Stonnington Boroondara Kids Winter 2019

FREE WINTER 2019

Raising girls with Steve Biddulph

Zoos Victoria annual family pass Pinky's Boobie Bikkies + more

Fun in the snow A Star News Group Publication

at Mt Buller

about us . . .

Winter warmers WELCOME to the winter edition of Stonnington Boroondara Kids.

If you're looking for inspiration - this is the place to be.

I cannot believe it's already winter and I have to admit while it often sends a shudder down the spine of many, I just love this time of year..

We also hear about a new mum's realisation that she was having twins and we preview some exciting kids books you can snuggle up to the fireplace (or heating vent) and share with your kids.

We finally get to light the fire (or go somewhere that has one), devour all of and snuggle into bed with a hot water bottle and some warm PJs. And then there's the excitement of taking the kids to the park - dressed in their warmest woollies and splashing around the puddles in their gumboots.

Oh, what a time to be alive!

Speaking about lucky to be alive, we speak to some amazing mums this edition who have had their own private battles with pregnancy, cancer and IVF.

It's especially nice to be able to bring you a story about Busy Feet - run by the local Rotary Club giving young people with a disability to get out and move - and keep warm during winter. And how about a little star power too? We've had a chat to well known Australian lactation consultant Pinky McKay, the insta-famous Midwife Mumma, and AFL star Tom Hawkins about his promotion to daddy of two and how it's just starting to sink in for his two-yearold daughter that he is a bit of a name in the footy world.

And let's not forget some delicious recipes from the wonderful One Handed Cooks.

I'm sure you've all heard of the books Raising Boys and Raising Girls by world-renowned author Steve Biddulph.

Well Steve has written a piece just for us that I'm sure some parents are in desperate need of - and it's on Raising Teenage Girls.

Don't forget to keep in touch through our Facebook and Instagram. We love hearing what our local parents are up to, so let us know if you have anything you'd like to share.

Baby journey through cancer, surgery and IVF PAGE 3 Kew Toy Library wins national awards PAGE 4

Hypnobirthing - supporting women PAGE 19

Baby part of Tigers Cheer Squad PAGE 34

PARTY TIME

Protect your kids online PAGE 35

PAGES 20-21

ENTERTAINMENT

RECIPES Boosting your basics - simple recipes for healthy kids PAGE 36

Mum's want honesty, not a pretend perfect life

School holiday fun at BASE Camp Kids PAGE 22

BOOKS

Funding boost for very special kids PAGE 6

Get messy and creative at The Art Factory

Book shows changing face of Australian families PAGE 37

Socialise, play and learn at playgroup PAGE 7

Roola Boola full of fun PAGE 23

Steve Biddulph tells us about raising a daughter PAGE 8

EDUCATION FEATURE

Light up the night at Glow Festival PAGE 9

Lauriston setting foundations to love learning PAGE 24

Juggling being a mum and author PAGE 12

HEALTH FEATURE How to beat winter illness Difficulties with vision PAGE 13 Avoid late night emergency, use this app

Empowering girls at Siena College Give your child the space to learn at Andale PAGE 26 A long term vision at MLC PAGE 27

The biggest killer of pregnant women PAGE 15

Challenge develops good digital citizens PAGE 31

Avoid childhood cavities

Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

Cover Have fun in the snow at Mt Buller this winter.

Picture: Andrew Railton|Mt Buller FREE WINTER 2019

Children's books PAGE 37

Raising girls with Steve Biddulph

CALENDAR Winter wandering PAGE 39 Zoos Victoria annual family pass Pinky's Boobie Bikkies + more

Fun in the snow A Star News Group Publication

at Mt Buller

REALITY BITES Guiding mums on their breastfeeding journey

Fitwise welcomes new dietician PAGE 17

Mum wouldn't change a thing about her identical, fraternal twins PAGE 32

Invisalign for teens

AFL star welcomes second child

Sitting in front of TV bad for your health PAGE 18

The birth plan that didn't go to plan PAGE 33

2 W WINTER IN INT NTE NT ER 201 ER 2019 20 2019

Creative Services Manager Chris Beale

An inquiring mind is open to all possibilities at Genazzano PAGE 29 Does homework matter in primary school?

PAGE 30

Vocabulary link to hyperactivity PAGE 16

Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan@starnewsgroup.com. au Phone: 5945 0666

Korowa's pop-up parenting seminars helping to raise young people PAGE 28

Don't forget your flu shot PAGE 14

Nerves, anxiety and the dental visit

Editorial

Advertising Manager Mandy Clark

Hit kids cartoon Bluey fetches a second series

Tips for a fuss free holiday at Mt Buller PAGE 11

Stonnington Boroondara Kids Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777

Advertising Clare Vane-Tempest clare.vane-tempest@starnewsgroup. com.au Sarah Wright sarah.wright@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0666

These kids have busy feet PAGE 5

Protecting girls and young women PAGE 10

Stonnington Boroondara Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Photography Rob Carew

ccontents ontents IT'S YOUR LIFE

Stonnington Boroondara Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

www www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au ww.st stonn st onn on onning nning nn ingto ton onbor b o oondar oon da ak da akiid akids. ds. ds s.com co om m.au au

your life It’s

Baby journey

through cancer, surgery and IVF Parents Kelly and Luke Egginton with children Lara and Patrick.

By Melissa Meehan IMAGINE being told you had three months to fall pregnant before facing a lifetime of infertility.

That's exactly the news mum Kelly Egginton faced, with son Patrick just three months old in her arms.

Pregnancy had already been a bit of a rollercoaster for Kelly and husband Luke - they had spent more than 12 months trying to get pregnant with Patrick and had found out they were pregnant with him during a visit to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

It was only months earlier Kelly's appendix had burst while she was at work, later finding out what caused it to burst was a mucus producing tumour.

Weeks later she received a phone call from the doctors saying she needed to see a gastroenterologist and would likely need chemotherapy at Peter Mac. "I went to Peter Mac and they pretty much said I needed to have an operation and hypec (a type of chemo) to mop up any tumour cells that had gotten into my abdominal cavity," Kelly said.

"And at the same time they would do a bowel resection to remove polyps found in my bowel during testing.

"That was pretty confronting - it was big surgery and we had been trying to get pregnant with Patrick for over a year by then."

So Kelly set about asking whether the chemo and operation would affect her chances of getting pregnant.

And luckily, they said she would likely be on the waiting list for a while and it was OK to keep trying.

By her next appointment at the www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

Picture: Rob Carew

cancer hospital - Kelly was pregnant.

day four for freezing.

Patrick was born the following May and Kelly was back at Peter Mac within six weeks of his birth.

She had her first transfer on 9 October 2017 and received a positive pregnancy test soon after.

They began all the pre-operation testing, including scans that picked up she had two tumour masses sitting near her liver.

But her HCG levels didn't rise high enough for doctors to be happy, so she stopped medication and had in effect a miscarriage.

"So that was added to the list of surgery," she said.

So faced with her final month, and two attempts that were unsuccessful Kelly tried again.

Again, Kelly asked about whether the procedure would affect her growing family.

She and Luke had never discussed how many children they would have - but coming from big families they always thought it would be more than two.

They were sent to the Royal Womens' Hospital IVF clinic armed with questions - and were told the type of chemotherapy Kelly would need could gravely affect their chances of becoming pregnant.

"They said the chemo could destroy, or affect my uterus and ovaries," Kelly said.

"It might ruin my eggs, my uterus all of that, they couldn't guarantee that it would 100% be fine.

"So we had to go back to Peter Mac and they gave me the OK to try again for three months to get pregnant - but it had to be with full on IVF." So with a newborn in tow, Kelly and Luke started their IVF journey.

They went straight into a stimulation cycle but Kelly got pretty sick from that through ovarian hyper stimulation, which meant they couldn't do a transfer in the first month.

They were able to harvest 14 eggs, 10 of them fertilised and three made it to

"It was a fair bit of pressure. Early on I was thinking 'this is good for my babies to be further apart?', but as we got to the last month I thought to myself 'I'll go back to Peter Mac if it doesn't work and ask for one more month'," she said.

"The second time - it was upsetting, I was quite upset about it but I had a cry and moved on."

Kelly had her third and final transfer in November and was successful.

Lara was born the following July and Kelly was back at Peter Mac six weeks after she was born.

So with two kids under two, Kelly and Luke started another journey - her treatment and recovery.

By September she was told there was no delaying the surgery and she would need to have treatment before the end of the year.

"It was confronting, even though I knew it was coming, I had this new baby in my arms and we were talking about major surgery," she said.

"It was always in the back of my mind that I was not going to be able to care for them, play with them, change nappies, put them to bed ... but we were able to go to a Wiggles concert before my surgery."

The operation lasted almost five hours

and Kelly was in hospital for eight days.

It was a success.

They didn't find any other disease either, a relief for Kelly who had consented for them to take away any organs affected by the cancer cells.

"The recovery was pretty hard - the operation was on December 3, 2018 and I started to feel OK between Christmas and New Year," she said.

"It was hard."

But Kellly says she couldn't have got through it without Luke.

"He was amazing. I only saw him once in the eight days I was in hospital and then I went back to hospital for another four days because of fluid around my lungs," she said.

"I didn't see the kids which was hard but I knew they were being well looked after by Luke so I wasn't worried about them."

Lara was still very young, but Patrick was a little clingy to Luke when Kelly returned home.

It took him a little while to warm to his mum again after Dad had been the sole carer for so long.

Almost six months on from her surgery, Kelly is fighting fit and has been given the all clear.

"It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster - but its just part of my journey," she said.

"I don't feel too emotional about it - but I think having two kids sped up my recovery and that was great."

For now Kelly will continue six-month check-ups at Peter Mac and hope the surgery and chemotherapy has done its job.

WINTER 2019 3

your life It’s

Big wins for

Kew Toy Library

Preparing your teen for Schoolies WE might only be halfway through the year, but hundreds of Year 12 students are already planning their Schoolies week.

Experts at Australian parenting website raisingchildren.net.au say opening the lines of communication - and keeping them open - is an important way to connect with your teenager during, and in the lead up to, the party season.

"It's normal and understandable to have mixed feelings about your teenage child going away to Schoolies without adult supervision and to be concerned about their safety and wellbeing," Executive Director Associate Professor Julie Green said.

KEW Toy Library can boast about having two of the best.

"But it is possible to find a balance between giving them independence and keeping them safe.

Prof Green said an important start is to have a clear understanding of your child and your own expectations are.

Toy Library co-ordinator Ayse Bayramoglu was recently named "Toy Librarian of the Year" and the library itself was named "Best Large Toy Library at the national awards.

It's a huge achievement for the committee of volunteers that have increase their membership base by over 70 per cent in recent times.

But they won't stand still and have many works in the pipeline to get bigger and better in the future.

It is now turning its focus to the offering of low sensory sessions to provide an inclusive community service for those requiring a different approach to their toy library visit.

They are also trialling special Saturday sessions such as "Board game Saturday's" for kids aged six and above

with a games tutor on-site.

Established by volunteer parents of the local community in 1985, and formally registered in 1989, the Kew Toy Library is a not-for-profit organisation.

The library stocks over 2,200 toys which cater for children from birth to 12 years of age, in addition to children with special needs.

Set on a 60 acre olive grove with 360 degree views to the Westernport Bay and the rolling hills of South Gippsland.

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Our food comes from our farming neighbours, is ethically raised and truly seasonal, it’s simply and thoughtfully prepared and shared with our guests in a beautiful setting.

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your life It’s

Busy Feet allows kids with a disability to have something of their own.

Busy Feet: expanding horizons through dance

By Melissa Meehan IF you were to walk past Phoenix Park Community Centre on a Tuesday afternoon you're bound to hear a group of people having a toe-tapping good time.

And that's because every Tuesday from 4.30pm the Chadstone/ East Malvern Rotary Club runs their Busy Feet program for children with an intellectual or physical disability.

Spokesman Lyle Chasemore said the program was run for children aged between six and 16 years old.

"It's really great that these kids have their own hobby - their brothers and sisters might have footy training or dance rehearsal and now these kids who otherwise wouldn't have anything of their own can come along and dance every week," he said.

"And they can have fun while moving around and being stimulated by colour and music."

The classes run for 45 minutes and are run by volunteers, who provide one-onone support to each child taking part.

The Busy Feet program started in 2012 and provides many benefits for the

Busy Feet is all about having fun and getting moving. children and their parents or carers.

It not only develops confidence and skills for the kids but it gives parents and carers time to relax while their children are in a safe space having fun.

Busy Feet has provided him with great pride.

as important as providing something for the kids, I think."

The thing that surprised him the most was being able to give parents and carers some respite.

Stonnington Council provides an in kind grant so that the program can be held at the community centre.

"Initially they (the kids) are shy and quiet when they first join and then they burst in and say hi," Mr Chasemore said.

"Parents know their kids are well looked after, and there is only one exit in and out," he said.

"Other kids are non-verbal but you can see them light up when they arrive."

"So the parents can relax, have a cup of tea and have a chat.

Mr Chasemore said being involved in

"Respite for the parents and carers is

Busy Feet has programs in Stonnington, Boroondara, Melton, Bayside, Hobsons Bay and Bendigo.

For more information visit www.busyfeet.org.au.

Virtual reality helps pain and anxiety for sick kids VIRTUAL reality technology could reduce the pain, anxiety and distress of children undergoing needle procedures.

A world first trial led by Monash Children's Hospital in collaboration with the Royal Children's Hospital included more than 250 children aged 4-11 who underwent intravenous cannulation or venepuncture procedures.

"The virtual reality sequence reframes www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

the scary hospital environment with a reassuring underwater adventure," paediatric research fellow at Monash Children's Hospital and lead author Dr Evelyn Chan said.

12-year-old son Kai used the VR headset for the first time during a blood test last month, are excited to see the where the trial's findings will take pain management for children.

"Seeing Kai totally at ease when having the procedure that would usually result in kicking and screaming was definitely a welcome change," Ms Stewart said.

"While the needle procedure takes place, the child experiences waves washing and fish nibbling on their arms, reframing the entire experience."

Kai, who has cystic fibrosis and requires up to 12 vials of blood to be taken twice a year, typically dreads pathology appointments and is highly distressed around needles.

The trial has been published in The Journal of Paediatrics, and researchers are now looking to expand the use of VR in other departments and hospitals.

Parents like Rachelle Stewart, whose

- Melissa Meehan WINTER 2019 5

your life It’s

Mums want not a pretend

honesty,

perfect life

By Melissa Meehan

that I was answering the same questions day in and day out," she said.

AMELIA Lamont is a midwife and sleep consultant whose own kids had moments when they refused to sleep.

"So I thought 'what better way of putting together all the information, in my own honest words and how I speak, than to do a book?'

Armed with all the tricks of the trade, she couldn't get her son Alfie to sleep when he was three months old and her second child wasn't much better.

"I'm a sleep consultant and my daughter Essie is the worst sleeper," she laughs.

"I just say it how it is."

It's that honesty that has seen her grow her Instagram following to 38,500.

