Julie Lankow, Author at Kidspot

The Notorious Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan Stroud | Kids Book Review

Posted on 27/07/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

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The Notorious Scarlett and Browne is a fast-paced fantasy adventure set in a broken, future England.

Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne have outwitted their pursuers and escaped into the wilderness once more, and it’s not long before they become famous for their audacious heists across the Seven Kingdoms. Yet neither is fully able to escape the shackles of the past – as they discover when a dangerous job turns sour.

Soon old enemies and sinister new threats are pressing in on every side, and Scarlett and Browne must pull off an impossible mission and strike out against The Faith Houses and the Brothers of the Hand if they are to save the people they hold most dear.

Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for The Notorious Scarlett & Browne below

Book review from Michael (12)

Scarlett and Browne (that’s Albert’s last name!) are extremely good thieves. They live in a fantasy-created world like ours but after a Cataclysm, mostly controlled by mean people who hoard and are very smug about it. Scarlett and Browne like to carry out impossible heists using their wide range of skills. This is the second book. In it they are challenged by old enemies to carry out a heist that really is physically impossible, in order to save people they care about.

Jonathan Stroud has put in hilarious little one liners between Scarlett and Albert. It is wonderfully laid out and understandable but you never know what’s going to happen next. He’s left several things hanging at the end so I’m waiting for the next installment in the series!

The Notorious Scarlett & Browne book review

I learned there are things you can do with spoons that should not be spoken about and I liked it enough that I want to go and get the previous book and the next one! I think this book is great for boys and girls aged twelve and up who like suspense, magic, action and adventure. It is funny, it’s got lots of action, it’s fast paced and it’s got real emotions and challenges.

Book review from Sebastian, aged 12

The Notorious Scarlett and Browne is an intriguing action/mystery book about the misdeeds of the infamous criminals, Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne. After executing their biggest scheme yet, they are tasked by their old enemies to complete a seemingly impossible heist in only 1 week, as well as being chased down by a powerful operative.

Scarlett is a lone wolf with self taught survival and thievery skills. Browne is an escapee from stonemoor, a prison for the ‘gifted’. He has amazing powers such as mind reading but refuses to let himself be absorbed by fear, an uncontrollable and unrivalled power.

This book is full of descriptive language and exciting plot twists. I was hooked with this story till the very end! 4.5 Stars.

Book review from Hamish, aged 12

This book starts off with two children named Scarlett and Albert, who left their parents when they were young to start a new life. As they get older they go through several places across the Seven Kingdoms. Together they plan heists to steal jewels to trade with other people for goods.

While training as a little kid, Albert got the power to read other people’s minds. Albert and Scarlett end up being caught and captured by someone they meet in the past, and this is where the drama begins …

I really enjoyed this book. It was insanely thrilling when Albert and Scarlett had to ride in an old buggy in a mine while going over a broken bridge and blowing up a path on the way. I disliked the way the author described parts of the story, I would have liked more details about who the characters were. I believe people who like dramas and twists in their stories would like this book. Overall I would give this book a 7.5/10.

Book review from Tessa, aged 11

This book is AMAZING!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you like adventure, thrills, and a tad’ bit of violence, this book is for you. I think that every kid should have a chance to read this book! 😃😍🥰😘

The Notorious Scarlet and Browne is a wonderful book with wonderful characters and a nail biting storyline! Follow Scarlet McKain and Albert Browne (public enemies #1) as they travel around the map dealing out justice to the people of the Towns.

With Scarlet’s combat skills combined with Alberts mind reading, they are unstoppable! But when their friends get taken hostage, will they be able to accomplish an impossible heist to get their friends back and avoid getting a trip to the gallows? Will the good guys win in the end? Read the book to find out.

Book review from Lucas, aged 12

This Story takes place in One of the 7 kingdoms of the United Kingdom. Based on two teens, Scarlett McCain & Albert Browne. The two are a thieving duo, the book being a recount of the fearless outlaws and their infamous deeds.

While adventuring for their next task they have a run in with old enemies and have to unearth priceless treasures. Scarlett & Albert both are special in their own ways. They are forced to carry out an impossible task, they have no choice but to accept the challenge. The only problem is there are lives on the line. They are given 7 days to complete the challenge, or else.

I enjoyed this book because of the plot and that it was full of surprises. I loved how it was adventurous and explorative. Some parts were great and filled with action, others were confusing and had to be read twice. I liked the positive attitude Albert kept throughout the story. It was a really great book. Overall I’d give it a 9/10.

Book review from Holly, aged 13

Jonathan Stroud’s novel The Notorious Scarlett and Browne follows the misadventures and heists of Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne. But these friends are not regular thieves, they steal for the people. What will these two friends do next as their infamous heists across the seven kingdoms start to win them notoriety?

This novel does a great job of capturing Scarlett’s bravery and strength while still maintaining a soft spot for Albert and her other friends. On the other hand, Albert is a charming but awkward figure with extraordinary abilities.

Through Scarlett and Albert’s heists, this tale offers wonderful character development. In spite of not being anticipated to return, this book follows these two protagonists on a spectacular quest during their impossibly daring theft.

Overall, I’d rate this book 4.5 out of 5 and recommend adding it to your list of must-reads. People who enjoy action-packed novels with never-ending story twists should read this book!

Grab your copy of The Notorious Scarlett & Browne now!

This book is about a boy and a girl that go on a dangerous journey to steal some ancient artifacts located in an abandoned part of a mine. While dangerous people and weird creatures try to get in the way the two are only worried about saving their 2 friends that were captured.

This book will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions and I loved it!

Zoe, 12

I really enjoyed the book at the start then lost interest in the middle. Some of the words were hard to understand which made the book sometimes hard to follow.

I did enjoy it and would recommend to others.

Tyler, 12

Families were provided with a copy of the book for the purposes of the review. Views are those of the reviewers. This article contains information provided by HarperCollins.

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Act by Kayla Miller | Kids Book Review

Posted on 27/07/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

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Olive is excited to start grade 6: new teachers, new experiences, and a field trip to the big city with her best buds! But when Olive finds out that a school policy is keeping some kids from going on the trip, she decides to act. Act is the funny and honest follow-up to the middle school graphic novel sensations Click and Camp.

Olive is prepared to do whatever it takes to be heard – even if it means running against Trent and Sawyer, two of her closest friends, in the student council election! With intense campaign competition and emotions running high, can Olive make a big change and keep her friends?

New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Kayla Miller crafts a genuine and inspiring story about evolving friendships, supportive family, and finding out that you – yes, you – have the power to make a difference.

Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for Act below

Book review from Leo (8)

Act, by Kayla Miller is a book about a girl named Olive who wants to make a difference in her school. When she finds out that some of her school friends can’t afford to go on the school trips, she decides to run for a place on the student council so that her voice can be heard. Olive wants to make school life fair and equal for all students.

Olive’s confidence and passion has encouraged me to make changes too. I really liked this book and enjoyed the graphic novel style. The information about protests, and the recipe in the back was cool.

I would recommend this book to others, and I can’t wait to read it again!

Book review from Abigail, aged 9

Act by Kayla Miller is about a girl called Olive who is in the 6th grade. She finds out that her friends are being treated unfairly and feels she has to do something to help them.

I learnt that when someone is getting treated differently I should Act! .

I enjoyed reading this book and the comic style it was written in, it was fun and easy to read and was cool to see the characters too. I have read it twice already and will be reading it again soon.

Thank you Kidspot for the book!! I loved it.

Book review from Ihaia, aged 8

Act is a graphic novel about a girl called Olive. Olive’s class are going on a trip, but when Olive finds out some people don’t get to go on the trip because they can’t afford it, she decides to do something about it. She does everything she can to change the school’s rules, even when she has to go against her friends. Will she succeed?

I liked reading Act because it is a graphic novel which are my favourite type of book to read. I enjoyed it so much I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one day. The story is interesting and I kept reading because I wanted to find out what happened next. I liked that Olive was brave and helpful, and I really enjoyed the funny parts of the story.

I would rate this book 9/10 and I think you should definitely read it if you like graphic novels.

Book review from Dani-Nicole, aged 10

I enjoyed this book because it was like a comic and I love comics.

It was a really interesting story about always standing up for what is right. Olive showed great courage and it taught me that sometimes you have to stand up for others even if it means you have to stand against your friends.

Book review from Kyle, aged 7

The story is about a girl named Olive who really believes she can make other things better and acts on it. I love the book is like a comic and full of twists, colourful, funny and exciting. I love the part where she is part of the student council because she got to talk to everyone in the school and help them. I also found the pudding moment was funny!

I like the extra information at the back of the book where you can go look for more on the protests that happened through time. I love that it has a chocolate pepermint chip cookie recipe that I am definitely going to try!!

A note from Kyle’s mum …

Kyle really was involved in this book, and he went afterwards to look into more about protests which was really cool. He would cuddle up on the couch before bed time and read, I struggled to get him to put the book down as he was so involved and wanted to see what happened next. I loved how colourful the book was and how they made it into a comic feel, it was quite awesome! Definitely a positive book to read.

Book review from Eva, aged 9

I think Olive, the main character, is a great role model to people who may have problems like this. Act’s moral of the story is to stand up for other people, and yourself.

It was a nice, easy comic book, followed by lots of onomatopoeia. This book has amazing detail, and acts that – even you – could follow along with!

Grab your copy of Act now!

Families were provided with a copy of the book for the purposes of the review. Views are those of the reviewers. This article contains information provided by HarperCollins.

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How To Plan A Birthday Party With The Perfect Food

Posted on 26/07/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Birthday parties are the prime time to celebrate, but you can’t throw a memorable party without organising and planning it. And when it comes to parties, one of the biggest concerns is always what ends up on people’s plates.

To save you the headache, we’ve created a list of tips on how to plan the perfect birthday party, no matter what your guests’ dietary restrictions may be.

Be mindful of food restrictions

As obvious as it sounds, you should take into account any known allergies or dietary restrictions of each of your guests.

Many cultures and religions have specific dietary guidelines that should be respected. For example, people who follow the Islam faith are not allowed to eat pork or drink alcohol. Hindus do not eat beef, and some Buddhists may avoid eating meat altogether.

Allergies are also a big consideration. Before going all-out with a seafood-themed party, for instance, make sure that you have an alternative dish readily available for your guests who don’t or can’t eat seafood.

The last thing you want is for someone to not be able to enjoy their meal—and ultimately the party—because of the limited food selection. If you’re not sure about someone’s dietary restrictions, ask them in advance when you’re sending out invitations. They’ll usually inform you if there’s anything you need to be aware of.

Consider the age group

The age group of your guests will also dictate what kind of food you should prepare – their perspectives will differ by age and are always important. For example, young children might enjoy finger foods or dishes that they can easily eat with their hands. Things like hotdogs, popcorn, chicken nuggets, and pizza are all food ideas that are sure to be a big hit at children’s birthday parties.

If you’re throwing a party for adults, on the other hand, you might want to consider preparing more sophisticated dishes. This could be anything from a buffet of international cuisine to gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages are also something you might want to have on hand for adult parties.

Set a theme

While certainly not mandatory, having a theme can add an extra level of cohesion and fun to your party. It can also make things easier when it comes to deciding on the food. For example, if you’re throwing a pool party, you might want to serve light snacks and finger foods that are easy to eat. If you’re having a Halloween party, on the other hand, you might want to get creative with spooky-themed dishes. Think, for example, of deviled eggs that look like eyeballs or a green punch that resembles slime.

Delegate work to others

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of having to prepare food for your guests, caterers are a safe approach to food that anyone will enjoy. Or, you can opt to consider making the food with friends or family members. This is a great way to lighten your load and also have some fun in the kitchen together. If you have the budget for it, you can also hire a caterer to take care of all the food preparation and cooking. This way, you can focus on all the other important aspects of party planning, like organising the venue or planning the programme.

Follow your budget

While you certainly want to make a good impression on your guests, you’ll need to be realistic. Setting a budget for your food is key. One way to do this is by considering less expensive but equally delicious alternatives to some of your more expensive food ideas. For example, if you’re considering serving freshly-grilled steak, you might want to consider serving chicken cordon bleu instead. No one will be disappointed with a well-made chicken dish, but it will cost you a lot less than steak would.

You can also save money by making some of the food yourself instead of hiring a caterer or ordering takeout.

Get creative with it

One thing that’s for certain: a really good party is wound to end up on social media reels. If you want the merriment to carry over to your guests’ feeds, you’ll want your food presentation to be nothing less than exceptional.

If that’s one of your goals, consider prepping the buffet creatively. For example, you can set up a chocolate fondue station and let your guests dip fruit, marshmallows, or pretzels into it. Putting up a dedicated gelato bike for an ice cream party will also be a surefire way to get some likes and impressions on you and your guests’ stories!

You can also get creative with the presentation of your food. Instead of just placing everything on a table, you might want to consider, say, using a cubby for pastries or setting up a beautiful charcuterie board.

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

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11 Fun Family Activities Sure To Keep The Kids Entertained

Posted on 15/07/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

As a parent, it can be tough to come up with activities that will keep the kids entertained. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Here are 11 fun family activities that are sure to keep the kiddos occupied. From visiting the zoo to making crafts, there’s something for everyone. So get out there and have some fun!

Visit the zoo

Children love animals, so a trip to the zoo or a wildlife park is sure to be a hit! And it’s a great opportunity to learn about different species and their habitats. When you take your children to the zoo, be sure to point out the different animals and tell them some fun facts about them.

You can also make a game out of it and see who can spot the most animals. This is sure to be a day that the whole family will enjoy — but don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone fueled up.

Have a picnic

What could be more fun than enjoying a meal outdoors with the whole family? When the weather is nice, pack a picnic lunch and head to your local park. Don’t forget to bring some games and toys like LEGO along to keep everyone entertained.

This is also a great opportunity to teach your children about healthy eating. So be sure to pack plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as some water to stay hydrated.

Make some crafts

Craft time is a great way to bond with your children and let their imaginations run wild. There are tons of easy and fun crafts that you can do with household items. For example, you can make homemade play-doh, paper airplanes, or even popsicle stick puppets.

If you need some inspiration, there are plenty of resources available online. Take a look at the Kidspot Activity Finder, or just do a quick Google search for “kids crafts” and you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep the little ones busy.

However, make sure that your kids remain safe while crafting by supervising them at all times. That’s because some materials, such as glue and scissors, can be dangerous if used improperly.

Play some games

Games are always a fun way to spend time with the family. And there are plenty of games that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. For example, you can play tag, hide-and-seek, Simon Says, or even learning games.

If you want to mix things up, there are also a ton of board games and card games that the whole family can enjoy. Just make sure to choose games that are appropriate for your children’s age group.

Take a hike

Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. And it’s a perfect activity for the whole family. You’ll want to pack some snacks and drinks, as well as a first-aid kit in case of any minor injuries.

If you have small children, be sure to take breaks often and carry them when they get tired. And always stay on designated trails to avoid getting lost.

