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”

What You Need to Know About Coronavirus

Posted on by Julie Lankow

https://kidspot.co.nz/health/understanding-the-covid-19-alert-levels/

This article was originally published in 2020 and was last updated 11th March 2021.

New Zealand confirmed its first case of novel coronavirus (or COVID-19) on 28 February 2020.

Following the spread of the virus, The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak a pandemic.

Governments around the world implemented plans to attempt to stop, or at least slow down, the spread of the virus. There have been over 100 million confirmed cases of the virus and sadly over 2.5 million have died.

The unknown elements of the virus along with travel and gathering restrictions, media coverage, and entire countries being put into lockdown, led to some anxiety about the spread of the virus. While it is prudent to keep informed of the latest health advice and follow it carefully, current information shows that most people with the virus are not severely ill. However, we must all do our part in restricting the spread of this virus to protect those most vulnerable in our community.

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses including the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). In early January 2020, health authorities in China identified a new type of coronavirus, called novel coronavirus (also known as 2019-nCoV or COVID-19). This viral respiratory illness was originally idenitified in Wuhan, China, among workers and visitors to a seafood and animal market.

The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and avoiding close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell. Source: COVID19.govt.nz

As this is a new type of virus that has not been previously detected, there are a lot of things that are still to be fully understood. Indications are that older people and those with underlying medical conditions are most at risk of getting severe COVID-19 disease.

Novel coronavirus in New Zealand

There are currently confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand. The majority of these relate to overseas travel or identified sources of infection. Many people have recovered.

Our border restrictions, our assertive contact tracing and monitored self isolation are central to  our continued approach of keeping out COVID-19, stamping it out and slowing down its progression. Source: Ministry of Health 

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue

These symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, such as influenza, so it is important that if you are experiencing these symptoms that you seek medical attention. Having these symptoms does not mean that you have COVID-19 – this can only be confirmed through a laboratory test.

If you develop any of these symptoms, you are encouraged to seek medical advice from your medical professional or by phoning Healthline’s dedicated COVID-19 number 0800 358 5453. Always phone ahead prior to visiting any health facility.

Prevention

New Zealand utilises an Alert Level system with regards to public health measures and restrictions to help contain or eliminate the virus.

The advice from WHO and the Ministry of Health is that basic hygiene practices help to reduce the risk of infection:

  • Avoid close contact with people suffering acute respiratory infections
  • Wash hands frequently, especially after contact with ill people or their environment
  • People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette:
    • maintain distance
    • cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing
    • wash hands for at least 20 seconds with water and soap and drying them thoroughly, before eating or handling food, after using the toilet, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose

Anyone who is unwell should not attend work and should practice physical distancing. Suspected cases of COVID-19 who are in strict isolation should maintain a two metre distance from others in the household.

The Ministry of Health recommends that people wear a face mask to help reduce the potential spread of the virus in situations where physical distancing is not possible, ie public transport or crowded shops.

Self-isolating

For more information on self-isolating, visit the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 website.

Treatment

Several vaccines have been created and are being distributed. As 2019-nCoV is a virus, antibiotics are not a suitable treatment.

Travel advice

From midnight on 19th March 2020, New Zealand’s borders closed to everyone except New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, their partners or dependent children, and Australian citizens usually resident in New Zealand. The full list can be found on the Ministry of Health website.

For the latest information on the novel coronavirus, visit the Ministry of Health’s new Unite Against COVID-19 website.

Although we make every effort to ensure the information we provide is accurate and up-to-date, the information contained in this website is not intended and must not be taken to be the provision or practice of medical advice or services nor a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have questions, concerns about your health or treatment or would like more information, contact your doctor. Always see your doctor or other qualified health professional before starting or changing any treatment.

Have you been concerned by the spread of the virus?

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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 6 Animated TV Bedrooms Would Look Like In Real Life

Posted on by Julie Lankow

A team of interior designers recreate cartoon bedrooms in life-like renders!

Creators of hit animated TV shows have no boundaries when it comes to creating a residence for their beloved characters. They don’t have to worry about the cost of items, where to source them … or even if they’re logistically possible. The only thing they have to worry about is whether someone on the team can draw what they had in mind.

Some of these bright, bold and beautiful designs could help inspire your next home renovation. But, it feels impossible to envisage what they would look like in real life … until now.

To make it possible to see whether these designs would look good (and work) in reality, Budget Direct collaborated with NeoMam Studios to bring six  recognisable bedrooms from the world of cartoons to life.

Bringing the bedrooms to life

The first step was to identify which animated bedrooms could lend themselves well to the real world. The team chose the following fan-favourite TV shows and character’s bedrooms from past and present:

  • Rick and Morty: Morty
  • Bob’s Burgers: Tina Belcher
  • Sailor Moon: Serena Tsukino
  • Doug: Doug Funnie
  • She-Ra and the Princess of Power: Glimmer
  • Adventure Time: Finn the Human

The next step was to work closely with selected interior designers to create realistic renderings that would stay as true to the 2D animated versions as possible – with the addition of design and practical changes to give a realistic look and feel to each design.

See the six bedrooms from the project below. To see them brought to life, click on the arrows on the images.

Rick and Morty – Morty’s bedroom

Bob’s Burgers: Tina Belcher’s room

Sailor Moon : Serena Tsukino’s bedroom

Doug: Doug Funnies’ room

She-Ra and the Princess of Power: Glimmer’s bedroom

Adventure Time: Finn the Human’s bedroom

Which is your favourite re-imagining? What animated bedroom/house would your child love to recreate?

See more:

This project is part of a series of visual content campaigns commissioned by Budget Direct, with the goal of inspiring homeowners by introducing new ways of thinking about the spaces in their homes. Although the images are derived from fictional animated shows – they are reimagined in a way that the audience can take
inspiration from.

For more information, visit Budget Direct Home Insurance

Images and information are reproduced here with permission.

Prepare and Collect: Strategies For a Fun City Break with Kids

Posted on by Julie Lankow

A national parenting survey* in 2019 showed that 76% of New Zealand parents worry that they aren’t able to spend enough time with their children.

Holidays are especially important to families with busy schedules because they allow for dedicated together time, but this means many parents opt for camping or beach trips where they can guarantee the kids will have fun. However, cultural trips and city breaks needn’t be off the cards: there are strategies you can use to keep everyone engaged without having to spend the whole break at the park.

Cultural prep

Getting your kids excited about the destination in advance will help make a city break go more smoothly. Encourage them to learn more about the different countries and cities you’re visiting, showing them pictures and videos to pique their interest. If you’re travelling further afield, get them excited about the different foods and ingredients they might try, and if you have fussy eaters in the family, try food from the region ahead of time to get them used to different cuisine.

Read stories set in the place you’re visiting, or children’s non-fiction books about the locations, such as M Sasek’s This Is series. If you can find age-appropriate films set in the place you’re headed, watch those too. Paddington is a good choice for London, and for Salzburg, The Sound of Music. If a different language is spoken at your destination, get them excited about learning basic words and phrases, whether by practising with you or by using a language-learning app independently. If you can relate their favourite games to your location, get them thinking about the holiday in advance — for example, perhaps you can play dominoes and say the numbers in French.

Preparing children for the different language, food and key sights they’re going to see while they’re away will make them more excited about spotting them when it’s finally time to travel. Their understanding — and therefore their engagement — will be much greater if they know what to expect ahead of time.

Collecting culture

During the holiday itself, you can help your children to stay engaged and excited by encouraging them to journal and scrapbook along the way. Encourage them to collect the different tastes, smells, sights and feelings they’ve experienced, and let them focus on whatever it is that has interested them, even if they aren’t the highlights the adults might pick.

If you plan to visit museums and galleries, many have activities children can do on the way round to keep them engaged and entertained, but if you want to visit somewhere that doesn’t offer this, make your own. See how many dogs they can spot in art gallery pictures, for example, or see if they recognise the city in any of the paintings.

Relating to their experiences

For heavier experiences that you don’t want to miss out on as adults, try to find ways you can relate what they’re seeing to their own experiences. For example, at an exhibition dealing with social history or war, relate the long-lasting impacts of an issue to bullying, which is something they will have learned about at school. People who have experienced bullying live with the impact for years after the event, just as people who have lived through war or experienced injustice do.

Finding ways to relate difficult issues to things children have experienced will help them to engage and want to learn more, and giving them a focus on the way round an exhibition will keep them having fun for longer. Collecting and processing what they have seen and learned will lead to a richer experience all round.

The idea of a cultural holiday or a city break can seem daunting when you have kids, but it can be a valuable way to spend time together. With some advance preparation and some strategies to keep them engaged while they’re sightseeing, you can be sure the whole family will have a great experience.

* nib State of the Nation Parenting Survey

What is your favourite cultural spot to visit with kids?

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This article was written by Sally Sykes with additional content by Kidspot NZ. Sally is a freelance writer who left her corporate job for a life of freedom. She regularly travels with her family and absolutely loves camping in the great outdoors.

Kefir Probots

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial4.47 out of 5 – Kidspot mums would purchase Kefir Probots again and/or recommend them to their friends and family.

star rating

Gut heroes for li’l tums!

There’s a new way to get some goodness into the kids, from the makers of suckies. Kefir Probots is a super good probiotic yoghurt on a mission to give your li’l ones some really good tummy lovin’. With 13 active culture strains, it’s the best way to deliver billions of live probiotics to those li’l tums – no bull!

  • Probiotics for good gut health
  • No added sugar
  • Lactose free
  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-free
  • All natural
  • Source of calcium and dietary fibre
  • Available in four flavours: Banana, Blueberry, Mango, Strawberry

NEW flavour coming soon – Boysenberry!

For more information, visit TheCollective.co.nz

Read the reviews below!

We have given 100 members with kids aged 1 to 6 years old the chance to trial Kefir Probots yoghurt pouches.

  • 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 a voucher entitling them to: 4 x 100g pouches of Kefir Probots
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to submit three photos as part of your review
  • JOIN the Mums Say NZ Facebook page and keep an eye out for review updates

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the product voucher 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 redeem the voucher and 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

Probots
Probots

A Kid’s Dream Backyard

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Six kids from around the world drew their dream backyards, and designers brought the designs to life!

If you could build your dream backyard right now, what would be in it? Maybe a koi pond? And perhaps also a nice firepit … What about a chic outdoor living area with an irresistible hot tub? If you work from home, the ultimate shed office would definitely make the dream.

Ask a kid the same question though, and you’ll get a plethora of whacky ideas from a family of friendly racoons to play with, to a giant car racing track, to a garden maze. Kids’ imaginations are always churning with new ideas, so what would happen if we actually brought them to life?

Angie’s List asked a group of kids aged between 4 and 10 to draw their dream backyard – then got a team of grown-ups to turn their dreams into reality.

For more information, visit Angie’s List 

Meet the six children that took part in this project below. To see their imaginative drawings and the fantastic designs brought to life, click on the arrows on the images.

Viola (age 10) : Ukraine

● The treehouse is as big as a house, this is an ancient oak. Leaves can turn into butterflies when I’m in the treehouse or when I dream about something. There is always comfortable and safe. There is a magic closet, when you go inside of it you can there make a wish or you can move to any place.
● The backyard is not small and not huge, what matters is it comfortable!
● I’d wanted to have a garden maze and ropeway, which leads directly to the treehouse, and a lot of flowers.
● In the morning treehouse is the place when we love with friends to have a tea party.
● At noon in the garden we love to play chess and with ball, swinging and went down a hill.
● In the evening we love to sit in the tent with friends with flashlight and tail interesting stories and tales.
● I’d like to invite to the backyard my parents and close friends.
● Also in the backyard should be beautiful hill, swing and small fountain. And often over there a rainbow.

Dante (age 4) : Argentina

● The backyard is a huge forest. A river connects the treehouse and the family house. Dante drives a boat to go from one point to the other, catching fishes with his hands.
● There are lots of coloured balls to play soccer, basketball, tag and many other games. A family of friendly raccoons live in caves underground, and they are the guardians of the coloured balls.
● They keep the balls in the caves and bring them when Dante wants to play.
● There is also a parking space for an alien spaceship and Dante’s rocket. The alien friend visits Dante and they play races.
● You can see a tall tree in the right corner, with two treehouses on top. The first house is a robot workshop, full of pieces and tools. The other one is the place to play, eat and relax. It has the shape of a smurf head: blue walls, glass window/eyes and a white roof/hat.

