Yarra Ranges Kids Today Winter 2021

WINTER 2021

Fun winter

PLAYGROUNDS Parents share their

SIDE HUSTLES Local couple’s

PREGNANCY BATTLE

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

AUTUMN 2021 1

About Us

A winter wonderland AS the chilly weather moves in, there’s no reason to hibernate inside (unless Covid brings another lockdown to town) so it’s time to experience the warm welcomes and the winter wonderland that the Yarra Ranges provides.

found that the e-baby generation will become the majority by 2038.

There are so many amazing playgrounds in the area, from the pencil park in Chirnside Park to Castle Hill Park in Mooroolbark - we’ve toddler tested them for you!

I’ve never met him personally, except for sitting a few rows down from him in lecture halls at La Trobe University, but he just screams of ‘excellent human’ don’t you agree?

I’m really excited about our winter edition, we have so many wonderful stories about local parents who have turned their hobbies in to money-makers and some others who have trusted us to tell their IVF journey and birth trauma.

I’m talking about actor Samuel Johnson. You may recall Samuel created Love Your Sister, a ‘million strong village’ of Australians committed to vanquishing cancer. Now, Samuel is paying tribute to mothers with a book called Dear Mum. Ninety celebrities share heartfelt and intimate tales of

Everyone knows (or is) a couple who met online, and new research has

It’s crazy to think that online dating had such a stigma not that long ago, and now babies made from those unions will be taking over the world.

appreciation of their cherished mothers.

At 58, celebrity Gretel Killeen believes the best is yet to come. With a colourful and diverse career this Aussie icon is most famous for her eight years hosting big brother, as well as being a stand-up comedian and author. Our reporter Danielle Galvin spoke to her about her latest hilarious and profound book, My Daughters Wedding.

Don’t forget to keep in touch with us via our Facebook and Instagram.

We always love to hear about new ideas for stories in our great community.

Take care!

Andy Jukes andy.jukes@ starnewsgroup.com.au 5945 0643

BOOKS

The rapid rise of the e-baby

Born ready to face puberty

PAGE 3

PAGE 20

PAGE 29

The battle of becoming a parent

Child centred education

Children’s books

PAGE 4-5

PAGE 21

PAGE 29

Choosing family over career

Learning to save water

PAGE 6

PAGE 22

KIDS CALENDAR

Every day they’re hustling

Introducing your school principal PAGE 22

Winter playground fun

HEALTH

PAGE 12 Mud pies on the menu PAGE 13 The best is yet to come

What’s on this winter PAGE 31

PAGES 7-9

How to make a fairy garden

Delightful cakes PAGE 14 Born to party

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

Cover Chirnside Park residents Patrick and Lara Egginton enjoy the fresh winter air.

Picture: Rob Carew

Winter sniffles start early for families WINTER 2021

PAGE 23 Dummy allergy link PAGE 23 Shining a light on endo PAGE 24

Fun winter

Important oral health lessons for kids

PLAYGROUNDS Parents share their

PAGE 24

SIDE HUSTLES

PAGE 13

PARTY TIME

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

Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan@ starnewsgroup.com.au 945 0666

Supporting teens heading into exams

PAGE 12

Yarra Ranges Kids

Advertising

IT’S YOUR LIFE

Daughters, dangers and inner signs

Yarra Ranges Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Editorial

CONTENTS

PAGES 10-11

Yarra Ranges Kids magazine is a Mail News Group publication.

ENTERTAINMENT The Wiggles join forces with Sesame Street

Local couple’s

PREGNANCY BATTLE

PAGE 25 Paint your own pottery PAGE 25

PAGE 14

EDUCATION Push to get more girls into STEM PAGE 15

REALITY BITES

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

AUTUMN 2021 1

Talking about birth trauma PAGE 26 A talented young child with a big heart

Catching up on learning after Covid-19 chaos

PAGE 27

PAGE 15

Letters to my mum: Samuel’s new book

An inclusive educational setting

PAGE 27

PAGE 16

From tired dad to top author

Childcare fee changes coming

PAGE 28

PAGE 17 Teaching kids to be financially savvy PAGE 18

yarrarangeskids.com.au

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instagram.com/yarraranges_kids

It’s Your Life

Kyle and Casey, pictured with daughter Molly, met via Tinder. Pictures: Rob Carew

The rise of the e-baby generation

By Melissa Meehan IT was once the topic discussed in hushed tones.

But internet dating has become so popular, and successful, that by 2038 more babies will be born to parents who met online than offline.

And while 2038 seems a lifetime away, that’s when a Monash University report finds the so-called ‘e-baby’ generation will be in the majority.

Over the next 10 years they will make up 34 per cent of all newborns.

Using a nationally representative survey of over 2000 Australians and projections from current trends in online dating, the authors of the report pinpoint 2038 as the year when more than half of babies born will be born to online couples.

They are amazing figures, especially given few couples openly admitted they met online in recent years.

Former Mail Newspaper Group editor Casey Neill met her husband Kyle on Tinder back in 2015.

“We both swiped right,” she said.

“Kyle was with some older mates who wanted to know how this online dating stuff worked.

“So with them egging him on and a few drinks under his belt, he got up the courage to send me a message and we set up a date a few days later.”

Online dating was already pretty popular back then, but Tinder didn’t have the daggy and desperate stigma some of the older websites had, she said.

But she still wasn’t keen to let people know how they’d met.

“I’m not sure I ever actually told my parents we’d met online - they might have found out in our wedding vows,” she said.

They moved out together within five months. www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Former Mail Newspaper Group editor Casey Neill with daughter Molly.

Picture: Gary Sissons

“For our first date we went out for dumplings and Kyle reckons that was it - after he saw me scoff noodles and dumplings he was sold,” she said.

face-to-face (1.38 vs 1.35).

“I wouldn’t say I thought I’d found my husband that night, and I definitely didn’t peg him as the father of my future child! I’d had a fair bit of bad luck with dating, so I just took it one day at a time.”

The report then considered current trends, finding that based on the share of births that are e-babies, an estimated 20 per cent of all babies born in this millennium are e-babies. Further, the report reveals that 21 per cent of online couples that had a baby did so within a year of meeting.

He proposed on a holiday to America in September 2017.

They got married in October 2018 and their daughter Molly was born October 2019.

She’s 18 months old now.

It’s quite the love story, and it’s not unusual.

The report also found that couples who met online in more recent years (2014-2020), on average have 2.3 per cent more babies than those who met

Molly is an e-baby - she was born to parents who met online.

Pictures: Rob Carew

This suggests a key group of singles use technology to seek family-inclined commitments.

Aussie couples who meet online most commonly have one child (21 per cent), with over one in eight (13 per cent) welcoming two children. Men are also slightly more likely than women to have children with a partner they met online (38.9 per cent v 35.4 per cent).

VP International at eHarmony, Romain Bertrand said the results of the report were good news.

Molly is an e-baby - she was born to parents who met online.

“In our first ‘Future of Dating’ report with Monash University, we’re delighted to see that online dating has created so many Australian families, and that it will continue to increase this wonderful legacy.”

WINTER 2021 3

It’s Your Life

Wynter, 18 months and Isaac, 4 with mum Ally and dad Simon.

Pictures: Rob Carew

Wynter and Isaac.

The battle of becoming a parent

By Melissa Meehan FOR the majority of our formative years, women are told how not to get pregnant.

But the reality is, society never tells us how hard getting and staying pregnant can be in the first place.

Chirnside Park resident Ally De Iulio is a perfect example of this.

She was 27 when she and her husband Simon decided to try for a family.

They got pregnant after about three months of trying. Everything was going fine.

Until she miscarried. They tried again. She had another miscarriage.

Then another. Then another.

Doctors didn’t say much at the start, but they did wonder what was happening by her fourth miscarriage.

She tried again, got pregnant but at her first ultrasound at eight weeks they couldn’t find a heartbeat. They waited for her to miscarriage naturally. She didn’t. And at 10 weeks had a D&C. It was then the doctors agreed some testing needed to occur.

4 WINTER 2021

They did a full chromosome test, so they could fully analyse Ally and her husband. It took three months to come back.

But it found Ally has reciprocal balanced translocation. In simple terms it’s a chromosome complication.

To go through the emotional rollercoaster of getting pregnant and then losing the baby each time was understandably disheartening for Ally and Simon.

Initially the gynaecologist at Box Hill said that IVF wasn’t an option for the couple.

“So that’s when it really hit me,” she said.

“I thought how many miscarriages I can go through.”

They went and saw a genetic counsellor, who was able to explain that IVF was an option.

The toll on her mental health was too much to bear.

news and went into hiding for a short while.

The couple had discussed early in their relationship that if they couldn’t have children that would be okay.

A few months later they decided to try again. But the genetic testing found that none of them were normal.

That they would travel and find other things to do.

Disheartened, they decided to give it another go.

But once the option was taken away from Ally - it all changed.

“I was getting to the point of thinking how many times do we go through this,” she said.

The first round of IVF, Ally took time off work and the couple kept it to themselves. She can’t remember how many eggs she retrieved.

But each egg required genetic screening, an expensive step that isn’t usually required during the IVF process.

But they had one egg that was classified as a normal, which they were pretty excited about.

And so they organised the transfer, and it fell on the day of her birthday.

IVF JOURNEY BEGINS

“I thought that’s really exciting and they said just come in at the time we told you. We won’t call unless something goes wrong,” she said.

It’s an expensive, physically and emotionally gruelling process.

At 7am on her birthday, Ally got a phone call.

“So we went for it”.

But Simon said he couldn’t watch Ally go through the pain of another natural miscarriage or pregnancy.

The egg didn’t survive.

Still understandably emotional, Ally says she didn’t deal very well with the

“It was an emotional rollercoaster, not to mention the financial cost.”

But it was third time lucky.

They had two eggs come back as normal.

Ally didn’t hold too much hope. But they transferred the egg.

And she was pregnant in August.

FINALLY SOME GOOD NEWS Despite all of her heartbreak in the past, once she was pregnant - Ally felt strangely confident that she wouldn’t miscarry again.

She knew that the eggs had no chromosome issues and was sure that was the reason for her past miscarriages.

She gave birth to their son Isaac on April 27, 2017. www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Isaac with dad Simon.

Wynter.

He’s now four.

It wasn’t an easy birth, but holding him in her arms was what she had longed for so many times.

It was already an emotional time for them, after Simon’s dad had passed away when she was 38 weeks pregnant.

His funeral was on the day she was to be induced.

Not long after Isaac was born, Simon developed a back issue and dealt with the pain for two years and needed surgery.

The pair decided not to use the second embryo until he had surgery and recovered.

But the universe had other plans.

In between Isaac’s arrival and Simon’s surgery, Ally started to feel increasingly tired.

She would come home from work and fall asleep around 7pm.

They did a pregnancy test and it was positive. www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Isaac, aged 4

LIVING ON THE EDGE “It was a really interesting feeling,” she said.

“It was kind of nothing, it wasn’t happy or sad ... just a strange kind of emptiness.

“I thought I know how this ends.”

Simon had the same feeling.

They decided to let it play out and were prepared for the worst.

But Wynter wasn’t going anywhere.

It was a very different pregnancy compared to that she experience with Isaac.

Ally had a lot of anxiety.

Every time she went to the toilet she expected to see blood.

She expected something bad to happen.

“I kind of lived every day on the edge.”

By the time she reached half way, Ally allowed herself to enjoy the pregnancy.

But tragedy struck the family again ...

Just days before she was due to give birth, Simon’s niece Jocelyn passed away.

She was 12.

And while sick with a terminal illness, her death was unexpected.

Ally went into labour three days later.

Wynter, their beautiful daughter, wars born.

There were some complications that ended with Ally haemorrhaging and becoming quite unwell after the birth.

She was so sick she couldn’t even hold Wynter.

After all that, Ally and Simon have one embryo left, and the storage runs out in June next year.

“We have to make a decision, but I don’t know if I could carry another baby. I don’t know if my body could do it,” she said.

What are chromosomal translocations?

Balanced reciprocal translocations are caused by a two-way exchange of genetic material between two chromosomes. As there is no net loss or gain of genetic material this exchange usually has no effect on the phenotype of the carrier.

However, carriers of balanced translocations are at risk of passing on an unbalanced form of the chromosomal rearrangement at conception, resulting in genetic material being lost and/or gained. This can lead to subfertility, recurrent miscarriages, or more rarely the birth of a child with an intellectual disability and congenital malformations.

SOURCE: Victorian Clinical Genetics Services

“But it’s nice to have the option.”

WINTER 2021 5

It’s Your Life

Choosing family over career

By Melissa Meehan AT the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in Victoria, Upwey father of two Ryan Vanderhorst was right in the thick of things.

He was working as social media manager for the Department of Health and Human Services managing their Covid-19 response.

The hours were long, the stress was high and he was spending nearly three hours a day travelling to and from work.

“I worked out that was 13 hours a week, that’s 13 hours lost on a train and not spending it with my kids or doing the things I enjoy,” Ryan said.

“It was a huge wake up call for me.”

He decided it was time to do something he enjoyed, so resigned and hasn’t looked back.

“My passion for woodworking has continued to grow over my life, and that continued during lockdown,” he said.

“So I went from a secure, honest job with the government to making custom furniture and I’ve never been happier.”

