Geelong Coast Kids Summer 2020

SUMMER 2020-21

with the fearless

KYLIE PAATSCH

Time to be a

SELFISH MUM Steve Biddulph on

DADDING AROUND

CHRISTMAS PHOTOS at W Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre

CHRISTMAS PHOTOS

WIN

SAT 21 NOV - SUN 6 DEC

50” SAMSUNG CRYSTAL UHD TV

11AM TO 5PM DAILY

MON 7 DEC - THU 24 DEC 10AM TO 5PM DAILY

Santa can’t be wiith us in person this year, but th hroough the magic of greenscreen he can safely feaaturee in your Christmas photographs!

See a special message from Santa & receive a FREE Christmas activityy p pack.

Win a 50” Samsung Crystal UHD TV wh hen you register for your Christmas Family Photo..* Ourr friendlly photoo team will taake yourr details via coontactless regiisttratiion and au utomatically enter you into the prize draw to win.

Prize is valued at $995 *Terms & Conditions Apply.

Visit Vi it www.waurnpondssc.com.au d ffor full f ll details. d t il

Photos start at $20 (large print).

12471748-HL48-20

2 SUMMER 2020

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

FESTIVE FAMILY FUN at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre

TROLLS HOLIDAY HUNT FRI 11 DEC TO THU 24 DEC 11AM TO 3PM DAILY

Score a free Christmas Snow Globe and go in the draw to win Trolls & Ninja Turtles Showbags!

How to enter: Visit the Trolls Holiday Hunt Desk at the Christmas Photos set (near Target) and receive your activity sheet. Find the Trolls floor stickers located outside selected stores. Complete your entry form and return it to the Trolls Holiday Hunt Desk to receive your free snow globe.* Enter the prize draw for your chance to win Trolls & Ninja Turtles Showbags.* *Terms & Conditions apply. Snow globes available to the first 50 participants per day while stocks last. 1 snow globe per entry. Showbags valued at $25 each. Competition opens Fri 11 Dec at 11am and concludes 24 Dec at 5pm. Competition open 11am to 3pm daily.

See www.waurnpondssc.com.au www. ww w.wa waur urnp npon onds ndssc sc.c .com om.a .au u fo forr fu full ll d details. etai et ails ls..

SHOPPING HOURS Mon 14 Dec

9am to 5:30pm

Normal Trade Day

Tue 15 Dec

9am to 5:30pm

Normal Trade Day

Wed 16 Dec

9am to 5:30pm

Normal Trade Day

Thu 17 Dec

9am to 9pm

Extended Trade Day

Fri 18 Dec

9am to 9pm

Normal Trade Day

Sat 19 Dec

9am to 6pm

Extended Trade Day

Sun 20 Dec

9am to 6pm

Extended Trade Day

Mon 21 Dec

9am to 9pm

Extended Trade Day

Tue 22 Dec

9am to 9pm

Extended Trade Day

Wed 23 Dec

9am to 9pm

Extended Trade Day

Thu 24 Dec

9am to 6pm

CHRISTMAS EVE

Fri 25 Dec

CENTRE CLOSED

Sat 26 Dec

9am to 5pm

Sun 27 Dec

10am to 5pm

Mon 28 Dec

9am to 6pm

Tue 29 Dec

9am to 5:30pm

Normal Trade Day

Wed 30 Dec

9am to 5:30pm

Normal Trade Day

Thu 31 Dec

9am to 7pm

NEW YEARS EVE

Fri 1st Jan 2021

10am to 5pm

Sat 2nd Jan 2021

9am to 5pm

CHRISTMAS DAY (PH) BOXING DAY Normal Trade Day Extended Trade Day

NEW YEARS DAY (PH) Normal Trade Day

• Public Holidays • Normal Trade Day • Extended Trade

12471751-LB48-20

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SUMMER 2020 3

About Us

Skipping into summer Well hello everyone!

I don’t know about you but I’m super excited to be breaking out the fake tan and skipping out into the sunshine again.

I’m double dosing on the SPF 50 this summer after finding an early melanoma recently. Bit of a fright, so I’m now reminding everyone to get those regular skin checks and slip slop slap!

I get a sense from various people I talk to at the moment that they’re ready for a change. Maybe you’ve been contemplating taking a different direction with your career?

If so, you’ll love hearing from mother of twins Kylie Paatsch from The Fearless Way, who is guiding people to find their ‘fearless’. After listening to her own inner calling to step away from her jet-setting life as a leadership coach for Flight Centre, Kylie now works with individuals who are ready to make bold and brave changes. She’s also got some insightful Fearless parenting tips ... I know I sure need a bit more of that.

Would you call yourself a Selfish Mum? Sounds like a bit of an oxymoron to me. However, local mum Melissa D’Arcy has started a movement/ Facebook group called The Selfish Mums.

Geelong Coast Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Melissa’s private Facebook group encourages local mums to interact with each other in a safe, supportive forum allowing them to share challenges and tips, as well as encourage them to take time out for themselves for self nurturing.

To see a child suffer is unbearable as a parent. Brave Geelong boy Gus Graham was diagnosed last year with a rare genetic condition, Wilson’s Disease.

To lift his spirits, the Starlight Foundation wanted to grant him a wish. He asked to go to the Supercross Aus-X Open final in Melbourne where he hoped to meet some of the riders. You’ll love hearing about the best day of his life.

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

Geelong Coast Kids 1st Floor, 78 Moorabool St, Geelong, Vic 3220 Phone: 5249 6700 Fax: 5249 6799 Managing Editor Melissa Grant editorial@geelongcoastkids.com.au

Thanks again for your support.

Advertising

Cheers!

Advertising Robert Saunders advertising@geelongcoastkids.com.au Phone: 03 9249 5382

So why not take five right now, head out into the beautiful sunshine, put your feet up and enjoy hearing about our local inspirations, in our summer edition of Geelong Coast Kids Today.

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

SUMMER 2020-21

IT’S YOUR LIFE Why it’s time to be a selfish mum PAGE 5 Steve Biddulph on dadding around PAGE 6 Author’s fairy delightful kids book PAGE 6 Foundation lights up boy’s life PAGE 7 Tips for toilet training success PAGE 8 Angie’s catch-up with Kylie Paatsch PAGES 9-11 How to save on groceries PAGE 12 Hottest toys for Christmas

What you need to know about thermometers PAGE 19

Inspiring the hero in all of us

EDUCATION Leading the pack

PAGE 23

PAGE 31 Time to be a

Chores not great for academics PAGE 24

SELFISH MUM Steve Biddulph on

DADDING AROUND

The case for free childcare PAGE 25 Joy is vital in early education PAGE 26

PAGE 15

PAGE 27

How to declutter with kids

Paw Patrol movie on the way

PAGE 16

PAGE 27

Feel right at home

New kids channel shaking things up

PAGE 16

PAGE 27

Dip your toe in the water

REALITY BITES

Cover Geelong boys Max and Jack, aged 5 and 7, are ready for summer.

Picture: Louisa Jones

Family opens home and hearts PAGE 28 Home birth in the face of Covid PAGE 29

Reasons to see a gynaecologist

A passion to help teenage girls flourish

PAGE 19

PAGE 29

geelongcoastkids.com.au 4 SSUMMER UMM UM U MMER MM ER 2 202 20 2020 02 0 20

KIDS CALENDAR

PAGE 24

Our top parenting podcasts

HEALTH

with the fearless

What’s on this summer

Free kinder for Victorian kids

Making eye tests fun for kids

PAGE 18

Children’s books KYLIE PAATSCH

The push for early career education

ENTERTAINMENT

Christmas Community Cookbook

PAGE 30 PAGE 30

PAGE 21

PAGE 13

PAGE 17

BOOKS

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instagram.com/geelongcoastkids www.geelongcoastkids.com.au www w ww ww w w.ge ge g ee elo longc ng gc g co oa oas assttki a kid k ds. ds s.c com m.au au au

It’s Your Life

Why it’s time to be a selfish mum

By Melissa Meehan Melissa encourages other mums to build acts of self-care into their routines.

SOMETIMES mums need to be selfish.

They need to go to the toilet by themselves, drink a warm cup of coffee before it goes cold, watch anything other than Bluey or even spend a few minutes alone checking Instagram when they are supposed to be showering.

These things aren’t really selfish - but sometimes mum guilt gets in the way and caring about number one is often forgotten.

That’s why Geelong mum Melissa D’Arcy set up an online support group so that mums from around Victoria, Australia and the world can support each other.

The online group, found on Facebook and Instagram, allows its members to celebrate the wins and share tips and tricks to be #selfishmums.

It all started when Ms D’Arcy went to see the maternal child health nurse for her son’s one-year-old appointment.

“After only a few minutes of chatting, she said to me ‘you’re running on empty, aren’t you?’,” Ms D’Arcy said.

“She was right, I was exhausted and hadn’t been taking any time to look after myself. I thought there must be other mums who are feeling the same way and it would be great to connect.”

And that’s where The Selfish Mums all started.

“The name of the group is meant to be a bit playful because selfish is the last thing most mums are - I’d say most mothers are selfless,” she said.

“More often than not, we put others’ needs above our own and if we never make any time for ourselves that’s when exhaustion and burn out can become an issue.”

The group quickly gained momentum and now boasts more than 300 members.

Ms D’Arcy says it seems that despite the fact it is 2020, there is still a traditional view floating around that motherhood must equate to sacrificing your own identity.

She says it’s time for mums to be more selfish.

“I’d encourage mums to build in small acts of self-care into their daily and weekly routines,” she said.

“I’m not talking about grand activities once in a while but small things done consistently like reading, a hobby, walks or catching up with friends things that will help you recharge your batteries.

“Self-care isn’t selfish - it’s an act of self-respect.”

It’s also important for mums to have their own goals and dreams, according to Ms D’Arcy, not necessarily connected to their families - learning a language, running your own business, mastering a sport are just some examples.

“Mums shouldn’t feel guilty for nurturing their identities outside of motherhood,” she said.

Often when we talk about mums and parenting, dads say they get the raw end of the deal - that the so-called bad dads make the good ones look bad.

But The Selfish Mums isn’t about shaming dads - or telling them to be less selfish, Ms D’Arcy says, it’s allowing www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Melissa says it’s important to drink your cup of coffee before it goes cold.

mums to step back and see that it is possible.

“There isn’t as much pressure on men to ‘do it all’ as there is on women,” she said.

“This is evident if you look at the recent situation where we have all been spending most of our time at home due to COVID-19. Women, generally speaking, have picked up more housework and managed the bulk of their children’s home schooling compared with their male counterparts.”

She admits everyone’s situation is different, but for many traditional expectations have continued throughout generations.

And for some, society allows (or expects) men to be more “selfish” than their female partners.

“I’d imagine many dads would love to use parental leave and flexible working arrangements available to them but feel pressure they will be judged as not taking their jobs as seriously if they actually use these entitlements,” she said.

“Both mums and dads need time out for themselves and it’s important to communicate that within your family.

Spending time together as a couple is vital too, although that can be tricky if you have very young children.

“The key is to be flexible - you might not be able to go out for an entire day but even an hour together so you can talk in peace is helpful.”

Balance, she says, is the key.

As well as having confidence in knowing that being “selfish” is OK. And she must be onto something.

What started as a group in Geelong, now has members spanning across the globe, with some members in the UK, New Zealand, Canada and the Philippines.

And there are big plans ahead for The Selfish Mums - Ms D’Arcy is already working on a refreshed content plan for the group.

Self care isn’t selfish - it’s an act of self respect” - Melissa D’Arcy

And in the near future she’d like to explore supporting other mums on a one-to-one basis.

“I’ve created a free self care step-bystep guide for mums, which will be available on The Selfish Mum blog, launching in June (www. theselfishmum.com.au).”

Melissa D’Arcy says it’s time for mums to be selfish.

