Wellington Autumn 2013

Spring iSSue 2012

A news magazine and online resource for families www.familytimes.co.nz Win with Us on FacebookFind us on Facebook

10 Win Win Win Competitions, giveaways

and vouchers6 Family Values

How to encourage the best from your child

14 Board of Trustees Elections

Have your say

WELLINGTON / ISSUE 53 / Autumn 2013

ISSN

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79

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2 www.familytimes.co.nz

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Features4 Anxious children Helping the nervous child excel

5 Disciplining other people’s children Your house, your rules?

6 Family values The importance of family and how to instil values in children

8 Identifying gifted children Is your child an overachiever?

9 Secure attachments in children Getting the best from your child’s education starts in the home

14 Have your say in your child’s education The Board of Trustees elections and how you can get involved

Comment10 Kids’ view We ask kids about what values are important to them

Special features15 Let’s go camping Family-friendly options for outdoor fun

16 Birthday Parties Face painting fun!

17 Top Reads Holiday reading ideas

Resource information5 School term dates12 Calendar of events

13 Entertainment15 Family physical activities16 Help is at hand18 Marketplace

About Us

Distribution: Printed and distributed quarterly approximately two weeks before each major school holiday. 38,121 distributed through early childhood centres, primary and intermediate schools, Christchurch City Council offices, recreational facilities, libraries and service centres, selected medical and midwifery premises and McDonalds restaurants.The opinions expressed in this publication are not those of the publisher unless indicated otherwise. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the publisher. Family Times is not responsible for unsolicited material. Family Times is funded and published solely through the support of its advertisers. They support us, please support them.

Publisher Robyn Willis

Design & ProductionMoody Shokry

Advert ProductionTarget Press Production Office

EditorVanessa O’Brien Assistant EditorRachel TaniwhaDigital editor

Fiona Smith

Contributing WritersTracey-Ann Abery

Maureen Crisp, Michelle van DykDiane Levy, Mary Grant

Rose Blackett, Joseph DriessenSarah Holland, Crissi Blair

Fiona OliphantAdvertising Sales

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inside this issue6 8 16


Look out for these icons throughout the publication for the chance to win great prizes. In this issue, you can win a Mocka Highchair, Lego ® and Draw Something games!

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4 www.familytimes.co.nz4 www.familytimes.co.nz

From the editorMy mother didn’t support my

decision to leave school at 17-years-old to become an office junior at a stockbrokers’ firm. But with all the wisdom of youth, the all-important support of my peers and the desire to make some money, I took the plunge anyway.

Mum had much higher hopes for me. But when things got tough at my first job and the rose-tinted shades came off, she was the last person to suggest that I go back to school.

You have to learn to stick it out and live by your decisions, she said. You can’t give up at the first hurdle.

To a wounded baby animal trying to find its feet, that advice sounded callous - not the kind, warm and fluffy support I was looking for. But she was right. Lesson learned: there are big consequences to flippant and unwise decisions.

So I started the real career I wanted – journalism – much later than I could have, and I always have a slight twinge of regret when I think of the years lost. But I don’t think I could have made it in this career without learning the hard way not to give up, and to stand by my decisions whatever the consequences. This kind of tenacity, determination and work ethic was an unspoken value in our family. My sister, brother and I were never expected to be the best – just the best that we possibly could be with the gifts and talents that we had.

More importantly, our family had values about being good human beings. Honesty, above all else, was treasured. We were taught to honour each other,

If you’ve spotted bright flashes of colour, recycled materials and a hive of activity in

random sites throughout the city, chances are it’s the work of Gap Filler.

Gap Filler is an urban regeneration initiative that temporarily activates vacant sites within the city with creative projects for community benefit, to make for a more interesting and dynamic city post-quakes as the rebuild continues.

If you’re feeling hungry these holidays, try a visit to the new outdoor clay, wood-fired pizza oven at the Summer Pallet Pavilion, based on the old Crowne Plaza Hotel site in Victoria Square. The pizza oven is available for community groups to hire, and was designed by CPIT architecture students.