Natalia (age 6) : USA

● My dream treehouse is very very high off the ground. There is a deck with a dog bed. It has a special unicorn horn on top that lights up. The roof has Christmas tree lights on it. The front window has pink curtains, and a door with a heart. There is a bridge from a tree and you can also climb up the ladder. There is a  beautiful rainbow.
● On the inside there is butterfly table, and on the table there is a bowl of delicious food. Popsicle, french fries, tacos, corn on the cob, and zucchini casserole!
● A magical river flows under the treehouse. There is a diving board, a water slide, and mermaids live there! I’m riding my pet unicorn – her name is Lyria. There is a flower garden with butterflies.
● Birds live here – doves and toucans.
● The toucans are playing berry catch. We can swing and go down the water slide.
● How large is your dream backyard / garden? Huuuuge!
● What types of games would you play in you dream backyard / garden? Water games! We would have a diving competition, going under water, and going down the slide. Rainbow ring toss is another game!
● Who would you like to visit your dream backyard / garden? My friend Aria Ann is at the front door. The girl on the swing is Fluttershy- she can speak to animals. One of the mermaids is named Oceana.

Rafael (age 5) : Philippines

● What does your dream treehouse look like? Describe the color, size, how high off the ground is it? Does it look like another building? There’s no treehouse but I want a playhouse instead. I want the playhouse to be as big as my grandmother’s house. The roof is violet and has a dormer window in the middle. The walls of the playhouse are white. The door is red and has a green doorknob.
● How large is your dream backyard / garden? I want a backyard that is the same size as the place where my family lives so I will have a lot of room for running.
● What types of things do you want in your dream backyard / garden? Here are the things in my dream backyard: A red slide, a few flowers, swings, lollipops in a box to eat when I get hungry, monkey bars, basketball ball, a race track for his toy cars, some tic-tac-toe panels
● What types of games would you play in your dream backyard / garden? I want to spend lots of playtime in my dream backyard. I would play: Hide and seek, board games (memory game and chess), basketball, run around, pretend play
● Who would you like to visit your dream backyard / garden? Aside from my parents and 3 older brothers, I’d like to invite China and Shantelle, my friends from school, to come and play with me in my dream backyard.

Harry (age 10) : England

● The dream treehouse is a platform 2.5 metres off the floor. Inside there is a TV, a bed, a box of toys.
● From the treehouse you can launch toy cars onto the track which goes around the garden.
● There is a hatch which can be opened ao you can view the stars.
● There is a pond full of wildlife in the backyard like frogs and newts. The pond leads into a river which circles the backyard and has several bridges over it for cars.
● The river also has a boat.
● There is a yellow water pump designed as a fire hydrant.
● There is a shelter in the garden where you can watch wildlife like foxes and badgers.
● It also has a splash pool which lowers into the ground.

Ilias (age 8) : Greece

● What does your dream treehouse look like? Describe the color, size, how high off the ground is it? Does it look like another building? Though in his illustration there’s no clear treehouse, he would like just a simple traditional wooden treehouse on a very tall tree. He would also like to have a squirrel around the garden trees as a friend (the squirrel is supposed to be inside the trees’ foliage that’s why it’s not visible in his illustration, clearly)
● How large is your dream backyard / garden? It is supposed to be large enough for all the things he has illustrated and ready to host his friends to play with.
• What types of things do you want in your dream backyard / garden? A very big backyard with a swimming pool, a climbing wall and safety belt, two swings, a sunbed, a bicycle, a hammock and a small yet nice flower garden at one side. All over the place there is grass with some circle cobbles from the house to the pool.
● What types of games would you play in you dream backyard / garden? Swimming pool, cycling with bicycle all around the backyard, the climbing wall and he would also love to play chess in the open air (that was a surprise as he hasn’t depicted any chess board in his illustration)
● Who would you like to visit your dream backyard / garden? His friends, who may sleep overnight there to keep on playing the next day as well, a dog and a squirrel, which wanders around the tree branches.
● Is there anything we missed? Is there something you want to add? Nothing special, just the fact he has a squirrel as a friend and the fact there is a chess board somewhere to play chess (he didn’t specify how big).

What would your child put in their dream backyard? What would YOU want?

See more:

To create this project, the teams at Angi and NeoMam Studios asked six children to draw their dream backyards and asked their parents to conduct a short Q&A with them to get an insight into their lives and the choices they made in their drawing. The project then moved onto the design team who recreated the drawings in the realistic CGI renders you see today.

For more information, visit Angi 

Images and information are reproduced here with permission.

Nibblish Healthy Snacking

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial4.79 out of 5 – Kidspot mums would purchase Nibblish Baked Fruit Snacks again and recommend them to their friends and family.

star rating 5

A great healthy snacking solution from Nibblish for hungry kids – perfect for lunchboxes and after school refuelling for the kids and you!

Nibblish baked fruit is a delicious 100% natural snack that will keep your kids (and family) performing at their best throughout the day. Nibblish fruit is picked fresh and gently baked for 17 hours. The fruit remains full of juicy flavour and goodness with no added sugar or preservatives. Kids love them and they are an easy, mess-free, healthy lunchbox option, all year round.

All Nibblish fruit is sustainably farmed – Nibblish supports its farmers around the world in growing better crops and growing their small businesses. The facilities are all solar powered, recycle their water and they even ferment the leftover fruit to provide additional power for the facilities.

Now available in two new flavours – Apricot or Cranberry!

  • The best of nature – gently baked
  • 100% fruit
  • 1 of your 5 fruit and vegetable portions
  • No added sugar or preservatives
  • Gluten free and vegan friendly
  • 10% of profits go to charity
  • In five fruity flavours: Pineapple, Mango, Strawberry, Apricot, and Cranberry
  • Available at your local supermarket

For more information, visit Nibblish.co.nz

Read the reviews below!

We have given 50 members with kids the chance to trial Nibblish Baked Fruit.

  • 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: 5 x 90g packet of Nibblish Baked Fruit (one of each flavour)
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to submit three photos as part of your review
  • JOIN the Mums Say NZ Facebook 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 and 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

Earthwise Nourish Soothing Nappy Balm

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial3.73 out of 5 – Kidspot mums were pleased with Earthwise Nourish Soothing Nappy Balm.

star

Nappy rash can be a painful and upsetting experience (for baby AND parent!) but help is at hand.

NEW Earthwise Nourish Soothing Nappy Balm uses powerful natural plant extracts bisabolol, ginger root and chamomile, to reduce redness and calm irritated skin, as well as shea butter and sunflower oil to help create a protective barrier on baby’s delicate skin.

  • Natural plant-based ingredients – Camomile and Shea Butter
  • Enriched with SymRelief® 100, an active ingredient proven to reduce redness and irritation by up to 49% after 2 days
  • First ZINC FREE natural balm in supermarket
  • Fragrance Free, vegan friendly, in a convenient tube pack format
  • Dermatologically tested, suitable for sensitive skin
  • Free from Parabens, Silicones, Mineral Oils, Colourants, Lanolin, Beeswax
  • Made in New Zealand
  • Available at your local supermarket

For more information, visit Earthwise.co.nz

Always read the label and use only as directed.

Read the reviews below!

We have given 100 members with babies aged 12 months and under the chance to trial Earthwise Nourish Soothing Nappy Balm.

  • 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 Earthwise Nourish Soothing Nappy Balm 75ml
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to submit one photo of the product as part of your review
  • JOIN the Mums Say NZ Facebook 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 and 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 images from our reviewers below.

How Can I Help My Child Through the NCEA Years

Posted on by Julie Lankow

“My child is starting NCEA this year. How do I help them succeed?”

Tracey Beard from Career Matters works with students from age 16 (Year 11) through to age 25 in their exploration of career and tertiary study options.

NCEA students (Year 11-13 in NZ) are under a lot of pressure and there is so much information to navigate. It’s also a system that is different to when you were at high school, and through my extensive career coaching with students, I see that parents need support helping their children navigate the important NCEA years.

10 proven ways to help your child thrive within the NCEA years

1. Subject Selection

Check that the school subjects they are taking are relevant to THEIR interests (not yours!) – make sure the subject has a clear pathway into subjects for Year 12 and 13, in that it can be taken in subsequent years and is required for their potential tertiary course or work field. The old adage of “everyone should take Maths, Science and English to Year 13” is no longer relevant.

2. Know how NCEA works

Ensure you understand the NCEA system – how the credits are allocated, the distribution of internal/external credits for each subject (if exams are stressful to your child, ensure he/she can build sufficient internal credits to take the pressure off the externals). Some internals can be resubmitted, some subjects require a project-based external rather than an exam, etc.

3. NZQA is your friend

Ensure your child has a login code for the NZQA site so you can sit with them at least once a month and review their NCEA progress, check the credits are entered correctly (mistakes can be made by the school, so ensure you ask them to fix these quickly) and talk about how they are progressing towards their subject/level/endorsement targets (lots of info on the NZQA website to help you here). You can’t just rely on your child’s school giving you this information or assume it has been recorded accurately.

4. Build great study habits

As your child completes an internal, have a quick review of how they approached it – were they organised and methodical in meeting all the requirements? Did they have all the information they needed to complete it, or were there gaps in their knowledge? Could they have managed their time better, sought more help, done more planning? Identify what they could do better for the next internal. A big part of success at school is helping your child build systems and habits that they can take through to tertiary studies or the workplace, so identifying poor practices like procrastination/disorganisation early can allow you to nip the behaviour in the bud.

5. Show your support

Have a discussion with your child about what you can do to support them – make it clear you won’t be doing any project/internal assessment for them but you can help give advice or work through a problem with them. You could help them plan their schedule and ensure there are no bottlenecks where other activities/events place pressure on their study requirements. Your support may also come in enforcing an agreed bedtime/waking time until it becomes a habit that they can manage themselves, agreeing a cut-off time for devices and ensuring healthy food is available and that exercise and relaxation is part of their day. And being ‘available’ to hear their concerns or worries, without judgment. Role model the ‘work first, then relax’ approach to their study needs.

6. Don’t be a sucker

Set clear boundaries on what you will NOT do for your child. For example, you won’t do their project for them, you won’t rush to school to drop off something they have forgotten, you won’t ask their teacher for more time on an internal when they could have realistically met the deadline, or you won’t praise them for a result which involved minimal effort.

7. Priase effort before results

Keep an eye on the amount of EFFORT your child puts into an internal or external, in preference to the result. Some children can get an ‘Excellence’ for an internal with minimal preparation or work, but this happens for few students and won’t always happen. Learning that effort brings rewards is the key here and sets them up for the future. As your child transitions to adulthood, their praise should come increasingly from internal sources (their sense of pride and achievement of their own goals) rather than external sources, like keeping their parents happy or winning an award for the school’s image/reputation.

8. Think beyond academics

Make sure your child looks for other opportunities outside the academic sphere to be part of, do well at and feel good about themselves – even just participating in a social team for sport is better than not playing at all. They don’t have to be perfect at everything; it’s about participation, trying new things and making the most of the opportunities that schools provide. This helps them build all facets of their character and life experiences, so that schoolwork is not their only focus.

9. Check their friendship group

Keep an eye on your child’s friends and get to know them (volunteer at the school cafeteria, manage their sports team, have their friends over to your house, for example). You can tell a lot about their state of mind and self-esteem by the type of friends they have and how they treat each other. If you see any negative behaviours, find ways to role model or praise better behaviours.

10. Introvert or extrovert?

Identify if your child is an introvert (they re-energise by spending some time on their own) or an extrovert (they re-energise by being with other people), shy or outgoing (this is a measure of their comfort in new social situations). Help them understand that whatever they are, it’s OK and they shouldn’t try to be someone they are not (it’s exhausting!). Schools invariably prefer and reward outgoing extroverts, so shy people or introverts can feel invalidated and this is where parents can reinforce that they are OK and help them see that the wider world needs people from all of these groups.

Need more help?

I’m happy to chat with you. You can book a free 20 minute phone call. If your child isn’t sure about their NCEA subjects or their career path, I can help you. I use a fantastic contemporary, online questionnaire to explore your child’s interests and then we discuss the results, in-person or via Skype. It’s empowering and exciting to support your child to be the best person they can be.