Have a family dance party

Dancing is a great way to get some exercise and have fun at the same time. So crank up the music and let loose! This is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

And if you really want to get everyone moving, you can even turn it into a family dance competition. Just make sure to award prizes for the best dancers!

Make homemade pizzas

For a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, make homemade pizzas together. This is a great way to teach your children about cooking and nutrition. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to make your own pizzas with toppings that everyone will love.

However, remember to supervise your children while they’re using the stove or oven. And always be careful with knives when you’re cutting the pizzas.

Watch an animated movie

Animated movies are loved by children and adults alike, making them an ideal fun activity for your family. And there are plenty of great options to choose from. For example, you can watch classics like “The Lion King” or “The Little Mermaid.” Or you can enjoy newer movies like “Frozen” or “Coco.”

No matter what you choose, you’re sure to have a blast watching an animated movie with your family. Just make sure to have some snacks on hand to keep everyone happy. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, you can make homemade pizza with your children and watch an animated movie while you eat them!

Declutter and clean your house

Many people find cleaning to be a relaxing activity. If that’s the case with your family, you can declutter and clean your house together for a good time. This is a great opportunity to teach your children about organization and responsibility.

Plus, it’s a lot more fun to clean when you’re doing it with someone else. Just make sure to set some ground rules before you start. For example, children are not allowed to touch potentially harmful things, like knives or cleaning products.

Have a family photo shoot

Family photos are a great way to capture memories that will last a lifetime. And they’re even more special when they’re taken by your loved ones. So why not have a family photo shoot?

This is a great activity for everyone, as it’s a lot of fun to dress up and take photos together. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your family. Just make sure to choose a place with a good background for your photos.

Visit a local museum

Last but not the least, museums are a great way to learn about new things and have fun at the same time. And there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your interests. For example, you can visit a history museum or an art museum.

No matter what type of museum you choose, you’re sure to have a fun-filled and productive time with your family. Remember to read the signs and exhibits so you can learn as much as possible.

These are just a few of the many fun activities you can do with your family. So get out there and start having some fun! If you have any more ideas that you’ve tried with your family, make sure to share it with others in the comments below.

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

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Saving For A Home As A Small Family

Posted on 15/07/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

A family’s decision to purchase a home is one of the most consequential financial decisions they will make in their lifetime.

For many families, a home provides stability and security. It’s also one of the most valuable assets that can be passed on to future generations. Regardless, purchasing a home requires a substantial amount of money – perhaps the largest sum of money a family will ever have to spend.

With patience and perseverance, however, it’s certainly possible for any family to save for a deposit on a home they can call their own.

Here are some ideas for saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars each month so you can secure your dream house.

1) Set up automatic transfers to your savings account

Let’s face it, it can be tempting to spend every last penny of your paycheck on frivolous rewards. But if you plan on saving for a home, you’ll need to be disciplined about your finances. That starts by controlling the inflow and outflow of money in your household. While you won’t always predict or prevent major life expenses, you can set up your finances in such a way that will make it easier for you to save.

One way to do that is to set up an automatic transfer from your current account to your savings account. Many banks and credit unions offer this service, which makes it easy to save money as you go about your everyday life.

You can typically set up these transfers to happen on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, and you can decide how much money you want to transfer each time. This method is effective because not only are you periodically putting away increments of money into savings, but you’re also able to more reliably forecast when you can make your big purchase.

2) Eliminate unused subscription services

In the current age, it’s easy to fall into the trap of subscribing to multiple services that you never use. Whether it’s that gym membership you never use, that streaming service no one watches or the online dating service you signed up for on a whim, these little expenses can add up over time. Take a close look at your recurring payments and see if there are any that you can do without. You may be surprised at how much money you can free up each year by nixing a few unused subscriptions.

3) Find cost-saving plans on essential bills

Even if you’re already living frugally, there may be ways to save even more on your essential monthly bills. For instance, you can call your power company and see if there are any discounts or promotions they can offer you.

You can also switch to a cheaper mobile phone plan or, if you have a landline, see if you can get by without one. Another example is car insurance rates, as they can vary significantly from one provider to the next. It pays to shop around for the best deal.

Even though it may feel like a chore having to interact with various utility company personnel, it can be well worth your time if it means increasing your monthly savings.

4) Track and budget your expenses

One of the best ways to get a handle on your spending is to track where every penny goes. This will require discipline on your end, but it will be very illuminating to see exactly where your money is going each month. Once you have a good understanding of your spending patterns, you can then work on creating a budget that will help guide your future choices. This will be an ongoing process, but it’s a necessary one if you want to get a handle on your finances.

5) See what’s out there for smaller deposits

While saving cash for your first home is a tried-and-true process, getting to the magic 20% for a house deposit may not be achievable for all. Non-bank lenders may offer lower deposit levels, though you will need to be aware of possible higher interest rates and other criteria.

For first-home buyers who have been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least three years, a First Home Grant may be an option. The amount available doubles if you’re looking to buy a new build. First Home Loans underwritten by Kāinga Ora can reduce your required deposit to as low as 5%.

Once you’ve rounded up your options, determine the viability of the plans offered and decide from there. Online tools like Westpac’s mortgage calculator can help weigh your options and come to a decision about the best way to finance your home.

6) Increase your earning potential

While saving money is essential, you can only do so much with your current income. If you want to make a real dent in your savings goals, you’ll need to find ways to increase your earning potential.

If changing your full-time job is out of the picture, there are still several ways to bring in extra cash. You can start freelancing on the side, take on a part-time job, or even start a small business.

Whatever route you decide to take, be sure to factor in the additional income when creating your budget and savings. This way, you can make the most of your new earnings and get one step closer to achieving your homeownership goals.

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

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Kidspot Creators Opportunities

Posted on 12/07/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Please complete the form below if you have been invited to apply for a Kidspot Creators opportunity.

If you are selected as a reviewer you will receive an email from us to confirm.

Optional: To help us create more opportunities and match you to opportunities you may be interested in, we are asking that you also please create a Creator profile. Click on over to this page and fill in all the details if you haven’t done so already.

Understanding Fertility And Conception

Posted on 07/07/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

We all know how reproduction works, right? The birds and the bees and the trees and the … leaves … Seriously though, even when you know how to get pregnant, it’s not always straightforward. There are intricacies that you might not know about.

In a perfect world, a healthy, fertile couple has about a 30% chance of conception during each menstrual cycle. Around three-quarters of couples will get pregnant within six months of trying and about 90% will get pregnant within one year.* However, there are so many factors that can affect fertility and conception that it could easily take that “normal” couple up to a year to get pregnant. Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your GP.

Fully understanding how your body works (and your partner’s) in regards to fertility and conception may help your chances of conceiving.

It all starts with an egg

The fertile phase of the menstrual cycle represents the best time for conception. At the beginning of the fertile phase, an egg starts to mature in an ovary, activating the release of the oestrogen hormone and the thickening of the uterus lining. Around 3-5 days later, the egg is released into the fallopian tube (ovulation). Your window of opportunity for conception lasts about six days, ie up to five days before ovulation plus the day you ovulate.¹

The egg is fertile for only about 24 hours after release but sperm can survive for several days, so it’s best to get the swimmers in there ready for action in the days before the egg’s release – unless you have impeccable timing of course!

Ovulation

Pinpointing the timing of ovulation is not an easy science. Every menstrual cycle is different and often cycles simply don’t seem to follow a set pattern. Kidspot’s ovulation calculator can help you determine your ovulation date. Keep a note of the first day of your period and over a few months, you will be able to work out an average cycle length to give you an idea of when ovulation occurs. Generally, ovulation occurs about 14 days before your next period is due to start (plus or minus a couple of days).

Cycle examples²:

In a 28 day cycle, you will release an egg sometime around day 14. The fertile phase will be around days 9 to 15.
In a 26 day cycle, you will release an egg sometime around day 12. The fertile phase will be around days 7 to 13.
In a 35 day cycle, you will release an egg sometime around day 21. The fertile phase will be around days 16 to 22.

Changes you might notice

Mucus

Just before ovulation, estrogen levels are at their highest and the uterus and cervix begin producing a special mucus that helps to protect the sperm survive for up to five days in the woman’s body and transport the sperm to the fallopian tubes. Getting to know how your cervical mucus changes during your menstrual cycle can help you predict ovulation.

Before ovulation, you’ll likely notice very little mucus and what there is will tend to be thick and opaque. Approaching ovulation, mucus will increase and become creamy in colour. Around ovulation, the increased mucus will likely be thin, clear and stretchy (referred to by many women as being like egg white). After ovulation, mucus returns to being thick and opaque again.³

Just as unpredictable as your cycle, the amount of mucus your body produces (and that you notice) can differ from person to person.

Temperature

Ovulation may cause a slight increase in your resting body temperature that lasts for at least three days. The temperature rise is usually about 0.2 to 0.4^o Celsius and may last until just before your next period.

Keeping a record of your temperature at the same time each day for a few months can help to show these fluctuations. Using a digital thermometer will give you better accuracy. Try to take your temperature in the morning before you get out of bed. This record can help you predict when ovulation occurs within your cycle so that you can time having sex just prior to the rise in future months because you are most fertile in the few days prior to ovulation/slight increase in temperature.⁴

Other signs

Some other signs of ovulation that have been reported include lower abdominal, pelvic or back discomfort, tender breasts, and bloating.⁵

References

* https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-pregnant
¹ https://nationalwomenshealth.adhb.govt.nz/womens-health-information/fertility/timing-for-conception/
² https://nationalwomenshealth.adhb.govt.nz/womens-health-information/fertility/timing-for-conception/
³ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323503#fertile-discharge
⁴ https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/basal-body-temperature/about/pac-20393026
⁵ https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/ovulation-symptoms#ovulation-tests

This article was written by Kidspot NZ

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Family Review: Kiwiherb Children’s Goodnight Chest Syrup

Posted on 01/07/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Promotion for Kiwiherb

Hearing your child cough through the night can fill parents with dread during the winter months. Kiwiherb’s new Children’s Goodnight Chest Syrup works to soothe your little one’s airways all night for a well-rested household.

While administering liquid herbs can be challenging, especially when your child is reluctant to take medicines, Kiwiherb has been working hard on creating flavours with kids in mind. We gave Hayley, mum of two, the opportunity to try out a winter wellness duo from the Kiwiherb range including the new night-time chest syrup. Read Hayley’s review of these products below.

Kiwiherb Children’s Goodnight Chest Syrup

Children’s Goodnight Chest Syrup soothes tickly airways to support your child’s easy breathing and aid in a restful night’s sleep. It works to calm the cycle of repeated night-time chest agitation to help the body restore and recover.

Wild cherry and passionflower work to support restful sleep
Hyssop, thyme and marshmallow combine to support clearing mucus from airways
Supports clearing lung mucus
Supports restful and restorative sleep

Kiwiherb Organic De-Stuff For Kids

Organic De-Stuff for Kids helps to “de-stuff” the nose and head. The natural herbal ingredients, organic elderflower, ribwort and echinacea root, work to support clear airways and helps loosen mucus to support easy breathing in children. With a base of organic apple juice, and natural peppermint and orange oil, this is specifically formulated to taste great.

Supports upper respiratory health
Ear, nasal and sinus support
Echinacea also provides systemic immune support
Convenient liquid formulation
Sweet peppermint taste
BioGro certified organic formula
Suitable for children and also available for adults

All Kiwiherb products are suitable to take from 0+ years.

Kiwiherb to the rescue!

Thank you for the opportunity to trial these fantastic products! We have purchased Kiwiherb before and really enjoyed their products so it was great to have them to use on both my children. Ivy is 10 months old and Ruby will be 3 years old next month.

Unfortunately, we’ve had a lot of sickness in our household recently (flu, colds and gastro!) thanks to daycare bugs, so these products couldn’t have come at a better time.

Kiwiherb Children's Goodnight Chest Syrup

Clearing congestion

Children’s Goodnight Chest Syrup is a fantastic product from Kiwiherb which we used when our girls had coughs as it assisted them in clearing chesty, blocked mucus.

This is a product I would purchase again, mainly because it is safe to use for younger children. It makes it a lot easier when you have a product that you can use for both children regardless of their age – thank you Kiwiherb!

The Children’s Goodnight Chest Syrup was really easy to administer to the kids as it came with an easy applicator and the girls seemed to like the taste of it. Certainly easier than some other cough syrups or wellness tonics, no bribery required! It did seem to aid sleep during illness by helping to clear congestion too.

Find out more about Children’s Goodnight Chest Syrup

De-stuffed

Organic De-Stuff for Kids is a product we’ve purchased before and will purchase again because it is easy to administer, both my girls loved the taste and I feel comfortable using something frequently that I know is safe for Ivy who is under 12 months (which is very hard to find!).

This product is great to help with nasal congestion in particular and helped to clear my girls’ noses when they were stuffy. I actually ended up using it myself while I had the flu and found it gentle and tasty!

The liquid form makes it very easy to use and importantly, easy to measure the dosage.

Hayley

Find out more about Organic De-Stuff For Kids

Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your health professional.

The Kiwiherb range is available from your local pharmacy, health store, and online. For more information, visit kiwiherb.co.nz.

The reviewer was provided with Kiwiherb products for the purpose of the review. Views are those of the reviewers.

This article contains additional information supplied by Kiwiherb.

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Remarkably Ruby by Terri Libenson | Kids Book Review

Posted on 27/06/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content

From bestselling author Terri Libenson, Remarkably Ruby is a story about how there’s more to everyone than meets the eye.

Pride. Popularity … Poetry? Middle school.

Ruby and Mia are total opposites. Ruby is a little awkward, not a “joiner,” and loves to write poetry. While Mia is type A, popular(ish), and wants to be class prez.

They used to be friends. But now they have nothing in common anymore … Or do they?

Don’t miss the rest of the Emmie & Friends series: Invisible Emmie, Positively Izzy, Just Jaime, Becoming Brianna, Truly Tyler, and You-Niquely You: An Emmie & Friends Interactive Journal!

Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for Remarkably Ruby below

Book reviews from Ellen (13) and James (10)

I loved Remarkably Ruby because of the bright colours, and that it was a graphic novel. Because I LOVE reading graphic novels! I loved how there were two perspectives of people in middle school, and that they were really different. One was quite popular and the other one a bit quiet, with only a couple of friends. I love how you get to meet students from other books in this series that Terri Libenson has written.

This book made me feel like I was there at the middle school learning all the drama, gossiping with friends “BESTIES!”, and new relationships like bonding friendships and crushes. This book shows what happens in a lot of schools with all the different types of students.

Thank you Kidspot for letting me read this fabulous book. I loved it so much I feel like going and buying another one from a book store! Thank you again for giving me the pleasure of reading this book and I hope to do this again.

Ellen

Remarkably Ruby is a very good book and very interesting. The thing I liked was that it was from two points of view. I give it 10 out of 10. It has made me want to read the whole series. This should probably be for 10 – 12year olds, and you should definitely get it!

