Sunshine Coast Kids Today - Summer 2017

Sharing When

talking ' doesn t come

easy travelling with

toddlers

love, travel and the miracle of birth

SUMMER 2017/2018 Brought to you by

about us . . .

We're

crazy about kids, too

WE are the new kids on the block and we hope you are just as excited as we are about our very first Sunshine Coast Kids Today magazine.

pregnancy and birth stories and you’ll be itching to get outside when you see all the fun things there are to do this school holidays.

information, keeps you up-to-date with great events in and around the Coast and lists a whole heap of local services and things to do for families.

This very special Star News Group publication is brought to you by a team of enthusiastic journalists, passionate advertising representatives and creative geniuses, who coincidentally also have their own offspring and know first-hand the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of parenting.

We are so proud of our new product, but your opinion matters most. We want to know what

It’s the go-to destination for activity on the Sunshine Coast - from Caboolture up to Pomona.

We know what is important to local families and that is why we have sought help from experts in a range of fields to deliver you important professional advice, health and safety tips, educational facts and entertainment news.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll smile when reading our emotional real-life

you think of our magazine and welcome your feedback.

If you want to have a great idea explored, have an interesting story to tell or simply want to get your family's mug in the next edition, make sure to email editorial@sunshinecoastkidstoday. com.au with your information or photos.

We hope you enjoy our magazine and don’t forget to check out our new website sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au which offers an abundance of entertainment and educational

Also like our Facebook page, facebook.com/ SunshineCoastKidsToday, which gives daily and weekly updates so you know what’s happening in your area.

Have a great Summer, a beautiful Christmas and a super-fun school holidays in the very best place to live the Sunny Coast.

Published six times per year December, February, April, June, August, October Sunshine Coast Kids Today c/o Noosa Today 36 Mary Street, Noosaville, Qld, 4566 Online: sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au Facebook.com/ SunshineCostKidsToday

contents

Editorial Hollie Harris or Tania Phillips editorial@sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

It’s Your Life

Entertainment

Crafts

Page 3

Page 14

Page 23

Patience in time of turmoil

Reef adventure is a great find

Page 4

Page 15

Reality Bites

No need to go potty over training

Party Time

Pages 24-25

When talking doesn’t come easy

Page 5 Trampoline safety is flippin’ important Page 6

Six colourful days of festivities

Sweet attention to detail Page 16

Crafty fun for kids

Sharing love, travel and the miracle of birth

Page 6

Page 17

Online tabs to track kids

When’s the right time to leave them alone

Education

Page 27

Page 8

Scout's headed for the top

Help for single mums

Page 18

Harper's life essentials

Page 9

Active minds at play

Pages 28-29

Tinker Fairies work their magic

Page 18

Page 9

An environment for learning

Books

Travelling with toddlers

Page 19

Page 10

Fashion

Page 11

Pages 20-21

Health

Coolest designs, summer style

Never too early to work on that smile

tracey.combes@ sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au Phone: 07 5449 9837

Yes day weighs down mum

Smashing trend for first birthday milestone

Fairy Patch friends

Advertising Tracey Combes

Say what! We asked, you answered...

Injured in the blink of an eye

Tips to stretch a dollar

Phone: 07 5455 6946

Page 26

Games and Gadgets

The A to Z of flying for kids Page 30

Calendar

Sights and sounds of summer

Sharing When

talking ' doesn t come

easy travelling with

toddlers

love, travel and the miracle of birth

SUMMER 2017/2018 Brought to you by

Page 31

Page 22

Page 12 Help is at hand Page 13 Some help with key relationships Page 13

2 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

It’s

your life

When

talking doesn't come easy

KIDS learn language at different rates, however if their language development is not reaching the milestones they are regarded as having a language delay.

Some language delays are associated with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and learning impairment.

For instance children with ASD may have difficulty developing language skills and understanding what other children say to them. The ability of children with ASD to communicate and use language depends on their intellectual and social development.

If a doctor suspects a child has ASD or another developmental disability, they will refer on to a speech language pathologist who will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the child's ability to communicate.

Their assessment, diagnosis and treatment is based on the child's individual needs to provide them with the right type and amount of therapy needed.

Once therapy has begun, therapists work with the child and their family and provide a fun-based program for continuing at home.

The cost of speech therapy can be expensive, however it can be provided at no direct cost via various funding sources such as through medicare if you have a chronic health management plan, or early intervention funding where you can access the Better Start initiative or Helping Children with Autism funding.

With the pending NDIS starting on the Sunshine Coast in 2018/19, early intervention participants can receive appropriate therapeutic supports which

may be a blend of medical and disability therapy supports. Access to funding is based on eligibility.

The Sunshine Coast has numerous registered therapists who either work as sole providers or as part of a therapy or developmental centre where a committed team of allied health professionals work together to provide co-ordinated specialist care for children and their families.

Early intervention programs such as Baby Bridges are offered freely where a small group of children from the ages of birth to six years of age, can access a two-hour playgroup over a six-week period where both a physio and speech therapist attend to assess children with a newly diagnosed disability or for some who have not yet been diagnosed.

Speech Pathology Australia have

created a Milestones kit which provides information sheets that are a useful tool to start a conversation about a child who maybe having difficulty with their speech, language and communication.

They can be downloadable from their website www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au The information sheets and poster outline how early childhood educators and speech pathologists can work together to ensure that children reach these milestones with the expected timeframes.

The kit also presents information on the role of speech pathologists.

For more information on Baby Bridges, the NDIS or Therapy, please contact Sunshine Butterflies on 5470 2830 or visit www.sunshinebutterflies. com.au

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SUMMER 2017/2018 3

It’s

your life

By Jade Glen PUBERTY is a challenging time - and hopefully it’s now a distant, if slightly unpleasant memory for you - but if you are reading this, chances are you will be soon reliving your puberty blues as you help your child navigate this transition from childhood to adolescence.

There’s a lot going on during puberty, with children experiencing a range of physical, emotional, sexual and social changes. Everything is changing, including the relationship between you and your child.

Alexandra Barbas, senior clinician at Relationships Australia, said some children managed these changes with ease while others struggled and some experienced significant turmoil.

The key to supporting your child through this turmoil was emotional acceptance, Ms Barbas said.

“One of the best ways to support a child during puberty is to provide them with reassurance and support that the changes they are experiencing are normal. It is important that parents stay involved and available if their child wants to talk.”

Ms Barbas said puberty was a time when parents became consultants to, rather than managers of their children.

“This does not mean that a parent’s role becomes defunct. Children still need to know that their parents are available to talk and offer support.

“Forming their own identity is a key developmental milestone for teens.

As part of that process, teens start to strongly value other relationship outside of their immediate family, and practice being assertive and autonomous. This does not mean that they still don’t need a good or close relationship with their parents. It is important that parents manage any feelings of rejection and hurt that might arise as a result of their 4 SUMMER 2017/2018

Top ti ps for Puberty is a time wh en chi ldren compare thei r body to th ose of thei r fri ends and may feel em barrassed or worri ed about the i r development... teens developing strong relationships with others. It is also important that parents keep the door open and remain accepting of their teen.”

“Are you noticing any changes in your body?” Providing children with books about puberty written for children may also be helpful.

Hopefully you have already started the conversation about puberty and all its associated changes before the event unfolds - Ms Barbas said discussions about sex and bodies should be ongoing.

“Puberty is a time when children compare their body to those of their friends and may feel embarrassed or worried about their development (uneven testes, menstruation, acne etc).

Parents can role model body acceptance and discuss with their children that bodies come in all shapes and sizes and that everyone develops at their own pace. If a child continues to be concerned about their development, then it may be helpful to make an appointment to talk to a GP.”

“Answer any questions teens may have about their bodies directly without overloading them with information. It is best to choose a time to talk where there are no distractions. Parents could start by asking their child whether they have been taught about puberty at school.

Their child may not want to share everything with their parents and may prefer to talk to someone else, like another family member, GP or a counsellor.

“When talking about their bodies and body parts, it is best to use the correct terms for body parts so that a child can feel comfortable when talking about their body. If parents hear their child start to tell jokes about sex, that is a good time to ask questions such as

Ms Barbas said parents should also be accepting of their child’s need for privacy and get in to the habit of knocking before entering their room.

parents: ■ Acknowledge and praise your child for any achievements, efforts or positive behaviours.

■ You may benefit by educating yourself about parenting through puberty.

■ Choose your battles - if your teen wants to dye their hair, paint their fingernails etc, it is best to save their objections for issues like alcohol, drugs, smoking or permanent changes to their appearance (tattoos, piercings).

■ Look out for signs that your teen may be really struggling (skipping school, failing grades, talking or joking about suicide, substance use).

■ Set limits on the amount of time your teen spends online or in front of the television. Access to technology should be in public and limited after certain hours.

If you are looking for more advice to help relate your child or teenager, Relationships Australia Queensland (RAQ) can help. For more information, call 1300 364 277 or visit www.raq.org. au. RAQ also has a website dedicated to supporting young people - visit www. connectedspace.com.au www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

It’s

your life

No need to

go potty over training

their child was ready to make the switch from nappies to knickers.

WHEN do I know they are ready?

Should I keep their nappy on at nighttime? Should I reward them?

“(Does your child have) bladder control. Does your child urinate a good deal at one time, rather than dribbling throughout the day? Does your child stay dry for long periods of time? And is she/he aware that he is about to urinate?” she said.

There are so many questions you may ask yourself when it comes to potty-training your child. It can be a crappy task, but parenting expert Margaret Saunders has some great advice to help the transition become a wee bit easier.

While some people say two is a good age and others say three, Ms Saunders said there was no ‘perfect’ age and parents shouldn’t feel pressured from peers or family. Instead, they should wait until their child is ready.

“Each child should be toilet trained when they are ready, not at a certain age, or because your friends have children who are already toilet trained and yours isn’t. Toilet training isn’t a competition,” she said.

“The best advice I was ever given as a parent was from a father of a toddler who said, ‘all I know is by the time they go to school, they talk, they do things for themselves and they are toilet trained!’”

Ms Saunders said there were signs parents could look for to determine if

“(Are they) physically ready? Does your child have enough finger and hand co-ordination to pick up objects easily? Does your child walk from room to room easily and without the need of assistance?”

Ms Saunders said children should also be able to follow instructions.

“To test if your child is ready for this, ask them point to their nose, point to their eyes, point to their mouth, walk to another room and stand by a couch, bring an object such as a teddy bear to you from another room, and can they carry out a series of instructions such as, ‘put your teddy next to your boat’.”

