Your Child in Banyule and Nillumbik March 2021

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NEW: FUN WITH AURORA & FREDDY FAVORITES: KIDS CORNER & KIDS KITCHEN BUMPER BANYULE COUNCIL EVENTS PLUS WE HAVE SOME GREAT READING VOLUME 14

YOUR LOCAL FAMILY MAGAZINE

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MARCH 2021

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Welcome to Our March Magazine Hello to all our readers and welcome to the printed March edition of Your Child in Banyule and Nillumbik since last year! We are almost through the first term of school and boy has it gone fast!

Aurora my eldest started 3 year old Kinder this terms and she absolutely loves it that pleases my Husband Anthony and I no end and having already been to childcare the transition was relatively easy. Freddy our 14 month old boy has just started childcare two days a week, it was mixed emotions from all of us but he is now getting into the swing of it and enjoying himself! What with last years extended lockdown and limited activities it made the transition somewhat harder, but he is more than ready to start this new chapter and flourish in his new social setting. It's such a beautiful time watching them grow, learn and explore their new surroundings. We just celebrated Aurora's 3rd birthday at Edendale Farm and what a joy that was seeing all her little friends come together to have fun and celebrate. Its such a great place for a kid's party, the combination of nature and cute animals make it such a wonderful experience.

Inside this issue is some great reading that may relate to you and your family. With a range of topics that provide some helpful tips now that the kids are back at school on parenting, sticky problems for parents also some more delicate subjects focused on children's best interests when parents separate and for those expecting mothers out there dealing with morning sickness. We also stopped by our new favourite local park in Diamond Creek that you are going to want to visit, see page 19 for Fun with Aurora & Freddy. In Kids Corner this month we have a dot to dot Unicorn on page 26 and on page 27 we have Kids Kitchen - have fun Kids.

This month is also time for the annual littler clean up at Diamond Creek Reserve and with restrictions again lifted check to see what local markets Like Us On near you are back up and running.

I hope you really enjoy this issue. Be sure to check out this month's advertisers for something to do, see or buy for you or someone you love. If www.facebook.com/YourChildinbanyuleandnillumbik If you have something happening you're looking for a new sport, class or activity for your child check to see in our area please share with us what free offers, trials and bonuses Your Child advertisers have for new students

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Children's best interests

G

oing through separation is a difficult and stressful time regardless of whether it was expected or not, or whoever initiated it. Additionally, if you have children, separation brings many changes for the whole family that can be challenging to navigate your way through.

It is vitally important that both parents control their negative emotions and behaviour in front of their children. There is now considerable research that indicates that children can cope, and even thrive, when their parents separate as long as they are not exposed to parental conflict and are not used as weapons, pawns or messengers in ongoing battles between their parents. The research also shows that children who are exposed to such conflict and manipulation may experience severe impacts o n t h e i r d eve l o p m e nta l p ro g re s s a n d milestones and carry long-lasting detrimental effects into their adulthood and on their personal relationships.

The concepts of “child custody” and “access” no longer exist in Australian law. The Family Law Act 1975 regards both parents as having equal shared parental responsibility for the care, welfare and financial maintenance of their children up to eighteen years. In other words, once you become a parent, you always have parental responsibility for your children, regardless of whether they are raised in an intact or separated family. However, the concept of equal shared parental responsibility should not be confused with children being required to spend equal time with both parents.

Under Australian law these concepts are not the same thing, although there may be 4

circumstances where equal shared care is mutually agreed and appropriate for some families.

The Family Law Act is very clear that any arrangements for children must be in the “best interests of the children” which means children have a significant and meaningful relationship with both parents provided it is safe to do so. If there is a conflict between meeting both aspects of that definition, then the safety of the children is always given greater weight over the relationship with the parent. This includes children's psychological, emotional and developmental safety as well as their physical safety.

