Geelong Coast Kids Autumn 2020

AUTUMN 2020

with the

family helping Geelong’s most vulnerable How to find

your village Make your own

kids clothes

A Star News Group Publication

Easter

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS At Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre

WaurnPondsSC www.waurnpondssc.com.au

ULTIMATE NINJA KIDS

MEET CATS FOOTY PLAYERS

MON 30 MAR TO SAT 11 APR

TUE 31 MAR – 4:30PM

11am to 2pm weekdays Kids can choose from three different courses located throughout the Centre and there's even a Baby Bounce for the real little ones.*

Visit GMHBA Waurn Ponds branch and meet Geelong Cats players. PLUS be first in line at the Ultimate Kids Ninja Course at 4.30pm to have Cats players time you!*

*Ultimate Kids Ninja course is open to children aged 4 to 12 years.

MEET THE EASTER BUNNY MON 06 – THU 09 & SAT 11 APR 11am to 2pm daily outside Kmart

Meet the Easter Bunny and have your photo taken.

Photos start at $10

ANIMAL FARM Sat 11 Apr 11am to 3pm

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Outside Bendigo Bank

Easter

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS At Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre

WaurnPondsSC www.waurnpondssc.com.au

KIDS APPEAL GEELONG

WIN A JUNIOR CHOCOLATIER CLASS

MON 30 MAR - FRI 03 APRIL

EASTER KIDS CRAFT For a gold coin donation, enjoy a different Easter craft activity every day.

All proceeds go towards Barwon Health Foundation in support of the Kids Appeal Geelong raising funds for the new Kids Rehabilitation Centre.

We’re giving away one double pass every day!

The double pass entitles two children (6-12 years) to a 45 min chocolate making class at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.

How to enter: Visit the Ultimate Kids Ninja Course and receive a Ninja Quest Entry Form.

Find the Ninja floor stickers located outside selected stores. Complete your entry form and return it to the Ninja Quest Entry Desk near Kmart for your chance to win.* *Terms & Conditions apply. Competition opens Mon 30 Mar at 11am and concludes Sat 11 Apr at 2pm. Competition open during uring Ultimate Kids Ninja activity hours.

See www.waurnpondssc.com.au sc.com.au for full details.

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11am to 2pm outside Kmart

About Us

Ready for an exciting autumn HI everyone!

Hope life is treating you well.

How’s this crazy weather? I’m thinking we’re going to have to rename the seasons soon.

Well, if autumn ends up being a typical autumn then I’m super excited.

I’m absolutely loving this edition.

I got to catch up with a mum who generally shies away from the limelight but should be put on a pedestal. Her name is Lara Rowan and that’s her gorgeous daughter Mim on the front cover. She has four kids, her own organic homemade skin care range and her and her husband donate a big portion of their lives volunteering to help Geelong’s most vulnerable.

Now if you ever look at a mum and she has a strange look on her face like she’s concentrating but you can’t work out why ... maybe she’s secretly doing her pelvic floor exercises. Are they really necessary? We bust all the pelvic floor myths.

Some people just know when they’ve reached their absolute maximum breeding potential and others have this lingering feeling of ‘maybe one more’.

How do you really know when enough’s enough? I was certain that two was my limit, but now 10 years down the track I’m looking at little ones thinking ‘gee whizz ... I could have gone for three!’

We don’t want to live in regret so how can we be certain? Danielle Galvin explores our thought process.

Geelong Coast Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Geelong Coast Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

In a society where clothes are so disposable there is an exciting new trend called the slow fashion movement. Geelong seamstress Lisa Locke is inspiring women to stop adding to the landfill by making their own clothes that are ethical and sustainable.

She might just inspire you to invest in your own sewing machine. What a great creative outlet.

Geelong Coast Kids 1st Floor, 78 Moorabool St, Geelong, Vic 3220 Phone: 5249 6700 Fax: 5249 6799 Editor Melissa Grant editorial@geelongcoastkids.com.au Advertising James Stuart advertising@geelongcoastkids.com.au Phone: 03 9249 5382

So grab a cuppa, put your feet up, enjoy the content.

Happy autumn!

Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

Contents IT’S YOUR LIFE

PREGNANCY + BABY

BOOKS

Make your own kids clothes

How to know you’re done having kids

Teaching children about sounds

PAGE 5

PAGE 17

PAGE 25

Encouraging your child’s passions

Busting pelvic floor myths

Children’s books

PAGE 5

PAGE 18

PAGE 25

How to find your own village

Victoria’s favourite baby names

Win a personalised children’s book

PAGE 6

PAGE 18

PAGE 25

Free car seat checks PAGE 6 Healing generational trauma PAGE 7 Retirement at its best PAGE 8 Raising boys with backbone and heart PAGE 9 Horses healing troubled children PAGE 9 Angie’s catch-up with the Rowan family PAGE 10-11

ACTIVE KIDS Fifty things to do outdoors with your kids PAGE 12 Cats memberships for everyone in the family

AUTUMN 2020

with the

family helping

EDUCATION

KIDS CALENDAR

Discover Geelong College Junior School

What’s on this autumn

PAGE 19

PAGE 26

Bethany Group Kindergartens

Geelong’s most vulnerable How to find

your village Make your own

kids clothes

PAGE 19 A Star News Group Publication

Sounds Right for kids PAGE 20 Art makes children shine PAGE 20

COVER: Our cover girl is Mim Rowan. Check out her family’s story on pages 10-11.

PICTURE: LOUISA JONES

Quality education at GBC PAGE 21

ENTERTAINMENT Family magic at Geelong Arts Centre PAGE 22 The birthday trend getting high fives PAGE 22

PAGE 12

Value for money at Norlane Hotel

HEALTH

PAGE 24

Healthy eating with Susie Burrell

Family-friendly dining at Waurn Ponds Hotel

PAGE 14

PAGE 24

Scientists work on peanut allergy vaccine PAGE 14 Experienced and gentle dental care PAGE 15 Dealing with school holiday accidents PAGE 16

geelongcoastkids.com.au

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instagram.com/geelongcoastkids

It’s Your Life

Making clothes for your kids

By Eliza Henry-Jones WITH an estimated 501 million kilograms of discarded clothing going to landfill in Australia each year, it's no wonder that the idea of slow fashion is gaining traction.

From wardrobes full of secondhand clothing, mended outfits and items made ethically and sustainably, the slow fashion movement comes in many forms.

One of the most enticing ways to engage in the slow fashion movement?

Making gorgeous, ethical clothing for your children.

Lisa Locke is a seamstress in Geelong and knows all about fashion and clothes making.

She was taught by her mother who at 86 - is still an avid sewer.

"She loves taking things home and fixing them," Lisa says.

realising that I didn't have to have any overheads and it's just been so much easier. I just sat on my bum thinking about starting a business," Lisa says.

"People are starting to realise they don't want fast fashion."

Lisa reflects on her time teaching fashion and clothes making.

"People are scared of the sewing machine. They're scared of sewing their fingers - of making mistakes. They get so anxious that they're going to hurt themselves that they find it hard to sew."

EQUIPMENT ■ Pins ■ Scissors ■ Cotton ■ Measuring tape ■ Sewing machine "Don't overthink it," says Lisa. "Just start!"

WHERE TO START

A fashion and theatre graduate, Lisa has worked for places like Collette Dinnigan, theatre companies, The Australian Ballet and has taught at a fashion school in Sydney.

Lisa recommends starting with something like a cushion cover for your child's bedroom.