Pictures: Louisa Jones

SUMMER 2020 5

It’s Your Life

Dadding around

By Steve Biddulph ONE of the good things about being old is that I can figure out exactly what I should have done 40 years ago, after finally having time to think about it.

years - being always that bit too rushed, worried about being a provider, radiating a feeling of ‘person doing urgent and important things’. And kids pick up on that. If I had that time over again, I would dial it way down, trust that we’d get by, and just plain enjoy life more, and give them more of the feeling that life was fun, at least most of the time.

It’s definitely true for fathering - if I could have it over again, I would do it so differently. Although in parenthood this also applies to the last 24 hours too!

We did have lots of fun. My kids had me around a lot more than many dads, and I was affectionate and close to them, but I was still too wound up.

Being a man and a dad, there are some key things to remember (and hello to all dads reading this, much love to you).

So my take home message? You’ll have your own view, but my idea of a wonderful dad is someone who young kids think hasn’t a worry in the world.

He is amiable, slow, takes time with them, listens, and is good fun, while also being clear about boundaries. He is good mates with their mum. Only when they get older do they figure out you did all that other stuff like saving the world.

And be impressed that you never let on!

Almost always, we men are the largest and loudest person in the family.

We don’t think of it that much but it’s a key feature for everyone else, especially the littlies. So a dad often sets the mood in the whole house when he is around.

For good, or for ill.

beside Niagara Falls!

I am not sure if you remember being a small boy and your dad kind of looming like a mountain wherever he went. So the ‘weather’ on that mountain had a big effect on you.

Sunny was wonderful, stormy was not good.

But mostly with dads it’s their voices that kids are aware of. When researching my book Raising Girls, I discovered that some girls have far more acute hearing and they hate it when dad is too loud, and love it when he speaks gently. Our idea of normal sounds like shouting to them, and that sets off their adrenaline.

Luckily my dad was gentle, because he was also huge. I remember being in the bath, and him coming into the bathroom for a pee - it was like being

Being very serious for a moment, somewhere deep down a small child knows that an adult that big could badly hurt them. This only comes into

awareness if they ever see us really out of control, but then that memory remains with them for life. A boy who is hit is three times more likely to hit his wife when he grows up. Luckily people who read magazines about parenthood are generally pretty gentle, but some of us remember being a child in a home like that.

Steve’s renowned talks on Raising Boys and Raising Girls are now being hosted online. Have a look at his website for more info. www.stevebiddulph.com Steve Biddulph AM,

For most of us, it’s just anxiety that we bring too much of into the family environment.

Author - 10 Things Girls Need Most, Raising Girls, Raising Boys.

I am pretty sure I spent the years between 28 and 48 - my parenting

Complete Secrets of Happy Children, and The New Manhood

Author’s fairy delightful kids book

By Luke Voogt BELMONT children’s author Kristine Fitzgerald was off with the fairies until the COVID-19 lockdown helped her overcome writer’s block.

After writing a self-help book and entering a few writing competitions, the Deakin University maths lecturer came up with a children’s book idea “just for fun” last year.

“When I went to write it, I couldn’t get started at all,” the avid novel-lover told the Independent.

“I thought, ‘I’m going to put this aside and I’ll come back to it one day’.”

But when the first COVID-19 6 SUMMER 2020

lockdown began in March, Kristine discovered she had more time to put into writing The Ring of Toadstools.

whole new world of fun, friendship, singing, games and magic opens up for Annie.”

“I was writing a chapter a day and had done it in a few months,” she said.

But when a flock of cockatoos attack, Annie must find a way to save the fairies’ toadstool community.

“I think many of us have found that having fewer commitments this year has allowed us to have a bit more downtime.”

The book, which Kristine launched this month, follows the story of shy eight-year-old Annie, who has trouble making friends.

“One day, while walking by the creek, she meets a fairy named Tia,” she said.

“They get to know each other and a

“I hope this story helps children feel that they are not alone,” Kristine said.

“Everyone gets lonely sometimes and we all have our struggles, but just like Annie, we can always find a way through them.”

Available at: inspiringpublishers. com

Kristine Fitzgerald with her new book The Ring of Toadstools.

Picture: Rebecca Hosking www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

The Starlight Foundation has brought Gus a lot of joy.

Foundation lights up boy’s life

By Melissa Grant

When Gus was at Adelaide’s Women and Children’s Hospital, a nurse suggested Lisa apply for a Starlight Wish.

GEELONG boy Gus Graham is mad for motocross.

However, Lisa thought Gus wasn’t ill enough to qualify.

But his days of racing ended unexpectedly in February last year when he was diagnosed with Wilson’s Disease, a rare genetic condition.

“She said to me ‘Lisa, Gus is really sick’,” Lisa recalled.

A couple of months later, Gus was advised that the Starlight Foundation would grant him a wish.

If you saw Gus in the street, you wouldn’t know he was ill. And his mother, Lisa, often has to be reminded that her 11-year-old boy is incredibly sick.

He asked to go the Supercross Aus-X Open final in Melbourne where he hoped to meet some of the riders.

The devastating diagnosis came without warning. Gus had a sore belly and jaundice of the eyes in the days before he was hospitalised.

Not only did Gus get to meet his heroes Chad Reed and Ricky Charmichael - he also got to go for a ride with Chad Reed around the track.

His illness puzzled doctors at the Royal Darwin Hospital, a fair drive from the rural Darwin property where the Graham family then resided.

And he got to take home a Chad Reed jersey.

The Starlight Foundation took care of everything: the flights, accommodation, hire car and the incredible supercross experience.

“We did a week in Darwin (hospital) where they were running every test under the sun,” Lisa recalled.

“They had to rule out I wasn’t drugging or poisoning him in some way.

“They went over and beyond,” Lisa said.

“Gus actually cried when he first found out he was going on the bike with Chad Reed and the smile on his face was huge - you couldn’t wipe it off.”

“They ran all the tests - we had MRI, CT scans, bloods.”

Gus was then flown to the Women and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, where he underwent more tests. After four weeks he was diagnosed with Wilson’s Disease and a number of other conditions, including chronic liver failure and adrenal failure.

Gus with his mum Lisa.

and even death.

While Wilson’s Disease can’t be cured, it can be managed.

Wilson’s Disease is a rare genetic condition in which the body retains excess copper.

The condition leaves Gus feeling fatigued and his memory, particularly short-term one, isn’t great.

The build-up of copper can lead to damage in the kidneys, brain, nervous system and eyes.

He also has to follow a strict diet and isn’t allowed to race his motorbike any more.

Without medical treatment, the disease can result in serious complications including liver disease, muscle atrophy, permanent disabilities

Last December, the Graham family relocated to Geelong, where Lisa grew up, to be closer to family and medical care for Gus.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s been a tough time for Gus and his family. But through it all, Gus and his parents have had the Starlight Foundation.

Afterwards, Gus only had one small complaint - his face was sore because he had been smiling so much!

Lisa has shared Gus’s story to highlight the incredible work of the foundation.

Gus’s Starlight experience started in Darwin where he often saw Captain Starlight walking around the children’s ward.

“To anybody looking for a tax deductible donation, please dig deep to help the foundation put smiles on children’s faces,” Lisa said.

“They would walk around, play their ukulele and tell fart jokes,” Lisa said.

Starlight needs to raise $1.3 million to bring happiness to more than 30,000 sick kids in hospital and in the community this Christmas. Visit https://www.starlight.org.au/christmas to donate.

“It was all the little games between the captains and the kids that keep the kids smiling. It takes their mind off what they are there for.”

SUMMER 2020 7

It’s Your Life

Top tips for toilet training success

By Melissa Grant TOILET training is one of the hardest and messiest - tasks you will go through as a parent.

And many of us are leaving it too late, according to a toilet training expert.

Parents commonly wait until their child is well into their second year of life - or even their third - before they start the process.

However, Tracy Fulwood, the founder of PottyTraining.com.au, says it’s much easier to start toilet training your child before their second birthday.

“If you don’t wait until the terrible twos to start, when they are ready to assert their authority, then they are developing good habits before then,” she explained.

“Parents do need to choose when it’s right for them, but the earlier we can break the bad habit (of wearing nappies) the better.”

Tracy’s own toilet battles with her first child led her to developing her toilet training business.

Her two-and-a-half-year-old would scream that she didn’t want to go to the toilet.

Tracy concedes that initially she did “all the wrong things”.

But when she sat down and devised a toilet system training system, her daughter was toilet trained in three days.

8 SUMMER 2020

Tracy began toilet training her second child at four months of age, by putting him on the potty when it was obvious he needed to do number twos.

She started the process with her third child at two months.

They both were using the toilet independently by 19 months of age.

As Tracy researched toilet training, a theme began to emerge - it’s easier to do it earlier.

“A research project actually showed there was a window of opportunity. It found parents who started at 18 months to 24 months had less problems,” she said.

So why are parents leaving it so long to start?

Tracy says parents are often told to wait for signs of “readiness”, which may never come.

She also says the multi-billion nappy industry has a lot to do with it.

“You speak to many grandparents and they don’t understand why we are having problems. But they started earlier because they didn’t have the convenience of disposable nappies.”

Tracy developed the Know Your Child system to help parents toilet train their children.

Her system has two components - a know your child training module and a toilet game, offering a tailored approach so you can best engage your child.

If you are reading this and think there’s no reason to delay toilet training any

longer, here are Tracy’s tips: KNOW YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALITY Before starting it pays to understand your child’s personality.

The Know Your Child toilet training system identifies four different types of personality - courageous lion, lovable lamb, wise old owl and cheeky monkey.

The courageous lion is the hardest to train, they tend to hold on because they don’t like to feel like they aren’t in control. The lovable lamb is also hard to train as they simply don’t care and are very stubborn. Then there’s the Wise Old Owl who doesn’t like change and will stick to what they know which is the nappy. The cheeky monkey can be inconsistent and the challenge is typically keeping them on the toilet long enough for them to go. Knowing your child’s personality helps you tailor your approach. If you have a strongwilled child you need to give them the feeling of control and ownership.

SIGNS OF READINESS There are definite signs of readiness such as your child telling you about poos, removing or tugging at their nappy, and taking an interest in you going to the toilet. If your child shows these signs of readiness get going.

However, some types of personalities won’t show those signs.

LOSE THE NAPPY You cannot toilet train with a nappy.

We feel wet, cause and effect. While the nappy is there it takes the sensation

away - you are actually making it harder for them to win. If you say ‘do you need to go?’ they don’t know. It’s like saying ‘here is a bike, ride!’ Pull-ups are a marketing tool.

TOILET OR POTTY? The decision to use a toilet or potty is based on age and personality. If you start a bit younger and your child is more petite then a potty is great. The challenge with the potty is that childcare centres don’t accept potties and there is a clean-out process. If your child is nearing two years then going to the toilet makes it easier when you go out. Also, if you have a child who doesn’t like change then transitioning from potty to toilet will be another battle.

HOW LONG TO TRAIN Often parents quit toilet training a day too early. It takes two to five days of concentrated effort versus a very painful effort long-term. So stay home for two to five days to focus on and create this new habit. Exactly how long it takes will depend on your child’s age and their personality.

NIGHT TRAINING Wait until you finish day training before you start night training. Night training is something you can’t do for your child.

There are uncontrollable factors such as heavy wetting, deep sleep and hereditary factors. The key is the bladder brain connection. Parents can make the mistake of waking up their child during the night.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Kylie Paatsch with husband Wes and sons Liam and Charlie.

Pictures: Louisa Jones

Finding a way to be fearless

By Angie Hilton For all the negatives of Covid, one potential positive is that it’s given us all time to stop and reassess everything. Do I really want to go back to that same job? Is it time for a complete career change? What do I really want out of life after lockdown?

Well, Highton mother of identical twins and owner of The Fearless Way Coaching, Kylie Paatsch has seen a definite surge in people ready to explore a post Covid career change.