Understanding (ahem) potty language is also important. Ms Saunders also said children should be able to say, and know the words ‘wet’, ‘dry’, ‘stand up’, ‘sit down,’ ‘empty’, ‘wee’ and ‘poo’.

Once a parent has determined if their child is ready, there are several ways to teach the techniques.

Ms Saunders teaches a one-day, fun but intense method, but said it can be modified to take a few days longer.

The method involves the child teaching a doll or a teddy bear to go to the toilet and, in doing so, working out for themselves how to use the toilet when prompted by an adult. If the child uses the potty correctly, they are then rewarded.

“Your child would teach all the steps of going to the toilet to their doll or teddy, such as taking them to the toilet/ potty, pulling down their pants, doing a

wee into the toilet/potty, wiping, pulling up pants and washing hands,” she said.

“It’s also a lot of fun. It makes toilet training into a game.”

Ms Saunders said completing the potty-training process was a fabulous milestone for both child and parent.

“Toilet training is a fabulous milestone. It’s exciting to hear your little one say ’Mummy, Daddy, I’ve been to the toilet’ as you hear the flush of the toilet.”

Satisfaction all around!

Margaret Saunders can be contacted at www.BedtimeAndToiletTrainingSolutions. com.au 12373164-ACM48-17

By LIA SPENCER

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SUMMER 2017/2018 5

It’s

Keep it fun on the trampoline.

your life

Trampoline safety is

By Hollie Harris THERE’S no denying it - kids love a trampoline. The backyard ’toy’ which has stood the test of time is a great way for kids to keep fit, bounce off some energy and fly, jump, flip and boing the hours away with a smile on their face.

Unfortunately, there are also around eight people a day injured on a trampoline.

Over 3000 trampoline-related injuries

are reported each year in Australia.

Kids five and nine years are at the highest risk of injury. While many of the injuries are relatively minor, some incidents can result in serious injuries and can even be fatal.

The most common cause of injury is from falling from the trampoline.

How safe is your trampoline? Follow this checklist to keep kids safe on trampolines:

flippin’ important 1. One at a time Make sure there is only one child on the trampoline.

2. Supervise Watch children at all times, and take extra care with younger children as they are more prone to serious injury.

3. Safety padding Always use safety padding on the frame.

4. Check condition

Regularly check the mat and net don’t have holes, springs are intact and securely attached at both ends, the frame is not bent and that leg braces are locked.

5. Hazard free surrounds Make sure the area around the trampoline is free from hazards like fences or garden furniture, and that there is an overhead clearance to avoid objects like clotheslines, trees and wires.

Jump safely!

Injured in the

blink of an eye KIDSAFE Australia warns that a split second is all it takes for a child to be seriously injured.

The warning comes as part of National Kidsafe Day as Kidsafe highlights some of the lesser known causes of injury which can happen in a split second.

A cup of hot tea or coffee left in reach of a child; backyard swimming pool gates left open; household cleaners found under the sink; handbags containing medications; a car reversing out of a driveway and accessible button batteries are some of the hazards that can change the life of a family in the blink of an eye.

While the number of children who die from unintentional injury has reduced dramatically from the average of 14 children per week in 1979 when Kidsafe was established, there is still much work to be done.

Store all poisonous products out reach of children, at least 1.5 metres off the 6 SUMMER 2017/2018

ground in a lockable cupboard. The majority of serious injuries that can change lives in just a split second, are preventable.

A recently published snapshot of Child Injury in Australia revealed that in a 10-year period: ■ On average, over 60,000 children under 16 years of age were hospitalised per year due to an injury.

■ The total hospital cost of injury hospitalisations of children during the 10-year period was $2.1 billion - $212 million annually, and an average cost per child of $3,119.

■ Children had a higher risk of dying from their injury if they were 10 years old, lived in regional or remote Australia, were injured in a transport incident, following drowning and submersion, or sustained a head injury.

“As a parent of two young toddlers, I

Keep your little ones safe around the home.

know how difficult it can be to keep an eye on them at all times,“ Kidsafe Victoria CEO Melanie Courtney said.

“This is why it’s so critical to have safe play areas and make your home as childproof as possible - because although a serious incident takes just seconds to occur, it can have life-long consequences.“

Always remember to keep those hazards in mind around the home. Put dangerous items right out of reach, shut the gates, keep your young ones out of harm’s way when cars are moving about and keep an eye out all the time for a potential accident.

Let’s bring those numbers down and keep our kiddies safe www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

At First Pointe dancing is for fun Students aged 2yrs up to 102 can learn how to dance at First Pointe in a relaxed and safe atmosphere with no pressure of exams or competitions and no expensive dance uniforms.

Students can learn correct dance techniques while enjoying FUN dance lessons and class fees are great value.

First Pointe currently has 5 different dance studio locations on the Sunshine Coast, located in Mudjimba, Buderim, Noosa, Kawana Island and Adult dance classes at Verrierdale Hall. Principal of the studio Laura Kasauskas started dancing at the age of 2, and at age 13 her dancing talents

took her over to London where she was accepted into the Royal Ballet School.

Laura also danced with the Southern Youth Ballet Company and at age 16 trained full time at Central School of Ballet in London. In 2008 Laura received her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Professional Dance and Performance Studies and toured with Ballet Central Company to numerous theatres in Great Britain performing repertoire from The Nutcracker & Sleeping Beauty.

Laura moved back home to Australia and discovered her passion for teaching and sharing her knowledge of dance with her students. In 2012 she established First Pointe Dance Academy in Mackay where she entered students in R.A.D Ballet, & CSTD Jazz and Tap examinations, from Pre Primary up to advanced exams with

very successful results. Her students also competed & were awarded places in the local Mackay Eisteddfod, and one of her senior students was accepted into the Queensland Ballet School of Excellence Program.

In 2015 Laura moved to the Sunshine Coast and re commenced teaching under the name First Pointe. Laura currently teaches a wider age range from 2yrs – 102yrs in; Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Contemporary Dance, and innovative Chair Tap classes for the elderly. First Pointe also encourages students to participate in a ‘Performance Troupe’ to gain performance experiences at public events across the Sunshine Coast.

Laura created First Pointe with the purpose of welcoming all students of all ages, into a relaxed, fun and safe environment

especially tailored for their age, needs and abilities. Laura has developed all classes as a fun dance experience that she strongly believes will have a lifelong impact on each student.

Principal Laura is highly qualiied to teach your child the correct dance techniques and also learn the joy of dance.

Performance Troupe dancers performing at Buderim Views Aged Care Home

Join the dancing FUN with First Pointe

Affordable & fun illed dance classes in a safe environment at ive different studio locations across the Sunshine Coast

• Mudjimba • Noosa • Buderim • Kawana Island • Verrierdale Hall Your child will beneit from professional tutoring and have fun at dancing, with no pressure of exams or competitions and no expensive dance uniforms!

Dance classes includes: Ballet • Jazz • Hip Hop • Acrobatics plus more Talk to Principal Laura today about enrolling your child with First Pointe QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE: • A.R.A.D & Advanced 2 RAD • Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in Professional Dance & Performance Studies • Diploma in Professional Dance & Performance Studies • G.N.V.Q Performing Arts • 8 years teaching experience • First Aid Certiicate & Blue Card

First Pointe Dance

Mobile: 0435 079 108 | Email: firstpointedance@gmail.com facebook.com/firstpointedance 12372458-RA48-17

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

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SUMMER 2017/2018 7

It’s

your life

When ' s the right time to leave them

IT TURNS out the Wet Bandits were not the only ones on the wrong side of the law in the Home Alone series - if the McCallisters had lived in Queensland, Kevin’s parents might have joined the would-be burglars in jail.

In the lead up to the school holidays, many working parents will be scrambling to piece together two weeks of appropriate supervision for their school-aged children.

It must be sweet relief for parents when their children finally reach an age when they can be trusted to safely entertain and feed themselves at home for a day - no more juggling annual leave and calling in favours from other parents, family and friends to supervise.

Exactly when that age is, though, is open for debate.

Slater and Gordon criminal lawyer Emma Aldersea said parents did have legal obligations when it came to child supervision.

“As the school holidays approach, many parents find themselves asking the same question: are my children old enough to stay at home alone?”

Ms Aldersea said.

“Queensland is the only state that explicitly states ‘children under the age of 12 cannot be left alone for an ‘unreasonable’ amount of time without making reasonable provision for the supervision and care of the child’, with

alone?

a maximum penalty of three years in jail.

for five minutes to three days,” Ms Aldersea said.

“The law is less clear about specific age limits in the other states and territories, but that doesn’t mean there is no legal obligation on parents to ensure their children are properly looked after.

“When deciding whether the time left alone was unreasonable, the courts will consider things like the age and capacity of the child, the length of time the child is left unattended, the presence or absence of shelter, food and water, and the reason the child was left unattended.

“Inadequate child supervision offences exist in Victoria ... and could apply to children of up to 16 or 18 years of age (depending on the state) in certain circumstances.”

The Victorian Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 states that “A person who has the control or charge of a child must not leave the child without making reasonable provision for the child’s supervision and care for a time which is unreasonable having regard to all the circumstances of the case.”

Penalties could be a $3886 fine, six months imprisonment, or both.

“There’s also the Commonwealth Family Law Act, which makes it pretty clear that parents and guardians have an obligation to provide children with accommodation, food, clothing and other ‘necessities of life’,” Ms Aldersea said.

Ms Aldersea said what constitutes an ‘unreasonable’ amount of time and ‘reasonable supervision and care’ would depend on the circumstances.

Ms Aldersea said parents should use their own judgment when deciding whether or not their child is ready to look after themself.

“What may seem like a safe situation for one child might not be for another, so parents need to consider the maturity of their child as well as the environment they are being left in before leaving them at home.”

“Cases that have been before the court vary from leaving a child alone

Allergies on

the rise

By Jade Glen CHILDHOOD allergies are on the rise across the globe, but Australia takes the cake - so long as the proverbial cake is egg, nut and wheat-free.

Australian kids are more likely to have food allergies than their international peers, according to new research by the Australian Centre of Food and Allergy Research.

‘The study followed 5276 Australian children from age one to four.

As one-year-olds, 11 per cent of children had a challenge-confirmed food allergy, dwindling to 3.8 per cent at age four.

Reduction of egg allergy was the main driver of this change, dropping from 9.5 per cent to 1.2 per cent.

Peanut allergies also fell, but remained the most prevalent food allergy in four-year-olds.

