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”

Wild Ferns Honey Babe

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial4.60 out of 5 – Kidspot mums would purchase Honey Babe skincare range again and recommend it to their friends and family.

star rating 5

Whether you’re a seasoned mum or you’re new to the parenting game, we know that you always want to be using the best products on your little one. The team at Parrs Products Ltd know this too, so they have created a great range of products that have been developed with your bub in mind.

Why use Honey Babe skincare?

  • Contains Manuka Honey 80+ with all it’s amazing benefits.
  • Ingredients are chosen specifically for baby’s delicate skin. Baby skin is still developing in the first year so it needs products that are gentle, nourishing and soothing.
  • Free of harmful chemicals. No parabens, mineral oil, SLS.
  • 100% natural perfume certified to comply with the COSMOS (European) standard. This confirms that all ingredients used in the fragrance are from natural sources. (NB natural perfumes can still have allergens).
  • The Honey Babe range is 95% or higher in natural ingredients.
  • Made in New Zealand.

Some ingredients used and why

  • Manuka Oil: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing for the skin. Fantastic for the treatment of eczema and cradle cap.
  • Aloe Vera: Incredibly gentle and high in Vitamin E, makes it a great soother for baby’s dry skin.
  • Calendula: Nourishes and hydrates, especially great for baby’s sensitive skin.
  • Rose water: Cools, soothes and is an anti-inflammatory. Balances the natural pH of skin.
  • Sweet Almond Oil: Hydrates the skin, high in vitamins.
  • Avocado Oil: Reduces inflammation and softens the skin.
  • Coconut Oil: Nourishes and moisturises.
  • Rosehip Oil: Like a multivitamin for the skin. Hydrates, nourishes and repairs.

Wild Ferns® Honey Babe Skincare originates from Parrs Products Ltd, a family business that has been making quality products for over 60 years. All available nationwide in selected pharmacy, gift and souvenir stores and also online at www.wildferns.co.nz

Honey Babe Barrier crème – 99% natural

Protects and soothes – RRP $24.95

Contains premium certified New Zealand Manuka Honey 80+ renowned for its moisturising and healing properties, enriched with avocado and coconut oil and gentle essential oils of calendula and rosehip, to soothe and rehydrate baby’s tender bottom. Natural beeswax provides a protective moisture barrier to help prevent soreness and irritation. Apply as often as required.

Honey Babe Massage Oil – 100% natural

Relaxing for both Mother and Baby – RRP $24.95

Contains the soft fragrance of Manuka Honey in a blend of naturally soothing and moisturising sweet almond, clendula, chamomile and coconut oil to condition baby’s skin during massage. Helps calm a restless baby, also ideal for use as a relaxing massage oil for a tired mother. Apply oil onto hands then gently massage baby’s body.

Honey Babe Shampoo & Wash – 100% natural NO TEARS formula

Gentle ‘no tears’ formula – RRP $16.90

Contains premium certified New Zealand Manuka Honey 80+, manuka oil, aloe vera and calendula to provide gentle moisturising and natural cleansing. Produces a softly scented lather to keep baby’s skin and hair beautifully soft and clean. Apply to dampened skin, massage into a lather, then rinse off.

We’ve selected 50 members to film video reviews using the Wild Ferns Honey Baby range. 

* The reviewer who posts our favourite video review will win a Honey Babe hamper! *

Each selected reviewer will receive:

  • 1x Wild Ferns® Honey Babe Shampoo and Wash 100ml
  • 1x Wild Ferns® Honey Babe Barrier Crème 100gm
  • 1x Wild Ferns® Honey Babe Massage Oil 90ml

Scroll to the bottom of the page to add your comment.

If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile. Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date. Not registered yet? Then signup now

Kidspot Terms and Conditions: You will be required to supply a video review if you are selected. Your name and postal address will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the product only.

Watch our favourite review from Latesha and family

Plus reviews from our other trialists

Why Meditation Is Great For Kids

Posted on by Julie Lankow

When you think about meditation, do you imagine a 70’s-style hippie sitting cross-legged and chanting “Ommmm”? Well, a few years ago, you wouldn’t have been alone, but we’ve come a long way in the past decade and meditation is becoming much more commonplace. So what’s behind this growing interest?

Meditation teacher, Tom Cronin, thinks part of the growing interest in meditation is a reaction to the all-pervading connectivity of our digital world.

“As a society we are getting to saturation point with the amount of information that we process. The availability of digital media means we have it at our fingertips all day long. Now we are processing so much that it has become overwhelming. We are seeking ways to shut off from this for short periods each day in the form of meditation,” he explains.

Science might also have something to do with it. With more and more research showing how meditation can help with a whole range of disorders, it’s perhaps not surprising that more people are giving it a go.

What exactly does meditation do?

While some people still equate meditation with the exotic and esoteric that’s not really what its about. Meditation advocates come to it from a range of different backgrounds and while some are certainly religious, that’s not necessary and anyone who practices meditation will gain benefits: you don’t need to change your religious beliefs to do so.

Simply put, meditation helps you relax your body and calm your mind. It helps you to focus better, become more self-aware and has been linked to improved physical, emotional and mental health.

But how does it help kids?

As an adult, you probably have at least some stress in your life. Worries about work, finances, relationships or health can sometimes overwhelm us and meditation can be one tool to help with that. But surely our kids don’t need help with that kind of thing?

Not so, says Tom Cronin. “You see so many kids who are over-stimulated. They spend every waking moment with their head buried in an iPod or computer or tablet.” Tom says that kids as young as three can benefit from learning to meditate. “If you can get kids meditating every day for one minute for each year of their age you’ll be able to see benefits.”

And it seems research from around the world backs him up. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Applied School Psychology showed that mindful awareness exercises helped children in years one to three improve school performance and reduce anxiety. In a 2005 Canadian study, students in years four through to seven experienced improved optimism, attention and behaviour through mindfulness exercises.

It can also help kids with ADHD. An Australian study found that regular meditation at clinic sessions and at home helped improve children’s ADHD behaviours, self-esteem and relationship quality. Better sleep patterns, less anxiety, less conflict and the ability to concentrate better at school were all recorded. What’s more, the parents of these kids, who also participated in the study, reported feeling happier, less stressed and better able to manage their child’s behaviour.

Getting started

It’s not hard to meditate. You don’t need special clothing or equipment and there are plenty of online resources to help you get started. Alternatively, look around your local area for classes – many are free or relatively inexpensive.

Tom suggests that simple mindful breathing can be a good way to begin. “Teaching your children to bring their awareness to their breath moving in and out of their nostrils for a few minutes a day is very good at calming things down inside their head. When doing this, prepare a space beforehand so they know they are entering into a special time. You can light a candle, and sit in a nice corner of the house with them just for a few moments each day in quiet time.”

If you can’t get your kids to sit still, they can still practice their breathing in other positions – why not try out an easy yoga pose that little ones (and first time meditating mums) can master.

We teach our kids to wash their hands and brush their teeth in order to stay healthy… Doesn’t it also make sense to teach them to do something that will give them better physical, mental and emotional health for years to come?

This article was written by Margaret Rafferty for Kidspot – New Zealand’s most comprehensive parenting resource.

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Mother’s Day Breakfast In Bed Menu

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Have you put your order in for your Mother’s Day breakfast? While it may be that ‘the thought counts’, burnt toast and cold coffee is not the ideal way to start your morning.

Use our handy printable to place your order with the family, then direct your loved ones towards our breakfast recipes so you can simply roll out of bed (or stay in it) and enjoy breakfast in the comfort of your PJs.

Mothers Day

CLICK HERE to print your Mother’s Day breakfast menu, circle what you would like, pop it up on the fridge (or in front of that screen!) and direct everyone’s attention to it … regularly … until Mother’s Day!

Breakfast recipes

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9 ways to get kids washing their hands

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Here’s one great reason for teaching our naturally grubby and grotty kids the golden hygiene rule of hand washing: they’ll spend less days feeling miserable and having snotty little faces like glazed doughnuts.

And that’s no glib claim. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US has found that frequent hand washing with soap and water can reduce the number of illnesses and infections in children under five years old by at least 50 percent.

While it can be hard getting the littlies into good hygiene practices, it’s widely believed that habits learned young are more likely to become ingrained and stay into adulthood. Like teeth-cleaning and covering mouths when we sneeze and cough, hand washing needs to be part of everyday life for healthier, happier families.

So how can we get our kids to wash their hands without our naggy voices starting to sound like white noise to our littlies?

Tips for mums and dads

1. Make it easy, comfortable and safe to do

Little ones may find it hard to reach the taps and basin easily. So provide a child-safe stool or step they can use.

2. Make it a fun experience

Until the habit is firmly in place, use fun-looking soap pumps or brightly coloured little soaps, maybe in fun character shapes, that are just for them.

3. Come up with a hand washing ditty

Scientists know that to get rid of 90 percent of germs we need to wash our hands with soap for about 20 seconds – that can seem like an eternity for a tot. So why not come up with a special song or nursery rhyme to help pass the time. If inspiration fails, a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday should do the trick.

4. Set up a hand washing chart

There doesn’t have to be a prize at the end because kids will just love ticking off the box.

5. Introduce some art and craft

Sit down with your child and create a poster that shows them the steps of hand washing. If they can’t read, why not draw pictures, cut out photos from magazines or download images from the internet.

6. Model good hand washing behaviour

Little children are visual and kinetic learners – they learn best by seeing and doing. They also love to be big kids and copy what Mum and Dad do. So make sure they see you wash your hands at key times, and talk about what you’re doing.

7. Repetition rules

Youngsters learn best also through repetition and reinforcement – so don’t think if they get it right the first time, the lesson is learned.

8. Talk about germs and illness, but in a balanced way

Kids need to know why they’re washing their hands – that is, to get rid of germs that can make them sick – but it doesn’t need to be a horror story that gives them nightmares.

9. Create rituals and routines

Kids respond to routines so make sure they know when they should be washing their hands – for example, after going to the toilet, before eating, after playing with pets

Some interesting facts and research

Here’s some valuable information about why we need to wash our hands – you may or may not want to share it with the offspring.

  • According to research, the simple act of hand washing reduces the risk of getting a stomach bug by as much as 47 percent.
  • Between two and 10 million bacteria lurk between fingertip and elbow.
  • Damp hands spread 1000 times more germs than dry hands
  • The number of germs on fingertips doubles after using the toilet
  • Germs can stay alive on hands for up to three hours.

This article was written by Fiona Baker for Kidspot, New Zealand’s best parenting resource for teaching children healthy habits.

