TICKLES WHAKATĀNE PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
EXPO ISSUE October/November
INSIDE THIS ISSUE... HOW NATURE MAKES KIDS CALMER, HEALTHIER, SMARTER GET OUTDOORS - LOCAL GUIDE IS STRESSFREE PARENTING POSSIBLE?
WHAKATĀNE
18
Parents & Babies Mainly for first time
Space for you and your baby is offered around New Zealand. New parents and their babies meet weekly giving them the opportunity to make real connections during their baby’s first year. Parents consider different perspectives about parenting and child development, explore music, rhymes, books and a variety of play experiences in a safe, facilitated environment Topics discussed may include:
Sleeping
Becoming a parent Establishing attachment The beauty of the brain Expressing myself Treasure ba skets and heuristic play
Contact EBOP Playcentres (Whakatane region) (07) 576 5403 or bop.programmes@playcentre.org.nz Visit www.space.org.nz to find out about Space for you and your baby near you!
connect 2
explore
contribute
belong for you and your baby
FROM THE EDITOR CONTENTS CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES............4 WHAT’S ON................................................5 WHAT’S ONLINE........................................ 7 IS STRESSFREE PARENTING POSSIBLE?.....8 READ ALOUD FUN FOR ALL .....................12 HOW NATURE MAKES KIDS CALMER, HEALTHIER, SMARTER ............................14 WHAT’S ON THE BOX ..............................20 WHY DIDN’T I JUST SAY YES ...................26 MEMBER OFFERS.....................................29 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY........................30 HIRE EQUIPMENT....................................31
How is it October already? The year is flying by. For Whakatāne Parents Centre October means one thing - EXPO! Come join us on October 13 and check out the range of local retailers and providers all catering for families. Support your community! Make sure you pop by our stall to enter the raffles - we have some amazing prizes up for grabs! Feel free to come have a chat too and let us know what you want from us. October also means the weather is warming up (woohoo!). So this issue has a few tips on getting outdoors with your children and why it’s important to do so. See you at the Expo! KIM Temporary Editor - Whakatāne Parents Centre
The news, views and articles published in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Whakatāne Parents Centre or Parents Centre New Zealand. The information is for you to agree to disagree with, we leave you to draw your own conclusions. We do not endorse any particular product or service in this newsletter, over any other.
CONTACT US Whakatāne Parents Centre
Thanks to...
027 977 9951 whakatāne@parentscentre.org.nz parentscentre.org.nz/Whakatāne
3
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES
FREE CBE CLASSES - GET A HEAD START! Childbirth education (aka antenatal) classes are not just for first time parents. They are a great way to meet other expectant parents and prepare for the big day. The classes are suitable for couples and singles alike, with support people welcome. We have friendly, qualified childbirth educators to take you through all the things you need.
Did you know? Childbirth education classes are the number one way to set up a coffee group. There might not always be coffee involved, but there will be a support network of parents who you can laugh, cry and share the ups and downs with. Some coffee groups around here are celebrating their kids’ 21st birthdays together. Friends for life can start with a course! CBE Classes are free. Please contact our CBE Coordinator, Kat Cox, on 027 828 0996 to enroll or email whakatÄ ne@parentscentre.org.nz.
COURSE 8 - 2018 Dues dates to approximately end of December 2018. Saturday 3rd November & Saturday 10th November.
COURSE 9 - 2018 Dues dates to approximately end of February 2019. Saturday 1st December & Saturday 8th December.
4
WHAT’S ON WHAKATĀNE LIBRARY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME 1 - 10 October Includes activity zone, puppet show, colouring competions. All FREE! STAGE DOOR PERFORMING ARTS - THE LITTLE MERMAID 19 - 28 October Whakatāne Little Theatre
VIRTUALLY ON TRACK SCAVENGER HUNTS Until 14 October Onekawa Te Mawhai Regional Park and Warren Cole Walkway
KAWERAU KING OF THE MOUNTAIN Saturday 27 October WHAKATĀNE PARENTS CENTRE PARENT AND CHILD EXPO
Firmin Field, Kawerau
Saturday 13 October 10am - 1pm Whakatāne War Memorial Hall Gold coin koha
5
6
WHAT’S ONLINE
outdoorsy nz
ABOUT OUTDOORSY NZ...
www.facebook.com/outdoorsynz
Run by Mum Michelle, Outdoorsy is dedicated to fun, inspiring ways to kick the cabin fever and get active outside with your kids.
