Author: Julie Lankow

As a mum of two boys, I have had the pleasure of being Editor for Kidspot NZ throughout their childhood. My hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at my own jokes, accidentally revealing my age during quizzes, and never taking anything too seriously. Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Road Trip Bingo

Posted on by Julie Lankow

For your next road trip, keep the kids occupied with road trip bingo!

Kids in the car sometimes have a tendency to drive you a little bit round the bend! Arguments over seating arrangements, constant requests for snacks and neverending toilet stops can make longer journeys a challenge. Keep them busy with a game of road trip bingo.

Printable road trip bingo cards

Simply print off a card for each player and distribute them to the kids with a pencil. First to spot something shouts out that they’ve found it and ticks it off their card. Everyone else has to wait for another of that item to appear. When someone has a line complete (either horizontal or vertical) they sing Jingle Bells (it’s just a lot less crash-inducing than someone shouting BINGO!). On long journeys you can try and fill the whole card.

If you want to reuse the cards, laminate them and use a whiteboard marker to tick them off.

Click the image below for a printable PDF version.

Road trip bingo

More bingo cards

For a variation, the cards below have different things to find on each card. There are two games per card so just cut them in half after printing.

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her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Create A Backpack Station

Posted on by Julie Lankow

What do I love about school holidays? Not tripping over my kid’s school bag. Not being late because they couldn’t find their homework. Not wondering how their sunhat has disappeared … again!

Keeping kids organised during the school year may sound like a lost cause but it can be done. One of the best tips is to create a “backpack station”. Basically, it’s an area in your home where the backpacks, school shoes, homework, etc can be stored, making it easy to find everything for the school day. A place for everything and everything in its place, right?

Where to put your backpack station?

Positioning the backpack station near the door is the most common and practical place so the kids can kick off those shoes and dump their bags as they enter the house (and vice versa). If you drive for the school run it may be more practical to have it near the door to the garage.

Available space will have an influence on where you ultimately set up your backpack station and aesthetics can play a part too. As we don’t have a lot of space by our front door, my backpack station is inside my kitchen pantry which makes it easy for grabbing lunch boxes and I can hide it all away out of view.

What a backpack station needs

How basic or grand you make the backpack station will depend on the space you have and your budget, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a tidy and practical space. Some of the things you can include are:

  • Hooks or cubbies for backpacks (low enough for the kids to reach them)
  • Hooks for raincoats and jackets
  • Storage for shoes
  • Storage for hats, swimbags, PE uniform, etc
  • Bench or seat for putting on shoes
  • Drawer or tray for homework and school notices
  • Blackboard or noticeboard for reminders

Personalise it

You can give each child a dedicated space or use communal boxes for shoe storage, etc. Add some personal touches like an initial letter or name above their backpack hook and dress up the area with a framed piece of your child’s artwork or a family motto.

A handy tip is to put up a before and after school checklist so the kids can see at a glance what they need to do, ie empty the lunch box, put homework in tray, etc. This gives them some personal responsibility and means you don’t have to repeat yourself every day.

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her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

SunRice Baby Rice Cereal

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Product trial

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

4.5 out of 5: Kidspot parents would purchase SunRice Baby Rice Cereal again and would recommend it to their friends and family.

A good choice for baby’s first food – new SunRice Baby Rice Cereal

Starting your baby on solid foods is an exciting milestone in their development. All babies are different, so wait until your baby is showing a number of signs before starting them on solids. Your baby may seem hungry after breastfeeding or formula feeds and they may make chewing movements and reach out when seeing you eating.

Most babies start solids between 5 and 7 months of age. It is recommended by the Ministry of Health, Plunket and the World Health Organisation to wait until 6 months before starting your baby on solids.

Baby rice cereal is recommended as a first food for infants by Plunket* and the Ministry of Health** as plain, smooth and soft foods are good for getting your baby used to solids.

Introducing SunRice Baby Rice Cereal

SunRice Baby Rice Cereal is a new smooth rice cereal your baby will love:

  • Available in two delicious flavours: Original and Mixed Vegetable
  • Provides a good source of iron to support your baby’s healthy growth and development, as part of a healthy, varied diet
  • No added sugar and no artificial colours or flavours
  • Made with at least 99% Australian rice
  • Available in 125g resealable pouches

For more information, visit sunrice.com.au

Read the reviews for SunRice Baby Rice Cereal

We gave members with babies aged 5 to 10 months the opportunity to trial and review SunRice Baby Rice Cereal. See their photos below and scroll down to read more reviews.

Smooth and creamy. Easy to mix with both fruit and vegetables. Packaging great with the easy resealable top. Baby loved both flavours. Would definitely buy again.

Dharris

My 7 month old tried the SunRice Baby Rice Cereal today for the first time and she loved it and ate every last drop! She prefers her foods to be more smooth so the texture was perfect for her as we have found some other brands aren’t smooth enough for her liking.

Sdownes09

My son had the plain one as a base for the stew we ate for dinner and he ate it all.
He had the veggie one by itself and loved it, it’s great to see a veggie product as a lot of baby food is fruit based.

Nadiacoffey

To make it a bit easier I’m going to add an old formula scoop to the bag so I know how much cereal to add (also easier if someone else is making her food for her, eg I can just say add 1 scoop or 2 with 50ml formula to get the right consistency). I love that it’s got no added sugars and has no artificial flavour but is a good source of iron to help her developing body.

Hahasally

The mixed vege flavour smells very pleasant, makes me want to eat it myself.

Lyshajean

So easy to mix, lovey and smooth and so easy for baby to eat. Great to have the added iron. We will be using this SunRice Baby Rice Cereal again and again. It is good that it also comes in the vegetable variety, with carrots, sweet potato and pumpkin that is an easy way to introduce these vegies.

Amber

Usually with other brands he will only eat it with another flavour added but I love with this there was the choice for mixed veges and he loved it just as it was. This makes it so much more convenient when we are on the go as we don’t have to worry about taking something to add into it.

hourtneywho

My 7 month old son absolutely loves his sun rice baby rice! We mix our with breast milk and he devours it every time! Thank you so much for this amazing product! We will be looking out for it at the supermarket!

Aharper

Reviewer notes

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment. Upload your review photos to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive 1 x 125g resealable pouch of either Original flavour or Mixed Vegetable flavour.
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to post photos of the products as part of your review

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile.
  • Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
  • Not registered yet? Then sign up now.
  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible plus supply a review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name, postal address, and contact phone number will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the product.
  • Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

*https://www.plunket.org.nz/caring-for-your-child/feeding/solids/introducing-solid-foods/

**https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/food-activity-and-sleep/healthy-eating/food-related-choking-young-children/developing-chewing-and-swallowing-skills/introducing-different-food-textures-6-7-months

Don’t Let a Rip End in R.I.P This Summer

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Summer has arrived and Surf Lifeguards want to make sure every Kiwi makes it home after a day at the beach. Rip currents (“rips”) are one of the most dangerous elements on New Zealand beaches and Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) Chief Executive, Paul Dalton, says it’s vital for every Kiwi to memorise the “Three Rs” for surviving a rip before heading to the beach this summer.

“Recent data tells us rips are one of the main causes of incidents and fatal drownings on New Zealand beaches. It’s also worth noting that, over the last 10 years, 39% of fatal drownings in the coastal environment (up to 1km off shore) occurred on surf beaches, which are notorious for rips” advises Dalton.

What is a rip?

A rip is a narrow body of water moving out to sea like a river. These currents are caused by complex interactions between the ocean – such as tides and swell – and the shape of the seabed.

“The bigger the waves coming into the beach, the more water that has to move back out to sea, so the stronger the rip,” says Dalton. “Rips pose a risk to swimmers because they can quickly take people out of their depth and cause them to panic when they realise they can’t swim against the current. People often fear they’ll be taken right out to sea, even though rips normally end at the edge of the surf zone.”

How to spot a rip

SLSNZ National Coastal Safety Manager and seasoned Surf Lifeguard, Dr Mick Kearney, says there are several things beachgoers can look for to help identify a rip, including calm patches in the surf.

“A patch in the surf with fewer breaking waves might look safe to swim in, but this is often a clear sign that a rip is present,” says Dr Kearney. “If you see areas of deeper, darker water, or a rippled surface surrounded by smooth water, think of it as a river within the surf. Also look out for anything floating out to sea or foamy, discoloured water flowing out beyond the waves. The discoloration is created by the current picking up sand in the water as it moves out to sea.”

Dr Kearney says the location of rips can be difficult to predict – some recur in the same place but others can appear and disappear suddenly and without warning. He says that, while rips are particularly common around rocky headlands, beachgoers should always err on the side of caution.

“The surest way to avoid getting caught in a rip is to stay out of the water if you’re unsure of the conditions or your own physical limits,” says Dr Kearney. “Choose a lifeguarded beach where possible and always swim between the red and yellow flags – Surf Lifeguards are constantly monitoring the conditions and won’t put flags out where a rip is present.”

If you get caught in a rip, remember the 3 Rs

RELAX and float to conserve your energy: Stay calm, relax and float. The rip will not pull you under the water and is just taking you for a ride offshore. Try to fight the urge to swim back to shore against the current – this will use up energy that you need to stay afloat until help arrives. Most people can float for a lot longer than they can swim!

RAISE your hand to signal for help: Signal for help by putting your hand up to attract attention from lifeguards, surfers or someone on the beach who can get help.

RIDE the rip until it stops, and you can swim back to shore or help arrives: Remain floating until the current weakens. Many rips will circulate and bring you back into shallower waters closer to the shore where you may be able to stand. Only if and when the current has subsided, and you are sure you can swim to the nearest point on the shore, should you attempt to swim to safety.

Dalton says it’s important for Kiwis to get familiar with broader beach safety advice as well. Together with their partner DHL, SLSNZ have developed an online game that is not only fun but reinforces key beach safety messages.

“Most fatal drownings are preventable and following key safety advice is an important tool for keeping your loved ones safe at the beach this summer,” says Dalton.

Article written by Kidspot NZ with information provided by Surf Life Saving NZ

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Review: New Zealand Apple Products

Posted on by Julie Lankow

The selection of products available from New Zealand Apple Products are definitely the pick of the bunch.

New Zealand Apple Products use amazing processes to create a range of convenient and enticing fruit-based snack products.

  • Made with New Zealand fruit
  • Gluten-free
  • No sulphites, preservatives, additives, or artificial flavour
  • No added sugar
  • 100% natural

The New Zealand Apple Products range includes Freeze-Dried, Air Dried, and Pouch options. I put a selection of products to the test in my busy family kitchen.

Apple Chips & Apple Rings

How often do you pop a nice crispy apple into the school lunch box only to open it later that afternoon and find that the kid has taken two bites out of it! Been there, done that, right? Apple Chips and Apple Rings are the ideal solution.

Apple Rings are made with 100% baked apples and have a wonderfully sweet, moreish texture. Apple Chips have that little bit of crunch that everyone loves from a packet of chippies – with none of the guilt! Lunch box or snack portioning is easy as these nibbles keep for ages, even after the bag has been opened.

Fruit Noodles

New Zealand Apple Products havea  fruit leather range in three flavours: Apple, Boysenberry & Apple, or Blackcurrant & Apple. Made with 100% fruit and shaped into flat little noodles, this is an easy way to add fruit to the lunch boxes or to pop into a container for an on-the-go snack. They’re tangy and chewy and you have to stop yourself from eating the whole bag in one go!

Fruit Hitz Pouches

These were the biggest hit in our house – with both the kids and the adults! Available as Apple Sauce, Baby Fruit Purées or Fruit Flavoured Purées, these are the perfect snack size and are so simple to throw in a lunch box or sports bag for a post-match snack.