Better known as The Midwife Mumma, Amelia maintains she herself is the worst sleeper out of anyone.

Her mind doesn't stop and when she does finally lie down, she puts her phone down, gets an idea and picks it back up again.

So it's no surprise that as well as working as a midwife, a sleep consultant and running a successful blog - she added author to her many talents.

"I was getting regular messages from mums and pregnant women and found

"So I wrote my preggy guide and then all these mums asked me when I was writing a book on birth - so I'm doing that now."

She has plans to grow the series too, covering birth, birth classes, postpartum and the fourth trimester.

"I think mums on social media are desperate and tired and want someone to relate to, and I think that's why I have such a loyal following - it has been organically grown and I'm my authentic self," she said.

"I'm the same on my Instagram stories as I am in real life and people seem to respect that."

While most people portray the perfect life on Instagram, Amelia celebrates the highs but doesn't hide the lows.

"People don't tell you the truth on Instagram or often in real life when it comes to parenting," she said.

"I'm a midwife and I know all the settling techniques but even today Essie

Midwife Mumma Amelia Lamont tells it how it is on Instagram.

Picture: Rob Carew is such a little turd and she can be up until 10 at night.

"I'm a sleep consultant and I've been through it - and it's nice to be able to tell people that there is a light at the end of the tunnel because I've been there."

Not academically minded at school, Amelia always wanted to have kids and worked full-time as soon as she finished high school.

But with so much focus on kids and babies - she thought there was more she could do.

So she applied to become a midwife.

"And it's been the best thing ever," she said.

"It was an intense course but look at where it has brought me six years on."

THE MIDWIFE MUMMA'S PREGNANCY GUIDE includes: ■ Week to week of pregnancy from conception to birth

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GIVEAWAY The Midwife Mumma is giving five lucky readers to win a copy of her Pregnancy Guide.

Register online to WIN your very own copy - Go to stonningtonboroondarakids.com. au/competitions and click on Midwife Mumma

Very special boost for local charity MALVERN'S very own very special charity will rebuild and grow their Very Special Kids hospice thanks to funding from the federal government.

Children with complex medical needs will benefit from the world class hospice with state of the art and best practice clinical support for kids of every age and capabilities.

Very Special Kids supports families throughout their experience of caring for children with life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, muscular dystrophy and a range of neurodegenerative, genetic and rare conditions.

It is also one of the few overnight respite facilities in Victoria that has Division 1 Nurses on staff every shift and is the only non-hospital based facility in Victoria that provides end-of-life care for children and

support for their families.

With the need for end-of-life care constantly growing, Very Special Kids plans to start building next year and will provide ongoing support to affected families during the building process.

The new hospice will include new medical technologies, improving the level of clinical care, better support children with behavioural complexities and enhance end-of-life care.

Very Special Kids is a unique Victorian organisation that supports families throughout their experience of caring for children with lifethreatening illnesses, including cancer, muscular dystrophy and a range of neuro-degenerative, genetic and rare conditions.

-Melissa Meehan

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Find your

your life It’s

local playgroup Gumnuts Playgroup, Malvern www.gumnutsplaygroup.com.au Jack and Jill Playgroup Inc., Malvern East https://sites.google.com/site/ nirvanaplaygroup/ Malvern Special Needs Playgroup, Malvern biggs.meredith@gmail.com McArthur Street Playgroups Association Inc., Malvern jenny@unitedphysiogroup.com.au Prahran Community Learning Centre Playgroup, Prahran

socialise, play and learn at playgroup

FINDING a place where your child can socialise, play and learn before starting school is not always an easy task.

There are many different settings and businesses screaming for your attention.

But one alternative you could think about is joining a playgroup.

Melissa Meehan spoke to Playgroups Victoria CEO Danny Schwarz about what playgroup is and why you should join one.

What is playgroup?

Playgroups bring young children, parents, families and communities together to learn and develop through informal play activities and social interaction.

It's here to help families to have fun, relax and to build friendships that last beyond playgroup. Playgroups work best when they are inclusive of all, creating an open, welcoming and friendly environment for all children and their families, no matter their circumstances, backgrounds or cultural identity.

Why should you join playgroup?

Playgroup is fun! At playgroup you get to meet other people going through similar experiences, ease the isolation that can come with caring for young children and find out about local community, health and support services. It allows families to enjoy this precious time with their kids while they develop and grow. It also provides reprieve from the daily grind. Parents - you can have a cup of tea and unwind while your children play in a safe space.

What are the benefits of playgroup?

There is significant evidence about the benefits of playgroup and it continues to build. Vital development occurs in the first five years of life, and the first year is especially critical.

The neurons in the brain are connecting, laying the foundations for the year to come. The social, emotional, physical and intellectual development that occurs through the play and interaction at playgroup is great for the mind and body. Knowledge builds and skills are refined. Children learn social skills and language skills. It readies children for the next step into kinder and prep.

Playgroup is not just about the kids, www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

it's also about parents are carers. Their job is one of the best in the world, but raising children is not always easy.

Playgroup is here to lighten the load.

You can connect with other people in the same stage of life as you. At playgroup you can share, have a coffee, relax in a safe environment. It helps to reduce isolation you may feel and discuss things of interest to you.

Playgroup also provides you will access to local services you may need.

Does it help kids socialise and learn through play?

Playgroup is all about socialisation, creativity, imagination, sharing, reading, learning, outdoor play, self-expression and fun. We know that play helps children to learn and so we encourage lots of it, in a variety of ways. Playgroup Victoria has a monthly calendar of different themes: Healthy Habits, Creative Play, Active Play, Music Month, Science Month, Letters and Numbers month, and so forth. With this we provide members with an activity booklet to make the most of all wonderful things activities and events happening, plus homemade and simple things to do. It does not have to be whizz-bang to be good for us. Playing in the garden is one of the best things to do. Playgroup encourages families to explore different topics, bond over shared interests, learn new things together, discover amazing things about the world around us.

Why is this so important?

Learning through play is the most human thing we do. Children are particularly good at it. They are curious and eager. They want to be part of the fun and they desire more information - so they go out and get it, often without the inhibitions of adults. While playing, they explore, they alert their senses to feel, smell, observe and listen. They collect subtleties while at play. This is how they make sense of the world when they do not yet have the words or ability to express it as they would like. As Albert Einstein said, "Play is the highest form of research". Play allows children to study, investigate, communicate, bond, show love and distress - and truly, it is fun which also makes it memorable.

Can parents attend or can they drop their kids off?

Playgroup is a time for parents, carers and kids to come together. In the early stages of a child's life, their parents are their first educators. Right down to facial expressions, voice and scent, there is a profound link and this is where children

www.pclcentre.org.au Signee Tots Playgroup, Prahran (for deaf community) m.thompson@jpc.org.au St Mathew's Playgroup, Prahran helenj@stmatts.com.au "The Story Blanket" Balwyn Gospel Chapel Playgroup, Balwyn 9898 4922 Active Dads Playgroup, Balwyn

first begin to learn, with the comfort of their parents close by. This support at playgroup gives children an extra confidence boost to explore and play.

Some children are very young who attend playgroup and it is essential for their parents to accompany them.

Are there playgroups with facilitators?

Some playgroups are run by facilitators while others are run by supported playgroup leaders, volunteers or parents. Playgroups can be run anywhere but are commonly held in halls, schools and community centres.

Increasingly, nature playgroups are run in the great outdoors.

What are the differences between structured playgroups and those run by parents?

Structured playgroups usually have a routine: an activity, snack time, free play, story time and a song. Parent-run playgroups are more flexible and may have different activities, nature play or outings. All playgroups are unique and the members of that group are free to make it whatever they would like it to be.

What age can kids join playgroup?

Any children aged 0-5 can join playgroup. We have baby playgroups sprouting up, that your Maternal Child Health nurse can usually direct you to, or at least that can guide you in the right direction to playgroup. Depending on your area, you can find something to suit you. Often, it is good to have a range of ages at playgroup, so that they can learn from one another. If older children are bounding ahead, activities or an older aged playgroup can be a better fit for them.

0407 912 607 Bowen Street Community Centre Playgroup, Camberwell www.bowenstreet.org.au Camberwell Structured Playgroup Association Inc, Camberwell www.csp.org.au Canterbury Neighbourhood Centre Playgroup, Canterbury www.canterburynh.org.au Christ Church Early Learning Roster Playgroup Inc, Hawthorn www.christchurchhawthorn.org Craig Family Centre Playgroup's, Ashburton www.craigfc.org.au/ Daina Playgroup, Surrey Hills (Latvian speaking) 0421 709 339 Fun With Music Playgroup 9836 6560 Kew Japanese Language Playgroup, Balwyn North 0404 867 357 Mandarin Culture Roster Playgroup, Hawthorn 0434 350 459 Possums Playgroup, Kew www.possumsplaygroup.com.au Powerhouse Dad's Playgroup 0401 056 468 Real Mandarin Madarin Supported Playgroup, Ashburton www.realmandarin.com.au RIE and Steiner Inspired Playgroup, Hawthorn

Is it a good introduction to learning away from home? A lead in to kinder?

veronika.plantener@gmail.com

Playgroup is a great introduction to a child's education journey. It prepares them for kinder and prep in a range of different ways.

www.ruyton.vic.edu.au

How many children across Victoria are enrolled in playgroup?

Ruyton Girls' School Playgroup St Columbs Playgroup, Hawthorn www.stcolumbs.org.au St Hilary's Kew Playgroup, Kew amandal@sthils.com

There are around 10,000 Playgroup Victoria Members and around 40,000 children attending playgroup each week.

St Hilary's North Balwyn Playgroup

What if there isn't a playgroup in my area?

0405 381 463

Visit our Find a Playgroup page and search your area. From here you can extend your search to surrounding areas. If you are having difficulty, feel free to call our membership team and they will assist you in finding a group: 1800 171 882 (within Victoria) or (03) 9388 1599 (outside Victoria)

amandal@sthils.com St Mark's Anglican Church Playgroup STEM Tots Science Playgroup, Camberwell https://www.facebook.com/stem. tots/ Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre Playgroup Inc enquiries@surreyhillsnc.org.au WINTER 2019 7

your life It’s

Raising a

daughter makes you want to change the world

Raising teenage girls to be the women we want them to be.

By Steve Biddulph IT'S an interesting time to be a parent.

We are learning that every boy and girl is on a gender continuum, and it's important to let them be just who they are, and never put kids into boxes.

At the same time there are differences, for most kids most of the time. The average girl develops far quicker than the average boy, even in the womb, and there are parts of their brains that are 20 months ahead by age five. They take to school much better, they start puberty a couple of years sooner, and are more likely to go to university.

But its far from being a girls' world.

Part of the problem is that girls have greater awareness of other people, their feelings and responses. You'd think that was a plus, but in the craziness of the modern world, that can take its toll.

Girls are twice as likely as boys to get anxious or depressed. One girl in five will be on stress medication during her teens. As many as one in three have self-harmed, and suicide is going up.

We have a mental health crisis in girlhood.

To make your daughter strong, you have to change things around.

Protective factors are the ones that allow her to grow at her own pace, and not be pressured into conforming. Despite 60 years of feminism, girls are being

ever more told how to look and behave because social media, and in fact almost every media blasts them with pressure to look good, be seductive, be tame (though it's framed as wildness), drink this, eat this, wear this. Advertisers know that if they can make a girl anxious, they can sell her anything.

What helps? It's all in the way of life we create for our children (and the same goes for boys too). Lots of nature plenty of peace, a rhythm to our lives that has big spaces doing nothing.

Having plenty of plants, animals and open space. Few screens, the least possible TV, loads of books, stories, and being physical and free.

Parents who have plenty of time to just chat. A dad who clearly lets her know she is more special to him than life itself, who talks to her about everything, asks her opinion, has fun and spends time.

She needs role models of different kinds, so that from toddlerhood she can admire and emulate that gutsy auntie, that oh-so-unconventional family friend.

So when a boy in the playground runs over and bellows "you're fat" she can rise to her full height, tilt her head, and reply "I love my body. Race you to the fence", because she's heard an adult say that, and liked the feeling.

Stay away from shopping malls, diets, talk of weight or looks, clothes beyond what keeps you colourful and

warm and yourself. Op shops are good for this. Be outdoors, make and do things with your hands, don't take school marks too seriously, but take learning very seriously. If your family really has bad signs of stress (and the kids are usually the first to show this), consider having a year off and drive round the country as a family. The modern human world is crazy and we ought

TEN THINGS GIRLS NEED MOST (from Steve's book of the same name!)

1. A secure and loving start (parents who take time and are safe and peaceful for her).

2. Time to be a child - being messy, wild, and in nature a lot. And not rushed to grow up too soon.

3. Friendship skills - learning by discussion with you how to navigate their tricky social world 4. The respect and love of a dad (or substitute dad figure) who lets her know she is special 5. Spark - an interest, hobby or activity that captures her spirit and engages her in the larger world 6. Aunties - yes, someone you can

Picture: Rob Carew only to dip into it sparingly.

Making strong women is fun, and slow, and joyous, and it will make you want to change your life too.

Steve Biddulph wrote Raising Girls in 2012 and Ten Things Girls Need Most in 2017, He will be speaking on Raising Girls across Melbourne this winter. www.stevebiddulph.com talk to other than mum, who shows a different way to be female 7. A happy sexuality - knowing she owns her body and what happens to it, and that its a joyful thing.

8. Backbone - being able to endure, persist, hold to her principles, and sees you doing that too.

9. Feminism - knowing that the problems of her and her friends are part of a big picture of women fighting for respect and equality.

She's not alone.

10. Spirit - feeling connected to the universe, to nature, and to life, part of something larger that carries her through life.

Steve Biddulph AM, Author - 10 Things Girls Need Most, Raising Girls, Raising Boys.

Complete Secrets of Happy Children, and The New Manhood. Visit www. stevebiddulph.com for details.

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your life It’s

Embrace the winter and glow

RETURNING for the sixth year the Glow Winter Arts Festival 2019 will bring magic and wonder to Malvern East.

August with artworks that coexist and interact with the environment to create a visual delight.

Planned especially for the winter months the festival provides the opportunity to enjoy the winter chill and spark curiosity after dark.

With light reflecting off trees or refracting through fog, Glow Winter Arts Festivals makes winters nights magnificent.

Visitors are warned to rug up but you'll soon forget the cold as you are immersed into a neon wonderland.

Discover the wonder this August with all new installations and performances.

Glow Winter Arts Festival

Previous years have seen the Central Park fountain flooded with laser lights in 2018 and illuminated flowers in 2017.

Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 August, 6-10pm

Let your imagination run wild during the four day interactive light festival in

Central Park, 148 Bourke Road, Malvern East

TUESDAY 2 TO FRIDAY 12 JULY 2019

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WINTER 2019 9

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Give your daughter the tools to protect herself TEACH your daughter how to identify inappropriate behaviour before something could happen to them.

outcome of their strikes on an aggressor - but the Gracie Bullyproof program takes a different approach.