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The Four Ps of Parenting

Posted on by Julie Lankow

By Zoe Fuimaono, Blessed in Doubles for LEGO DUPLO

Juggling being a busy mother to two sets of twins, being a woman in business and a wife, all whilst trying to find that middle ground and a sense of balance, has always been an internal struggle for me. I think it’s an ongoing struggle for most millennial mamas who are constantly trying to do it all, while figuring out what works for them.

Whether we are at home with the kids or out in the workforce, we are constantly asking ourselves am I doing enough? Are my children getting enough of my attention? What else can I do to be more present? Questions I’m sure a lot of mothers reading this would have asked themselves. And it’s also a question I am constantly asked: “How do you do it all?”.

I sometimes find that question a really hard one because this is my life, I just do it. But I know there is so much more to it than that, and that’s why I’m here writing this little spiel so I can give you some insight as to how I try to find a balance not just for myself but for my family and how I prioritise my time.

We all know the saying, life is all about balance. But how do we really truly find that balance? For me it’s all about the four Ps – planning, preparation, peace and play. I like to know what I’m doing, how I’m going to achieve it and to recognise when everything is getting too much, so I can just stop and take a step back from it all.

Planning

When it comes to planning we have a weekly food planner on our wall. I write down all the meals we will eat for the week including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and plan a shopping list. Whenever I do this I feel so prepared, and when I don’t I honestly feel like my life is in shambles. Having that structure, especially, around food, and knowing what to eat and when is such a relief, even more so when you don’t have to think about it.

Preparation

I love the saying, preparation is the key to success, because honestly when I am prepared everything seems to fall into place. I’m less stressed, I know what’s going on and I actually get things done. I’m such a procrastinator (another P!), so for me being prepared is really important. I don’t plan and prepare for every second of the day but when I have a rough idea of what I’m doing in advance, my life doesn’t feel so chaotic. I do little things like prepare an extra batch of food when cooking, or get the kids PJs all ready before they get home so once they’ve had dinner it’s bath time, teeth brushed, books read and bed. It’s all about trying to make life that little bit easier.

Peace

Then we all need our peace. I know I need to take my own time out, now and then. So take a break, give yourself that time to relax. Maybe it’s over a nice cup of tea, running yourself a bath or spending more time doing your makeup –  whatever it is, make sure you find those mini breaks for yourself throughout the day.

Play

Last but certainly not least, is the need to play. This is probably the most important thing – knowing when to take a step back and say, no more work. Don’t worry about the house chores or the fact that dinner isn’t on. Just take the time to get in there and spend time with the kids. When we are spending time together we love playing with our LEGO DUPLO. For me it brings back amazing memories of when I was younger and I would spend hours playing and building. The opportunities to build things seemed endless. Fast forward 20 odd years and I still get the same feelings, it still gets my imagination going and now my kids’ imagination. Watching all of our children’s minds fizz and tick with excitement as they build, makes my heart sing and honestly I really get into building (sometimes more than them!).

Often all we need to do is sit down for an hour and put our screens away, close the laptop and switch the TV off and just hang out with our kids and play. Moments like building with DUPLO bricks offers us this opportunity to create and connect together. We can learn so much from our babies by simply watching them play. I know I have. I’ve learnt patience, I’ve learnt to let go of expectations and to just switch off and completely delve into a project and let my imagination do the thinking for once. When we get the LEGO DUPLO out and it makes that crazy fun sound when being tipped out, I know we are all going to have fun as a family. Seeing their eyes light up when Mummy and Daddy sit down and take time out from our hectic life and just completely focus on them is the best feeling in the world.

As I’ve learnt from LEGO, play is the most natural way for our kids to learn and is a major part of their development. Play-time helps us parents create special memories with our little ones and gives us the chance to fully connect with them. It doesn’t matter if we can’t spend hours and hours playing with our kids, as long as we make sure we are fully present in those moments when we play with them, they will feel it back. In turn our kids can feel confident to create and express themselves. And that’s a milestone my hubby and I want for our kids.

At the end of the day we are all doing our best, even if you feel like you aren’t doing enough, you are! It is so important to take time out to prioritise, nurture and be kind to not just our children but most importantly ourselves. Know and affirm to yourself that you are doing an incredible job, because you are.

This article was written by Zoe Fuimaono who blogs at Blessed in Doubles whilst raising two sets of twins under the age of four.

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Get a workout at the playground

Posted on by Julie Lankow

You know your kids burn a lot of energy when you take them to the playground – that’s why you take them after all. They get fresh air, plenty of cardio and strength work and you get some respite. But there’s no reason why you can’t get a work out too.

Exercising at the playground is a great way to fit in your exercise needs while looking after your children without having to fit in gym visits.

As a mum I know what it’s like to have your needs put last, but as a personal trainer I want you to use your time wisely and get your workout done while your kids are playing. They follow our lead so by seeing you exercise they see it’s normal and fun.

Here are five exercises you can do at the playground the next time you go.

Swing Squats

Pushing the swing?

Add a squat to your moves. Get your child started on the swing and in between each push, squat down. Make sure that your back stays straight. You don’t have to squat down to the ground, just get as low as you can comfortably and while remaining stable.

Hold your arms overhead.

Press ups

You don’t have to get on the floor to do press ups. If your local playground has a climbing frame or a playhouse to it you can use that structure to do wall press ups. These are great for beginners but all levels benefit

Stand in front of your wall and lift your arms up to shoulder level. Place your palms against the wall so that they are slightly wider than your shoulders. Your fingertips should be pointing up. Back your feet a couple feet away from the wall so that your elbows are bent as you lean on an angle into the wall.

Don’t arch your back. Arching your back during a chest exercise can put too much pressure on the lower spine and cause injury.

Inhale before beginning the exercise and exhale as you push off the wall until your arms are in an outstretched position with elbows slightly bent. Inhale as you go back to the starting position.

Repeat the move 10 times. As you progress you can gradually work up to 20 or more wall push-ups for increased chest strength. When you are able to complete the exercise with ease using the proper form described, increase the repetitions by five until you can do 20 in a row.

To make it harder take twice the time to do one press up.

If there’s no wall to push up against you can use a bench.

Pull ups

Using an underhand grip, grasp a jungle-gym bar that’s about a metre off the ground. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and extend your legs in front of you until your chest is under the bar.

Place your feet hip-width apart. Pull your chest close to the bar by drawing your elbows alongside your ribs. Straighten arms and repeat. Aim to do five pull-ups. You want to work up to 12 to 15.

Tricep dip

Sit on the edge of a bench and place hands by your hips, fingers forward so that you can hold the edge.

Lift your butt off the seat and walk feet a few steps away from the bench. Bending at elbows, lower your body until your upper arms are parallel to the seat of the bench.

Push back up to complete one rep.

Monkey bars

Monkey bars are a real challenge. If you have any weights gloves, or cycling gloves try wearing them so that your skin doesn’t rub on the bars as much.

Grab onto the first set of rungs and move down the bars, alternating one arm at a time on each rung.

If the bars are kid-height, bend knees to lift legs completely off the ground. Move down and back as many times in a row as possible. If you can only do a couple try to increase how far you go with each set and visit.

Here’s a workout you can do at the playground:

  • 20 swing squats
  • 10 wall press ups
  • 5 pull ups
  • 10 tricep dips
  • Monkey bars
  • Repeat three times

 

This article was written by Alison King, aka The Fit Kiwi. Alison went from being the most overweight kid in her class to four-time Ironman triathlete and multiple marathon finisher. She is a mum and a REPS registered personal trainer and running coach and offers online training.

Find her at www.facebook.com/thefitkiwi.

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What is asthma?

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Asthma is a condition in which the small passageways in the lungs become inflamed and swollen. During an asthma attack, these passageways, called bronchi, become narrow. This makes it hard to get oxygen into the lungs. Asthma is not curable, but it is manageable. Most kids with asthma lead a normal life.

What causes asthma?

Asthma has several causes, including allergies, colds and other respiratory infections, cold air, cigarette smoke, exercise, stress and some medications.

Is asthma serious?

Yes. A severe asthma attack can be life-threatening.

Can I prevent asthma?

Asthma is not curable, but you can help control asthma attacks. By identifying what triggers an attack, you can help your child avoid potential illness.

How do I know if my child has asthma?

Children who have asthma may have a family history of asthma, frequent respiratory infections as a child, and be exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke and air pollution. Kids with asthma display the following symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
  • Whistling or wheezing sounds when exhaling
  • Bouts of coughing or wheezing that are worsened by respiratory viruses such as colds or flu

How do I treat asthma?

Asthma can be managed. Most cases of asthma are treated with: ½ preventer medication, or ½ reliever medication, or a combination of the two. Preventers are medications taken each day that help prevent asthma attacks, and relievers are medications that relieve an attack in progress. Preventer and reliever medications contain different drugs and work in different ways on the lungs. Preventers are slow-acting medications, and relievers are fast-acting medications that open the airways quickly.

We’ve also got 8 tips for managing asthma the easy way.

Should I call the doctor?

You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you suspect your child has asthma. If your child is being treated for asthma, but his symptoms appear to be getting worse, contact your doctor. You may need to switch medications and/or revise your treatment plan. Seek immediate medical help if your child is having an asthma attack and is not responding to medication.

What you need to know about asthma

  • Asthma is a condition in which the small passageways in the lungs become swollen and inflamed.
  • During an asthma attack, the passageways narrow, making it hard to breathe.
  • Identifying triggers can help your child avoid attacks.
  • Medications can help control asthma.
  • Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening.

Written by Rebecca Stigall for Kidspot, New Zealand’s parenting resource for family health. Sources include Better Health Channel, NSW Health and Health Insite.

This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.

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8 tips to manage asthma the easy way

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Taking a deep breath isn’t always easy in New Zealand, given we have the highest asthma rates in the world with between 10 to 15% of children suffering from the condition, compared to 10 to 12% of adults. In 2014 more than 500,000 New Zealanders were taking asthma medication. With so many kids living with asthma, there are plenty of families trying to keep their kids healthy and asthma-free. Living with asthma can be a little easier with Kidspot’s top tips for managing asthma in kids.

Asthma tip one: Keep an asthma diary

Taking notes about the days and times your child suffers wheezes or asthma attacks is the best way to discover what triggers your child’s asthma. By keeping a diary you have the best chance at pinpointing exactly what gets your child wheezing. Once you have identified the likely suspects – often things like house dust, exercise, playing with pets or even something as basic as change of temperature – you can work with your child to control or reduce the trigger factors.