James

Book review from Bella, aged 13

Remarkably Ruby is about two girls who are total opposites. One is called Ruby and she loves poetry and is a little awkward. The other is called Mia and she is popular(ish) and is running for class president. These two used to be best friends but now they have nothing in common … or do they? Through a poetry club, talent show and election these two girls will go through a lot and have many difficult problems all while trying to survive middle school. Will they be able to overcome their challenges?

Overall Remarkably Ruby was a great book. It was an easy read and it was fully illustrated in a fun art style. I really liked the plot line and it was very interesting. It also felt very real and you could really relate to the characters and story. Although I would recommend it for younger readers, overall it was a great read!

Book review from Holly, aged 11

The book Remarkably Ruby is about two old friends Ruby and Mia, who grew apart over the years. Now they have absolutely nothing in common anymore. Or at least that’s what it seems like, but sometimes people can surprise you. A little bit of both of them wants to be friends again, but that’s easier said than done …

The story made me laugh so much and Ruby is such a quirky and relatable character. Ruby is a girl with such an amazing personality that is unfortunately hidden beneath her shyness. She is the type of girl I would love to get to know and be friends with!

Ruby and Mia’s relationship is definitely something a lot of people can relate to, and I think having a book about it will definitely help people who are struggling with friendships. Both Ruby and Mia are such cool characters, and I like to see their different interests!

I think the age group this book is aimed at is any age from eight to twelve, and even someone a bit older might still enjoy it, as long as they are happy to read something easy. I would one hundred per cent recommend this book to anyone looking for something fun and uplifting to read.

Book review from Abby, aged 12

This book follows Ruby, an awkward, shy 12-year-old girl as she navigates the struggle of middle school. Her POV, alternates with Mia’s, a popular, type A girl running for class president. This book is about them and their own struggles as they rebuild their old friendship.

I would say this book is for children aged 8-12 as it is an easy read. It also has a lot of funny, interesting illustrations that follow the story. Some of this book was repetitive but overall, I really enjoyed it as a fast, fun read. I rate it 7/10.

Book review from Maggie, aged 12

Remarkably Ruby by Terri Libenson is about a wonderful colourful character called Ruby. She became really tall from 4th grade and didn’t really fit in with other kids at school in terms of her height and the way she was. Her job at home was watering all the pot plants and she has a cat called Buford. Her and her mother look very alike. Her mother is a sculptor. She bravely copes with a medical condition called Irritable Bowel Syndrome, in an unforgiving school environment.

Ruby seems to be out of step with all her peers. However, Ruby likes poetry and helps start up a poetry club at her school. She wants to read a poem at the school talent show.

Another girl Mia pops up all along in the book. There are lots of intriguing issues around elections, friends and poetry.

I really enjoyed the format of the book, the different sections about Mia and the subjects. I believe the book celebrates those that are different and puts the spotlight on those that are not so kind in the school system. Ruby is witty and unique and I think everyone can see some of her in themselves.

Book review from Charlie, aged 12

Mia and Ruby used to be friends but now they aren’t. They are both different, Mia is running for class president and Ruby loves to write poems. Mia is confident and has lots of friends supporting her in becoming class president but maybe she’s forgetting what’s important. Ruby is quite shy but when she gets the opportunity to join a poetry club, everything changes for her.

I would definitely recommend this book because you want to find out what happens to both Mia and Ruby. The characters in the book are interesting, fun and have many different attributes, which although it makes the girls different it makes them both special in their own way.

The book tells the story through each of the girls eyes, swapping between the two the whole way through until the end when their stories come together. There are so many different problems and things that happen in the book that it keeps you wondering what’s going to happen next. It creates suspense which makes you want to keep reading.

After reading it, I gave it to my 10 year old sister who has read other books in this series. She loved that all the books have characters from each of the other books in the series. I enjoyed the story, however I think the book is more aimed at my sister’s age.

Grab your copy of Remarkably Ruby now!

I really liked the relatability of the main characters and without giving anything away, there’s a totally unexpected plot twist at the end. I also like how the illustrations are similar to each of the girls. Ruby’s illustrations are quite plain and Mia’s are very bold and colourful.

This is the first book I have read from Terri Libenson, but I found out Remarkably Ruby is the sixth book in a series called Emmie and Friends. I would give this book 10 out of 10! I enjoyed it so much that I have issued 4 of the other books from the library and I’m currently reading Becoming Brianna.

Sarah, aged 12.

What I liked: I liked how Ruby got more and more confident as she makes more and more friends and invites people to the Poetry club. I also was pleased when Ruby and Mia became friends again. Also, once they have rebuilt their friendship, how they encouraged each other in specific areas.
What wasn’t my favourite: All the romance stuff; it just isn’t necessary because it doesn’t add to the story in my opinion. Another thing that doesn’t quite fit, is how the school is American, so I can’t really make links to my school.

Remarkably Ruby isn’t the type of book I normally read, because graphics aren’t my favourite, but I think some people in my class would enjoy it.

Kaitly, aged 11

Families were provided with a copy of the book for the purposes of the review. Views are those of the reviewers. This article contains information provided by HarperCollins.

Read more kids book reviews:

Rise Of The School For Good And Evil | Kids Book Review

Posted on 27/06/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content

The battle between Good and Evil begins in Rise of the School for Good and Evil. Go back in time to the beginning and uncover the never-before-told events leading up to Sophie and Agatha’s dramatic arrival and the beginning of their epic fairy tale.

Two brothers. One Good. One Evil.

Together, they watch over the Endless Woods. Together, they choose the students for the School for Good and Evil. Together they train them, teach them, and prepare them for their fate. Then, something happens. Something that will change everything and everyone. Who will survive? Who will rule the School?

The journey starts here. With magic, surprises and daring deeds at every turn, courage and loyalty will be put to the test, only to lead you to the very beginning of the adventures that are The School for Good and Evil.

The School for Good and Evil will soon be a major motion picture from Netflix – starring Academy Award winner Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, Laurence Fishburne, Michelle Yeoh, Sofia Wylie, Sophie Anne Caruso, Jamie Flatters, Earl Cave, Kit Young and more!

Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for Rise of the School for Good and Evil below

Book review from Jonathan, aged 13

Rise of the School for Good and Evil is a book with many characters. It takes you to another world, similar to Harry Potter and Morrigan Crow. It has magic, betrayal, love and mystery. With a compelling storyline and interesting characters galore, it is a great book, with few flaws. The book puts you straight into the action, and around 5 chapters in gives you a hint of mystery and shows that there are a lot of unsolved secrets in this world. As you go through the book, you can learn about a whole other world, and you see a lot of battles over being the better side – good or evil.

The book is about 2 twin brothers, one for good and one for evil. They live in one school and teach Evers (good people) and Nevers (bad people) the ways of good and evil. At the start there is little separation, but as the events of the book unfold, there becomes separation and discord between the two polar opposites. The main character at the start of the book is a mixture of both, sure to upset the balance between the two. There is also a future-telling pen that writes stories about students and teachers. Throughout the book, you travel to many different places in this magical world, and although a lot is going on at a time, you will have a great time reading it.

Book review from Ciara, aged 13

Rise of the School for Good and Evil is the prequel to the series The School for Good and Evil.

I really enjoyed this book, and I found that it lined up very well with the information given in the rest of the series. There weren’t any little things that just didn’t match; this book tells the story of what happened around a century before the rest of the books.

This book is better suited for older kids as it is a bit more grown-up – there is some violence, like in the later books, but it has some great language and is very exciting. I liked the story and there are some great plot twists which I can’t tell you about, you’ll just have to read it!

The characters are very realistic and fun. There are a lot of funny bits in this book and some very good irony. It is a decent-sized book and took me around 2 days to read. There are a lot of good scenes in this book and you can see everything happening (things are well-described). Overall, I really liked this book and I would recommend it for kids aged 9+ who have enjoyed the rest of the series. would definitely read this one after the earlier books, even though it takes place before.

Book review from Lydia, aged 12

Rafal and Rhian are twins, picked by the Storian to be the new school masters. One for good, one for evil. They pick the students for their school. They train them, teach them, and get them ready for their future. The only thing that keeps the schoolmasters teeenagers and keeps them from getting hurt is their love for each other. If they betray each other the magic is lost.

One day a student changes it all, this student is Aladdin. He steals, tricks, and so much more. When he gets picked for the school both school masters expect him to be evil, but instead, the bird that carried him flies right over evil and plants him in good. The schoolmasters are confused. The Storian must have made a mistake.

After Aladdin joins the school chaos is made, people leave, new people join, and there is lots of betrayal. The school has changed forever.

I think it’s a really good book, and I enjoyed reading it. ★★★★★ – five stars a very good book!

Book review from Fin, aged 10

Rise of the School for Good and Evil is a book about two twin brothers who were given immortality by a magical pen named the storian. To keep their immortality the brothers’ love was not allowed to fall and they had to be loyal to each other.

The two brothers Rafal and Rhian are both headmasters of a school for good and evil. The School teaches pupils how to be heroes and villains. A new kid came to the school. The brothers thought he would be chosen by the storain to be in the school for evil but was put in the good school. This started an argument between the brothers that led to war, betrayal and [spoiler].

The story didn’t start as I thought it would. The brothers were only introduced part way through. I found this a bit confusing and have since found out that this book is a prequel. If I had read the original book first this book may have made more sense faster.

I would recommend this book for children a little older than me and I would definitely suggest reading the original book first.

Book review from Olliver, aged 12

I am a 12-year-old boy who loves to read and found this book kept my attention as the story was intriguing. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and will look to see what other novels he has written to see how they compare.

The general storyline is that there is one school with two masters, Rhian and Rafal the twins, who stay immortal as long as they love each other. This all changes when the magical pen – the Storian- starts favouring Good in its fairy tales. When Rafal finally loses a bet with his brother Rhian over the fate of a student, he gets so mad he leaves the school.

Upon his departure, Rhian, the good schoolmaster, gets so annoyed he builds a new glass castle and hires a new schoolmaster for evil – Vulcan – who shows off so much and makes so many changes that the students start favouring him. Rafal ends up going on a quest with a young pirate, James Hook. And that is all that I can share, as you will have to read the story to find out what happens in the end.

Book review from Kyra, aged 9

This book is about two school masters Rafal and Rhian, who are brothers. Rhian leads the school of the good and Rafal leads the school of the evil, teaching their students magic. They both think that a young student Aladdin, has been placed in the wrong school. This book also tells the story of Aladdin and his journey to find out if he really is good or evil. Everything that happens next, is really unexpected.

After reading this book, I am very interested to read the other books in this series and find out more. I really liked the way that this story was written, everything had really good descriptions and I could picture it all in my head like a movie. I would recommend this book to people who like magic and adventure stories.

Grab your copy of Rise of the School for Good and Evil now!

I was really excited to read this book because I love reading new books and stories. I found the length of the chapters a good size and not too long and I also loved the characters, especially my favourite princess Kyma.

The story was very descriptive and I was easily able to understand what was happening. There were parts that were a bit romantic and also lots of fantasy, which I love. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and look forward to seeing what other books this author has written.

Grace, aged 11.

This book is mainly about two brothers, one good and one evil and they choose students for their school. Something happens which means things will never be the same again. There are some Disney characters in the story like Captain Hook and Aladdin.

I found this book really intriguing. It was a bit slow at the start, but once I got into it, it got more interesting.

Saskia, aged 10.

Families were provided with a copy of the book for the purposes of the review. Views are those of the reviewers. This article contains information provided by HarperCollins.

Read more kids book reviews:

5 Interesting Student Research Topics For Kids

Posted on 21/06/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Guest blog

The benefits of research projects for kids are numerous. Research assignments help kids practice thinking and working independently. Topics are easy to set provided you’re familiar with things kids love.

Regardless of their studies, you will always find it comfortable if you allow the kids to suggest various topics they’re interested in. That means they’ll enjoy writing part of the research project because they’re conversant with something they’re working on. Here are five interesting student research topics for kids.

Tip for teachers: Ask for help with research paper topics

Coming up with great research paper topics is a time-consuming process that’s often tiresome, especially when you have several kids in the class. Still, you must prepare the topic well and ensure that you guide the students on what they should write about. You can seek professional help from the research paper writers on the Edubirdie site. The site professionals will help you create relevant topics for your students. This way, you will get great topics that are unique for the research paper writing.

Scientists and inventors

This is a fascinating and vast student research topic for the kids to get stuck into. Kids aspire to become great people in society, so they’ll be interested to learn about the great scientists and inventors who have made life easy on Earth.

The number of inventors that students can research is endless. Every invention you see around you was brought into existence by an inventor or scientist. That means you’ll have plenty of topics to choose from. The best idea is to assign the kids a particular inventor and tell them to write about their life, work, and achievements they made in life. Alternatively, ask them to research a specific invention.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Currently, news about extreme weather and natural disasters in different parts of the world is rampant. That’s primarily due to climate change and other forces of nature. That’s why extreme weather and natural disasters can make a good research topic for kids. This may include earthquakes, fire outbreaks, tornadoes, blizzards, and hurricanes.

Research into extreme weather and natural disasters can help students be more aware of what’s happening worldwide.

Kids classroom photo created by pch.vector – www.freepik.com

Cultural celebrations and holidays around the world

Cultural celebrations and holidays worldwide are a great research topic for kids to write a research paper on. Most kids have engaged in different, interesting activities during these celebrations, so this will be a great research topic for students.

There are lots of holidays around the world that are celebrated differently. Each culture has unique traditions and festivals for a specific holiday.

Dinosaurs

Kids love watching movies with dinosaurs (just like they love movies with dragon characters). That’s what makes them a great research topic for the students. There are lots of sub-topics related to dinosaurs that the kids can delve into. The students can research factors that led to their extinction, history, or present-day archaeology. The student can choose a specific dinosaur to cover in their research paper. Here, the student will be responsible for finding out their genetic makeup, hunting techniques, their diet, and their natural habitat.

The solar system

This is among the easiest research topics your students can cover while doing their research. Kids like fascinating facts about outer space, and there is a range of topics that each of the kids can cover in their essays.

The student can choose one of the solar system’s planets or a broader topic. This will get them to do in-depth research about the solar system and all the heavenly bodies associated with it. You can opt for space-themed topics like the moon, the existence of aliens, the planet Pluto or the history of space travel.

Conclusion

There are lots of exciting research topics that students can cover in their research projects. Each topic mentioned above is a great option that you can consider as you can get as many themed topics as possible. The wider the topic, the more the number of sub-topics to write about; hence, the students will explore different options that will enrich their understanding.

This article is a guest contribution, written by James Collins and edited by Kidspot

Author’s bio

James Collins believes in living life the easy way. He achieves that for himself by travelling the world, working as a freelancer and helping students in doing their academic papers, including essays, term papers and homework. He plans to travel to every country in the process. He loves watching NBA, swimming and coaching students on writing.

Main image credit: Student kids photo created by pressfoto – www.freepik.com

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Key Vitamins & Minerals For Baby During Pregnancy

Posted on 20/06/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

The saying “eating for two” is often a source of light-hearted ribbing during pregnancy. But did you know that the recommended dietary intake of some nutrients actually increases by up to 50% when you’re pregnant¹?