Woodworking had always been a part of Ryan’s life.

While he worked for DHHS he ran, and still does, an online woodworking community called Aus Sawdust Makers.

He even makes how-to videos for his YouTube channel.

So he resigned in November, and started his new career on 1 December, 2020.

“I started getting orders straight away without even advertising,” he said.

“I had made a couple of (kids play) mud kitchens and started getting heaps of enquiries.

“One customer had posted on a couple of ‘mum’ Facebook groups and it went crazy from there.

“She was the one who really helped it become a full-time gig.”

Soon enough he was getting orders from Sunbury and across the state.

“I think, particularly with the mud

6 WINTER 2021

Father of two Ryan Vanderhorst in his workshop.

kitchens, people who didn’t have things for their kids to play outside during lockdown realised that they needed it,” he said.

“I make them a bit extra too ... they have pump taps that allow the kids to have running water and each one is custom made.”

So now that his hobby has become his full-time job, Ryan makes how-to videos for lovers of woodworking.

“I guess that has become my side hustle now,” he said.

Ryan’s camera set-up.

“There are a bunch of other woodworkers in Australia and we’ve all become good friends.”

Making things are great, but Ryan says there is a lot of time and effort that goes into making his videos.

“It takes a million times longer because you just don’t make something,” he said.

“It’s setting up the camera, making sure there’s enough lighting, the angles and sound are OK and then there’s hours and hours of editing.”

He says its nice to make things without being in front of the camera, but some friends were already making money by posting the videos on YouTube.

And he’s even been asked to do influencer videos for an Australian tool company.

It’s a busy life, but there is no commute and Ryan is clearly enjoying himself.

“I have so much more time with my family and I’m happier than I have ever been,” he said.

Ryan at work.

Pictures: Rob Carew

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Tarquin T i with ith garments t she h has h made. d Picture: Rob Carew

Pippa Studios, LILYDALE It’s a labour of love.

Tarquin Harvey started sewing when she was 11 years old.

Getting her hands dirty as a gardener by day, once she puts the kids to bed she pulls out the trusty sewing machine and makes her own sustainable clothing for children made with upcycled and recycled materials.

“My friends have been telling me for years that I should sell them,” she said.

“So I thought it was finally time to do it.”

The single mum of two , who creates one-of-a-kind outfits, says she does most of her sewing at night or when the kids are at their dad’s on the weekend.

And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I really enjoy what I’m doing,” she said.

She sources second hand fabrics from eBay, Facebook market place or anywhere she can, including Op Shops.

Renate and Ingrid.

Picture: Rob Carew

“I found some bargains, it’s pretty fun, searching high and low,” she said.

“I make a woollen vest, a woollen jacket, Peter Pan romper, vest romper.

“They are easy to make and so adorable.”

Every day we’re hustlin’ A side hustle is a job that you can work on top of your full-time job. It is a flexible second job that brings in money, but it is also something that you are passionate about that you don’t get to pursue in your main job. Kids Today reporter MELISSA MEEHAN spoke to some local parents about their side hustle.

Grun House Interiors, YARRA GLEN It all started from a simple idea.

Renate, a successful cake decorator and mother of one, and Ingrid, a fitness instructor and mother of three autistic children, had pretty much lost their jobs during the major Covid-19 lockdown last year.

“I was down to one Facebook live fitness class a week and Renate had all her wedding cakes cancelled and had the occasional birthday cake booked in,” Ingrid said.

The duo grew up in Yarra Glen surrounded by the bush and their mother’s love of gardening, but it wasn’t until they were in their 30s that they too found their love of plants.

“I needed an outlet from the stress of raising three autistic children very close www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

in age (4, 6 and 8),” Ingrid said.

“I love the feeling of calmness, almost mediation and serenity caring for a plant gave me.

“It also can instantly turn a house into a home.”

So jobless and in need of an outlet, Ingrid and Renate took a leap of faith.

Grun House Interiors was created.

The meaning behind their name is simple.

“My sister and I are of German descent, we both wanted to pay tribute to this part of our life and Grun in German means Green,” Ingrid said.

“Grun House Interiors specialises in indoor plants, succulents, cacti, plant care and beautiful pots and planters that fit perfectly with your home interiors.”

■ www.facebook.com/pippastudios ■ www.instagram.com/pippa.studio The Classroom Collective, FERNTREE GULLY Victoria Gilbert was always heavily involved in her work.

So it’s no surprise when the primary teacher was on maternity leave after giving birth to her daughter Nellie, she really missed teaching.

They have returned to their jobs, but Grun House Interiors continues.

After the second round of remote learning last year she had the idea to create pre-made learning boxes targeting each strand of the Victorian curriculum.

And it provides some extra income, but also allows the flexibility that Ingrid needs.

“I saw how much parents were struggling to get their hands on resources,” she said.

“With three children with special needs, I need something that allows me to go to appointments (because there are many), or that I am able to stop because I get a call from the school because one of them has had a meltdown,” she said.

“It made me think that parents who don’t have an educational background don’t know how to find them.

“It takes a lot of the weight off.

“To us Grun House Interiors is so much more than a business, it’s a way to bring a touch of nature into our lives, into our homes which we believe brings joy, love and most importantly self-care.

■ www.facebook.com/ grunhouseinteriors

“And it’s really important that it’s available.”

Each box includes real resources that are used in the classroom that can now be purchased by parents to have at home.

It also targets children who are beginning school, and gets them on track - particularly with writing.

Victoria has returned to work as a prep teacher (one day a week).

WINTER 2021 7

From page 7 “I am constantly undoing children’s writing, as parents have tried to do the right thing by purchasing resources from the newsagent/book shops, but in turn, have actually taught their children the incorrect writing formation,” she said.

“The resource boxes are affordable and very aesthetically pleasing - I can’t stand the ugly resources we are often presented with.

Each box is personalised and custom boxes are also available to target specific learning needs.

“My dream for this side hustle is to make the connection between school and home learning so much stronger, and for parents to feel supported particularly if another remote learning is to ever come around again,” she said.

■ www.instagram.com/theclassroom. collective/ There is beauty, MOOROOLBARK When Hannah Prowse found out she was pregnant with a little girl - she was very much of the mindset that she wanted her to learn to love her body.

Then when Victoria went into lockdown she, like everyone else, had quite a bit of time on her hands.

“I was interested in what my body was doing and there were a lot of changes,” she said.

“And I wanted to focus on them being really positive things and being excited about what they meant rather than ‘oh!

I’m getting stretch marks or a little bit fat’.

“So I tried to turn those thoughts into something positive.”

There Is Beauty was born.

A disability support worker by day, Hannah wanted to learn a new skill, and was inspired by friends who had done some digital drawings.

So she gave it a go.

It started off really busy as she was commissioned for keepsake pieces -

Nellie, nine months, with mum Victoria and some learning boxes.

turning photographs into drawings which are really popular around Christmas time. And she has grown the business to also include logo design for business.

“It really kept me sane during

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lockdown,” she said.

“It was really important for me to have something to focus on that wasn’t baby or Covid.”

She also found that promoting a much more positive image of what being a mother is actually like is not only cathartic, but popular too.

“When I became a mum I was very much thrown into the world of everyone having an opinion, so it was nice to turn some of that energy into my drawings.

■ www.instagram.com/there. isbeauty/ ■ www.facebook.com/there.ishannah Moon toots, MOOROOLBARK When Jess Farkashazy wanted to use cloth nappies for her first born son, she was talked out of it.

She wanted to do her bit for the environment.

But older generations warned her it would be too much work alongside being thrown into the world of motherhood.

When she had her daughter, she knew things would be different.

But she couldn’t find any designs she liked - so started to make them herself.

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8 WINTER 2021

“The main reason I wanted to use them is the environment, but some people do it because their kids get really bad nappy rash,” she said.

“There are a lot of chemicals in disposable nappies and they take between 300 and 500 years to break down.

“That is a long time for them to hang around in landfill.”

And it’s not like the old days, there’s no need to soak the cloth nappies for days on end.

You can just throw them in the washing machine and you are ready to go.

Hannah with a custom family portrait.

A departure from her regular day job as a hotel cleaner, Jess makes the nappies when the kids (aged one and three) go to bed or if she gets a day off while they are at childcare.

“I just love them, I could talk about cloth nappies till the cows come home,” she said.

■ www.facebook.com/moontootsmcn ■ www.instagram.com/moontoots_ mcn/ Baby got shade, YARRA RANGES AREA Courtney and Kate are two friends that have the perfect partnership.

They started Baby Got Shade in 2017, and six months later Kate was pregnant.

They laughed about paying her maternity leave.

They’ve always treated it as a side hustle, an escape from their everyday lives, and that’s what makes it work.

“I work three days a week, I’ve got two kids,” Courtney said.

“And she and her husband run a building company with two kids as well.

“We’re great partners, we are very similar.”

“My parents and grandparents didn’t realise how much easier they are this time,” she said.

The key element is finding someone who understands that sometimes life gets in the way, according to Courtney.

“And over time they are so much cheaper.

“There is no guilt if I don’t put too much energy in it, because Kate understands that life gets in the way,” she said.

“You can use them for multiple children - they last for years and years.”

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Mel and Eliza have two children between them.

“It’s been really fun, and we made a good profit in our first year which was insane.

“I don’t know how we did it, with small children around, but I think it’s one of those mum things - you just do it.”

A E M R O BEC ER CARE FOST

A far cry from her every day job as a family lawyer, Courtney says it couldn’t be any more different.

“People who buy the shades are usually pretty happy and excited about what’s to come as opposed to divorce and separation,” she said.

■ www.babygotshade.com.au/ ■ www.facebook.com/babygotshade Gather Flower Farm, SILVAN When 13-year-old cousins Melanie Kercheval and Eliza Henry-Jones shared an online horse gaming account, they never dreamed it would be the precursor to a thriving flower farm.

“When we thought about working together as adults, we knew we’d be able to work together,” Eliza said.

“It sounds silly now, but back when we were 13, that gaming account was serious business.”

The pair, who are now 30 and 31 years old and each the mother of a two-year-old, started up their side hustle flower farm in September 2020.

‘We both adore flowers and it seemed like a really lovely project to embark on together,’ Mel says.

The flower farm is based on Eliza’s 7.5 acre property in Silvan.

Their focus is on growing flowers with as little impact on the environment as possible.

They don’t use damaging herbicides or pesticides and grow everything they can from seed.

Their flower patch is frequented by ladybugs, brown tree frogs, blue tongue lizards and a thriving local bird and bee population. www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Flowers at Gather Flower Farm Silvan.

“A lot of people don’t realise how many cut flowers are imported into Australia and the sorts of sprays that are used on them when they come through customs,” she said.

“It’s not the sort of thing a lot of people would really want in their house compared to chemical-free local flowers, which are freshly picked and grown without anything hazardous.”

Although it’s a lot of work and has been a very steep learning curve, the pair love the flexibility that the flower farm allows.

“We’re pretty small scale and the flexibility really suits having young children,” she said.

The pair also offers workshops and events in a newly renovated barn space on the farm.

“We renovated the barn using second-hand, local materials. It’s given us a space where we can run workshops, celebrations like hen’s days and even photography sessions,” she said.

They’re passionate about celebrating the local and sustainable - utilising local cake-makers, potters, photographers and artisans.

“It’s such a joyful thing to be a part of,” Mel said.

■ http://www.gatherflowerfarm.com. au/

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WINTER 2021 9

It’s Your Life

Get their blood pumping this winter Talaskia Reserve, Ferntree Gully

JUST because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean there’s no adventure to be had. Rug the kids up and check out these magnificent playgrounds - sure to warm them up on a cold winters day. Kids Today reporter MELISSA MEEHAN and her young daughters LILLY AND RUBY tried them out for you.

Botanica Reserve, Chirnside Park We call it the Pencil Park but Botanica Reserve in Chirnside Park is a wonderful hidden gem!

It’s greatness isn’t a surprise for those who live here, but hidden away in the Cloverlea Estate it’s a wonderful playground for all ages.

It has three swings, a giant slide, a spider web and a spinny thingy. As well as a an obstacle course. It’s also dug deep into the hills - so it feels like it’s fully fenced.

Add in a picnic table and BBQ - what else could you ask for?

A huge slide down the hill.

So many great ways to play.

10 WINTER 2021

9 Botanica Dr, Chirnside Park

And a ropes course we can only dream of. www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Elizabeth Bridge Reserve, Kilsyth A park that has it all. This Kilsyth park has a small but great playground fit for most ages. Undercover rotunda, BBQ, lake, a nice path to scooter or ride the bike. It has two slides, four swings, a fun suspension bridge and a fair few tunnel.

Public toilets, picnic shelter and electric barbecue available - great for family gatherings and picnics.

No wonder their hold the annual Kilsyth Festival here (normally in October).

39-47 Durham Rd, Kilsyth

A climbing wall for the bigger kids.

And watching the many ducks was a favourite.

The playground was great for toddlers.

This playground is great for all ages. With many tunnels and low lying play ground activities.

Talaskia Reserve, Ferntree Gully Castle Hill Reserve, Mooroolbark We love a theme park! And Castle Hill Park in Mooroolbark is an absolute fave.

It’s got swings, slides, and TWO castles, (one for the bigger kids, and another for the smaller ones).

