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”

Conquer the Laundry Pile in 3 Easy Steps

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Most of us will close our eyes and wish up a fairy godmother when we see a pile of dirty laundry. Those who actually enjoy doing the laundry are few and far between and, quite possibly, from another planet. You sort, you wash, you fold, you turn around and the pile seems to have grown larger. Here’s some tips for conquering the laundry pile before it gets so big that there’s a shortage of oxygen at the top!

Sorting

Use a divided laundry cart or several hampers so that family members can help with the sorting, whether it’s into whites and colours or separating out soiled and work clothes.

Put socks into mesh washing bags before putting them in the washer. This makes it easier to collect them all from the machine and helps avoid them getting lost in duvet covers and up sleeves.

If your mornings are chaotic (and let’s face it, who’s aren’t?) then put a load of washing in the machine the night before and set up ready to go so you’ll be the first one with your laundry out on the line the next morning (yes, we all want to be first!).

The laundry room

Set yourself up with a few necessities. First is a rubbish bin for the lint and multitudes of tissues you’ll rescue from the pockets. Secondly is a container to store all the other bits and pieces, like small toys, receipts and the washer woman’s favourite – money! One more container is for those dreaded odd socks until they find a partner. Also keep a clothes horse nearby for those items that you can’t throw in the dryer on wet days.

Give your laundry cupboard a good clean out and give away anything that’s still usable but that you don’t want. Make sure you have a back up supply of washing powder, fabric softener and stain remover so that you’re not tempted to use running out as an excuse for not doing the laundry. If you buy in bulk, keep some powder in a small tub that’s easier to use each day rather than lugging around that big box.

Folding and ironing

This is probably the worst part so make it as pleasant as possible. Make sure your workspace is at a good height that’s not straining your back. Some people prefer to fold laundry whilst watching the TV or listening to some favourite music. Whatever makes you happy is the key!

Even small children can put away their own socks and underwear. But remember, they will be more willing if it’s fun. So get them to play the sock game where you dump all the clean socks in a heap on the table and they have to see who can make the most matches.

It’s also easier for kids to put away their clothes if they actually have some space in their drawers. So have a clean out and take out all the clothes that no longer fit or that you know they will never wear.

What’s your top tip for keeping the laundry pile under control?

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her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

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

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

10 Anxiety Busters to Help You Stay Cool, Calm and Collected

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Family life, despite all its blessings, can take its toll on our mental health. Here’s 10 quick and easy ways to help you curb anxiety, manage stress and stay centred.

1. Breath away anxiety

Okay, so we’ve all heard this one before, but learning to control our breathing really can help us to relax. Here’s a simple breathing exercise you can do whenever you feel a spurt of panic coming on, or tension building up inside:

Close your eyes and focus only on your breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose. Feel your diaphragm move up into your ribcage and extend your belly outward as you inhale. Slowly push out your breathe as you exhale through your mouth. Feel the stress being breathed out of your body and visualise it leaving your body. Each breath should take 6 seconds to complete. Spend 3 seconds slowly inhaling through your nose and the other 3 seconds slowly exhaling through your mouth. Take 5-10 breaths like this and you’ll instantly feel more relaxed.

2. Drink green tea instead of coffee

Caffeine is a mood stimulant. It heightens our moods, which is why we feel charged after our morning cappuccino. But the crash we experience once the caffeine has worn off can invite anxiety and depression into our general sense of being. Although green tea contains caffeine, it also contains amino acid L-theanine which promotes relaxation and modifies the stimulating effects of the caffeine present. L-theanine is a caffeine antagonist, if you like, in that it offsets the “hyper” effect of caffeine. Green tea contains more theanine than the other teas. Try drinking Green tea for a more calming and gradual wake up boost instead of coffee.

3. Have a catnap

When we are sleep deprived we not only feel exhausted, accident-prone and forgetful, but irritable too. Lack of sleep can also make our body crave food even when we’re full, which in itself can bring on more stress. Nanna was on to something with her afternoon naps, a cat nap can recharge your batteries and clear your mind. Even if you don’t fall asleep, just lying down and closing your eyes for 15mins can do wonders for your mental health.

4. Phone your BFF

A friend can be a lifesaver when you feel yourself drowning in a sea of family life stress. A trouble shared really is a trouble halved and by chatting to your friend about what’s on your mind, you dissipate the energy around it and lessen the effect it has on you. Your friend will probably have some good advice and if she doesn’t, you can both have a good laugh about it (see below).

5. Have a giggle

Research has found a good cackle releases endorphins (feel-good hormones) into your system. Watch your favourite funny movie over again, or think of something silly your child said that always cracks you up and get those endorphins swimming throughout your body.

6. Put it in writing

Feel like you’re about to blow? Sometimes indulging in a good journal rant, or writing your feelings down in a letter that you never send, is just what you need to do to physically get rid of unwanted emotions. But don’t spend too long doing this though, as you don’t want to meditate on negativity, simply let your anxiety spill out in front of you and feel it leaving your mind once the words are on the page and off your chest.

7. Get rid of clutter

Clutter creates a sense of confusion and chaos. By cleaning up your home, you’re essentially clearing out the clutter from your mind. Pick the one area in the house that always makes you feel better when it’s tidy (for me this is the kitchen bench) and give it a five minute spruce up.

8. Walk off your worries

A brisk walk will clear your mind, get your heart rate pumping and your blood circulating throughout your body. Try to think about your breathing as you walk, concentrate on each breath and empty your mind of thoughts. If you can, go for a walk near water, it has a calming effect and is good for the soul.

9. Indulge in a foot bath

Fill up a large bowl with warm water and indulge in a foot bath. If you like, add some bath salts or essential oils to enhance this relaxing experience. Put on calming music and sit in a comfy chair with your eyes closed while you soothe your cares with this moment of Zen. Do this after you’ve tucked your kids into bed to really make the most of this uninterrupted me-time.

10. Aromatherapy

Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, clary sage, bergamot, frankincense, and sandalwood are often used in relaxation aromatherapy. Adding a few drops of these essential oils to an oil burner at home, or on a hanky that you carry with you when out and about will help you invite calm into your life.

What’s your favourite way to recharge?

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This article was written for Kidspot Australia and is published here with permission.

Leaving Kids in the Car

Posted on by Julie Lankow

News reports of kids being left alone in vehicles for extended periods of time are by no means restricted to the summer months. However, the danger of heatstroke means that those reports take on more of an urgent nature to remind parents that it is not OK to leave kids in the car while you’re off buying the groceries, shopping, or running errands.

The dangers of heatstroke

Babies and young children are less able to regulate their body temperature which makes them susceptible to heatstroke in a short period of time. Their core temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult. They may also not be old enough to exit the vehicle or understand that they are in danger.

According to a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the temperature in a car can increase by approximately eight degrees in only 10 minutes. In thirty minutes, the temperature in a car can rise to 51C when the ambient temperature outside is 31C. By the hour mark, it can be as much as 60C. Even on a cooler summer day, say 23C, the temperature inside the vehicle can reach 40C in half an hour. The report also shows that “cracking a window” does not make a significant difference and the temperature inside the vehicle will still rise to a dangerous level.

“Even a brief entrapment in a vehicle can expose a child to heat stroke (having a temperature above 40 degrees),” states the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.

Unless the body is quickly cooled down, heatstroke can cause confusion, nausea and vomiting, a raised heart rate, headache, rapid breathing and seizures. Severe complications include swelling in the brain and other organs, possibly resulting in permanent damage, or even death.

Leaving kids unsupervised is against the law

Leaving babies and kids unsupervised is not only dangerous, it’s against the law. Here’s the legal bit. Section 10B of the Summary Offences Act 1981, states:

10B Leaving child without reasonable supervision and care
Every person is liable to a fine not exceeding $2,000 who, being a parent or guardian or a person for the time being having the care of a child under the age of 14 years, leaves that child, without making reasonable provision for the supervision and care of the child, for a time that is unreasonable or under conditions that are unreasonable having regard to all the circumstances.

When is it OK to leave kids in the car?

Scorching summer temperatures aside, is it ever OK to leave the kids in the car?

Now here’s the tricky part when interpreting the law. In the definition above, careful consideration must be made of what is “reasonable”. Don’t only think about what YOU think is reasonable – think about what the POLICE would consider reasonable. And remember that every circumstance will bring up new considerations so none of these examples should be taken as legal advice.

  • Popping in to the servo to pay for petrol when your car is within sight? Surely it’s reasonable to leave the kids in the locked car? I mean, it’s definitely safer than hauling a carful of kids across a busy forecourt! If it leaves you feeling uneasy, use ‘pay at the pump’ stations or go fill up when you don’t have the kids with you.
  • Ducking into the dairy to grab a bottle of milk when you know it will take less than a minute? If you’ve parked right outside the dairy and you are aware that you may need to return to the car if there’s a queue at the counter to bring the kids out, then again, most people would consider that reasonable.
  • Going into the supermarket to pick up a few items? No. You can’t see the kids. You honestly don’t know how long it will take. Bring them with you.
  • If you are ever in doubt if something is reasonable, then it’s safer to take the kids with you.

Share your thoughts about what circumstances you think are reasonable (or unreasonable) for leaving kids in the car?

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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 cost of school uniforms

Posted on by Julie Lankow

With school resuming for 2019, the topic on a lot of parents’ minds seems to be the cost of school uniforms. Debate has been raging across social media.

Growing kids = growing costs

Unless you can get your hands on some good quality secondhand uniform or hand-me-downs are an option, chances are you’re going to have to fork out quite a lot for that first year of school. However, kids have a habit of growing (especially at intermediate/college age!) and lo and behold, the uniform that you bought last year and could easily see out a few more years is suddenly tighter than an All Black scrum.

That’s not to say that parents aren’t aware that this growing occurs. But it’s not like you can buy everything two sizes bigger and just hope that it will see them through to the end of their schooling. Though, the amount of new college kids who are wearing blazers that look like tents seems to be the exception to the rule. Those things are pricey so, “you’ll grow into it” is totally valid here!

Then there’s the “additional” uniform bits and pieces. When I was at college (in those black and white days, right kids?), we had a summer and winter shirts, summer and winter skirts, jumper, sandals and shoes. That was it. Now my kids’ school uniform list seems to be the size of an Ezibuy catalogue! Add in PE shorts, PE top, house top, tie, cap, scarf, socks, blazer, raincoat … aggh!

Why are school uniforms so expensive?

Despite claims from parents of collusion between schools and retailers trying to fleece parents for everything they have, it most likely comes down to quality, demand and personalisation. School uniforms tend to be better quality than your bulk standard $10 tshirt from your local bulk clothing outlet. Also, if the uniform is only required by say, a couple of hundred kids each year, then that’s a very small product run for manufacturers with increased costs due to economies of scale.

However, I’m not letting schools off that easy! Or more precisely, the Board of Trustees. There is no need to change the uniform every other year and therefore make secondhand and hand-me-downs out of date. Yes, fashions change and materials require updating but keeping to maybe just one change during five years of college is surely more than enough. There is also no need to put ridiculous demands on parents that kids must only wear a certain shoe which can only be bought from the priciest shop in town. My kids’ school uniform is probably mid-price (ie, $35 for a polo top). But some items don’t have to be bought from the school. The kids are allowed to wear “black dress pants” and “black leather shoes”, therefore allowing parents to find a) a style that the kids are actually comfortable in and b) a product that can be sourced for a reasonable price but still keeping the same overall look. There is also no insistence on shirts having the school crest, so a plain white shirt it is. Team it with a school tie and blazer and it looks just as good.

