STARTING SCHOOL WITH A SMILE!HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

A GUIDE TO GOOD GIFTS

MOVING TO LEARN BY LEARNING TO MOVE

CHILDREN & FALLS FROM WINDOWS

GLOW STICKS, OLD FRUIT AND NUDITY

FACTS ABOUT LAUGHTER

AN INTERVIEW WITH LOUISE FROM SKOUT TRADE FAIR

WIN! $50 GIFT VOUCHER FROM STYLE COLLECTIVE

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? A YUMMY SPRING SALAD

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1essential child

Editor’s letter.Welcome to Spring! Time to fling open the doors and let the sunshine pour in! It is such a beautiful time of year, with the explosion of colourful flowers and smell of jasmine in the air. Of course, not everyone loves it. For those of you with hay fever, my sympathy, especially with the incredible dust storms last month. It was not a great month for asthma and allergy sufferers.

For those of you whose children suffer from allergies, you would know sensitivities in children can be a real source of stress for parents. In Products We Love this issue, we look at simple, yet brilliant wrist bands from Kids Alert, designed to protect children with allergies by alerting those around them.

Our recipe this month is a colourful Spring Salad, inspired by the wonderful produce we found at the Coffs Harbour Growers Market. I had my first mango of the season the other day and it was delicious. And Australian asparagus is on the shelves! Bliss!

Last issue we looked at school readiness and deciding when it’s the right time to send your child to school. Once that decision has been made, then there are new things to consider, so this month we look at things you can do to ease the transition to school.

In response to reader requests, we bring you a gift guide for children from 0 – 12 with a focus on gifts that will be enjoyed for a long time to come. We hope it takes some of the stress out of choosing the right gift for birthdays and Christmas.

Our advertisers continue to report good responses from Essential Child readers. Please continue supporting them, because without them we could not bring you all the fabulous articles and advice each quarter.

Enjoy this issue of Essential Child.

Sarah

2 Letters to the Editor Competition Winners

3 Products We Love Out of the mouths of babes

5 Moving to learn by learning to move Sue Martyn, Paediatric Physiotherapist

6 A guide to good gifts that will last more than five minutes!

8 Starting school with a smile How parents can help

9 Book reviews by Children’s Author, Deborah Abela

Essential Child Issue 3, Spring 2009

Editor Sarah Rogers

Early Childhood Consultant Pauline Pryor

Layout & DesignSam Pryor

Contributing Writers Deborah Abela Rebecca Cork Fiona Chandler Sue Martyn

Advertising enquiries:Sarah Rogers, phone 0410 338 201 ads@essentialchild.com.au

Contact:phone 02 6656 2109 fax 02 6656 2131 info@essentialchild.com.au PO Box 1587, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450

ABN: 47 491 617 953

Essential Child is published four times a year by Essential Child. No other parties or individuals have any financial interest in this magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. Content within this magazine is information only and not necessarily the views of the editor. It does not purport to be a substitute for professional health and parenting advice. Readers are advised to seek a doctor for all medical and health matters. The publisher and authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of an action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendations set out in this magazine. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.

10 Children & falls from windows from KidSafe

11 What’s for dinner? Spring Salad

Glow sticks, old fruit and nudity... Tips for parents

12 Pram Walk & Talk A program for mothers and carers

Facts About Laughter from KidSafe

13 Connect, Share, Learn, Grow, Prosper An Interview with Louise from Skout Trade Fair

Inside this issue:

2 essential child

Letters to the editor letters@essentialchild.com.au

Featured letter

COMPETITION WINNERS

The writer of this month’s featured letter receives a $50 voucher from Charlipopkids World.

Next issue, we’ll be giving away a $50 Gift Voucher to spend at Style Collective. www.stylecollective.com.au

Write to us at: letters@essentialchild.com.au or PO Box 1587, Coffs Harbour, 2450.

Write to us

The winners of last issue’s Flobib competition are:

Amanda McGuigan andMelinda Andrews

Congratulations, this fantastic prize is on the way to your mailboxes.

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Work at home mother to be

What a great magazine! I would love to be able to obtain a copy of each edition when they are available however I am now residing in Grafton. We recently moved from Woolgoolga and my partner grabbed the Autumn edition for me when he was at our local doctor’s surgery in Woolgoolga.

I’ve just had a look at the Winter edition on the internet and hope to pick up a copy when I attend an appointment with my doctor in Woolgoolga soon.

I am a first time mum at age 42 and rely on all the information I can get! It’s great to have a local information source. Keep up the good work Essential Child!

Anita Black, Grafton

p.s. Has anyone used the websites on the internet in relation to “work at home” jobs? I am unsure as to whether to trust them and would appreciate any input.