As equal shared parental responsibility is assumed, separated parents need to transition to a new way of parenting that is termed coparenting. Until your children reach adulthood you and your former partner will be their coparents. It is in your children's best interests to co-parent as cooperatively as possible, which includes behaviour such as speaking positively about your co- parent, respecting the time that your children spend with them, jointly attending important school and life events without displays of conflict and accepting that there may be different routines and ways of doings things in each of your children's homes.

The one number thing that is in your children's best interest is for you to assure them that both of their parents love them and always will.

As equal shared parental responsibility is assumed, separated parents need to transition to a new way of parenting that is termed coparenting. Until your children reach adulthood

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when parents separate..... you and your former partner will be their coparents. It is in your children's best interests to co-parent as cooperatively as possible, which includes behaviour such as speaking positively about your co- parent, respecting the time that your children spend with them, jointly attending important school and life events without displays of conflict and accepting that there may be different routines and ways of doings things in each of your children's homes. The one number thing that is in your children's best interest is for you to assure them that both of their parents love them and always will.

Louise Millar-Hoffmann is a local registered Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Practitioner (Family Mediator) who helps people sort out their separation the timely and affordable way. www.louisemh.com.au

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VOLUME 14

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MARCH 2021

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Parenting.......

The most important function an individual may have in life is often the one function least prepared for. Parenting is the hardest job a person may ever have. The most training people receive for this job is simply the experience of being raised by their own parents.

There are some courses for parenting in high school and college but these are limited in their curriculum. Some high schools have a course where the students are required to carry around an egg for several days to provide parenting tips of what having an infant to care for is like. But if caring for an infant simply entailed preventing the shell from being cracked while performing life's daily activities, parenting would be a lot easier. Becoming a parent is the hardest thing to prepare for. Each child is an individual and will require different love and nurturing than any other child.

The most basic parenting tip for the new parent is 'Do not panic'. This may seem humorous but is actually quite a practical parenting tip. Babies respond to the environment and attitude around them. As a parent, remaining relaxed and calm will help the infant to be relaxed and calm. This can be hard to do as a new parent but must be achieved to keep the home more peaceful for everyone.

It is good if the new parent can have help, for a short time, from an older experienced parent who is calm and self-assured. Most of the time, one of the grandmothers of the infant will offer to stay with the family to offer parenting tips and support. New parents need to be ready to accept this help. If the grandparents are not available, other support can be found from a neighbour or perhaps an older person in ones

church. Some hospitals may have a list of volunteer "grandparents" that will help new parents.

Parenting Tips for the Future The most important parenting tip for the lifetime of the parent is to realise that the child is going to make mistakes. This is easily said but often harder to deal with in reality. Being a parent is about helping the child avoid the most dangerous mistakes and handling failures and successes. This begins with teaching a child the stove is hot and continues into their adulthood with career and family decisions. Many small children, after being told the stove is hot, will reach up and touch it. As a parent, be ready with cold water for the burn and then reinforce the teaching.

A parent shouldn't berate the child for doing what is a natural response. A parent just needs to begin to teach the child that a parent has instruction which is valid for life. This experience may help the child to realise that when given instruction about more dangerous things such as drugs, alcohol, and premarital sex the instruction is probably worth listening to.

No one enjoys a burnt finger and the child will want to prevent further pain. kidsarticles.net

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Toilet Training Made (Virtually) Easy

by Debra Landini R.N

It happened just yesterday, that special milestone. My 2 ½ year old granddaughter took herself off to the toilet and did “poo’s in the toilet” for the first time. I didn’t note the date but my daughter’s cheers and dancing made it obvious that this was a welcome milestone.

Toilet training is one of the biggest challenges a parent faces, and research seems to suggest that it is a challenge for the child too. Not only does the child need to learn the steps, but the child needs to learn the signs their body is telling them so they can respond at the right time. This is no easy ask.

After changing thousands of nappies, it is understandable that parents are keen for their child to be toilet trained but the training can be traumatic for both the parent and the child if done poorly. The secret, and there is a secret, is all about attitude.