The temporary pavilion was spearheaded by Gap Filler. It took more than 2500 hours to complete by more than 150 volunteers in collaboration with 40 businesses, and is made out of more than 3000 wooden pallets painted a vivid blue, plus other materials salvaged and borrowed as a result of earthquake damage. It also features a concealed garden and creative landscaping integrated into the walls. Since its completion at the end of 2012, it has been popular as a place to relax and hang out, and has hosted live music,

Filling the gap

cinema, performance and community events. It is well worth a visit these holidays.

If you fancy a dance these holidays, how about the recently completed Dance-o-Mat, an outdoor dance floor? This is its second lease on life; now it’s based on the corner of Cashel Street and Oxford Terrace (formerly home of the Tap Room). Keen dancers can attach their iPod/mp3 player/Discman or phone into the headphone jack in a converted laundromat washing machine, pop in $2 and dance to their own music on site. It’s a site designed to fill the void for many dance venues damaged or moved since the earthquakes.

Prefer a putter around instead? Try mini-golf with a difference, with two new holes (at 801 and 832 Colombo Street) added to what is planned to be a city-wide mini-golf project. Apart from a bit of exercise and a splash of colour, it provides information on-site about which building originally stood, as a form of remembrance.

For more information on upcoming events and projects, check out www.gapfiller.org.nz.

and support each other in our successes and disappointments. Today, although we all live in different countries, we still talk to each other regularly about what’s going on our lives, celebrate the ups and commiserate on the downs.

It wasn’t a perfect family life – I don’t know if anybody has that – but we certainly learned values that have stood us in good stead for living.

When the Family Times’ editorial team met to discuss ideas for this edition, we hit on the idea of family values, and what they mean in society today.

Values are a deliberate decision that we make, and deserve some thought – especially for parents who want to build a strong family with kids who are prepared for life.

So check out our main feature about family values this edition, and keep turning the pages for lots more parenting advice, tips, competitions and ideas for holiday entertainment.

Enjoy!

If you’ve spotted bright flashes of colour, recycled

materials and a hive of activity in random sites

throughout the city, chances are it’s the work

of Gap Filler.

FT_Autumn 13 ChCh.indd 4 21/03/13 12:36 PM

Is your child a worry wart? Do you find yourself constantly reassuring, cajoling, and

coaxing your child? Are they expert at avoiding new experiences?It’s natural for parents to try and reassure their anxious child and to find themselves doing so repeatedly. But unfortunately, when parents are constantly reassuring, it can often have the unwanted effect of encouraging the child to think that there really must be something to fear. All children experience fears and anxieties as a normal part of development as they grow. Fear of the dark, burglars, and monsters under the bed are all common in childhood. But persistent worrying and negative thinking

can prevent children from enjoying normal life experiences. There is often a genetic component to anxiety and anxious children often have an anxious parent or close relative. In the case of the parent, they may be inadvertently modelling anxious behaviour or anticipatory anxiety.If you think your child may have a problem in this area there are ways you can help.• Have consistent daily routines in place that promote feelings of security and reduce anxiety levels.• Take the time to listen to your child. Acknowledge their feelings and show acceptance of them. Reflect back verbally what they tell you without criticising or giving advice.• For school age children, ask them how likely is it that the event they are worried about will happen. Get them to “put on their

detective hat” and look for evidence. Has it happened before? How likely is it to happen? Make a plan for if it does happen e.g. mum being late to pick them up from school. • Suggest your child writes down their worries and files them in a “worry box”. Then problem solve together on how to deal with them. Alternatively, have them imagine a box in which they can put all their worries and shut the lid on them.• Encourage them to change their “red” thoughts (unhelpful thoughts) to “green” thoughts (positive thoughts). For example, “I’ll get it wrong,” to “Even if I make a mistake, I’ll do better next time.”• Teach your child relaxation skills to make them feel more in control of their bodies. Do breathing exercises and progressive muscle tensing and relaxing exercises. Have them close their eyes and imagine a favourite place they like to go to.And if necessary, try these strategies on yourself.By Michelle van Dyk, registered psychologist.www.childpsychologist.co.nz

The anxious child

All children experience fears and anxieties as a normal part of

development as they grow.


Imagine this: another child – not your own – pushes your child away from the slide.