For advice on being a work at home mum see the interview on page 13, and if anyone has advice for Anita about WAHM websites, please email us and we will pass it along. -Ed

A word from our sponsors

Just thought I’d say, I am still getting daily in store customers due to Essential Child. Not only that, but SO many of the local businesses are promoting my business due to the EC coverage! I recently, for instance, had a customer visiting from the Gold Coast who had a local cafe recommending me through my ad in the last edition. She spent over $200 and I’d say will be a lifelong internet and in-store customer. Around town I still see the current edition - dates don’t make a difference, people are still reading it. So a good 3 months worth of advertising, at a great price! I have never had real success from print media, except through you!!!

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Keep them coming!

Our family loved the Winter edition of Essential Child. Keep them coming! I found the article, ‘Mother’s Guilt: Is it optional?” quite thought provoking. I am glad I am not alone when I feel guilty and remind myself to change the things that I regret and to let go of the guilt for the things I cannot change.

Linda, Coffs Harbour

3essential child

Products we loveWe profile some of our favourite products

Out of the mouths of babes

When our 5 year old went to his aunt’s place for dinner we gave him some guidelines for good manners. When he presented his empty plate to my sister-in-law at the end of the meal she asked whether he had enjoyed his dinner. “I didn’t like the taste,” he replied, “but I managed to get it all down.” Nicola, Coffs Harbour

While we were visiting the UK recently with our 6 year-old daughter, her 100 year-old great grandmother passed away in Coffs Harbour. We had prepared our little girl for the death and, as we knew we would be home in time for the funeral, which was to include cremation, we did our best to explain that too. As we walked into the church, she asked, “So where’s the bonfire?” Anne, Korora

A mother recently provided a lovely experience for children when she bathed and breastfed her baby at preschool. At home time one 4 year old excitedly told his Mum, “We saw a baby being milked!” Reneé, Coffs Harbour

“I like vegetables, but I’m not a vegetabletarian.” (from a 5 year old) Trish, Coffs Harbour

Send your quotes to letters@essentialchild.com.au

Essential Child was lucky enough this year to win a place on the St George Bank Small Business mentoring program. It was a fantastic experience and we felt humbled by the incredible ideas and visions of our fellow attendees.

One of our favourite ideas was Kids Alert wrist bands, the brainchild of Melbourne mother, Tiffany Thojaya. The brightly-coloured wrist bands are a simple yet very effective way to identify children who suffer allergies, anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes and other sensitivities.

Fully adjustable to fit babies to adults, the Kids Alert wrist bands display a very clear alert message, identifying your child’ sensitivity and alerting others of the potential dangers of foods and other allergens.

Each band is coloured according to the sensitivity and there is even a generic

Tree BlocksTree Blocks were able to capture and engage my young daughter in a way no other toys had.

Made from reclaimed trees, they offer a delightful twist on an old favourite. While building blocks have long been a staple in most children’s arsenal of toys, these blocks are something else. Putting the eco-friendly, feel good factor aside, they are quite simply a fantastic toy. The kit consists of beautifully textured and accurately hand-cut branch blocks, various sized discs and bridges.

The unique and individual shape of each piece allows children’s imagination to flourish and

yellow band for you to personalise with your child’s specific condition. The bands are made from light, durable and machine-washable cotton/polyester and are comfortable to wear.

Tiffany has been kind enough to send us some wrist bands to give away. Write to us and tell us about your child’s experience with allergies, asthma or diabetes, or any other sensitivities, and we’ll send you a wrist band. Just let us know which colour you’d like. Write to GPO Box 1587, Coffs Harbour, 2450 or letters@essentialchild.com.au.

KidsAlert wristbands are available online at www.kidsalert.com.au or through your local Pharmacy. To find a Pharmacy stockist please call 1800 334 612 or for general enquiries call Tiffany on 0430 515 366.

And if you’d like to hear more about our experience with the St George mentoring program, visit www.stgeorge.com.au/openforbusiness. [SJR]

KidsAlert wrist bands

brings an exciting new element to the amazing world of balancing. While the natural look is perfect for finishing off your toddler’s wildlife reserve or farm, the blocks are durable and stable enough for the most demanding preschool sculptor, and challenging for the architect or master builder in each of us.

Although the kit is recommended for children over 3 years, I found that they were fine for my one-year-old as long as I checked for loose bark (there wasn’t any in our set) and supervised her play. The concentration on her face as she tackled the different shapes and sizes and worked at getting them to balance was topped only by her joy when she managed to do it.

Available from: Soul Weaving, Hyde St, Bellingen & www.dragonflytoys.com.au

[RC]

4 essential child

5essential child

Humans are a “needy” species it seems. Our children spend around 18 years learning the skills necessary to move away from their parents and make their own way in the world. Baby foals, by contrast, are up on their feet and moving around competently within 24 hours of birth; baby turtles hatch out from their shells all alone and have to find their own way down to the sea for survival.