Lisa has sewn for as long as she can remember. "My mum was always sewing and she always had magazines in the house that she'd be copying dresses from. There was always a sewing machine in my house. I made my first dress at eight years old!"

"It's easier to make girls clothes. Skirts or dresses are both rectangles. You just sew down the sides, fold down the top and thread elastic," Lisa explains.

Lisa began offering mending and sewing services in Geelong when her son, Perry, was younger. Now that Perry's six, Lisa is about to expand her business and launch into bespoke formal and bridal wear.

"I thought I couldn't start the business until I had a cutting table. And then just

"With a cushion cover, you can involve the kids in choosing the fabric.

Lisa recommends starting with denser fabrics.

"Linen is really good to sew with and wears well," Lisa suggests. "Spotlight has good prices and nice linen. Stick to cotton and linen and other natural fibres. Things that are polyester and viscose will slide and be harder to sew."

Once people are confident with basic patterns, Lisa suggests trying things like pyjama pants and adding frills and zips.

Lisa and son, Perry.

Lisa loves making clothes for the children of her friends and family.

"They know it's been made for them and it's not from a shop. It lasts for about three or four years, you just make elastic bigger as they get bigger!"

Lisa has more words of wisdom for parents keen to get into sewing.

"Use pins!" Lisa advises. "It's so easy to rush into it. Set aside time and make it relaxing. Cut the fabric, pin it together and have a few hours set aside. I've had lots of bad experiences when I've rushed things and haven't pinned them. Try to see it as a hobby, something to enjoy.

You'll make mistakes and get frustrated - relax into it. Premise it as something like taking care of yourself, something relaxing. A hobby."

Lisa is passionate about encourage

An example of Lisa's designs

people to buy secondhand. "Find your own style and don't follow fast fashion!"

Lisa can be found at TheDustyPomPom on Instagram and via 0431 401 010.

Encouraging your child to find their passions

By Eliza Henry-Jones WHETHER you're an adult or a child, finding your passions can be difficult.

However, 10-year-old Sebi Roberts from Geelong West knows exactly what he's passionate about.

"We also got to interview the people that were growing the jellyfish and the jellyfish experts."

For Sebi, the experience was priceless.

"I learnt that they don't have any blood steam, heart, bones, anything like that," Sebi tells me.

Sebi has a keen passion for wildlife and wants to be a vet or marine biologist when he grows up.

"They're almost completely made of water. It's 95% water and only 5% solid materials."

"I would really like to be a vet or a marine biologist. Since I was little I have loved all types of animals. My dad studied marine biology and it sounds really fun," Sebi said.

To be considered for the role, Sebi created a one-minute video with the help of his mum, Debbie, outlining his passion for animals - both land and sea - and the amazing breadth of things that he knows about sea animals.

At the end of last year, Sebi was one of two children chosen to be Junior Jellyfish reporters at the Melbourne Aquarium.

Before the jellyfish exhibit was officially launched and opened to the public, Sebi was able to visit and it was a dream come true.

"We went behind the scenes to look at the jelly lab, which is where they grow the jellyfish," Sebi explains. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

"Sebi is quite inquisitive. Whenever he finds a passion he hones in on it and read all the books on it and asks lots of questions. He's like a sponge, he actually remembers most things that he reads and learns."

Sebi's passion is impressive.

"My favourite jellyfish is probably the blue blubber," Sebi said.

"It isn't always blue. Sometimes it can

Sebi Roberts wants to be a vet or marine biologist when he grows up. up

be brown and yellow, depending on the environment and what they eat. I like the colour."

Her advice to other parents who are keen to develop their children's passions is simple.

Sebi goes on to explain bioluminescence to me - with all the patience and knowledge of marine expert.

"Encourage them by reading books, depends what it is, but if they like tennis, encourage them to do it," said Debbie.

Debbie, who has three children aged 8 to 12 years, is no stranger to encouraging her children's passions.

"Play those games with them. Be involved."

AUTUMN 2020 5

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?

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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

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

and creating a village for yourself and 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.

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

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

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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.

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.

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 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 data revealed around 70 per cent of

child car restraints are not fitted or used correctly - making injury up to seven times more likely.

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.

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

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/ www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Healing generational trauma

By Dr Maxine ThÊrèse

tolerate become easier to manage. to When adults can become more aware and attentive for their children aw the th relationship between parent and child ch changes for the better.

HOW you feel and think about your parenting is proving to be a bigger marker of how your children feel and think about themselves and their lives, over and above anything that you do or do not do for them as a parent.

Parenting is the opportunity to grow with our child again. It is also the w opportunity to heal generational trauma op to ensure unhealthy patterns stop and are a not left for the next generation to heal. he

Emerging evidence in the science of epigenetics tells us that the emotional patterns of unexpressed feelings, thoughts, and trauma from our childhoods affect our children.

Unmet needs from the past do not have to continue to occur for our ha children if we can become aware of the ch pattern of needs that lay unmet in the p family line. fa

In fact, family, social and cultural patterns over generations can result in unresolved feelings, thoughts, and desires being projected onto the child and carried over to the child's experiences.

This new knowledge is changing parenting, because as caregivers begin to reflect on and resolve their own emotional histories - the feelings, thoughts and experiences from their childhood - they are more likely to be able to be present and empathetic to the child's needs when they arise.

Childosophy is a child-centred philosophy and approach that focuses on the importance of acknowledging the feelings, thoughts and emotions that are at the base of many common childhood behaviours.

The Foundational Needs Model,

Emotional patterns of unexpressed feelings, thoughts, and trauma from our childhoods affect our children.

which is central to Childosophy, not only helps caregivers understand children's behaviours or understand why children are doing what they do, it helps us as adults in essence understand ourselves more deeply too.

Parents who feel calm and centred when they respond to their children will not unconsciously react to them. From this space, any behaviours or triggers that may previously have been hard to

Generational trauma and childhood trauma is a hot topic in children's tr wellbeing at the moment - and so it w should be. The science and evidence sh that th backs up how trauma loops continue generation after generation is co enabling us to have confidence that unless we have healed our own relationship to any perceived and real pain from our childhood it will unconsciously play out in our parenting and shape our children's lives.

At a recent talk I gave at the Geelong Library, I asked the audience to consider these two questions:What do you wish your parents did differently when you were a child?

What do you hope your children remember about your parenting?

These two questions allow us to consider the things we wished our parents did differently for us - without blame - as they could only do what they could with the information they had at the time.

In clinic, I continually see how generational trauma and patterning affects our little ones today. And how by becoming aware of the unmet needs in the family, and by healing this trauma, we are laying down a path for our little ones to become their true selves - in body, mind and spirit - and release the burden of carrying trauma that in essence, does not belong to them.

Thinking about how our children will remember our parenting, allows us to put strategies into place in the present moment, to ensure we frame our parenting in a way we want our children to remember.

Children's behaviours are not their problem, but a responsibility for all generations to begin to look at unmet, feel into unresolved needs and patterns of the past and work together in a present moment to make sure these do not remain unresolved for our children to carry for us.

The research discussed in this article is outlined in Therese's work The Push for a Child Philosophy: What Children really Need You to Know. Available on www.childosophy.com

Outstanding opportunities for young minds The new state of the art Geelong College Junior School will open its doors in 2020!

Join our Reggio Emilia inspired learning community from Early Learning to Year 3.

Chinese and French language classes are offered from Early Learning, and Art, Music and Physical Education classes with specialist teachers complement Inquiry-based numeracy and literacy. Children also engage in regular Nature Play and wellbeing sessions in a program designed to develop the whole child.

