Knox Monash Kids Autumn 2020

knox Monash

AUTUMN 2020

TODAY

Knox's top

playgrounds Finding

your own village Mail

Tickets to the

Tesselaar Kabloom Festival

About Us

knox Monash

A beautiful but busy time of year HI everyone, Welcome to the second edition of Knox Monash Kids Today.

We are so excited to bring you another magazine jam-packed with great reads, including useful parenting advice from experts, birth stories and playground reviews.

Can you believe it's autumn already?

It's such a beautiful but busy time of year.

Those stunning golden leaves will soon start falling and we have well and truly fallen back into the routine of daycare, kinder and school.

For me, things have been a bit busier than usual. I've just returned from a second round of maternity leave and it's

been a crazy time juggling two little kids with work!

To be honest, I'm pretty bleary-eyed.

However, I'm enjoying the snuggles and all those little milestones with our boy as he is definitely our last. While it was an easy decision for my husband and I to stop at two children (we both only wanted two max!), for others it isn't as simple. In fact, it can be agonising and a major source of conflict. So how do you know if you're done having kids?

We explore this very topic with a renowned marriage and family therapist on page 21.

There's plenty more great stories offering interesting and useful advice in this edition. We've got great tips for better work life balance, a bucket list of

outdoor activities for young kids and some suggestions about how to find your own village.

Also, renowned author and psychologist Steve Biddulph returns with an insightful piece about how to raise boys with backbone and heart.

There's so much to love about our second edition and we hope you enjoy reading it as much as the team have enjoyed putting it together.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook where we regularly post local events, parenting news, competitions and some funny memes!

TODAY Knox Monash Kids magazine is a Mail News Group publication.

Knox Monash will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Knox Monash Kids 244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, Vic 3777 Phone: 5957 3700 Fax: 5957 3777

Editorial Melissa Grant melissa.grant@starnewsgroup.com. au

Phone: 5945 0648

Advertising Kerri Shinkfield kerri.shinkfield@mailnewsgroup.com.au

Phone: 5957 3700

CONTENTS IT'S YOUR LIFE Top playgrounds in Knox PAGES 3-4 Win passes to the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival PAGE 5 New year, new look for Monash Youth Services

A safer home is a better home

Pathways at Reptile Encounters

PAGE 12

PAGE 19

PARTY TIME

REALITY BITES

Born to party

Tips for having kids at a wedding

PAGE 13

PAGE 20

ACTIVE KIDS

How to know your done having kids

Ninja obsessed family

PAGE 6

PAGE 14

Mum pays it forward

Benefits of family camping

PAGE 6

PAGE 15

Easter is coming to Caribbean Gardens

HEALTH

PAGE 7

Busting pelvic floor myths

Steve Biddulph on raising kind boys PAGE 8

PAGE 16 Gut bacteria linked to anxiety

PAGE 21

Published by Mail News Group Pty Ltd ACN 99 006 310 498. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Mail News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

Cover The Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers in the Dandenong Ranges. You can read about the spectacular event on page 5.

knox Monash

PAGE 21 Tips for creating a better work life balance

TODAY

PAGE 22 Baby journey through surgery, cancer and IVF PAGE 23

PAGE 16

BOOKS

Healthy eating with Susie Burrell

Fiction author on writing families

PAGE 17

PAGE 24

Scientists develop peanut vaccine

Teaching children about sounds

playgrounds

PAGE 17

PAGE 25

your own village

Free car seat safety checks

EDUCATION

Children's books

PAGE 10

Fifty things to do with your kids outdoors

Playgroups in Knox and Monash

PAGE 18

KIDS CALENDAR

PAGE 11

Nurturing care at Green Leaves

What's on this autumn

Dads create life saving device

PAGE 18

PAGE 26

PAGE 12

Getting the kids to school on time

Horses helping heal troubled kids PAGE 8 Birth plan that didn't go to plan PAGE 9 How to find your own village PAGE 10

AUTUMN 2020

Why I'll only have two children

Knox's top Tickets to the

Finding

Tesselaar Kabloom Festival

Mail

PAGE 25

PAGE 19

Ticket giveaway for The Gruffalo's Child We are giving away a family pass for four people to see The Gruffalo's Child live on stage!

Join the Gruffalo's Child on her adventurous mission in this magical musical adaptation of the much-loved picture book.

The Gruffalo's Child brings together physical theatre, music and puppetry to deliver songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up, and their adults.

You can catch the show at the Atheneum Theatre on 28-29 March and 3-4 April.

For your chance to win the family pass, visit www.knoxmonashkids.com.au/competitions

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It’s Your Life

Wally Tew Reserve Playground, Ferntree Gully.

The top playgrounds in Knox

By Rachel Hickingbotham

at number two, even after a thorough review of the competitors in the Knox area. We could call this the 'Fish Park' as a memorable part of this playground is the beautifully constructed 'fish shaped' drinking tap covered in gorgeous mosaic tiles.

WHAT better way to choose the best playgrounds in our area than to get some enthusiastic kids to review them?

These are the top three playgrounds in Knox chosen by kids and parents alike. Although there are many excellent playgrounds in the region, these were the favourites. They have good variety of fun and are large enough to entertain kids of all ages.

From a parent's perspective, these playgrounds also ticked all the boxes with seating, shade and toilet blocks.

They all have barbecues and picnic tables making them great spots for you to meet up with friends and family. Just pack your hats, water bottles and enjoy!

1. Marie Wallace Park & Kid’s ‘Traffic School’, Bayswater - aka ‘The Train Park’ Enter off Mountain Highway or park in King Street.

Marie Wallace Bayswater Park has been fondly known as the 'Train Park' for such a long time, it's likely that very few people know its real name. It's named after the decommissioned steam train engine that sits proudly undercover in the playground. Kids of all ages enjoy climbing on this beauty.

The Train Park is a large playground divided into a number of zones. The newest and most exciting section is the 'Traffic School', that is super popular for all kids from scootering age up to tweens. The Traffic School has divided roads, intersections, roundabouts, road markings, signage and even working traffic lights. The kids love the 'petrol station' where they can pretend to fill up and parents love the seating and 'bike

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

There are so many delightful elements to this playground with our firm family favourites being the two nest swings. If you don't know what a nest swing is, picture a large round net on a swing frame (or google it). Multiple kids and parents can all pile onto these super fun swings and swing about lazily or go higher to test your adrenaline.

The Wally Tew Reserve Playground “mushroom clubhouse”.

maintenance station'. The maintenance station is permanently set up with bike tools, an air compressor to pump tyres up as well as a rack to hold your bike for you while you tinker. Even if you only visit this part of the park your kids will be happy.

Once traffic school was done, our kids loved the dual rotating swings, the wooden fort to climb on and the huge climbing frame with 'extra-smooth' slide from the top. Little ones will enjoy the large rubber hippos, lounging wooden lizards and sandpit (which could do with a top-up of fresh sand). The only downsides were the fact the playground is so spread out so you may need to follow your smaller ones. Also, beware of the metal slides on hot days!

A bonus of the Train Park is that there is literally something for all ages, up to teenaged kids. After we thought we had discovered everything, we then stumbled across lots of fun climbing

equipment including monkey bars, nets and a rock-climbing wall. All the climbing areas have 'soft-fall' rubberised safety flooring underneath, much to our surprise and relief. With everyone catered for, this is a great spot for a group gathering. You enter off Mountain Hwy and there is plenty of parking, a big oval to kick a footy plus a toilet block, undercover picnic tables, all next to the playground.

2. Rowville Community Centre Playground, Rowville Enter via the Rowville Community Centre on Fulham Road You could say that this playground is a bit of a hidden gem as it is tucked behind Rowville Community Centre. If you don't go looking for it, you may not find it. You will need to drive into the Community Centre car park and head to the left-hand side of the building.

This playground has been a family favourite of ours for years and comes in

Smaller kids adore the maze of activity areas underneath the walkways above. Completely covered in 'soft-fall' rubberised safety flooring, these shaded areas have little benches to sit in and play with your little ones.

As the playground has been set into a hillside, these areas are soft and slopey which makes it even more fun for crawlers, little runners and adventurous tweens. There are lots of nooks for hide-and-seek as well as intriguing 'music stations' where kids can make their own music (noises!) for fun.

From a parent perspective, the most exciting part of this already awesome playground is the new upgrades. The picnic tables are now under shelter and there is a brand new toilet block right at the front of the playground, complete with junior toilets. The only downside to this playground is that you will need to wander around to keep track of your little ones. The top section of the playground has a fun flying fox so if you wonder where your kids have disappeared to, walk up the side path and you'll probably find them! >>> Continued on page 4

AUTUMN 2020 3

ALSO WORTH A VISIT: ■ Tim Neville Arboretum. Dorset Rd, Boronia Such a worthwhile spot especially if your kids love flying foxes.

There is a triple metal slide wall for little ones (not for hot days) and plenty of swings. The lake is right beside it with lovely grassy hills for roly-polies, toilet block and shady picnic tables for longer stays.

■ The Basin Triangle Park.

Mountain Hwy, The Basin This a lovely, grassy spot at the base of the hills. Especially awesome for kids who love sand, swings and climbing on forts.

Check out the stunning butterfly on the toilet block. Just across the road is a bakery, cafe and lovely bookshop.

■ Templeton Reserve Playground.

45 Templeton Street, Wantirna This fully fenced, new playground is perfect for a short play stop. All the elements are super fun, beautifully designed in timber and black and appeal to all aged kids.

Little ones love the concrete wombats and the slide set into the hill. There are no toilets and little shade, but well worth a stop, run and climb.

PLAYGROUNDS SCHEDULED FOR UPGRADING IN 2020: ■ Tormore Reserve, Boronia (complete) ■ Quarry Reserve, Ferntree Gully (in progress) The newly upgrade Marie Wallace “Traffic School” in Bayswater.

■ Inchcape Reserve, Wantirna

3. Wally Tew Reserve Playground, Ferntree Gully

■ Scoresby Recreation Reserve (in progress)

Enter off Glenfern Road for best access or via the Ferntree Gully library off the Burwood Hwy.

■ Scoresby Village Reserve ■ H.V.Jones Reserve, Ferntree Gully

This playground was fully transformed five years ago and still delights both parents and children. The design of this play space feels magical with all kinds of natural elements to represent it's unique 'Forest Floor' theme.

Our favourite part of this playground is the central tower structure that the kids call their 'mushroom clubhouse'.

Children can climb up the inside and sit in the top sheltered 'cubby', then can slide down the enclosed metal slide.

Another fun element is the shiny metal bug that can be climbed all over (watch out on hot days). The sandpit is also beautiful with lots of logs and seating nearby for parents as well as a big metal sit-on digger for little ones. Our kids love filling up water bottles and pouring it through the water-racer and watching it run all the way down.

■ Juniper Reserve, Wantirna

■ Marie Wallace Park, Bayswater

The new shady picnic areas at the Rowville Community Centre Playground.

Rowville Community Centre Playground with new toilet block.

As well as climbing, sliding and digging, kids and parents can run or stroll over the connected walkways or play hide-and-seek underneath in the shade. There are a number of ramps for easy access, wobbly bridges, 'speak & listen' pipes as well as lots of other fun elements. Families will also love the huge nest swing, standard swings, toddler swing, Liberty swing and flying fox with disk seat.