Despite this long-term dependency on our parents, however, human infants are “pre-programmed” to develop in all kinds of ways.

When it comes to learning how to move, most babies and infants follow a similar course, seemingly effortlessly. They are not “taught” by their parents. Somehow they just “do”. First comes a stronger head, then the baby reaches out to toys, pushes up from their tummy, rolls, and starts to pivot or creep forward on the belly. Baby’s back gets stronger and suddenly he or she can sit by themselves. Next comes crawling, standing up and walking around holding onto furniture. Somewhere usually around 12-15 months of age those first precious steps are taken! There are many books that detail these stages and the ages that baby is likely to achieve each skill.

For some infants however, learning to move does not come quite so easily. More nurturing and guidance may be needed from the parent to help the development of these motor skills. There are many possible reasons: the infant may have been ill and spent much time in hospital; he or she may have softer muscle tone and poor strength making movement against gravity more difficult to achieve; or the infant’s environment may discourage exploration of movement, eg. too much time spent sitting in a stroller. Infants can get “stuck” in sitting, and not know what to do next! Sometimes there seems to be no apparent reason for an infant being slower than expected to achieve sitting, crawling and walking skills.

Moving to learn by learning to moveSue Martyn, Paediatric (Children’s) Physiotherapist

Here are some ideas:•Allowbabytospendplentyof

time on the floor in a variety of positions, as this is the place he or she can safely practice all the motor skills needed to develop through those first 12 months.

•Getdownonthefloorwithyourbaby. You, the parent, are far more interesting and stimulating than any toy, children’s TV show or expensive baby play centre.

•Tummytimeisveryimportant,not only as a means to progress to crawling later on, but to strengthen the infant’s shoulder and shoulder girdle area as he/she pushes up on straight arms to look around. Taking this weight through the arms and open hands helps with the development of finger manipulation skills used to explore toys as baby grows up.

•Userotationalmovementsasyoulift, carry and handle your baby throughout the day. Rotation is the key element to an infant’s ability to learn to move and can be unfamiliar and even uncomfortable for some. So for example, roll your baby over as you pick him or her up, and roll when drying or dressing after a bath.

•Playingwithfewertoysatonetimeis often better than the infant being in the middle of a room strewn with all sorts of items. Rotate toys in and out of the toy box once a week or fortnight. This way your baby is likely to be continually stimulated by “new” and exciting toys, and can spend more time exploring how those toys work. This is helpful to the development of emerging attention skills.

“Tummy time is very important”

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All babies are different and the age at which they develop the skills of sitting, crawling and walking can vary, as many parents know. Should parents have concerns about the development of their baby, however, a developmental physiotherapy assessment can be reassuring. In many cases simple, practical ideas given in a play-based way, is all that is needed to help baby learn the right skills to keep on learning to move.

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6 essential child

A guide to good giftsthat will last more than five minutes!

Choosing toys for children can seem complicated. Not only is there a huge range to choose from, but many of the toys come with misleading claims about their educational value.

How do you discern quality toys from gimmicks? What toys will capture the imagination and provide endless hours of play? What toys will challenge and stimulate exploration and learning? The task is made even more difficult by advertising that is specifically designed to encourage children to nag their parents.

Here are a few simple guidelines to help you as you plan for the silly season. Some specific suggestions for each age group follows:

1. Choose toys that can be used in a variety of ways. The term ‘ open ended play materials’ is often used to describe things that allow for children to use some creativity and imagination. Think, for example, of all the things a toddler might do with a doll or a small wagon. Whole new worlds can be created by older children with a simple set of blocks, a few dolls, animals or cars, and some pieces of cloth and carpet. Try to avoid toys that are commercialised and linked to television programs, movies and mass marketing. These toys can limit a child’s play because the toy manufacturer tries to define the way in which the toys should be used.

2. Limit the number of electronic toys. While electronic teaching tools have their uses, children can be come so attuned to flashy bells and whistles that they feel the need to be entertained rather than exploring and creating their own sense of fun. This applies to babies as well as older children. Battery-operated baby toys that require no more of a child than pressing a button or turning a dial, then sitting back to watch may entertain for a short time, but after the initial excitement wears off the toy will be redundant as it has no other way of being used.

3. Quality is far more important than quantity. In fact, having masses of toys can fragment a child’s play and tempt

them to flit aimlessly from one thing to another. Well chosen, quality toys will evoke more appreciation and exploration.

4. Always check for safety and suitability for the child’s age. Avoid small parts for children who are still mouthing objects.

5. Avoid toys that are simply substitutes, and sometimes less desirable substitutes at that, for items around the house (for example plastic keys, handbags, dinner sets, sieves, saucepans, small tents and gardening equipment).

