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”

Why it’s important to read aloud to your kids – even after they can read themselves

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Robyn Cox, University of Tasmania

Is reading to your kids a bedtime ritual in your home? For many of us, it will be a visceral memory of our own childhoods. Or of the time raising now grown-up children.

Perhaps it involves a nightly progression through the Percy Jackson series or the next Captain Underpants book. Or maybe there’s a request to have Room on the Broom again (and again).

But for some households, reading aloud is not a regular activity. A recent UK report by publisher Harper Collins found many parents are not reading to their kids. Fewer than half (41%) of 0–4-year-olds are read to frequently. More than 20% of parents surveyed agreed reading is “more a subject to learn than a fun thing to do”.

The report also found some parents stop reading to their children once they can read by themselves. As the Guardian reported, some parents assume “it will make [their child] lazy and less likely to read independently”.

Here’s why it’s important to read to your children – even after they have learned to read.

What’s involved in reading skills?

Research on reading skills suggests there are two main types of skills involved in learning to read.

  1. Constrained skills are skills that once we learn, we keep. For example, once we learn the alphabet we don’t have to keep learning it. It’s like riding a bike.
  2. Unconstrained skills are skills we continue to learn throughout life. For example, vocabulary, reading fluency (how quickly and smoothly you read) and reading comprehension. Even as adults we continue to learn new word and language forms.

We know reading to infants and younger children can build early language skills, such as the sounds of words and the alphabet. Reading to older children is a simple way to build unconstrained skills.

How reading aloud helps

The books we read aloud at bedtime to young readers tend to be those they can’t read themselves.

So it introduces more complex ideas, words and sentence patterns. This is why reading aloud to your children is a parental superpower – you can continue to build where the school learning stops.

Reading together can also encourage closeness between children and parents, as well as shared knowledge and laughs.

When you are reading to your child, they have your full attention, which also makes the time special.

What should you be reading?

Reading aloud doesn’t necessarily have to involve multiple chapters of a book. Research suggests what matters is that it’s something you are both interested in and enjoying.

You could read to your child on a device, or you could even tell a traditional tale without a book.

You could read poetry, news articles or magazine articles about a favourite football team or player – these can all build unconstrained literacy skills.

Even re-reading a beloved picture book from younger years can build fluency and focus on direct speech in text (especially when the reader does “funny” voices).

How often should you read to your child?

Family life is busy and parents often have many commitments. So there are no rules, other than to make it fun. Don’t be put off by “how much you have to do” – a few minutes of engaged reading time together is better than none at all.

You could read to your child when you yourself are reading something and want to share it. If it’s too hard to read to your child every night, do it every weekend night or make another time during the week. Or ask a grandparent or older sibling to help.

And there is no set age to stop – if you like, keep reading to your kids until they leave home!

Robyn Cox, Professor of Literacy Education, University of Tasmania

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Continue reading “Why it’s important to read aloud to your kids – even after they can read themselves”

8 creative ways to declutter your home with the kids

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Guest post

When you have children, clutter can often seem to accumulate overnight. One moment you’ve got beautiful, clean and tidy spaces, and the next you are navigating piles of drawings, shoes, toys, and half-finished craft projects. If this sounds familiar, it’s probably time to take action.

Although keeping your home tidy with young ones around can feel like an ongoing challenge, the good news is that the act of decluttering can become an enjoyable family activity – but only if you sell it to your children right!

Having a clear out and tidy up is an excellent opportunity to teach children about organisation, responsibility, and even generosity. And, of course, it is always extremely rewarding to see your home looking a little more orderly (even if it is only temporarily!).

If you are ready to get started on purging the mess in your home, here are eight creative ways you can get your children to help you do so in a way they will think is fun and engaging.

Need assistance?

If you’ve got little ones who you can’t leave alone while you tidy or you find yourself facing a Herculean task, enlisting the help of professionals may be worthwhile.

Companies like 1300 Rubbish and other house clearance and rubbish removal businesses can help make the task significantly more manageable.

Creative ways to declutter with kids

If your home is in need of a declutter, here are some ways you can incentivise your children to help you.

1. Turn decluttering into a treasure hunt

Children love games, so why not transform tidying into an exciting adventure? You can create a “treasure hunt” where they need to find specific items, for example, all the red toys, outgrown books, or clothing that no longer fits.

Giving them small rewards for completing a task can provide them with additional motivation.

2. Introduce a “maybe” box

It can be difficult for children (and adults) to part with belongings, because, well, “just in case.” For this reason, introducing a “maybe” box can provide a workable solution to helping keep your home in a tidy state. The great thing about this box is that it can temporarily store items out of sight. Moreover, if they are not missed after a few months, it will become easier to donate or discard them.

3. Set a timer

If the process of decluttering goes on too long, kids can get easily bored. Therefore, it is a good idea to set a timer for between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the ages of your children, to prevent their minds from wandering off-task. Short, timed sessions will go a long way towards maintaining their focus and enthusiasm, which may result in the decluttering process being completed more quickly.

4. Label storage solutions together

It is always a good idea to label baskets, boxes, and shelves because this not only helps to keep clutter under control, but it can also encourage children to return items to their correct place.

Most children also love art activities, so if you get them to create or decorate the labels, they may well feel more invested in maintaining their ultimate purpose.

5. Donate to a cause they care about

If your child is hesitant to part with their belongings, they may be open to donating them to a charitable cause they care about. Explaining that their old toys, books, and clothes can bring happiness to others may strike a chord with them. So, let them choose a charity, hospital, or shelter to support, which could be anything from terminally sick children in hospitals, those in families or those in foreign countries that are not as fortunate as they are.

You can find a list of charities to donate to here.

6. Implement the “0ne in, one out” rule

Once you have completed a major declutter, it is in your interests to keep your spaces as clear and tidy as possible. One way to do that is to create a toddler’s toy box. But another is to invoke the “One In, One Out” rule. Essentially, this means that every time a new item comes into the home, an old one must be donated or discarded. This teaches children about balance and prevents clutter from building up quickly again.

7. Establish a “clutter-free” zone

If you find that multiple rooms in your home are in a constant state of clutter, then it is worth designating one area of your home as a “clutter-free zone”. Whether that is the lounge room, kitchen, or movie room is entirely up to you. However, everyone in the family should be made responsible for keeping this area tidy, and if it is not, then don’t be afraid to issue some consequences. Sometimes, you need to take a tough stance, and if doing so results in a room being kept tidy, there is a good chance that it might spread to others.

8. Create a memory box

Children, like adults, are often sentimental, which is why they can sometimes find it hard to let go of things. However, instead of keeping every drawing or school project they have ever completed, try to encourage them to select the most special items to store in a “memory box”. Doing this allows them to preserve their most cherished memories without taking up too much in the way of open space within a room. Again, asking them to decorate the box can make them a lot more invested in its purpose.

This article was written by Lucy Mitchell, Content Manager for Current.com.au | The Home of Australian Product Reviews, with editing by Kidspot NZ.

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by Kidspot NZ of the website, information, products or services contained therein. All views are those of the author.

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What parents need to know about measles outbreaks

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Originally published: 19th May 2025

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that poses serious health risks, particularly to children and unvaccinated individuals. With recent global outbreaks, it’s crucial for parents to understand the disease, its symptoms, and the importance of vaccination.

Measles is caused by a virus that lives in the mouth and nose of those who are infected. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even just talks or breathes, the virus can enter the air. People can contract measles just from being in the same room as an infected person, by entering an area that an infected person has recently left (up to two hours later), or by touching surfaces that are contaminated by snot or saliva.

Recent global outbreaks

Measles cases are rising globally, with significant outbreaks reported in various regions:

  • United States: Over 1,000 cases reported in 2025, marking a significant increase compared to previous years
  • Australia: Experiencing a resurgence, with cases surpassing those reported in 2023 and 2024
  • Global: In 2023, an estimated 10.3 million people were infected with measles worldwide

Symptoms and complications

If you contract measles, you will likely feel very unwell, and it can take a couple of weeks to recover. Your immune system may also be weakened and you may find that you are more susceptible to infectious illnesses for months or even a few years afterwards.

First indications of the measles virus can include a cough, runny nose, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), tiny white spots inside the mouth, headache, and a fever. Around four to five days after contracting the illness, a blotchy red rash tends to appear on the face, chest and arms. The patient will be infectious from around five days before and until five days after the rash appears.

Complications from measles are common and, in some cases, can be serious. One in three people will often require hospital care. Complications can include:

  • ear infections
  • diarrhoea
  • pneumonia
  • encephalitis (categorised by swelling of the brain, this is rare but can cause permanent brain damage or death)

Immunisation in New Zealand

Immunisation with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Usually, the first dose of the MMR vaccine is given at 12 months of age, followed by a second dose at 15 months old. The MMR vaccine is free for everyone under 18, regardless of immigration status, and for adults eligible for funded healthcare.

If you are unsure of your vaccination status, or that of your child, your GP clinic should be able to check their records. Adults need to be up to date with MMR vaccinations to protect themselves and their community. If you missed out on your childhood vaccination, two doses are recommended, a minimum of four weeks apart.

Stopping the spread

If you contract measles, the Ministry of Health advice is to isolate yourself to protect vulnerable people, like babies, pregnant women, and those with compromised immunity or those who cannot be immunised. You should remain isolated until five days after the rash appears.

If you suspect you have measles, you should call your doctor and inform them of the potential for measles before visiting the clinic. Alternatively, call Healthline on 0800 611 116, for advice.

Can you get measles more than once?

No. Once you’ve had measles, your body develops immunity. Similarly, receiving two doses of the measles vaccine provides long-term protection.

For more information on measles, visit our family health section.

Did you get measles when you were a child?

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her world julieWritten by Julie Lankow

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.

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

10 reasons why banning social media for New Zealanders under 16 is a bad idea – and will affect adults too

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Alex Beattie, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

Government coalition partners National and Act are at odds over proposed restrictions on social media use by New Zealanders aged 16 and under.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon recently announced a National Party private member’s bill that would require social media companies to verify someone is aged 16 or older. Luxon said social media was not “always a safe place for young people”.

But ACT Party leader David Seymour has dismissed National’s proposal, saying it was “simple, neat and wrong”.

Even if the member’s bill is not chosen out of the parliament biscuit tin, global interest in getting young people off social media is increasing.

In late 2024, Australia passed a law banning children aged under 16 from social media platforms. Advocates, police and politicians in the United Kingdom, United States and elsewhere have all proposed similar laws.

While there is merit in young people spending more time offline, and there are real concerns about the impact of social media on wider society, it’s not clear that outright prohibition will achieve what is hoped for. Here are ten reasons a blanket ban is not the answer.

1. The addiction fallacy

Lobby group Before 16 has compared social media to tobacco, saying the platforms should be treated as a public health harm. The implication is that young people could get addicted to social media.

But the standard for diagnosing addiction is high. Most young people are not addicted to social media; they have a habitual relationship with it that is hard to change.

Likewise, comparing digital experiences to food may not capture the full range of interactions and impacts. This often implies value judgements, suggesting online experiences are all about “dopamine hits” (similar to sweet treats) and inherently less valuable or “unhealthy” compared to offline experiences.

2. People are not ‘exposed to’ social media

The language of the ban seems to suggest the relationship between social media and users goes in one direction – that people are simply exposed to the good and bad of platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and X. But using social media is not like going outside and getting burnt by the sun.

While social media affects people, it’s also a tool we use to actively shape and create meaning for ourselves. It provides social scaffolding for day-to-day lives, identity formation, communication with family overseas, community support, and even a place to complain about parents.

3. Murky science

One of most influential books behind the ban is Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. Haidt claims a causal link between social media use and increased anxiety and depression in Gen Z (those born between 1995 and 2012).

But this claim is highly contentious and has been criticised for failing to consider other causes for the rise in anxiety in young people.

At best, there may be a correlation between social media and poor mental health – they are happening at the same time. Young people are also grappling with the climate crisis, increasing inequality and global instability. These variables are difficult to isolate in a study, meaning social media becomes an easy target.

4. A range of experiences

Critics of social media also assume everyone has a negative experience online. And yes, if you tend to compare yourself to others on social media then you might end up feeling bad about your life.

But not everyone thinks this way or uses social media to compare what they have (and don’t have) with others.

5. The moral panic factor

Moral panics can occur when emerging technologies challenge established social norms.

Phenomena such as “phubbing” (using a phone to snub someone) challenge what is considered “socially acceptable” behaviour, triggering a deluge of think pieces about how they hurt society.

While some skills may decline (such as reading and writing) with new technology, others like visual or oral storytelling practiced on social media are on the rise.

Banning social media could mean young people miss out on valuable digital skills.

6. Marginalised groups lose out

Getting young people off social media might not be a big deal for kids who fit within their community. But if you are young, gay and live in a small town, for example, social media may provide the only space where you can feel safe or celebrated for who you are.

Social media is also a key means for immigrants to stay in touch with their families and culture.

7. Enforcement challenges

There are also problems with how the ban is supposed to work – something Australia is still grappling with despite already passing a ban into law (which comes into effect at the end of this year).

Policymakers have yet to explain how age verification technologies would work without giving away more personal data to media platforms. And everyone would have to verify their age, regardless of whether they are under 16 years old or not.

8. Losing innovation

Young people are savvier with technology than older generations. They lead with innovations such as FINSTA (fake Instagram) accounts – fake profiles that allow people to post more privately on Instagram without the pressure of conforming to expectations or the judgement of people who know them.

Blanket bans could hurt this technological adeptness and creativity and stop young people from teaching us how to navigate our online and offline lives.

9. Learning how to disconnect

Media literacy is also a crucial skill in today’s media saturated age. The skill of unplugging could become part of that curriculum.

Temporarily going offline is an excellent way to make students aware of their relationship with social media. Schools could have media-free classes or courses to build awareness, encourage new habits and support students to develop new routines.

10. Better options than a ban

No one is arguing that social media hasn’t had a negative effect on individuals and society as a whole. But instead of a ban, why not work to improve the platforms?

We could focus regulatory efforts on creating safer spaces, like we do with physical buildings.

Overseas advocacy work on children’s digital rights shows how we can protect children from algorithms, gamification and other predatory tactics used by social media platforms, rather than introducing an outright ban.The Conversation

Alex Beattie, Lecturer, Media and Communication, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Continue reading “10 reasons why banning social media for New Zealanders under 16 is a bad idea – and will affect adults too”

Discover Skill Samurai for a brighter future

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for Skill Samurai

Discover a world where learning and fun intersect! Skill Samurai offers a unique blend of educational experiences designed to empower and inspire kids aged 6-16. Kidspot reviewer Kyle (aged 10) and his mum Jacque, went along to check it out!

Skill Samurai programs are crafted to ignite young minds and equip them with the skills they need for a bright future.

School Holiday Programs & Camps: Keep the learning alive even during the holidays with fun-filled programs and camps that make every school break an adventure in education.

After School Coding Classes: Unleash your child’s potential with coding and STEM classes, tailored for curious minds eager to lead the next generation. Learn future ready skills, prepare for future careers and build problem-solving skills!

MathCode™ – Maths Tuition Supercharged: Experience the MathCode™ program, where mathematics meets coding, offering a revolutionary approach to maths tuition that’s both engaging and effective. Experience Singapore Maths, the world’s Number 1 maths tuition system.

School Incursions: Bring the excitement of Skill Samurai right to your school with educational incursions that transform the classroom into a dynamic learning environment.

Birthday Parties: Celebrate your child’s special day with a difference – a Skill Samurai party that’s as entertaining as it is educational, guaranteed to be a hit!

Join Skill Samurai and be part of a community that’s setting the foundation for the next generation of thinkers, creators, and innovators.

Skill Samurai review from Kyle and Jacque

Skill Samurai

I was lucky to go try out the maths and coding class at Skill Samurai in Botany.

Skill Samurai offer after-school Singapore maths, coding, 3D printing, app development classes for kids, plus school holiday programs.

My mum took me for the assessment the Friday before we started the classes. This was just so they could see what level I am on in maths so my lessons would be helpful for me.

I got to choose a seat and had a laptop that I could work on. They gave me paper and a pen in case I needed to work out any of the problems. There were maths questions that popped up and I would have to work them out. Some were word problems, others were just basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It would let you know if you got it wrong or right. Some of the questions were very easy and simple – a few were quite challenging.

Assessment

While Kyle was doing the assessment, it was only him so we were allowed to sit upstairs and everything was explained to us step by step on what to expect, what they do and why. I loved how they went into detail and explained everything. Also, they gave us a booklet explaining all the information with a nice detailed page of references that we can look into more at home.

Before the assessment we got information to sign up to their platform for the booking of classes. I loved this, as it sends out a reminder email as well, and it is so well put together that you can choose, cancel, or add any classes you need.

Thinking outside the box

The maths classes work on a gradually increasing difficulty, allowing kids to grow in confidence and ability at their own pace. They get them to think outside the box and build the foundation of maths so no matter what they come across, they will be able to work it out with no problems. They concentrate on strengthening the areas they need help in most so they can understand the area before moving on.

Learn to code

The coding classes focus on problem-solving and computational thinking. This helps with maths skills and makes maths more fun.

Once kids have reached the level they need to be at in their grade, then they start them up on the next year’s level so that they’re ahead of their peer group. They do assessments regularly so that they remain on track for success.

Test results

After Kyle finished the test I was shown his results and then they gave me the form with his results. They said based on this they can see where his strength is and where he needs work. In school he is a level or two ahead of his grade but as I was told at the assessment, school maths is behind compared to what they offer, so he would be on normal level actually for a year 5. I was told that they would start him on lessons for what he is lower graded for, then focus on his strength so he can be an all-rounder.

Skill Samurai

Maths class

After I finished the test I was allowed to look around and my younger brother and I were rewarded with a sticker and a lolly. (It was nice that Mum was asked if we were allowed before we got offered lollies).

My first class was maths class. Mum signed me in (parents needed to sign in with a time and parent signature at the entrance) and then I went upstairs to class. Before class, if you are early enough, you get to play a bit of Pass the Dragon (a 3D-printed dragon they made) with the coach. Then we did the class. The maths class was easier than the assessment – obviously it is on my level now. It was really cool!! The questions are asked in a game-like format, so you have to answer questions before balloons fall. You get three chances if you get the answer wrong. After class you do some games.

You get your own folder where you write what you liked the most that day, what you didn’t like, and what you learnt. I liked that part. It was explained to Mum that they have these folders for us kids to give feedback and help shape the format and classes.

After class we got a sticker and lolly … these were awesome!

Coding class

Coding class day we got instructions on how to work the program and then you make a character move. It was very much like Scratch pad but in a different program. You had to use the buttons and enter code in to make the character move in the direction you needed it to. I found this to be awesome!!! It gave me a chance to practice some logical thinking and problem-solving. (It is similar to the robotic coding they had at MOTAT).

After the coding class, we did a Kahoot about planets and space! I came first with only 10 points more than the seconnd person! That was awesome! I like things like that.

Kyle’s feedback

I told my parents I really want to go back. I like the maths and coding and so want to do them both. I would also like to try the 3D-printing – that looks like a lot of fun as well.

Final words from Jacque

I honestly feel the price is worth it for what they are offering the kids – they are currently offer a free trial class. Kyle has really expressed his interest in classes for the future.

Honestly, I would recommend them, they are really friendly and helpful and really make you feel like you belong there. The program they offer really does look incredible and fun for the kids. I’m sure that even after a few lessons, that kids’ levels of maths, problem-solving, logic and coding skills will put them ahead of their peer group and almost certainly guarantee them a brighter future.

Learn more about Skill Samurai

Skill Samurai

Skill Samurai

Skill Samurai

Kyle and Jacque were provided with an assessment and two free lessons for the purpose of the review. Views are those of the reviewers.

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Easter gift ideas without the chocolate

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Easter doesn’t have to be all about chocolate. Some kids just aren’t that keen on chocolate, some have intolerances, and some have an amazing ability to get melted chocolate fingerprints on EVERYTHING! Whether you want to cut down on the sugar rush (or the cleaning bill!), or you’re just looking for something different for Easter this year, we’ve gathered together a few of our favourite chocolate-free gift ideas.

Please refer to retailers’ information for recommended ages.

Tonies

Tonie Audio Character

The perfect Easter gift providing hours of listening fun on Easter morning and beyond! Simply pop an audio character on the Toniebox for the adventures to begin. Choose from Peter Rabbit, a beloved Disney character, Peppa Pig, and many more.

Tonies from $32.99 (Toniebox and Tonies sold separately)

Buy now

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Peekaboo Easter

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Peekaboo Easter

Celebrate Easter with The Very Hungry Caterpillar in this interactive basket-shaped board book! Filled with delicious Easter treats, friendly springtime animals and a search-and-find on every page, this board book is perfect for little hands!

On sale from $10.00

Buy now

Bonds Wondersuit

Bonds Easter Bunny Zippy Wondersuit
Blue or Pink

Wondersuit with a two-way zip and protective cover, plus fold-over cuffs for added cosiness and safety. Ideal for easy changes and soft comfort during naps.

RRP $29.99

Buy now

Reading Cushion Bunny

Living & Co Kids Reading Cushion Bunny

This reading cushion in the shape of a bunny is a delightful and functional addition to any child’s reading nook. Its soft, plush design provides comfort for little ones as they settle in with their favourite books.

RRP $45.00

Buy now

Squishmallows Sega Easter Plush Toy

Squishmallows Easter Clip-On Plush Toys

Hop into the spirit of Easter with the adorable Squishmallows Easter Assortment, featuring Sonic, Amy and Knuckles from Sega! Each 20cm plush is made with super-soft, high-quality materials for maximum cuddle factor.

RRP $9.00 each

Buy now

Lily & George - Beatrix Knitted Bunny Soft Toy

Lily & George – Beatrix Knitted Bunny Soft Toy

Knitted in beautifully soft cotton with decorative French-inspired floral print ears and feet. A gorgeous new friend for imaginative adventures.

RRP $34.99

Buy now

Viga: Wooden Calendar Season Weather Time Board

Viga: Wooden Calendar Season Weather Time Board

This activity board has easily moving parts that let your child learn at their own pace. The board features time, dates, seasons, and days of the week.

RRP $34.95

Buy now

Bluey: Easter Bumper Activity Book

Bluey: Easter Fun!
A Craft Book

Hooray, it’s Easter! Join in the fun with Bluey and Bingo in this egg-cellent bumper book full of Easter activities. Colour in, play games, make cool Easter crafts and more.

From $11.99

Buy now

KUWI'S Kitchen - Kiwi Kids Cookbook

KUWI’S Kitchen – Kiwi Kids Cookbook

Kuwi the Kiwi™ has her very own cookbook! The lovable kiwi from the popular books is helping to get kids into the kitchen with easy-to-make, fun, and well recipes for lunches and meals.