How about a small visitor who insists on walking around your house with a glass of

bright orange juice; a little troupe of four-year olds (yours included) who start running around in circles in your living room, or a teenager who you have only met once before who strolls to your fridge and helps himself? It is very difficult when you find adult friends whose company you really enjoy, but their children are a nightmare to have in your home. Disciplining other people’s children in such a way as not to offend the other parent is very tricky. What’s a parent to do?

When the other parent is not presentWhen you are in your own home, supervising other people’s children, you have full rights and the responsibility to protect all of the children and your property.It is much easier to front up to other people’s children and demand reasonable behaviour when there is no adult audience. Simply treat the child as if they were your own. The household rules apply to everybody.It is much harder, however, when you have the parent of the miscreant present.

Get up and go overYou have to overcome your eternal hope that “If I don’t notice it, maybe it will go away.” It is always easier to stop a situation before is escalates. Neither can you deal with children by remote control. It simply doesn’t work to sit in your

chair and bleat, “Will you kids just behave?” or hope that, if you keep looking away, the behaviour will stop. The first step is to get up. Go over to the child who is misbehaving and stand right next to them looking stern. Often that is all that is needed to stop the behaviour.

House rules apply to everyoneRather than tell a particular child to do something or to stop doing something, you are much more powerful – and much less likely to offend the mother – if you begin what you have to say with “The rule of this house is…” or “In this house we…” That way, it isn’t personal to one child.

It is much harder for the parent or child to feel aggrieved.

Fake confidence if necessaryStand there, looking absolutely confident and determined that your household rules will be followed. It is difficult for gentler souls to do, but the best incentive is knowing that if you don’t get in early and stop the behaviour, it is only going to get worse. If you don’t feel that strong, fake it.

Kiwi hospitalityWe Kiwis have strange rules of hospitality.

When children come around to our place to play, we say, “Now James, you’re the host. You need to share your toys nicely.” As we go to someone else’s house, we often lecture, “Now James, we are going to Fergus’ house. You are the guest and it would be polite to play what Fergus wants to play.”When you think about it, that means that James never gets to play with toys or choose the game.

Sharing systemsYou will be better off with clear and transparent sharing systems. Teaching your children that it is possible to have a system for sharing means they can generalise the concept to all sorts of other situations.

Many games today come with an old-fashioned egg timer. If not, it’s one of the better, cheaper pieces of parenting paraphernalia that you can buy.Teach your children to take turns and to give up their turn when the sand runs out. For a start, you may need to supervise the system in action, but it is amazing how quickly children can initiate and put into effect a system that is transparent and fair.By Diane LevyDiane Levy is a family therapist and well-known public speaker. She is the author of the best seller Of Course I Love You…NOW GO TO YOUR ROOM!, “They Look So Lovely When They’re Asleep,” and “Time-Out for Tots, Teens and Everyone in Between.

Disciplining other people’s children

When you are in your own home, supervising other

people’s children, you have full rights and the responsibility to protect all of the children and

your property.

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2013 and 2014 primary and intermediate school term datesTerm 2, 2013Monday 6 May to Friday 12 July

Term 3, 2013Monday 29 July to Friday 27 September

Term 4, 2013Monday 14 October to no later than Friday 20 December

Term 1, 2014Between Monday 27 January (at the earliest); and Friday 7 February (at the latest) to Thursday 20 April

2013 and 2012 secondary and composite school term datesTerm 2, 2013Monday 6 May to Friday 12 July

Term 3, 2013Monday 29 July to Friday 27 September

Term 4, 2013Monday 14 October to Friday 20 December

Term 1, 2014Between Monday 27 January (at the earliest); and Friday 7 February (at the latest) to Thursday 20 April

Remaining public holidays 201325 April Anzac Day2 June Queen’s Birthday27 October Labour Day25 December Christmas Day26 December Boxing Day

SCHOOLTERM DATES


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Family valuesImagine a world with no set rules or guidelines, no boundaries, and no belief system. Would it be a case of every person for themselves? Would there be inherent values to care for people and treat people with respect? Would future generations continue following in the footsteps of the actions and behaviour of those who went before them? Now imagine the same situation on a smaller scale – your family – and it becomes clear that values play a key role in building strong families and societies. Assistant editor Rachel Taniwha explores the importance of family values and how to instil them in the family home.