Eating the right foods with all those extra vitamins and minerals can be a challenge, especially when you may also be dealing with morning sickness, loss of appetite, tiredness, or cravings – not to mention being busy preparing for your little one’s arrival.

To help you navigate this time, we look at some of the key vitamins and minerals that are important for the healthy development of your baby.

Folic acid (folate)

Folic acid is one of the most important nutrients that your body needs in early pregnancy. It aids the body in making new cells and can help to prevent neural tube defects that affect a baby’s brain and spine.

Sources of folate include:

Green leafy vegetables
Citrus fruits
Berries
Bananas
Some cereals and bread

Ensuring you have a good store of folate at the time of conception and during those key first months of pregnancy can be hard to maintain through food alone. So if you’re planning on getting pregnant, it’s advisable to take a folic acid supplement before you get pregnant and through to 12 weeks after becoming pregnant².

Iodine

Pregnancy increases your need for iodine because it is an essential nutrient for the growth and normal development of your baby’s brain and nervous system.

During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, it is recommended to include foods that are high in iodine in your diet and take an iodine-containing supplement to support the needs of your developing baby².

Foods that are high in iodine include:

Seafood (ensure it is well cooked)
Milk
Eggs
Some cereals and bread

Vitamin D

The warmth of the sun isn’t just good for our souls! Vitamin D is an essential nutrient during pregnancy for bone, teeth and muscle development as it helps your body to absorb calcium. Vitamin D also assists in the function of our immune system and cell development.

Our usual source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight (while staying sun safe) but that is not always possible due to climate, location, health, and circumstance. Some foods also contain vitamin D but supplements are available for those at risk of deficiency.

Other important vitamins & minerals

Iron – Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue for the mother-to-be and in severe cases may result in low birthweight, pre-term birth or poor development. Sources of iron include red meat, fish, chicken, leafy green vegetables, legumes, enriched cereals. It is important not to exceed the recommended intake of iron as too much can cause health issues.
Vitamin C – To help in the absorption of iron. Sources include a variety of fruit and vegetables.
Calcium – For bone development and health. Sources include milk and dairy products, nuts, tinned bony fish (ie salmon), and dried apricots, dates and prunes.
Vitamin B12 – For blood and nerve function. Sources include meat and other animal products, plus fortified foods like breakfast cereals, non-dairy milk and Marmite.

References:
¹National Library of Medicine: Maternal Diet and Nutrient Requirements in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. An Italian Consensus Document, October 2014
² Ministry of Health NZ: Helpful advice during pregnancy – Folic acid, iodine and vitamin D, July 2018
³ IQVIA NAT Scan Sales MAT April 2022

Written by Kidspot NZ.

Sources include: New Zealand Ministry of Health, Health Navigator New Zealand, Elevit

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Family Reviews: Winter Wellness With Comvita

Posted on 06/06/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Promotion for Comvita

It’s not easy to avoid winter ills and chills, so we gave five Kidspot families the opportunity to try out the Comvita range of winter wellness products formulated with the natural power of Mānuka honey.

Read their review for these products below.

Comvita® Propolis Herbal Elixir* is a natural, powerful, all-in-one herbal formula that contains flavonoids designed to support winter wellness.
Comvita® Propolis Oral Spray* is a natural all-in-one herbal formula designed to support winter wellness and to soothe dry throats.
Comvita Soothing Mānuka Honey Lozenges with Propolis* have a zesty lemon flavour and can help soothe a dry, sore throat.
Comvita’s Soothing UMF10+ Mānuka Honey Pops are specially developed for kids’ tastebuds.

When a cold strikes

Thank you for the awesome opportunity to review these amazing Comvita products! The first thing I noticed was the products were packaged with sustainable packaging materials. Dissolving the starch-based packaging provided a fun activity for my son before we dug into the goodies. About two weeks after receiving the products myself and my son got a cold! Thankfully we had Comvita on hand!

Both my son and I tried the Winter Wellness Propolis Herbal Elixir. My son commented that it was “too spicy” meaning too strong or intense for him. I however enjoyed the taste and immediately felt relief on my throat and it reduced the severity of my cough. One thing that would be awesome to be added to the elixir would be a measuring cup or spoon.

My son loved the Manuka Honey Pops. He said they tasted yummy (his favourite flavour was grape!) and that his throat wasn’t as sore as it was before. His cough also sounded less painful after having the lollipop.

The Propolis Oral Spray was an absolute lifesaver for me. I kept it beside my bed for when the discomfort of my sore throat woke me. A few sprays later and I could easily fall asleep pain-free.

I usually steer clear of lemon flavoured lozenges as I find them overpowering however the Manuka Honey Lozenges had a very mild lemon flavour and I could actually taste the honey. They were soothing on the throat and great to have spotted all over the house and car for when I needed them.

Overall I would definitely buy all these products again and recommend them to others. They worked extremely well, tasted nice and I loved that they used the natural power of honey and propolis.

Emmeline

Soothing and enjoyable

We used the Manuka Lozenges for sore throats and a dry cough, the Kids Soothing Pops for our three-year-old when she had a cough and the Propolis Herbal Elixir as a general good health tonic.

The Manuka Lozenges were very easy to use. The packaging is great as it is resealable. They tasted nice and made the ordinary task of using a lozenge a more enjoyable experience.

Ruby really liked the soothing pops, they are a great idea as it’s usually hard to get any type of soothing product into her. Plus, it was great to know she was getting the benefits of Manuka honey. Again, the resealable packing was very handy.

The Propolis Herbal Elixir is a great all-round wellness elixir! How great to have Manuka honey combined with healing ingredients such as echinacea! Tasted pretty good for a wellness tonic and it was soothing on the throat.

All formulations were soothing and enjoyable. Since trying the products, Ruby hasn’t had a cold which is great seeing as she usually brings them home from daycare regularly!

Hayley

Immunity support

Our family really enjoyed using Comvita products with Manuka honey. We got these at the times when cold and flu are going around everywhere.

My daughter used the Manuka lollipops for her sore throat. She liked the flavour and also was amazed by how easy it was to unwrap the lolly, so she didn’t need help. Me and my husband also liked the lozenges for treating sore throats, they have a nice smooth flavour and really do help easing the uncomfortable feeling.

I personally also loved the oral spray. I used this during the cold but also on a normal day for extra immune support. Very pleasant flavour and the size to fit even a small crossbody bag.

The Propolis Elixir was used by me and my husband during the cold we had. I found the flavour a bit bitter and am not a fan of syrups and elixirs, so decided to stick with the mouth spray and lozenges. My husband said it was not bad and he took it for several days.

Speaking of our cold, and we also had Covid during this times, these all were very mild and did not cause us much discomfort or stress. So maybe the Comvita products played a part in keeping our family well and happy.

Maria

Fast-acting relief

The Comvita winter wellness products could not have arrived at a better time for our family! We have had many coughs/colds within our household in the last month and we have all managed to use the products to test them.

The Soothing Manuka Honey Lozenges were the first to be used. They have a nice taste and work pretty well to soothe a sore throat.

The Soothing Manuka Honey Pops were used by each of my young children. They were interested in trying the different flavours (grape, orange, and lemon). They are used just like a standard lollipop so the kids thought it was a bit of a novelty getting to try one with the bonus of soothing their throats! Unfortunately, the grape flavour was not a hit – the mix of grape and honey just didn’t seem to pair well for us.

Both the lozenges and kids pops are individually packaged making it so convenient to take along in the car or in a bag.

The adults in the household gave the Propolis Oral Spray a try, however it wasn’t to our liking. The spray was more of a stream than a spray and ended up being a bit uncomfortable for us to use. The flavour was quite nice, however.

The last product tested was the Propolis Herbal Elixir. I have tried this twice on separate occasions where my throat has been quite sore and irritated from a cough. The flavour was not the nicest, I guess much like any liquid medicine! Once the liquid was taken, my throat was almost immediately soothed and my cough stopped. This product is probably the best and fastest-acting relief I have had when trying to soothe an irritated throat. Apart from the initial flavour, the herbal elixir is perfect!

These products will be game-changers for our family over winter.

Courtney

Don’t leave home without it

Our whānau were given the opportunity to review some of Comvita’s product range. Being a māmā who is always concerned about my kids’ health (especially in these Covid times!) I was really excited about this.

The first product was the Propolis Herbal Elixir. This I used for boosting our family’s immunity. I have bought countless products similar to this that claim to be for kids but are so gross that my kids won’t even smell them so to have an option that is sweet and nice smelling is a definite plus, but the major draw to this elixir for me is that it is for adults AND children – less bottles on the bench hurrah!

Of all the products we were sent Propolis Oral Spray was the one I was most excited about trying personally. I am a singer and performer and am constantly aware of my throat and how it is feeling because I use it so much. The Propolis Oral Spray is the perfect product for me! It warms up my throat and soothes it when it is getting a bit scratchy from constant use. Super easy to slip into the bag and take with you. This was excellent between sets when performing, as were the Manuka Honey Lozenges Lemon. They soothe the throat and reduce inflammation and are very convenient being individually wrapped. I love to leave a few in the bag and at work when needed. Also bonus, they are also delicious!

The final product we reviewed were the Kids Soothing Pops with UMF 10+ Manuka Honey. Now for my kids these were a treat – they have never had lollipops before so they were super excited to try these. It was a nice way to perk them up when they were unwell and complaining of a sore throat. I feel good giving them a product with Manuka honey in them. You know toddlers, they are all about choice and ownership so having a choice of flavours is always great.

I found the Elixir really good when I had Covid a few weeks ago and smashed the lozenges for my throat during that week. These are all great family-friendly products that I would recommend and will continue to use moving into the future.

Teresa

* Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Comvita® Propolis Herbal Elixir and Comvita® Mānuka Honey Lozenges with Propolis contain propolis, which can cause severe allergic reactions.

Comvita® winter wellness products are available online and from selected Countdown and Bargain Chemist stores. They are also available from selected New World and PAK’nSAVE stores, plus Life and Unichem Pharmacies.

Reviewers were provided with Comvita products for the purpose of the review. Views are those of the reviewers.

This article contains additional information supplied by Comvita.

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What To Bring To Disney With A Toddler

Posted on 25/05/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Disney is an amazing place to take your kids – there is so much to do and see. But if you plan to bring a toddler along, you will need to plan ahead to make sure you and your child will have a fun, enjoyable and comfortable time visiting the Disney parks.

The parks can be very hot and tiring, so it’s important to be prepared with a trip checklist. While we won’t be going through a complete list of what to bring to Disney with a toddler, here are some of the top items you should remember to bring along.

PS Don’t forget your camera to capture those cute moments!

Top 5 items to bring on a Disney trip with a toddler

A good stroller for Disney

Disney is a great place to visit with a toddler, but it’s important to know that the parks can be a long walk for your little one. One of the most important things you need is a stroller. A stroller will help your toddler get around when their little feet get tired and will also give them a place to take a nap.

If you need some suggestions, one of the best strollers for Disney includes the Joovy Caboose Ultralight, which is perfect for toddlers. It’s lightweight and easy to fold up, which makes it perfect for taking on airplanes. It also has a large storage basket that can hold all of your child’s belongings.

If you’re looking for something more luxurious, the Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller is a great option. It’s expensive, but it’s worth the price because it’s so versatile.

Comfortable clothing

If you’re headed to Disney with a toddler, there are a few key things to remember when packing. Depending on the weather and season, make sure you bring plenty of comfortable clothing – including socks and shoes – as your little one is likely to want to do a lot of walking. It’s also important to pack a change of clothes for your child in case of accidents or getting messy from playing games.

Nappies and wipes

Another essential item that should make it into your list of what to bring with you to Disney when you have a toddler in tow is none other than nappies and baby wipes. You will definitely need these, especially if your toddler is potty training. The nappies will be beneficial in case they have an accident. Wipes are also a must-have for cleaning up messes.

Snacks and drinks

There are plenty of places to buy food in Disney parks, but it can get expensive. Pack some snacks and drinks to save money during your visit. This is also a lifesaver when you travel with your toddler from one attraction to another and you don’t have a food or drink stall nearby to keep your child’s hunger at bay. Also, don’t forget to bring along a refillable water bottle to ensure your child stays hydrated all the time.

Sunscreen and hats

Another item you will want to bring is sunscreen. The sun can be very strong in Florida and California, and it is important to protect your child’s skin. Make sure to choose a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and apply it liberally on you and your child before heading outdoors (and regularly throughout the day). Also bring a hat or cap, especially if you plan on spending the day at the park.

Enjoy Disney with your toddler!

Disney offers a variety of attractions that both toddlers and parents will enjoy. There is something for everyone, from rides to shows to character meet and greets. However, it goes without saying that you should be prepared with the necessary baby items that your toddler will need for the trip so that your kid will stay happy and comfortable as you explore the wonders of Disney together.

Hope this helps, and have a wonderful time at Disney!

This article was written by BabyJourney.net for Kidspot.

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The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold | Kids Book Review

Posted on 20/05/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content

What if you could communicate with a whale? The Lost Whale is the enchanting second novel from Hannah Gold, the author of the bestselling and award-winning debut novel The Last Bear.

Unforgettable highly accomplished animal adventure about the connection between a boy and a whale, with strong ecological themes – The Bookseller, Editor’s Choice

Rio has been sent to live with a grandmother he barely knows in California, while his mum is in hospital back home. Alone and adrift, the only thing that makes him smile is joining his new friend Marina on her dad’s whale watching trips. That is until an incredible encounter with White Beak, a gentle giant of the sea changes everything. But when White Beak goes missing, Rio must set out on a desperate quest to find his whale and somehow save his mum.

Dive into this incredible story about the connection between a boy and a whale and the bond that sets them both free. Perfect for readers of 8+ and beautifully illustrated throughout by Levi Pinfold (illustrator of Harry Potter 20th anniversary edition covers).

Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for The Lost Whale below

Book review from Kyra, aged 9

This book is about a boy called Rio who has to go and stay in California with his grandma. He meets an interesting girl named Marina, who shows him the world of whale watching. Rio bonds with a whale called White Beak and is then devastated when the whale goes missing. The book then follows his journey to find White Beak before it’s too late.

I really enjoyed this book and was super happy when it arrived and I saw that it was about whales, because I love whales. There are beautiful illustrations throughout the book, including a map that shows the whales migration path. I found this very interesting as I didn’t know that whales followed a route.

I would recommend this book to people who like sea creatures, other animals and who love to read.

Book review from Jessee, aged 13

The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold is a story about a boy named Rio who is struggling as he is staying with his Grandma while his Mum is in hospital. On a whale watch every thing in his life changes after he meets a whale.

I love how this book’s events are laid out in a fun way and I also love the fact that the book is as heartwarming as Rio and the whale finds a way they can understand each other. Every part I read makes me feel like I’m on an adventure.