*Artist impression.

Join us at our Open Day Wednesday 11 March 2020 to learn more. www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au or phone (03) 5226 3156 to enquire about enrolment in this unique environment.

Be of

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

COURAGE AUTUMN 2020 7

It’s Your Life

Retirement living at its best WITH a vibrant coastal atmosphere and in close proximity to top-class entertainment and shopping, Armstrong Green offers an unsurpassed retirement lifestyle.

RCA's newest village sits at the gateway to the beautiful Bellarine, renowned for its stunning beaches, wineries, charming seaside towns, lush golf courses and a world of foodie delights.

It's also situated between the breathtaking Great Ocean Road and Geelong's bustling shopping and entertainment hub.

The beauty of living at Armstrong Green is that it offers resort-style living in a beautiful setting with everything you need nearby.

You can do as much or as little as you want.

The modern village is located right next door to shops, a medical centre and transport, and is a short 15-minute drive to Geelong's dining and shopping.

There's also plenty of great places to explore nearby.

Arm mstrong Village is in close proximity to beaches.

Armstrong

Natural beauty surrounds Armstrong Village.

Adventure Golf nearby.

Take a dip in the shallows of the inlet at Barwon Heads, a rocky coastal headland with gorgeous ocean beaches and award-winning golf courses.

Return to yesteryear with a stroll at Queenscliff, a historical town with gracious hotels and fine dining venues.

Discover the birdlife at Lake Connewarre, or watch the seaborne world come and go while relaxing at Point Lonsdale.

Hear the roar of the surf and ocean breezes at Ocean Grove, a coastal town with popular attractions such as Adventure Park and Bellarine

For uninterrupted bay views across to the You Yangs and, on a clear day, Melbourne, head to Portarlington, a beautiful bayside town where you can

enjoy the Australian Blue Mussels grown just offshore.

This is what retirement living is meant to be.

And Armstrong Green is a name with a lot to live up to. The RCA village has been named Armstrong Green after the area's early pioneer, John Armstrong who in 17 short years made his mark on the district, shaped the early wool industry and helped found one of Melbourne's finest schools.

Armstrong Green at a glance ■ Vibrant coastal atmosphere, 90 mins from Melbourne ■ 15 mins to Geelong's shops, dining, culture and entertainment ■ Next door to Warralily's supermarkets, cafes and specialty shops ■ Transport and medical centre within walking distance

Why not discover it for yourself?

email shae@soundsrightphonicsclasses.co.au or call Shae on - 0409 641 550 12430509-FA10-20

8 AUTUMN 2020

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

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 w encourage children to reflect honestly e on o their behaviour and thoughts and to develop skills they may otherwise be d resistant to developing. r

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?

W

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 www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

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 W depending on who's running it and d what their preferred therapeutic model w iis. Some activities might include a general check-in to see how kids are g ffeeling (this might be done with feeling cards or feeling toys) and then time c sspent with the horses, both individually and in a group. Some clinicians may a encourage children to practice e mindfulness or be around the horses m without using their hands or with a w blindfold on. Activities with horses can b 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.

AUTUMN 2020 9

It’s Your Life

Laura Rowan with children Mim, Rod, Harry and Lucy.

Pictures: Louisa Jones

Spreading love to those in need

By Angie Hilton MOTHER Teresa has a quote "spread love everywhere you go, let no one ever come to you without leaving happier".

I feel like this sums up Laura Rowan.

She's one of those people that you walk away from feeling better about yourself.

And it's such a subtle thing - she's unassuming, gentle and quiet, but just emanates warmth, love and compassion.

A mother of four, Laura juggles the daily routines of her little ones whilst also running her online skincare business Kokomo and, in between, finds time each week to volunteer at St Vincent de Paul with her husband Marty where they deliver food and offer support to the families of Geelong who are really struggling.

Together they are about to launch a new charity called Bayleaf Community Kitchen that will provide free drive through, healthy, home cooked meals to families who are falling on hard times.

The joy that fills their house seems to come from their priorities: family first, fill the house with love and help anyone in need.

I was fascinated to know more about this loving family.

How did you and Marty meet?

So romantic ... at the Barking Dog! Marty's story is that he was about to

10 AUTUMN 2020

Mim and Lucy at home home.

leave when he saw me across the bar and decided to stay. I was there with my best friend at the time and his game plan was to approach her to gain some info about me first.

After a chat she came to me and said, 'I met the man you're going to marry. He loves trees and drinks milk at the bar'. Now as strange as that sounds, I kind of believed her as she knew me so well - even knew my quirky prerequisites of milk and trees.

When the two of us were introduced my first question was: 'so what's your last name?' I had to 'try it on' if I was going to marry this guy (laughs).

Four kids equals four labours. Tell me, does it get easier the more you have?

Ummmm ... definitely not.

Rod was 30 hours of exhaustion.

Lucy was slightly more bearable but I had the anxiety build up from the first marathon.

A giving couple ... Marty and Laura Rowan both volunteer for St Vincent de Paul and have started a charity, Bayleaf Community Kitchen.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Henry was overdue by a week and then, as they induced me, they discovered he was posterior (lucky my obstetrician turned him rather than have a caesar).

And with Mim my biggest fear came to life when the epidural went wrong and I had what they call a 'wet tap'. I won't go into it as I don't want to scare new mums. Let's just say it's rare but painful.

Four kids is considered a big family these days. Was that what you always dreamt of?

Well Marty is one of nine (a good Catholic family) and I am one of three.

After meeting Marty and spending time with his huge family, I got to witness the joy.

That whole concept of it taking a village to raise a child really comes into play. Everyone chips in and supports each other, there is always someone to help out with the kids, always a shoulder to cry on, always a lot of laughs ... and a lot of food.

Originally we were aiming to have six kids, but four is feeling pretty comfortable right now (laughs) ... although you never know.

Any memorable funny parenting moments?

I distinctly remember literally being in the birthing suite having our fourth child and hearing Marty on the phone in the background negotiating payment details. I thought to myself 'what could be so important that he has to do this while I'm in labour?' When he returned from the phone call I impatiently asked 'what the heck were you buying at a time like this?' He responded with 'I need to seal the deal on a vehicle we can all fit in'. The reality that we were going to be a six member family must have hit hard in the room that day. I still laugh to myself, wondering why we left it to the last minute. I guess we were just busy.

What does a day in the life of the Rowans look like?

Pretty chaotic to be honest. Breakfast always goes longer than it should, mainly because our 6-year-old son has three sittings - we call him hungry Henry.

I wish I was more organised the night before, but school and kinder lunches are always madly packed each morning.

Somehow we always make it out the door in time for the kids to get to school early.

After a good coffee and a quick walk in nature to clear my head, I then try to fit in as much work as I can before school pick-up. After school we have extra curricular activities every night.

Has anyone ever mastered the balance of community engagement and sanity at home?

It helps that we have a ritual of 'Friday fun night' that we all look forward to. We get take out, watch a family movie together.

I love how in your 'spare time' of being a mother of four kids, you whip up a whole range of raw, organic skincare products from scratch. What was the motivation behind that? They look, feel and smell divine. And I love how the name 'kokomo' transports you straight to the set of Cocktail with Tom Cruise.

Ha ha! Yes, the song was my childhood 'happy song'. When creating the brand I really wanted a fresh tropical look and feel that encapsulated my love of the beach.

KO.KO.MO started out of my pure frustration of having skin that reacted to everything.

Harry with family cat Taffy.