Why do we need uniforms?

There are some advantages to having a school uniform. Everyone is wearing the same so there’s no opportunity to tease kids about their “stink” clothes (do kids even say ‘stink’ any more?). You don’t need to think about what’s appropriate to wear and it gives kids a sense of belonging – being part of something they can take pride in.

What can be done about the cost?

Ditching uniforms is the obvious answer. But it’s one that parents don’t tend to be keen on. The kids still have to wear something to school so there’s still an expense and it stops the kids from asking for all the latest gear that will likely wear out way before a uniform would anyway.

One suggestion, from broadcaster Gary McCormick, was to have a standardised uniform for kids with schools free to pick their own colours and add their logos, if they wish. I think some schools would shy away from this as it does take away from the individuality of a school’s uniform. However, it does help to solve the cost of small product runs and it could be done for the more standard items of school uniform, like polo tops.

And if you want to make real change, run for the school’s Board of Trustees and get in on the discussions!

Make a plan to save

Usually you know which school your child is going to be attending, you can find out the approximate cost of uniform, and therefore you can plan ahead to put away a small amount each month, so that the cost isn’t a shock to the bank account when your child starts school and also needs stationery, sports equipment, school fees, course fees, and devices in one very expensive month. But, even if you are in a position to save up (which a lot of us aren’t), that doesn’t mean that we WANT to fork out hundreds of dollars on clothes.

Do you find the cost of school uniform to be over the top?

Continue reading “The cost of school uniforms”

5 Unexpected ​positive effects of dance on children

Posted on by Julie Lankow

In this age of technology, most parents agree that their children spend too much time playing video games, watching television, and socialising online. While most parents of school aged children agree that their child needs physical activity, finding an activity that they enjoy can sometimes be a challenge.

The positive effects of dance

Dance is a great way to keep our children physically fit. However, it does not end there. Dance has many positive impacts on children. Dance is a sport. It is physically demanding. A dancer puts as much strain on their body as a football player. Since these facts are obvious, we would like to share with you a few less noticeable positive effects experienced by child dancers.

1. Making the dancer happier

When a person mixes physical energy and music, they feel good. The reason for this is the action causes the brain to produce the chemicals in their brain that makes them happy. This is a naturally occurring chemical change that people experience during strong physical exertion. The feeling makes children want to return.

2. Improving focus

A 2006 study by Medical Life Sciences found that children with various behavioural problems or ADHD were able to concentrate better with dance therapy. Teachers and parents reported that the children with these problems were less anxious, less frustrated, and able to focus better and for longer periods of time when dancing was incorporated into their lives. This became evident when their grades began to climb.

3. Teamwork mentality and a thick skin

When a child becomes part of a dance group, they learn very quickly that the group is only as good as the worst dancer. Being part of the group does not ensure that mistakes will not be made. It means the dancer will correct the error with the help of their dance team.

Sooner or later your child will be the one who makes the mistake and they will feel the support of the team. Instructors and coaches are there to push the limits of a child. They know what the child is capable of and they strive to help them develop. Since the instructor or coach is pointing out everyone’s weaknesses in performance, the kids quickly grow a thick skin. This will serve them well in life.

4. Emotional maturity

It doesn’t matter how old the child is. Even toddlers who are exposed to dance realize a basic fundamental. When the child dances, they put all they have into it. They unknowingly tap into their emotions. They soon realize that some movements draw a lot of positive attention. So they try to perfect those moves.

The child soon realizes that they are part of something larger than themselves. They gain awareness of others and learn to appreciate the feelings and efforts of others as well as their own. This level of maturity is often delayed with children who have no artistic outlet, and no exposure to group activities.

5. Building self-confidence and taking their power back

Bullies have become a world-wide problem. A bully usually picks on the kid that is not sure of herself or himself. They will often select a child who has few friends. When a bully attacks them, they may be afraid to tell and they feel ashamed.

Dance shows a child that they are important. They are important enough to speak up when someone is trying to hurt them. They are part of a team, so they know that everybody has a place and a function. That thick skin we spoke of comes into play. When the class bully does not get the response of fear they are hoping for, they skulk away.

The child-dancer knows their worth and refuses to listen to anyone who doesn’t appreciate it. If the bully becomes a real threat, they are not afraid to tell the teacher or their parents. Because they have empathy for other people, they will always be part of the solution.

Conclusion

You love your child and you want what is best for them. You want them to see how truly special they are. You want to teach them to view themselves through your eyes. You know life is going to kick them around sometime, as it does everyone. But you want them to have enough self-worth to stand up. Give your kid the gift of strength, vision, and empathy. Then stand back and watch them grow! With a good dance teacher, a willing bunch of dancers, and you, there is no way you can lose.

Do you have a child who loves to dance? What positive aspects have you experienced?

Author Bio

This article was written by Wendy Dessler. Wendy is a super-connector with Just For Kix who helps businesses with building their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. Wendy frequently writes about the latest advancements in the SaaS world and digital marketing.

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Getting kids back into a good sleep routine after holidays

Posted on by Julie Lankow

While longer than normal sleep-ins and a bit more than the usual access to the Playstation has been a wonderful part of the school holidays for most children, the looming school term means that parents need to think about re-setting those little body clocks so that they are primed for the start of the school year.

Holidays can induce jet-lag-like symptoms in children as well as in adults, brought on by late nights, sleep-ins, afternoon naps and overseas travel for some. Luckily, just like with jet lag, there are plenty of easy interventions that can help reset little bodies and re-establish a healthy rhythm.

Sydney’s Cheryl Fingleson of Cheryl The Sleep Coach offers some great tips on how to achieve this.

“It can take three to four days to set up a good sleep schedule so I advise all parents to start a week or so before school goes back, and to be patient with their children as this is not always a smooth process,” Cheryl says.

1. Rise with the light

Firstly, its important to use nature’s built in cues. Go into the children’s bedrooms in the early morning and open the drapes or blinds to let in the early sunlight. If it’s practical, outdoor exercise on a sunny morning is an optimum way to get the day started.

2. Slow down at night

The opposite applies at night. Cheryl Fingleson advises parents to use the darkness to let their children’s bodies know that it is time wind down. Switch off the TV and games at least an hour before bed, if not sooner. Allow children to bath at leisure, read alone or together, and put them to bed in a dark, cool, quiet room.

3. Re-establish regular bed and wake times

For the first few nights after a holiday it may still be hard to go to sleep and wake up at the optimum times. But it’s important for parents to enforce a regular bed and wakeup time, similar to the one they use in the school term.

“Little people who are tired from an early start will go to bed a little easier that night,” Cheryl says.

4. Ban the afternoon nap

Cheryl also advises against allowing daytime naps for school aged children. “In the post-holiday adjustment period, taking naps may actually leave children quite groggy and disoriented,” she says.

“Try to keep the children awake through outside play, craft, an afternoon swim or a story.”

5. Clear up the bedroom clutter

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the child’s sleep environment. Clear any holiday clutter including lingering Christmas presents and strewn clothing. A tidy bedroom is more conducive to relaxation, a bed that has been well-made will be more comfortable, and the lack of piles of toys and books will help alleviate any underlying anxieties.

6. Eat well, eat together

Cheryl Fingleson’s final tips for tired clients recovering from the silly season, is to pay attention to healthy and regular meals.

“There are many great ways to encourage your child’s body to relax and reset,” she says. “Healthy, regular meals are a great bonding and balancing tool. You can also encourage quiet baths, essential oils, meditation or solitary reading, especially since we all know that rejuvenation involves a lot more than just sleep. As the school year approaches, one of the best gifts we can give these young people is a rested, prepared and energised state of mind.”

7. Set a good example

Its not just the children who need to recalibrate after the holidays. Cheryl advises parents to set the tone in the home by modelling wellness and embracing good sleep habits as part of their post-holiday resolutions.

By employing some or all of these techniques, clients both big and small will notice a healthy change in their sleep quality and they should be able to return to regular work and school patterns quite quickly.

The information contained in this article was provided on behalf of Cheryl the Sleep Coach. Visit the Cheryl The Sleep Coach website to find out more.

Do you find that your kids struggle to readjust to ‘normal’ bedtimes during those first few days of school?

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Screen Use Could Be Damaging To Children

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Originally published January 2019

Depression, obesity, short-sightedness, cancer … it seems every other week there’s a report on how screen time is adversely affecting children. And then the next report contradicts them all!

All of it can leave parents wondering just what the real effects are and what is considered to be safe.

Long-term study of screen time

A study started in 2015 by the National Institutes of Health  is following 11,000 children, then aged 9 to 10 years old, for an entire decade. The childrens’ use of digital screens like smartphones, video games, and tablets will be monitored to determine how their use can affect a child’s developing brain, their emotional development and mental health. The study also looks at how a range of factors affect brain development including sleep, sport, substance use, academic results, etc.

Analysis of initial brain scans of the participants show that those children who spend more than seven hours a day on screens experience “premature thinning of the cortex,” says one of the study’s authors in an interview with 60 Minutes. Children who have more than two hours of screen time a day achieved lower scores on thinking and language tests.

However, researchers say that it is too early to determine if screen time is the cause of the cortex results – or even if it is a bad thing.

Transferrable skills

According to lead author of the American Academy of Pediatrics most recent screen-time guidelines, Dr Dimitri Christaki, young children don’t know how to translate two-dimensional skills learned on a screen to the real, three-dimensional world. For instance, building with virtual blocks on a screen, is not a transferrable skill and a child who then plays with real blocks will have to start over with tactile learning.

Read more from the 60 Minutes report here.

To find out more about the study, visit abcdstudy.org.

Screen time recommendations

The NZ Ministry of Health recommends no more than two hours per day of recreational screen time for kids aged five and up.

The American Academy of Pediatrics most recent recommendations are for no more than one hour per day of screen time for children aged two to five. The Academy recommends only high quality programming that is co-viewed with a parent to help the child understand what they are viewing and suggests no screen time for children under 18 months old other than video chatting. For older children and teens, they caution against too much screen time, but without a specific time limit. They stress that screen time should not take the place of physical activity, hands-on exploration, face-to-face communication and adequate sleep. (Updated Mar 2021)

Worried about your child’s screen time?

If you are at all worried about your child’s screen usage, online safety advocates Netsafe suggest that parents consider the following:

  • Is excessive internet use affecting their sleep?
  • Is excessive internet use affecting the quality of their schoolwork?
  • Has their behaviour changed?
  • Do they become angry or even aggressive if you try to limit their time online?
  • Are they spending so much time online that other hobbies are becoming less important?

If negative effects are resulting from their screen time, setting limits or reducing existing limits may be an option for parents. Netsafe have tips for screen time strategies using both parenting techniques and technology solutions.

Does your child’s screen time concern you? Do you find it difficult to restrict use?

This article was written by Julie Scanlon, Editor for Kidspot NZ.

Continue reading “Screen Use Could Be Damaging To Children”

Should mobile phones be banned from schools?

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Schools around the world are starting to get on board with banning mobile phones from the classroom.