Kylie’s forte and passion is in helping people get clarity when they know they’re ready for change but have no idea what that change looks like. Then, she helps them become fearless in pursuing it.

Kylie Paatsch is passionate about helping people get clarity.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

And Kylie is living proof that taking that scary leap is worth the risk. Having worked for years jet-setting around the globe and juggling motherhood, Kylie started to become all too familiar with that soul-niggling voice telling her it was time for a change.

Leaving the dynamic, fast-paced corporate world, Kylie now couldn’t be happier with the shift towards a more authentic, simple life and leading others to that same inner-peace that comes with finding more meaning and purpose.

Now Kylie, in the spirit of being ‘Fearless’, let’s start with your most embarrassing moment?

Ha ha! I have so many to choose from.

Aside from wearing shoulder pads to play netball in the 80s, I would have to say the time I accidentally broke my mother-in-law’s ribs. We were out for dinner and after a few too many wines, I thought it would be a great idea for her and I to take to the dance floor amongst the other diners. I lost my footing and my balance and proceeded to knock my mother-in-law into the table of a young couple that were out for a romantic dinner. She landed on her side and hurt her ribs. I am lucky she has a good sense of humour and is pretty forgiving.

Continued on page 10

SUMMER 2020 9

Kylie and Wes.

Kylie with husband Wes and children Liam and Charlie at their Highton home.

Another fearless moment has to have been facing the birth of not one but two babies at once. How did you mentally prepare for that?

So you’ve recently had a big shift of gears with your career. What was the old life like and what made you change?

When we found out we were having twins Wes was shocked, but my first thought was ‘great, we can do this in one hit!’

Yes! I absolutely loved my job and was lucky enough to work for a company that gave me lots of flexibility and opportunities to progress my career.

Our boys were born 10 weeks early.

Carrying twins, we were prepared for an early arrival but not that early!

My water broke at 29 weeks and then a week later I went into labour and was rushed up to Melbourne.

The last role I had was actually based out of Brisbane, which meant I spent a lot of time travelling. I was also involved in a few global projects, which meant I also spent a bit of time overseas.

The boys spent the first two weeks in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and then they were transferred back to the special care nursery at St John of God Hospital in Geelong for the next six weeks.

As much as I loved the travel opportunities, my team and the work that I was doing, I found I did not have much space for anything outside of work or family and found myself starting to resent work and being away from Wes and the boys so much.

We were able to bring them home when they were two months old and I can still remember Wes driving at about 40 kilometres, while people were tooting at him to speed up.

I didn’t feel in alignment with my values and knew it was time to make a change and do something that would work for me and our family.

How would you describe the best and hardest parts of having twins?

Well, both our boys had reflux and were terrible feeders. Some nights there were 45-minute bouts of sleep. We didn’t get a full night’s sleep until they were about three.

Looking back, in hindsight I wonder how we did it while we were both working, but like most things you just get on with it and push through.

The best part is now. Both boys play in the same sporting teams and go to the same school, so we only have one place to drop-off and pick-up.

Compared to some of our friends we feel really lucky. We also love the bond our boys have; they are great mates and great company to be around, especially when we travel which we love to do.

10 SUMMER 2020

I took a few months off to give myself a bit of space and time to figure out what was next and that was when The Fearless Way was born.

That sounds like a courageous thing to do. So what is The Fearless Way? The Fearless Way is a company I created that helps individuals, leaders and businesses to break-down barriers and fulfil their potential.

We offer programs, events, one-onone coaching and tools to help individuals, leaders and organisations transform the way they live, lead and perform.

At this stage it is just me and my admin assistant who I call my guardian angel, but the plan is to expand pretty quickly. Because I am passionate about gender equality and women progressing in work and community, I

Liam and Charlie with the family dog, Frankie. am doing quite a bit of work helping women build confidence and find ways to get back into the workforce, build their businesses and take whatever the next steps in life are for them.I am also doing a fair bit of work with leaders and companies who are looking to bring a more conscious and courageous approach and have just started running some programs for this which is exciting.

So when you promote fearlessness you really have to walk the talk right?

Totally! Here’s an example ... for as long as I can remember I have always felt panicked by heights, so much so that I fainted at the top of the Eiffel Tower on a visit to Paris. So, to help me chip away at my fear of heights I thought I would really challenge myself and go bungee jumping. It was seriously the most terrifying thing I have ever done. The thought of it now still gives me the trembles. It definitely helped me build my courage muscle.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Twins Charlie and Liam.

Is there a Fearless parenting philosophy?

I view parenting in the same way that I view leadership. In fact, I think parenting is the most important leadership position any of us will ever have. So, my philosophy is very similar to the one that I use in my leadership programs - to be conscious, compassionate, courageous and curious.

To be conscious means being mindful and, as a parent, this is about being present and in the moment. It is about being aware, focused and responsive rather than being distracted, reactive and on autopilot. It’s certainly not an easy thing to do and not something I do 100 per cent of the time, but I certainly do my best with this and cultivating my own mindfulness practice every day has definitely helped.

As a coach I am naturally curious, and both my husband and I make a real effort to take more of a coaching approach when we are communicating with our boys. I really believe it teaches them to think for themselves, to take responsibility and it shows them that we trust and believe that they have what it takes to solve their own problems. It is a great tool for boosting self-esteem.

Being compassionate for us is showing that we care by listening and making it a safe place to express emotions. We also believe that calling out poor behaviour and choices is the kindest thing we can do, but I can assure you our kids don’t always think the same thing.

When it comes to being courageous as a parent, I believe this is about leaning into the things that make you feel uncomfortable, having the awkward conversations and letting your kids work stuff out for themselves even though you want to take it away from them and fix it. If we want our kids www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

to be resilient and achieve their dreams and fulfil their potential, you have to let go.

end of a class. There’s an obvious shift towards relaxation which is so rewarding.

Last but not least, as parents, I believe it is important to lead by example. If you want your kids to be respectful, you need to be respectful. If you want your kids to be brave, you have to show them your bravery.

Parenting is by far the hardest job I have ever had but it is definitely the most rewarding.

What’s the secret to a good marriage?

Do you have that elusive ‘work life balance’ thing down pat?

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

Hmmm... I think I do now. For us, the biggest key is being organised and everyone sharing their schedules at the start of the week. We make sure that this includes personal stuff as well as work.

Wes loves to play golf and I love making time for yoga and exercise, so we make sure we fit that in and around work and the boys. The other thing that helps is that we share home duties cooking, school lunches and anything else that needs to be done.What’s a day in the life of your family look like?

My day starts anywhere between 4.30am and 5.30am so I can fit in my yoga, meditation, walk and gratitude journaling.

The boys are normally up at 7.30am and get themselves organised and ready to walk out the door for school.

After school is normally some sort of sports training for the boys which Wes and I juggle together. Where possible we sit down to have dinner as a family and then hangout time either watching TV, reading or talking. Bed is by 9.30pm because I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, sometimes the boys tuck me in!

Yoga is obviously a big part of your life?

Yes I teach through Kundalini Yoga Geelong. I can’t imagine my life without yoga. It is such a wonderful tool for staying centred, focused, grounded and calm. I love seeing people’s faces at the

Laughter, respecting each other, making time for each other, working as a team and constant communication.

Favourite quote?

Where’s your favourite coffee in Geelong?

I am a pretend coffee drinker. I usually have a decaf latte or a turmeric latte.

Skinny Dippers in Newtown do a great turmeric almond latte.

Ready to find your fearless? Chat to Kylie at https://thefearlessway.com.au/

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” by Ghandi Favourite books?

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown Untamed by Glennon Doyle What three people would you invite to dinner?

I love this question and have a list of at least 10 people but if I had to pick three it would be: Brene Brown - I have a massive girl crush on her and love her work; Emeline Pankhurst, the leader of the suffragette movement; and Barack Obama because he is an inspiring leader, husband, father and male.

Name: Kylie Paatsch

Future dreams?

Age: 49

Start my own podcasts, write and publish a book, keep travelling and exploring the world. And the Fearless Way is a big contributor to gender equality and conscious and courageous leadership and workplaces.

Profession (past and current): Founder, coach, facilitator and speaker of The Fearless Way and yoga teacher.

What do you want your children’s future to look like?

My greatest hope for Liam and Charlie is that they love and believe in themselves and have the confidence to do whatever sets their souls on fire. I hope that the world they live in and bring their children into is more conscious and compassionate.

If you had a full day to yourself to do anything what would you do?

Hmmm ... let’s start with yoga, a massage, maybe a walk on the beach, and then snuggle up to watch back-toback rom coms on Netflix.

Kylie in a snapshot

Former General Manager of Leadership and Development for Flight Centre Travel Group Husband: Wes Marshall Describe him in three words: Down to earth, fun-loving and supportive How did you meet? We met through a mutual friend at the Star Bar in South Melbourne. How romantic!

Children (describe in 3 words): Twins - 12 years old. Charlie Independent, curious and sports mad. Liam - Independent, funny and sports mad.

SUMMER 2020 11

It’s Your Life

How to save on your groceries Grocery shopping is among the biggest expenses for a family, but there are ways you can save at the checkout.

By Melissa Grant FEEDING a family is an expensive exercise.

It doesn’t matter how many mouths you have to feed or the ages of your children - grocery shopping is one of the biggest expenses for a household.

It’s also an expense that constantly increases and one that seems to have gone up significantly for many families during the Covid-19 pandemic.

If you’re not careful it’s easy to spend way more than you want to at the supermarket checkout.So how do you keep your food bill under control?

It’s a topic many money savvy mums are tackling online.

There are a growing number of blogs and social media accounts dedicated to providing tips on how families can save money on food.

Among them is Budget Mum Blog, run by frugal mum of two Madonna Bechaz.

Madonna started her blog while on maternity leave with her first son. Her

BUDGET MUM BLOG’S CHILLI CON CARNE INGREDIENTS • 500 grams mince • 2 red capsicums (or green) • 800g tin tomatoes

Facebook page has more than 20,000 followers and her Instagram account isn’t far behind.

Madonna wanted to show that living on a budget can be fun and liberating, rather than restrictive.

She spends about $180 per week on groceries, which includes nappies for one child, dog food and clearing products.

She has a few simple tips for families wanting to reduce their shopping bill.

“The simplest way is to meal plan,” she said.

“I know everyone recommends it, but once you’re organised it saves a ton of money.

“Cook once, eat twice - if you’re busy this makes life and the budget run smoothly. Cooking extra and freezing it for a busy night, saves using take away as plan b.

“Also having vegetarian nights cut down on meat costs.”

Madonna’s go-to budget meals include spaghetti bolognese with extra

into pan. Break up and fry until browned.

2. Add chilli powder and tomato and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Add drained kidney beans and allow to simmer for another 10 minutes.

• 1 teaspoon chilli powder (add more to taste)l • Serve with steamed rice, avocado and sour cream (optional) METHOD 1. Place capsicum, mince and garlic

Another advocate for meal planning is mum of four Rebecca Sayers, the woman behind the frugal_family_of_6 accounts on Instagram and Facebook, which have a combined following of 20,000.

Her weekly grocery bill is around $220, up from about $200 before the pandemic.

She says it’s always a good idea to audit the cupboard or fridge before hitting the supermarket.

“Go through what you already have in the kitchen and make meals from there.”

Rebecca loves to cook and her favourite frugal feeds include fried rice, pasta dishes including spaghetti bolognese, and soups.

Rebecca says sticking to in season fruit and vegetables and buying in bulk saves money.

Avoiding the checkout can also help.

“Write a shopping list and stick to it.

Grocery shop online to avoid impulse buys,” she said.

If you head to the shops, be sure you fill up before filling up the trolley.

“Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach!” Rebecca advises.