The Apple Sauce was an inspired ingredient in my apple and banana loaf, keeping it wonderfully moist.

The Fruit Flavoured Purées come in four flavours – these are smooth and oh so good! The Mango and Strawberry flavours were absolutely delicious and the Summer Berry was beautifully refreshing. We resisted the urge to scoff the Tropical flavour just long enough to pour it over cookies and cream ice-cream for dessert heaven.

Fruit Medley

The freeze dried Fruit Medley is a mixture of apples, gold kiwifruit, strawberries, blueberries, and boysenberries. The tang takes a little getting used to but this is a selection that would go well on a grazing table or party platter. Team them with a cool natural yoghurt dip for the perfect combination. I like that the bag is reasalable for sneaky snacking!

Follow New Zealand Apple Products on Facebook or Instagram or find out more on the New Zealand Apple Products website.

For the purposes of this review, our Editor was provided with a complimentary selection of New Zealand Apple Products.

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her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

10 Ways To Unspoil Your Kids This Christmas

Posted on by Julie Lankow

At the same time that we spoil ourselves and our loved ones, we often bemoan the ingratitude of our children. We feel that they’re spoiled. We wish they’d look beyond themselves and stop making Christmas all about “me, me, me.”

With this in mind, here are 10 tips for ‘unspoiling’ your children this Christmas.

First off, focus on others

1. Focus on service

This year one family I know is baking dozens of cookies and visiting the local police station, ambulance station and fire station to drop off some Christmas cheer. The family want to thank the people who work to keep us safe. Others I know love to visit the local RSPCA with supplies or donations, drop food, books, and toys into a women’s shelter, or donate a goat or chicken (or money for a well) to one of the many overseas charities that help those who are impoverished and in need.

2. Focus on your neighbourhood

Who are the people in your neighbourhood? Perhaps an elderly widow could do with a hand in her yard. ‘Tis the season for fast-growing grass and gardens. Perhaps someone has just gone through a tough separation, and could do with a Christmas hamper to ease the pain (financial and emotional) that Christmas might bring.

One of our favourite things to do is to host a neighbourhood Christmas party. We invite all of our neighbours for a barbecue and to sing carols. Every year, we are asked for the date in advance so people can be available!

3. Secret Santa drops

Our children’s favourite Christmas activity is playing “knock and run”. We select a handful of people we want to give something to each year. It might be a teacher, a friend, a coach or church leader. We wrap their parcels (often home-made treats), write thank you cards and drive to their home. After parking out of sight, we sneak to their door, place their gift on the doorstep, and bang on the door before sprinting for a hiding place. Then we watch with delight as someone gets an unexpected, anonymous Christmas surprise. (It can be hard to do this well with six children and we’ve often been caught – but it’s always fun.)

Next … focus on the children

4. Give something exciting

The reality is that our children DO want to get something exciting at Christmas. So pick something great for them (within your budget), and help them enjoy it. A decision to not get anything can leave them feeling resentful, particularly when they see everyone else ‘getting’.

5. Reduce the quantity of their gifts

Some children receive gifts from everyone. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and even siblings are all expected to buy for everyone. This not only costs a fortune, but it can overwhelm children and leave them expecting more and more. Invite extended family to contribute to one meaningful gift, rather than lots of bits and pieces.

6. When opening gifts, take time to savour them

Savouring is the magnifying, or amplifying, of a positive experience. When the children open a gift, give them time to savour it. Encourage them to play with it. Let them breathe in the excitement of the moment, rather than ripping into the next package and flinging their gifts aside.

7. Experiences are better than things

One of the most remarkable findings from positive psychology research is that spending money on experiences brings more happiness than spending money on ‘stuff’. Perhaps a family holiday will be more memorable than yet more toys?

In a similar vein, gifts that encourage relationships are better than gifts that promote isolation. A new iPad might be fun, but it may lead to introversion (and fights). It might be better to purchase some games that require the family to interact, or perhaps some boogie boards for summer fun together.

8. Rather than gifts, give letters

One year for Christmas I contacted my siblings and asked them to give me 10 memories of special times with Dad. With six children, we had a total of 60 memories, each written on separate pieces of coloured paper, and rolled up into mini-scrolls and placed into a jar. Dad opened the jar and looked at us, perplexed. He reached in and pulled out the first note. He read it and chuckled. Then it dawned on him that there were 60 notes from his children. He dipped his hand in again and read. Then he began to weep. The rest of that Christmas morning, he read, cried, laughed and reminisced. It was a meaningful, wonderful gift that cost nothing but meant the world.

9. Encourage the children to write thank you notes

Boxing day is a great day to take stock of gifts and say thank you. Invite your children to write thank you notes to those who gave to them, saying specificallywhy they’re grateful. Sincere thanks takes time – but it is a wonderful way to help the children show appreciation.

Finally, give the most valuable gift you can …

10. Give the gift of time

There may be no gift more appreciated by our children than time. It costs so little, yet is so hard to give generously. But when we give of our time generously, all the material desires of our children have fade away.

This Christmas, unspoil your child by reducing the emphasis on materialism, crowding out the crass commercialism of ‘getting’ with sincere, compassionate giving. It can make your Christmas truly memorable.

Article originally published by Kidspot Australia.

Anmum PediaPro 3 Toddler Milk

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial4.56 out of 5 – Kidspot mums would purchase Anmum PediaPro 3 Toddler Milk again and recommend it to their friends and family.

star rating 5

Anmum PediaPro 3 – keeping up with curious toddlers.

Anmum is a product from Fonterra, so it’s made by big Kiwis for little Kiwis!

Anmum PediaPro 3 Toddler Milk is specifically made for toddlers aged over 12 months and designed to complement what they eat during the day. Your toddler is an active little person – playing, exploring and getting up to mischief – so it’s important to make sure they are getting the nutrition support they need.

Sugar can come in so many hidden forms, sometimes in places you wouldn’t expect. That’s why Anmum PediaPro 3 is the ONLY toddler milk that has no added sugars*. It only contains lactose, the sugar that is found naturally in milk, which means it tastes great too.

Anmum PediaPro 3 contains prebiotics and probiotic DR10™ plus 16 essential vitamins and minerals to help support the active and curious mind of your growing toddler.

*NZ Market Data May 2020

RITM0294884

For more information, visit www.anmum.com.

Read the reviews below!

We’ve given 30 members with toddlers aged 1 to 3 years old the chance to trial Anmum PediaPro 3 Toddler Milk. Watch this space for reviews!

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment. Upload your review photos to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive 1 x 900g tin of Anmum PediaPro 3 Toddler Milk.
  • JOIN the Mums Say NZ Facebook page and keep an eye out for review updates
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to post photos of the products as part of your review

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile.
  • Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
  • Not registered yet? Then sign up now.
  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible plus supply a review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name and postal address will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the voucher only.
  • Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

See photos from our reviewers below

New Zealand Apple Products

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial4.4 out of 5 – Kidspot mums would purchase New Zealand Apple Products again and recommend them to their friends and family.

star rating

New Zealand Apple Products have been producing innovative snacks for almost two decades.

Knowing how important it is for you and your whole family to have a good balance of nutritious foods and healthy products in your diet, they have developed various fruit-based snack products with some of the most amazing processes to create a unique and yummy experience for everyone.

  • Made with New Zealand fruit
  • Gluten-free
  • No sulphites, preservatives, additives, or artificial flavour
  • No added sugar
  • 100% natural

New Zealand Apple Products

The New Zealand Apple Products range includes Freeze-Dried, Air Dried, and Pouch options.

Air-Dried products include Apple Chips and Apple Rings, made with 100% baked apples. These have an incomparable and exquisite texture, combined with the taste of beautiful hand-picked sweet apples. There are also Fruit Noodles – fruit leathers made with 100% fruit, shaped into small noodles for an easy way to eat on the go or add to lunchboxes. They’re available in three flavours: Apple, Boysenberry & Apple, or Blackcurrant & Apple.

Pouches are a new addition to the range and are available as Apple Sauce, Baby Fruit Purées or Fruit Flavoured Purées. Fruit Flavoured Purées (Fruit Hitz) are a healthy snack for those who prefer a nutritious alternative to satisfy their sweet cravings. Fruit Hitz are convenient for parents to include in children’s lunches or as natural snacks. Fruit Hitz pouches can also be used as a baking ingredient for many sweet or savoury recipes.

The Fruit Hitz range has four different yummy flavours; Mango, Strawberry, Tropical, or Summer Berry – they are super smooth and delicious. Fruit Hitz are made from high quality apple puree from seasonal apples grown in the sunny picturesque Tasman region.

Fruit Hitz Baby Fruit Purées

Baby Fruit Purées are the latest addition to the range of New Zealand Apple Products. There are five different yummy flavour combinations made from 100% natural fruits that your baby will find not only super smooth but delicious and hard to resist. They make an exceptional healthy and affordable snack for babies and kids. These natural profiled products are a great choice to introduce your little one to solid food.

Baby Fruit Purée pouches are available in five delicious flavours (90g each):

  • Apple, Banana, Strawberry & Raspberry
  • Apple, Banana Pear & Golden Kiwifruit
  • Apple, Banana, Pear & Mango
  • Apple, Banana & Blueberry
  • Banana, Apple & Pear

Follow New Zealand Apple Products on Facebook or Instagram or find out more on the New Zealand Apple Products website.

Read the reviews

We’ve given 100 members the chance to trial New Zealand Apple Products. Read the reviews below.

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment. Upload your review photos to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive 1 x pack of either A or B.
  • A) Snack pack including Fruit Hitz Dried Apple Chips 30g bag, Fruit Noodles Boysenberry & Apple 30g bag, and Fruit Hitz Tropical Fruit 90g pouch, OR
  • B) Fruit Hitz Baby Fruit Purées including one of each of the five pouch flavours
  • JOIN the Mums Say NZ Facebook page and keep an eye out for review updates
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to post photos of the products as part of your review

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile.
  • Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
  • Not registered yet? Then sign up now.
  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible plus supply a review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name and postal address will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the product only.
  • Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

See photos from our reviewers below!

LEGO® DUPLO® Truck & Tracked Excavator

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

5 out of 5: Kidspot parents were pleased with the LEGO DUPLO Truck & Tracked Excavator and would recommend it to their friends and family.

Build it! Break it! Play & Learn with new the LEGO® DUPLO® Construction range!

The LEGO® DUPLO® Truck & Tracked Excavator (10931) encourages little builders to explore endless open-ended play. As your toddler acts out imaginative construction-site scenes with the toy truck, digger, and construction workers, they develop valuable physical and cognitive skills that last a lifetime. Join in to play with them and enjoy the fun as they scoop up creativity and smash it all down to start again – LEGO® DUPLO® is build to withstand the real way that toddlers play! It all adds up to a happy little human.

Build Happy

With two construction-worker minifigures, a truck with a tip function and an excavator with a rotating digger, toddlers and parents have all they need for endless creative play. Kids develop their fine motor skills as they manoeuvre and operate the vehicles to carry out various construction-site tasks. Build it … There are toy boulders to scoop up into the truck. Break it … but watch out, the boulder can easily split open!

The play benefits of LEGO® DUPLO®

The range of LEGO® DUPLO® Construction playsets has been designed to provide pre-schoolers with toys that stimulate and satisfy their developmental needs. Sets can be combined to increase the play benefits.