Whether it’s spoken or not, or whether it’s even realised, each person has their own

core values and beliefs. It’s from these values that parents and caregivers raise children to become the best that they can be. Each family is unique, with its own strengths and weaknesses.

The modern familyFirstly, let’s take a look at what constitutes a family.

These days, the modern New Zealand family is made up of all different shapes, sizes and ethnicities, and that’s just touching on it. There are foster families, single parent families, blended families, and the list continues.

Census data from 2006 (the 2011 Census was delayed due to the Christchurch earthquakes) shows that couples with children are the most common household type, at just under a third of New Zealand households. However, they have decreased in proportion over the past 20 years,

with couple-only and one-person households becoming more common.

The importance of valuesNow, what holds these family units together?

Families Commission Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (SuPERU) director Anne Duncan says Families Commission research shows that many families see strong family relationships being governed by values such as honesty, trust, respect and mutual support.

“Values helped guide family members about what behaviour was or wasn’t acceptable, and gave them principles to live by.”

According to the Families Commission’s report What Makes Families Tick? (2006), most people put a high value on having a strong, supportive family life and many participants considered that values enriched not only their own families but society more broadly. However, there is a wide scope to what people

see as being the “right values.”Values can be personal, traditional, religious,

cultural or a combination. The report concluded that there is no one “right” set of values, but that different families have different sets of values.

The importance of family and cultural valuesRenowned advocate of Maori language education and the Kohanga Reo movement,

Values can be personal, traditional, religious, cultural or

a combination.

Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi, said the real strength of New Zealand resided in the strength of extended whanau/families, while speaking at a Waitangi Day forum earlier this year. When she was growing up, there was an obligation for the extended whanau, hapu and iwi to care for everyone and to share available resources.

“Survival depended almost entirely on the resources of the sea, land and forests, which the hapu had dominion over at the time. It was these resources that were the “riches” that mattered.”

She feared that government assistance compromised the extended family’s role and the inherent Maori culture in which the whanau supported each other.

“The extended whanau is marginalised, and to


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our detriment, we have allowed this to happen. Even more fearful is that we have fallen into the trap of believing the money alone will overcome all adversities.

“When we had meagre funds we survived. This is not to undervalue funding but rather to question whether such resource is enabling people to grow in dignity, purpose, responsibility and hope or whether we pursue policies that are disregarding our culture.”

The Parenting Place CEO Bruce Pilbrow further affirmed the paramount importance of family. “Your family has to come first, and everything will compete for it.”

Ideas for parentsThe Parenting Place creative producer John Cowan said “family values” had become a difficult term, and that a good place to start was with a family mission statement clarifying what was important and then forming a strategy to instil those values into children.

“Though children primarily learn values from watching their parents’ actions, this needs to be reinforced and clarified by having right and wrong clearly spelled out for them in the context of community.

“The best investment we can make against future relationship turmoil, criminal behaviour and even mental instability is to teach character within our families in a relaxed and friendly way.”

Cowan said that consistent family mealtimes

were a natural training ground for children, “a place where parents and children talk about values, cultural preferences, and current events. Children learn perspective from their parents and parents also learn an amazing amount from their children.”

Furthermore, children gain a chance to grow in self-esteem and learn life skills, as well as good manners, in a non-threatening setting, and as long as care is taken to keep conversation positive. The family dynamics become healthier and everyone will enjoy the increased sense of belonging, said Cowan.

Pilbrow agrees that family dinner time is the ideal setting for open communication. He says that his family has always valued communication and “nothing is taboo.”

“We often ask around the table – to each other – what was the best part and what was the worst part of your day? It is amazing what comes up and what we end up solving as a family. Just learn to turn the world off, have a conversation and open up communication opportunities.”

The value of respect“As parents, we want to launch young people who have a strong sense of self and the character and compassion to do the right thing, not just because there is a reward in it for them, but because it is the right thing to do. Respect for self and others is a core value that motivates many other positive attitudes and behaviours,” says Cowan.

By instilling the core value of respect, children will learn how to adapt in social situations, which will help both their own self-image and their role in society as they become adults.