Call or email for a free, no-obligation chat. Tracey Beard: 021-843537, www.careermatters.co.nz, email: tracey@careermatters.co.nz.

This article was written by Tracey Beard of Career Matters.

Tracey Beard is a Career Expert. As the Founder and CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) of Career Matters, she is changing the way that young adults across New Zealand explore their career and study options. Using powerful, contemporary career search tools and personalised career coaching, Tracey empowers young adults to know themselves better, which enables them to make better decisions about their future. And when these young adults are happy and living their purpose, we all benefit. Career Matters was recently awarded the 2019 Social Conscious Excellence award from Network New Zealand.

Career Matters

Follow Career Matters on Facebook @careermattersnz.

What did you find most difficult about school exams when you were a student?

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Smart Hacks To Keep Your Child Learning Over The Holidays

Posted on by Julie Lankow

School’s out, but that doesn’t mean that learning stops once the holidays are here. Try these hacks to get your child to learn valuable skills and help them to become responsible and resourceful as they grow. 

School holidays are the perfect time for children to relax and have a break from the demands of school, and most kids will be taking advantage of it by sleeping in, playing video games, hanging out with friends, or perhaps just doing nothing at all.

Though most children prefer to take it easy over Christmas or while on term break holidays, parents should still make an effort to impart useful life skills at this time. Consider using the holidays as a platform for teaching and learning. Not only do you get the opportunity to spend more time with your little ones, but you also have the chance to teach them valuable skills that they may not learn in school.

Here are a few smart hacks to keep your child learning over the holidays.

Go on a getaway

Most Kiwis love to travel during the holidays, and last year, over 3 million people went on overseas vacations for some rest and relaxation. If you’ve got a free week to spend with the kids, why not take them on a trip outside the country? Involve your children during the planning stage so they’ll learn to do important things such as keeping their passport safe, researching destinations to visit or places where you can have great meals. Meanwhile, older kids can be involved in choosing accommodation, and they’ll learn to compare hotels and AirBnBs so you can get the best deals. Not only will they learn to be organised, but as travelling also exposes kids to different cultures, they’ll learn to be accepting and respectful of other people’s differences as they grow.

Encourage creativity

Unlock your child’s potential during the holidays by providing them with an outlet to unleash their creativity. Whether it’s playing an instrument, painting, photography, writing, dancing, or creating video logs, provide your child with the tools that he or she needs so they can stay engaged and be productive while school is out. For instance, if your little one is interested in visual arts, make sure that there are lots of art supplies at home, and take your child to a museum or gallery so they’ll know about the different art styles and mediums. And if they want to do cover dances of popular K-pop songs and post them on YouTube, offer to be their cameraman and figure out together how to edit the video before posting on the website. Whatever it is, encouraging a child’s creativity allows them to try out new ideas and solve problems, and it gives them an opportunity to think in a different way.

Let them help out

Perhaps one of the best ways to teach a child basic life skills is by allowing them to help you out with your daily chores. So let your little chef assist you with meal preparation, or have your child check off your grocery list as you go shopping for ingredients. Young children can do simple chores such as sorting laundry or pairing socks while you’re doing the wash, while older children can wash a load or two by themselves after you teach them how to use the washing machine. Teaching your child to do chores or run errands enables them to become more independent. Moreover, it helps them develop a strong work ethic, and they learn valuable planning and management skills. 

What learning activities do you do during the holidays?

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This article was written by Sally Sykes with additional content by Kidspot NZ. Sally is a freelance writer who left her corporate job for a life of freedom. She regularly travels with her family and absolutely loves camping in the great outdoors.

What To Look For When Buying A New School Uniform

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Buying a new school uniform often marks a special moment in your child’s life, usually when they are starting school, or moving up to a higher grade.

Whilst the kids always seem to be counting down the seconds until they walk in the door after school and can change out of their uniform, wearing a school uniform does have its advantages. Everyone is wearing the same thing so there’s a sense of belonging and pride for their school. Plus you don’t need to think about what’s appropriate to wear and everyone is on an even footing.

Make the most of your investment in a new uniform with our buying tips.

Tips for buying a new school uniform

Your child’s school uniform is one of the biggest investment for the start of the school year, so check out our tips before you purchase.

Use what you already have

Do a stocktake of what uniform pieces you already have, either from the previous school year or from an older sibling. Give them a good look over to see if any are past their best or if there are minor repairs that can be made.

Be sure to check for the school’s latest uniform policy in case there are any items that are no longer used, or if a new uniform is required due to moving up to senior school, for instance.

Next, get your child to try on the items you have. This will confirm what you can use and also guide you as to what sizes they need for new items.

Consider what you really need

Think about which items will get the most wear. Day-to-day items like tops, shorts, skirts, socks etc will be worn a lot more than a jumper or the blazer that only gets an outing once in a blue moon. The daily items are the ones you will need more of.

Usually, there’s no need to get every item on the uniform list. Things like a scarf or beanie are nice to have but not necessary, especially if you know your kid won’t wear them anyway. You can also defer buying the winter uniform until you get closer to term two.

Think about the laundry!

Usually school shorts or skirts can manage a couple of days before needing to be washed. Tops, PE uniform, and socks on the other hand need to be washed after each wear – especially if your child has hit the slightly stinky teenage years!

Some parents manage with just two sets of uniform – one to wear and one to wash. However that really doesn’t leave you with a lot of leeway if your child spills their breakfast first thing in the morning on their only clean top! You also need to factor in how often you can/want to do laundry and, more importantly, how often you can get the washing dry. If you wash each and every day, then you will likely only need two or three sets. If you prefer to do a large wash on the weekend then you will need five or six sets (the sixth one is for that weekend when you really don’t have time!).

School shoes

Often school uniform policies are very particular about the shoes that kids should wear so check the requirements carefully. Don’t be tempted to buy a size larger than your child needs in order to allow some room to grow into them. It’s important for your child’s comfort and development that they have correctly fitting shoes.

More tips on buying school uniforms

Some uniform items, especially those with a school crest or logo, you will likely have to buy from the school or their suggested supplier. However, if you can shop around for other items, here’s what to look for.

  • Take your child with you when buying the uniform to check the fit – don’t try and guess the size unless you are buying additional items and know the size required
  • Allow some room for growth in clothing items
  • Look for items like shorts and skirts with adjustable waists to get longer wear out of them
  • If you have the option, choose items that are made from durable fabrics
  • Look for items that are crease-resistant, stain-resistant, and that they can move in easily
  • Check and follow the washing instructions so you can get the most possible wash and wear out of the item
  • Label everything!

How much uniform do you purchase for the kids to wear?

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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”

7 Budget-friendly Ways to Have Summer Fun

Posted on by Julie Lankow

When your kids say, “Mum, I’m bored. What can we doooooooooo?” it’s always a good idea to have a list of fun things prepared.

We’ve got seven fun ideas to keep your kids entertained these summer holidays – and, best of all, they’re super-budget-conscious too.

Just remember when you head out with the kids to pack the essentials – water, snacks, sunscreen and a hat – and there really will be almost no reason to spend any money at all!

1. Throw a pool party

A summer essential is a pool party – but you don’t need a pool in your own backyard to throw one – you can just as easily throw a pool party in the local public pool. Simply round up some kids, pack a cooler with some food, bring plenty of sunscreen and hit the pool.

A simple snack menu is ideally suited for pool parties, with fruit platters a particular fave to hit the sweet spot and provide plenty of energy. Pack some water iceblocks in the chilly bin too. Combine free-swim time with a few water games and you’re set. Always ensure children are supervised around water.

2. Wacky water tournament

Outdoors and exercise seem to be a great mix. And, when you just-add-water, you up the fun factor. Here are some great soggy activities that your kids’ll love:

Spongy feet

Make two teams. Have kids lie nose to toes, with knees drawn up to their chest. The aim of this game is to pass a large, water-soaked sponge (the large figure eight ones you wash the car with) from person to person, from start to finish – using only their feet. Be careful – it’s too much soggy fun!

Water balloon catch

Make a scoop from a two-litre milk bottle for each player. Players have to catch and throw a water balloon without dropping it or allowing it to break. Yes, there will be soggy casualties. Yes, it will be fun.

Dodge-sponge

You know dodge ball? Well, this is dodge sponge – simply replace the ball with a wet sponge – and make sure players only aim below the shoulders!

Bucket relay

Fill an ice cream container with water and place on each competitor’s head. The aim is to run from starting line to finishing line with as much water remaining in the container as possible, using only one hand to hold the container. At the end, pass the container on to the second person in line, and continue. The winning team has the most water in the container after each member has had a go.

3. Have a bake-off

Do you know what kids love better than decorating cupcakes? Decorating cupcakes that’ve been baked in ice cream cones! Set up a decorating station with lollies, sparkles, icing and sprinkles, bake up a batch of these cuties and decorate away.

4. Go on a bushwalk

With so much beautiful scenery to see, why not pick a bushwalk near you and take the family to explore? Dress the family in comfortable hiking shoes (good trainers will be fine), a hat and sun-sensible clothing. Take a map, pack a picnic lunch, slather on sunscreen, pack lots of water and explore the designated hiking trails. What natural wonders will you see? Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you set off and always keep within your limits for safety. See more here.

5. Have a drive-in movie in the living room!

Grab some big boxes, spend the day helping the kids decorate their ‘cars’. You’ll need paper plates for wheels and a steering wheel, paint, pipecleaners and other decorations to make for a really awesome ride. Don’t forget pillows for a comfy seat. Once evening rolls around, park yourselves in front of the TV for movie night – don’t forget the choc-tops and popcorn!

6. Go on an “Alphabet Tour” of the neighbourhood

Make a list from A- Z on each line of a piece of paper. Now, get the kids ready, pencils in hand, and go for a wander around your neighbourhood. The aim of this game is to find something in your neighbourhood that starts with every letter in the alphabet (you might need to get creative – say, X is for Xroads!). When you get home each child can help draw up an alphabetised neighbourhood map!

7. Have an opposite day

Have breakfast for dinner, walk in the back door instead of the front, say goodbye instead of hello! Have dessert BEFORE your main meal. Wear PJs during the day, and get changed into daytime clothes after the nightly bath. Ask the kids for ideas the day before – they’ll come up with some doozies!

This article was written by Linda Drummond for Kidspot Australia and has been adapted for Kidspot NZ.

What is your favourite family activity in summer?

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Superb Summer Fun on a Budget

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Summer! We wait out the long, cold winter and impatiently pass through spring to reach the ultimate time as a Kiwi kid – summer school holidays!

Make the most of the summer with our guide to fun and frugal things to do with the kids and make those amazing summer memories without breaking the bank.

1. Active kids are happy kids

Kidspot’s Activity Finder literally has hundreds and hundreds of fun games, crafts and activities for all ages. Try some fun science experiments, play a new pool game, create your own playdough or bubble mixture, reminisce with some old-fashioned games and so much more!

2. Take up a sport

Some sports clubs offer have-a-go sessions during school holidays for kids wanting to give a new activity a try. Or just grab a friend and head to the park or courts to practice some skills.

3. Have a movie night

Choose a favourite movie or a new DVD for a special film screening for family and friends. Kids can create their own movie posters and tickets for entry. Bake some yummy movie snacks (don’t forget the popcorn!) and sell for play money at a concession stand made from a large box or small table. You can even have a theme and dress up for added fun. Or share around a few funny props like hats, glasses and wigs, for fun pre-movie selfies of your guests. Then lower the lights and show guests to their seats by torchlight.

4. Visit a garden

Beautiful botanic gardens can be found in most cities with spaces, sculptures and structures to explore. Most also have a children’s playground and many offer free activities for families during summer. Towns will also usually have a domain or open space for the public so enjoy the natural surroundings, plan a picnic, take a football, bike the paths or feed the ducks.

5. Start a family fun jar

Buy a large glass jar or repurpose one from home (just wash and remove the labels). Using a piece of paper, create a ‘Family Fun Jar‘ label and glue this to the jar. Choose a range of fun activities; a picnic, hopscotch, trip to the zoo, pizza making, play a card game, etc. Write each one on a small piece of paper so you have one for every day of the holidays, fold them and pop them into your decorated jar. Every other day, take turns at choosing an activity to do together.