Whether it's being bullied, attacked or assaulted - Gracie Jiu Jitsu Burwood teaches girls as young as five to interpret the behaviours and intentions of those around them.

Children are taught to fight fire with water so you never have to worry about your own child becoming a bully themselves.

Once they turn 13, girls can join the Women Empowered program that more openly talks about sexual assault and other dangers and learn how to protect themselves.

Owner Robbie Singh says it's a terrifying statistic that one in five girls will be assaulted before she turns 15.

Most martial arts programs rely on striking the attacker with violent punches, kicks, knees and elbows where children can't control the

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu differs from other martial arts programs because they teach, first and foremost, to defuse confrontations with words and never to instigate physical aggression.

But also teaches how to use selfdefence in real life situations.

"Every class starts with psycho education with a topic, then steps into role plays on how to use voice to report to the person or family members or assert ourselves in front of the bully," owner Robbie Singh said.

"The last half of the class is the physical side, what actions we can use if we physically have to assert ourselves."

The key difference is that students at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu are taught vocal and physical skills in context of the variety of situations bully can occur in.

"The bottom line is: we will prepare your child to defend themselves against bullies and other dangers without turning them into one," Mr Singh said.

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Burwood is one of only three certified Gracie Bullyproof program providers in Australia.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Burwood Unit 2, 5-13 Sinnott St Burwood VIC 3125 Mobile: 0430 154 012

POWERFUL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT In addition to unshakable confidence, our goal is to develop your child’s character to ensure success in all aspects of life.

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We spend two months on each chapter, and during each class we dedicate a few minutes to discussing the featured character trait and the simple things your child can do to make it part of their everyday lives. The secret to our success lies in a unique point-based reward system that we created to excite kids about making daily progress!

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At some point or another, every child will be targeted by a bully. The Gracie Bullyproof objective is to give your child the physical, psychological, and verbal tools to overcome bullies. Our aim is not to encourage confrontation, but rather, to reduce fear and build confidence in order to reduce your child’s risk of being targeted.

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With comprehensive videos covering every technique your child learns in class, you and your child can use your online access to review past lessons and learn new techniques – from home!

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Blanketed in snow, the ski resort has just opened their new $6 million, six seater chairlift after a bumper start to the season.

Mt Buller

Just a three hour drive from Melbourne, Mt Buller is perfect for the whole family with plenty of beginner runs right to the village.

And their huge Ski and Snowboard School is a great way for kids to learn and build confidence on the slopes.

Kids can start lessons from just three-years-old in the Magic Forest, a special zone for little ones away from the busy main runs, and you'd be surprised how quickly they'll pick it up.

a winter wonderland

And let's not forget the tonnes of activities on and off the snow, and plenty of places to stay and dine for a complete family escape.

Picture: Andrew Railton, Mt Buller

Tips to taking kids to Mt Buller 1. Dress for the weather! Go for several warm layers covered with a waterproof layer, gloves and boots with good grip. You can also hire a lot of things such as helmets, skis, snowboards or toboggans in Mansfield or on the mountain. There is a huge trade in hand-me-down winter gear if you go online. Those cute one-piece suits are brilliant! Look for waterproof outer layers, one-piece outfits where possible to keep snow out and then light under layers in bamboo or merino for warmth and breathability. Velco mittens are super handy; you can open the whole mitten and wrap up little hands easily.

2. Pop the kids in a lesson with the pro instructors and their peers, while you

SNOW season is here and there is no better place to hit the slopes with the family than at Mt Buller.

enjoy some well-deserved slope (or schnapps) time. The kids will build their physical skills and confidence in a safe environment, enjoy lunch with their new friends, and be whizzing past you in no time. The memories they create will last a lifetime.

3. Book in advance. Book as much as you can before arrival online to save money and time. Accommodation, parking, transport, ski hire, lift tickets, lessons, and more are all available online. By buying in advance you will get cheaper prices and there will be less to worry about when the kids are in the back seat clambering to see the first clump of roadside snow.

4. Stay for a least a night if you can so you can settle in and enjoy the experience. A 'home base' makes it easier and many accommodation places do "Kids Stay Free" deals.

Lodges are family friendly options

with kitchens so you can bring your own food. Games rooms for the kids and cosy communal lounges are where everyone gathers for wine and cheese at the end of the day. If you do visit for the day, consider breaking the trip with a visit to one of the many regional cafes and produce stores in the alpine region.

5. Use a Backpack/stroller. A good stroller, or even better a baby sling or backpack is your friend in the snow.

There are some great backpack set-ups that protect your back and leave your hands free to balance and keep your little one warm and cosy and able to look around at the snow. A good buggy with the big tyres is also a great option for when there is fresh snow. And don't forget some sturdy footwear (you can even get boot chains!).

But the best part is that you don't have to stay far from the action - you can stay in the alpine village high in the snowline, with over 7000 beds in the resort, with shuttle buses and footpaths making it easy to get around.

Older kids are welcome too - and teenagers can enjoy kids pricing up until Year 12.

In June and September, up to 2 kids (under the age of 15) can stay free of charge when accompanied by two sharing adults. Look out for the Kids Stay Free logo when booking your next holiday to Mt Buller.

Start planning your holiday and look for the Kids Stay Free logo next to participating accommodation properties. www.mtbuller.com.au/Winter/ plan-your-visit/accommodation/ kids-stay-free

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WINTER 2019 11

your life It’s

Juggling writing novels and being a mum

By Melissa Meehan FOR many of us, Melina Marchetta's novel Looking for Alibrandi was the book of our generation.

Part of the Victorian school curriculum, it told a story of a young woman finding herself between different cultural identities all while doing VCE. And Melina's new book, The Place on the Dalhousie, also tells a story of finding yourself in the form of a house.

"It's about a house - also about two women who both believe they are have a right to that house," Melina said.

"One is upstairs and one lives downstairs, they don't talk to each other.

It's about the community they build inside the house and outside it and how they learn to become something other than enemies."

Melina says she loves putting characters in a confined space and seeing how they nut things out.

The characters, the daughter of a man who built the house and her step mother, learn to work with each other than against each other.

An unforgettable story about losing love and finding love.

"I don't know many people who don't have messy families - so I like working with the idea of family, and that doesn't have to be blood relatives either. It can be a combination of friends, past friends and people they let into their lives."

For Melina, the writing process takes between 18 months and two years to pull together a novel - it's not two years of solid writing.

And it's the perfect profession for her - she can be present for her young daughter while still working.

"I'm a single mum," Melina says.

"It's like the novel - I work with my community and I'm very fortunate to be able to call on people including my family when I need help.

"I never try to be away for more than one night - and that will change when she gets older and is emotionally capable of dealing with it."

Being able to work on her novel when her daughter is at school and edit the work once she is in bed makes a

Melina Marchetta, well known for writing Looking for Alibrandi, has a new book good balance for Melina.

"It's not easy, I would never pretend it's easy," she said.

"There are days like today where I know I'm going interstate tomorrow and I'm wondering how it affects her.

"But it's important for me to know that she is the most important person in my

life - but I also have to think about myself, I'm entitled to have a profession where I do have to step outside of her little world."

But the guilt she feels about travelling is balanced by her ability to be involved when her daughter was in kinder and even helping in the school library or canteen.

"The bonus is I can be flexible with my time and I can be there for her," she said.

"But if I don't do the work, I have to make sure with that lack of structure that I am getting work done.

"It's a juggling act and we're not struggling but I do fund the juggle is emotionally hard."

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Winter illnesses and when to seek

By Melissa Grant APART from dreary cold weather, winter can also bring a succession of insipid illnesses that can leave the whole family sneezing, wheezing and coughing.

help

"As adults when we get sick we want to sit down and not do much - children are the same.

"If your child is eating and drinking reasonably well, and if they are less jumpy around but still interactive - you can be pretty reassured by that."

matter. If the fever goes on for more than five days then that's a red flag.

Also, if a child is less than two months old they always need to go to hospital if they have a fever ■ Fluid intake: How much fluid they are getting in and how much they are getting out? If a baby is taking half their usual bottles then that's a concern. Not many wet nappies can also be a sign they need to go into hospital and be re-hydrated

But how do you know whether your child is just suffering from a common virus that will eventually pass or something more serious?

As most viruses don't have a specific treatment, you generally have to wait until they pass.

Emergency medicine specialist Dr Catherine Kizana says the colder months can bring various viral illnesses, the flu, pneumonia and asthma flareups.

When it comes to winter illnesses, there are various red flags that indicate it's time to seek medical assistance.

Here's Dr Kizana's advice on what parents should be observing:

■ The child's behaviour: Obviously we wouldn't expect an unwell child to be running around as normal. But if they are more seriously unwell they will be listless and unwilling to play.

But in most cases, she says, parents need not worry when their child is unwell.

■ Fever: A fever in itself isn't a major concern. It's a normal body response - it's actually the body fighting the virus. The common misconception is that the height of the fever tells how unwell a child is. The height doesn't

■ Difficulty breathing: Children with pneumonia exhibit signs that they're having difficulty breathing. When you look at a child and they're struggling to breathe they actually suck in the muscles between their ribs.

"Parents can get really worried when their kids aren't flying around like whirlwinds," Dr Kizana said.

When to seek medical help

Symptoms that a child exhibiting visual inefficiency may present with could include: ■ Headaches ■ Tired eyes

Is your child experiencing difficulties with their vision?

OVER the years I have had the privilege of assessing and assisting many of the local primary school children in Burwood & Ashburton. Having two children in primary school myself, I understand from a parent’s perspective just how much there is to juggle in a child’s life, with respect to health and well-being.

We all need to understand that children rarely complain to adults about difficulties with their vision, so routine checks are important. When I examine www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

children, I always keep in mind the concept of “clear, comfortable vision”.

Sometimes a child may see quite well, however may have great strain or effort in maintaining that vision. This reduction in reliable vision (visual efficiency) can be an inhibitor to effective learning, concentration, reading and writing. Sometimes visual inefficiency may manifest as behavioural difficulties in the school environment or lead to a decrease in the child’s willingness to engage in the school setting.

■ Inability to concentrate ■ Excessive blinking ■ Variable vision ■ Watery or sore eyes The visual system is quite complex. It starts with the eyes and finishes in the brain. It would be more accurate to say that we see with our brains, not our eyes, although of course we need both!

Once clear and comfortable vision is achieved, this opens the door for effective visual data collection, which the brain can then process. We call this aspect of the visual system “Visual Information Processing (VIP)”. VIP can also be a sticking point for many children, especially whilst learning to read & write.

Reading is a complicated endeavour for a young child and requires many things to work together: clear vision, good visual efficiency and good visual information processing. Children will spend the early years of primary school learning to read and write. They will then spend the rest of their school and working lives using those skills to learn

■ Wheezy breathing: Cold air can also trigger asthma, which is caused by airway spasms - that's when you get that wheezy sound. The medication we give make the airways wide again. We generally don't diagnose children with asthma until they are at least 2 - you want to be sure it is the correct diagnosis. Young babies can get viruses that affect the chest where you can get a wheezy noise.

Dr Kizana, of My Emergency Dr, encouraged any parent with serious concerns to seek immediate medical assistance.

"With any concern you can phone My Emergency Dr through our smartphone app or go to the emergency department," she said.

"We would rather people come and be reassured rather than not come at all."

about the world around them. To make this basic transition, your child needs their visual system to be working and co-ordinating optimally.

First we learn to read, then we read to learn.

If your child has reduced visual efficiency or eye co-ordination, it is often possible to strengthen eye muscles using very specific exercises which allow your child to train themselves out of the problem. Exercises are recommended based on their value for each different condition.

A paediatric Optometrist can provide comprehensive VIP assessments. Where appropriate, a vision report can be provided to aid teachers or other health professionals who may be involved in the care of your child.

Remember, your child often won’t tell you if they are experiencing difficulties with their vision - it’s up to parents to take the initiative and have their children assessed with an Optometrist who understands a child’s visual system.

Dario Canale Paediatric Optometristat, Ashburton Eyecare 196 High St, Ashburton VIC 3147 www.ashburtoneyecare.com.au WINTER 2019 13

Don't forget your

flu shot VICTORIANS are being urged to protect themselves against the flu this winter and get their flu shot.

The flu isn't like the common cold, it can hit quickly and last for a few weeks, meaning time off work or school and staying away from family and friends.

For vulnerable Victorians, like children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases or a weakened immune system, the flu can have serious and devastating outcomes. That's why the state government's message is simple you never forget the flu, so don't forget your flu shot.

A client using the My Emergency Dr app while looking after her sick child.

Everyone should get their annual flu shot anytime from mid-April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally June to September.

night trip to emergency, use this app

Avoid the late

However, it's never too late to be vaccinated as the flu can spread all year round.

The flu shot is now available from general practitioners, community immunisation sessions and many pharmacies.

Dr Catherine Kinzana with her own daughter.

The most vulnerable Victorians will be protected with a free flu shot.

AS winter kicks in - so does the flu, asthma and viral illnesses, including gastro.

All Victorians over 65, children aged six months to under five years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and anyone with a chronic condition or weakened immune system are all eligible for a free flu vaccine.

So the last thing you want to do is cart the kids into the cold darkness of the night for a trip to hospital - only to be faced with a long wait to see a doctor in the emergency doctor especially if there is no need to.

There are some other easy steps everyone can take to prevent getting and spreading the flu, such as coughing or sneezing into your elbow and washing your hands thoroughly. If you're sick, stay away from work and other places where you'll spread the flu.

One video call on the My Emergency Dr app allows you to speak to a specialist emergency doctor who can assess your child and tell you whether a visit to the hospital is absolutely necessary.

If you've got the flu, speak to your doctor or pharmacist, or phone Nurse-On-Call. For more information visit www. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/flu

thousands of people across Australia.

Normally it's a paid service, but eligible residents in the Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network catchment area (Eastern and North Eastern Melbourne) using the service after hours can access it for free until May 2019.

But how can you be sure?

They can even organise a prescription to be sent to your nearest open pharmacy to be picked up at your earliest convenience.

Sound too good to be true? It's not.

My Emergency Dr has been running the service since 2016 and they've helped

My Emergency Dr, Dr Catherine Kizana said the app was developed by a group of Australian emergency department doctors as a way to improve access to emergency care and alleviate pressure on public hospital emergency departments.

"I think this app is especially good for kids - almost every condition they have is a virus - obviously there are rare times where they are really sick, and most viruses require supportive management for children," she said.

"And because even when they do go to hospital, doctors often avoid blood tests and needles.

"So what parents would be doing in the waiting room, like giving Hydralyte, they could be doing in the comfort of their own homes."

Another brilliant thing about the app, according to Dr Kizana, is our ability to assess rashes.

"Nothing strikes fear into a parent more than a rash on their child everyone fears it might be the meningitis rash," she said.

"But through the app we can decide whether there is a need to take the child to hospital because we can see what is happening via the video-link and provide a recommended course of action."

All doctors on the app are specialist emergency doctors.