Nomophobia. You may not have heard this word before but we can pretty much guarantee that most of us know its relevance. The Cambridge Dictionary’s word of the year describes, “the sense of fear or worry that arises when someone is without their mobile phone or unable to use it.”

Smartphone reliance

A flat battery can be inconvenient at times, but a lost phone can be almost panic-inducing when you realise half your life is in that smartphone that is now no longer in your possession. But our smartphone reliance (or is that addiction?) is made perfectly clear by the number of kids who are seemingly glued to their phones throughout the day.

Schools ban mobile phone use

State Government in New South Wales announced that from 2019 primary school students would be banned from bringing mobile phones to school. The move was the result of a review into phone use in classrooms and is hoped to reduce the prevalence of cyber bullying, sexual images, and distractions. There is provision for special requests from parents where a phone can be accessed before or after school.

Psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg who led the review reportedly told 2GB, “It’s all really about kids focusing on lessons, better socialising, reducing social media use and reducing online bullying and online image abuse.”

In France, primary and middle school students up the age of 15 are prohibitied from using mobile phones while at school.

Some New Zealand schools have also recently introduced a ban. St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton prohibits Year 9 and 10 students from bringing smartphones to school. Senior students are allowed to bring a phone but must leave it in a box at the front of the class. Tararua College and Auckland’s Diocesan School for Girls are among other schools to introduce bans. Often the bans are requested or supported by parents.

Why does a primary school child need a mobile phone?

The reasons why a parent wants their child to have a mobile phone are varied and down to personal choice. Being able to contact a child easily if they are taking public transport to or from school, travelling to sports or activities, or if there is a civil emergency, is reassuring for parents, and vice-versa. But the reality is that such a need can usually be met by a phone with no camera or internet access.

Often people who grew up without today’s amazing technology will argue that we survived our school days without the need to be in constant contact with our parents. But the world is a much different place to the one that Generation X and Baby Boomers grew up in.

Extending the smartphone ban to high schools

Dr Carr-Gregg also suggested banning phones for students beyond primary school (up to and including year 10) and strictly limiting access for years 11 and 12. The NSW Education Minister said that sometimes mobile phones are useful in high school when used to augment learning activities but can also be dangerous and a distraction.

Smartphones are definitely a distraction from studies for some students and inappropiate or obsessive use can be harmful. Kids need to have clear guidelines of what is and isn’t appropriate. But just because the way that this generation communicates is different to what is considered to be the norm, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s wrong – as long as it’s safe. It must also be remembered that smartphones are widely used by some high schools as a tool for school notices, timetables, contact for sports teams. Some schools even have their own apps for students and parents to access academic results, activity calendars, absence reporting and more.

Should NZ consider a nationwide mobile phone ban for kids at school? Join the discussion in the comments below.

NZ summer: How much sun protection do you need today?

Posted on by Julie Lankow

New Zealand has the highest rate of melanoma (the serious kind of skin cancer) in the world. So it’s imperative that we are proactive in keeping our families safe from the dangers of the sun.

Remember, to slip, slop, slap and wrap …

sun

sun

sun

sun

sun

Most Kiwis know the sun safety rules, but knowing when to apply them can be confusing, especially if it’s a cooler day, there’s cloud cover, or it’s outside of the summer season.

UV levels

Protection from the sun is required when the UV levels are 3 or higher. Generally, this is between the hours of 10am and 4pm during summer. Even if it’s cloudy or cooler weather, you can still suffer from the effects of the sun if you’re unprotected. You can view today’s UV levels at the NIWA website.

Sun protection alerts

To help you know when to be on alert for sun protection, SunSmart.org provides a Sun Protection Alert for various centres around New Zealand. The alerts update each day, for easy reference. For more locations, visit the Sun Protection Alert page and choose your nearest location.

Auckland

Hamilton

Napier

Wellington

Nelson

Christchurch

Queenstown

Dunedin

This article was written by Julie Scanlon, Editor for Kidspot NZ.

Continue reading “NZ summer: How much sun protection do you need today?”

Did Sesame Street’s Grover drop the F-bomb?

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Grover! Tell me you didn’t just say that! A Sesame Street clip doing the rounds of social media has sparked a debate as to whether or not Grover has acquired a right potty mouth.

The power of suggestion

Unlike the infamous Yanny or Laurel internet debate which was convoluted to be heard differently by people with varying hearing sensitivities, this appears to be completely by accident. Of course, Grover is actually saying, “that sounds like an excellent idea”. But with a slightly unclear pronunciation and plenty of suggestion from headlines, the phrase can be easily misinterpreted.

Catch episodes featuring Sesame Street characters on Lightbox.

What do you hear Grover say? Have you misheard something your child is trying to pronounce? Join the discussion in the comments below.

This blog was written by Julie Scanlon, Editor for Kidspot NZ.

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Santa’s Hefty Workshop Bill

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Originally published in 2018

If you think your Christmas bill is getting a little high this year, spare a thought for Santa. Each year, it would cost Santa $75.3 billion (NZD) to run his workshop. That’s the figure that True Luxury Travel has come up with after some festive number crunching.

In their calculations of how much it would cost to provide presents for the world’s children, here’s what they took into account. (All figures are in New Zealand dollars).

Toy production

  • Approximately 900,000,000 children around the world celebrate Christmas (that’s 45% of the world)
  • Children receive, on average, 16 presents each (don’t let my kids see that!)
  • The estimated production cost of one toy was $4.26
  • Therefore, toy production would cost $61.34 billion

Elves’ wages

  • It has been estimated that Santa would need 132,000 elves to make the toys (yes, people have calculated this stuff)
  • The average cost of an employee in Lapland, including wages and benefits is $89,928 (anyone else keen to work in Lapland?)
  • That brings the total wages bill to $11.87 billion

Power bill

  • Those with high IQs and lots of time on their hands have worked out that in order to produce all those presents and house the elves would require a space around 5.7 million square metres. For comparison, that’s around 570 rugby pitches!
  • Using the cost of energy in Finland, that gives an annual energy bill of $141 million

Bed and breakfast

  • Assuming Santa is renting his massive workshop and elf accommodation, the annual rent for his workshop would be $1.76 billion (or in Auckland, about a gazillion dollars)
  • The annual grocery bill would come to $282 million to feed the elves
  • Not forgetting eight other important members of the team – looking after Santa’s reindeer would cost $46,000

Other factors included in the calculations were property insurance, internet, sleigh maintenance, and suit drycleaning (cos Santa’s got to get that chimney soot out somehow).

Do you have any Christmas budgeting tips for families? Share them in the comments below.

This article was written by Julie Scanlon, Editor for Kidspot NZ. Sources include https://www.trueluxury.travel/travel/santa-workshop-cost.

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10 tips for keeping families water-safe this summer

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Summer is here and making a splash – but is your family water-safe? YMCA Swim School shares ten tips for swimming safe this summer.

With summer in full swing we are drawn to the water to cool off, but it’s not all fun and games when you’re aware of our local drowning statistics. New Zealand has one of the highest drowning rates per capita in the OECD. Seven children aged under five drowned in 2017 compared to three in 2016.

Even one preventable drowning is one too many, so we’ve called upon Karla McCaughan, award-winning Swim School Manager for YMCA in Auckland, to share her top ten tips for keeping your family water-safe this summer.

Top ten tips for water safety

1. Put away your phone

Make sure you actively supervise the children swimming at all times. It can take a matter of seconds for a child to get into trouble in water. Keep your eyes on them and if you can’t keep them within sight and within reach, have them stay out of the water until you’re able to go in with them. Have a designated supervisor for parties and family events so no one is confused as to who is watching the kids.

2. Teach hesitation

Teach your children that they are not allowed to play in, on or around water unless you are with them. 99% of drownings in this age group happen when children “find” water whilst unattended. Teach your children to ask themselves, “Have I got an adult with me?”

3. Learn to swim

Make sure the kids and yourself are confident and competent in the water. Head to your local pool to practice and book the kids swim school lessons. Choose an AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centre or Swimming New Zealand Quality Swim School. These Swim Schools are guaranteed to deliver a programme that employs teachers with an industry recognised qualification. A good Swim School will deliver a programme that not only teaches swimming but basic water safety and survival skills.

Handy hint: YMCA has teamed up with Plunket and Auckland City Council to offer half price lessons in off-peak times to Plunket clients with children aged 3 months to 5 years. The 160-year-old not-for-profit has won the AUSTSWIM Aotearoa Teacher of Infant & Preschool Aquatics three years in a row so you can rest assured they know their stuff! Find out more on the YMCA website.

4. Educate

Make sure the kids are truly aware of the dangers of water. Have an open chat with your children about what they would do if they saw a friend struggling in the water. It is important that they know not to go in the water to try and rescue someone else. Talk about what items could be thrown to someone in difficulty to help them float, like a ball or a chilly bin lid. Teach them to tell an adult immediately.

5. Spot the hazards

Work as a family to identify all water hazards in and around your home. There are many items that may present a drowning threat. Things like buckets, even pet bowls, anything that can contain water. Always stay with children during bath time and minimise distractions like answering the phone. Empty the bath tub after use and keep all plugs out of reach.

6. Don’t trust water toys as a safety device

Never rely on water rings or inflatable toys for safety. Toys are great for having fun with during supervised swimming but will not protect your child from drowning. They must also be removed from the pool when not in use; this may help prevent a toddler accidently falling in while trying to recover a toy.

7. Check your home pool

Make sure if you or your friends own a pool that it matches the safety standards and that it is safely fenced with securely lockable gates. Never leave anything that your child can climb on by the pool fence, ensure the gate swings back to closed after being opened, and have a child-proof latch. Always empty and store paddling pools after use.

8. Know the beach rules

As soon as you get to the beach, look around and familiarise yourself with the swimming area. It’s also a great time to remind the kids of what is around them and even outline a ‘swim zone’ that they shouldn’t swim past or beyond. If it is a beach with red and yellow flags, make sure they only swim in that area. This is where the life guards patrol, and indicates the safest place to swim on that beach.

9. Make life jackets a must

Children should wear life jackets at all times when on a boat, at the wharf or near any body of water. The life jacket must be the right size, tight fitting and worn correctly. Accompanying adults should wear life jackets, not only for their own protection but to set a good example.

10. Know the supervising rules

Children 10 years and under must be actively supervised by a caregiver 17 years or older. Active supervision means at a close distance in sight and earshot, watching at all times and able to provide immediate help if needed. Children four years and younger must be accompanied by an adult within arm’s reach.

Get in touch with your local YMCA to see how your family can become more confident and be safer in the water this summer, or visit www.ymcaauckland.org.nz/swim for more information.

This article was provided by YMCA Auckland. Established in 1855, YMCA is a not-for profit with a vision to build strong kids, families and communities through fitness, swimming, recreation, childcare, accommodation, sport, youth programmes and camps across Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

YMCA

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Why you’re not enjoying sex – and how to change that

Posted on by Julie Lankow

If you’re not enjoying sex as much as you used to, or you feel like you and your partner are in a rut, it can be hard to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it. Whether the stress of kids or work is getting in the way, or you just don’t feel the sparks flying anymore, here’s some of the top reasons you might not be enjoying sex – and how to combat that!

Stress

The number one reason you might be struggling to enjoy yourself, is stress. Everyone experiences stress at some point in their life, and it can be hard to push through and continue with your usual routine if you’re stuck in a rut.