They’ve got their own boxes of treasure too! A soccer net and basketball ring. Makes it a place for all ages. And the views of the Yarra Valley are spectacular.

Savanna Drive, Mooroolbark

It’s right in the heart of the Angliss medical precinct, but you’d be forgiven for not realising what a gem of a playground Talaskia Reserve is. The Upper Ferntree Gully playground is smack bang between the Angliss Hospital, a large oval and an open area that is perfect for basketball, or riding your bike or scooter.

TIP: It’s next to Angliss Hospital and a primary school - so parking could be an issue some days. But we had no issues but around drop off and pick up it could be a little busy.

The ‘basketball court’, beside the playground, has so many different lines on it - I’m sure some of the parents would be sent back to the days when they fought to win four square championships.

With two slides, two swings, seesaws and a cool scooter track next door - it’s a great park for everyone! It’s even toddler friendly.

Talaskia Road, Upper Ferntree Gully

Two slides - what fun?!

Seesaw for all to see. www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Ladders and laughs.

WINTER 2021 11

It’s Your Life

Daughters, dangers and inner signs Girlhood is wonderful, but we need our ‘weapons’ sharp, writes STEVE BIDDULPH. WHEN we first learn that our baby-to-be is a girl, we have a flood of emotions.

Joyful ones and, also sometimes, anxious ones. Because you can’t help but be aware that the world can be a very bad place for our daughters.

For most of my life as a psychologist, I was campaigning about raising boys.

But in the mid 2000s we began to notice something bad happening with the mental health of girls. Some of it was in the way girls’ lives had changed with social media and the huge emphasis on looks and general pressure to grow up too fast. Those were taking an enormous toll, and it started shockingly young.

But some of it was the old evils of a world that had always misused girls and women. Sexual predation, sexism and violence often terrify the parents of daughters as they move beyond our protective sphere.

In my talks on Raising Girls I tell the story of two girls - Kaycee and Genevieve. Kaycee is only 14 when she attends a party of one of her school friends, which has very poor supervision and lots of alcohol. A 17-year-old boy from her school persuades her to have sex with him in an upstairs bedroom. She then discovers that he has done it for a bet with his friends, and is crushed and

humiliated. She tells no-one for many years.

Genevieve is more fortunate. She meets a boy at 16, and for many months has the beautiful time we all would want for our kids, knowing how special young love can be. But he begins to want to have sex, and she is wildly confused. Luckily she is close to her mum, which Kaycee was not. And so she tells her mum all about it. Her mum listens for a long time as she pours out her feelings. Then she does something rather wise and amazing.

She says “sometimes our body knows what is right for us, even when our brain is mixed up. Our body sends us signals”. Instantly Genevieve can relate to this - “You’re right - I love being with him, but when he comes on too strong, I feel squashed and uncomfortable. I don’t want to rush into having sex”.

When I tell this story to an audience, the women in the room visibly nod their heads. They know what I mean - our bodies do know what is right for us.

Whether that is a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’.

life, and the migraines ended and have never come back. Somewhere inside her ‘knew’.

In a new book I have just finished writing, called Fully Human, I go deeper into this idea, from the latest neuroscience, that we have physical signals - a kind of ‘supersense’ even further down than our emotions, which knows when we are safe or in danger. It is our deepest self, below all the conditioning which girls receive to be polite and agreeable and think of other people’s feelings first. It says ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to everything around us. One friend of mine in her 40s had suffered from a migraine every week since she married, and then one day discovered that her husband had been having an affair all those years. She booted him out of her

Our body knows what is right for us.

We have to change the way boys and men treat girls and women but, in the world as it is now, hearing inner signals is a powerful weapon that you can encourage your daughter to sharpen.

And you can do it at any age.

Neuroscience shows we all have this ‘intuition’ but mostly don’t listen to it.

Steve Biddulph’s new book is Fully Human - a new way of using your mind, published by Pan Macmillan. www.stevebiddulph.com Steve Biddulph AM Author - 10 Things Girls Need Most, Raising Girls, Raising Boys.

Complete Secrets of Happy Children, The New Manhood and Fully Human

How to make a fairy garden

By Carole Levy

bedroom or on the kitchen window ledge.

MANY kids discovered the fun of growing things during lockdowns, with families kicking off veggie patches or doing fresh plantings to spruce up their yards.

FAIRY GARDEN IN A POT 1. Lay down newspaper or tarp to create a potting area.

Getting outside and putting hands in soil is always a joyful experience but not so much during winter.

When it’s cold and rainy outside, kids can still get into gardening indoors. It can be simple and rewarding and maintains their connection to growing and nature.

Here’s one idea that not only will the kids enjoy but it will look great in their 12 WINTER 2021

2. Three-quarters fill a wide bowlshaped pot with potting soil 3. Get cuttings of different types of succulents - just snap a piece off an existing plant and it’s ready to just pop into the soil.

Getting the succulent collection is part of the project - browse through gardens of family and friends to snaffle different types. Three to four varieties will be plenty for effect.

4. Collect pebbles in different sizes and shapes to ‘decorate’ on top of soil.

This is another part of the project that will keep the kids engaged.

5. They can also ‘paint’ some pebbles with craft glue, then sprinkle with glitter for a bit of drama.

6. Get some tiny fairy figurines - from $2 shops - and any other ornament the kids like, then arrange the garden.

7. Lightly water - succulents don’t need a lot, and are very hardy so not likely to disappoint by keeling over too soon.

8. Job done! Kids proud. Mum or dad supervises the clean-up - the only downside.

When it’s cold and rainy outside, kids can still get into gardening indoors.

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Gretel’s best is yet to come

By Danielle Galvin LOOKING back at an incredibly diverse career, Gretel Killeen is confident the best is yet to come.

She’s known for her books, her TV career, and for her no nonsense approach and comedic flair.

She truly is in a league of her own.

Here, she answers questions on her new book, My Daughter’s Wedding.

I’ve heard you say you’ve been obsessed with the relationship or the love between mothers and daughters - how intense, complex, fraught it is that’s so true! Particularly around weddings and big events. I also really appreciate a book or a show that’s focussed on the relationship between women. It’s more common these days but the relationship between the significant women in our life can often be the most important. Have you had this idea for a long time?

Yes, for as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated by the power of women, their intellectual and emotional strength and their extraordinary capacity to love. I’m intrigued by every facet of the mother daughter relationship as these pillars of strength both collide and support. But, please note, this novel is also a comedy.

Tell me about the central characters in the story and how they intersect (without giving too much away, of course!)

My Daughter’s Wedding is about mother-daughter love over three generations, but it’s also about the hilarious, safe and sometimes ridiculous support we receive from our friends, and our connection to our extended family.

The lead characters are the mother (Nora living with mother guilt and anger), her daughters (Hope and Joy, one has a massive unexplained chip on

her shoulder, the other is far too kind) and the grandmother ( Daphne, who’s living with increasing dementia.) The close friends are Soula (an amateur bikini-line waxer) and Thilma (whom they found in a cab in the 1980’s).

I believe you’ve said My Daughter’s Wedding doesn’t draw on your own personal life events particularly, is that right?

My Daughter’s Wedding only draws on my personal life in that I am both a mother and a daughter. I’ve found in writing this novel that the frustrating, beautiful and complicated bond that exists between mothers and daughters seems to be universal, so I added my imagination to the theory and focused on the broader picture.

Are there more stories/novels in the pipeline?

Yes, I’ve written many books in my life.

The novel I’m currently writing is about - well, the meaning of life.

I remember reading My Life is a Toilet when I was young (and loved it) - you really have had an incredibly diverse career. And of course some will know you for your work as an author, your time on Big Brother. Is there anything you’re most proud of, or a piece of work you look back on, as your best?

Thankyou. I’m proud of a great deal of the work I’ve done, but I think my best is yet to come.

For mothers of young girls - what do we have to look forward to? I’m often told the teenage years don’t compare to the toddler years. Which I find interesting!

Ah, you have some very interesting years ahead of you. In my observation ‘the toddler years’ are largely about a little person who is frustrated by their lack of independence, learning to express themselves as they discover boundaries. The teenage years can be that very same issue- but the teenager

Gretel has a new book out exploring complex relationships between women.

now has words, adult energy and power, and that can be mind-blowingly overwhelming. For the benefit of all of us our children need to develop their independence, but the process can be really painful ( especially for the mothers.) ps. Good luck and have faith, all will be fabulous in the end.

Time to put mud pies on the menu

By Alana Richards GIVE a child a pile of toys and a pile of mud and it’s not hard to guess which one they’ll go for first. And why not? It’s a kid’s rite of passage to enjoy getting covered in all things messy and fun and winter is the perfect time to let them get their hands dirty.

There’s no better time to get into a muddy mess than winter, so here are some good reasons from Early Childhood Australia to just let them go and worry about the washing later…

Jack has some muddy fun. www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Teaches kids to engage with nature Mud provides a wonderful opportunity for children to discover and experiment. From drawing with it to

moulding it into shapes, creative play is endless with all of the different things it can ‘make’.

Supports physical development Manipulating mud helps to develop fine motor skills for little hands, and the ever-popular mud slip and slide move is a great one for developing large motor skills. Imaginative play is inspired by mud inventions and social skills are built as children cooperate and play together.

Builds immunity It’s not new news that research tells us how good it is for a child’s immune system to play outside and get dirty from a young age. Exposing kids to mud, living creatures and germs as

they explore the natural environment around them strengthens the immune system and this can lead to less allergies and a body that can fight off bugs as they grow.

Creates happy smiles The smile on the face of a muddy child speaks for itself, but a study from the University of Bristol found that bacteria in soil can activate a group of neurons that produce the mood-enhancing chemical serotonin.

So, let them create happy mud memories, smiling and free playing in their natural environment and tell them about the hidden developmental benefits later.

Mud pies anyone?

WINTER 2021 13

Party Time

Olivia created farm animal toppers for her son Daniel’s second birthday cake.

Olivia made this Fireman Sam inspired cake for her son Michael’s fourth birthday.

Michael’s Fireman Sam torte was a chantilly sponge with a citrus mascarpone cream, while his second cake was chocolate mud with a vanilla creme patissiere filling and Blaze decorations on top.

For her younger son, Daniel, she made an impressive croquembouche - a French creation consisting of choux pastry puffs piled into a cone and bound with threads of caramel.

Olivia with the Bluey cake made by her mum Nat.

Made with love

By Melissa Grant

and other sweet-themed creations.

THE birthday cake is a significant part of a child’s birthday celebration.

Often a lot of love goes into a birthday cake, with parents spending hours baking and decorating or forking out considerable cash for something made to order.

Every child loves being presented with a birthday cake, and blowing out the candles signifies the coming year in their life.

These days, mums and dads are finding plenty of cake inspiration online, including on Pinterest and social media sites.

If you think back to your own birthday celebrations as a child, you’re likely to remember some of the cakes you enjoyed - number shaped cakes, cakes inspired by the Women’s Weekly

We recently put out a call to our readers to see what birthday cakes they have been whipping up.

The cake for his second celebration, was a traditional chocolate mud with a Lindt ganache and farm animal toppers she created.

Jen made this Frozen Cake for her daughter’s third birthday.

Perhaps the most popular themed cakes at the moment are Bluey and Frozen.

Olivia Enea-Brain loves making birthday cakes for her two boys.

Jen Palacios used Pinterest to inspire the Frozen cake she recently created for her daughter’s third birthday.

“I’m a very passionate baker; one of my favourite things is baking and creating for my little family,” she said.

“I followed a recipe to bake it, but the decorating I just made up based on Pinterest inspo,” she said.

“My mum is a wonderful baker and my late and beautiful grandmother was too as was my great grandmother. I come from a line of extraordinary women.”

Natalie Hay recently baked a Bluey inspired cake for her daughter Olivia.

Fireman Sam and Blaze and the Monster Machines inspired the cakes she baked for her son Michael’s fourth birthday.

“She turned 5 and is Bluey obsessed,” Nat said.

“I didn’t copy anything - I just kinda went with an idea I had and built on it.”

“This cake was nothing fancy, just a fun cake that my daughter loved.”

Born to party Xavier Diaz Entertainment IF you’re after a great kids entertainer who will captivate your guests and leave them in stitches, then look no further than Xavier Diaz.

smile, giggle, chuckle and explode in fits of belly laughter.

Best of all, he involves the birthday child in a special way to ensure they feel and know the party is for them.

Xavier will bring the magic to your child’s party with his hilarious characters, fun songs, captivating stories and games.

Professional and dependable, Xavier can provide a current working with children’s check.

He’s also a master of balloon animals and making magic that entertains.

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Education

Hallie Owers and Zara Plummer explore the Future You website, which is part of a campaign to smash gender stereotypes around STEM.

Inspiring girls to choose STEM

By Melissa Grant GIRLS are less likely than boys to pursue a career using science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

That’s why a nationwide campaign has been launched to inspire more female students to choose STEM subjects and open their eyes to careers that use these skills.

Even in primary school, girls are less interested in STEM subjects, with gender stereotypes having a major impact.

Studies, for instance, have shown that most children perceive science as a male profession.

When asked to draw a scientist, children draw nearly twice as many male scientists than female ones.

Furthermore, girls are perceived as not naturally suited to STEM subjects boys are seen as better at numeracy, while girls are seen as better at humanities.

