping www.familyparks.com.au www.australiassouthwest.com www.nztravelorganiser.com. www.kangarootentcity.com.au - Camping checklists www.travel-australia-online.com/camping-checklist.html
and you can plan a holiday to suit your budget.
Offspring | winter 2011 81
CALENDAR OFevents EVENTS calendar of Friday 27th May to 5th June 2011
Saturday 18th June 2011
Fremantle Heritage Festival
Handmade Children’s Markets
Music, events, workshops, tours, activities and awards.
Handmade Children’s Markets showcases a wide variety of quality handmade and other goods and services for children aged zero to ten years old.
COST
FREE
TIME
various
VENUE
various
CONTACT
Sarah Langley 0426 243 738
Tuesday 7TH JUNE Parent/Baby workshop - "Kids’n’Music" An interactive, creative music session for parents & babies using a variety of props including scarves, brushes, instruments, bubbles, sign language, body percussion and more. Morning Tea provided.
COST
FREE
TIME
10:00am to 2:00pm
VENUE
Melville Civic Centre, Almondbury Rd, Booragoon (entry off Davy St) tash@handmadechildrensmarkets.com, 0424958630
CONTACT
Sunday 19th June 2011 Conversations with the Dalai Lama His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet will be engaging with Australian audiences through a series of Public Conversations.
COST
$6 per person
TIME
10.30am to 11.30am
VENUE
Joondalup Library, 102 Boas Avenue
COST
$15 to $50
CONTACT
To book please phone 9400 4707
TIME
9.30am to 11.30am
VENUE
Burswood Dome
CONTACT
www.dalailamainaustralia.org
Tuesday 14th June 2011 (also July 12th and August 8th) Wooldridges “The Reading Tree” Reading program for kids Held every second Tuesday of each month our dedicated library specialist will read to children while parents can relax in the coffee lounge. COST
FREE
TIME
10.30am to 11.30am
VENUE
Wooldridges 424 Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park Bookings are essential, please call 9241 4800
CONTACT
Please submit events for the Spring calendar to: editorial@offspring.com.au Subject: Spring Calendar
WEDNESDAY 22nd June Parent/Baby workshop – “Baby Signs” A captivating session showcasing techniques to communicate with your baby months before your baby even learns to speak. Learn some simple signs using the AUSLAN sign language and find out the benefits of using this program. Morning Tea provided. COST
$6 per person
TIME
10:00am to 11:30am
VENUE
Whitford Library, Cnr Marmion and Banks Avenues, Hillarys Bookings are essential: 9401 8222
CONTACT
Thursday 23RD June 2011 Motivating Mum: Business Mums Networking Like to get your business networking and the tools to launch or develop your own business at the same time? Motivating Mum brings together six mumpreneurs over a coffee and, as a group, we solve each others' challenges, answer each others questions and support each other in achieving our dreams.
82 Offspring | winter 2011
COST
$17
TIME
10am
VENUE
Fremantle
CONTACT
Julia 0450 067 036 julia.wa@motivatingmum.com
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Friday 24th to 26th June 2011
calendar of events Monday 11th July
EveryWoman Expo
The Wonderful World of Worms
The latest in cosmetics, fashion, health and beauty, wine and food, lifestyle and fitness, personal enlightenment, spiritual guidance and more.
Learn about the magic of worms by building a wormfarm. Make your own seedling pots out of recycled newspaper to fill with yummy vegetables to grow in your garden at home.
COST
$10-$15
TIME
9.00am to 6.00pm daily (8pm on Friday)
COST
$6 per child
VENUE
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
TIME
1.00 to 3.00pm
CONTACT
www.everywoman.exibit.com.au
VENUE
Held at Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre, Leach Highway, Winthrop Phone: 9364 0790 or Email: penelope. musgrove@melville.wa.gov.a
Sunday 26th June 2011
CONTACT
Perth Upmarket Over 150 stalls including handmade clothing, jewellery, giftware, toys, and art. Includes a dedicated Junior Upmarket section. COST
FREE
TIME
10.00am to 4.00pm
VENUE
Winthrop Hall, UWA
CONTACT
www.perthupmarket.com.au
COST
Treasure Hunt Market Place A market for new goods and services that has something for everyone FREE
TIME
10am to 1pm
VENUE
Craigie Leisure Centre
CONTACT
Follow us on Facebook
Good Food and Wine Show Sample good food, acclaimed local produce, enticing chocolates, luscious cheeses, and of course, awardwinning Western Australian wines.
SUNDAY 3RD JULY
COST
Friday 15th to 17th July 2011
TIME
$31.50 to $75 (concession and child prices available) 9.00am to 5.00pm daily
VENUE
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
CONTACT
www.goodfoodshow.com.au or Ticketek
SUNDAY 24TH JULY 2011 (also Sunday 18th September) Chatterbox Markets Chatterbox Markets is the newest market in Perth not to be missed. Showcasing a wide variety of boutique, handmade and unique products for all ages from Work at Home businesses.