Please visit the website to see if your suburb qualifies for the free funded service under the Eastern Melbourne PHN initiative. Fees may apply for other users.. www.med.com.au

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The biggest killer

of pregnant IT'S the biggest killer of pregnant women in the developed world - but it is not a topic often spoken about.

During pregnancy, your blood is more likely to clot as a safeguard against losing too much blood during labour - but this opens the door for deep vein thrombosis, which happens when blood clots form in the legs and pelvic region.

Dr Claire Campbell from Vascular Health Group is making it her mission to raise awareness of blood clots in pregnancy.

"It is important because it often gets misdiagnosed," she said.

"Pregnant women can present with a red hot tender lump in their leg and it often gets treated as an infection.

"Which is worrying because if it's a superficial clot, nearly 30 per cent of people can have a concurrent clot in their deep vein - and they are the ones that can be life threatening."

women

As are women who have received fertility treatment.

"Pregnancy itself increases the risk of getting clots by five times, because the baby is sitting on the pelvic veins and your body becomes less active propelling blood out of your legs and because of changes in the blood clotting factors," she said.

And there are things you can do to help mitigate the risk including staying well hydrated, avoiding long travel of more than four hours, staying active, maintaining a normal weight and wearing compression.

But it's an uphill battle to make other health practitioners aware of the dangers, because in the past pregnant women were often told it was safer to leave varicose veins than to treat them.

In the past, the risks posed by treatment were possibly greater than any benefit.

Dr Campbell says clots in the deep vein, better known as DVT, are the leading cause of maternal death in the developed world.

But with time technology has changed, and treatment is now far safer and almost 100 percent successful and can be performed under local anaesthetic in the rooms with immediate recovery.

And pregnant women who are 35 or over, obese, have a past history of clotting, family history of clotting, carrying more than one baby, have gestational diabetes or an autoimmune disease are more at risk.

"We are trying to raise awareness so that mums can feel comfortable to say to their doctors, I'm concerned I have a clot, and assume it's a blood clot until disproven on ultrasound, " Dr Campbell said.

SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE A CLOT: â&#x2013; Red hot tender lumps

Dr Claire at The Vein Centre.

Photo: Rob Carew

â&#x2013; Swelling in the legs, pain in the calf or leg, and localised redness or difficulty walking

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*Terms and conditions apply. Check if you are eligible at www.myemergencydr.com.au

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WINTER 2019 15

Nerves, anxiety and the dental visit FOR a parent, taking your child to a dental appointment can sometimes provoke stress and tears - and not only for the child!

Fortunately, modern dentistry technology and practice means that the visit to the dental clinic has every opportunity to be a positive experience.

To help the process, Eddie Butler from Victorian Dental Group has a few tips: Starting young - The earlier your child visits the dental clinic the better the chances they have at creating a positive relationship with the environment. Waiting for a dental concern to emerge as reason to visit can increase the chances that their first appointment will be something more complex, which may be confronting in an unfamiliar environment.

Be upfront - It is important that the dental visit is not something that is sprung on them. We find that bringing your little one into the clinic beforehand or having them be involved whilst making the appointment can help them to feel more comfortable.

Happy and fun - Children love fun, and there is no reason a visit to the dental clinic cannot be a fun. A happy and fun dental practitioner with a great toy corner are a combination for success!

Baby steps - It is important to know that not everything has to be done at the first appointment. For some children, getting in the chair for a ride can be a wonderful win!

At Victorian Dental Group your children can be seen by an Oral Health Therapist - a dental practitioner that is trained in the management of our junior dental patients.

Normalise and get excited- It is important to normalise the dental visit as a part of a healthy lifestyle.

Removing language such as 'are you scared?' can help your child form positive expectations and outcomes towards dentistry.

Coming for a dental appointment doesn't have to be a stressful ordeal anymore, to find out more call the friendly team on 03 9088 5808 or visit their website to book online www. victoriandentalgroup.com.au

Vocabulary link to hyperactivity in adolescence CHILDREN whose vocabulary skills develop slowly are more likely to experience emotional and behavioural issues in adolescence, a new study shows.

Westrupp, found a link between slower vocabulary skills and hyperactivity.

childhood and adolescence as they develop.“

The research is the first to model how children’s language development influences changes in mental health problems over a 10-year period, from early childhood to adolescence.

“We found new evidence that lower growth in vocabulary over primary school was associated with increased child hyperactivity-inattention at eight to nine years, and more rapid increases in hyperactivity-inattention over early to middle teenage years, up to 14 to 15 years,“ Dr Westrupp said.

Data from nearly 5000 Australian children was gathered in the study, with children assessed six times between four and 15 years of age.

The research, led by Deakin School of Psychology researcher Dr Elizabeth

“These findings show the importance of monitoring children through middle

The research also investigated possible reasons for the association between language development and behavioural issues.

“We found that children’s academic

experiences in middle childhood explained the link between early vocabulary development and teenage emotional and behavioural problems,“ Dr Westrupp said.

“It may be that children with lower vocabulary skills struggle more in the classroom with reading and literacy, which then leads to the development of behavioural and emotional problems in teenage years.“

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Fitwise welcomes

Avoid childhood

new dietitian

cavities

DR Senthini at Tower Dental recommends children should be introduced to a dentist as early as 12 months.

"Every child is at risk of tooth decay.

The enamel (the hard, outer layer of the tooth) is much thinner and softer on baby teeth, making them at greater risk of decay".

The tooth decay process is also called 'caries'. Other names used to refer to this condition include 'nursing bottle caries', 'infant feeding caries' and 'baby bottle decay'.

These names are used because the evidence suggests that early childhood caries can occur if babies are settled to sleep with a bottle of milk or formula (or other sweet drinks).

Milk can pool in the mouth and the lactose sugar in milk feeds the bacteria that causes decay as the baby sleeps.

Saliva flow is low during sleep, and so does not protect against the damage.

Early childhood caries might also occur if toddlers constantly sip on sweet drinks and consume foods that are acidic, sticky and sweet, such as chocolate, sweet biscuits, lollies, dried fruit and ice cream. If we eat more sugar, or eat more frequently (snacking), the acid attack can dissolve the enamel faster than the saliva can help to repair it, and eventually a cavity (hole in the tooth) is formed.

Once this happens, the tooth can no

Dentist Dr Senthini Ganesvaran (centre) with Dental Assistant Daniela Fabris (left) and Practice Manager Karen Dillon (right). longer repair itself, and the tooth will need a filling.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommend parents try to keep total added sugars to less than six teaspoons (24 grams) per day.

Early tooth decay can be hard to spot. The first sign of tooth decay is when teeth develop a dull, white band along the gum line (the area at the base of the teeth, near the gums).

In early stages of decay you might see brown spots on the teeth, and the gums might be red and swollen. In more advanced stages of tooth decay, blackened areas show up on the teeth, and the gums still look red and swollen.

The good news is that tooth decay is largely preventable. Limit the amount of sugar children consume in foods and drinks. Brush and floss your child's teeth for them. Eliminate night time snacks, bottles, and sippy cups, and establish regular checkups with your Tower Dental Dentist.

Tooth decay is a gradual process which worsens over time. Spot the warning signs early and book an appointment with your dentist.

FITWISE Physiotherapy has a new dietitian - Emma Caldwell.

After working in a hospital setting for almost the last decade, Emma welcomed her second baby into the world in September and has made the move to private practice.

An accredited dietitian, Emma is particularly interested in women's health but covers a whole gamut of issues whether it be helping women with prenatal nutrition, breastfeeding mums, looking after your child's nutrition or looking after older adults.

But she's a little different from your usual dietitian.

"I have a very strong interest in a non-diet approach - it underpins my practice in a lot of ways," she said.

"It's an alternative way of looking at traditional weight loss - it's not as simple as calories in and calories out. I like to look more at the psychological reasons we choose to eat the way we do and look at other measures and tools that can help."

She says many clients enjoy that approach because it's not something they've heard of before - a breath of fresh air.

It's important to get your child's eating habits right from the start, and Emma can help you navigate the nutrition needs of kids of all ages whether it be focusing on lunchbox

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Dietitian Emma Caldwell at Fitwise Armadale. items, looking at serving sizes or the drinks they are drinking.

"There is a real importance to get kids involved in the kitchen and cooking from an early age," she said.

"Often if the interest is there, they have a better interest in eating and foods."

Emma also loves working with new mums.

The old saying "eating for two" has fallen by the way side - but she says it often comes into play in the third trimester or while mums are breastfeeding.

"It's all about educating mums with the right information for them - whether it be navigating the early stages of morning sickness, how to manage cravings and just doing the best we can," she said.

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WINTER 2019 17

Invisalign for teens AS parents we look back on our school photos horrified of the way we looked the bad 80s perm, crazy fashions, and for many a mouth full of metal.

It was a part of growing up and as cringeworthy as those photos are, we walked away with beautiful smiles into adulthood.

But it doesn't have to be that way anymore.

"Teenagers are already very selfconscious about their appearance and for some, the idea of the look, and the discomfort of braces puts them off," Dr Gopal Kataria at Anglehouse Orthodontics says.

"But they still want a good smile -

which in turn brings them confidence.

That's where Invisalign comes in."

Clear and not easy to notice, the great thing about Invisalign is that you don't need to wait until the treatment is finished before you start seeing visible improvements. All of those special occasions such as the school formal, stage productions and any public occasion where your teen normally feels self conscious, becomes a much happier situation where there are no braces involved.

The aligners are also much more functional - allowing your teens to take them out while eating or to brush their teeth, saving them hours brushing in front of the mirror.

Invisalign aligners can not only be used by an orthodontist to help straighten crooked teeth, but also to correct an overbite. If a patient is seen before they are a teenager, Invisalign can also be used to help avoid extraction of teeth or other invasive procedures such as jaw surgery in the future.

The stigma of metal mouth is gone, and Invisalign can be used to achieve the exact same results as traditional braces, depending on your doctor's experience.

For more information contact Anglehouse Orthodontics, 7 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn

Sitting in front of TV bad SIMPLY switching on the TV could be contributing to childhood obesity more than parents realise, research shows.

television, playing video games, playing computer, sitting down to eat and travelling in a car.

A study from the University of South Australia has found that watching TV is more strongly associated with obesity in both boys and girls than any other type of sitting activity.

UniSA researcher Dr Margarita Tsiros says the study provides new insights about the impact of sedentary behaviours on children.

The study investigated the impact of different sitting behaviours - watching

"It's no surprise that the more inactive a child is, the greater their risk of being overweight," Dr Tsiros said.

Dr Kataria.

for your health

"But not all sedentary behaviours are created equal when it comes to children's weight. This research suggests that how long children spend sitting may be less important that what they do when they are sitting.

the worst culprit."

"For instance, some types of sitting are more strongly associated with body fat in children than others, and time spent watching TV seems to be

It found that, excluding sleep, children spent more than 50 per cent of their day sitting, including 2.5 - 3 hours television viewing each day.

The study assessed the sedentary behaviours of 234 Australian children aged 10-13 years who either were of a healthy weight (74 boys, 56 girls) or classified as obese (56 boys, 48 girls).

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18 WINTER 2019

www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

Hypnobirthing:

supporting and empowering women THE human body is an amazing thing.

It helps them understand how you will be working with the sensations through labour and it's a wonderful opportunity for them to gather tools to help support you - on one of the biggest days of your life.

There's no other time in life that we see just how amazing our bodies are, than during childbirth.

Did you know that your mind can have a profound impact on your labour?

Hypnobirthing doesn't guarantee that everything will go perfectly.

One proven way to harness your mind and steer your body in the right direction during labour, is with Hypnobirthing.

Situations change and things don't always go to plan, but Hypnobirthing prepares you to be ready for any turn your birthing might take. It empowers and supports you to make informed decisions and be present in the moment.

It's all the rage right now, with rumours the recent royal baby was brought into the world, with hynobirthing.Unconfirmed reports say Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle planned to have a doula assist her and use hypnobirthing to deliver her baby.

Does Epworth offer Hypnobirthing classes?

What is Hypnobirthing?

Epworth Freemasons Maternity is proud to offer Hypnobirthing International classes, as an alternative to our traditional Childbirth Education classes.

Hypnobirthing has been developed to support and empower women to birth their baby in a gentle and calm environment.

After all, birth is a normal and natural part of life.

Evidence shows that Hypnobirthing reduces a woman's fear of giving birth, reduces the need for intervention, pain relief and can actually shorten the duration of labour.

Hypnobirthing International classes guide parents-to-be through a range of techniques including deep relaxation, self-hypnosis, breathing techniques, affirmations, visualisations and other birth education.

Relaxation and mentally preparing

yourself during pregnancy can also help you unwind, focus and bond with the precious little person inside your bump.

Our classes are also a wonderful way to involve your partner or birth support person.

You may even be eligible to claim Hypnobirthing class costs through your private health insurance. Please check with your provider for further details.

For further information on our Hypnobirthing classes, please contact 03 9418 8314 or maternity.birthing@ epworth.org.au

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WINTER 2019 19

pparty arty time

Ready to party rty THE CAKE ALCHEMIST

thecakealchemist.com.au

The Cake Alchemist is your ultimate flavour destination for custom cakes! We specialise in custom cake design, and create cakes to suit every palate and every occasion. Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, dairy-free - we can make cakes and desserts to suit all diets.

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fun-filled package with activities and games tailored to their interests, age and the theme of the party. All parties also come with fabulous fantasy face-painting as well as a gift for all guests, and other exciting add-ons are available at exceptionally affordable prices. Our magical parties start from as low as $175!

DAZZLING LITTLE THINGS Imagine hosting your own jewellery party, where guests can explore their creativity and leave with custom works of art. You provide a place to bead, and we do all the rest. Beading supplies, instructors and entertainment are delivered right to you.

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The Cake Alchemist is your ultimate flavour destination for custom cakes!

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Do you have a budding Masterchef in the house? Is it their Birthday?

party time

The cost of

kids parties CHILDREN love celebrating their birthday and parents don't mind spending a bit on making it a memorable occasion.

judging other mums and dads on their child's birthday party or other celebrations for being too extravagant.

Research shows Aussie parents spend an average of $270 on kids birthday parties.

On the flipside, less than 10 per cent of parents said they had judged other parents on putting on celebrations that were too modest or simple.

Interestingly, many mums and dads feel pressured to throw Insta-worthy parties for their kids.

When it comes to gifts, parents spend an average of $185 on their own children.

Seven out of 10 who responded to a Real Insurance Australian Family Values Survey agreed that social media and celebrities have put more pressure on parents to throw visually impressive parties they can share with others online.

But how much should you spend on presents for someone else's child?

But apparently you can go too far when celebrating your child's birthday.

But thankfully it's still the thought that counts, with nine out of 10 parents agreeing with this sentiment.

Around two in five parents admit to

According to the research, we spend an average of $46 on our children's friends birthdays. With the average child attending around eight parties a year, the cost can add up quickly!

Parents are feeling the pressure to throw visually appealing kids parties, according to research.