The new results, published in the 8 SUMMER 2017/2018

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, reflect previous research which has shown about 20 per cent of children will outgrow peanut allergy and 80 per cent will develop tolerance to egg.

The prevalence of asthma, eczema and hay fever in four-year-olds was also measured, said the study’s lead author Dr Rachel Peters from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Asthma prevalence was 10.8 per cent, eczema was 16 per cent and hay fever 8.3 per cent, Dr Peters said.

“Overall, 40 to 50 per cent of this population-based cohort experienced symptoms of any allergic disease in the first four years of their life,” she said.

“Although the prevalence of food allergy decreased between ages one and four, the prevalence of any allergic disease among four-year-old children is still remarkably high.”

Senior author Prof Katie Allen said the

study results were among the most robust in the world as they were derived from a large sample size, a high response rate from participants and relied on the gold-standard oral food challenges to measure allergies. Other non-food allergies were measured by questioning parents about whether their children had been diagnosed by a doctor and experienced symptoms of asthma, eczema or hayfever in the past year.

Prof Allen said there had been an increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases internationally, initially marked by a rise in asthma, eczema and hayfever, peaking in the 1990s and 2000s. “This was followed by the second wave of the allergy epidemic with an increase in reported food allergies over the last two decades. Allergies are now recognised as a significant public health concern,” Prof Allen said.

Children in the study will now be followed up at age six and 10. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

It’s

your life

Cushion the stress: ' tis season of good cheer ‘TIS the season to be jolly - or stressed.

Christmas is a whirlwind of gettogethers, gifts and good cheer; on the flip side it’s also a time when emotions and expectations can run high, old family tensions can be inflamed, and time and money can feel in short supply.

It’s an especially difficult period for those that have recently lost a love one, gone through a separation or divorce, or are navigating their first Christmas as a blended family.

Jayne Ferguson, Relationship Australia Victoria’s assistant manager and senior clinician, said it was normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed at any time of year, especially during Christmas and the holiday period.

“The Christmas and holiday season can be a difficult time for lots of families.

For many families, it is a time of stress, with a sense of obligation to host or be a part of family and end-of-year activities and celebrations.

“In some instances, the Christmas period is the one and only time that families come together, often in large family groups, and this can cause tensions or anxiety about being in the same space as others they may have difficulties or issues with.”

Here, Ms Ferguson shares some tips to help you navigate some Christmas challenges.

IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY SEPARATED “Be mindful that while this time of the year is promoted as a joyous and positive time where we spend time together, this is not always possible or the case for all families. For some children, sharing time and holiday periods between parents is the reality and this can be unsettling and sometimes conflictual, depending on the relationship between the separated families,” Ms Ferguson said.

“Parents need to communicate the plans for children clearly and respectfully, and maintain a sense of fairness for the sake of the children.

Children should always have a voice in the situation and can even be involved in the planning - where age appropriate - regarding their wishes and desires for this period. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

“If parents are struggling with the conditions around access and unable to reach an agreement that looks after the best interests of the children, they can seek assistance from family dispute resolution or mediation services, such as that offered by Relationships Australia Victoria.”

IF IT’S YOUR FIRST CHRISTMAS AS A BLENDED FAMILY “It is perfectly fine to continue or retain family traditions, events etc., after a family has separated or is blended. It is also important though, to consider new traditions that honour the new family dynamic.

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“Naturally, parents should be equal and fair in all aspects of Christmas - from gift giving, to time spent together.

“A new step-family or blended family provides a great opportunity to be creative with new and different traditions or events for the Christmas period.”

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

IF YOU HAVE TENSION IN YOUR OWN FAMILY “Parents should always keep any issues or tensions they have with their own family of origin separate from their children. Parents need to be responsible in sharing information to their children and be respectful in their communications - indicating that they find it difficult to be with their family/ families over these significant times, but to not allow it to impact the season for them or their children. If their issues or the tension is difficult or challenging, then people need to seek support to manage their grief, anger, anxiety that being with their family may evoke.”

Ms Ferguson said Christmas was a time of expectation, especially regarding spending time together, money spent, gifts and holiday destinations.

“Families need to be clear on what works for them, what they can afford and to make choices that minimise stress and any negative impact on them and their children,” she said.

12372698-RC48-17

By Jade Glen

It’s fun to

Learn & Play and the YMCA!

Relationships Australia Victoria provides a range of services to support individuals, couples and families, including counselling and family dispute resolution. To find out more or to make an appointment, call 1300 364 277 or visit www.rav.org.au.

SUMMER 2017/2018 9

your life It’s

Travelling with

toddlers

By LIA SPENCER IN SEPTEMBER, I decided to do the unthinkable in an effort to surprise my younger sister who had just become a new mum. I packed my bags, clenched my teeth and braved a 24 hour trip to Canada with a very busy two year old – alone!

I couldn’t sleep for days leading up to the trip thinking about what a nightmare it would be if Isla ended up teething or sick while on the plane, or if she decided to throw a tantrum in customs or if she felt like bursting into her very loud rendition of ‘Let it Go’ while others slept (which is actually super cute when we are at home or amongst friends). But thankfully Isla is an experienced flyer and handled the trip like a pro!

The iPad was loaded with Dora and Peppa Pig episodes.

“

“

Be patient!

This one is easier said than done…

10 SUMMER 2017/2018

After we waved her daddy goodbye at the airport, I held Isla tight as we went through customs. She was too busy checking out all the Dora and Elsa bags other kids had to worry about the long line ahead. Once through, we got sucked into one of many airport gift shops and bought a keychain stuffed monkey to play with until we got on the plane.

She slept for the first flight, which meant she had tons of energy when we got to New Zealand.

There, my fitbit got a huge workout as we travelled up and down the escalators about a billion times until we boarded our second flight – where our luck would have it we got upgraded to a skycouch – a row of three seats in economy which turn into a bed. Isla was then able to sleep for about nine hours out of the 13 hour flight, allowing me to get a little bit of shut eye as well.

My patience was put to the test in Vancouver, when customs and long lines seemed to take a toll on both of us, but the entire trip was worth it when we were reunited with my family in Calgary a short time later.

The two weeks we had in Canada were worth every penny and every second of airport mayhem. Isla had some great quality time with my parents, her aunts and her cousins and we were both pretty sad to leave. The trip back was bittersweet – having to leave one side of her family, but being able to return to the other.

I definitely have a new-found appreciation for parents who travel with more than one child, and though I don’t pretend in any capacity to be an expert in flying with a toddler – I do have a few tips I found helpful with my travels.

1. If possible, book an overnight flight so your child can get some rest. Change them into their pyjamas before the flight and put up the armrest so they can sleep on your lap. If you have a baby under aged two you may be able to book the bassinet seat, which gives them something to sleep in and gives you a lot more leg room.

2. Pack lightly! I packed one book bag with my id, credit cards, passports and medication in the front pockets and packed toys, snacks, nappies and a change of clothes in the main section. I packed my handbag and wallet and other bulky items in my suitcase.

3. Toys and snacks, toys and snacks, toys and snacks! I packed the iPad full of her favourite Peppa Pig and Dora episodes – though she liked watching the cartoons provided on the in-flight entertainment instead.

I also packed a few small toys which

would take up little space and a lot of time (stickers, colouring book, flash cards and a new Elsa doll). I also packed lollipops to help relieve the pressure on her ears on take-off and landing, teddy bear biscuit packs, fruit strings, sultanas and some of her other favourite snacks.

4. Make sure to book a children’s meal.

Most airlines will give you an adult’s meal unless you indicate otherwise.

The children’s meal also comes before yours, allowing you more time to help them eat, clean-up and get organised before it’s your time to eat.

5. Plan your toilet breaks! I didn’t want to ask the crew or the woman sitting next to us to watch Isla while I used the toilets – but I am sure they would have helped if I had asked. Instead if I knew Isla was getting sleepy, we would go to the toilet before her eyes closed, and once again when they re-opened. We also went before we got on the plane and after we landed.

6. Be patient! This one is easier said than done but the more I tried to relax, the more relaxed I found Isla was. We walked the length of the airports many times, did several flights of stairs and escalators, read books, sang songs, played games and made a few pit-stops for airport potty breaks and cafe treats.

7. Try to have fun! Every time the aeroplane took off, Isla and I would both say ‘3, 2,1 Blastoff!’ and watched the world below from her window.

Every time it landed, we would hold hands and laugh in anticipation. She would squeal with excitement when the tyres reached the runway and I would take a huge deep breath in relief that it was over! www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

It’s

your life

Christina with her son Leonardo.

Tips to

stretch a

dollar

By Lia Spencer

I have always been stri ct with money, but more so since my husband took up a career change...

SCHOOL fees. Sports registrations.

Entertainment. Food. Bills. The list goes on and on.

It’s easy to blow the budget with the list of expenses families incur, but one mum is sharing her super-savvy tips to help others stretch their dollar.

Christina D’Sylva began posting buck-saving posts on her Instagram account after giving birth to her son Leonardo.

“I have always been strict with money, but more so since my husband took up a career change and become an adult apprentice and I began maternity leave with my son,” she said.

“I started the Instagram page in November 2016. Being on mat leave means you have a lot of time to hit the shops but not necessarily a lot of spare cash, so I wanted to show other people how they can still have some nice new things without breaking the bank.”

The page has drummed up a lot of interest from like-minded parents.

“I often get messages from followers saying they have started implementing some of my ideas in their home and it has helped them save money,” she said.

“Most of my friends live in my area, so they’ve loved that I’ve tagged what store I’ve been in, so they too can go and buy those items if they want. I only post what’s current so that those items are still available.”

Christina said she did a big grocery shop fortnightly using supermarkets and discount shops, spending on average $200 and using all ingredients in her meals to avoid wastage.

She also has set up direct debits for all her bills meaning they are never behind, and often, in credit, and she rarely pays full price for anything and only splurges on gifts or items that have long-term benefits.

“One of my favourite buys has been my Thermomix. This is not cheap by any means, and it took me a lot of contemplating and saving to actually buy one. It ended up being my 30th birthday present. But it has helped saved me time and money since I’ve had it,” she said.

The money the family is saving on discounts will go to hosting and attending family events such as birthday parties and weddings in the short-term, and in the long-term, paying off their mortgage and contributing to a saving account for their son.

“We want him to have a great start in life and with the way things are going with housing in Melbourne, we would love to be able to help him with a house deposit in the future,” she said.