@outdoorsy_nz www.outdoorsy.co.nz
7
IS stressfree parenting POSSIBLE? One day at a time, I think it is. Stress is the trash of modern life – we all generate it but if you don’t dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life.— Danzae Pace I’ve met very few parents who don’t complain about how stressful life is; just getting out the door in the morning can feel downright Herculean. Feeling stressed out is not uncommon in our crazy busy society, even for people who don’t have a boss who insists on an 8:00am meeting the day you drive the carpool. In fact, a new study by long-time stress researcher Robert Epstein reveals that the average person’s ability to handle stress is painfully low. I probably don’t have to say this, but stress is bad for our health and profoundly bad for our parenting. Parents’ ability to manage their OWN stress is the second most powerful predictor of THEIR KIDS’ well-being. (Behind only their levels of love and affection—that’s the most powerful predictor.) Despite the many optimists out there proclaiming that “some stress is good,” I just don’t buy it. While it is true that stress can be motivating—its evolutionary function, of course, is to motivate us out of the path of a charging lion—personally, I feel better when I’m motivated by emotions other than fear.
8
Epstein’s newest study makes it totally clear: The people who are the least stressed out are very good at preventing stress rather than just knowing how to cope with it (though coping skills don’t hurt, either). I believe that stress-free parenting is possible, not 100 percent of the time, of course, but the majority of the time. Here’s how I recommend lowering the stress level in your household. First, spend a little time identifying all the things that make you stressed in your day-to-day life. (I know: You don’t need one more thing to do. Think of this as an investment in your health and happiness.) Really listen to your body for this one: When do you feel nervous? When is your breathing shallow? Your shoulders tensed and aching? When are you likely to snap at your kids or lose your patience? Before taking stock like this, I was already very aware of how work pressures were stressing me out. But when I spent some time jotting down the other times when I felt anxious, I also realized that I am frequently most tense when I’m running late. And I was always running late. Second, re-engineer the routine and recurring stressors. Epstein’s study suggests that planning—preventing stress from even occurring—is the most effective way to manage stress. For school-day mornings to be calm in my house, for example, I’ve learned I need to wake up a full 45 minutes earlier than
I wish was necessary (why can’t the kids just get dressed when I do?) and get backpacks packed the night before (even though the kids and I never want to do these things at the end of the day). And in order to avoid the routine stress of always running late, I need to plan to arrive where I need to be 10 minutes early rather than checking one more quick thing off my list before I leave. Avoiding this stress not only makes my life feel easier (and therefore happier) but it leaves me more energy for the things I need to accomplish. Third, proactively build your coping capacity. Let’s face it: All stress can’t be planned out of our schedules. We plan to gain more control over our day, but if nothing else, parenting is an exercise in not being in control. So we need to build up our stress-busting muscles. Stress management is really a set of skills that we need to learn and practice ourselves (and with our kids). Research shows that the more hours we put into training ourselves to deal with stress—through yoga or relaxation techniques, for example—the happier and more stress-free our lives can be.
Finally, plan priorities first, and manage time second. It is tempting to just react all day long, responding to emails (in my job, anyway) and doing the things that seem most urgent at the expense of other vital tasks. But living this way has a cost; for me, it is my health and happiness. I have three main priorities in my life: (1) Maintain my own health and happiness. (2) Raise amazing human beings who are healthy and happy. (3) Help others themselves, their communities.
spread happiness—in families, and their
When I skip exercise or short-change myself on sleep, I might cross more off of my task list or answer more emails… but I put that first priority—staying healthy and happy myself— at risk. And if I get sick, or so stressed out that my energy is drained? Well, that puts my other two priorities at risk, too. So I always remind myself: It takes less time to meditate in the morning than it does to recover from the flu, should I get run down.