The best way to deal with stress is to have a bit of time to yourself, away from any distractions. Perhaps read a book, watch your favourite romance movie, or take a bath – whatever helps you relax. Lighting a candle and having your partner give you a sensual massage before sex, is also a great way to set the mood.

Note: If you’re struggling to deal with long-term stress or anxiety on your own, it might be a good idea to consider seeing a therapist or doctor.

Pain or discomfort

It’s not uncommon for some women to experience discomfort or pain during sex – and obviously, this isn’t very enjoyable. There are many reasons you might not be producing enough natural lubrication, and this can cause a lot of friction during penetration. If you’re experiencing any sort of discomfort or anything getting in the way of your pleasure, using a liberal amount of lubricant can help things glide more smoothly, and generally enhance pleasure for you and your partner.

Note: If you have any other concerns about pain during sex, consult your doctor.

Communication

If you and your partner are lacking in the communication department, then you might not be enjoying sex as much as you could be. Lack of communication can result in dissatisfaction, as you likely won’t know what your partner likes and dislikes, and vice versa.

It might seem like a daunting topic to bring up, but it’s likely your partner feels the exact same way. Take a step in the right direction and remind them that you’re only bringing it up because you want to make sure you’re both enjoying yourselves as much as possible.

Low sex drive

It’s totally normal for your sex drive to change over time, so if you’re not interested in sex as much as you used to be, don’t worry. You might find that your sex drives goes up and down depending on what you have going on in your life, the change of seasons, or just your general mood and health. If there’s no immediate reason you might be experiencing this, then it’s a good idea to be open and honest with your partner and let them know how you’re feeling, so they don’t feel like you are completely ignoring them in bed!

However, it’s also important to note that some medications or birth control can affect libido. If you’ve recently started taking something, or are on a new form of birth control or medication, it could be a good idea to check with your doctor if you’ve experienced a dramatic change.

Routine

If sex is a planned part of your weekly routine, then that’s great. However, don’t let it become a chore. While some might enjoy the routine and comfort of scheduling sex, this could be a contributing factor to why you’re not enjoying yourself. Why not switch things up a bit? Sacrifice an extra half hour of sleep in the morning and start your day off right, or try out some new moves. Experimenting with something a little different is the best way to find out what you both enjoy.

If you haven’t introduced sex toys into your relationship, this is also an easy way to spice things up! Opt for a fun couple’s toy that will enhance sex with minimal effort.

Making a few small changes to your life might be just the thing you need to increase your pleasure.

This article was written by Georgia May, sex toy expert, at Adulttoymegastore.co.nz.

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The McCaws welcome a baby girl

Posted on by Julie Lankow

13th December 2018

All Black legend, man mountain, and all-round good guy, Richie McCaw, has become a dad with the arrival of a baby daughter. Richie and wife, Gemma, who also boasts plenty of sporting prowess as a former Black Stick hockey player, announced the birth of their first child, Charlotte Rose McCaw on Instagram today with an adorable photo of the proud parents and their baby girl.

Back in July, Gemma announced her pregnancy with an equally adorable pic.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Rich and I are very excited to announce that we are expecting our first baby later this year ❤️ #overthemoon #mcbaby

A post shared by Gemma McCaw (@gemflynn) on

In early November, Gemma and Richie took some private time away from the spotlight for a chance to unplug and reconnect at the jaw-droppingly beautiful Birds Eye View Lodge in South Canterbury.

Congratulations Gemma and Richie!

This article was written by Julie Scanlon, Editor for Kidspot NZ.

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Kiwi kids’ consumption of fast food and fizzy drinks

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Over 60,000 Kiwi kids are eating fast food at least three times per week. Are we losing the importance of a good, healthy, home-cooked meal?

The New Zealand Health Survey carried out annually by the Ministry of Health revealed in their most recent report that 62,000 New Zealand children aged between 2 and 14 years old ate fast food at least three times in the week prior to the survey. The increase in New Zealand’s population is not a factor in the rise, with the percentage of kids consuming fast food this regularly jumping from 5.7% in 2015 to 8.2% in 2017 for boys, and from 6.2% in 2015 to 7.5% in 2017 for girls.

fast food

The number of kids who are eating fast food at least once per week is 70.7% of girls and 74.9% of boys.

fast food

Friday night takeaways

Is fish and chips on a Friday night a tradition for your family, like many other Kiwi homes? While we know it’s not good for us, the occasional fried food is not going to tip the scales (if you pardon the pun), from what is basically a healthy diet into an obesity-inducing one. The problem is that, as these figures show, a large proportion of our kids are no longer eating fast food or takeaways as an occasional treat. Our fast food fascination is gaining momentum and the regularily at which we are consuming these ‘treat’ foods is an issue.

It may sound like a cliche, but when parents today were kids fast food was a once-in-a-while treat, if we had it at all. I can remember the one and only time I got KFC as a kid. I remember my first trip to Pizza Hutt and my first taste of McDonalds. Now it seems that kids view a trip to the local fast food joint as nothing out of the ordinary.

It also needs to be pointed out that ‘fast food’ doesn’t necessarily mean unhealthy food. There is no clarification of what fast foods were eaten by the survey respondents and with the growth of food options that are available to us now, it is possible to enjoy healthy food that’s fast (sushi anyone?).

The good news?

There is some encouraging news though. The number of kids who are drinking fizzy drink at least three times per week is slowly dropping, despite a rise in our population. The number has fallen from 149,000 in 2012 to 130,000 in 2017. So it seems that the ‘water is best’ message is getting through. Or maybe they’re just drinking something else just as unhealthy instead …

fizzy

The percentage of kids drinking fizzy drinks at least once per week is 52.2% of girls and 60.2% of boys. Since 2012, the number of kids drinking fizzy drinks at least once per week has dropped by 40,000.

fizzy

Why do you think kids today are eating more fast food? Join the discussion in the comments below.

This article was written by Julie Scanlon, Editor for Kidspot NZ. Statistical information and graph images are courtesy of Figure.NZ.

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Choosing a house or pet sitter for the holidays

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Over the summer, when a lot of us Kiwis head away for a break, we often leave our homes and/or our pets in the care of friends, family, or professional house or pet sitters. But before you hand over the keys, here’s a few things to consider.

Are you covered?

House sitters often enjoy all the comforts of home in exchange for making sure everything on the home front runs smoothly in their absence. However, if you engage a house or pet sitter and they steal anything or clean out your home while you’re gone, or damage anything, it may not be covered by your insurance.

Natasha Morgan, Founder of My Home Watch and Home Security Expert says, “If a house or pet sitter, family member, friend or neighbour you choose doesn’t live up to their billing, it can ruin the entire holiday experience for everyone. We hear stories about this daily from our customers.”

Insurance Council chief executive Tim Grafton told stuff.co.nz in August 2018, “Accidental loss and damage are covered as standard but all insurers will have exclusions for deliberate damage and theft caused by people lawfully on the property, including house sitters and their guests, so be aware who you are getting to house sit.”

It really does pay to check your insurance policy for what is and isn’t covered and if you are in any doubt, contact your insurer for clarification.

6 things to look out for when looking for a great carer for your property and pets

  • First impressions count. Experience, skills, and qualifications should be considered along with your gut feeling!. An individual with experience and good skills will be able to look after the home better. They will also be equipped to handle challenges and find solutions to problems. Even the best-maintained homes can throw surprises and they should be capable to handle them.
  • Love for pets. Look for a person with a genuine love for pets. Caring for a pet involves extra responsibilities and it is important that the carer is up to the challenge. Apart from providing food, water, and companionship, they also need to be comfortable with general pet care, and, if required, administering medication.
  • Reviews or references. Ask for references and contact the people providing the references for peace of mind. Always look for companies with good reviews.
  • Flexible with dates. Things don’t always go to plan on holiday so if the house sitter is able to be flexible with dates they will be more able to cater to any changes in your schedule.
  • Great communication skills. Choose someone with good communication skills so that you can be reassured that you have left your home and pets in good hands.
  • Consider a professional service that’s insured.

Tips for peace of mind when you’re away

  • Ensure that your house or pet sitter understands exactly what your expectations are. For instance, are they allowed to help themselves to food in the cupboards? Are they feeding the pets once or twice a day? Are they bringing in the mail or putting out the bins? Do they know where to feed the pets?
  • If your sitter isn’t able to meet your pet(s), ensure that they have a description so they aren’t feeding the next door neighbour’s cat!
  • Written instructions are helpful as a reminder for the sitter.
  • Lock away valuables and move breakables into safer positions.
  • Make sure you have stocked enough pet food plus a bit extra so you don’t have to rush out to get food as soon as you get home, or there is enough if you get delayed.
  • Ask for the mail to not be put on the kitchen bench or dining table where a huge pile of junk mail can be a heads-up to a prospective burglar looking through the windows that you are away.
  • Ask a neighbour, family member or friend to also keep an eye on the house from time to time so that you can address any issues early on. Give their contact number to the sitter in case they are unable to contact you.
  • Remember to check your messages regularly while you are away.
  • Investing in surveillance cameras is a good way to keep an eye on your property while you are away as many of the modern systems can be accessed by smartphones.
  • Ensure that if you are posting holiday snaps on social media while you are away that you are only sharing them with trusted friends and family. Maybe just wait until you’re home to share.
  • Show your house sitter where your emergency supplies are kept – just in case.

This article was written by Julie Scanlon, Editor for Kidspot NZ, with content provided by My Home Watch.

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7 tools that will get your child to listen to you

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Parenting Coach and nurse, Heather Lindsay from Blissed Out Mums, shares expert tips from her Communicating with Children Parenting Program.

Have you ever just wanted to speak, your child listen AND do exactly what you say? I’m sure you have … you’re a mum!

We’ve all been there. We need our kids to listen, things have to get done! We have to get out the door, need to get to swimming lessons, toys need to be packed up. If they don’t listen, we resort to yelling just to be heard. Well there is another way.

The solution comes from the world of hypnosis, yes hypnosis. Although we aren’t going to hypnotise our children instead let’s just strategically use specific words and phrases to help influence them to do what we need them to do. Let me share seven language keys to help get your child to listen.

1. Mind-reading

In order for our child to want to listen, our requests of our children should positive and pre-empt any problems that will prevent our child from cooperating with us.

“I know it’s not easy for you to read and we’re going to try this new game to help you.”

In this example it will be easy for you to say “I know … ” because you’re mum and you know your child at the closest level. It’s why mum knows all those little things that make a household run smoothly that insiders don’t know.

2. Double bind

You are probably already using this one! This is where you give your child two alternatives, you want them to chose one, they both end up at the same place but it gives them the illusion of choice. When they have this illusion they are more likely to do what you need them to do.

“You can have a bath now or after doing that puzzle.”

This language technique helps children to feel empowered and respected – so important for their emotional and mental health.

3. Avoiding ‘why’

How many times have you said “Why?” to your child throughout the day? It’s not a useful question. It cements justifications, often negative beliefs or actions and ultimately doesn’t result in a resolution to the problem. Often you’ll be met with the response of “I don’t know … ” Instead there are three questions you should ask:

“What’s the purpose of throwing the toys on the floor?” – This finds the intention or the root cause of the behaviour.

“What specifically are you angry about?” – Finds the purpose.

“How do you know that she doesn’t like you?” – Finds the reason for belief.