From a parent's perspective, the best part could be that the playground is fully fenced and not too huge to lose a child (for very long anyway!). There is a water tap, some shaded seating and picnic tables to enjoy a longer stay. Just outside the gates of the playground is the toilet block and the Ferntree Gully Library. The best parking for the playground is via Glenfern Rd, but if you are visiting the library as well you can park at the library (enter via Burwood Highway or Lyndale Court) and walk through to the playground.

The pretend petrol station at the Marie Wallace “Traffic Park”, Bayswater.

The big red train ready for exploring at the Marie Wallace “Train Park” in Bayswater.

4 AUTUMN 2020

The Rowville Community Centre Playground. www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Fields of flowers at KaBloom THE Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers promises a day of colour, fun and acres of captivating blooms in Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges.

This year enjoy a circus spectacular against the backdrop of millions of beautiful blooms - something which is sure to delight children and families.

Festival director Paul Tesselaar says the festival is bigger and brighter than ever before.

"It's an exciting time - there's lot of different things happening," he said.

"This year, we have added more flowers, acres and acres of stunning blooms."

Win one of 10 double passes to the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers from March 28 - April 19!

A beautiful day out in the Dandenong Ranges.

It will be a carnival of colour and fun with millions of flowers, wild flower meadows and of course, a host of different school holiday activities, workshops and more.

There's the KaBloom Circus Spectacular, a show like no other as flower fairies, sprites and pixies emerge from the magical woods to delight and entertain amid the colourful blooms.

A troupe of sensational circus artists from Melbourne's own 'Strange Fruit' will perform scheduled shows every day.

Mr Tesselaar said it's great value for the whole family, with children free to come along.

There's a range of school holiday fun

planned, including: Monday 30 March - Friday 3 April ■ Peppa Pig and George - Character appearances, meet and greets, photo opportunities.

Monday 6 April - Thursday 9 April ■ Ben & Holly - Character appearances, meet and greets, photo opportunities.

Across the school holidays, there's Teague the Storyteller, Ruccis Circus School running circus workshops for kids, drumming workshops, fairy treasure hunts, an obstacle course, garden games, as well as tractor rides and face painting (which attract a fee).

Over Easter, it's a great time to come along with daily Eggcellent Egg Hunts (on Good Friday to Easter Monday).

Enjoy the carnival of colour and a brilliant family day out - entry is free for kids under 16.

Book online early to avoid disappointment, cost is $10 for admission.

To find out more, visit starcommunity.com.au/ competitions for details and terms and conditions

Mr Tesselaar said it truly is a magical day out for everyone.

"It's a chance for Melburnians to get out into the hills, into the fresh air and enjoy the open spaces and big lawn areas, there's so much room for the kids to run around," he said.

"If it's a rainy day, chuck the gumboots on and come along to join in on the fun."

The Tesselaar KaBloom Festival of Flowers is on 10am - 5pm daily from March 28 - April 19 at 357 - 359 Monbulk Road, Silvan.

Visit www.kabloom.com.au for more information and scheduling.

F E S T I VA L OF FLOWERS MARCH 28 APRIL 19

LIVE S CIRRCMAUNCES

PERFO DAILY

EVERY FLOWER. EVERY COLOUR. EVERY DAY. Buy tickets online www.kabloom.com.au Tesselaar Flower Fields, 357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan Vic 3795. Open 10am - 5pm daily.

FREE E N T RY

FOR CH ILDREN 16 & UN DER 12443569-NG12-20

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2020 5

It’s Your Life

New year, new look for Monash Youth Services

By Rachel Hickingbotham

They arrange food for the night and young people can help participate in the food preparation process. Workers are able to offer support and someone to talk to if required.

MONASH Youth Services (MYS) has a funky new home.

You can now find them 200 metres from the Glen Waverley train and bus station. Their office is on Level 1, 2 Euneva Avenue, Glen Waverley.

"It's nice to go somewhere after school to have fun and hang out with friends without the hassle of organising somewhere ourselves to have fun," a regular participant says.

The new home for MYS is purpose built and includes a youth chill-out space, an outdoor terrace, kitchen, office space and private support and consulting rooms.

QUIKSOUND Quiksound Productions is a group of dedicated young people aged 12-25 who work together to create music and cultural events relevant to young people in the City of Monash.

Quiksound events are fully supervised, drug, alcohol and smoke free. For more information about Quiksound Productions or to join the committee, please contact Monash Youth Services.

Monash Youth Services got design input from young people before the space was built to ensure they created a youth-friendly space that is welcoming and engaging for the young people of Monash.

PROGRAMS ON OFFER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN MONASH ACTIVATE Open every Wednesdays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm (except on public holidays and school holidays).

Monash Youth Services new home at Euneva Avenue, Glen Waverley.

Activate is a program for young people aged 10-17 years old living in the Chadstone and Ashwood areas. The

program offers free activities in a supervised and safe environment with incredible equipment including pool

tables, a full basketball court, Play Station and Nintendo Wii. Activate workers are all qualified youth workers.

To find out more information about Monash Youth Services and their programs, please phone them on 9518 3900, visit www.monashyouth.org.au, or email yrcr@monash.vic.gov.au

Mum pays it forward

By Rachel Hickingbotham JESSIE Macpherson is the founder and CEO of St Kilda Mums, an organisation now based in Clayton.

She is also the CEO of Geelong Mums and Eureka Mums.

The Mums tirelessly work to help mothers and children by providing them with their essential needs.

One the most essential items many mums in crisis need is a safe place for their baby to sleep, especially when they have had to flee their home in a hurry due to domestic violence.

This story is one that touched our hearts deeply. Jessie wrote this at the end of last year and posted it on her social media feed.

We wanted to share this tale of 'paying it forward' - the ultimate way of giving thanks.

"Years ago, eight to be precise, St Kilda Mums helped a mum with a baby girl who had left a violent and abusive marriage. She and her husband had moved to Australia not long before; she was alone in Australia with no family or friends.

Her husband had discouraged any new friendships, seeking to isolate and further control her. The violence increased during pregnancy, which is something that is all too common.

Once it became unbearable and once she realised that she could not protect her daughter, she took a brave step and asked for help from an ex-work colleague. Together they planned her escape and she started over.

Kids just want to have fun

A safe place for baby to sleep is often an essential need for mums in crisis.

St Kilda Mums provided a cot for her daughter who was about one at the time, as well as clothing and other essentials.

The following Christmas, and every Christmas since, this mum has donated money to buy a new cot for another baby.

This year, when I saw that once again she had donated money for another mother in need, I burst into tears. I was overwhelmed with emotion that this brave mother has now provided at least eight safe places to sleep, dream and play for eight babies she will never know. She is my hero. She is the rainbow after the storm."

This month St Kilda Mums launched an appeal to keep vulnerable families mobile and connected to support services and their community, and ensure babies and children travel safely.

Please consider donating to St Kilda Mums who can ensure all babies have a safe place to sleep and a safe means of transport.

Please visit the website https:// www.stkildamums.org/

12430933-FA50-19

6 AUTUMN 2020

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Easter is coming to Caribbean CARIBBEAN Gardens is the place to be this Easter with lots of fun activities planned for kids of all ages.

Bring your family from 9am on Easter Sunday and book in for one of the planned Easter Egg hunts available for three different age groups.

Other activities include face painting, wooden Easter egg decorating as a well as a visit from the Easter Bunny.

With rides such as the jungle safari, chairlift and train ride open (weather permitting) as well mini-golf and playgrounds, why not come early and make a fun family day of it.

When you get hungry you can head to the Street Food area, the cafe or use the barbecues in the picnic area.

Caribbean Gardens are always expanding and adding more family fun activities to their menu.

This month they are trialing a 'Pop Up Beach Bar' on the banks of their gorgeous lake complete with truckloads of sand for an authentic beach oasis vibe.

Enjoy the fully licensed Cocktail Bar, delicious food options as well as live music and DJ's.

it's gone. Reservations are essential.

The Beach Bar will be set up right through March and possibly into April, so get down there to check it out before

Caribbean Market and Gardens are open on Wednesday from 8.30am to 3pm and Sunday from 8.30am to

The picturesque lake at Caribbean Gardens.

4.30pm including the school holidays.

For more school holiday fun, don't forget Caribbean Rollerama is just next door.

For details on upcoming activities

check the website www. caribbeangardens.com.au or the Caribbean Gardens and Market Facebook page.

ENJOY YOUR DAY AT CARIBBEAN MARKET

FUN EASTER SUNDAY AND SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES SEE WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION

1280 FERNTREE GULLY ROAD, SCORESBY, VIC 3179 12443111-LB12-20

It’s Your Life

Raising boys with backbone and heartÂ

By Steve Biddulph I'M sitting in a room with 200 mothers of boys. It's an all day workshop and we have enough time to really dig deep into what makes some boys turn out well, and some to go off the rails.

I start off in an unusual way - I ask the women a question: What would be their idea of a perfect man? Now, in a room full of young mothers - in fact, any women really - this is a question that leads to some ribald humour. But then we get serious, and I write on a huge whiteboard what they call out.

Soon we have a list of about 40 qualities. They range from kind, gentle, loving, thoughtful, through to trustworthy, honest, loyal, calm under pressure, and many more.There is something very poignant and moving about some of these answers. I'm aware that some of these women are describing things that their present or former partners may not have been.

Many women have had painful and hurtful experiences of the men in their lives, though plenty, of course, have positive and good partners (perhaps just needing a few tweaks!)

The reason I do this exercise is that for parents of sons, it's very important to know where you are going long-term with raising them to be good men.

The qualities we see in good men are there for one reason alone - somebody raised them to be that way. In fact, there are really just two main qualities

boys and men need to have: Backbone and heart.

Heart is what we most often think of first with goodness - being kind-hearted, caring, patient, helpful, warm, affectionate. And also open-hearted able to talk about sorrow, fears, hurts and concerns, in an open way.

For most of the 20th century, men weren't able to do this and so were often a kind of walking time bomb, either frustrating to be around, or dangerous, since you felt their moods but couldn't talk about or work through them.The second quality that we want to and can instil in our sons (and equally our daughters of course) is backbone.

Once in a school I saw a small boy stand up for his friend against some huge bullies. He was not strong or tough, but he knew that bullying was wrong, and it lent him courage.

And in fact the bullies backed away, something about that small boy's moral courage got through to them.

That is my idea of backbone. Doing what is right. It also includes being trustworthy - keeping one's word, showing up, being reliable. Not quitting when things get difficult. We can actively talk about these things and teach our sons how to do them.

In the recent running scandals about private school boys' behaviour and attitudes towards women and girls on public transport, it seems to me that these kids had not been given these messages at home, at least not enough

As parents, we all have different ideas for what it takes to raise kind boys.

to stand up or stand apart from the mob behaviour.

To turn out well, our boys need to be given enough love and care to be empathetic themselves.

To be taught by fathers and mothers to treat others with respect, and see their dads doing that - being warm-hearted, being self-sacrificing, being strong and reliable. Having the conversations right from little boys (or girls) about what a good human being actually looks like,

and behaves like. So one day their partners will smile and say 'I married a good man'. And thank their parents for raising them that way.

Steve Biddulph is the author of Raising Boys, and The New Manhood.

He is visiting Melbourne just a few times this year, so be sure to catch one of his life-changing evenings for dads and mums. www.stevebiddulph.com

How horses can help heal troubled children

By Eliza Henry-Jones

way that is non-confronting. Horses encourage children to reflect honestly on their behaviour and thoughts and to develop skills they may otherwise be resistant to developing.