It’s concerning given that STEM is a

big part of many new jobs and jobs of the future.

To tackle the issue, the federal government has launched Future You, an initiative that aims to smash gender stereotypes around STEM. Since launching in October, more than 2.3 million young Australians and their parents and carers have explored Future You, an online platform aimed at children aged 8 to 12.

The platform features 12 diverse and relatable characters, including a builder, miner, game designer, farmer, nurse, ecologist and a Moon to Mars Mission Director. It also includes video animations, skill-based games and information about STEM. Children’s perceptions of STEM jobs as being for women, or women and men equally, improved after engaging with the platform.

Before the campaign, only 20 per cent of girls aged 8-12 said they were ‘very interested’ in STEM but after seeing the Future You online platform, that

increased to 68 per cent.

Boys have also benefited, with strong interest in STEM increasing from 43 per cent to 60 per cent after interacting with the career videos, games and quizzes.

The Future You Initiative is led by Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador, Professor Lisa HarveySmith.

She says the statistics are “extremely encouraging” given that two years ago, 27 per cent of Year 11 and 12 girls considered STEM-related subjects compared to 48 per cent of boys.

“Future You is showing the power of engaging with our younger generation to ensure women study, enter and stay in STEM careers down the track,” she said.

Prof Harvey-Smith said STEM skills would be needed in areas where there would be massive skills shortages, including digital, cyber security, green energy, manufacturing and the space industry.

“When you say STEM, people think of

scientists in a lab coat. But it’s environmental scientists, creating solar power in solar cars, digital skills we need in the internet age. Really, STEM is everywhere in every industry,” she explained.

Prof Harvey-Smith says there is a real need to smash gender stereotypes around STEM. Children as young as six years old, she says, are influenced by gender stereotypes which can impact their interest in STEM. By the age of 10-14 years, the STEM gap between girls and boys widens.

“We know the 8-12 year age group is critical to longer term interest in STEM careers,” Prof Harvey-Smith said.

“The Future You platform was designed to engage these children and excite them with the many career options that require STEM skills and more importantly, to show that these jobs are for everyone.” https://www.womeninstem.org.au/ futureyou/

Catching up on learning after Covid chaos

By Carole Levy MANY parents are worrying about their kids falling behind in their school work because of what may have been missed during Covid’s remote learning period.

A solution that many are turning to is private tutoring, but does the money invested actually help?

The short answer is yes, tutoring can be very effective in remedying learning shortfalls, as well as extending students beyond what they learn in the classroom.

Tutoring can also build confidence, and gives focus to children who may be distracted in a busy classroom situation.

A study conducted by the Education Endowment Foundation found that students who receive one-to-one tutoring www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

can make five months’ extra progress over a school year, while one Melbourne tutoring company’s internal research showed that 82 per cent of parents saw their child’s grades improve and 85 per cent noted an increase in confidence.

According to Melbourne’s Cluey Learning, measuring a valuable tutoring experience comes down to more than just exam marks.

Cluey co-founder Michael Allara says that at the end of the day, the learning program is the biggest indicator of tutoring success.

program, revision of the methodology, and whether you can see a shift in your child’s attitude towards learning.

■ Friendly and supportive nature, with an ability to communicate to someone who is struggling

“Quality tutoring requires relevant content developed by experts; it necessitates constant feedback from students, tutors and parents; and it demands tutoring in the context of the child.

■ A broad range of experience dealing with a variety of students/learning challenges

“A tutor should always pursue quality teaching, but they also need to be matched to the needs of your child.

There’s no point in assigning a disciplinarian if your child responds best to a softly-softly approach. Similarly, your playful child might learn best from someone with a more exuberant nature who can turn learning into a game.”

“The mode - online or in-person, private or group sessions - can enhance or detract from that but it doesn’t determine effectiveness,” he says.

QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN A TUTOR

“All of the component parts need to be considered, including the tutor, content

■ In-depth understanding of their subject area

■ Offers content that’s relevant and up to date ■ Provides consistent feedback and analysis A tutor’s resources need to be as useful as possible to each student, which means they must be aligned with what a student is actually covering in class.

Group and one-to-one tutoring is available, but busy parents (and children tired after a long day at school) may prefer online tutoring (such as Cluey provides) - with real-time face-toface interaction.

WINTER 2021 15

Education

Mental health help

An inclusive education YARRA Valley Grammar offers small classes with exceptional teachers, where students develop the confidence to become independent learners — willing to ask questions, listen to others and absorb new learning.

The Junior School curriculum focuses on establishing strong skills in the key areas of literacy and numeracy, complemented by a diverse specialist program. E-learning also plays a prominent role in the curriculum, with a mixture of personal and shared devices provided for students. We continually strive to cater for individual differences,

seeking new ideas to motivate and engage our students.

“Our aim is to provide an inclusive educational setting that engages and challenges our students in their learning, catering for their individual strengths, needs and interests. Our teaching team collaborate to ensure a differentiated learning experience that fosters and encourages creativity and curiosity.” — Mrs Nicole Rogers, Head of Junior School For more information about Yarra Valley Grammar visit yvg.vic.edu.au.

AUSTRALIA’S first mental health literacy and action program is on its way.The program seeks to address the mental health and wellbeing needs of young people at school and is set to be delivered by researchers at Monash University.

The Monash research team involved in the project is seeking expressions of interest from schools across Victoria to take part.

The program was first developed

by Professor Joanne Riebschleger in the United States. Now, it has been adapted for Australian schools as a preventative approach to increase knowledge of mental health in the classroom and develop coping mechanisms for students, such as help seeking skills and resilience.

The research team, including Alexandra Marinucci, a PhD candidate who is leading the program evaluation as part of her doctoral dissertation, will work alongside other provisional psychologists to deliver the program.

During the peak of the Covid pandemic last year, a headspace report found one in three young people experienced a high level of distress.

This compares with data from before the pandemic that found one in seven young people were affected by a mental illness.

Along with these alarming figures, young people are five times less likely to seek help when distressed.

“Not only are we in a global pandemic, we are in a mental health pandemic. It is critical we shift our

focus to preventative approaches to mental health care and support through early intervention and increasing mental health literacy of our population,” Alexandra said.

Stigma or a lack of knowledge are common barriers to young people getting the help they need or helping others.

This program seeks to improve young people’s mental health, coping and resilience through an evidenced-based 10-session prevention program at school.

Research has shown young people prefer to go to informal methods for help, such as family, friends or the internet.

“Sometimes the internet does not provide accurate or age-appropriate information and so we want to give young people correct and practical information, also strategies to support their mental health that could benefit them now and into the future,” Alexandra said.

“Given the increased levels of distress experienced by young people exacerbated by Covid-19, we are in a critical moment to shift our focus to a preventative approach that directly promotes positive youth mental health.

“Evidence-based school programs surrounding mental health for youth are lacking and this project seeks to change that.”

Interested schools can contact Alexandra (alexandra.marinucci@ monash.edu) or Christine (christine. grove@monash.edu).

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Education

Childcare fees set for overhaul

By Melissa Grant

more than $189,390 having to pay full fees once the subsidy runs out.

FAMILIES with two or more children in childcare are set to save thousands of dollars in fees each year.

Under the new subsidy system, childcare fees would be subsidised between 80 per cent and 95 per cent for second and subsequent children.

The subsidy cap would also be scrapped.

Childcare subsidies for second and subsequent children will be increased to as high as 95 per cent and the subsidy cap removed for high income earners as part of a $1.7m spend on childcare included in the federal budget.

The changes aren’t due to begin until July 2022, however Prime Minister Scott Morrison says they could be implemented earlier “if possible”.

The fee overhaul means families with two children aged five and under in childcare four days a week, for example, would save between $41 and $125 each week.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says the policy is designed to make childcare more affordable and give parents the choice to work extra hours.

Currently, parents are given the same subsidy for their second child, which means the cost of childcare doubles.

Childcare subsidies are also capped at $10,560 per child, with families earning

For example, a family earning $110,000 a year will have the subsidy for their second child increase from 72 to 95 per cent, and would be $95 per week better off for four days of childcare.

Education Minister Alan Tudge said the measures would further ease the cost of childcare and encourage workforce participation, particularly for larger families.

“These measures will help remove the barriers for parents, particularly mothers, to return to the workforce or to increase their hours, as their family grows,” he said.

Minister for Women Marise Payne said the investment in the Child Care Subsidy would deliver greater choice for Australian women and men as they balance their family and work responsibilities.

Childcare will Child ill be b cheaper h for f many families f ili from f July J l 2022.

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“For women in particular, it opens the door for those choosing to work or to work more, which is critical to their own economic security and a prosperous Australian economy,” she said.

“The many Australian families struggling under the cost of out of school hours and vacation care will not benefit at all from the Morrison government’s lift in subsidy,” he said .

“These changes strengthen our economy and at the same time provide greater choice to parents who want to work an extra day or two a week.”

However, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says the federal government has “missed an opportunity” to reform childcare and boost women’s workforce participation.

Mr Albanese said “Labor’s cheaper childcare plan” lifts the subsidy and “smooths” the taper rate across the board, regardless of how many children a family has and how old they are.

°ø Ñŗø ĩøÑñøŗŜ ĕı êĺƅŜǨ øñūëÑťĕĺı kūŗ êŗĺÑñ Ñıñ ĕııĺžÑťĕžø ëūŗŗĕëūĩūİ Ñıñ ëĺǞëūŗŗĕëūĩūİ ëÑťøŗ ċĺŗ ťđø ıøøñŜ ĺċ Ñĩĩ ĺūŗ ŜťūñøıťŜ ÑëÑñøİĕëÑĩĩƅLj ŔđƅŜĕëÑĩĩƅ Ñıñ øİĺťĕĺıÑĩĩƅǍ ĺƅŜ ŔÑŗťĕëĕŔÑťø ĕı Ñı øƄťøıŜĕžø ŜŔĺŗť Ñıñ ĺūťñĺĺŗ øñūëÑťĕĺı ŔŗĺČŗÑİŜ Ñıñ ċĺŜťøŗ ŔÑŗťıøŗŜđĕŔŜ ſĕťđ ĩĺëÑĩ ŜŔĺŗťĕıČ ČŗĺūŔŜ Ñıñ ĺŗČÑıĕŜÑťĕĺıŜǍ A new and exciting Science, STEM, Digital Technology and Year 7 Learning Space is due to open in 2022, in addition to a new Arts and Senior School Precinct.

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He also claimed Labor’s childcare plan would assist 1 million families instead of 250,000.

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“Families desperately need immediate relief from soaring childcare costs, yet these changes are not even set to come in for over a year.”

Mr Morrison said the changes required to the current system were quite complex, while giving some hope fee relief could come sooner.

“If it’s possible to do these things earlier then we will certainly look at that,” he told Sunrise.

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www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

WINTER 2021 17

Education

Do kids these days have enough skills when it comes to handling money?

Teaching kids financial literacy

By Danielle Galvin IN recent times there have been growing calls to increase financial literacy, and encourage children from a young age to learn about money.

It’s not just about earning pocket money and coins.In a digital world, your child may not have seen you use coins or notes to pay at a cafe.

Peter Foley, owner and financial adviser of Thirdview Financial Planning.

He is a Certified Financial Planner,; with more than 20 years experience, and helped answer some questions about teaching your kids the basics.

Should parents be mindful of what our children pick up from us in terms of personal finance - our spending habits, how we talk about it, how we stress about it?

Absolutely. Our children pick up far more than we realise. I recently rang my wife to find out what date her wages would be deposited into our account because she had recently updated the details. My son overheard and immediately became worried asking if we had run out of money. This turned out to be a good learning opportunity for our son on what wages are, why it’s good to have savings and how to pay off debt effectively (i.e., ensuring your wages are paid straight into your mortgage offset) but it reminded me that our children are always listening and learning from us for better or worse.

In terms of giving practical examples to kids - how can parents make things like superannuation or taxation engaging and/or interesting?

18 WINTER 2021

Pocket money is the answer most parents come up with here and it is an effective tool for learning the value of money, savings as well as investing when your children are older.

I generally find once your kids are old enough to understand the basic concept of responsibility (i.e. doing chores) then they can learn how pocket money links to that. In other words, if I do work then I get some money and I can spend that on what I’d like.

From that, you can teach your children the value of money and how to use it. Having a piggy bank for that pocket money is the first step but I have found it’s even more effective to have two.

One for savings and one they can spend currently. That lesson is a hard one early on but setting your family rules around when the savings bank can be used is important or you’ll lose engagement. For example, you might say that the savings bank can be used but only when the family goes on holidays. That way your children are still seeing the benefit of that saving and learning that it is worth it.

Alternatively, you might say the savings can only be spent once they reach a certain dollar figure and this may encourage a savings habit.

If you couple that with the fact that you as parents have also saved for the holiday it’s a lesson that really sticks because it becomes a case of ‘monkey, see, monkey do’.

In terms of engaging children about super and tax, these concepts obviously become highly technical so stick to high level basics here and find a way to make it engaging. I remember using a

cake as a substitute for money with my children.

I took a nice fresh chocolate cake and started slicing it up. Some of it represented tax which went to another person, some was put away for later (that’s your superannuation) and I then ask ‘If we had a bigger cake would it be fair to give that bit more to someone else’?