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Join us for lots of pantomime fun in the July school holidays!

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WINTER 2019 21

Entertainment

Hit kids cartoon Bluey fetches a second series PARENTS and kids rejoice - more Bluey is on the way.

The much-loved Aussie animated children's series has been renewed for a second season, with 52 brand new episodes to screen next year.

The show, which airs on ABC Kids, has won over the hearts of kids and parents alike with its warm and humorous take on modern family life.

Set in Brisbane, where creator Joe Brumm lives, the show is about a family of Blue Heelers - sisters Bluey and Bingo, mum Chilli and dad Bandit - who turn everyday life into extraordinary adventures.

In the second series, Bluey will play fun and elaborate new games with her sister, Chilli's relationship with her girls will be further explored as she juggles work and family life, and Bandit returns with his wry sense of humour.

Bluey has been an amazing Aussie TV success story. It's currently the number one children's series on metropolitan TV and has amassed a whopping 75 million program plays

on ABC iview.

"We've all been amazed and overwhelmed by how Australians have taken Bluey into their hearts and we're totally stoked to be making another 52 brand new episodes," said Charlie Aspinwall, Bluey Executive Producer.

The show is created, written, animated and post-produced in Brisbane.

Production on the second series was due to start in late May. In more good news for Bluey fans, three books based on the series will be available in time for Christmas.

And it looks like the true-blue Aussie series will soon go global.

"The response from global clients has also been phenomenal and we think it will be embraced by audiences worldwide," said Henrietta HurfordJones, Director of Children's Content at BBC Studios, which co-commissions the show with ABC Children's Studios.

"We can't wait to introduce the world to this Blue Heeler family who will clearly resonate everywhere."

Hit kids cartoon Bluey has been renewed for second series, with 52 episodes to air next year.

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SCHOOL holidays at BASE Camp Kids are full of messy and creative handson fun with their art, baking and science workshops during the weekdays.

Each school holidays promises new and fun activities for the workshops, which are a perfect way for little campers to catch up with friends over the holidays or for group/class bookings.

s &25)4 0,!.4 .523%29

The science workshops keep little campers engaged with different exciting experiments to explore cause and effect, whereas the baking workshops enables little campers to make delicious cookies and muffins that they can bring home.

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Visit our farm cafe and check out our latest range of Jams, chutneys, preserved fruit & fruit leathers.

Visit our fruit plant nursery located on the farm stocking 100â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of fruiting plants, specialising in dwarf varieties.

22 WINTER 2019

BASE Camp Kids

The art workshops have been very popular too as the little campers

express their creativity to make and decorate various colourful items that they can keep.

In addition to the workshops, BASE Camp Kids also offers a range of quality activities that are free with entry, such as Maggie Moo music, Yes2Yoga, Mini Maestro music and Boogiebubs dance.

There is a cafe with a delicious array of healthy and fresh offerings, a large multi-level playground plus a separate play area for babies and toddlers.

Follow BASE Camp Kids on Facebook and check their website for updates for the July 2019 school holiday activities (Monday 1 July to Friday 12 July 2019) which will be sure to keep the little campers busy! www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

Entertainment

Get messy and creative at

The Art Factory

IS your child looking for a creative outlet these school holidays?

Why not let them get a little bit messy and creative at The Art Factory!

Children aged four to 12 can take part in their school holiday program with a choice of ½ day or full day activities.

Emma Light, Victorian College of Art graduate and artist, started The Art Factory in 1999 and has been sharing her passion for all things creative ever since.

"They get to choose which sessions

they want to do with over 20 different art workshops to choose from over the two week school holidays," Ms Light said.

"It's a chance for kids who love spending their time doing art to work on their skills a little bit as well as kids who love craft, hanging out with their friends, meeting new friends and have a good time."

And at $40 a session, the drop off program is a bargain.

It can be an introduction into art for the young ones, or giving older kids something different to make or learn something new.

Roola Boola

The Art Factory.

There is no experience necessary, but bookings are a must.

even go into local schools to share their knowledge.

Catering for kids aged 2-5 and 5-12, The Art Factory holds classes during the day for the younger category and after school classes for the older kids.

The Art Factory Three locations in Malvern, Balwyn and Essendon 9576 0135 www.theartfactory.com.au

They also run toddler programs and

is jammed packed

BRIGHTEN up the school holidays with the beloved Roola Boola Children's Arts Festival as it returns for its tenth year with a program packed full of intimate performances, workshops and unique activities to bring children's imaginations to life.

events happening daily.

Running from Tuesday 2 to Friday 12 July across Stonnington with the Festival Hub at Chapel Off Chapel, Roola Boola Children's Arts Festival features fantastic free and ticketed

Set in the 1990's, in-jokes and cleverly choreographed nostalgic mash-up hooks provide parents with a trip down memory lane, this show will capture adults and children alike.

The Festival Hub will feature Circus Trick Tease performing Children are Stinky, fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival expect dare devil stunts, incredible acrobatics, lightning fast hula hoops and loads of laughs.

full of fun

Returning this year is one of the most recognised and trusted faces of Australian entertainment Justine Clarke presenting A Playdate with Justine Clarke, this best-selling children's music artist, author and television presenter is much loved by the little tots.

enjoyed all year round! Join Clara as she ventures into her Nutcracker prince's magical land. Delight in the famous sugar plum fairy pas de deux, breathtaking snow scenes, the colourful land of sweets and more.

A show not to be missed it will be full of stories, singalongs and surprises.

This delightful classical ballet has enchanted children and grown-ups alike for generations.

The Victorian State Ballet presents The Nutcracker, an enchanting and much loved Christmas tale to be

For more information see www. roolaboola.com.au

Look What I Made!

Art Class will be the highlight of your child's Week

Kiddy Art for Kids 2-5 yrs After School Art for 5-12 yrs School Holiday Workshops Art Parties for Kids 4-14 yrs Mention this advert for a free trial class Balwyn North 249A Belmore Rd Balwyn North VIC 3104

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WINTER 2019 23

Education Lauriston Girls' School kinder programs ensures that they set the foundations for your kids to love learning.

Setting foundations to love learning from an early age IT'S important to love learning from an early age.

And Lauriston Girls' School Kindergarten programs do just that by creating a safe space where children feel loved, respected and valued.

Offering both a three- and four-yearold program, Lauriston prides itself on providing the foundation for children to love learning.

"We want children to love to come to our programs, love to learn and to be curious," said Director of Kindergarten, Fiona Ireland .

"We have a really strong literacy and numeracy program which is centred around play."

The three-year-old program offers children their first insight and step into schooling and focuses on routines and making them comfortable in that setting. It's very different to childcare, because it allows them to become more independent.

But what sets Lauriston apart from other schools is that their four-year-old Bush Kinder program includes four hours of free, uninterrupted play in the great outdoors.

A partnership with Stonnington City Council, the children go out into nature every Friday to climb trees, do bush art, find bugs and build teepees with items they find throughout Melbourne's parklands.

"They just love running down the hill and rolling around in the leaves," Ms Ireland said.

"It's really great to see them inventing their own toys and being busy with their own imagination."

Some children collaborated to build their own human nest after finding a

bird's nest - proving that uninterrupted play encourages creativity and imagination.

With so much talk about screen time and family commitments making it difficult to find time to take the kids outdoors, Lauriston's Kindergarten program is essential to buck the trend.

They also provide other innovative programs.

Lauriston Girls' School 38 Huntingtower Rd, Armadale VIC 3143 www.lauriston.vic.edu.au

When a child first enters our Kindergarten, they bring with them a natural curiosity and a desire to learn.

Based on the highly regarded Reggio

FIND YOUR SPARK

Emilia philosophy, our educators encourage individual interests and create rich environments where children can immerse themselves in play-based learning.

Our Kindergarten provides an atmosphere where the joy of childhood is celebrated and each child feels loved and valued.

Learn more about our innovative programs such as Bush Kinder and Artist in Residence at our Kindergarten open day.

Date: 26 June 2019 Time: 9.30–11.00am Location: 38 Huntingtower Rd, Armadale

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF KINDERGARTEN Book now – lauriston.vic.edu.au

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24 WINTER 2019

www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

‘Taste’ of ELC

Places for our outstanding 3 and 4 year old co-educational programs in 2021 are filling fast.

Register today at www.genazzano.vic.edu.au or phone 03 8862 1207 www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

Taste of ELC Open Morning Friday 9 August

Junior School Open Mornings Wednesday 31 July Tuesday 20 August

All tours start at 9:30am

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Genazzano invites you and your child to experience a ‘Taste of ELC’ within our Early Learning Centre environment. An excellent Early Learning program can be transformative for inquisitive learners, and this is your opportunity to experience our creative play based learning approach in action.

WINTER 2019 25

Education

Empowering girls at Siena College ONCE school is over we find ourselves in a world filled with people of different ages, personalities and backgrounds that can be very different than the microcosm within the four walls of the classroom.

That's why Siena College empowers their students with life lessons that can be taken far beyond its school grounds.

Deputy Principal Wellbeing, Antonella Rosati, says Siena College provides skills for life and helps young women deal with their world.

The College does this by providing programs that are interconnected and importantly, based on a culture of child safety.

"For example, our cyber safety program allows the girls to talk about

their experiences and how to deal with them, including things they should and shouldn't say, calling out bad behaviours and protecting one another," Ms Rosati said.

"And that is cemented in our Respectful Relationships program which is about standing up when things aren't going well and providing students with avenues for support and help."

These programs empower young women to engage their voice - whether at school or in the outside world. The overall aim is to develop confidence and resilience in all students.

Siena College 815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell VIC 3124 www.siena.vic.edu.au

Deputy Principal Wellbeing, Antonella Rosati

Give your child the space

to learn at Andale School WITH classes limited to 12 students, Andale School can offer your child individualised programs that allow them to thrive in the classroom.

The small, independent school specifically caters for children in years prep to year 8 with language and learning disorders.

Andale School can offer the opportunity for those students to learn the tools to break the question down, practice it numerous times and be able to generalize the new learning to other problems.

Principal Marg Cotter says small class sizes sets her school apart from the rest.

“For our children explicit instruction is very important, “Ms Cotter said.

“It gives us the ability to create individual learning plans.” She said.

“We look at the children’s strengths, weaknesses and build a program tailored to them.

Andale School. Teacher Cathy with students from left, Liam, Grace, Anika, Hugo.

“It is not a cookie cutter approach – we look at their interests, what strengths they have and how we can capitalise on them as well as how we can manage their learning difficulties”.

Andale School. Michael and Will.

And that’s where the individual approach to learning comes in.

Often students have concrete maths skills, their counting, addition and subtraction is very good – but their ability to comprehend a question in written form can be difficult.

“This approach enhances their learning and the smaller class sizes provides another layer of support.”

But one of the best things about Andale School is the friendships students make – real friends who they look forward to seeing every day because they have fun, laugh and learn together Andale School is located at 84 Charles Street, Kew. For more information, phone 9853 3911 or email andaleschool@andale. vic.edu.au

Bialik Creche OPENING 1 JULY, 2019 Book now for a personal tour: creche@bialik.vic.edu.au or call: 9822 4599 www.bialik.vic.edu.au/creche 12419366-GR26-19

26 WINTER 2019

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Education

A long term vision "WHERE are they going g tto o sc sch school?" hool?" hool ho

If you're a parent, this question might be all-too familiar. Especially for those with daughters, places in girls' schools are competitively sought out and it can seem overwhelming, but there are ways you can work through the decisionmaking process.

Diana Vernon, Principal of Methodist Ladies' College, says it is important to have an eye on the future, even if it's hard to picture your daughter in 10 years' time.

"As a parent, you will know your daughter's interests. Find out whether the school you have in mind will be able to support her in developing these, as well as provide opportunities to

explore further experiences you might not have considered yet," she says.

"What she could do in the years ahead that might engage and inspire her? If your child likes music, what is on offer to progress her passion? If she has an aptitude for languages, a program like French Immersion may be of benefit.

"You have to remember that school is a journey," Diana explains. "It might be hard to imagine your daughter as a student in Year 11 or 12 if she is currently eight years old. Parents should always look at the long term, not just think that they can review schooling once their child is in Year 9."

Visiting schools on an open morning

is one of the best be ways to be able to get an idea as to the values of the school, view the facilities and ask individual questions.

"You can do all the due diligence around researching online, but without visiting a school you won't get that intuitive feeling, where you will be able to say to yourself, 'I can see my daughter being happy and thriving here'."

At MLC, prospective families can hear from the Principal and take a student-led tour of the school, which provides an opportunity to learn about life at MLC through a student lens. If you are looking at a school when your daughter is a little older, she is a vital

part of the decision-making process.

"Prospective students love being able to ask questions of their student guides and hear about their experiences first-hand," Diana says.

"I enjoy meeting families and discussing what they are looking for in a school. A common question I'm asked is about MLC uniquely being a large school; I like to help them see that it means more opportunity and pathways for their daughters to choose from and to pursue, and how our students form friendships across multiple groups. There is truly something for everyone."

Methodist Ladies' College 207 Barkers Rd, Kew www.mlc.vic.edu.au

Open Mornings

Friday, 21 June Friday, 9 August Friday, 13 September Friday, 29 November

A New Direction in an Active Learning Environment Andale School is a small independent school which provides a supported learning program for children with language and learning disorders who are not able to learn effectively in a mainstream setting.

Distinctive Features of Andale School: s $EVELOPMENTAL CURRICULUM s %XPERIENCED STAFF s )NDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS s 3MALL CLASS SIZES s 3PEECH 0ATHOLOGIST ON SITE s 3CHOOL 0SYCHOLOGIST ON SITE Specialist Programs: s !RT s -USIC AND $RAMA s 3PORT s 3OCIAL 3KILLS s 0ERCEPTUAL -OTOR 0ROGRAM

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WINTER 2019 27

Education

Pop up parenting seminars helping raise young people say that they wish they had known more earlier."

THEY say it takes a village to raise a child - and Korowa Angilcan Girls' School takes seriously the importance of being part of that village.

The school also works to equip their students with skills that can help them in the real world, once they have graduated.

Their Pop Up Parenting seminars, which are open to the wider community as a whole, and not only Korowa families, are designed to help parents with the challenges of raising young people in a contemporary setting.

Upcoming seminars: Thursday 25 July - Madonna King who will speak on her book, "Being 14".

Deputy Principal of Student Wellbeing, Kellie Lyneham says the school has a vast amount of knowledge on offer, which has been gathered by their experienced educators over the years.

Madonna has long been known as the voice of current affairs in Queensland, heading the top rating current affairs program on the ABC for six years, and winning several national ABC awards for her journalism.

"We think it's important to have a keynote speaker at the beginning of the school year, and at this time we seek information from parents about trending topics or issues that are worrying them," Ms Lyneham said.

Wednesday 28 August - Kirra Pendergast. In 2014, Kirra created Safe on Social Media Pty Ltd after experiencing cyberbullying and trolling. Each year she presents to over 300,000 people in both education and other sectors. Her presentations cover such topics as Social Media and the Law; Information Security; and Privacy.