The tight-knit Rowan clan.

ocean and earth. Oils, clays, fruits and plants, I experimented with them all until I found the perfect blend that finally soothed and hydrated my skin.

My biggest joy is when customers tell me that they too have been on the same skin journey and that my products are working for them.

Is it hard to balance your work and family life?

I wanted to have a business that allowed me to have a day off if I was needed as a mum. Work is important, but not as important as family. The values of motherhood - love, sacrifice and compassion - may not have a monetary value attached but they are the absolute cornerstone of life.

I also love that I can make all the products from home. The kids enjoy watching me make the products and they want to be part of it. I often just let them make up their own separate concoctions for fun. The kids and I often do face masks for a bit of fun.

It is so admirable the way you and Marty serve the community. Most of us bury our heads in the sand and hope that someone else is doing something about it. But you and Marty are actually confronting these hard situations. What inspires you?

I once heard someone say, 'we can't do everything, but we can all do something'.

Working for Vinnies has been such an eye-opener. It breaks our hearts to know that right on our doorstep there are a ridiculous amount of families living in horrendous conditions. It would be much easier to bury our heads in the sand, but once you have been exposed to the reality you can't turn away from it.

Marty volunteers around 20 hours a week serving as the president of the Geelong conference for St Vincent de Paul (on top of his job of running a horse agistment farm in Camperdown). I help by delivering groceries and food vouchers to homes once a week.

I love that Vinnies gives us the opportunity to really make a difference.

It is often a last resort call for people when they are at the point of desperation. We are lucky enough to have funds to step in and pay someone's medical bill or rent or whatever they need when they have no one to turn to.

I would strongly encourage others to try volunteering. The ironic thing about it is that the volunteer often ends up getting just as much out of the transaction as the person receiving.

I started researching skin care products and discovered that even the so called 'natural' options still had hidden nasties.

Was it through your Vinnies work that you saw a need for nutritious meals to be provided to these families. Is that the plan with your new charity Bayleaf Community Kitchen?

I made it my mission then to find the best natural, active ingredients from the

Absolutely. In the homes we visit we would see so many young children who

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

were not being fed nutritious meals.

Marty had a brilliant idea to provide free home cooked healthy drive-through meals. The drive-through factor allows the recipient to feel more anonymous when shame keeps many people from asking for help.

The aim is to encourage families to share a meal together in their home encouraging conversation, family values and love.

Laura Rowan with daughters Mim and Lucy.

Bay Leaf hopes to lift families out of their dire situations by showing them that the community loves and supports them and inspires these families to make healthy life choices.

I notice you and Marty are not on social media (aside from K.Ko.Mo). What are your thoughts on it?

I feel like I am happiest when my life is simple. I've ditched the complexities of social media to focus on my relationships and being present in the reality of day to day living.

Our TV broke two years ago and, as an experiment, we decided to have some time without getting it replaced. It was difficult at first, but over time it paid off and the family became much closer.

We also decided to dramatically limit our kids use of screens and, even though there was an initial bad reaction, what unfolded was fantastic.

They were getting outdoors, playing together and meeting other kids in the street. Just like the good old days.

Your children seem to be so joyful and get along so well. Do you have a parenting philosophy?

We've always believed that if a child is loved they will reach their full potential.

As parents we all make mistakes, but I truly believe if you love your children unconditionally, it gives them a great sense of self worth, self love and confidence to move through life knowing they are supported.

We try to instil kindness in their behaviour. It hasn't always been the case, but for example when they are down to the last lolly, rather than all dive in to grab it, they decide who amongst them deserves it the most 'you have it, no you have it'.

What did you love about your own parents' parenting?

Laura Rowan has an organic skincare company.

Laura Rowan in a snapshot Age: 36 Husband: Marty - grounding, honest and loyal Children: Roderick (Rod), 10 patient resilient, detailed Lucy, 8 - optimistic, reliable, caring Henry, 6 - funny kind loud Miriam (Mim), 4 - independant, affectionate, creative Mantra: Be brave not perfect

My parents always supported me in anything I wanted to do.

Guilty pleasure: A whole tub of Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough

My mum always went above and beyond to make sure I always had the resources required to carry out my crazy creative ambitions.

Favourite coffee stop: Poko in Pako

I feel really blessed to have such a special relationship with my dad. He would always take me camping so we spent a lot of quality time together. He has such depth and wisdom that he has always shared with me.

I think it's so romantic that before he met mum he was an Anglican monk in England for two years. However, he

met mum and was so besotted that he hung up the robe ... fortunately so, or I wouldn't be here to tell the tale (laughs).

Check out www.kokomoskincare. com.au Donate to Bay Leaf Community Kitchen www.bayleafkitchen.com.au Or to enquire about volunteering for St Vincent de Paul contact Marty at martinrowan23@gmail.com

AUTUMN 2020 11

Active Kids

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 Th li t off activities ti iti is i aimed i d att girls i l heading h di into i t school. h l

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!"

Memberships for everyone in the family at the Geelong Cats IT'S an exciting time to be a member of the Geelong Cats in 2020 and the club has got a membership package to suit every fan!

Geelong's Junior Membership packages cover all your needs for the season ahead.

Junior - Hawkins Heroes Membership - From $9 per month Join Tom in the forward line! Get an exclusive merchandise pack, plus home and away access in Victoria! For members aged six to fourteen.

Junior - Kinder Cats Membership From $7 per month For the young members of our Cats family. Get home and away access in Victoria and exclusive merchandise! For members aged three to five.

Junior - Kitten Krew Membership From $5 per month 12 AUTUMN 2020

Geelong's Kitten Krew membership is the perfect Christmas gift for any newborn baby. Let the newest member of your family STAND PROUD with the Cats family in 2020 with this two-year membership.

Plus, for the first time, all junior members aged between six and fourteen can sign up and meet their favourite players at the 2020 Junior Member Clinic which will be held at GMHBA Stadium on Wednesday 8 April, just for an additional $35.

Geelong's Three Game Family Membership is another popular choice for young families. Starting from $18 per month for two adults and up to four kids!

To purchase a 2020 membership or find out more about Geelong's other packages visit membership. geelongcats.com.au/packages or call 1300 462 287.

The Geelong Cats have membership options for fans of all ages. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

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Don t miss our annual Junior Member Clinic Join our Geelong Cats AFL & AFLW players ...as they take you through a series of footy drills to improve your skills at our Annual Junior Member Clinic.

This will be the most fun you will have these school holidays!

BOOK YOUR PLACE AT bit.ly/juniormemberclinic

Junior Memberships from $3 per month

DETAILS Wednesday 8th April 2020

10am–12pm

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Family Memberships from $18 per month

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

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

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

■ http://www.shapeme.com.au/blog/ balanced-breakfast/ ■ https://www.girl.com.au/banananut-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

14 AUTUMN 2020

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. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Health

Experienced and gentle dental care DENTISTS at Ocean Grove Dental are experienced with young patients and will treat your child with care, kindness and respect.

Occasionally, patients are required to have x-rays to assess dental disease, teeth development, eruption and positioning.

They love seeing their little smiles in the practice, and take the time to get to know them and establish a good relationship.

When treatment is required, the team at Ocean Grove Dental are extremely gentle, patient and meticulous.

When it comes to children's dentistry, their philosophy is to prevent problems before they arise, and to diagnose early to allow more minimal and comfortable treatment.

Regular check-ups are the key. They allow dentists to demonstrate oral hygiene techniques, discuss the causes of decay and infection within the mouth, reinforce good habits and pick-up early signs of disease or developmental anomalies.