Depending on the age of your children they’ll understand the idea of fairness and I’ve taught kids as young as Year One who grasped this notion pretty well. This would help explain Australia’s tiered income tax rates.

Engaging kids with any medium will work it doesn’t have to be sweets. So long as it’s something that they’re interested in and is tangible the same lessons apply.

When, in your view, should parents start speaking to our children and teaching them about money?

You can definitely start the basics as early as around 3 years-old. And by basics I mean showing them money and teaching them what each coin or note is.

This is about the notion that money actually exists and that different coins or notes hold different values. You can build on this when playing shop games with your child which most kids love to do. Act as the shopper and when ‘paying’ for your items use it to discuss money. You can introduce the idea that you’re paying for weekly groceries from the ‘ groceries budget’ and then buy a treat at the ice cream store which you’ve saved for separately. You can even use a different purse or wallet to take that money out of. Eventually your child will ask ‘What’s a budget’? and you’ll be off

on another lesson.

Mind you you’re ultimately teaching them delayed gratification and this is a tough lesson for children but if you persist they eventually understand that it’s worth it. All ages will have a different ability to learn about money so be in the conversation with your kids is the main thing here. My eight and ten-year-old sons are just learning about investing and what a share is. The journey is a fun one and I described owning shares in a toy company or shipping company since that’s two interests they have - toys and ships.

They also loved the idea of voting rights as much as the notion of investing which surprised me so that was a tangent we went off on that I didn’t expect.

In an increasingly digital world - is it harder for parents to explain that our bank accounts aren’t just a bottomless pit of money?

Yes, for sure. I’ve heard many parents lament this. I’ve heard many stories of children buying games or movies on Pay TV platforms not even realising they were spending money. Again, this is a good moment to stop and explain money though. If you keep coming back to the concepts that they relate to and bringing it into their world, grasping the nuances of money will be easier. If your family routine is to have an ice block at the shops every Friday use that moment, if you go to the movies every school holidays anchor your money lessons into that. Find that way into their headspace so the money lesson you want to teach is anchored more easily into their every day life and you can make the conversation more tangible even when the money isn’t physical www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Cire Children's Services

WINTER VACATION CARE

BOO TODAK Y!

HOLIDAY PROGRAM GUIDE Week 1

Badger Creek

Mon 28th June

Come dressed in your PJ’s or Onsie and watch a movie with friends (VC)

Movie and PJ’s Day

Wheels Day

Woori Yallock Science Day

Spend the day doing science experiments and making grass heads to take home. (VC)

Wheels Day

Tue 29th

BYO Bike, Rollerblades, Skateboards, Roller-skates and Scooters. (VC)

Wed 30th

A day full of cooking yummy cupcakes to decorate and ];ম m] o u 1u;-ঞ ; f b1;v Y o bm]ĺ Ő ő

Thu 1st July

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Fri 2nd

Mini Olympics and Sports Day

Mini Olympics and Sports Day

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Week 2

Badger Creek

Woori Yallock

Mon 5th

Mini Golf at Chirnside Park

Mini Golf at Chirnside Park

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Tue 6th

Come dressed in a Mexican costume, make tacos and m-1_ov =ou Ѵ m1_ -m7 ;mfo o u ; b1-m |_;l;7 7- ĺ Ő ő

Wed 7th

Spend the day doing science experiments and making grass heads to take home. (VC)

Thu 8th

Are you are master of lego. Challenges throughout the day b|_ rub ;v |o 0; om =ou -ѴѴ 1_bѴ7u;mĺ (VC)

Fri 9th

Party and Disco Day

Party and Disco Day

;| o u ]uoo ; om -m7 ;mfo vol; 7-m1bm] -m7 r-u| =oo7 for lunch. (VC)

;| o u ]uoo ; om -m7 ;mfo vol; 7-m1bm] -m7 r-u| =oo7 for lunch. (VC)

EX

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Movies at Croydon

Mexican Day

Science Day

Lego Masters

BYO Bike, Rollerblades, Skateboards, Roller-skates and Scooters. (VC)

Movie and PJ’s Day

Come dressed in your PJ’s or Onsie and watch a movie with friends. (VC)

Mexican Day

Come dressed in a Mexican costume, make tacos and nachos =ou Ѵ m1_ -m7 ;mfo o u ; b1-m |_;l;7 7- ĺ Ő ő

r1-h; -hbm] -m7 ;1ou-ঞ m] - 7- = ѴѴ o= 1oohbm] ll 1 r1-h;v |o 7;1ou-|; -m7 ];ম m] o u 1u;-ঞ ; f b1;v Y o bm]. (IN)

Movies at Croydon o om - 0 v |ubr |o uo 7om 1bm;l-v |o ;mfo -|1_bm] |_; Ѵ-|;v| Y b1h b|_ -ѴѴ o u =ub;m7vĺ Ő *ő

Lego Masters

Are you are master of lego. Challenges throughout the day b|_ rub ;v |o 0; om =ou -ѴѴ 1_bѴ7u;mĺ (VC)

IN VC 1 uvbom ŪƖƏ m1 uvbom ŪѶƔ (-1-ঞ om -u; Ūƕƕĺ +o l- 0; ;Ѵb]b0Ѵ; =ou ;m|u;Ѵbmh _bѴ71-u; " 0vb7 Ő "ő

SCAN FOR MORE INFO

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www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

WINTER 2021 19

Education A healthy mindset is all they need.

Supporting teens heading into exams

By Melissa Meehan

concentrate and remember things vital for exams and exam prep. Conversely, poor sleep or not enough sleep affects concentration, memory and behaviour, making it harder for your child to learn.

Encourage a regular bedtime routine in a dark room and electronic devices switched off.

AS the end of the year creeps up and Year 12 students begin to prepare for their final exams, many parents worry about how best to support their teenagers.

Australian parenting website Raising Children Network has some simple tips to look after the wellbeing of the whole family in what can often be a stressful period.

Executive Director of Raising Children Network, Associate Professor Julie Green, says parents of teenagers can support their children through exams by encouraging the following good habits:

Exercise Physical activity has lots of benefits, including assisting with stress and helping sleep patterns in the evening.

Encourage your teenager to keep up with their normal sporting/exercise activities, where possible, during the study and exam period. Even a walk around the block in the fresh air can help.

Sleep Good quality sleep helps your child to

Nutrition One of the most nurturing ways you can

help your teenager through the study and exam period is to provide nutritious meals and healthy snacks during the day. A healthy diet includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, nuts and grains and proteins such as eggs, meat, legumes and fish. Try to avoid processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt.

Bedtime Turn off electronic devices an hour before bedtime. This includes loud music, mobile phones, computer screens and TV. Switching off mobiles can be hard for young people, but late night phone calls and text messages can lead to broken sleep.

Caffeine Ensure your teenager avoids caffeine (found in energy drinks, coffee, tea,

chocolate and cola) in the late afternoon and evening as this can disrupt their sleep cycles, causing insomnia.

Wind-down time Encourage ‘wind-down’ time to provide a relaxing buffer between studying and bedtime. Relaxing activities might include a warm shower, writing in a journal, reading a book or magazine or listening to quiet music.

Support Your teenager still needs a strong relationship with you to feel confident as they meet the challenges of studying and exams. You can build this strong relationship by working on open communication and staying connected.

Website to help find your local school

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THE government’s Findmyschool website has been updated to provide parents with the latest information to find the school zone they live in.

The website allows families to find their closest, and other nearby, government schools, giving clarity on what their options are.

Schools can be found by typing in a residential address or searching by school name. Findmyschool will show the zone for the current enrolment year and the 2022 enrolment year.

Every child has the right to enrol at their designated neighbourhood government school or, if there is capacity, at another government school of their choice.

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Families can look up their school zone online at the state government’s Findmyschool website.

When the site was launched in 2019, it was the first time school zones were easily accessible in one place.

out of identifying their closest government school, giving families the clarity they need when deciding which school to enrol their child in.”

Acting Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino said the updated website includes school zones for the 14 new schools and campuses opening in 2022.

In the past five years, the government has invested more than $9 billion in more than 1600 school upgrades - creating more than 10,000 construction jobs - and is now ahead of schedule on its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 48 new schools opening between 2019 and 2022.

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x x x

No student currently enrolled in a school will be required to change schools.

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“We will deliver 100 new government schools by 2026 and when a new school opens, the zones around nearby schools have to change to accommodate it,” Mr Merlino said.

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“The website takes the guesswork

Families can look up their school zone online at: findmyschool.vic.gov. au

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20 WINTER 2021

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Education

Child-centred education focus IT’S towards the end of a lunchtime at Village School and a group of children are running around the playground wearing homemade ‘banana masks’, which have led them into a game they’ve created themselves. Now half the school has started to join in, and then we hear the chant start: “Time to come in for everybody”, they all sing, using the minor third interval that music educator, Karl Orff based his music method for children on. He was indeed, starting with the child at the centre of the music and then developing his ostinatos from those two notes, that the children automatically use and then gradually extending the melody more and more so that the child is extended into areas that produce new knowledge and skills.

Village School offers a child-centred education.

piano, to happen on a daily basis. And it is always student led - the child is the centre. Three of the older girls are starting a craft club during lunchtime and another one has started a reading club in the library. Today is option day and the origami option and chess club are run by individual students.

Our daily student meetings are also keeping the child at the centre; they are chaired and minuted by the children

and provide a daily forum in which the children can air their opinions and share their ideas. Teachers and children often brainstorm together looking for new ideas for study themes. Within these themes teachers can allow the children to pick an area that interests them while providing other group activities which will extend the children’s knowledge. We are always mindful of the saying: “You don’t know

what you don’t know” so there’s always a balance of student initiated and teacher- initiated activities. We constantly remind ourselves of Village School’s mission statement which is: To delight and inspire children to become resourceful, independent learners. It is providing the space, allowing the time and building on teacher/child relationships that enables this to happen.

12494476-CG25-21

Village School has this same philosophy. Our school is child-centred; we honour the information and skills that the children already have and provide an environment where they can build on their knowledge and skills.

During this lunchtime they are free to be anywhere in the school, which means that the boys with the banana masks spent some of their break time cutting paper and making it into a hat, before running outside to try it out. It is the freedom during these break times that allows cubby building, sport games, inside reading, drawing, or playing the

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

WINTER 2021 21

Education

Learning water saving lessons

By Melissa Grant YARRA Ranges kids are becoming ‘water watchers’ as part of an educational program making a splash in schools across Melbourne’s eastern and northern suburbs.

Students are learning about water waste in the classroom and applying what they’ve learnt at home with the help of free interactive water saving devices and solutions.

The lesson that every drop counts is an important one.

Melburnians are now using an average of 161 litres of water per person per day - that’s enough water to fill 4764 large cups of tea in just one week.

It’s hoped the educational program, run by Yarra Valley Water, will help drive down those figures.

The program is called The Water Watchers and it involves visits to primary schools from water crusaders named Welly, Washy, Wavy and Wade.

The four water crusaders have begun visiting schools across Melbourne’s east, and recently went to St Peter Julian

Kids are learning to become ‘water watchers’ as part of a Yarra Valley Water education program.

One of the rubber ‘ring’ tap attachments.

Eymard Primary School, Sherbrooke Community School and Gladesville Primary School.

Director, Pat McCafferty said The Water Watchers program was all about making water saving a fun and positive experience for families.

Students are taught about where water comes from, how people consume it and why we all have a role to play in saving it.

Many leave the fun education sessions with the desire to change their water consumption behaviours at home and in the wider community.

As part of the program, kids have

access to a 3D mini-series and digital platform that takes the effort out of saving water at home by encouraging fun and entertaining ‘missions’ for kids, driven by a fictional squad of intergalactic water crusaders.

Parents are also able to sign up to receive a biodegradable, 100 per cent natural rubber ‘ring’ tap attachment modelled after Welly, Washy, Wavy or Wade, who remind residents to use less water.

Yarra Valley Water Managing

Introducing your School

Dr Mark Merry

The key to this style of education is the empowerment given to the children to research their own interests, to time manage their work tasks, to run their own meetings, to create their own school events, to take on leadership roles and to brainstorm future study themes with their teachers.

12496021-NG25-21

One of the most rewarding experiences as principal is to witness the energy of the girls as I walk through the main courtyard, visit their classrooms or just listen to what’s happening in their world. Equally, I feel privileged to hear the personal stories of our staff and work with such passionate teachers and dedicated support staff.

Maria Haggett

Principal

At Village School I have been initially a parent and then the performing arts teacher before taking over the year 5/6 group in 1989. Then, for the last 8 years I have been the principal and although I’ve witnessed many changes over this time, Village School still stands alone in providing a unique primary education that sets the children up for life.

Our students come from far and wide to experience the creative synergy of a contemporary learning environment. We are diverse in our backgrounds, beliefs and ideas, yet we come together as a vibrant and strong community. I think this unity of purpose is quite unique.

Every day is different, and as principal, that is so exciting and motivating. Whether our students are rehearsing for a Drama assessment, playing AFL or devising a technological solution to a real-world problem, my goal is for each girl to find her sense of self and emerge confidently as an informed, compassionate and creative young woman.

To view The Water Watchers videos or to sign up for a device, visit www.yvw. com.au/Water-Watchers

Tanya Heine

I am delighted to have joined the Mater Christi Community this year. Even after one and half terms, I truly feel part of the spirit that makes “Mater” (as we are affectionately known) so wonderful.