From $29.99

Buy now

Egg & Spoon Race Set 4pk

Happy Easter Egg & Spoon Race 4 Pack

Perfect for an Easter celebration. Pack includes four plastic eggs and four plastic spoons, in different colours.

RRP $6.95

Buy now

Beatrix Potter: Flopsy Rabbit Baby Comforter

Beatrix Potter: Flopsy Rabbit Baby Comforter

This beautiful Flopsy Rabbit comforter is made from premium soft plush so is lovely and soft against baby’s skin. Inspired by the original illustrations from the Beatrix Potter books.

RRP $29.99

Buy now

Cute Bunny 3 in 1 LEGO Creator

LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Cute Bunny

Bring the joy of the Easter bunny to life with this LEGO® Cute Bunny playset. Suitable for ages 8+, the bunny comes with two snacks and endless play possibilities with three different animal builds with the same bricks!

RRP $34.99

Buy now

How to prepare for your eye test

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Guest post

If you want to maintain good vision and eye health overall, the best way to do so is to get your eyes tested regularly.

Ideally, you should be getting your eyes tested at least once every two years (unless you are experiencing more serious ocular issues). However, not everyone sticks to this timeframe. Indeed, some research has suggested that 25% of Australians wait longer than two years between appointments, while 13% have never had a test at all.

Well, we are not here to judge your lifestyle choices. But we do want to help – which is why we’ve put together this post on how to prepare for an eye test. The next time you visit an optician; let it guide you on how to make the most out of your appointment.

Why are regular eye tests important?

The main reason why experts recommend having a regular check-up is because it can help to detect issues before they become serious problems. Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, develop gradually without any real noticeable symptoms. Therefore, by the time vision loss is noticeable, it may be too late to reverse the damage.

It may also surprise you to discover that a routine eye test can identify underlying health concerns like diabetes or high blood pressure. Additionally, for children, eye tests can help to identify learning and development issues that might be caused by their vision.

For instance, if your child struggles with reading, gets frequent headaches, or has difficulty concentrating at school, an eye test might provide the first clues towards finding a solution.

What to expect during your eye test

If you need to book an eye test, clinics like 1001 Optometry offer comprehensive eye exams for all ages. When making an appointment, it would be helpful to choose a time when you or your child will be alert and not rushed.

Typically, a standard eye examination lasts between 30 and 45 minutes and during this time the optometrist will carry out a series of tests to assess different aspects of your vision and eye health.

These may include:

  • Visual Acuity Test – To measure how clearly you can see letters or symbols from a distance.
  • Refraction Test – To determine the correct prescription, should you need glasses or contact lenses.
  • Eye Pressure Test – A painless test that helps detect glaucoma by measuring the pressure inside your eyes.
  • Retinal Examination – Using special equipment, the optometrist will examine the back of your eye for any signs of disease.
  • Colour Vision Test – If you’ve ever had trouble distinguishing between colours, this test will help determine if you have colour blindness.

How to prepare for your eye test

Before your next eye test, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the best results from it. They include:

1. Write down any vision changes

Before your appointment, take note of any changes in your vision. For example, document whether you have been experiencing headaches or find it difficult to see in low light. Also, be honest enough to recognise if you feel eye strain after spending long hours on a computer. The more you can keep track of these symptoms, the more it will help your optometrist to identify any potential issues with your vision.

2. Bring your glasses or contact lenses

Should you currently be wearing prescription glasses or contact lenses, it is a good idea to bring them with you to enable the optometrist to establish a baseline and assess whether your current prescription is still suitable.

3. Know your medical history

Some eye conditions can be linked to overall health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease. Therefore, if you have any existing medical conditions, be sure to inform your optometrist.

4. Reduce screentime before your appointment

If you spend a lot of time on screens, try to give your eyes a break before your appointment. Using digital devices too much can cause temporary eye strain, which might affect your test results. If possible, spend some time outdoors before your appointment or make a conscious effort not to look at your phone or laptop.

5. Be ready for pupil dilation (if required)

In some cases, the optometrist may use drops to dilate your pupils, as this makes it easier to examine the retina. These drops can temporarily cause blurred vision and increase your sensitivity to light, so you might want to bring sunglasses and arrange for transportation home if needed.

After the eye test

Once the examination has been completed, the optometrist will discuss the results with you. For instance, if you need a new prescription, they will provide recommendations for glasses or contact lenses. At the same time, if any eye conditions are detected, they will explain your treatment options or refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Should you have been experiencing eye strain, dry eyes, or discomfort, your optometrist may also suggest lifestyle changes, such as taking more screen breaks or using lubricating eye drops.

Eye tests for children

If you’re taking your child for an eye test, it’s a good idea to prepare them in advance, too. They may well be experiencing anxiety at the thought of having their eyes tested, so make sure you explain to them that the test is painless and let them know what to expect. Encourage them to answer any questions honestly so the optometrist can get the most accurate results. You should try to book their appointment at a time when they are well-rested and not hungry, as this will help them stay engaged during the test.

This article was written by Lucy Mitchell, Content Manager for Current.com.au | The Home of Australian Product Reviews, with editing by Kidspot NZ.

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by Kidspot NZ of the website, information, products or services contained therein. All views are those of the author.

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The next generation of crafting with Cricut Maker™ 4

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Cricut® unveils the next generation of smart cutting machines: Cricut Maker™ 4 and Cricut Explore™ 4. From unboxing to creation, check out our review for the Cricut Maker™ 4.

The Cricut Maker™ 4 and Cricut Explore™ 4 are the latest additions to Cricut’s lineup of cutting machines, offering a host of exciting new features designed to elevate your crafting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just getting started, the Cricut Maker™ 4 promises precision, speed, and versatility, making it an enticing option for a wide range of DIY projects. In this review, we look at the key features and user experience, especially for those that are new to the Cricut family.

Next generation crafting

The new Cricut Maker™ 4 and Cricut Explore™ 4 machines offer an elevated out-of-box experience with more materials and tools included, speeds up to two times faster than the previous generation, and an improved user experience in Design Space™.

To help new users jump into their first projects faster and easier, both machines come with a starter pack in the box, including Smart Vinyl™, Cardstock, Smart Iron-on™, Transfer Tape, and essential tools like the Mini Weeder and Light Grip Machine Mat. These added materials empower users to kickstart their creativity with everything they need to complete their first 10 projects.

When cutting materials like cardstock and vinyl on a machine mat, Cricut Maker™ 4 and Cricut Explore™ 4 offer cutting speeds up to twice as fast as previous models.

There are many new features recently added to the Cricut Design Space™ app that make it more intuitive and easier to use. Create popular projects like custom cards, T-shirts, and full-colour stickers and more. Save time with easy-to-use Smart Materials™, which load directly into the machine to create long, continuous cuts up to 3.6 m. Making bold signs and detailed wall decals has never been faster. Enjoy endless inspiration, precise cut settings, and a simplified making experience with Cricut Design Space™.

The review: Getting started

I’ve always had a desire to pursue more creative hobbies. There was just one thing stopping me … my complete lack of artistic talent! I know what I want something to look like but these hands are trained to type, not to design, draw or construct.

And then the Cricut Maker™ 4 comes along.

I’ve heard of Cricut (pronounced like “cricket”) machines but I was never really sure what they did. However, after a couple of hours of creating, I am absolutely hooked! The Cricut machines are basically a cutting machine but the Cricut Maker™ 4 does so much more than just cutting. It embosses, it scores, it draws, it colours. And it does all of it effortlessly.

Out of the box, the Cricut Maker™ 4 is a sleek machine that takes up little space on a desk or counter. The set-up was super easy. Just plug it in, download the Cricut app to your phone, create an account, connect, and you’re done.

Cricut Maker 4

Getting creative

For absolute beginners like myself, the Cricut Design Space™ app made it easy to get started with my first creation. Step-by-step instructions including helpful video guides show you how to create a sticker using the included Smart Vinyl™. The Smart Materials™ can be put straight into the machine. Other materials use the Machine Mats to keep the materials in place.

I used the app to customise the sticker design with my name. This was a simple process, like a graphic design app, enabling me to choose fonts and resize. Then, the adhesive vinyl goes into the machine. Press go and it pulls it in, measures it, and then in a matter of moments, the Cricut begins cutting the vinyl. When it’s done (and it wasn’t long at all!), it spits it out. This project was a cut-out design so all I needed to do was peel the sticker away from the backing material. There was a little piece of vinyl remaining inside the “e” that needed some attention but the included “weeding” tool made short work of that. Then the sticker was ready to be applied to my drink bottle.

Other ways to create designs require use of transfer tape which makes it easier to apply intricate designs and keep them aligned. I reused the “cut out” letters from my drink bottle sticker on my phone case which could have been done with the transfer tape.

Cricut Maker 4 projects

Exploring different materials

Next up I wanted to try out the Light Grip Machine Mat so I chose a design for a butterfly to use the Cardstock that was included in the box. I peeled back the protective cover from the mat and aligned the Cardstock in the top corner, as instructed. Into the machine it went and soon I had an intricate and delicate butterfly that would have been impossible for me to cut out manually. I plan to purchase additional Cardstock in other colours and create a flurry of butterflies in different sizes (super simple with the app) to be applied to a canvas. Then I can say, “Yes, I made that!” (with a little help from Cricut!).

I had a good look around the Design Space™ app to see what other projects I could make and was amazed at the range of ideas including cards, bookmarks, 3D sculptures, custom apparel with iron-on transfers, labels, signs, ornaments and more. Each of the projects guides you to confirm the materials needed or available to be used.

I wanted to try out the fine-point pen that was included so I chose a Christmas-themed gift tag. The design includes an option to have the recipients name included in the design for an all-round aesthetic. There are lots of colours available in the Cricut pens which enable you to include beautiful writing in intricate fonts or colourful drawings. The Cricut drew the delightful snowflakes and then effortlessly cut out the tag.

Cricut Maker 4 projects

Going freestyle with design

Exploring the Cricut Design Space™ I uploaded a logo of the local sports club and found that I could easily adapt it into a design that could be used for a range of ideas. There is so much to discover in the app that it can be a tad overwhelming but there is an amazing array of helpful how-to videos for Cricut users both in the app and on YouTube. The Cricut community is amazingly talented but you don’t have to be an artistic superstar to create some wonderful projects.

Conclusion

The Cricut Maker™ 4 is a stunningly creative machine with amazing adaptability through the purchase of additional materials and tools. It’s so much fun to use that I may need to set myself a creativity budget or I’ll be buying ALL of the supplies! My son has already lodged his request for a iron-on transfer for his cricket uniform … or should that be Cricut uniform?!

Where to get yours

Cricut Explore™ 4 is available in Seashell colourway with a RRP of $599. Cricut Maker™ 4 comes in a subtle Sage colour and is $799. Both machines are available now at Harvey Norman and Spotlight NZ.

This article includes information provided by Cricut.

Julie was provided with a Cricut Maker™ 4 for the purpose of the review. Views are those of the reviewer. 

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her world julieWritten by Julie Lankow

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. 

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

Become a Kumon franchisee for your community

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for Kumon

Want to be your own boss while growing a business within a proven franchise model? Kumon is looking for new franchisees to own and operate centres across New Zealand!

Operating for more than 30 years in New Zealand, Kumon’s long-standing presence has allowed it to build a strong community of students, parents, and instructors dedicated to supporting the academic development of children through individualised Maths and English programmes.

Becoming a Kumon franchisee is a great opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of children in your local community. From providing extra support to struggling learners to challenging high-achieving students, Kumon offers an adaptable learning programme that meets the needs of a wide range of students.

Whether it’s reinforcing classroom learning or enhancing a student’s ability to study independently, Kumon has become a valuable tool in New Zealand’s educational system. The programme not only contributes to academic achievements but also plays a role in fostering important life skills such as discipline, responsibility, and time management.

In addition to traditional pencil-and-paper Kumon programmes, new franchisees can choose to offer KUMON CONNECT, which allows the world-class mathematics and English worksheets to be studied on a tablet.

Interested in becoming a Kumon franchisee? Register for a Franchisee Information Meeting on the link below.

Register your interest in becoming a Kumon franchisee

Written by Kidspot NZ with information supplied by Kumon New Zealand.

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Garden DIY Projects for Kids

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Decorating with Resene

Brighten up your garden with a burst of colour! These DIY projects from Resene are perfect for getting the kids involved in creating fun and practical ideas for the garden.

Kids' planter box

Kids’ planter box

From an old wooden drawer, it’s easy to create your very own colourful planter box for the kids to enjoy. Let the kids choose what they want to grow – from colourful blooms or spiky succulents to their favourite vegetables.

Top Resene decorating tip: Decorate the planter box with some hand-painted garden critters or bright flowers using Resene testpots.

Find out more

Seed markers

Seed markers

Use these fun pebble markers as a reminder of the seeds you’ve planted and where you’ve planted them. Flat pebbles are best for painting on. These can often be found by rivers or get a bag from your local garden/DIY centre.

Top Resene decorating tip: Paint the pebbles with Resene FX Blackboard Paint and you can write the names on in chalk.

Find out more

Dinosaur garden

Dinosaur garden

Create your very own mini Jurassic Park with this easy-to-make potted dinosaur garden. Succulents work really well in this scene, where adding coloured dinosaur toys creates a cool, mini world.

Top Resene decorating tip: Use Resene Sandtex textured effect to paint your colour on the pot.  The sandy texture will make your Jurassic Park look even better.

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Bug hotel

Bug hotel

The kids can encourage friendly bugs to check into your garden with these five-star digs. Insects are fascinating and so important in the garden. Creating a habitat for them can open up a world of curiosity for kids.

Top Resene decorating tip: If you’d like your bug hotels to be camouflaged, finish them with Resene wood stains instead of paint.

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Toadstool table

Toadstool table

It’s a lot of fun (and easy) to turn a terracotta plant pot and saucer into your very own toadstool table. Why not make a few toadstool tables as cute and memorable birthday garden party decorations.

Top Resene decorating tip: For extra protection apply Resene Clearcoat UVS on top of your colours so they stay brighter for even longer.

Find out more

Worm tower

Worm tower

Here’s a worm farm that is placed in the ground. These towers are fantastic for improving the health of your soil, powered by worm poo! Worm towers are a great way to teach kids about composting as the worms require regular feeding of food scraps.

Top Resene decorating tip: Make sure you finish your pots inside and out with Resene Aquapel & Terracotta Sealer first before you paint them.

Find out more

Main image: Colourful garden pots by Resene.

More ideas from Resene for creative kids

For more kids’ room inspiration and ideas, visit your local Resene ColorShop and view the habitat plus – kids’ spaces book online. 

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Written by Kidspot NZ with content from Resene.

How to stop 5 school bugs in their tracks

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content

You’ve kept the troops happy and occupied all school holidays. Then along with their return to school, comes the return of common school bugs that can send your kids back to the couch, only this time with a sniffle instead of a game console. Here’s how you can help keep your kids healthy by beating the five most common school bugs.

Head lice

Head lice are tiny parasites that live on the scalp. They lay their eggs (nits) near the base of the hair shaft. Head lice spread quickly in school and child care environments because kids often work and play closely and share personal items. Head lice don’t fly or jump, they can only crawl from head to head.

How your kids can avoid getting head lice

No child is immune to head lice – and it is a lucky mum indeed who escapes the chore of having to deal with lice at some stage in their child’s life. But there are ways you can reduce the likelihood of your child catching lice. They include:

  • Not sharing hairbrushes, hair ties, hats or any other hair accessories
  • Keeping long hair tied up – plaits are the best way to keep hair under control at school
  • Checking your child’s head regularly along the hairline for evidence of nits or lice

If lice is already in the family

To prevent cross-contamination of head lice in the family, take the following steps immediately:

  • Treat the sufferer with a lice treatment and follow through on the treatment cycle because treating once will not be enough
  • Consider using one of the preventative treatments on other family members – these are not 100% successful but some families do have a lot of success with them
  • Prevent the sharing of hair brushes and other hair accessories, as well as towels and pillows

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Impetigo

Impetigo, also known as School sores, is a staphylococcal or streptococcus bacterial infection that lives on the skin. More common during the warmer months, Impetigo gets in to the deeper layers of the skin through cuts and sores on the skin and causes blistering that crust over. These blisters are filled with bacteria which can weep – which makes it a highly contagious infection.

Impetigo is generally not dangerous and will clear on its own but taking antibiotics and using antibiotic creams will speed up recovery – and considering your child will need to be quarantined at home until the healing process is well under way, most parents opt to use antibiotics quickly.

How your kids can avoid impetigo

The key to avoiding impetigo is by practicing good hygiene. Ensure your child:

  • Washes his hands regularly – and well – with soap
  • Keeps broken skin covered – this includes cuts and scrapes as well as eczema and rashes
  • Doesn’t pick at scabs

If impetigo is already in the family

You can prevent cross-contamination amongst family members by ensuring:

  • Everyone uses antibacterial soup when they wash
  • Everyone uses their own towels when bathing
  • Impetigo sores are covered with gauze
  • The fingernails of the entire family are kept short
  • Wash the bedding, towels and clothing of the impetigo sufferer separately and in hot water

Worms

While there are five different types of parasitic intestinal worms that can be caught in Australasia, by far the most common worm school children pick up is the threadworm, also known as the pinworm. Threadworm infestations are rarely serious – unless the infestation is ignored for a long period of time – but they are uncomfortable and can be embarrassing for the sufferer because of the itching around the anus that they cause.

Easily treated with over-the-counter medication, health professionals always recommend that the whole family (adults included) get wormed at the same time to prevent a pattern of reinfestation.

How your kids can avoid getting worms

Because worms are spread through poor hygiene, the best way to keep your kids from getting worms is by ensuring:

  • They wash their hands using soap regularly – and well
  • They don’t eat food that has fallen on the ground
  • They keep their nails short and clean

If worms are already in the family

After worming the entire family as a precautionary measure, you can reduce the chances of other family members getting worms significantly by:

  • Stopping the worm sufferer from scratching their bottom
  • Discouraging thumb-sucking and nail-biting
  • Vacuuming often to remove dropped eggs
  • Washing the sufferer’s bedding and clothing separately and in hot water

NOTE!

Dogs and cats cannot pass threadworms onto humans – so it’s not necessary to worm the family when you worm your pets. And vice versa.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection, mostly commonly caused by the coxsackie virus. It is most commonly seen in kids under 10 years old and is easy to identify by the rash on the hands and feet as well as the sores in the mouth.

The Hand, foot and mouth disease that humans can contract is in no way connected to the very serious illness that can kill animals – despite being given the same name, they are very different illnesses.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is generally not a serious illness but it is highly contagious so quarantining children at home until the blisters have dried is recommended to prevent the spread of the illness.

How your kids can avoid getting Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is spread through contact with infected saliva, nose and throat secretions through coughing or sneezing, as well as from the fluid from blisters themselves. The best way you can prevent your child from contracting the illness is by:

  • Teaching your child to wash his hands well using soap
  • Wiping down contaminated surfaces with disinfectant
  • Avoiding exposure to children with the illness

If Hand, foot and mouth disease is already in the family

If a family member has contracted the disease, the best ways to protect the rest of the family include:

  • Remind everyone to wash their hands with soap regularly
  • Teach your kids to cough and sneeze into a tissue to prevent the spread of secretions
  • Prevent your sick child from thumb-sucking and nail-biting
  • Restrict your sick child’s movements around the house to prevent contamination of other areas
  • Treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications such as coughing and sneezing to prevent the spread of secretions

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an infection that can be caused by a virus or bacteria, or an eye irritation such as an allergy. Also called pink-eye, the condition causes the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and part of the inner eyelid. Conjunctivitis is very common, especially in young children.

How your kids can avoid getting conjunctivitis

Because bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, the best way you can protect your kids against catching it is by teaching them to wash their hands well using soap.

If conjunctivitis is already in the family

  • If a family member already has conjunctivitis, you can protect the rest of the family by:
  • Encouraging extra hand-washing by all family members
  • Preventing your sick child from rubbing his eyes
  • Keeping the infected eyes clean by using clean cotton wool balls soaked in warm water – a new ball should be used with each wipe and disposed of into the bin immediately

This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot.

Do you find that the kids get sick more often in those first few weeks back at school?

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Fun Ways To Spend New Year’s Eve With kids

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Remember New Year’s Eve celebrations when you were young and free of parental responsibilities? Fast forward to now … even if you have the stamina and energy to party on into the new year, the chances of finding a babysitter for New Year’s Eve are slim to none.

Just because your responsibilities take priority, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still celebrate the arrival of the New Year – and sometimes we need a bit of a celebration to see the back end of a hard year! Here are a few ideas to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the kids.

Throw your own New Year’s Eve party

Keep the celebrations at home and avoid all the crowds. Put on a spread of finger foods for the guests, or better yet, ask everyone to bring a plate or fire up the BBQ. Set up a few fun party games for the kids (and adults!), offer some fun photo props and just enjoy each other’s company. If you’re inviting other families with children, ensure there is somewhere safe for them to crash out when the hours start to tick by and it all gets too much. Remember to drink responsibly and ensure that all guests have safe transport home.

Make it a special movie night

Choose a favourite film or discover a new release for a fun family movie night – don’t forget the popcorn! If the weather cooperates, you could even take the film outdoors and set up a sheet and projector in the garden with bean bags for moviegoers. Try some other munchable movie snacks.

Have a games night

Break out the board games and cards for some quality time with the kids. Try a variety of games like simple dice games, Jenga, charades, go fish and Mousetrap. Or for the older kids, get set for an epic game of Monopoly or Trivial Pursuit. Break out a few snacks and pop on some favourite music in the background.

Create a family time capsule

Capture those happy memories from the year that was. Ask each family member to contribute a few items, drawings or photos to create a family time capsule. To make a digital time capsule, video each family member talking about some of their favourite memories from the year.

Sparklers, hot chocolate and stars

If you have some sparklers leftover from your Guy Fawkes celebrations, New Year’s Eve is the ideal opportunity to use them up. Kids love to twirl them in the air, ‘writing’ their names. If your photography skills are up to it, you can even get a fantastic family photo with everyone drawing a letter of a favourite word, ie LOVE. Pull the last of those Christmas crackers, serve up some hot chocolate outside and gaze up at the stars while you recount favourite memories.

Camp out

Even if you’re not going away, you can still have the fun of camping. Put up the tent in the backyard, toast marshmallows on the brazier, tell spooky stories, play spotlight and other outdoor night games.

Check out what’s on

Local councils often put on family-friendly New Year’s Eve events featuring fireworks, music, outdoor movies or entertainment. Some even have a special fireworks show a few hours before midnight so the little ones don’t miss out when they can’t quite keep their eyes open long enough to see in the new year. Go prepared with blankets, snacks and drinks (check for restrictions on what you can and can’t bring along). Check with your local council website for events.

