TICKLES WHAKATĀNE PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
April / May
INSIDE THIS ISSUE... WHEN EMPATHY DOESN’T WORK MONSTER STORIES
WHAKATĀNE
19
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 WHEN EMPATHY DOESN’T WORK............ 8 GOOD MONSTER STORIES...................... 12 TEN BEST WAYS TO ENCOURAGE TODDLERS TO TALK .................................14 FAREWELL MEGHAN AND LISA................18 MEMBER OFFERS.....................................25 COMMUNITY DIRECTORY........................26 HIRE EQUIPMENT....................................27
Apologies for the delay in getting this issue of Tickles to you. We are undergoing a few changes here at the Whakatane Parents Centre and Tickles fell by the wayside! Hope you enjoy this issue. As ever - if you have a suggestion for content or something you’d like us as a committee to be focusing on please do get in touch. We can be contacted via email, facebook or text - see details below left. Also make sure you take a look at two new programs for parents happening in our area - Edgecumbe and Awakeri - details in the directory on page 26. 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 4 - 2019
COURSE 6 - 2019
Dues dates until end of August 2019.
Dues dates until mid October 2019.
Saturday 25 May & Saturday 1 June.
Saturday 27th July & Saturday 3rd August.
COURSE 5 - 2019 Dues dates until end of August 2019. Saturday 8th and 15th June.
4
COURSE 7 - 2019 Dues dates until mid December 2019. Saturday 14th & 21st September.
WHAT’S ON MATARIKI GLOW SHOW 29 - 31 MAY - 10am and 11.30am Little Theatre, War Memorial Hall $10.50 HEART TO HEART EXPO & FAMILY FESTIVAL Saturday 27 April Whakatāne War Memorial Hall
EDGECUMBE PLAYGROUP Every Thursday of term time 12.30 - 2.30pm 51 College Rd, Edgecumbe FREE
BIKE PARTY Thursday 18 April - Warren Park, Whakatane Tuesday 23 April - Otao South Reserve, Harbour Road, Ohope 12 - 2PM FREE BBQ, GAMES AND PRIZES
MOTHERS DAY FUN RUN/WALK Sunday 12 May 9am - 1pm Mataatua Reserve
5
6
WHAT’S ONLINE
parentingplacenz
ABOUT PARENTING PLACE NZ
www.facebook.com/parentingplacenz
In their own words: Our dream for Aotearoa New Zealand is that every whÄ nau thrives, and every child feels deeply loved. Parenting Place has lots of articles, tips and courses to help you on your parenting journey.
@parentingplacenz www.theparentingplace.com
7
WHEN
empathy
“I HAD JUST READ DR. LAURA’S BLOG ABOUT STAYING CALM AND ACKNOWLEDGING HIS DESIRES. WHEN THE SCREAMING AND STOMPING BEGAN, I STOPPED WHAT I WAS DOING AND SAT DOWN NEXT TO MY THREE YEAR OLD. I MADE EYE CONTACT, LISTENED TO HIS COMPLAINT AND DID NOT LET THE SCREAMING ANGER ME; I THEN CALMLY EXPLAINED THAT I HEAR HIM. I KNOW CHEESY POOFS ARE SO TASTY AND I LOVE THEM TOO BUT HE WILL HAVE TO WAIT HALF AN HOUR UNTIL DINNERTIME. HE BLUBBERED BRIEFLY, COLLAPSED INTO MY ARMS FOR A MINUTE AND THEN WENT TO PLAY WITH HIS TOYS. MY HUSBAND CONGRATULATED ME ON KEEPING MY COOL. THE BEST PART? HE WAS PERFECTLY PLEASANT THE REST OF THE EVENING. WOW!” – AIMEE When parents begin using gentle guidance, they’re often amazed by how well empathy “works” to calm their child. For most people, including children, just having our views and feelings acknowledged makes us feel better, so we’re more cooperative. So once parents get past their fear of “agreeing” with their child’s “negative emotions” -- empathy doesn’t mean you agree -- they quickly learn to empathize when their child is having a hard time: “Nothing’s going right for you today, huh?”