If you want to save money on groceries and need some inspiration, check out these Instagram accounts: ■ @budget_mum_blog ■ @frugal_family_of_6 ■ @growingfamily_on_a_budget ■ @money_meals_me ■ @mrs_thrifty_ ■ @perthbudgetmum ■ @that_aussie_budget_mum_to_ six ■ @justbudgetmums ■ @ourlittleozfamily

FRUGAL FAMILY OF 6 TUNA BAKE

4. Serve.

Note: Don’t be tempted to add kidney beans early - they will break down and go mushy. If you need to bulk it out more (for extra guests) or if you’re out of kidney beans try a tin of corn.

It’s delicious!

• 800g red kidney beans • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

veggies and lentils, tuna mornay and chilli con carne.

TIP: Chilli is like lasagne and gets better on the second day. Leftovers can be served in wraps (like soft tacos) or made into nachos. It’s also delicious in baked potatoes.

Recipe by Madonna, the woman behind the popular Budget Mum Blog.

INGREDIENTS • 500g penne pasta • 425g tin tuna drained and flaked • 1 brown onion diced • 1/4 cup plain flour • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley • 3 cups milk • 2 teaspoons garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon chicken stock powder • 1 tin corn kernels drained (or 2 cups cooked veg of choice) • 2 cups tasty cheese grated • 50g butter • 1 tablespoon olive oil • Salt and pepper for seasoning whisking frequently. Stir in half a cup of cheese. Take off of heat.

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 200C (180C fan forced). Boil pasta and set aside.

2. In a pot over medium heat, melt butter and oil. Fry onion for 5 minutes. Add flour and fry for another 2 minutes. Add milk gradually, and whisk with each addition to get rid of lumps. Season with salt pepper. Stir in garlic powder and chicken stock powder.

Allow to simmer on low for 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens,

12 SUMMER 2020

3. In a large rectangular baking dish combine pasta, tuna, sauce, parsley and veg. Top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe by Rebecca Sayers. She offers food saving tips on her frugal_ family_of_6 Facebook and Instagram accounts. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

The hottest toys for Christmas

By Melissa Grant WHAT are the must-have toys this Christmas?

It’s a question you are probably asking yourself as you scratch your head for gift ideas.

There are so many new toys and games that have been released in time for the festive season, not to mention all the old favourites sitting on retailers’ shelves.

While it’s impossible to feature them all, we’ve put together a list of hot gifts for kids this Christmas.

HOT WHEELS ULTIMATE GARAGE The newly released Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage is designed to fuel kids’ imaginations.

Take vehicles all the way up in the kid-powered two-car elevator, then race down through the multi-level garage and experiment with dual-play mode for continuous thrills.

For kids aged 5+. RRP $129.99.

PAW PATROL DINO PATROLLER Save the day with Dino Patroller, the first motorised Paw Patrol team vehicle. It features room for all six pups, oversized wheels, a projectile launcher and an exclusive Chase and t-rex dinosaur action figure.

Paw Patrol Dino Patroller.

Bosh Deluxe Workbench.

Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage.

UNO.

Barbie Dream House.

classic picture guessing game of “What am I?” returns with all-new picture cards, six themed headbands, and art.

Pick a card, but don’t peek! It’s then a race against the clock to guess what’s on your card, by asking your opponents yes-or-no questions.

RRP $24.99

You know this game needs no introduction! Players take turns matching a card in their hand to the card showing on top of the deck by colour or number. Skips, Reverse, Draw Two, Wild and Draw Four Wild cards can deliver opponent-beating moves.

There is also UNO Junior, a simplified version for younger players.

BARBIE DREAM CAMPER

For kids aged 3+. RRP $139

markers and spray bottle.

For ages 8+. RRP $39.99 GLOBBER EXPLORER TRIKE 4IN1 This 4in1 trike can be used from 10 months through to five years. At 10 months, your child can use it in trike mode, Then at 18 months they are ready for the guided trike. By the time they’re 2 it can be switched to training tike mode before being switched to a balance bike.

RRP $299 BOSCH DELUXE WORKBENCH A height-adjustable workbench with a drill press, vice, saw, pliers, hammer, wrench and more. With so many screws, saws, spanners and more to play with, this gift nails it.

COOL MAKER HOLLYWOOD HAIR STUDIO

For ages 3+. RRP $79

This DIY hair studio lets children design, customise and create their own hair extensions. They will love decorating one of the coloured or pattern hair ribbons with marker pens then pressing a button to transform it into a super cute hair extension. The set includes a curling wand, hair rollers and clips, two

SMARTRIKE TRAMPOLINE A ball pit and trampoline that folds small enough to fit just about anywhere.

The SmarTrike Trampoline encourages development and growing with your child from 10 months to five years.

Up for grabs is one Barbie Dreamhouse ($249), which offers so many options when it comes to imaginative play.

We’re also giving away one Barbie Dream Camper ($139), and the newly released Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage ($129.99)

SPIN MASTER TOYS We’ve got two toy prize packs to give away, each valued at more than $200. Each pack features: Paw Patrol themed vehicle, Bakugan Dragonoid Infinity, Monster Jam 1:64 Basic Playset Season 2, Twisty Petz Beauty, HedBanz and Hatchimals Crystal Flyers.

GLOBBER TRIKE Win a Globber Explorer Trike 4in1 in teal ($299). The all in one tricycle for toddlers aged 10+months and balance bike for kids aged 2-5 years adapts as your child grows.

To put yourself in the running to win one - or all - of these great toys, visit www.geelongcoastkids. com.au/competitions Hurry - entries close Thursday 17 December.

RRP $169

12471330-DL48-20

HEDBANZ By popular demand, Hedbanz, the

WIN! WIN! WIN! MATTEL TOYS

UNO RRP $10, UNO Junior RRP $6.99 Kids can hit the open road and go wherever their imaginations take them, with Barbie Dream Camper. There are multiple transformations and hidden surprises make playtime exciting.

Hedbanz.

We’re giving away some awesome toys for Christmas.

UNO

Kids can use their imaginations to set up their perfect home with Barbie Dreamhouse.

There are limitless ways to play and explore, from friend sleepovers to birthday parties and backyard BBQs. Perfect for kids aged 3+. RRP $249

SmarTrike Trampoline.

Globber Explorer Trike 4in1.

For kids aged 3+. RRP $109.99 BARBIE DREAMHOUSE

Barbie Dream Camper.

Cool Maker Hollywood Hair Studio.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SUMMER 2020 13

THE FAMILY EYE CARE OPTOMETRISTS Comprehensive Eye Examinations Behavioural and Dyslexia Testing Visual Processing Testing Dry Eye & Contact Lense Clinic Our child friendly processes and testing equipment are especially designed to make your child’s visit pleasant and entertaining.

children vision problem.

Many Australian “One e iin n ffour our childre en hass a v ision p ro oblem m. M any y Au ustralian n cchildren hildren undiagnosed eye problems delays and sufferr ffrom rom m undiagn nosed de ye ep rob blems lleading eadiing to o llearning earning dela ays a nd difficulties educational and life milestones. d ifficultiess iin ne ducation nal an nd li ife mile estones. ”

w w w . k i d d i e s e y e c a r e . c o m . a u 14 SUMMER 2020

12470573-SG48-20

88 Myers St, Geelong Ph: 5202 5911

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Children’s eye tests are made fun.

Pictures: Supplied

Making eye tests fun for kids ACCORDING to optometrist Nicky Kiparissis, eye tests should be fun, engaging, empowering and trustworthy y when it comes to kids. And this is what she strives for every day.

Kiddies Eye Care (KEC) was founded

by Nicky, who has always had a passion for children. After years of testing across the state, she recognised that a number of colleagues were referring a large number of children to her. She also grew frustrated seeing children, including her own middle child, expected to fit into adult frames.

“I realised very early on that there never was a space designed for children,” Nicky says.

“Kids were always expected to sit behind the same big machines as an adult and answer the same questions, regardless of their age and ability. I never believed that it should be like that, so always did things a little differently.

“My youngest had strabismus surgery at an early age. He also insisted that he have red glasses which, at this stage, were nowhere to be found. I decided this gap in the market was something that needed to be closed.

“So, Kiddies Eye Care was born: a safe place for children where no eye test is ever the same.

“We don’t believe in one-size fits all.

Every consultation is tailored to and guided by each child’s needs and ability on the day. Everything is in place to ensure that children feel confident, competent and engaged in the process, all while having a lot of fun.”

Since 2014, KEC has been catering for the visual needs of children in

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Kiddies Eye Care.

Melbourne, helping them to learn and to thrive. The team is so excited to provide these services to the children and families in Geelong and surrounds.

The clinic is filled with light and colour, with everything designed especially for kids: the mural on the wall and toys in the waiting room to the child-friendly testing equipment. The collection of children’s frames is second to none with each child feeling passionate about and confident in their choice of glasses, if required.

Lucy Bailey, Geelong-based mother and optometrist at KEC, says: “The process is engaging but also thorough, assessing all aspects of the visual system, picking up on any issues which could manifest as headaches, or

behavioural or learning difficulties. We don’t want the process to be stressful to parents nor their child. We want to give them confidence and the wings to navigate their world.”

With 80 per cent of learning processed by the visual system, an eye test may be the most important schoolholiday activity before the 2021 school year ...

And every child gets a special lollipop at the end for doing such a great job!

Kiddies Eye Care, Ground Floor, 88 Myers Street, Geelong 3220. Open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, Saturday 9am-3pm. Enquiries: 5202 5911 or geelong@kiddieseyecare.com.au www. kiddieseyecare.com.au

SUMMER 2020 15

It’s Your Life

How you can declutter with kids

By Julie Cliff professional organiser

Get the kids to sort through all sports equipment. I bet they’re forgotten about the things that are in the bottom of the plastic storage tub in the garage or at the back of the cupboard.

SCHOOL holidays are always a great time to declutter with kids.

Having more time at home and a slower pace to the day (no rushing here or rushing there) seems to make the experience more enjoyable. Here are a few places to start.

CRAFT

Pump up basketballs, soccer balls, then clean items and sort them out. Put a collection of items into a bag or a box so it’s easy to grab and take to the park to play.

TOYS There are ways to involve the kids in decluttering your home.

Get the kids to help you go through their craft and sort it out. Put like items together. Discard paints and glue that have dried up or bits that are broken.

still fits right from their heads (caps, headbands etc) to their toes (socks and shoes). Have a fashion parade during the process to add a bit of fun.

Pass on items they have outgrown.

Everything will be at their fingertips to whip up a masterpiece once it’s all organised.

KIDS BATHROOM Charge the kids with the job of decluttering and organising their own bathroom if they have one. Turn it into a fun game where they display their own items or receive a reward of bath bombs or some other bathroom treat once the job is done. Encourage them to be creative in the way they put things together.

Cover cardboard boxes with their paintings or drawings to use as dividers in cupboards and drawers. Put their toothbrush in a coloured plastic cup on the bench. Make a box out of Lego for the soap.

GAMES CUPBOARD Cluttering the games cupboard is much the same as the craft cupboard.

Climb into the back corner of where the games live, get it all out and get sorting.

You never know what you might find and want to play.

KIDS CLOTHES Check the current size the kids are wearing and go through each category of clothing and check that everything

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Which toys have they outgrown? How can you use them in a different way?

Which ones have they not used for a while?

Bundle up some of the toys and store in their room or the garage so that their is less stuff accessible and rotate them regularly.

SET UP A STUDY SPACE Time at home is always a good opportunity to tweak the systems we have in place. If your child does not have a dedicated study space, the holidays are the time to do it.

RUMPUS ROOM Some kids are lucky enough to have a toy room or rumpus room dedicated for their stuff. Challenge them to declutter and organise it and set it up like a shop so that things are neatly displayed. Put like items together ensure everything is easy to find. Who knows they may even like to play shops once the job is done.

KIDS BEDROOM Take decluttering to a whole new level and undertake a bedroom renovation during the holidays. Make a detailed plan and give it a go.