Being respectful is having an attitude of

When people speak about family values it can seem sometimes quaint and mundane. But values are the things we base our lives on and out of which our children’s character is built.

Do you remember being sent back to say sorry for saying something mean, or your parents going back to pay the man at the service station what he had undercharged them? These lessons help build habits of goodness into the fabric of our children’s lives.

It is interesting that the two building blocks of character are considered to be “empathy” and “altruism.” When our behaviour towards others comes from a soft heart or genuine empathy for how our actions affect those around us, we are learning to live in community and to live out of the values we have been taught.

Altruism is doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do. It is the way we act because our character has been trained over the years through adults’ teaching and modelling.

The values of kindness, honesty, generosity and dependability are found in all societies, and where these values are honoured the

children practise them. There are no societies in which cowardice is extolled as something to be aspired to.

Children are not born naturally knowing how to act. In fact, their basic question tends to be, ‘’How will I know how to act unless someone shows me?”

They need big people to show them how to act and to insist on early habits of goodness. Compliance in the little things like saying “please” and “thank you” leads to compliance in the bigger things and a healthy respect for adult authority.

Loving parents who kindly but firmly insist on the values they as a family affirm will be delighted at the freedom they enjoy as their children grow older and own for themselves the honest, helpful, courageous character that they have been inspired to have.

By Mary GrantMary Grant is a co-founder of Parents Inc. and currently director of Faith4famlies where she offers parents a simple ways of passing on faith to their children. Visit www.faithbox.co.nz.

Family values are not old-fashioned

honouring other people and caring about their boundaries and rights as well as our own, said Cowan. Being respectful means showing courtesy and treating other people’s belongings with care.

Perhaps a good place to start is for parents to decide which values they want to pass on to their children. The Parenting Place family coach Jenny Hales suggests identifying the top

five qualities that parents want to demonstrate in their family. These could be hospitality, truthfulness, kindness, forgiveness and loyalty, or a variety of other important qualities and values. Children learn from parents, said Hales, so it’s important for parents to demonstrate and live the values they preach. “If it is not important to us – it is not going to be important to them.”

Each family is unique, with its own strengths and

weaknesses.


Families are well catered for on every Interislander voyage.Nurseries provide cot and baby-changing facilities. Playgrounds of varying sizes, for a range of ages ensure that our youngest passengers can play and meet new friends. If they can be convinced to leave the playground, magicians and clowns perform on many school holiday sailings.And, of course Interislander looks after families with a range of great value fare options.

Enjoy some Family Time

8 www.familytimes.co.nz9 www.familytimes.co.nz

Hunting for cheetahs: identifying the gifted childA student who does well academically, has

an excellent report card, wins awards and is recognised by teachers and their peers as a “high achiever” is considered “gifted” in our education system.

This child obtains results well beyond expectations for their chronological age and is easy to spot in most classrooms.

In contrast, a student who does not achieve,

no matter what their intellectual potential or developmental level, is usually overlooked for gifted programmes, enrichment activities and extension opportunities.

Stephanie Tolan, an author on gifted children, cleverly uses a cheetah metaphor to clarify the pitfalls of just using achievement-based identification for gifted students.

The cheetah is the fastest animal on earth.

They are flashy animals and impressive beings that are unique within the animal kingdom.

Identifying cheetahs is easy - they are the only animals that can run 112kph.

But as Tolan highlights, cheetahs are not always running. In reality, they cannot maintain their top speed for a sustained period of time.

When a cheetah is stationary, it can be identified simply by knowing its other characteristics.

For a cheetah to run at top speed it must be fully grown, healthy, fit and rested. It must have plenty of room to run. Besides that, it is best motivated to run all out when it is hungry and there are antelope to chase.

If a cheetah is confined to a small cage, it soon becomes incapable of running 112 kph.

Is it still a cheetah? If a cheetah has only 30 kph rabbits to chase

for food, it won’t run 112 kph while hunting. If it did, it would flash past its prey and go hungry.