6. Camp out under the stars … or in the living room!

If you’re unable to get away for a few nights vacation, then pop up the tent and let the kids camp out in the backyard. Toast some marshmallows on a brazier (check your local fire regulations!), tell some campfire stories and don’t forget the obligatory game of spotlight. Or just construct a fort in the lounge, throw in the sleeping bags and pillows and share out some glowsticks for some fun in the dark.

7. Throw a garden tea party

Time for tea! 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). Bake some special treats like cute cupcakes or browse our Kids Cooking section for more easy treats.

8. Turn trash to treasure

Collect up odds and ends like coloured card, ribbons, egg cartons, bottles, etc into a ‘treasure’ box. Add some craft essentials like paint, crayons, glue and glitter and kids can make all sorts of wonderful creations from the contents. Extend the fun by creating games, ie paint the inside of empty plastic bottles to create your own ten pin bowling game or make a super-sized marble run using empty foil and cling film rolls.

9. Hit the beach for the day

Grab your togs, towels, hats and chilly bin for a full day of fun at the beach. Pack a bat and ball for beach cricket, sand spades and buckets for sandcastle making and lots of sunscreen! Explore the rockpools, splash in the waves and don’t forget to treat the kids to an ice-cream before heading home.

10. Get gardening!

The kids will love to grow their very own vegetables or flowers. Give them their own area to tend, water and cultivate. They can even include an area for a magical fairy garden.

Don’t forget, whenever the family is outside in the summer sun, remember to slip, slop, slap and wrap and supervise children around water.

What’s your best tip for budget summer fun?

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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 Essential Back To School Checklist

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Getting kids ready for back to school is an exciting time of year! The new academic year, with new experiences, new friends, and new learning is fast approaching.

To help with back to school organisation we’ve compiled our essential back to school list so you can be prepared but can also keep enjoying the rest of summer!

Your back to school checklist

Whether you’re a first-time school parent or ‘been there, done that’, you can guarantee that there will be something you forget when getting the kids ready for the new school year. Tick off our checklist for the ultimate preparation.

  • School bag – Think about what your child will need to carry in the bag each day and choose one that’s comfortable to wear.

  • Lunch box – Lunch boxes come in many different styles so shop around for one that matches your child’s appetite and preferences. Don’t forget to include a small slicker pad to keep everything cool.

  • Drink bottle – Always ensure you have a backup drink bottle as these are easily the most lost school item! We love double-walled stainless steel drink bottle that keep drinks cooler for longer and are incredibly durable.

  • Exercise books – Check with your child’s school for a list of exercise books that your child needs.

  • Stationery – Pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, glue stick, pencil sharpener, highlighters, whiteboard pens, coloured pencils, protactor, compass – got them all? Make sure your child has a pencil case that’s big enough for all they need.

  • School uniform – Now is the time to check if your child still fits into their school uniform from last year (ie, not the morning of the first day of school!).

  • School shoes – Your child’s school shoes are going to get a mega workout! If the school has a uniform, they are often very particular about the shoes that kids should wear so check the requirements carefully. Don’t be tempted to buy a size larger than your child needs in order to allow some room to grow into them. It’s important for your child’s comfort and development that they have correctly fitting shoes.

  • Sports/PE uniform – Time to rummage through last year’s PE bag that probably hasn’t left the bedroom floor or cupboard! Line-drying washing will help to freshen it up.

  • Sports shoes – This is the one I always forget! Those trainers the kids have been thrashing all summer holidays probably aren’t going to be up to a term of sport too so check if you need to grab some new ones.

  • Socks – If you’re not bound to uniform socks, consider purchasing ones with arch support and cushioned soles for added comfort. Don’t forget those sports socks too!

  • BYOD – If your child needs to bring their own digital device, check with the school before you purchase to ensure you are buying something with the minimum specifications needed. Laptops are great but the most expensive. Chromebooks have smaller storage but cost less than a full laptop. Tablets are usually the cheapest option but often are insufficient for high school classes.

  • Essential tech – Our modern, connected classrooms often require more than just a BYOD. Your child may require headphones, a calculator, mouse, etc. Check with your school for what is required for your child’s selected subjects. USB flash drives are handy for sharing projects.

  • Bus/train pass – Check with other school parents for the best way to purchase passes (ie term passes or loading a card). Check if there’s credit on your child’s transport pass and read the terms for the pass to ensure that it is still valid, especially for high school students who may no longer automatically qualify for a child’s rate.

  • Sunscreen and sunhat – Many schools will have a ‘no hat, no play’ policy. Check with the school if they have a school hat first. Pop a small sunscreen tube or roll-on into your child’s bag during summer so they can top-up when needed.

  • Name clothing and shoes – Actually, just name everything … EVERYTHING! If writing on a name isn’t suitable for an item, label makers are a parent’s best friend!

  • Lunch recipes – Get a head start on filling those lunch boxes by grabbing some lunch box inspiration and recipes (from the Kidspot Kitchen, of course) and consider doing some bulk baking and freezing prior to school starting.

  • Face mask – If your child’s school requires a face mask to be worn (or you prefer your child to wear one), it pays to take a couple to last throughout the day and a small bag to bring home the used ones.

Are you organised for getting the kids back to school?

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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”

Review: The Thermomix TM6 kitchen appliance

Posted on by Julie Lankow

When it comes to the ultimate kitchen appliance, you can’t go wrong with the new Thermomix TM6.

Whilst the Thermomix is common in European countries and over the ditch in Australia, they are very new to New Zealanders. To find out more, I gave one a whirl for a month, cooking meals for our family.

I have to admit, before I began my trial of the new Thermomix TM6, I had to Google what a Thermomix was! I had heard the term mentioned in Australian mums’ networks but really had no idea beyond it being used to cook. After the trial, I can attest that it is so much more than just a kitchen appliance.

Thermomix

What does the Thermomix TM6 do?

Everything! OK, maybe not everything, but it does do a lot. In fact, it has 20 functions in one machine.

The sharp, angled blade inside the main bowl is used for chopping and mixing but also has other uses. It makes short work of parmesan cheese, grating it in seconds and saving my knuckles from the grater. Garlic cloves and onions are cut in the blink of an eye (just be ready for the noise the first time you do that!). The Thermomix can make emulsion sauces with ease. It can also grind raw sugar, mix batter, blend frozen fruits, and even knead dough (which is almost enough on its own to make me buy one!).

It cooks too!

The Thermomix isn’t just a big food processor though. It also has the ability to cook. The adjustable temperature allows you to sear, saute, boil, slow cook, sous-vide, and ferment. The Varoma accessory extends the Thermomix capabilities even further, acting as the perfect place to steam veggies, dumplings, fish, etc. There’s also a basket insert which makes cooking perfect rice a doddle.

To keep you safe from the moving blade and heating, the Thermomix has a dual clamp that automatically holds the lid in place when you begin a process like chopping, cooking, etc.

The cooking bowl was sufficiently big enough to make a meal for a family of four (including two hungry teenagers). It is also quick to clean and simple to set up again for the next recipe, making it easy to prepare several courses.

The technology bit

My favourite feature of the Thermomix TM6 was the large onboard touch-screen that connects to your WiFi and can guide you step by step through a recipe. There’s no referring back to a recipe book covered in sticky fingerprints, losing your place or reading the wrong measurement for the ingredient, nor, well, stuffing up the recipe and taking ages to prepare a disaster! Each step gives you the ingredient, the measurement, and the settings that you need to initiate on your Thermomix – simple.

For instance, it will tell you that you need 100g of onions. Here is another favourite feature – inbuilt scales! The Thermomix TM6 will measure exactly how much you have put into the machine. For the next ingredient, just press a button and it will reset to allow you to weigh the next ingredient. It will then tell you that you need to use the chopping feature for say 3 seconds (it is THAT quick!) on speed 6. When using an online recipe, the Thermomix will preset the function so all you have to do is turn the dial to start. When required, it will also include the temperature that is needed. It quickly becomes second nature to follow the step by step processes.

What can you make?

The Thermomix TM6 comes with a hefty cookbook which explains all the basics too. All of the recipes in the book are preloaded into the machine. By using Thermomix’s Cookidoo account you can also add thousands more recipes with guided cooking. Not that you have to use a recipe – you can also use the Thermomix’s functions independently and choose your own functions, speeds, and temperatures. The recipes also allow you to adjust timings, etc, if necessary, giving you great flexibility.

Recipes include cakes, breads, baking, soups, sauces, curries, rice, main meals, desserts – pretty much everything. The huge Thermomix online fraternity also means that you have access to a lot of tried and tested recipes through a simple internet search.

A demonstration

When you’re considering purchasing a Thermomix TM6 a Consultant will come to your home (or wherever you may be if you have a group of friends together) and give you a demonstration of all the functions, and even cook some recipes with you. This is a fantastic way to get the most out of the machine, as well as to see what it can really do. It gets you creating recipes straight away once you have purchased and the consultant’s tips are invaluable!

Let’s get cooking

At my demonstration we made a beautiful focaccia bread. I have never attempted making any sort of bread because I am just not that capable with proving and dough and all that jazz! However, with the Thermomix this was so easy as most of the hard work was done by the machine, including the perfect temperature setting for the yeast activation and the kneading of the dough. I subsequently made cheese and spinach scrolls and my own foccacia bread which all turned out beautifully.

The next thing we made was a dessert with frozen berries, an egg, and a touch of sugar. It was blended and whisked to a fluffly and light consistency using the butterfly whisk accessory. This went down a treat with the whole family. So quick, simple, and yum!

Finally, we made a risotto. I love risotto but my previous attempts have been a dire failure. With the Thermomix all the guess work is gone – the perfect temperature, adding ingredients at the right time – everything was as simple as a few button presses through the guided recipe. The risotto was stunning (it didn’t all make it to dinner!) and I made my own later on, easily adapting the recipe to suit the family’s tastebuds.

  • Check out My Super Smart Kitchen, a Facebook page full of Thermomix recipes and inspiration from my consultant, Julia Rose.

Cooking on my own

During the trial I made a lot of things that I had never attempted before – the Thermomix gave me great confidence. I made a tasty minestrone soup with fresh vegetables – knowing exactly what was going in gave me peace of mind. We had beef ghoulash and served it over shredded savoy cabbage that was steamed in the Varoma above the bubbling ghoulash. I made an apple sponge, again using the Varoma to steam the apple pieces which retained so much more flavour than stewing them. There were also superb scones, perfectly cooked rice dishes, pasta with stunning sauces, moreish meatballs, and so much more.

The cost

All of the technology and engineered perfection that is the Thermomix does not come cheap. In fact, the new Thermomix TM6 will set you back $2,469 NZD. Oh – I can see those eyes widening! Yes, it is a big investment, but that’s really what it is – an investment. Considering how many appliances the Thermomix replaces in your kitchen, how much you will use it each and every day, and how much time and money you can save by using it, it is a worthy investment.

The Cookidoo recipe app allows you to plan your meals and your shopping list. This makes it a simple alternative to meal planning delivery options. You can choose the recipes that YOU want, use your own produce or shop locally, and experience even easier preparation and cooking.

Interest-free payment plans up to 24 months are available for those that are interested in spreading the cost. Or, if you’re keen, you can always earn a Thermomix by becoming a consultant.

Would I buy one?

If I had the right finances, yes I would. Getting the kids and even my husband easily involved in preparing meals was a highlight. However, it is a large investment and requires careful consideration of your budget. For someone setting up a new home, this would be an ideal investment as it cuts down on the amount of other appliances that you may need. Whether you’re a casual cook or a budding Masterchef, the Thermomix TM6 is a wonderful kitchen essential.

For more information, visit Thermomix NZ

For the purposes of this review, our Editor was provided with complimentary use of a Thermomix TM6 for one month.

Thermomix recipes on Kidspot:

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”

Road trip game: Car cricket

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Let’s face it – road trips in New Zealand can be exciting, awe-inspiring, beautiful … and long!! Especially if you’re a kid and your destination is a gazillion miles away!

To while away the hours, there’s plenty of road trip games to play. One of our favourites is car cricket. The rules tend to vary from family to family so feel free to adapt it to suit your kids’ ages and attention spans.

Basic rules of car cricket

  • Each passenger has a team of 11 batsmen.
  • Each player takes turns to accumulate ‘runs’ for all of their batsmen.
  • For every car that passes in the opposite direction score 1 run (this includes cars, vans and utes).
  • For every other type of vehicle that passes by, lose a wicket (this includes trucks, buses, motorbikes, campervans, bicycles).
  • Keep counting runs and wickets until you have lost 11 wickets (1 more than a normal game of cricket but we need to let that 11th bastmen get some runs!) and make a note of your total.
  • Then it’s the next person’s turn.
  • The team with the highest score wins.