I recently read an article about attitude to parenting in a psychology magazine which stated that if a parent reframes their thoughts on time spent with their child, e.g. “Wow, I can help my child learn to use the toilet”, instead of, “Oh no, another toilet accident”, then this can lessen stress. The child should pick up on the relaxed attitude and do better at learning.

My daughter and son-in-law were spoilt by their firstborn who was toilet trained (with the exception of a night nappy) in two days. He was older than his younger sister at the time of being toilet trained. His sister, on the other hand, insisted on wearing underpants before she could connect the message from her brain that she needed to go to the toilet and the ability to 10

get to the toilet in time. The result was many, many, toileting accidents.

I remember when I was toilet training their mother. This was when I learned that the secret was to have the right attitude. My attitude was “it will happen when it happens”. Being a nurse probably helped me because accidents with urine and bowel motions I accepted as a part of life. I was conscious also, that I didn’t want to traumatise our daughter during the toilet training process.

The more relaxed you can be the easier the process will be. Try to accept that it will take some time and accidents will continue to occur for a while. If you are unsure of how to start or are not making progress, seek advice from a health professional.

Debra Landini R.N. www.goodhealthandparenting.com.au

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‘I hate reading!’

I

by Ai Wei & Jia

f you catch your child calling reading “stupid” or getting frustrated when having to pick up a book, chances are that they're having trouble with their phonemic awareness and are struggling to learn how to read.

Phonemic awareness basically refers to the sounds and syllables found in words. For example, the word 'cat' has 3 phonemes: /c/ /a/ /t/. If your child is having trouble identifying these phonemes, it can hard for them to pick up reading.

Because how can you enjoy reading when you can't… read?

But how do you know if your child is struggling?

There are a few signs that might mean your child is having issues with their phonemic awareness.

Here's a list of what exactly you should look out for: Ÿ They're having difficulty finding words that rhyme. Ÿ They find it hard to spell words just by its sound. Ÿ They can't differentiate the number of syllables in their names and other words.

If your child is showing any one of these signs, it's safe to say that they're having some trouble.

But don't worry. It isn't the end of the world just yet!

As parents, there are many ways for you to help your kid develop their phonemic skills and awareness at an early stage.

1. Read your children books with rhymes.

Teaching your child how to rhyme will help them recognize similar sounds and phonemes in words when reading. Nursery rhymes, children 12

books and short poems are all great ways to introduce the fun world of rhyming to your kids.

2. Practice different sounds with them by doing various activities!

Doing sound-recognising activities with your children is a quick and easy way to further develop their phonemic skills. Activities like coming up with rhymes or a list of words that start with the /b/ or /th/ sound are easy to execute and are really effective! Make sure to keep your activities short and fun, though, to prevent your child from feeling frustrated or from getting bored. You have to make them enjoy the process to really learn!

3. Make sure your child is receiving one-on-one lessons.

This is especially the case if your child is past the ages where phonemic exercises are taught in school. Sometimes, we don't really catch onto their struggles until later on, and that's okay.

Providing your child with extra resources to develop their phonemic awareness will help a lot with catching up with their peers.

Reading can be difficult and somewhat scary, so don't get frustrated if your child is having trouble picking up the skill. As parents, let's be patient and guide our children to develop the skills and awareness they need!

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Sibling Rivalry N

ow that school is back, and my boys are not seeing each other much due to being in separate buildings as well as different areas for playtime, I thought the holidays bickering would stop.

I thought they would miss each other so much that when they got home all they would want to do is play nicely together!

Oh, but how naïve I was!! That was so far from the truth and sadly they have been fighting and shoving each other around quite a bit over the silliest thing. Rather than tearing my hair out, I examined the situations that had this behaviour arise.

Children are not able to express their feelings and actions logically. They can easily take out their emotions as they process them on those, they love the most! And there is no doubt how much mine DO love each other.