  • Parents and pre-schoolers can act out construction-site stories together as they explore open-ended play.
  • Share developmental milestones with your little builder as they join in the imaginative construction-site fun. Fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities develop as kids operate the vehicles.
  • Construction playsets are packed with features and functions to stimulate and inspire the minds of curious kids.
  • No batteries needed. LEGO® DUPLO® playsets are powered by kids’ imaginations – so the hands-on, creative fun never ends!
  • Comes with clear instructions to help maximize the fun from the moment they open the box.
  • LEGO® DUPLO® playsets are designed to entertain, stimulate, and inspire the minds of pre-schoolers. With familiar scenes, fun characters, and toddler-friendly pieces, they unleash young imaginations with open-ended play.

The LEGO® DUPLO® Truck & Tracked Excavator playset includes 20 pieces. The pieces include:

    • 2 x construction-worker minifigures
    • 1 x push-along truck with a tip function
    • 1 x push-along excavator with a rotating digger
    • 1 x toy boulder that kids can open up
    • 2 x grey system blocks

Find out more at https://www.lego.com/en-nz/product/truck-tracked-excavator-10931

Upgrade your Truck & Tracked Excavator to the LEGO® DUPLO® Wrecking Ball Demolition – see the video below for more reasons to join in and play with your little one. Available here; https://www.lego.com/en-nz/product/wrecking-ball-demolition-10932

Watch the reviews below!video

We’ve given 30 parents or carers with a child aged 1 to 4 years old the chance to take part in our LEGO® DUPLO® Truck & Tracked Excavator video review.

  • If you have received product for review, please check your email inbox (and your spam) for instructions. Upload your video review to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive:  1 x 10931 LEGO® DUPLO® Truck & Tracked Excavator
  • Please note that a video review is mandatory
  • JOIN the Kidspot NZ Product Trials page and keep an eye out for review updates

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile.
  • Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
  • Not registered yet? Then sign up now.
  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible plus supply a video review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name, postal address, and contact phone number will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the product only.
  • Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

Watch video reviews from our trialists below

Veet Easy-Gel™ Legs Wax Strips

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial4 out of 5 – Kidspot mums were pleased with Veet Easy-Gel™ Legs Wax Strips.

star rating

It’s time to get those legs ready for the summer ahead! Veet Easy-Gel™ Legs Wax Strips make it easy to achieve smooth, hair-free legs with minimum fuss.

Veet Easy-Gel™ Legs Wax Strips for Normal Skin:

  • Gel formula with Easy-Gel™ wax technology that flows around and actively grips the shortest hairs (1.5mm), not the skin
  • Removes the hairs from the root, for long lasting smoothness
  • Achieve great results from the very first time (even for those inexperienced with wax strips)
  • Formulated with a touch of shea butter and acai berries scent
  • Available in packs of 20 along with two Perfect Finish wipes

Achieve great results in just four easy steps:

  1. Carefully peel the strips apart using the outwards rounded tabs.
  2. Apply one strip to your skin in the direction of hair growth. Rub a few times in the direction your hair grows to make sure the wax adheres well.
  3. Hold your skin taut. Grasp the tab, and pull the strip back on itself as quickly as you can, against the direction the hair grows. Pull the strip back in one swift motion, close to the skin rather than away from it.
  4. After waxing, clean away any wax left on your skin with a Perfect Finish wipe.

Find out more at Veet.co.nz

Read the reviews below!

We’ve given 100+ members the chance to trial Veet Easy-Gel™ Legs Wax Strips.

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment. Upload your review photos to this Dropbox folder.
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Spring Activities To Get The Kids Outside

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Now that spring has arrived, get the kids outside for fun and laughter with these crafts, gardening activities, and games.

Spending time outdoors is important for our kids development as well as their wellbeing. Reintroduce the great outdoors as the ultimate playground with these ideas!

Craft ideas

These crafts are a great way to encourage the kids out into the garden while engaging them in fun arts and crafts.

Make a flower crown

Remember lazy spring days as a kid picking daisies and buttercups? This flower crown craft is a beautiful way to show off garden blooms.

Bird friends

Upcycle a used milk bottle into a cool bird feeder to offer some snacks for the local wildlife.

Make a stepping stone

Create personalised garden stepping stones to lead the kids through the garden and on to adventures! These stepping stones can be decorated with hand or footprints, patterns, inlaid decorations, or anything you can imagine.

Make a sand saucer

Kids from rural schools will remember making sand saucers when they were younger. Choose an old shallow dish, pop in some sand or florist foam and decorate it with flowers and leaves from the garden.

Welcome in the fairies

Create a a magical spot in the garden especially for fairies! Kids will love to create this miniature fairy garden with a sweet little bench seat and mailbox for their postcards and letters.

Gardening activities

OK, no one likes to do the weeding, but there are plenty of other fun ways that kids can get involved in the gardening.

Sensory gardening

Help kids to explore and play outside by creating an environment that is both safe and encourages imaginative play. A garden with sensory aspects in mind can help kids to use all of their senses.

Make a scarecrow

Don’t let all your hard work go to waste! Grab some old clothes and make a scarecow for the veggie patch.

Plant a gumboot garden

Here’s a cute and colourful idea. Re-use old kids’ gumboots as planters for a colourful display of flowers on the deck or patio.

Grow cherry tomatoes

A lot of kids love cherry tomatoes – probably because they look a lot like a sweet little treat. Grow your own in the garden or pots for a summer-long supply of instant snacks.

Make a pizza garden

Kids love pizza – so what better way to encourage them to plant and care for their first herb and veggie patch than with their very own pizza garden that will supply them with some tasty toppings.

Grow a sunflower

Sunflowers are the ultimate plant for kids to grow. They grow pretty fast during the summer and kids will love to see if they can encourage their sunflower to grow the tallest of all!

Outdoor play

Memories are made in the backyard once the sun’s out and the play begins!

Scavenger hunt

Give a kid a challenge and they’ll be engaged for hours. A scavenger hunt is a great way to get the kids outside whilst discovering nature.

Time for a tea party

Throw a table cloth over an outdoor table in a shady spot and decorate your backyard with balloons or paper chains. Set up a tea party for your child and a few little friends with a toy tea-set (be sure to include favourite teddies on the invite list).

Traditional toys

Bring back the classics! Teach the kids to hula hoop, skip, play hopscotch or elastics.

Old school games

Traditional games like tag, capture the flag, and stuck in the mud have entertained kids for years – perfect if you have a few kids visiting or a large family.

Set up an outdoor play table

For sand castles, water play, mud pies, or bubble blowing, an outdoor play table can be an easy way to add a fun element to the backyard.

Backyard bowling

Create your own ten pin bowling alley at home with this simple activity.

Make a teepee

Train snowpeas, sweetpeas or beans up bamboo stakes and once it’s grown you will have your very own natural teepee for secret garden meetings! If you can’t wait that long, make your own teepee with this guide. Giving different areas of your garden their own special character, like a teepee, a sandpit, a fairy garden, etc, can encourage kids to explore and use their imagination.

For more kids gardening activities and games, visit the Yates.co.nz website for inspiration.

See more:

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Tips To Get Your Kids Into The Garden

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content

Whilst Kiwis will remember 2020 for the year we banded together against COVID-19, many of us are also finding solace in our gardens, or in fact are embracing gardening for the first time. And of course, we’re also trying to get our kids out there in the garden with us!

So the team at Yates (many of whom have gardened with their own kids for years) have pulled together some top tips for successfully getting your children out of their bedrooms, off their devices, and outside enjoying the great (or small) outdoors.

Grow plants your kids want to grow …

Very closely followed by … grow fruit or veggies that your kids want to eat! This applies to grown ups too, but if you start with brussels sprouts your chances of successfully growing a future gardener are slim. Here’s our list of popular “kid-friendly edible plants”:

  • Carrots – baby, purple, or a Kiwi favourite such as Yates Manchester Table Carrots are reliably a hit with kids.
  • Peas – so easy to grow and so delicious to eat straight from the garden. Try Snow Peas where you can eat the shell and all.
  • Corn – kids love it when the stalks grow taller than their heads. To grow corn you will need a bit of space in a sunny veggie patch. For an interesting twist on yellow corn, you could try Yates Pop Star! Strawberry Popcorn. This is a really special, old-fashioned type of corn, that grows cute little cobs shaped like ruby-red strawberries. You can sow these seeds in your garden, and wait for corn cob ears to grow on the stalks. Then harvest the corn cobs and let them dry out. When they’re dry, you can make your own yummy popcorn.
  • Potatoes – harvesting them is like a treasure hunt. Plant in a container, so kids can dump it out and really dig in to find the potatoes.
  • Cherry tomatoes – sweet bite-sized tomatoes that kids will love to eat! Compact varieties are perfect for pots and can be ready to pick in as little as 10 weeks.

You don’t need a big garden, to garden

Many kids enjoy starting off with pots. Our top plants for pots include:

  • Blueberries
  • Cucumbers (you can train them up bamboo stakes)
  • Dwarf beans
  • Bite-sized tomatoes
  • Tasty red capsicums, such as Yates Capsicum Corno di Toro (sweet red horn shaped)

Don’t forget flowers

Flower can brighten your day, but also they attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies which gives your kids a chance to learn all about why we need them in our garden to help pollinate our veggies and fruit.

Try these popular kid-friendly flowers:

  • Yates Magical Creatures Fairy Flower Mix – find a special place in the garden to sprinkle these seeds like fairy dust, and you’ll be rewarded with magenta, rose, violet and lilac hues with blooms through most of the year. Check out the video below for extra inspiration on creating your very own fairy garden.
  • Sunflowers – go for the traditional or look for something a bit different such as Yates Little Ted Fluffy Sunflowers (a bushy, short-growing sunflower with super fluffy pom pom flowers). Or if you prefer your sunflowers TALL, then try out Yates Ginormous Flowerzilla. The FlowerZilla hybrid is absolutely gigantic and can grow up to 5m tall – but is a very hungry feeder, so make sure to fertilise heavily.
  • Zinnias – vibrantly coloured flowers that make a lovely posy. All you need is a sunny spot out in the garden, scatter the seed and mix gently into the soil.

Inspire the kids (young and old!) with this awesome fairy garden activity.

For more info on all six of the new Yates Kids seeds, visit Yates.co.nz/products/seeds/fun-for-kids

For more inspiration on projects, word finds, games & experiments check out the kids gardening section of the Yates website.

Article provided by Yates

What’s your child’s favourite gardening activity?

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Adding A Splash Of Colour To Your Tot’s Room

Posted on by Julie Lankow

If your little one’s room is lacking a bit of style, adding a splash of colour can freshen it up.

Painting an entire room is a big job, especially when kids outgrow the room or the colour in no time at all. But by adding splashes of colour you can easily update the decor in your tot’s room. Explore these ideas for a bedroom makeover.

Make a wall a feature

The obvious way to add colour is to break out the paint brush and get to work on those walls. While one colour all over the room is simple, you could choose to paint just one wall as a feature (less paint is good for the budget).

Alternatively, add some interest and a bit of unique styling with painted panelling.

Colour plus

Adding a colour feature is an effective way to create a unique style in a bedroom while keeping the style predominantly neutral.

There’s no need to stick to straight lines – an angled colour change across a wall can look very effective and geometric patterns are cool for kids rooms. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, create your own mural.

When you simply can’t choose a colour!

This is a neat idea from Resene to create a unique mobile for your child’s room, whether you’re still in the process of choosing a colour, or you simply want a unique decorative item!

“Simply order A4 drawdown paint swatches in your favourite Resene colours, cut them into organic shapes, punch a hole and string them up – voila!”