Asthma tip two: Keep a clean house

Almost every asthmatic child has a strong reaction to dust, and simply keeping household dust to a minimum can immediately improve your child’s asthma. While keeping your house clean, it is also worth considering removing anything that can easily collect dust – carpet is much harder to keep dust-free than floorboards or tiles; piles of soft toys and knick-knacks are great dust collectors; seasonal clothing (jumpers, scarves, jackets) can become very dusty in the off-season. Using a quality vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter will help, as will ensuring all family members take their shoes off at the front door to leave dust and dirt outside where it belongs. Dusting regularly with microfibre cloths which you throw in the washing machine is probably a better idea than spraying plenty of cleaning products around the house and adding to the respiratory loads inside the house.

Asthma tip three: Keep a pet-free home

While your child may pine for the cuddliness of a pet cat or dog, the hair, dander and saliva that comes with them may have a seriously detrimental effect on your child’s asthma. If you already have a beloved pet you can’t bear to part with, try to keep your pet outside as much as possible and particularly limit the access your pet has to your child’s room. Never allow your pet to sleep on your child’s bed and make sure they steer clear of other family member’s clothes that might be covered in pet hair.

If you are considering a pet, think about the more asthma-friendly options such as a lizards, hermit crabs or fish. Not so cuddly but definitely safer!

Asthma tip four: Keep it a smoke-free environment

Keeping your home and car smoke-free is not hard to do these days – any parent who puffs away in the car with a child strapped into the backseat would almost be arrested! However, it is worth remembering that smoke-free means smoke-free. Ask visitors to refrain from smoking in the house or car even if your child isn’t around. Cigarette smoke has the ability to hang around long after the cigarette has been finished. Not only does it smell terrible, but it isn’t good for your child’s lungs either.

Asthma tip five: Keep your kids healthy

While it is always important for growing children to eat well and sleep well, it is more important than ever in asthmatic children. Without a balanced diet and adequate sleep, your asthmatic child can become rundown and more vulnerable to colds and coughs, which can trigger an asthma attack. Plenty of fruit and vegetables will go a long way to keeping asthma at bay.

Asthma tip six: Keep an eye on colds

If your child develops a cold, keep a close eye on any signs of asthma appearing. Early signs of asthma are much easier to manage than a full-blown asthma attack. Ensure you have an asthma management plan ready to use if early symptoms appear.

Asthma tip seven: Keep your asthma management plan up to date

When your child is first diagnosed with asthma, you will develop an asthma management plan with your GP or specialist. This plan usually has a few phases to effectively manage mild to severe asthma. An asthma plan may involve regular exercises or a particular drug regime. Once you have this plan in place, make sure that you review it with your doctor at regular intervals – after all, the plan you have in place for a 5 year old may no longer be appropriate for a 10 year old. Ensure too that any medications used to manage your child’s asthma are in date and safe to use.

Asthma tip eight: Keep your child involved

As much as possible, get your child involved in managing and understanding his/her condition. They will be much more motivated to do the right things if they understand the consequences and feel some responsibility for their health. Make sure your child understands from a young age what triggers their asthma and strategies they can use to avoid those triggers.

This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot, New Zealand’s best resource for family health. Sources include Kids with Asthma and Parenting and Child Health.

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How To Create An Asthma-friendly Home

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Creating a home that is a friendly place for asthmatics to live in is not as easy as it should be. It’s very difficult to design a house that is completely free of the things that can cause an asthma attack, as the main asthma triggers are all around us – in our kitchens, in our bathrooms and even in our beds!

Some of the most common things that can aggravate an asthma sufferer’s airways include:

  • Dust mites
  • Mould
  • Humidity
  • Inconsistent temperatures
  • Chemical fumes
  • Pets
  • Plants

The following guidelines will help to make your home and garden as asthma-friendly as possible. What can be eliminated, should be eliminated!

Floors and carpets

Solid floor surfaces, such as floorboards, tiles or cork are preferable to carpets. Hard surfaces are much easier to clean and to keep free of dust and mould. If carpets are unavoidable, then short pile carpets are much more better than long pile carpets.

It’s definitely worth investing in a high quality vacuum cleaner that has a good dust filtering system. Vacuuming should be done on a weekly basis and always when the asthma sufferer is away from the house. It also pays to have your carpets steam cleaned regularly. Many professional steam cleaning companies offer a rapid dry system which means that mould growth won’t be an issue. Throw rugs should be regularly taken outside, exposed to sunlight and beaten with a dust paddle, well away from any family members who have asthma.

Air quality

The air quality in your home can be greatly improved, using a number of different tips and tools. Ventilation is very important. Windows should be opened regularly to ensure that your home has good air circulation – this should be done when the pollen count outside is low! Extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens will ensure that humidity, mould and cooking fumes are kept to a minimum.

In winter, a heating system that does not disturb dust particles is advisable, such as a radiator system of heating. Smoke emitted from open fires can trigger asthma, so fireplaces should not be used.  In the summer months, air conditioning systems that use filtered air, rather than re-circulated air, will ensure that dust particles within the house do not become air-borne. Evaporative air coolers add too much moisture to the air, so these should also be avoided.

Cleaning products and other chemicals

Some cleaning products, particularly those in a can or pistol-grip spray container, contaminate the air with particles that can cause an asthma attack. Anything that creates a smell or scent in your home can also irritate an asthma sufferer. Paints, oil burners or room fresheners all fall into this category. Sometimes perfume or after-shave can also have the same effect. Low allergen cleaning products are becoming more popular and can be purchased online. It is also possible to purchase low allergy paints, flooring and personal care items.

Bedding and bedrooms

The bedroom can harbour a vast array of asthma-inducing toxins. Dust mites breed very quickly in bedding and carpet, and their air-borne droppings can be particularly troublesome. Dust mite proof mattress, doona and pillow protectors can be very useful when trying to control this common allergen. Washing all bedding in hot soapy water, above 55°C will ensure that dust mites are killed. This is recommended at least once a fortnight, if not every week. Adding eucalyptus or tea tree oil to the wash can also be helpful when trying to keep dust mites at bay. Other things that can help keep a bedroom free of dust mites include:

  • Not storing anything under the bed
  • Putting stuffed toys in the freezer overnight, every couple of weeks
  • Not using bedding made from feathers or wool
  • Regularly airing out blankets in direct sunlight for a couple of hours

Pets

Often a central part of a good Kiwi family, household pets can pose a lot of problems for asthma sufferers. It is not so much the pet’s hair that is the problem, but rather what grows and lives in their hair and skin. Exposure to pet allergens can be minimised by keeping the pet outdoors as much as possible and never allowing them into the bedrooms. Brushing and washing pets should be done outside, once a week, by a member of the family who does not suffer from asthma. After playing with pets, all members of the family should wash their hands thoroughly.

In the garden

As well as being mindful about asthma triggers inside your house, it is equally as important to be aware of potential triggers in your garden. Pollen can create a real problem for asthma sufferers, particularly from August to March, as this is when pollen counts are at their highest.

Choosing lightly scented, low allergen plants is key to a good asthma-friendly garden. Replacing lawn with pavers, where possible, will also reduce the amount of pollen released into the air when the lawn is mowed. Weeds can also harbour a lot of pollen, so keeping them under control will also be beneficial.

Wearing gloves, protective eye glasses and a face mask when doing the gardening is recommended for all asthma sufferers, and the best time to get your fingers green is on cool cloudy days rather than hot and windy ones.

Sensitive Choice

Sensitive Choice® is a community service focused programme for everyone who wants to breathe purer, cleaner, fresher air and reduce allergic reactions. The Sensitive Choice® programme is the only one of its kind in New Zealand that approves asthma and allergy-aware products or services through an independent panel of experts. You’ll find the reassuring ‘blue butterfly’ symbol on hundreds of products – from bedding to building products, from cleaning agents to carpets, from air purifiers and vacuum cleaners to the very paint you put on your walls.

You can find a full list of approved products and services on the Sensitive Choice website® – just look for the blue butterfly and make a sensitive choice.

Help yourself: Download a free leaflet with helpful advice ‘‘Living with Asthma and Allergies – a guide to non-medical products‘

Continue reading “How To Create An Asthma-friendly Home”

3 DIY Mother’s Day Bunting Ideas

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Hey kids! Yes you! Why not make Mum a special surprise this Mother’s Day and create a  Mother’s Day bunting to rig up in the morning when she gets up because she totally deserves it!

We have three great options for you to choose from.

You will need:

  • bunting template of your choice (see below)
  • about 3m of string or ribbon
  • a stapler
  • a pencil
  • glue
  • scissors

Once you have your bunting pages ready, place your piece of string or ribbon on the floor, stretch it out. Now position your bunting to make your message.

Staple the bunting pieces to the string or ribbon.

Hang it up and wait for Mum to wake up from her sleep in.

Option 1: Newspaper bunting (main image)

To make this you will also need 9 x sheets of newspaper (old ones, don’t use the one you find on the doorstep this morning – that may ruin Mum’s day) and some coloured craft paper.

Sketch out your message onto coloured paper one letter at a time in letters you can cut out and stick onto the bunting. Cut out the letters  and then glue them onto the bunting.

Instead of cutting out letters, you could just use a marker pen to draw your message onto the bunting

Download newspaper template here

Floral DIY Template

Bunting template - DIY Mothers Day

Use this template to make bunting with your own special message. The template includes each letter of the alphabet plus a heart. Only print the pages / letters from the template file that you need.

Print in colour or to save ink, black and white looks lovely especially if you colour in the letter on each page in Mum’s favourite colour.

Download DIY words template

Mother’s Day bunting

Mothers Day bunting

This template spells out ‘Mother’s Day’ – and is bursting with hearts! This is a quick and easy Mother’s Day bunting option and will make any room look special.

Download Mother’s Day template

Find more Mother’s Day ideas:

Mother’s Day coupon booklet

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Want to give Mum a gift that keeps on giving? Well, here it is! Print off this booklet for Mothers’ Day and give Mum what she wants and deserves. From simple chores and treats to blank coupons that Mum can fill in herself.

What you need:

  • computer with internet access
  • printer – with coloured ink
  • paper
  • scissors
  • stapler

Activity:

Step 1. Print off the coupons for mum.

Step 2. Cut the coupons out and staple them together along the left side, just like a book!

Step 3. Hide it until Mother’s Day and there you have it, the perfect gift!

Print these coupons

PRINT COUPONS

30 Ways To Celebrate Mother’s Day – Without YOU Lifting A Finger

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Forget cold tea and burnt toast, leave this handy list lying around where your partner or older kids can find it and – hey presto! – a Mother’s Day you can sit back and enjoy.

When it comes to Mother’s Day, most mums have at least one ghastly tale of a well-meaning hubby buying them mop socks (yes, this really happened to my colleague, Suze) or worse, a barbecue. While it’s not necessarily your husband’s job to organise a Mother’s Day gift you’ll love, when the kids are too little to sort it out on their own it is nice to have someone remember the special day and make an effort. As kids get older it’s usually burnt toast and cold tea, but it’s made with love and that makes all the difference.