Here’s a list of regular New Year’s Eve events in some of NZ’s cities. We have updated the list with the latest information to hand.

Written by Kidspot NZ.

How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve with your kids?

Family review: Kids Don’t Come With A Manual

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for NZ On Air

To mark the release of the second series of Kids Don’t Come With a Manual, we asked several of our Kidspot families to review the parenting TV series. Read their reviews now and see what tikanga/values whānau shared with us.

To help you with your journey as a parent, Nathan Mikaere-Wallis is back for a second series of Kids Don’t Come With A Manual with science-based, easy-to-understand solutions to help whānau navigate tricky situations they’re facing with their tamariki.

Made with the support of NZ On Air

Family review – Amy

Kids Don’t Come With A Manual is a series filmed in New Zealand that has Nathan Wallis connect with Whānau and explore parenting challenges they may be facing. It appealed to me due to the preface that it combines the latest Neuroscientific research with a Tikanga Māori approach. I have also attended a talk held by Nathan Wallis and found what he had to say very interesting and applicable to my life as a parent of young children and a teacher specialising in supporting students with additional needs.

I particularly enjoyed the episode where India’s whānau were sharing that their daughter had been identified as having some neurodivergent behaviours by her teacher. It was informative for me as a teacher to have a ‘behind the scenes’ look at how those concerns can be received by parents and the emotions attached. Getting everybody together, kanohi ki te kanohi was invaluable at getting everybody on the same page.

As a keen learner of te Reo, I enjoyed the episodes as there was Reo integrated throughout in context, which made it easy to understand and absorb; building my vocabulary in the process.

Finally, as a parent of a four-year-old and three-month-old, it was great to add more strategies to my kete as I am sure we will need them along our journey! Deepening my understanding about children’s relationships with different parents and the modelling of how to unpack a problem and have everyone’s perspective and opinion valued was great and I look forward to trying some of these strategies.

Family review – Aimee

Aaron & Raka: Season 2, Episode 3

I found this episode very interesting as the girl in this episode is the same age as my daughter Summer (5). Like in the episode Summer also had struggles starting primary school. Summer also went into an established class and her peers had friendship groups just like India in the episode. So it was interesting to see similar concerns raised by India’s Dads. Summer also has the need for structure and routine and I could see this with India in the episode. I loved Nathan’s approach of saying that the brain loves predictability such as having those set routines for bedtime. I also liked how if your child gets up out of bed to consistently take them back into their room in a nurturing way. I am also growing with my daughter just like the Dads in the episode. I’m keen to continue to have these routines for my daughter to support her growth and development.

Tash: Season 2, Episode 5

I really loved this episode and thought that Tash the Mum has similar characteristics to me. You could see her aroha for her boys and she was really open to finding out their individual needs. I liked how Nathan talked about the Social emotional regulation and wellbeing for Jesse in the episode. I could see myself supporting my daughter like Jesse and this is by having her at the right kura. I’m keen to see if I can support my daughter Summer (5) with some of these ideas about Intelligence and learning. I liked how Nathan mentioned about the intelligence you feel and the child having the perception of themselves as a learner. I loved how accepting Tash was of her boys and their learning.

Family review – Michelle

Season 2, Episode 5

I watched episode 5 about mum TASH and her kids, her seeking help with her potentially neuro-diverse sons. I was interested because I don’t know much about neurodiversity and was keen to learn more. I enjoyed this episode because it clarified that often kids just get put into a bubble and aren’t heard enough. Nathan said that her oldest son probably feels that he’s not good enough when completing tasks, even though he’s done a few perfectly well. I also enjoyed hearing about how kids under the age of three do not overly require daycare and are better off at home, I did this with my own daughter and it has reassured me.

Season 1, Episode 3

I really enjoyed this episode. I found it very related to my own life. I found it very interesting watching what Mitch had to say about his concerns and fears with not sending his son to daycare and was he missing out because of this. I am currently struggling with that same decision for my own child, my son is aged 14 months. My daughter stayed home with me for three years because starting preschool and her social skills are amazing. I enjoyed the concept of scaffolding instead of helicopter parenting. And I liked how Nathan said a lot of the time it’s just about reassuring parents that they are doing the correct thing even when it feels like you aren’t.

Overall I have enjoyed this series and would probably continue watching more episodes. I feel like parents can use and need all the support given when it comes to parenting and raising kids as it’s hard work. Thank you for reading my review.

Family review – Marketa

I recently had the opportunity to watch a few episodes of Kids Don’t Come With a Manual on MĀORI+, and it was an eye-opening experience. As a parent of two young children—“Peter” (name changed), a 7-year-old with ADHD, and “Paul”(name changed), my 8-month-old—I found this series incredibly insightful, offering both expert advice and practical strategies that I could relate to and apply in my own parenting journey.

The premise of Kids Don’t Come With a Manual is simple but powerful: it acknowledges that every child is unique, and there’s no universal guide to raising them. This resonates deeply with me, especially as Peter has ADHD, which presents its own set of challenges in our day-to-day life. I appreciate that the show takes a holistic approach to parenting, blending personal stories with expert advice on navigating various parenting hurdles.

Parenting challenges 

I watched a mix of episodes, but I specifically focused on episodes that addressed topics I’m currently facing with my kids. One episode that stood out to me was about managing children’s behavior and emotions, especially for kids with attention challenges. This was particularly relevant for Peter, who struggles with focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation due to his ADHD. I also watched an episode about parenting a baby, which I found incredibly helpful as I’m learning to navigate the early stages of raising Paul, especially around sleep and establishing routines.

What I like about the show

As a parent, I appreciate how the show offers practical, actionable advice rather than just theory. In particular, the episode on managing emotional behavior gave me some great ideas on how to approach situations when Peter is feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, which happens frequently. The expert in that episode suggested creating calm-down spaces and using visual schedules to help children like Peter feel more in control, which is something I’m definitely planning to try. The show also does a great job of addressing both the challenges and the joys of parenting. I found it reassuring to hear from other parents who are going through similar struggles, and the advice provided felt grounded and realistic, rather than idealistic or unattainable.

Tips and ideas I’m keen to try

One of the most helpful takeaways from the show for me was the idea of building routines around Peter’s needs. The expert emphasized the importance of creating predictable structures, especially for children with ADHD. This is something I’ve been working on, but I got some great new ideas from the episode, such as incorporating sensory breaks into Peter’s day and setting clear, consistent expectations. I’m excited to see how these ideas can help reduce his frustration and increase his focus. As for Paul, the episode on baby routines and sleep strategies gave me some useful tips on creating a consistent bedtime routine. Paul is at that age where he’s starting to establish his sleep patterns, and I’ve been struggling with getting him to sleep through the night. I’m looking forward to trying some of the techniques suggested, like gentle sleep training and using soothing sounds to help Paul settle down.

Conclusion

Kids Don’t Come With a Manual is an invaluable resource for any parent, but especially for those of us who are navigating the complexities of raising children with different needs and stages of development. From managing ADHD to learning how to parent a baby, the show provides realistic, expert-backed advice that I’m eager to implement in my own life. I particularly appreciate that the show feels empathetic and understanding of the unique struggles that each family faces, offering solutions that are practical and grounded in real-life experiences. I would highly recommend this series to other parents who are looking for actionable tips and a supportive, non-judgmental environment to learn and grow as caregivers. I’m looking forward to watching more episodes and continuing to integrate the advice into our daily routine.

Whānau share their tikanga (values)

Kids Don’t Come with a Manual has a focus on integrating tikanga – Māori customs, values, and traditions – into family life. So we asked our Kidspot readers to share their family values. Below are some of the responses.

  • Treat everyone with the kindness and respect you want yourself to feel when you interact with others. (Z Batool)
  • Live by the principle of whakapapa and respect – saying please and thank you is just the beginning! (E Elvi)
  • Nothing in life is free. You have to work hard to get what you want in life, you can’t skip the ‘work hard’ part. (G Roberts)
  • Always tell the truth. (T Green)
  • Communication is the key. Let’s talk about everything and anything with understanding and no judgement. (E McCarthy)
  • Appreciate what others do for you and always say thank you. (L O’Rourke)
  • Be kind, Be brave, Be honest, Be true, Be you. (K Rowlatt)
  • With a blended family, communication is very important. Everyone can speak up, be heard and be understood. (J Mondia)
  • Always speak your truth and stand up for what’s right even if you stand alone. (G Murphy)
  • Be kind with your words and actions. Be charitable with your words and actions. Be true to yourself and treat others with respect. (D Snell)
  • Do not judge others without walking in their shoes first (and take off your shoes at the front door). (A Waterson)
  • Do what’s right when no one is looking. Lead with love. Remember who you are in all decisions you make. (T Parata)
  • Strong work ethic – be it chores around the home, school, hobbies and sports, where praise is given for growth and effort. Quality family time – set aside time as a family for dinner, games, walks, playground, etc. Clear but fair boundaries – set rules and boundaries with consistent consequences. (E Gee)

Watch now

Watch all episodes of seasons one and two of Kids Don’t Come with a Manual on the Māori+ app or at maoriplus.co.nz.

Watch now on MĀORI+

Made with support from NZ On Air.

Glossary

Click the links for a full definition of each te reo word and pronunciation.

See more:

Turn up the fun (and noise!) at MOTAT’s Make Music exhibition

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for MOTAT

Make some noise with the new exhibition at MOTAT that’s all about turning up the fun!

Whakatangi Puoro Make Music is MOTAT’s brand-new, hands-on and playful exhibition full of interesting instruments and surprising ways to explore the science and technology behind sound and music. Here, making noise is not just allowed – it’s encouraged!

For the first time in its 30-year touring history, Mobiles Musik Museum brings its successful exhibition to the southern hemisphere and MOTAT is excited to bring this amazing experience to New Zealand whānau.

Come and experiment with different ways to make sound, discover unusual instruments and make some noise. Find out how sound works, why it moves us, and what makes it so special.

Little maestros can make a medley, strum sounds or break a beat with a variety of interactive and fun activities.

Get tickets here

Read the review from a Kidspot family

Our family had the cool job of reviewing the new Make Music exhibition at MOTAT. We excitedly headed to MOTAT on Saturday afternoon, all ready to explore with kids ranging from 7 to 13 years old. Getting to MOTAT is super easy and parking is plentiful (even on a busy, warm weekend). Even before we got in, there were bubbles floating all over the sky from MOTAT as it was also the Ngā Mirumiru Bubbles weekend there. There were bubbles for miles!!

MOTAT Make Music

Making music

We headed straight to the music exhibition at the main site, entering into a darkened foyer where the air was filled with lots of strange sounds – but we couldn’t quite see where it was coming from. As we rounded the corner we were greeted with many interactive stations with all sorts of things to do. Some you sat at, some you stood on, some you pushed, some you pulled, some you used your voice and one you even used a jandal to hit things! There are plenty of stations for everyone to interact with, some together as a whole family and definitely something to interest all ages from 1 to 100.

Miss Thirteen enjoyed the sound effects station, where each of the microphones produced a different sound, like high or low-pitched tones or robot sounds when you spoke or sung into them. When all the kids were on it, it produced a hilarious song of sounds. They also felt like pop stars as they got to stand at the fancy microphones with headphones on. She also liked the different sound stations where everyday items like bottles with water and plumbing pipes in different setups made different frequencies. You could even make songs.

Make Music at MOTAT

Miss Eleven liked the DJ station where she got to sing into a microphone and mix music and beats with her voice. She got to be her own DJ and hear the result over headphones. She also liked being able to use her body weight to make different tones.

Master Seven also liked the DJ stations with headphones the best, in particular the one in which you tapped the different pads of noises like sheep, wind, breathing, heartbeats and vomiting (LOL) to make weird and wonderful tunes that all others on the headphones could add to and hear.

Make Music at MOTAT

MOTAT Make Music

All the kids, and the adults, happily spent time exploring individually and then playing together on the different stations. After extracting the kids, we also headed round the rest of MOTAT exploring their new science and technology centre – Te Puawānanga – getting surrounded in a big bubble, getting told off in the 1900’s school classroom, marvelling at the many fire engines and, of course, the obligatory tram ride to the Aviation Hall.

It was a great way to spend an afternoon and everyone found lots to entertain themselves in the different areas. Thanks so much MOTAT for letting us play and bring out our inner DJ skills!

Plan your visit

Make Music is on from 10am to 4pm every day at MOTAT, 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland.

The activities are included in your general admission ticket to MOTAT and under fives are free! A family pass to MOTAT is just $45 for a family of two adults and up to four kids and annual passes are available too. AA Members save 20% on full-priced MOTAT general admission.

MOTAT recommend parking outside the Aviation Hall and enjoying the fun and free heritage tram ride between sites.

Mobility parking is available on-site at Great North Road (please arrange in advance).

The reviewer was provided with a family pass for the purposes of the review. All views remain those of the reviewer.

This article includes content written by Kidspot with information supplied by MOTAT.

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When You Discover … “Kids Don’t Come With A Manual”

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for NZ On Air

When you become a parent, you pretty quickly realise that kids do not indeed come with a manual that guides you over every bump and around every curve in the road!

To help you with your journey as a parent, Nathan Mikaere-Wallis is back for a second series of Kids Don’t Come With A Manual with science-based, easy-to-understand solutions to help whānau navigate tricky situations they’re facing with their tamariki.

Nathan is a parent, a grandparent, and a foster parent who draws on his experience as a neuroscience educator to infuse tikanga Māori into much-needed support and advice for parents. Through understanding what’s happening in your child’s brain, Nathan equips parents with practical, commonsense advice.

Made with the support of NZ On Air

Parenting with tikanga

Kids Don’t Come with a Manual presents real-life situations, discussions, and expert advice, with both general parenting advice and support with specific struggles.

One of the show’s main focuses is integrating tikanga – Māori customs, values, and traditions – into family life. Observing tikanga can help to build a foundation of identity and resilience by incorporating everyday practices to deepen children’s cultural understanding and foster a strong sense of belonging and purpose. Your whānau values may include things like:

  • Spending time with whānau and respecting elders
  • Sharing traditional stories
  • Preparing kai
  • Saying karakia and singing waiata
  • Being a responsible kaitiaki

To help get you thinking about what’s important for your own family’s values, we’ve gathered some points to consider, many of which are covered in the new series.

Five things to remember in your parenting journey

1. All kids are different

All children develop differently and at different rates. Let children be children and try to avoid listening to uninformed yet well-meaning advice or comments about aspects of your child’s behaviour. As a first-time parent, you may be particularly sensitive to any suggestion that your child may be ‘different’ or not developing ‘normally’ but over time you will realise that there is no ‘normal’.

2. Embrace neurodiversity

Society can be quick to judge children for just, well, being children. Kids can be loud, energetic, shy, overwhelmed, excitable, anxious, and a million other adjectives! Our diversity is what makes us who we are and when we think differently we open up our minds to new ideas and new solutions. Neurodiversity can be a superpower!

3. Step into their world

Try to understand how your child is perceiving things and find ways to address any underlying issues. It’s time to put your listening skills into action and get down to their level! Simply telling a child ‘no’ or ‘don’t’ rarely works to stop the behaviour. Instead, explain to your child in terms they will understand for their age why you want them to alter their behaviour, eg what they are doing may be dangerous or may cause upset for others. And when they show behaviour that you agree with, let them know.

4. Change is hard for everyone, especially kids

Blended families have become more common. But that doesn’t make it any easier when you’re a kid and your perception is that your world has turned upside down. There are a number of things that parents can do to make the transition easier for children moving from one house to another.

  • Involve them in the process of choosing their room or decorating it to allow them to take ownership of their new space and allow them to bring over favourite toys, bedding, pictures, etc so it feels more familiar.
  • Keep things as consistent as possible for mealtimes, bedtimes, or family activities so they feel stable.
  • Let children express their feelings and address any worries they have. Keep the lines of communication open and validate their emotions.
  • Spend quality time together as a blended family and one-on-one.

5. Ask for help

And finally, if you are concerned about your child, seek professional advice. Don’t struggle on alone. Seek help.

Watch now

Watch all episodes of seasons one and two of Kids Don’t Come with a Manual on the Māori+ app or at maoriplus.co.nz.

Watch now on MĀORI+

Made with support from NZ On Air.

Glossary

Click the links for a full definition of each te reo word and pronunciation.

See more:

Buzz’s Epic Missions Await!

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for NZ On Air

Get ready to embark on unforgettable adventures in the new Kiwi kids’ show, Buzz’s Epic Little Missions! Join Buzz as he explores the stunning landscapes of Aotearoa, learns about nature, and becomes a responsible kaitiaki.

From kayaking estuaries to building huts and diving for kai moana, Buzz takes tamariki on missions around Aotearoa that are filled with excitement, education, and fun.

Made with the support of NZ On Air

Buzz’s new show

Buzz has been entertaining kids under five on the educational and popular preschool show Toi Time since 2022. Now he has his own spin-off show aimed at kids aged 2 to 7 years old who are ready for a step up in the adventures!

In Toi Time, Buzz’s mini missions are little adventures that kids can access for free – he visits playgrounds, parks, beaches, nature reserves, wildlife centres etc. In Buzz’s Epic Little Missions, the adventures have been upsized in rural Aotearoa and combined with conservation and nature education. Come and explore all the great things that we can do in Aotearoa that make our childhood special and unique.

Buzz's Epic Little Missions

Missions await!

Check out some of Buzz’s missions that are coming up:

  • Buzz Kayak’s his local estuary – he identifies mangroves and how to protect waterways
  • Buzz trains to be a kaitiaki and volunteers with the Kaitaia Fire Brigade
  • Buzz learns about waka carving and lashing at the Kupe Waka Centre
  • Buzz builds a cool as hut in the local bush
  • Buzz learns where local produce comes from
  • Buzz makes a slippy-slide and figures out which “move” is the fastest
  • Where does honey come from? Buzz explores a local bee farm
  • Buzz goes diving for kai moana
  • And much, much more!

Catch a new adventure every week and watch Buzz’s Epic Little Missions on TVNZ2 on Sundays from 0620 to 0650. Episodes will also stream on TVNZ+ and on the Toi Time YouTube Channel.

Watch now on TVNZ+

Buzz's Epic Little Missions

Made with support from NZ On Air.

Glossary

Click the links for a full definition of each te reo word and pronunciation.

See more:

Diwali: Festival of lights

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is fast becoming a popular cultural celebration in New Zealand with twinkling lights, colourful displays, and traditional performances for families to enjoy.

The festival occurs each year between mid-September and mid-November and typically spans five days, with the main celebration occurring on the third day, marked by lighting lamps, offering prayers, sharing food, and exchanging gifts.

The origins of Diwali

Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and holds significance for Hindus, Sikhs (called Bandi Chhor Divas), Jains, and Newar Buddhists. Its history and meaning vary slightly among these religions, but the overarching theme is the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

In Hindu tradition, Diwali commemorates several important mythological events, depending on the region. The most widely recognized story is the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, having defeated the demon king Ravana. To celebrate his return and the victory of good over evil, the people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps to guide Rama home. In northern India, this story is central to the festival, while in other parts of the country, the focus may be on other deities like Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, or Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura.

The main day of the festival is an official holiday in several countries around the world including India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji.

Diwali traditions

The traditions of Diwali often include common practices like cleaning family homes to welcome positive energy, decorating with vibrant rangoli patterns, and lighting diyas (oil lamps) or candles. Firecrackers are often burst as part of the celebrations, symbolizing the dispelling of evil spirits and darkness. Homes, temples, and streets are illuminated with lights, adding to the joyous and festive atmosphere.

Food plays a central role in Diwali celebrations. Families prepare and share an array of sweets (mithai). Savoury snacks like samosas and pakoras are also popular, and guests and neighbours often exchange homemade treats as a gesture of goodwill and friendship.

Diwali’s symbolism of light overcoming darkness extends beyond its religious significance. It also represents new beginnings, fresh hopes, and the renewal of relationships. The exchange of gifts, cleaning and redecorating homes, and wearing new clothes all reflect this idea of starting afresh. Diwali brings together families, communities, and friends in a celebration of unity, gratitude, and positivity.

Diwali colouring pages

To celebrate Diwali, set the kids up with these printable colouring pages. The rangoli patterns are ideal for some mindfulness. Get creative with a range of vibrant colours, repeated in the patterns.

A rangoli is traditionally an image or pattern created on a tabletop or the floor using coloured powders and represents a sign of welcoming.

What you need:

  • a printer
  • markers, pencils, or gel pens

Click on either image to download the PDF of the four colouring pages.

Diwali colouring page

Diwali colouring page

Find more fun on Kidspot:

Red Seal Toothpaste | Reviews

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Keep the whole family smiling with NATRUE certified natural toothpaste from Red Seal. We’re giving 50 families the opportunity to review two Red Seal toothpastes.

Red Seal Kids fluoride Berry Bubblicious toothpaste: A gentle, sparkly gel formula for the prevention of tooth decay and cavities for little teeth.

Red Seal Toothpaste

Red Seal Toothpaste

Red Seal Complete Care fluoride Mild Mint toothpaste: Freshens breath and protects against tooth decay and cavities with a mild mint flavour the whole family will enjoy using.

Red Seal Toothpaste

Red Seal Toothpaste

Help to protect your family’s teeth naturally with Red Seal NATRUE certified natural toothpaste.

  • No synthetic colours
  • No artificial flavours
  • Paraben-free
  • SLS-free
  • Vegan friendly
  • Cruelty-free

Red Seal Toothpaste is available at Chemist Warehouse, Bargain Chemist, and your local supermarket.

Red Seal Kids fluoride Berry Bubblicious: Children aged 5 and under should use a smear of toothpaste. Children aged 6 years+ should use a pea-sized amount.
Red Seal Complete Care fluoride Mild Mint: Suitable for kids aged 6 years+.

Read the reviews!

We’ve given 50 families the opportunity to trial and review Red Seal Kids fluoride Berry Bubblicious Toothpaste and Red Seal Complete Care fluoride Mild Mint toothpaste. Read the reviews now.

Read reviews from our trialists below

(If you have a product to review, please add your review as a comment at the bottom of the page)

HayleyW Red Seal ToothpastesWe were lucky enough to trial the new Red Seal Toothpastes this week. I trialled them alongside my three and five year old daughters.

– Firstly we loved the simplicity of the packaging and when I read out the flavour, my girls were very excited! Who wouldn’t want to try Berry Bubblicious?!

– Of course the girls were even more excited when they saw that the berry flavour had little “sparkles” in it! Great way to get them to continue to brush their teeth frequently!

– The taste of the berry version was great, not too sweet and it felt like it provided a good clean. The mild mint flavour was also nice as it wasn’t overpowering and didn’t taste synthetic like a lot of other mint toothpastes too.