Preventative measures, such as fissure sealants and fluoride application, can be used to help prevent dental decay.

The caring dentists understand that children are adventurous and can be prone to injuries.

One in three children will suffer dental trauma. Therefore, it's strongly recommended that children use custom-fitted mouth-guards for prevention in the sporting field.

However, accidents can happen anytime. With five dental practitioners, Ocean Grove Dental is well equipped to prioritise and manage such emergency situations as they arise.

The team will be there to help alleviate pain, reduce risk of infection, and to restore function and aesthetics.

Regular dental check-ups are vital for children.

Bulk Billing is available for children aged 2-17 years who are eligible under Medicare's Child Dental Benefits Schedule. It covers a range of dental services including examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canal treatments and extractions.

Ocean Grove Dental looks forward to

chatting with your children and teaching them to love and take pride in their smiles!

Ocean Grove Dental is located at 84 Orton Street, Ocean Grove.

For more information, or to make an appointment, phone 5255 5282 or email info@oceangrovedental.com.au

New patients are warmly welcome! Please contact us on (03) 5255 5282 or online to make an appointment.

84 Orton Street, Ocean Grove.

Open: Mon 8.30am - 6.30pm, Tue 8am-5pm, Wed 8am - 7pm, Thu 8.30am-7pm, Fri 8.30am-5pm

Ocean Grove Dental Clinic has been proudly servicing our beautiful community for over 20 years, providing gentle, personalised and professional dental care for patients of all ages. Our team of ADA-affiliated dentists are

highly proficient in all aspects of modern general dentistry, always aiming for meticulous results, and are compassionate to the needs and wishes of each individual. Our staff take great pride in providing a warm, welcoming and respectful environment, and particularly in the long-term relationships we build with our wonderful patients.

Please come and visit us in our state-of-theart facilities, with ample off-street parking and wheelchair accessibility.

Dr. Altan Haksoz | Dr. Tina Nguyen | Dr. David Lakkis | Dr. Julia Bickley | Dr. Melissa Chew

We’ll make sure you leave feeling fantastic about your smile!

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AUTUMN 2020 15

Health

Dealing with holiday accidents and injuries IT'S school holidays!

especially of the extremities like wrists and ankles

With all this free time and lots of activities, you might find your kids being on the wrong side of an accident or injury.

2. Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains. Frequently sports-related

This doesn't mean that children should be wrapped in cotton wool, but it's good to be aware of the risks, take precautions and know what to do in the event of an accident that might require a visit to the emergency department.

4. Ear infections

Having to take your child to the emergency department is undoubtedly a stressful experience. But there are ways to reduce the stress for all of you.

When your child is very unwell or injured and you need help right away, the nearest hospital emergency department is the best place to go.

While a trip to emergency is not something we can (or would ever want to) plan for, understanding a few key things about the experience might go some way to easing the stress.

Children end up in the emergency department for a wide variety of reasons.

The emergency department top 10 1. Broken bones and fractures,

3. Upper respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, asthma and croup or breathing difficulties 5. Fever, particularly unexplained fever.

Often accompanied by dehydration or loss of appetite 6. Cuts and lacerations 7. Burns 8. Abdominal pain caused by appendicitis, viral illness or gastroenteritis 9. Vomiting and dehydration, often as a result of gastroenteritis or food poisoning 10. Allergic reactions What can you expect?

Most emergency departments care for all ages and patient types.

The first person you'll see will be the triage nurse who will assess both your child's condition and the priority of his or her care. This may involve taking your

child's temperature, weighing them and talking to you and/or your child about their condition.

The length of time it will take for your child to be seen will depend on who else is there. Your child will be treated as soon as possible, but someone who arrives after you with a more serious condition is likely to be treated first.

Your child's condition may require an admission to the hospital. But less than half of the patients who present to emergency departments internationally are admitted to hospital, so there's a good chance your child will receive treatment in emergency and be sent home, possibly with a referral.

If your child does require admission to hospital for their condition, the team at Epworth Geelong emergency will arrange a transfer to the most appropriate hospital for paediatric admissions.

You will be surprised at the difference it makes to their attitude if they are aware that: ■ Someone may look in their ear or mouth with an instrument.

■ They may see different medical instruments and equipment but each of these things will help them to feel better.

■ They will meet a nurse and possibly a doctor who will ask them a few questions and take a look at the wound/area that hurts.

What should I tell my child?

■ They may need to go to a different area for tests like X-rays or maybe a bit of blood may need to be taken.

Before your child has had any contact with a doctor or nurse, take a moment when you first arrive to explain to them where they are and what they might expect while they are in emergency.

Epworth Geelong Emergency Department is open 8am - midnight, seven days a week. Visit epworthgeelong.org.au for more information.

Epworth Geelong Maternity

The perfect place for life’s moments With expert obstetricians and midwives to support you through every phase leading to a beautiful new life.

epworthgeelong.org.au | Maternity services 03 5271 8322 Enter from Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds (next to Deakin University) 12440249-RC10-20

16 AUTUMN 2020

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Pregnancy + Baby

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.geelongcoastkids.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 17

Pregnancy + Baby

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.

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.

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, 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.

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

Muscle strength is one of the important things that needs to be checked when assessing the pelvic floor.

beginning some gentle exercises.

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

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.

"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.

"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.

"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."

Victoria’s favourite baby names revealed

By Danielle Galvin THE most popular Victorian baby boys and girls names have been revealed with Oliver and Olivia once again topping the list.

According to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Register, there were 419 Olivias born in 2019 and 537 Olivers born.

Both choices have been high on the list for the past decade.

Charlotte, Mia and Amelia continue to be popular girls' names for the ninth consecutive year in a row, while Jack, William and Noah have continued to place in the top five baby names for boys since 2014.

Acting Attorney-General Ben Carroll says choosing a name can be tricky.

"The birth of a baby is a wonderful 18 AUTUMN 2020

Our favourite baby names have changed little over the past decade.

and special time for parents - but settling on what little bub will be named is not always an easy decision." he said.

"It's always fascinating to learn why parents have chosen a particular name for their child, whether it is because they

Top 1.

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boys names for 2019 Oliver Jack Noah William Thomas Leo Lucas Charlie Henry Ethan

Top 1.

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girls names for 2019 Olivia Mia Charlotte Amelia Isla Ava Chloe Zoe Ruby Harper

simply like the name, or because it has cultural or significant family ties."

All births in Victoria must be registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages, which can now be done online at www.bdm.vic.gov.au. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Education

Children have already demonstrated a connection to the new environment.

Inspired learning environments THE new Geelong College Early Learning opened its doors at the beginning of the school year. The innovative architecture creates a canvas for their Reggio Emilia inspired approach to learning.

The indoor learning spaces are connected and designed to offer children choices of spaces and materials to investigate and play. Floor to ceiling windows flood the rooms with natural light creating a natural flow between indoor and outdoor learning environments.

years. The school offers seamless opportunities for indoor outdoor learning, with teaching and learning spaces designed around of the piazzas of Reggio Emilia, Italy, reflecting this approach to learning through the environment, curriculum and pedagogy.

The new large multipurpose area, named 'Yaluk' (Waddawurrung for river) is a purpose built space where music, cooking, yoga, and outside school hours care find their home.

The outdoor area is nature-based, featuring a running creek with pumps for water play, natural play equipment, a re-purposed mud kitchen, indigenous plants and a variety of spaces for outdoor learning and performances.