Here are a few methods that have helped bring back some love and equilibrium into to having happy siblings…

n Never take sides and always hear both sides of the story. And at times, depending on the issue at hand, refuse to listen to any of the story. This has stopped any negative reinforcement on them receiving attention for ongoing battles and encouraged them to work it out for themselves. This works well when no physical fighting is happening! n I sneakily bring out photo album of them and start looking at them when they around.

There are so many loving pictures in there of them as babies. I then talk to myself out loud of how much they love each other and what amazing brothers they are. I reinforce their 14

by Marilou Coombe

Brothers Ruben and Logan love for each to them in a subtle way. I have also laminated and placed photos of them hugging and loving on the fridge and around the house. I refer to those photos sometimes and remind them how loving brothers treat each other. They are both quite visual, so this works well.

n Refrain from ever comparing. It is so easy to do and yet so detrimental to long term relationship building. It creates jealousy, disconnect and resentment. The feeling of never being good enough can arise from comparing our children. Instead I focus on the strengths of each child. Example, “I love the way you used your voice the” and “ Look at the way you can be so kind even when you a re a n g r y ” o r “ Yo u h av e s u p e r b communication right now in the way you are telling your brother what you need”.

These are just a few examples that have really helped us. The most important one though is for you, as the parent to stay centred and not take on their fighting to mean anything about your parenting.

Marilou Coombe Coach, Mentor, Author, Speaker, Yoga Teacher to little humans www.mariloucoombe.com

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Common Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Children

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection especially among children under 5. It is commonly referred as “pink eye” amongst parents because the eye looks pink or red and swollen.

When your child has conjunctivitis, they may have: Red or pink eye (or eyes) Red, swollen eyelid(s) Watery eye Yellow-green discharge especially in the morning; or even crusty Ÿ Sensitive to bright lights Ÿ Gritty or sandy sensation in the eye Ÿ Itchy eyes Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

These symptoms usually develop within 1-3 days and can last up to three weeks.

What causes conjunctivitis? Ÿ Infectious conjunctivitis- either a virus or

bacteria, which is highly contagious. It happens when your child comes into contact with the discharge from eyes, nose or throat of infected person (or other child), contaminated water or object (such as toys, 18

by Sonya Wijaya

books etc). A person with conjunctivitis remains contagious as long as there is discharge from the eye. Children with infectious conjunctivitis should be kept at home from childcare, kinder, school and public places until the discharge has cleared.

Washing hands thoroughly and frequently also prevent spread of the disease. Avoiding touching face and eyes can also help limiting the infection. Ÿ Allergic conjunctivitis- is not contagious and caused by allergy or hayfever type of reaction. If symptoms of itching and redness are not severe; cold pack and gentle cleaning of the eyes can help. Speak to your optometrist or eye health practitioner if your child severely rubs the eyes.

When to seek help?

If your child’s conjunctivitis is not getting better after 2 days, or if there is severe pain, reduced eyesight, increased swelling, unwell and develops a fever, or has a white spot in the cornea (the clear ‘window’ at the front of the eye).

Your optometrist or eye health practitioner will determine the type of conjunctivitis your child has, and what treatment is recommended. Your eye health practitioner will also work with the GP (if required) if oral medication is also required, or if they think the eye problem is related to other health issues.

When unsure if the nature is infectious or allergic, it is wise to treat it as infectious and home isolation will prevent spread to public.

Sonya Wijaya (B. Optom. Ther. Endorsed/ PG. Spec.