Christina said the biggest advice she had to those wanting to save some money was to make a budget!

You can follow Christina’s Instagram page at @the_stingy_mama

Are you looking to attract Noosa Shire residents to your business?

Market to a readership in excess of 35000 in a full gloss tabloid newsmagazine • Published weekly • Pdf page turner can be viewed online noosatoday.com.au For further details contact sales@noosatoday.com.au or phone 5455 6946 12373020-LB48-17

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 11

Never too early to work on

that smile

Simone Gardner, Paul Barnicoat, Kim Barnicoat and Tiarah Nash welcome you to BKP Dental.

WE all want what’s best for our children. From the day they are conceived, our primary goal is to keep them healthy and safe.

BKP Dental in Tewantin are aware that pregnancy has its challenges which can include maintaining healthy teeth. From the swollen ankles to the replacement of our bodies, with two bodies sharing the same space, both needing nourishment and rest.

Throughout pregnancy, the unborn baby is already beginning to grow his new teeth, as early as 6 to 8 weeks the baby teeth have started to form, and by 20 weeks the adult teeth are forming. Imagine, some of us have only just found out we are expecting!

Does healthy teeth for all children for a lifetime sound impossible? BKP Dental Tewantin want to assure you, not only is it entirely possible, it’s cheaper, healthier and easier than you may think. With a few simple tips you can care for a child’s teeth in no time at all.

Organic, natural no sugar added, these are shopping phrases we all use, and they are best for baby and their teeth - the more processed the food is the worse it is for teeth.

5 top tips for

healthy children’s teeth.

1. Avoid putting juice into bottles for baby.

Sugar in juice has already been processed and therefore can cause cavities, a small amount of diluted juice will do just as much damage as the neat stuff.

2. Promote healthy snacking.

Fruit sugars are different to processed sugars, so encourage fruit/veg snacks not biscuits or lollies. Dried fruit has very high sugar content, so save this as a treat.

3. Brush teeth two times a day.

You don’t have to use a toothbrush until the baby is ready, but as soon

as the first tooth appears, plaque will settle and cavities can form. Use a facecloth, or a cotton bud to wipe the plaque from the teeth and a toothbrush when you feel the baby is ready.

4. Toothpaste or not?

If you want to use a toothpaste use one, but beware babies don’t always like them! Use a very small amount - babies and toddlers struggle to spit it out so will swallow, so it’s OK not to use toothpaste at first.

5. Visit the dentist There is nothing worse for your child than a fall, sore mouth, and strange

place with strange people. Get them used to coming in and having a ride in the chair and a polish and it’s more fun for them too! Some kids are eligible for $1000 of free dentistry so call BKP Dental to see if you are eligible on 5455 5224.

Taking care of yourself throughout pregnancy is important. Bleeding gums (pregnancy gingivitis) is common. Gum disease can be associated with pre-term and low-birth-weight babies so why not begin your child's dental care now and treat yourself to a visit and a clean with a BKP Dental hygienist.

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WELCOME TO A NEW KIND OF PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY Dental disease is almost entirely preventable, and your oral health is directly related to the health of the rest of your body.

Now! Book Online from our website

Come in or contact us to make your appointment for a check up.

6/84 Poinciana Ave, Tewantin Ph: 07 5455 5224 • www.bkpdental.com.au • E: info@bkpdental.com.au 12 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Help hand is at

BEYONDBLUE has urged new and expectant mums to check in on their mental health, during Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week (November 12-18).

It takes just minutes to complete Beyondblue’s Mental Health Checklist for Mums - a set of 10 questions designed to give mothers, and their health professionals, an insight into how they’re coping.

The checklist and its results can be accessed at home, in private, and is followed up with simple advice from Beyondblue about what to do next and where to find support.

For mums feeling overwhelmed, the checklist - the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale - is a simple first step towards getting the support they need.

Some

Depression and anxiety can affect women at any time but the risk increases during pregnancy and in the 12 months following the birth of a baby.

Up to one in seven women experiences postnatal depression (after the birth of a baby) while one in 10 will experience depression during pregnancy.

Melbourne mum and blogger Laura Mazza had postnatal depression almost immediately after the birth of her son, and again when her daughter was born a year later.

word and a lot of people don’t understand what’s it’s like,” Ms Mazza said.

“My son wasn’t sleeping and I had trouble breastfeeding so I wasn’t sleeping either. It was a really hard time and I couldn’t understand why I didn’t have those gushing feelings of love that you’re supposed to have for your baby.

“I felt like I was a bad mother and I was scared that if I told someone and asked for help, they’d take my baby away.

Ms Mazza is expecting her third baby and has sought help early for the emotional months ahead.

“When I did ask for help, I felt this enormous sense of relief because I could be open about how I was feeling and I got the support I needed.”

“There is still a lot of stigma around postnatal depression; it’s still a dirty

Beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman urged mums to complete the Mental

Health Checklist so they could get the support they need as soon as possible.

“Having a baby is an exciting time for mums and dads, but it is a lifechanging event and can be really stressful for many people,” Ms Harman said.

“Depression and anxiety can affect us all but it’s important to know that support is available. The earlier we seek support, the sooner we can get treatment and enjoy time with our families.”

For more information visit www. healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au or call the PANDA National Helpline on 1300 726 306 (Monday to Friday, 9am-7.30pm AEST) or www.panda.org. au

help with key relationships

By Hollie Harris

is a first step in finding a better way.

WHILE bringing up children can be a wonderful experience, it can also be very trying at times.

Asking for help can give you different options to try in parenting your children and make it easier and more enjoyable once you have mastered these new skills.

Parenting can place enormous pressure on your relationship with your partner. Yet a loving and supportive relationship is exactly what you and your partner need most when you are facing the challenges of child rearing.

Learning relationship skills will help you to build a successful partnership as parents.

Relationship Support Services are available, such as counselling, to assist parent with with difficulties they may have with children. This can include reading material to help parents, to increase their awareness of issues faced by children and how to respond to them.

It seems challenging enough getting through the birth of your baby and learning about feeding and changing nappies.

But as babies develop into toddlers, then into young children and then teenagers, it becomes clear that parenting is one of the most demanding jobs a person can do.

There is no simple guidebook on how to be a good parent, so parents are often left struggling, wondering if they are doing the right thing or whether www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Reaching out is often hard, but can give parents good strategies to cope. they are being too easy on their children.

automatic - effective parenting is learned.

Family Dispute Resolution Services (family mediation) are available to assist parents to resolve conflict that affects children and this can include development of parenting plans.

Contrary to what many people believe, parenting is not instinctive or

Acknowledging that you as a parent are having difficulty with your children

There is plenty more to read online at www.raq.org.au SUMMER 2017/2018 13

Entertainment

Six

colourful days of festivities

By Hollie Harris THE Woodford Folk Festival, an event of international standing, is held annually over six days and six nights from 27 December through to 1 January. More than 2000 performers and 438 events are programmed featuring local, national and international guests.

This year will be the 31st Woodford Folk Festival and the 23rd held at Woodfordia.

The festival program features concerts, dances, street theatre, writers’ panels, film festival, comedy sessions, acoustic jams, social dialogue and debate, folk medicine, an entire children’s festival, an environmental program featuring talks, debates and films, art and craft workshops, circus performances and workshops, late night cabarets, parades and special events including a spectacular fire event.

Your children will be talking about the Woodford Folk festival Parade for years.

Within the festival village you can find 35 performance venues, of which

18 are all-weather. The festival streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, stalls, bars, street theatre and parades.

Tree-filled campgrounds, butterfly walks, ponds and wildlife complete the picturesque site.

This is a family friendly event that your children will love. There are endless things for children to see and do and when you want a little time to yourself, they will have a ball in The Land of Nod. This childminding service is a great part of the festival experience for the kids.

More information is at www. woodfordfolkfestival.com 27 December to 30 December - 2pm to 11pm.

31 Dec (New Year’s Eve) - Book in advance at the Land of Nod. 1 January - 2pm to 5pm.

The hourly rate is $15 per hour for the first child with discounts for families.

Children accepted from three years of age.

Starting from 6pm Lighting of ee the Christmas Tr

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n

Katie the Clow

FACE PAINT(TIN&CGS) KIDS EAT FREE

2nd Dec – Massiviesplay D Fireworks red by nso EVERY FRIDAY Proudly Spo Coory RSL Night we have Live Music & Kids Eat Free T & C’s and excluding public holidays

25 Maple Street Cooroy | 5447 6131 12372353-DC48-17

14 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Entertainment

Reef adventure is a great find DIVE in this summer and explore the all-new interactive zone at Sea Life Sunshine Coast: Finding Dory and Friends: The Experience! The new experience is now open to the public.

Don't miss this very special experience at Sea Life these school holidays.

Created with Disney-Pixar, the new experience features interactive magical moments from the box-office smash hit, Finding Dory.

“We are extremely excited to open this new and interactive state-of-the-art exhibit - a first for the Sunshine Coast,” Sea Life Sunshine Coast’s regional general manager Quinn Clarke said.

“Aussies love Dory and we’re excited to launch the immersive experience in time for summer. The new zone will allow visitors to actively participate in Dory’s journey as they adventure across the ocean and learn all about the amazing underwater world.”

Throughout the interactive journey at Sea Life Sunshine Coast, a Pipe Pals trail will guide and surprise with tales of amazing underwater animals, leading guests into Dory’s Reef.

Experience fun activities including, Ridin’ the EAC with Crush, Nemo’s Anemone Challenge, and using your own echo locator in Bailey’s Maze.

Visitors can then challenge their friends and family to see who can reach immunity the quickest in Nemo’s Anemone Race! Racing through the anemone and building resistance, just like clownfish in the wild.

Bailey’s Echo Locator is next, where

guests can help their friends journey through the maze by encouraging them through a fun network of communication pipes.

The highlight of Finding Dory and Friends: The Experience is meeting

schools of blue tangs (Dory) and clownfish (Nemo) in an all-new stunning coral reef exhibit.

Every interactive experience is designed to educate visitors about Dory and her friends and how we can help

preserve reefs and coastlines for the future.

Finding Dory and Friends: The Experience is open every day of the summer school holidays (excluding Christmas day).

NEW

Finding Dory & Friends: The Experience

Book online and save! sealifesunshinecoast.com.au 12372328-DJ48-17

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 15

party time

Sweet attention to detail

By Hollie Harris FIONA’S Fancies in Noosa Junction make your dream cake a reality. These truly are the most spectacular cakes you will see and taste on the Coast.