DOESN’T WORK
In fact, empathy is so effective in reconnecting with our upset child and helping her calm down that it takes us by surprise when it “doesn’t work.” But empathy isn’t a trick to control the other person. It’s a means of connection, and of helping our child process emotion. So when empathy doesn’t “work,” consider whether you’re really connecting, and whether you’re helping your child with her emotions. Here are the problems I hear most often from parents about “using” empathy: 1. “EMPATHY MAKES MY CHILD CRY HARDER.” Yes, when we validate kids’ feelings, the emotions do usually intensify. But we aren’t creating those bad feelings. They’re inside her anyway, driving her behavior. Think about a time when you had some big feelings locked up inside -- maybe something happened that was very upsetting. You were holding it together. Then someone arrived with whom you felt safe, and they hugged you, and you burst into tears. So when kids have big feelings and we empathize, they do get more in touch with their feelings. But that’s a good thing. Because once they feel those emotions, the emotions evaporate. That’s how emotions work.
“You wish you could have ice cream now, I hear you.”
2. “EMPATHY TANTRUM.”
“I see how mad you are!”
Kids escalate when they don’t feel heard, so if you can really help your child feel understood,
8
DOESN’T
STOP
THE
that will in fact prevent a lot of tantrums. But when it doesn’t, it’s because your child just needs to cry and show you those emotions. So once your child is tantrumming, simply accept the emotions and communicate safety so your child can show you all those feelings. The fewer words the better, just enough so she hears your compassion and knows you’re ready with a hug. Empathy won’t stop the tantrum, but it will help your child let all those feelings up and out. That’s what’s healing. 3. “I KEEP REPEATING ‘YOU ARE VERY SAD AND FRUSTRATED’ BUT THEY GET MAD AND TELL ME NOT TO SAY IT.” How we acknowledge feelings depends on how old the other person is. With an angry toddler, you might get down on his level and say “You’re so mad!” in a voice that makes it clear we understand how passionately he feels.
Your goal here is for your child to feel understood. The toddler is often reassured: Mom doesn’t think it’s an emergency; there’s even a name for this tidal wave that’s swamping him. But as kids get older, naming the emotion makes them feel analyzed and managed, not understood. Imagine if you were upset and your partner just kept repeating “You are very sad and frustrated!” It would probably make you angrier.
9
Your goal here is for your child to feel understood. So use a tone of voice that matches how he feels. Labeling the emotion is fine if that helps him feel understood, but otherwise, there’s no reason to do it. (I know, you’ve been advised to “name it to tame it.” But the research supporting that is about the person who feels the emotion doing the naming. When someone else names what they think you’re feeling, it often triggers resistance.)