Cert. Cont. Lenses and Paedriatics) is a family optometrist based in Doncaster East www.opticalinsight.com.au

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Fun With Aurora & Freddy

Diamond Creek Regional Playspace Main Hurstbridge Road DIAMOND CREEK This month with my kids Aurora and Freddy I visited the brand new Diamond Creek Regional Playspace and had a great time exploring his new surroundings! It's a fantastic naturethemed Playspace, designed for all ages and abilities, and works closely with the natural parkland environment. It features dedicated junior and senior play areas, including two swings, basket swing, two slides, heaps of climbing, roundabout, flying foxes, nature play and cubby area. There are picnic

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shelters, seats, tables, barbecues, and public toilets. Alongside the Playspace is the Tram Café, operated by the Rotary Club of Diamond Creek. The project involved the refurbishment of an historic W-class tram, one of 130 retired Yarra trams given a new home through the State Government. For more information about the menu, bookings, opening hours and to contact the c a fé , p l e a s e v i s i t t h e D i a m o n d C r e e k Ro t a r y Tra m P ro j e c t Facebook page

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Half -Priced Discount...

Make time for yourself."

"It's not about having time. It's about making time.” "Have a break. Have a Kit Kat."

"Darling, I told you that I would be here for a few hours," I tell Mandy. "You insisted on coming with me."

Life is just damn hectic. It's go-go go from the moment I wake up and doesn't end until I'm passed out in bed. I'm like a lab rat running on a wheel, only I'm not having fun and I can't get off.

Every so often I need a time-out; sit on the bench; press the pause button on life; give myself some self-love.

Mandy gives me The Look. A perfect combination of apathy and boredom you would expect from an adolescent.

Everyone has different ideas when it comes to self-love. Some people go away on retreats; some do treks to reconnect with nature (shudder); some simply just need a night without the kids.

My choice of self-love comes in the form of discounts, coupons and bargains. So when a business card for fifty percent off hair colouring and cut was thrust into my palm, I decided I was well overdue for some me-time.

I lean back on the comfy chair and close my eyes. The warm water washes over my poorly maintained hair and the caressing hands of Salon Lady massages my scalp. It feels divine.

"Mummy."

I ignore the voice. The smell of sweetly scented shampoo wafts towards my nose as it's being lathered on my hair.

"Mummy! I'm bored."

I can't remember the last time I got a head massage. It feels great. I could almost fall asleep. Almost.

“Mum! Are you even listening to me?"

I open my eyes and peer over to my six-year-old fickle pickle.

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"Why don't you get some crayons and paper from the massive bag you made me carry and create something," I say as I close my eyes. I'm desperately trying to emulate feelings of being pampered and relaxed. You know, the ones you're supposed to have while getting hair treatment at an expensive boutique salon.

Salon Lady goes to get the heating towel.

"Mummy, you should see how much of your hair is in the sink!" Mandy exclaims, peeking into the basin.

"What?" I ask. There isn't any point pretending to relax anymore.

"So so much hair. Mummy, that colour doesn't suit you," Mandy remarks, as if she's a hair colouring expert.

"It's my natural hair colour," I reply dryly.

Salon Lady puts the towel on my conditioned hair and tells me to chill out. How on earth am I meant to 'chill out' with a Debbie Downer in my ear?

After what seemed like an age of listening to Mandy whine and getting a crook neck from being forgotten by Salon Lady, I shuffle over to the chair to have my hair cut. I see Mandy spinning in circles on a salon stool.

"Mandy! Stop that!" I yell out. "Jeez Louise.”

I continue chatting to Salon Lady about the real

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..Still Not Enough!

by Kathy Ha

estate market. From the corner of my eye, I can see Mandy draped over two seats and doing horizontal leg presses.

"Mandy! Seriously!" I yell again. At the rate I'm jerking about, I'll become a trendsetter in sporting lopsided haircuts.

As Salon Lady prepares to blow dry my hair, Mandy jumps up and down in front of me.

"Mum, I need to go," Mandy mutters. "Like now."

The salon doesn't have a toilet.

Self-love total bill = 50% discount + 10% whining surcharge + 10% negative commentary tax + 100% quick exit fee

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Doesn't seem like much of a win, does it?