9
Stress is the garbage of modern life, as Danzae Pace says in the quote above. We don’t need it, and life becomes unlivable when it builds up. This week, plan to trash some stressful situations—get them out of your life! What can you do to avoid or eliminate a stressor? Your kids will thank you for it.
Want more ideas about how to re-engineer the pain points in your daily life? Check out our video series. Last week, I coached Lindsay Reed Maines through establishing a less stressful dinnertime routine, and this Wednesday I’ll be talking her through the science of establishing a new habit. © 2011 Christine Carter, Ph.D. This article originally appeared on Greater Good, the online magazine of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. Read more at greatergood.berkeley.edu.
10
11
Read aloud
FUN FOR ALL
Reading out loud to kids is awesome. Librarians, teachers and Presidents endorse it. It’s fun for families, great for kids and if you borrow the books from a library it’s a free activity! The last thing we want to do is add another thing to your ‘to-do’ list but we hope the list below is encouraging. We have a few suggestions of some chapter books you may enjoy sharing with older children and a couple of books for you too.
THE READING PROMISE: 3,218 NIGHTS OF READING WITH MY FATHER BY ALICE OZMA
When the author Alice was around 9 years old she and her father made a promise that they would read aloud together for 100 consecutive nights. As you know, it doesn’t take very long for practice to become a habit and Alice and her Dad ended up reading together for over eight years! It’s a lovely story written, unusually, from the point of view of the kid being read to.
READ-ALOUD FAMILY BY SARAH MACKENZIE Following on from a podcast that has a bit of a following in the States, Sarah shares stories of her challenges and successes with reading aloud to her family. It’s a sweet book filled with little vignettes, great ideas and an amazing suggested reading list ensuring that you never run out of ideas for your next shared book.
12
THE INCORRIGIBLE CHILDREN OF ASHTON PLACE: THE MYSTERIOUS HOWLING BY MARYROSE WOOD There are moments in every parent’s life when they throw up their hands and cry “Why do these children act like they have been raised by wolves!” These are the moments when human parents need to reach for a great book, snuggle
COURTESY OF WHAKATĀNE DISTRICT LIBRARIES
up with the wolflings, and together get lost in a story. For these moments, there could be no better book than The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling. The three children in book 1 of the series, named Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia (or Cassawoof), really have been raised by wolves. Plucky Penelope Lumley, fresh from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, is hired to act as governess to the wolf children, but finds that she is also their protector as mysteries and plots unfold. This is a book rich in quirky wisdom and humour – you will love reading it as much as your kids loving listening to it. And, in the likely event that you don’t want to say goodbye to the characters, The Mysterious Howling is just the first in a series of five books.
New Zealand author, Kate De Goldi, has created a lovely character in Perry, full of curiosity and ideas. This is a story that offers
THE ACB WITH HONORA LEE BY KATE DE GOLDI
lots of opportunities to talk about all sorts of issues as you read with your child. Perry’s wacky pictures are scattered through the book, along with her child’s view of adult language and sayings. Funny and thought-provoking, The ACB with Honora Lee is a real gem to enjoy with your child.
Perry is the only child of very busy and important professional parents who rarely have the time to listen to Perry’s many questions about the world around her. However, her Gran, Honora Lee, lives in the Santa Lucia home and she’s not too busy to listen. She doesn’t always understand, or even remember Perry, but as Perry visits every week a bond is formed along with a shared project to make an alphabet book all about Gran’s life at Santa Lucia.
These books and many other great stories to read aloud are available from Whakatāne District Libraries.
Perry wrote “J is for Jolly Odd”, because that’s what most conversations at Santa Lucia were ...