– Some other “natural” toothpastes we have tried haven’t left us with a clean feeling, so it was a great result with the Red Seal versions.

– Based on our experience with these two toothpastes, we will certainly be buying them again. I love the fact that they help to protect teeth naturally the NATRUE certification and no nasties such as .synthetic colours or artificial flavours. I would recommended these to others as a more natural alternative and I did enjoy the feel following using them (and so did my daughters!).
Kyleeandluke Red Seal ToothpastesMy family were lucky enough to be selected for the Red Seal review. We are all big on oral hygiene in our family, so we’re all very keen to be part of this! My husband, myself and our two sons trialed the toothpaste. My husband, myself and our 15 year old son loved the taste of the adult formula. Our 12 year old son felt it was a bit too minty for him, so he’s been using the kids formula. We are all very impressed! I was happy to find a Red Seal toothpaste that contained fluoride. In the past I’ve stopped using Red Seal because it didn’t. It’s on the “ok” list at the kids dental clinic, and our dentist approves! Therefore; we will continue to use it. Thank you Red Seal and Kidspot!
nat_tanevesi My kids have used red seal the last few days and haven’t had any complaints since. There was a bit of hesitation at first as they are used to the licences character toothpastes from Colgate. I can admit – they have used the toothpaste and there’s been no complaints having to brush their teeth when asked etc.
Theresa Te Whaiti Red Seal ToothpastesThe whole family tired these products last night and overall feedback was great. The mint is a bit hot at first but then cools down. Our teeth felt clean and the kids loved the berry flavour. I was super impressed that both products have fluoride as this is important to me in a toothpaste. Thanks for letting us try these and we would buy these in our shopping
laoshizhu Red Seal ToothpastesWe always want to try new toothpaste as it’s boring to use the same brand/flavour of toothpaste every day. My son and I tried the two products respectively. When I saw “Mild mint” and “Berry bubblicious” on the tubes, I thought I knew what the flavors would be like. After I tried the adult one, I felt the mint flavor was not as strong as I expected, which was good! It also surprised me when I saw the toothpaste was transparent! It feels very natural and I noticed it stopped my teeth bleeding! My son says his kid’s one tastes like strawberry ice cream!

We would like to continue using them if the price is fair. : )

Compared with similar products, we feel the Red Seal ones are quite natural.

I would definitely recommend this product to others!
jrjinga Red Seal ToothpastesI wanted to try and review these toothpastes as looking for more natural products for my family
Kids berry toothpaste: 5 year old daughter loves it, motivates her to brush her teeth with no complaints and it does a great job. Has helped her breath smell good, not too much foaming so doesn’t create a mess whilst brushing her teeth and contains fluoride so i know it’s helping reduce potential cavities. Will continue using as does a better job compared to other everyday toothpastes.
Adult mild mint toothpaste:
This toothpaste is easy to use and mint is not too strong that you feel overwhelmed with a mint taste.I will continue using this product as it makes my mouth feel fresh and it keeps my breath fresh for hours after using it. I would recommend it to others to try and enjoy it. Makes teeth brushing easy and part of your everyday routine
ZoeA My family trialled the Red Seal toothpaste gel. My kids loved the flavour ‘berry bubblicious’ and asked for all toothpaste to taste like this from now on. The package is a smooth matte case and easy size for kids to use with a clear gel paste. Nice to control the nasties that my kids are using everyday and this gel has no parable s and other nasties in it. The adult paste has the same nice texture to the tube but is herbal and mineral and after this week I’m finally getting use to the mildness as I’m use to a very strong mint flavour with my other brands. It definitely leaves a fresh taste in my mouth but it’s a strange taste so not so enjoyable as others I have had. With a product our family have to use twice a day I’m definitely pleased to have a more natural but effective product.
Niixiie Red Seal ToothpastesHave been using these product for the past 4 days now,

My son loves the berry taste and the glitter effect in the toothpaste it makes him want to brush his teeth would highly recommend my son will be continuing using the berry toothpaste.

The mild mint toothpaste is okay it’s clear and does have a minty smell and taste but you also get the taste of the herbal stuff that’s added to the toothpaste and doesnt taste great.over all it’s an okay product to use it does clean your teeth.I personally won’t be continuing using the mint toothpaste.
br11112 Red Seal ToothpastesI was wanting to try these toothpastes for my family because we’re always looking for different ones. Finding the right strength for different kids etc.
The older kids 6 & 9 are enjoying these toothpastes and we would definitely buy again. Miss 1 has also tried the kids one. I would recommend both 🙂 .
melinda1nz Red Seal ToothpastesSeriously, what is this sourcery? A product that makes my two small humans, aged 7 and 9, actually beg to brush their teeth?! I didn’t think this product existed, but Red Seal has proved me wrong! While I couldn’t convince them on the mint one (even though that’s a firm favourite of mine, now!) they are 100% obsessed with the shiny, glittery, tastiness that is the Berricilious Kids Toothpaste! The flavour is absolutely divine but has no added sugar, and it just looks so pretty! The packaging is great, I just can’t think of anything to fault on this. My kids really are excited about their teeth brushing at the start and end of the day now, thanks so much for this magic!
likichee Red Seal ToothpastesMy family love a toothpaste that thoroughly clean teeth and provide protection to tooth decay. My 2 years old and 4 years old tried the Red Seal Kids fluoride Berry Bubblicious toothpaste while my husband and I tried the Red Seal Complete Care fluoride Mild Mint toothpaste. Both toothpastes instantly wins the heart of our family. Everyone had fresh breath afterwards and we do feel our teeth is cleaner for a longer period of time. The texture of the toothpaste is smooth and it looks like it has some glitter in it, which attracts my kids. The kids toothpaste are not overpowering and they loved the flavour compared to Colgate Bluey kids mint gel toothpaste. The Red Seal Complete Care fluoride Mild Mint toothpaste has a lovely minty taste, unlike other overly pepperminty flavoured toothpaste like Colgate Triple Action toothpaste. Both toothpaste does not create much foam, so it does not leave much mess especially for the kids. I would highly recommend this two toothpastes!
Jax Red Seal ToothpastesOur whole family (2 adults, 10 year old and 3 year old) tried the Red Seal toothpaste. First the tube packaging feels like paper texture, so that was pretty different and cool. Sad thing is nothing is recyclable except that box it comes in, a bit disappointed.
My 3 year old usually complains about the taste of toothpaste, being over powered in flavour. He tried the Berry Bubblicious, and since day one has carried on choosing this as his main form of toothpaste! He says it tastes nice, yummy, like strawberries. I find he actually brushes for longer!
My 10 year old tried both the Berry and the Herbal mint. He likes the Berry over the Mint one. He said first off the Herbal mint is nice and mild, but then afterwards he doesn’t like the after taste left in his mouth. The Berry one he says doesn’t leave an after taste and prefers it overall. He says he likes how his teeth feel Shiney all day long, even after eating.
My husband and my thoughts were that the Herbal and Mint you can taste the spearmint flavour but it does not overpower your taste buds like other brands. You can also pick out the Herbal taste but again not any bad flavour. It doesn’t foam as much as other brands, but it does clean well, it actually feels like your teeth are cleaner then when you clean with other brands, I always thought the foam makes cleaner teeth hahaha but I was so wrong after trying Red Seal!! When you rub your tongue over your teeth it has this amazing clean feel, and it seriously lasts all day!!!!We as a family would so buy this again and swop it to a regular brand in our household. If Red Seal can just work on the recycling of the tube and lids then it is even a bigger hit!
chantrosenl Red Seal Toothpastes We’ve been trialling both toothpastes, kids were very keen on using the Berry Bubblicious!

So pleased to see that Red Seal toothpastes now contain fluoride, I feel good about using this product and I do not hesitate to give this to my kid to use.
Although the kids (over 6 years of age) were very keen on trying the Berry Bubblicious, they’ve said they actually prefer the Mild Mint and have stopped using it.
Husband really likes the Mild Mint and wants to change from our usual go-to toothpaste to Red Seal.
Personally, I would have liked a more minty flavour.
Depending on the price,we may make the change to Red Seal Mild Mint.
Michelle Garrett Red Seal ToothpastesMy two boys loved both the read seal toothpaste, they felt the complete care mild mint left their teeth feeling cleaner, and they didn’t mind the mint flavour, it’s not too strong. We Would buy this product.
maplan Wanted to review this as I was looking for a more natural and cheaper alternative toothpaste for me and my family.

My daughter has tried the kids toothpaste and loved it. She says it tastes like ice cream and is one of the best toothpastes she has ever used.

My husband and I tried Complete Care. The Mint flavor is indeed mild. I had to put more though (not just a smear) so I can have that clean and fresh feeling after. Other than that, I’ve compared the price of this vs Colgate and it is priced competitively. Something I didn’t expect for a natural toothpaste. Will definitely buy this brand in our next shopping.
MelissaHawk Red Seal ToothpastesMy family trialled the Red Seal toothpaste gel. My 8 year old loved the flavour Berry Bubblicious. He also tried the mint one but did not like it although he is not usually a fan of a mint flavour. My 11 year old tried the Berry Bubblicious flavour as well but disliked it immediately. She bases a lot of her likes due to texture and she did not like the texture of this toothpaste. Not even the sparkles could persuade her this time. My husband and I have been using the mint flavour. I initially found it getting used to. I found the texture a bit different to what I’m used to but got used to it over time. I’m also getting use to the mildness as I’m use to a very strong mint flavour with my other brands. I feel like it almost needs a stronger mint flavour to give my mouth that fresh feeling. I love the matte packaging and also feel good using a natural product. I have always wanted to try a natural toothpaste but was apprehensive at buying something that my family wouldn’t like so I’m grateful for the opportunity to test it. Overall I am surprised that this natural toothpaste with flouride was actually ok and if it was on special I might buy it again.
EstherLiu My children were excited to try their berrybubblicious toothpaste upon receiving them. They love the design of the cartoon berries on the packaging. However, both my 9 and 7 year old were disappointed after the first use. They found the taste of the toothpaste was a bit “weird” and they were expecting more foams/bubbles. On the other hand, my three year old loved it. I personally find the adult herbal toothpaste refreshing and had just the right amount of “mint”.
Lexxx13nz Red Seal Toothpastes We were excited to try these toothpastes but unfortunately the kids’ one is not a hit- too strong in flavour apparently. The adult toothpaste has an unusual flavour compared to what we are used to normally, but I enjoyed it, the only issue I had was not feeling “mouth fresh” afterwards.
Terrinnz Red Seal ToothpastesI would like to review red seal tooth paste. I wanted to try as more of a natural toothpaste. I have used red seal tooth paste in the past.
The mint one is mild taste of mint but teeth feel nice after brushing teeth.
My son used the berry tooth paste and is now wanting to brush teeth a few time during the day. It seems like he loves the toothpaste more then others.
I would definitely recommend to my friends and family.
I will buy again.
Thanks kidspot and red seal.
Hina Red Seal ToothpastesHad wanted to try this product for my 2 kids with both of them trying to miss out on bedtime brushing routine by being lazy at night times particularly the little one. I had expected both of them to be fans of berry bubblicious but surprisingly my older one seems to enjoy the mint one while the little one loves the berry one as thats her type. Hopefully they can keep up with the night. I tried the mint one and have been using it since 2 days and night and I find it very refreshing and not too strong like some of the other mint ones that make your mouth burn which is really good. Found it very pleasant to have tried something to colgate and oral b which we have been using for a number of years so would switch it up in the future as well as this is such a great alternative. Thank you kidspot for the oppurtunity to try it otherwise would have never found out about it
xkatiepiex Red Seal ToothpastesMy family tried 2 Red Seal toothpaste products over the past week. We wanted to try something different as we use the same brands and never think to sample new brands or flavours. Hubby and I enjoyed using the Complete Care toothpaste, we were surprised as thought the herbs would be overpowering but the mint still came through but it was very mild so needed quite a large amount of product to feel clean. The texture was a more gel like and less foamy than we are used to but not unpleasant, would try it again.

Miss 6 tried the Kids Berry Bubblicious Toothpaste, which I was sure was going to be a hit because A) Berry flavour, and B) Sparkles in the gel! Unfortunately although she loved the sparkles and the packaging (very cute dancing berries) she told me she doesn’t like it – in her words it tasted yuck like a sour berry. I was hoping she would switch as this seemed like a no nasties alternative but sadly not to be.
Roxliley Red Seal ToothpastesWe were lucky to review Red Seal Complete Care Mild Mint toothpaste and Red Seal Kids Berry Bubblicious toothpaste.
The packaging for both toothpastes is very clear to read and has good Fluoride amount. It was odd to squeeze out a clear mint toothpaste but it did its job well. Not very strong, so perfect for people not wanting the intense mint hit. My 7 year old son loved the sparkly berry toothpaste and its his new favourite, with me being told to buy more before he finishes the tube.
I still prefer my strong mint toothpastes but this is a great alternative and I could get used to it to do better for my health.
All the family agree that these toothpastes are enjoyable to continue using.
Yabby90 Red Seal ToothpastesWe were lucky enough to trial these red seal toothpaste.
My 4 year old was absolutely obsessed from the moment we opened the package to when she used the berry bubbilicious flavour.
She was the first to clean her teeth in the morning and at night as she loved the flavour to much, and this is a big thing for her as she is usually reluctant to brush her teeth.
The rest of the family enjoyed the toothpaste too, although having a clear mint toothpaste was a challenge to get your head round.
We like that they are a more natural option but that it still contains fluoride to help protect teeth
SarahBlair The Red Seal Kids fluoride Berry Bubblicious toothpaste was an instant hit! My kids are really enjoying it, especially the fact that it has glitter!!! The kids really enjoy the taste and getting them to brush their teeth is easy now, I do not have to tell them twice! The Red Seal Complete Care fluoride Mild Mint toothpaste has a stronger taste that my youngest does not like so much but everyone else likes the freshness that it gives them after they use it! The packaging is cute and appealing to the children. I use Red Seal toothpaste already, my children are converts now as well.
juliereidnz Red Seal ToothpastesMy 10 year old daughter was very excited when this toothpaste arrived and wanted to try the berry one straight away. She was surprised it was clear but she liked the taste but said the texture was strange. She then got her 13 year old brother to try it and he wasn’t a big fan of the taste. So she is the sole user of the kids toothpaste but loved the change from the normal mint flavoured one we get.
Both my husband and I are currently using the complete care toothpaste. It has more of a menthol flavour rather than a strong mint, so it doesn’t leave your mouth as fresh as our usual toothpaste.
I loved that they have fluoride in them both and although we might go back to our usual adult toothpaste, we will look at buying the kids one again for my daughter.
Thank you for the opportunity to try them!
Chrislean Red Seal Toothpastes

My son was very keen to try the Red Seal Kids fluoride Berry Bubblicious toothpaste purely because he loved the name of it! He says the taste was “yummy and good” too. So that’s a positive win from him, so I’ll definitely be buying it again.
The adult mint flavour was firstly like a medicine taste, but pleasantly changed to a mild mint flavour. I appreciated that it was not frothy and bubbly like other brands. My mouth felt fresh afterwards. So yes I’d buy this again too.
The simple packaging looks fresh and clean, just like what’d you expect from a toothpaste.
Maude I really liked the Complete Care Herbal and mineral mild mint toothpaste.i found it not too minty which I liked. My son tried it also
and liked the taste. I feel it is too soon to observe any results after using it apart from the nice fresh after taste after using it.
The Kids toothpaste Gel passed my son’s approval test.
I would buy these products again. I really like the fact that these products contain no artificial flavours, synthetic colours or paraben. For me these
products are probably some of the best natural toothpastes on the market in New Zealand.
mumjess Red Seal ToothpastesMy kids were so excited to receive this product for review – it’s so nice to have something that seems like a treat but is good for their teeth! My younger 2 kids were split on the verdict of the Berry Bubbalicious toothpaste- the 4 year old loved it and my 6 year old didn’t like it all. My 4 year old love the colour and taste and packaging and I’m very satisfied with the ingredients! My 9 year old loved the complete care product. I’m so happy that red seal are including fluoride in their toothpastes now so I would happily purchase this now knowing that it’s enjoyed by some of my children!
Candyb Red Seal Toothpastes

We were able to try the Berry Bubblicious for our children and the the complete care toothpaste for ourselves,adults.

My boys were so excited to try the new toothpaste and found the cute berry character quite engaging. Then came the toothpaste itself with it’s “sparkles*,they couldn’t wait to try it. My four year old will often complain that hos previous toothpaste is too spicy so,this was for sure a winner with it’s milder mint flavour. My 8 year old absolutely loves it and asked that we continue to buy this one instead.

The complete care toothpaste has a pleasant flavour and has even helped my teeth feel less sensitive close the the guns. Hubby has said he loves how his mouth feels fresh and clean afterwards.

We are definitely switching to red seal toothpaste for our children and ourselves.
Angelgirl081 We were given the opportunity to try two new Red Seal toothpastes, the Red Seal Complete Care Mild Mint & Red Seal Kids Berry Bubblicious. We have tried various Red Seal toothpastes in the past, so are familiar with the brand but we’re excited to try these new flavours. Miss 7 and Miss 11 tried the Berry Bubblicious first and had different opinions on it. Miss 11 said that it was okay but the flavour is a bit weird and she prefers the other flavoured toothpaste brand that we purchase. Miss 7 loved it though and says that it is better than the other flavoured brand. She said it tastes like proper berries and isn’t too sweet. I like the packaging for both toothpastes as it is plain but also eye catching. The tube is easy to use and seems to be less flimsy than other brands so doesn’t get annoying crease marks from squeezing and rolling the tube. The Kids one has a cute berry image which makes it clear that it is for kids. The mint one has a simple mint leaf image which is also nice. Myself and Miss 11 tried the Mild Mint flavour and it was okay. The flavour is on the mild side which is good because I don’t like strong mint, but I found that it didn’t leave me feeling as fresh as some stronger brands. I had to brush twice sometimes depending on what I’d eaten. It has a smooth consistency though and isn’t gritty like some other natural brands I’ve tried. Miss 11 isn’t a huge fan of mint anyway, but she said that she would use it if she ran out of her flavoured brand.
Overall, we probably won’t buy the Complete Care Mild Mint again, just because it wasn’t much different than other cheaper brands of that flavour, but I will definitely be buying the Kids Berry Bubblicious again, because Miss 7 loved it and it is much cheaper than the other flavoured toothpaste brand that we have been buying.
alisha The berry bubblicious was a winner with the children especially the one that hates minty flavours and the complete care has a nice minty taste and leaves teeth feeling well cleaned.
We usually get the fluoride free variety of the red seal toothpaste however now the children are older and less likely to eat it the fluoride is an option too.

We asked our readers to tell us why they would like to trial this product …

SarahBlair Dental hygiene is very important and my kids sometimes need encouragement to brush their teeth.  Yummy toothpaste could be just the trick.  Red seal is the brand I purchase for my husband and I because I really like the brand!
heatherch we would like to try these toothpastes to see if the flavours make teeth cleaning  a more popular experience
Candyb We’re passionate about keeping our teeth healthy, and as a busy family of five, we’d love the opportunity to trial redeasl toothpaste
xkatiepiex Miss 6 loves brushing her teeth and has her first wiggly tooth! She would love to try the berry bubblicious flavour – and it keeps mum happy by having no nasties or additives! Would also be great for the whole family to try the complete care paste as an alternative to our usual toothpaste
Terrinnz Teeth brushing is very important with my son in my household.  Would love to be able to try out please.  Barry bubblicious sounds like a great flavour for the kids.
Thank you
Jo786 We have a big family who love redseal products!
We are a mixture of adults and children who love different types of toothpastes -spicy/minty, mild, sweet
Rhian our youngest find all the toothpastes we’ve bought so far to be too spicy. Would be great to find one that works for him
kanahagger We look after our teeth  well but sometime hard to find good toothpaste for kids, I have 16,12 and 8 years old, their taste preferences are deferent so want to find something suit everyone
Aharpy My son is doing a great job (latley) with brushing his teeth amd would absolutely love to get something to reward him for his great behavior! He wants a bluey tooth brush and this toothpaste would be absolutely perfect to add for him to try!!! Thank you!!
Chrislean I always look at the variety of toothpastes in the supermarket and wonder what they actually taste like before buying.
This trial would give my family the opportunity to trial a new brand that we haven’t had before. My son is very keen to try the Berry bubblicous flavour as it sounds intriguing.
julie.hsien We like red seal products because they are usually good with using natural ingredients.
ZoeA My kids often comment on the taste of toothpaste so I have been through a few flavours now searching for the one that they look forward to using to enhance this necessary activity!
Bevik1971 We are all big fans of Red Seal, have used their products for a few years.  Love that the toothpaste is natural and good for my kids teeth.  They are also very fussy when it comes to taste of toothpastes so this would be wonderful
Omgnickel With 2 young toddlers, we are always on the look out for products they will like. We have tried another brand of toothpaste and they hate it! Looking to try another kind that we can stick to for long.
Jax My boys (age 3 and 10) have been so good with the brushing teeth routine, they can be picky to the flavour of toothpaste though. I have heard Red seal is a great product so I would like to put it to the test and see if my fussy flavour picky kids would like it and helps the 3 year old want to to brushing more then it being a chore that he just does 🙂
Truddles I struggle to get them to clean their teeth and even resorted to apple slices.  I think a more “ child friendly “ flavour would do the trick.  Fingers crossed
Lisa I’d love to try a different toothpaste and my son definitely needs to try something new. Getting him to brush his teeth can be a chore in itself.
Calitamunro We are such a fan of this brand, we would love to trial the new flavour coming out.
melinda1nz This would be absolutely amazing. My youngest has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and teeth brushing is a constant battle, as he’s challenged by sensory things, such as taste and texture, so we’re always on the lookout for new products that he loves to be able to help the process and keep those teeth clean and strong 🙂
Michelle Garrett My sons are terrible are brushing their teeth, I make sure they do it twice a day but this will be a fun challenge for them.
Ruby12345 We’re happy to be swayed away from our standard Colgate brand. My son often finds mint variety ‘too spicy’.
Abbey My 11yr old and I are always looking for cost effective and Natrue’al ways to take care of ourselves, that is enjoyable at the same time. She likes the idea of a not mint option and it will be great to see if she likes the adult version too. I have reacted to the more “flash” “miracle worker” toothpastes in the past due to the extreme chemicals in them and would like the opportunity to to try before I buy , even though this should be good due to being more natural… also be great to see if we have any allergy to the natural ingredients. Doubtful we will but I have been surprised in the past and that’s another reason why we would love to try before we buy.
Trudi It’s always good to try something new and would love to give this a try
Brendaruzzel Good reviews
Klee1987 I would love to try the toothpaste as there are no added nastys like some off the others and it is vegan friendly
michelle.whaley Have always wanted to try a more natural toothpaste thanks.
Kelbean25 Haven’t had experience with natural toothpaste before so keen to see if they are as effective as normal toothpaste. Prefer the idea of natural as I feel like my kids swallow toothpaste sometimes
Angelgirl081 Our family would love to try these 2 new Red Seal toothpastes. We have used Red Seal in the past and loved them however in the past year or so my kids have become obsessed with a much more expensive flavoured brand of toothpaste, so I would love to try and bring them back to a brand I know and trust, that is all natural and more affordable too. I think that both of these Red Seal flavours, may be able to win them over, since they are not a fan of that strong mint flavour, so the Mild Mint and especially the Bubblicious Berry, sound like they could be a yummier flavour for them to try.
Issa To compare to what we currently use
Muniba I have 4 children, from16 to 1 and and also have braces on 1 of them .
We really do struggle to get them brushing properly so maybe trying a new tooth paste will help .
briii12 Always looking for another toothpaste to try and these sound great. 3 kids to brush teeth , this would be awesome.
Bex We are a family of 4 with 2 boys who both love to brush their teeth!