COMPUTER DESK / GAMING AREA If your family is anything like mine they have their own desktop computer and another location for their Xbox. Work with the kids to check all cords are being used and neat and tidy (use cable ties or bread ties), discs are in the right cases, all rubbish in the bin, dishes in the dishwasher and then give flat surfaces a good clean.

NEXT STEPS? Choose an area of the house to start to declutter with kids today. To make the process even more fun, put on some music and a timer and get to work.

Julie Cliff is a Professional Organiser at Space and Time, which helps busy mums live easier, less stressful lives through simple and easy to implement organising systems. Sound familiar?

Julie Cliff is a Professional Organiser at Space and Time, which helps busy mums live easier, less stressful lives through simple and easy to implement organising systems. Sound familiar?

Julie would love to hear from you info@spaceandtime.com.au

there’s the magnificent Connewarre State Wildlife Reserve. Here they’ll find 150 bird species flying over the largest remnant vegetation on the Bellarine Peninsula, but it’s not all about bushwalks and twitching.

Fishing, windsurfing and canoeing on Lake Connewarre give active families and kids plenty to keep them happy.

They can kick-start their days with a gorgeous brekkie at Warralily Cockatoo in the heart of Armstrong Creek, or finish their day with a dinner that ranges through gourmet pizzas, modern-Aus sharing plates and mains. Kids are made welcome and well catered for.

Sullies Kiosk, another foodie delight in town, offers brekkie, brunch and lunch packed with creativity and deliciousness. Another one for the kids to feel special.

Great coastal towns surround Armstrong Green, so ducking out for a game of golf (Barwon Heads has some of the finest in Victoria), taking the kids to a theme park, tucking into gourmet food and sampling local wines is a breeze.

Feel right at home

Barwon Heads is just 10 minutes away by car, Torquay is 15, and Ocean Grove 20. Should the ‘bigger smoke’ call, Geelong is only 20 minutes away, and there’s always stacks to see and do in the holiday season - the city’s famous Christmas windows and equally renowned Christmas tree on the bay for two. Worth a visit just to see the look of wonder on the kids’ faces.

Residents at Armstrong Green are ready to welcome families to stay these holidays.

ARMSTRONG Green, a fab community from RCA Villages in Armstrong Creek, is gradually taking shape, with some lucky residents already making themselves right at home in one of the luxury homes now on offer.

Since some of the residents live in a 16 SUMMER 2020

home design with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious living area with access to a covered alfresco area, there’s plenty of space to invite family, grandkids or friends to stay during the upcoming holiday season. Or if family is holidaying in the area, grandma and

Picture: ISTOCK

grandpa can host them in coastal style.

And, with the plethora of attractions surrounding Armstrong Green, they’ll be spoilt for choice to make any stay or visit a memorable one.

Just five minutes down the road,

Once the outstanding facilities promised at Armstrong Green come to fruition, this will be a mighty fine place for active, independent people to set up a mighty fine life. And they won’t be able to keep the grandkids away ...

Armstrong Green by RCA Villages, 722-742 Barwon Heads Road, Armstrong Creek. Enquiries: 1800 226 020 www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Dip your toe in the water Geelong Swimming Club fosters a love of swimming.

SUMMER is upon us and we all want to enjoy the water, whether it’s in a backyard pool or at one of the many beaches we are fortunate to have on our doorstep. Learning to swim is a vital life skill and the Geelong Swimming Club (GSC) has been fostering a love of swimming across the Geelong region for more than 135 years.

Club president Glenn Benson says as operators of the Fiona Skinner Learn to Swim swimming school, the GSC team wants to ensure everybody can enjoy the water safely this summer season.

“Fiona Skinner Learn to Swim offers an engaging and competency-based program catering for all abilities under the governance of the Royal Life Saving, Swim and Survive program,” Glenn says.

“Many of the swim teachers are former competitive swimmers themselves and aspiring educators and they have a passion for young people and most importantly, a passion for fostering a love of swimming. Our Head Coach Sam Ashby - a former Australian Dolphin - helps young people to achieve

their potential in their chosen aquatic sport.”

The sport of swimming builds confidence and encourages a healthy and active lifestyle for young people and Glenn says with 250 members and approximately 150 competitive swimmers training each week, the club has a strong family-friendly atmosphere.

“We cater for more than just competitive swimming and offer pathways into the numerous aquatic sports across our region, including cross training for surf lifesaving, water polo and open water swimming,” he says.

“Our club supports all levels of competitive swimmers, with multiple state champions across pool swimming and surf lifesaving nurtured at the club.”

Supported by major sponsors JP Flynn and Ace Body Corporate Management, GSC has had to face challenges this year, like so many community groups and clubs. COVID put an abrupt halt to the swimming season in March this year, however Glenn says the GSC spirit only became stronger during the hiatus from the pool

- a testament to the dedication and resilience of the club’s wonderful community.

Glenn’s own personal vision for the club aligns perfectly with the high standards, passion and ambition encompassed by the wider GSC community; “To make Geelong Swimming Club the centre of excellence for swimming”.

“We are currently in a transition period, changing from an amateur club to a professional competitive club which will open up so many exciting opportunities for our members,” Glenn says.

The club has three main pillars; the swim club, the Fiona Skinner Learn to Swim school and to show the club’s big community heart, a charitable foundation set up to assist multi-class swimmers (swimmers with a disability), with some members travelling from Melbourne to participate in the highly regarded program.

The multi-class swimmers program is home to a multitude of true champions - with the medals and world records to

Picture: Supplied

prove it. Dylan Logan participated in the 5th World Deaf Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil this year where he broke a long-held record and Phoebe Mitchell, Brad Doolan and Maddie Fox brought home a well-deserved collection of medals from the Down Syndrome Swimming Association Nationals in Brisbane recently.

“We don’t talk about diversity, we live it,” Glenn says, and with the club being shortlisted for three awards in the Disability Sport and Recreation Awards 2020, including Club of The Year, the statement certainly rings true.

“The team is proud and excited to be shortlisted and we’re all looking forward to the award celebrations on December 3, International Day for People with A Disability.

“We are so proud of our swimmers.

They are an inspiration and we can’t wait to see what the promising future holds for these talented young people.”

Geelong Swimming Club: www. geelongswimmingclub.com.au Fiona Skinner Learn to Swim: fionaskinnerlearntoswim.com.au

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Based at Christian College Geelong Sports and Aquatic Centre, our facility operates to provide students from 5 to 14 years the opportunity to learn to swim - and swim well.

Fiona Skinner Learn to Swim promotes water safety, correct stroke implementation and provides various pathways into the aquatic activities available in our region, including pool and open water swimming. )RU IXUWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ RU WR HQURO FRQWDFW LQIR#ILRQDVNLQQHUOHDUQWRVZLP FRP DX ZZZ ILRQDVNLQQHUOHDUQWRVZLP FRP DX www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

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SUMMER 2020 17

It’s Your Life

Community heart: The volunteers.

Picture: Supplied

A cookbook for Christmas WHO doesn’t love a recipe from great family cooks within your own community? They’re personal, homey, and have a special touch of love.

To that end, Geelong Mums charitable organisation has partnered with Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre to launch its inaugural Christmas Community Cookbook, an online recipe book stacked with traditional Christmas recipes submitted by locals.

On sale in early December for just $5, the beautifully produced e-book was professionally curated from the many recipes submitted as part of a recent competition following the shopping centre’s call-out on Facebook and other

social media. The winner received a prize of $250.

Recipes came from mums in the kitchen, as well as community organisations such as SES, Torquay ELC, and Grovedale kindergarten, to name a few. According to Waurn Ponds centre management, the response was amazing and they are thrilled to be supporting such a much-loved local charity.

pantries - to supply quality content for the community cookbook,” Julia says.

“Recipes and stories really do make the world go around!

“We know that 42 per cent of families supported by Geelong Mums have been negatively affected by Covid-19.

Julia Roche, general manager of Geelong Mums, says they were really excited to see the project come to life.

“Joblessness, homelessness, and an increase in domestic violence are just some of the issues these families are dealing with right now. We are preparing for an avalanche of need in the coming months, so support is invaluable in preparing for it.

“We offer a huge thank-you to everyone who opened their hearts - and

“Proceeds from the Christmas Community Cookbook will assist in

LET'S SHOW SUPPORT BY SHOPPING s d i k r u o for LOCALLY!

taking care of our vulnerable local families this Christmas and into the New Year.”

Around 30 pages, with many familiar faces popping up, the e-book is available for purchase from December 1 on Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre’s website - see below.

It would make a terrific Christmas present - for yourself and other family members, and you get to help in a meaningful way in the season of giving.

Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, corner Colac and Pioneer roads, Waurn Ponds. Enquiries: 5244 2580 or www. waurnpondssc.com.au

Dizzy Toys, Geelong West

Supa World, Grovedale

Goose, East Geelong

Jump Swim School, Lara

Family Pet & Aquarium, Grovedale

Freckleberry, South Geelong

Road and Rail Hobbies, Rippleside

Geelong Indoor Sports, South Geelong

Daniels Donuts, Portarlington

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Well done Geelong – we are navigating through these tough times and now we’re on the road to reopening! Let's show our support for local, kid-friendly businesses which have been hit hard by COVID-19.

It’s Our Backyard is all about backing Geelong and thinking local first.

Please adhere to the ‘Third Step’ restrictions and wear a face mask when you leave home.

18 SUMMER 2020

PHOTOS TAKEN PRIOR TO PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND MANDATORY MASK WEARING REQUIREMENTS.

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Health

Reasons to see a gynaecologist IN Australia, a gynaecologist is a women’s health specialist doctor who has trained for up to six years at medical school, undertaking rotations in general medicine and surgery at hospitals as a junior doctor, and then a further six years in speciality training in obstetrics and gynaecology (managing pregnancies, delivering babies and learning now to manage women’s health conditions). We are well qualified to help out with any issues you have with your reproductive tract, whatever they may be.

Reasons you may need to see us can include: 1. Painful or overly heavy periods. If you are concerned that your periods are heavy, you have large clots or flooding during your period then it is time to seek help. If you are

BUMPS AND

BABIES WITH DR BRONWYN HAMILTON

experiencing pain for more than a day or two and not relieved by simple pain relief medications such as Nurofen and Panadol you should also seek medical review. You would usually see your local doctor (GP) first and they would arrange referral to a gynaecologist if needed.

2. Irregular periods. If you are having

large breaks between your periods (eg skipping a few months at a time), this can be a sign that something isn’t right with your cycles. It can be a sign of things like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disease or other hormonal imbalance issues.

Similarly, bleeding more frequently than once a month is also not normal.

3. Painful intercourse. Pain with intercourse is not normal. Please seek help if you have new or longstanding pain with intercourse as there are many things we can do to help this.

4. Abnormal discharge. No one likes talking about vaginal discharge but it’s a part of everyday life for all women. You will find the days around ovulation (mid cycle) you will have some clear and watery discharge as your estrogen levels

increase. During the one to two weeks leading up to your period this will be thicker and a creamy/white colour. If there are any variations to this like increased odour, itchiness, increased volume or green/grey in colour this could be a sign of infection so go get this checked out!

5. Issues trying to conceive. If you have been trying for a baby for more than six months if over age 35, or 12 months if aged 35 or under then you should be seeing a gynaecologist or fertility specialist. This is particularly important if you are aged over 35 as time is of essence when trying for a baby.

For more information on women’s health visit: https://www.instagram. com/drbronwynhamilton/?hl=en or www.drbronwynhamilton.com.au

What you need to know about thermometers

By Eliza Henry-Jones WHEN your child is sick, often one of the first things you do is reach for a thermometer. With so many thermometers on the market, you may be wondering which one is best to use. From glass and mercury through to smart thermometers with their very own apps, this article has you covered!

Mercury Thermometers You’ve probably heard of (or seen) mercury thermometers, which were invented in the 1700s. These glass contraptions have a thin line of mercury, which expands when heated. Given the toxicity of mercury and the fragility of glass, they’re no longer recommended for measuring body temperature.