Your designs will be produced with your input and tailored to meet your budget where possible with a full personal quotation.

Fiona’s cakes are her passion and her trade, with no cake too hard to create.

Using only the finest, freshest and local ingredients where possible, free-range eggs, high quality chocolate and cocoa powders and no pre-mixes ever used in any of Fiona’s Fancies products, you can taste the quality.

Fiona’s Fancies recipes have been developed personally by Fiona over many years and she takes great pride in creating everything from scratch.

If you have a special occasion coming up, Fiona has created a great range of packages to suit all budgets and events.

Whether you are hosting a kids high tea party or are looking for a very special custom cake made to order or would like to arrange a take-away party pack (delicious hand-made sausage rolls, quiche, sandwiches and cakes just for kids) Fiona’s passion is to make your taste buds sing.

Available to order online any time and delivery to your door Monday to Saturday mornings is available for your convenience.

You will not believe the flavours and quality of Fiona’s treats until you taste them, so pop in Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-3pm at 3/37 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads, or look at her truly incredible work online at www.fionasfancies.com.au

• Custom Cakes • Wedding Cakes • High Tea • Catering • Wholesale • Macarons & macaron towers

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Handmade cakes & pastries

Open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 3.00pm Shop 3/37 Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa Heads. 5473 5317 New online Shop: www.fionasfancies.com.au

16 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

party time

trend for first-birthday milestone It's messy, it's exhausting, and it's chaotic. But it's oh, so sweet.

By LIA SPENCER GONE are the Polaroids our parents used to take of us, perched in a highchair with a single cupcake on the tray and a messy face in all our glory.

Now there’s a new must-have picture in town.

The ’cake smash’ phenomenon is the latest trend sweeping the nation – where, for the sake of a cute picture, a professional photographer gets paid to brave the tears and tantrums to get a great shot of your bubba digging into their sweet treat to mark that first birthday.

The mothers group I am part of decided to take up the challenge. Since there are two sets of twins, there were six of us adults and eight, almost-one year-olds.

Most who have never had cake in their short, 12 months of life.

Lucky for me, one of the mums volunteered to bake my cake, as there were only three cupcake shaped cake pans available for our group to use.

We spent several weeks organising co-ordinating beaded necklaces for the girls, bow ties for the boys, birthday hats and bloomers. We then matched our icing colour to their accessories.

One of the brave mummas offered to use her living room as the backdrop.

She prepared a bath for the kids after the messy event, and we all had cloths and wipes ready to go to wash down the walls and hardwood floors once the photo was over.

Our photographer, Jessica Paige, was a professional snapper and had done many cake smash pictures before, so she was better prepared than us for the colourful cyclone of meltdowns we were about to encounter.

First, getting all the babies together, wide awake and willing to co-operate was pretty much impossible. Some of

Photographer Jessica of Jessica Paige Photography was calm and collected while capturing the chaotic – but special – moment in the young lives of William Carson, Olivia Dudi, Stephen Cuckson, Ella Ryan, Mairead Cuckson, Oliver Carson, Isla Spencer and Levi Dalton.

Picture: Contributed

bin, and wipe down the floor.

EASY PEASEY! JUST LIKE THAT! the babies were tired, some were hungry, and some were noticeably concerned about why all the others were crying.

We placed the cupcakes in order, and at the count of three, sat our children behind them. Cue the storm.

Most babies burst into tears, some dug into another baby’s cakes, one baby rubbed the icing all over his eye, and my little girl tried to run away.

There were eight babies wailing and moving in all directions, icing spread across the floor and six mums trying to co-ordinate an orchestra – singing nursery rhymes and doing silly hand actions, snapping their fingers and waving their hands in a desperate

Alice Wack celebrated her first birthday with a sweet treat. Picture: Contributed

attempt to keep their attention.

Meanwhile, Jessica – cool, calm and collected – snapped away. Within a few minutes, she stood up, smiled and said: “Okay, we’re done”.

EASY PEASEY! JUST LIKE THAT! Luckily my husband had turned up to help, so he wrapped Isla in a towel and walked her home (which was just around the corner) to bathe her and put her to bed (despite the copius amount of sugar she just consumed).

A few of the others did the same, and a couple rinsed their kids in the bath at brave mum’s house. It took us only about five minutes to wipe off the walls (which luckily didn’t stain), throw the demolished cakes in the

It seemed like a lot of preparation and effort for five frantic minutes – but soon after, when we received the photos, we realised it was well worth the time and money to get such priceless photos!

They will forever tell a story of a time we, as mums, were daring and patient and our children were naive and cried from cake. They will be pictures brought out at 21st, engagements and weddings. They will be pictures our children will show their children, and their grandchildren.

They will forever tell a story of a simpler time in life.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I highly recommend taking on the challenge – as the pictures at the end of the day are the icing on the cake.

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Education

Scout's

headed for the top

By Hollie Harris YEAR 5 St Andrew’s Anglican College student Scout Nicholas was recently accepted into the Australian Ballet School Interstate Program, providing training opportunities for gifted interstate students.

Scout was involved in the audition process that runs throughout Australia and sees hundreds of children audition, with very few positions filled from each state.

“I found out just a few weeks ago that I got in, which felt really good,” Scout said.

“My audition went for about an hour but we had to wait quite some time for the results as there were still auditions being held around the country.”

The Australian Ballet is located in Melbourne, with most tuition and training held during the school holidays.

Scout recently fulfilled another dream, performing with Steven McRae and the Royal Ballet from London in The Winter’s Tale at QPAC. “I just love the vibe about ballet, and dancing with friends.”

Scout will start his tuition with the Australian Ballet School Interstate Program in 2018.

Scout Nicholas heads to The Australian Ballet.

Active minds at play

12370732-DJ45-17

AT YMCA Sunshine Coast University Hospital Child Care the children have access to a permanent art studio with various art media for children to create, explore and process their thoughts, views and feelings.

18 SUMMER 2017/2018

YMCA SCUH Child Care would like to highlight the importance of children’s literature and representational drawing and explain that art not only enhances creativity, but is crucial for innovation and adaptation.

Creative people have the ability to see multiple solutions to a problem, employ original thoughts and use their imagination. They believe that art

promotes such skills, encouraging unique and divergent responses and diverse ways of looking at things.

Children make efforts to communicate to their world around them and establish meaning via the images they create and they express the views and interpretations of their experiences through artform.

For young children; pencil, brush and paper are the best means of conveying their fondest memories, hopes and - at times - fears.

As stated by Pablo Picasso: “Every child is an artist”. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Education

An environment

for learning CHOOSING an early learning centre for your child involves balancing practical issues - a location convenient to your workplace, quality classroom facilities and cost - with the emotional and educational well-being of your child.

based learning and not be enclosed within sterile, risk-free indoor spaces".

So while the process of comparing the location, facilities and cost of various early learning centres is relatively easy for parents, the greater challenge is determining how the centre manages and encourages the emotional and educational development of children.

Sandra Cheeseman, from Early Childhood Australia, comments: “When watching a highly effective educator you can see them move seamlessly from creating a play situation, choosing different ways to be involved with children and their ideas, and drawing out the potential learning in the situation through their challenges and provocations which develop the play further".

Suncoast Little Learners, in Woombye, strives to create an environment where children can become enthusiastic, inquiring and challenged by embracing holistic and developmentally appropriate methods of learning.

Krystle Cullen, director of Suncoast Little Learners, comments: “We believe that the best centres are those that encourage children and give them opportunities for open-ended, play-

It is increasingly important for centres to create open-ended, or loose parts approaches, where play directs the child’s learning.

Marcelle Holliday in her book Every Child also argues for the play-based approach - where children are exposed to literacy and numeracy learning through hands-on, practical and play-based experiences, they are more likely to engage meaningfully and successfully with them.

Top tips in making our

early childhood decisions: ■ The choice of centre must be greater than just location, facilities and cost.

■ Children thrive in a loose-parts environment, were play-based learning is encouraged.

■ Play-based education should balance child-led trial and error with direct instruction from well-qualified early childhood educators.

■ Sterile, risk-free indoor spaces might be look impressive, but are they the right environment to provoke challenging learning experiences?

■ Ensure that the centre is genuinely interested in the emotional well-being of your child.

Krystle Cullen puts it well when she comments: “Early learners need adventurous, imaginative, whimsical experiences where education fluidly integrates with their day".

Suncoast Little Learners is conveniently located within the grounds of Suncoast Christian College with ample parking and direct (and easy) access via Kiel Mountain Road exits from Nambour Connection Road. Contact Krystle on 5451 3600 or learn more at www. suncoastlittlelearners.com.au

Love... Learning... Adventure At Suncoast Little Leaners children are free to let their imaginations take them on a journey through hands-on, practical play-based experiences.

• • •

Small Class Sizes - with a maximum 44 total children per day across both our Kindy and Pre-Kindy rooms, your child will not be lost in a crowd.

Within the heart of Suncoast Christian College - access to library, computer lab, community garden, open spaces, sporting facilities and Bush Kindy.

Highly qualiied and mature Christian educators.

ENROLLING NOW FOR 2018 Enquiries: 5451 3600 www.suncoastlittlearners.com.au 12372938-LB48-17

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 19

Fairy

Lace cap sleeve dress, sizes for 2 to 7 years, $38.

Rapunzel Dress, $42, sizes for 3-10 years.

Patch friends FAIRY Kait flew in to the Fairy Patch in Eumundi two years ago and is just as much in love with what she sells as her customers.

“I often hear customers say 'oooh look, a little girls’ paradise', or 'heaven for little girls'. I wanted to create that feeling of wonder and entering a magical world," Kait said.

“I love to see girls’ faces when they try on a dress and can’t stop posing and grinning at their reflection in the mirror, and having a chat about the fairies that live at their house."

You will often find Kait dressed up as a fairy, which encourages serious discussions about the tooth fairy, elves,

pixies and other magical matters with the small people who visit her store.

“I have loved introducing a big range of Fairy Gardening pieces to the shop. I enjoy watching customers delight in choosing from solar light toadstool houses, furniture, fairies, unicorns, handmade wooden tables with mini food and tea sets, miniature animals and bits, to put in their fairy gardens."

Enter the world of fairies and toadstools in the Eumundi Square, Eumundi Markets, and say hello to Fairy Kait on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays or checkout the Facebook page at Fairy Patch Eumundi.

Princess Dress in purple and in hot pink, $32, with tulle flower garlands, $16.

20 SUMMER 2017/2018

Tied Tulle Rainbow Tutu, $30, (four sizes toddler – teen).