Now it is quite possible that your young child may not be able to give you a complete answer to one of these questions, however questioning them in this manner stretches their thinking patterns and grows their neural network.

4. Tag questions

To help motivate our children and get them to do what we want and need them to do we must remove the negative from a situation, displace resistance and get them in the ‘yes’ frame. Basically have them excited to help us do what needs to get done.

“This is fun isn’t it?”

This doesn’t work on a single incident but through regular use. Let’s think of an example.

Putting away the toys: “Let’s put the toys away together. This is fun isn’t it?”

Then the next time “Remember how much fun we had putting the toys away, let’s do it again.” – this will decrease the resistance and they will be more likely to help you tidy up without complaining! Won’t that be a bonus.

5. Make things positive

This is about embedding into the unconscious mind the positive.

“It’s fun to learn like this isn’t it?”

This is really good for children when you’re doing homework especially in the early years when you want to create a positive foundation for learning. Even though your child may turn around and say “no” or have a tantrum, they have still heard the phrase “fun to learn” and this is what is embedded into their unconscious mind so it puts a more positive spin on learning.

6. Empathise with their experience

When your child is struggling with something and you know why they are and the positive outcomes that will come after this hard part you can future pace them and give them resources to help manage the current struggle.

“I know that you don’t want to put the toys away but when we’ve put them away together we can sit down and have some afternoon tea.”

This phrase works because you demonstrate respect for the now, provided a solution (suggesting to do it together) and reframe it to a positive without dismissing how the child is feeling.

7. The power of imagination

Using our children’s imagination for our benefit! A strategy for learning that stimulates children to think and learn when giving human characteristics to objects. Perfect for help tidying up the bedroom!

“Teddy feels lonely on the floor under the bed. He’d much rather sit up next to Bella Bunny and give her a cuddle on the bed where it’s warm.” And then we go into a bit of play acting together.

It creates fun! Definitely creates cooperation!

There are my top 7 language tools to help you when you feel you have a child that won’t listen. Now they take practice and you may find yourself tripping over your worlds or forgetting to use them. Keep coming back to this blog, it’s not going anywhere. Practice, practice, practice! You will get there! These specific language tools work because of the way humans communicate, you just need to use them in a consistent and gentle manner.

Information in this article was provided by Heather Lindsay, Parenting Coach at Blissed Out Mums. Heather is a passionate supporter of mums and calm and positive parenting. She uses her coaching training and experience as a Registered Nurse and single mum of three to help mums be the type of mum they’ve always wanted to be … As she says, “It’s about thriving, not surviving”. For more visit Blissed Out Mums.

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5 romantic gift ideas for your partner

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Stuck for Christmas present ideas? Here’s five romantic gift ideas for your partner.

For many, Christmas is a magical time of year full of food, family, and festivities. It should be a time to unwind, relax, and catch your breath in the company of your loved ones. But reality is, sometimes the stress of buying gifts and keeping everything picture-perfect can be a little too much for the holiday season. If you’re falling short on ideas to please your partner, why not opt for something a little special this year? A romantic couple’s gift set could be the perfect thing to set the sparks flying this Christmas!

Gift of relaxation

Give the gift of relaxation with a massage oil, candle, or lotion this Christmas! Your partner will appreciate the gesture – be sure to include a few redeemable massage “coupons” as well to add a personal touch.

For the couple that’s on the go, the Kama Sutra Treasure Trove is the perfect kit for tucking away in a duffel bag for your weekend trips! This kit comes complete with a pleasure balm, oil, and dust body powder. This is a luxurious way to enhance your romantic moments, with its strawberry flavours guaranteed to please your senses.

gift

For a more erotic and intimate kit, the Shunga Carnal Pleasures Collection features a range of beautiful products to intensify your romantic moments. Unlike the Kama Sutra set, this focuses more of pleasure as opposed to relaxation. With a massage oil, cream, pleasure gloss, personal lubricant, intensifying cream, and white pearl necklace, this is a great gift for some intimate exploration!

gift

Bed of roses

What’s more romantic than a bed of roses? Treat your partner to the Bodywand Bed of Roses Set for some picture-perfect lovin’! Along with satin rose petals, you’ll also receive the infamous Bodywand massager, feather tickler, satin mask, and lovers dice. The wand massager doubles as the perfect tool to ease any holiday stress with a relaxing massage, so it’s a win-win!

gift

Playtime

A new intimate game can make for the ultimate romantic gift for your partner! If you’re looking to spice things up outside of your usual routine, maybe this is a good opportunity to try something new? Your partner might be a little confused at receiving something Fifty Shades inspired, but trust me, the Seductions game is very luxurious, providing a great way to explore the world of bondage in a safe environment. Flip a card and to get the game started! Go as far as you want, or just stick to what you and your partner comfortable with. Nothing is too advanced either, meaning it’s particularly great for beginners use!

gift

Couple’s massager

If you fancy something a little more advanced to bring into the bedroom, the Lelo Noa could be just the thing for you! This premium couple’s massager is worn by women, and designed to stay in place during intercourse. With quiet, yet powerful, vibrations, it is guaranteed to provide you both with plenty of pleasure! It’s smooth, body-safe silicone and USB-rechargeable design make this an ideal couple’s toy this holiday season!

gift

Surprising your partner with a gift created with pleasure in mind, is a great option for the partner who has it all!

This article was written by Georgia May, sex toy expert, at Adulttoymegastore.co.nz.

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Meningococcal Disease On The Rise

Posted on by Julie Lankow

December 2022 saw a dramatic increase in the number of cases of meningococcal disease across some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable groups which has prompted a warning from a local vaccinologist.

The following information was written on behalf of GSK by Impact PR (12 December 2022).

According to the latest ESR data, there have been 69 cases of invasive meningococcal disease [during 2022], over a 50% increase in the number of cases compared to the previous year.[1]

Infants and children are most vulnerable to the disease, in particular Maori and Pasifika who made up 90% of all cases in children aged under five this year.[1] Teens and young adults are also at increased risk, making up 28% of cases in people under 30 years of age.[1]

Across the regions, Bay of Plenty and Otago/Southland have also been disproportionately affected, each recording the country’s highest rates of the disease and accounting for almost a quarter (23%) of cases in 2022. Northland, West and South Auckland made up a further 30% of cases.[1]

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon but life-threatening bacterial infection causing two serious illnesses: meningitis (an infection of the membranes that cover the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).[2] Even with prompt medical care, around one in every ten patients who contract the disease will die, and up to one in five survivors will have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, amputated limbs and hearing loss.[3][4][5]

There are several types or serogroups of meningococcal bacteria including groups A, B, C, W and Y. The most common in New Zealand is meningococcal group B, which made up 80 percent of cases [in 2022]. *[6][7]

Meningococcal B vaccine

The meningococcal B vaccine will be funded as part of scheduled childhood immunisations from 1st March 1 2023, with a catch-up programme for the next two and a half years to provide vaccination for all children under the age of five.

Meningococcal B vaccination will also be funded for people aged 13-25 in close-living situations such as hostels, boarding schools, halls of residence and the military, with a one-year catch-up programme for young people already living in closed living environments.

This vaccine was previously only funded for those with reduced immune function or close contacts of a meningococcal case.

It is estimated that around 300,000 Kiwis will be eligible during the catch-up period and around 60,000 new infants and young people each year following.[8]

A timely reminder to be vigilant

University of Auckland Associate Professor Dr Helen Petousis-Harris says the rise in cases is a timely reminder to parents of infants and teens to be vigilant in identifying the early stages of the disease. She says there is often confusion around protection status with parents who may think their children are already covered under the childhood immunisation schedule.

“Infants are a high-risk group because their immature immune system makes it easier for the bacteria to invade their bloodstream and they have not had time to develop natural immunity. Children who attend pre-school or daycare are also at greater risk,” she says.

“Meningococcal disease can have a debilitating impact on patients and their whanau. It may loiter around in the community without any cases and then all of sudden you can have a surge and an outbreak. We have been concerned for a long time about the potential for New Zealand to experience a significant outbreak,” she says.

New Zealand has a higher rate of invasive meningococcal disease compared with other developed countries, and the rate of disease has been increasing since 2014.[9][10][11][12]

“The new data is a timely reminder that meningococcal disease can be circulating in the community, and we must be vigilant in protecting against it and recognising the symptoms. Meningococcal disease can develop rapidly usually starting with a fever, vomiting, headache and a general feeling of being unwell. However, this can progress very quickly to a rash, pain in the limbs, cold hands and feet, neck stiffness, confusion and aversion to bright lights,” she says.[13][14]

Under the current Pharmac funding framework, there will still be a cohort of young adolescents who are at increased risk but will not meet the criteria for funded access – including secondary and tertiary students not in close living conditions.

Brett Marett, Medical Director at GSK NZ says although uncommon, invasive meningococcal disease can have high mortality and profound, life-long effects.

“Rates of meningococcal disease in New Zealand are high, double the cases compared to Australia and 25 times higher than what is reported in the United States.”[15][16][17]

“With a limited catch-up window, we encourage all parents and health care providers to prioritise vaccinating those at risk against meningococcal B. For children who have begun their childhood vaccinations, and young people, this means that they may need to schedule additional appointments to receive their vaccine,” he says.

(Please see below for references)

The following information was written by Kidspot NZ

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can result in two serious illnesses: meningitis (infection of the membranes covering the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

The bacteria are passed from person to person through coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing utensils, toothbrushes, pacifiers, etc. Good hygiene practices are essential including covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and washing and drying hands to help prevent the disease spreading.

It can be treated with antibiotics but needs to be caught early.

Know the symptoms

Meningococcal disease can progress into a very serious medical emergency extremely quickly. Symptoms are often similar to flu, ie high fever and muscle aches. The well-known meningitis rash is not always present. Refer to the symptom checker below for more information. If in doubt, take action and seek medical advice urgently.

Meningococcal

Meningococcal

For a printable version of the symptom checker above, click here.

This article was written by Julie Scanlon, Editor for Kidspot NZ. Sources include Ministry of Health.

Read more on Kidspot:

References:

[1] Provisional Meningococcal disease 1 Jan 0 30 Nov 2022. Data source: Episurv as of 7 Dec 2022 and Special Pathogens Unit

[2] Ministry of Health website. Meningococcal disease (including meningitis.) Summary Tab. Available here:  Accessed 17 October 2018

[3] Thompson MJ, et al. Lancet 2006; 367(9508): 397–403.

[4] Immunisation Advisory Centre. Bexsero: A vaccine to protect against Meningococcal group B disease Fact Sheet. Available here: Accessed 15 September 2018

[5] Rosenstein NE, et al. N Engl J Med 2001; 344(18): 1378–88

[6] Provisional Meningococcal disease 1 Jan 0 30 Nov 2022. Data source: Episurv as of 7 Dec 2022 and Special Pathogens Unit

[7] Ministry of Health website. Meningococcal disease (including meningitis.) Summary Tab. Available here:  Accessed 29 August 2020

* of those cases that could be typed

[8] Pharmac proposal. Available here.

[9] The Institute of Environmental Science and Research. Meningococcal Disease Report September 2019. Available here: Accessed 28 October 2019.

[10] Australian Government Department of Health. Invasive Meningococcal Disease National Surveillance Report Quarter 4 2018. Available here:  Accessed 7 November 2018.

[11] CDC. Enhanced Meningococcal Disease Surveillance Report, 2017. Available here: Accessed 1 April 2019.