Kathy Ha is a creative writer and storytelling enthusiast, sharing snippets of her journey through life and parenting on her blog, KN J Tales and Snippets. She aims to inspire, empower and ignite laughter, with every word that she writes. www.knj.home.blog

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Lets Get Creative!

by Michelle Kuo

We live in a busy world and most of us lead a busy life, for some of us to feel happy and joyous in life we need to constantly express and exercise our creativity.

People like JK Rowling wrote the first book of Harry Potter in various cafés with her young daughter in the pram, unfortunately not all of us can easily calm ourselves down, block away the noise and chores of our days and summon our creativity with a snap of our fingers, so I often call upon the support of crystals.

In the last couple of years, I found myself drawn to use Unakite and Clear Quartz for this purpose, I would use them in meditation to put myself in the state and place them strategically in a space to create the environment.

Unakite, this green and salmon pink stone is highly spiritual. Its vibration stimulates the Third Eye Chakra and resonates the Heart Chakra and Thymus (Higher Heart) Chakra.

The Thymus Chakra is about love and compassion, and it starts with the love and compassion towards self, with Unakite resonating with this vibration it helps release the negative energy, balance the emotion and restore love and compassion.

When meditate with Unakite on the Third Eye Chakra, it allows you to gain an insight on your spiritual journey, tell it all of your dreams and it will support your manifestation and remind you duly when will now be a better time to act on it.

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Clear Quartz is energetically one of the most versatile stone. Many ancient cultures have records on the use of Clear Quartz in ceremonies and various other purpose. It clears its surrounding from negative energy and creates a force field that protects the space.

When meditating with Clear Quartz, it helps s t re n gt h e n t h e i n t e l l e c t , p ro m o t e concentration, memory retention and filter distraction. Clear Quartz is also the great stone that amplify the vibration of other stones.

Different size, shape and form of a crystal produce different level of intensity in the vibration, when meditating with crystal on your body, tumble stones are excellent and if you can find points or double points they are super powerful.

To set the environment, it depends on the size of your space. For creative purpose, I love using a large raw form of Unakite and a Clear Quartz generator to clear the space and amplify the energy.

Try them and let's get ready for the creative juice to flow through.

Love, Inspire & Shine

Michelle Kuo is the Curator of Simply Natural Living and Genki Massage + Wellness Centre www.simplynaturalliving.com.au

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Dealing with Morning sickness.

It is certainly the first image of new pregnancy in movies and TV shows, and it is a reality for many pregnant women.

Not all women experience morning sickness in early pregnancy, and not women stop feeling it after 13 weeks of pregnancy either. Despite its name, women can feel the nausea in the morning, day, evening, night – or all of these times.

Whether you are actually vomiting or just feel like you’re going to much of the time, morning sickness is an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy.

Due to the fact that most pregnant women want to avoid drugs and keep their baby healthy, there are limitations to what can be done to cope with morning sickness. The following techniques vary in effectiveness between women, so each woman needs to find what works best for her in each pregnancy.

Eating Unlike most cases of nausea, morning sickness tends to be worse on an empty stomach.

Regular nibbling of food can keep the nausea under control, if not completely get rid of it. I found I could take 10 minutes to eat one dry biscuit and that would keep me feeling well enough to keep working. Even sucking on barley

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sugar may help.If the nausea is taking away your appetite, nibbling during the day can also be important for your nutrition as well.

Breakfast in bed!

I’m not talking about a full cooked breakfast, but many women find that having something simple to eat before they get out of bed in the morning means they avoid the nausea for at least a while.

A cup of tea or toast and vegemite seem to be the most common choices to control the morning sickness.

Vitamin B Vitamin B6 has been associated with reducing pregnancy nausea, and various studies have supported this. The studies indicate that 3 doses of 10 – 25 mg a day work well, and taking it before getting out of bed each morning is particularly useful.

If you don’t feel better after a few doses, it could be that vitamin B just doesn’t help you.

However, do not take more than 75mg a day as it can damage your nervous system in high quantities.