"The biggest concern for parents is them wanting to raise a resilient child or daughter. Parents are acutely aware of the better life outcomes for children who are resilient but are often overwhelmed by the amount of literature available. Sometimes they just don't know where to start.

"Over the last three years we have introduced various guest speakers who present the information from a different perspective," she said.

"As every girl is different, there is no one way to tackle it."

Cyber safety is also something parents want more information about - especially if they have younger

The Korowa Pop-Up Parenting seminars intend to help all parents by delivering helpful tips and empowering information that instils confidence just when we need it the most.

From left, Year 9 Students, Megan, Eloise and Chloe with Deputy Principal Kellie Lyneham. children, and they want information now so they can be ready in the future.

"Parents want to start thinking about

what their daughter might be exposed to or face in the future because often parents of older children come to us and

To reserve a place on the night, please visit the Korowa website at this link: https://www.trybooking.com/ eventlist/korowa Korowa Anglican Girls' School 10/16 Ranfurlie Cres, Glen Iris VIC 3146 www.korowa.vic.edu.au

be inspired. be great. be you.

At MLC no dream is too big, whether it is technological, sporting, musical, creative or academic.

Offering one of the broadest curricula of any Australian independent school, we can supp support all of your daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pursuits and provide her with the tools to achieve her best.

Apply now at mlc.vic.edu.au/apply 207 Barkers Road Kew, Victoria | 03 9274 6316 | admissions@mlc.vic.edu.au

JULIA JUL Art expands her creative horizons 12419444-FA26-19

28 WINTER 2019

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Education

An inquiring mind is open to all possibilities FROM the curiosity of the playroom to discovering the world outside, Genazzano ELC students are encouraged to have an inquiring mind.

Those enrolled in the ELC 4 program are currently investigating 'The Sound of Life' - possible encounters of movement and sound inquiry project, which explores all the rhythm of movement and sound.

Their interest is sparked through visual arts, exploring the movement of shadows, music and community walks within the beautiful Genazzano school grounds to explore the sound and movement of nature.

Whether that's listening to the crunch of autumn leaves or the water trickling from one of the school's water fountains - these every day occurrences excite and engage their curiosity and imagination in learning.

"As educators we want the children to explore the rhythm of movement and sound," Director of Genazzano's Early Learning Centre Alison Lucas says.

"We want the children to express their point of view of how the children's experiences in life allow them to understand more deeply what they feel, hear, touch, taste and see in the world around them in relation to movement and sound."

Children attending the ELC 3 Eugene room are currently listening to the Forrest Gump Suite from the soundtrack.

Instrumental music has the capacity to inspire the imagination and balance

emotions.

They close their eyes and are deeply engaged in the moment.

They are then asked how it makes them feel - the child's voice is meaningful and insightful.

Some children voiced feeling loved, another thought of unicorns galloping or flying.

"This is a time where there are no distractions, they are in the flow, in the moment of the sound of that music - and it allows them to think about how it makes them feel and move," Ms Lucas said.

"It's inquiry based learning and how we are able to engage our children's inquiry in curiosity.

"It empowers them to bring us on their journey and use their child's voice and helps them develop skills to be creative and resilient thinkers."

The Genazzano Early Learning Centre is taking enrolments for ELC 3 in 2021.

Parents should start thinking about the enrolment process by the time their child is 18 months old to secure a placement in the ELC learning environment.

Parents are welcome to visit and experience the environment at the 'Taste of ELC' on Friday 9 August.

Bookings via the website.

Genazzano FCJ College 301 Cotham Rd, Kew www.genazzano.vic.edu.au

Genevieve on the Saxaphone with, from left, Allie, Alexandra and Jacob.

Picture: Rob Carew

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WINTER 2019 29

Education

Homework in primary schools -

do we need it?

Dr Ian Lillico's homework grid approach is changing the way schools and parents view homework.

By Danielle Galvin IN a changing digitised world, one education expert believes it's time to shake-up the traditional approach to homework and get with the times.

Dr Ian Lillico has been working as a teacher, deputy principal and principal for 31 years in Western Australia.

He believes there's a different approach to learning, homework and after hours activities that many schools have adopted, and parents should consider.

It's called the homework grid.

Dr Lillico spells out the approach by way of example.

He believes sending children to their rooms to study, revise and complete daily projects or tasks isn't doing our kids any favours.

Different "cells" represent a different task - so daily tasks, which could be counted as homework, doing a chore around the house, discussing bills or helping a parent with the shopping, taking part in an activity outside, or even meditation.

He believes a major factor in children leading sedentary lifestyles is the fact that they spend hours of a night time locked up in their rooms, either completing homework tasks for the next day at school, or in front of a screen.

"The other reason for a change in homework is that kids are already very sedentary and we've got to make sure we keep them moving and active because they are sitting down at home, they are being driven to school, and then they sit down at school and then they come home and sit down again.

"It ties in with some research, some years ago, that showed homework, particularly in primary schools, was really a waste of time. It was a construct that parents wanted, it was a way of keeping kids quiet and under the thumb.

"But it wasn't really successful in making them productive."

While he doesn't believe in ditching homework all together, he says there are ways that it can be redefined.

Some ideas include getting kids to read to their parents, playing a game with an adult, or doing something creative.

"Traditional homework still has some role in areas where you've got this assignment due in in a week's time," he said.

"When that happens they can that fit that in with sporting connections, family things, it allows kids to manage their time within that week or within that fortnight.

"Everything in our schools has changed," he said.

"When we've got this traditional homework - which is - you have to have this done by tomorrow, we don't know what the home situation is like.

"I suppose we as teachers and parents expect kids to do the old analogue form of learning, which is copying things out and so on.

"We know homes have changed dramatically. We don't want to impose a regime of homework that really is about 30 or 40 years old where we don't

Sending children to their rooms to study isn't doing them any favours, an expert says. use it as well these days.

"There has been a massive change in our society, in technology and a massive reduction in children being active, in climbing trees and all those types things.

"We have to be aware they already spend a fair amount of time sitting down when they are at home, we have got to get them moving, get them active, and get them talking with adults and with other people.

"And at the moment, as we know, kids are very happy to sit behind a console or a screen."

He says the idea of the homework grid is to marry up the school's approach to homework, as well as family life.

It's about getting kids to contribute in a small and meaningful way at home, get talking to their parents again, as well as revising and learning some key principles like learning to read and times tables.

"The types of jobs they will be doing are very different - we have to give them those skills to think on their feet and be interpersonal with other people, to know how to provide themselves some leisure some physical activity and communicate with adults.

"Writing things in a book or memorising things doesn't do that."

There's also merit in encouraging the two-way dialogue with parents and children.

As we know, with parents leading increasingly busy, hectic lives, that communication can be lost. And it's something all parents have to work at, putting the phone down, switching off from work and commitments, and engaging with your child.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, a leading child psychologist, has spoken about the need for parents to engage with their children for just eight minutes a day.

Dr Lillico agrees. He believes many kids would be lucky to get eight minutes of their parent's time and undivided attention each day.

"We want (parents) to spend time with their kids by going out and playing, doing chores together or doing activity with their child," he said.

"When they are sitting there doing something complex (like homework) something they should really be doing in the classroom, it's not actually giving the parent and child the opportunity to interact positively.

"I find a number of researchers, like myself, are finding the interaction between parents and child sometimes is zero in a 24-hour period."

FREE PARENTING SEMINARS ‘Being 14’ Thursday 25 July at 6.00 - 7.00pm A seminar for parents of adolescents, presented by bestselling author Madonna King

‘Safe on Social’ Wednesday 28 August Early Years – Year 4 at 6.00 - 7.00pm Years 5 – 12 at 7.15 - 8.15pm Presented by Kirra Pendergast, Director of Safe on Social Media

10-16 Ranfurlie Cres, Glen Iris www.korowa.vic.edu.au

All are welcome to attend our free, evening parenting seminars.

Visit our website for more information and reserve your seat. www.korowa.vic.edu.au 12418791-GR26-19

30 WINTER 2019

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Education

Challenge develops

good digital citizens Education Matters with Rob Kelly

HAVE you heard of the Student Blogging Challenge?

The program is about children embracing all of the benefits of blogging - from learning digital writing skills, and digital citizenship, to developing an authentic audience and connecting with others around the globe.

Since 2008, the Student Blogging Challenge has run twice yearly, beginning each March and October. It's a great way for children to safely develop their voice and agency to communicate their ideas, beliefs and learning experiences to the world.

Kathleen Morris, an Australian primary school teacher and edublogger, is one of the leading forces behind the challenge.

"The Student Blogging Challenge

founder Sue Wyatt ran the challenge for 10 years before deciding to step back in 2018. I was a big fan of using blogging and global collaboration in the classroom and I've always enjoyed supporting students and teachers with blogging and connecting. I felt like leading the Student Blogging Challenge was a natural extension of this so I happily put my hand up," Kathleen explained.

Some of the topics that the challenge focuses on include; digital literacy skills, copyright, global collaboration, problem solving and agency.

Kathleen also acknowledges that "some topics simply focus on fun and creativity too, like emojis and music.

Digital citizenship is interwoven into all of the topics; students develop their understanding of how to be a safe and responsible member of an online community throughout the challenge".

As the Student Blogging Challenge is a global experience, one question that it raises is how safe it is for children

to participate in.

work in education."

"One of the fantastic things about the Student Blogging Challenge is it allows students to develop important digital citizenship skills in an authentic way.

Rather than learning about the theory of digital citizenship or publishing on a closed platform, our students get real world practise. With the support of teachers and commenters, students learn about publishing online and interacting with others safely and positively."

As the Student Blogging Challenge moves into the next decade of our ever changing digital landscape, what will the future hold for Kathleen and the future of the Student Blogging Challenge?

Kathleen and the Student Blogging Challenge team work to recruit volunteer commenters who are allocated student blogs each week to ensure students are interacting with a safe and trustworthy audience.

"These commenters are screened to ensure they are involved in education.

Some of our commenters are teachers, retired teachers, pre-service teachers, librarians, school administrators, students who have taken part in the challenge in the past, and others who

"In order to thrive in our rapidly changing world, global competency is a must for all students. So, I hope to keep spreading the word about the challenge to encourage participants from a diverse range of countries and communities. The challenge will always be about publishing online safely and positively while learning about the world and forming global connections.

As our digital world continues to evolve, so will the challenge. It's exciting to see where the challenge will go in the years to come!"

You can learn more about the Student Blogging Challenge by visiting studentchallenge.edublogs.org/about/ or connect with Kathleen Morris on Twitter @kathleen_morris.

Play, learn and grow together

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WINTER 2019 31

reality bites

Mum wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change a thing about her

identical, fraternal twins

By Melissa Meehan WHEN Rhiannon McLachlan first found out she was pregnant her partner Tem joked that it could be twins.

But it soon became a reality when a dating scan revealed the pair were set to grow their family by two.

"The sonographer says 'I've got news for you' and I say 'it's twins isn't it?'," Rhiannon says with a smile.

"And I just started crying - I was thinking 'I don't know how to look after one baby, how will I look after two?'"

But on the way home the couple started to think about all the positives about having twins.

They knew they wanted to kids and this meant Rhiannon could return to netball and work quicker, go on holidays sooner.

But the avid netballer says she couldn't imagine life being any other way.

Summer and Scarlett are now 22 months old and Rhiannon loves being a twin mum.

Summer (left) and Scarlet with mum Rhiannon.

The duo are fraternal twins, but identical at the same time - given the medical term of dichorionic diamniotic DC/DA.

said that if they were both girls there was a chance they could be identical," she said.

"Basically they had their own separate housing when I was pregnant, so appeared fraternal - but they came from the same egg," she said.

"They had their own sac and placenta, but in the end the placenta's fused together."

"But there wasn't a test available when I was pregnant to find it out so I had to wait until they were born and that test confirmed it."

Luckily for Rhiannon her pregnancy was straight forward.

It's a startling statistic that 30 percent of so-called fraternal twins are actually identical - just like the Olsen twins.

She had no morning sickness whatsoever and worked up until the day she was induced.

"It wasn't a surprise for me, because mum knew about it and all the research

She planning on breastfeeding them but it didn't work out.

"Its definitely easier now - when they are babies the challenge is trying to hold two crying babies at once, which is hard," she said.

to get their daughters involved in show business, but a friend tagged them in a casting callout on social media and it went from there.

"I cried a lot during the first six to 12 weeks.

"They were the right age, Caucasian and the same sex - they didn't ask for identical twins," Rhiannon said.

"I had all these ideas about not wanting to form bad habits - but I should have just not worried about that."

The girls are about to make their big screen debut, starring in Judy and Punch movie to be released later this year.

Rhiannon and Tem had no real plans

"So I sent a photo and they contacted me within a day and we met the director shortly after."

A dark comedy, Rhiannon laughs that it's probably not one she would let the girls watch until they are older - but enjoyed the experience.

Guiding mums on their breastfeeding journey

By Melissa Meehan COLOURFUL author Pinky McKay demands attention when she walks into a room.

Her bright pink hair might stand out from miles away but she's Australia's most recognised breastfeeding expert and best-selling author of four books.

Her gentle approach and quick wit make for great reading - but her real passion is to see mums happy.

"There's a lot of noise out there - but I take more of a holistic approach and if mums want support I am happy to provide it," says the lactation consultant.

"What we do know is that mums are doing their best, and I want to let them know that breast is normal and I want to support people that want to breastfeed."

And that doesn't mean that mums with little supply or other issues that affect their ability to breastfeed are failing their babies - it just means that there may be another approach.

32 WINTER 2019

Pinky said she recently assisted a mum who had glandular tissue and was never going to have a full supply of breast milk and helped her use donor milk.

"I'm here to help the people who want to do it," she said.

"I see all the hard stuff and I think it would be fabulous if lactation consultants were on Medicare because often other medical professions are working with outdated information.

"It's not life or death if the baby has one bottle of formula - but often the mum just needs to have something to eat and drink and have a lie down."

Pinky said stress often limits the hormones that produce milk and mums often need gentle support without being "bulldozed".

"If the mum wants to do it (breastfeed) she doesn't need to be told not to do it," she said.

"Every woman is different, every baby is different and every birth is different - it takes a while for things to work out."

producer of the famous 'Boobie Bikkies', a brand that supports breastfeeding mothers.

After seeing far too many exhausted and stressed mothers who don't have time to have a shower let alone bake some lactation cookies, she decided to take matters into her own hands.

"A friend said to me that I should make them - new mums don't have the chance to," she said.

"I was in Sydney at the time and came back to Melbourne and the rest is history."

Go to www.pinkymckay.com.au for more information on breastfeeding or to find where you can buy one of Pinky's books.

Breastfeeding expert and author Pinky McKay.

GIVEAWAY: PINKY McKay is giving five lucky readers to win a copy of her book and some Boobie Bikkies.