[12] England ref: Public Health England. Invasive Meningococcal Disease in England: annual laboratory confirmed reports for epidemiological year 2017 to 2018. Available here (PDF): Accessed 1 April 2019.

[13] World Health Organization (WHO), 2018. Meningococcal meningitis Fact sheet no 141. Available here: Accessed July 2019.

[14] Thompson MJ et al. Lancet. Clinical recognition of meningococcal disease in children and adolescents. 2006;367:397-403

[15] New Zealand Public Heath Surveillance, 2019. Environmental Science Research, Invasive Meningococcocal Disease Report, 10 January 2019.

[16] Australian Government Department of Health. Invasive meningococcal disease national surveillance report. Q4 2018. Accessible here.

[17] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2017. Enhanced meningococcal disease surveillance report, 2017. Accessible here (PDF).

How can you balance work, family and self?

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Kelly Carthy is a self leadership and well-being strategist who has worked all over the world coaching people and businesses to help unlock potential. Here she looks at how we can balance work, family and self, by optimising our capability to contribute to the world in a more meaningful way.

In my work I support women through change. Often it is only after re-evaluating how they choose to approach each day, that they can start to lead their life on their terms and achieve a balance. They are considering how they can find a way to live a life that reflects their own core values, whilst managing their commitments to others but importantly, looking after themselves.

What’s your passion?

So, is it realistic to expect to have a career whilst also having the joy and freedom to raise a family, and experience more fulfilment in life? If this question sounds familiar, now is the time to address your life and ambitions with the following questions:

  • What are your goals and priorities?
  • Are you filling your schedule with ‘being busy’  – where can you create more space in your day?
  • What are you passions and ethical values?

Finding balance

Encouragingly, I am seeing how women do have a choice. Instead of continuing to fit into a system that doesn’t seem to work, more women are creating a life that fulfils their ambitions and balances their life like never before.

Whether it is working online, job sharing or creating a business that leverages time and values your worth, more women are choosing a life of purpose and impact.

I have recently worked with one client to uncover her core values, having transitioned herself from a full-time mum managing her husband’s business to launching an innovative and successful business that will impact climate change for future generations in rural Australia. She has created a way for her business to fit into the 9am-3pm space, whilst continuing to prioritise her family.

Another client has freed up more than 20 hours per week and cut down her carbon footprint by changing her meetings to phone conversations as opposed to travelling all over the city to meet with her clients.

What changes can you make?

Take a moment to review these top tips and understand what changes you can make.

  • Creating realistic space in your day without causing more stress: You may not be able to take half a day out, but a walk and a coffee could create the window of space needed to feel like you have taken time out.
  • Take a reality check: How will you be remembered? If your life was to end tomorrow who would you like to be remembered as? Would it be the women who poured blood, sweat and tears into working tireless hours to prove her worth or the woman who valued herself enough to make a choice to live each day of her life?
  • Audit your current life: Take time out from your life to assess your current position and what’s working and what’s not working. How much of your life is being lived from choice and how much of it is an obligation to others?
  • Gain feedback: Find a coach or mentor who values you as a person and supports you in designing a life that serves you. Get clear on the kind of life you would like to live and then get the support and accountability to take the daily steps to make it happen.
  • Delegate: Where can you ask for support? Just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should be doing it. Are there areas of your life that could be more efficiently done by someone else and create space for the areas of your life that really matter?
  • Create space: We spend a lot of time in the action of life but we find the answers in the space between. When you are cramming your day with activity you will rarely find inspiration. Make space for inspiration to find you.
  • Slow down: Like my 4 year old says, “There’s no time to rush.” When we rush we miss so much, we are more prone to mistakes and our adrenals are overloaded. Slow down and do things once well, not many times over with mistakes.

Information in this article was provided by Kelly Carthy. Click here to find out more about Kelly Carthy Wellbeing

Kelly Cathy

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Go gaga over NZ’s MacDonald quadruplets

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Prepare yourself mums and mums-to-be! This ultra-cute video of the 12 week old MacDonald quadruplets from Timaru is by Hazel & Cass Photography and it will absolutely get your ovaries firing! Meet Quinn, Indie, Hudson and Molly. They are New Zealand’s first quadruplets for 25 years and include a fraternal set of twins and an identical set. They were born at Christchurch Women’s Hospital on 15th August 2018, at 28 weeks gestation, to parents Kendall and Joshua MacDonald. These beautiful babies also have a three year old big brother, Brooklyn.

Quad mum plus one

If you’re wondering what it’s like to be a mum to quadruplets (plus one!), check out Kendall’s Facebook page, Quad Mum Plus One. You can follow their journey to bring all their beautiful babies home. And how do you get around with quads? You rack ’em and stack ’em with this amazing quad pram!

Are you a parent to twins or triplets? What was your biggest challenge? Share your experience in the comments below.

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Are you fully protecting yourself in the sun this summer?

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Advertorial

New Zealanders will only be protected for half the time they are in the sun this summer.

NIVEA SUN research shows that Kiwis are at risk of day-to-day sun exposure

New research from NIVEA SUN has revealed that New Zealanders will spend 419.9 million hours over summer unprotected, which is half of all their time spent in the sun.

Years of sun education has made New Zealanders aware of the dangers of sun exposure, with the findings showing that people are fairly good at protecting themselves for big sun occasions like going to the beach or pool. But there is still room for improvement with many dangerous sun occasions overlooked.

Day-to-day life is where New Zealanders are leaving themselves most at risk. Summer weekdays account for half (50 per cent) of the time unprotected, when people are traveling to and from work or exercising outdoors. In addition to this, people are also unprotected during weekend activities such as attending backyard BBQs, where only 1 in 10 Kiwis use sunscreen.

Alarmingly, the research revealed that younger New Zealanders aged 18 – 24 spend the most time unprotected in the sun over summer, a staggering 150-hours per person, with 8 in 10 Kiwi millennials forgetting to reapply sunscreen.

Consultant Dermatologist Dr Victoria Scott-Lang: “These statistics are staggering, particularly in relation to our young people. While New Zealanders have come a long way in our awareness of harmful UV rays, there is more to be done in ensuring we are protecting ourselves all the time, in every situation and building sun care into our daily routine. It is vitally important for every New Zealander to understand that anytime you are outside, you are at potential risk of sun damage.”

Fortunately, 92 per cent of Kiwis believe sunscreen is a vital part of skincare but three quarters of us (73 per cent) simply forget to reapply sunscreen. Close to half of New Zealanders (45 per cent) have sun damage they wish they had done more to prevent.

“Protection is the key to prevention. Dry, unprotected skin is more susceptible to sun damage, premature skin ageing and possible further health concerns down the track,” said Dr Scott-Lang. “This research shows just 3 per cent of New Zealanders wear sunscreen in any sun exposed situation, and I would love to see this number increase through greater awareness and education.”

NIVEA SUN, the world’s number one global sun protection brand1 is urging all New Zealanders to take care in the sun this summer and is encouraging them to follow their Summer Safe Tips to ensure every person is fully protected.

NIVEA SUN Summer Safe Tips

1. Apply one teaspoon of sunscreen per body part (at least seven teaspoons)
2. Apply sunscreen at least 20-minutes before going out into the sun
3. Combine sunscreen with sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat that protects the face, head, neck and ears.
4. Avoid the midday sun and find shade, especially between 10am-2pm
5. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours to maintain the sun protection level, especially after swimming and towelling, during which the protection period is shortened as the sunscreen film can be partially removed.

Moisturise and protect with NIVEA SUN

NIVEA SUN cares for your skin in more ways than one. NIVEA SUN sunscreen contains broad spectrum UVA and UVB filters that protect and shield the skin from sun damage. Whilst also containing moisturising ingredients, Panthenol and Vitamin E providing 24 hour moisturisation.

Always read the label. Use only as directed.

About Dr Victoria Scott-Lang (MB ChB, MRCP, MRCGP, FNZDS)
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Victoria Scott-Lang is a consultant dermatologist based in Christchurch and is on the executive committee of the New Zealand Dermatological Society. She is highly experienced in all aspects of medical dermatology, skin cancer diagnosis and management, and in dermatological surgery. She is passionate about primary prevention of skin cancer, and early detection of melanoma to improve outcomes.

About NIVEA SUN Research:
The research was commissioned by Forward Agency and conducted by Lonergan Research in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard. Lonergan Research surveyed 1061 Australians and 512 New Zealanders aged 18+. Surveys were distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand including both capital city and non-capital city areas. The survey was conducted online amongst members of a permission-based panel, from Wednesday 12th September and was completed on Monday 17th September 2018. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Stats NZ.

About NIVEA:
NIVEA understands and cares for your skin. As one of the world’s most loved and trusted skincare brands, NIVEA offers women and men effective skincare solutions and has been doing so for more than 100 years. Its products cleanse, nourish and protect skin, while giving it exactly what it needs – gentle yet effective care that keeps skin smooth, supple and radiantly beautiful. NIVEA is a skin care expert with a heritage of innovation backed by world-leading research and development, manufacturing standards, and most importantly, care in everything we do.

1 Euromonitor International Limited; NIVEA in the category Sun Care, incl. Sun Protection, Aftersun and Self-Tanning; in retail value terms, 2017

Information in this article was provided by NIVEA SUN.

*Source: Euromonitor International Limited; NIVEA in the category Sun Care,incl. Sun Protection, Aftersun & Self Tanning; in retail value terms, 2017. Always read the label. Use only as directed.

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Teaching your kids humility in the digital era

Posted on by Julie Lankow

With today’s technological influence, humility is becoming an increasingly rare trait for children to develop as they grow up. Right from the start, many kids are brought up in front of a screen and video games, with social media being a huge part of their life. They watch their friends post photos of themselves, brag and craft a high-end lifestyle that may not indeed exist. Gradually, your children begin to over-value the number of followers they have and how many likes they gather on their social media uploads. Eventually, they channel their minds to curating a lifestyle that photographs well for their friends, making them forget essential virtues such as humility. As the digital age progresses, the upcoming generation is obliviously developing inflated egos and self-esteem that could end up breaking them. As a parent, it is your responsibility to ensure that your kids grow differently by teaching them there is more to life than followers.

Bring their attention to other people

Nowadays, the digital presence encourages children to only think about themselves and to make cynical decisions. If you overly praise their achievements, you may make them feel superior to everyone else. On the other hand, you can foster a sense of humility in your child by diverting their attention to other people. For instance, you could accomplish this by pointing out someone who has achieved a lot and did not brag. This would teach your child to incorporate others in their thoughts, thereby thinking beyond themselves and starting to recognise others’ achievements.

Teach them about self-worth and the importance of apologising

Most children believe that their online status dictates their value. However, true worth should be determined by skills, character, strengths, achievements, and passions. As a parent, you can emphasise where self-worth comes from. While at it, give them specific examples and scenarios of how to excel and why these aspects are critical. Similarly, every child is bound to make a mistake that warrants an apology, either publicly or privately. As such, you should not forget to teach them the importance of apologising when wrong and how to respond to peers’ feedback.

Cultivating humility in your children during the digital era can be quite a tedious task that requires patience. Parents should do their part to encourage a humble mindset by discussing important life lessons with their kids. While it may take some time to reflect the desired results, you can start by showing them the importance of dependency and true friendship. This way, they will drop the spirit of meaningless competition and embrace teamwork.