6. Natural materials and simplistic beauty will arouse the child’s sense of wonder and beauty. Children can learn to appreciate the smoothness of wood, the beauty of natural colours, the feel of soft smooth fabric. Their world needs to be much more than a sea of plastic primary colours.

7. Try to avoid thinking in terms of traditional narrow notions of what is appropriate for girls and boys.

Some ideas for different age groups:Birth to 6 months For young infants, toys to look at and listen to are best, such as mobiles and musical toys with soft melodious sounds. Rattles, squeaky toys, soft toys with differing textures and play gyms are ideal when baby is ready to hold objects.

6 – 12 months Baby will start to enjoy emptying games (and sometimes filling) so a container to put things in will provide lots of fun. She will start to make the connection between cause and effect – so toys that make a sound or movement in response to baby’s touch are a good choice. She is also beginning to understand object permanence (which means that an object exists when you can’t see it), so will enjoy peek-a-boo games and pop-up toys (although make sure they are not too scary!) A baby who is sitting up is ready for simple blocks. Nesting cups or boxes, stacking rings, balls, push-pull toys and sturdy books are also favourites.

“Quality is far more important than quantity.”

Stockist: Love & Kisses, Harbour Drive

7essential child

1 – 2 yearsThe one year old has a newfound mobility whether they are creeping, crawling or walking, and is immensely curious about the world. Popular toys for active play include trolleys and wagons, things to ride (without pedals) and climb on, balls, a wading pool, bath toys, a sand box and digging tools. His fine motor (hand/finger) skills are developing, so consider blocks, stacking rings, instruments, cars/trains/trucks, simple puzzles (one piece to a hole), post boxes and some large crayons. Just before their second birthday toddlers begin to enjoy make-believe play, so will enjoy dolls, dolls bed, wooden animals, finger puppets, and simple dress-up clothes (pieces of fabric with scarves to tie them allow more options than store-bought costumes that dictate what the child will ‘be’).

2 – 3 yearsTwo year olds have more strength, flexibility and balance, so they delight in physical activities such as riding a tricycle and playing with a soft ball. Wooden blocks and animals, large construction blocks that connect together, small cars and trucks, wooden trains, puzzles with 6-8 pieces, large crayons and water-based felt pens, and art and craft materials are likely to be well-received. They may enjoy sorting and classifying sets of animals, pictures and vehicles. Dolls and doll houses, doll’s bed and pram, teddy bears, puppets and tea sets encourage imaginative play. Remember that real size plates and cups are better than miniature imitations. Their enthusiasm for music is increasing, so consider musical instruments and music CDs. They will love picture books with a simple repetitive story.

3 – 5 yearsPreschoolers love to build with blocks, so extend their collection with

more blocks of various shapes and sizes, and add fences, small figures, dinosaurs, animals, vehicles, pieces of artificial grass, carpet and fabric. Sets of small natural wood blocks provide a different building experience from large blocks. At this age children enjoy more complex construction sets with wheels, parts that turn and bend, and nuts and bolts. Transportation is fascinating at this age, so trucks, cars, planes, trains, boats and tractors with realistic details are popular. Larger outdoor toys, including gym equipment and a bicycle with training wheels are appropriate now, as well as skittles and balls of different sizes.

Preschoolers are masters of make-believe, so provide more dress-ups (preferable open-ended) and add play money, tea sets, puppets, play telephone, garage, farm etc for imaginative play. Dolls and teddy bears are still important.

At this age children develop their ability to discern simple differences, so they are interested in simple board games based on chance rather than strategy (eg matching picture lottos). They are not ready for competitive games because they don’t like to lose. They can handle more complex puzzles – up to 30-40 pieces by the time they are five.

Preschool children like to use scissors (with rounded ends), paints, paste, large crayons and felt-tip pens, and thick pencils and chalk. They are more likely to develop an appropriate pencil grip if they don’t have to struggle with thin pencils before their hand muscles are ready for them. Some good quality paper (such as an art book) will be well received, along with some patterned paper (from the scrapbooking section) for cutting and pasting. (Or save wrapping papers!) Avoid colouring books – they discourage children from drawing, and preschoolers mostly do not have the hand control to keep within the lines, so they end up

dissatisfied with their result.

Other ideas for this age include bead-threading, peg boards, magnetic boards, mosaic blocks, clay and simple sewing kits. While they like more complex stories they continue to also enjoy simple repetitive stories with just one or two sentences per page. Always read books yourself before purchase to see if the language seems suitable for the child you have in mind, and look out for the many fantastic children’s picture books available by Australian authors.

6 – 9 yearsAt this age children are more able to cope with competitive board games. They also like classics such as marbles and model or craft kits, science sets, construction sets with small parts and electronic games. They continue to enjoy art and craft materials, dolls, blocks, miniature figures and vehicles. They will be ready for a larger bicycle and other sports equipment.