about and understood. Often, that’s enough to help her begin to move through her emotions. If it doesn’t, that’s because empathy by itself doesn’t necessarily address what your child is upset about. Often we need to go a step further, and help her solve the problem. “You’re so upset that your little sister keeps knocking down your tower. Let’s find a place for you to build that is out of her reach.” Sometimes the child needs our support to
‘empathy isn’t a trick to control the other person. It’s a means of connection’ “Oh, Ian... I hear how much you want it....You really wished we could do this, didn’t you?” “That’s so disappointing!” As kids grow, a simple “I’m sorry it’s so hard, my love” or even just “Mmmm.... Oh, no.....My goodness!” will get your empathy across. And of course, while your child is in the middle of a tantrum, the only thing they need to know is that they’re safe, that you understand, and you’re ready with a hug when they’re ready. 4. “I EMPATHIZE WITH THE EMOTIONS, BUT THEN SHE’S STILL UPSET ABOUT IT.” If you’re truly empathizing, you feel some of what your child is feeling. One test of this is whether you have tears in your eyes. If you can see it from her perspective and feel that deep level of empathy, your child will feel cared
10
solve the problem: “You’re so mad at your brother. I think he needs to hear how you feel. Let’s go find your brother, and I will stay with you while you tell him.” And sometimes he simply can’t have what he wants, but you can give him what he wants with a wish: “Do you want me to write this here on your birthday list so when it comes time you can see if you still want it?” Sometimes, though, wish fulfillment isn’t enough and there’s no solving the problem. The disappointment is so great -- or it triggers some earlier hurt that’s still lurking and waiting to be expressed -- that only tears will do. In that case, the empathy “worked” so your child felt safe enough to show you his upset. That’s how kids build resilience -- they feel safe enough with you to let themselves feel their
disappointment fully -- and they learn they can come out on the other side feeling ok. He’s crying? That’s a GOOD thing. 5. “I SAY ‘YOU ARE MAD BUT WE DON’T HIT’ AND HE HITS AGAIN TEN MINUTES LATER.” Often when we use the word “but” the other person doesn’t feel their feelings are actually being acknowledged. (There’s an old saying: “Everything before the ‘but’ is a lie.”) You might see if there’s a difference when you say “You’re feeling really mad, aren’t you? I understand! AND it’s not okay to hit, no matter what. Tell me in words.” Of course, your tone has to make it clear that you really do understand how upset she is. But the big reason that empathic reminders don’t prevent more hitting is that you simply can’t expect “talk” of any kind to solve the problem. Kids who hit have big fear locked inside. They need you to create safety and set a compassionate limit so they can cry and show you that fear. Only then does hitting usually stop. In fact, if you’re truly feeling the empathy, it will ALWAYS work to help your child feel understood. (Sometimes that means the emotions come gushing out, which is ultimately healing.) So if your empathy doesn’t seem to be “working,” maybe words are getting in your way. Stop trying to come up with the right words. Instead, imagine yourself as a child feeling what your son or daughter is feeling at this moment. What do you wish your parent would do right now to love you through this? Do that. COURTESY OF AHAPARENTING.COM
11
GOOD MONSTER STORIES Right now the HEG Whakatāne Library team are gearing up for the next school holidays (I know, can you believe it – time flies! Mind you we have to be a bit of ahead of ourselves). We will be celebrating Mary Shelley and her book Frankenstein – which has reached the incredible milestone of being published 200 years ago. While the material of the original Frankenstein might not be suitable for your youngest people, here are some ideas for books that explore things that scare us:
THE MONSTER WHO ATE DARKNESS BY JOYCE DUNBAR, ILLUSTRATED BY JIMMY LIAO. This is an unusual but cute picture book that explores the idea of taking away what we might be afraid of. It is quite deeply philosophical for a sweet children’s book. MONSTER CHEF BY NICK BLAND
ALBERT’S TREE BY JENNI DESMOND. This a charming and very readable book. The tree is afraid of the monster. Albert, the lovely bear, is ready and willing to help the scared tree. Both the tree and Albert discover that sometimes the monster is not what we expect.
12
Written in read-aloud rhyme, Monster Chef by Nick Bland is the story of Marcel who is just not that good at scaring children. He’s just too huggable. However, Marcel finds a way to use his talents and skills in new ways. A book for the little ones that may have a message for the grown-ups too.
COURTESY OF WHAKATĀNE DISTRICT LIBRARIES
FANTASTICALLY GREAT WOMEN WHO MADE HISTORY BY KATE PANKHURST On a slightly different tack, with nothing scary included, Fantastically Great Women who made History by Kate Pankhurst features not only Mary Shelley but also her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft. This book for slightly older children is written in a fun and vibrant style - motivation and learning in a picture book format. MOVIE - SHAPE OF WATER And not to leave you out when the smaller people are tucked up in bed, we have a copy of the movie Shape of Water, an Oscar winner that proves that you shouldn’t just take someone else’s word on what is a monster and what isn’t.