12496367-HC25-21 12496367-HC25-21

Yarra Valley Grammar is a co-educational school in the Anglican tradition from Early Learning to Year 12.

Established in the heart of Melbourne’s east and set on a spacious 30 hectare campus.

Dr Mark Merry commenced as Principal of Yarra Valley Grammar in April 2009. He has developed an extensive strategic plan for infrastructure growth coupled with responsive educational curriculums.

Educated at Whitefriars College, Dr Merry began his teaching career in 1985. He holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Victoria College, a Masters in Educational Studies from Monash University and a Doctorate in Education from Latrobe University.

Dr Merry’s doctoral studies were in the field of educational psychology. He lectured in Educational Psychology and Classroom Management at the University of Tasmania.

Dr Merry is the immediate past National Chair of the Associated Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA). AHISA is the preeminent association of independent school principals in Australia.

“We have high expectations of our students and are committed to meeting our responsibilities to each of these young people: to equip them with the skills, knowledge and values they will need to become young men and women of integrity, with the confidence to strive to achieve their best”.

Dr Mark Merry, Principal

Maria Haggett

“The Water Watchers provide customers with an easy, environmentally friendly tool that can kickstart water-saving habits that will last a lifetime” Mr. McCafferty said.

The most important of our 5Rs is relationships for it is the quality of these that determines how much the children can trust their teachers so that they are open to learning and reaching their highest potential.

12496019-AV25-21

In the last five years alone, our water usage has risen about 10 per cent.

Tanya Heine

Yarra Valley Grammar

Mater Christi College

Village School

Kalinda Rd, Ringwood 9262 7700 yvg.vic.edu.au

28 Bayview Road Belgrave 3160 9754 6611 materchristi.edu.au

9 Holloway Rd, Croydon North VIC 3136 9726 4766 www.villageschool.vic.edu.au

22 WINTER 2021

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Health

Winter sniffles start early for families

By Danielle Galvin

usually means by the time your child goes to school they are much less likely to develop infections because they have built up their system.”

AT the beginning of the year, doctors warned they were seeing a nasty resurgence of respiratory illnesses, starting earlier in the season and impacting younger children.

Another common question she fields from parents is about the need to give your child supplements.

“People always ask do their kids need supplements, and really the take is that if your child has a varied and generally good diet they will get all the vitamins and minerals they need,” she explained.

Health professionals were seeing an increasing presence of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among young children.

Royal Children’s Hospital paediatrician, Dr Lexi Frydenberg, said it was a significant increase.

“At the hospital we have had a 10-20 per cent increase in presentations to emergency compared to winter,” she explained.

“February and March has been worse than most winters.

“There’s been a significant increase in the hospital emergency department and the wards have been incredibly busy, predominantly viruses and common bugs.”

For some children, RSV presents as a mild cold, a runny nose, sore throat, but in others it can cause bronchiolitis.

“We didn’t see it last year which was incredible and we thought maybe we would have a great year ahead.

“What’s happened [is] we have had a late resurgence.”

In 2020, with schools shut down and kids at home for months on end, there wasn’t a notable cold and flu season.

With social distancing, extra hand washing, and all of the Covid-19 precautions, health professionals noticed fewer viruses around.

Dr Frydenberg, who has spoken to parents in an online community called

“Even picky eaters are usually not vitamin deficient.”

Younger children have copped an earlier resurgence of the RSV this year.

Mama You’ve Got This, said she was hearing anecdotally how rough it had been.

“What happens with your immune system, the more you face bugs, the more your immune system is primed; it develops anti bodies so you can fight infection better,” she explained.

“What happened last year, particularly in the younger kids who haven’t faced many bugs before, they are what we call immunologically naive, which means their bodies haven’t had to develop anti bodies and other techniques to fight acquired infection.

“So what’s happening now, their body is getting hit and they are having to work really hard to fight the infection.”

and I think as a society we are much better.

“Previously you would send your child to school with a sniffle give them a Panadol.

“Whereas now we are much more aware and conscious and cautious and school will send them home.”

While some might be getting complacent, Dr Frydenberg said Melburnians had shown how they can step up and wear masks, and other measures.

She hopes parents don’t take their child out of childcare, even if the bugs and constant sickness is hard to manage.

“You need to be exposed to bugs,” she said.

But she said the positive out of the Covid-19 experience is how much more aware parents and children are about spreading bugs and infection control.

“My take on it with childcare in general your child is going to be exposed, the immune system needs to learn to build up.

“The hope and the positive out of this whole Covid-19 nightmare is that all of us know techniques to decrease the prevalence of viruses an viral infections

“Sending them to childcare it can be onerous to parents who are working when it feels like your child is always sick, but it’s not a bad thing and it

“You actually only need a small amount of minerals and vitamins to function well and have good adequate nutrition.”

Dr Frydenberg does recommend getting a blood test and seeing your GP if you are concerned, particularly if your child is showing signs of an iron deficiency.

“If they have just got low iron stores, you might not notice,” she said.

“When they become iron deficient and anaemic, the signs are usually they might become more pale particularly under the eyes, tiredness so they might sleep more, in younger kids they become more irritable and grumpy the behaviour might change.

“I think we probably underestimate what iron is for brain development and behaviour.

“If we have a child who is lethargic, behaviourally difficult, pale or if say they are a really fussy eater ... if you take a dietary history and they don’t have many iron rich foods, but they do have a lot of milk which decreases iron absorption, I will often recommend doing the blood test.”

Geelong study uncovers dummy allergy link

By Luke Voogt A GEELONG study linking sterilised pacifiers with an increased risk of food allergies in babies has gained international recognition.

The Barwon Infant Study compared dummy use and cleaning methods among six-month-old infants and those with a confirmed food allergy at oneyear-old in more than 700 participants.

The study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found infants whose dummies were sterilised with an antiseptic solution were more likely to have a diagnosed food allergy. www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Centre of Food and Allergy Research investigator and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute PhD candidate Victoria Soriano said the findings warranted further investigation into how good bacteria in infants’ mouths and guts could help prevent food allergies.

put in the parent’s own mouth or not washed at all before being given to infants at six months of age.

Pacifiers are a source of microbial exposure in early life, according to study’s authors.

“This research should not discourage the cleaning of dummies, as this is a vital step in keeping a child safe from the more immediate risk of infectious diseases,” Ms Soriano said.

“These findings support the growing recognition of the importance of good bacteria, known as microbiome, in our mouth and gut on healthy growth and development,” Ms Soriano said.

“There is also no evidence from this study that cleaning dummies by other methods is harmful.”

A Swedish birth cohort found infants whose parents sucked their pacifier had reduced food sensitisation, asthma, and eczema at 18 months compared with infants whose parents used other cleaning methods.

The research found no increase in risk of food allergy at one year of age among dummy users when the pacifier was washed in tap water, boiling water,

With food allergies often causing life-threatening anaphylaxis and affecting up to 10 per cent of infants, more research is required to understand how to prevent allergies, according to Ms Soriano.

The Geelong-based research’s authors also cited another study finding lower total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in children 10 to 18 months if mothers reported sucking the infants’ pacifier.

High IgE levels can be a sign that the body overreacts to allergens.

WINTER 2021 23

Health

Shining a light on endometriosis

By Danielle Galvin IN recent years, endometriosis has been making headlines.

But experts say there’s still a long way to go to getting women diagnosed quicker, and getting the funding, research and attention it deserves as a debilitating condition.

Endometriosis a relatively common disease in which the tissue similar to that of the lining of the womb grows outside it.

While it affects around 11 per cent of Australian women, often starting in the teenage years, there’s still a long way to go to break down the stigma.

The pain, often dismissed as ‘bad period pain’ can be incredibly debilitating for sufferers.

CEO, co-founder and director of Endometriosis Australia, Donna Ciccia, said the organisation was founded in 2013 in the hopes of raising awareness about endometriosis and to normalise the conversation.

“It’s because of ambassadors such as Emma Watson the Yellow Wiggle and Olympian Emily Seebohm and many

more, that we have been able to gain attention and increase awareness about endometriosis with patients and the general public,” she said.

your life from basic bodily functions like urination and defecation and intercourse to mental health and wellbeing.

“Even though awareness has increased I don’t think the understanding of the gravity of living with endometriosis has reached everyone.”

“Endometriosis impacts on every facet of your life and for a very long time.”

Shockingly, there are often long delays in getting diagnosed, sometimes between 7-10 years.

According to the organisation, symptoms vary hugely from pelvic pain, fatigue, pain around ovulation or during your period, pain with bowel movements, pain during or after sex, heavy or irregular bleeding, pain when you urinate and having trouble holding on when your bladder is full.

Ms Ciccia said sometimes women aren’t believed or are dismissed when they seek medical help.

“There are many factors contributing in the delay in diagnosis, normalisation of symptoms by patients just thinking periods are meant to be painful,” Ms Ciccia said.

“Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease and it can affect many areas of

Unfortunately there’s still some misunderstandings about endometriosis, particularly for teenagers and younger women getting the help they need.

“It is still common for stigma to be attached to periods and period pain, our latest free webinar on adolescents explains that is not uncommon to have period pain as a teenager but it should ease as you age,” she said.

“It is not common to have severe incapacitating pain and we do know teenagers are not too young to have endometriosis.

“I think the stigma surrounding periods stops many, not only teenagers from seeking help.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, it’s time to seek help.

“If pain or painful periods puts your life on hold please seek help,” Ms Ciccia said.

“There is a wonderful new tool on our website by RANZCOG called RATE and this screening tool may help explain to your GP what is happening for you and help plan a treatment plan going forward.”

In March, Tasmanian MP Michelle O’Byrne told parliament the normalisation of period pain means women often won’t seek help for 2-3 years.

She said a lack of education in GPs could also add on a couple of years to a woman getting diagnosed.

“There is now a national action plan which outlines a road map to overcome these diagnostic obstacles.

“The annual cost of endometriosis in Australia is $7.4 billion.”

As part of Endometriosis Awareness month back in March, buildings around Australia were lit up in yellow as part of an awareness campaign.

“If you are one of the one in nine women around Australia impacted, don’t accept living in pain is a normal thing, seek help.

“And the rest of us must be good allies for those who live with endo.”

Important oral health lessons for young kids ORAL health lessons are being launched in early learning centres and schools as research shows little more than half of Australian adults brush their teeth twice a day.

The Australian Dental Association and SugarByHalf are behind the new suite of lessons that integrate oral health into mainstream learning.

An ADA survey conducted late last year found only 53 per cent of Australian people were brushing their teeth twice a day.

ADA Oral Health promoter Dr Mikaela Chinotti said the research uncovered some concerning trends.

“Worryingly, of those respondents who only brushed once a day, 12 per cent thought brushing more often wasn’t good for the teeth, while 37 per cent said they didn’t need to,” Dr Chinotti said.

“And 29 per cent of those who didn’t brush twice a day said this was because it caused pain and discomfort - which points to a very real need for these people to see their dentist.

“These results show there’s still some 24 WINTER 2021

way to go, and education forms a large part of that.”

The suite of lessons use the purposebuilt storybook Guardians of the Gums, which has been produced in collaboration with Cool Australia.

The lessons will be used by teachers to integrate oral health into everyday maths and science lessons, aiming to help kids make nutritional food and drink choices for early learning through to Year 2.

These lessons allow for oral health to be taught in schools Australia-wide, in alignment with the national curriculum.

children drank soft drink daily, while 39 per cent consumed soft drink 2-5 times per week. Just one can of soft drink takes people above the recommended daily sugar intake and can contribute to tooth decay and weight gain

■ 10 per cent of parents report taking their child to the dentist only when they have a problem, and 60 per cent do so every 12-24 months ■ 32 per cent of people aged above 15 have untreated tooth decay

New lessons launched by the ADA allow for oral health to be taught in schools Australia-wide.

Other findings from the 2020 ADA Adult Oral Health Tracker which demonstrate the need for greater education include: ■ Only a quarter of adults floss at least once a day, with 31 per cent reporting to ‘never’ clean between their teeth.

■ Two-thirds of adults aren’t aware that medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease can impact on, or be impacted by, their oral health ■ 13 per cent of parents reported their www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Entertainment

Paint your own pottery Kids icons unite

Pottery workshop, retail and Nancy Cafe ROBERT Gordon Pottery offers pottery painting workshops for all ages.

SESAME Street and The Wiggles have joined forces to deliver two new music videos that are sure to get the kids dancing.

You don’t need to be an artist - all you need to do is pick a pot and get painting!

In May, the two children’s favourites released the video ‘ABCs of Moving You’. The video, which debuted on YouTube, features an updated version of the Sesame Street song (originally sung with Usher).

Anyone can get creative at Robert Gordon.

If you’ve never painted pottery before, you needn’t worry.

Friendly staff are on-hand to show you how.

In the video, Cookie Monster, Elmo and Abby Cadabby and their friends The Wiggles dance and sing through the letters of the alphabet.

Once fired, you’ll be able to take home a unique piece of pottery that’s microwave, oven and dishwasher safe.

All you have to do is:

As part of the release, young fans also got to enjoy a playlist of favourite songs from Sesame Street and The Wiggles, featuring 20 tracks.

■ Choose your pot. Mugs, plates, bowls and many other shapes available.