THERE'S something pretty wonderful about spending time with horses.

Spend time with any horse person and you're sure to hear all sorts of things - the way a horse smells, the softness of their eyes and the sight of them coming across the paddock to greet their humans. But there's science behind the fuzzy-feelings. Being around horses can help us to heal.

What happens in a session?

What is Equine assisted therapy?

Equine assisted therapy involves utilising horses in therapy sessions through activities such as leading, obstacle course building, brushing and riding, as well as working with and observing loose horses. Some equine assisted therapy also involves riding horses.

Equine assisted therapy has been used to treat issues such as eating disorders, anxiety, PTSD and depression.

Why does it work for troubled kids?

Children who have been brought up in 8 AUTUMN 2020

Being around horses can help children to heal.

challenging situations often struggle to regulate their emotions - an issue that can be carried well into adulthood and have big consequences. Equine assisted therapy allows children to connect with these emotions, to become aware of them and then work to regulate them.

Children may also find it hard to

concentrate on tasks, relate to their peers and communicate. Horses are the perfect partners for this sort of learning because they are herd animals and respond to emotional cues. Children may also project their stories onto the horses, which allows them to explore challenging situations and issues in a

What happens in a session will vary depending on who's running it and what their preferred therapeutic model is. Some activities might include a general check-in to see how kids are feeling (this might be done with feeling cards or feeling toys) and then time spent with the horses, both individually and in a group. Some clinicians may encourage children to practice mindfulness or be around the horses without using their hands or with a blindfold on. Activities with horses can be tailored to the areas the individual needs to work on.

Horses surprise us. They will patiently listen while a child whispers secrets into their ears. Horses prone to wild misbehaviour will become docile with a child who really needs them. There's something so special about horses. www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Birth plan that didn’t go to plan

By Melissa Meehan

running your finger along it.

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

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

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

But then the stress started.

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

"He was purple and wasn't breathing," Sam said.

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

"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'."

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

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.

"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.

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

Ollie with Mum Samantha Lamour.

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

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

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

"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.

They rushed her down to surgery at 10 at night.

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

"It's like sitting on your foot and

Wed 1 April

"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.

Thu 2 April & Fri 3 April Kids Yoga - with Happy Melon IKEA Family members only Bookings essential. IKEA.com.au/Family Not a member? Join now (it’s free)!

Please arrive 15 mins prior to session to sign in.

Parent supervision is required.

10.15 am – 10.45 am (ages 3-10) 11 am - 11.30 am (ages 3-10) @ The Greenhouse, Store entrance

Mon 6 April & Tues 7 April

Wed 8 April & Thu 9 April

All Easter school holidays

Up-cycled Easter Pouches

Get crafty in-store with us and create something beautiful to celebrate Easter!

Drop in anytime between 11 am – 2 pm

12441607-DL12-20

@ The Greenhouse, Store entrance

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2020 9

It’s Your Life

How to find your own village

By Eliza Henry-Jones ISOLATION and loneliness are increasing problems for people in Australia, with one in four of us feeling lonely.

In fact, young, single parents are particularly at risk of social isolation, with 38 per cent of men and 18 per cent of women impacted.

Isolation and loneliness sometimes overlap but are separate issues.

Loneliness is a more subjective and personal experience, while isolation is more quantifiable - linking to how many people you interact with. For instance, you can be isolated by not lonely, or lonely but not isolated.

As parents - and people in our own right - it's vital for us to find our village, the people who make up the fabric of our lives. Finding a village for ourselves and our children can be exhausting, difficult work.

One thing to keep in mind is that people don't need to be in your life for hours every week to be important parts of your life. Think of the people in you and your children's lives as a tapestry even if people write a letter every few months, call once a fortnight or take your children out for a day in the school holidays, it all counts. It all adds up into something beautiful and vital.

Where have your friends come from?

Take a look at your friends - your village. Where did you make those friends? Perhaps you met them at school or grew up together because your parents were friends. Perhaps you met them at a book club or a car club or while playing sports. Perhaps you met them through mutual friends or perhaps you ran into each other at the doctor's office and started chatting. Chances are, you've made friends before and you can definitely do it again.

Where do we learn how to make friends?

You've learnt a lot about making and maintaining friendships from your family. Are there similarities between how your parents conduct their social lives and how you conduct yours? Or do you seem to make friends in a way very distinct from your parents? It's useful to reflect on where your approach to friendship comes from. Making friends and creating a village for yourself and

It’s vital for parents to find their village, the people who make up the fabric of their lives.

your children is not only a wonderful thing to do short-term, it also shows children how to foster and maintain healthy friendships as they move into adulthood.

book club. Want to learn to sew? Go to a local community house. Have a child who loves swimming? Take them to the pool. Engage with your passions and your community.

How can we make a village for our children and ourselves?

Cyber-friends. Social media has been linked to our increasing sense of loneliness, but it can also help us to connect. Join Facebook groups, particularly local ones, and do a call-out for people who might like to catch up. Find other people who share your values or interests.

Be open. Notice the people around you and the ones that you interact with. Put down your phone/laptop/tablet and engage with the people around you. If people reach out to you, recognise it and (if you can) reciprocate. Go and have that cup of coffee; take your child for that play date at the park.

Be vulnerable. This doesn't mean spilling all of your darkest secrets the moment you meet someone but it does mean putting yourself out there. Strike up conversations with people - they might be someone working at your local cafe, another parent at the school gate, someone who works with you. Ask them to grab a coffee with you.

Get out there. Love reading? Join a

Don't take things personally. If you're feeling lonely or isolated, it's easy to believe that people don't want to spend time with you. If a parent at the school gate says they don't have time to talk that day, remind yourself that it's very unlikely to be about you. Everyone has a lot of things going on in their lives.

Reconnect. While there can be reasons we lose touch with people, sometimes it's worth reconnecting. Reflect on the people you've been close to over the past few years and consider

reconnecting with those who you'd like to see more of. This might be school friends, family or old neighbours.

Recognise. We're all unique people. We might want friends who message us every day, or see us weekly, while other people might find that this is far too intense. People may not be able to support you or see you as often as you'd like, recognise that everyone has their own stories and lives and that, chances are, they're doing the best they can.

Ask questions. Get to know people.

Time is so precious, it's a wonderful thing to spend your time actively listening to someone and asking about their lives.

Small things. Friendships need to be maintained. Send messages, write letters and make phone calls. Offer to pick up someone's groceries if they're sick, send a card on their birthday. Let people know you're thinking of them however makes sense to you, even if you don't have time for frequent catch-ups.

Free car seat safety checks VICTORIAN parents can now access free car seat fittings and safety checks.

Professional fitters are inspecting child car seats to make sure they're installed and being used correctly.

The free car seat fittings and safety checks will take place across council areas at numerous locations including neighbourhood houses and community centres.

Parents and carers are also provided with information on how to check whether their precious cargo is travelling safely.

The initiative comes after worrying 10 AUTUMN 2020

data revealed around 70 per cent of child car restraints are not fitted or used correctly - making injury up to seven times more likely.

poorly-installed restraint. That's why it's crucial they are in seats that are checked by the experts," Health MInister Jenny Mikakos said.

Kidsafe Victoria data revealed the risk of life-threatening injuries in a car accident can be four to six times greater if a child is seated in a poorly installed restraint.

"I urge all parents and carers to take advantage of this landmark program - it will help keep kids safe and give them the important peace of mind that their children are properly secured."

On average, six children under the age of 13 are killed and around 160 are seriously injured in vehicles on Victorian roads each year.

"The data tells us that kids are far more likely to be injured if they're in a

Parents and carers can register their interest to attend a child car seat safety check session at kidsafevic. com.au/road-safety/free-child-carrestraint-checking-program/

Anecdotal evidence suggests two thirds of car seats are incorrectly fitted.

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

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.

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, 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?

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.

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

PLAYGROUPS IN KNOX & MONASH ASHWOOD Powerhouse Dad's Playgroup Playgroup for local dads and grandads Power Neighborhood House 54 Power Ave, Ashwood Phone: 0432-150-799 BAYSWATER Blue Hills Playgroup Blue Hills Children's Centre 41-43 Phyllis Street, Bayswater Email: bluehillsplaygroup@gmail.com St Stephen's Bayswater Playgroup St Stephen's Anglican Church 2 Warruga Avenue, Bayswater Phone: Jean 9801-4762 BORONIA Alchester Village Playgroup 28 Lockwoods Road, Boronia Email: avplaygroup@gmail.com Cooinda Toddler Playgroup 21 Dinsdale Road, Boronia Email: leanneross1@hotmail.com Phone: Leanne 0401-879-990 Hearing Road Playgroup Haering Road Childrens Centre

17 Haering Road, Boronia Phone: 0450-421-694 Knox Community Baptist Church Playgroup Knox Community Baptist Church Children's Centre 17-19 Falconer Road, Boronia Email: playgroup@kcbc.org.au Phone: 045-527-952 Marie Chandler Maternal & Child Health Centre Playgroup Boronia Childrens Centre Park Crescent, Boronia Email: www.mariechandlerpg.com.au CLAYTON Mums, Tums & Little Ones Playgroup St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Corner Clayton Road and Shandeau Avenue, Clayton Email: kerryjensen@gmail.com Phone: 0400-981-882 Church of Christ Fellowship Playgroup Church of Christ Fellowship Clayton 25 Burton Avenue (Cnr Dunstan St), Clayton Phone: Margaret 9544-2155

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?

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

together, discover amazing things about the world around us.

Increasingly, nature playgroups are run in the great outdoors.

Why is this so important?

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

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 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.

Alpha Playgroup Clayton Community Centre 9-15 Cooke St, Clayton Email: alphachildrenscentre@pronia. com.au Phone: 9429-1488 Clayton Family Playgroup - Chinese Clayton Community Centre 9-15 Cooke St, Clayton Email: joseph.jin@connections.org.au Phone: Joseph 0422-008-145 Clayton Actives Mums Playgroup Clayton Community Centre 9-15 Cooke St Clayton, Victoria 3168 Email: sarrah.bahrainwala@gmail.com Starfish Playgroup Starfish Early Learning Centre 48 Kallay Street, Clayton South Email: clayton@starfishelc.com.au Phone: Kera 0431-715-354 FERNTREE GULLY Alexander Magit Playgroup Alexander Magit Pre-School 11 Harwell Road, Ferntree Gully Email: alexandermagitplaygroup@ gmail.com

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.

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

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

How many children across Victoria are enrolled in playgroup?

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

For more information, please call Playgroups Victoria on 1800 171 882

Alice Johnson Playgroup Alice Johnson Maternal & Child Health Centre Park Boulevard, Ferntree Gully Email: alicejohnsonplaygroup@gmail. com Phone: 0416-227-914 Ferntree Gully Baptist Playgroup Ferntree Gully Baptist Church 17 Hunter Street, Ferntree Gully Email: engele.mirjam.e@edumail.vic. gov.au Phone: 0407-362-893 Forest Road Playgroup Maternal Child and Health Centre Corner Forest Road & Stockton Avenue, Ferntree Gully Email: frplaygroup@gmail.com Playconnect Ferntree Gully For children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Westgully Childrens' Centre 50 Dobson Street, Ferntree Gully Email: bcarter@playgroup.org.au Phone: Belinda 0435-428- 697 For the full list of playgroups in Knox and Monash, visit our website at www. knoxmonashkids.com.au AUTUMN 2020 11

It’s Your Life

Melbourne dads create life saving device A group of Melbourne dads have joined forces to create a device they hope will save the lives of Australian children.