If you haven’t read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, we do have copies of the book in our Libraries but it is also free to download (it’s officially out of copyright) on a number of platforms. Don’t be afraid – you can find these items and so much more at the Whakatāne District Libraries.
13
10 Best Ways
TO ENCOURAGE TODDLERS TO TALK
First, let’s clarify something that will hopefully bring relief: Encouraging our children to talk isn’t about chattering incessantly to them in order to expose them to as many words as possible. Honestly, can you think of anything more off-putting than someone blabbering for the sake of blabbering? Even our adoring babies, the captive audiences they are, will tune out (because they’re unable to throw something or ask us to stop). While it’s true that children need to hear an abundance of words to develop healthy skills, encouraging language is about the quality and quantity of the words we speak. The great news is that both come naturally when we perceive babies as whole people — able communicators ready to be informed about the happenings in their lives, and in turn share their thoughts and feelings. Comprehend this simple truth, interact, engage, and converse naturally, and we’ve got the language lessons nailed. Here are some specifics… 1. TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION FROM THE BEGINNING. From the time our babies are born, they need to know that we not only tell them what’s happening (“I’m going to pick you up now”), but also that we pay attention to their nonverbal signals and listen to their sounds and cries. If we’re unsure, we wait before reacting. We ask, give the child time to take our question in, and listen again. We make
14
every attempt to understand what our babies might be communicating. We won’t always be successful in the beginning, but we’ll improve with each try. Meanwhile our children hear our profoundly important message: “We want you to tell us what you need and feel. We believe you are capable of communicating with us, and we will do our best to understand you.” This is vital. Only we can open this door and wholeheartedly welcome our baby’s communication. 2. USE YOUR AUTHENTIC VOICE AND FIRST PERSON. Many believe in using mother-ese, so I realize this is controversial, but here’s what I’ve found… Talking to our babies in our regular, authentic voice (but a little slower) reminds us that we are talking to a whole person. It’s easier and not as likely to induce headaches (which I know, because I talk to my dog in mother-ese). It models for babies the natural tone and language we want them to adopt. The more they hear language spoken properly, the sooner they will learn and try speaking it. Children sense inauthenticity a mile away. The children I know who aren’t used to being talked to in mother-ese feel disrespected and talked down to when adults speak to them that way. Using first person rather than “Mommy loves Johnny” is a minor detail, but it is another way to remind ourselves to talk person-to-person with our baby. Why speak differently to a baby or toddler who is immersed in the process of learning our language than we would to an
older child or adult? This makes no sense to me. Never doubt for a moment that babies know who Mommy, Daddy and Johnny are. They don’t need the constant reminders. Also, children understand and use pronouns earlier when they are modeled. 3. TALK ABOUT REAL, MEANINGFUL THINGS. In other words, instead of teaching words, use them. Holding up a ball, pointing to it and saying “ball” is far less effective teaching (besides being a gargantuan bore, as far as I’m concerned) than commenting in context on a relevant (and, therefore, meaningful) event. “You moved all the way to that red ball and touched it and then it rolled further away.” Babies learn best , as we all do, when they care, and in this example the baby would probably care about his involvement with the words ‘moved’, ‘red ball’, ‘touched’, ‘rolled’ and ‘away’. That’s six words right there, but who’s
counting? (Oh, the experts…that’s right.) Note: I’m not suggesting constant narration while babies play. The best way to gauge whether or not to comment while our child is engaged in an activity is to wait for him or her to communicate an interest in our response, which young children usually do by looking at us. (For a brief video demonstration of this, please see “Teaching Babies Language And Much, Much More While They Play“) 4. READ BOOKS AND TELL STORIES RESPONSIVELY Reading books responsively means ditching any agenda and following our child’s interest. Let the baby or toddler stay on one page for five minutes if she wants to and talk to her about everything you see there. Let her skip pages, look at the book upside down, and not finish the story (or even look at the book at all) if that’s what she chooses. Trust your child’s
15
readiness, allow reading to be child-led, and we encourage a love of books. And children who love books love and use language.
patient parents I know have experienced their child’s verbal skills emerge overnight – a language “explosion”.