We all love trying out new toothpaste and have not tried the red seal range yet so would love to give it a go.
Stacie29 Trying to find kid friendly toothpaste that actually suits my son is so difficult. He is very picky with toothpastes so this would be very good to trial.
Mumjess We use toothpaste everyday and it would be good to try something different – something more natural and healthy.
candygurl4eva It would be excellent for my kids teeth
Hinanafe My kids are very fussy and lazy about brushing. Maybe a new flavour would help encourage them to brush regularly
natnat_y3k We have not tried any Red Seal range so it would be interesting to see what difference it makes compared to the other brand we are currently using.
HayleyW My two oldest girls (3 & 5) absolutely love brushing their teeth! They think it’s so fun and always want to “do it all by myself.” Any chance to try a new tooth related product is a dream for them (and us!).
Sonya19 We trust the Red Seal brand, & like trying new toothpaste flavours. Cute packaging, & fluoride is important too!
chantrosenl We do want to look after our teeth and the planet so very keen to try these products and potentially replace what we currently use!
Maryke.schneider Hi. We have a 6 year old boy and a 2 year old boy that are both very proud of how they look after their teeth. They would love to try something new and we are guaranteed to obtain honest feedback from them:)
Kristy We would love to try these yo encourage the different aged children to brush their teeth and the adults will benefit too! Kids don’t always like the minty flavour of most paste so a different flavour may be the key.
Roxliley My kids do enjoy trying different flavoured toothpastes and encourages regular brushing as its fun.
hturner Dental health is important to me and I’m trying to take our family down the more natural path. My kids have just got new electric toothbrushes and get excited about all things toothbrush and toothpaste related, so I’m sure they’d love to try this natural option out!
Nicaela My son is getting better at brushing his teeth and we have recently invested in an electric toothbrush. We would love to try these products to find out what his favourite toothpaste flavour is so we can make getting ready for school in the morning more of a breeze and less of a battle to brush his teeth.
anji12 My kids need a nice flavour of toothpaste to motivate them to brush longer.. these both sound great!
Maude I like the Red Seal toothpastes have no artificial flavours or synthetic colours
and is paraben-free.
juliereidnz My 2 kids find normal minty toothpaste “too spicy” and intense.  I would love to try a different flavour and having flouride in them is super important to us as well.

It also might stop me nagging them to brush their teeth if they like the flavour!

Thank you for the opportunity.
Lphocking96 I struggle to get my 3 kiddies to brush their teeth so we are always looking for new products to help ease the job!
Melchang Yes please

My little one is picky on toothpaste!!! Hope i can find the one he likes and would actually want to brush her teeth!!
stepankas I do use all natural products for my two kids (7&10).
We would love have the opportunity to try the  alternative to Colgate.
Thank you
Sexcpinkplayboy I would love to try this for my kids, they refuse to use the mint toothpaste which they call adult toothpaste as it is very strong. Having an alternative like this it will be a good change for them and a more pleasant teeth brushing experience for my 4 and 7 year old
tcmmum We are a family of 5 who would give this a good try!
MelHawk It would be nice to try a natural toothpaste. Haven’t had the opportunity before and it would be interesting to see if my tooth brushing adverse kids would like this toothpaste.
kimrobbie Trying to find a flavour that everyone would like.
yeye Always looking for a toothpaste is safe and performing excellent. Red seal sounds great to meet my expectation.
laoshizhu These are very attractive products since they are oral-health-related! We always look for new toothpaste with different flavors etc to make us start with a fresh morning every day!
Rose I do struggle with my young one with toothpaste as she does not like the mint taste so would like to try the berry one for her, i have tried to many flavored ones and none has worked
kyleeandluke Our family are really big on oral hygiene! I’m a teacher – but my collegue once joked that I should’ve been a dental hygienist! My oldest son has very expensive braces – so it’s imperative that he keeps his teeth extra clean! He’s hoping to be a dentist or an orthodontist later on in life!
vannrose My kids and niece would definitely love the flavours. Also our family loves to try out new products and see what fits our family’s needs. I have also been looking for an effective fluoride toothpaste for quite some time now and this might be a suitable product for my family to prevent cavities.
Rachael3 my son is so fussy but this is the only thoothpste heikes thsnks
Kaylielweir Would love to see if the kids like the flavour. I like that it doesn’t contain all the nasty stuff.
likichee My family love a toothpaste that thoroughly clean teeth and provide protection to tooth decay. My younger kids are quite picky about the flavour and texture of toothpaste so would love to give this product a try please 🙂 thank you.
Kylaoconnor My family would like to try different flavours as some mint flavours can be too strong for my kids
sinhooilee My family would like to try these products because they are certified natural toothpaste.
Brookewalsh Two young children is always a challenge to brush teeth. Would love to try another flavour of tooth paste to see if this makes the brushing teeth routine easier.
Amba 2 little boys love brushing there teeth
Alisha Halverson We would love to trial the red seal toothpaste! One of my children hates the mint flavour of toothpaste so the Berry Bubblicious toothpaste would be perfect for him. I also like that they are SLS free and free from chemical additives
jrjinga Because we are trying to find a toothpaste that my 5 year old daughter likes the taste of
Missgoldie Would love to try the red seal kids tooth paste with Mr 5 who hates most toothpaste and is difficult to get his teeth brushed
albabe My family would love to try these fabulous berry and mint flavours to help us achieve perfect white teeth.
Lexxx13nz I am yet to find family toothpastes that I trust- I like that there are no artificial flavours in these Red Seal products
maplan Would love to try a new toothpaste that can help protect my family’s teeth naturally
Toni The fact that it’s vegan and animal friendly is a bonus. I’d love for
Our family to try, and if we all love it, I will continue to purchase if moving forward.
JodyW75 This is my favourite toothpaste brand, I’m a poor student mum so not in budget. Have never tried kids’ one my son would love it.
MelTupe Having a toothpaste that is natural is a great option over one that has too many unknown ingredients.
Jess33 We haven’t found a toothpaste that we all like it’s quite expensive buying more than one type
Hannah.r-t We live to make teeth brushing time really fun in our house. We are always buying new toothbrushes to keep it interesting so it would be great to mix up with a new toothpaste too!  The berry bubblicious flavour sounds like a real winner – I can’t wait for the kids to try it.
Tendra We have bought red seal toothpastes in the past but not these specific ones and would love to see what these varieties are like
Theresatw I have three boys who are not good at brushing keen
To find a brand that they will use snd enjoy
TanyaK We try to keep organic and natural as much as possible but at the same time – encourage my 3 year old grandchild to keep her teeth shiny clean – taste and look of the toothpaste matters to her!
anitagoveas would love to try this natural toothpaste for my son
15jellybeans I’m always changing toothpastes to see what’s best for the kids. It’s so hard to find one that does the job but isn’t too strong! Would love to give this one a go
Abbeyb Having 9, 7, 4 and 1 year old I would love to give this try for them. At the moment we have a couple of different toothpastes one for the younger 2 and another for the older 2 and it would be great to find one the whole family loves. The fact that it has no extra added nasties is an amazing drawcard. I would also love to try for myself. We love so many red seal products already so this would be great to add to our go to’s.
Mumof3lads I struggle with my youngest to get him to clean his teeth properly, he doesn’t like the aste of toothpaste and as a kid he has no real idea of the impact of poor oral hygiene at this age.  Hoping Red Seal can help change this and make daily brushing easier.
Maiden82 Would be nice to try something different have always stuck to same old brands
nat_tanevesi I would love my kids to try this product as the current toothpaste they are using seems a  bit intesne flavour wise. They are alwasy complaining when it is time to brush their teeth (what kids don’t though) I am currently on the lookout for a tooth paste that may ease the stress of getting them to brush their teeth
Nikita It is a battle for us to get our kids to brush their teeth as they don’t like the minty taste if their tooth. My daughter tells me it is to ‘Spicy’. It’ll be great to find a new toothpaste that our kids like so brushing their teeth becomes enjoyable.
liz181 Im all for anything more natural
EstherLiu I have four children under 9 who love having their own toothpaste and would like to try out different flavoured toothpaste. The youngest who is 2 is not a fan of brushing his teeth, so am hoping the berry flavour toothpaste would make a difference!
Ferren My kids wanting to try some other toothpaste brands.
kiwinatasja My youngest daughter is a terrible brusher, because she doesn’t like the taste of toothpaste I buy her. I have tried every single brand and even resorted to expensive brands like HISMILE, with every flavor under the sun!
I have not tried Red Seal yet because it feels a bit clinical to be honest, and I’m not sure if she will like it, but we can only try!(She does brush her teeth twice a day thank goodness, but only when I’m right beside her, we currently use Colgate MaxFresh)
Krys.076 It’s hard enough to get miss 9 to brush her teeth daily, so something with a bit more of a mild flavour but made for older kids in mind would be awesome to have a go with, she keeps insisting on using her milk teeth stuff still! Thanks =)
Amynew18 Trying to find a good child friendly toothpaste that my little one doesn’t detest
Niixiie We love trying new things and we have never tried this brand before and would to be able to take part and testing the product with 4 kids we go through toothpaste fast.
Mrs_Stolk As a family, we prioritize natural and gentle products. We’re excited to trial Red Seal toothpaste to see if it can provide effective oral care without harsh chemicals for the entire family.
Bree2323 I would love to try a new toothpaste out for my youngest and myself
Karlos6 Healthy family 👪 ❤
Emznkidz My children are very fussy with toothpaste so we like to try different ones to see if we can get the seal of approval from thr children
MissKaay Been brushing my kids teeth for awhile now, she’s starting to fight me on it.
Would love to try this toothpaste.

* Please note

  • You must be a Kidspot member to take part in the trial. Not a member? Then sign up now.
  • If you are chosen as a reviewer, you will receive an email from Kidspot and the product will be sent to the postal address on your registration.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive: 1 x 70g tube of Red Seal Kids fluoride Berry Bubblicious toothpaste and 1 x 100g tube of Red Seal Complete Care fluoride Mild Mint toothpaste.
  • Terms and conditions apply, including:
    • Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents.
    • If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible and supply a review, as set out in our review instructions.
    • Your name, address, and contact phone number will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery.
    • Please note that comments, images, or videos provided by reviewers may be used by Red Seal on their website and social media channels to promote the product.
    • Click here for full terms and conditions.

The Gavin Bishop Treasury | Book Review

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for Penguin Books

The Gavin Bishop Treasury is a very special hardback collection of 10 classic children’s stories for young readers to treasure and families to enjoy together for years to come.

Comprising over two hundred pages of fabulous storytelling and stunning artwork, children will be spellbound by this beautiful hardback gift treasury of ten favourite fairy tales and original stories, written and illustrated by the multiple-award-winning New Zealand author Gavin Bishop.

10 Favourite Fairy Stories and Original Tales

Between the covers, you will find four of Gavin’s delightful original tales, featuring such beloved characters as drab Mrs McGinty, who becomes a sensation when a fast-growing plant takes off in her yard, along with a rainbow-chasing sheep, a little rabbit who longs to visit the sea, and a bear who decides he can go without his winter sleep.

There are also six of Gavin’s delicious, humour-filled fairy tale retellings, including crafty Mr Fox with an empty food sack to fill, the gloriously illustrated Three Little Pigs, and Rats!, in which Mrs Polly Piper, vexed by an infestation of cheeky rodents, accepts help from the dashing, accordion-playing Rapscallion Claw.

This beautiful gift collection will entrance families of all ages and is the ideal inducement to snuggle up and read together.

The 10 gorgeous stories included in this treasury are:

  • Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant
  • Bidibidi
  • Mr Fox
  • Chicken Licken
  • A Apple Pie
  • The Three Little Pigs
  • Little Rabbit and the Sea
  • Stay Awake, Bear!
  • The Three Billy Goats Gruff
  • Rats!

Buy your copy of The Gavin Bishop Treasury

Family review from Jessica

The Gavin Bishop Treasury is an instant New Zealand classic! It has been enjoyed by the whole family, from read-aloud sessions greatly enjoyed by my four-year-old and six-year-old (and myself!) to the nine-year-old and 11-year-old picking it up and enjoying a quiet reading moment and taking in all the lovely illustrations.

The Gavin Bishop Treasury

The Gavin Bishop Treasury

It’s so easy to read out loud with lots of fun for the reader and the listener – the children all thought it was wonderful. They enjoyed hearing old stories, some with twists and some more traditional. The illustrations are all beautiful and really spark the imagination.

The Gavin Bishop Treasury

The Gavin Bishop Treasury

Our family gave it 5 out of 5 stars. We highly recommend this book and suggest you either buy it for someone for Christmas or put it on your wishlist!
It’s the best all-round new children’s book we’ve had in a long time.

Mr 6: “My favourite story is Chicken Licken because it’s funny.”

Mr 9: “I like Mr Fox the best because it has a funny and unexpected ending!”

Miss 11: “I’ve enjoyed the whole book as it’s a fun and easy read enjoying familiar fairy tales and some new ones!”

Don’t forget to visit Puffin Books for more great kids’ titles.

See more books:

Red Seal Kids Melties | Reviews

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Red Seal Kids Melties are delicious melt-in-the-mouth supplements that are fun for kids … and easy for parents!

With a convenient once-a-day dose, it’s simple to support your child’s health and help them get the essential nutrients they need. Crafted with care and designed with your little one in mind, Red Seal Kids Melties offer a tasty solution they’ll actually enjoy taking, without the added sugar.

Kids supplements just got melty!

  • Melts on the tongue
  • No added sugar
  • Convenient once-a-day dose
  • Taste delicious!

Meet the Melties!

The Red Seal Kids Melties range includes:

  • Multi with Iron – supports growth and development
  • Defence with Vitamin C & Zinc – supports immune system health
  • Sleep with Magnesium – supports muscle relaxation and winding down
  • Digest with Probiotics – supports digestive comfort & regularity

Red Seal Kids Melties are available at Chemist Warehouse, Bargain Chemist, and your local supermarket. Each pottle contains 60 melts. For ages 4+.

Read the reviews!

We’ve given 50 families the opportunity to trial and review Red Seal Kids Melties. Read their reviews below.

Read reviews from our trialists below

(If you have a product to review, please add your review as a comment at the bottom of the page)

Briina53 We received the Melties-Multi to trial. My son who is 4yo is usually a fussy eater so I thought this would help with the vitamins and minerals he is lacking. He easily consumed this and loves the taste too. Definitely would purchase from now on thanks Kidspot NZ for letting us trial this amazing product.
10/10 for taste
10/10 for texture
10/10 for easiness
10/10 for ingredients
Rachael3 We received the Red Seal melties defense vitamins for my 12 year old son Luka.. He loves them and is having them every day. Thanks so much for letting us be a part of your product trial.
My son has enjoyed taking these vitamins everyday. He is normally very good at taking tablets but he says these one’s are even more fun to take. Thank you for choosing us to be a part of this trial.
nikita

The Kids Melties Multi with Iron arrived in the post yesterday. The first thing my daughter said after trying is “Mummy this is so Yummy” and asked if she could have another. She eagerly awaited for another one this morning. She was just as excited to have another again today.
My daughter can be fussy so its great knowing she can get the added nutrients from the multi. It supports growth & development. I liked the melties were not coated in sugar like some other multi alternatives and are 99% sugar free. Its also great they contain 2.5mg of iron. These have been a really treat for my daughter. These will be our next go to for our multivitamins. The only downfall is they are only for 4+. I would have loved to be able to give them to my 2 year old.
HayleyW

We were lucky enough to be able to review the new Red Seal Digest Kids Melties which was perfect timing after a round of antibiotics for one of my daughters. We trialled the green apple flavoured melty for my two eldest daughters who were very excited as they look forward to their daily multivitamin gummies they have each night.

Due to the texture and melting feeling of the product they initially described it as “spicy” which was funny because they were referring to the way that it slightly fizzes and melts in the mouth, rather than the taste being spicy. They really enjoyed the flavour and asked for another one that evening 😆

The packaging is very convenient and would be easy to travel with. I also like that it’s a probiotic supplement that doesn’t need to be refrigerated.

I would certainly be keen to continue using this product and add it to our selection of gummies for the girls. I’m interested in trying the other flavours for them too for other health benefits (particularly the multivitamin). I would recommend this to others as a fun way for their kids to add probiotics to their diet in a convenient and tasty way. Thanks Red Seal!
maryke.schneider

Red Seal Kids Melties

Both my boys immediately embraced this product. They loved the playful fruity packaging. They loved the apple flavor used for the Digest probiotic melty. They easily remember ‘melty’ and keep asking for more. Further they described the tablet as ‘popping in their mouths’ with so much enthusiasm. Even my 2 year old uses this now, we break one melty in half and he seems happy with that. We will continue to use the red seal Melties and comparing this to other similar products, the kids took to these faster than any supplement we have ever offered them. Many thanks for including us in this trial.
melinda1nz

I was super pumped about giving the Kids Melties Defence a whirl, as it feels like my kids have barely been at school this year, it’s just been bug after bug after bug in our household!

I have fond memories of vitamin C tablets from my childhood, I just remember them being super tasty and we’re always using the Red Seal brand of supplements in our house. We were not disappointed. Here I was convinced they couldn’t improve on what was already a great supplement, making them even more exciting for kids, but they have managed to do just that with the way these literally melt in your mouth. It creates a cool foamy texture which my kids absolutely loved and now every day they’re asking to have their vitamins!! It’s also great they’ve got the added benefit of the zinc in these supplements as well, for an added immune system boost!

I’ve already checked out the price of these and I’m super impressed with that as well, these are going to be really helpful to our family and they’re not cost prohibitive for anyone, at a really great price point.

My 7 and 9 year olds loved this product but my partner and I also gave it a go to check out the taste and we’re all impressed. I’m really happy to have found a product that’s accessible and that the kids love that they actually want to take, which makes getting supplements into them a breeze. Looking forward to keeping healthy! Thanks Red Seal!
Terrinnz The product I picked is KIDS MELTIES MULTI WITH IRON. First thing I would like to say is my son is fussy. He is lacking alot. My son loved it and like I said hes normally very fussy and he wanted to eat more. I had to explain only 1 per day. Its very convenient easy to use. The packaging is nice and stands out . I will be continuing to buy this product and will try the kids melties defence next.
I highly recommend especially with the little ones who are fussy.
Thanks kidspot and red seal.
Kiwiemz79

Red Seal Melties

As a mum of two children at school (one being an ex 30 weeker) and caregiver to several toddlers I like to give my boys have a tip top immune system. We trialed the kids melties defence. Perfect for my youngest who needs to maintain good iodine levels, packed with zinc and vitamin c and d provides the goodness they require and with no added sugar it was a winner. The packaging is standard red seal packaging, with kids and the character on the bottle but it can be easily mistaken for the adults vitamins container. Taste wise it was very strong orange flavour, was quite tasty and liked by both the boys. One wasn’t a fan with the fizziness of it but found if he ate quickly it was ok.
Thanks kidspot and red seal.
Tendra Red Seal MeltiesRed Seal Melties Multi with Iron
We wanted to try these as many Iron supplements you have to swallow, and my daughter has a lot of trouble doing this. Though these could be a great way to see if she can get her extra iron this way.
Both of my kids have these.
My son of few words said “tastes nice” which is a big compliment for him! My daughter said “yum tastes like raspberry porridge” which is also a compliment as that’s her favourite!
These are super convenient being in a pottle and the fact that they just melt on the tongue makes them super easy for the kids to have.
I would recommend these as they are a really good option compared to other products out there as they are really easy for the kids to take and don’t end up with half of it stuck in their teeth as most other similar products are chewable. Also, great that they don’t need to be swallowed! The only thing (if I had to pick something) is that I was hoping for a slightly higher dose of Iron in them.
The kids are keen to keep using them and at this stage we will. I am keen to see if there are any results as I feel that at this stage it’s a little too early to tell; need to use them for a bit longer.
Mumof3lads

Red Seal MeltiesThank you for choosing us to review Melties. We tried the Sleep with Magnesium Melties and so far I’m really impressed all round. They are a lovely strawberry flavour that really does fizz and melt in your mouth which means it’s a very easy way to get magnesium into the kids. Of course, as mum, I had to try one myself (for quality control purposes of course) and OMG, I love them too. I have real trouble taking the larger magnesium tablets for adults and wondered I could get enough magnesium taking these too 😉