Ear Thermometers Ear thermometers rest in the ear in order to measure body temperature.

There’s a bit of controversy about whether they should be used in children under six months. When using an ear thermometer, watch out for a build up of ear wax (which can alter the reading) and be careful of how far you put the reader into the ear canal.

The cost of ear thermometers varies.

For instance, the Omron TH839S Ear Thermometer retails for $59.99, compared with the Safety 1st Easy Read Ear Thermometer, which costs around $24.99.

Forehead (Temporal) Thermometers These thermometers need to be moved across the forehead to get a reading and can be used on children from birth. Although potentially not as accurate as a rectal measurement, they’re far less invasive.

While basic models will set you back about $49.95 (the Oricom IR Thermometer from BubMania), you can purchase smart forehead thermometers which link to your phone or computer, allowing data to be saved for the whole family. For instance, when using the Withings Thermo Smart Temporal Thermometer, the measurements will sync www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Digital thermometers can be used orally.

automatically with your iPhone or iPad. Based on the age, fever history and symptoms of the person being measured, the Thermo app will even give you health advice. This thermometer is available from the Apple store for $179.99.

Digital Thermometers Digital thermometers are relatively

cheap and can be used rectally, orally and under the arm. Obviously, if you’re planning to take both oral and rectal temperatures, make sure you purchase two thermometers and have them clearly labelled! Digital thermometers can be used under the arm from birth and - like temporal thermometers - are much less invasive

than oral or rectal measurements.

Digital thermometers are the cheapest option - you can purchase a Vicks Insight Thermometer for $21.49 from a chemist.

If you’re unsure about what thermometer might suit you or how to use them effectively, give your family doctor a call!

SUMMER 2020 19

Scholarships Your opportunity to fly

Find out more and apply at www.geelongcollege.v ic.edu.au or phone our Admissions Team on 5226 3156.

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A limited number of Academic, Boarding, Music and General Excellence scholarships for entry into 2022 now open.

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Education

Leading the pack Stephanie Williams is Geelong College’s first listed AFLW player.

Pictures: Supplied

STEPHANIE Williams left her NT home, aged 11. She left her mum and sister, for the opportunities an education down south presented. Little did she know that after three years at Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville that a Smith Family Scholarship would bring her to Geelong College and then to the Geelong Cats as the College’s first listed AFLW player.

Steph describes her childhood memories of football as mixed. While she loved kicking anything she could find on the ground, she hated what football stood for, in her mind.

“I loved all sport, but we never really had the time or money for all the sports that I wanted to play,” Steph explains.

“I hated football though; up north at the time all I could relate footy with was alcohol and violence.”

It all changed when her friend invited her for a kick of the footy when she arrived at Worawa, where they had a girls’ footy team.

“My friend changed my whole view.

When we were out kicking the footy, she told me I was good at it and asked me to be on the team, so I thought ‘whatever’, and I did.”

From there Steph began to turn heads with her dashing game style and natural talent.

“Eventually I got really good and people noticed. I started playing in different teams in Victoria and the NT. “I found I loved it because of the sisterhood, looking after and celebrating each other.”

girls’ footy team was awesome because it’s a real change for our school, football is now a girls and boys sport, just like it is everywhere else.”

But after her 2019 season was disrupted with injury and she was devastated by the passing of her sister, Steph became unsure if footy was for her, after all.

“I didn’t really play footy that much,” she said. “I put on a bit of weight, I was eating a lot of cookies and getting a bit sad and I didn’t know if footy was going to be my thing anymore.”

And then Covid-19 hit, and seasons, games and draft combines were cancelled, so Steph headed home for four months and decided to hit the training track, hard.

In those last few games in Geelong recruiters had noticed her and her form in the NT backed up what they saw.

Fast forward to 6 October in the girls’ boarding house, and a nervous Steph is watching a live stream of the draft waiting for her name to be called and hoping she will get to stay in her adopted home of Geelong.

“I kept thinking ‘I hope they still want me’ because they were calling out all these other girls’ names,” Steph said.

“I thought what if they don’t want me, or if they don’t get me in time someone else might ... or someone else might not ...

“But then 27 came and I thought they might pick me and that it would be cool because I was born on January 27.

After just two years at Geelong College, in her final year Steph was the Mossgiel Captain, a Prefect and Captain of the Inaugural College AFLW team.

“Then they said my name and I just started crying. It is a dream come true, I didn’t think it would ever happen and I’m still pinching myself. I think I will be for the next two years.”

“I loved it all, being a leader was good. I didn’t know if I could do it, but obviously I did! Being a part of the first

Geelong College, Talbot Street, Newtown. Enquiries: 5226 3156 or visit www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Stephanie Williams in action.

SUMMER 2020 21

CARE CHALLENGE ACHIEVEMENT

NOW ACCEPTING 2021 ENROLMENTS Please contact the College to arrange a tour • Seamless education from Foundation to Year 12 • Nurturing environment • Strong pastoral care and effective discipline • 10km to Geelong CBD • Affordable, quality private education

590 Anakie Road, Lovely Banks VIC 3213 | (03) 5260 9999

www.gbc.vic.edu.au | 22 SUMMER 2020

/GeelongBaptistCollege www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

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EXTENSIVE BUS SERVICE, NOW EXTENDED TO POINT COOK

Education

Getting kids thinking about a range of careers starts earlier than some parents realise.

The push for early career education

By Danielle Galvin A fascinating snapshot of young Australians and their career aspirations has raised the prospect of a formalised career education beginning as early as primary school.

South Australia’s Commissioner for Children and Young People Helen Connolly recently released the results of two surveys of young people and children.

In ‘The Job Aspirations of 8-12-yearolds’ thousands of postcards were sent out to school kids asking what they care about, their hopes for the future and early career aspirations.

Their responses are fascinating.

Being a professional athlete was the single most popular choice, although teaching and being a ‘YouTuber’ were also mentioned frequently.

For many children, jobs and careers are generally explored in the senior years of high school.

However children are naturally curious much earlier than that.

“Research has found that a majority of seven year olds can say what they would like to be when they grow up,” Commissioner Connolly said.

“Other research has said that the subjects you enjoy and have an interest in at primary school will probably stay with you and it is unlikely you get turned onto science, technology, engineering and maths out of the blue in high school.

“In primary school, the focus should be on creating more contact with jobs and careers to increase exposure to possibilities and interest in learning areas that relate to their interests and passions.

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“This contact with the world of work can also help demystify and debunk commonly held misconceptions about the types of jobs available in particular industries, including gender stereotypes.

“While many kids hear that they can do anything they want, if they don’t know what they don’t know, they can limit their dreams from the beginning.”

By way of example, if a child is interested in dinosaurs, it makes sense to introduce them to palaeontology and what that profession entails.

“Or if a 10-year-old wants to be a dolphin trainer get Sea World to run a virtual class,” she said.

“We just need to get students excited about their future and dream big.

“We have often said you ‘can’t be what you can’t see’ but now after COVID-19 there is no excuse for not seeing everything, albeit online.”

Wanda Hayes, the CEO of the Career Development Association of Australia, said children from a very young age form ideas about work roles.

“They start to decide which roles have a connection to them, and which roles don’t,” she explained.

“By the time they have reached high school, most children have internalised some (mostly unconscious) perceptions that some roles are somehow ‘out of reach’ or not appropriate for them - and those jobs are automatically ‘ruled out’ when they are considering their future options.

“Then in upper secondary schooling, the focus of career education is often skewed to be about making decisions (about subjects; about university courses; about future jobs).

“But in fact, career education at school should be about opening young people up to possibilities, not narrowing down their options.

“And the earlier this process starts, the better: get them thinking broadly before they start developing fixed ideas about what is and isn’t possible for them!

“That’s how career education at primary school level can make a real and positive difference.”

There’s also a role for parents to play in all of this too.

“The role for parents is to expose children to opportunities through reading, talking and visiting online museums across the world,” Commissioner Connolly said.

“Whatever it takes to enthuse passion and not cut off possibilities with negative facts.

“If your child says they want to be an astronaut, or an astrologer, or an abalone diver, don’t put up all the reasons why not.”

But the simplest thing parents can do is to let their kids play.

“Play fires up the area of brain responsible for planning skills, organisation, critical thinking, reasoning and understanding,” Commissioner Connolly said.

“Play facilitates the development of confidence, self-identity and independence.

“If we want critical and creative adult thinkers, it is essential that playfulness be embedded in the lives of young people in childhood.

“Parents should support curiosity and fuel wonder in children as there are too many other systems waiting to drill it out of them.

“If you don’t have big dreams and feel invincible as a child, I’m not sure when you will.”

Some of the more noteworthy career aspirations from SA students: ■ Become a palaeontologist and farm succulents and sell stick insects when I grow up 11-year-old ■ Meet Jeffy on Youtube and Be a pet detective - 8-year-old ■ Be a bee keeper with my dad - 10-year-old ■ Be a dolphin trainer when I grow up - 10-year-old ■ Go to markets and sell my scrunchies from my business 12-year-old ■ Build a spider robot - 9-year-old ■ Create a company to help solve environmental issues - 9-yearold ■ Work on a Ferry - 12-year-old

Tips for parents to encourage your young child’s curiosity on future careers from the CDAA: ■ Encourage their natural curiosity and imagination.

■ Avoid the drive to make a decision: asking young children “what they want to be when they grow up” can create a level of anxiety about the need to decide. Instead, ask them about their interests. Notice and remark upon their talents.

Encourage them to explore and play with the idea of using those interests and talents in different kinds of ways and in different kinds of work roles.

■ Most importantly, treat every career idea as if it could be plausible. Our world of work is changing so rapidly there really is no such thing as a “silly idea” when it comes to career options.

Helping your children to explore and evaluate how their ideas might work will always be better than dismissing ideas on their behalf.

SUMMER 2020 23

Education

Free kinder for Victorian kids KINDER will be free for Victorian children in 2021.

When making the announcement, Premier Daniel Andrews cited the difficulties felt by parents who had to juggle work, childcare and remote learning during 2020.

The Victorian Budget 2020/21 will deliver up to $169.6 million to make kinder free next year, saving families around $2000 for every child enrolled in a participating funded kinder program.

Mr Andrews said the investment would ensure more kids got a great early childcare education, and make it easier for parents - particularly women - to return to the workforce as Victoria recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of the funding, subsidies will be offered to early childhood services providing funded kindergarten programs - meaning free kinder for four-year-olds and eligible three-yearolds attending a participating sessional kinder.

Families with children enrolled in kinder programs at a long day care centre will also benefit from a saving of around $2000 in fees.

And for those families that have kids attending unfunded three-year-old programs in sessional kinder, there will also be reduced fees.

Kinder will be free for Victorian kids in 2021.

Mr Andrews also announced an investment of $81.6 million to increase the availability of before and after school care.

hours care programs at up to 400 government schools - so that any school that currently doesn’t have a program can apply to receive a grant.

Grants of up to $75,000 will be made available to start new outside school

“Women have been hardest hit by this pandemic. Real recovery means

making sure they’re supported back into work - and the security and stability that affords,” Mr Andrews said.

“This investment is dedicated to making the daily juggle of work, school and kinder just that little bit easier.”

Chores not great for academics A world first study has shown some interesting results about balancing your child’s day for better academic outcomes.

Researchers from the University of South Australia found that lower light physical activity is related to better numeracy and literacy, and that higher sedentary time is related to better literacy.

The university’s Dr Dot Dumuid said the findings show how light physical activity, such as doing chores, sitting at the computer, playing video games, preparing or eating food and general pottering around, can drain time.

“When we talk about what makes up a child’s best day for academic achievement, we have to consider all the different elements of that day sleep, exercise, activity, rest and play - but of course, within the boundaries of 24 hours,” Dr Dumuid said.

“If a child is spending more time in light physical activity - doing chores, playing computer, or just pottering around - then they have less time for sleep, study and moderate-tovigorous physical activity, all of which are good for academic achievement.