If you’re the creative type (which I’m usually not at the end of the day), tell stories. I’ll never forget the stories my dad told about Mary and her dog Zip. Well, actually I don’t remember anything about them except that I thoroughly enjoyed that attention from my dad.
If your child seems delayed in his or her ability to comprehend language, or seems atypical in several areas of development, get an assessment.
5. SLOW DOWN I forget this all the time. We should probably put “Slow Down” signs all over the house when our children are small. There are so many good reasons to slow down around children, especially in regard to language. When we slow down, children can listen and understand. 6. RELAX AND BE PATIENT Parent worries are usually felt by young children and don’t create the ideal climate for taking big developmental strides forward. Talking takes courage. Relax, be patient and trust your child’s inborn timetable. Many
16
7. DON’T TEST What children need most of all to be able to start talking (or do just about anything else) is our trust. When we test, we aren’t trusting or respecting. Magda Gerber’s rule of thumb was, “Don’t ask children a question you know the answer to.” (In other words, “Where is your nose?”) As excited as we get about sharing the adorable way our toddler pronounces his latest words (“Say ‘turtle’ for Grandma, Johnny!”), performance pressure makes toddlers more likely to clam up. 8. BABBLING IS TALKING When babies or toddlers seem to be talking gibberish, they are usually saying words,
so ignoring them or babbling back isn’t as respectful or encouraging as saying, “You’re telling me something. Are you telling me about the cat that just walked by?” Or, “You’ve got a lot to say today. “
encouraging language is about the quality and quantity of the words we speak BEWARE OF THESE COMMON LANGUAGE DISCOURAGERS 9. CORRECTIONS When children are trying out language, they are inclined to get colors, animals, and other things “wrong”, and adults are inclined to correct these mistakes. Don’t. It’s unnecessary and discouraging. With our patience and modeling, toddlers will discern the difference between dogs and bears, red and orange, etc., soon enough. In Learning All The Time, John Holt explains: “When children first learn to talk, they will often use the name of one object to refer to a whole class of similar objects.” In other words, when a toddler refers to every animal as a “dog”, she isn’t indicating that she doesn’t know the difference.
“If a distinguished person from a foreign country were visiting you, you would not correct every mistake he made in English, however much he might want to learn the language, because it would be rude. We do not think of rudeness or courtesy as being applicable to our dealings with very little children. But they are.” –John Holt 10. INVALIDATING THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS Let’s say your toddler asks (in her unique way) to change her diaper, but you check and she isn’t wet. Or maybe your boy says “lellon”, and you know he loves melon, but he just ate. Rather than reflexively responding “you don’t need your diaper changed” or “you can’t be hungry, you just ate”, accept and acknowledge the communication without the slightest bit of judgment. “Oh, are you saying you want to change your diaper?” (Wait for a response.) “Yes? Well, I can certainly understand wanting to do that again. It’s fun to spend that time together. But you are dry and so we won’t be changing you right now. Maybe in a few minutes.” “Are you thinking about melon?” (Wait for a response.) “Are you hungry for melon? (Wait.) Oh, you’re not hungry? Are you enjoying saying “melon”? That’s a fun word to say, isn’t it?” When we listen to and respect these early attempts at communication, children feel encouraged to keep talking. They’ll sense that their most random thoughts, feelings and ideas are welcome to our ears. And chances are excellent we’ll be their favorite confidant for many years to come. COURTESY OF JANETLANSBURY.COM
17
Farewell MEGHAN AND LISA
Two of our longstanding committee members are moving on to new adventures and we’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge them! Meghan Ryall and Lisa Naysmith have both put in many hours for Whakatane Parents Centre - organising the Expo, running courses and hiring out breast pumps They have both served as President and assisted in many roles over the years.