The Lost Whale is a book I will read again and again. I would give The Lost Whale book a 10/10 and I would recommend this novel for 10-13 year olds. Love the book!

Book review from Hamish, aged 12

This story takes place in Los Angeles and is based on a child named Rio. he goes to stay with his Grandma Fran for a couple of weeks, while his mother is in hospital.

While at Grandma’s house Rio comes across his mothers special box and he finds a drawing of a whale called White Beak. Rio becomes determined to find White Beak to make his mother happy again. He then meets a girl named Marina and becomes friends with her. Her father’s name is Birch and he owns a boat. Birch takes tourists on their boat while Marina helps. Rio enlists their help to try and find White Beak and the adventure begins on the hunt for the lost whale.

I loved this book because it was full of emotion, it also felt so real from the way that the author described everything. Some parts of the story were depressing and realistic, for example the lives of Rio and his mother. Other parts of the story were also funny, like how Rio holds the binoculars and that his Grandma Fran gets seasick easily. There were very good descriptive words used throughout the story. I liked that it taught me a lot more about whales, such as how they communicate.
Overall I’d give this book an 8.5 out of 10.

Book review from Dani, aged 10

This is the story about Rio whose mum goes to hospital so he has to live with his grandmother who he doesn’t know, and he feels sad because he misses his mum.

He meets a whale called White Beak and they bond, when White Beak goes missing Rio jumps into action to find him.

I really liked this book, it made me happy and sad. It was an adventure but also showed his bonds and love for his family and his new friend which was a whale.

Book review from Leo, aged 8

The Lost Whale, by Hannah Gold, is a story about a boy named Rio who has to stay with his grandmother while his mum is in hospital.

Rio soon discovers a connection between himself and a special whale named White Beak. The journey they set off on will change Rio’s life forever.

I liked this book and managed to read it all in just a few days. It is well written and easy to understand. The pictures drawn are nice, and almost look real. I learnt a lot about whales and the ocean too.

I would recommend this book to my friends.

Grab your copy of The Lost Whale now!

What I like about this book is the great adventures and Rio’s special friendship with Marina and the whales. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I give it a 10/10.

Zack, aged 10

This book was very interesting and kept me wanting to read more. I would recommend this book to those who love adventures, family and friendship.

Abigail, aged 9.

Families were provided with a copy of the book for the purposes of the review. Views are those of the reviewers. This article contains information provided by HarperCollins.

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Skandar And The Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman | Kids Book Review

Posted on 16/05/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content

Unicorns don’t belong in fairy tales; they belong in nightmares. So begins Skandar and the Unicorn Thief. Soar into a world where unicorns are real – and they’re deadly. They can only be tamed by the rider who hatches them.

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is the first book in the hotly anticipated new fantasy adventure series for readers age 9+, from A. F. Steadman. The story follows thirteen-year-old Skandar Smith who has only ever wanted to be a unicorn rider. But when the time finally comes for him to discover his destiny, the mysterious and frightening Weaver steals the most powerful unicorn in the world – and becoming a rider proves a lot more dangerous than he could ever have imagined.

Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, fierce sky battles, ancient secrets, nail-biting races and, of course, bloodthirsty unicorns. This will be the biggest new series of 2022.

Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for Skandar and the Unicorn Thief below

Book review from Zara, aged 11

Kia ora. This book is about a pre-teen boy becoming a unicorn rider. Skander, the main character, has a family of three including his sister and dad. Skander has been studying for the exam that lets him be a unicorn rider for months but showed up on the day of the test and the teacher said that he could not take the test. He was devastated but somehow he ended up becoming a rider. Along the way he meets friends, enemies and rivals and maybe even family.

For me this was a really enjoyable book and it is an appropriate book for my age group. I liked how there was action, mystery and fantasy. When you thought the story was going to end there, the author brought more plot twists and action.

If I had to rate this book out of ten it would be a 9. In the story it didn’t dive into what Skander’s younger years were like and how he became who he was in the book. Perhaps if this was to be a series, one of the books could be exploring his formative years and how he got where he was.

I really liked this book and would love to read the rest of the series!

Book review from Ciara, aged 9

I really enjoyed this book and I would love to be able to hatch my own unicorn. I love Skandar and his sister Kenna and when he hatches his unicorn Scoundrels Luck which is my favourite bit.

I didn’t like the Weaver – he was mean as he was stealing unicorns and killing people.

I do think that unicorns used to be real.

[In this book} you never knew what would happen next but I can’t wait for the next book.

Book review from Tomas, aged 9

This book is about a boy who has a pet unicorn named Scoundrel’s Luck. Together they try to stop wild unicorns killing innocent people.

Who is this mysterious Weaver person and why does she keep stealing race winning unicorns? Can Skandar stop the Weaver from taking and killing all the unicorns in time?

I recommend this book to all genders that like exciting adventure stories.

Book review from Peyton, aged 9

I really enjoyed this book – it has a lot of things in it that I like: magic, unicorns, suspense. It really kept me interested right through the whole story.

It had some scary parts, and some really gross descriptions in some parts but this made the book even better.

Skandar is a great main character, his sister is also a big part. He loves Unicorns and drawing unicorns. He starts out as a quiet boy who doesn’t have any friends, and ends up being the hero of the story.

A cool book and story and I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Book review from Brody, aged 11

This story is full of adventure and keeps you on edge while reading, needing to know what’s coming next. I’ve enjoyed it so much I’ve even started to read it for the second time. Another thing that I liked was the adventurous style of the writing.

Skandar was a mainlander with no friends, he had a sister called Kenna who was a year older than him and is a little protective, and a single dad who doesn’t usually wake up in the morning (except for the day of the chaos cup) and drinks a lot of beer. Everyone who turned 13 on the mainland had to take The Hatchery Exam to have a chance to go to the island and become a Unicorn Rider.

In this story the unicorns are not as you may think, in fact they’re probably the exact opposite of what you thought, I mean, They’re ferocious, deadly, and have an awful stench. There are 5 different elements you and your unicorn can be allied to: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, And the death element Spirit. Skander was allied to the spirit element.

Skander makes friends along the way in this book Bobby, Flo, and Mitchell. At the start Mitchell didn’t really like Skander because he was a spirit wielder.

The weaver starts to become a real problem and is kidnapping and collecting people for her army. Skander does heaps of investigating alongside Bobby Flo and Mitchell.

Grab your copy of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief now!

These unicorns are not like the unicorns in fairytales. They are bloodthirsty, deadly and ferocious. But only the wild, unbonded ones are like that. I recommend this book because it is exciting and adventurous. The author did a really great job writing the story. I, myself couldn’t leave the book. I’ll give it five stars.

Michaela, aged 8.

The Chaos Cup is a big event on the Mainland where riders and their unicorns race. The whole town comes to watch or watches on TV like we did the Olympics. Skandar has just turned 13 which means he has to take an exam and if the 13 year olds pass the exam they have to touch a magical door in a rock. If the door moves, they now become unicorn riders. The riders grow up with the unicorn that chooses them, before being able to take part in the Chaos Cup.

Ivy, aged 12.

Want to read more Skandar adventures? Check out our review for book two, Skandar and the Phantom Rider below.

See our review

Families were provided with a copy of the book for the purposes of the review. Views are those of the reviewers. This article contains information provided by HarperCollins.

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Make Your Own Tic Tac Toe Game

Posted on 26/04/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content for Resene

Get the kids painting and create your own colourful tic tac toe game with this easy DIY project.

We asked Kidspot reader Sarah and her two boys to create the project. Follow the instructions, and watch the video below, on how to make your own tic tac toe game.

You will need:

10 medium-sized, smooth rocks – we used 2 Pouring Art Rock Sets from KMart
Wood slice – we used a Wooden Stepping Disc from KMart. If using a slice from a tree trunk, ensure that it’s clean and dry and free of splinters
Resene testpots in various colours – we used: Tree Frog, Turbo Fizz, Patterns Blue, Bright Red, Christalle Clowning Around, Paua, Crusoe, Wet n Wild, Tangerine Traffic Light and Endeavour
Black paint – we used Resene Charcoal
Paintbrushes

Check out the video as well as the step by step instructions below.

Step-by-step instructions to make the tic tac toe game

Step 1

Wipe the rocks with a soft cloth to remove any dust/dirt – ensure rocks are dry before painting. Lay down some newspaper or a splash mat in your painting area. Give the testpots a shake before opening.

Step 2

Choose your paint colours. Either paint the rocks a different colour for each player or paint them whatever colours you like (just don’t use black or very dark colours).

Step 3

Paint a base coat on each of the rocks, one side at a time, allowing them to dry between sides. Be sure to wash your brush between colours. Apply a second coat to the rocks.

Step 4

Once the paint is dry, use a thin brush to paint an ‘X’ on 5 rocks and an ‘O’ on five rocks in black.

Step 5

On the wood slice, use black paint to paint the lines of the tic tac toe board, as pictured. You can use a straight piece of cardboard to help you get a good straight line. Allow the paint to dry between doing the vertical and horizontal lines.

Step 6

Leave everything to dry then play! One person is X’s and the other O’s. Each person takes turns at placing one of their rocks with the X or O face-side up in one of the nine squares on the board. The object of the game is to create a line of three of your symbols either horizontal, vertical or diagonally.

For more projects and colour inspiration visit Resene.co.nz.

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Parents Review The New Clinicians Kids Range

Posted on 22/04/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Developed in New Zealand for Kiwi kids, Clinicians Kids is a range of high-quality and research-based supplements to support healthy, growing little people.

With everything from Brain Beams sugar-free chews to support your child’s mental focus and learning, through to Peaceful Dreams for bedtime calm and healthy sleep patterns, we asked five Kidspot families to trial products from the range and give us their feedback.

Clinicians offer free Naturopath appointments. So if you have any questions about natural health and supplements for your kids simply book online here or call 0800 622 533 Monday – Friday.

Megan: Bedtime routine

The specific issues I was hoping to address were my girls’ difficult bedtime routine – I was hoping to make it more gentle and relaxing for them. Also, I was after bone improvement as my girls frequently complain of painful legs.

We received a phone consult which was helpful and the team member was very knowledgeable and reassuring, it really made me feel much more supported and encouraged that the supplements will help my kids. In the past when buying supplements for them I have never really felt confident or sure that they would be helping. It was so nice to know that there are experts out there to offer advice.

Fun packaging and easy to use

The packaging was a highlight. Inside the box is an image to colour in as well as a fun animal fact for the kids. Both my girls (Daya aged 6 and Aria aged 4) loved the imagery/cartoons and colours.

Overall the Clinicians Kids supplements were easy to use, packaging was excellent, variety in taste was great with the girls finding the BoneCare chewable tablets a bit powdery, but not enough to deter them from asking for more. Their favourite was the Tooth Protect due to the flavour and they enjoyed the Peaceful Dreams liquid –a slight bitter aftertaste but gentle enough to keep the girls asking for it each night. The girls have described it as “apple lemon honey” flavour.
Immune Care was also easy to use in different situations, on top of yoghurt was our go-to.

Results speak for themselves

Results I have noticed are that the girls aren’t complaining of leg pain any longer and for the duration of this trial they didn’t become unwell – perhaps thanks to the Immune Care sachets. This is noted as at school most of their peers had experienced a cold yet both Daya and Aria did not.

The thing that has really made the most noticeable and significant difference is the Peaceful Dreams liquid. Aria (4 years old) found the Peaceful Dreams made a difference for her, she says it “makes bedtime nice”. There was a clear change in her bedtime routine once we started using the liquid. Usually an hour after dinner the girls have the Peaceful Dreams liquid as part of their bedtime routine. It really did make an impact in the girls’ behaviour just being a little bit more calm and receptive to actually going to sleep vs hyper and not wanting to relax. I highly recommend this product, and love that it’s helped us so much.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to review Clinicians Kids Range, we are very grateful and I will certainly be recommending the Peaceful Dreams to other mums!

Megan

Hannah: Growing pains

I was given the opportunity as a reviewer for products from the Clinicians Kids range for my three children to trial aged 7, 6, and 2 (2-year-old was able to trial the Immune Care due to age guidelines).

I had a phone consultation with the naturopath Rochelle and she was amazing. Any questions I had regarding the products I received she answered, as well as giving me a talk on each product and its benefits. She made me feel comfortable about the products and that no question was a silly question to ask. After talking she also said she’d look at sending me an immune system support sample pack to trial for myself which did arrive.

Packaging was very fun for kids and made them interested in wanting to try the product. We loved the colouring option on the inside of the box.

Peaceful Dreams

With Peaceful Dreams I was hoping to help both our 7 and 6-year-old to relax at the end of the night and stay asleep throughout the night. As well, our 6-year-old daughter has night terrors. It was very easy to use especially coming with its own measuring cup.

Both my 7 and 6-year-old enjoyed the taste – it was like a sweet apple syrup, had a slight tangy flavour aftertaste. My 7-year-old who’s autistic doesn’t like lollies or fruit flavours but easily took this product.

I didn’t notice any results with my 7-year-old autistic son while trialling this product which I had hoped. It might of helped with lowering his stimulation before bed and keeping him asleep longer but I did notice with my 6-year-old daughter she was calmer at night time. We got recommended to take 5mls 20 mins before bed then a further 15ml at bedtime. Also, her night terrors improved.

All in all, based on the success with our 6-year old I would look at purchasing this for her in the future.

Immune Care

The Immune Care sachets were really easy to use and giving the option of milk or water to add them to were great as they suited different children’s tastes. We trialled with milk and also water for all 3 children. I was pleased to trial this product as our 7-year-old has asthma and for general all-round health. Our 7-year-old autistic son who is very fussy with fruit flavours and has a limited diet enjoyed the flavour of this and took it with ease each night over the trial period with water. Our 2-year-old also preferred it with water, whilst our 6-year-old enjoyed it with milk.

We didn’t notice any health benefits while taking part in the trial but knowing the product is good for immunity, especially respiratory health and having a child with asthma, I would continue to purchase.

BoneCare

Both our 6 and 7-year-old get growing pains, especially in their legs. BoneCare was suitable for both of them to have. They were a pleasant smelling vanilla chewable pill that my 6-year-old really enjoyed. My 7-year-old found the texture of the pill unpleasant although he is very sensitive to textures – he did enjoy the flavour and smell.

We didn’t notice any results whilst trialling this product but considering how easy it was for especially our 6-year-old to take I’d like to purchase again for overall bone development and hopefully help with growing pains as all our children experience them. Also, it would be extra support of nutrition/calcium for our 7-year-old autistic son. I would be curious to know if crushing them and adding them to milk they’d give the same result as the texture did put my son off.

Tooth Protect

Tooth Protect was suitable for my 7-year-old (7+ age range). The tablets were raspberry flavour and smelt like raspberry (very pleasant). As my son is autistic and has a limited diet I would love to continue with these knowing he’s losing more baby teeth and giving his adult teeth more protection. Chewing the pill he didn’t find pleasant but we did get some success getting him to quickly chew followed by a drink of water. Although we didn’t notice any results whilst trialling the peace of mind knowing we are adding extra protection to his teeth that I’ve always worried about was great.