Father-of-two Andrew Orkin is one of the brains behind the Clever Elly device, a dual USB charger that plugs in to your car and reminds you each time you turn your car off to check the back seat.

There are 10 different verbal reminders on rotation.

The concept is simple, but Mr Orkin said it's all about building a "life-saving habit".

"It's almost like a voice inside your head to check the back seat," Mr Orkin said.

"It's become a simple, inexpensive device."

Picture: Rob Carew

It's almost like a voice inside your head to check the back seat"

By Danielle Galvin

It's hoped the Clever Elly will prevent parents from accidentally leaving their child in a car, which can have fatal consequences.

From left, Alex Vashchenko, Andrew Orkin and Sluv Yerusalimsky.

still sti strapped in their car seat.

The device in place inside a car.

He said for some parents, it's hard to come to terms with the fact that none of co us are immune to these sorts of memory lapses. la

"I only realised by accident, my son made a sound in the back.

"It was a series of unfortunate and unlikely circumstances that can happen."

Mr Orkin and two of his friends from high-school developed the device and believe every car should be fitted with the technology to remind parents and grandparents alike.

It was an experience of his own that spurred him on to develop the Clever Elly.

He said the long term goal is to make it standard in the automotive industry to have some sort of reminder to parents

"It's a good habit, it's a habit everyone needs to have," he said.

The technology is there, but he said there has to be a market for it.

"The same way we put on a seatbelt, we should have this," he said.

"What happened to me was I had a phone call from work and I was driving to my kid to daycare. I took a phone call and it was intense and during the call, I realised I had started driving to work.

"We don't want to make money off it, we just want to change the industry I guess," he said.

During their research, the Melbourne dads discovered how easy it is for parents on auto-pilot to suffer from a memory lapse, and forget their child is

"The same way seatbelts took decades to introduce, this is a worthy device."

A safer home is a better home RESEARCH commissioned by IKEA revealed one in four Australians do not have safety top of mind when it comes to making decisions about their home.

However, almost half of Aussies (48.8%) admit they would like to be educated on the dangers and risks around the home.

In 2018, IKEA launched an app called 'Safer Home'. The app, which is available from the app store, helps consumers learn about key development milestones based on their child's age so that parents are aware of hazards and can make adjustments around the home accordingly.

When it comes to safety testing, no product is exempt.

When IKEA develops products for children, the first step is to see things the way children do.

Their world revolves around play and movement, and bumps and bruises along the way are a normal part of growing up - but serious injuries are unacceptable.

Through the IKEA product testing phase, the intended and unintended uses of products by children are carefully considered, to identify and minimise potential safety risks.

Each product goes through a long process of testing and will not be launched unless it meets the highest safety standards.

12 AUTUMN 2020

Five quick safety tips 1. Are all bookcases, wardrobes, chest of drawers and other storage furniture secured to the wall?

This is extremely important, even if you think your furniture won't tip. Be sure to secure it to the wall.

2. Lock it up!

To make sure little curious hands don't get hold of anything dangerous, use child safety locks on kitchen doors and drawers and child safety window locks to prevent falls.

3. Is there a first aid kit in the home and does everyone know where it is?

Also check to make sure you have functioning fire extinguishers and a fire blanket.

4. Is your home fitted with smoke alarms? If yes, are the batteries charged?

5. For baby safety, check to make sure your baby cot and baby highchairs are safe and functioning properly.

Check baby toys for possible choking hazards, especially the eyes on soft toys. And for baby care, be sure to use a safe baby bath and changing table.

Safety should be top of mind in your home.

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Party Time

Born to Party!

CAROUSEL ICE CREAM Carousel Ice Cream has been operating in Melbourne since 1993. All the ice cream is made on-site using as many local ingredients as possible. As well as ice cream, Carousel also offers frozen yoghurt and gelato. Carousel Ice Cream can make a stunning ice cream cake for your child's birthday, working with you to pick the perfect size, flavour (there are over 40 to choose from) and design. The cake is then crafted carefully, just for your child. Excitingly, Carousel is also able to host children's birthday parties at their shop in Bayswater North for an event crammedfull of ice-creamy delights!

YOYO'S AND INFLATABLE WORLD Inflatable World is the most exciting, high energy party venue in the Knox area. Every weekend the Knox Indoor Sports Centre is transformed as countless play spaces such as obstacle courses, slides and jumping castles are inflated

to fill the room. Book your child's party here and you can enjoy watching their happy faces and laughter as they run, jump and bounce over the different equipment, all under the careful watch of supervising staff. Hosting your child's birthday at Inflatable World is easy - just turn up and decorate your allocated party table. We can provide the party food for you or you can bring it yourself.

Our cafe serves hot drinks for the adults and you can pre-order platters of food and even an ice cream cake from our friends at Carousel Ice Cream if you wish. At Inflatable World, we can pretty much guarantee smiles all round!

built an exciting party space perfect for hosting kids birthday parties. So, for parents who are hesitant to have kids running around the house, we now have the perfect alternative.

REPTILE ENCOUNTERS

Josh from Reptile Encounters has been providing these parties for over 12 years. "It's great to see the kids really engaging with our wonderful animals because they are the wildlife ambassadors of the future," says Josh.

Why not do something a little bit out of the box for your child's next birthday party? Kids are usually pretty excited come birthday time, however if they know there's going to reptiles coming this goes to a whole new level!

Reptile Encounters have recently

Reptile parties are a unique idea for kid's birthdays. Not only will the children experience something different, but they are guaranteed to be entertained. Imagine getting to hold a crocodile or snake on your birthday and get up close to a range of native fauna.

Parents can sit back while a trained wildlife professional keeps their kids engaged and entertained for an entire hour.

ANIMALS ON THE MOVE Looking for a hands-on, fun and

hild's educational experience for your child's party?

We offer animal learning experiences, animal care programs and d educational pet parties. Our aim is to increase children's appreciation and awareness of animals and promote a connection with nature.

Why not invite all your friends to a farmyard party? Our farmers for the day can help your children with handling and feeding the animals. We can take the stress out of your child's big day. We offer the whole experience, you can even play our 'Pin the Tail on the Piggy' game! Animals on the Move's Party Pets 2U aims to help educate children about animals and their well-being, while they enjoy the benefits of their company. Cuddle Babies is perfect for parties, shopping centres and public events due to its smaller animal pen set-up with cuddle bunnies, ducks, chickens and guinea pigs.

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Open 7 Days

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Wide range of Ice Cream Birthday Cakes Including our famous `Marble Crunch’ cake U U U U

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Open play area with trikes, soccer and footy balls etc. for kids to run-off excess energy!

A segregated play area for younger children including ball pit, slide, cubby-houses, push-cars, play mats and much more.

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Super Play Structure with mega-Slide, trampoline, ball pit, cyclone e slide and giant hippo. Kids Creative and Lego wall.

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AUTUMN 2020 13

Active Kids

Team Zakharia, Ninja Warrior's first married couple.

Ninja siblings just hanging around, Zane and Ariana Zakharia.

A ninja obsessed family

By Rachel Hickingbotham DUE to his busy work commitments as a school vice principal, Ziad Zakharia had precious little time available to train, so he watched every single episode of American Ninja Warrior to study the competitor's technique.

Wife Amanda, on the other hand trained intensively at a kid's ninja course at a Melbourne play centre as there was no specialised ninja training centres around at the time.

Amanda finds it amusing that her husband - who is vice principal at Fran Dando Sports Acadamy at Ashwood got all the way to the end of the course because he had studied the technique.

Unfortunately, she didn't make it as far as her husband 'Zak' because although she had the physical strength, she didn't know the correct techniques.

After competing on the show, Amanda says that they "got a huge bug for all things Ninja".

Although they did not manage to get

all the way to the final of Ninja Warrior, they were determined to continue to perfect their ninja skills. So much so, that they ordered a 'Warped Wall' for Christmas that year and put it in their front yard.

From there, the entire front yard was gradually filled with all manner of ninja obstacles. Not just a climbing frame with a mini-tramp, but a full blown course that they trained (and played) on every day. In total, they were able to create 30 obstacles all on their property.

"It looks like a steel jungle," laughs Amanda.

Outdoor gym equipment is not new to the Zakharia kids, 11-year-old Zane and 7-year-old Ariana. Their mum had already converted their backyard into a personal training studio including gym and pool for added water-based training.

Both kids have also become incredibly skilled after the family started their own home business, a mixed martial arts class with boxing,

kickboxing and, of course - Ninja.

Since 2017, 'Ninja' has become a sport in its own right with the formation of the Ninja Challenge League (NCL) following in the footsteps of the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) in America. In Australia, adults and kids can compete in a national competition called the Ninja Warrior Challenge. The kid's part of the event called Ninja Kids is entirely dedicated to children and is run within the rules of the UNAA. In this event, kids compete to be the fastest through a gymnastic course, which includes balance and speed obstacles, swinging, tumbling and parkour. The UNAA combined with other Ninja Associations around the world are now lobbying for the sport to become part of the Olympics.

Earlier this year, Amanda and Zak joined forces with fellow Ninja, expert rigger and stuntman Luke Ha to set up their own fully equipped, custom built Ninja training facility. Now that's big leap from 'front yard ninja'.

Junior Ninjas Zane and Ariana Zakharia.

Mother and daughter Ninjas, Amanda and Ariana on the ninja course in their yard.

KEEP IT LOCAL – THE BEST ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS IN YOUR AREA TENNIS COACHING JON’S TENNIS ACADEMY

ENROL NOW FOR 2020

GLITTER GIRLS – For girls aged 3-18 Encourage girls to participate in sport and boost confidence HOLIDAY CAMPS – For children aged 3-18 For ALL abilities with fun activities during the holidays Includes prizes and medals!

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SQUADS – For children aged 11+ Further your skills in a group environment

CARDIO TENNIS A fitness based FUN tennis program run with music Pedometers are used to calculate steps

Two FREE trial lessons on presentation of this Ad Jon Herrmann – TA Club Professional Coach Jon.herrmann@hotmail.com PH: 0402 159 165 | www.jonstennisacademy.com.au

Classes for ages 18 months - Adults Ballet|Jazz|Tap|Hip Hop|Lyrical Contemporary|Acro|Performance Group Classes held in Mount Waverley dancer@studiod.com.au Ph 0490 366 136 www.studiod.com.au

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Choose from HOT SHOTS – For children aged 3-11 Learn with modified equipment in a fun filled environment

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Venues: Glen Waverley | Rowville | Devon Meadows/ Narre Warren

Active Kids

Camping can bring families closer together.

The benefits of family camping

By Rachel Hickingbotham

not engage in at home as well as building fires and setting up camp.

Perhaps you or someone in your camp can teach a skill like fishing, chopping wood or orienteering. For some, their biggest lesson might be what to do without screens and wi-fi (that goes for adults too!).

IT has now been proven that campers are happier and less stressed than those who don't go camping. According to a study carried out by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), campers say that camping makes them closer to their partner and kids, more grounded and more in touch with nature as well as feeling healthier.

As a parent who likes to camp, I have to agree. When we are happier and more relaxed, our whole family benefits.

Here are four reasons why you should take your kids camping. Don't worry, if you have never been camping before or don't have enough equipment, we have a genius tip for you at the end of this article.