Adaptations of the rules

Once you’re used to the basic rules, or if you have older kids, try this variation:

  • For every white or silver car that passes, score 1 run.
  • For other coloured cars, score 2 runs (not including red).
  • For every van or ute that passes, score 4 runs.
  • For every vehicle towing a trailer, score 6 runs.
  • Lose a wicket if you pass another vehicle type (as in the basic rules) AND if you pass a red car.

If you’ve got some massive cricket fans in the car, before you set off allocate each passenger a team (BlackCaps, England, India, etc) and write down the batsmen’s names so they can write down the score for each player as they go.

What road trip games does your family like to play?

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”

Healtheries Fun Puffs Cereal

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial4.04 out of 5 – Kidspot mums were pleased with Healtheries Fun Puffs Cereal.

star rating

Healtheries KidsCare Gluten-Free Fun Puffs cereal contains 40% less sugar than other kids cereals and friendly bacteria for a healthy tummy.

Made with no artificial flavours, colours, sweeteners or preservatives and coloured from the juices of fruits and vegetables, this makes Healtheries Fun Puffs Cereal fun, yum and good for your little monsters tum!

  • Gluten-free
  • With prebiotics and probiotics
  • 40% less sugar than other kids cereals
  • No artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners or preservatives
  • 4 Health Stars
  • Available in a 300g Box form leading supermarkets

For more information, visit Healtheries.co.nz.

Read the reviews below!

We have given 200 parents the chance to trial Healtheries Fun Puffs Cereal.

  • 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 300g box of Healtheries Fun Puffs Cereal
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to submit three photos as part of your review
  • JOIN the Mums Say NZ Facebook 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 and 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

Healtheries

31 Hacks For Summer Parenting

Posted on by Julie Lankow

I love the summer holidays as it’s a nice long stretch where we can really forget about our ‘normal routine’ (eg school lunch boxes) and relax into a more carefree, come-what-may existence.

Of course, all carefree living takes careful planning. We ignore that maxim at our peril! Knowing how to navigate the trickier aspects of summer living with kids is critical. How can we make all the joys of summertime – visits to the beach, playing in the backyard, road-tripping to visit Grandma, camping, and picnicking – that little bit easier?

Here are 31 shortcuts, tips, tricks, ideas, and bits of advice that will take away a little stress and add a lot more carefree to your summer days.

Beach

The beach is great, but it’s loud, messy, and a little bit irritating too. Try these parenting hacks to soothe the burn.

1. Keep a king-size sheet in the car

Pop a fitted sheet over the entire back seat to catch all the sand. When you get home, simply shake all the sand out. Sure beats trying to vacuum the sand out of car carpet.

2. Keep your valuables safe

If you need to leave your beach camp to watch the kids in the water, store your valuables inside a rolled-up nappy in a nappy bag. Potential thieves will be fooled into thinking it’s just a dirty nappy in your beach bag. Ain’t nobody gonna touch that thing!

3. Use mesh bags for toys

Stock up on some big mesh bags to keep the beach toys in. Wash out the toys a good 10-15 minutes before you plan on leaving, put them straight into the bag, and hang the bag somewhere to dry (on your beach hut, a tree, a stick wedged in the sand … ). The toys will dry beautifully through the mesh and any residual sand will fall straight out of the bag.

4. Pump some water

Fill a large recycled soap pump pack with plain water for washing sandy hands before eating. There will be far less wastage than if you poured water over hands from a standard bottle. Pump bottles are also great for filling water balloons.

5. Take some cupcake liners along

We all love an icy pole to eat on the way home from the beach, but make life easier by putting a popstick-sized hole in the bottom of a large cupcake case and threading the ice cream stick through the hole. The cupcake liners will catch all the drips!

6. Blow up an inflatable pool

If you’re heading to the beach for a big day out, you can keep babies and young toddlers safer at the beach by corralling them with a blow-up pool play space. This is particularly effective if your pool has a built-in shade cloth. Make sure you securely anchor their impromptu play space though! Filling the pool base with lots of sand for them to play with will do the trick. For babies, you can also set up their portable cot and pop a fitted cot sheet over the top to keep the sun at bay.

7. Take some icy towel holders

Freeze water in plastic bottles overnight to take with you to the beach. Use them to hold the corners of your towel in place and they will melt in the sun for later drinking.

Travel

Long trips in the car are the reality for many of us over the summer. A car trip can be hot, it can be boring, it can be your basic nightmare. But only if you’re not prepared …

8. Hang an activity station

Hang a plastic shoe organiser over the back of the front seats and let the kids fill the pockets with their favourite toys, activities, and books. Keep some pockets free for snacks. You can also close up a couple of pockets and put a little surprise inside with strict instructions not to open until you say the word. This will keep the kids anticipating something along the road and if you time it right, you just might make it to your destination with everyone still enthusiastic!

9. Make a reusable activity book

Print out activity pages and put them into an A4 plastic sleeve and the sleeves in a three-ring folder. The kids can use whiteboard markers and wipe their answers off for next time. Another win is that there will be no tears when the car hits a bump and the pen goes flying across the page! For older kids, you can print out lots of crosswords, find-a-words, mazes, and worksheets. For younger kids, you can try colouring pages, letters, numbers and matching games. Good sources for free printables include:

10. Turn an old lunchbox into a LEGO case

How cute is this portable LEGO case? I reckon any kid would love one. Mama Papa Bubba show you how to make one.

11. Use plastic containers for games

Throw the dice inside a see-through plastic container to save it flying all over the car. You can also give each player a container to keep their cards in to keep things neat. Board games go much better if played on a large tray – pack a big, soft cushion to rest the tray on the middle seat (or lap of the child in the middle!) while the kids play.

12. Use biscuit trays for playing

A metal biscuit sheet is a perfect surface for drawing, colouring, and writing on. Use a magnetic clip to hold the paper in place (you can get these for whiteboards or use the clips from your fridge). You can also use the tray for building LEGO (use a tray with small sides to keep the pieces from sliding off) – stick some magnets to the bottom of some small plastic containers and stick them to the tray for keeping extra LEGO pieces in. If you’re really keen, photocopy the surface of your children’s favourite board games and stick the photocopy onto a biscuit sheet. Then add magnets to the pieces so they can play to their heart’s content without everything falling everywhere as the car moves along.

Backyard

13. Pool noodle balloon tennis

Pool noodles aren’t just fun in the pool, you can create all sorts of fun outdoor games and party games for kids with some pool noodles. Try this fun balloon game with a pool noodle hoop. Find the instructions here on Kidspot.

14. Grow a bean teepee

A bean teepee is the cutest way possible to give your child their own little backyard nook without spending a fortune. Plus you can eat the cubby! Mavis can show you how to make one at One Hundred Dollars a Month. You can bring your backyard to life this summer by allocating different spots in the garden to become a dinosaur lair, a zoo, a fairy village, or a natural play space. Find some really great ideas here:

15. Set up an outdoor play table

If you’re pressed for space, you can make an outdoor play area for the kids by constructing a simple table that folds flat against the fence when not in use. Find out how to make it at Sensibly Sara.

16. Bring the beach to the backyard

If you can’t get to the beach (or you’re tired of the schlep), bring the beach to you. You can allocate a corner of your backyard over to some pretend seaside fun. It’s like having a giant sandpit. Ship in a heap of sand (check in with your local landscaping supplier to get a good deal), add a spade and shovel, and let the sandy fun begin! It’s best to have an area that you can cover to keep cats aways when it’s not in use.

17. Make a giant mural

Lay an old sheet out on the back lawn, bring out the paints and let the kids go berserk painting a giant mural. You can hang the mural on the clothesline for showing-off purposes.

18. Blow some giant bubbles

You can make your own giant wand and the secret bubble mix that produces bubbles that are bigger than the kids. This is an all-day activity that will keep the kids happy and outside for hours. Find the instructions at Happy Hooligans.

19. Create a giant water blob

You can fuse two plastic painter’s sheets together with an iron and fill it with water to make a giant water blob for the kids to go mad on. Full instructions at Homemade Toast.

20. Slip ‘n slide success

Use a tears-free body wash or shampoo to give your slip ‘n slide some get up and go without the tears. Popping pool noodles along the edges can help to keep the water (and kids) contained. Either roll them into the sides and secure with landscaping pins or just make a slit down the length of the noodle and slip the slide material into them.

Picnic

21. Have some bubbly fun

Take a few dollar shop bubble wands along on your next picnic and fill a larger bottle with bubble mix so the kids can refill and keep blowing.

22. Put food on sticks

Thread a fruit salad, a sandwich, a pasta dish, or a pancake onto a stick to serve to the kids. Result? More food makes it into busy mouths with less mess.

23. Pack food into lunch boxes

If you’re picnicking with kids, it makes sense to stick to the tried and tested lunch box regime. Instead of shared bowls, pack each child their own portion in a lunch box. Kids know what to do with a lunch box.

24. Take cupcakes the easy way

Don’t fuss around with expensive plastic cupcake holders that are bigger than the Moon. Pack mini cupcakes into DIY cupcake holder for easy transportation.

Camp

See the ideas for ‘beach’ and ‘picnic’ above and then add these clever little tricks to really make your summer camping relaxing!

25. Put on a shadow show

Kids love putting on a show for the parents and the tent is perfect for a shadow show. Help them write a cool script during the day so they can really show off by making some interesting shadows at night.

26. Take your ‘welcome’ mat

A front door mat at the front door of your tent will do an amazing job of keeping dirt out of the sleeping area. This is a must when you are camping with kids!

27. Pack everything into plastic drawers

You know those stacks of pull-out drawers you can get for the pantry? Use them for camping! Pack one for the kids’ clothes and personal stuff to keep in the tent and another with food and kitchen equipment. You can also use a plastic shoe organiser for stashing the kids’ clothes and toys. Being able to access their own stuff in a neat way is a great way to help kids learn independence when you’re camping. Kidspot has handy packing lists for families.

28. Make some campfire cones

This is a great dessert idea that the kids can help with. Make American s’mores in a cone to pop on the barbecue. Find the recipe on the Kids Activities Blog.

29. Foam play tiles make a great floor

The kids’ colourful foam jigsaw puzzle pieces make fantastic flooring for the tent, so bring them along! They’ll double as a familiar play surface for babies and toddlers during the day.

30. Keep the toilet paper clean and dry

The kids will love decorating a coffee can ready to pop the toilet paper into. Lots of glitter and gemstones will keep things fun and the toilet paper easy to find!

31. Make a cubby

Take along a shower curtain, painter’s drop cloth or tarp to make a waterproof bush cubby for the kids. Set it up with some foam flooring (see above) and a few outdoor cushions. It will be a nice nook for them to retreat to when all the outdoor fun gets to be too much.

This article was originally written by Maxabella for Kidspot Australia and adapted for Kidspot NZ.

Creative Ways To Encourage Your Child’s Artistic Talents

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Many parents think that children only need to excel at academics in school in order to be successful later in life. However, art can be an important factor in a child’s development, as it allows them to express themselves better. Moreover, when used as a form of therapy, art can be a tool that can help children heal from painful experiences.

New Zealand book illustrator, Lyn Kriegler, knows all about the positive impact of art as she regularly holds art workshops to help children deal with anger issues and trauma. In an interview with The Epoch Times, Kriegler said that everyone has that “light within them” that can be sparked by art, which is why children should be encouraged to take up a creative form of expression for their health and happiness. If you notice that your little one has an interest in drawing, painting or colouring, here are some creative ways to encourage your child’s artistic talents.

Draw while people watching

Some children will start drawing right away, and they’ll do just fine if you leave them alone with some crayons and paper. However, some kids will need a little more inspiration than that before they can unleash their creative talent.

To get your child drawing or painting, why not take them to an outdoor café so they can draw while people watching? It’s good practise when learning to draw human faces, and it also helps them become more observant of the people around them.

If it’s your child’s first time drawing faces, guide them and teach them about the basic shapes, and encourage them to draw a variety of eye shapes and colours, nose sizes, and lip shapes – after all, not everyone looks the same. Bring a sketchbook, some pencils, coloured pencils and markers, and take your child to a child-friendly New Zealand pub, restaurant, or café, such as the Northcote Tavern, Postman’s Leg, Mexicali Fresh, Charlie & George Café, or Mission. Plan on going when the weather is nice so you and your little one can enjoy some fresh air while sketching different faces.