This Mother’s Day, we want you to be pampered, so we’ve put together a list of 30 ways to celebrate that don’t involve you rushing to the shops at the last minute to pick your own present because everyone else forgot and you don’t want them to feel bad (yes, this also really happens).

Cards

If nothing else of note happens on Mother’s Day, a handmade card from your little cherubs is likely to put a smile on your face for the rest of the day. Here are some ideas they can make themselves.

1. Flowerpot card

Super-cute and simple enough to make, this card is bloomin’ fabulous.

2. Stained glass card

This magical stained glass window card project uses oil pastels and a quick brush of cooking oil for cool results.

3. Pretty poems

If your little ones need a bit of prompting to get some words down on paper, they might find this thank you poem helpful. Or, if they’d prefer to get a bit more philosophical, this poem about a mother’s love should do the trick. Alternatively, they can get right down to the meaning of love with this heartfelt verse.

4. Fingerprint card

This fingerprint card acts as a snapshot of a moment in their lives, as well as a sweet little ‘I love you’. Keep it with your other knick-knacks and bring it out from time to time to marvel at how teeny tiny their fingerprints were. As an added bonus, if they ever go rogue and become criminal masterminds, you’ve got their prints on file. You just never know …

5. Rosebud card

Rosebuds are red, violets are blue, you’ll love this sweet card, and the kids will too.

6. Sign-language handprint card

This beautiful card is really touching – using a traced outline of their hand, kids can fold down the fingers to make the ‘I love you’ sign in sign language. Bless!

Treats

Mother’s Day is as good an excuse as any to ditch the diet and indulge in some yummy treats. These recipes are simple and fuss-free so that the kids can make them with only minimal supervision.

7. Chocolate pancakes

What is Mother’s Day without pancakes? This recipe adds some chocolatey flavour to a basic pancake recipe for a delicious start to the day.

 8. Microwave chocolate cookies

If the idea of kids playing with the oven on Mother’s Day is not something conducive to relaxation, you might want to leave this microwave cookie recipe lying around. YUM.

9. Mother’s Day breakfast

Get the day off to a good start with a special breakfast in bed – don’t forget to print and fill out your order the day before!

10. Lemonade scones

If you love nothing better than a morning tea with your family on Mother’s Day, these impossibly fluffy scones have to be on your wish-list. Divine.

11. 2-ingredient coconut roughs

Who doesn’t love a coconut rough? This one is easy enough that older kids will be able to make it without demolishing the kitchen.

12. Super-easy rocky road

The title says is all, really. This recipe is sure to be a winner.

13. Heart-shaped cupcakes

This Valentine’s treat is also perfect for Mother’s Day. There’s a simple trick to make the heart-shaped cupcakes!

14. Lollipop bouquet

For the mama with a sweet-tooth, this lollipop bouquet is the ideal gift. Make sure you hide it in a kid-free place as soon as you get it …

With Dad’s help

While intentions may be good, the idea of being awoken to the sound of smoke alarms or your youngest accidentally stapling themselves to your card are not ideal Mother’s Day outcomes. These ideas are a little more difficult or time-consuming, so are best executed under Dad’s (or another relative or friend’s) watchful eye. Just email them the link and hope they get the hint …

15. Tomato and ricotta breakfast bread

Better than any cafe breakfast, this scrumptious savoury treat is even better with some melty-hot butter slathered over it. We won’t tell anyone …

16. Family tree vine

This idea is such a cute one – the kids can work a bit of family history into a gift with a family tree vine. They might need Dad’s help to get all the names right, but it will be a sweet keepsake to look back on.

17. Calendar card

Kids can say ‘I love you, Mum’ on every day of the year with this beautiful calendar card. Perfect for those occasions on which you really need a reminder of why you signed up for this whole motherhood lark …

18. Hand and footprints poster

Always a winner, this hand and footprints card definitely needs adult supervision, lest little feet get restless during the activity and wander paint through the house.

19. Breakfast pie

Everyone deserves pie for breakfast at least once in their lives.

20. Ricotta-stuffed French toast with caramelised banana

We’ll just give you a moment to think about that one. And drool. Find out how to make it here.

Gifts

Every mum knows that the best gift their kids can give them is something handmade. Actually, scrap that. The best gift their kids can give them is a bathroom renovation and a date with Ryan Gosling, but the next best thing is something heartfelt and made with love.

21. Origami photo frame

Origami you don’t have to do with them? Great! Origami that’s actually useful? Double win! This nifty photo frame requires just one piece of paper – and a photo, of course. Simple and thoughtful.

22. Popsicle stick coasters

These coasters are such a fun activity for the kids to make, and a gift you can actually use. No promises on being able to get the kids to use them, though …

23. Handmade jewellery

Who doesn’t want to adorn their person with accessories that once held loo roll? Cute, fun, and hopefully not too hardy so they’ll disintegrate soon after Mother’s Day, freeing you from the obligation of wearing them to your next fancy dinner. Find out how to make them here.

24. Easy scented heart sachet

For mums who like pleasantly-scented bits and bobs, this pretty drawer sachet is a winner.

25. Painted flower pots

The kids can occupy themselves painting some terracotta pots especially for you.

26. Painted family

Kids can draw the family’s faces with pencil on wooden spoons and then paint . Find out how to make them here.

27. Woven bookmark

Bookmarks are highly useful and totally underrated gifts – especially personalised gifts like this one. With a few well-timed hints, hubby or older kids might nip out and get you that latest bestseller to go with it!

28. Homemade gift coupons

Print out these cute gift coupons, staple them together and you have a whole host of present promises from hugs and kisses, to back rubs and five minutes’ peace!

29. Thumbprint hearts tree artwork

This is one artwork that will look good on the fridge – or even in a frame. Extra points for kids who clean their hands before running in for a cuddle …

30. Cereal box note-holder

This gift is one that will keep giving – a pretty place to store all those school newsletters, permission slips and notices. It might even prompt them to give you the notes they bring home from school rather than keep them stuffed in the side pocket of their bags …

This article was originally written by Bek Day, the Social Media Producer for Kidspot.com.au and has been adapted for Kidspot NZ.

Throw a Pink Ribbon Breakfast

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Come together and host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast during May! The money you raise helps Breast Cancer Foundation NZ fund breast cancer research and patient support.

It’s also great fun and a wonderful way to get friends together. So pull out the poshest crockery, your best cutlery and your tastiest recipes for some fundraising fun. Can’t make a breakfast work for your schedule? Then why not host a weekend brunch or an afternoon tea?

Hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast

  • Plan when and where you will host your breakfast – it can be at home, at work, as a school event, anywhere at all
  • Head to the Pink Ribbon Breakfast website to find out how to register as a host
  • Use the resources on the Host Resources page to help you plan, get fun ideas, and more
  • We’ve included some recipes from the Kidspot Kitchen below to get you started on your menu
  • Why not use some ideas from our Pink Party theme for decorations and activities
  • If you prefer, head along to a participating café or restaurant to support a Pink Ribbon Breakfast host

Each year thousands of Kiwis host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast and millions of dollars has been raised for breast cancer research and support.

Breakfast recipes

Brunch or afternoon tea

Refreshments

Tell us about your Pink Ribbon Breakfast! Share your story in the comments below.

Avengers: Infinity War movie review – Spoiler free!

Posted on by Julie Lankow

A cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War”

brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their superhero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. (Marvel.com/Avengers)

Avengers
Watch now on Disney+

Directed by Anthony Russo & Joe Russo

Screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely

Based on the comics of Stan Lee & Jack Kirby

Starring Chris Hemsworth,  Tom Hiddleston, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Chadwick Boseman, Anthonie Mackie, Tom Holland, Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch, Idris Elba, Josh Brolin, and so many more!

What do we think?

Avengers: Infinity War is a movie with a decade of cinematic storytelling and fandom behind it. It feels like the last episode of a favourite TV series that you’re sharing with millions of people worldwide (except it’s not quite the end). It fills with you such amazingly high expectations and also a huge amount of dread that, surely this has to be the end for one or more beloved characters. This is not a movie. This is an adventure. And it is brilliant.

You don’t need to have seen all of the 18 previous Marvel movies prior to seeing Avengers: Infinity War, though it definitely helps to have seen a few with some inside jokes and references. I would highly recommend seeing Thor Ragnarok as this movie leads off literally minutes after. Thor and Loki kick off the action when faced with the biggest baddie of them all, Thanos. Brilliantly played by Josh Brolin, Thanos has a plan to collect all six Infinity Stones to enable him to restore his warped ideal of balance in the universe. He will let nothing and no one stand in his way.

During his destructive search for the stones, he battles against all of the Avengers plus characters from Dr Strange, Black Panther, Spiderman, and Guardians of the Galaxy. The battle scenes are vast and filled with CGI magic. But the interaction between the characters is what makes this movie so intriguing for Marvel fans. I can attest to inwardly squealing with delight every time a new character appeared on screen. I laughed, I was moved to tears, I held my breath on more than one occasion and I was on the edge of my seat for the whole movie.

Who should see it?

This is not a film to jump into if you’re not that into superhero movies. It doesn’t pretend to be anything other than an action-filled, superhero-laden cinematic spectacular. Those who began the journey with Iron Man back in 2008 or those who jumped in when Thor, Captain America, the Avengers, or the Guardians of the Galaxy made their feature debuts, will love this movie. Everyone’s favourite superhero gets a spot in this epic. It’s 156 minutes long, though it sure didn’t feel like it – testament to a great film. You will talk about it for days, even weeks later, trying to figure out the next step – trying to figure out what the heck just happened!

Written by Julie Scanlon for Kidspot

Separation anxiety

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Separation anxiety is a common and often challenging phase in a toddler’s development, as they begin to grapple with the complexities of independence and attachment. For many parents, navigating this emotional terrain can be just as daunting as it is for their little ones.

Understanding the roots of separation anxiety and implementing effective strategies can help ease the transition for both children and parents.

Separation anxiety in your child’s first year

Along with the blowing out of the candle on their very first birthday cake, you may find that your child will celebrate turning one by becoming teary and clingy when you try to leave them with another carer. And this someone else could be his beloved grandmother who they’ve seen every week for his entire life. While this sudden turn of events can be unsettling, separation anxiety is a perfectly normal part of childhood development.

How does separation anxiety develop?

Under 6 months:

  • When your baby is a newborn, they will adapt to a range of caregivers quickly and easily.
  • As long as their needs are being met, they will usually adjust well to other people.
  • In the first few months, it’s more likely that you will be the one suffering from separation anxiety!