13
HOW NATURE MAKES KIDS
calmer, healthier, smarter “It’s so peaceful out there and the air smells so good....It’s like you’re free when you go out there. It’s your own time. Sometimes I go outside when I’m mad -- and then, just with the peacefulness, I’m better. I come back home happy, and my mom doesn’t even know why.” “Something else was different when we were young: our parents were outdoors. I’m not saying they were joining health clubs and things of that sort, but they were out of the house, out on the porch, talking to neighbors. As far as physical fitness goes, today’s kids are the sorriest generation in the history of the United States. Their parents may be out jogging, but the kids just aren’t outside.” ― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder Did you grow up as I did, building dams in the stream, climbing trees, and chasing fireflies as the evening darkened? If you did, you’ll agree with me that all children deserve those experiences. Nowadays, though, many of us don’t have yards. Even if we do, when we try to send our kids outside, there’s often no one to play with. And most parents worry that we have to stay outside with them to keep them safe -- but we have to make dinner! So most kids spend most of their time inside. As a result, the average fifth grader, given a
14
choice, prefers to stay inside, close to electrical sockets and all the entertainment sources they power. But your grandmother was right: Kids need fresh air and exercise. We all do. Families who find ways to be outdoors together nurture not only their bodies, but their connection to all of life -- and to each other. Kids who spend time outside in nature, research shows, are: CALMER This is particularly important for ADHD kids because it lowers their need for medication, but fresh air soothes the senses of all children. Happier - Studies show sunshine, fresh air and physical activity all encourage good moods and reduce tendencies toward depression. HEALTHIER Many kids who don’t get enough time outdoors are Vitamin D deficient, affecting health and mood. Indoor air is also usually less healthy. LESS LIKELY TO BE OVERWEIGHT Paediatricians recommend at least an hour of active physical play daily during childhood to protect against obesity and diabetes. BETTER VISION Kids who play outdoors more have better vision and less need for eyeglasses. Until recently, we
thought that was simply because they stare at screens less. But it turns out that Vitamin D plays a role. And the latest research indicates that exposure to light is important for healthy eye function. BETTER STUDENTS Research shows that kids who play outdoors actually have longer attention spans, more frustration tolerance, and do better in school. Kids even do better on tests if they are allowed to play first. It’s not just that it gets their wiggles out. It’s all that oxygen to the brain. MORE CREATIVE Outdoor play is often less structured than what kids do indoors with technology, so kids exercise their imaginations as well as their bodies.
The answer to our nature deprived modern lives? Set your life up so your child can be outdoors. We know that usually kids won’t be able to be outdoors without parents. So parents need to get outside, too. First, set up any outdoor space you have access to so that it’s inviting, and spend time outside with your child. A sandbox, wading pool, swing, climbing structure or garden will keep your child entertained for hours. But if permanent structures aren’t possible, think impermanent: A tablecloth teepee or a bucket of water with funnels and cups, or a shovel to dig a hole you can later refill. Second, spend time as a family in nature -- hiking, playing tag, biking, simply walking together in a beautiful place. It allows your family to regroup and get back in sync. It makes wonderful memories. And it’s a great workout for everyone.
15
This doesn’t have to be a big production. If you’re lucky enough to have your own yard, you have unlimited options, from kicking a ball around to camping out in a tent. But every city has public parks, and every family can find something to do outside that feels fun. Two important ground rules: Turn off the cell phones. Yours. Theirs. REALLY. Enough said, I hope! The world will be waiting for you when you get back. This is quality time to focus on family. Soon enough, your child will want to be with friends, not with you. Enjoy this time to connect. If you choose to engage in a sport, minimize
the competition in favor of the fun. Make sure the rules are relaxed for little ones so everyone enjoys themselves.
IF YOU’RE STUCK FOR IDEAS, HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS: 1. TAKE A BLANKET, SNACKS AND A BALL OR FRISBEE TO THE PARK. Play kickball or soccer or catch. Blow bubbles. Play tag.
2. GO ON A FAMILY BIKE RIDE. This gets better and better as kids get older, but you can rent tandem bikes when they’re young. 3. GO ON A NATURE WALK. Collect rocks or leaves. Look for animal footprints. Watch bugs. But remember, soaking up the smells, sounds and sights is sufficient. You don’t need to take your child out of her heart and into her head by giving her a science lecture. If she asks questions, by all means follow her natural curiosity, and help her look up answers when she gets home.