Picture: Lisa W

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Fairy Dress here in soft pink/mint, $28, sizes for 6 months to 7 years.

Tulle Garland, lots of colours, also made to order for flower girls, $16.

Fresh cotton floral dress, $34, sizes for 2 to 8 years.

Princess Dress with floral broach, available in icy blue/soft pink/hot pink/purple, $32, sizes for 2 to 7/8 years.

Crossover back Romper in cream floral, $29, 4 months to 2.5 years. Picture: Lisa W

Vintage-look lace dress with pearl trim collar, $33, sizes for 2 to 7 years (model is 9).

Custom Wings made to order (price $120-$150), with vintage-look lace cap sleeve dress, $38.

Custom Wings made to order (price $120-$150).

Picture: Lisa W

Fairy Dress in soft pink/mint and in musk pink/hot pink, $28, worn with tulle flower garland, $16.

12372081-ACM48-17

Crossover back Romper in cream floral, $29, sizes 4 months to 2 1/2 years, also in blue.

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 21

Blue Floral Long Sleeve Rashie, $49.95.

Red Leaf Chevron Bikini Bottoms, $24.95.

Rainbow Geo Short Sleeve Rashie, $44.95. Mint Pebble Long Sleeve Zip Rashie, $49.95.

Mint Stripe Short Sleeve Rashie, $44.95. Navy Surfboards Board Shorts, $39.95.

Blue Grey Stripe Short Sleeve Rashie, $44.95. Blue Whale Swim Shorts, $29.95.

Navy Ropes Short Sleeve Rashie, $44.95 Navy Geo Marlin Swim Shorts, $29.95.

SUNSHINE Coast swimwear company Sandy Feet Australia’s 2017/18 swimwear collection features the coolest designs you’ll find in the sun this summer.

The new collection is all about celebrating the blissful lifestyle enjoyed by our Aussie kids, coupled with the retro cool of bold Scandinavian and Noosa-inspired designs.

Perfect for active kids, the range protects our kids’ precious skin from the sun’s harmful rays, is durable so it lasts a few seasons long, and there’s a style for every boy and girl.

Stylish graphic prints, retro stripes, bold colours, the much-loved Kombi, and super cute toucans all feature in the new collection.

All Sandy Feet Australia’s kids swimwear is UPF50-plus, chlorine proof, quick-dry and won’t fade or stretch over time.

Sandy Feet is 100 per cent Australian owned and operated, designed for play and made to last.

To view or shop the new season Sandy Feet Australia UPF50-plus kids swimwear collection, please visit sandyfeetaustralia.com

Red Chevron Bikini Top, $19.95.

Red Chevron Bikini Bottom, $24.95.

Retro Stripe Short Sleeve Rashie, $44.95.

Retro Kombi Swim Shorts, $29.95.

Rainbow Geo Racerback Swimsuit, $44.95. Navy Leaf Racerback Swimsuit, $44.95.

Celebrate the First Edition of Kids Today with

20% OFF Enter promo code: KIDSTODAY at checkout

SHOP@www.sandyfeetaustralia.com 12372154-LB48-17

22 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Creating

space,

stars galaxy AND

PLAYDOUGH is so easy to mak e at home, and this no-cook vers ion means kids can be involved mix ing and kneading the dough.

Most of the ingredients are prob ably already in your pantry and the addition of black food colo uring and glitter adds to the fun and provides an opportunity to talk about space, stars and the gala xy.

Mess factor: 4/5 - hands were a bit black and blue after kne ading the dough and the food dye left a stain on the benchtop - mag ic eraser removed it, but you may want to knead on a chopping board or other surface if you hav e light coloured benchtops. Glitt er was also liberally applied and spread throughout the kitchen .

Ingredients: ■ 2 cups Plain Flour ■ 1/2 cup of salt g water ■ 1.5 cups of boilin ■ 2 tbsp oil

tartar ■ 2 tbsp cream of g ■ Black food colourin r ■ glitte

No cook space playdough.

Step 1: Mix flour, salt , oil and cream of tartar.

Step 2: Put boiling water in a jug and add black food colouring.

Step 3: Add black water mixture to bowl.

Step 4: Knead together for a few minutes until you have a ball of dough.

Step 5: Add your glitter!

Step 6: Knead together until glitter is spread throughout the dough.

Enjoy! Add sparkly stars or use a star cookie-cutter for a space-themed playdough session.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

SUMMER SPRING 2017/2018 2017 21 23

reality bites

Sharing love, travel

and the miracle of birth

By Hollie Harris CUPID came knocking at Chantel’s door in 2010 all the way over in the UK. Her mother had known James for several years and within five weeks of introducing the two, Chantel was packing her bags to Australia with her new love.

The pair embarked on world travels and have lived in 10 cities in six different countries since their fairytale began.

An experienced senior IT infrastructure project manager, running projects for large corporations across Europe and Australia, Chantel soon realised that there was another way to create an income and decided to pursue it.

With a focus over the last couple of years to build up a home business, Chantel and James visited Africa, the UAE and Europe.

“James and I created a life of travel, living our passions, and by our own design by helping other people to work from home, create a secondary income stream and provide them with an online training academy to further enhance and develop their entrepreneurial skills,” Chantel said.

Although she had been told in the past by a GP that she wouldn’t be able to have children, Chantel was focused on her health throughout this leg of their travels.

“The news really impacted me in the way that it completely changed I viewed my health,” she said.

She embarked on a journey of self healing, studying elements of nutrition, fitness and overall holistic health practices.

“I explored all avenues of the human body, mind and core essence by becoming certified in areas of fitness, nutrition and wellbeing for over a decade to discover the essence of our overall wellbeing and how everything interlinks synergistically.

“From living and breathing my health, I can proudly say that we conceived within weeks of making the decision that we were ready to have a baby.”

James and Chantelle were still away on tour with their business in Gaborone, Botswana, when the life-changing news came.

“I remember having a feeling that I was pregnant,” Chantel said.

“Our baby was conceived (on my birthday) in Botswana only a few weeks earlier, so he’s our little African soul.”

With her growing cargo on board, the lovebirds were ready to head home to Australia to nest.

“As part of our travels, we have always loved coming to Noosa. We still haven’t found any place just like it, so it was an obvious choice to settle up here once we had made the decision to travel back to Australia,” Chantel said.

Settling in on the Sunshine Coast, James and Chantel prepared for the arrival of their newest family member and continued the journey to become parents.

24 SUMMER 2017/2018

Chantel Rose chose to focus all her energy on a positive pregnancy and birthing experience with Urban. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

reality bites

Chantelle and James with their first son, Urban.

“I began preparing, loving and nourishing my body years before conception through exercise, meditation, which meant that once I had conceived (immediately after our decision to do so) I only had to continue on the path of what I was already doing with a few minor tweaks to complement my pregnancy,” Chantel said.

Chantel is passionate about sharing her story with mums-to-be to remind them that having a positive mindset is so vital in having a positive experience in pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Many women carry fear about their pregnancy and the inevitable birth and Chantelle wants to help change that cycle by focusing on the good.

“Pregnancy for me was such an incredible experience. Like most pregnancies, I had my ups and downs as I transitioned through the trimesters, however overall the connection and bond I felt with my baby and my body was the most beautiful experience of all,” she said.

Of course, not all women have smooth sailing but Chantel passion is to educate and empower women to make beautiful natural choices when it comes to their health, their mindset and those they surround themselves.

“I believe that women are the core to a healthy, happy home for herself and her family and therefore I feel that being able to positively impact women’s lives by bringing them back to their centred, connected, aware and healthy selves that we could enhance the next generation of healthy, vibrant happy children.” www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Initially, like most of us mothers to be, Chantel had a plan in mind and her own fear to work through.

“The only fear which crossed my mind was that of medical intervention,” she said.

“I had always wanted to birth at home however it doesn’t seem to be a greatly supported or common practice here in Australia.

“Even though birthing at the hospital was against my values, I was willing to birth at the new (Kawana) hospital with private suites and birthing baths and create the same atmosphere as we would have at home.

“I had confidence in my birth plan and support to ensure that we still had a natural water birth with no intervention.”

Finding the right support for her little family was paramount from the earliest stage. Chantel was recommended midwife Beth Newman from Secrets of the Honey Tree in Eumundi for all her pre and post natal care.

“Beth created such a beautiful, nurturing space for our pre-natal visits.

“James always loved these appointments and felt so relaxed during and after the session. Beth has a way of emanating love for all in her care.”

Chantel had openly spoken to James in the lead-up to the birth about what she did and didn’t want for the birth.

“I summarised it in the plan, went over it a few times and wrote him a personal letter addressing him as my birth partner (Daddy Doula) ... I felt that this really took him on a journey and

detailed the importance of his role and contribution.”

they bonded during those early weeks of adjustment.

By inviting James to take on a large part of the care and letting go of the control of packing the car, making the phone calls, the trip to the hospital, setting up the atmosphere for the birth and working alongside the midwives, Chantel could focus solely on the birth.

“The highs? Staring at our beautiful baby, the connection through breastfeeding, having James home full time,” Chantel said.

“I wanted to go within, focus, connect, remain calm, breathe, meditate and work with my body and my baby to birth.

Chantel’s work has evolved since giving birth to Urban to focus on working with women and share her knowledge and background with others.

“When we arrived to the hospital we were taken to our birth suite and I had no involvement with the midwives and continued to stay calm and focused on my labour.

“The bath was filled and after only a few contractions and monitoring outside of the bath, our baby was ready to be born.”

A few minutes later, Chantel and James welcomed their son Urban into the world.

“We had Beth visit us at home for the first few weeks as our choice of aftercare and she was the perfect fit for our approach and our environment.

“We felt as though Beth was an extension of our loving family within this special time which was a very importance choice for us because we had no visitors for the first few months.”

Over the first few months, Chantel created a warm, cosy, loving and serene sanctuary for Urban at home.

Using dim lighting and zen music to help baby Urban transition into a whole new world around him, the couple chose to postpone visitors for a while as

“The lows? Managing other people’s expectations, gorging breasts, changing hormones and emotions.”

Her business Love My Essence runs online workshops and courses which offer women a space to heal, nurture and nourish their bodies for a healthy, happy, natural approach to pregnancy, birth and beyond.

“I would love all women to know that birthing is beautiful and with the right mindset, beliefs, information and support it’s empowering and euphoric.