Go on a street art walking tour

Going to a gallery or a museum allows your child to learn more about some of the greatest works of art. However, if your child wants to view art in a different way, why not take them on a street art walking tour? There are walking tours available in the major cities, some offering the chance to view unique murals by artists such as Erika Pearce, D Side and Cracked Ink. Viewing street art opens up a whole new world to your child, and it lets them know that art can be found even in the most unexpected places.

Have a mini exhibit at home

Once your child has created several pieces, it’s time to show them off to your family and friends. Plan on having a mini exhibit at home at your next dinner party, and showcase your child’s artwork. You don’t have to spend a lot to do so – you can frame some of your child’s best works and hang them up or display them on easels, or display them on a clothesline made from a thin piece of crafting rope. Add some fairy lights to give the exhibit a festive vibe, and play some fun music to enhance the experience. Displaying your child’s work will give them a sense of pride and will encourage them to keep on working on their craft.

Art can help to boost your child’s happiness and confidence. Encourage your little one to develop their artistic talents by trying some of these tips, and see how art can have a positive impact on their life as they grow.

Does your child love to create art? How do you nurture their creative talents?

See more:

This article was written by Sally Sykes with additional content by Kidspot NZ. Sally is a freelance writer who left her corporate job for a life of freedom. She regularly travels with her family and absolutely loves camping in the great outdoors.

Wattie’s Little Sprouts, Little Dippers, & Stir Thru Sauces

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial4.00 out of 5 – Kidspot mums were pleased with Wattie’s Little Sprouts, Little Sprouts or Stir Thru Sauces.

star rating

A new solution for feeding baby from Wattie’s

Discover a new way to feed baby that’s fun and delicious for baby, yet simple to include in your family’s routines.

  • Wattie’s Little Sprouts – ready to eat plant-based baby meals for 6+ months and 8+ months
  • Wattie’s Little Dippers – baby dips to complement baby-led weaning for 8+ months
  • Wattie’s Stir Thru Cooking Sauces – heat and stir sauces to add to your homecooked food for 8+ months

Wattie’s® Little Sprouts™

Wattie’s Little Sprouts are plant-based meals for baby that are packed with tasty veggies and legumes. These vegetarian-friendly options are a source of plant protein.

Available in two 6+ month products: White Beans, Kumara, Pumpkin & Olive Oil; Lentils, Green Beans & Tomato, and two 8+ month products: Pumpkin, Lentils & White Beans with Quinoa; Cauliflower, Sweetcorn & White Beans with Quinoa. Little Sprouts have no added sugar or salt, no preservatives, no artificial colours or flavours, and no added fruit.

Wattie’s® Little Dippers™

Wattie’s Little Dippers are a great accompaniment to serve with those first finger foods, giving baby the opportunity to explore new tastes and textures during baby-led weaning. Suitable from 8+ months, the dips are packed with veggies and legumes and are a source of protein. For an easy snack, just squeeze into a bowl and serve with homemade soft cooked veggie sticks, cooked pasta shapes or toast fingers.

Available in three delicious varieties: Butternut & Kumara Hummus Dip; White Bean, Peas, Avocado & Spinach Dip; Curry Cauliflower Hummus Dip. The Little Dippers contain no preservatives, no artificial colours or flavours, and no added sugar, salt or thickeners.

Wattie’s® Stir Thru Sauces

Wattie’s Stir Thru Cooking Sauces are awesome for adding new flavours to homecooked food and allow baby to easily join in with family mealtimes. Suitable from 8+ months, the sauces are made with vegetables, herbs and mild spices. Simply heat the sauce and stir through baby’s prepared portion of cooked meat, vegetables, rice or pasta – easy!

Available in three delicious varieties: Mild Butter Chicken with Veggies; Tomato with Herbs Mediterranean Style; Creamy Cauliflower with Herbs. The Stir Thru Sauces contain no preservatives, no artificial colours or flavours, and are low in sugars and sodium apt for babies’ developing palates. (Stir Thru Sauces contain dairy).

Wattie’s® baby food recipes are prepared in a specialist baby food facility with carefully selected, quality ingredients.

Always read the label for correct preparation.

Read the reviews below!

We have given 30 members with babies aged 7 to 11 months the chance to trial Wattie’s Little Sprouts, Little Dippers, or Stir Thru Sauces.

  • If you have received your product please check your inbox for review instructions (check your spam box too).
  • To add your review, scroll to the bottom of the page and post your feedback as a comment.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive either: 3 pouches of Wattie’s Little Sprouts, or 3 pouches of Wattie’s Little Dippers, or 3 jars of Wattie’s Stir Thru Sauces
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to submit three photos as part of your review
  • JOIN the Mums Say NZ Facebook 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 and 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

Advent Calendar Ideas

Posted on by Julie Lankow

As the first of December approaches, families across the world will be setting up an Advent calendar to count down the days to Christmas with their children.

Originally Advent was marked by burning a candle, making a chalk mark or by hanging a small picture on the wall each day . By the early twentieth century the first printed calendars appeared and the small doors revealing an image or short bible verse were added several years later. The inclusion of chocolate began in the 1950s and has made Advent calendars popular across the world.

But Advent calendars don’t have to be just filled with chocolate. Homemade or bought Advent calendars can be filled with coins, stickers, stick-on-tattoos, craft supplies, stationery, hairbands, finger puppets, mini figures, jokes, or pretty much anything that you can fit into a little pocket or box!

If you are making your own advent calendar, a great way to build the excitement of Christmas is to pop a note or ‘coupon’ with a fun activity into each pocket/drawer. If you don’t want to do that you could pop an Xmas bauble or other decoration in each. Below are some ideas for the activities you can include.

1. Block puzzle

Get the kids even more excited about counting down the days to Christmas – a puzzle advent calendar! Kids will love opening the box presents each night and guessing what the complete picture will be.

2. Books

Inspire or nurture a love of reading with a new story each day of Advent. Try a book fair to pick up a bunch of books, wrap them and then open a new one each night, or simply put a little note in each day of the calendar with a title of a favourite book from your own collection.

3. Paper chain riddle

Make this Christmas even more fun for the kids with a riddle a day until Santa arrives. Have the kids hunting and guessing until the big day!

4. Build your own LEGO

Scour your LEGO blocks and put the pieces needed for a nativity scene into the pockets of your Advent calendar and the kids can build the scene as they go.

5. Beads

Get a leather cord or similar to make a necklace or bracelet plus a selection of beads or charms. Pop one on each day of Advent.

6. Hanging crackers

advent crackers

Hang 24 crackers on strings and pull one each day.

7. Wall Advent calendar

Little boxes of all shapes and sizes can be transformed into a unique Advent calendar in this festive craft. Arrange them on the wall in the shape of a Christmas tree or star.

8. Noodle boxes

Grab some noodles boxes (available at craft stores and big box retailers) and create an advent tower and pop the promise of a fun family activity in each.

9. Elf on the Shelf

The cheeky elf (or any other toy you would like to use) is a great way to count down to Christmas.

10. Treasure hunt

Create a month-long treasure hunt by putting a clue into each pocket of the calendar that leads to a small treat or toy.

11. Cookies

Advent Cookies

Have a tasty advent – bake and decorate a cookie for each day. You could number them or just decorate them with a Christmassy theme.

Do you have an Advent calendar that you reuse each year? How do you count down the days to Christmas?

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”

CBeebies is launching in New Zealand!

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for Sky CBeebies

The beloved BBC preschool channel, CBeebies, is arriving on TV screens in New Zealand this December!

Our family emigrated from England to New Zealand several years ago. At the time my kids were not yet at school. The relaxed way of life, the sunshine, the natural beauty, and the friendly people make Aotearoa a great place to raise kids and we’ve never looked back. Well, except for missing a few things – one of which was CBeebies!

I must admit I missed having that safe and friendly destination for my kids to interact, learn and play, either alongside me (my favourite was the Tweenies – yes, I had a favourite too!) or when I needed just a few minutes to get something (anything!) done during those demanding early years.

Award-winning TV for preschoolers

The BBC has long been a trusted source of quality information and entertainment and their preschool channel, CBeebies, is the cream of the crop. A channel designed especially for preschoolers, CBeebies is packed with content that gives kids the chance to play and learn with favourite characters, stories, and activities in a happy, playful and safe environment. The award-winning* content is designed with a preschooler’s development and learning in mind – and it helps that the kids love it too!

(*6 time winner of Channel of the Year at the BAFTA Children’s awards)

CBeebies in New Zealand

Now this awesome channel is being made available in New Zealand on Sky channel 103 from the 1st of December 2019, along with complimentary content available on Neon and Sky On Demand.

Each day the CBeebies content is arranged into four zones designed to reflect a preschooler’s day. Early mornings are Get Set Go, then it’s Discover and Do for younger viewers, followed by Big Fun Time for enjoyment after school or preschool, and finally, Story Time, with a focus on winding down, with calm and soothing programming.

New favourites

Here’s just a glimpse of some of the quality content that CBeebies offers.

Hey Duggee

This animated series features a big lovable dog, Duggee, who runs the Squirrel club for preschoolers – a place where kids can have fun while discovering the world around them and earning activity badges.

Go Jetters

This action-packed programme follows the adventures of Xuli, Kyan, Lars and Foz, as they travel the world with Ubercorn, their teacher on this geographical discovery.

Sarah & Duck

This animated series follows the adventures of seven-year-old Sarah and her friend Duck, as they explore the world in their own imaginative way.

Andy’s Wild Adventures

Andy Day and Kip the cat travel around the world searching for amazing animals.

Teletubbies

This iconic series features the four Teletubby friends, Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po, as they play in Teletubbyland.

Thomas & Friends

Everyone’s favourite cheeky little train shares adventures with his locomotive friends on the island of Sodor.

For more information visit www.sky.co.nz/cbeebies

What is your preschooler’s favourite show for learning and play?

See more:

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon for Sky CBeebies

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”

Goodnight Kiwi Returns

Posted on by Julie Lankow

For almost 20 years an animated Kiwi and Cat signalled the end of the evening’s television transmission on TVNZ. Now, the beloved characters are back to be introduced to another generation.

There’s not many adults who grew up in New Zealand who won’t remember Goodnight Kiwi. In the days when TV didn’t play all day and all night (those were the days!), a cute animated short of a Kiwi and his Cat shutting down the TV station and settling into bed delighted young and old. The tune used in the animation is an arrangement of a Māori lullaby, ‘Hine e Hine’.

Goodnight Kiwi returns

Now TVNZ have brought back Goodnight Kiwi and Cat for a brand new show for kids. The animated characters will be joined by TV and radio personalities who will read popular bedtime stories from New Zealand authors, creating a beautiful new bedtime treat for kids.

The problem with the old Goodnight Kiwi was that you had to wrangle a really late bedtime as a kid to be able to see them. Now, thanks to the technology of streaming, Goodnight Kiwi can make an appearance whenever you decide that bedtime has arrived for your child.

Do you remember Goodnight Kiwi? Will you be streaming the show for your children?

See more:

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon including content provided by The Warehouse

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”

Free EpiPens for NZ Kids in Need

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Originally published November 2019

Many New Zealand children with severe allergies will receive free, lifesaving EpiPen® auto injectors in the next year, thanks to FundaPen™ – a ground-breaking collaboration between Allergy New Zealand and Pub Charity.

From Monday 11 November 2019, 2,500 free EpiPen® auto-injectors will be available to many young people, who have a doctor-diagnosed allergy and are at risk of anaphylaxis.

Who can get a free EpiPen®?

The FundaPen collaboration follows numerous attempts in the last 15 years to have EpiPen® auto-injectors publicly funded through PHARMAC. It will directly benefit children between the ages of 2 and 18 years who are Māori, Pasifika, live in a quintile 5 region (the most socioeconomically deprived areas), or hold a Community Services Card.

“The initiative should provide some relief for families who currently struggle to buy an EpiPen® at a cost of $120 to $350 each year,” Allergy NZ Chief Executive Mark Dixon says. “We have been doing all we can to have EpiPen® auto injectors funded and while this is by no means the ideal way, we hope it will help many families in the short term.”