But sometimes watching a butterfly is more transformative than reading about it. 4. SEND KIDS ON A SCAVENGER HUNT. Keep it simple, like: something red something tiny something that moves something bigger than your hand something that bends something beautiful. Make sure everyone wins!
16
5. GET WET. Give kids water and they’ll find ways to play with it. Invite the neighborhood kids over for a water party. Set up the sprinkler and cut up a watermelon. 6. TRY A NIGHT WALK. Bring flashlights for fun and safety, but be sure to turn them off for listening to the nature sounds and star gazing. 7. FIRES ARE MAGIC. If you have a safe place for a campfire, don’t miss the opportunity to sit outside telling
stories of when you were a kid, or what your kids did when they were younger. Sing songs. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores. Don’t forget to just relax in silence and watch the fire. (Do you have a little pyromaniac who wants to build the fire? This is the perfect opportunity to teach safety and let your child wield the matches.) These are the memories your children will treasure as they get older. And every child deserves the connection nature provides to the essence of life. You’re feeding your child’s soul as well as her body. Article courtesy of www.ahaparenting.com
TAKE A LOOK AT OUR LOCAL SUGGESTIONS FOR GETTING OUTDOORS ON THE NEXT PAGE...
17
Local OUTDOOR GUIDE ET
I N VO LV E D
Learn some skills at the Bike Park at Warren Park
I
KE
G
YO U R B N O
Cruise along the riverbank in Whakatane - perfect for scooters! Have you disovered the Ohope Harbourside Trail?
Get amongst some local conservation efforts with your kids like:
Explore further afield at the Opotiki Dune Trail or the Redwoods in Rotorua
Beach and estuary cleanups - join a group or do your own! Kiwi Release Days - follow Whakatane Kiwi Trust for more info.
W
A bonfire - in your backyard or on the beach
Rug up and do some stargazing Check out the FREE hotpools in Kawerau
18
An after dark adventure to see the glow worms at Onekawa Te Mawhai Regional Park (by Ohiwa Holiday Park)
N OT T R Y
Grab a book on NZ native plants or birds and head out for a walk and some plant or bird spotting
HY
Plant some veges together
F I S H I N G! Grab a line and head out to the Whakatane or Ohope wharfs. No need for a fancy rod - a line, hook and sinker will do the job.
P
A PA R K K IC
Try out some different parks around the area - Maraetotara at Ohope, Whakatane Heads, Sullivans Lake (feed the ducks!) - each has different things going for it.
EAW K A T AL
Pack a picnic and go surfcasting at any number of beaches.
K
Hukutaia Domain near Opotiki is great for little legs - make a day of it!
Fairbrother Loop, the bird walk - any part of Toi’s which is right on our doorstep! Nukuhou Saltmarsh Onepu Mountainbike Park
B EAC H ES G
AL
ORE
Ohope, Thorndon, Waiotahe, Coastlands, Matata... take your pick!
How about some crab hunting at Ohiwa? Or explore the rockpools at Otarawairere or the Heads - what shells and creatures can you find?
19
PARENT & CHILD
EXPO Saturday 13 October 10am - 1pm Whakatane War Memorial Hall Whakatane Parents Centre Parent and Child Expo is a family oriented event featuring a range of stalls from local education providers, services and retailers. Come join us for a morning of fun and support your local community. This is your expo! In addition to the stalls we have some raffles with some amazing prizes - make sure you come visit us at the Parents Centre stall to be in to win. And for the kids there is a bouncy castle, face painting and balloon animals.
SEE YOU THERE! WHAKATANE PARENTS CENTRE IS PROUD TO BRING YOU THE PARENT AND CHILD EXPO WITH THE HELP OF THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS: BELLA DESIGNS, BIZZY BUDDYZ, WHAKATANE AQUATIC CENTRE, EASTERN BAY CHIROPRACTIC, COASTLANDS PRESCHOOL
20
21
22
23
WHAKATĀNE CAR SEAT CLINIC ON THE SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 10AM-1PM
Did you know? It’s 70% safer to rearward face. Plunket recommend rear-facing until at least 2 years of age. Come along and let us check that your car seat is correctly fitted and work safely. Appointments not necessary. Donations to help cover our time are appreciated.