Both sons have had their Melties the past few nights and they’ve said they slept well and seem more rested, but the best part is they both love the flavour and by last night I didn’t even have to prompt them – they were asking for “their meltie” before bed. Picking this will become a staple in our household and very grateful for the introduction!
VeraA Red Seal MeltiesMy son (7) has been taking the Kids Melties Multi. He regularly takes multivitamins, to fill any gaps in his diet, so I thought it would be good to try a new one. I like the fact that these are chewable, and the dise is one a day. He likes the ‘lot of blackberry’ taste. He said they feel foamy on his tongue, which he thinks is fun. It’s probably too early to judge their impact in terms of energy etc/how they compare with other multivitamins. Whether we continue with them will partly depend on the cost. He is happy to continue taking them.
jrjinga Red Seal MeltiesKids Melties Multi with Iron
This product was trialled with my 5 year old daughter who eats little meat and needs iron supplements to top up diet. I was wanting to trial and review this product as hadn’t tried a multivitamin with iron before.
Initially my daughter did not like the taste but over time got used to it and now asks for it every morning with her breakfast. Easy to give her as melts easily in her mouth. Have noticed increased energy throughout her day since she started taking it daily. This is a better product as has the added bonus of others vitamins she needs in it, so one tablet does the job! Would recommend it as a quick and efficient product to supplement your fussy child’s diet on a daily basis.
Whitewolf We were lucky to be chosen to review these Red Seal melties defense vitamins, my Mr 11 loved them and we have started to notice a change with him feeling more energetic and alert during the day. We will definitely continue to purchase these.
Me We were very lucky to be chosen to review red seal kids melties sleep with magnesium. It helped my 5yr old son wind down at the end of the night. He did describe it as sour and spicy. It has nice packaging and I can see us using it again in the future.
Candyb Red Seal Melties
My sons absolutely loved the Red seal Melties Sleep. We have tried other brands but they’d complain of it being dry or chalky .
They love the taste and the fun surprise of the fizz on their tongues.
Besides being absolutely yummy, it does truly help them settle into their bedtime routines with ease. With the added health benefits of Vitamin C,you can’t go wrong.
We will definitely continue using this product and will happily buy others fork the same range.
xkatiepiex Red Seal MeltiesMiss 6 absolutely loved the Defence Melties! She said they were yummy like an orange and they fizzed on her tongue which made her laugh. She happily asks me for one every morning since it tastes like a lolly, so Mum is very pleased that she is willingly getting some extra Vitamin C and Zinc in her diet. We usually buy gummy vitamins so a melting tablet is a fun change for her, I wanted her to try out something new and was lucky enough to be selected. The packaging is cute and bright orange so stands out, I feel 60 is a convenient pack size. I would highly recommend the Defence Melties to other parents and we will definitely try the other types / flavours, we will be using all 60 and hope this extra dose of vitamins will boost her immunity from the bugs lurking around school.
Yabby90 Red Seal MeltiesWe were lucky enough to get the defence orange flavoured melties to try. My 3 oldest children aged 9, 7 and 4 loved the flavour and the fact that they melted on their tongues (to them it was such a novelty). I liked the fact that it was immune support that they loved the flavour of, and that it was packed full of goodness and very minimal sugar. So for our house it was a win/win and we would definitely buy them again.
mumjess Red Seal MeltiesThese were a big hit for my 4 and 6 year old who preferred them to generic vitamin c. My bigger kids preferred the normal vitamin c tablets.
Miss 4 and Master 6 love them – they enjoy the flavour and how they melt in the mouth. Each morning they race to eat their breakfast so they can enjoy a melty after!
I haven’t noticed any changes in their health but I’m sure it helps keep them in the best health possible.
Thanks Kidspot and red seal for the trial! We recommend them for young children!
Victoria Gardner I was so excited for my 3 kiddos to try these but 2 of them decided straight away they didn’t like the taste and the other one tried them for 3 days in a row then decided she didn’t like the taste either. I tried them and thought the berry flavour was ok and I would easily manage one a day but unfortunately it’s a no go for my family.
We discussed the ingredients and how each one would help our bodies stay healthy and talked about the huge amount of other foods we would need to consume to get the same amount. They understand that these have great benefits but could not get past the taste. Perhaps we could get it in tasteless powder form to add to smoothies in the future.
kteamo Red Seal MeltiesRed Seal Kids Melties – Multi
Was very grateful to be able to review this product with my 8yr old son.
He can be quite fussy with the way things look/taste to the point we rely on getting extra nutrients into him through multivitamins. We have purchased so many different brands trying to find something he will happily take that I jumped at the chance to review these and voila! he likes them!
The first try he thought it was too ‘spicy’ referring to the fizziness of them but he did also bite it, so the next day he let it melt on his tongue and enjoyed it a lot more and gave a thumbs up for the berry flavour.
I also tried them and they reminded me of the sherbet fizz lollies from my childhood, they definitely fizz a lot faster when bit which can be overwhelming.
All in all the taste, smell and texture were a hit in our family and will carry on using these.
Pip Palfi We were sent the Sleep with Magnesium Melties. I tried them myself and thought they were really yummy, like fizzy lollies but both my kids didn’t like them unfortunately! Both sons (6 and 9 yrs) have had their Melties the past week. I haven’t noticed they’ve gone to sleep any easier but I believe they have had a more settled sleep. Thanks for the opportunity to try these.
hannah whitlow Red Seal MeltiesWe were lucky to be selected to review the Kids Melties – Sleep with Magnesium by Red Seal.
We were hoping to be selected to trial this product for our 5 and 9 year old daughters who suffer from growing pains especially in their legs and both find it hard at night to wind down for bed.
When opening the packaging for the first time we were pleasantly greeted with a delicious strawberry smoothie scent.
The vitamins themselves were a decent size but not too big to put our daughter off trying them. Both our daughters are sensitive to food textures and when trialling the vitamins found the fizzing of the Melts a lot at first but not too overwhelming to try again.
By night 3 they had got used to the fizzing (as other vitamins they’ve had in the past are gummy textures.)
Whilst trying the Kids Melties- sleep with magnesium we stopped their magnesium gummies they normally take and didn’t notice a change over the week but similar results to their previous vitamins, helping them wind down at night and prevent as many wake ups with sore legs.
Value for money the Kids Melties are much better in value with a search online showing between $10-12, where our current Magnesium supplements are $24.99 for the same quantity.
We will be purchasing Kids Melties – Sleep with Magnesium rather than our current ones based on similar results but alot more affordable, the Kids Melties- Sleep I’d definitely recommend to friends with kids struggling with sleep and growing pains.
Thanks again for the opportunity to trial
SarahBlair My kids are loving the Red Seal Kids Melties! They are trialling the defence with vitamin C and zinc. The flavour is fantastic. My kids are asking for them everyday instead of me needing to remind them to take their vitamins. My children find the tablets easy to take as they dissolve easily in their mouths rather than them having to chew them or swallow large pills. The packaging is fun, and bright with cute characters on them that appeal to children. We often seek out the Red Seal brand while we are at the supermarket as we trust this brand to be great quality and to live up to their claims, this product reinforces our love of the brand. We will purchase this in future.
alsiha We received the Red Seal kids melties multi with iron to try. My kids have been having them with their breakfast and my daughter likes them so much she asks for the “fizzy vitamin” if I happen to forget. They have a nice berry flavour and dissolve on the tongue, much easier than getting kids to swallow vitamins or syringing a liquid. We will definitely be trying the rest of the melties range.
Annaclyne1 My 7 year old is having nightmares after watching a movie she found scary. We were all woken during the night by jet. We got the sleep melts to try, both my girls have been taking them. They love the taste. My youngest has not been waking up nearly as often, and more nights that not she has slept right through the night, not even waking to turn her nightlight back on. Very excited by this product, and will be continuing to purchase.
Kclark We received the Digest Kids Melties. My youngest enjoyed the flavour but was unsure of the dissolving sensation. I also tried them myself as I had just got over Campylobacter. I found that these really helped me get back to “Normal” again after a few rough weeks. Over all my daughter did enjoy these for the first week but still prefers the gummies instead. The apple flavour was a nice change to Orange or berry though.
Beckyvaega Red Seal MeltiesWow! How easy are these to get the kids to try! Very fun container. Captured my kiddies attention for sure. They thought the fizzy was a little weird at first and then grew to like it.
I have a couple of kiddies with a dairy intolerance and one who has gut issues. So we wanted to try these because it looked like an easy way to help with some of these issues. And they did 😊 I noticed a difference in their skin and how often they would poop! They also thought it was a fun way to try something new!
Kylaocoonor We were given the Red Seal Kids Melties Digest with Probiotics to try. I gave one to my son to try and he guessed the apple flavour immediately. He was surprised with the fizziness of the melt and thought they took a bit long to melt but otherwise enjoyed taking them. I like that they have probiotics in them and hope they help keep my son’s gut healthy.
Mummyof3 My kids (aged 7, 11, 14) love these and keep asking for the pink vitamins! We tried the Sleep with Magnesium and they loved the flavour and the way they fizz on the tongue. I haven’t noticed a change in their ability to sleep but I think they are a bit calmer before bed when they’ve had one. I tried one myself and quite enjoyed the flavour as well. Will be buying again once they’re finished.
lilblondee6 We had the pleasure of reviewing the reseal kids melting for sleep. I was in need of a product to help my daughter with the wind down process before bed as her brain just doesn’t switch off, after just 7 days of using i have noticed a big shift in how quickly she winds down ready for bed in the evenings, she is calmer, engages in quiet activities and is not so loud and boisterous.
We will definitely continue using the product as she loves taking them, she reminds me each day! I prefer to use the melties as gummies can get stuck in the teeth causing decay. So overall I would highly recommend if you are at your witts end and have tried many other things to wind down for bed time, red seal melties is definitely worth a try.
Jaz We received the Magnesium melties. I have 2 children, my daughter doesn’t mind them but my son is not a fan of the flavour. He will still have as he thinks the bottle is cute. If my daughter wants to continue these once they run out, I would purchase more.
Mallie We received Melties Digest with Probiotics. My son tried them immediately and was satisfied with the taste, even saying it was yummy and asked for more. I personally liked that they did not need to be refrigerated as I have purchased probiotics before and they were not shelf stable, which meant that I would often forget to give them to my child as they would get pushed to the back of the fridge. The Melties seemed very gentle on the stomach, and overall were positively received, with no complaints or protests. I will definitely be continuing to purchase this brand and product, and am interested to try the other products on offer.
mel yu We were lucky enough to be selected to try the Digest melts. Kids loved those! We have been looking for easy to take probiotic that don’t need to be stored in the fridge! These will be very easy to take out for trips as the ones they take previously are in capsule and have to be opened and mixed into yogurt! Will definitely try other product in this range again.
isandiego My daughter absolutely loved the Kids Melties Sleep. We’ve tried other brands but this one she truly loves. Its very easy for her to take (she doesnt like syrup medicines), tastes great and works wonders! It has helped regulate her sleeping schedule and she definitely sleeps more soundly since taking them. We will definitely buy again!
Grace Walkey-Le Lievre My 3 kids tried the Defence with Vitamin C & Zinc melties and really enjoyed the taste. They are easy for them digest and are just like a lolly. Having three young kids, bugs spread easily throughout our household. I feel good that I am giving my kids an extra boost with these melties multi vitamins, boosting their immunity and keeping my family healthy. Because they are so yum, they are very easy to convince my kids to have each day, they are just like a treat. We’ve tried other liquid Vitamin C supplements before which were not so enjoyable for them to take.

We asked our readers to tell us why they would like to trial this product …

Mumjess We would love to try the defence with vitamin c & zinc, we are a large family and are often exposed to bugs and germs so supporting our immune systems are a high priority!
Aharris We would love to trial this to  help protect  the immune
Of our 4 year old
Brendaruzzel Love to try this for my daughter who started kindy
Gonzze I’d love to try these for my children I like that they have no sugar in them as so many different vitamins that you get for children have sugar in them also I like the different  benefits that each tablet has
Crystalwinter With a family of 6 it is not always easy keeping everyone healthy at the same time! Germs spread through our house like wild fire so a boost of vitamins c might be just what we need to get everyone through to summer the kids don’t seem to like the gummies but perhaps melts will work better
Ctnielsen19 With a 6 year old and 3 year old at daycare and school we would love any extra support to boost the immune systems!
Emma With my youngest having a variety of health issues due to being premature I like to make sure both the boys are as healthy as possible
Esther Having the melt-in-the-mouth tablet would be wonderful for my 1.5 year old who is always wanting desperately to have the vitamin C tablets that his older siblings take each day, which are only recommended for children above 3 years old.
Gemmamay I would love to try the defence ones for my kids we had 7 weeks of different illnesses and colds between two kids so would definitely like to see if i can build their immune systems
gracealessandra I have a busy household with 3 active kids who do a lot of activities outside of school. I would love to try these supplements and boost their immunity so they can stay active doing the things they love.
IngeWaghorne Yes please would love to trial for my 7 year old- always wondering what it the best option to buy her
Jax I would love to try these out for my 10 year old and 3 year old. With the season change they get the odd runny nose and cough so it would be great to see if the immune boost helps keep these at bay or helps be less intense.
Joanna Morrison I’d love to try this with my four kids, we so often have someone sick which goes through us all and I’d love to boost everyones immune systems
julie.hsien We have two young children attending daycare who is always getting illnesses. Would like to try taking this supplement to see if it would help their immune system
JodyW75 My son seems to get everything going from his daycare, he is sick for one day, I get sick from him for a week plus.
Kamox We’ve had just a rough winter – we would like to try and boost this
xkatiepiex So many bugs and illnesses looming around keeping us away from school and extra curricular activities – definitely could give melties a try for miss 6 to help keep the germs at bay and her defences up!
Sexcpinkplayboy To try and help with bugs and sicknesses for my 2 kids 4&7.
zyonsmama My toddler is so prone to catching bugs I’ve been trying him out on different multi vitamins to make sure he’s getting all the good stuff he needs. This would be awesome to give a go!
Mapple We would love to try an easy to take vitamin our child. He has recently had his tonsils out and it would be great to get his immune system back up.
kanahagger Last winter two of my children get quite sick with cough lasting long time with temp up and down so I would like to prevent getting sick from taking immune support
maplan My daughter regular takes vitamins and would like to try this brand to strengthen her immune system
melinda1nz I don’t even want to look at my kids’ attendance for this last term, it feels like they’ve been at home sick more than they’ve been at school! It’s been astronomical the amount of times they’ve been sick with various illnesses so willing to give anything a go to give their immune systems a kick in the pants! 🙂
Micht We take a multivitamin at the moment which the kids love but we seem to stick to the same brand…would be nice to try something new and see how they like them…gives us another option.
Miss_laloli My 5 year old brings home school bugs and my 3 year old brings home playcentre and daycare bugs. We get slammed! Id love to try these because they sound fun and might help us stay well. Promise to do a thorough, honest and helpful review
moggie19 My daughter would benefit from having a stronger immune system to allow her to do all the cool things children can do and have fun especially the outdoors with it getting warmer and brighter.
emmap Think this would be great to trial on my grandson Joey, he’s 2.5 years old and since his father moved out, nearly every time his father has him for a day he comes home with a cold and in poor health.
rochelleg My son is 8 and is a regular multi taker but this would be interesting to see if he would enjoy them 🙂
Ruby12345 Daycare winter germs have got us good this year! The whole family has been sick every month for the last 6. A Vit C booster would go down a treat. But also open to trying any of the above variants.
SarahBlair Being a preschool teacher I’m around all sorts of bugs that often come home with me.  I would love to try this to see if it can help to protect my littlies from the bugs that mum brings home.
Rachael3 my son regularly gets sick and i think the Defence with vitamin c and zinc would help him build up a better immune system
SerenaL Kids get sick easily nowadays. Hope this can help with better immune system for them
sinhooilee I would like my family to have a better immune system health to fight against all the nasty gems.
Theresatw Concerned kids don’t get enough vitamins so keen
To try these and see if they like them
Truddles Not so much into healthy veges and seem to like what I call the white diet. Rice and cucumber and chicken nuggets. I despair
vannrose This is a great way for kids to be excited about taking their daily vitamins. It comes in a form kids would definitely love. It would be good for my kids to sample 🙂
Victoria.rosebuds With change of seasons and nasty bugs around it would be great to try a new product to add some defence to my 5 year old
Abbeyb As a 4 children family the oldest being 9 and the youngest one we are always on the hunt for viral defence products that ward away those ills and chills. We would love to give these ago so see if they support our precious babies immune system
ZoeA Our kids have had a range of colds this year so any chance of avoiding these is advantageous! Good to know the products that actually work!
Aharpy My daughter has some tummy troubles and we have tried alot of natural and prescribed things to help her. She needs prebiotics daily and this would be an awesome alternative for her try. Yes please and thank you so much!
albabe I would love to make sure our digestive systems are functioning well and promote great health.
Beckyvaega I have 4 children – 9 Years, 6 years, 4 years and 5 weeks old. They all have digestive issues relating around dairy products and not eating enough prebiotic/probiotic rich foods. I would LOVE to see if introducing a product like this would help some of their digestive issues (for the 9, 6 and 4 year old). We would be really keen to try!
briii12 As soon as I saw these come out I was keen to try them , but haven’t yet so this would be a great opportunity. They all sound great. We are a vitamin taking family & running low so this would be perfect for us to try right now 🙂

I love a probiotic , but any of them would be wonderful to have. The kids will love to try them.
Ceri My kids would love to try these. One has coeliac disease and the other has tummy issues so would be great to help there little tummies
charlotte_gardner My daughter has some sort of tummy upset that we can’t determine what sets her off. I think the probiotic gummies would be helpful. Also, they are busy wee people and exposed to so many bugs at school etc it would be helpful to try some other forms of keeping them well
Sunshinenz Little tummies don’t like the runnies, little tummies are best kept away from dunnies.
Give to the one, two, three kids and keeps their pants free from skids! With bugs rampant at school; these melts would help keep our cool. With a good tummy, we have a happy mummy.
fjluan My son has been having runny poo regularly.
Funnelgirl My kids are hard work. Aged 11 and 14.
One has alot of issues with digestive system and eating
They both have sleep issues and get sick alotIt was hard to choose what to trial. We have the magnesium one already though.
Rollingandcoasting3 My kids would like to try this product because they are already a huge fan of the sleep melties.. It really helps them to wind down before bed to enable the best possible rested sleep.
They would most definitely appreciate the chance to try either the Digest with probiotics Melties or the Multi +iron Melties though.
HayleyW Apart from the fact that we’d love our three girls under five to try all of these new vitamins, we’ve had a bout of illness recently which has affected the families microbiome due to antibiotics, so we would really benefit from trialling the Probiotic multies! These would be a great addition to the girls’ nightly “gummie” routine 😊
Karleen My 7 year old has been on lactulose for the past 2 1/2 years due to consipation would love to try something more natural to help her.
Kclark I think gut health is important and the immune system stems from a healthy digesstive system, my daughter has trouble going to the toilet sometimes after eating too much dairy so we would like to try this to see if it helps keep her regular.
Kylaoconnor This would be great for my family as I feel that we’re lacking in keeping ourselves healthy and this would help keep us regular.
LeaB My toddler needs probiotics to improve his gut health. He puts everything in his mouth and needs to avoid sickness so probiotics would be useful.
Mallie My son sometimes can sometimes have slight digestive troubles but I can’t get any supplements into him because he can’t swallow tablets and won’t swallow the gummies. These sounds perfect!
Mama_of_4 I’d totally love to try these on my daughter. She isn’t very regular with toileting and this might help her wee tummy! A good probiotic is the best for health.
Maryke Schneider We have 2 super active boys..ages 6 and 2 yrs old. Our   eldest sometimes struggles with constipation and our little one loves taking his supplements in the morning. Please consider us for this trial. Many thanks
MelTupe I am always interested in trying different types of vitamins to boost the kids health, and I love the no sugar bonus.
Melchang We have been looking for an easy probiotic that kids like and easy storage (not needing fridge)..

Didnt know red seal does one! So yes pleasewould love to try
Nataliesully Hopefully will help with his constipation and feeling when he needs to go
pedro_cheeko This would amazing for my son who is always on the move and very active I would love to try the probiotic  for my son  this would be a great opportunity to help support his growth.
Pelelea It’s hard to find a good tasting probiotic that the kids like. Always on the lookout for new probiotic products, as they’re so great for their gut health
Puffy I have three girls and my youngest one has digest problem . Would love to try this before I buy it for her. Thanks
tcmmum Our 3 children would live to try this, always keen to try out new products especially when it comes to good children’s health.
Shelz69 Both my children have different digestive issues, I’d be interested to see if this product would help one or even both of them as been
looking for a natural solution.
stepankas I have to children, aged 7 and 10.
I know how important probiotics are for the wellness of my little ones tummies. One of my kids is not too keen on the yoghurt texture, so I supplement with probiotics.
Aaditi.behal I love to try for both my kids!! They looks amazing to be tasted 🙂
ditto85 i have 2 girls that love their vitamins and that would love to try something new and be able to critic it compared to what they have had in the past. they’re also fussy eaters so a multi would be amazing
Missgoldie Would love to try any of these on my 3 busy and growing kids. Some nights it’s difficult to get all the important nutrients into them, this would put my mind at ease
Lexxx13nz My son has struggled with keeping his Iron levels up and other iron supplements have been extremely tricky to get into him. I would love to try him on these!
Alisha With 2 super fussy growing boys I worry they don’t get enough Iron in their diet to meet their requirements. I like these are melt on the tongue rather than trying to get them to swallow a tablet and the no added sugar is good too
Timmi6981 My children are both AuDhd and getting vitamins into them is so hard, they have a diet of gluten and dairy free and finding something that works is hard
amymorris94 It’s hard finding somthing for kids that they like the flavour of. I believe my children would enjoy the melts because it’s different to a chew makes taking a vitamin more fun
Jess33 My daughter has an eating disorder and her doctor recommended she take multi vitamins. We have tried gummies and tablets so far but she doesn’t like them. We would love to give Melties a try.
anitagoveas My son is underweight. Would like to see if having the supplements help his growth.
Bevik1971 My 11 year old is really fussy and not getting enough daily iron or vitamins with diet alone but won’t take pills, these would be perfect for her
bexellmers I have 2 very busy growing boys. 5.5 years and 2.5 years.