Hannah

Yasmin: Struggling with sleep

My son is a 4.5-year-old active boy who has struggled with sleep his whole life. He finds it hard to fall asleep and then often wakes through the night. Sometimes with nightmares, sometimes just needing to be resettled with cuddles. More recently he would wake up complaining of sore legs. Peaceful Dreams and BoneCare seem to be the ideal products for his needs.

Upon receiving the products, I rang the naturopath’s phone number to discuss the products and follow up any questions. The lady was wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable and she patiently answered all the questions I had about the products. Including when to use them, what for, etc. What a great bonus to have this service!

All three containers open out to a little colouring activity for the child, which my son loved.

BoneCare

My son seems to like the taste of the tablets and reminds me that he needs to take his giraffe vitamins every day. This is a bonus in my books as I don’t have to force or bribe etc. The pill is reasonably large but is chewable. The pill jar doesn’t have a childproof lid though and my son can easily open it and help himself. I find that a bit of an issue, especially since he enjoys the taste, so we have to put it high up well out of his reach and hidden.

Peaceful Dreams

My son enjoys taking this – he loves the flavour, but as with BoneCare the lid is not childproof and could easily be opened by my son. A little measuring cup is provided which is super helpful too. The actual medication seems to soothe and calm my son before bed and he’s been having more settled evenings since taking it. The Naturopath advised that he doesn’t need to take it every night just on nights (or days) that he seems overactive or not winding down.

Immune Care

My son was not able to take the full dose of Immune Care. This is a sachet of powder that is recommended to be mixed with 150ml of water or milk. My son really disliked having it in water. We tried milk but 150ml seemed too much, even though he’s normally a milk drinker. We tried with 100ml and he was able to drink that but found it to be a chore. I would love for this to be provided in an alternative format for consumption. (Note from Clinicians: The amount of fluid can be varied to suit your child. Immune Care can also be used in juice or a smoothie or taken with yoghurt, just nothing hot which can damage the probiotic.)

Thank you for the opportunity to trial these products. As they stand I would probably continue on with Peaceful Dreams and BoneCare but would be unlikely to purchase Immune Care as he just refuses to drink it. It is, however, the one I wish he would take due to the current Covid climate.

Yasmin

Starra: Two growing boys

We absolutely loved giving the Clinicians range a try. My 4-year-old and 12-year-old boys tried different things. All in all, I really enjoyed trying these products. Some did not work out for us but definitely worth the try and loved the cute animals they have for each – it really made Mr 4 even more keen to try out the products.

Tooth Protect was amazing for Mr 12. He has been taking it every day and will definitely be getting more as you only have one set of teeth! 5/5

BoneCare was great for my 12-year-old. He has been taking it and has found that his growing pains haven’t been as bad which is a bonus. Unfortunately for Mr 4 he didn’t much like the chalkiness of the tablets. 4/5

Mr 4 absolutely loved Immune Care. Every day he has it in his milk and even pours it himself and stirs it up! Definitely going to keep this going through those cold winter months! 5/5

Peaceful Dreams was amazing for Mr 4. We have it with our other bedtime meds and I swear it knocks him out 80% faster and easier than before. He loves the taste and I love that it makes bedtime so much more peaceful going off to dreamland. 5/5

We tried Nasal Clear with Mr 4 as he has big nasal issues and unfortunately wasn’t a go for us and didn’t help at all. So we will stick to his prescribed stuff, unfortunately. 2/5

Starra

Inge: Important immunity support

We have a very fussy 4 year old girl that tried the three products provided to us. The packaging was awesome. We received the Nasal Clear, Peaceful Dreams and Immune Care.

Nasal Clear Mānuka

We have used the Nasal Clear even though it was not required at the specific time. She liked the product and definitely a more preferred product to Fess Little Noses Saline. The honey aspect of the product gave it the go-ahead from our side.

Peaceful Dreams

Its says on the Peaceful Dreams box to support children who struggle to relax. We are quiet lucky and don’t have any problem with our little girl falling asleep and relaxing but we did try the product. I personally think she had a good calm sleep that night, even though she refused to take the product again, she didn’t like the taste of it.

Immune Care

We did a little mix of Immune Care with the milk as suggested on the box, daughter didn’t like the flavour of the banana. However my husband had a taste and said you could hardly taste the banana. I have now doubled the milk as what is on the description of the box and she don’t even notice the taste. So this is definitely yes from mum. Immune support is extremely important for me as a parent with a toddler as they literally pick up every germ possible around at childcare, so I will continue to use this product during winter and hopefully we can escape the bad colds.

I would continue to try and use all these products and see if it works over the long term. Thank you again for the opportunity to review these products.

Inge

The new Clinicians Kids range is available in-store and online exclusively at Pharmacies and Health Stores including:

Reviewers were provided with a selection of Clinicians Kids products for the purpose of the review. Views are those of the reviewers.

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Quorn Vegan Roarsomes

Posted on 18/04/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

Kidspot parents gave Quorn Roarsomes an overall rating of

3.8 out of 5

Try NEW Quorn Roarsomes – a healthy, meat-free alternative to a chicken nugget!

Totally vegan, dino-liciously crispy, and tasty – that’s new Quorn Roarsomes! These savoury dinosaur-shaped crunchy nuggets make mealtime fun. They’re also an exceptionally healthy meal option for the young (and the young at heart!) boasting a 5-star health rating.

🦖 What’s in Quorn Roarsomes?

Quorn Roarsomes are made with mycoprotein, coated in breadcrumbs. Mycoprotein is a highly nutritious plant-based protein, which is derived from a natural micro-fungus (Fusarium Venenatum). The fungus is fermented in a similar way to yogurt, which promotes growth of the mycoprotein and from the mycoprotein, Quorn is made.

🦖 Why Quorn Roarsomes are good for kids

Quorn Roarsomes are a healthy and convenient vegan meal option that adds fun and deliciousness to any meal.

High in protein
5-star health rating
Great source of fibre – 8.4 g per 100g
Low in sodium – 620mg per 100g
Low in saturated fat – 900g per 100g (chicken nuggets have a minimum of 1200g of saturated fat per 100g)
Soy-free

Quorn Roarsomes are available at Countdown and selected New World and PAK’nSAVE stores.

For further information, visit Quorn.co.nz.

🦖 Read the reviews!

We’ve given 10 families the chance to trial and review Quorn Roarsomes. See their photos below and scroll down to read more reviews in the comments.

Overall I thought they were a fun alternative to meat and like the fact that they are healthier than other options like chicken nuggets. They were also super easy to prepare and crisp up nicely & have a good texture.

sarah.elizabeth158

The boys were super excited that they were in the shape of dinosaurs. They both ate them all up and asked for some more. We would look to buy these at the shops in the future. They were a win in our household.

Katnaylan

Golden and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Tasted a lot like your regular chicken nuggets so are a healthier alternative for meat free dinners that your kids will still love (that still have protein in them).

Neha

Reviewer notes

If you have received the product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment.
Upload your review photos/videos to this Dropbox folder.
Each selected reviewer will receive: 1 x 240g box of Quorn Roarsomes (6 per pack)
By registering for this product trial, you agree to the terms and conditions. Please note that comments, images, or videos provided by reviewers may be used by Quorn on their website and social media channels to promote the product.

Please note

If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile.
Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
Not a member yet? Then sign up now.
Kidspot 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, email address, and contact phone number will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery.

Why Kids Need More Than Just Calcium For Bone Health

Posted on 29/03/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

As kids, we were told to drink lots of milk to ensure that we grew up with strong, healthy bones. What you may not have realised is that there’s more to bone health than just calcium.

Did you know that the bones in your body reach their maximum strength and density by approximately 18 years for girls and age 20 for boys? Bone development starts in the womb, but optimal bone growth occurs in childhood and teens with around 40% of their bone mass (the amount of bone tissue in the skeleton) being built between 9 and 14 years of age.

So you can see how nurturing your child’s bone health during these growing years can play an important part in ongoing bone density and strength in later life.

What do bones need?

Calcium is necessary for bone health, but it’s not the only requirement. In order for calcium to be absorbed properly into our bones we need Vitamin D. So be sure to send the kids out for some fresh air and sunshine (whilst being sun smart) after their glass of milk!

Other nutrients that are important for bone health include magnesium (for flexibility), zinc, manganese, and boron.

For foods that cater to many of these requirements, you can’t go past leafy green vegetables like lettuce, spinach, rocket, and seaweed, or veggies from the brassica family (broccoli, bok choy, cabbage). They contain calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. They’re also alkaline foods that can help to lower the acidity in the blood. As calcium is also used by the body to reduce acidity, eating these foods can help to ensure that more of the body’s supply of calcium is retained for bone growth.

Other sources of essential minerals and vitamins for bone health include meat, fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, dairy products, and eggs.

The importance of exercise

Another way to support your child’s bone health is to ensure that they are engaging in weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercise is movement that makes you move against gravity whilst on your feet and can assist in building bone density. Examples are jogging, skipping, dancing, basketball, netball, tennis, etc.

See more:

Written 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”

Zeapure VitaScoop Immunity Support

Posted on 25/03/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

Kidspot parents gave Zeapure VitaScoop an overall rating of

4.3 out of 5

Supercharge every day with Zeapure VitaScoop!

Zeapure VitaScoop is a delicious and convenient family supplement, made in New Zealand from premium dairy. Formulated with essential vitamins and minerals, plus Omega 3 and protein, it’s ideal for kids, teens, and adults.

There’s no added sugar or sweetener, it’s gluten-free, and so convenient – prepare in 30 seconds as a yummy shake or smoothie, with breakfast cereal, in baking, and even on desserts!

With selenium, zinc, iron and vitamin C, Zeapure VitaScoop is an essential immunity boost and is specifically formulated for kids (4-13yrs) and families (14+ yrs). Supercharged with 17 vitamins and minerals, healthy energy, no artificial colours/flavours and natural nutrition from New Zealand farms, Zeapure VitaScoop is available in tasty Chocolate and Vanilla, as value cans or single-serve sachets, from your local retailer or online.

Zeapure VitaScoop is available online or at selected stores nationwide – click here to find your local stockist.

For further information, visit Zeapure.co.nz, Facebook or Instagram.

Read the reviews now!

We’ve given members with a child aged 4+ the opportunity to trial and review Zeapure VitaScoop Immunity Support. See their photos below and scroll down to read more reviews in the comments.

This is amazing for my gluten intolerant kids! Coming home after a league match and having this is amazing! Great single serves, kids love the taste! They wanted more! Loved the vanilla flavour. So good knowing they are having vitamins that they need! Will definitely be getting more.

Timmi6981

I had high hopes that this would be a yummy addition to our blueberry smoothies and I wasn’t wrong. We all found it really delicious! It gave the smoothie an extra oomph of flavour and goodness. I would highly recommend these

briii12

How good is Zeapure VitaScoop?! Reeeeallllllyyyyy GOOD!! According to Mr 4.5yr old and also to me, Mum! My guy loved shaking up his chocolate flavoured VitaScoop and I don’t believe it lasted long in his cup, then we made a yummy morning tea smoothie with the vanilla flavour. Both times he has been filled up for longer and required less snacks between main meals.

amandacam

My 14 is T1 diabetes and she loves it just the fact that it has no sugar is music to my ears and she doesn’t have to worry about at all great to have something that is healthy and good especially for diabetic side of things thank you for creating it

Jovess

My 4 year old hates eating breakfast but we have now found a new alternative, she loves it, especially being able to mix it up herself. She loves it with banana! In her words the flavour is delicious. Miss 14, typical teenager, always wants something quick and easy, this product is perfect! Tastes amazing, can add anything to it (fruit and veges) and the best thing about it, I know her mind and body are getting all the right nutrients. We are definitely purchasing more of this product and if you haven’t yet, just do it, you will not regret it!

tunzdhg

Reviewer notes

If you have received the product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment.
Upload your review photos/videos to this Dropbox folder.
Each selected reviewer will receive 9 x single-serve sachets of Zeapure VitaScoop in each of these three varieties – Kids Chocolate, Kids Vanilla, Family Vanilla.
By registering for this product trial, you agree to the terms and conditions. Please note that comments, images, or videos provided by reviewers may be used by Zeapure on their website and social media channels to promote the product.

Please note

If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile.
Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
Not a member yet? Then sign up now.
Kidspot 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, email address, and contact phone number will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery.

9 Cheap & Easy Ways To Make Meals Stretch Further

Posted on 18/03/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

The cost of feeding the family, along with other everyday costs, just seems to keep going up and up. To help make the most of your grocery budget, here are nine easy ways to make family meals stretch further.

Whether you’re wanting to use a small portion of meat or a cheap cut to create a tummy-filling dinner, make meals stretch to feed more people, or cook a larger batch so you have leftovers for another day, these cheap and easy tips will help you make the most of what’s in your fridge, freezer, and pantry.

1. Cheap cuts

Don’t overlook those cheaper cuts of meat just because you think they won’t taste as good. Cheaper cuts such as shoulder, brisket, or meat on the bone can be cooked in your slow cooker until tender and juicy. Slow and low cooking breaks down the toughness and means you get more usable meat for your dollar.

2. Bulk up the protein

By adding cheaper protein sources you can reduce the amount of meat that your dish needs and yet still keep the basic flavour. Chickpeas or lentils are great for adding to curries, casseroles, and stews, while beans (red kidney, pinto, cannellini, navy, black, etc) are great for chillis, hotpots and Mexican dishes. You can also add strips of plain omelette to Asian rice dishes.

3. Veggies, veggies, veggies

Making your meals go further by adding veggies has the added benefit of helping you reach your 5-a-day. Sliced or diced zucchini, carrot, tomatoes, pumpkin, and capsicum are easy additions to casseroles and bakes. You can also grate zucchini or carrot into sauces. Broccoli, cauliflower, or peas are an easy addition to curries and casseroles, especially if you use frozen – just make sure you either soften them in the microwave first or cook them in the sauce long enough to cook through. Baby spinach seems to be great in just about everything and is surprisingly easy to grow at home!

As veggies tend to be cheaper than meat you may also want to introduce a vegetarian meal or two each week into your family dinner plan.

4. Lots of sauce

As long as there’s plenty of sauce to go with pasta or rice, no one really notices if the meat content is reduced. If you use a premade tomato-based pasta sauce, adding a can of chopped tomatoes is an easy option to ensure there’s plenty of sauce to go around. For cream-based sauces, you can add a few dollops of cream cheese or Greek yoghurt. For curries, adding coconut milk or coconut cream will make your sauce go further. It makes the sauce slightly sweeter and less intense, which is often great for kids (and adults who can’t do spice!).

5. Adding easy staples

Staples like rice, pasta, and potatoes are great for bulking up meals. Add rice to curries and Mexican dishes. Pasta can be added to soups, while potatoes are also great in curries, casseroles or stews. Experiment with other grains too like couscous and quinoa. Staples are also an easy way to use up leftovers. Cooked meats and leftover veggies can be used in fried rice or pasta dishes.