Colourful and practical

Storage is so essential in a kids room but it doesn’t have to be boring. Think out of the box (geddit?) by upcycling storage like old toy boxes.

This stack of beautiful suitcases is ideal for storing clothes or toys.

Over the top

Ceilings don’t have to be white. Painting the ceiling of your little one’s room can add colour to a neutral palette and after all, whilst they’re little, they’re going to spend quite a bit of time staring straight up!

Accessorise

Bedcovers, pillows, baskets, picture frames, and painted furniture can all bring in splashes of colour to add warmth and interest to a room.

Try not to go too crazy with the colours – choose from a similar colour palette to create a calming aura. In this image the pretty pink polka dot paint on the walls is complimented by the sorbet orange and mustard yellow colours of the accessories.

Create your own splash

Testpots are an easy way to find that perfect shade of … whatever you choose! Here, candy colours pop off of the black background of a simple art design.

Canvas is available from craft retailers for you to easily create your own masterpiece.

Easy art

If you’re artistically challenged, choose a colourful print and pop it in a frame for instant style. Baby animals are always a hit with tots. Alternatively, use a print of a favourite family photo with plenty of colour like a beach scene or bush walk.

Paper fans, bunting, wall hangings, and dreamcatchers can be bought or homemade to add some easy personal style.

See more:

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

More Green Time, Less Screen Time

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Article written by Jagrut Lallu, Optometrist and founding member of the Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Working Group.

We have all experienced significant change to our daily life during 2020 – some change we have embraced and some has been challenging. Now we all have an opportunity to create a ‘new normal’ that works for each of us and our families.

Giving children less time on devices and more outdoor time, plus more frequent breaks from screens, is an area that we now have the opportunity to improve as we start to live in a COVID-19 environment.

An increasingly digital world

Screen time has unavoidably become a big part of everyday learning and interaction, especially during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. It has had huge benefits in helping us to communicate and stay in touch. However parents are often not aware of the association with low levels of outdoor activity1 and associated factors including low levels of light exposure2 and prolonged near tasks such as reading and screen time3 which may influence the development of myopia.

What is myopia?

Myopia is a common eye condition that causes blurred distance vision which usually starts during childhood and typically progresses until a child stops growing.

Myopia is rapidly becoming a serious public health concern in New Zealand, yet research shows that 69% of New Zealand parents (with children up to 17 years old) do not know what myopia is, and only 12% of parents recognise the eye health conditions that their children might develop later in life from child myopia. The eyes grow from birth through to adulthood. If parents can start to instill good visual habits, like they do dental habits, it may help in the long term to reduce the growing rate of myopia globally.

The importance of outdoor play

Lifestyle factors including low levels of outdoor activity4 may influence the development of myopia.

More research is needed to determine if it is to do with the intensity or brightness of the light or the distances that children focus on, but what is proven is that there is a link between outdoor time and its benefit to a child’s myopia development.

Given that outdoor play is free, “more green time less screen time” is a timely reminder for moderation in an increasingly digital world.

What can parents do to help reduce the likelihood of their child developing myopia?

There are two main factors which can mean your child is more at risk of developing myopia: lifestyle and family history.

The likelihood of developing myopia, particularly high myopia increases when one or both parents are myopic5 However, the exact link between a family history of myopia and development of childhood myopia remains uncertain6

You can’t influence genetics but parents can feel empowered when it comes to lifestyle factors.

Top Three Myopia Busting Tips:

  1. More green time less screen time!
  2. Build in regular breaks from devices – every twenty minutes remind your child to have a break for at least twenty seconds and look out a window to something at least six metres away7
  3. Talk to your local optometrist about all of the options to stop your child from having to change glasses prescriptions as frequently.

Finding balance

The world after lockdown needs to include some thought on all aspects of how we live our lives. One thing that it has taught us all is that there needs to be a balance. We have embraced technology in a huge global experiment for how we work, now is an opportunity to extend that to how we want our children to grow up. The Optometrist’s goal is to educate on a number of eye health topics. Myopia is one of these topics – if we think about how we are interacting with our environment i.e. more time outdoors less screen time we can influence the number of times glasses need to be changed in the future.

By 2050, it is estimated that more than 50% of the world’s populaton will have myopia and 10% or almost 1 billion will have high myopia8 If we all encourage daily play time outdoors we have an opportunity to halve that. Each time a prescription for short-sightedness increases in strength there is an increased association with serious eye conditions later in life, including an increased risk in permanent sight loss9. However action can be taken to manage myopia. Starting a conversation with your local optometrist is a positive first step.

To find out more visit www.childmyopia.com or download a free copy of the report The Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Report – A Focus on Future Management.

1 He M, Xiang F, Zeng Y et al. Effect of Time Spent Outdoors at School on the Development of Myopia Among Children in China: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2015; 314:1142-1148

2 Read SA, Collins MJ, Vincent SJ. Light Exposure and Eye Growth in Childhood. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2015: 56(11):6779-6787

3 Ip JM, Saw SM, Rose KA, Morgan IG, Kifley A, Wang JJ, Mitchell P. Role of Near Work in Myopia: Findings in a Sample of Australian School Children. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 2008:49(7):2903-2910

4 He M, Xiang F, Zeng Y et al. Effect of Time Spent Outdoors at School on the Development of Myopia Among Children in China: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2015; 314:1142-1148

5 Lim LT, Gong Y, Ah-Kee EY, Xiao G, Zhang X. Impact of parental history of myopia on the development of myopia in mainland China school-aged children. Ophthalmology and  Eye Disease. 2014;6:31-5

6 Ip J, Huynh S, Robaei D, Rose K, Morgan I, Smith W, Kifley A, Mitchell P. Ethnic differences in the impact of parental myopia: Findings from a population-based study of 12-year old Australian children. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2007:48:2520-2528

8 ibid.

9 Fricke TR, Jong M, Naidoo KS, Sankaridurg P, Naduvilath TJ, Ho Suit SM, Wong TY, Resnikoff S, Global Prevalence of Visual Impairment Associated with Myopic Macular Degeneration and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysys and Modelling. Br. J Opthalmol, April 2018

The Australia and New Zealand Child Myopia Working Group is a collaboration of leading optometrists and ophthalmologists. The Working Group’s aim is to set a recommended standard of care for child myopia management, in order to slow progression of myopia in children.

Working Group members are: Dr Rasha Altaie, Ophthalmologist, Auckland; Luke Arundel, Chief Clinical Officer, Optometry Australia, Melbourne; Jagrut Lallu, Optometrist and Immediate Past President of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of New Zealand (CCLSNZ), Hamilton; Margaret Lam, Optometrist and National President of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia (CCLSA), Sydney; Dr Loren Rose, Paediatric Ophthalmologist, Sydney; Andrew Sangster, Optometrist and Board Member of New Zealand Association of Optometrists, Wellington; Chair – Scientia Professor Fiona Stapleton, School of Optometry and Vision Science UNSW, Sydney.

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Transitioning A Kids Room From Toddler To Teen

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content provided by Resene

As your child’s personality develops, their room can become more of a reflection of their individuality and tastes. Discover how to transition their room from toddler to teen with colourful inspiration.

Themes are a really fun way to define a kid’s space. Try to pick things that they’ll likely enjoy for a few years rather than just the flavour of the month. Sometimes more generic themes will work better than ones based on pop-culture. Look beyond TV and movies to imaginative worlds of jungles, deserts, sea, space, animals or royalty for inspiration.

Toddler …

Paint: Walls in Resene Bone, Floor in Resene Blanc, Bed in Resene Cashmere, Toy Box in Resene Sante Fe, Book ledges in Resene Kalgoorie Sands, Bedside cabinet in Resene Sante Fe, Pendant light in Resene Moccasin, Kids Round table in Resene Sante Fe and stools in Resene Moccasin, Peg hook hanger in Moccasin.

Picking paint colours

Often, a second opinion is invaluable at this stage for picking the right paint colours that will change the space to make it truly theirs. It is fun to have your child’s involvement too, and taking them for a visit to a Resene ColorShop can be of great benefit. Start with small projects and look for ways your kids can help out.

Creamy off-whites and dusty peachy pinks, while trendy, are an easy colour to use in a little girl’s room that can still be made to look cool as they get older. Walls in Resene Bone and a floor in Resene Blanc make the ideal starting point for this transitional colour scheme and a great base to start building up layers of desert and sunset-inspired hues, such as the pendant light, coat hooks and stools in Resene Moccasin and the toy box, bedside cabinet and play table in Resene Sante Fe. When the room’s owner gets a little older, you can swap out the kiddie furniture for something more mature, such as a cane mirror in Resene Just Dance, a cane chair in Resene Kalgoorie Sands and a vase painted in Resene Twilight.

Furniture that grows with them

Flexible furniture, either in its ability to transform from one thing to another or for its multi-tasking qualities, can also be a great investment during this phase. When your child has grown out of their cot, wooden bunk beds are perfect for freeing up floor space and can be painted to suit your child’s personality. As your child gets older, simply lose the bottom bunk and add a study nook underneath the top bunk.

Children love their privacy, too, and often enjoy having their own hideout. Bunks can easily convert into forts with a few blankets and boxes. And in the transition to a teenage bedroom, they will probably appreciate that privacy all the more. This unique house-shaped bedframe painted Resene Cashmere would make for the ideal fort when your child is young and can then be draped with gauzy fabrics to create a canopy as they grow.

Teen room …

Paint: Walls in Resene Bone, Floor in Resene Blanc, Bed in Resene Cashmere, Pendant light in Resene Moccasin, Cane table in Resene Moccasin, Cane mirror in Resene Just Dance, Cane chair in Resene Kalgoorie Sands, Vase painted in Resene Twilight.

Co-ordinated storage

To get your child organised, incorporate plenty of shelving and storage. Wooden crates are easy to stack and don’t take up too much room, while box or honeycomb shelves make a fun DIY painting project and can be arranged in different patterns on the wall. When your child is very young, lipped shelves in Resene Kalgoorie Sands can be used to display favourite story books. When they’re a bit older and have outgrown the traditional toybox, underbed storage boxes painted to match their colour scheme can help keep small possessions tidy and out of sight. We used Resene Moccasin, Resene Just Dance, Resene Twilight, Resene Sante Fe and Resene Apache to dress up a set of wooden boxes so they co-ordinate with the theme of the room.

Testpots to tie it all together

When you and your child have agreed on a colour scheme, pick up a few Resene testpots in colours that coordinate with their walls, floor, furnishings and bedding and let them paint up something especially for their space. The abstract ‘palm tree’ was painted onto a round canvas painted Resene Sorbet in Resene Moccasin, Resene Kalgoorie Sands, Resene Just Dance and Resene Cashmere while the sunset banner was creating using a cut piece of blank canvas painted Resene Sante Fe, Resene Moccasin, Resene Cashmere and Resene Apache stapled around wooden dowelling and hung up with a length of wool. They’re the finishing touches that tie the space together.

For more information on this activity, colour inspiration and accessories, visit Resene.co.nz

Article provided by Resene. Styling by Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by Melanie Jenkins. 2019

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Inspire Play With A Painted Road In A Kids Room

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content provided by Resene

When you love playing with cars, the world is your motorway! Help pave the way for creative play by using paint and masking to turn your kid’s bedroom or playroom into a whole world for them to explore.

The grassy lower walls and floor in this room are painted in Resene Highland while the road is in Resene Shark with dashed lines in Resene Broom and the mountains are in Resene Trojan with snowy caps in Resene Bubble White. To keep the space feeling light, the sky is in Resene Saltpan. The upper shelves are painted Resene Java with clouds beneath in Resene Bubble White.