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You may also know Pinky as the www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

reality bites

Tom Hawkins on fatherhood, footy

IT'S shaping up as a big year for Geelong star Tom Hawkins. The power forward kicked the 500th goal of his career in round one - the same week he welcomed his second child. Here, he tells Kids reporter Melissa Grant about being a parent of two little girls, his wife's tough pregnancy and getting kids involved in footy.

Congratulations on the recent arrival of your second daughter, Primrose Grace.

How is your new addition going?

Thank-you! It's a significantly busier household. Emma and I very much enjoying being parents of two beautiful little girls.

Primrose arrived just before the first game of the season - that must have been a crazy time. Would you have missed the match to be at the birth?

It was a crazy few months.

Unfortunately Emma had a really tough pregnancy. I certainly think completing a pre-season would have been easier than carrying a baby. If Emma went into labour on game day I would definitely have missed and been at the birth. However our obstetrician was a Geelong supporter and didn't want me to miss a game so he induced Emma.

Emma and yourself have been pretty

open about parenthood on social media.

To share or not to share is a question many parents grapple with. Has it been a positive experience for you so far?

So far it has been positive. Being parents has been the best thing we've done, however it is bloody hard work at times. Social media gives you a platform to create conversations about different parenting techniques if you do choose.

Your father, uncles and grandfather all played for the Geelong Football Club.

Footy is obviously in the blood. Has your two-year-old daughter Arabella shown any interest in footy yet?

I'm happy to say Belle (Arabella) and Mimi (Primrose) are Geelong supporters.

We've made an effort not to push football, however Belle is showing a keen interest. She's just starting to understand that dad plays for the Cats.

She gets a little crazy. It's giving our families a lot of joy to watch!

What's the best way children can get involved in the game at grassroots level and why is it important for kids to be involved in grassroots sports at such a young age?

I played Auskick. And I still believe it's the best place to start. Kids get so much out of learning and playing our great game. It's good for their health, social skills, discipline and above all it's fun.

Post match... Tom Hawkins with wife Emma and daughter Arabella.

Picture: AFL Media/Michael Willson

I certainly think completing a pre-season would have been easier than carrying a baby

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;

What are the benefits of the Auskick program?

That Auskick is an affordable and available program for kids who are starting out their footy journey. And with the revolutionised Auskick program, it takes a modern approach to coaching and ensures kids experience fun, active play that just happens to be footy.

What do you love most about Auskick?

By Melissa Meehan

The birth plan that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to plan

IF you asked Samantha Lamour about her birth plan, she was fairly relaxed, except for the idea of having a caesarean.

She didn't judge other women for having one - but her mum had 'natural' births and that's what she wanted too.

But as luck would have it, the mum had no choice and her son Ollie was brought into the world by c-section.

A routine 36 week check-up turned into a rush across to hospital after it was revealed Sam was suffering from pre-eclampsia and had extremely high blood pressure.

"I was 36 weeks and four days and they said they would induce me," she said.

"So here I was just going on maternity leave two days earlier and I was about to meet my baby."

But when the early makings of the induction made little difference to her cervix, they decided it was too risky to break her waters - and would need to do it in surgery.

Ollie was surrounded by fluid and wasn't settled, which meant breaking Sam's waters could result in him having the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck.

"But because I wasn't to term and I wasn't in labour I kept getting pushed back for more urgent cases," she said.

"Until I started getting contractions and I started to panic because they had told minutes earlier that there could be some issues."

They rushed her down to surgery at 10 at night.

Samantha Lamour and Ollie at home.

www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

Photo: Rob Carew

Her partner Dylan wasn't allowed inside theatre while they were putting

I just loved playing with my friends.

And I loved the challenge of trying to be the best at kicking, handballing, bouncing and marking. I was (and still am) very competitive.

What would be your advice to a child who has their heart set on playing AFL or AFLW? Enjoy it. And if you have your heart set on playing like I did, work hard to be the best player you can be.

the anaesthetic in Sam's back, so her sanity came from a friendly orderly who hugged her as the needle went in.

"It was such a weird experience, they had to lift my legs back onto the bed because you can't move at all and I think the thing no one warns you about is that once they cut you open - you don't feel pain ... but you feel everything," she said.

"It's like sitting on your foot and running your finger along it.

"But the caesarean itself wasn't too scary."

Soon enough the curtain was pulled down and Samantha saw her beautiful baby boy.

But then the stress started, "He was purple and wasn't breathing," Sam said.

"The nurse was violently rubbing him, and Dylan actually said to me 'oh they are cleaning him up' - and I was like 'no - he's not breathing'."

Ollie ended up in the special care unit but has gone from strength to strength ever since.

For Sam, she thinks the negative stigma attached to a caesarean birth needs to change.

"Even if it is a choice, you need a pretty valid medical reason," she said.

"And I did get some comments from random people who were super negative.

"The asked me if it was because I didn't want to mess up downstairs or if I was too precious to push ... which was horrible."

Asked if she would have another c-section with her next child, Sam said she'd loved to try a vaginal birth, but next time she won't be so cutthroat about her birth plan.

WINTER 2019 33

reality bites

Little Tiger fan Ryan Sewell.

Pictures: Stewart Chambers

Baby Ryan already part of

Ryan decked out in his footy gear at four weeks of age.

the Tigers Cheer Squad

By Melissa Grant

date," Alarna said.

Daniel Rioli.

RYAN Sewell is one of the littlest faces of the Richmond Tigers Cheer Squad.

"Our first game of the season was on the 21st (of March). I was debating on whether to do round one heavily pregnant.

Ryan was awake for much more of his following game day experience - the Tigers' clash against the Bulldogs.

At just a few months of age, Ryan can regularly be found behind the goals among the Tiger army's most faithful supporters.

Decked out in a Richmond guernsey, beanie and wrapped in a blanket, he is cradled by mother Alarna, a diehard Tigers supporter.

Alarna has followed the yellow and black for as long as she can remember.

She signed up as a member as a teenager, became part of the cheer squad around 15 years ago and has been on the committee of the cheer squad for more than six years.

And she was never going to let becoming a mother stop her from cheering on her beloved Tigers.

In fact, she always planned on giving birth outside the football season.

In July last year, Alarna and husband Leigh found out they were expecting.

She said the pregnancy was easy with only a bit of nausea early on.

But some match day duties became somewhat of a challenge as she really began to show.

"Usually I sit in the front row with the floggers - in the finals I had fun with that!" Alarna said.

Also, as it turned out, Ryan's due date was agonising close to the Tigers' round one clash.

"He was due on the 19th of March. I had been hoping for an earlier due 34 WINTER 2019

"I was asking my friend who is a doctor 'should I go?' but luckily it didn't come to that. I got induced (due to blood pressure concerns) and he came early."

Alarna expects her son will come along to quite a few matches this year.

"I'll still go every week - whether Ryan will come will be weather and time dependent," Alarna said.

"He's got plenty of arms to sit in."

Ryan Jack Sewell was born on 12 March 2019, weighing 3.6kg

Alarna said she Richmond Cheer Squad was "one big family".

Both mum and bub were discharged from hospital six days before the Tigers' first game of the season. Alarna watched her beloved team on TV, although the game ended up being a bit of a snoozefest for little Ryan as the club cruised home to a 33-point win over the Blues.

"We promote the cheer squad as a family-friendly environment. We love to have the kids involved," she said.

"He slept through it," Alarna said.

"The next week I actually set him up in his outfit and he slept the whole game (again)."

Ryan was only a week old when he went to his first 'making of the banners'.

However, a couple of interstate matches delayed his first game-day appearance.

He was five weeks old when he went to his first AFL match on Easter Saturday when the Tigers played the Sydney Swans.

Alarna went into the game fully prepared having purchased special ear muffs for Ryan and booking the car park at Marvel Stadium well in advance.

Ryan missed the Tigers' win - he slept through the entire game. The highlight, for the bub, was getting a ball at the end of the game from Tigers forward

"A friend has two kids - they're 10 and 7 - and they've been in the cheer squad since they were born."

Richmond Cheer Squad commitee member Alarna Sewell and her baby Tiger, Ryan.

Despite being a Geelong fan, Leigh will also find himself sitting among the Richmond Cheer Squad this season.

"I signed him up for a Richmond three-game membership this year. I was like if he (Ryan) is coming to the footy you can come to a few games too!"

Alarna said.

Alarna is also keen to keep up her long-standing tradition of attending one interstate match each season.

"I'll see if I can pull off the Gold Coast this year, but it's in the school holidays so it will be hard to get accommodation," she said.

However, the biggest decision is the number that will go on the back of Ryan's game day outfit.

"I was initially thinking Rancey but then he did his ACL. Now, it will probably be Rioli because Ryan was lucky enough to get his first footy from him."

Ryan in his game day ear muffs. www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

reality bites

How to keep your kids

safe online Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.

THE internet can be a dangerous place, especially for children.

With the threat of exposure to pornography, violence, cyber bullying and predators, it's no wonder parents are fearful of what their teens - and even younger kids - are getting up to online.

However, with the internet so ingrained in our daily lives it's impossible to keep our children out of this virtual playground - so how do we keep them safe?

As the country's eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant is responsible for promoting online safety for all Australians.

She tells Kids reporter Melissa Grant what parents can do to protect their children online.

How early should parents educate their children about cyber safety and what should the message be?

With our research showing 81% of parents have given their pre-schooler access to an internet-connect device, good digital habits should be encouraged from the get-go. It is never too early to get involved with your kids' online lives or to start the chat about using the same positive manners and behaviours they would use offline.

The reality is that sometimes things go wrong online. But by having the chat before anything negative happens and letting them know they can come to you for help if they or a friend experience something they feel uncomfortable about, is one of the best ways to encourage open dialogue about what they might be experiencing online.

At eSafety, we know it can be tricky talking about sensitive issues in a way that doesn't alarm children or give them more information than they need, so we've developed age-appropriate conversation starters to help parents take the plunge (www.esafety.gov.au/ parents/skills-advice/hard-to-haveconversations).

How important is it for households to invest in filtering software? What are the best filters to keep children safe from offensive and illegal content?

While there really is no substitute for being actively engaged in your children's online lives, technology tools can help.

Filtering technology is improving and over the past year we have seen a range of device level controls being launched on iPhones, iPads and Android devices. There are a range of filtering software products available on the market, which can be a helpful way www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

to block sites known to host offensive material. eSafety supports the operation of safety programs such as the Family Friendly Filter Scheme that allows Australians to inexpensively obtain protection from offensive and illegal content for their home network and family devices. These accredited filters have gone through rigorous independent testing to ensure they meet certain criteria including effectiveness, ease of use and configurability.

Parental controls on devices, gaming consoles or streaming services can be another way to block or limit your child's access to certain content. Using safe search settings on search engines can also help limit your child's access to inappropriate material.

What is the best way for parents to monitor their child's internet activities?

We encourage parents to use a range of protective strategies - which may include parental controls and filters - to monitor their child's internet activities and minimise online risks. But be aware not to 'set and forget', as tech savvy kids can find ways to circumvent technological protections or may be accessing online content from a friend's home or device.

Beyond these technological protections, there really is no substitute for active engagement in your children's online lives. Speak to them about potential risks and help them develop good cyber judgement and resilience for when they do come across inappropriate content. Most importantly, let them know you'll be there to support them if anything goes wrong online.

Statistics show one in five young Australians has been cyber bullied.

What should parents do if they discover their child is a victim?

As parents, our first instinct may be to ban our children from social media, disable the Wi-Fi or turn off the data access. But it's important to remember cyber bullying is a social and behavioural issue playing out in a technological sphere and not caused by technology itself. This is why we encourage parents and educators to focus on building positive behaviours and skills in young people, including developing the 4 Rs for the digital age: respect, responsibility, reasoning and resilience.

These valuable social and emotional skills will not only help guide more positive experiences online, but also offline.

If you discover your child is being cyber bullied, there are four simple steps that can help minimise the harm: report the cyber bullying to the social media service where it is occurring; collect evidence of the cyber bullying material; if the material is not removed within 48 hours, make a report to eSafety; block

the offending user.

Most importantly, remain calm, listen to your child without judgement, and let them know you will be there to support them through this.

Research also shows that one in four teens has been contacted by a stranger online. If this happens, what should a parent do? At what stage should authorities be contacted?

Young people need to be aware that not everyone they engage with online is who they say they are, and they may not always have the best intentions.

Parents can play an important role in helping young people handle these risks and explore safely online by talking to them early and often.

Here's some things you can do to help: ■ Ensure your child's social media accounts are not publicly available, help them with adjusting privacy settings and establish rules around what types of content they should share online.

■ Encourage your child to delete contacts they don't know or talk to from their friend or follower lists on social media.

■ Encourage your child to delete friend or follow requests from people they don't know. A good tip is to get them to check whether new requests share mutual friends. If they feel unsure about someone, encourage them to delete the request.

■ Let your child know they can talk to you at any time if they receive any contact that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable - and there are steps you can take together.

■ If your child receives any unwanted contact from someone they know or a stranger, encourage them to report and block this person on the site or service used to contact them. Our eSafety Guide has online safety information and direct reporting links for different apps, games and social media services.

■ If the contact persists, or they feel they are in physical danger, contact your local police.

With the amount of pornography online, children are bound to be exposed to it. The topic of pornography can be awkward to talk about - how early should parents be raising it with their children?

Absolutely - when it comes to our kids being exposed to online pornography, unfortunately it's not a matter of 'if' but 'when'. Parents are right to be concerned about this issue, so they should be proactive and take steps to help minimise the risks of exposure and potential long-term impacts of online pornography.

Understandably, many parents

report feeling embarrassed talking to their kids about porn. But these conversations are important because allowing children to think things like violent porn are normal can have harmful consequences for their wellbeing and future relationships.

It's encouraging to see from our research that more parents want to take responsibility for this issue, but we know they need some help starting the 'porn chat', which is where those conversation starters at our website.

What are the most common negative experiences teens can have online?

Our research shows the most common negative online experience reported by young people is unwanted contact, experienced by one in three teens. One in four teens have also been socially excluded or had threats and abuse directed to them online. These kinds of negative experiences can potentially have devastating impacts on a young person affecting their emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing.

Reassuringly, our research also showed us that 66% of young people were able to reflect on their experience in a positive way and learn from their negative online encounters. And 40% became more aware of online risks, while 33% became more aware of who their real friends were, and 23% learnt to use the internet in a more balanced way.

What are the key things parents should be telling their teenagers about the online world to help keep them safe?

As parents and carers, we know our children better than anyone and have the best opportunity to support and guide them to have safer online experiences. The best way to help guide them on this journey is to be open, supportive and actively engaged in their online lives.

As teens develop their independence it can become harder for parents to enforce rules about their technology use.

However, if these are introduced from a younger age, it can be easier to adapt and grow trust between you both.

Rather than telling, it's more about doing. It's not only important for parents to regularly engage with what they're child is doing online and set ageappropriate rules, they also need to be modelling responsible behaviour in their own technology use. This can be as simple as asking your child's permission before sharing a photo of them.