Ginger Ginger has long been known for settling stomach upsets and is perfectly safe for pregnant women, so is well worth trying. It is also an easy option as ginger can be taken in many ways – fresh ginger in a stir fry, powdered ginger in cakes/biscuits, ginger tea, chunks of preserved ginger, ginger tablets and ginger ale (although you may find it is better flat rather than bubbly)

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morning sickness Alternative therapies A qualified homeopath may be able to recommend some treatments that help combat the nausea.

Likewise, you may find relief from an aroma therapist, acupuncturist, reflexoligist or masseur, but make sure these professionals are aware of your pregnancy before treatment commences.

Medicinal help There are medicines that can relieve nausea.

However, these should only be taken under medical advice as some are not suitable for pregnant women and can have serious side effects. Whilst not prescription medicines, there are now various lollies, lollypops and lozenges that are specifically designed to combat morning sickness. These can work by providing sugar to your system and giving you vitamin B or ginger.

Most women get through pregnancy without any medical assistance for morning sickness.

The main exceptions are those women who vomit a lot and find it hard to eat or drink anything as these women face dehydration and may need specialist assistance.

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Other tips

by Tash Hughes

If you are having trouble with morning sickness, get as much rest as possible as your body is working hard. Even a 15 minute power nap can help you cope better during the day.

The following tips may help you cope: § Plan your day as much as possible around

your nausea. For instance, if you are worse in the morning, arrange to start work late allow time so you can avoid express trains so you can get off if need be keep a container in your car for emergencies § Carry tissues and wet wipes in your bag carry

a bottle of water with you to reduce the nausea and freshen your mouth keep some healthy snacks or hard lollies in your bag § Stay away from strong odours, especially raw

meat and cigarettes as they often trigger nausea § Brush your teeth with your finger instead of a

brush if regular brushing makes you nauseous. § And use mouth wash to help clean your

mouth § Don’t get too warm as this can bring on

nausea § Open windows, use the microwave and turn

on exhaust fans when cooking so these are fewer smells left in the house.

Always talk to your doctor if you require medical advice.

This article is intended to offer general information about ways to help with morning sickness.

Tash Hughes of wordconstructions.com.au

25

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Hey Kids you can be a ‘Your Child STAR’ share your jokes, recipes, puzzles, fun facts or photos with other Kids in Whittlesea contact us: Kids Corner PO Box 153 Diamond Creek 3089 email: info@yourchildinbanyuleandnillumbik.com.au ph: 0427 788 856 26 Follow us on and yourchildinbanyuleandnillumbik advertise in in Your Your Child Child in in Whittlesea Whittlesea Call Call 0455 312 166us 32 26TTo 3327 Follow on yourchildinwhittlesea o advertise 0439 732 977 Shop Local mention Your Child In Whittlesea 10

KIDS

KITCHEN Fruit Sorbets with Hannah

Mango Sorbet: 3 cups of frozen mango chunks 1 tsp lemon juice 1 cup warm water

Mixed Berry Sorbet:

Raspberry Sorbet:

2 bananas sliced 300g frozen mixed berries 100g plain yoghurt 1 tsp honey

3 cups of frozen raspberries 2 tbs honey 1 tsp lemon juice warm water (if needed)

Method: Step 1 - Blend all the frozen fruit un l broken down.

Step 2 - Add all other ingredients and blend un l if forms a sorbet consistency.

Step 3 - Sorbet can be served and eaten straight away.

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HANDY PHONE NUMBERS Emergency Numbers Ambulance Fire Police Hospitals

}

DIAL 000

Austin Hospital.......................................................... 9496 5000 Royal Children’s Hospital (Parkville).......................... 9345 5522

Crisis Centres Poisons......................................................................

Kids Help Line............................................................

Parentline Victoria..................................................... 13 22 89 Lifeline.......................................................................

Suicide Helpline - (Victoria only)...............................

Nurse-on-Call............................................................

Child Protection - (After Hours Service)....................