1. You will become closer as a family The CIAA study found that 93 per cent of campers believe camping brings families closer together. Putting up tents, making food together, collecting wood and cleaning up are all team jobs when you are camping. These little tasks are rarely left to one person when camping and when many hands come together, families can enjoy each other's company.

When you are away camping, there is less to do than a usual busy weekend of sport, social events, home and garden duties. Free time like this is precious and can encourage more chatting and spontaneous activities like card games or walks. Anna Carmichael from Go Camping Australia website and blog comments that this time together "can make some children learn to get along with each other."

2. You will be reminded about the joy of nature Waking up and being outside straight away is extremely rejuvenating. Many of us spend way too much time indoors these days and kids have become less

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Being outside will encourage kids to be active in ways they may not at home.

confident about the world around them.

A UK study showed that less than 20 per cent of children climb trees these days.

We don't know the figure for Australia, but many will agree that our kids are outside exploring less that we did as kids.

Apart from the fresh air, being outside will encourage kids to be active in ways they may not at home.

"When you get up in the morning and depending on your campsite, there is a world of possibilities. Hiking, canoeing, playing in a creek, collecting firewood, climbing trees, clambering over rocks and playing hide and seek. If you have brought your bikes, riding on dirt and over bumps is so much more fun - all that new territory to explore, says Anna.

"Just remember to have some snacks ready; exercise and fresh air makes kids hungry!"

3. You will be surprised by the simplicity "Not many of us probably sit in our backyards at night and look up at the sky with our children - there is always something to do around the house, or something to see on TV. When you are

camping, sitting around looking up at the stars is something you can do. Sit with your children, and be amazed at the stars above you, the tranquillity and the clean air. Telling tales around the campfire and seeing children mesmerised by the story (and not their Nintendo DS) is priceless!" says Anna.

A change of scenery itself can be a mood booster for everyone and inspire your family to enjoy the simple things.

Find a creek, take your shoes off and paddle, practise skipping stones or have 'leaf-boat races'. It's amazing how having less toys and devices around can inspire simple play. We should not underestimate just how much fun a child can have outdoors. Once they are away from the wi-fi, the world can open up to them. Playing in a creek can be one of life's pure joys and not just for the kids! Join them in building a small dam and watching the water changes paths and see how far that leaf boat can go.

4. You will (all) learn something Camping is a great way to teach kids about their environment, animals, bugs, rock formation and any other knowledge you can share. They can also learn some amazing life skills such as meal preparation which they may

Other lessons can come from the experience of problem solving. We have had many 'learning opportunities' while camping like the night we had to come up with make-shift repairs to a broken tent pole. My husband and son came up with a wooden spoon and gaffer tape solution and still laugh about it now. When kids are involved in problem solving, their leadership skills and creative thinking can come out in surprising ways. Embrace that and don't be too quick to take over.

Camping hack for first time campers Perhaps you don't have enough camping gear or have no idea where to start. Don't let the lack of gear or confidence in how to pitch a tent get in the way of giving you and your family a camping experience. There are a number of websites that now that let you hire a caravan or camping equipment, and many will show you how to use it. Just hop online and search for businesses near you.

Lastly, we would like to acknowledge other families in our regional areas, who have suffered from drought and fires this summer. We suggest taking a camping trip to these regions, and not only have a fun holiday but also support these small towns and regions who are doing it tough. Search #emptyesky for inspiration on how you can support local farms by stocking up homegrown and homemade goodies on your way home.

Thank you to the family camping experts at www.gocampingaustralia. com. Check out their website for some awesome activities with kids and other camping tips.

AUTUMN 2020 15

Health

Busting pelvic floor myths

By Eliza Henry-Jones WHEN I am eight months pregnant, I can still simultaneously manage to sneeze and not pee. This, in late pregnancy, is regarded as a sort of miracle.

"Enjoy those muscles while you've got them!" a family friend advises me.

Other friends tell me that I'll definitely wet myself the first time I ride my horse after having a baby. I am, quite rightly, terrified.

Pelvic weakness is too often normalised following pregnancy and birth - particularly traumatic, vaginal births. But we have much more control over our recoveries than we think.

assumed that my body would spring back within a matter of weeks after birth.

"Education is a big part of an appointment," Jen tells me. "We screen for any issues that may be there and that screening includes comprehensive birth history, prior obstetric history and also encompasses fluid and dietary intake that can influence bowels touching on lots of sticky subjects!" Jen laughs.

One myth that Jen encounters regularly is that there is no point visiting a physiotherapist before the typical six-week postpartum check-up.

I spoke to Jen Vardy, a mother of four and physiotherapist with a keen interest in women's health, about the misconceptions surrounding pelvic floor health and what we can do to keep ourselves strong.

While it's unlikely that a physiotherapist will do an internal examination earlier than six weeks due to the risk of infection, it is an opportunity for concerns to be addressed, an initial program planned out and mums getting information on pelvic floor health and perhaps beginning some gentle exercises.

The first thing we talk about is time.

Our bodies take a while to heal. Often, our bodies can still be healing up to two years after giving birth. This shocks me.

I had, like so many other mums,

"During the six week post-natal check, with either your GP or your obstetrician, the focus is widespread baby, feeding, PND risk and mental health screening, scar or stitches.

"It usually does not include a check of your pelvic floor. I think that's why it's important that we start to normalise a pelvic floor check for all women post-natally."

Examinations with a physiotherapist after the six-week mark can generally be either internal or external.

"There is an option to assess pelvic floor using a real-time ultrasound but that doesn't convey information about muscle tone and strength. We can see if someone is activating or not, but can't assess the strength of the muscles," Jen explains.

"Another thing you miss is if there has been any tissue stretch or potential for prolapse. But the ultrasound is an avenue if someone doesn't feel comfortable having an internal. "

"This is some of the feedback we can give to mums during an internal exam," Jen explains.

"Whether they're correctly using those muscles."

Another misconception that Jen frequently encounters is the idea that muscles will just improve on their own.

"Natural recovery will see them improve. However, why don't we encourage all women to get as strong as they can?" Jen points out.

Jen finds the work she does incredibly rewarding.

Alarmingly, most women don't know how to activate their pelvic floor muscles - a vital skill for any sort of pelvic floor strengthening.

"I love working with pre-natal women, to maintain fitness, to deal with issues like pelvic girdle pain and lower back pain that may occur during pregnancy and that also gives me the opportunity to plant to seed to strengthen pelvic floor before baby arrives," Jen says.

Jen tells me about recent research that found between 60% and 70% of women will incorrectly activate their pelvic floor when given written instructions on how to do it.

"What the body's going through is such a massive thing and we're so lucky to be able to go through this journey and while it can put our body under pressure, it's an amazing thing."

Gut bacteria linked to anxiety in kids GUT bacteria might predict a child's risk of future anxiety, according to a new study.

Researchers believe children with a lower amount of Prevotella when they are one-year-old are more likely to have anxiety-like behaviours, including shyness, when they turn two.

More than 200 children took part in the Barwon Infant Study that tested their poo samples at one-month, six and 12 months of age as well as their behaviours at two years.

They found those with lower instances of the bacteria at 12 months of age were more likely to be shy, sad and showed indications they may be a 16 AUTUMN 2020

higher risk of going on to develop childhood anxiety.

Study leader Professor Peter Vuillermin, from Deakin, Barwon Health and MCRI, said the study found less Prevotella in children who had recently taken antibiotics.

"Growing evidence supports the idea that antibiotics, poor diet and other factors in the modern world are leading to the loss of our traditional gut bacteria, and in turn, health problems," he said.

"There is intense interest in the relationship between gut bacteria and brain development, but most of the evidence has come from experiments in mice. This is one of the first human

studies to compare the composition of baby's gut bacteria to subsequent behavioural outcomes."

category for anxiety we can offer an early intervention," Dr Amy Loughman said.

In previous cross-sectional studies Prevotella abundance has been associated with both autism and Parkinson's disease.

"This might be a supplement of Prevotella or other bacteria, or it could be in the form of behavioural and family support to bolster their psychosocial environment. But we need to get more research behind us before we can reach that point."

The research team now hope to build further evidence to consider Prevotella as a gut bacteria key to both identifying health risk, and potentially, as an intervention to improve health outcomes.

"One day we could get to the point where we can look at a child's poo at 12 months, and if they are showing levels of bacteria that put them into a high-risk

In the meantime, parents are encouraged to follow Australian dietary guidelines and feed children a diet high in fibre, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and to work with their doctor to minimise the use of antibiotics. www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Health

Tips on healthy eating from Susie Burrell

By Eliza Henry-Jones

Banana Nut Bites PREPARING healthy food for your children - whether they're just starting solids or jetting into the teenaged years - can be difficult.

Recipe by Susie Burrell

Susie Burrell, one of Australia's most well-known dieticians, knows all the tricks in the book for getting kids to engage with healthy eating habits.

• 1 cup oats shredded coconut

Turns out, we need to start by focusing on what we're eating, particularly when we're around our children.

"The most powerful thing parents can do is model healthy eating behaviours themselves," Susie says.

"Next, only keep the healthy foods at home that you want your kids to eat and enjoy family meals together as often as possible."

Anyone who spends time with toddlers will probably know one (or 50!) who just love white food - rice, bread and pasta.

Susie, an ambassador for healthy spread brand Mayver's, notes that these sorts of foods are very easy to overeat and don't have much nutritional value.

So what foods are important for fussy toddlers?

Susie recommends a focus on nutrient rich lean proteins such as oily fish like salmon, which is very important for omega 3 fats, lean red meat for iron and then at least two serves of brightly coloured vegetables such as peas, spinach, carrots, sweet potato or beans every day.

"Offer these foods at 1-2 meals each day to ensure optimal nutrient intake," Susie advises.

"And then add some dairy, wholegrain carbs such as wholemeal bread and good fats like avocado and 100% Mayver's nut spreads, where there are no allergy concerns in the family."

It can sometimes take 7-10 introductions of a new food before a

• 2 mashed bananas • 1 cup Mayver's Peanut Butter

METHOD: 1. Blitz bananas, peanut butter and oats together in food processor 2. Roll into balls then roll in coconut to cover 3. Put in fridge for two hours to set Notes: For a chocolatey twist, add some cacao powder or substitute regular peanut butter for Mayver's Organic Peanut & Cacao Spread.

child will accept it.

Parents can help though.

"Make the foods taste and look appealing," Susie says. "Let the kids see you eating new foods and as long as kids eat a few different vegetables and types of fruit, it doesn't matter if they don't eat everything you offer.

It's important to let children make a mess with their food, particularly when they're very young and experimenting with new tastes and textures.

Susie also recommends setting firm boundaries around food. One mistake Susie notices parents making is encouraging fussy eating.

"Giving kids too much choice and letting kids snack too much so they refuse to eat their main, nutrient rich meals," Susie points out.

Leading dietician Susie Burrell at home.

Eat the sorts of healthy, nutrient rich foods you'd love your kids to eat, sit down together for meals and enjoy the family time.

■ https://www.lifestylefood.com.au/ recipes/24450/susie-burrellssandwich-sushi

■ http://www.shapeme.com.au/blog/

Some easy, healthy recipes that parents can make with their toddlers

■ https://mouthsofmums.com.au/ recipe/banana-ghosts/

■ https://www.girl.com.au/banana-

balanced-breakfast/

nut-bites.htm

Scientists working on peanut allergy vaccine RESEARCHERS at the University of South Australia are working to develop a vaccine to cure potentially lifethreatening allergies to peanuts.