Respectful communication, responsible use of technology, the resilience to withstand harmful conduct or contact online, and the ability to reason and critically evaluate online content - these are the behaviours and skills that will help prepare young people for the range of different experiences they may encounter online.

WINTER 2019 35

Boosting your basics Simple recipes for healthy kids

WHETHER it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, every meal is an opportunity to introduce your children to the joy of eating, help them discover new tastes and textures, and boost their nutritional intake.

of recipes and mealtime advice to provide inspiration and ideas for family-friendly food that's healthy, simple to prepare and packed full of flavour.

Following on from their highly successful debut cookbook, the hugely popular One Handed Cooks (Allie Gaunt, Jessica Beaton and Sarah Buckle) have created a new collection

■ Introduce solids, textured meals and finger foods to babies in ways that encourage mindful eating and food acceptance

The book aims to help parents:

■ Make every meal count by

maximising the nutritional content of favourite home-cooked meals, snacks and sweet foods using easy swaps and additions, to support your child's growth and development

■ Use daily structure, mealtime routines and pre-meal sensory-based activities to reduce anxiety around eating and instead encourage discovery and enjoyment

■ Manage and move on from common fussy eating behaviours, including food jags and food refusal

■ Adapt a single meal to suit the whole family - baby, toddler and adult

■ Create happy family mealtimes that nurture positive associations with food

CHOC CRUNCH MUESLI

METHOD

NO-BEEF BURGERS

MAKES 5 cups (500 g)

1 Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced) and line a baking tray with baking paper.

MAKES 8 small burgers

2 Place the cacao, maple syrup and oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the cacao has dissolved and the mixture is evenly combined, then set aside to cool.

■ 2 tablespoons olive oil

3 In a large bowl, combine the oats, puffed rice, coconut, seeds and macadamias and stir to combine.

Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir to coat.

■ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

4 Place the mixture on the prepared tray and spread evenly. Bake for 5 minutes, give the pan a shake, and bake for a further 20 minutes, checking at 3-minute intervals, 3 or until toasted to o your liking. Allow y tto cool and stir tthrough the dates.

SServe with milk or Greek-style G yoghurt. y

■ 400 g tin brown lentils, drained and rinsed

PREP TIME 10 minutes COOKING TIME 25 minutes ■ ¼ cup (25 g) cacao powder ■ ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup ■ ¼ cup (60 ml) coconut or macadamia oil ■ 1¼ cups (110 g) rolled oats ■ 2 cups (70 g) puffed rice or Rice Bubbles ■ ¾ cup (60 g) shredded coconut ■ ½ cup (80 g) mixed seeds, such as pepitas, sunflower seeds, chia seeds ■ ½ cup (70 g) roughly chopped macadamias ■ 4 medjool dates (80 g), pitted and chopped milk or plain Greek-style yoghurt, to serve

B BOOST YOUR BASICS: Seeds, nuts, cacao powder and oats all contribute to an impressive list of valuable nutrients and antioxidants that you wouldn't expect to see in a chocolate muesli.

STORAGE: Keep in an airtight jar for 10 days.

There's something about chocolate cereal that takes you straight back to the holiday mornings of your childhood. But what if it didn't have to be something to be eaten only on special occasions? Thankfully, our chocolate muesli is healthy enough that it can be enjoyed every day - by adults or kids!

36 WINTER 2019

ALLERGIES/ INTOLERANCES: Gluten/wheat: use quinoa, quinoa flakes or buckwheat flakes instead of the oats as a gluten-free option and rye or barley flakes as a wheat-free alternative to the oats. Nuts: replace the macadamia oil with coconut oil, and the macadamias with extra seeds or simply omit. Dairy: use dairy-free milk, and instead of the yoghurt, serve with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut yoghurt.

PREP TIME 20 minutes COOKING TIME 16 minutes ■ 1 carrot, peeled, coarsely grated ■ 1 brown onion, finely chopped ■ 1 clove garlic, finely chopped ■ 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup ■ 1 egg, lightly beaten ■ ¾ cup (60 g) rolled oats ■ ¾ cup (55 g) fresh multigrain breadcrumbs

■ 1 small handful of flat leaf parsley, chopped ■ Pinch of salt and pepper ■ 8 small multigrain bread rolls, to serve ■ 1 cup (40 g) baby spinach leaves, to serve ■ Fried onion, ½ cup grated cheese, tomato sauce or favourite toppings, to serve Always on the hunt for that elusive no-beef burger recipe? We think this one fits the bill. So easy to make, these burgers hold together beautifully and when topped with your favourite sauces and fried onion, there will be no holding back!

METHOD

■ Cater to common allergies and intolerences (such as dairy, gluten and wheat) with simple substitutions that don't compromise on nutrition

pan over medium-low heat. Add the patties and cook for 3 minutes each side, or until golden brown.

Drain on a paper towel and continue with remaining mixture.

4 Serve on bread rolls with baby spinach, fried onion, grated cheese and tomato sauce or other toppings of your choice.

BOOST YOUR BASICS: Some young children find a loaded burger literally too hard to wrap their head (or mouth!) around. Try mixing up the way you serve it: some may like it in a soft bun, while others prefer it chopped into fingers between 2 slices of bread - or simply just slice the patty and offer as finger food.

STORAGE: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To freeze, you can either flash freeze before or after cooking.

Store with baking paper dividing each patty in a freezer-proof bag for up to 2 months.

ALLERGIES/INTOLERANCES: Gluten/wheat: use gluten- or wheat-free breadcrumbs and bread rolls, use quinoa flakes instead of rolled oats, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or omit. Dairy: omit the cheese. Egg: omit the egg or substitute a 'chia egg' NOTE: Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so choose a vegan version or substitute with g soy sauce for a vegan alternative.

1 Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a non-stick frying pan over rrot medium heat. Add the carrot and onion and fry for 5 he minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and fry for a further 2 minutes. Add the maple syrup and cook for 3 minutes or until slightly m caramelised. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Stir through the Worcestershire sauce and egg until well combined. e, 2 Combine the onion mixture, rolled oats, breadcrumbs, lentils and parsley in a food processor and season e with salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it just comes together, being careful not to over-process and turn it to mush. Use a ¼ measuring cup to scoop and shape the mixture into patties.

3 Heat the remaining oil in a large non-stick frying www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

books

Book celebrates the

changing face of Australian families

By Danielle Galvin

- we all have a place we belong."

THESE days, Australian families look very different from the traditional, nuclear family unit of decades gone by.

That's partly why author Tenielle Stoltenkamp felt it was time to do justice, in the form of a children's book, to the diverse, blended, co-parenting, single parent families and others who may not always be depicted in the pages of kids books.

Growing up, she was an only child with a single mum, with half siblings and step families.

Her new book, 'My Family Doesn't Look Like Your Family', depicts a more modern, changing world where families differ greatly.

"The reaction has been mostly positive. We've had so many people say 'finally - this is my story' or 'this is the book my family has been looking for'," she said."Other people may feel challenged by the notion that we're looking beyond just 'traditional' families in this book. This isn't the case at all.

"We're celebrating and depicting all families and embracing the reality that every family is a little different, but we are ultimately one big family after all."

Stoltenkamp hopes the messaging in 'My Family Doesn't Look Like Your Family' is clear to young readers.

"Our aim is for every child to see their own family on the pages of this book and to know that - even though every family looks and does things differently

It's this sense of belonging that's an important thread in the book.

Children are often very accepting by their nature, but may have questions about the make-up of a family that looks completely different to their own.

"How we, as adults, respond to these questions can shape their view on diversity," Stoltenkamp said.

"Whatever the makeup of a family unit, diversity is something we can all embrace and celebrate."

Talented artist and illustrator Go Suga is behind the breathtaking imagery in the book.

He wanted to bring it to life as well as breaking down the status quo of the traditional family structure.

Stoltenkamp said the style of the illustrations was incredibly important to complement the narrative.

"It was a tough brief for an illustrator - we were basically asking them to avoid as many stereotypes as possible, remove elements of race and gender, and ensure the counting element of the book was clear," she said.

"Go's unique aesthetic was perfect for the complexity of the task and his personal ethos and passion aligned with the vision of the book.

"Our goal was for every child to see themselves and their family represented on the pages of the book."

Stoltenkamp's vision is that the book will be read as a family, or even in

Children's author Tenielle Stoltenkamp classrooms across the country.

unique traditions and cultures together."

"I like to imagine kids connecting over the similarities and shared interests between families, or learning about

'My Family Doesn't Look Like Your Family' is available at www.myfamilythebook.com

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books..

A Boy and a Dog

Mum for Sale

We're Stuck!

Boss Girl

Cowboy & Birdbrain

Shae Millward, illustrated by Jenni Goodman

Zanni Louise, Illustrated by Philip Bunting

Sue deGennaro

Hilary Rogers

ERROL, the lovable little penguin returns with a cheeky tale. It's a tale that many children will relate to - it's about being annoyed when your mum won't get off the phone!

GIRLS will love Boss Girl, the second book in the Girltopia trilogy by Melbourne based author Hilary Rogers. In the follow up to successful Girltopia, a city becomes gripped by a strange virus that only affects males. As the race heats up to find a cure for the virus, Clare and her best friend Arabella have to keep a big secret.

Things get really complicated when Clara starts getting messages from a group called The Girlhoods. Who can Clara trust? Who must she protect?

Adam Wallace, illustrated by James Hart

A BEAUTIFUL story about a chance meeting that turns into a special friendship between a lonely boy and a lonely dog.

EVERY morning in Building 24, on the busy side of town, a group of animals share a lift but never really talk to each other.

Before meeting, both feel totally alone and misunderstood. Together, the boy and dog discover true friendship and happiness.

But will their adventure be over when the dog's owner finally comes forward?

A heartwarming tale that explores the connection between animals and children.

With rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations, A Boy and a Dog is a joy to read to young kids.

After being ignored by his mother while she's talking on the phone to a friend about what happened to the Fryer family at Ice Mart, little Errol decides it's time to put his mum up for sale!

With fun illustrations by the talented Philip Bunting, this is a cute little read for kids aged 3+ Scholastic, RRP $17.99

New Holland Publishers, $16.99 www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

Then one day the lights go out in the lift and they get stuck inside.

Poor little Turtle bursts into tears and reveals it's his birthday. Fortunately, the resourceful animals surprise little Turtle with a celebration of sorts before the firefighters arrive.

A lovely story about making friends from the award-winning author and illustrator, Sue deGennaro, that's perfect for kids aged 3+.

A thrilling read for kids aged 11+.

YOU know you're in for a wacky read when the cover warns 'We deliver F.A.R.T.S!' and this book doesn't disappoint. Mind you, F.A.R.T.S actually stands for Fast and Reliable Tracking Service as the main characters - Cowboy and Birdbrain - work for the I.F.F.Y delivery company where they deliver POOP (Parcels Or Other Packages). Hilarity ensues when they are given a package to deliver along with three rules, including do NOT say the P word. What could the P word be? For kids aged 7+.

Scholastic, RRP $14.99

Scholastic, $12.99

Scholastic, RRP $24.99 WINTER 2019 37

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kids

calendar What ' s on this

Winter

Have fun in the snow at Mt Buller this winter.

Picture: Andrew Railton, Mt Buller

15 JUNE

26 JUNE

2 - 12 JULY

15 - 18 AUGUST

Carnival of Dangerous Creatures

Experience the Magic of Kindergarten

Roola Boola Children ' s Arts Festival

Glow Winter Arts Festival

Join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on a sonic safari! Sneak past the snake pit, swim with the swans, let an elephant entertain you before you face an army of ants, run from a rhythmic rhino, brush aside a spidery curtain of sound and unveil ... the most dangerous creature of all!

Our Kindergarten teachers work hard to encourage individual strengths and interests and to create rich environments where children can immerse themselves in play-based learning. Join us to find out more about our innovative programs such as Nature Play Day and our Artist in Residence.

Ten days packed full of intimate performances, workshops and activities to ignite children’s imagination, this July school holidays.

Let your imagination run wild during the four day interactive light festival in August with artworks that coexist and interact with the environment to create a visual delight.

Tuesday 2 to Friday 12 July 2019 www.roolaboola.com.au

Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 August, 6-10pm

UNTIL 14 JULY

Central Park, 148 Bourke Road, Malvern East

Saturday 15 June 2019 at 3:30pm (relaxed, sensory friendly performance)

9.30-11.00am

Dino Park at Melbourne Zoo

Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

29 JUNE

Saturday 15 June 2019 at 2pm

Lauriston Girls’ School

Calling all budding astronauts Hop on board our custom-built spaceship, ready for blast off as we Whoosh! across the galaxy for an interstellar adventure. Young explorers with disability are invited to join our crew on a tour to outer space, taste space food, experience hyperspace and travel to the mysterious Planet X.

Dinosaurs are coming to Carousel Park at Melbourne Zoo, and they have a secret. The Zoo has teamed up with the creators at Erth Visual and Physical Inc to present Dino Park; a unique walk-through experience where you will literally see these prehistoric creatures come to life. https://tickets.zoo.org.u/#melbourne

25 JULY Being

14

22 -24 AUGUST White Night Reimagined

A seminar for parents of adolescents, presentd by best selling author Madonna King

Melbourne’s popular White Night has returned, but this time in winter.

6pm - 7pm Korowa Anglican Girls' School

https://whitenight.com.au/ melbourne/

1-5 JULY

9 AUGUST

28 AUGUST

18 JUNE

Kids Week at Mt Buller

Open Morning

Safe on Social

Genazzano ELC - Year Open morning

A week of free and fun activities over school holidays including “Kid’s Snow Report”, entertainers and music in the village.

Siena College will hold their open morning

https://www.mtbuller.com.au/ Winter/events-activities/eventcalendar/details/2019-kids-week-july

13 AUGUST

Social media consultant Kirra Pendergast will work with you to uncover issues around social media, without the fearmongering, and provide remedial strategies for helping your child engage safely with social media.

https://www.artscentremelbourne. com.au/whats-on/2019/kids-andfamilies/whoosh

12

We invite you to come and experience the Genazzano FCJ College difference. Meet our College Executive Team, see our classrooms in action, and discover our state of the art facilities spread across seventeen acres.

9.30am Gennazano FCJ College

21 JUNE Open Morning Siena College will hold their open morning 9.30am - 11am www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au

9.30am - 11am

Experience the Magic of Kindergarten Our Kindergarten teachers work hard to encourage individual strengths and interests and to create rich environments where children can immerse themselves in play-based learning. Join us to find out more about our innovative programs such as Nature Play Day and our Artist in Residence.

Various city locations

6.00 - 7.00pm Safely introducing your child to social media (ELC - Year 4) 7.15 - 8.15pm Supporting our young people to maintain a positive social media identity (Years 5 - 12) Korowa Anglican Girls’ School

9.30-11.00am Lauriston Girls’ School WINTER 2019 39

www.ashburtoneyecare.com.au 12395537-DJ37-18 40 WINTER 2019

www.stonningtonboroondarakids.com.au