Domestic Violence Crisis Centre...............................

Sexual Assault Service (After Hours).........................

Centres Against Sexual Assault.................................

Victims of Crime Helpline.........................................

LifeCircle - HOPELINE................................................

SANDS* Vic...*Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Support Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline Compassionate Friends Helpline

Your Local Police Station Diamond Creek ........................................................ 9438 8300 Eltham....................................................................... 9430 4500 Greensborough......................................................... 8432 8200 Heidelberg................................................................ 9450 8000 Hurstbridge............................................................... 9718 2111 West Heidelberg [Not 24hr Station]......................... 9457 5777

Other Banyule City Council Office....................................... 9490 4222 Nillumbik Shire Office............................................... 9433 3111 28 30

If you provide a free essential service to our community and would like your phone us on call 0497 yourchildinbanyuleandnillumbik number included on thisFollow page please 788 856

Life is like a boomerang What you give you get back! ”The devastating drought and bushfires that have raged through many areas in Australia have caused sorrow and hard ship for many.

However- from the darkness has emerged some wonderful lights- not just Australians but also so many internationally have given both financially and of their talents- to help the effected communities. While the financial donations will be beneficial to rebuild some of those who are hurting from loss that include homes, farms, businesses -- money cannot give the warmth and care that so many people have shown in this bleak time. People have opened their hearts and volunteered in many areas both for fellow humans and our wildlife that have suffered greatly. So, let's look at ways we can become generous within our community. We do not need to wait for a disaster.

Volunteering- the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and your community. Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health, increases self-confidence and provides a sense of purpose. There are many opportunities to give of our time, energy and skills. Schools, sports club, maybe join some of the community groups and work together for a special goal.

Just visiting a lonely person is important- and there are plenty of lonely- both young and old that enjoy someone making them feel special.

Organize a Clean Up. All you need to hold a successful cleanup is a big box of garbage bags, a substantial supply of rubber gloves, a group of friends or volunteers, and a location that needs some love. And these days most public parks Advertise NOW..... Call Kate 0497 788 856

by Irene Goonan and neighborhood streets are in need of a little TLC, and sometimes folks just need a little inspiration to encourage them to help out. Lead the way, and see what follows!

Build a Community Garden. Not only do community gardens beautify the community, they often provide produce and other goods to local neighborhoods. And whether a green thumb or just beginning a relationship with the land there's always lots of work to be done to get to harvest. You won't just be growing fruit and vegetables, but friendships and community along the way!

Shop Local. Shopping local invests in your community. Spending money locally supports the local economy and your neighbors — by keeping money in your neighborhood, where it can be reinvested again through other shops and services. It's a cycle that keeps on giving.

Michelle Obama said, “Success isn't about how much money you make; it's about the difference you make in people's lives.”

Irene Goonan Cube Café- like us on facebook www.cubecafebar.com.au

29

CONTENTS Regulars 2 Editors Notice Board 19 Fun with Aurora & Freddy 23 What’s On In and About B & N 26 Kids Corner 27 In The Kitchen

This Month’s Advertisers

28 Handy Phone Numbers

Baby Obessions Banyule Council Events

Articles

Banyule Massage Therapy Centre

4 Children’s Best Interests when........

Claydreamers

6 Parenting

Dance Plus Studio

8 Term Dates & Public Holidays

Family Dispute Resolution

10 Toilet Training Made (virtually) Easy

Fragrance Angels Inatable World/Bundoora Action Centre

12 I hate ready

Launchpad ELC

14 Sibling Rivalry

Little Flyers Learning Centre

18 Common Conjunctivitis in Children

Symmetree Osteopathy

20 Half Price Discount

Work from Home

22 Let’s Get Creative

Business Opportunity

24 Dealing with Morning Sickness

31 Your Child Magazines

29 Life is like a Boomerang

Show off Your Business with Us NOW Call for your Copy of our 2021 Media Kit Today!

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