I have always battle with low iron and this would be a good way to start the boys off right.
brquimat I have been looking for a good multivitamins for my active and picky 3 yo. Would love to try this!
Kat We have two young school kids and it’s hard to get a balanced diet into the youngest so finding a kids multi they both like would be amazing
CHANTROSENL My children eat a healthy but mainly vegetarian diet so I always wonder if they are lacking iron in their diet. This would be beneficial for them since they are growing lots at their current age of 9 and 11!
Dickodevil My son is a fussy eater who wont eat meat or no (literally)vegetables. This would be great to ensure he is getting an iron boost.
Dharris We would love to trial these  for our 4 year old
Mel81 We would love to try this product, both our kids are very fussy eater,
especially for our 7 year old daughter, she stopped eating meats and there are not many meal options she loves, we think she needs extra iron for her  growth and development.
Gemma My child struggles to consume/take in enough iron which affects his development and energy.
Carla11 Would love to try this for my kids who are abit fussy when it comes to eating their veggies! Alittle extra always helps
Hania83 My boy is a fussy eater and won’t eat any red meat or beans and I am always looking for sources for his iron.
Hannah.r-t I would love to try these in our fussy little eater. We are trying to get more iron into her and a more balanced diet but she is proving so fussy. I think something fun like this that melts in her tongue will be a hit! And great to know it has no added sugar too.
Hinanafe My 2 kids ages 6 and 9 are fussy eaters and would be good to supplement them with multi so they can get the missing nutrients for proper growth and development
Jenbabe231 I have a child with ARFID so if he likes this product that would be an amazing addition to his limited diet
MaxwellsMum We have a growing almost 7yr old boy and would love to try these Iron Multi Melts to aid in his growth.
Hailsnz With a 4yo who struggles with eating and been told by a Dr to increase iron intake I think this would be a help for him plus he loves all things Berry flavoured.
jrjinga My daughter does not eat meat so struggles to get enough iron in her diet, always looking at what kids iron supplements are out there to meet her needs
Alice Ross To supplement my children’s diet, I struggle to get good things in to them!
Karena My son is a fussy eater so we rely on using vitamins to help top up his system.
We have tried many different vitamin brands to try and satisfy his taste and have ended up with multiple bottles offering different vitamins. Would love to see if this type would be a winner for him so we can reduce our haul down to 1 bottle.
laoshizhu Kids love sweet and delicious stuff, let alone it’s healthy!  No added sugar – we definitely love to try it!
Laura_raymond I worry that my fussy toddlers (1 and 3) get enough iron as they won’t eat red meat.
laurajadams My eldest daughter is a picky eater so we’re always trying to find new ways to help boost her vitamin intake. Unfortunately she’s not a fan of gummies (doesn’t like that they get stuck in her teeth!) so these melting on the tongue sound perfect for us!
Mangomood My daughter is desparately trying to grow her height, she really need some good supplement
Missmel123 I’d love to try this product for my son
He is always tried and gained a lot of weight recently I believe this could be due to low iron levels as I am anaemic so possibly a genetic component to this.
I am hoping by trying an iron supplement it will improve and help him have more energy and grow and develop
michelle.jacobgarrett We take vitamins every day would love to try this brand for my boys.
MinetteV We would love to explore new products
MDCrump Would love to give the growing kids a bit of a boost
Pihweswim My kids are going through a beige phase where they are not getting a lot of nutrients so this would be great to trial and see if they are good for our family.
Tendra Many Iron supplements you have to swallow and my daughter has a lot of trouble doing this. Would be great to try these and see if she can get her extra iron this way
Nic83 These would be great for our two busy kids to try out!  Always on the go, the Multi with Iron Multies would surely benefit them, their health and energy levels
Omgnickel New multivite, yes please!

As our youngest is turning 2, we are on the look out for vitamins that both kids can take!
Toni With the cost of food, and maintaining good iron levels and such a busy family with a lot of after school activities. I would love to have this as a add on to my daughters diet to help when levels get low.
Nikita I have two little ones that don’t necessarily like to eat all their vegetables and can be fussy. Taking a multi vitamin will help to ensure my kiddies are getting the right nutrients.
MavisT Our children take a multivitamin but it’s good to try others to see how they compare and whether they are well-received
Chrislean My active outdoorsy son would love to trial the Multi with Iron Melties.
I’d love to see how easy it is for the tablet to melt in his mouth, once a day and to see his growth and development supported.
Cinnamum Sounds like an amazing way to get the kids to get what there diet may be lacking or what they won’t be eat yet in a yummy sugar free form
Lisa My family has been struggling with colds and lack of iron for a while now id love to give anything a go. My youngest son has digestive issues so this would be amazing to try
SiobhanLeah We have two boys who are quite fussy eaters and it does play on my mind as a mother if they are getting the right amount of nutrients and minerals needed to grow and flourish. I would love to trial the multi vitamin with iron to see if it can be something we add to their everyday intake to assist their growth and development.
Briina53 It’s always great to have that boost with vitamins to support growth, strengthen the immune system. And for general well being.
Terrinnz I would love to try on my son as he is very picky eater and is lacking alot of goodness.  I’ve been looking lately online for something to try for him.

Thank you.
Son19 My daughter constantly complains about tiredness & low energy. I hope these might help her.
Kylepeh I would like to let my kids try a multivitamin that can help support their growth and it’s difficult finding the right product for them that doesn’t include too much sugar or anything that’s not good for their systems.
Whitewolf89 I have a very active 11 year old child who i think would benefit from a childs multivitamin
15jellybeans I have a 9 year old with ADHD who is so hard getting to sleep! The minute bedtime comes her head start racing with worries & she can’t sleep. I have tried so many supplements & so far we hahe been unsuccessful in finding a product that helps. it would be great to try these to see if they do!
Maur I’d like to try this product for my active 7 yr old who takes a while to settle down in the evenings. Hopefully can help with her sleeping habits and aid in a good nights sleep.
Abbey My tween is going through a patch of not getting off to sleep and it’s making the days seem long…. we live down south and the sun is up late and rises early; that’s only going to get worse. We would love the opportunity to try before we buy with these sleep with magnesium melties, we are on a tight budget but if they help we will definitely be adding it to the shop and recommending them to a few who we know have similar dilemmas.  Thanks so much for the opportunity.
Mandaz1 My daughter has terrible growing pains constantly and I’ve heard Magnesium is absolutely fantastic for growing pains.
Amba Two young hypo active boys always lacking in something
anji12 Would love this to help the kids wind down in the evenings 🙂
Annaclyne1 Always after sugar free options for oir diabetic daughter.  She is currently not sleeping well – so keen to try some of these.
Candyb Both my boys are very busy doluring the day and I use a different brand of magnesium to help clam them for sleep but would love to try red seal as an alternative and possibly our new variety
Mummyof3 I have 3 children and my two oldest struggle to get to sleep in the evening and then can be tired when I have to get them up for school. My eldest especially gets anxious when she can’t sleep and this would be great to help her calm her mind before bed. My youngest child also struggles near the end of term with excitement and fatigue causing over tiredness so it would great for him to see I’d this helps too.
Crystal23 My son has a rare form of epilepsy so trying to get his wee brain to rest is hard, so trying new things to help would be amazing
Em.hendo Mr 3.5 struggles to settle at night and wakes up sooooo early! I would love to support him in longer more restful sleeps
Rose Would love to try this for my daughter as she struggles to sleep feel this would help her wind down and get a good nights sleep
Hannah whitlow We would love to be considered to try the Red Seal kids – Sleep with Magnesium Multies.
We have 3 children and our 2 daughters aged 9 and 4 suffer growing pains / sore legs regularly aswell as our son (10years old) is autistic and has a hard time winding down at the end of a day so would love to be considered to try for any of our children.
heatherch33 would love to see if this works & if it does recommend it to friends  & family
Danielle Would love to trial the magnesium sleep my two younger have been struggling a lot with winding down and getting to sleep each night this would be amazing to see if these can help the girls to wind down and have a good relaxing sleep
Jo786 Our 7 year old still doesn’t sleep through the night, we would love to try these to see if they will help!
juliereidnz Both my children aged 12 and 10 do a huge amount of sports each week.  I would love to try a product that would help with muscle recovery and getting them into some more settled sleep as it is hard to wind down each night after a big day at school then sports.
Kaylielweir My son struggles to get to sleep and I wonder if these woukd help.
kelbean25 My Daughter is awake so long in the evenings. She gets very little sleep as she finds it hard to relax and unwind her brain. We have tried 4 different natural remedies but none have worked. I hope to try this product and find something to help her!
kyleeandluke We love the Red Seal brand and would love for our kids to trial the sleep with magnesium please! Like us – our kids have nosy brains, and find it hard to wind down at night after stimulating days! They both suffer from muscle cramps from time to time, from growth and from sports. Fingers crossed!
landivdv Hi, I’ve got 11 year old twins.  After a long busy day, they are struggling to wind down and go to sleep.  I would love to give this a go and see if it will work.  Thanks
elester My daughter saw that you were looking for people to try these out, and asked if we could try the sleep ones to see if they would help.
lilblondee6 My family would love to find something to help my daughter with her sleep and winding down when it comes to bed time, we also need her to like taking it as she doesn’t like the chalky chews on the market and I don’t like the idea of a gummy as they get stuck in their teeth.
mdewdney Hi have a daughter especially who struggles to get to sleep, perhaps these may help
marketa.vaega I always love to be part of this reviewers to try new products for our family.
MelDon I have 2 busy boys who struggle to wind down in the evening.
We would love to try out the sleep melties to see if they will help them go to sleep easy.
Thanks.
MelissaHawk I would love my son in particular to try these to see if it helps him relax before bedtime. It has been a struggle for him to wind down.
chillynz Medical problems and sleeping is really hard.
natashaz To help our girls get a better night sleep and support their bodies with some magnesium they might be missing.
Natnat My son has been having trouble sleeping through the night without waking up crying in between or yelling. Hopefully this may help to calm him down and relax his muscles to settle in for a good night’s rest.
Mumof3lads I would love to try this product for my son who has real trouble getting to sleep and switching off at night.  I’d prefer to find a natural alternative and something that’s easy for him to take.  Thank you for the opportunity.
ppalfi We have a 6 year old that wakes a lot still in the night, comes into our bed and then constantly wants to stretch smacking us in the head in the process!!  We have tried a few supplements but nothing has helped yet so we would love to try these please
rhiancmorris Our 7yr old does a LOT of karate training (he’s about to compete in nationals!) and often complains of sore legs at night post training.  Hoping this will help ease some of the aches & pains.
RoxLiley I think magnesium is an important supplement and would be great to try this new product. I have 2 growing kids who are ways on the go.
ruthwiggin My child takes forever to wind down at night, would love to trial these
isandiego My middle child has problems sleeping at night and I am currently looking for all natural medicines to help her
sarahlayt With the onset of summer sports, and lots of late nights, my children would benefit from a supplement that aids them in winding down after sports and activities and helps with muscle repair.
Sasha Spargo My 8 yr old daughter is a night owl and struggles to wind down for bed inspite of good routines and  following all the other advice we have been given. I often wish to be in bed before her but prefer to wait till she is asleep before I hit the sack, it would be good to see if a supplement would help, if it does we would both get more sleep!
Smushy89 My kids struggle to wind down and relax in thr afternoons. Bedtime can be a really hard time for us all. My daughter can sometimes be awake till 9.30 trying to get to sleep. Would be cool to see if these help. We have tried various supplements in the past with no sucess.
TanyaK My grand daughter had a playground accident and broke her femur and spent tw months in a full body cast – she is starting to find her feet again as the bone continues to heel but or sleep rhythm and anxiety has been something we have been tackling
Wdvblonde938 My son is very hyper active and struggles to settle down and sleep I have tried so many things
Tina We would like to try this because my son is having trouble relaxing before bed. I would love to see a difference. Hopefully it can calm him down and he can fall asleep easier

* Please note

  • You must be a Kidspot member to take part in the trial. Not a member? Then sign up now.
  • If you are chosen as a reviewer, you will receive an email from Kidspot and the product will be sent to the postal address on your registration.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive: 1 x Red Seal Kids Melties pottle (containing 60 Melties).
  • Terms and conditions apply, including:
    • Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents.
    • If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible and supply a review, as set out in our review instructions.
    • Your name, address, and contact phone number will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery.
    • Please note that comments, images, or videos provided by reviewers may be used by Red Seal on their website and social media channels to promote the product.
    • Click here for full terms and conditions.

It’s almost impossible to keep teens off their phones in bed – but new research shows it really does affect their sleep

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Rachael Taylor, University of Otago

Parents of children and teenagers have long been warned about the dangers of screen time and digital devices before bed – the worry being that screens could harm the sleep patterns of young people.

But do screens really hurt the length and quality of sleep?

Our new research found that using screens in bed was worse for sleep than using screens for hours before going to bed.

Sleep guidelines recommend no screen use in the hour or two before bed. But we found screen time in the two hours before bed had little impact on young people’s sleep. Instead, it was screen time once in bed that caused problems.

Using cameras to track device usage and sleep, we found using a device in bed could cause more harm than screen time right up to bedtime.

These findings challenge long-held assumptions about screen time at night and could help parents improve the quality of their children’s sleep.

Connecting sleep and screens

A number of global organisations recommend adolescents stop using devices in the hour or two before bed, and instead undertake activities like reading a book or quiet time with the family.

But these recommendations are based on research with a number of limitations. The studies were designed in such a way that researchers could link sleep and screens. But they don’t tell us if changes in how young people used screens had an affect on the length or quality of sleep.

Most of the existing research also used questionnaires to assess both screen time and sleep. Questionnaires are unlikely to capture true screen time accurately, particularly if you are interested in knowing more than just how long an adolescent has spent on their device.

To address some of these weaknesses in the previous research, we asked 85 adolescents aged between 11 and 14 to wear a body camera on their chest for the three hours before bed, for four nights.

These cameras faced outwards and accurately captured when, what and how adolescents used their screens. Because we were interested in overnight screen time as well, a second infrared camera was placed on a tripod in the teenagers bedroom and captured their screen time while in bed. The research participants also wore an actigraph – a watch-sized device that objectively measured screen time.

Teen nighttime activity

It quickly became obvious the adolescents spent a lot of their screen time while in bed.

Our analysis looked at two time periods – from the two hours before they got into bed, and from once they were in bed (clearly under the covers) until they put their devices down and were clearly trying to go to sleep.

Our data showed 99% of the adolescents used screens in the two hours before bed, more than half once they were in bed, and a third even after first trying to go to sleep for the night. Just one teenager did not use screens before bed on any of the four nights.

The screen time before they got into bed had little impact on their sleep that night. However, screen time once in bed did impair their sleep. It stopped them from going to sleep for about half an hour, and reduced the amount of sleep they got that night.

This was particularly true for more interactive screen activities like gaming and multitasking – when they use more than one device at the same time (like watching a movie on Netflix on a laptop while playing Xbox on a gaming device).

In fact, every additional ten minutes of this type of screen time reduced the amount of sleep they got that night by almost the same amount – nine minutes.

Revisiting guidelines

Our research was an observational study looking at the established screen habits of young people.

The next step to better understanding this will be to conduct experiments that can actually prove different types and timings of screen time affect sleep.

That said, what we have already found challenges existing guidelines. Screens at night may not be the bogey man they have been made out to be. But allowing young people to have screens in bed can be detrimental to their quality of sleep.

So the simple message might be to keep those devices out of the bedroom.The Conversation

Rachael Taylor, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Otago

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Continue reading “It’s almost impossible to keep teens off their phones in bed – but new research shows it really does affect their sleep”

Fostering creative confidence in girls with LEGO

Posted on by Julie Lankow

The LEGO Group’s 2024 Play Well Study has found that New Zealand parents tend to give girls less recognition for their creative work when compared to boys.

While three-quarters of girls aged 5-12 feel confident in their creativity, this declines as they get older, and three-quarters of girls worry about others judging their creative ideas.

The study finds that the pressure of perfection and everyday vocabulary can pose a risk, holding girls back from reaching their full creative potential.

As a result of the study data, the LEGO Group partnered with GirlBoss NZ’s Alexia Hilbertidou to create LEGO New Zealand’s first-ever ‘Unstoppable Academy,’ a mentorship programme that aims to empower young girls to unlock their creativity and inspire them to challenge traditional stereotypes of women’s success.

In addition, to help equip parents with fun tips to support creative development and nurture confidence through the power of play and everyday language, the 10 Steps to Fostering Creative Confidence guide has been created in collaboration with Harvard-trained parenting researcher and bestselling author, Jennifer B Wallace.

Read on for further information on the study.

The pressure of perfection and language bias

A global study from the LEGO Group reveals girls feel intense pressure to be perfect and believe adults give boys more recognition for their creative work, with parents saying this trend continues into adulthood.

With three-quarters of girls aspiring to work in creative industries, this underscores the need for urgent change. In a new short film, ‘More Than Perfect’, the LEGO Group explores the effect that language can have on girls’ creative confidence, as we see them being taken through two different challenges and presented with some of the global research findings. We hear powerful reflections from the girls and capture parents’ reactions.

“What we say early sets in deep. Biased language reinforces traditional gender roles, which can play a role in limiting girls’ creativity and perpetuating systemic inequalities. It can confine them to narrow categories, such as valuing aesthetics over innovation. This implicit bias can hamper girls’ confidence and restrict their opportunities in male-dominated fields. Challenging these biases is essential for fostering an inclusive society where girls can fully explore their creative potential. Every girl deserves the freedom to explore her creativity without fear or pressure,” says Wallace.

Surveying over 61,500 parents and children aged 5-12 years old across 36 countries, the data calls for societal change to ensure girls can fulfil their creative aspirations and play unstoppable, with researchers finding girls as young as five are having their creative confidence stifled.

At this young age, three-quarters (76%) feel confident in their creativity, but this declines as they get older and two-thirds of all girls often feel worried about sharing their ideas. This is compounded by the burden of perfectionism and anxiety about making mistakes (72%). Parents agree – 71 percent say girls are more likely to hold back developing their ideas, because of these pressures.

Harvard-trained parenting researcher and bestselling author, Jennifer B Wallace says, “When children fear failing, it can hamper their willingness to explore and think outside the box. This impacts the key skill of creative confidence – which can carry into adulthood. Creative confidence is the self-assurance to generate ideas, take risks and contribute unique solutions without fear of failure. It’s been found to be a cornerstone of well-being by boosting self-esteem, reducing stress, and increasing happiness, as well as a top-ranked skill for future workplaces according to the World Economic Forum. With over three-quarters of girls aspiring to work in creative industries, it underscores the urgent need for change.”

Perfection pressure and why language matters

More than 3 in 5 girls report feeling pressured by society’s messages of perfection. While this is a concern for all children, both parents and children acknowledge that girls face heightened pressures to be perfect and worry more about making mistakes.

The good news: by changing our language we can help change the future. The study shows that everyday language is playing a role inhibiting girls’ from freely expressing themselves creatively. In fact, nearly two-thirds of girls aged 5-12 say the language they hear makes them worry about making mistakes, feel like they shouldn’t experiment, or reinforce this need to be perfect.

Findings also highlight a significant societal bias disproportionately impacting girls, with parents noting a prevailing trend where gendered descriptions are commonly used to assess the creative outputs of male and female creators. More specifically, society is around 7x more likely to attribute terms like “sweet”, “pretty”, “cute” and “beautiful” exclusively to girls. While terms such as “brave”, “cool”, “genius” and “innovative” are twice as likely to be attributed exclusively to boys.

The data also reveals over half of children believe adults listen more to boys’ creative ideas than those of girls. 68 percent of parents also agree that society takes male creatives more seriously than females.

According to girls themselves, 80 percent say they would be less afraid to try new things if mistakes are praised more as learning opportunities, eight in ten would also feel more confident to show their work and would value progress over perfection. Nine in ten believe their confidence would be boosted if adults focused more on the creative process of their work instead of the final output – with 86 percent admitting this would make them feel less worried about making mistakes. More specifically, girls report being uplifted by growth-mindset compliments such as ‘imaginative,’ ‘brave’ and ‘inspiring.’

Time to play: There’s fun to be had!

“A perfection mindset encourages us to stay in our lanes, to fear failure and give up at the first sign of struggle. In contrast, a growth mindset encourages us to be brave, embrace failure and to build ourselves up. It creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment”, explains Dr Anika Petrella, Researcher and Psychotherapist. “When we filmed ‘More Than Perfect’ it was fascinating to observe the impact that our words had on girls’ ability to play and experiment freely. Teaching girls that experimentation triumphs over perfection is crucial to empower their authentic, creative selves and what better way to do this than through play?”.

Nine in ten parents say play helps their child’s self-expression, boosts their confidence to experiment, builds creative confidence and provides a safe space to explore and experiment without fear of failure. Eight in nine children feel they can be their true selves during playtime – they are less worried about making mistakes and being judged (85%), just as they feel more confident sharing their ideas and creative work when playing (88%).

The LEGO® System in Play is highly valued by girls as a way to experiment (90%). Notably, 82 percent say that LEGO play helps them overcome fear of mistakes, 91 percent feel more confident in their creative skills, and 84 percent feel it helps them learn that progress is more important than perfection. Parents share these beliefs with over eight in ten also adding that LEGO play helps their child appreciate mistakes as a natural part of the creative process. Yet, while parents perceive the LEGO brand as a good example of an inclusive toy brand, LEGO play is still considered more relevant to boys than girls, according to 61 percent of parents.

“In an increasingly AI-driven world, creativity is the magic that will set us apart. LEGO play, whether it’s free building or instruction-based, helps develop essential skills that are equally relevant to all children in today’s world. Through building and rebuilding, it becomes a bedrock for creative confidence, courage and self-belief. And this is key, because when girls have the space and freedom to express themselves fully, they are unstoppable. They are playful inventors, curious scientists, daring dreamers and bold adventurers – and that’s exactly what our play unstoppable movement celebrates,” says Alero Akuya, VP of Global Brand at the LEGO Group.

Driving change

The LEGO Group is committed to inspiring and developing the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. Together with partners and industry experts the company pledges to continue to spotlight and help break down limiting societal stereotypes and biases that hold back creative potential.

To help champion and stand up for girls’ creativity, the LEGO Group is rolling out its biggest ever campaign celebrating girls and their creative worlds. Find out more at LEGO.com/Play-Unstoppable.

Let’s celebrate girls’ creative powers and let her play unstoppable by removing the pressure for perfection and gendered language bias.

Written by Kidspot NZ with information provided by The LEGO Group.

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Día de muertos

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican celebration that honours deceased loved ones. The Disney movie Coco highlighted the importance of this celebration for people of Mexican heritage and increased its awareness across the globe.

Despite its proximity to Halloween, Día de Muertos is quite a different celebration. It takes place on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Families create altars, or ofrendas, adorned with photographs, favourite foods, and personal items of the departed, inviting their spirits to return for a joyful reunion. The celebration is not one of mourning but rather a festive remembrance, filled with colour, music, and communal activities.

The rich symbolism of Día de Muertos includes the marigold flower which is believed to guide the spirits home with their vibrant colours and scent. Sugar skulls, intricately decorated, serve as reminders of the sweetness of life, while traditional foods like pan de muerto (a special bread) are prepared to honour the deceased. Parades, street festivals, and family gatherings transform cemeteries into lively places where people share stories, laughter, and memories, celebrating the lives of those who have passed away in a heartfelt, joyous manner.

Día de Muertos colouring pages

To introduce Día de Muertos to your child (or to build on their knowledge from Coco), we have four colouring pages along with an example of the bright and contrasting colours that are used in this celebration.

What you need:

  • a printer
  • markers, pencils, or crayons

Click on either image to download the PDF of all four colouring pages and the example.

Dia de muertos colouring page

Dia de muertos colouring page

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Expert Tips for a 5-Minute Makeup Routine

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for Jane Iredale

In the whirlwind of parenting, finding time for self-care can feel like an almost impossible task. With endless to-do lists and a hectic schedule, it’s often the beauty routine that gets pushed into the “no time today” pile. But your daily make-up routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming – in fact, it can take just five minutes!

We got the lowdown from red-carpet make-up artist, Nechelle Turner of Jane Iredale, and can share her expert product suggestions for a quick, five-minute make-up routine. And to add to the self-care, your skin will love the products used. The Skincare Makeup System® by Jane Iredale boasts dozens of skin-loving beauty solutions for all skin types, clean ingredients, and no-fade performance.