Add a splash of colour on shelves and accessories

The lower shelf is in Resene Japanese Laurel, the chair is in Resene Anise, the toybox is in Resene Sebedee with a lid in Resene Broom, the hooks are in Resene Broom and Resene Bubble White, and the plant pots, bowls and vases (from left to right) are in Resene Broom, Resene Shark, Resene Japanese Laurel, Resene Anise, Resene Sebedee, Resene Bubble White, Resene Java and Resene Sebedee. Even the peg pedestrians have been painted to match in Resene Sebedee, Resene Broom, Resene Japanese Laurel and Resene Java.

Magnetic magic!

To add another dimension of play, the grassy section of the wall has been given two basecoats of Resene FX Magnetic Magic. Attach strong magnets to the back of other plywood shapes or small wooden toys – cars, trees, buildings, letters and numbers – and your kids will spend countless hours playing out stories on their walls. To make things even better, if you choose Resene FX Chalkboard Paint or Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen as the base for your tinted topcoat colour then the surface also works as a chalkboard. Simply wipe it clean with a damp cloth anytime your children want a blank canvas for drawing.

Fast lane bookends

Kids have a special superpower. When they see a simple shape, they don’t just see a square, circle, rectangle or triangle – they see a robot, flower, spaceship or tree, and all they need is a bit of paint to uncover its true form. A helpful adult can help make a few simple cuts using a jigsaw, scroll saw or similar tool to create basic shapes out of plywood and help to sand down any sharp edges. Just wipe away sawdust, then the real fun can begin!

With just a couple of plywood squares and rectangles, toy cars and Resene testpots, you can put a pair of boring bookends on the highway to fun. We painted ours in two coats of Resene Shark, allowing time to dry in between. To speed things up, you can always use a hair dryer to put the drying process in the fast lane.

Once your basecoats are dry, use high quality masking tape to create the dashed centre line. Simply find the centre of your rectangle, apply strips of masking half a centimetre on either side, then use perpendicular strips of masking to create the gaps in between. We painted our dashes in Resene Broom. While your roads are drying, paint a few wooden or diecast vehicles using Resene testpots in your favourite colours. We used two coats each of Resene Sebedee, Resene Untamed and Resene Mystery for our cars.

Once everything has dried, use quick bond glue to attach your road sections to the back of your metal bookend and each other so your shapes create an ‘L’ shape. Then, glue the wheels of your vehicles onto your roadways so that they appear to be driving up and down your bookends!

For more information on this activity, colour inspiration and accessories, visit Resene.co.nz

Article provided by Resene. Styling by Laura Lynn Johnston. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2020

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Setting Up Your First Family Veggie Garden

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Since our first lockdown home veggie patches have really taken off! Growing your own veggies is not only a great way for the family to enjoy the outdoors together, it will also save you money, and encourage the kids to try new foods.

Setting up your first family veggie patch may seem daunting if you haven’t lifted a shovel before but it doesn’t need to be complicated.

Do some research

A little bit of planning and research before you launch into planting will help you to be more successful from the get go. Read up on what you can grow in your area (think about temperatures, frosts, and dry conditions). And consider the season that you are planting in. Our seasonal calendar of easy to grow edibles is a great place to start. Don’t forget to let the kids choose a couple of things that they would like to grow too.

Growing from scratch

The cheapest way to grow your own veggies is using seeds, even those you have cultivated yourself from the veggie scraps. However, it can be a long process to grow edibles from seed so including some already sprouted seedlings in your planting is a great way to keep the kids interested as they can see progress right from the start.

For DIY seed trays, egg cartons, eggshells, old ice cube trays, newspaper shaped to form a “cup”, toilet rolls folded at the bottom, and paper cups are just some of the things that can be used. You just need something that can allow some growth and hold the dirt in while being able to drain any excess moisture away. Be sure to poke a few holes in the base and pop a waterproof liner or container underneath then pop them in a sunny spot inside. Kids will love to see those first signs of a plant sprouting! If the seed container is compostable then all the better as you can plant your seedlings straight out into the garden without disturbing the root system. Just make sure you loosen up the base of the container to let the roots start growing straight away.

Setting up your patch

For the veggie patch, find a spot in your garden that isn’t too close to where kids or pets like to play. A sheltered area with a combination of full sun and some shadier spots is ideal. Always check the plants that you are wanting to grow for the conditions that they require. Dig up the soil to break it up – one to two spade depths is sufficient – and remove any weeds. As long as you add some good compost to the soil you don’t need to add anything extra but some potting mix or general fertiliser can help. Plants like strawberries and tomatoes will appreciate some feeding throughout the fruiting season – just check with your garden centre for what’s best.

Any patch of dirt can be turned into a veggie patch but raised beds are great backsavers if you are able to include some. They help to keep the soil contained so that little gardeners aren’t quite so messy with their weeding too! Creating paths between your veggie beds can help harvesting and weeding, allowing you to reach all the plants (and weeds). Start with a small patch and work your way up so you’re not overwhelmed.

Don’t forget that you will need a nearby water source. Be mindful of water restrictions during our Kiwi summers – a tank to collect rainwater may be ideal for your eco-friendly patch! Talk to your local council to find out more.

If you don’t have space for a garden bed, there are lots of veggies that love to be grown in pots, especially tomatoes, capsicums, and herbs.

Plants that grow tall like tomatoes and capsicums will need some staking for support. Just pop a stake in and gently tie a sturdy section of the stem to it. Remember to leave some room for growth. You can use a few garden canes and string to create a trellis for plants like beans and peas to grow up.

A low maintenance garden

Maintaining a veggie patch can be a wonderful way to spend time together with the kids, learning about growing food and discovering new tastes. It can also be hard work on those days when you just don’t have the time or energy! Here’s a few things to consider to make your veggie growing a little bit easier.

  • To help keep weeds down and retain moisture, add mulch around your plants.
  • Having newly planted seedlings kicked over by digging cats, beautiful cabbages covered in caterpillars, or delicious strawberries nicked by the birds can be frustrating. Netting can help to keep the replanting and bug picking to a minimum.
  • Slugs and snails do not care that you want your garden to be organic so unless you’re intending on watching the veggie patch constantly some form of control is required. Traps are available if you’re not keen on pest control chemicals.
  • Perpetual plants are your best friends! Plants like loose leaf lettuce, kale, spinach, herbs, capsicums, tomatoes, rhubarb, and fruits are great because you only have to plant once and then by taking just what you are using that day the plant will (most of the time) keep producing for a whole season.

Investing in a few essential tools will also make gardening more pleasurable. A child’s set for the kids will encourage them to get involved. All you need to get started is a shovel and garden fork for digging and turning soil over, a cultivator for weeding, a trowel for planting, and a watering can or hose. Garden gloves, scissors for cultivating, and a kneeling pad are also helpful. Instead of a wheelbarrow I recommend a four-wheeled garden trolley as they are easier for the kids to use. I also prefer a large bucket to put my weeds in rather than a bag that blows away in the first breath of wind!

Rotate!

Don’t be tempted to plant out two dozen of the same plants all at once – unless you REALLY like that veg! For things like cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage it’s best to plant a few at a time (mixed combos are great for this) and then a few weeks later plant again so that you have a rotation of plants that are almost ready and those that still have some growing to do.

Try and try again

Not every veggie will grow successfully in your garden, no matter how much attention you give it. Others will thrive and you will learn which do better and which are best avoided.

Have you started a veggie garden or are you looking to start one? What would you like to grow at home?

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her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Your Guide to Home Composting

Posted on by Julie Lankow

If you’re not already home composting then you’re missing out on great, organic fertiliser for your garden and an easy way to reduce your rubbish.

Growing our own veggies has taken off in a big way recently. And those veggie plants love nothing better than some fantastic compost to give them nutrients for healthy growth.

Starting a compost bin

To get started, there is an array of compost bins and setups that you can choose from. Your local hardware store or garden centre is a good place to check out what will work best for your needs. Choosing one with a lid can help keep the pests away and speed up the process. Alternatively, you can build your own using a large plastic bin, or create a simpler open compost “heap” with some old pallets or fence panels.

Pop your compost bin into a sunny position in the garden, preferably close to your veggie patch for convenience. You also want it to be accessible for adding in more waste.

In order for compost to be created successfully you need a blend of nitrogen, carbon, air and water. The nitrogen comes from kitchen and garden waste. The carbon often gets overlooked but can be easily added by tossing in used paper towels, shredded newspaper, or leaves and twigs. If your compost looks too dry, sprinkle on some water. And if it looks to wet, throw in some shredded newspaper.

If you want to be using your compost quite quickly, then cutting down scraps etc to smaller pieces will help the process. It’s also helpful to mix or “turn” your compost every week. Once you get that earthy smell and the compost is broken down to a dark brown colour you’re good to use it on the garden.

Having more than one compost bin lets you use the compost from one while the next load of compost is being prepared.

What goes in and what to leave out

Basically, anything organic that isn’t going to attract unwanted pests is fine to go in. Things like meat and bread are too much of an attraction to rats so it’s best to leave those out. Dairy products and oils have a tendency to become rather stinky so leave those out too so you can avoid needing a peg on your nose every time you go into the garden.

What to put in the compost

  • Vegetable and fruit peelings and scraps
  • Cut grass from the mower
  • Plant prunings
  • Cardboard and brown paper bags
  • Eggshells (not eggs though)
  • Nut shells
  • Leaves
  • Tea leaves, coffee grounds and filters
  • Clean paper, paper towels, shredded newspaper
  • Hay or straw
  • Wood chips or sawdust (as long as you know it wasn’t treated)
  • Home compostable packaging

What to leave out

  • Meat, fish, or bones
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs
  • Bread and baked goods
  • Rice or pasta
  • Oil or fat
  • Pet waste
  • Plants with disease or insects
  • Weeds
  • Any plant that has been treated with a pesticide
  • Plastic
  • Stickers from fruit
  • Glossy paper

Using the compost

For new beds, dig a 10cm layer of compost into the soil and mix well. For established beds, you can spread a 5cm layer of compost over the soil and the worms will get to work and mix it in. Always wear gloves and a dust mask when working with compost and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.

Top tips for composting

To help make your compost successful you need to get the whole family on board to help add the right scraps etc. As you know what your family usually eats or uses around the home, creating an easy to read family “cheat sheet” of what can be put in the compost can help.

Utilising a kitchen scraps bin is the easiest way to get into the habit of composting. You can purchase ones with a carbon filter to block the smell. I just use a small plastic bin with a flip lip that hides under the kitchen sink when not in use and gets emptied every other day. Putting a piece of kitchen towel in the bottom not only makes emptying the bin into the compost easier but can also help to achieve a good level of carbon without too much forethought.

Remove the stickers from your fruit peels before they go in the compost as those things never seem to break down!

Do you use your own compost in the garden?

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her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

The (Almost) Anxiety-free Guide To Leaving The House With A Newborn

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Leaving the house with a newborn may sound pretty easy – until you’re handed your first precious bundle!

In the confines of your home with everything you need around you and your partner/mum/friend available for any questions/dramas/shopping needs, you may begin to relax into this parenting thing as the days since your baby’s birth tick by. But eventually, through necessity or desire, you are going to have to leave the house with your baby.

I remember the first time I took my baby out in a baby carrier. Or rather, the first time I TRIED to take my baby out. I spent two hours trying to figure out how to get baby in the carrier, only for him to need a nappy change as soon as he was in (poonamis are not good for baby carriers!), and then it was feeding time so I gave up. The next day I did manage it after creating a bullet-point plan of attack so that was a two day effort to walk two minutes down the road. Um … yeah.