The vaccine would help reprogram the body's natural response to peanut allergens.

Severe allergic reactions can include impaired breathing, swelling in the throat, a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, and even death.

Peanuts are one of the most common food allergies and the most likely food to

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

cause anaphylaxis or death.

In Australia, there is particularly high prevalence of peanut allergies with one in 200 adults, and almost three in every 100 children affected.

Dr Preethi Eldi, who is leading the project, says it has great potential to change lives.

"Parents are constantly protecting their child from being exposed to peanuts in all forms - from popular breakfast cereals and school snacks, to biscuits, cakes and even health foods -

whether at home, school, or in social situations.

"And, it means being vigilant and imposing very stringent dietary restrictions, not only for the child, but often, also for family members," Dr Eldi said.

"If we can deliver an effective peanut allergy vaccine, we'll remove this stress, concern, and constant monitoring, freeing the child and their family from the constraints and dangers of peanut allergy."

Professor John Hayball is also working on the vaccine and explained it would trick the immune system into seeing peanut allergens in a new light, so that the body responds normally.

"We're effectively reprogramming the body to see peanuts as an entity that can be cured by a vaccine, rather than an allergen that elicits an allergic reaction," he said.

It is being developed in partnership with Biotechnology company, Sementis and UniSA's Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory.

AUTUMN 2020 17

Education

Fifty things to do outdoors with your kids AN independent school for girls in the UK has come up with a bucket list of fun and outdoor activities for children to tick off before they turn 5.

children being addicted to screens, it's an ongoing issue for both parents and educators.

Burgess Hill Girls in West Sussex developed a list of 50 things for girls to do to get them outside, build their curiosity and love of nature, and get them away from their screens.

"Not necessarily screen addiction but a definite lack of dexterity in their motor skills due to being used to swiping screens rather than using keyboard skills," she said.

It follows research showing that many preschoolers are spending less and less time in nature.

"Phones and tablets are an easy option to keep children active when out for dinner or when parents are busy.

Some of the things to do include hunt for worms or fly a kite.

"Once they get a taste of it they just want more and more.

The school, for girls aged 2.5 to 18, has made headlines around the world with the novel idea.

"It can be a real challenge for parents."

Headteacher Liz Laybourn told Danielle Galvin they know young children love to play on their parent's phones, iPads and tablets, and have even mastered the "swipe" action early on.

"In the same vein, playing and exploring seems to be a thing of the past and children are not developing some of the most important life skills resilience, ability to failure, taking risks, adaptability, being comfortable in the environment and trying things that they have never been encouraged to do," she explained.

"It was relatively easy to think of the 50 things, as many we had ourselves done as young children, and then we thought about the types of activities we now encourage our nursery pupils to do.

"Our focus as a school is on outdoor learning and allowing the pupils to try real live things.

"Education is best when it is alive."

Ms Laybourn explained while they weren't necessarily witnessing young

The list of activities is aimed at girls heading into school.

The school posted the challenge with a graphic on their website in January, encouraging parents to take part and share their successes.

"We have created this list to encourage girls to be bold and curious from a young age and challenge themselves to try new activities."

"It is specifically targeted at girls of pre-school age to help them learn essential skills before they start their first year of school."

The list encourages girls to mix potions, make slime and mud pies, and gaze up at the stars.

Although there's one activity Ms Laybourn had to explain - egg rolling.

"Egg rolling is when the children paint hard boiled eggs - make them truly pretty and individual and then find a really steep hill to roll them down," she said.

"A tradition in some areas of the country but great fun!"

Nurturing care at Green Leaves GREEN Leaves Early Learning is recognised as a provider of high quality early education in Australia that exceeds traditional childcare offerings.

They specialise in the fundamental stages of educational development, from nursery through to kindergarten (6 weeks - 6 years).

Through their commitment to raising the benchmark for early education and care across the country, they're determined to do things differently.

State of the Art Facilities Each centre is purpose built with bespoke facilities including innovative learning hubs with vast educational resources, play spaces with discovery tracks and edible gardens, a fully equipped chefs kitchen, barista lounge and more!

18 AUTUMN 2020

Convenience and Peace of Mind

Innovative Technologies

Green Leaves provides convenient all-inclusive fees. This covers nappies, linen, hats, sunscreen, as well as nutritious chef prepared meals and snacks. Extra-curricular activities are also included, such as language, music and movement classes, events, excursions and even visiting shows.

Age-appropriate technology encouraging exploratory play and promoting sensory experiences for the children, while the parents have access to a user-friendly app keeping them informed and connected throughout the day.

Learning Journeys Bachelor qualified educators deliver to the national framework, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and play-based learning to provide children with opportunities to reach their potential and prepare them for the transition into school. Each child's learning journey is individually mapped to suit their needs and interests.

With more than 30 centres around the country, they know that nurturing is where it all begins. Discover the Green Leaves difference for yourself by popping in for a coffee and tour at any of your local Green Leaves learning havens. There are Green Leaves Knox, located in Wantirna South; Green Leaves Waverley Gardens, located in Mulgrave; and Green Leaves Forest Hill, located in Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre. To find more information about the above locations visit greenleaveselc. com.au.

Green Leaves Early Learning specialises in the fundamental stages of educational development. www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Education

Ten steps to get the kids to school on time

By Julie Cliff IF you have school age kids you will have no doubt spent hours in the mornings yelling "hurry up, where are your shoes, clean your teeth faster, turn off the telly, hurry up (again)" and racing out to the car and swearing at the traffic.

But it doesn't have to be like this.

Follow these 10 steps to get to school on time with less stress and less shouting!

Research 1. Know how long it takes everyone to get ready: Even if the kids have been at school for years, do a dry-run on the weekend, and time each stage shower, dressing, breakfast, pack bag.

Also time how long it takes you to drive to school, park the car and walk to the classroom. Once you know this information you can plot out your morning. The most important times being the time your alarm goes off and

the time you walk out the door. Stick to these times and you will rarely be late again!

After School 2. Unpack school bags: Each afternoon the kids need to unpack their bags as soon as they walk in the door. Put lunchbox on sink to be washed out (or straight into the dishwasher, or better still, get them to wipe it out and put it away for the next day). School work, diary and take home books put in a dedicated spot.

Before bed 3. Kids to shower: Save arguments over wasted water, knotted hair and shampoo in the eyes by getting the kids to have their shower in the evening.

4. Prepare clothes: Get all school clothes out and lay on bed. Ensure shoes are under the bed (there are few things worse than looking for shoes as you are trying to get out the door in the

Getting the kids to school on time is no easy task!

morning). Add underwear, socks and hair accessories.

(breakfast, get dressed, pack bag, etc) before they are allowed free-time.

5. Pack lunches (or at least non perishable): Add as much to the lunch as you can the night before. In theory, you certainly can pack the whole lunch including sandwiches and put them in the fridge overnight. At least spend some time on the weekend cutting up fruit - this will keep for at least three days, longer for some fruit.

9. Time to go: Know the time you need to head out the door to the car and set an alarm in your phone with a five minute warning.

6. Set the table for breakfast: Decide what's for breakfast the night before and get out plates, bowls, spoons etc along with cereal or bread.

7. Set an alarm: Parents have great success giving ownership to the kids here. Give them an alarm clock, let them figure out how to set the alarm and leave them to get up when it goes off in the morning.

In the morning 8. Checklist: Create a checklist and ensure kids tick off all their 'jobs'

10. Parents/caregivers: Follow all of the above for yourself so that you aren't the one holding things up in the morning!

Next steps?

Following at least a few of these 10 steps will drastically change how your school mornings run.

Julie Cliff is a Professional Organiser at Space and Time which helps busy working mothers live easier, far less stressful lives through simple, easy to implement organising systems to clear the clutter - both mentally and physically. Sound familiar? Julie would love to hear from you via info@ spaceandtime.com.au

Zookeeping for a spectrum of Australian animals ARE you interested in learning what it takes to work in the zoo industry?

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How about working alongside an amazing array of Australian wildlife, learning how we can look after nature and save the planet? Pathways at Reptile Encounters might be for you!

Pathways is a program designed for teenagers (15+) and young adults who are on the Autism Spectrum and are wanting to learn about zookeeping.

The program focuses on learning about occupational health and safety, appropriate behaviour in the workplace, caring for animals, sustainability/climate change and more advanced topics such as reptile healthcare.

The goal is to help prepare participants for the workplace and help them determine what their best path is as well as providing a safe space for them to flourish.

It's an NDIS registered program created and run by university qualified facilitators.

If you are interested in joining Pathways contact Reptile Encounters and come in for a meeting. You are sure to love Connie the Barking Owl, Charlie www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Reptile Encounters offers a Pathways program where participants learn about zookeeping.

the Saltwater Crocodile, Victor the Carpet Python, Pano the Yellow Spotted Monitor as well as many other native animals.

Call 1300 4 CROCS for more information or visit www. reptileencounters.com.au

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Enquire today for an obligation free tour: > \ÊL À >J` ÃV ÛiÀÞV `V>Ài°V °>ÕÊÊUÊÊ* i\Ê ÇÈÓÊ{nnn £ÇÓÊ À >Ê, >`]Ê À >Ê ÊÈ\Îä> ÊÌ ÊÈ\Îä«

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There are opportunities to feed lizards, create enrichment items for our birds and macropods, learn to handle animals correctly and so much more.

AUTUMN 2020 19

Reality Bites

Tips for having kids at a wedding

By Danielle Galvin I'D always loved the idea of having children at my wedding.

In primary school, I was a flower girl at my cousin's wedding and it was one of the most vivid, favourite memories I have of my childhood.

I remember dancing the night away with my extended family, and how excited I was to have my hair up in a bun, ringed with flowers.

I wore a dress made by my late aunty.

When I got married in December last year, both my children, aged 9 months and 4 at the time, were there.

Earlier in the year my daughter was a flower girl at my best friend's wedding, and she was one of about 10 children who attended.

Gone are the days when kids aren't welcome at weddings.

or if you're looking for something more affordable, asking a teenaged relative is another idea.

At our wedding, we hired a local nanny who had great reviews, and she was beautiful with my two children, and my 10-month-old nephew.

It was the best money we spent, especially because my four-year-old wasn't 100 per cent on the day and found it all a bit overwhelming.

2. Have a designated play area If you search social media you'll see photos of teepees set up with toys, activities and small tables for kids to play at after the ceremony and leading into the reception. It's a great idea, especially if there are going to be lots of kids from toddler age up.

3. Buy activity packs One thing we learned from a recent wedding is that children don't care about speeches, as lovely as they are.

At ours, there were numerous babies and a few toddlers too.

The reception for them can often be the most tiring, boring part.

During the planning process, we thought long and hard about how to make it as easy as possible.

That's why it's great to engage them and cater to them as much as possible.

The priority was making sure they were well looked after, happy, comfortable and that we could also enjoy the day (it was 12 years in the making!)

With this in mind, below are some tips if you're planning on having children attend your wedding, in the bridal party or if your kids are coming along to an upcoming wedding: 1. Hire a nanny or pay a relative or someone you trust to babysit Having someone dedicated to the children all day is important, particularly during the afternoon when people are getting ready and into the evening as they get tired.

Hiring someone local who comes highly recommended is a great option,

20 AUTUMN 2020

Activity packs with colouring in books, stickers and more is a good way to keep them busy, even if only for an hour or so.