9 – 12 yearsChildren begin to develop specific skills and interests at this age. Give considerable attention to hobbies and crafts, model kits, magic sets, advanced construction sets, chemistry and science kits, puzzles and sports equipment. They enjoy board, card and electronic games, particularly those that require strategy decisions. Dramatic play is popular, often involving complete productions, so again, plenty of lengths of material that can become all sorts of costumes. Puppets and marionettes may also be included. Paint, clay, books, musical instruments and CDs will also be of interest.

[PJP]

Sources: Anne Stonehouse, www.helium.com, www.mellimoomoo.com.au, www.kidsource.com

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8 essential child

Starting school with a smileHow parents can help

If your child is starting school next year, there are some simple things you can do to help them prepare to cope happily and confidently with this major transition.

Talk about going to school

Talk to each other about why children go to school

Most children know that school is for learning but, as well, it is about having fun, meeting friends, playing and growing up.

Talk to each other about what you think school will be like

Share what school was like for you. Talk about your favourite teachers, activities, excursions and ask what your child thinks might be their favourite parts of being at school. Avoid talking too much about it though, so it doesn’t loom ahead as an enormous step.

Be positive

Talk about the school rules in a positive way – such as what children can do if they need to go to the toilet, and when they will be able to play and eat. Avoid negative comments that might make school seem a scary place - such as “you’ll get into trouble if you do that”.

Back away from putting too much pressure on your child about looking after their belongings.

Also avoid talking about how lonely you will be without your child. Children who worry about their parents often have difficulty separating in the mornings, and can be distracted from learning in the classroom.

Be realistic about school

Remind your child that once you start school, you keep going – it is not just for one day. Explain that things like learning to read take time.

Talk with adults and children who already go to school

This is a good way of getting information about the school and about ways that you can be involved. It will also mean that your child knows another child – in a higher grade – at the school.

Make sure your child is comfortable in getting to school and home again

Tell your child that you will return at the end of the day to collect him/her, or make sure the child knows of any other arrangements such as bus, after school care, or other people collecting them. Keep on telling them this, even after they have started school. Tell them every day.

Visit the school together

Find out about the people in the school, the facilities, and how the school personnel interact with you and your child. Get to know the teachers who will be taking kindergarten classes next year. Whenever possible, take your child with you when you go to talk to the principal or teachers before your child starts school.

Be sure to attend all of the organised orientation events, and also visit at other times, after contacting the Principal. Attend school functions and open days.

Go for walks past the school so your child can become familiar with the buildings and the neighbourhood.

Talk with the teacher at school about your child

You know your child better than anyone else.

Where appropriate, share information such as portfolios from your before-school service. As well, consider giving permission for your child’s early

childhood teachers to talk with teachers at the school about your child.

Be involved in the community

Visit public places like parks, playgrounds, sporting events and libraries. These all provide opportunities for children to get to know other children, and for parents to get to know other parents. They also provide opportunities for families to have fun together.

Help children become familiar with public toilets

Toilets at school are different. Probably, there will be urinals for boys, and separate toilets for boys and girls. There probably won’t be any soap or towels. When visiting the school, make sure you visit the children’s toilets, and help your child know what to do.

Show that learning is pleasurable

Encourage your child to play

Play activities provide opportunities for your child to explore, interact and solve problems. Most importantly, play is fun. Provide materials such as pens, paper, paint, water, blocks and balls. Visit places where children can climb, swing, balance and interact with others.

Set a time to read to your child and talk about what might happen next in the story

As well as being a fun activity for adults and children, these are ways to show that reading is important and worthwhile. While children are not expected to be reading before they start school, learning to read is a lot easier when children enjoy books and when they have had positive experiences with reading.

Encourage questioning and curiosity

Children learn through their questions. To the best of your ability and energy, answer your child’s questions or plan a follow-up so you can find out together.

The most important thing is to talk with your child, share experiences and enjoy their company.

[PJP]

Adapted from: Our family is starting school, by Bob Perry & Sue Docket

9essential child

Wendy Written and Illustrated by Gus Gordon

Picture Book Ages 2+

(Penguin Viking)

How can you not love Wendy? She’s small, she’s cute and she’s a chicken in a red cape and star covered helmet afraid of nothing. Wendy wants so much more than her small farmyard can offer. She wants adventure, excitement and ultimately, to be a star. She gets her chance after a mishap lands her in hospital where she meets an injured bear from Monty McFloos Mostly Spectacular Circus. Soon Wendy is revving her motorcycle, leaping over double-decker buses, astounding audiences with her bravery and becoming very, very famous. Wendy plans her greatest leap ever, which sends her so high into the sky, she spots her little farm far below seconds before a spectacular crash. In hospital again, Wendy realises fame is not for her and she decides to go home.