Between 4 and 7 months:

  • Your baby will begin to understand that people and objects still exist even when he can’t see them – this is called object permanence.
  • While he realises that you still exist when you’re not in his range of vision, he doesn’t have any concept of time and so can’t predict when you’ll return.
  • At this age, a game of ‘Peekaboo’ is the best entertainment in the world.

Between 8 and 12 months:

  • While your child is growing into an independent toddler, they may become unsure about being separated from you.
  • Your child may become agitated and upset whenever you try to leave them.
  • Regardless of where you’re going or who you’re leaving him with, they will cling to you and resist engaging with the other caregiver.

Separation anxiety in children

Separation anxiety can vary from child to child depending on your child’s temperament and how you respond to their anxiety. Left undealt with, in some circumstances, separation anxiety can last right through to secondary school. In older children, however, separation anxiety is usually a symptom of a deeper and more complex problem that needs to be investigated properly.

While you are the best judge of your child’s temperament, most 12-month-old children have learnt the gentle art of manipulation – if you continually drop everything to respond every time your child cries, or often change your plans to accommodate your child’s separation anxiety, your child will learn that their behaviour is a great strategy to avoid separating from you.

Older children with separation anxiety:

Children with separation anxiety disorder are afraid of separating from their families because of concern that something bad will happen (to you or them) while you’re separated. Consult your GP if:

  • Your child is suffering from symptoms of panic (nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath)
  • Your child has a panic attack before you separate
  • Your child has nightmares about separation
  • Your child resists sleeping alone
  • Your child is preoccupied by concerns of being kidnapped, getting lost, or being able to keep himself safe without a parent being present.

How can I cope with my child’s separation anxiety?

Dealing with a child who is experiencing separation anxiety is a complicated business. You may feel:

  • Reassured that your child is strongly attached to you
  • Frustrated that separating is so difficult
  • Upset by your child’s obvious distress when you separate
  • Overwhelmed by your child’s neediness

Time will usually ease your child’s separation anxiety – it is only with repeated experience that your child will come to understand that you always return after you leave. They will also develop some much-needed coping skills and independence, and in the meantime, you can be gratified that the bond between the two of you is so strong.

This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot. Sources include SA Government’s Parenting and Child Health.

Continue reading “Separation anxiety”

Top tips to cope with common fears and phobias

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Everyone has fears in their lives and whether it’s a fear of the dark, a fear of spiders or a fear of heights, fear is a healthy response to what your body perceives as danger. It’s when our fears become phobias that we need to develop ways of dealing with these strong reactions so they don’t take over our lives.

Fears vs phobias

Fear is an emotion experienced as a result of a perceived threat. One of our most basic survival mechanisms, fear is what tells us that we are in a potentially dangerous situation and is a healthy and normal reaction.

Phobias are an intense fear of something that actually poses no real danger. Phobias are involuntary and create an inappropriate sense of irrational terror.

When does a fear become a phobia?

Everyone experiences rational fear – it is an essential survival mechanism – but it is when fears become irrational that they turn into phobias. Irrational fears are not helpful in any way and can begin to dictate how you live your life. Phobias can become extremely disruptive to day-to-day life as the irrationality of fear can lead to avoidance by the sufferer. Most phobias plant their seeds during childhood, but they can also develop in adulthood.

Signs of phobia usually include anxiety-related symptoms such as:

  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath
  • Numbness or tingling sensations
  • Accelerated heart rate, pounding heart or heart palpitations
  • Chest pain
  • Fear of dying
  • Shaking
  • Sense of choking
  • Light-headedness or feeling faint
  • Sense of being detached from yourself

Fears and phobias in children

Fear in children is a common developmental occurrence. Research by The Child Anxiety Network estimates that 90% of kids between 2-14 years have at least one specific fear and that most of these fears are considered normal. Common fears in children include:

  • 0-2 years: Loud noises, strangers, separation from parents, large objects.
  • 3-6 years: Imaginary things such as ghosts, monsters, the dark, sleeping alone, strange noises.
  • 7-16 years : More realistic fears such as injury, illness, school performance, death, natural disasters.

Top tips for staying on top of phobias

Phobias by their nature are irrational, so it helps to have some simple strategies in place to help you conquer your phobias.

Don’t forget to breathe

In the face of a phobia, most sufferers will experience a multitude of anxiety-related symptoms that can powerfully overwhelm the body. Learning to breathe deeply and calmly in the face of your fear will help you to stay calmer when panic strikes.

Face your fear

Easy to say but hard to do, facing your fear will help you to overcome your phobia. Many phobia sufferers need the help of cognitive behavioural therapy if their phobia is severe, but it is possible to successfully tackle a minor phobia on your own.

Take baby steps

Facing, and ultimately overcoming, your phobia is more do-able if you tackle it in a step-by-step fashion. Work out what aspects of your phobia are the least and most fearful and then work your way through the list from easiest to hardest.

Be aware of your body

When your body is experiencing anxiety-induced symptoms, try to become aware of what is happening to your body and work to acknowledge that these are symptoms of fear NOT symptoms of anything more sinister. Many phobia sufferers begin to associate the physical symptoms of anxiety with the phobia itself, which can make dealing with the cause of the phobia more difficult.

Own your phobia

It may not make it magically disappear but acknowledging your fear can make facing it a little easier – rather than adopting avoidance strategies, owning your phobia allows you to work through it and to understand that while it may be scary, it isn’t dangerous.

Try distraction techniques

Whether it’s doing a crossword puzzle, reading a book or listening to an IPod, focussing on something quite separate to the source of your fear can work really well to distract you when you find yourself in a phobic situation. While never going to offer a cure to the phobia, distraction can get you through a tricky situation without a full-blown panic attack.

This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot, New Zealand’s best family health resource. Sources include The Child Anxiety Network and Better Health Channel.

Continue reading “Top tips to cope with common fears and phobias”

Helping kids cope with change

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Kids like routine. They thrive on knowing what happens when. But life doesn’t stay the same – people move houses, kids change schools, friends shift away or stop being friends, parents can separate and almost every year they’ll probably have to face a new teacher. Parents can play a vital role in helping their kids learn how to cope with change, arming them with valuable life skills along the way.

Coping strategies for change

According to a growing body of research, kids learn how to cope with change and ups and downs of life by developing resilience.

For years it was considered one of the inherent traits we were all born with but psychologists today now know that it’s one of the most important qualities parents can teach their kids (along with compassion).

And how do they learn it? Apparently by watching us. Studies have shown that children as young as two years old copy the coping, stress-management and thinking styles of the adults around them. And they can sense if parents are anxious or worried and will tend to mimic that.

Other studies have found that there is strong evidence that good early relationships with carers can help make children more resilient. And the earlier this resilience-building is started the better.

Reinforcing this “it starts at home” message, Andrew Fuller, consultant psychologist for The Resilience Foundation and author of Tricky Kids, says resilient parents raise resilient kids.

“When your child needs you to help them make sense of the changes that might be happening, that is not the time to confront your own inner demons,” he says.

“It’s a handy skill for parents to learn to hold their own anxieties in check.”

Fuller describes resilience as “the happy knack of being able to bungee jump through the pitfalls of life”.

Simple tips on helping kids to cope

  • Give them a sense of being loved by their family and of belonging
  • Encourage a diverse group of friends – both for them and the family as a whole
  • Enjoy family rituals – like Sunday night dinner, or a weekend drive

Top 5 practical coping skills

Jill Savage, author of several parenting books and the executive director of Hearts at Home, a US organisation designed to help mums, has this advice for parents who want to help their children manage change:

  1. Be prepared to answer their myriad of questions – and create an environment in which they feel safe about asking you anything about the changes they’re facing. Asking questions helps them process change and the answers they receive from the people they trust most – that is mum and dad – will help them transition.
  2. Give them warning – like adults, no child will cope well with change being sprung on them. If you can, start talking through the changes early so they can get their head around it as well as formulate all those aforementioned questions.
  3. Stick to routines as much as possible – try not to change everything at once. If you have routines in place like bedtime rituals, the books you read even the TV shows you all watch, try to keep those in place where possible.
  4. Let them grieve – when any of us move, change schools, or make any kind of change in life, we leave something behind. Let your littlies talk about what they miss and don’t try to point out all of the wonderful things about new house, school, bedroom or whatever – let them appropriately mourn what they have lost.
  5. Be prepared to weather the change – many kids don’t adapt immediately and there may be tears and tantrums, followed by major parental guilt. Expect that it can take time for children to adjust.

This article was written by Fiona Baker for Kidspot, New Zealand’s best parenting resource.

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Encouraging children to share

Posted on by Julie Lankow

The revered pediatrician Dr Benjamin Spock once said: “There are only two things a child will share willingly: communicable diseases and his mother’s age.” Sharing pretty much everything else – toys, books, their parents’ attention – doesn’t exactly come naturally to small children. But the sooner they learn how to do it, the quicker they’ll learn about compromise, empathy and how to cope with disappointment.

Every parent knows that sharing does not come naturally to toddlers or preschoolers, but here are some top tips for teaching kids to share without too many tantrums.

Don’t expect too much, too soon

It’s unrealistic to expect children under the age of three to share happily, says child psychologist Andrew Greenfield, although much depends on an individual child’s own cognitive abilities.

“Under the age of three you can talk about taking turns, and a good way to encourage sharing after the age of three is by choosing toys that are conducive to sharing,” he says. “Physical toys like bats and balls and simple board games like Connect Four are great because they can’t be played solo and they encourage kids to play with each other – one kid has a go and then it’s the other kid’s turn.”

Role-model rather than referee

The most powerful tool parents possess for encouraging sharing is positive role modelling instead of refereeing, Greenfield says, “Once kids get to four or five years of age, try to put the ball in their court. Instead of saying ‘Right, it’s my turn or it’s Joey’s turn’ say ‘I would really love to have a turn’ and then hopefully the motivation to share will become intrinsic rather than only offering to share because they’ve been told to.”

Point out good sharing in others

Pepper your conversation with comments like, ‘Your friend was sharing her toys really well – that was very kind of her’ or ‘Look at Giggle and Hoot taking turns looking at the photo album – they’re both having so much fun!’

Put away special toys before playdates

It’s perfectly fine for children to want a special teddy or doll just for themselves. Put anything extra-special away before other children come over, to avoid such predictable skirmishes.

Make sharing non-negotiable

If your child continually refuses to share, “It has to be put to them that not sharing is not an option,” says Greenfield. “And you have to be prepared to offer consequences.” These can be offered in one of four ways:

  • Ignoring minor or uncharacteristic non-sharing behavior.
  • Implement consequences such as taking away a favourite DVD for a day.
  • Time Out for more extreme non-sharing behavior, especially if it’s escalated to violence.
  • Distraction. “This is a hugely powerful tool.”