4. Be conscious of nap times.

Weddings can be a long day for everyone involved.

If kids are in the bridal party and need their hair done or might be required for photos, it's always good to try and plan out the day and try to factor in a nap or at least some rest time for any children attending, before the reception.

It can be an overwhelming day for them and a nap may help put them in a good mood, whether that's in a car ride on the way there or a quiet spot at the house where you're getting ready.

5. Stay somewhere close by.

Having kids at a wedding doesn't have to be stressful.

We weren't to know at the time, but booking a venue with accommodation on site was a lifesaver for our children. It meant they were all in bed by 8pm, asleep and content.

It also meant that for our guests who had children in attendance, they also put their children to bed so they could enjoy the night.

Most had a relative stay too, to tend to the children.

Most asked a relative to stay as well on site so they could be with the children until the end of the reception.

Another idea is staying somewhere

close by, as opposed to trying to drive home late at night.

6. Know when to call it quits.

As parents, most of us are in tune with our children when we can see they are over-tired, cranky and a meltdown is imminent.

If possible, if you have a young child in a wedding party who is also invited to the reception, get someone to pick them up early in the night.

By 8pm most preschoolers would be getting tired and ready for some down time.

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Reality Bites

Why I’ll only have two children

By Melissa Meehan I always wanted to be a mum.

For me it was something I felt I was born to do.

I've been blessed with two beautiful girls and it's everything I ever wanted.

But how do you know when you're done having kids?

For me. The decision was easy.

Before I met my husband I always wanted three. He wanted one.

So we agreed on two, and I always thought I'd be able to twist his arm for a third.

But after giving birth to my second daughter in August - I know for sure that I'm done.

I always marvelled at the female body. How a woman could be growing a baby while still living her normal life, beaming with that pregnancy glow.

I never experienced that glow - the closest I got to it was working up a sweat while heaving into the nearest toilet bowl.

Full house ... how do you know when you've finished adding to your family?

How to know you’re ’done’ having children

By Danielle Galvin FOR some parents, the decision on how many children to have is an agonising one, very often a source of great conflict.

When one parent wants just one more, and the other is adamant to be ’done’ having children.

Perhaps the discussion has changed over the years, and one party is left frustrated, scared, resentful.

For others, the decision appears easy.

Career progression, financial burdens and many other factors come into play, and both parents are on the same page.

But what about when the decision doesn’t seem so black and white?

Regardless, it’s an intensely personal one to make.

Ann Davidman is a renowned marriage and family therapist based in Oaklands, California who helps couples and mums decide if they want children in the first place.

She describes herself as a Motherhood Clarity Mentor and says regardless of whether the woman is a mother already or not, deciding to have another child, involves the same process.

Her advice is for women to start by setting aside what she calls the “external factors” clouding your judgement - whether that’s age, finances or even concerns about the

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

world you’re bringing your child into.

“If you’re focussed on those factors, there’s no way to figure out what you want,” she said.

“That’s part of the process, identifying all those externals that pull at your psyche and put them aside.

“Figure out what’s in your heart, what you really want for you.”

She hastens to add that someone may want three children, but decide to have one or two because of certain conditions in their lives.

But it’s important to recognise that desire in a tangible way.

“When a couple already has a child and they are trying to figure out have a second, I don’t think you can have a conversation around what are the pros and cons, and how this will impact the child we already have,” she said.

“That is an important conversation but the timing of that conversation needs to come after both of those people have gone to their own corners, and looked inside and (thought about) really what do I want just for me?

“When they each have that clarity, they need to share that with each other, not convince each other of how they each feel, but so each person can hold and honour what the other person feels and what they want.

“When both people feel like the other person really gets where they are at, then you can talk about what are the

conditions or what would have to happen so we both are happy.”

Ms Davidman says the process doesn’t need to drag out, even though for many couples the battle is ongoing.

“There are people who are one of three siblings, so in their mind they should have three children, so that’s more about a projection,” she said.

Her advice is to know why you have made the decision - to stop having kids, or to try for another.

“I have a strong opinion, that if people know why they are making a decision, whatever that decision is, they will be much happier down the road,” she said.

When either parent remarks that they are “so done” it can mean different things for different people.

“The subtext of ‘I’m done’ can be either I’m done, I can’t take it anymore, I’m so exhausted, it can be reactive,” she explained.

“But it can also be a from a place of clarity, as much as I wanted another, I am done procreating, I am happy with the one or two children I have I want to give them everything I have, I don’t want to raise another child.”

To find out more, visit https://www. motherhoodisitforme.com/.

Ms Davidman has also released a book with Denise L. Carlini, called Motherhood - Is It For Me? Your Step-byStep Guide to Clarity.

And let me tell you. I vomited a lot - right through both pregnancies. The second was way worse than the first (despite ALL of the medication).

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a severe type of morning sickness that causes constant vomiting, nausea and dehydration.

This meant I vomited numerous times every day that I was pregnant.

It was bad with my first but my OB (helpfully after I was already pregnant with number two!) told me it gets worse with every pregnancy.

This time around I was prescribed a pharmacy (that's the collective noun for numerous tablets, right?) of drugs - some given to cancer patients to help them cope with the effects of chemo therapy.

And I was still sick more than five times a day.

I was working two days a week in the city and doing two days a week at home and looking after a very active toddler too.

It was exhausting.

I was lucky that my boss saw I was struggling and allowed me to work from home when I needed.

And then I went into preterm labour at 32 weeks.

They were able to hold her off but I was hospitalised on strict bed rest until she arrived five weeks later.

By then I was taking 20 tablets a day to minimise the vomiting, dull the nausea and keep the baby healthy and inside for as long as possible.

The emotional and physical roll that pregnancy took on me was intense, and while I love my girls more than anything in the world I couldn't go through it again.

It not only puts the baby's health at risk, but mine too. And for me to be the best mum I can be, I need to be able to run on all cylinders.

AUTUMN 2020 21

Reality Bites

Seven tips for better work-life balance

By Rachel Hickingbotham

time each morning to enjoy some ritual grounding activities always equals a more productive, effective day and more connected to how you show up as a parent. Make it a habit each morning to transfer tasks from your to-do list into the block of time they are best tackled in. If you have a partner you are sharing the load with, try and schedule in a planning chat at least once a week so your social, home and kids' schedules are sorted out for the week.

WHEN you are a parent trying to work and keep everyone happy, the juggle struggle is real. While searching for solutions for a better life, I discovered that "balance isn't something you find, it's something you create, by crafting your life with purpose". These words from life coaches, Kate and Debra from Flourishing Mothers inspired me to design my own happier and more balanced life.

6. Get focused

1. Decide what 'balance' means to you The first step is to get clear on what you need and want in your life. This is where your values come in and consideration of where you are at in your life right now. Flourishing Mothers suggest that we "make sure we're giving our energies to the things that are most important to us. Because, when we live our lives in balance with what's most important, our life makes sense to us, feels 'right'. We feel satisfied, energised and motivated. And when we don't, we feel sluggish, irritable or unhappy," says Kate and Debra.

2. Write your Essentials, Important & Dream Lists ■ What are the essential, nonnegotiable tasks in your life? These could be the things that you do for your children that you cannot share and the work hours you have committed to and cannot change.

■ What are the next most important tasks or events in your week? You might include exercise, housework, meal- logistics, connecting with others and self-care.

■ Lastly, write down everything else you would like to add to your life but is not essential. This is your 'dream list'.

3. Introducing 'Block Scheduling' for your weekdays Block scheduling or 'time-blocking' is a game changer for working parents. Put simply, it is a way that you decide

22 AUTUMN 2020

An example of a Block Schedule.

when you wear your 'parent-hat' and when you wear your 'working-hat' each day.The beauty of this daily plan is that it ensures you get your tasks ticked off each day but allows you to roll with the punches of parenting as well. It will take some time to get used to and become disciplined to stop what you are doing and move from block to block, but it is worth persisting with.

Tips for creating your own Block Schedule: ■ Grab a piece of paper and divide up each weekday into blocks. It is best that all blocks are 2-3 hours long.&bull; Label the blocks whatever you like, but keep them simple such as: Morning, First Work, Lunch, Second Work, Afternoon, Dinner & Bedtime and Evening Block.

■ Take your Essentials, Important and Dream Lists and start slotting them into your Block Schedule. Start with your essential commitments, then

your important tasks and then see what time you have left over.

4. Divide and conquer If you have a partner or someone you can share the load with, now is the time to get them involved. Set up some time to talk. "Communicate your needs with your partner and work out how you can divide essential tasks, suggests psychologist and busy mum of two, Brigid Foster. Divide up the kidtransporting and meal-logistics with your partner. "Organise pickup and drop-off of kids and share childcare with your partner and friends. Utilise your supports and help them out in return," says Brigid.

"You're not doing anyone any favours by trying to do it all at once. Pick one thing at a time to focus on. There will be time for the other things later," says Claire. The key to making this system work is to focus on what 'block' you are in and sticking to your task list. Set a timer for when your planned block is ending and focus until your timer goes off. Stop what you are doing and move onto the next block. What you don't get done, you can move into your next work block. When the timer goes off, you won't always slide from one task to another seamlessly, but you will get better over time.

7. Be kind to yourself

5. Make planning a priority

Make self-care a daily consideration.

"Pay attention to self-care - you can't pour from an empty cup," says psychologist, Brigid Foster. "Practice mindfulness and be present in your downtime." It is also important that you know your limits. Not everyone goes at the same pace. If you are awake in the night with a baby or have an illness, then factor in the time you need to rest and don't expect to tick off as many items on your to-do list. "Be honest with yourself about what you can achieve," says Brigid. This is when delegation and outsourcing can help.

Add 'planning time' to your essential tasks list. Business & Marketing Coach, Claire Riley suggests that you gift yourself time & space to focus and 'set up' every day. Taking some dedicated

Following these tips will not result in a perfectly balanced life, but have a go at blocking your time and sharing the load. You may soon see that over time, a more balanced life is simpler after all.

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

Reality Bites

Mum Kelly Egginton with Lara.

Pictures: Rob Carew

Parents Kelly and Luke Egginton with children Lara and Patrick.

Baby journey through cancer, surgery and IVF

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

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

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.

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.

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.

"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 per cent 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.

"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.

They were able to harvest 14 eggs, 10 of them fertilised and three made it to day four for freezing.

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

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

By her next appointment at the cancer hospital - Kelly was pregnant.

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

They began all the pre-operation

www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

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.

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 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.

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

"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."

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

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

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.

about major surgery," she said.

testing, including scans that picked up she had two tumour masses sitting near her liver.

So faced with her final month, and two attempts that were unsuccessful

"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 Kelly says she couldn't have got through it without Luke.

Kelly Egginton.

Kelly tried again.

"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.

"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."

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

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

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

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

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

Kelly is now fighting fit and has been given the all clear.

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

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

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

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

"It was confronting, even though I knew it was coming, I had this new baby in my arms and we were talking

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

AUTUMN 2020 23

Books

Fiction author on writing families

By Eliza Henry-Jones

for. It's about shared history and passions and principles. But it's more than that; what draws a family together is something that can't be quantified.

Juggling writing with motherhood is an endless balancing act. Mostly, I don't have the uninterrupted time I've always needed in order to write a novel, so I'm having to slowly relearn how to daydream and write. I've found that motherhood in general is a process of unspooling things and reconfiguring them (over and over).