“In some ways it’s like Newton’s law - for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction - yet in this instance, every increase in one behaviour has a corresponding and equal decrease in one or more of the

Activities such as sitting at the computer can drain time and impact a child’’s academic outcomes, a study suggests.

remaining behaviours.

“So, you could say: it’s not only what you do, but what you don’t do that contributes to academic success.”

The study assessed 528 children aged 9-11 years, and 1874 children aged 11-12 years.

Co-researcher, Professor Tim Olds said that while poorer academic achievement is unlikely to be related to the amount of light physical activity, it could displace the remaining behaviours.

“Each day has a fixed budget of 24 hours, so it’s not so much about the fact that children engage in light physical activity, but by doing so, they reduce the amount of time they could be spending in other activities,” Prof Olds says.

“If parents can aim for their children getting enough sleep, enough exercise and sufficient study time, then their children might not even have enough time for light physical activity - problem solved!”

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Education

There has been a renewed push for free childcare in Australia since the pandemic.

The case for free childcare

By Danielle Galvin WHEN Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced in April that his government would roll out a free childcare scheme to keep parents in work amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, families across the country breathed a collective sigh of relief.

For many it took the pressure off and eased some of the financial burden, with the government footing the bill and paying childcare operators directly.

It was also meant to be a lifeline for childcare services, although it was criticised by some.

“It means building a bridge for these valuable services to the other side of this virus,” Mr Morrison said at the time.

In mid-July, the scheme was wound back.

But since then, policymakers have been unable to avoid what many have been lobbying for: major reform to Australia’s early education.

More importantly, there was all of a sudden a strong case for universal, free childcare in Australia.

Georgie Dent is the executive director of The Parenthood, and a vocal advocate for reform.

“While the case for universal access to high quality early education and childcare has been made for a very long time, this is the first time in Australia’s history that it has really seriously been considered,” she said.

“Part of that is obviously because in

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April, when the federal government made the decision to make childcare free for a period of time, it really did just show overnight that it is possible to do things differently and make change.”

The report stated reconstructing the economy should include a “broader strategy to roll-out high-quality, publicly-funded not-for-profit childcare services”.

She has been critical of the government snapping back to the old system so quickly, and believes there is a case, now more than ever, for a major overhaul.

“Economic studies have confirmed that public investments in early childhood education and care literally pay for themselves, once the additional output (and taxes) resulting from women’s increased labour force participation are considered,” the report read.

“There is so much compelling evidence as to why it is a really worthwhile reform to pursue while we are in recession,” she said.

“We know unemployment is at the highest it has been for a really long time.

“We are in situation where households are going to be squeezed in a way they haven’t been before, the cost of care become even more crippling.

“It wouldn’t be surprising if more families decide they just can’t afford it.

“That means children miss out on all of the proven benefits of attending high quality early learning.

“And it means if and when jobs become available, if a family doesn’t have care, it’s impossible to take up those opportunities.

“There’s a lot that is really specific about Australia’s position right now that makes this a compelling proposition than ever before.”

In late July, Australia’s peak union representing workers, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, released a plan for national economic reconstruction after Covid-19.

Policy think-thank The Grattan Institute also put forward a case for reform in August of this year.

In the report entitled Cheaper childcare: A practical plan to boost female workforce participation, the institute made a number of significant recommendations, although stopped short of encouraging a free system.

“Making childcare more affordable is the single most effective policy lever the Australian Government has available to boost women’s workforce participation,” the report read.

“We recommend the government increase the existing subsidy from 85 per cent to 95 per cent, with a simpler, flatter taper as household incomes increase.

“We estimate women with young children would do 13 per cent more hours of paid work, and GDP would increase by about $11 billion.”

Ms Dent said women are overrepresented in casual jobs.

“That then makes the ability to take paid work more difficult.

“For families where there isn’t a certainty of shifts, the high out of pocket costs for care are a real barrier.

“If we’ve got people who can’t take shifts they are being offered, that’s obviously not going to get the economy moving, that will contract the economy rather than grow it.”

But is it a popular policy, for a taxpayer funded childcare model?

“We have been tracking public sentiment, it’s roughly two thirds of people think that this is a good idea,” Ms Dent explained.

“I think there is still resistance to the idea.

“There would be people who would say (if you have a child) you have to pay for their education and childcare, but the argument that needs to be made in response is that no one says that about primary school.

“This would cost the budget an extra $5 billion a year - less than some of the alternative options - and deliver big payoffs to families and the economy.”

“If you’re a millionaire or if you’re unemployed, if you have a child who is 5 there will be a position at primary school, and that will be funded by taxpayers.

Under the institute’s model, 60 per cent of families would pay less than $20 a day per child for childcare.

“And that is because we recognise as a nation, that investing in children’s education is critical.”

SUMMER 2020 25

Education

Joy is vital in early education THE world-renowned Finnish early childhood education curriculum has been adopted at ILO Norlane, a centre providing high-quality education and care for children aged six weeks to five years.

A calming atmosphere for children to focus and learn.

Centre Director Lisa Blackwell explains that “ILO” means ‘joy’ in Finnish, which she believes reflects the essence of great early childhood education and care.

“At ILO Norlane, we believe joy is vital to a child’s learning journey. Our curriculum supports children’s holistic growth, with our approach and methods based on the latest research in education,” says Lisa, who has 20 years’ sector experience.

“It’s been rigorously tested in preschools across Finland, with proven results established by the University of Helsinki.

“We believe children learn while they play. Our centre uses lots of wooden furniture, soft lighting, and natural colours and materials, while our spaces receive natural light - collectively creating a calming atmosphere for children to focus and learn.

“Learning happens in every situation

A young science explorer.

Pictures: Supplied

and we practise a healthy way of living that promotes socio-emotional competence and physical wellbeing.”

KIDE SCIENCE Lisa says that research shows seeds for scientific literacy need to be planted during early childhood.

“ILO introduces children to science with the Kide Science curriculum.

Learning scientific thinking in early childhood predicts better learning outcomes in school.

“We support children’s scientific thinking through play-based learning.

Kide Science was born through years of academic research done in Finland,

Left to right: Centre director Lisa, with Michelle, Sarah and Theresa.

A calming atmosphere for children to focus and learn.

where the play-based STEAM concept was developed for children aged three to eight.

Imagination cannot be isolated from a young child’s learning.”

“We use imaginary science scenarios as the basis of STEM learning, combining hands-on, hearts-on and heads-on learning in a play-based environment.

“We also provide before- and afterschool care to our community. We operate from 6.30am-6.30pm MondayFriday, except for public holidays.”

“Instead of doing it ‘theory-first’, we look at the situation from a young child’s perspective to best benefit learning.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

ILO Norlane Early Education Centre, 11 Gerbera Avenue, Norlane. Inquiries: 5292 2179, email: norlane@iloee.com. au, website: www.iloeec.com.au

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Entertainment

Our top parenting podcasts

By Danielle Galvin IF you’re into podcasts, we’ve put together a list for you to sink your teeth into.

Below are a few recommendations, for those times you’re feeling lost and in need of advice, or you’re in the mood for something funny or informative.

I found some of these useful, as an example, when I was struggling with my daughter’s tantrums around the age of 3.

It was a difficult time in parenthood and I sought out advice from some podcasts.

There are so many good ones to choose from, but here are a few of our picks: ■ Parenting in the age of the coronavirus: A new podcast from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne. Child health experts discuss the challenges parents are facing, and explore how you can best support yourself and your children so they can continue to

learn, thrive and develop.

■ Mamamia’s Me After You podcast is on my ‘to listen’ list. It poses the question - who am I, after having a baby?

■ Happy Mum Happy Baby - the podcast is from Giovanna Fletcher, UK mum of 3, author, blogger. I’ve been a fan a long time. She always has some great names and talent and some of the podcasts are absolute tearjerkers!

■ Maggie Dent on the ABC - Parental

As Anything - She covers off a lot of different topics. Always a great listen.

■ Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled. Another famed parenting expert. Plenty to sink your teeth into.

■ Kirsten Bell’s Momsplaining: OK, not a podcast but a light hearted little series nonetheless. Always good for a laugh!

■ The Modern Dads: This is a podcast about the dads doing it all ■ The Happy Families podcast with Dr Justin Coulson. Advice, easy to listen to, what’s not to love?

New Paw Patrol movie on the way KIM Kardashian West and Jimmy Kimmel are joining Paw Patrol.

The pair are among the all-star voice cast for the feature film, due for release on 9 September, 2021.

Others include Dax Shepard (Chips, Idiocracy), Tyler Perry (The Star). Randall Park (Fresh Off The Boat, The Interview) and Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon).

The animated feature film is currently in production with creators, artists and producers collaborating remotely.

The major motion picture is based on the award-winning preschool series produced by Spin Master Entertainment and broadcast by Nickelodeon, which airs in over 160 countries.

In the film, Ryder and the pups are called to Adventure City to stop Mayor Humdinger from turning the bustling metropolis into a state of chaos.

There are exciting missions, high-stake rescues, new pups and new vehicles, making it an epic Paw Patrol story.

The Paw Patrol gang will feature in a new movie next year.

The Ready Set Dance crew.

New kids channel shaking things up A NEW free-to-air television with 12 hours of kids programming has arrived.

The channel, 10 Shake, is airing a stack of popular children’s shows, including PAW Patrol, Bubble Guppies, Top Wing, Blaze and the Monster Machines, Dora the Explorer and Butterbean’s Cafe.

The channel is also airing Australianproduced preschool dance series Ready Set Dance, Totally Wild and Scope.

The full 12 hours of kids programming runs from 6am-6pm, including weekends.

At 6pm, the channel switches to adult programming with shows such Teen Mom Australia, Ex on the Beach UK and Lip Sync Battle.

Totally ll Wild ild host h Emily il Dickson. i k

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SUMMER 2020 27

Reality Bites

Foster carers Mathew and Rachael, with their three boys Hugo, Oscar and Jack.

Picture: Louisa Jones

Family opens home and hearts

By Luke Voogt THE stress of switching to remote learning and having a baby boy has not stopped Newtown teachers Rachael and Mathew Buck opening their home to vulnerable children.

After providing emergency care for more than 100 children over six years, Rachael Buck has countless cherished memories, like looking after a boy on his ninth birthday.

“I was at the gym when he got dropped off with my husband - we discovered it was his birthday that day,” the mother-of-three, 33, told the Independent.

“I went past the supermarket and got an ice cream cake. He wrote down at school the next day it was the first birthday cake he had had.

“I’ve still got the piece of paper with him writing about how great it was to celebrate his birthday - they’re the sort of things you remember.”

Another time she and husband Mathew, 36, looked after four children whose carer had a fatal car accident, until child protection agencies could find them a new home.

“Sometimes it’s illness in the family, sometimes kids live with their grandparents, for whatever reason, and they’ve become unwell,” she said.

“Other times, their homes are not safe.

There’s family violence or drug abuse. It breaks your heart.

“It’s never a nice reason that a child has been removed from their home, unfortunately.”

The couple began foster caring in their former home town Warrnambool, after both witnessing, as primary school teachers, the affect trauma could have on children.

In her previous role as principal of Noorat Primary School in Victoria’s southwest, Rachael was responsible for ensuring vulnerable kids got the extra help they needed.

“Because we both work in education, we just saw the need and thought we could make a difference,” she said.

“We have a very big house and a big car, so that helps. Foster caring is like being a teacher, you’re offering a stable environment, even if it’s only for a short period of time.”

maternity leave.”

our kids to do.

Mathew is still teaching grade 2 remotely with the family currently fostering a “polite”, “quiet” and “friendly” 11-year-old girl.

“But you can see the change - even caring for them for a short period of time. It’s so rewarding. “

“She’s the opposite of our boys, Oscar, (5) and Hugo (2) - they don’t stop chatting,” Rachael said.