As with all beautiful picture books, Gus Gordon’s illustrations add a whole story all to themselves in their detail and cheekiness, as this loveable chook deals with the lure and pitfalls of fame which isn’t nearly as nice as a bunch of friends who love her.

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Sue Whiting Illustrated by Sarah Davis

Picture Book with Audio CD read by Antonia Kidman. Ages 4-6

(New Frontier Publishing)

Marcus and Mary are the finest candy makers in the land, but when the king smells their sweets with his very long nose, he demands fifty jars of sugarplums by sun-up. Working through the night, the candy makers only manage half that much before they fall into an exhausted sleep. When they wake, they find fifty jars. The king is so pleased he orders one hundred jars. Try as they might, Marcus and Mary fall short but wake to find a sugarplum fairy, skipping to a sweet melody and waving her wand to create enough jars for the king. So many sweets, however, gives the king a bellyache but luckily the sugarplum fairy produces a remedy to cure his ills.

This book is part of the Music Box series and is beautiful in every way: in Sue Whiting’s lyrical words, in Sarah Davis’ rich and playful illustrations and in the CD reading by Antonia Kidman that is gently buoyed by the music of the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy from Tchaikovsky’s much-loved ballet, The Nutcracker.

Free To A Good Home by Colin Thompson

Picture Book. Ages 4-8

(Random House Australia)

The Smiths collect strange and unusual things and one day, the two Smith children, Peter and Sally, collect an old lady. Mr and Mrs Smith are worried the old lady belongs to someone else, but she insists she doesn’t. Soon the old lady (who doesn’t like her real name so calls herself Granny), settles in making giant chocolate cakes, mending shelves and helping with the kids’ homework. The Smiths soon realise ‘that the one thing their lives had lacked all these years was an old lady. Now they had one and their family was complete.’

With rich pictures bulging with life and hidden treasured detail, this book is a very warm and witty play on the idea of not being able to choose your family, when in fact, the Smith’s have done just that. Clever and simple at once, Colin Thompson has again created a delightful tale of how you’d like the world to be, making seem simple, the elusive for some, search for happiness.

Book reviewsby Children’s Author, Deborah AbelaAuthor of Max Remy Superspy, Jasper Zammit (Soccer Legend) with world famous Johnny Warren and The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen. www.deborahabela.com

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10 essential child

Significant numbers of young children are becoming seriously injured due to falls from residential building windows.

Children between the ages of 2 and 5 years are at particular risk of falling. However, a number of children as young as one year and children in older age groups have also been injured due to a fall from a window.

Children are at risk of severe and life threatening injuries in the event of such a fall including skull fractures and brain injuries, neck injuries and limb fractures.

Children are experiencing falls from a variety of different types of dwellings ranging from apartment buildings, townhouses or duplex type accommodation and free standing homes.

Many parents and children mistakenly believe that a fly screen offers a physical barrier preventing a child from falling. This is not the case as demonstrated by many examples of children being admitted to children’s hospitals for emergency treatment following a fall from a window through a fly screen.

From

With the vast majority of injuries occurring during the warmer months of the year, an increase in parental awareness of the potential for children to fall from windows including those fitted with fly screens will assist in preventing many of these injuries.

Children love to engage in exploratory play and will often fail to identify potential hazards. Many children who fall from windows had been playing

on furniture placed by or beneath the window opening. Wherever possible furniture should not be placed beneath windows allowing a platform upon which young children could potentially climb or launch.

Parents should also take the opportunity to speak to their children about the potential danger of falling from heights, even from a very early age.

Most importantly, consideration needs to be given to the installation of physical barriers such as window locks to prevent children from falling.

Fly screens are designed to keep flies out, not children in.

Go to kidsafensw.org for further information on hazards around the home.

(Article prepared by Kellie Wilson Paediatric Trauma Clinical Nurse Consultant, Sydney Children’s Hospital and Dr Kathryn Edward, Rehabilitation Fellow The Children’s Hospital Westmead)

Children & falls from windowsfrom KidSafe

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“Fly screens are designed to keep flies out, not children in.”

11essential child

What’s for dinner? Spring Salad

The abundance of baby spinach at the growers market in Coffs Harbour has inspired this delicious salad. As well as being a hearty accompaniment to any meat, it doubles as a main meal for vegetarians.

Serves 4

250g pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cubed250g beetroot, peeled and cubed1 red capsicum, seeded and sliced3-4 cups baby spinach½ cup sliced snow peas½ cup roughly chopped semi-dried tomatoes1 cup cooked or canned chick peas2 tablespoons olive oilOptional : 60g crumbled fetta cheese

Dressing4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoon red wine vinegar¼ cup chopped basil2 teaspoons Dijon mustard1 clove garlic, crushed

1. Preheat oven to 180˚C

2. Put the pumpkin, beetroot and capsicum in a baking dish and toss with the olive oil until evenly coated.

3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until tender.