“We continue to hope that EpiPens® will eventually be publicly funded, as they are in Australia.”

Pub Charity CEO Martin Cheer says, “Pub Charity was delighted to support the FundaPen™ initiative and help young people with severe allergies to have the life-saving medication they need.”

How to receive a free EpiPen®

The $300,000 Pub Charity donation is strictly for the purchase of the EpiPen® auto-injectors from Allergy Pharmacy, who in turn will purchase them from
Mylan NZ Ltd. Allergy New Zealand will not receive any financial benefit from the donation.

Miranda Munn said she was delighted that her daughter, Alanah would be receiving a free EpiPen® this year. “I know we have to have a current EpiPen® available for Alanah but finding that much money is very difficult. We also have other medical bills, including those for Alanah’s asthma.”

To obtain one of the free EpiPen® auto injectors, families will need to visit their family doctor.

Allergy NZ is a 35-year old national charity that aims to improve the quality of life for New Zealanders living with allergies by providing evidence-based information and support.

FUNDAPEN™ Key Facts

  • EpiPen® auto-injectors are available through the FundaPen™ initiative from Monday 11 November, 2019
  • 1 FREE EpiPen® per eligible patient
  • To obtain a FREE EpiPen® auto injector, families will need to visit their family doctor
  • The exclusive distributor is AllergyPharmacy.co.nz
  • Every patient eligible for this offer needs to be doctor-diagnosed with an allergy that puts them at risk of anaphylaxis
  • Each recipient needs to receive an Action Plan and education in the use of the EpiPen® and how to manage their allergy to avoid anaphylaxis
  • AllergyPharmacy.co.nz will dispense each EpiPen® back to the GP who prescribed it under the FundaPen™programme, NOT direct to the patient as they would normally
  • Funding for 2,500 Epipen® auto-injectors is available under this initiative. Because of the challenges of access, this initiative is specifically targeted at children between the ages of 2 and 18 years who are Māori, Pasifika, live in a quintile 5 region or hold a Community Services Card.

Information in this article was provided by Allergy New Zealand.

Does your child require an EpiPen® or do you know a child who does? Join the discussion below.

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A Guide To Buying Your Child’s First Bicycle

Posted on by Julie Lankow

In New Zealand, 20% of the population ride bikes on a regular basis. It’s not just a way of getting to a destination; cycling is also a wonderful way to keep fit and healthy for people of all ages.

With childhood obesity being an issue in New Zealand, it’s important to start your little ones on the path to wellness as young as possible. Riding a bike is perfect for this, giving them an added sense of freedom. It is easier to learn how to ride when you’re young and it’s a life skill that stays with you forever. All you need to do is buy your child their very first bicycle and get going.

Bikes for the early years

You may find that a balance bike from around aged two is a good way to get kids used to riding a bike. They have no pedals and are propelled by your child’s feet.

Most children have the coordination around the age of three years old to have a go at riding a two-wheeled bicycle with training wheels. When they are this age, if they have an inseam (the distance between the crotch and the floor) of between 14 and 17”, then a bike with a 12” wheel diameter is usually the right size.

Between the ages of four to six years old, look for a 14” diameter – these are sold at most toy stores, as well as mainstream sports and cycling stores.
At this age, children will have developed better balance and a little more self-confidence in their ability to ride a bike. Generally, children outgrow these bikes very quickly, so making a large financial investment isn’t worth it. If you are a keen cycling family, then wait until they are older before looking at more expensive models.

Moving away from training wheels

Many children start to ride a bike independently without the need for training wheels, over the age of six. For an inseam of between 18-22”, then a 16” wheel diameter is about right. Most stores will have an expert that can help fit your child for a bike, making sure that the frame of the bike is the right size. If the frame is too large, they may have difficulty controlling their bike and it can be tricky to manoeuvre. As a rough guideline, the frame is generally two thirds of the height of the inseam measurement. Coaster brakes (ones that are applied by back pedalling) are a good idea on bikes for this age group, as they are easy to use.

Advanced bicycle features

Don’t be tempted to go for advanced features like hand brakes and multiple gears when you are buying a child’s first bike. Hand brakes are fine for children over the age of eight, but any younger and they probably won’t have the grip or co-ordination to be able to operate them. Gears and multiple speeds are not a good idea when they are learning to ride, as they distract from the main purpose of simply being able to cycle without falling off and changing direction.

Buying a child’s first bike is a milestone in their development. Getting them into fun fitness early in their lives will help them to grow into healthy adults.

What are your best tips for buying a bicycle for a child?

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This article was written by Sally Sykes with additional content by Kidspot NZ. Sally is a freelance writer who left her corporate job for a life of freedom. She regularly travels with her family and absolutely loves camping in the great outdoors.

The best hi-tech appliances for your kitchen

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content

With regular nine to five hours being a thing of the past and busy family life, it can be hard to find the time to cook meals from scratch. It’s very tempting to get a simple frozen meal or takeaway.

“Just because you might be time poor doesn’t mean that you have to succumb to purchasing pre-made meals and sauces. There are plenty of hi-tech appliances that can save you time and help you create top-quality meals,” says celebrity chef Mark Southon.

To help aspiring or time-poor chefs make the most out of their kitchens, Mark has revealed his top five favourite kitchen appliances.

Thermomix

Thermomix TM6

Smart technology means everyone can get involved in the cooking. Not only does the Thermomix TM6 replace more than 12 household appliances, it also connects to an online database of over 50,000 recipes. So the whole family can get together and create a meal plan for the week – you can even text yourself (or someone else) a shopping list organised by ingredient aisle. This is one of the most convenient features of the TM6 because when it comes to dinnertime, it provides step by step on-screen instructions for the day’s recipe. So whoever is on dinner duty can simply login and press ‘start cooking’.

LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator

LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator

LG’s newest smart appliance features InstaView technology that allows users to take a look inside their fridge with a simple knock, making it ideal for the time-poor. A top tip for users includes storing snacks and essentials in the fridge’s door-in-door section. This allows you to spend less time searching for the items you need and can easily identify which need re-stocking.

Google Home Nest Hub

Google Nest Hub

The Google Nest Hub is a smart display that has an in-built Google Assistant which can respond to voice commands. The new appliance allows you to get rid of all of your old cookbooks and follow step-by-step cooking instructions through recipes on the device’s touchscreen. When not in use, users can create custom slide shows of their own images as a screensaver.

NutriBullet

NutriBullet Balance

When trying to lose weight or take on a healthier lifestyle, smoothies are often top of mind for breakfast alternatives, yet many don’t know about the calories that often hide inside each cup. The NutriBullet Balance can prevent this by connecting to users’ mobile devices where they can follow the step by step recipes which show exactly how many calories are in each serving of your smoothie.

DeLonghi PrimaDonna Elite

DeLonghi PrimaDonna Elite Fully Auto Machine

It can be a struggle to find the capsule with your favourite flavour and intensity when trying to save money by making your own coffee at home. The DeLonghi PrimaDonna Elite can help users create tailor-made coffee which they can control through their smartphone app. Variables such as aroma intensity, temperature, milk heating and water quantity can all be adjusted and saved to create the perfect cup every time.

Content provided by Thermomix

What’s your favourite hi-tech kitchen appliance?

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5 Ways Music and Theatre Can Benefit Your Baby

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Ever considered taking your baby to the theatre? Whilst a marathon stint of Les Misérables may be out of the question, there are play and theatre productions aimed at babies and toddlers that can benefit your child in many ways.

Attending a theatrical show with your little one is a wonderful bonding experience and can provide a host of developmental benefits as well as happy memories. From the team at Cubbin Theatre Company, here are five ways that music and theatre can benefit your baby.

1. Connection time with their grown-up

There is nothing that your little one craves more than spending time with you. Sharing a creative experience while cuddled up in your arms, or when you’re lying nearby, is more beneficial than you may realise. When you attend a production aimed at babies, like Up & Away, you can also recreate the moves and actions you learn in the session to use at home, which will further strengthen your relationship. There’s nothing better than seeing their face light up and look at you with a “did you see that” expression on their face! For your baby, seeing your reaction is an important part of face to face contact, building on their lifelong social skills.

2. Regulation and soothing

By introducing your baby to a regular musical play routine, it can help to become a soothing experience for them. Music and peaceful sensory experiences work wonders to soothe babies and bring their brains into a calm state. Just like our favourite song brings us joy, babies can react positively to pieces of music that they associate with being calm and happy. They are most receptive to developing new pathways when they feel comfortable, which is only heightened when they have their grown-ups around to engage with them.

3. Brain building

During the first two years of their lives, your baby’s brain develops more than any other time. Using music and play to help encourage this can develop the emotional, intellectual, social and physical parts of their brains. Age-appropriate experiences fire up the neurons in their brain, creating positive connections that will last them a lifetime. The positive environment and experience will help shape their brains. You might be surprised to know that your baby will remember the experience for far longer than you think!

4. Happy parents = happy babies!

Having a happy baby usually makes for a happy parent! The environment of Up & Away is intended to be intimate and calming to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. Engaging in experiences like this can build a relationship between you and your baby. The first few months of parenthood can be exhausting and isolating, so it’s important to get out of the house and into soothing and comfortable environments – once you enter the beautiful Cubbin tent that hosts the Up & Away show you won’t want to leave!

5. Introducing creativity at a young age

Introducing your child to musical play at an early age can encourage them to extend their creativity as they grow older. Music is a skill that can be fostered from very early on in life, through discovering sounds and tune with your baby. Generally, the language of music for a child is about the sensory experience – how it makes them connect, move and communicate all factors into the way they explore and see the world. Children learn to express their emotions through music and can develop a love and passion for it that they can develop further.

Content provided by Cubbin Theatre Company.

Have you attended a play, musical production or theatre show with your baby?

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50 Play Ideas From Kiwi Parents

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Playtime is quality time for kids, especially when little minds and bodies are still developing and growing. To inspire your little one’s playtime, we asked Kiwi mums and dads to share how their little ones love to play.

The best play is when kids are moving, laughing, learning, or exploring.

50 play ideas from Kiwi parents

1. Ride-on toys: The best ones are those that encourage their imagination, like a fire engine, or police bike.
2. Box play: Turn an empty cardboard box into a race car, boat, or anything! Let the kids lose with the crayons and pens to decorate their new vehicle. At the end of the day, set them up for a “drive-through” movie.
3. Cars and trucks: Great additions to the sandpit – create a roadway or mini town.
4. Helping out: Little kids love to help mum and dad around the house by hanging out washing, weeding and planting, etc, or pretending to mow the lawn.
5. Water play: Float a toy boat in a big bowl of water, small paddling pool, or tub and see what things from around the garden will also float. In warmer weather, get the kids in the water for a splashing good time.
6. Climbing: Jungle gyms, climbing walls, trees …
7. Dress ups: Pretend to be someone else for a day!
8. Wash the car: Whether it’s washing the family car or their Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, what kid can resist water and bubbles?
9. Mud, glorious mud: Dig in dirt, make mud pies – just generally get messy!
10. Trampoline: Classic Kiwi backyard fun.

11. Imaginative play: Hideaway in a pirate’s lair, sail the seven seas, or go on a bear hunt in your own backyard just by using some imagination!
12. Ride a bike or scooter: Create a course with small cones and learn some manoeuvres.
13. Visit a playground: Explore the various playground equipment at a new park or revisit an old favourite.
14. Swings and slides: Traditional fun, either in your backyard or at the local park.
15. Construction: Create with sand, dirt or offcuts of wood.
16. Explore: Take a walk together around the neighourhood or see what marvels you can find in the garden including flowers, insects, bark, shells, feathers, etc.
17. Have a race: Ready, set go, for a running race. Use a stopwatch to time them and challenge them to beat their time.
18. Play with pets: Teach the dog a trick or two, follow the cat through the garden, or feed the chickens or rabbits.
19. Make some music: Learn a new song, or create your own with some simple instruments like drums, maracas, cymbals, etc.
20. Balls: Throw them, roll them, kick them, bounce them – there’s hours of fun to be had with a ball!