Director of Early Learning at the College, Ros Molyneux says: "The children have already demonstrated a connection to our wonderful new environment. Having observed the building at firsthand, they have a deep understanding of the importance to our

Innovative architecture ... one of the learning spaces.

school of the new buildings. Our children learn languages, paint, create, draw, cook, read stories and play within their specialised space. Visits to the ovals, gym, library and Enviro garden enhance their learning."

The Junior School project was designed by Old Collegian and renowned architect John Wardle and

will be a true centre for 21st Century Learning. The buildings are designed to be the learning environment, or the third teacher, as identified in the Reggio Emilia approach to education.

The single-storey Early Learning gives way to the two-storey Prep to Year 3 spaces at Campbell House, creating a visual learning journey in the junior

Head of the Junior School Sondra Wood says: "Flexible indoor learning spaces will feature open areas and cosy nooks to inspire connections between classes and provide opportunities for children to learn in flexible ways. We are excited to write the next chapter in the proud history of our school. We welcome new families to be a part of our story."

To experience the wonderful new spaces please join Geelong College on Open morning.

Play, learn, grow at a Bethany Kindergarten BETHANY Kindergarten Services (BKS) is opening their doors across 22 kindergartens throughout Geelong and the Bellarine, to issue a big "come and play experience!" during the 2020 Open Week.

During Open Week 2020, running from May 18-22, Bethany Kindergartens will welcome children and families to visit the early education services and share with families the benefits of an early childhood education.

BKS Executive Manager, Anneliese Knell invites families to come along and explore Bethany's engaging kindergarten learning environments, spend time with educators and speak to other local families.

"We warmly welcome families to visit

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Ms Knell says.

Participation in a quality early childhood education program is linked to lifelong learning outcomes. Having fun, growing and learning in a secure, engaging and natural environment has many benefits for children.

"Play-based learning is connected to a child's natural curiosity and encourages experimenting and making sense of their world," Ms Knell explains.

Bethany Kindergartens invite families to visit during Open Week in May 2020.

multiple services in their local area and come along and spend time with educators as our relationship with families is critical to the achieving the best learning outcomes for children,"

"It engages children in their own interests and celebrates their individual strengths, while developing many lifelong skills.

"Bethany programs are designed to promote and give children opportunities to develop and show respect to one another and value the differences

between us. Diversity of background and culture is celebrated at Bethany, and we challenge bias.

"Our educators repeatedly reflect on, and take stock of, our educational practices to ensure all children and families feel welcome, valued and supported."

Each kindergarten will have an individual Open Week time. BKS Kindergartens are located in Grovedale, Highton, Herne Hill, Hamlyn Heights, Bell Post Hill, Bell Park, Breakwater, Newcomb, East Geelong, Lara, Portarlington, Drysdale, Ocean Grove, Beacon Point, Queenscliff and Leopold.

Inquiries: 5273 0200 or visit www. bethany.org.au for local open day times.

AUTUMN 2020 19

Education

Sounds Right for kids SOUNDS Right Phonics Classes have commenced in venues around Geelong, Lara and the Bellarine peninsula.

The brainchild of sisters Charlie Day and Alex Burnside, Sounds Right Phonics Classes for Kids is designed for children aged three months to five years and aims for pre-schoolers to learn new things without realising they are attending an educational class.

Sounds Right Phonics classes are a great aid for early literacy and for families with English as a second language.

Both sisters are primary school teachers with extensive experience in early years education. All activities in Sounds Right Phonics Classes are planned to promote speech and language, physical development, social skills and introduce children to a world of literacy to ensure that they are ready as they begin their reading and writing journey at school.

Ph Phonics Classes to Geelong, Lara and the Bellarine Peninsula. Shae’s two older ch children have dyslexia, and through ass assisting them and learning with them Sha discovered the wonderful world of Shae ph phonics, making her the perfect person to come on board. “The classes are guaranteed to pro provide fun, giggles and quality time for pa parents and children,� Shae says. “Kids wi have so much fun, they won’t even will know they are learning. They’re also a kn fantastic aid for families with English as fan a second language. s

“We wanted to create a class that taught these early phonics skills in a fun and high energy way,� Alex says. “As a reception (prep) teacher I sometimes felt that there was a slight gap in the children’s early phonics knowledge as they entered school, and that these needed to be taught prior to them learning reading.�

Sounds Right Phonics classes are a great aid for early literacy and for families with English as a second language.

“It’s so great to see many of the children from our pre-school class now ch heading off to school this year with a he new-found confidence when it comes to ne phonics and early reading skills.� ph

Children learn about the world around them through all their senses: seeing (visual), hearing (auditory) and movement (kinesthetics). All the classes are carefully planned by a qualified

early years teacher and the different elements within the fast-paced sessions are designed to promote key areas of development, as well as providing tips

To attend a free Sounds Right Phonics class, please email Shae via shae@soundsrightphonicsclasses.com. au and mention ‘GC Kids’.

and ideas for parents to continue the early literacy learning at home.

Shae Callahan, a mother-of-four and former nurse, is delivering Sounds Right

Art makes children shine

KIDS ART CLASSES

IF your child is shy or low in confidence, art'sKool in Ocean Grove and Torquay is the perfect place for them.

professional pottery skills at a young age," says Kaz McGlynn, artist and CEO of the Studio Gallery Arts Hub.

At art'sKool, students will be immersed in an eight-week art program, which will bring even the shyest and most uncertain child out of their shell.

"Your child gets multiple benefits from art and pottery at art'sKool that leaves a lasting impression."

The program involves four weeks of pottery and four weeks of painting and drawing.

Pottery is a soothing and tactile activity, which can boost a child's self-esteem and improve their motor skills and problem solving ability.

Children who struggle to stay focused are often fascinated and completely engaged while working with clay.

"I see the smiles on young faces as the children create clay sculptures, they have had control and finished even if lopsided. As perfection is not the goal of our pottery class their self-esteem grows.

They realise they can make something with their hands, unknowingly learning

Children who have spent time with Kaz at art'sKool tend to be keen to practice their newfound skills at school home and everywhere in between!

Art'sKool is also involved in community projects, such as the upcoming Barwon Heads Festival of the Sea on 14 March at the Foreshore at Barwon Heads.

Adults and children alike are invited to the Art'sKool interactive sea bird art activity, where every participant will create art to take home! You can also view Moonah Magic - a fabulous art installation made by art'sKool students.

For further information or to register for classes, visit www.artskool.com.au or call 0437582772.

Art Classes: Kids 6 - 12yrs Teenagers Year 7 - VCE, Adults s 3CHOOL (OLIDAY 7ORKSHOPS s $ISABILITY 7ELCOME WWW ARTSKOOL COM AU %VERIST 2OAD /CEAN 'ROVE

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An eight-week program at art’sKool involves four weeks of pottery and four weeks of painting and drawing. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Education

A quality learning environment GEELONG Ba Bapt Baptist ptis istt Co Coll College lle ege is a Christian school nestled into the hills of Lovely Banks overlooking the scenic Corio Bay and close to other prestigious Geelong colleges.

Here you will find a secure and safe learning environment for your child.

Within its precinct, students experience quality learning programs and the enriching experiences one gets from being within natural, yet expansive, grounds.

Students from Foundation to Year 12 experience a strong academic culture and a high standard of education. Their learning is underpinned with Christian values and beliefs, and students are inspired and equipped to aim high towards a positive future, for not only themselves but for the world they will inherit.

The College strives to assist students to achieve a balance of academic rigour and personal wellbeing as they seek to juggle all that life has in store for them in their journey to maturity.