There are even piggy banks!

■ Paint. Glazes, brushes and aprons are all provided.

■ Finished pieces are ready for collection in 14 days. Postage can be arranged upon request.

Robert Gordon is located at 114 Mulcahy Road Pakenham and is open 7 days 9am-5pm. Online bookings for the

In June, Sesame Street and The Wiggles are releasing video number two.

Kids can get creative at Robert Gordon.

Paint Your Own Pottery and workshops are essential. Phone 03 5941 3302. www.robertgordonaustralia.com

This video is a reimagining of The Wiggles famous song ‘Fruit Salad’. It stars The Wiggles - Anthony Field, Lachlan Gillespie, Simon Pryce,

Emma Watkins - and Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster, Abby and Elmo.

The music video is a lot of fun with fruit being dropped and passed between screens, adding playful and colourful elements.

The two music video collaboration is commemoration of a combined 80 years of children’s entertainment excellence.

Both brands recently celebrated major milestones, with Sesame Street marking its historic 50th season last year and The Wiggles kicking off their 2021 celebration of 30 years of children’s entertainment.

“What better way to celebrate the 30th year of The Wiggles, and 50 years of Sesame Street in Australia, than with a brand new music video?” said Jenny Gioia, VP of Multimedia Programming, Sesame Workshop.

The videos can be viewed on Sesame Street’s YouTube channel.

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WINTER 2021 25

women who had suffered similar birth-related injuries but were further along in their healing journey.

Reality Bites

“I got to connect with other women going through the same thing,” Amy said.

“When I got through the initial shock of the diagnosis and worked towards getting mentally better, I wanted to help other women.”

One of the main things the ABTA provides is peer support. There are more than 2500 women in the association’s private support group, where birth trauma stories are shared.

“The group supports women who have had babies weeks ago, months ago, years ago and even decades ago,” Amy explained.

Amy Dawes and first-born Eliya.

In a recent episode of Insight on SBS, a mother of three explained how she had never heard of prolapse until she had one.

“This wasn’t to be expected, I didn’t expect it, I didn’t know about it,” she said.

Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more of the organs in the pelvis - the uterus, bladder or bowel - slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina.

It can be severe but not uncommon - more than half of all women who have given birth experience some level of prolapse, according to the Continence Foundation of Australia.

Yet too many women suffer in silence.

However, the Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA) is working hard to change that.

Amy Dawes and her daughters Eliya and Indi.

Talking about birth trauma

By Melissa Grant WELCOMING a child into the world is meant to be one of life’s most joyous events.

However, for many women and families childbirth is an upsetting experience that leaves lasting physical or mental scars - or both.

In fact, one in three Australian women describe their birth experience as traumatic.

It’s also estimated that between 10 and 20 per cent of first-time mothers sustain a long-term physical injury from childbirth.

It’s not uncommon for women to experience incontinence, constant

Do you have birth trauma?

What links you to birth trauma is that, at some point during the process, you felt severely threatened and unsafe or you felt that your baby was unsafe and you experienced the helplessness and fear that goes along with that.

PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA The shock of what actually happened during birth can impact mental health and result in conditions such as; anxiety, depression, and other disorders. Some people experience severe emotional distress after a traumatic birth even though there was no physical trauma. It is also important to note that trauma can continue long 26 WINTER 2021

lower back pain, sexual dysfunction, pelvic floor injuries and pelvic organ prolapse.

Some suffer from psychological birth trauma, including anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder.

If the prevalence of birth trauma sounds shocking or surprising that’s because it is somewhat of a taboo topic.

There’s a strong narrative that women should be grateful for delivering a healthy baby, which often stops them from sharing their traumatic birth experiences or getting help.

Antenatal classes don’t tend to discuss the possibility of birth trauma most focus on the pregnancy, labour and breastfeeding.

after the birth, with distinct psychological symptoms.

Psychological trauma can present as: ■ Postnatal depression and/or anxiety (PNDA)

The charity is dedicated to supporting women, partners and families after birth-related trauma.

It provides peer-led support for those affected, while raising awareness about the types of trauma and the help available.

The association was co-founded four years ago by Amy Dawes, an Australian mother who suffered a birth injury from the forceps delivery of her first daughter, Eliya.

Amy sustained a third-degree tear but thought things would get better on their own. She had no idea of the extent of the damage until her daughter was 16 months old. Her pelvic floor muscle had been pulled off the bone and she was diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, a condition she’d never heard of.

“I was a qualified personal trainer and I knew nothing of how crucial the pelvic floor is to how the body should work,” she said.

“When I was diagnosed I hadn’t heard of prolapse.”

There were also indications Amy was suffering from acute stress disorder as a result of her diagnosis. She sought support from a psychiatrist and, crucially, was introduced to other

separate the vaginal opening and the anus. Tears are usually graded by ‘degrees’ and you may hear the terms first, second, third or fourth degree tear.

■ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (For example obsessive thoughts that can affect our behaviour such as checking on baby constantly or recurring thoughts that impact your enjoyment of daily life).

Pelvic floor muscle damage: Occurs when the muscles and connective tissue no longer provide the support they once did. Injury to the pelvic floor is very deep and cannot be seen, so is difficult to identify at the time of birth.

It is often much later, when women have bladder or bowel problems, or the vaginal bulge feeling of prolapse, that the injury is recognised.

PHYSICAL TRAUMA Perineal tears: A laceration of the skin, muscles and other soft tissues that

Pelvic organ prolapse: When an organ (or organs) such as the bladder, uterus or bowel loses some of its

■ Post-partum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

“We support women who have had vaginal births, vaginal birth with interventions, emergency C-section, planned C-section, epidural or not... no matter how ‘normal’ it looks from the outside, you can still feel affected by it.

“Incontinence, for example, can impact women regardless of the mode of delivery. Many women think ‘this must be my new normal’ or when they do seek help they are told ‘you’ve just had a baby, what do you expect?’

“Many parents are so busy caring for their kids that they just think they should put up with it or don’t even realise that they can seek support.”

Then there are others, according to Amy, who seek support but have their concerns dismissed.

Amy says while birth-related trauma is often minimised by medical professionals, many women feel like they haven’t been given adequate information to prepare for birth.

The majority of mums who have sought support from the association said their antenatal classes didn’t discuss what happens when birth doesn’t go to plan and possible interventions, such as forceps or cesareans.

“The attitude that we can’t scare women, it’s not working,” Amy said.

“Statistically, one in five Australian women need an emergency cesarean, and one in three require assisted delivery. They are really big stats - we need to be informing women.”

The ATBA runs an annual awareness week dedicated to shining a light on birth-related trauma.

The theme of this year’s awareness week, from July 19-25, is Better Healing.

People are invited to take part in the annual ‘walk n talk’ event to start the conversation and fundraise for the ATBA, which relies solely on the donations of generous supporters.

The social media hashtags are #starttheconversation #saferbirthsbetterhealing #walkntalk.

“There is power in sharing the stories and reducing the stigma,” Amy said.

“The more we raise our voice the harder it is to ignore.”

To donate, or for more information, visit https://www.birthtrauma.org.au/

support and moves downwards through the vagina. symptoms can impact the enjoyment of daily life and adversely impact mental health.

Pelvic fractures: Pubic bone, coccyx, sacrum Cesarean wounds: Pain from cesarean wounds usually subside by 3-6 months, but for approximately 11 per cent of women, incision wound pain persists for at least 12 months. Women can also experience pain elsewhere such as back pain and chronic pelvic pain; including pain with sexual function and using tampons 12 months after a C-section.

Source: Australasian Birth Trauma Association www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Reality Bites

It’s a collection of letters from notable Australians to their mums.

Some letters for mum HE’S unconventional, disarmingly genuine and charming.

Samuel Johnson, who created Love Your Sister, a “million strong village” of Australians committed to vanquishing cancer, has brought together 90 celebrities and well-known Australians for ‘Dear Mum’.

He invited them to write a letter to their mums and it’s emotional, funny, brilliant.

Samuel answered some questions with Danielle Galvin at the end of his promotional tour for the book, which raises funds for cancer research.

Firstly congratulations on the new book.

I really love the idea of asking people what they’d tell their mums. Everyone’s relationship with their mums is so unique/complicated isn’t it? Is this a call to action that we all need to go and have a chat to our mums if we still can?

We know that we love people. We throw

around “I love you“ without a second thought. But how often do we take the time to really explore why we love someone? Exactly why. Or precisely how? Writing a letter, honestly and from the heart, inevitably opens a can of worms. You discover feelings you didn’t know you had. Stuff that’s been bottled up for years. You gain appreciation and insight. And the recipient is invariably left richer, and the letter invariably has a great impact. We like to be valued or the right reasons, especially by those closest to us. It’s been a truly cathartic experience for each and every contributor. Even if your mum is lost, like mine, and will never read the letter, it still helps to express it all. I’m immensely touched that many of our readers have given this book to their mums with their own letter inserted. The proverbial bus might hit us tomorrow. I’d rather die knowing my loved ones knew exactly how I felt about them. And letters just mean more. It’s like having a poem or a

A talented young child with a big heart

By Alesha Capone

counselling for young people at risk of homelessness.

WRITING a book at the age of eight is an impressive feat.

“Beverley, who does a lot of charity work, said that the Lighthouse Foundation looks after young children so I was very happy about this as it is all about kids helping kids,” Tommy said.

Deciding to donate profits from the sales of the book to a good cause is even more remarkable.

But author Tommy Shen says that a simple desire to help other youngsters sparked his generous act.

“The pandemic has made people lose their jobs and now there are many unfortunate families whom I would like to help.

Tommy said he decided to donate profits from his book to the Lighthouse Foundation, after hearing about its good works from his mother’s friend Beverley.

“I want rich people to help the poor people, so when I grow up I will become an illustrator and earn lots of money to help lots of poor people.”

The charity, which was founded by former Melburnian of the Year Susan Barton, provides housing, care and

Tommy’s children’s book, Book About Dragons, has been published by Greenhill Publishers.

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

song written about you.

Recently you visited the Mornington Peninsula, and I saw a good friend’s mum got a photo with you! I went on to the LYS Facebook page and there were dozens of other people who you happily posed for photos with, and you look genuinely happy to meet people and hear their stories. Has this been a part of the Love Your Sister journey you love?

I’ve visited over 1200 towns during my tenure as Head of Cancer Vanquishment at ’Love Your Sister’ and it’s my face time with other families that fuels my work and provides a sense of belonging that I never felt in showbiz.

People think it must weigh heavy, given the horrific effects of cancer on families, but sharing our stories is never a tax, always an honour and energises me in ways that are hard to explain.

Is there a story/letter in the book that will particularly surprise/touch readers

do you think?

Guy Pearce’s letter to his mum, lost to dementia for 22 years now, is the letter that will never leave me. They all leave their mark, but Guy’s letter is indelibly etched into my soul. That letter isn’t going anywhere.

I’ve heard you describe the book as a wonderful montage for all kinds of mums. Even though we know mums can be flawed, complicated. I thought was so beautifully said. I can imagine collating the book was incredibly difficult at times too - such an emotionally charged topic?

Thankfully, our contributors respected my request for complete honesty, which, delightfully, means this collection of letters is an intricate of real mums, as opposed to some Hallmark tribute to the idea of mums. It’s what I’m most proud of about this book. It’s a true tribute.

It is about 88 types of dragons and the relationships between them all. The book includes English and Mandarin text and illustrations provided by a Mexican illustrator.

With a Chinese mother and an Indonesian father, Tommy said that he developed a love of dragons from a young age.

“I was born in the Year of the Dragon and I think sometimes that this is why I love dragons so much,” he said.

Helping others is also something which runs in Tommy’s family.

His great-great grandfather founded an orphanage in Hong Kong in the 19th-20th century.

Tommy said his great-great grandfather “was a great teacher and he was really kind”.

“He taught children who didn’t have a home - he was a real good hero,” Tommy said.

Book About Dragons is available at www.lamoneta.org.au, $8.88 for an e-copy and $29.99 for a hardcover copy.

Tommy has written a book about dragons.

WINTER 2021 27

Reality Bites

From tired dad to top author

By Melissa Grant

started out as a self-printed first birthday gift for his daughter, Florence.

CARING for a sleep-troubled baby put Philip Bunting on the path to becoming one of Australia’s most popular children’s picture book authors.

“A couple of people said to me, you should send some copies off to the printers,” he recalled.

Philip and wife Laura would read picture book after picture book to their son Leo in a seemingly never-ending battle to get him to nod off.

“When our son Leo was born, he was a terrible sleeper,” the father of three explained.

“For the first year and a half of his life he didn’t sleep for more than two consecutive hours.

“But the thing that always got him was reading.

“We read heaps of picture books to Leo when he was little - we were probably reading about 20 a day.”

Philip is now a prolific children’s author, having published 23 picture books in just four years.

He writes and illustrates the books. His illustrations are distinctive, although he jokes this is because he can’t actually draw.

His first book, Mopoke, actually

“I remember thinking ‘oh yeah, I’ll see what happens’.

Laura and Philip Bunting reading with their three children.

“I sent them off to eight publishers. I had eight offers in two weeks - they all wanted it!”

and the child at the same time,” he explained.

in the running for a coveted award and another has been read from space.

Good humour is a must, and it’s good to have a simple message although sometimes a book can just be a platform for fun between parent and child, he added.