Use positive reinforcement but don’t overdo the praise

By all means use positive reinforcement when you see examples of good sharing, but be careful not to overdo it, Greenfield warns. “If kids hear praise all the time they start to share purely for the compliments, not because it’s simply expected of them,” he says.

There’s a difference between praising good behavior and simply acknowledging it. Instead of saying, ‘What fantastic sharing!’ say ‘Sharing your blocks with Billy made him feel so welcome in our house’. This kind of specific feedback gets kids thinking about the positive effects that their sharing has on others.

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Talking to your kids about scary news

Posted on by Julie Lankow

The news reports can be scary and gloomy enough for adults. For kids it can be worse than a horror movie. Plus, in our digital age, it’s all-pervasive and virtually impossible to avoid. So if mums and dads can’t shield their kids from the terrors of the world 24-7, how can they help their kids process it?

The Sandy Creek school massacre in the US, is a case in point. It headlined television, radio and print news. You couldn’t turn on any form of media without hearing or reading about it. Many littlies would have even caught snippets of it as they travelled around in cars or eavesdropped on grown-up conversations.

But just how much should kids know? It’s definitely an ages and stages issue, says Rita Princi, psychologist and Australian Council of Children and Media (ACCM) spokesperson, because kids’ ability to process information develops over time.

On a need-to-know basis

But she’s adamant about one point: if a child, even as old as 12, doesn’t know about a horrific event – like the recent shooting – don’t tell them.

“They don’t need to know,” Rita says. “Will this information be of any benefit to them?”

The answer is no. All it does is make children feel unnecessarily anxious and unsafe.

Rita says that kids under the age of 12 see information as black-and-white and can find it hard to rationalise or understand that a shooting, murder or even natural disaster is a random and rare event that happened a long way away.

This view is echoed by Diane Levin, a US professor of education and author of The War Play Dilemma: What Every Parent And Teacher Needs to Know.

“Children think about the news very differently from adults. News to kids is not just tragic events or disasters; instead they define it to include their entire lives,” she says.

“They also interpret the news in personal ways. For example, when young children watch or listen to news reports about crime, bombings, and cyclones, they may worry about their own safety. Because young children are not able to fully understand cause and effect and distance, it’s hard for them to make distinctions between an immediate threat and one that is far away.”

This is where parents need to step in and help make their kids feel safe, says Rita.

Backed by research

Watching news reports on catastrophic events, such as September 11, has been found to pose acute anxiety problems for children, because kids see that the adults are also scared. Plus these tragic events are often played over and over again.

“Children look to their parents for assurance that they’re safe – and they’re very astute at picking up on their parents’ anxiety,” Rita says.

Studies have also suggested that some children and teens can be prone to imitate what they see and hear in the news which can result in “copy cat” events, while chronic and persistent exposure to violence can lead to fear, desensitisation, and in some kids an increase in aggressive and violent behaviour.

Tips for parents: ages and stages

SA’s Parenting and Child Health website has this sensible advice for mums and dads on talking to your littlies about tragedies in the news.

Preschool

  • Turn the TV off so they aren’t exposed to what’s being reported in the media.
  • Listen to their feelings calmly, give them time to talk without pressure.
  • Explain that what has happened is in another country and a long way away (if this is true) and reassure them that they are still safe.
  • Give lots of physical reassurance.
  • Give lots of opportunities to play, draw and paint (without guiding them). This helps children to deal with feelings and get a sense of control.

School age

  • It is still a good idea to protect them from the TV. Visual images can have a powerful impact and news reports provide unnecessary detail.
  • You may have to answer the same questions over and over as the child tries to make sense of what has happened.  Give as much information as they want but avoid unnecessary or frightening detail.
  • Give opportunities to talk about their feelings and their fears. Validate their feelings as real.
  • Keeping to routine provides a sense of safety.
  • Try to help them with their fears by talking through the issues according to their age and understanding, For example, “Sad and scary things do happen in the world but they are rare and there are lots of sensible people who are working to stop things like this happening”. Talk about the people who are helping.
  • Most of all think about your own response. When things like this happen it touches our own sense of insecurity. It is really important to hold on to the sane and down to earth aspects of your daily life and this is what ultimately will make the world feel safe for your children.

This article was written by Fiona Baker for Kidspot NZ. Sources include Parenting and Child Health.

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How to bring up compassionate kids

Posted on by Julie Lankow

We know we need to teach our kids many things like good manners, how to tie their shoe laces, ways to keep safe. But parents need to add another essential skill to the childhood education list – the ability to be compassionate.

And according to some psychologists, philosophers and even the Dalai Lama, compassion is one of the most important things we can teach our kids for the very survival of humankind.

Sound a bit dramatic?

There’s a growing area of study, it seems, called “the science of altruism” which claims that barring some brain disorders, all kids are born hardwired to show compassion, it just needs the adults in their lives to nurture and develop it.

“Sympathy is indeed wired into our brains and bodies; and it spreads from one person to another through touch,” writes Dacher Keltner, psychologist and author of Born to be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life, who also adds that “sympathy is our strongest instinct”.

“Because of our very vulnerable offspring, the fundamental task for human survival and gene replication is to take care of others. Human beings have survived as a species because we have evolved the capacities to care for those in need and to cooperate.”

Kids need to grow up in an empathetic environment to unlock their compassionate natures, says Maia Szalavitz, co-author of Born for Love: Why Empathy Is Essential – and Endangered.

She says the key is nurturing, responsive parenting. “Babies whose needs for touch, comfort and soothing are not met regularly by one or two primary caregivers will have difficulty developing empathy – just as babies who aren’t exposed to speech will not be able to learn to speak.

“People are most empathetic when they feel calm and safe – if your own needs aren’t being met, it’s hard to think of someone else’s. This is why it’s impossible to spoil an infant by responding to him or her—and why punishment doesn’t make bullies into nicer people.”

Compassion tips for mums and dads

  • Monkey see, monkey do: As with much of our parenting, it’s about modelling. If our kids see us showing empathy and compassion, it becomes one of their values and normal behaviour. Research has found that compassionate parents raise kids who are nicer to their peers.
  • Talking about what we’re thankful for: While it may sound a little “Brady Bunch”, psychologists claim that simple dinner time conversations about the positives in our own lives boosts happiness, well-being and health.
  • Embrace the good: Acknowledging people who are what’s termed “morally inspiring” has been found to improve people’s feelings of connection to one another and their sense of purpose.
  • Being nice feels nice: Researchers have measured the amount of the feel-good chemical oxytocin that humans can produce when they’re compassionate. Help kids feel that by encouraging them to do a good deed or be kind to others.
  • Recognise your kids’ acts of kindness: If your child shares their toys or comforts a sad friend, acknowledge it and talk about how that act made everyone feel as well as what the feelings could have been if the act of kindness hadn’t happened.
  • Have a family pet: Being nice to animals has been found to help develop compassion as often a child’s relationship with a pet is the first one in which they learn to understand the feelings of others. Research has found that children with pets had higher self-esteem and were more popular with their classmates because they were more empathetic.

As the Dalai Lama says: “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

The article was written by Fiona Baker for Kidspot, New Zealand’s best parenting resource.

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Anchor Protein Plus Flavoured Milk

Posted on by Julie Lankow

product trial4.72 out of 5 – Kidspot mums would purchase Anchor Protein Plus Flavoured Milk again and recommend it to their friends and family.

star rating 5

Anchor’s Protein+ flavoured milk is an easy way to add protein-packed dairy goodness to your day. Whether you’re running between the gym and office, after a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or just want to get a hit of protein, Anchor Protein+ drinks are perfect when you’re on the go.

Having over 20g of protein per serve you can now get your protein fix when you’re out and about.

  • No added sugars
  • On-the-go drink, great for busy parents
  • No artificial flavours or sweeteners
  • Made with real milk
  • Available in vanilla, mixed berry, or chocolate flavours

To find out more, visit www.anchordairy.com

We have given 50 registered trialists the chance to trial and review Anchor Protein+ flavoured milk. Read their reviews below. PLEASE NOTE, THIS PRODUCT TRIAL IS FOR PARENTS/ADULTS.

Each selected reviewer will receive:

  • 1x voucher worth $12 to purchase Anchor Protein+ flavoured milk (flavours of your choice). Vouchers expire 10th February 2019.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and add your review as a comment.

If you are selected to trial, the voucher will be sent to the address on your profile. Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date. Not registered yet? Then signup now.

Kidspot Terms and Conditions: You will be required to redeem the voucher for the product as soon as possible and post your review on our Product Trials page if you are selected. Your name and postal address will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the voucher only.

Photos from our reviewers

Anchor

When’s The Right Time To Start A Family?

Posted on by Julie Lankow

There’s no hard and fast rule on when the right time to start a family may be. But science offers us some tips when it comes to fertility factors.

It’s a well-known fact that in recent decades more women are starting their families later in life. Whether that is due to lifestyle, career, fertility, or personal choice, currently in New Zealand more women give birth between the ages 30 to 34 than at any other age.

Back in the 70’s

In 1971, for every 1,000 women in New Zealand in their 20s, there were approximately 211 births. In 2021, the rate has dropped to less than a quarter of that figure – at just 47 births per 1,000 women. For women in their 30s, the rate has increased slightly from 102 births per 1,000 women in 1971 to 108 in 2021. So we’re not just starting later, we are also having less children. In the 35 to 39 age range, the number of births has seen a 50% rise since 1971 (from 41 to 63 in 2021).

Fertility rates new zealand

The right time to start a family?

In 2015, a study by Oxford researchers considered the best age to start a family and reported that this mainly depended on how many children a couple wished to have. Unsurprisingly, the desire for more children means starting earlier before age-related fertility issues may have an adverse effect. The study published in the Oxford University Press journal, Human Reproduction, concluded:

The maximum female age at which couples should start a family for a 90% chance of realising the desired family size is: 32 for one child, 27 for two children and 23 for three children, without the assistance of IVF. With assistance, the ages increase to 35 for one child, 31 for two children and 28 for three children.

Of course, this is just the result of averages and there are many factors beyond a woman’s age that determine fertility rates. Research shows that infertility among couples is around 40 percent related to the female, 40 percent related to the male, and 20 percent unexplained. Requests for fertility assessments reportedly increased 20 per cent between 2013 and 2016.

Just as there can be a range of fertility factors, the right time to start a family may also be affected by personal circumstances, living environment, financial stability and other influences. So, although science may have suggested answers to the question, “when is the right time to start a family?”, it is obviously never that simple!

How old were you when you started your family? Or if you delayed starting a family, what were the reasons? Join the discussion in the comments below.