4. Meanwhile make the dressing by whisking all ingredients together

5. Allow the vegetables to cool slightly

6. Place the roasted vegetables, snow peas, chickpeas, spinach and tomatoes in a serving bowl. Add the dressing and toss. Add fetta if desired. Serve warm or cold. . [PJP]

We’d love to hear your favourite healthy recipies!Send them to us at letters@essentialchild.com.au

As a mother of four, Fiona Chandler knows the joys of raising children and has many a pearl of wisdom to share. The following is her list of things every parent should know, from a woman who found out the hard way.

1. Your child will at some stage bite a glow stick.

Do not panic or scream. A long drink of water is the best idea, but only once your little one has shown everyone else. If the glow stick has leaked on your child’s sheets, be prepared that the bed will look like an alien exploded in it. Funny, yes. Washable no.

2. Always carry a cloth nappy and baby wipes in the car until your kids are at least 10 years old.

You will use these on many occasions and will often be the most popular mother in a carpark or side-of-the-road toilet stop. Do not be too precious about the state of the cloth nappy. You will bin it, trust me.

3. Carry extra socks at all times.

For some reason, even inside shoes socks end up wet or muddy just as you are on your way to church, Great Auntie Ethel’s or a bushwalk.

4. Old water is still water.

You will look at the water bottle knowing you filled it up yesterday – or if you’re honest, maybe a few days ago – and hand it to your little one anyway. ‘I’m

thirsty’ is a lot more powerful than old water ever will be.

5. An apple peel a day…

The recommended daily allowance of three pieces of fruit for busy mothers will include:

1. The apple peel Master 3 won’t eat. 2. The mushy banana chunk left on

Miss 1’s hand (there are never bins around when you need them).

3. The bruised bit you bit from a week-old pear.

Chant to yourself “at least I am healthy” whilst consuming.

6. Be a little crazy and have fun.

A game of hide and seek will give you joy and more energy to get on with the rest of the household stuff. 15 mins of fun goes along way. But do not get sidetracked and leave a child hiding in the laundry cupboard for longer than 10 mins. It will not make them trust you next time.

7. Nude is fun.

Children love to get nude. Anytime, any weather. Cold isn’t the problem. Just keep an eye out for hot slides and seats.

8. You don’t have to be Wonder Woman.

No one expects you to simultaneously produce happy kids, baked cookies and a ‘Home Beautiful’ house. Take the pressure off yourself and relax. A happy mum equals happy kids.

Glow sticks, old fruit and nudity...Tips for parents

12 essential child

Larry Pryor Lic. No. 407 488 183

0418 666 253Monday-Friday 8am-4pm(After hours by arrangement)www.prioritylocks.com.au

Mention Essential Child when you ring for 15% off all locks, parts and labour!

“Your fast and friendly mobile locksmith”

Possums’ Den is a small community-based, not-for-profit early childhood

centre specialising in the preschool years (3-6). We have a passion for providing

a best-practice program in an attractive caring environment.

Open 8am-6pmNow taking enrolments for 2011

8 Earl St, Coffs HarbourPh: 6652 5066

Come in now to experience the atmosphere of the centre

Possums' DenPreschool

•Laughter has a positive effect on cardiovascular and respiratory systems, similar to exercise

•Children laugh about 400 times a day. Adults laugh an average of 15 times a day

•Laughter relaxes the muscles and helps the immune system

•Laughter reduces pain and stress

•Laughter helps promote a positive outlook

•Laughter burns calories! Researchers estimate that laughing 100 times is equal to 10 minutes on an exercise bike or rowing machine. Laughing can be a total body workout

•Laughter can be infectious. It can make others smile and feel happier

Source: In Kidsafe: The Humour Foundation, whose core project is the ‘Clown Doctors’.

Visit— humourfoundation.com.au

Facts about laughter from KidSafe

Pram walk & talk A program for mothers and carers of preschool children and babies.

Commence at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery and walk to the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, every 3rd Thursday of the month. Meet 10am at the gallery

Bring baby, toddlers, prams, baby back packs & a friend.

The focus will be on the seasonal offerings of the gallery & gardens.

Bookings appreciated Ph. Sue on 66484861/3

Thursday October 15thFocus on children’s creativity and cycads. Morning tea by donation at the gallery.

Thursday November 19thEMSLA ( Eutick memorial Still Life Prize) explained and spring in the gardens.

Thursday December 17thMums, grandparents and children make a Christmas card in the gallery then stroll to gardens maze to finish with Gardens coffee and cake.