“We went on a scooter ride together as a family the other night.

“The first night we have them we let them choose what takeaway we get for tea. Our kids like that too.

“We treat them like they’re part of the family - we go to the football with them and all those sorts of things.”

The children they have cared for during COVID-19 have continued to attend school.

“If they’re vulnerable, it’s good for them to keep that face-to-face connection with their teacher,” Rachael explained.

While the couple always put the safety of their own children first, only one child out of more than 100 had proved “too hard” for them.

Rachael, who fosters through MacKillop Family Services, encouraged Geelong locals to open their homes.

Agencies were flexible to foster families’ circumstances and availability, and carers could chose the age of children they cared for, she explained.

“You don’t have to do ages zero to 18 like we do, or you might do it one weekend a month. Any support you can offer is just hugely needed and appreciated.”

Earlier this year, the Buck family looked after three children that arrived at midnight.

“They rang us for the placement at dinner time and by the time they had organised it, it was a three-hour drive,” Rachael said.

“Our kids woke up in the morning and there were three extra kids in the house - they were pumped. They think it’s great, three extra kids to play with!”

Fostering has also made their children more grateful and compassionate, Rachael has discovered in dinner time conversations.

“We had them stay with us while she was in an induced coma,” Rachael said.

About a year ago they moved to Newtown and this April Rachael gave birth to third son Jack after the first wave of COVID-19 began.

“In the first few days when the kids arrive, we supervise them closely and any agency you go through has a 24-hour support line,” Rachael said.

“She was like a second mum to them.

We are still in contact with those kids.”

“We moved here for my husband to coach in the VFL,” she explained.

“Your expectations are different from those you have of your own children.

“Oscar is at the age now where he’s asking, ‘why can’t they go home to their mums?’” she said.

The couple provide short-term and emergency foster care for 24 hours to several months at a time.

“I commuted for term one heavilypregnant. We switched to remote learning a week before I went on

“We understand they might never have sat at the table to eat dinner or had use their manners - like we expect

“And we explain to him, sometimes their house is not safe. He can appreciate how lucky he is.”

28 SUMMER 2020

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Reality Bites Baby Peyton was born at home.

Home birth in the face of Covid-19

By Melissa Meehan SITTING in a pool at home with her midwives on the phone telling her not to push just yet wasn’t the way Michelle Wise expected to welcome her baby girl into the world.

But nothing in 2020 has really gone to plan.

Peyton entered the world. Michelle carefully unwrapped the cord from her shoulders and placed her daughter on her chest and describes waiting for that first breath as a little scary.

“It was then I was like, wow, we are really on our own,” she said.

Soon enough Peyton opened her eyes, looked around and made a little squeak.

It was then Michelle knew it would be all OK. Michelle hadn’t always planned on having a home birth.

But the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 and new restrictions across Victoria about only having one support person with you in hospital during the birth led to her decision.

“It was very important for my husband and I to have our doula with us and even though she ended up missing the birth, we really wanted our photographer there too,” she said.

When she first fell pregnant Michelle looked into having a home birth, but after getting a few quotes for a private midwife she didn’t think it was financially viable.

Especially given she had already given birth to her son in a hospital setting and had a good experience.

But things changed when the pandemic hit and they felt forced to change their model of care to one they thought would be safer, no matter the cost.

Michelle and baby Peyton, who arrived on 13 May a healthy 3.8kg.

Contractions started just before 2pm on the day Peyton was born.

And by 3pm they were getting closer together and more frequent.

“I sent our doula, midwife and photographer messages just to let them know I was thinking we could have a baby later that night or the next day,” she said.

Her son Logan was picked up by 4.20pm and by 4.40pm Michelle’s husband Josh started to fill the birthing pool.

By 5pm he was on the phone to the midwives, who were 40 minutes away, and that’s when Michelle’s body gave an almighty push.

“My body had taken over,” she said.

“Mish our doula called an ambulance as it was clear the midwives weren’t going to make it and three strong waves later I yelled out ‘her head is out’.”

Pictures: Garry Sissons

Just minutes after Peyton arrived, so did the photographer who was shocked to see Michelle already holding her baby girl.

She was closely followed by ambulance officers who stayed until the midwives arrived.

“Everything was absolutely perfect,” she said.

“I couldn’t be happier with our decision to have a home birth and the whole experience was so surreal.

“I keep looking at her in disbelief.”

The Australian College of Midwives reported a flood of calls relating to home births in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

ACM CEO Ann Kinnear said, “Home birth is a safe option for a woman, but key to this is that her midwife is practising safely and competently.”

A passion to help teenage girls flourish

By Danielle Galvin AS a former speech pathologist, TEDx speaker and model, Mandy Dante’s set of skills are particularly unique.

But arguably it’s her personal story, growing up in Sydney as a Sri Lankan Australian girl in a largely Caucasian school, coupled with the normal challenges of navigating teenage life, that sparked her passion to find a way to support young women.

She recalls the awkwardness of being a teenage girl in high school, wanting to fit in.

And while she survived those years, she says looking back, she can see she wasn’t necessarily thriving and bottled up a lot of what she was going through.

Reflecting on that time as an adult, she started Flourish Girl, a preventative mental health program aimed at teenage girls, which offers motherdaughter programs to improve communication. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

The school program aims to create safe spaces for teenage girls to engage in relatable conversations around comparison, social pressures, body image and perfectionism.

“We start to really ignite those conversations that aren’t being said and give girls an opportunity to feel safe enough to share some of the things they may be dealing with,” she said.

Through the schools’ program, Mandy has gained invaluable insight into teenage girls through countless conversations with them.

“We have a section in our programs where we ask girls what they really need from their mums - and this is where I get my tips for mums,” she said.

Her tips include spending personal time with your daughter, creating a safe space with no judgement or opinions, open up with your daughter and be empathetic to the huge transition happening in their lives.

“We have this common thread

around girls feeling like they are not being heard a lot from mothers but it’s also common with fathers as well,” she said.

“They felt like there was a breakdown in communication and girls not feeling safe enough to share.

“The lens we come from - we are not the parenting experts but we are experts in knowing how to start those conversations.”

She believes there’s a chance for mums to better support their teenage girls, by showing them they don’t have all of the answers.

“Mums want to rescue them and solve their problems for them,” she said.

“The thing is there is no right way to have a conversation with your daughter. It’s OK not to have the answers all the time.”

She said showing your vulnerability as a parent is a powerful tool.

To find out more, visit https://www. flourishgirl.org/

Mandy Dante uses her platform as a model and her program, Flourish Girl, to try to get teenage girls better support.

SUMMER 2020 29

Books

Inspiring the hero in all of us

By Danielle Galvin

message, anyone can save the day.

REUBEN Cullen certainly goes against the grain when it comes to children’s authors.

It also talks about the values Reuben was seeking in his own life: to be ambitious, healthy, reliable, selfless, caring, honest, confident, determined and happy.

He’s probably an unlikely character to write for young children, being a tradie and openly talking about his former battles with addiction, but that’s part of the magic of his story, and his new book, A Hero Born.

It’s a self-published book he wrote to help him believe in himself again.

“One day I just had an idea of writing a story, and being your own hero.

“And I thought it was best targeted to kids given that they are really into superheroes.

“Being your own hero is probably pretty important and it was what I was struggling with at the time, a bit of self-belief.”

The book follows the story of a caped hero and an everyday hero, with the

His book is a message of self-love and awareness, simply, he wants children to be their own heroes.

“I have had some people say to me (after writing A Hero Born) you have always had a way with words.

“I didn’t really use poetry as a way to express myself until my early 20s and probably my mid-teens, more so when I had my battles with drug addiction I used it as a way to express myself.”

Coming up with the story came naturally to him, once he’d established the message and the characters.

The book is also dedicated to Kasey, the daughter of a woman he was in a long-term relationship with.

It’s a deeply personal book, in that sense.

Street artist Michael Glenda, a father of three, illustrated the book.

“The message is that definitely no one is too old to know they can be their own hero.

“I wrote it with the intentions of wanting to believe in myself and like myself again.

“Kasey was a big reason I wanted to write the book.

“I wanted to one day have something to show her and hopefully read to her. I just hope kids can learn to be the best person for themselves from reading the book - if I can just help one child not go through what I did then I’ll be happy.”

And while the book is suited for children of any age, he said the message starts to ring true between that 4-9 age bracket.

“When I’m writing, I’m not afraid to express myself and say how I am feeling.

“Giving people the power to be self-aware is good, to learn to know yourself is really important I believe.”

A Hero Born is Reuben’s first children’s book.

There’s a mirror in the book at the end, with a powerful thought to end on.

“I remember (Kasey) used to love looking at herself in the mirror.

“It’s got a mirror on the last page, so the last page reads ‘when I look in the mirror what I want to see the best version of myself, so my hero is really me’.”

To find out more and order the book, visit https://reubencullenkids.com/

Children’s books...

My Dad’s A Tradie Missy and Beefy Illustrated by Ogilvie The perfect book for a child with a father who is a tradie!

It follows the adventures of Australian bull terrier Missy and her little brother Beefy, an Australian bulldog. Their dad is a tradie. It’s also Beefy’s dream to be a tradie.

The pair visit worksites with their dad. Beefy is constantly asking ‘Are you a tradie like my dad?’

They meet all sorts of tradies including a tiler, electrician, foreman, plumber and painter.

While Missy is pretty well behaved on worksites, Beefy tends to find himself in trouble!

The characters are based on two real life dogs who live north of Sydney. A fun read for young kids.

New Holland Publishers, RRP $19.99

30 SUMMER 2020

Have You Seen A Tree for Me?

Powman: Find The Courage Within

Sarah Eccleston,

Dave Pow Tabain and Nadia Worland, illustrated by Shane Ogilvie

Illustrated by Jenni Goodman A beautiful children’s book that highlights the modern dangers koalas are facing in the wild.

It’s a timely title given Australia’s koala population has drastically declined following the devastating 2019/20 bushfire season.

Author Sarah Eccleston has been a koala specialist at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast for nearly 22 years.

The book is inspired by her special bond with a three-yearold koala named Enzo, who resides at the sanctuary.

A great way for kids to learn about the dangers koalas face in the wild, from loss of habitat to domestic animals.

New Holland Publishers, RRP $19.99

Motivational speaker Dave Pow Tabain has teamed up with special needs consultant Nadia Worland for this empowering children’s book.

The book helps equip young children to cope with their anxiety. It also encourages them not to be fearful of seeing a school counsellor.

A young boy suffering anxiety around an upcoming maths test in the central character in this inspiring read.

With the counsellor’s help, the boy comes up with the perfect POW plan to control his anxiety and ace his maths test.

The book also features a helpful list of tips for kids to deal with anxiety.

New Holland Publishers, RRP $14.99

We Are All Kind P Crumble and Jonathon Bentley A follow up to the bestselling children’s book We Are All Equal, this cute title explores the many simple ways we can show kindness.

The text is beautiful. One passage reads: “We are all kind. You walk lonely miles.

Life is much better when somebody smiles.”

The text is accompanied by illustrations by award-winning illustrator Jonathan Bentley.

This beautiful book teaches children the importance of being kind to others. It shows how they can offer a hand, make amends, solve a problem, heal hurt, love and share a laugh.

A lovely read for children aged 4+.

Scholastic Australia, RRP $19.99

The Bad Guys Episode 12: The One?!

Aaron Blabey The Bad Guys are back for another enthralling instalment.

For those unfamiliar, The Bad Guys are a crew of animals who sound, look and smell like bad guys but are on a mission to do good.

The book is in a format similar to a comic book, with black and white illustrations and fun text.

In Episode 12, something is up with Snake. He has terrifying powers and evil allies.

Meanwhile, Agent Fox has suddenly become very mysterious.

A great read for children aged 7+ transitioning from picture books to chapter books.

A movie-adaption of the series is due for release in 2021.

Scholastic Australia, RRP $15.99

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au