21. Blocks: Build the tallest tower, or create a scene for their favourite figurines.
22. Dolls: Dress them up, take them for a walk in the pram, or give them a check-up at a pretend doctor’s surgery.
23. Chalk drawing: Create patterns or pictures on the concrete.
24. Head to the beach: Build a sandcastle, hunt down some cool rocks or shells (but leave them undisturbed), or play some beach cricket.
25. Swimming: In a pool, or at the beach, take your little one for some paddling fun.
26. Open a restaurant: Play kitchens make for great role play – what will be on the menu for family or their favourite toys? Bake some goodies to serve in the restaurant.
27. Interactive toys: Toys that educate and entertain are great for developing little minds and bodies.
28. Reading: Take a favourite or a new book into a fort or outside under a tree.
29. Painting and drawing: Try different types of art mediums like crayons, pastels, finger painting, or stamps.
30. Pack a picnic: Find a favourite spot or just park up in the lounge if the weather isn’t great.

31. Bubbles: Create the biggest bubbles, or the most bubbles, or the ones that fly the furthest!
32. Go on a bushwalk: Head off on a short walk and discover native trees and birds. Let your little one take some photos of things that intrigue them.
33. Forts: From blanket and big cardboard box forts inside to outdoor play forts, a hideaway is a great way to fire their imagination.
34. Colouring-In: Print off a colouring page of their favourite character from the movies or TV.
35. Obstacle course: Inside or outside, you can create an obstacle course to suit your child’s abilities and using everyday things, ie crawl through a chair, bounce a ball into a basket, walk along a ribbon on the floor, jump into a hula hoop.
36. Make a sand saucer: Decorate it with flowers and leaves from the garden.
37. Have a bubble bath: Fill the tub with bubbles and add scoops and funnels to play with.
38. Create a card: Make and decorate a card for a loved one or friend, and pop it in the post.
39. Grow a sunflower: See if they can grow it to be bigger than them!
40. Traditional toys: Learn to hula hoop, skip, or play hopscotch or elastics.

41. Play a memory game: Memory games are simple to play and can be adjusted to suit your child’s ability. Try this memory card game or memory on a tray game.
42. Play a board game: There’s lots of simple games for little kids that they will love to play over and over again.
43. Play shops: Grab some canned and packet foods from the pantry and set up a shop with some play money or tokens. Decorate a small table as your shop or create one from a large cardboard box.
44. Put on a show: Create invites, then tell a story, act it out, or dance to a favourite tune.
45. Puzzles: Jigsaws are great for encouraging focus and concentration.
46. Make a book: Fill it with drawings or collages, or help your child to write a short story.
47. Balloons: Play keepy uppy, bounce them, kick them, or play catch.
48. Basket baby: If your little one isn’t yet confident in sitting up, pop them into a large basket (ensure that it won’t tip over), and provide some things that they can grasp and play with, ie soft toys, pegs, board books, blocks, etc.
49. Puppet show: Create sock puppets and use a box to make a “theatre” then put on a show for the family.
50. Treasure hunt: Hide an object in a room or in the garden and tell the seeker if they are “hot” or “cold” to help them find it.

Always supervise children around water, heights, driveways, roads, and play equipment. Always ensure that toys and play equipment are suitable for their age.

Kidspot’s Activity Corner has thousands of ideas for play! Visit here.

How does your little one love to play? Share your favourite activities.

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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 Essential Back Care Guide for New Mums

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Looking after a little helpless baby – and then a highly active toddler – can take its toll on mums’ bodies. All that bending over, feeding, picking up and carrying is an intense daily workout so it’s vital mums look after their backs to stop pain today and problems tomorrow.

Women’s health physiotherapist Brooke Williams of Back in Motion in Melbourne has these must-read tips and information for all mums of littlies.

Back care tip 1: It’s hormonal

The hormones that pumped through your body while you were pregnant to loosen up muscles, ligaments and tendons, can hang around for a few months after the birth.

“After having a baby these muscles are like a swollen and sprained ankle even though you can’t see them, but they needed to be treated carefully just like you would a sprained ankle,” Williams says, which leads on to Tip No.2 …

Back care tip 2: Save sit-ups for later

Here’s a good as excuse as any to avoid these tedious exercises – they work the wrong muscles. And in those first few weeks or months doing lots of sit-ups can cause more harm than good, says Williams, who adds this scary deterrent: “This exercise places too much pressure on the pelvic floor which can increase the chances of both incontinence and getting a prolapse.”

Back care tip 3: Think about your lifting

You could be bending over and picking up your 3-5kg bub (soon to become a 15kg toddler) 30-plus times a day in those first few months. Most women’s bodies are not used to such a labour-intensive job so all this stooping, bending and carrying can have a huge impact on your already over-loose back and tummy muscles.

This is Williams’s advice: “Always bend your knees to go down to bub’s level – our leg muscles are large and strong and better built to cope with bending and carrying than our back muscles. Encourage a toddler to stand on a chair, step or couch so you don’t have to bend down as far.”

Back care tip 4: Squeeze and lift before you lift

Never forget your pelvic floor – you’ll be glad in the future if you care for it now, considering one in three women end up with incontinence issues after having a baby. Williams advises that mums get into the habit that before you pick up anything or anyone, you pull in and up your pelvic floor muscles and brace your tummy muscles.

Back care tip 5: Best exercise for breastfeeding mums

Holding and feeding bub for long periods can start to cause some pain and tension along your thoracic spine (i.e. middle of your back). Here’s Williams’s best exercise to relieve any discomfort: Roll up a towel lengthwise into a long cylinder and lie on it so it runs down your spine. Rotate your knees from side to side.

Back care tip 6: Be fit and strong in pregnancy

In an ideal world, we all would have been building up our core strength and stamina during pregnancy. Williams says that going into motherhood strong and fit certainly provides a headstart. “It would be great if pregnant women could do some pregnancy-related exercise classes or at least keep fit with regular walking,” she says.

Back care tip 7: Rethink those bending jobs

For example, don’t reach in to get bub out of a cot, but lower the side of the cot first. Don’t spend minutes bending over bub in her carseat fiddling with the endlessly sticky buckle, kneel on the seat next to bub or, if possible, on the floor in front. If there’s ever a way you can get out of bending from the waist – and there nearly always is – do it.

Back care tip 8: Do pilates

This style of gentle exercise has been found to do wonders for rebuilding and strengthening mums’ core. Williams advises mums attend a physio-run class aimed at new mums to start with.

Back care tip 9: Don’t ignore problems

Back pain can quickly become a chronic issue. During these early days of being a mum when our core strength is compromised, we can sustain long-lasting issues which can flare up for years. Continence problems (that is, bladder leakage) is also associated with this whole part of our bodies.

If you’re at all worried, have any pain or still have problems with continence after six to eight weeks, see a women’s health or continence physio sooner rather than later. Physiotherapy New Zealand can help you find the right practitioner for you.

Remember, it’s just as crucial that mums look after themselves too because you’re doing such an important and indispensable job.

This article was written by Fiona Baker for Kidspot Australia and has been reproduced here by permission. Sources include Back in Motion.

Which parenting activity do you find to be most stressful on your back?

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Kiwis Living With Incurable Breast Cancer to Benefit From Digital Cookbook

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for Sweet Louise

A sustainable cookbook featuring recipes from well-known Kiwis is the hero of Sweet Louise’s drive to raise $100,000 to support Kiwis living with incurable breast cancer.

Since it was unveiled on 1 October, The Sweet October Cookbook has been purchased by Kiwis passionate about supporting New Zealanders living with incurable breast cancer, with over 280 books sold to date.

Now, those after a modern kitchen keepsake brimming with a special collection of recipes from Al Brown, Matilda Green, Shavaughn Ruakere, Sarah Gandy, Jesse Mulligan, Karla Goodwin (Bluebells Cakery), Jordan Rondel (The Caker), esteemed dietitian Angela Berrill and Hannah Barrett are encouraged to buy the digital cookbook too.

Download the e-book for $31 from sweetlouise.co.nz

Something for every cook

Hannah Barrett, Sweet Louise’s official celebrity ambassador, says the e-book has something for everybody – no matter their cooking ability.

“My recipe is called a ‘Kitchen Sink Salad’, with quinoa, feta, pomegranate and yoghurt, as well as whatever else you have handy – the idea is to chuck in whatever you have in your fridge! I love the book because it offers a range of recipes and I can just open them on my phone. You can gift this book to other people too, it would make a wonderful Christmas present or birthday gift!”

The Sweet October Cookbook features 31 recipes for the 31 days of October, with many recipes from members of the Sweet Louise community, that is Kiwis living with incurable breast cancer.

Supporting those with breast cancer

Breast cancer is New Zealand’s third most common type of cancer and more than 600 people each year die from it. Approximately 3000 men and women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and between 20-30% will go on to develop incurable breast cancer.

Once diagnosed with incurable breast cancer, the average life expectancy is less than two years. Annually, Sweet Louise supports around 900 Kiwis with incurable breast cancer – and since the start of this year, 201 Kiwis who were members of Sweet Louise have passed away.

Funds raised from the sale of the cookbook and other fundraising activity this month will help the charity provide $500 in vouchers to each Sweet Louise member to redeem on practical support such as meal delivery, garden and home maintenance, wellness experiences and family outings.

Sweet Louise also provides emotional, psychological and social support for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Sponsorships, donations and grants from individuals, organisations and fundraising events throughout the year enable Sweet Louise members to receive ongoing support.

Get your copy

Sweet Louise CEO Philippa Reed is grateful to those who have already purchased The Sweet October Cookbook, but says Sweet Louise need to sell many more to reach their $100,000 fundraising target for breast cancer awareness month.

“We’re on a roll, but we want to encourage more Kiwis to buy it! The book is beautifully designed, the recipes are straight-forward and the photography a work of art. It’s an environmentally sustainable option too, something you can download to your digital devices and use anywhere.”

The Sweet October Cookbook also includes recipes from supporters of Sweet Louise – LOAF, Bird on a Wire and Silver Fern Farms. Professionally styled by volunteers, photographed by Shaun Cato-Symonds and designed by Kaz Design.

Download the e-book for $31 from sweetlouise.co.nz

Visit Sweet Louise at sweetlouise.co.nz or for support enquiries contact them on 0800 11 22 77

Photo caption: Sweet Louise CEO Philippa Reed with Sweet Louise ambassador Hannah Barrett at The Sweet October Cookbook launch.

Information provided by Sweet Louise.

Trick or Treating Safety Tips

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Trick or treating has seen an upsurge in popularity in recent years. Some neighbourhoods and communities have dozens of houses offering treats for costumed kids.

Although it is often seen as an American tradition, the origins of Halloween are believed to go back 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on October 31. Trick or treating may have evolved from a ritual where people dressed as ghosts and demons and received treats to appease spirits.

In modern times, it’s all about the costumes and the candy! Trick or treating can be fun – what kid doesn’t love dress ups and the chance to pretend to be someone else for a few hours, plus the lure of those treats! But to ensure that your trick or treaters have a Halloween to remember for all the right reasons, follow these safety tips.

Trick or treating safety tips

  • An adult should always accompany kids when trick or treating
  • Time your trick or treating before it starts getting dark
  • Ensure the kids’ costumes are not going to affect their mobility or vision, to avoid trips and falls
  • Only go to homes where you know the residents, or if your community has organised trick or treating, those that are displaying a trick or treaters welcome sign
  • Never enter a house
  • Do not enter a property if there is a dog that isn’t tied up
  • Only accept treats that are wrapped
  • Stay together, don’t run, and be wary of cars in driveways
  • Stick to the safe crossing rules
  • Remain on well-lit streets
  • Use a footpath when available. If there is no footpath, walk as far away from the roadside as you can, facing traffic
  • Always remain respectful of those who are not taking part in trick or treating

Trick or treat signs

Got candy to share? Stick up a ‘Trick or Treaters Welcome’ sign to let the kids know that you’re happy to take part. Let your kids create one or use our ready-made version.

Trick or treating isn’t for everyone so if you’re not wanting visitors to your door pop up a sign on the letterbox or gate to let the kids know that there’s no  sweets waiting.

You can also get your neighbourhood in on the fun of Halloween by doing a mailbox drop of the Trick or Treaters Welcome sign with a note that the kids are planning to trick or treat but will only visit those homes that have a sign up.

Do you get a lot of trick or treaters in your neighbourhood?

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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”

Kidspot New Zealand is all about simplifying the search for kid related fun, activities, sports and related trappings. It makes it fast and easy for kids and their parents to identify things and places of interest leaving more time for all to enjoy!

Please contact us with new ideas and suggestions on how to make this a reality for you and your family.

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