Nevertheless, as with anything, you eventually do get better with good planning and practice.

Your first outing

Now, when I say outing, I mean literally the first time you step out of the house with your baby to somewhere other than the letterbox. Make the first outing a simple one.

Take a stroll around the block with baby in the pram or baby carrier. All you need to remember is your phone, your keys, and a muslin cloth. Muslin cloths are so versatile – use it for just about any eventuality including wiping up milk or sick, shielding baby from the sun or wind, or to play peekaboo. Even if your walk takes just ten minutes, you’ve done it!

The next outing

Choose a destination that you’re comfortable with for your first proper outing. Whether that’s to a friend’s house, your parent’s house, or to the local shops, or any familiar surroundings so that you haven’t got navigation issues to add to the mix.

Pack a bag with the essentials – start big and pack for every scenario but over time you will work out what you do and don’t need.

Make sure you’ve tried out your equipment beforehand. Do you know how to get your pushchair up stairs? Can you open/close the pushchair? Do you know how to fit it in the boot of your car? Do you know how your child restraint works?

Choose a time of day when baby is most settled and, if you can, feed baby before you leave to give you a bit of a headstart. If you’re worried about breastfeeding in public remember that you don’t have to but if you prefer to cover up, practise doing this before your outing. Think about what you will wear too to make breastfeeding easier.

Don’t forget personal things like a change of breastpads and a bottle of water – look after your own comfort as well as that of your baby.

A muslin cloth makes a great cover over your baby carrier or pram to keep the cheek-squeezer public at bay.

If at all possible, take someone with you for moral support (and to do the heavy lifting). However, the first time that you do the outing on your own you will feel an added sense of accomplishment.

What’s the most overwhelming thing about leaving the house with your baby?

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her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

What Do I Say? Ideas For Talking To Your Baby

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Talking with your baby is a wonderful way to help them develop language and communication skills. But having a tiny human hanging on your every word can be a little daunting when you think you have nothing to say!

When a baby hears different words they develop their understanding of language. The more they hear, the more they understand and eventually learn to use. Language skills can then impact on reading and comprehension, setting your baby up for a great start in life.

Knowing we should talk to our bubbas is one thing. Knowing what to say is another. You may feel self-conscious about waffling away to someone who doesn’t even seem to be aware of what you’re talking about (though this does prepare you for when they become a teenager!), especially if you aren’t sure what to talk about or you’re out in public.

But talking to your baby can happen anywhere and at anytime – so we’ve put together some pointers to help you think about what you would like to talk about and how to help baby develop communication skills later on.

Talking to your bump

Before your baby has even made their way into this world, you can talk to your “bump”. The conversation is very one-sided but from around 23 weeks your baby can begin to hear sounds from outside the womb and create an attachment to the sound of your voice. It’s a beautiful way to begin the bonding process.

Talking to someone you can’t even see may feel a little odd so having a natter in the supermarket aisles or on the bus while surrounded by strangers probably isn’t the way to go. Instead choose moments like having a relaxing bath, whilst rubbing moisturiser on to your bump, or having a quiet moment with your partner.

Things to talk about:

  • Tell baby where you are and what you’re doing – ie, “We’re taking a walk through the park near our house” or ” We’re off to visit Grandma.”
  • Point out sounds and sensations – ie, “Do you hear the birds chirping?” or “Can you feel the warmth from the water?”
  • Talk about other family members – ie, “Your big brother can’t wait to meet you.”
  • Sing! You don’t need to be a diva, just sing along to your favourite songs, either with or without the music on.
  • Read to your bump. Grab a favourite book or poem and read away.

Talking to your newborn

If you’ve been chatting away to your bump for a couple of months, the next step of talking to your newborn will be a natural progression – now you finally have an audience you can see! Although it may seem you’re the only one involved in these conversations, remember that your baby is listening and learning (for at least some of the time) even if they aren’t making eye contact.

Things to talk about:

  • Carry on some of the talking points from the baby bump section including reading and singing.
  • At this age your baby is with you pretty much 24-7 so talk to them about everything that you’re doing – folding laundry, cooking dinner, etc.
  • You are your baby’s favourite play thing so if they “googoo” at you then copy them with a “googoo” back and they will love it!
  • Tell them stories about … anything! Your life experience, your family history, the plot of a movie – it’s all good and doesn’t need to come from a book. As you’re telling the story from your memory you’re able to make lots of eye contact and show more expression.
  • Point out things in the pictures in story books and talk about them.
  • Keep up conversations about other family members – ie, “What do you think Grandma would like for her birthday?”
  • Introduce sound words (easier to say than onomatopoeia!) during playtime, ie animal noises, “mwah” to throw a kiss, or “splish, splash, bang, crash!”

As your baby grows and their communication develops, they will begin to try and emulate your talking with coos, gurgles, and mouth movements as well as smiles, squeals and even grumpy faces. Respond to your baby’s noises to show that you’re listening and encourage their interaction.

Allow your baby the chance to experience conversation too. So, when you ask a question, like, “Are you hungry?” then pause for their response. They may offer nothing, they may just blow bubbles at you, but keep at it and eventually they will understand the cues for conversation, even if it’s just a chortle or a bum wiggle that is returned.

Remember that everybody needs their own personal space at times, so your baby won’t always be in the mood for listening while you talk. If they appear restless or distracted just take a break.

Talking to your older baby

Once your baby becomes more aware of their surroundings, the conversations really start to open up.

Things to talk about:

  • If your child points to something, tell them what it is and add some good detail. For example, if they point to the cat, say, “That’s Muffin the cat. He’s a very greedy cat. What sound does he make when he’s hungry?”
  • If they show interest in something, talk about it and ask questions. For instance, if they see a butterfly, say, “The butterfly has wings so it can fly. What colour is the butterfly?”
  • Talk about experiences that you have had together. For instance, “Remember the last time you went on the slide? You went whizzing all the way down.”
  • When reading together, point out words and letters. For instance, “That’s the letter A. Your name starts with A.” Also use plenty of expression and the sillier the voices, the better (just don’t go too scary!). Ask your baby what they think will happen next, or ask them to point to the cow, etc.
  • In the car, sing songs and rhymes.
  • Describe what your baby is hearing and seeing, how they are moving, the food they’re tasting, or the body part they’re wiggling.
  • As your baby’s conversation skills develop, remember to show interest in their responses even if it makes no sense.

What did/do you talk about with your bump and your baby?

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her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Best Movies To Build Character

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Article provided by Babysits.nz

In order to give parents actionable advice around how movies and film can impact child development, we asked our followers on Instagram to tell us what parenting struggles they dealt with.

We took the most common answers and put together this guide, focusing on how you can use kids movies to help you develop your child’s character!

Learn more about the following topics:

  • Body image
  • Confidence
  • Friendships/relationships
  • Intro/extroversion

Body image

49.14% of the parents indicated that they observed their child(ren) having distorted body images.

Self-image and body positivity is a really important trait for children, and at the same time it can be something a lot of kids struggle with while growing up. Many movies idealise attractiveness, but there are some movies that can help kids understand that they don’t need to fit these expectations and help promote their own body positivity.

Now playing …

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

While not specifically made for kids, it can still be appropriate for older children (12+), telling the story of a girl who doesn’t fit society’s standards of beauty but wins over everyone simply by being true to herself.

Mulan (1998)

While Mulan isn’t thought of as a classic example of body positivity, there are themes that help portray this. Mulan becomes the savior of China, showing kids that they aren’t defined by their gender or body. While at first, Mulan is ashamed of her body, she eventually accepts the differences and is accepted by the emperor and the people she saved for who she is.

The key to raising body positive children

One great way to promote body positivity is to lead by example. Being positive about your own body can help children understand and model similar behaviour. Another tip, although it may seem strange, but not complimenting children for their outward appearance can be beneficial. It can be positive to their own body image to focus more on their character and accomplishments as opposed to their appearance (which they may have little control over).

Confidence

42.31% of participants stated that confidence was their most talked about parenting topic

For many children, feeling like they aren’t good enough is a common theme, and clearly it is something that parents believe is important. While growing up, kids come across plenty of challenges that may make them doubt themselves or lose confidence. Luckily, there are plenty of ways parents can help support their kids and boost their self esteem and confidence. More specifically, among these ways, movies can be used as a helpful tool to model confidence. Take a look at some kids movies that can help provide good examples of being confident with your own abilities.

Now playing …

Harry Potter (2001)

Throughout Harry Potter, Hermione demonstrates her self confidence. Although she isn’t initially accepted for it, her belief in herself and her knowledge saves the day over and over, and displays the value of confidence!

Sing (2016)

Sing! It shows a multitude of characters with different levels of confidence, at the end it shows how even the most nervous, shy characters can be confident and successful!

The key to raising self-confident children

One way to promote confidence in children is to help them actively participate in confidence building activities. This can take on many forms, but a simple and beneficial example is to encourage them to think of three compliments for themselves daily. This will push them to accept their strengths and acknowledge their own positive traits!

Children’s friendships and relationships

30% of parents who responded indicated that friendships and relationships were their most discussed parenting value. 

Developing and maintaining friendships and meaningful relationships is a key aspect of healthy social development for kids. Having healthy relationships helps build bonds between family and friends, especially as children grow older and friendships play an increasingly important role. Luckily, friendships play a key role in many kids movies, so there are enough examples to use to model healthy friendships and relationships for kids.

Now playing …

Charlotte’s Web (2006)

Charlotte’s Web shows the difficulties of leaving old friends and making new ones as Wilbur has to leave his old farm and adapt to a new environment, forging new friendships. It shows the value of true friendship, standing up for one another and celebrating friends.

Lion King (1994)

Simba, Timon, and Pumba! The Lion King masters a portrayal of healthy friendships, showing that people, no matter how similar or different, can be friends, work together, and support each other.

The key to building relationships

The most important tip (similar to body positivity) is to model positive, healthy friendships and relationships. By being a good friend to others, they learn that this behaviour is normal and emulate it as they grow older.

Intro/extroversion

There are plenty of kids and adults who display more introverted or extroverted personality traits, and even more that fall on the spectrum between. The first thing to note is that neither trait is a good or bad thing. It is important that kids know it’s okay to be more introverted or more extroverted. Luckily, there are several movies that help portray this, focusing on being yourself above forcing yourself to be more introverted or extroverted. Here are some of the best examples.

Now playing …

How to train your dragon (2010)

How to train your dragon follows a young Viking, Hiccup, going on a quest to slay his first dragon. Instead he becomes best friends with the dragon! Hiccup’s character differs significantly from the ‘typical’, boisterous Viking portrayed in the story. He shows many introverted traits, being quiet and shy, and not so fond of battle. But at the end of the day, being his own introverted-leaning self helped Hiccup be the hero of the town!

Inside out (2015)

Inside Out is a great film to use as a tool to discuss feelings with kids. The director even struggled with emotions as a child, which resulted in him being socially isolated during his childhood. He wanted to help other kids who may have the same struggles he had, and he successfully crafted a beautiful film, which explains the impact of emotions.

The key to helping children accept their character

When thinking about whether your child is extroverted or introverted, the most important aspect of parenting is to support them and accept them as they are. Introversion shouldn’t be viewed as a problem, nor should extroversion be seen as a character asset or goal.