A side note: Fewer teenagers giving birth

After a high of 69 babies per 1,000 women aged 15-19 in New Zealand in 1972, birth rates for teenage mums have almost continuously fallen to around 10 births per 1,000 teens in 2021. Despite this, New Zealand still has one of the highest rates among OECD countries.

Teenage pregnancies new zealand

Sources:

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

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5 Tips For Keeping The Kids Warm At Night

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Tired of the kids kicking the covers off and getting cold during the night? Try our tips below for warm and blissful slumber.

From personal experience, I can vouch that once you’re an adult, the three hardest things to get out of are …

1. Debt – ain’t that the truth!

2. Bean bags – there comes a point in your life when the only solution is to say goodbye to any dignity you have left and just roll until you find solid ground.

3. A warm, cosy bed in winter!

Keeping kids warm at night

When the winter chill settles in, adults layer up, snuggle up and disappear under a mountain of duvets and blankets at night to keep warm. The kids, however, are a little more unaware of their surroundings once slumber kicks in and have an infuriating habit of kicking off the covers and twisting PJs around until the cold air wakes them up. And then suddenly they’re in your bed, putting their cold feet on your back and hogging all the blankets!

So, to help keep the kiddies warm at night (and save your sleep), here are some tips for warm, cosy nights. (Always consider the age of your child and use safe sleeping practices).

1. Heating the room

Obviously the best course of action is to keep your child’s room at a comfortable temperature. An efficient heating system is a worthwhile investment, especially one that heats your entire home. However, this is not always affordable or practical for family homes. Other options for heating bedrooms include panel heaters, which provide a background warmth for a low cost, oil heaters, and electric heaters. Remember to follow all safety precautions with heaters and choose ones with a thermostat. A programmeable timer can help to keep control of the temperature and reduce heating costs.

The World Health Organisation recommends that our homes be at a minimum temperature of 18°C, or 20°C for homes with young children, elderly or ill people.

2. Nightwear

For tots, sleeping bag-type nightwear is a blessing! They’re extremely practical for night-time feeds and changing and are impossible to ‘kick off’.

For older kids, onesies are great (we all love those footed jammies, right?!) and they avoid the need for socks which go missing in the middle of the night. Though they are a little impractical for those toilet training. You can also use a soft vest/singlet under warm PJs, cosy swaddles for babies, and choose PJs with cuffs to avoid sleeves and legs riding up.

3. Bedding layers

Just as we put on layers of clothing on cold days, it is also recommended to layer bedding. This is particularly helpful on those nights when the NZ weather can’t really make up its mind! Lay a blanket across the bottom of the kids’ beds (past their feet) and fold it like a paper fan so they can just grab the top and pull to add an extra layer if they get cold in the night. Polar fleece sheets are worth the investment – just don’t expect anyone to jump out of bed in a hurry the next morning! Woolen underlays are good at regulating temperatures.

Duvets have a habit of sliding off onto the floor in the middle of the night. You can buy grips with a strap that goes underneath the mattress to keep them in place. Or simply place a sheet or blanket cross-wise on the bottom half of the bed and tuck it in on both sides.

4. Keep the cold out

Installing thermal curtains on windows and external doors will help to keep the cold out and weather-stripping any gaps will stop draughts. Insulation can also make a huge difference to the room’s temperature.

5. Take the chill off

A hot water bottle popped under the covers before bedtime can help take the chill off. Just remember not to leave it in the bed, use a cover, and be careful when filling and emptying.

Electric blankets are very efficient at heating the bed. Read all safety information before use and do not use a blanket that is damaged. Turn it on about half an hour before bed and turn it off before the child gets in bed (turn it off at the wall and unplug it for added safety). Only use them with kids who are fully toilet trained.

What’s your best tip for keeping the kids warm in bed? Tell us in the comments below, or if you have used one of our tips, let us know!

Continue reading “5 Tips For Keeping The Kids Warm At Night”

Preparing for parenthood with disabilities

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Parenthood is tough. When it hit home that a little one would be relying on me, some days I came close to panicking. When parenting is looming and you have a disability, you face unique challenges. Here is some great advice for finding self-confidence in the midst of your worries, and preparing your home and life for your bundle of joy.

Modify your environment

When your baby arrives, you’ll need every tool at your disposal to ease your parenting burden. After all, when your little one is colicky or needs a new nappy, and you got up at 3 am. every morning for the last week, easy and uncomplicated will make all the difference in the world. It starts with making your environment as functional and efficient as possible, and simple home fixes can be a tremendous boon to parents with disabilities. Improving your accessibility is something you should do now, rather than waiting until your baby arrives. Take a hard look at your home and think about ways to make it easier to navigate. For instance, zero-step entrances make it easier to get in and out of your home, whether you’re moving in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller. Consider installing a ramp if you don’t already have one. Widening doorways is another plus, providing extra elbow room whether you’re carrying your baby or just a bundle of groceries. Consider installing offset or expandable hinges to give you a few extra inches – it can save your knuckles and is an inexpensive solution. Think about installing skid-resistant flooring to prevent slips. Also, consider creating a dedicated playroom for you and your youngster. By establishing a specialised area, you can set it up for ease of movement and functionality. Furniture can be secured to walls to prevent pieces from toppling over, and it allows you and your baby to use the majority of floor space for playing together.

Use great equipment

Assistive equipment is a big benefit, and there are lots of options depending on your needs. For instance, Independent Living Centre WA recommends using a portable security belt to help hold your baby, or using a specially designed stroller that clips to wheelchairs. Cribs that open from the side rather than drop down can be easier to access, and adapted baby seats can be attached to wheelchairs. One idea is to have equipment specially modified if you can’t purchase it ready to meet your needs. Some traditional baby items are helpful, too, like bibs with hook-and-loop closures which are easy to manipulate, and breast-feeding pillows that can support your baby in your lap. A changing table that allows for height adjustment can ease hygiene and dressing issues, and disposable diapers with hook-and-loop closures can be easier to manage with certain mobility limitations. Look for baby clothing that is easy to put on and take off as well, like pullover tops and pull-on pants.

Bathing

Bathing your baby is a significant concern, and some experts recommend never doing so alone. Have a towel and bath mat at hand and never leave your infant unattended. Some parents opt for baby bathtubs, and some parents choose to employ washable tables with adjustable leg heights. There are also commercially available bathing and changing table combinations, or you could even use an inflatable water toy designed for your baby to sit in, since the soft sides and waterproof material lend themselves naturally to the chore. Please note, don’t use lotions or moisturizers prior to bath time as it can hinder your gripping ability. Instead use products that provide a talc-like grip. Bathing can be tricky. When you’re struggling with finding solutions, NHS Choices suggests connecting with other parents with disabilities for ideas and support.

Confident and clever

Facing parenthood is daunting, but with clever modifications and equipment, you can approach it confidently. Evaluate your needs and prepare ahead of time. You’ll be a terrific parent with these smart strategies!

Disabled parents

This article was written by Ashley Taylor from disabledparents.org.

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5 ways to boost your family’s immunity

Posted on by Julie Lankow

It’s almost impossible for family members to avoid picking up a few coughs, colds, or illnesses, especially during winter. And once one of you has it, you can pretty much guarantee that it will do the rounds of the entire household (just consider yourself very unlucky if it goes round to hit you twice!).

However, by boosting your family’s immunity you can help to reduce the number of viruses and illnesses that family members pick up. Better immunity can also result in shorter illnesses with less severe symptoms. So here’s some tips on how you can keep everyone’s immunity ready for action.

1. Food and nutrition

This one’s a no-brainer and fits in with every other healthy diet message you’ve ever read in the last 20 years – eat a variety of foods including lots of fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced diet.

Fruits and vegetables are nature’s immunity heroes. They are rich in nutrients like vitamin C (especially citrus fruits) that boost our white blood cells to fight off viral diseases like the flu.

Other immunity-boosting foods:

  • carrots – rich in beta-carotene that fights against infection (also in sweet potatoes)
  • salmon/sardines – a source of omega 3 to aid circulation and reduce the risk of inflammation
  • garlic – a source of allicin, which stimulates the immune response, and rich in selenium and zinc that help to prevent flu and other diseases
  • nuts (almonds, chestnuts, walnuts) – rich in vitamin E
  • dark leafy greens – contain antioxidants and vitamins to help fight against infections
  • onion – with quercetin, an immunity system booster
  • mushrooms (shiitake and shimeji) – contain lentinan which increases production of defence cells
  • coconut oil – for lauric and caprylic acid with antiviral and antibacterial properties
  • green tea – detox and speed up metabolism
  • honey – rich in vitamins and minerals which help form antibodies
  • pumpkin and sunflower seeds – contain zinc to help fight off colds and infections (also present in red meat, fish, beans and eggs)
  • ginger – bacterial properties
  • probiotics – those good bacteria, found in natural yoghurts, strenghten the immune system
  • elderberries – with flavonoids to help stop viruses or recover quicker
  • green juice – those green smoothies and juice drinks may look not-so-great, but they contain an abundance of vitamins to increase immunity
  • eggs – the yolk contains zinc and selenium

Sugar is the baddy here – consuming too much sugar (or foods that convert to sugar too quickly) hampers the immune system.

2. Healthy living

Here come all those bad vices that we, as adults, tend to indulge in way too often! If you want to boost your immunity, exercise regularly, keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water, don’t smoke, drink alcohol in moderation, maintain a healthy weight and practice good hygiene to avoid infection and stop the spread of germs.

Research from the University of North Carolina found that people who are active and fit are less likely to suffer with winter illnesses. When they did contract a cold or other illness, symptoms were fewer and less severe. There’s no need to start running marathons – just a half hour of brisk walking each day will make a big difference. For the kids, the trampoline or bike riding is a great way to keep fit, or head off to the park to kick a ball around after school – they are more likely to enjoy it if you join in too!

Role modelling healthy living is the first step to getting your kids on board. Remind them to wash their hands after using the bathroom or handling pets and before eating. Regular bathing and brushing teeth twice a day will help keep kids healthy too. Provide a healthy choice of foods and take part in exercise together.

3. Get some sun

When our skin is exposed to sunlight it produces vitamin D. This has the ability to modulate our immunity responses and a deficiency in vitamin D can result in an increased susceptibility to infection. We are lucky in this country that we still see a good amount of sunshine, even in the winter months. So make the most of opportunities to enjoy that sunshine. Always remember to be sun smart when outdoors, even in winter.