10 Victoria Avenue, Whakatāne
What’s On the Box THE SECRET LIFE OF GIRLS TVNZ ON DEMAND If you missed this on TV recently it’s well worth watching. The documentary series follows a group of 5 and 6yr old girls - all the fun and tears with observations from two child psychologists. Fascinating!
24
HOME BASED CHILD CARE AVAILABLE HOME BASED CHILD CARE AVAILABLE • • • • • • • • • • • •
Quality, affordable childcare available Quality, affordable childcare available in your area in your area 20 ECE FREE hours for 3-4 year olds 20 ECE FREE hours for 3-4 year olds WINZ subsidies available for those WINZ subsidies available for those who qualify who qualify FREE toy, equipment & resource FREE toy, equipment & resource library library Registered ECE Teachers supporting Registered ECE Teachers supporting your childs learning & development your childs learning & development Your child will receive one on one care Your child will receive one on one care & attention & attention
For more information or any For more information or any other questions please other questions please phone us today! phone us today!
0800 543 996 0800 543 996
info@akidzworld.co.nz info@akidzworld.co.nz www.akidzworld.co.nz www.akidzworld.co.nz
25
WHY DIDN’T I JUST SAY
yes?
Sometimes we get into such a routine of saying ‘no’ to our children, not out of being a bad parent but just because we condition ourselves into having this response.
I say no because I’ve cleaned the house and want it to stay tidy. Playdoh is so messy. Plus they’ve just had a bath and don’t need playdoh stuck in their fingernails. D2 cries.
D1: “Can I tip this tub of trains out Mummy?” Me: “No, it’s too messy, you don’t need to!”
Why didn’t I just say yes? Who cares if I have to sweep again? Will it hurt me?! No! Who cares if they need rebathing? They love the water anyway. They love creating playdoh models, why don’t I use the time to interact with them?
I say no because it’s convenient for me. Surely he can play without tipping them all out, and I guarantee I’ll be the one putting them all back into the tub later. D1 looks sad. Why didn’t I just say yes? A tipped out tub of trains wouldn’t be that messy, he probably just wanted to see which ones he’d got, and he would have probably helped me pick them up. D1: “Mummy can we play outside in the rain? ” Me: “No it’s too wet, and you’ll get filthy!” I say no because it’s more convenient for me. I don’t want to stand in the rain. I’ll have to wash wellies and dry coats, and even iron fresh clothes. D1 looks sad. Why didn’t I just say yes? Puddle jumping is fun. Dirt washes away. We have plenty of fresh clothes to put on. Fresh air is good for them and gets rids of their excess energy. D2: “I play playdoh a bit!” Me: “No we’ll play with it later I’ve just swept the floor!”
26
It’s so easy to say ‘no’ without thinking things through. Children are not an inconvenience. Do you want to create a tidy house with neatly stacked toys or do you want to create memories to cherish forever? All the above are actually real examples, but I learnt a long time again to say yes whenever I can. Life is too short to be anything less than fun. An untidy house doesn’t matter, but your children do. A simple yes will make their day. Try it out! My boys love making my garden look a mess. Onlookers would see sand covering every concrete surface, chalk drawings on the floor, fences, and sheds, an upturned police car, water soaked toys, an empty sand pit, and a slide covered in wet sand. My kids see an adventure land / beach. They’ve carefully spilt the sand. They’ve drawn sharks in chalk. They’ve tipped their police car upside down to fix it with their invisible tools. They’ve played. They’ve unreservedly played, and that’s what rears happy children. Fearless children.