Hopefully you now have an idea of how to harness movies to help your kids understand some of the above topics. Interested in learning more about just how movies can impact kids? Check out this article where we asked the experts, “How movies can impact a child’s development“,

Babysits is a platform where parents and babysitters across New Zealand can get in touch and coordinate childcare. It was founded in 2008 by Peter van Soldt, who was motivated by the belief that a truly good childcare platform gives a meaningful solution which simplifies everyday struggles for parents. Babysits is dedicated to empowering communities around childcare, giving parents, babysitters and childcare providers the transparency and authority to make their own, informed decisions regarding childcare.

For more information visit Babysits.nz.

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How Movies Can Impact A Child’s Development

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Article provided by Babysits.nz

Ever wondered how watching different movies can affect your child? We asked some experts and reviewed academic research to see how movies can positively and negatively impact children.

Screen time is the centre of many debates nowadays, and is most commonly discussed with respect to its negative influence on children. The primary form of screen time brought up in these discussions is social media. However there is another form that is even more prevalent, particularly from younger ages – movies and television.

So, we dove into some academic studies and asked an expert in developmental psychology how movies can impact children developmentally.

What we discovered from the research

We read several studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other academic journals. We’ve summarized what the research showed.

The negatives

Overall, the research showed that movies and television can have negative effects on children, spanning from negative health and development effects and language development issues in children under two, to links to obesity, tobacco use, and issues with aggression and attention in older children.

Studies explained that young children’s language development is strongly influenced by and related to the amount of time parents spend speaking to them. Based on this, they proved that vocabulary growth could be interfered with in households with increased TV use. Another study regarding older children, linked media exposure (primarily movies, television, and music) to seven negative health outcomes. This included 80% of 100 studies peer-reviewed showing a statistically significant link between obesity and media exposure.

The positives

On the other hand, there are also some positive aspects of movies for children. Namely, they can provide educational resources, help develop character, expand vocabulary with older children, increase empathy, and promote positive social interaction.

Specifically, evidence shows that children can respond to positive film influence, with regard to stimulation of emotions, empathy, and positive social behaviour. Additionally, movies are an educational supplement to course material in many classrooms and can provide educational value in a historical context, in some cases. Another educational angle, language learning, can also be benefited by film. Language is learned through exposure to comprehensible input, and film provides children with various opportunities to receive this input and develop their language skills (as long as they are old enough to fully comprehend the context or subject matter).

An expert opinion

You may be wondering – why does it matter? If my child is watching children’s movies, they certainly won’t be coming across any inappropriate, development spoiling themes, right? However, many children’s movies contain themes that at second glance are quite questionable.

Take these three movies for example:

To dive deeper into how movies can impact child development, and what this means for parents, we interviewed an expert in the field. Jennifer Harriger, a PhD in developmental psychology who has written about topics such as appearance related themes in children’s animated movies. Jennifer provided some valuable feedback and insight into how children experience movies.

Here’s what she had to say:

Overarchingly, Jennifer does believe, based on her own research and that of her peers, that children can be significantly impacted by film, and it can have a real effect on how they view themselves and the world around them.

Specifically, when asked directly if she believes children are strongly influenced by movies, she answered, “I do. Children identify with and want to emulate the characters that they see on-screen; particularly the characters that they view as attractive, confident, and successful.”

What to do as a parent?

What does this mean for parents however? Do we have to screen every film for every small, implicit negative theme and censor everything that our children watch?

Luckily, the experts think that’s not necessary (or even the best solution!).

While she does believe that, “movies have the potential to shape children’s beliefs about attractiveness, gender-roles, violence, and success, Jennifer doesn’t think any one movie will be a make or break for child development. “Instead I think that it’s a cumulative effect of many messages from many sources (including movies) that influence a child and his or her perspective.”

So, what should you do? How do you make sure children are getting the positive messages from movies and not internalising negative themes? It appears that simply discussing the themes in movies can be really impactful in child development!

Try the movie question guide

In order to help facilitate conversations around movies, we’ve put together this movie question guide. Click on the image for a printable version.

For more information and insights on movies and child development, have a look at our article about the “Best movies to build character“.

Babysits is a platform where parents and babysitters across New Zealand can get in touch and coordinate childcare. It was founded in 2008 by Peter van Soldt, who was motivated by the belief that a truly good childcare platform gives a meaningful solution which simplifies everyday struggles for parents. Babysits is dedicated to empowering communities around childcare, giving parents, babysitters and childcare providers the transparency and authority to make their own, informed decisions regarding childcare.

For more information visit Babysits.nz.

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Lee Kum Kee Slow Cook Sauce for Sweet & Spicy Beef

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Sweet & Spicy Beef is a regional Chinese dish famous for its bold and exciting flavours.

With a punchy mix of sweet and spicy, this Lee Kum Kee Authentic Asian Slow Cooked meal is sure to tingle your tastebuds.

Recipe provided by Lee Kum Kee

Image is for illustration purposes only and is indicative of the product range.

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ManukaVantage

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial4.63 out of 5 – Kidspot mums would purchase ManukaVantage again and recommend it to their friends and family.

star rating 5

ManukaVantage is a healthcare range featuring the exceptional natural healing properties of New Zealand Manuka Oil and premium certified Manuka Honey.

The key ingredients of ManukaVantage have very beneficial healing properties for your skin’s health and your overall wellbeing. The range includes:

Facial Wash with Aloe Vera and Manuka Honey

Contains the combined action of anti-inflammatory Manuka Oil and the antibacterial properties of premium certified Manuka Honey that assists in improving problem skin. This gentle wash unclogs blocked pores caused by the everyday environment and helps to remove bacteria and excess oils, the most common cause of acne and blemishes.

New Zealand Manuka Oil Blemish Gel with Manuka Honey 80+ and Rosehip (40ml)

Contains the combined action of anti-inflammatory Manuka Oil and the antibacterial properties of premium certified Manuka Honey that assists in keeping the skin clear and blemish-free. This acne treatment gel penetrates deep into the pores to absorb excess oils and actively eliminates bacteria, the cause of acne and blemishes.

100% Pure Manuka Oil (10ml)

The Manuka Oil used in the ManukaVantage range has the highest level of anti-microbial activity.

This oil is for the treatment of fungal skin infections, boils, acne, insect bites, cold sores, minor cuts and burns, and is great for nasal congestion.

Antibacterial Spray with Manuka Oil and Manuka Honey (180ml Alcohol-free)

This antibacterial spray contains pure Manuka Oil renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, combined with microbial inhibiting certified Manuka Honey 80+. It can be used on your skin, clothing and on surfaces in the home and workplace.

See more of the range at ManukaVantage.co.nz.

Read the reviews below!

We have given 15 members the chance to trial a selection of products from the ManukaVantage healthcare range.

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a comment. Upload your review photos to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive 1 x Facial Wash, 1 x Blemish Gel, 1 x 100% Pure Manuka Oil, 1 x Antibacterial Spray as shown above.
  • JOIN the Mums Say NZ Facebook page and keep an eye out for review updates
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to post photos of the products as part of your review

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile.
  • Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
  • Not registered yet? Then sign up now.
  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible plus supply a review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name and postal address will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the voucher only.
  • Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

See photos from our reviewers below

Valerie Adams is Barbie’s New Role Model

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Barbie™ has revealed the official 2020 role model for New Zealand as Dame Valerie Adams – a model of empowerment for girls.

Press release follows

Barbie, the most diverse fashion doll on the market, announced an incredible professional sportswoman as an official Role Model for 2020, to continue efforts to close the “Dream Gap”; the time when young girls start doubting their self-value and potential.

In New Zealand, Barbie is honouring four-time World champion, two-time Gold medallist and mother of two, Dame Valerie Adams for breaking the mould for women in sport. One of New Zealand’s greatest ever athletes and one of the all-time best female throwers globally, Barbie is excited to present her with a unique one of a kind doll made in her likeness, the highest honour from the Barbie brand.

Dame Valerie’s amazing achievements

Dame Valerie broke into the international scene by winning the world youth title in Hungary in 2001 and went on to win the world junior title the following year. She has been a dominant force in women’s shotput internationally since 2006.

Dame Valerie was named the World Athletics (previously IAAF) Female World Athlete of the Year in 2014, becoming New Zealand’s first and the first thrower globally for ten years to win such accolade. She currently holds the New Zealand, Oceania, Commonwealth and World Championship records with a personal best throw of 21.24 metres.

Role model

Now a mother of two, Dame Valerie was knighted and awarded a Dame Companion of Order in 2016. She is considered a leader and role model in the Pacific community and continues to compete at the top level.

“I feel very humbled to be the New Zealand Barbie Role Model for 2020. As a mum, it is my responsibility to be a positive role model for my daughter. As an athlete, throughout my career I have been able to reach more young girls all around the world, especially New Zealand – to inspire and empower them to be the best version of themselves. – Dame Valerie Adams, Barbie Shero for NZ, 2020 (She + hero = Shero)

I’m pumped to share today that I’m the New Zealand @barbie Role Model for 2020 💗 As a mum, it is my responsibility to be…

Posted by Valerie Adams on Wednesday, 15 July 2020

When asked, “With two beautiful kids, how important is it to you to show them that anything is possible?” Valerie said:

“It is very important to me.  I want to show them the sky is the limit and to live their own dreams. It’s important to me that they understand in time (they’re both under 3) that whatever they decide to do I will support them unconditionally – I will support them 100%, but I want them to live their lives to the fullest and live their own dreams.” – Dame Valerie Adams

Barbie has announced over 50 Role Models since the inception of the campaign in 2015, including:

  • In 2020, Australian Para-Athlete in Wheelchair Racing, Madison De Rozario; English World Champion Sprinter, Dina Asher-Smith; German Long Jumper, Malaika Mihambo.
  • In 2019, New Zealand Sports Journalist and Presenter, Melodie Robinson; Australian Journalist and Editor, Ita Buttrose AO OBE; and American Actress, Model & Activist Yara Shahidi.

Dame Valerie’s Barbie

Dame Valerie worked closely with the Barbie Design Team – picking out each and every detail of how she wanted her Shero doll to look.

Unfortunately the doll is not for sale – the one-of-a-kind doll was gifted to Dame Valerie. However, globally, Barbie has released more than 170+ diverse and inclusive dolls over the past five years – through fashion, careers, sport and more – in different body shapes, skin tones, eye colours, hair textures etc.

The Dream Gap Project

The Barbie Dream Gap Project is a multi-year global initiative to raise awareness around limiting factors that prevent girls from reaching their full potential. Research* has identified that starting at age five many girls are less likely than boys to view their own gender as smart and begin to lose confidence in their own competence. Cultural stereotypes, implicit biases and representation in media work together to further this issue. In the United States, this has been referenced as the “Dream Gap,” but there are similar trends seen around the world.

*Study conducted by researchers at New York University, the University of Illinois and Princeton University

Follow @barbie and @barbiestyle on social media and join in the celebration using #Barbie #Barbierolemodels #moresportsrolemodels and #YouCanBeAnything.

Content provided on behalf of Mattel, a leading global children’s entertainment company that specialises in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. Mattel create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. Visit Mattel online at www.mattel.com.

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Modibodi Period and Leak-proof Underwear & Activewear

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial5 out of 5 – Kidspot mums would purchase Modibodi Period and Leak-proof Underwear & Activewear again and recommend them to their friends and family.

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Discover Modibodi – the original period undies

With over 3 million pairs sold, Modibodi® is the #1 selling period underwear that has you covered for periods, light bladder leaks, sweat, and other drips.

These are so much more than undies! Modibodi’s reliable protection has led the way since 2013, as a complete replacement for pads, tampons and liners – and a joy to wear everywhere. Made from high quality fabrics, the tech-savvy blend feels snug, silky and dry. So, you can ditch the disposables, feel safe, and even a little sassy for saving the planet. Join the other 9/10 women who would recommend Modibodi to a friend as the most absorbent and comfortable brand on the market!