Now, let’s grab five-minutes and transform them into a moment of self-love!

Nechelle Turner

Meet Nechelle

Nechelle boasts over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry, starting her journey as a makeup artist for several major cosmetic brands. Her talent has been showcased on the red carpets of the Grammys and BET Awards!

In 2014, Nechelle joined Jane Iredale, driven by her passion for skincare and makeup. During her tenure, she played a key role in Product Development, contributing to shade extensions. Today, she serves as the Global Makeup Artist and Educator.

Step 1 – Primer

Begin with a primer to assist your other products in staying in place throughout the day. Apply Smooth Affair Primer to even out skin tone and texture, and ensure a smooth canvas.

Jane Iredale Concealer

Step 2 – Concealer

Apply PureMatch Liquid Concealer only where needed. This versatile concealer hides imperfections with weightless, buildable coverage and an undetectable soft matte finish. If you have good skin, skip this step, or use in place of foundation, in areas where you need extra coverage.

Jane Iredale Concealer

Step 3 – Foundation

Next, apply PurePressed® Base Mineral Foundation. This best-selling one-step foundation, concealer and sunscreen blurs lines and nourishes skin with weightless, medium-to-full coverage and a second-skin finish.

Jane Iredale PurePressed Base

Step 4 – Eyes

Next is a quick swipe of a ColorLuxe Eye Shadow Stick. This multi-use cream-to-powder eye stick is for shadow, liner or highlighter. It glides on smooth, sets to a velvety-soft powder finish and blends effortlessly with just fingers – plus it stays on for long wear! Finish off with one of the fabulous clean beauty mascaras.

Jane Iredale ColorLuxe Eye Shadow Stick

Step 5 – Lippy

Almost there! A bit of Forever Pink Just Kissed® Lip and Cheek Stain on the lips and a dot on the cheeks.

Jane Iredale Just Kissed® Lip and Cheek Stain

Step 6 – Hydration

Lastly, a quick spritz of Hydration Spray to keep everything in place for a long-lasting finish. Choose Calming Lavender for those busy days!

Jane Iredale Hydration Spray

Shop now at Jane Iredale

Written by Kidspot NZ with information supplied by Jane Iredale.

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her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

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

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

Treat Your Skin With Make-Up By Jane Iredale

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for Jane Iredale

If you’ve ever wished for make-up that’s good for your skin, then get ready to discover The Skincare Make-up System® by Jane Iredale.

Jane Iredale was a casting director who was searching for a solution to heavy stage make-up when she founded her business in 1994 and became a pioneer of mineral make-up. The Jane Iredale range of products not only enhance natural beauty but also nourish the skin. From luxurious foundations to vibrant lip colours, the brand’s commitment to quality and integrity sets it apart.

Q&A with Nechelle Turner

To understand more and to grab some essential tips, we caught up with Nechelle Turner, Global Makeup Artist and Educator for Jane Iredale, at a recent photoshoot.

Nechelle Turner

Meet Nechelle

Nechelle boasts over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry, starting her journey as a makeup artist for several major cosmetic brands. Her talent has been showcased on the red carpets of the Grammys and BET Awards!

In 2014, Nechelle joined Jane Iredale, driven by her passion for skincare and makeup. During her tenure, she played a key role in Product Development, contributing to shade extensions. Today, she serves as the Global Makeup Artist and Educator.

Q: What is your role with jane iredale and what attracted you to the brand?

A: I am the Global Makeup Artist and Educator. I have always been passionate about skincare, so when a friend introduced me to the products I was hooked and knew I wanted to work with the brand full-time. The fact that Jane Iredale is the perfect fusion between high-performance makeup and skincare was a win-win for me.

Q: What are your favourite Jane Iredale products that you always have to hand?

A: PurePressed Base, PureBronze Shimmer Bronzer in Copper Dusk and loving the new Lash Fixation Length & Definition Tubing Mascara.

Jane Iredale

PurePressed Base (left) and PureBronze Shimmer Bronzer Copper Dusk (centre) and Lash Fixation Length & Definition Tubing Mascara (right) 

Q: We’ve heard the term “clean beauty” a lot lately. How is this different to using “natural” products?

A: Clean Beauty refers to products formulated without toxic chemicals that can be damaging to health and the environment, versus natural products that are made from ingredients found in nature, and typically are plant-based.

Q: New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to prohibit the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – often described as ‘forever chemicals’ – in cosmetic products. What is the stance of Jane Iredale on ‘forever chemicals’?

A: Our products are completely free of parabens/PFAS’s that can be considered forever chemicals; instead we have found a way to utilise many ingredients found in nature to preserve our products, rather than nasty chemicals.

Jane Iredale make-up

Nechelle with Freina Sands (Find her on Instagram @freina.sands)

Jane Iredale make-up

Freina Sands wearing Jane Iredale make-up by Nechelle Turner

Q: Kids often get into their mum’s makeup bag with messy results! Is it safe for children to handle makeup?

A: Because our products are free of harmful toxins, they are perfectly safe if a little one gets their hands on them by accident, although we always recommend you keep your makeup and skincare products out of reach of little hands!

Q: How can I keep my makeup in place and looking fresh all day?

A: Work in layers when applying your makeup. A good makeup application always begins with a primer for adherence and longevity for the rest of your products. Our Smooth Affair Primer evens out skin tone and texture, to ensure a smooth canvas. The next step would be your Foundation of choice, then finishing up with one of our fantastic Hydration Sprays that gives our minerals extra staying power. Jane Iredale has a simple 3-step system – the Skincare Makeup System – to make it really easy – Primer, Foundation, and Hydration.

Q: Which new Jane Iredale products are you most excited about?

A: The recently launched ColorLuxe Eye Shadow Sticks are phenomenal!! They’re an easy long-wear product that can be used to create multiple looks. Their simplicity allows everyone to channel their inner makeup artist.

Check out Nechelle’s superb 5-minute make-up routine for when life is too busy!

Shop now at Jane Iredale

Written by Kidspot NZ with answers provided by Jane Iredale.

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9 Upstyling DIY Projects for Kids Rooms

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Decorating with Resene

Decorating a kids room has to be one of the most fun DIY projects, especially when you can upstyle existing items into something new and funky with minimal cost.

So as a nod to upstyling we’ve gathered some of our favourite DIY projects from Resene that your child can create, with a bit of supervision, to proudly say, “I made that!”.

Trendy storage projects

Paint a crate

#1 Paint a crate for bedroom storage

Paint a wooden crate and match it to your decor or get the kids to help with their favourite colours and designs. Use your imagination and try a doodle-type artwork .

DIY project provided by Resene.

Find out more

Kids drawers

#2 Transform a set of drawers

Turn an old set of drawers into colourful and fun storage that the kids will adore. It might even inspire them to put their things away!

DIY project provided by Resene (Habitat bright ideas with Fleur Thorpe).

Find out more

stand

#3 Display with razzle dazzle

Turn a boring old mug stand into a sparkly display for medals, jewellery, or hairties with the use of metallic paint.

DIY project provided by Resene (Resene kids art with Mark Rayner).

Find out more

Jars

#4 Reuse old animal figurines for trendy storage

Gather up the plastic animals from the bottom of the toy box and repurpose them as on-trend styling for handy jars and bookends.

DIY project provided by Resene.

Find out more

Pretty and practical

memo

#5 Make your own blackboard

With blackboard paint it’s easy to transform a wooden picture frame into a memo board that’s useful for reminders, drawing, or practising your ABCs.

DIY project provided by Resene (Resene kids art with Mark Rayner).

Find out more

pot

#6 Create a buzz!

Upcycle a tin can to create this cool ‘bumble bee’ pot that you can use for plants, pencils, or … well … anything! There’s a cute ladybird version too.

DIY project provided by Resene (Resene kids art with Mark Rayner).

Find out more

light

#7 Update lighting for a tween bedroom

Older kids will LOVE creating this bedside lamp with added bling!

DIY project provided by Resene (Resene kids art with Mark Rayner).

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Time for play!

stove

#8 Kids kitchen

Give an old bedside table a makeover using this project idea and let the fun begin! Imagine being the kid who helped to create their own kitchen!

DIY project provided by Resene.

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Games table

#9 Games table

With just a few Resene testpots, you can transform a plain MDF storage box into a fun cub-style games table for board games, cards, crafts, and more.

DIY project provided by Resene (Weekend DIY with Mark Rayner).

Find out more

More ideas from Resene for creative kids

For more kids’ room inspiration and ideas, visit your local Resene ColorShop and view the habitat plus – kids’ spaces book online. 

See more:

Written by Kidspot NZ with content from Resene.

The Benefits of Going Barefoot

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content

Wearing no shoes helps our young children develop an awareness of two really important things: their surroundings, and their own bodies. Not only does being barefoot feed their senses, it strengthens their muscles, helps their movement and it builds their brains.

Being barefoot tends to come naturally to our young tamariki (children). As soon as they’re outdoors, they try to remove their shoes – even (and perhaps especially) when they are very young. What is so special and interesting about young children (one of the many things) is that what comes so naturally to them is so often of the most benefit to their development.

Making connections

When a tamaiti (child) is in bare feet instead of shoes, they’re able to really feel the ground. That sounds pretty straightforward, but it’s actually pretty amazing. They are developing a far better awareness of two really important things: their surroundings, and their own bodies. They’re feeding their senses, strengthening their muscles, and building their brains – all with this simple act. And yet, we often have to fight the urge to stop children from shedding their shoes. “Keep them on”, “It’s cold”, “We’ll just have to put them back on again”, “You might hurt yourself”. In almost all cases, however, the benefits of being barefoot far outweigh those risks. Injuries aren’t as rife as we think. Children become very adept at watching for hazards, and their skin toughens up with lots of shoeless time. In developed countries, picking up germs via the feet is unlikely.

Rather than being sure to catch an illness, barefooted children will be sure to catch a connection to the Earth. The opportunity to feel wet grass, warm sand, twigs and sticks, and to use the many nerve endings in their feet, provides a sense-sational experience. More than catching germs, they’ll be catching capability and agility. Bare feet can mean greater stability, flexibility, and confidence, in the moment and going forward. Shoes off strengthen children’s feet, lower legs and arches. Stronger muscles lead to better balance and posture, more grace of movement, and enhanced proprioception (the awareness of where we are in relation to the space around us). It makes so much sense to keep shoes for truly necessary times only, and to question our ideas of when it really IS necessary.

Kids in bare feet

Release the feet

A time to really question our reliance on foot coverings is for our youngest tamariki who are indoors, freely playing on the carpet – moving about and learning about the world and themselves. Toes are part of their play, a steadying device, a prop, and a support. Free movement is enhanced by free feet. Shoes make crawling (which is a crucial part of brain development) extremely (and unnecessarily more) difficult.

When we can see, and truly appreciate how beneficial bare feet are – how nimbly our children move, and how immersed they are in their surroundings – we won’t just be ok with them removing their shoes, we might just remember that natural instinct and shed ours too!

Article provided by Kindercare Learning Centres.

Kindercare: Childcare that begins and ends with loving care

“At Kindercare Learning Centres, we put people—te tangata—at the heart of everything we do. Doing the mahi as an organisation means fostering strong relationships within our teams and our centre families to create an environment that provides best outcomes for tamariki, enabling them to become capable and confident life-long learners.”

Discover more and find a Kindercare Learning Centre near you.

More about toddlers and preschoolers:

How LEGO Is Inspiring The Space Generation

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for LEGO

Now more than ever, space travel and exploration are a reality. Introducing kids to the wonders of the universe or nurturing their growing interest in space science encourages the next generation of astronomers, engineers, and dreamers to reach for the stars.

To help ignite their curiosity and promote critical thinking and creativity, the LEGO® Space Campaign is inspired by NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return people to the Moon within the next decade and then establish a base on Mars by 2040. The first Kiwis to experience that new frontier will be Gen Alpha – kids aged 6-12 – aspirationally dubbed “The Space Generation”.

The Space Generation

New research from LEGO New Zealand has found that Kiwi parents share this aspiration, with 76% of them agreeing that The Space Generation are more likely to travel into space.

Other interesting stats show that 79% of parents surveyed in New Zealand agree (strongly agree/tend to agree) that children of this generation (Generation Alpha) will see major space discoveries in their lifetime.

The kids surveyed showed huge interest too with 76% of children saying that, if they could, they would want to travel to space and a similar percentage expressed interest in the mystery of “what’s out there”. A massive 85% of children said that finding new things like planets, stars and galaxies was interesting too.

Recognising this and the importance of nurturing children’s passion for space, LEGO Australia & New Zealand has partnered with the first astronaut trained under the Australian flag, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, to help The Space Generation blast off into the future.

“It’s an honour representing Australia as the first astronaut under our flag and to be working with LEGO Australia to encourage The Space Generation to explore the universe!” said Bennell-Pegg. “The Australian Space Agency and LEGO Australia share a unified vision for exploration and discovery, and I believe that unlocking creativity through the medium of LEGO play will give Aussie kids the very best chance to pursue their passion and prepare them for the future.”

Scientists at the European Space Agency (ESA), where Katherine trained, turned to their love of LEGO when designing launch pads and shelters for astronauts visiting the moon. As part of the Artemis program, the ESA used dust from a 4.5 billion year old meteorite to 3D print bricks – similar to a LEGO brick – to help design astronaut shelters in space.

Inspiring kids through play

Encourage their curiosity and creativity with these amazing LEGO® Space sets.

LEGO Modular Space Station

LEGO® Modular Space Station

Ages 7+

Enjoy a creative building experience before blasting off for out-of-this-world adventures! The space station ring is an anchor for eight docking craft and room pods including a workshop, lab, bedroom, biodome and kitchen. Switch the modules around to create the perfect space station or connect the pods to the spaceship to create s space train! Spaceship, satellite, space bike, and six space crew minifigures are included for imaginative play.

Buy now

LEGO Space Science Lab

LEGO® Space Science Lab

Ages 6+

Budding astronauts can enjoy a rewarding build before diving into epic space stories and adventures. Fold out the lab to unveil a detailed series of rooms. Two space crew minifigures, alien figure, drone, and space bike with wheelchair access are included. The set also includes a special space air-lock element for connection to other compatible space-themed LEGO playsets (sold separately).

Buy now

LEGO Space Astronaut

LEGO® Creator 3in1 Space Astronaut

Ages 9+

Enjoy intergalactic action with this LEGO Creator 3in1 Space Astronaut and rebuild it into a space dog or space jet. The astronaut features a detachable jet-propulsion backpack. Then rebuild the set into a futuristic space dog with a poseable tail and legs or the space viper jet for exciting battles in space.

Buy now

LEGO Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit

LEGO® Technic Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit

Ages 10+

Give kids a fun way to understand the solar system with this buildable and interactive set. Turn the crank to see how the Moon orbits around the Earth while the Earth orbits around the Sun while months and moon phases enhance understanding.

Buy now

Discover more Space sets in the LEGO online shop.

This article was written by Kidspot NZ with information provided by LEGO®.

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Settling your child into daycare before the arrival of a new sibling

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content

The arrival of a new sibling is a major transition for young children. Settling them into daycare before the baby arrives, rather than after the baby’s arrival can make a big difference. The child has a chance to establish a sense of belonging at the centre, without feeling pushed away, and relationships with others have a chance to grow. It brings ‘normality’ during a big change.

Of all the adjustments our young tamariki (children) face in life, perhaps the biggest and most impactful is the addition of a new baby to the family. This is certainly the case when they go from being the only child to the oldest, but is still true to move spots from the youngest to the middle in a family of three or more. We might think of practical preparations for the soon-to-be sibling: reading books, talking together, sharing scan photos or the scan itself, and involving our child in setting up the baby’s space.

Continuing their normal

Practical steps are all really useful, but another important preparation is ensuring they’re really settled at their Early Childhood Centre before baby’s arrival. This isn’t for our sake, even though it gives some space to meet a newborn’s needs and get some rest. It’s for our now-oldest/older child, as a way of continuing their ‘normal’ when their world is so drastically changed. Amidst all the ‘not-normal’ they’re encountering, it gives them a place of their own, and the rhythms and rituals of the space will ‘hold them’ – even with this big life event, the setting stays stable. There will still be ‘wobbles’ for the child, of course, but less so than if everything in their life is new, unusual, and possibly unsettling at the very same time.

If we try to start their daycare “independence” from us for the first time at that stage (or into a new place they haven’t been), we’re pouring change upon change. The wobble is going to feel seismic! Also, it heightens that feeling that an older sibling naturally gets, that they have been moved aside. Of course it’s not the case and it’s the last thing parents want them to feel, but it’s an almost universal experience that a toddler or preschooler will feel ‘replaced’. We have to remember that with their child-sized-experience, we can’t expect adult-sized reasoning. While we know there’s enough love to go around, our children see it more like pie – what was once all theirs now needs to be divided up. We need to validate rather than dismiss how hard that feels, even when it’s not accurate.

This is why timing matters. We want to start and settle our little one at the daycare setting before baby comes, and not because of baby coming. Those two things feel very different to our young child. If they are familiar and comfortable with the setting before baby is born, they have time to form relationships and grow their sense of belonging. And while it’s true young children (and especially our very attuned, sensitive ones) can start their ‘baby nerves’ during the pregnancy, it’s when baby comes and joins the family that the child’s world is really tilted.

New sibling

Their own spaces

Our older child having their ECE setting gives them a space that is theirs. If we couple that with ensuring our child still has another space they feel safe in – our company – this tricky transition in their life will feel a little less challenging. If we can ensure that they still have 1:1 time with us, their parent/s, that goes a really long way to ‘topping up their tanks’. Words of reassurance are always nice to give, but it’s the actions that speak loudest to our young tamariki. Time with us is something they feel the impact of, something that heals the hurts they are experiencing from this change in their lives. It doesn’t need to be lengthy time, and it may not be all smiles as our child has to be able to express what’s been bubbling up inside – but it’s together-time, and it matters.

This season of a new baby and new-to-being-a-sibling is full of change, but the constants for our child – their centre and those relationships, and their parents’ love will hold them and help them through.

Article provided by Kindercare Learning Centres.

Kindercare: Childcare that begins and ends with loving care

“At Kindercare Learning Centres, we put people—te tangata—at the heart of everything we do. Doing the mahi as an organisation means fostering strong relationships within our teams and our centre families to create an environment that provides best outcomes for tamariki, enabling them to become capable and confident life-long learners.”

Discover more and find a Kindercare Learning Centre near you.

More about toddlers and preschoolers:

Discover Kaikōura: A Family-Friendly Adventure Awaits

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for Destination Kaikōura

Kaikōura, located on New Zealand’s South Island, is a spectacular destination known for its rich marine life, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. It’s a perfect spot for a family getaway, offering a wide range of activities that cater to all ages. From thrilling wildlife encounters to educational experiences and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in this charming coastal town.

Here’s a guide to some of the best things to see and do as a family in Kaikōura. 

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans. 

1. Whale watching

Whale watching

Image credit: Whale Watch Kaikoura

Kaikōura is world-renowned for its incredible whale-watching opportunities. Families can embark on boat tours to see the majestic sperm whales that inhabit the area year-round. These giants of the ocean are often joined by other marine life, such as orcas, humpback whales, and playful dolphins. The excitement of spotting these creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike. Boat tours also provide educational commentary, helping kids learn about marine biology and conservation efforts. 

2. Dolphin encounter

Dolphin Encounter

Image credit: Dolphin Encounter

For a more interactive experience, consider taking a dolphin swimming tour. These tours offer a unique chance for children to snorkel alongside friendly pods of dusky dolphins. It’s an extraordinary way to observe these animals up close in their natural environment. For those who prefer to stay dry, there are also options for watching dolphins from the boat or visiting the Kaikōura Seal Colony, where seals can be seen lounging on the rocks. 

3. Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

Image credit: @barekiwi

The Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway is a family-friendly trail that offers stunning coastal views and the opportunity to observe wildlife. The walk is relatively easy and accessible, making it suitable for children. Along the way, you can see seals basking on the rocks, spot seabirds, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the rugged coastline and surrounding mountains. There are several lookout points with benches where you can rest and take in the panoramic views, making it a relaxing and enjoyable outing for the whole family. Be sure to bring water and pack sunscreen. 

4. Beach exploration 

Kaikoura beach

Image credit: Dan Kerins

Kaikōura ‘s beaches are perfect for a day of exploration and relaxation. Children can enjoy building sandcastles, collecting shells, and exploring rock pools. South Bay Beach is particularly popular for its clear waters and safe swimming conditions. It’s also a great spot for a family picnic, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a meal by the sea. The rocky shores of the peninsula also provide excellent opportunities for exploring tide pools filled with fascinating marine creatures. 

5. Kaikōura Museum 

Kaikōura Museum

Image credit: Neat Places Kaikōura

For a dose of education and history, visit the Kaikōura Museum. The museum offers a range of exhibits on the region’s natural history, Māori heritage, and the impact of the 2016 earthquake. It’s an excellent opportunity for children to learn about the local geology, the diverse marine life, and the resilience of the Kaikōura community. Interactive displays and engaging storytelling make the museum a captivating experience for kids, sparking their curiosity and interest in the world around them. 

6. Land-based activities

Kaikōura

Image credit: @barekiwi

If you prefer to stay on land, there is Glenstrae 4WD Farm tours that offers quad biking on a working beef and sheep farm with some exhilarating views or go Llama trekking with their most popular tour being their ½ day trek. Explore Kaikōura’s history at Fyffe House, play mini golf at The Emporium and if looking for a refreshing treat, visit Lavendyl Lavender Farm and try their homemade lavender-infused ice cream – there are six flavours to choose from.  

7. Local cuisine

Kaikōura cuisine

Image credit: Roady

No visit to Kaikōura is complete without tasting its famous seafood, especially crayfish. Many local restaurants and cafes offer delicious, family-friendly meals featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For a unique dining experience, consider visiting one of the seaside BBQ spots, where you can enjoy freshly cooked crayfish while taking in the stunning ocean views. It’s a delicious way to end a day of exploration and adventure. 

Discover what makes Kaikōura so unique – a place that’s one of a kind; unlike anywhere else

Kaikōura offers an array of activities that are perfect for families travelling with children. Whether you’re seeking adventure, education, or relaxation, this picturesque town provides a diverse range of experiences that will delight kids and adults alike. From the thrill of encountering marine wildlife to the tranquility of exploring coastal landscapes, Kaikōura promises a memorable family holiday filled with discovery and joy. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this beautiful corner of New Zealand! 

Head to Kaikoura.co.nz to plan your next getaway

Written by Kidspot NZ with information supplied by Destination Kaikōura

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

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

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