Thank you Meghan and Lisa for all your hard work. It has not gone unnoticed and is very much appreciated! All the best with what comes next in your lives.
VOLUNTEER WITH US! WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MORE COMMITTEE MEMBERS - IF YOU ARE WANTING TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY & LEARN SOMETHING NEW GET IN TOUCH TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP! IT LOOKS GREAT ON YOUR CV
18
O A STLAND S
SCH O L PSRpaE O ce to play
a n d learn
“Building a sense of self worth and optimism”
Quality care for children aged 2 to 5
20 hours ECE for 3 to 5 year olds
Visit any time, any day
Whakatane’s most spacious preschool
f
f
9 Fishermans Drive, Coastlands • 07 3089302 www.coastlandspreschool.co.nz admin@coastlandspreschool.co.nz
19
21
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.
22
10 Victoria Avenue, Whakatāne
23
HOME BASED CHILD CARE AVAILABLE • • • • • •
Quality, affordable childcare available in your area 20 ECE FREE hours for 3-4 year olds WINZ subsidies available for those who qualify FREE toy, equipment & resource library Registered ECE Teachers supporting your childs learning & development Your child will receive one on one care & attention
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.
24
For more information or any other questions please phone us today!
0800 543 996 info@akidzworld.co.nz www.akidzworld.co.nz
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.
25
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY Whakatāne Parents Centre Plunketline Plunket Clinic
027 977 9951 0800 933 922 (07) 308 8454
National Poisons Centre Healthline IRD Child Support
0800 764766 0800 611 116 0800 221 221
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.
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.
MAINLY MUSIC, WHAKATĀNE Baptist Centre, Keepa Rd, Coastlands. Thursdays at 9.30am. $4.
GYMTOTS At EBOP Gymnastics Club, 11 Lovelock St. Phone 07 308 0122 or 022 326 7496 (022 ebopgym)
ST NICHOLAS MUSIC, ŌHOPE St Nicholas Church, by the Four Square in Ōhope. Fridays at 9.30am. Gold coin entry.
SPACE - SUPPORTING PARENTS ALONGSIDE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION Ph 07 308 0273 and leave a message or email ebopspace@gmail.com
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.
POST-NATAL DEPLETION GROUP Local support for Post Natal Depression and Anxiety. Search Whakatāne Post Natal Depletion Support Group on Facebook to join.
26
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 BOOKABOO STORIES AND SONGS At Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre. Tuesdays at 10am. Free. EDUBASE PLAYGROUP Fridays from 9:30-11:30am, Plunket Rooms. Suitable for ages 0-5.
PARENT INC. TOOLBOX Six week courses run for parents. A choice of courses available: 0-6 years, 6-12 years and teenagers. Courses run for 2 hours per week usually in the evenings. Phone Pam 312 4444. HIYOKO JAPANESE PLAYGROUP Tuesdays as a regular session at Mananui Playcentre. WHAKATĀNE BABYWEARERS Hire of slings/carriers available. Contact us on Facebook. PLAYCENTRE BABES Awakeri Playcentre on Mondays from 12.30-3pm. For children Under 2. A supportive place to bring your baby. Contact: awakeri@playcentre. org.nz, Sian on 0274 083 083 or find us on Facebook
NEW
MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH Maternal and Infant Mental Health support. Self-referrals accepted. Ph 306 0470.
MAINLY MUSIC, ŌPŌTIKI St Johns Church, St John St, Ōpōtiki Thursdays at 10am. $2.
EDGECUMBE PLAYGROUP Each Thursday during term time 12:30pm - 2:30pm. 51 College Rd, Edgecumbe (next to the church). FREE! Contact Lisa 022 023 9526
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.
27
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
28
JOIN US