Modibodi is available in a range of absorbencies to suit your level of protection, day or night. The range includes underwear, swimwear, activewear, as well as maternity and post birth, plus the Red by Modibodi teen range.

Modibodi period and leak-proof underwear and activewear:

  • Minimise odour
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Leak- proof
  • Wash & reuse
  • Available up to size 26

Find out more at modibodi.co.nz.

Read the reviews below!

We gave 15 members the chance to trial Modibodi Period and Leak-proof Underwear or Activewear.

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment. Upload your review photos to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive 1 x pair of Modibodi Period and Leak-proof Underwear or Activewear. Please note that it is not possible to choose a colour for this trial.
  • JOIN the Mums Say NZ Facebook page and keep an eye out for review updates
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See photos from our reviewers below

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How Kids Can Benefit From Superhero Play

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Over the years the characters and costumes may have gotten more complex but one thing remains – kids love superhero play!

It’s almost impossible to keep kids away from the premise of superheroes. They’re on our screens, big and small; they’re on kids’ clothes; they’re even on their lunch boxes. DVDs, movies, games, and TV programmes bring these superheroes into our world and kids love to emulate their favourites.

While it can be a touch unnerving to have your six year old running around the house in a robe trying to use “the force” on anything that moves, there are important learning benefits for this type of play.

Rather than stifling this type of play, engage with your child, understand their interest, and use it as a platform for teaching them about right and wrong, good and evil, real and make-believe.

The benefits of superhero play

When kids dress up as superheroes, or play with figurines or props, they can benefit from these learning outcomes.

  • Storytelling to encourage vocabulary and learning about the world around them
  • Problem-solving
  • Extending their imagination
  • Risk assessment, ie “how can I jump off the couch safely?”
  • Teamwork – every superhero needs a sidekick!
  • Dramatic play lends itself to empowerment and confidence building
  • Empathy – the basis of a superhero is that they protect and help others

For more, visit myece.org.nz.

Which superhero does your child like to pretend to be?

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her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Card Games for Kids

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Card games are a wonderful way to get kids having fun whilst learning. In fact, they may be having so much fun that they don’t realise it’s educational!

Developing skills like counting, pattern-recognition, problem-solving, turn-taking, and focus can all be enhanced with a simple card game.

Here are some of our favourite card games for kids.

Go Fish

Number of players: 2+

Deck to use: Full, standard deck without the joker(s)

How to play:

The dealer hands out five cards to each player. The remaining cards are placed face down in the middle of play (the fishing pile).

If a player has two cards of the same number in their hand, they pair them up and place them face down beside them. The person to the left of the dealer then begins play. Play continues in a clockwise direction.  On their turn, a player asks any other player for a card to complete a pair in their own hand. For instance, they may have an Ace, so they ask, “Mum, do you have an Ace?”. If that person has the requested card they hand it over. The player having their turn completes a pair and places it face down beside them. They then continue to ask any other player for another card, and so on. If the person approached for a card does not have the card that was requested they say, “Go Fish!”. The player who’s turn it is then picks up a card from the fishing pile and the next player to the left begins their turn. If a player runs out of card, they can pick up a card from the fishing pile and continue their turn.

Who wins? Once all of the cards have been paired up, whoever has the most pairs wins.

War

Number of players: 2

Deck to use: Full, standard deck without the joker(s)

How to play:

The whole deck is dealt out to the two players (26 cards each). Do not look at the cards, keep them face down in your hand. Both players begin play by putting the first card from their hand face up in the middle of the table for a battle. Whoever has the highest card wins that battle. Aces are the highest, twos are the lowest, and suits don’t matter. The battle winner takes both cards and puts them at the bottom of the stack in their hand. Play continues like this. If both cards are the same (ie two eights, or two Jacks), then it’s War! Each player puts in a forfeit card (the number on the forfeit card doesn’t matter). Then each player puts down a new battle card. Whoever plays the highest battle card (after the forfeit) is the winner of that War and takes all of the cards (six of them). If the second battle cards are the same, players must forfeit another card and then battle again for the twelve cards!

Who wins? Whoever gets all of the cards in their hand is the winner. However, War can be very long to play! We tend to set a time limit and if no one has won by that time we count up the cards to see who has the most.

Memory game

Players: 1+

Deck to use: Full, standard deck excluding joker(s). For younger kids you may want to reduce the amount of cards you use – just make sure every card has a match to make a pair.

How to play:

Shuffle the cards and lay them out on the table or floor in a grid pattern. The first player turns over one card, then another card, from anywhere in the grid, leaving them face up for all players to see. If the cards are the same number, then the player takes both cards and places them face down beside them as a pair and has another turn. If the cards are different numbers, both cards are turned face down and play continues to the next player. They turn over a card anywhere in the grid. If it matches something they have seen before they can try and remember where the card was and turn over one more card. If they match they take the pair and have another turn. If the cards don’t match, both cards are turned face down and play moves to the next player

Who wins? When all cards have been matched, count up who has the most. This game can also be played solo to test memory skills (or even time it to see if they can beat their prevoius best).

Last card

Number of players: 2+

Deck to use: Usually the full, standard deck without the joker(s). However, to turn things up a notch, we use a bunch of cards made up from part-decks so you never really know how many fives you’re going to get landed with!

How to play:

Deal seven cards to each player and place the remaining cards in a pile face down in the middle of the table. Turn over the top card and place it beside the pile. The player to the left of the dealer then chooses on or more cards to put on the face up card. Cards can be played that match either the number or the suit and multiple cards of the same number can be played together. For instance, if the face up card is the Queen of Hearts, the player can play any Queen or Queens that they hold, ie Queen of Clubs and Queen of Spades could be played together. Or they could instead play any Heart card as well as any cards that match the number on that Heart card, ie Three of Hearts and the Three of Clubs. The Three of Hearts would be played first to match the suit and then any other threes in any order they wish. Play then continues around the table. If a player can not play a card to match a suit or number they pick up one card from the face down pile and they do not put down a card. Play moves to the next player. Some cards have special abilities:

  • Ace – Aces are wild cards that can be played on any suit or number (and you can play multiple Aces at a time). They can not be played on twos or fives (see below). When you play an Ace you can nominate the suit that the next player must play.
  • Two – When you play a two, say “Pick up 2” and the player to the left must pick up two cards from the face down pile as their turn – unless they can also put down a two in which case the next player must pick up four. Any number of twos can be played in sequence and more than one two can be played at a time, so whoever is at the end of the line of twos may have to pick up quite a bit.
  • Five – Fives work the same was as twos above, just say “Pick up 5”.
  • Ten – When a ten is played the next player misses their turn. If two tens are played together, two people miss their turn, etc.
  • Jack – When a jack is played, the play reverses and goes anti-clockwise. When another jack is played, it turns back to clockwise, and so on.

When a player has their turn and is left with one card in their hand (or two or more cards that are the same number), they must say, “Last Card” immediately. If play comes around and they are the first to play their Last Card(s) then they are the winner. If they failed to say “Last Card” they must pick up a card and play continues.

Pig

Number of players: 2-4

Deck to use: Full, standard deck without the joker(s) but see instructions on what to discard

How to play:

Speed

Number of players: 2

Deck to use: Full, standard deck without the joker(s)

How to play:

What are your favourite card games to play with the kids?

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her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

The Importance of Outdoor Play

Posted on by Julie Lankow

The sight of children playing in the streets seems to be long gone in many parts of New Zealand, but the wane of outdoor play also means losing many of the learning benefits.

The great outdoors is one of the oldest play places in the world, where children play some of the most interesting games. Playing outside is less common because:

  • Children tend to spend more time indoors in front of the television or computer and be transported around in the family car
  • Parents worry about ‘stranger danger’ and playing on roads (rightly so!) and tend to prefer our kids to be supervised indoors

Some experts say this “over-sanitised” approach is leading to a rise in learning and health conditions such as dyspraxia, asthma and obesity. Parents should, of course, protect their children by teaching them about personal and road safety, but also find ways of making outdoor ‘free play’ safe.

The fun of outdoor play

Besides being out in the fresh air, one of the big benefits of outdoor play versus indoor play is being free from parental and adult constraints. One theory says all the shouting, jeers, taunts, calls, and rhymes that go on when adults aren’t around actually give children the chance to:

  • Understand complex speech and language patterns like phonology, lexis, grammar and syntax
  • Develop more complex skills around friendships and social engagement

How parents can encourage their kids to play outside

Try these ideas to encourage outdoor play:

  • Encourage young children to play outside at least once a day – even when the weather is bad. Children need to experience all types of weather, so don’t allow bad weather to stop the fun – just dress appropriately.
  • As your child gets older, teach them road safety skills and walk around your suburb with them to help them become streetwise and get to know neighbours.
  • Talk to your child about personaly safety and teach them what to do in an emergency.
  • Look for places where your child can play outside, even if you don’t have a backyard. Think about local parks, skate bowls, school grounds, etc.
  • Kids love it when the rest of the family joins in on the fun – so get involved with a kick about in the backyard or a game of cricket at the beach and they’re more likely to want to play too.
  • Share your favourite outdoor activities from when you were a kid – teach them how to play hopscotch, elastics, or the best way to climb trees.
  • When children are old enough to go out alone develop a protocol: they should always let you know where they are going and with whom; check in regularly with you or other trusted adults.
  • As children get older encourage them to go on ‘everyday adventures’ and to manage risks by practising personal safety.

Written by Kidspot.com.au and adapted for Kidspot NZ

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Norton 360 Premium

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial5 out of 5 – Kidspot reviewers would recommend Norton 360 Premium to their friends and family.

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Norton 360 Premium – the all-in-one security suite

Online cyber threats are more prevalent than most people think and pose a real security risk for you and your family. You can help protect you, and your family’s, privacy and personal information with Norton 360 Premium, the all-in-one internet security suite.

Keeping tabs on what your kids do online requires effort – Norton 360 Premium is here to help

We all know it’s important to protect ourselves while online. But it’s tricky for parents to keep an eye on what their kids are doing on the internet 24/7 and what crazy apps they might have installed – especially when they have their own phone, tablet or laptop. Young children don’t know when they’re downloading a malicious app masquerading as a game. That’s where Norton Family comes in – it helps block bad sites while your kids are surfing the internet and lets you see what websites they’re visiting. Norton Family also lets you put time-limits in place to make sure they get their schoolwork done.

One in three New Zealanders experienced cyber-crime during 2019. That means it’s important to use good security software like Norton 360 Premium to protect your online devices. Being tricked by cyber criminals through malicious ads, emails and links can happen easily – so be safe, not sorry.

Norton 360 Premium works on up to five devices including PC, Mac, iPhone and Android, and comes with 100GB of PC cloud backup.

You can get Norton 360 Premium online at nz.norton.com ,at Harvey Norman, or any good technology retailer.

  • Real-time threat scanning – advanced security with antivirus protection
  • Secure VPN – browse anonymously and more securely
  • Parental Controls – manage your kids’ online activity
  • Password Manager – generate, store and manage passwords securely
  • SafeCam for PC – block unauthorised access to your webcam

Read the reviews below!

We have given two members the chance to trial Norton 360 Premium.

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment. Upload your review photos to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive 1 x Norton 360 Premium all-in-one security suite (boxed set)
  • JOIN the Mums Say NZ Facebook page and keep an eye out for review updates

Please note

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  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible plus supply a review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name and postal address will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the voucher only.
  • Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

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