GBC is open to students of all faiths.

Students represent all cultures and walks of life, thus a true reflection of the real world.

Geelong Baptist College staff understand the decision regarding your child's education is a difficult one and its pastoral care is paramount in all walks

stu tud dents learning journey. journey of ourr students

tran ansi siti tion from fro rom m primary to secondary. secondary transition

The Edge program for year 9 is explicit in its intent to equip students to 'go into the world' and to live humbly and justly. As such, Edge students are provided with opportunities to practically care for the environment, their neighbours, and especially for the marginalised and underprivileged.

Explicit and skilled teaching of reading, spelling and numeracy in the primary school ensures students have a solid foundation on which to build in secondary.

Likewise in the Primary School, students experience a clubs program which facilitates them to not only unpack their own gifts and talents such as music and art - but equips them to be servant hearted and to use them for others.

GBC's motto: To Live the Truth encourages students to seek out empirical truth and then to live it out in their lives.

The College's logo, the soaring bird, depicts the concept of rising, to take from the experiences of today in order to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Staff provide students with the opportunity to discover the truth of the Gospel of Jesus as well as the nature of God. It's the College's mission for students to have discernment, to know what is right and to commit to action for a better society.

A wide range of subject choices are offered for secondary students to equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to deal with life beyond school.

Secondary career studies ensure students have a thorough understanding of their future study and career options, and graduates are well prepared and confident for life beyond school.

GBC are proud of their students and confident those who attend the college will continue to make positive and wonderful contributions to society.

The College's privately owned modern fleet of buses service not only the immediate Geelong area, but also the surrounding areas, including the Golden Plains Shire, Point Cook and Werribee.

Interested families are encouraged visit the College on one of the many Open Days or Twilight Tours in 2020.

Geelong Baptist College inspires students to aim towards a positive future.

The College is on one campus on a sprawling 34 acres and offers a seamless

• LIVE THE TRUTH • C A R E

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/GeelongBaptistCollege AUTUMN 2020 21

Entertainment

Birthday trend gets a high five

By Melissa Grant ARE you planning your child's birthday party but dreading that you'll end up with a pile of unappreciated toys.

You might want to consider throwing a 'fiver party'.

Geelong Arts Centre's Family Magic program will create moments for families to treasure.

What is a fiver party? Well, it's a pretty brilliant party concept that's growing in popularity.

Magical moments families will treasure

Basically, each guest inserts a $5 note in a card for the birthday boy/girl.

It's brilliant because it cuts down the number of unwanted toys and takes the pressure off parents when it comes to buying gifts. Mums and dads don't need to spend a small fortune or struggle to come up with a gift idea, while the birthday child gets to put some money towards something they really want.

But asking for money can be awkward, right? Well yes, but it's only $5 and you can ask for it nicely on the invite. You just need to write something like "Mia is celebrating her 10th birthday with a fiver party. Mia has her heart set on (insert expensive toy here) so instead of buying her a gift please put a $5 note

in a birthday card. She will love it!

Thank-you."

However, before deciding to host a fiver party, you need to consider whether your child will appreciate the concept. How old are they? Are they used to opening up a huge pile of gifts on their birthday? Do they have an understanding of money?

Obviously a fiver party probably isn't the greatest idea for a 4-year-old.

However, a 10-year-old saving for that special something is likely to give you a high five!

DAZZLING acrobatics, physical theatre, literary favourites come to life, orchestral jams and, for the very first time, an immersive performance specially designed for young children with disabilities await families in Geelong Arts Centre's 2020 Love Central Geelong Family Magic program.

The delicately curated six-show program will give children, aged up to 12 years, their loved ones and families, a chance to break away from their TVs and lounge rooms in favour of moments to treasure, while being captivated by the magic of the performing arts.

"For many of our region's children, our annual Family Magic program is their first theatrical experience," Geelong Arts Centre CEO Joel McGuinness says.

"We want to help families spark a love for the performing arts that introduces their little ones to a world of limitless possibilities."

In March, the program kicks off with an interactive musical workshop hosted by composer and conductor, Karen Kyriakou and six principle artists from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Jams for Juniors: Carnival of the Animals guides mini-maestros through a 40-minute jam that ends with an instrumental petting zoo to get right up close and personal with the tools of the trade.

Later in the season, Andy Griffith and Terry Denton's magical world of The 91 Storey Treehouse bursts from the pages with adventures through a deserted desert island, a whirlpool, and dangerous encounters with a mysterious fortune teller and a giant spider.

12442058-SN10-20

The classic Australian children's book, Edward the Emu also gets the live-action treatment as two adorable emus tread a journey of hilarity and tenderness that leads them to discover an important life lesson that the best thing you can be is you.

22 AUTUMN 2020

The entire family will be stunned with acrobatics and circus that bridge generations of play with Go, Go, Go! Drawing inspiration from classic games, ranging from retro video games to schoolyard classics,

Gravity Dolls' latest physical theatre masterpiece celebrates the universal joy of playmaking.

Interactive sensory space adventure, Whoosh!, lets young explorers with disabilities co-pilot a custom built spaceship, explore outer space and travel all the way to the mysterious Planet X. Audience sizes are limited to 14 children and their carers to ensure each child has the opportunity to be at the centre of the action in this multi-sensory performance.

Modern day Pinnochio story, Ann-Droid combines theatre and dance with exciting new digital technologies, including LED costuming, drones and a robot ball.

Children from four years will love journeying across land, sea and sky with the endearing robot girl, Ann, and delight watching drawn animations come to life through 3D projections.

After each performance throughout the season, the Geelong Arts Centre team will facilitate free craft activities in the foyer spaces, an integral activity to continue the creative experience outside the theatre.

The 2020 Family Magic program is proudly supported by Love Central Geelong.

2020 LOVE CENTRAL GEELONG FAMILY MAGIC KEY DETAILS Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Jams for Juniors: Carnival of the Animals, 7 March at 10am, 11.30am and 1.30pm, Studio 4.

The 91 Storey Treehouse: 16 May at 12pm, 2.30pm and 5pm, The Playhouse Whoosh!: 23 May at 12pm and 2.30pm, Studio 4 Ann-droid: The Wonderful Adventures of Robot Girl 10 June at 6pm, Drama Theatre Go Go Go!: 3 July at 2.30pm, 4 July at 12pm and 2.30pm, Drama Theatre Edward the Emu: 4 September at 6pm, 5 September at 12pm and 2.30pm, The Playhouse TICKET PRICES SINGLE TICKETS: GROUPS OF 4 OR MORE: $24 $20 BOOKINGS: www.geelongartscentre. org.au/whats-on/family-magic www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

12433606-NG10-20

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2020 23

Entertainment

Great value for money FAMILY-FRIENDLY and value for money is what Norlane Hotel is all about.

Kids will love the huge play area at Waurn Ponds Hotel.

Let the kids have fun in the play area while you sit back and relax with a pre-meal drink or two.

Family-friendly dining

Oppy's Bistro is named after Sir Hubert Opperman, one of Australia's first sporting legends in the field of cycling.

KIDS will love the revamped play area at Waurn Ponds Hotel.

'Oppy' was the minister for immigration holding the seat of Corio in Geelong.

In fact, it might be a struggle for parents to pry the little ones away and get them back to the table for the scrumptious meals.

He gifted his bicycle and a range of photographs to the Norlane Hotel and they are on display.

A selection of entrees and mains are simply prepared and presented.

With a relaxed atmosphere, Oppy's seats more than 150 people and is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal that will suit the entire family.