Sally WritesThis article was written by Sally Sykes with additional information from 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.

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Indoor air quality in New Zealand

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Dyson has conducted a nationwide survey to discover New Zealanders’ opinions, beliefs and habits in relation to air quality in the home. This survey comes soon after a Government report into air quality in New Zealand.

Results reveal over half of Kiwis surveyed (53%) are concerned about indoor air quality, however, there are many misconceptions about the causes and how to tackle it.

  • Cooking (66%), outdoor air pollution which can come inside the home (53%), mould (45%), pets (42%), cleaning products (35%), smoke from fires (33%) and pollen (31%) are correctly identified as contributing to indoor air pollution in the home.
  • Mould / mould spores (68%), toluene (e.g. petrol, exhaust emissions and paints) (61%), dust (60%) and tobacco smoke (58%) were identified by Kiwis surveyed as having the highest negative impact on their health. NB: this is their personal view of the impact these things have on their health – these impacts are not supported by a doctor’s medical opinion
  • Half of Kiwis surveyed (50%) believe that household rubbish smells are a cause of indoor air pollution and the majority of them do not recognise furniture (94%) and paints (81%) as possible culprits.
  • The most popular method used to improve indoor air quality is to open a window (92%), and a quarter of Kiwis surveyed turn to air fresheners (25%) and scented candles (26%), which are sources of indoor air pollution.

Allergy sufferers are more aware

  • Almost half of Kiwis (47%) experience allergy symptoms with many (47%) believing these are made worse by poor quality air in the home and and 36% think that during the summer, pollen count affects them inside their home.
  • In addition, those who suffer from airborne allergies are more likely to have a greater sensitivity to all pollutants in the home including mould, outdoor air pollution and pollen from cut flowers (45% vs 34% of the total).
  • Those who experience symptoms due to airborne allergies are more likely to believe outdoor air pollution which has come inside the home (58% vs 53% of the total), and flowers/pollen from flowers (45% vs 34% of the total) contribute to their indoor air pollution.

The effect of air quality on sleep

  • Many Kiwis (55%) don’t believe that air quality has any effect on their sleep with only a third (35%) resorting to ensure the air in their bedroom is clean to help get a good night’s sleep.
  • 55% of Kiwis surveyed are not concerned about the cleanliness and quality of air that they’re breathing when thinking about when they’re sleeping, while 43% are, or are somewhat, concerned.
  • Sleeping in a dark room (59%), investing in quality sheets and bedding (43%), and investing in quality pillows (42%), are the top options used by Kiwis to improve their quality of sleep. Only 35% clean the air in their bedroom to help improve their sleep.

Indoor air pollution

Most of the air we consume is indoors, but it can contain microscopic particles which are invisible to the human eye. Outdoor pollution sources like urban pollution and pollen can enter the home and combine with indoor pollution sources like cleaning products, pet dander, scented candles, and cooking fumes. Because modern homes are becoming better sealed to comply with energy efficiency requirements, pollutants can be trapped inside and circulation of airflow can become compromised.

Pollution sources at home

  • Outdoor air pollution: Sources such as tree pollen, particulate matter and city pollution can enter the home and may remain trapped there.
  • Wood burning fireplaces and stoves: Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves emit particulate matter during combustion.
  • Pollen: Plants and flowers can release microscopic pollen into the air.
  • Pet hair and disintegrated faeces: Cats, dogs and other household pets can spread this microscopic material around the home.
  • Scented candles: Some chemical substances found in scented candles can release benzene and formaldehyde into the air as they burn.
  • Furniture foam: Foam that can be found in furniture can release formaldehyde gas.
  • Indoor paints: Some indoor paints can use volatile organic compounds, which can be released as gaseous chemicals when they dry and potentially throughout their life.
  • Air fresheners: Some household air fresheners can contain volatile organic compounds and benzene, which can be released with the fragrance when sprayed.
  • Gas hobs and cooking fumes: Gas hobs and the food cooking process itself can emit fumes, odours and particles into the air.
  • Cleaning products: Household cleaning products can contain benzene and household fumes and odours.
  • Carpets, rugs and flooring: Some carpets, rugs, flooring and their backing materials can emit formaldehyde when new

Dyson’s expertise in airflow, filtration and electronics is tackling the issue of indoor air pollution with the launch of its new Dyson Pure Cool™ purifying fan. The new Dyson Pure Cool™ purifying fans – in a large tower format for floor placement, and a small desk format for worktops and floors – automatically purify the room, capturing gases and 99.95% of ultrafine particles as small as 0.1 microns (tested for filtration efficiency (EN1822) at 0.1 microns).

The information in this article was provided Dyson. Find out more about the new Dyson Pure Cool™ purifying fan here.

Teachers’ Pet Peeves

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Teachers in New Zealand are keen to secure better working conditions, support, training, and remuneration. There are few that would deny that a teacher’s job is a difficult one and they deserve all the support that our government and the public are able to provide. After all, they are educating the future of our country.

These important aspects that teachers are striving to secure are undoubtedly essential. But as a light-hearted aside, a conversation on Mumsnet in 2018 broached the subject of what more minor things are disrupting the happy life of a teacher. The responses included a range of gripes, some (OK, a lot) created by parents, some part and parcel of being a teacher dealing with kids all day, and some that just seem to be sods law.

Here’s a selection of what really annoys teachers:

  • Crap staffroom coffee
  • Wet playtimes
  • Constant changes to policy without proper consultation or resources
  • Assemblies
  • Children who can’t dress themselves/lace up shoes
  • Unnamed lost property
  • Missing stationery
  • Children who are not toilet trained
  • Head lice
  • Parents who refuse to believe that their child is showing bullying behaviour
  • Parents who don’t read with their child or encourage reading
  • Ridiculous demands from parents
  • When other teaching staff consider their view of children and learning to be the only correct one (and labelling children who don’t fit into this view as naughty, lazy, or having bad parents)
  • Being asked, “How will I use this in everyday life?”

When you are in the middle of explaining something and someone says, “Do we need to know this for the exam?”

What do you think would be the toughest thing to deal with as a teacher? Would you consider teaching? Join the discussion in the comments below.

This article was written by Julie Scanlon, Editor for Kidspot NZ.

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Can’t find a babysitter? 5 ways to get romantic at home

Posted on by Julie Lankow

It’s hard not to reminisce about the days when date nights were elaborate affairs, when you could spend hours getting ready and enjoying the night stress-free. Reality is, once kids are in the equation, it’s a lot harder to escape the house for a much-needed date night. But it’s important to keep the spark alive!

If your usual babysitter isn’t free for the night, put the kids to bed and try out these hot tips for a romantic night in the comfort of your very own home.

Bring the restaurant home!

If you have picky eaters or just don’t have the energy to cook anything remotely fancy, once the kids are fed and asleep, get your apron on!

Cooking together is a great way to bond and spend some quality time with each other. Choose a recipe that you both love, perhaps one that you used to get at your favourite restaurant, and enjoy treating yourself to something a little more gourmet. Complete the night by bringing out your special cutlery and lighting a candle for some candlelit romance!

Set the mood

Speaking of candles, a nice massage and flickering candle are perfect ways to set the mood – so why not combine the two? A massage candle such as the DONA Kissable Massage Candle will create a romantic ambience, and once it’s burning, you can drizzle the wax over your partner for a delicious massage. A massage will help connect you on a physical and intimate level, while helping rub away all of the week’s stress!

romance

Nice lingerie

Maybe you already have some sexy lingerie hiding away in the back of your drawer – or maybe it’s time to invest in some! Lingerie is the perfect way to easily heat things up a bit and send the romantic sparks flying.

Try a simple babydoll dress such as the Lace and Mesh Babydoll and Thong Set. This flattering set is guaranteed to help you feel that little bit sexier and boost your confidence! Your partner will love this sexy surprise.

Lingerie

Quiet, discreet toy

If things are starting to get a little heated towards the end of your romantic night, why not pull out a toy or two and have a little fun? Adding something new into your relationship will help keep things interesting and a little exciting.

Whether you’ve introduced sex toys into your relationship or not, something small and discreet like the We-Vibe is ideal. This toy won’t get in the way as it is designed specifically to be worn during sex, providing pleasurable vibrations for both of you. Plus, it’s whisper-quiet, so it the kids wake up they won’t suspect a thing!

ATMS

Relax!

It’s important to remember that you don’t necessarily need to be doing much on your date night! Simply watching Netflix, cuddling on the couch, having a wine or two, or talking about your day might be your idea of the perfect romantic night. Spending quality time together is the most important thing, so don’t get caught up in all the little details. Make an effort to do something special every now and then, but if you find yourself ordering takeout for the third Friday night in a row, you’re not alone!

This article was written by Georgia May, sex toy expert, at Adulttoymegastore.co.nz.

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Embryo swapping – where do we draw the line?

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Modern medicine and assisted conception techniques have helped millions of people around the world experience the joy of becoming a parent. Dabbling in creating human being has also raised plenty of ethical questions along the way. Most recently, a woman who is desperate to give her son a baby brother, posted this message on various Facebook support groups for IVF couples.

“Hello, we have been trying to give my child a sibling for three years … we want to complete our family with a son. We have a great quality female embryo. Would you like to consider a trade?”

Anyone for a trade?

While the majority of responses have been from those who are appalled at the mere thought of trading an embryo like a commodity, the woman has actually received some interest from like-minded parents including a couple who were devastated to find out that their embryo was a boy.


What about being grateful for what you have?

There is no denying that parents will often have a preference for a boy or a girl, especially second or third (or fourth …) time around. The couple who responded to the idea of a swap have spent around eight years and thousands of dollars on IVF treatments. They already have two boys. I get it. But to openly voice your “devastation” and refuse to use a viable embryo makes no sense to me. What happens if they swap and the embryo they receive doesn’t result in a successful pregnancy? Ethical, moral and legal questions abound.

The New York Post reported that the mum said, “It would be very nice to have someone to share things with which boys just don’t get. It would be very nice not to have nothing but fart jokes at the table all the time. That’d be great.”

Um, I’ve got news for you … girls can be gross too!

However, she went on to say, “If I were to pick a really girlie thing to do with her, she might not like it. Our elder child loves dance and has an aptitude for it. If she decided she had an aptitude or talent for something else – baseball or whatever – we would encourage her.”

Maybe that’s why I don’t get it. I don’t have such strong ideas of what activities boys or girls should be doing. It’s great that they would encourage their child in pursuit of something that they deem to not be “girlie” but perhaps those preconceived notions of gender roles may be the key to why their baby’s sex is so important to them.

What do you think? Should we be allowed to choose if we have a boy or a girl? Is embryo swapping a step too far? Join the discussion in the comments below.

This blog was written by Julie Scanlon, Editor for Kidspot NZ.

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36 easy chores you can start your kids on today

Posted on by Julie Lankow

While getting them started is often not for the faint of heart, a lot of us underestimate how much kids can do to help around the house (and how much easier it makes life for everyone!). Here’s a stack of jobs for kids at every age … and a few bonus tips for getting them to do it without level four whinging!

Getting started

Being aware of your child’s skills and realistic as to what extent they’ll be able to perform a job will help. Regina Camacho Ferrari, psychologist with Melbourne Child Psychology, says younger children should be able to handle two or three jobs – go for a mix of daily and weekly chores, and you can increase the number of jobs as they get older.