“Birthing belongs to nature and if women can prepare their bodies, hold their space, be guided by their intuition, block out their surroundings and follow their primal selves then birthing is honestly magical, and we’ll see more empowering births revealed.”

Get in touch with Chantel and find out more about her inspiring work with women via Facebook www.facebook. com/LoveMyEssence/ *If you would like to share your family story with us and our readers, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with the subject line REALITY BITES at editorial@sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au SUMMER 2017/2018 25

reality bites

SAY WHAT! We asked ...

you answered!

Wo r d s fa il u s .. .

SCKT: What words do your ? kids always mispronounce y the (or what words did used to mispronounce?) l he says Caroline: Titty for tv! Cute unti a poor and my" mum , titty ll “that’s a sma !! you de woman is breastfeeding besi ng eati Yolanda: When my nephew was e wer es grap the some fruit salad and $ers“ slippery it was “slippery little f@# instead of suckers. latest is Shannan: My son is a riot our careful not ’re you if So . stick “dick“ for he’ll poke you with a dick.

-Bee-JayRachel: We used to go to Hay JB hifi. old ng bori just Five but now it’s year 6.5 my ning Shantrel: Every mor “.

Wix eat “Wh his for old asks ’t do the Stephen: My two year old can F.... “t“ sound so Truck sounds like rs“ now Megan: I miss the “happycopte ters cop heli that my son can say properly. say ‘Shoe Kathryn: My daughter used to bears’ for strawberries. for Megan: My little one calls out it. ‘duddles!!!’ Love always Cas: B-fruit (beetroot) haha was rite! my favo instead of Penni: My kids all say instinct T-Rexs are extinct. “Mum, did you know instinct?“

can’t Caitlin: Clock. Miss 20 months pronounce the ’L’. has Kerryn: One of my 18 month olds get the e sinc ” ggy “Ga dy dad called her ”. ddy “Da go! Her two sisters say ers, Jodi: My three girls eat cumcub walk and ning mor ry have breskist eve . tfath poo the on .

Alicia: Bumlips instead of lip balm n now Melinda: Effalunt (elephant) eve at 6. es!

Rhonda: Wobblies for wallabi bikini. ed call be to used i Mel: Zucchin Hehe. onalds!

Samantha: McDangles for McD it’ Kaitlyn: Toilet pronounced - ’wet n’t for Will w. elbo for bow Deonetta: Arm will not. t they say.

Heidi: Truck! U can guess wha

weighs down

mum

By Lia Spencer I RECENTLY read that actress Jennifer Garner holds an annual Yes Day for her family.

Inspired by Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s book by the same name, Yes Day is quite self-explanatory: for one day, Jen says yes to every request made by her three children. I decided that I too would hold a Yes Day on the weekend, granting every wish made by my four-year-old Isla.

Why would I do such a thing? I don’t know. Maybe because my husband was away for the weekend and I was looking for something different to do.

Maybe because I thought it would be a fun bonding experience. Or maybe because I’m a sleep-deprived mum and make silly decisions when I’m tired.

While Jen told her children that she would say yes to everything they asked, I decided to keep that important detail 26 SUMMER 2017/2018

to myself. Thank God Isla didn’t know because I am not sure how much more I could have handled mentally, and physically, in 24 hours.

Our Yes Day began as soon as the sun rose on Saturday. My five-month old son Louis had just woken, so came Isla’s first request: could she have my phone to watch cartoons while I fed Louis? Yes. Next came breakfast. Isla asked for jam on toast. Easy enough. But then, as though she had magical powers and sensed my vulnerability, she asked for an icypole. Isla hasn’t asked for one in months, but as Murphy’s Law would have it, today was the day she would ask for the sweet treat before 8.30am.

Luckily, Isla only had a few mouthfuls and decided she didn’t want anymore, but I think it was enough sugar to send her into overdrive.

By 9am, the fun had only just begun.

Isla hurled requests at me right, left and

centre, and I couldn’t dodge a single one.

At 9.45 she asked if we could go to the toyshop that day.

At 9.50 she asked for another snack.

At 9.53 she asked me to colour her a picture.

At 10am she asked to watch Barbie on Netflix. Actually, Doc McStuffins.

Scratch that, make it Barbie again.

At 10.03 she wanted another snack.

At 10.04 she asked me to pick up the toys she had dropped on the floor beside her.

At 10.15 she found me hiding in the pantry, sipping my coffee in peace, and asked me about the toyshop again.

Each request hit me harder and harder until I felt like crawling into a ball, with my hands over my head, and beg for mercy. I nearly pulled the pin on Yes Day by noon, but decided to push through. If Jen could do it, I could too.

We met a friend for lunch (Isla got a berry smoothie), went to a playground, sat in the sunshine and finally, found a toyshop where Isla took her own money from her birthday and bought a little doll.

We rounded the day off with tacos for tea (Isla’s choice of course), an impromptu concert in the living room and finally, a sleepover in my bed.

If this little social experiment was meant to teach me anything, it just redefined what I already knew.

Children need boundaries! But they also find joy in such small things. While I often try to incorporate fun activities into our everyday lives, maybe I just need to take more time out of my week to push the laundry or dishes aside and do more of what makes my children happy- like colouring pictures or dancing and singing in the livingroom. Maybe, I need to say ‘yes’ a little more often, just not to Every. Single. Thing. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

reality bites

online tabs track to

kids

By Peter Douglas WHAT does it take for a parent to pay greater attention to their child’s online activities?

The answer is – in my case – when it hurts the ol’ hip pocket.

Only recently, my wife and I discovered our nine-year-old daughter had unintentionally spent $400 in what can only be described as an online shopping mega-spree.

Now, this wasn’t like a bitcoin thing – or the gold coins you see in Mario Brothers or Sonic the Hedgehog – this was cold hard cash, as evidence in the transaction history of our debit card.

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

The culprit was an over-zealous child and the game Roblox, which - at least from the view of an ’80s child - is like playing Lego in the digital realm.

When we flicked through transaction history, it started with around $20, then $30 and $40 … and so on and then some more!

My little angel - bless her - had somehow discovered that by tapping in her iPod password, she could make in-game purchases, which – and I’m far from an expert – included things like items for her avatar (online character), or other gear and items.

Eventually, we spoke to her about the purchases.

The problem for us is that our debit card had been linked to an Apple iTunes account and her personal iPod account.

A mistake on our behalf … but didn’t she make the most of it!

But it was clear that, at the time, she truly didn’t understand what she was doing.

It may’ve been a case that she knew it was wrong, but couldn’t put into context the gravity of her actions.

She was remorseful, though, eventually offering up the contents of her piggy bank to make amends for her error (terribly cute, I know).

I’m the first to admit I should’ve paid

greater attention to what had been going on.

But I had only just figured out what Minecraft was all about.

Then, there is their FaceTime and Instagram habits!

It can be rather daunting.

The moral of this story, though, is that it ‘pays’ to pay attention.

Eventually, we did get in contact with Apple and we were able to receive a full refund.

Though, they were clear it was a once-off and we wouldn’t be so lucky next time.

SUMMER 2017/2018 27

Games and gadgets

Harper love s sw since she was imming and has been ha ving lessons 11 weeks ol d.

Jo with her special little lady Harper.

By Hollie Harris

Harper's life essentials 28 SUMMER 2017/2018

FROM the lush Noosa Hinterland, come and meet the Morgans.

Beautiful little Harper is almost two. Her mum Jo is a part-time personal carer and her dad Paul drives a garbage truck full time.

Harper goes into Family Day Care twice a week, where she really looks forward to seeing her educator and friends.

Harper also loves gardening, watering plants and digging through the dirt. She has her own watering can and is learning about where food comes from.

By eating a great variety of foods, Harper can recognise many fruits and vegetables. She also loves collecting the chicken eggs and tries very hard not to drop them.

Harper loves dancing and singing nursery rhymes and having conversations with her friends and Jo loves to roller skate and always seems to have a smile on her face.

Paul’s favourite activity is sailing and time together as a family, either just staying at home on their beautiful property is time well spent for the Morgans. *If you would like to share your families favourite things with us and our readers, please get in touch with FAVOURITE THINGS at editorial@sunshinecoastkidstoday. com.au www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Harper loves being creative by drawing, painting and playing with play-doh.

Jo’s favourite activity is roller skating and catching up with friends.

Daddy/daughter time at the playground.

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Taking lovely walks in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland is a favourite activity for the Morgans

Harper loves animals and has learnt to be gentle and respectful by having dogs, a cat and chickens at home.

Harper loves watching her mummy skate and it's sure she will want her own skates very soon.

SUMMER 2017/2018 29

As the

exci tem ent

builds Little Mouse’s Christmas Scribble $17.99 IF YOUR child is excited for Christmas, they will be able to relate to Little Mouse.

Little Mouse is a toddler that starts asking about Christmas in November. Fortunately Mummy Mouse is able to keep Little Mouse busy with some exciting Christmas activities, making gingerbread, choosing a Christmas tree and opening a daily advent calendar.

Little Mouse’s Christmas is the follow up to the Times Children’s Book of the Week Little Mouse and last year’s Little Mouse Helps Out. Author Riikka Jantti is a Helsinki-based illustrator and author, using pen and ink as well as watercolour and gouache.

The Scandinavian Christmas scene - arriving at departing childcare in the dark, dressed in snowsuits, and hurrying to finish the shopping before it snows - is a world away from Australia’s scorched Decembers, but the excitement and anticipation to Christmas Day translates easily.

This picture book is ideally suited for children aged 1-5, and would be a perfect addition to your December bedtime reading.

30 SUMMER 2017/2018

The A to Z of flying for kids

By Lia Spencer MOST children, at one time or another, wish that they could fly.

This childhood dream inspired author Lydia Di Giulio to write a new book which to be released later this year.

Twenty years ago, the Balwyn North resident told her husband’s four-year-old nephew Christian that she wanted to write a book for him and he told her it should be about a flying desk. This year, Lydia and her 12-year-old daughter Bridget brought that idea to fruition.

“The Flying Desk a-z” is the signature book in a collection published by The Flying Desk, which was founded in 2015. The book has been specifically designed to help young children learn the letters of the alphabet in a fun and engaging manner.

many different objects and an array of situations, along the way, that begin with that particular letter. The beautiful semi-realistic illustrations in this book complement each of these and help define their meaning.“ The first two books of The Flying Desk collection have already been published and have received great feedback.

“Where is Daisy?” is a picture story book about a little grey bantam hen named Daisy who lives on a farm with lots of other animals. Her special mission in life is to raise a family of her own but the farmer has other ideas.