Monday 11th July Close Encounters with Native Wildlife COST
$6 per person
TIME
10.00am to 12.00pm
VENUE
Piney Lakes Education Centre, Winthrop
CONTACT
Ph: 9364 0790 Email: penelope. musgrove@melville.wa.gov.au
COST
Free Entry
TIME
10am to 2pm
VENUE
Altone Recreation Centre, 332 Altone Road, Beechboro E: chatterboxmarkets@hotmail.com, W: www.chatterboxmarkets.com.au
CONTACT
FREE ENTRY
For one child per family upon presentation of this voucher Swan Valley
Cuddly Animal Farm
FUN - PLAY - HAPPY check our calendar events on www.letsplaycentre.com for activities and events 28 Comserv Loop Ellenbrook WA 6069 Phone: 6296 PLAY (7529) Email: info@letsplaycentre.com
Bring this voucher for a
Valid at Let’s Play Centre Ellenbrook until 30/08/2011
Lets Play Centre.indd 1
Visit the farm everyday 10.30am to 5pm or our TRAVELLING FARM can come to you! Call ‘Farmer’ Lin on ph: 0424 209 370
Valid until 30th August 2011
Open 7 days a week
• Farmyard Babies • Bottle & Bucket Feeding • Train Rides • Pony Rides • Bouncy Castle • BBQ Facilities
FANTASTIC PLACE FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES 128 John Street Henley Brook | www.cuddlyanimalfarm.com
Cuddly Farm.indd 18/04/11 1:13 PM 1
7/05/11 2:26 PM
Offspring | winter 2011 83
calendar of events Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July 2011 Mundaring Truffle Festival An opportunity to discover why the French black truffle holds such a revered place in the culinary world and to indulge your food and wine palate. More than 30 top chefs, food personalities and restaurants will be there.
Sunday 7th August 2011 City of Belmont’s Avon Descent Family Fun Day Free children’s activities, including Gymbus, Circus Challenge, Animal Ark and face-painting, helicopter rides, environmental displays, the Mix 94.5 Gourmet Grill.
COST
Various, some events are FREE
COST
FREE
TIME
9.00am to 5.00pm daily
TIME
11:30am to 3:30pm
VENUE
Various, Mundaring
VENUE
Garvey Park, Fauntleroy Avenue, Ascot
www.mundaringtrufflefestival.com or BOCS Ticketing
CONTACT
Marielle Azzopardi 9477 7248 or marielle.azzopardi@belmont.wa.gov.au
CONTACT
Saturday 6th August 2011 City of Swan Winter Arts Festival Choice Cuts Catch Australia’s next batch of stage and screen stars as they perform scenes and monologues from Shakespeare to Tarantino! COST TIME
Tickets $20 full and $15 concession from WAAPA Box Office 9370 6895 7.30pm to 9.30pm
VENUE
Midland Junction Arts Centre
CONTACT
Sarah Ryan, 9267 9466 or sarah.ryan@swan.wa.gov.au
Sunday 7th August 2011 Avon Descent Family Fun Day A lovely riverside spot to have a barbecue, live music, kids entertainers, music workshops, competitions, live race commentary and much more. COST
FREE
TIME
11.00am to 3.00pm
VENUE
Fishmarket Reserve, Guildford
CONTACT
Swan Valley Visitors Centre, 9379 9400 or visitorcentre@swan.wa.
Sunday 21st August Market Girl – Boutique Handmade Market Market Girl is a boutique handmade market with something for everyone. The place to see all the emerging designers & unique retailers across WA. COST
FREE ENTRY & FREE PARKING
TIME
10am to 3pm
VENUE
Joondalup Reception Centre
CONTACT
www.marketgirl.com.au, marketgirl. info@gmail.com
Sunday 28th August 2011 City to Surf The annual City to Surf for Activ fun run includes the marathon, half marathon, 12 km run and walk and 4km run and walk. COST
fees for registration
TIME
from 6am
VENUE
Perth City, Perry Lakes and City Beach
CONTACT
www.citytosurf.activ.com.au
PPQ
Purple Pamper Queens
84 Offspring | winter 2011
Kids Party Ad.indd 1
PARTY Directory
Hire o affor r Buy d good able, q costu uality mes!
www.pieceofcakeparties.com.au
Ballo acces ons & also a sories vailab le
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An online store specialising in gorgeous party bags, tableware, decorations & accessories to help you create beautiful celebrations for the special little people in your life! Fast, friendly & reliable Australia wide service.
pieceofcakeparties@iinet.net.au M: 0457 965 334
8/04/11 1:54 PM
Offspring | winter 2011 85
Directory
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yea have this n you’ll dancing, fu t s o m It’s the e mix music with ging W ith sin rhymes w basic fitness for you... full time fun for the kids
Diana Panucci
0419 173 200
Christening Attire for both Boys and Girls Please phone to arrange an appointment
For an update on all locations & session times check out; jazziecazzies.com.au Or join Jazzie Cazzies on Facebook
www.angeliccouture.net
Jazzies.indd 1
Child Care Centre
Casual & regular care by the hour or day Mention this ad to receive 20% off a morning session or 40% off an afternoon session Terms and conditions apply
21D Endeavour Road HILLARYS WA 6025 (08) 9307 4977 www.whitcare.com.au
86 Offspring | winter 2011
0-5yrs $12 per adult & child $5 each additional child
Melville, South Lakes, Leeming and Beeliar.
contact Cazzie-May on 0407 671 444 email: jazziecazzies@iinet.net.au www.jazziecazzies.com.au
1/02/11 2:10 PM
WIN a professional photo shoot experience and images to the value of $1375... Enter the monthly draw to WIN a professional photo shoot experience and images to the value of $1375. Runners up will receive a $150 photography voucher off the session fee. Mail your entry form to PO Box 1335 Fremantle WA 6959 before the end of each month to qualify. Winners to be drawn on 30/06/11, 31/07/11 and 31/08/11. Online entries to vivaphotography.com.au Name: Address: Post Code: Home:
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