Not Cute is on the shortlist for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Picture Book, a highly sought after award.

Mopoke, a cute story about a little owl’s struggle to find peace, was the first of four books Philip had published in 2017.

The father-of-three is now averaging seven to eight books a year after becoming a full-time author in mid2019.

Beforehand, the English native was in magazine publishing. He worked for Time Out Magazine in the UK, Dubai and Sydney before moving to Brisbane to be closer to Laura’s family. They moved to Eumundi on the Sunshine Coast in 2017.

Philip says simply being a parent has taught him what works when writing children’s books.

“A good book always has to work on two levels. You are writing for the adult

Philip has co-authored books with his wife Laura, who was a journalist before she became a mum, and has also collaborated with others, including comedian Dave Hughes.

Philip and Laura usually only read their books once to their children Leo, 8, Florence, 6 and Arthur, 3.

“It’s probably because Laura and I have seen the book so many times that we don’t want to read it to the kids,” he said.

It’s an exciting year for Philip. Apart from publishing four books and another three due for release, one of his titles is

Picture: Bridget Wood

Give Me Some Space! was selected as the book for National Simultaneous Storytime. The book was read by astronaut Shannon Walker from the International Space Station on 19 May. But there’s another book he holds close to his heart.

“The one that means the most to me is Mopoke as it represented the biggest change in my life. As soon as that book was done and signed I knew I wasn’t pursuing the dreams of my 20s any more - I was on a different path.”

You can check out Philip Bunting on Instagram and at philipbunting.com

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Books

Born ready to face puberty

By Melissa Meehan IN an online centric world, our kids are growing up quicker.

They have access to so much information, so much more than generations past.

So talks about the birds and the bees, puberty and other things our parents used to teach us by leaving a book on the end of the bed (and running in the other direction) need to happen earlier.

That’s where Michelle Mitchell comes in.

The author of A Guy’s Guide to Puberty and A girls Guide to Puberty says it’s completely normal to grapple with when those conversations need to happen.

“The good news is that they were born ready,” she said.

Michelle shares that she was recently giving a talk to a group of 10 year olds, one of whom was contacted by a modelling agency via social media and asked to give them her contact details.

“That kind of thing brings some urgency to those conversations,” she said.

“Because these young kids can be making really critical decisions for themselves.

“It is a much more sexualised world.”

Some signs they are ready: ■ Become embarrassed about being naked in front of others

Michelle, a former teacher, has spent the last 20 years working with disengaged young people and speaking at scools about puberty.

■ Start gravitating towards same sex friends

And she says it’s increasingly evident that parents are needing to have these conversations with younger kids.

■ Begin to discuss sexual concept without any degree of accuracy

“But between the ages of eight and 10 is the perfect time to make a start.

Previously they’d say 12 is a good time to talk about sexuality, but Michelle says between the age of eight and 10 is often the sweet spot.

“And they are important conversations to have, because they are being exposed to many things earlier than we were, because they are online.”

Each of child has their own special needs which may include trauma, birth order, disabilities, learning challenges or emotional maturity.

■ Curious about gender differences, pregnancy, sex

■ Interested in knowing more about their bodies ■ Ask questions ■ Look at parent’s bodies differently Michelle’s books act as a starting point which will open up the conversations at home.

The books, each aimed at either sex,

explains how to care for your body, emotions and brain.

“If we want open hearted conversations with our kids about tough topics we have to be prepared to initiative them in an open-hearted way,” she said.

“I personally think that they should never have to be the one who initiates difficult conversations, so always assume they need you and step into that space. Let’s be prepared to go to them, and in doing so grow with them.”

Her book isn’t a tough read either, it very cleverly includes cartoons that simplify some of the bigger issues and break it down so that younger kids can understand without being overwhelmed.

Children’s books...

Winner Winner Bin Chicken Dinner

Harmony

Kate & Jol Temple, illustrated

by Ronojoy Ghosh Our favourite bin chicken is back!

In this sequel to the popular picture book Bin Chicken, Ibis is looking for dinner but isn’t having much luck until she spies the most wonderful food wonderland of all ... the school playground.

Winner winner! There are a few hiccups along the way, but in the end the Ibis gets the last party pie.

This is yet another hilarious read about the pesky bird that everyone loves to hate!

Perfect for kids aged 3+ Scholastic, RRP $17.99

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife: Book 1

Kokey Koala and the Bush Olympics

Set in 1914, this young adult novel is a gripping love story that plays out against a backdrop of the First World War. Tom is in the blood-soaked landings of Gallipoli, while Gracie marries another.

Maz Evans, illustrated by Chris Jeavons

Trixie Whitmore

It’s not until American teen Noah joins his mum Deborah, grandfather Will and greatgrandmother Gracie in Australia that the secrets of the past are revealed - secrets that will take them back to the beaches of Gallipoli.

In this laugh out loud tale, Scarlett is in big trouble after her big feelings lead to a hamster getting into the vicar’s trousers at her aunt’s engagement party.

Richard Yaxley

A compelling multigenerational story about connectedness, family and the power of truth.

For readers aged 12+ Scholastic, RRP $18.99

Scarlett Fife has big feelings.

Unfortunately, every time she pushes her feelings down something explodes.

If she loses her temper again she will miss out on her trip to the best theme park on the planet.

This classic children’s adventure book is being republished just in time for the Tokyo Olympics.

Originally launched to coincide with the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Kokey Koala and the Bush Olympics is about a cute koala who participates in a series of Bush Olympics sports with the hope of winning a gold medal.

Kids will love exploring the book’s beautiful hand-painted illustrations that detail Australia’s native fauna and flora.

A fun book for parents and children who have, at one time or another, lost control of their feelings

The ‘find and discover experience’ is complemented by rhyming poems throughout.

Hodder Children’s Books, $14.99

Ocean Reeve Publishing, RRP $24.99 (hard cover) and $19.99 (soft cover)

A fun and educational book.

Bedtime is Boring David Campbell, illustrated by Daron Parton A hilarious sequel to Stupid Carrots, Bedtime is Boring features a funny bunny called Billy who just doesn’t want to go to bed.

He’s had his bunny bath, he’s read his bunny book but (you guessed it) he just doesn’t want to go to bed.

Billy is too busy for bed.

And bedtime is boring! Oh, and he needs to pee. But guess what happens when Billy Bunny finally hits the hay? A relatable story for many families!

For kids aged 3+ Scholastic, RRP $17.99

WINTER 2021 29

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LILYDALE MUFFLERS & TOWBARS

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dŚĞ &ŝŶĞƐƚ dŽLJƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ tŽƌůĚ ͘​͘​͘ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĂŶĚĞŶŽŶŐ ZĂŶŐĞƐ WƵƉƉĞƚƐ͕ ŵĂƌŝŽŶĞƚƚĞƐ͕ ŐĂŵĞƐ͕ ǁŽŽĚĞŶ ƚŽLJƐ͕ ƚĞĚĚŝĞƐ͕ ĚŽůůƐ͕ ŵĂŐŝĐ͕ ŵĂƚƌLJŽƐŚŬĂ͕ ĨĂŝƌLJ ĚƌĞƐƐĞƐ͕ ƉƵnjnjůĞƐ͕ ƐŶŽǁ ŐůŽďĞƐ Θ ĨŝŐƵƌŝŶĞƐ͘

Without lifting a finger, have all your homes essential services taken care of!

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY WE ARE GIVING AWAY BONUS YEARS with our membership packages - Call for info

1 YEAR

2 YEAR

3 YEAR

GOLD MEMBERSHIP

PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP

DIAMOND MEMBERSHIP

+1 BONUS YEAR!

+2 BONUS YEARS!!

HEATING AND COOLING

KƉĞŶ ĞǀĞƌLJĚĂLJ Ͳ ϭϬ͗ϬϬĂŵ ƚŽ ϱ͗ϬϬƉŵ 02001084616_1-LB04-20

KŶůŝŶĞ ƐƚŽƌĞ Ͳ ǁǁǁ͘ŐĞƉƉĞƚƚŽƐǁŽƌŬƐŚŽƉ͘ĐŽŵ͘ĂƵ ϯϳϭ Dƚ͘ ĂŶĚĞŶŽŶŐ dŽƵƌŝƐƚ ZĚ͕͘ ^ĂƐƐĂĨƌĂƐ Ϭϯ ϵϳϱϱ ϯϯϬϬ 12497896-ACM26-21

REFRIGERATION AND COOL ROOMS

PLUMBING AND GAS FITTING

1300 252 225 admin@alpinetradegroup.com.au www.alpinetradegroup.com.au

• HAYMAN REECE TOWBARS • MUFFLERS FOR ALL VEHICLES 10% on presDiscount e of thisntation Ad

ELECTRICAL AND DATA

32 Main St, Lilydale 12484979-CG12-21

+ 1 BONUS MONTH

30 WINTER 2021

YOUR LOCAL MUFFLER & TOWBAR CENTRE

We’ve W ’ made d ttaking ki care of your home easy for less than $19.41 per month! *

džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ǁŚĂƚ Ă ƚƌƵĞ ƵƌŽƉĞĂŶ ƚŽLJ ƐƚŽƌĞ ŝƐ ƌĞĂůůLJ ůŝŬĞ͘ ^ĞĞ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŝŽŶĞƚƚĞƐ ŵŽǀĞ ĂŶĚ ƚƌLJ ƚŚĞ ƉƵƉƉĞƚƐ LJŽƵƌƐĞůĨ͘ ůů ƚŚĞ ĐůĂƐƐŝĐ ƚŽLJƐ ĂŶĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƐƚ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ŐŝĨƚƐ͘

12473727-SG51-20

www.pykesfurnitureremovals.com

9735 1955 12484608-AV12-21

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

Kids Calendar

What's on this winter

ALL WINTER

JULY 8

UNTIL AUGUST 29

PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY

KIDS TAKEOVER LIBRARY

Robert Gordon Pottery offers pottery painting workshops for all ages.If you’ve never painted pottery before, you needn’t worry. Friendly staff are on-hand to show you how.

The State Library of Victoria will be transformed into an interactive and colourful playground for kids and families.

FED SQUARE: THE WINTER VILLAGE

114 Mulcahy Road Pakenham. Online bookings for the Paint Your Own Pottery and workshops are essential. Phone 03 5941 3302. www.robertgordonaustralia. com

JUNE 2 POTTERY WORKSHOPS Give your little ones the opportunity to experience the messy joys of working, playing and creating with clay. Using their hands and creative minds, they are guided by experienced potter Paula to build something wonderful from a humble lump of clay. https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ Experience/Events/Pottery-Workshopsfor-Kids-Term-2

JUNE 26 - JULY 3

With Melbourne’s twinkling city lights as the backdrop, The Winter Village is set to be a landmark destination for a second season. Of course, a visit to The Winter Village wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the magical igloo village; grab your friends or family and nestle into vone of the 24 private igloos, your food and drinks delivered to you, guaranteed to keep you cosy all winter long.

From the forecourt to the Quad, the Library will be bursting with creative activities and mind-expanding experiences for kids and their grownups.

The Kids’ takeover featured live music performances, a range of craft activities and more.

https://fedsquare.com/events/thewinter-village

Bookings required. Event runs 10am3pm

UNTIL JULY 11

ALL WINTER

JURASSIC WORLD BY BRICKMAN

DISNEY: THE MAGIC OF ANIMATION

Enter an immersive Lego experience set to be the largest LEGO experience in Aussie history. Made in partnership with the Jurassic World franchise, this new event will have over 50 large-scale dinosaurs, props, scenes and activities made using over six million LEGO bricks https://exhibition.thebrickman.com/

JULY 16 - JULY 18 BABY TO TODDLER SHOW

Enjoy seven days of fabulous fun in the hills. Learn new skills, be amazed by show-stopping performances and get involved with interactive circus experiences at Burrinja

The Baby to Toddler Show is Australia’s most comprehensive parenting event featuring everything to do with pregnancy and baby, through to the toddler years, providing new and expectant parents with the very best products and advice to help them on their parenting journey.

https://www.burrinja.org.au/burrinjawhats-on/whats-on-circus-festival-2021

https://www.babytotoddlershow.com. au/

BURRINJA CIRCUS FESTIVAL

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au

An exhibition presented by ACMI & the Walt Disney Animation Research library showcasing the creativity and innovation of Disney Animation.

12pm-5pm weekdays and 10am-6pm weekends at ACMI, Fed Square. www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/disneythemagic-of-animation-exhibition/

WINTER 2021 31

Great teachers. Great education. Great opportunities.

YARRA VALLEY GRAMMAR PREP 2022 & 2023

A GREAT PLACE TO START Yarra Valley Grammar offers our Junior students small classes with exceptional teachers so they develop the confidence to become independent learners, willing to ask questions, listen to others and absorb new learning.

Ringwood, Victoria

ENROL NOW yvg.vic.edu.au

A CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE ANGLICAN TRADITION – EARLY LEARNING TO YEAR 12 Yarra Valley Grammar Kalinda Road Ringwood Victoria 3134 T 03 9262 7700 E admissions@yvg.vic.edu.au www.yvg.vic.edu.au CRICOS NO. 00356E

32 WINTER 2021

12496366-AV25-21

www.YarraRangesKids.com.au