Sand can be swept up. Chalk can be washed away. Toys can dry out. Cars can be put the right way up. But children’s memories cannot be faked; they’re either good or not good. Last week I filled our garden path with shaving foam and hid lots of dinosaurs in the ‘snow’. It was messy from the start. It got even messier when they figured out clapping your hands in the foam created a mini blizzard! I could have easily not bothered, or said no to the clapping but they had so much fun! They even spoke about it the next day! And the worst that happened? We all had to get changed. Does your babba want three bedtime stories? Why not! Who’s counting anyway? One day they’ll be too big to have a bedtime story so don’t ever refuse them now. Obviously this post is about saying yes more often in regards to fun and play, it’s not about saying yes to everything else. Children need healthy boundaries, but they also need a safe environment to be children. Let your babbas be free to play. Try having a day of ‘yes’, let them have fun, messy fun. You’ll enjoy it too and feel much more relaxed! Becci Nicholls is a married, thirty year old SAH Momma to two beautiful little rascals. Becci lives in the UK and writes a great blog that explores the highs and lows of raising her little rascals – visit her at Swords and snoodles Article courtesy of www.pinkymckay.com
27
BABY & YOU Are you a new parent? ‘Baby & You’ explores the first three months of your baby’s life and gives practical information about stimulation for babies, age-appropriate toys and the key milestones of your baby’s growth. Contact us about doing a one off class. You get freebies from Huggies and Johnsons and some valuable information. To book phone 027 977 9951 and leave a message, email whakatāne@parentscentre.org.nz or find us on Facebook.
28
MEMBER OFFERS
5% OFF
The normal retail price of all non sale items when you show your valid Parents Centre membership card.
COST PLUS 10% Only available at WhakatÄ ne Noel Leeming (exclusions apply). Valid Parents Centre card must be presented.
10% OFF $5 OFF ANY NEW YEARLY MEMBERSHIP. VALID PARENTS CENTRE CARD MUST BE PRESENTED.
facebook.com/Photographybysarahfinlay
Parents Centre members receive discounts on Heating, Cooling, Water Filters and more from HRV. Contact HRV to book in for your no obligation Home Assessment to see how HRV can help improve your home! Mention Parents Centre and present a valid Parents Centre card to receive the discount. www.hrv.co.nz or 0800 HRV 123
DO YOU KNOW OF A LOCAL BUSINESS THAT WOULD LIKE TO BE PART OF OUR MEMBER OFFER PROGRAM? GET IN TOUCH VIA OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
29
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Whakatāne Parents Centre Plunketline Plunket Clinic
027 977 9951 0800 933 922 (07) 308 8454
National Poisons Centre Healthline IRD Child Support
SUPPORT SERVICES
GROUPS & ACTIVITIES
LA LECHE LEAGUE Breastfeeding Café, for advice, support and to meet other mums. Phone Bronwyn ph. 307 7440
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT , WHAKATĀNE Salvation Army Hall, corner King St and Goulstone Rd, Wednesdays at 10am. $1-$2.
BOTTLE FED BABIES (BFBS) Information on sterilisation, feeding and support for parents email bottlefedbabies@hotmail.com. GASTRIC REFLUX ASSOCIATION For the Support of Parents (GRASP) www.cryingoverspiltmilk.co.nz or 0800 380 517 (leave a message with your contact details). STILLBIRTH AND NEONATAL DEATH SUPPORT GROUP (SANDS) A local group supporting families who have experienced stillbirth or the death of a baby. Message their Facebook page. MISCARRIAGE SUPPORT Information for families who need support following a miscarriage. Ph (09) 378 4060. JIGSAW (FORMERLY CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION SERVICES) Helping families put together what’s best for their children. Phone 0800 228 737 or see www.jigsaw.org.nz. MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH Maternal and Infant Mental Health support. Self-referrals accepted. Ph 306 0470. POST-NATAL DEPLETION GROUP Local support for Post Natal Depression and Anxiety. Search Whakatāne Post Natal Depletion Support Group on Facebook to join.