Why rice is really nice

6. Clear the fridge and use up leftovers

Wilted greens, remnants of deli meats, and half-used vegetables are common inhabitants of the fridge. Along with leftover cooked veg and meats, you can use them to make fritters, fill toasted sandwiches, pop them in a frittata or quiche, or chuck them in a stir fry. Try to have one meal each week that uses up all the bits and pieces from the fridge – Sunday lunch is a good time for this. Homemade pizzas are also an ideal way to use up leftovers.

7. Plan ahead and reduce waste

One of the best ways to reduce your grocery bill (and reduce waste) is to make sure you’re only buying what you need. So make a meal plan, ideally using plenty of what’s already in the fridge, freezer, or pantry, then make a shopping list and stick to it.

Keep the contents of your fridge organised and visible so you’re more likely to use the contents before they go off.

Rather than throwing them out in the compost, you can use veggie scraps to make stock. Just freeze scraps in a container until you have enough to cook up the stock.

5 golden rules of meal planning

8. Add extras

While it’s not ideal nutrition, occasionally adding extras to a meal like bread rolls, Yorkshire Puddings, tacos, or wraps, can be an inexpensive way to make more of a meal. This is especially handy when an unexpected dinner guest arrives.

Adding an extra side of veggies can be a healthy way to stretch a meal. Frozen or canned veggies are easy and quick to cook and handy to have in the pantry or freezer.

9. Bump up the salad

Once you’ve got the usual salad ingredients, add some sliced fruit like apples or pears, cubed cheese, nuts, seeds, corn, couscous, quinoa, or homemade croutons.

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Written by Julie Scanlon

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

Mums Review: Save The Children Good Food Guide

Posted on 16/03/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Save The Children recently gave NZ families the opportunity to engage their kids in learning why good food matters through their Good Food Guide. Inside was a seed pack and recipes, plus information on how to help families and children overseas get the good food they need too.

We asked three Kiwi mums to let us know what they thought of the Good Food Guide and Seed Pack.

Kids in the garden

Why try to explain miracles to your kids when you can just have them plant a garden. – Robert Brault

As food prices increase, seemingly by the week, the focus of many households on being able to provide enough food to feed their family has never been stronger. In New Zealand, we are incredibly blessed with pretty much perfect conditions for growing a wide variety of crops. This summer has brought into sharp focus for many the impacts that future climate changes may bring. However, compared to other countries suffering with even greater issues with heat, rain and other extreme weather conditions, New Zealanders remain in an exceptionally privileged position of being able to grow much of their own food. Growing a few of your own crops (herbs, vegetables or fruit) remains, to me, one of the easiest and most accessible ways of being able to top-up your family’s nutrition, whilst reducing your carbon footprint and with the added bonus of being able to save some coin on your weekly shop.

Now, don’t get me wrong, having kids in the garden with you, especially as a novice gardener yourself, isn’t that easy. My kids remove seedlings instead of weeds when weeding, they get a little crazy with the seeds when planting and things randomly sprout all over the place (like 8 butternuts which are currently sat in our garden bed that I had no idea were there), squeal when they uncover a worm or a skink, and they eat most of the strawberries before I get a chance to have a taste myself. But they really enjoy being out in the garden with me, and ask to go out there. It is a happy place, one which gives them as much pleasure as it gives me. They love seeing how food grows and different stages of its development, they love tasting the fruit and veggies straight after they are picked, they love watching the bees and butterflies (and we’re working on the worms) and they love being able to truly participate in something, and not just watch from the sidelines. This is why I believe gardening with kids is so valuable – a better understanding of food and the environment, better nutrition and more willingness to try fruit and vegetables, empowered kids who take ownership, as well as more patience and acceptance of mistakes (that one is for me too if I’m honest …). It’s also why I love getting my kids in the garden with me, even if a deep breath is sometimes required! So I was excited to try out the Growing Healthy Kids seed kit from Save The Children as a project which my kids could help me with from start to finish.

The kit contains a Growing Healthy Kids guide, as well as a pack of carrot seeds to get you growing. The guide is presented in a really family-friendly way, with heaps of information but also loads of pictures, making it great for kids and adults to share together. As soon as we received the guide my kids (aged 6 and 3) started reading the booklet together, loving looking through the pictures and my eldest reading most of the words to her younger sister. The DIY guide, which is also found in a less detailed version on the seed packet for when you come to plant the seeds, was set out to encourage even the most novice gardener to have a go, and the page giving details on which vitamins and minerals a body needs to grow prompted some really interesting discussion about the things we liked to eat which contained them, and what would happen if we didn’t eat enough.

But the page my kids loved the most was the recipe page. The pictures looked so enticing they wanted to try them all, however we settled on making the Nepalese Carrot pudding and the baked carrot chips. The chips were delicious – in fact, the first batch was eaten so quickly (approximately 30 seconds), I had to make another. They were a lovely mix of sweet and savoury, with a really great crunch, and would be perfect for a snack box or lunchbox. The Nepalese carrot pudding was a little more involved to produce, but still pretty simple. I have to say, I was a little dubious of how it would turn out, but it was sweet and creamy and subtly spiced. My kids gobbled it up, and have asked to make it again, so I will definitely be keeping that recipe.

In addition to the information for parents and kids in New Zealand, the guide also has information on the ways it has helped families and communities across the Pacific with tools and expertise to become more productive and also resilient in the face of a more extreme climate. In particular, the kids loved hearing about how Mr Chhuon Yi went from growing 120kgs to 1329kgs of cucumbers, enabling him to send all of his kids to school. My eldest daughter also loved Gloria’s story about growing food at school after a cyclone destroyed her and many other families’ gardens. Growing food at school means kids have plenty of food to eat at lunchtime, and by choosing stronger crops this will be able to continue into the future, no matter what the climate throws at them. She loved this story as it reminded her of her own school veggie garden, and we talked about how cool it was that the school is able to provide food, as well as how important it was to have a full tummy to learn and play. These types of projects are clearly hugely valuable and based on making communities more resilient and able to grow stronger together towards a future that provides opportunities for everyone.

As my 3-year-old is currently not at Kindy, I decided to save the seed packet as a project for us to do whilst her sister was at school. We were lucky enough to have some space in our veggie bed to plant these seeds, but there were plenty of other options such as using a pot or a small area in your garden if you didn’t have one. Once we had cleared a space in our veggie bed and had a good read of the instructions, we set to work to plant the seeds. At first, my daughter couldn’t believe that the seeds I showed her would become carrots like the ones in our fridge. The instructions were easy enough that, with some guidance, my daughter was able to complete the process herself. She loved making a channel for the seeds and sprinkling them inside and covering them back over with soil, but her favourite activity was watering the seeds in afterwards – because what child doesn’t love a bit of water play! She was so proud of her work that she has been going outside every day since to water them and check to see if they have sprouted yet, and I know she’ll be so excited when they do.

Overall, this kit was really well planned and thought out, accessible for a wide variety of ages and gardening abilities, and really engaging for my kids wanting to grow, and make, some food. The seed pack was such a fun activity for anyone to try, no matter how much space you have, and has the bonus of being able to watch and then harvest your own food to eat as a reward. I would really encourage anyone to give it a go, and maybe you will plant a life-long love of growing in your children.

Katie – Follow Katie’s frugal journey of gardening and home-cooking at @thatfugalmum on Instagram.

Carrots and carbon footprints

My son was so excited to receive his very own “gardening kit” in the mail, we had to plant our seeds straight away! The planting guide was easy to use and my son could follow along with the pictures too.

The Good Food Guide contained awesome information on the amazing work that Save The Children are doing in the Pacific – my son loved reading the stories and seeing the pictures of other families. I explained to him how not all families are fortunate to have food like we do or that sometimes natural disasters occur and that people’s resources are wiped out. This brought up the vital topic of how lucky we are in New Zealand that we have the resources and capabilities to grow our own food and what an important skill it is to learn.

I believe it is incredibly poignant for everyone to learn how to grow and cultivate their own food, not only to know where our food has come from but to reduce our carbon footprint and to ensure we have a supply of fresh food in case of disasters.

My son chose to make the carrots chips (because chips are a favourite of course!). He helped me slice them very thin and he kept a close eye on them when they were in the oven. Once they were done we enjoyed them together with hummus!

Emmeline

The benefits of growing our own

Our seed kit from Save The Children included an information booklet and two packs of carrot seeds. The seeds were neatly packaged with instructions on how to plant them step by step and were easy for kids to understand. The kids were able to follow through and plant their seeds successfully without much help at all.

We read through the booklet together and learnt about the benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as the amazing work Save The Children has done in Cambodia, Nepal and Fiji to help families struggling with poverty and unable to educate their kids because of these challenges.

Save The Children’s involvement in empowering these families through equipping them with skills and giving them the resources to be able to sustain their homes and meet their basic needs has been incredible and enabled them to take care of their families financially as well as educate their children.

My girls (aged 5 and 8) and I discussed more about poverty in other countries (as well as where I am originally from, South Africa); what causes it, as well as the current rising cost of food we are experiencing at the moment in New Zealand. What would we have to do if we could not afford to buy food?!

We also discussed the benefits of being able to grow our own food and being able to feed ourselves – considering the rising costs at the moment of groceries and especially fresh produce with a cauliflower just last week being sold for $14.99. We’re blessed to live in a country that has healthy ground, where crops flourish.

In this day and age of technology and focus on indoor entertainment, a welcome change was being able to get out in the dirt and explore, engage, and acquire skills that will benefit them now as well as generations to come.

The recipes in the book were easy to follow (we made carrot chips) and handy to teach about the versatility of carrots as well as their nutritional value and informing kids of the reasons we as parents insist, they get their 5 a day of fruit and vegetables.

This is a great initiative by Save The Children and definitely one to support not only for our kids but for the help of the many lives that are touched and changed by this organization.

Michelle

To find out more about the work of Save The Children visit their website.

3 Easy Paper Crafts For Easter Fun

Posted on 03/03/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Easter is a wonderful time for kids to get creative. These three easy paper crafts are ready to print – then let the kids decorate them with colour and patterns.

Make bunny ears

Perfect for the Easter parade, dress-ups, or just to wear during the Easter Egg Hunt!

Click the image below to print this activity ⬇️

Make an Easter basket

This cute little basket is an awesome craft to keep the kids busy while you hide those Easter eggs!

Click the image below to print this activity ⬇️

Hanging Easter eggs decoration

This decoration enables the kids to really get imaginative with colour and texture. Don’t just colour them in – add glitter, sequins, and other embellishments!

Click the image below to print this activity ⬇️

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Ukraine: 5 Ways To Talk To Children About Conflict

Posted on 03/03/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Content provided by Save The Children

As hostilities in Ukraine escalate, New Zealand media coverage and social media content will also increase. Children may already be seeing and hearing things about the crisis and experiencing feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and fear, which parents and caregivers will be seeking to address.

It’s important we talk with our children to help them understand the conflict and reassure them of their own safety.

Ane Lemche, a psychologist and child counsellor with Save the Children, provides advice on how we can support our children to cope with the exposure to distressing images, videos and reports about the conflict in Ukraine.

Open and honest conversations

Previous Save the Children research in conflicts such as Iraq and Syria has revealed heartbreaking accounts of children terrified by the shelling and airstrikes, anxious about the future, and distraught at not being able to go to school. The majority of children showed signs of severe emotional distress.

“What is happening in Ukraine can be frightening for both children and adults. Ignoring or avoiding the topic can lead to children feeling lost, alone and more scared, which can affect their health and wellbeing. It is essential to have open and honest conversations with children to help them process what is happening,” said Ms Lemche.

Talking to kids about conflict

Experts at Save the Children share five tools and tips that caregivers can use to approach the conversation with children:

1. Make time and listen when your child wants to talk

Give children the space to tell you what they know, how they feel and to ask you questions. They may have formed a completely different picture of the situation than you have. Take the time to listen to what they think, and what they have seen or heard.

2. Tailor the conversation to the child

Be mindful of the child’s age as you approach the conversation with them. Young children may not understand what conflict or war means and require an age-appropriate explanation. Be careful not to over-explain the situation or go into too much detail as this can make children unnecessarily anxious. Younger children may be satisfied just by understanding that sometimes countries fight. Older children are more likely to understand what war means but may still benefit from talking with you about the situation. In fact, older children will often be more concerned by talk of war because they tend to understand the dangers better than younger children do.

3. Validate their feelings

It is important that children feel supported in the conversation. They should not feel judged or have their concerns dismissed. When children have the chance to have an open and honest conversation about things upsetting them, it can create a sense of relief and safety.

4. Reassure them that adults all over the world are working hard to resolve this

Remind children that this is not their problem to solve. They should not feel guilty about playing, seeing their friends, and doing the things that make them happy. Stay calm when you approach the conversation. Children often copy the sentiments of their caregivers – if you are uneasy about the situation, chances are your child will be uneasy as well.

5. Give them a practical way to help

Support children who want to help. Children who have the opportunity to help those affected by the conflict can feel like they are part of the solution. Children can create fundraisers, send letters to local decision-makers or create drawings calling for peace.

Save the Children has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, delivering essential humanitarian aid to children and their families. This includes supporting access to education, distributing winter kits and hygiene kits, and providing cash grants to families. Their specialists support children to overcome the mental and psychological impacts of their experiences of conflict and violence and increase their ability to cope with stress in their daily lives.

To find out more about the work of Save The Children, visit their website.

See more on Kidspot:

Sparkle Birthday Party Theme

Posted on 02/03/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Who doesn’t love a bit of bling?! Perfect for everyone who loves everything sparkly, shiny, and shimmering – this sparkle party theme is fun and oh-so glittery.

Sparkle party theme invitations

Print out a plain invitation with a big blank space for the recipient’s name. Use a thin nozzled glue stick and write the name in glue then sprinkle with glitter before it sets. Shake off excess glitter into a glitter bowl. You could also use a glitter glue pen or metallic shimmery pen – anything with a little sparkle (you can even get ready-made glitter letter stickers from Spotlight)! Place in an envelope and sprinkle in a few small sequins and send off!

Sparkle party theme costume ideas

This is where those $2 shop costumes are gold: glitter hats, sequinned ties and bow ties, sequinned fedoras and gloves … but there are some other homemade ways to get a little glittery. Hot glue gun some sequins onto a plain T-shirt – randomly or in the shape of the birthday child’s new age. Pair with a glitter ribbon or string of sequins as a belt and some shimmery ballet flats. Too easy!

Sparkle party theme decorations

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A post shared by Pixie Party Boutique (@pixiepartyboutique)

Grab some small mosaic mirror tiles from the local craft or $2 shop. Remove the sticky-back covers and stick the backs together, sandwiching a piece of fishing wire inbetween. Affix more tiles to the wire and hang vertically around the room for a light-reflecting sparkle. They also look great stuck on the wall with a little Blu-Tak (or removable 3M tape with the stick-back covers in place still so you can reuse).
With some thickish cardboard, cut out big block letters of the birthday girl’s name and then decorate each letter a different way: cover one in sequins, one in foil, one in glitter, one in small mirrored tiles, or metallic paint. Then stick on the wall or hang from the ceiling. Would also work with the words “Happy birthday”.
Make sparkly garlands out of glittery ribbon, strings of sequins or foil paper cut into a fringe.