12 essential child

13essential child

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Connect, Share, Learn, Grow, ProsperAn Interview with Louise from Skout Trade Fair

To make the decision to give up full-time paid work to become a parent is often a difficult one. Many people – particularly women – are finding that starting a small business from home is a good solution. But time management and motivation are often the biggest challenges. How do you stay focussed on your goals when you have a toddler pulling at your sleeve and the school run to do?

Louise Donnelly-Davey, founder of Skout Trade Fair, is one woman who has made it work and she’ll tell you the answer is passion. Find something you love doing and you’ll find the time and the focus to achieve anything. We had a chance to catch up with Louise recently and she shared her vision with us.

Age? I’m 36 … but often feel like I am still 15. I can’t believe I am old enough to have a gorgeous husband, three beautiful kiddies and a thriving business!

Location? Queenstown, New Zealand – home of the Bungy Jump.

Tell us about Skout Trade Fair. What, why, who, where and when? Once I had given up the corporate world to have children, I decided that I never wanted to go back, so started a children’s clothing design business, GiGi Designs. When I first started, the one thing I kept at the forefront of my mind was to be open with my ideas - to talk to others in business about where I was and wanted to go and to ask tonnes of questions, to ask for help and to ask for advice. I quickly built up a network around me of like-minded mums in business. I called this group the WENI’s - Womens Entrepreneurial Network Inc! It was a group of local mums who were just as passionate as me, who had young children and who were new in business.

At the beginning of 2008, I made the decision to sell GiGi and move in a different direction, and that’s when I started Skout. Skout Trade Fair is my dream. It’s an online network for people in the kids products industry where members can share ideas, be supported and motivate each other. Now I help other people succeed! It’s a culmination of years of trials and ups and downs in business. Skout is about a new way of doing business, of information sharing, of acknowledging that we can all do better if we share and support each other.We’ve grown to 2,000 members in just one year.

What inspired you to start Skout? The desire to help other people fulfil their dreams

What did you do before Skout? What didn’t I do? A degree in Criminology, Masters in Public Policy, worked in corporate NZ in new Ventures. And drawing pictures when I was 5 and selling them to neighbours for profit.

How many children do you have? 3 gorgeous cherubs ! 7, 5 and 3 years old.

Hectic household or tranquil abode? Would love to say tranquil abode – but who am I kidding? We have a 3 year old! Our family works well together. My husband is extremely supportive and we share all aspects of parenting and household management. He’s a great cook!

How do you manage your workload around parenthood? I love what I do, so manage to fit it all in.

You maintain such a strong presence on Skout. How do you stay motivated to write your updates to members, run competitions, reply to members’ emails? We receive a huge amount of feedback from members who have been helped by what we do here at Skout. It’s easy to do my job when we see such outstanding results.

What’s your idea of a perfect day? Decaf Soya Latte and Sunday magazine in bed, pancakes with the kiddies, a family picnic in the sunshine, lots of hugs and laughter. And wine!

What advice do you give to anyone who is thinking about starting a home business? Be generous - of spirit, of time, of ideas, of advice, of yourself, your heart, your mind. Share your thoughts, your ideas, your goals. Open yourself up to others in the same fields as yourself and you will benefit ten fold from the synergy formed.

Share your ideas. They are no use to you in your head- they need space to breathe, to limber up, to stretch out and develop. If you do not discuss your thoughts and ideas with other for fear of people copying, or stealing your ideas - you will not grow! If you have an idea, discuss it.

You will soon see it develop and unfold before you. Think collaboration, not competition.

Help others. Use your talents to help others in business. It will come back to you ten fold and in unexpected and delightful ways. That email that you help write for a friend may mean the world to her and be easy for you. A year on when you need a graphics artist... voila. She is there.

Enjoy what you do. Keep in mind why you are doing this. If you are like me, you are driven by the need for a creative outlet. It makes you happy and fulfilled, makes you who you are. I think your business is an extension of yourself in these creative fields. It expresses your thoughts and individuality. Share your joy with others, know that if you are truly happy in your pursuit you will be a better mother, wife, partner, daughter, sister, and friend. Make it your goal to be truly inspired by what you do and share the love, baby!

Any favourite quotes? “Do something for someone else every day and expect nothing in return.”

Who inspires you the most? My children.

Skout Trade Fair turns one this month and to celebrate Louise is giving away some amazing prizes. Visit www.skouttradefair.com to find out more.

[SJR]

Photos by Amanda Keeys Photographywww.amandakeeysphotography.com,

Krickets & Run Scotty Run.

Is yours aCharlipop’s Kid?

www.charlipopkidsworld.com.auA designer kids clothing boutique

bursting with colour and affordable prices

inCOFFS HARBOUR

Unit 1-2, 26-28 Orlando St,Jetty Business Centre Coffs Harbour NSW

10-4 Mon-Friph 02 6651 9621

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CPK Essential Child Ad - Oct 09-FINAL.pdf 1 1/10/2009 9:53:30 AM