WHEN I sit down to write a novel, I always end up writing about families.

There's something intoxicating about delving into a world that's so intimate.

There are rituals and habits and patterns in families and so much that is left unspoken. In How to Grow a Family Tree, I wanted to explore addiction, adoption and the different forms that family can take.I've always been fascinated by how families find ways to function when someone is struggling.

How there are peaks and troughs and moments when everyone pretends that things have changed. The main character, Stella, is 17 and a lot like me when I was 17. She reads self-help books and tries to equip herself with skills that will allow her to help the people she loves.

When I teach, I'm often asked how I come up with characters. My characters pop into my head but sometimes they don't feel real to me. Often, I'll have to start the story over and over again, like striking a match, until the whole thing flares into life. When this happens, the characters feel real to me - writing becomes less effortful. It feels less like creating a world and more like simply observing and documenting it.

I've been particularly interested in writing about families since I've become a mother. My son is a toddler now and I find myself thinking a lot about what makes a family. For me, family is not about blood - it's about the people who are there for you and who you're there

The writing world is divided into "plotters" and "pantsers". Plotters are the writers with carefully curated storyboards and plans and summaries for everything that's going to happen in

Eliza and her dog, Hugo, at home on the farm.

their story. While I have nothing but profound respect for plotters, I, myself, am a pantser. We pantsers fly by the seat of our pants. We have no real idea where the story's going to take us, but we don't really mind. There are dead ends and lots of backtracking and confusion and (often) a lot more reworking than if you're a plotter. I wish I were a plotter. I've tried to force myself into plotting, but in my heart, I'm a pantser.

the secret to writing them. The thing is, each novel is different. Each one is a brand new beast. Each one is a process of trial and error, wanting to throw my computer across the room and eating my bodyweight in chocolate.

At the moment, I'm working on my sixth novel and I keep expecting to have a moment where I finally discover

Eliza Henry-Jones also writes for Star News Group's Kids Magazines, including this publication.

But it's worth it. Fiction has such a huge capacity to help us grow. It can confront us, comfort us and teach us things we'd have no other way of learning.

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Books

Teaching children about sounds

By Danielle Galvin AUSTRALIAN author, Barbara Murray, is a passionate authority in teaching phonics to children, and believes it's critical in helping build a foundation for successful reading, writing and spelling.

Ms Murray, a former primary school teacher and well-known author of the literacy program, Sound Waves, has recently released a beautifully illustrated boxed set of books aimed at children in the first year of primary school.

The set, called Sound Stories, is an introduction to help children develop an awareness of the 43 sounds, or phonemes, that make up Australian spoken English.

The Australian National Curriculum recommends that all Australian primary schools include phonemic awareness and synthetic phonics in their literacy program.

Ms Murray explained that phonemic awareness is initially innate.

"It comes naturally to children. They start with sounds when they are babies," she explained.

"As they get to talk, they forget the individual sounds.

"All you are doing is refreshing their memory of the sounds they picked up originally.

"You don't have to teach kids to talk,

The boxed set is available through Barbara's website.

" I loved developing a curiosity about language in my students." l

Author Barbara Murray is a passionate about teaching phonics to children.

you do have to teach them to write."

Sound Stories provides a story for every sound of Australian spoken English in the one set of books, with illustrations from Sarah Hardy.

Sound Waves is a resource used in classrooms all over Australia and in countries overseas.

Ms Murray had been teaching the phonemic approach in her classroom for 30 years, before coming up with the idea for Sound Waves.

"Teaching was my passion and a phonemic approach featured daily in all my classes across the whole primary school.

Ms Murray believes developing an understanding of phonemes doesn't u have to be daunting. h In fact it's quite simple.

As an example, the "eer" sound is featured in a story called Tameer Nearly Disappears and follows the baby reindeer Tameer who disappears into icy water, only to be rescued by her fierce and fearless reindeer father.

Words in the story and illustrations that promote the "eer" sound include Tameer, reindeer, nearly, disappears, fearless, fierce, tearful, clear and cheer.

"I designed each 'Sound Story' so that delightful, engaging illustrations will entice children to observe, imagine, predict, draw conclusions and create a possible storyline as part of an open discussion with others present, before the story is read to them," Ms Murray said.

"Discussion about the words that name and describe items and actions in the illustrations and the common sound heard in these words, follows."

The four books in the set are: ■ Book 1: An Introduction to Consonant Sounds, Part 1. The Bolton Boys' Balloon Adventure and other stories ■ Book 2: An Introduction to Consonant Sounds, Part 2. Robbie Robot to the Rescue and other stories ■ Book 3: An Introduction to Vowel Sounds, Part 1. Anna Ant's Antics and other stories ■ Book 4: An Introduction to Vowel Sounds, Part 2. Bertie Bird and the Earthworm and other stories The books have an RRP of $24.99 and can be purchased from bookstores. The faster and cheaper way is through http://www.barbaramurray-author. com.au/

Children’s books...

Say Cheese!

Frances Watts, Illustrated by Marjorie Crosby-Fairall A trio of meerkats taking selfies is pretty darn cute to say the least. It's the kind of cover that will make you want to take a book off the shelf! Sure enough, the meerkats aren't the only cute animals in Say Cheese!

The bright and colourful children's book features a host of wild animals who attend South Furriest Public School.

There's plenty of fun to be had on school photo day - there are students who are too hard to fit in the frame and spots and stripes that don't go together.

You get the picture!

Scholastic, RRP $24.99

Daring Delly Country vs City

Ella at Eden: New Girl

Fire Watcher Phoenix

Laura Sieveking

Kelly Gardiner

Matthew Dellavedova

The story will enthral ballers aged 7+ with plenty of court action. Dellavedova (or Delly as he's widely known) draws on his own childhood experiences of playing basketball to deliver a fun read. The story centres on Delly, a determined boy who is excited to play for his local team but is thrown a curveball when a storm damages their home court. How is the team going to train for their next game in the city? Can they win?

The hugely popular book character among young girls, Ella, returns in a new format.

Ella is off to high school in this title aimed at tween readers who are well versed with the Ella Diaries. New Girl - the latest offering in the Ella and Olivia series - is a great read for young girls, particularly those who may be curious about boarding school. There are lots of twists and turns as Ella goes from enjoying her new school to dealing with some unexpected dramas including insulting the school diva and tracking down a mysterious thief.

The second book in the compulsive fantasy trilogy by award-winning author Kelly Gardiner. The historical timeslip fantasy takes readers from 1941 to 1666 as Christopher Larkham tries to go back in time to find his new friends and discover more about the power of his phoenix ring. However, not all goes to plan and he finds himself in a smaller, older river port town where a Viking invasion leads to one helluva fire. How did the ring get Christopher here and how can he get back to his own time? A thrilling read for kids aged 8+.

Scholastic, RRP $14.99

Scholastic, RRP $15.99

This latest offering from Aussie NBA champ Matthew Dellavedova is a slam dunk!

Scholastic, RRP $14.99

How to Make Banana Muffins Stella Hong A personalised book that's sure to want to get your child into the kitchen and cooking some delicious banana muffins. This book is one of two new offerings from Story Antics, a unique personalised children's book offering.

In this colourful and engaging book, you can insert yourself and your child into the story.

Basically your child becomes the chef! The picture instructions are easy for toddlers and preschoolers to follow. You'll be inhaling those muffins in no time!

Story Antics, RRP $19.99

We've teamed up with Story Antics to give away vouchers for 20 readers to purchase their very own copy of How to Make Banana Muffins, a personalised recipe story book for kids. For your chance to win, visit www.knoxmonashkids.com.au/competitions www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2020 25

Kids Calendar

What's on

this autumn

'GAME AWARE' - PARENT SESSION

Free Activities include carnival rides, face painting, photo booth, reptile display, animal farm and more.

Information session for parents on gaming and young people.

10am-4pm. Gilbert Park Reserve, Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield.

11 MARCH

Wheelers Hill Library, 860 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill

Plus Easter Egg hunting sessions everyday over the Easter weekend.

EASTER AT CARIBBEAN GARDENS

Tesselaar, 357 Monbulk Rd, Silvan.

Bookings at www.kabloom.com.au

A fantastic opportunity to buy or sell some new and pre-loved clothing for all ages.

Baby and kids clothing, maternity wear, toys, cots, prams, change tables, bibs, blankets and all types of accessories.

First Wednesday of every month, 8.30am - 3pm.

Caribbean Market, 1280 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby, Victoria

EASTER FUN DAY Free family event run by Knox City Council. The fun includes unicorn rides, spooky homestead tours and Easter crafts.

31 MARCH - 12 APRIL

4pm-9pm, Warrawee Park, Oakleigh.

EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

21 & 28 MARCH

All activities, rides and entertainment are free. Gate fee of $7 per car still applies.

Miller's Homestead, Corner Melrose Court and Dorrigo Drive, Boronia 12pm-3pm

6 APRIL, 4 MAY, 1 JUNE, 6 JULY LEGO CLUB WHEELERS HILL

SkyHigh Maze is open daily (extra entry fee applies)

School age children can get creative with Lego each month at Lego Club.

Free, no booking required.

Bookings essential. Phone: 9518 3900

Free activities include easter egg hunts, treasure hunts, bouncy castle, pony rides, cooking classes, mini-golf and more.

26 MARCH

Daily activities updated online and on the SkyHigh Facebook page.

GAMING & YOUNG PEOPLE

SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, 26 Observatory Road, Mount Dandenong

Cost $20. Held in Clayton and run by Monash Council Youth Services.

26 AUTUMN 2020

BABES TO KIDS MARKET

LIVE AT WARRAWEE 2020 FESTIVAL

Specialised training for parents. Sessions held over two Saturdays.

Free family day out. Bring along your four-legged bestie, family and friends for a fun day out.

1 APRIL & 6 MAY

5 APRIL

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING FOR PARENTS

PETS IN THE PARK

11am. Knox Community Arts Centre, 790 Mountain Highway, Bayswater.

Bookings essential. Phone: 9729 7287.

21 MARCH

Watch the sun come down, listen to live music and enjoy delicious food. Includes a dedicated kid's space. Gather your family and friends and bring a chair or rug.

15 MARCH

Enjoy the splendour of millions of flowers across five acres.

Treasure hunts, obstacle course and maze, storytelling, fairy garden and more.

12 MARCH

9am-3pm. Caribbean Gardens, 1280 Ferntree Gully Rd, Scoresby.

KABLOOM - FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

Festival also includes circus and drumming workshops.

Bookings essential. Email: familyservices@monash.vic.gov.au

Easter Egg hunts, visit from the Easter Bunny, face painting, wooden Easter egg decorating. Rides open (weather permitting) as well mini-golf and playgrounds. Street Food area, the cafe or use the barbecues in the picnic area.

28 MARCH - 19 APRIL

Guest speaker Steven Dupon from the Institute of Games will discuss the impact video games have on your young person and how to best manage gaming in the family home.

7pm - 8.30pm. Knox Civic Centre Function Room 4, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South.Bookings essential. Phone Knox Youth Services on 9298 8000.

4pm-5pm. Wheelers Hill Library, 860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill.

Open every day during the school holidays from 11am to 5pm.

31 MARCH 'ANN-DROID' LIVE PERFORMANCE Ann-Droid is a family show that combines theatre with the newest digital technology: projection, a smart LED costume, a robot ball, and a drone. www.knoxmonashkids.com.au

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