4. Get lots of sleep

Just as your body benefits from moving, it also needs rest periods. A good 8 hours sleep is recommended for adults and more for growing kids. Deep sleep stimulates and re-energises your immune system – something that you will notice if you suffer even a few days of little sleep. Being run-down leaves you more susceptible to illness. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, a bedtime routine (just like you do for your baby!) can help. Turn lights down low when bedtime is approaching, avoid caffeine, read a book and avoid the bright galare of those smartphone and tablet screens.

5. De-stress and have a laugh

Prolonged and continued stress can make us vulnerable to illness and disease. So it’s important to try and minimise the stresses in your life and in your children’s lives.

Provide yourself and your family members with plenty of opportunities to unwind – whether it be a family walk, meditation, yoga, a warm bath, or just watching the clouds go by! Connect with friends and family on a regular basis and do things that you enjoy – movies, games, dancing, music – take the opportunity to forget about your worries for a while. If stress is becoming a worrying issue for you or a family member, consider discussing it with your doctor or a health professional.

Laughter really is the best medicine and can decrease stress hormones instantly. Get your laughs on by telling jokes and funny stories, watch a comedy movie or TV programme, or even just share a funny meme (we highly recommend cat videos too!).

And most importantly … immunise!

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Oven-baked salmon and pea risotto

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Risotto is a delicious dinner that will fill up the hungriest of family members. Now you can make risotto any night of the week with this pea and salmon oven-baked version that saves you the bother of standing over the pot endlessly stirring.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 1 large brown onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 cups arborio rice
  • 4 cups salt-reduced chicken stock
  • 2 x 200g pieces fresh salmon, skin on
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 lemon, rind finely grated, juiced
  • 50g baby or wild rocket leaves
  • 2 tbs finely grated parmesan

Oven-baked salmon and pea risotto

Preheat oven to 160°C fan forced. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until the onion is soft. Add the rice, cook stirring for 1 minute.

Pour the stock into the rice and bring to the boil, stirring occasionally. Pour mixture into an ovenproof dish with a tight-fitting lid. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the salmon skin-side down in a non-stick frying pan. Cover with cold water and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8 minutes. Turn the heat off and allow the salmon to sit in the liquid for a further 5 minutes. Transfer salmon to a plate, cover and allow to stand.

Remove the risotto from the oven, stir in the peas and return to the oven for 5 minutes.

Remove the skin from the salmon (the skin will just slide off the salmon) and flake into smaller pieces using a fork. Stir the salmon, lemon rind, lemon juice and rocket into the risotto. Top with parmesan, season with freshly ground black pepper and serve.

Notes

  • You can replace the fresh salmon with canned salmon in spring water or with cooked chicken breast. Ignore step 3 and stir the drained salmon or chicken through risotto in step 4 with the peas.
  • Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, no matter whether you choose to cook fresh or tinned fish.
  • This recipe was created for the Heart Foundation’s Mums United campaign.

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The Effects Of A Cold Home On Your Family’s Health

Posted on by Julie Lankow

A warmer, drier home makes it harder for germs to spread. That’s the vital point when it comes to New Zealand’s predominantly cold and damp housing that results in a reported 1600 deaths every winter.

“The houses of the 48% of Kiwis who are shivering are extremely cold. Research published in 2010 by the Building Research Association (Branz) found that the average evening temperature of New Zealand living rooms during the winter was 17.8°C – below the World Health Organisation’s recommended minimum of 18°C. But some were a chilly 10°C.”

‘1600 deaths attributed to cold houses each winter in New Zealand’ – Ruth Nicol, Noted.co.nz.

How does a cold home affect health?

The World Health Organisation recommends that our homes be at a minimum temperature of 18°C, or 20°C for homes with young children, elderly or ill people.

Cold, damp and mouldy homes pose the following risks:

  • Increased risk of respiratory infections (when indoor temperatures are under 16°C
  • Stress on the cardiovascular system (when indoor temperatures are under 12°C)
  • Increased risk of the onset of asthma
  • Asthma symptoms are likely to worsen
  • Dampness and mould are associated with respiratory tract infections and bronchitis

(For more, visit Environmental Heath Indicators New Zealand)

Creating a warmer, drier home

According to energywise.govt.nz, the three essentials to create a healthy, energy efficient home are: keeping your home warm, ensuring your home is dry, and airing it out regularly.

If you are considering installing or upgrading your home’s insulation you may be eligible for an insulation grant. Check with your local council to find out what is on offer locally. Or free call EECA ENERGYWISE on 0800 358 676 or visit energywise. govt.nz to find out about the Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes initiative.

Funding may also be available to you through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme for some of the cost of an efficient wood burner, pellet burner or heat pump. Visit EECA ENERGYWISE for more information and to find out if you qualify.

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”

Keep The Cold Out – Ways To Insulate Your Home

Posted on by Julie Lankow

What’s the best way to keep your home warm and reduce your energy bills? Insulate!

Insulation makes your home easier and cheaper to heat and assists in keeping your home comfortable and healthy to live in. Chances are that your home has at least some insulation, and it is usually found in the ceiling. However, there are lots of ways to insulate your home.

Ways to insulate your home

Ceiling insulation is by far and away the most efficient way to keep warmth in your home. The onset of winter weather is a good reminder to check that your insulation is in place, and realign any areas that may have shifted out of place or replace any sections that have deteriorated. If your ceiling insulation is still in good condition but just isn’t keeping the house warm enough, consider adding a second layer. Remember to close attic manholes.

If your home has downlighters you may find that the ceiling insulation does not cover these – this is a safety precaution. However, you can now purchase downlighters that can have insulation over them and this can make a big difference to the efficiency of your ceiling insulation.

There are various types of insulation for under the floor – polystyrene, wool, polyester, or fibreglass. This usually comes in the form of blocks or pads to fit between the joists. It is recommended that underfloor insulation be fitted by a professional to ensure a good fit for the best performance. You will be amazed how much warmer your floors will feel!

Exterior walls can account for a huge loss of heat from your home and are best insulated at the time of construction. However, insulation may be retro-fitted during renovation. This usually requires removal of wall linings or the injection or ‘blowing’ of insulation through small holes.

Windows can account for up to 30% of the total loss of heat from your home. Installing double-glazing (and even triple-glazing in really cold climates) can reduce this heat loss and stop condensation forming. The cost of double-glazing may be prohibitive though and DIY window films can make a slight difference. Installing thermal curtains on your windows and external doors will help to keep the cold out and weather-stripping any gaps will stop draughts.

Draught excluders installed on doors can help to keep a room warm if you’re not heating the whole house. These can be easily homemade as a quick sewing project.

For more information on choosing insulation, visit energywise.govt.nz.

Getting an insulation grant

If you are considering installing or upgrading your home’s insulation you may be eligible for an insulation grant. Check with your local council to find out what is on offer locally. Or free call EECA ENERGYWISE on 0800 358 676 or visit energywise. govt.nz to find out about the Warm Up New Zealand: Healthy Homes initiative.

Now warm it up!

Once your insulation is sorted, make the most of it with an efficient and effective heating system for all-round comfort. Funding may be available to you through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme for some of the cost of an efficient wood burner, pellet burner or heat pump. Visit EECA ENERGYWISE for more information and to find out if you qualify.

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”

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Posted on by Julie Lankow

We all love a warm and comfy home during the cold winter months. So before the worst of the weather arrives, go through our checklist to make sure that you are protecting your home and your family, as well as heating your home efficiently.

Many of these things you can do yourself to keep maintenance and utility bills down.

Your winter checklist

  • Clear your spouting of leaves, debris and plant material
  • Clean out drainage channels and ensure storm drains are clear
  • Weather-strip any windows or doors that are draughty
  • Check that ceiling insulation is in place and close access holes
  • Trim trees with overhanging branches near windows and spouting
  • Cover outdoor furniture that’s not in regular use
  • Secure outdoor furniture and the trampoline in case of high winds
  • Check your emergency supplies including replacing any out of date food items, refreshing water supplies and ensuring torches are working. Find out more at getthru.govt.nz.
  • Have your heating system serviced

If your home is notoriously cold during the winter months, now’s the time to consider a more efficient and effective heating system, before the big chill arrives.

10 Ways To Brighten Up Your Home In Winter

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Dark, damp and dreary days of winter can give your surroundings a drab feeling. To lift spirits and make your home inviting during the colder months, try these tips for brightening up your home.

1. Lighting

The right lighting can have an amazing impact on the way your home “feels”. Lightbulbs come in a variety of tones to complement any decor or mood. Cool or daylight tones can help you brighten your home during the day, mimicing the presence of sunlight. Warm tones like warm white or soft white used in lamps in the evening can give a cosy feel. You can also consider using candles, task lighting and the liberal use of fairy lights is not only for Christmas!

2. Colour

decor

There are a million ways to bring colour into your home. Lighter colours will make your home seem more spacious while pops of colour create interest and a brighter feel. Colour can be introduced through décor pieces and art. A hanging crystal in a window can create rainbows of colour across the walls and floor.

3. Comfort

comfortable home

In winter we crave comfort – comfort food, warming drinks, snuggly jumpers and blankets, lots and lots of blankets! The introduction of cushions, throws, and yes, blankets, in floral, gold or pink colourings will give your home that comfortable oomph.

4. Clean

Spring cleaning is not just for spring. In fact, your home will thank you for a good, deep clean before the winter really sets in. Windows that are free from grime will help to let in the light whilst wiping down all your work surfaces, kitchen cabinets and furniture will give your home a refresh. Don’t forget to cleanse the air too – an air purifier can help remove pollutants and allergens to create a more pleasant living environment.

5. Declutter

Nothing gives a home a more oppressive and “got to get out of here” feel than clutter! Make a conscious decision to clear the clutter, then donate, sell or dump the frump!

6. Music

Bringing light into your home is not just a visual thing. Music above anything else has the power to uplift your mood and fill your home with happy, laidback or sweet tunes. Just remember to cull out those melancholy tunes!

7. Let the sunlight in

Open and pull back the curtains early every morning to make the most of the sunlight – nature’s free mood enhancer. Don’t block windows with large items of furniture – a switch around with your furniture may even make the most of those treasured sunlight hours in living spaces.

8. Bring nature in

indoor plants

Indoor plants and cut flowers give a lift to even the most plain decor. Choose plants with variegated or highly structural leaves that create contrast, like cyclamen, orchids, anthurium, begonia or the awesome Swiss cheese plant.

9. Mirrors

mirror

Mirrors are perfect to bounce natural light around your room, making it seem larger and lighter. Glass and metallic decor items will also reflect light.

10. Warmth

As well as visual, auditory and other sensory factors, having a warm home when it’s cold and wet outside can brighten anyone’s mood! Choose the most energy-efficient heating system that you can afford and keep the cold out with insulation, thermal curtains and weather-proofing.

Continue reading “10 Ways To Brighten Up Your Home In Winter”

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