Below is a guide of age-appropriate chores for children of different age groups, though Regina recommends adjusting it according to your family’s needs and to the abilities and maturity level of your child. And, of course, children can do the jobs in the younger age brackets. If you are late to the party, get the kids started at the early level jobs, knowing they’ll progress quickly through to their age groups jobs.

Ages 2 to 3

Pick up/put away toys and books
Put dirty clothes in laundry basket
Wipe spills
Help with making own bed

Ages 4 to 5

Help with feeding pets
Vacuum using a hand-held vacuum
Water indoor flowers/plants
Wipe tables and other surfaces
Dusting
Help with bringing in groceries

Ages 6 to 8

Help with setting and clearing the table
Hang out and sort out laundry
Help with making and packing own lunch
Take bins out
Clean bathroom and kitchen sinks
Keep bedroom tidy
Sweep/vacuum
Pack up own schoolbag
Put away groceries

Ages 9 to 11

Load/unload dishwasher
Make own snacks/breakfast
Help with basic food preparation
Mop floors
Fold and put away laundry
Water the garden
Clean bathrooms and toilets
Clean microwave oven

Ages 12 and older

Clean bathrooms and toilets
Clean fridge and freezer
Wash windows
Clean mirrors
Cook simple meals
Operate washing machine and dryer
Change own bed sheets
Wash family car
Take pet for a walk

It’s all in the attitude

If you’re struggling to get them on board, have a look at how you approach chore time – rather than creating a sense that chores are a punishment, make it a matter-of-fact part of life that can sometimes even be fun. The trick to getting kids to do their jobs with a spring in their step is to make it fun – music, everyone pitching in together and plenty of team work.

Regina says it’s also important not to be a perfectionist – they may not get it done to your standards immediately, but through practice they’ll get better so let them learn by repetition and by not jumping in and ‘fixing’ it for them. She says the key is to start as early as possible with simple tasks and then build upon what they can do. “While it may take double the amount of time to complete the chore at the beginning, it will save you heaps of time in the future,” she says.

This article was written by Melanie Hearse for Kidspot.

Continue reading “36 easy chores you can start your kids on today”

Essential tips for travelling with toddlers

Posted on by Julie Lankow

What’s the best tip for travelling with toddlers? “Don’t”, would be the instant response from many experienced parents! But seriously, leave them with the grandparents. Just kidding.

Travel can be an incredible thing to experience with your children, but it can also be overwhelming and unpredictable. However, it is possible to have a wonderful family holiday, to create amazing memories for your children and yourself for years to come. Honest!

So here are six top tips to help families enjoy a stress-free holiday with toddlers in tow.

1. Pick your destination wisely

Do plenty of research about your destination and accommodation options. Consider your child’s age and personality. Are crowded streets your personal nightmare? Are there plenty of open spaces to burn off excess energy? Are you comfortable staying near the ocean?

Also check out what activities have free or discounted entry for toddlers to help keep the budget down. Some attractions offer discount cards if purchased in advance, usually for multiple venues. Check with your travel agent, local tourism offices, or the attraction’s website.

2. Health check

Make an appointment with your doctor to get the family any necessary vaccinations or boosters for your destination. Get these sorted as early as possible so any short-term side-effects have time to clear up before you travel.

Also ensure that you have enough of any prescription medication that the kids or you need to last until you get back home. However, make sure you do some research to find out whether your medication is legal at your destination as laws can vary. Ask your doctor for a note to confirm that the medicine has been prescribed and always carry it in the original packaging.

You can also check SafeTravel for any international health warnings, required vaccinations, and the latest travel information for your destination.

Toddler

3. Flight tips

Check with your airline as to what you can and can’t bring onboard including food, drinks and formula. If you can bring familiar snacks for your little one they may be lifesavers should they reject the airline food.

You may be able to bring your stroller to the gate and then collect it again as you disembark. This can also be an absolute lifesaver when you just need five minutes to sit and relax in transit, or if you need to fill in customs forms without trying to keep your toddler within arm’s reach. Check with your airline beforehand.

In your onboard luggage, pack a change of clothes for your child for the inevitable spillages. Also consider a light change for yourself because, you know, kids! Sanitising wipes are your friend for basically everything. If your toddler isn’t overly confident with toilet training yet use the convenience of pullups to contain any accidents, as you can’t always immediately get to a toilet.

Toys can be a bit hit and miss for distracting your child. Maybe stick to a favourite book, soft toy for snuggles, and a drawing pad with some stickers. They will be more interested in the new experience and will likely spend more time putting the window shade up and down, pushing every button on the seat, and interacting with fellow passengers.

Don’t try to restrict your child to their seat for the entire flight as the chance to have a little wander up and down the aisle may be just what they need to avoid cabin fever.

Popping ears can be distressing for kids during take-off and landing. Sucking helps, so try a sippy cup, suckie pouch, lollipop, bottle, or breastfeed.

4. Bring a backpack

Ditch the nappy bag or handbag and instead opt for an easy-to-carry compact backpack, to hold your day-to-day essentials at your destination. Consider including the following:

  • A small first aid kit
  • Sanitising wipes
  • Snacks
  • Your family sunscreen

5. Car seats

If you’re renting a car, ensure that you are also able to book a suitable car seat. Other countries have different regulations (or none!) regarding restraining children in vehicles, so be sure you know what you’re getting into.

6. Safety first

Always consider your surroundings, whether it be in the airport lounge, your accommodation, at activities, or moving around cities and towns. Identify the hazards for your child and how you can minimize those risks.

Your accommodation is unlikely to have stair barriers or locked pool gates. Traffic may flow differently, or from the other side of the road to what you’re used to, so keep hold of those little hands. Balconies, doors and windows need to be secured.

More top tips

  • Be very clear to regularly communicate between adults about who is responsible for watching children at any specific time, particularly around water, traffic, or heights.
  • Ensure your toddler has plenty of down time while you are away, to help them cope with jet lag, disrupted bedtimes and routines.
  • You may want to bring a nightlight to use in your accommodation to help settle the kids.
  • Layers work best for dressing toddlers comfortably for changing climates.

Toddler

Travel insurance

Holidays usually mean that families and kids are more active than usual, experiencing all the fun of their destination. But that can also lead to an increased need for medical intervention due to the effects of trips, falls, insect bites, gastro bugs and more.

As soon as you have booked your tickets, it’s a good idea to get your travel insurance sorted. Kids have a habit of affecting the best laid plans when sickness or injury strikes, so don’t wait until you’re about to hop on the plane before you get that travel insurance quote.

Southern Cross Travel Insurance has an Emergency Assistance Team who are available 24/7 should you have an unexpected medical emergency overseas.

You should always contact your travel insurer if you or anyone on your policy has had any changes to health prior to travel, so you can ensure the whole family are covered for your own peace of mind.

It’s also important to read your travel insurance policy so you understand what you are and aren’t covered for overseas.

This article was written by Julie Scanlon, Editor for Kidspot NZ, with additional information provided by Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI). SCTI are New Zealand’s leading travel insurer with over 35 years’ experience as a specialist travel insurer. SCTI are proud winners of the 2018 Canstar Award for Outstanding Value for Travel Insurance – International.

For more information visit Southern Cross Travel Insurance.

For SCTI’s terms and conditions (including information about exclusions, excesses and sub limits) we recommend you read the SCTI travel insurance policy document.

Views expressed in this article are that of the author and not necessarily that of (SCTI). As the author receives payment from SCTI for this article, that payment may influence the content and views expressed by the author in this article.

Continue reading “Essential tips for travelling with toddlers”

Learning To Ride A Bike

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Learning to ride a bike is a right of passage for most kids. Even though we tend to transport our children in our cars a lot more than a generation or two ago, a kids’ bike is still a favourite plaything. Heading out with the family for a bike ride is also a great way to spend a sunny weekend – exercise, quality time, fresh air and a vitamin D top-up, all rolled into one!

Parenting expert and father of five, Dr Justin Coulson, remembers what it was like to teach his kids how to ride and reveals the tips and tricks for getting it right.

Tips to help kids learn to ride

Riding a bike is wonderful. You feel the wind rushing against your face, blowing your hair as you pedal breathless up a hill or race a friend. It’s the ultimate freedom. Nothing enters your mind as you speed along paths enjoying the outdoors. Of all the things that feel like childhood, bike riding is certainly one of them.

Thinking back, though, learning to ride can be difficult, painful and sometimes bloody.

I’ve tried a bunch of tricks to help the kids master the bicycle, from using training wheels through to running along behind them with one hand holding their seat for balance. All of these ideas work. But they each involve multiple crashes and adhesive strips, a parent having a sore back from bending to hold the seat and exhaustion from running behind the bike.

The first bike

When our fifth daughter wanted to ride bikes with her big sisters we bought her a balance bike. (It’s a bike without pedals.) After about 25 minutes we found she was riding beautifully. Within a few short sessions, she had transitioned to a bike with pedals at the age of three – no training wheels required.

Learning to ride a bike

1. Getting ready

Before we get into the bike riding, we want to reduce risks to minimise the likelihood of pain your child might experience. Does your child want to learn to ride? Riding is challenging and if your child is unmotivated it will be a horrible experience likely to end in crashes and tears.

2. The right fit

My local bike shop suggested that a child should be able to stand over the top of the top-tube with a small amount of room to spare (perhaps a few centimetres).

3. A good perch

My bike shop sales guy suggested keeping the seat low in the early stages so it’s easy to sit on.

4. Helmets are a must

So are shoes. Some parents encourage knee and elbow-pads plus gloves. Personally, this is too cumbersome for me and so far my kids have all done fine without them. (The worst crash we’ve experienced led to grazes down my daughter’s shoulder and arm. The usual protection wouldn’t have worked anyway.)

5. Find a large open space

Find a space where there is no traffic and a slight slope. It might be on the grass but a path or quiet road or car park will also work.

The riding

1. You don’t need to buy a balance bike. You can simply remove the pedals from your child’s bike and it will work exactly the same way. (Note that the pedals are threaded in different directions.)
2. Have your child stand at the top of the slope, straddling the bike.
3. Encourage your child to sit on the seat and walk the bike down the slope while seated on it.
4. Do this for as long as it takes for your child to be comfortable. As things progress, your child will start to glide, riding faster and faster down the slope.
5. You may want to encourage this gliding practice for a few minutes, hours, days or weeks.
6. Once your child is confident to glide up and down hills and along flat sections, put the pedals back on the bike (or put them on a regular bike if they were on a balance bike). Have them glide down the slope with their feet on the pedals and encourage them to pedal.

That’s it. Sounds easy, right?

Things to consider

Every child learns at different speeds. Some kids will pick it up in 30 minutes. Others may take a few weeks. Be patient and encouraging. Learning to ride is a real accomplishment. For most kids, the pedalling part will take a few sessions. Remember that younger kids will typically need a little more time. If they are uncomfortable, push them a little bit but make sure you don’t get too heavy-handed. Fear and failure can be de-motivating.

More than anything, practise. Bike riding is a skill that kids get better at through trying. The more they do it, the more comfortable they’ll be with it and the better they’ll get. Once they can ride, they’ll be able to enjoy the freedom and feelings that only come from being a kid on a bike.

This article was written by Justin Coulson for Kidspot.

Continue reading “Learning To Ride A Bike”

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