There's a huge range of kids' meals and the recently revamped rumpus room will keep the little ones entertained.

The bistro is also available for small

The cafe is open from 8am to 3.30pm every day of the week.

Relax with a drink at Norlane Hotel while the kids have fun in the play area.

functions. The bistro can be partitioned, allowing you and your guests privacy while enjoying all the comforts of the bistro's facilities, including the bistro bar and kids play area. It's truly a venue for everyone.

Check out norlanehotel.com.au or phone 5278 2423 for more or just pop into the hotel at 2-8 Princes Highway, Norlane.

The special meal deals will keep you coming back.

Mondays are pizza and pasta, Tuesdays are all about schnitzels and parmis, Wednesday is steak night and Thursdays are all about those burgers.

With three different function areas available, Waurn Ponds Hotel boasts a large space capable of seating around 200 guests and two alfresco areas each seating 50 people.

Just 10km from Geelong CBD, Waurn Ponds Hotel is a terrific place for locals and for visitors on their way to or from the Great Ocean Road, Surf Coast or the Otways.

So why not take the family to Waurn Ponds Hotel at 1154 Princes Highway, Waurn Ponds.

Check out waurnpondshotel.com. au or phone 5243 1154.

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The new bistro is the perfect place to wind down, relax and catch up with friends, family and colleagues while the children play.

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Open for lunch and dinner, the bistro offers awesome value seasonally inspired meals with a twist of local flavour.

It's not just lunch and dinner at the 'Ponds' either.

The bistro also serves breakfast from 9am to 11.30am on Saturday and Sunday.

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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.geelongcoastkids.com.au/competitions www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2020 25

Kids Calendar

What's on

this autumn

7 MARCH

17 MARCH

2-9 APRIL

1 MAY

JAMS FOR JUNIORS

FEEDING THE FAMILY

GEELONG'S BEST KID BUSKER

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Jams for Juniors: Carnival of the Animals. Shows at 10am, 11.30am and 1.30pm, Studio 4, Geelong Arts Centre. Bookings: www. geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/ family-magic

Learn how to feed the whole family - from toddlers to teens - at this health information session spearheaded by wellness expert Joanna McMillian.

Who will be crowned Geelong's Best Kid Busker in 2020? The popular competition returns this April.

GEELONG AFTER DARK AT GEELONG LIBRARY

Topics covered include planning and preparing well-balanced meals, tips for savvy shopping and suggestions for fussy eaters.

Heats will run on Thursday 2 April and Tuesday 7 April. Finals will take place on 9 April.

Little Malop Street, Geelong

6-9 APRIL & 11 APRIL

7pm-8pm, Geelong West Town Hall

30 MARCH - 3 APRIL EASTER KIDS CRAFT For a gold Coin donation enjoy a different craft activity every day.

10-14 MARCH

All proceeds go towards the Barwon Health Foundation supporting Kids Appeal Geelong, raising funds for the new Kids Rehabilitation Centre. Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, 11am to 2pm outside Kmart

FESTIVAL OF THE SEA 2020

30 MARCH - 11 APRIL

A family festival celebrating the sea and the environment through art, music, food, education and fun.

ULTIMATE NINJA KIDS

There will be live music, food vans, arts and crafts, a sustainability expo, pub trivia, outdoor short film festival, yoga, scientific talks and more.

Outdoor activities subject to weather.

Daily 9am-8.30pm, Barwon Heads

15 MARCH GEELONG PET EXPO This fun and furry event brings the animal community together to support key animal welfare groups in Geelong.

Bring along your family (including your furry ones on a lead). There will be giant kids games, a jumping castle, dog shows and more.

10am-3pm, Elcho Park Equestrian Centre, 185 Elcho Road, Lara 26 AUTUMN 2020

Kids can choose from three different courses and there's even a Baby Bounce for the real little ones. The Ultimate Kids Ninja course is open to children aged 4-12 years. Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, between 11am and 2pm weekdays (Closed Good Friday)

31 MARCH MEET CATS FOOTY PLAYERS Visit the GMHA Waurn Ponds branch and meet Geelong Cats players at 4.30pm.

Plus be in line at the Ultimate Kids Ninja Course at 4:30pm to have Cats players time you!The Ultimate Kids Ninja course is open to children aged 4-12 years.

MEET THE EASTER BUNNY Meet the Easter Bunny and have your photo taken. Photos start at $10. Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, 11am to 2pm daily outside Kmart.

Bring the family along for this free, citywide event. Enjoy music, dance, circus performances and much more.

Geelong Library will be offering activities for people of all ages and abilities.

6pm to 10pm, Geelong Library and Heritage Centre www.grlc.vic.gov.au

16 MAY THE 91 STOREY TREEHOUSE The 91 Storey Treehouse at The Playhouse, Geelong Arts Centre. Shows at 12pm, 2.30pm and 5pm. Bookings: www.geelongartscentre.org.au/ whats-on/family-magic

17 MAY RSPCA MILLION PAWS WALK Dust off your joggers and put your dog on a lead to join the fight against animal cruelty.

11 APRIL EASTER ANIMAL FARM Come and meet a host of cute furry animals. Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, 11am-3pm outside Bendigo Bank.

Money raised helps fund the work of the RSPCA, including the care of more than 20,000 animals at its shelters each year.

Eastern Park Circuit 1-45 Garden Street, Geelong 8am-12pm, with the walk commencing at 10am.

Adults $23, Children $12, Concession $17, Family (2 adults, 2 kids) $50 Register at https://www. millionpawswalk.com.au/locations/ VIC/geelong

23 MAY WHOOSH! Whoosh! at Studio 4, Geelong Arts Centre. Shows at 12pm and 2.30pm.

Bookings: www.geelongartscentre.org. au/whats-on/family-magic www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

12442704-NG10-20

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

AUTUMN 2020 27

Image is illustration only (kitchen cabinetry white laminate only)

Retirement Living, but not as you know it.

WO MW

DW

KITCHEN K ITCH TCHEN 4 3 x 2.7 4.3

F STU S TU UDY 11.55 x 2.2 22.2 BUTLERS PANTRY

ROBES

BATH ROOM

DINING NG G & LOUNGE LLO OUN UNG GE E 55.8 .8 8 x 5.6 5.6 6

GE 5.8 x 5.8

EN NT TRY MASTER

THE BARWON VILLA

Welcome to your new home at Armstrong Green by RCA Villages.

Spacious and light-filled, our modern, coastal-style residences offer all the creature comforts, so you can enjoy a stress-free retirement. Designed to flow with the natural surroundings, there are eight contemporary residences to choose from. All our beautiful homes feature two or three bedrooms, a study, open plan living and north facing courtyards.

How could you not love coming home every day?

Discover our beautiful designs today.

Display suite open seven days. 10am–4pm (closed public holidays).

Shop 14, The Village Warralily Shopping Centre, Armstrong Creek VIC 3217.

12441960-SG10-20

Freecall: 1800 777 898 armstronggreen.com.au Information Request I wish to receive (Please tick): A phone call from an Armstrong Green representative.

Armstrong Green Brochure.

28 AUTUMN 2020

Mr,

Mrs,

Ms (Please tick)

First Name...................................................... Surname .............................................................

Address............................................................................................................................................ .................................................................................................................. Postcode.......................

Telephone ....................................................... Email....................................................................

REPLY TO: RCA Villages Unit 1/39-43 Duerdin Street Notting Hill VIC 3168 GEELONG COAST KIDS FEB 2020

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au