Sparkle party activities and birthday party games

Cover tiny artist canvases in silver foil and arm the kids with metallic and pearl paints to make their own sparkly pictures.
Have a disco party complete with a mirror ball and fairy lights in a darkened room.
Make a sparkly pinata – make this very special piñata.
Make your own crowns or tiaras – grab some ready-made cardboard crowns (from craft shops) or make your own tiara-shaped ones from thin cardboard. In a muffin tray, place all things glittery – little jewels, beads, sequins, glitter, feathers etc – and have the guests get creative on their own crowns.
DIY star wand – cut some thin cardboard into star shapes, let the guests paint with glue then sprinkle glitter onto the glue (give them two stars each). Stick the wrong sides of the stars together with a piece of dowel or wooden skewer (point removed) in between. A messy job, so best done outside!

Sparkle party food ideas

Sparkle party take-home party bag ideas

The kids can take home their crafts and pair them with a homemade giant sparkle freckle. Melt some chocolate in a bowl over simmering water. Once melted, swirl into a circle on a piece of baking paper and sprinkle with silver balls. Set in the fridge.

Written by Kidspot Australia and adapted by Kidspot NZ

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Robot Birthday Party Theme

Posted on 02/03/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Robots are a consistent favourite amongst little kids – especially in this technological age. Indulge their interest with a fun robot-themed birthday party with our tips and ideas.

Robot party theme invitations

On a narrow strip of black paper write the party details with a white or silver pen (preferably in a digital-looking font). Then use a hot-glue gun to stick the short side of the strip to the body of a bolt. Roll the bolt up in the paper so that it sits inside. Use a tiny silver spot sticker to hold the paper in place and deliver to your guests.

Robot party theme costume ideas

Something silvery and boxy! Try making this cute robot costume. For a quick costume idea, attach sparkly pipe cleaners on to a headband and shape into antenna.

Robot party theme decorations

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Think metallics, silver, nuts and bolts.
Buy silver balloons and silver cellophane paper to create streamers.
Raid the toolbox and dig out all the old, never-to-be-used nuts and bolts and washers and string them together to make a garland. Thread the string through a nut, tie it on, then through another one, spacing a few centimetres apart.
Place the food trays and bowls on a paper tablecloth and use the plates and bowls as ‘body parts’ of a robot, drawing the other body parts around it on the paper.
Serve food on silver-coloured plates and drinks in metallic cups with twirly straws that resemble pipes.

Robot party activities and birthday party games

Tin-can robot station: using washed and cleaned tin cans (try sticking some thick duct or packaging tape around the rim to avoid cuts), make up a little table with an assortment of metal bits and bobs – screws, nuts, bolts, washers, as well as some wiggly plastic eyes and springs. Hot-glue small magnets onto each of the pieces and have the kids ‘create’ robots by sticking the magnetic pieces onto the cans.
Robot freeze dance: let the kids do robot dancing, then ‘freeze’ when the music stops.
Edible robot competition: lay out an assortment of foody things in various shapes – crescent apples, rectangle carrots, square bread slices, round sultanas and cucumbers etc and have the kids get creative and ‘play with their food’ to make robots.
Robot races: first to the finish line walking like a robot (straight legs out to the side; arms stiff but bent at the elbow and moving up and down) wins.

Robot party food ideas

Cupcakes – decorate with robot faces or cog shapes
Funny face biscuits
Spaceship cake
Pancake pops
Homemade LCM bars decorated with silver cachous
Stick googly eyes to juice boxes
Pocket pizzas
Veggie sticks with dip

Robot party take-home party bag ideas

Stick robot-style eyes and a mouth on silver-coloured noodle boxes then fill with treats like mini-figures, silver-coloured pencils/pens, stickers, or mini tools.

Written by Kidspot Australia and adapted by Kidspot NZ

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Treasures Nappies & Nappy Pants

Posted on 28/02/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

Kidspot parents gave Treasures Nappies and Nappy Pants an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5

Trust Treasures to keep your little one dry and snug – always

Treasures have been keeping New Zealand babies dry and snug since 1976. Now the iconic Treasures brand has been reimagined by a group of Kiwi parents – with 15 children between them! They seized the opportunity to join together, bought the Treasures brand in 2020 and have revitalised the range with improved quality.

Treasures Comfort are their best nappies yet – the softest, snuggest and driest – with up to 12 hours leakage protection. That means your little treasure is covered, morning, noon, and night. Look out for the super cute bunny packs in stores now!

Treasures are available exclusively at Countdown stores.

For further information, visit Treasures.co.nz

Treasures Nappies are available in six sizes:

Newborn – Stage 1: Up to 5kg
Infant – Stage 2: 4-7kg
Crawler – Stage 3: 6-11kg
Toddler – Stage 4: 10-15kg
Walker – Stage 5: 13-18kg
Junior – Stage 6: 16kg+

Treasures Nappy Pants are available in three sizes:

Toddler – Stage 4: 10-15kg
Walker – Stage 5: 13-18kg
Junior – Stage 6: 16kg+

Read the reviews!

We gave 30 members the chance to trial and review Treasures Nappies or Nappy Pants. See their photos below and scroll down to read more reviews in the comments.

The nappies are a relaxed fit with secure tabs, super absorbent and feels dry from the above and inside for about 10-12 hours. (YES, these are the driest nappies I have tried yet). It can make life so easy while traveling or at night time by providing extra leak protection; hence extra sleep for the mums .The cute packaging is an added bonus.

Aisha

The nappies themselves felt very thin, lovely and soft. They opened out easily and spread out flat underneath baby without any bulky ridges getting in the way. The tabs were out and easy to find/peel open and then came in and securely attached to his front without too much effort from myself.

amandacam

They last all night keeping her feeling dry and there have been no leaks. We are just starting with toilet training and she can pull nappy pants down and when we are out it is so much easier to take her to a toilet and get nappy pants back on.

Laura N

A+++ product. Definitely will be permanently switching and purchasing treasures from here on in, into the future. Highly recommend to other parents and users, friends and family! We are now a Treasures proud fan and household. My washing saviours Treasures!

Dannilouise13

I tried these for the last two nights and have found them great, no leaks. I also like how they are nice and soft and fit well and are easy to put on. The grip tabs grip good and don’t come open when baby moves around and I like the nice stretchy waistband that’s high up on baby’s back.

GONZZE

Reviewer notes

If you have received the product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment.
Upload your review photos/videos to this Dropbox folder.
Each selected reviewer will receive 2 x packs of Treasures Nappies or Nappy Pants.
By registering for this product trial, you agree to the terms and conditions. Please note that comments, images, or videos provided by reviewers may be used by Treasures on their website and social media channels to promote the product.

Please note

If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile.
Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
Not a member yet? Then sign up now.
Kidspot 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, email address, and contact phone number will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery.

Adventure Birthday Party Theme

Posted on 26/02/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

A mysterious blank letter, a treasure hunt, survival skills … think Bear Grylls and Treasure Island mixed together for this adventure party theme that every little explorer will love.

Adventure party theme invitations

Invisible ink invites will most definitely set the scene. Write – or have your child write – the invite, then hand-deliver it in a bottle to party guests for a bit of mysterious fun. Attach a little tag to the bottle that reads “iron me and all will be revealed”.

Adventure party theme costume ideas

An all-weather vest, sturdy shoes, and hat should do the trick of an adventurer costume. If you really want to look the part, you can also add a compass, pretend pocket knife, and a backpack!

Adventure party theme decorations

Photocopy a range of world maps from atlases or print them off the internet – old and new ones – and cover a wall with the maps or make buntings out of them.
Hang plastic snakes in surprising places and spiders on strings through a doorway.
Make shelters from large branches and sheets or follow our step-by-step guide to make a teepee.

Adventure party activities and birthday party games

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Brave the goo pit: Make up a bucket of slime (or even jelly!) and hide something in there. The child has to be blindfolded and sort through the goo to find the prize.
Go on a treasure hunt. Make a map of your yard, or nearby park, and bury some treasure where X marks the spot on the map. Hide some goodies in the spot and have some decoys to send the kids on a bit of a chase to find the real treasure – for example, leave a clue in a spot marked with X.
Shelter challenge: Divide the party guests into two groups and give them the challenge of creating a shelter out of various items – give them some branches, some string or rope, leaves, a tarp, and anything else you think they may be able to use. Give them a certain amount of time to build it in and watch their imaginations go to work.

Dig for buried treasure.
Write a mystery letter in a bottle: Just like the invisible ink invitations, have a table set up with a heap of paper, lemon juice, and cotton tips. Kids can draw a picture or write a note to their parents, who’ll have to earn the right to view the mystery image by ironing over it at home. The offerings can also be placed in a bottle (a juice or small soft-drink bottle) and hand-delivered to parents.
Adventure walk: Grab some magnifying glasses, a compass, binoculars, and an adult, then head off into the wild (even your backyard will do!). Get the kids to work out what direction you’re headed in, according to the compass, and ask them questions about the bugs they see in the garden and what patterns you can see on the leaves under a magnifying glass.

Adventure party food ideas

Sliders or mini burgers
Sausage and onion jam rolls
Campfire birthday cake
Choc chip beetles
Coconut spiders
Grape caterpillars
Cheese twists – stack them up like campfire logs
Kids can cook their own damper on a stick

Adventure party take-home party bag ideas

Get some chest-shaped cake or noodle boxes (try Lincraft or Spotlight), decorate and fill these with gold coins as party favours. Kids will also have their mystery letters to take home.

Written by Kidspot Australia and adapted by Kidspot NZ

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Ballet Birthday Party Theme

Posted on 22/02/202216/05/2026 by Julie Lankow

A ballet party theme will delight any little ballet dancer. Imagine a day filled with dancing, tutus, ribbons, and tulle!

Ballet party theme invitations

Create an invitation by sticking a small piece of tulle onto a card to make it look like a tiny tutu! Or use your computer to design an invite to look like it’s a ticket to the ballet. Google ‘ballet ticket’ for inspiration or use sites like Canva, Picmonkey or Adobe for a selection of free and customisable design options.

Ballet party theme costume ideas

It’s not hard to pick up a tutu from the dress-up shops, but it’s also pretty simple to make your own no-sew tutu with a few layers of tulle. Pair with a singlet, white or pale pink tights and some ballet flats. If they already do ballet, even easier! Those that don’t wish to wear a tutu can dress up in their best party gear ready for dancing!

Ballet party theme decorations

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Tie a bunch of pale pink and white ribbons (or streamers) from tree branches, curtain rods or picture rails. You could also use 3M hooks on the ceiling and hang a piece of dowel with ribbons tied to it to spruce up the space!
If you have the space, clear out the living room and turn it into a dance studio complete with a standing mirror for them all to watch themselves dance in front of.
Make a garland of paper ballerinas with this craft idea.

Ballet party activities and birthday party games

Decorate ballet flats – Grab some simple ballet flats and set up a decorating station with glue, stick-on diamantes or pearls, some sequins and small beads and puff paints.
Make up a dance to teach the kids. Or show them basic ballet lessons.
Play ‘ballet freeze‘ – just like musical statues but with ballet poses.
Pin the tutu on the ballerina.
Make beaded hair rings to place over hair buns – have them string some beads together on a thin piece of ribbon then tie around their bun for extra razzle-dazzle.

Ballet party food ideas

Ballet party take-home party bag ideas

Ribbon wands – a little more rhythmic gymnast than ballerina, but the twirly ribbon on a stick is always a favourite.

Written by Kidspot Australia and adapted by Kidspot NZ

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The Notorious Scarlett and Browne is a fast-paced fantasy adventure set in a broken, future England.

Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for The Notorious Scarlett & Browne below

Book review from Michael (12)

Book review from Sebastian, aged 12

Book review from Hamish, aged 12

Book review from Tessa, aged 11

Book review from Lucas, aged 12

Book review from Holly, aged 13

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Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for Act below

Book review from Leo (8)

Book review from Abigail, aged 9

Book review from Ihaia, aged 8

Book review from Dani-Nicole, aged 10

Book review from Kyle, aged 7

Book review from Eva, aged 9

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Birthday parties are the prime time to celebrate, but you can’t throw a memorable party without organising and planning it. And when it comes to parties, one of the biggest concerns is always what ends up on people’s plates.

Be mindful of food restrictions

Consider the age group

Set a theme

Delegate work to others

Follow your budget

Get creative with it

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As a parent, it can be tough to come up with activities that will keep the kids entertained. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Visit the zoo

Have a picnic

Make some crafts

Play some games

Take a hike

Have a family dance party

Make homemade pizzas

Watch an animated movie

Declutter and clean your house

Have a family photo shoot

Visit a local museum

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A family’s decision to purchase a home is one of the most consequential financial decisions they will make in their lifetime.

1) Set up automatic transfers to your savings account

2) Eliminate unused subscription services

3) Find cost-saving plans on essential bills

4) Track and budget your expenses

5) See what’s out there for smaller deposits

6) Increase your earning potential

Please complete the form below if you have been invited to apply for a Kidspot Creators opportunity.

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We all know how reproduction works, right? The birds and the bees and the trees and the … leaves … Seriously though, even when you know how to get pregnant, it’s not always straightforward. There are intricacies that you might not know about.

It all starts with an egg

Ovulation

Cycle examples2:

Changes you might notice

Mucus

Temperature

Other signs

References

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Hearing your child cough through the night can fill parents with dread during the winter months. Kiwiherb’s new Children’s Goodnight Chest Syrup works to soothe your little one’s airways all night for a well-rested household.

Kiwiherb Children’s Goodnight Chest Syrup

Kiwiherb Organic De-Stuff For Kids

Kiwiherb to the rescue!

Clearing congestion

De-stuffed

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From bestselling author Terri Libenson, Remarkably Ruby is a story about how there’s more to everyone than meets the eye.

Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for Remarkably Ruby below

Book reviews from Ellen (13) and James (10)

Book review from Bella, aged 13

Book review from Holly, aged 11

Book review from Abby, aged 12

Book review from Maggie, aged 12

Book review from Charlie, aged 12

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The battle between Good and Evil begins in Rise of the School for Good and Evil. Go back in time to the beginning and uncover the never-before-told events leading up to Sophie and Agatha’s dramatic arrival and the beginning of their epic fairy tale.

Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for Rise of the School for Good and Evil below

Book review from Jonathan, aged 13

Book review from Ciara, aged 13

Book review from Lydia, aged 12

Book review from Fin, aged 10

Cycle examples²:

The saying “eating for two” is often a source of light-hearted ribbing during pregnancy. But did you know that the recommended dietary intake of some nutrients actually increases by up to 50% when you’re pregnant¹?