30
MAINLY MUSIC, WHAKATĀNE Baptist Centre, Keepa Rd, Coastlands. Thursdays at 9.30am. $4. ST NICHOLAS MUSIC, ŌHOPE St Nicholas Church, by the Four Square in Ōhope. Fridays at 9.30am. Gold coin entry. MAINLY MUSIC, ŌPŌTIKI St Johns Church, St John St, Ōpōtiki Thursdays at 10am. $2. DANCE FFUN STUDIO, WHAKATĀNE Pre-school dance and ballet for 3 to 5 yrs. Call Helen on 021 210 5119. Caledonian Hall, 60 King St. WHAKATĀNE COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP Learning fun for children under 5 at Eastbay REAP Monday to Thursday 9am-1pm. MULTIPLE BIRTH PLAYGROUP For families with twins, triplets and more. Meets first and third Wednesday of the month at St Nicholas Church, Ōhope. For more information call Jules on 308 2586
0800 764766 0800 611 116 0800 221 221
WHAKATĀNE COMMUNITY TOY LIBRARY Located at James Street School. Open Tuesdays 10.30-11.30am, Wednesdays and Thursdays 3-4pm and Saturdays 10-11am. Discount for Parents Centre members on new memberships. BOOKABOO STORIES AND SONGS At Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre. Tuesdays at 10am. Free. GYMTOTS At EBOP Gymnastics Club, 11 Lovelock St. Phone 07 308 0122 or 022 326 7496 (022 ebopgym) SPACE - SUPPORTING PARENTS ALONGSIDE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION Ph 07 308 0273 and leave a message or email ebopspace@gmail.com PARENT INC. TOOLBOX Six week courses run for parents. A choice of courses available: 0-6 years, 6-12 years and teenagers. Cours-es run for 2 hours per week usually in the evenings. Phone Pam 312 4444. HIYOKO JAPANESE PLAYGROUP Tuesday’s 10am, Plunket Rooms or Japanese Gardens. Children aged 0-6. Free. EDUBASE PLAYGROUP Fridays from 9:30-11:30am, Plunket Rooms. Suitable for ages 0-5. WHAKATĀNE BABYWEARERS Hire of slings/carriers available. Contact us on Facebook.
HIRE EQUIPMENT TO HIRE THESE ITEMS, CONTACT WHAKATÄ€NE PARENTS CENTRE ON 027 977 9951
MEDELA SYMPHONY HOSPITAL GRADE BREAST PUMPS Top of the line, hospital grade electric breast pump for home and personal use. Ideal for boosting supply, assisting with feeding a sick or premature baby, for long-term pumping, separation situations (sick or working mum) and other scenarios. BOND $50. MEMBERS PRICE $30 PER MONTH* DOUBLE PUMP KIT $10. *Only available to Parents Centre members
MEDELA LACTINA BREAST PUMPS Hospital grade electric breast pumps ideal for long term, regular use. Can be used for long-term pumping, boosting supply, assisting with feeding a sick or premature baby, separation situations (sick or working mum) and other scenarios. BOND $30. MEMBERS PRICE $20 PER MONTH. NON MEMBERS $50 PER MONTH. DOUBLE PUMP KIT $10.
AVENT ISIS BREAST PUMP AND STERILISER KITS Our Avent kit includes an Isis manual breast pump with storage bottles and a microwave steriliser. Simple to use and very cost effective. Great for occasional use. BOND $25. MEMBERS $10 PER MONTH. NON MEMBERS $20 PER MONTH.
31
JOIN PARENTS CENTRE DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT WOULD LIKE TO JOIN WHAKATĀNE PARENTS CENTRE? We offer… Quality childbirth education classes • Taught by qualified educators with skills in adult teaching Comprehensive parent education courses • Basic First Aid • Baby and You • Toilet Training • Moving and Munching Networks for parents to support and learn • Friendship and support through coffee groups, playgroups • Social events
Services • Library - parenting and children’s books • Local newsletter “Tickles’ and national magazine, KiwiParent, every two months • Breast pumps for hire at very competitive rates Discounts • Local retail discounts • Members discount or free entry to Centre courses and activities • Members discounts on hire equipment
BECOME A PARENTS CENTRE MEMBER TODAY! Join now for only $60 per year or $90 for 2 years (Valid Community Services Card holder = $20/yr). Contact us on 027 977 9951 or email whakatāne@parentscentre.org.nz
32
JOIN US