It is suitable for pre-school to junior primary school-aged children.

“The Crystal Castle” is a picture story book about stranger danger and its consequences. Despite his mother’s warnings about stranger danger and wandering off from home, Orion is lured away by a golden pigeon where he meets a beautiful fairy who has a hidden secret. Consequently, Orion finds himself in real trouble.

“Basically, the book is about a little boy named Christian who embarks on a journey of discovery and adventure where he searches both land and sea for all the missing letters of the alphabet,” Lydia said. “One of the unique features of the book is that as Christian is searching for each particular letter of the alphabet, he encounters

Lydia said The Flying Desk collection of books were written to encourage a love of books and of reading in children.

Each book published is designed to be as exciting and interesting as possible to engage the reader. The collection of books were written in a style which mimics reality and are the kind of books that grandparents would appreciate

and enjoy reading with their grandchildren.

“When my son was a pre-schooler, I wanted to introduce him to the alphabet in the hope that he would already be familiar with all of the letters before he started school. I showed him the standard alphabet books whereby, ‘A is for apple, B is for banana,’ etc.

He got up and walked off. To him, these types of books were boring, and he was totally disinterested in learning the alphabet,” she said.

“So I thought that if I was able to write a book with a really exciting story line, this would entice my son and other children to be more interested in learning the letters of the alphabet.”

Comprising 288 illustrated pages, The Flying Desk a-z has been structured in such a way that it can be put away for another day without interrupting the flow of the story. It also has a ribbon attached so that the reader will not lose their place!

Anyone wanting to purchase “Where is Daisy?” and “The Crystal Castle” can do so from www.theflyingdesk.com or in store from hipkids at Deepdene or at the Bank of Melbourne in Kew. Readers are welcome to register their interest for “The Flying Desk a-z” on the website. It is expected to be released before Christmas.

www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

Sights and sounds of

summer There is so much to do across the Sunshine Coast this Summer.

The Eumundi Christmas Markets are fun evening option.

Cooroy Rooftop Cinema 1 December 7.30pm-9.30pm, The Santa Clause - PG , Cooroy Library Red Dog 2 - The Santa Clause-rated PG presented by Starry Nights Outdoor Movies in partnership with Noosa Library Service. For all ages. Commences after the Christmas in Cooroy Fireworks.

No bookings required. Entry by donation. For more information contact Starry Nights www.starrynights. com.au Christmas in Cooroy Friday 1 December @ 6.45pm Saturday 2 December @ 4pm Christmas in Cooroy is a free community event hosted by the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Cooroy and generously supported by many sponsors and volunteers.

Bulcock Beach Twilight Markets Bulcock Beach Esplanade, 5pm to 9pm every Sunday The place to be on Friday nights in school holiday season. This family-friendly market takes place on the waterfront at Bulcock Beach. Definitely the place to be to enjoy live music, delicious food, unique arts and crafts, and much more. Shops and restaurants on the Esplanade will be open for late night trading on the market nights. www.caloundrastreetfair.com.au Coolum Twilight Markets Tickle Park, Coolum Beach A vibrant market on the beachfront with about 60 stalls held every Friday for nine weeks over Christmas/ New Year.

Caloundra Street Fair 8am to 1pm every Sunday, Bulcock Beach, Caloundra Immerse yourself in a street market featuring over 200 unique stalls. There is something for the whole family with activities for kids, hand-crafted locally made products and art, live entertainment and street theatre.

Eumundi night markets 5pm to 9pm Fridays 2, 9, 16 and 23 December Enjoy retail therapy under the stars with a fabulous selection of art and craft stalls at Eumundi night markets. The village of Eumundi will sparkle, with village shops and the trees in the market precinct lit up with Christmas lights.

Christmas at The Ginger Factory Tuesday 6 December to Saturday 10 December; Tuesday 13 December to Saturday 17 December; Tuesday 20 December to Saturday 24 December Story-time is at 9.30am and photos with Santa from 10am to 1.30pm Twilight Markets Caloundra 8 December to 26 January With over 100 stalls lining the street of Bulcock Beach, street entertainment and a wide selection of food stalls, there is something to amuse the whole family. www.sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au

The Reef Hotel Noosa Kids Christmas Party.

8 December Enjoy face painting, Christmas colouring in, mini cinema festive movies and Christmas crafts. Book on 5430 7500 or www.noosareefhotel.com.au Nambour Community Carols 9 December, 4pm to 8pm Nambour Showgrounds Free community event with free rides, tea and coffee stall, market stalls, food stalls, animal farm, carols concert and fireworks. www.facebook.com/ nambourcommunitycarols Carols at Cotton Tree 10 December, 4.30pm to 8.30pm Cotton Tree Park, The Esplanade, Cotton Tree Come and enjoy a wonderful Christmas celebration with entertainment, food and fun. Bring a blanket or chair and join us for a night of great local talent, singing our much loved Christmas carols and a special visit from Santa. www.carolsatcottontree.com.au Coolum Christmas in the Park 10 December, 7pm to 9pm Tickle Park, Coolum Beach Family-friendly carols under the stars. Bring your blanket and your best singing voice. www.ccfchurch.org.au Rip Curl Grom Search - Coolum Beach 11 December to 15 December The GromSearch Series runs in 10 different countries with over 5000 competitors worldwide. The Australian series is made up of five events as well as a national final. Find out more at www.surfingaustralia.com/ states/qld/events Mooloolaba Christmas Boat Parade 16 December, 6.30pm The annual event is organised by Mooloolaba Yacht Club and proudly sponsored by The Wharf Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast Council. The parade starts at 6.30pm in front of The Wharf Mooloolaba before heading out along the main canals of Mooloolaba, Kawana and Buddina before finishing back in front of The Wharf. The hub of the event is The Wharf Mooloolaba which will be great place to watch the parade and enjoy The Wharf entertainment and selection of eating areas. Entry forms for the Best Dressed Boat and Best Dressed House are downloadable from the website. Entry info can be found at www.christmasboatparade.net Glasshouse Country Community Carols 17 December, 4.30pm to 8.30pm Beerwah Sportsground via Simpson Street A great family-friendly event bringing the community together to celebrate Christmas Aussie style. Special guest artist Colin Buchanan performs this year along with sing-along carols accompanied by our own local talent and pre-show entertainment. www.glasshousecommunitycarols.com

Carols on Kings 17 December, 4.30pm to 8.30pm Kings Beach Amphitheatre Come and enjoy a wonderful Christmas celebration with entertainment, food and fun. Bring a blanket or chair and join us for a night of great local talent, singing our much-loved Christmas carols and a special visit from Santa. www.carolsonkingsbeach.com.au The Woodford Folk Festival 27 December - 1 January More than 2000 performers take part with the line-up featuring local, national and international artists. The festival program includes concerts, dances, street theatre, writers’ panels, film festival, comedy sessions, acoustic jams, social dialogue and debate, folk medicine, an entire children’s festival, an environmental program featuring talks, debates and films, art and craft workshops, circus performances and workshops, late night cabarets, parades and special events including a spectacular fire display.

Schedules and ticket info can be found at www. woodfordfolkfestival.com.

The Esplanade Mooloolaba New Years Eve, 4pm to midnight.

Gates open at 4pm with free family activities, roving entertainment, face painting and food stalls. There will be live music on the main stage from Thirsty Merc, Cheap Fakes and Hoo8Hoo, energetic DJ sets on the beach stage and spectacular fireworks displays at 8.30pm and midnight. This event is a safe, secure, fully fenced, alcohol and glass free zone. Presented by Sunshine Coast Council.

Kings Beach Amphitheatre and Lions Park New Years Eve, 4pm to 9.30pm Bring the family to New Year’s Eve at Kings Beach, Caloundra - a fantastic family affair. Children’s rides, food stalls, fireworks, music, dance, face painting and heaps of fun things to do. Movie - Zootopia (PG) screens from 7.15pm and fireworks at 9.30pm.

Presented by Creative Events Incorporated and supported by Sunshine Coast Council.

Tickle Park, Coolum Beach New Year’s Eve Rides, sausage sizzle, popcorn, fairy floss and more!

Bring the whole family along and enjoy a fantastic fireworks display at 8pm. Presented by the Lions Club of Coolum and supported by Sunshine Coast Council.

Queensland Oztag Junior State Cup 26-28 January The Junior State Cup is the pinnacle of junior representative Oztag in Queensland. They host the best state-wide players selected to represent their venue and compete for the title of state champions.

Find out more at www.queenslandoztag.com.au/ events/ *If you would like to send in your event for our next calendar please email CALENDAR at editorial@ sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au SUMMER 2017/2018 31

Have you seen a new kid fly into the Coast? ssTTooddaayy id K t s a o C id e K in t h s s a n SSuunshine Co nnddeedd la d n a d e h la c n d u n a la d s e a hhas launch

The Sunshine Coast and Noosa region is one of Australia’s fastest growing urban corridors and is home to a rapidly growing number of young families.

To connect with this important group, Sunshine Coast Kids Today was established and combines three media channels to share information important to young families across the region •฀Printed฀Magazine฀(Sunshine฀Coast฀Kids฀Today,฀published฀bi฀monthly) •฀Social฀Media฀(facebook.com/SunshineCoastKidsToday) •฀Online:฀(sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au 15000 copies distributed across the Sunshine Coast from Caboolture to Noosa free.

A full gloss tabloid newsmagazine publishing six times a year and available from your local: •฀Day฀Care฀•฀School฀•฀Kindergarten฀•฀Medical฀facility฀•฀Dental฀•฀Café฀•฀Recreational฀location Operated by Star News Group, the business that publishes the local Noosa Today community newsmagazine, Sunshine Coast Kids Today is backed by one of the country’s leading Australian family owned independent publishers.

Sunshine Coast Kids Today is a powerful combination of social, online and print channels delivering reach into the lives of young families across this important growing region and is free.

Talk to our qualified sales team today how we can market your business to this ever growing and diverse sector.

Any suggestions how we can continue to grow and improve this product is most welcomed.

Publishing: December, February, April, June, August, October Inquiries: Sunshine Coast Kids Today c/o Noosa Today 36 Mary Street Noosaville Qld 4566 Online: sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au facebook.com/SunsineCoastKidsToday

Editorial: Hollie Harris editorial@sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au Phone: 07 5455 6946 Advertising: Tracey Combes tracey.combes@sunshinecoastkidstoday.com.au Phone: 07 5449 9837

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We truly connect with people and communities and have done so since 1909.