Is it still a cheetah?If a cheetah is fed a zoo diet it is likely to

sleep most of the day and may not run at all.Is it still a cheetah?If a cheetah is sick or if its legs have been

broken, it won’t even walk... how can it run?Is it, then, only a potential cheetah? Like healthy cheetahs in the wild, high achieving

gifted students can be easy to identify. If a child teaches themself Latin at age five, reads at the year eight grade level at age six or does algebra in year two we can safely assume that child is a highly gifted child. From the outside these

activities can be viewed as “achievements.” However, from the child’s worldview they

are functioning at their own pace, according to their own biological design and innate mental capacity. Tolan states that “such a child has clearly been given room to “run” and something to run for. They are healthy and fit and have not had their capacities crippled.”

However, schools can have the same impact on children that zoos do on cheetahs. If they cage an intelligent child’s brain with low expectations and no room for speed, we might observe the dull-eyed and silent look found in captive cheetahs.

Perhaps one day a cheetah raised in the right environment, with the right opportunities and motivations, will run faster than 112 kph.

We should not limit a cheetah’s potential, just as we should not limit that of a gifted child.

By Rose BlackettRose Blackett is the president of NZAGC,

SENG Board of Directors, MoE advisory board.

There are certain characteristics that may indicate a child is gifted. It is important to note that gifted children are not a heterogeneous group. They may however exhibit some but not necessarily all of the following characteristics: ■ A sophisticated verbal vocabulary■ An advanced or asynchronous

development■ An early intellectual ability in early

childhood■ A seemingly insatiable thirst for

knowledge and new learning■ A high level of physical activity and often

less sleep requirement than same-aged peers

■ They may appear cautious in new situations, possibly due to a fear of failure

■ Are highly sensitive and may experience

intense emotions■ Have narrow fields of interests and passion

areas from a young age■ An early ability to distinguish between

reality and fantasy, however they may often escape to a fantasy-rich world

■ An early insight into social/moral/ethical issues

■ A greater reasoning power and ability to manipulate

■ Socially very able with leadership skills however, may be dominant and often aware they are “different”

■ Are individual… bordering on unconventional at times

■ Seek the company of older peers and adults■ Set high standards for themselves, which

can be unobtainably high, resulting in perfectionism.

Characteristics that may indicate a child is gifted


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Most parents intuitively know that loving their children is the key to their offspring’s happiness.

One important aspect of a parent’s love is the formation of a secure attachment.

Attachment is a technical name for the need of a child to feel secure and safe within the relationship with the parent. Whenever a child feels anxious or distressed, they feel a strong biological need to be reassured by their parent or caregiver. This need arises spontaneously in the child’s mind and must be satisfied by the protective and loving behaviour of the caregiver. When the parent reassures the child, providing respectful and thoughtful attention to the child’s needs, then the child will form a secure attachment.

The remarkable aspect of having a secure attachment is that it frees the child up to become exploratory, playful and eager to learn. The secure attachment acts like a “base camp” for the child to explore Mount Everest. As long as the base camp - in the form of a loving and reliable parent- is there, the child feels safe enough for the adventure to begin. Thus happy toddlers will explore the kitchen cupboards - and cause chaos! Secure nippers will rush into the surf, knowing dad will be there to rescue them.The child will carry this security in their heart when they go to school, and it will encourage them to make friends, to take risks like enrolling in a new sport, exploring difficult subjects, raising their hands to ask their teachers questions, and in general to see school as an exhilarating ride of exploration and learning.Behind every successful school child is a caring, loving, reliable and supportive parent who has successfully laid down a secure attachment relationship with their child. It is worthwhile for parents to be on guard for the mistakes that can be made when forming the attachment bond with children. Some

children develop what is called an insecure attachment, in which the base camp doesn’t seem as reliable to the child as it ought to be, giving them a sense of insecurity. They feel less psychologically secure, less free to explore and play and they are less likely to be successful learners at school. One reason why some children are less secure than they could be is because their parents are preoccupied with their own issues and do not realise that their child is going through a moment of distress that needs their reassurance. Of course parents can’t be 100% perfect responders at all times. However it pays parents to free themselves up psychologically so that they can give their children the attention and responsiveness they deserve and need. When our children are especially distressed, anxious or insecure because of a challenging situation, we need to drop tools and be there for them. Paradoxically, the more parents give this solid reassurance when the children really need it, the more resilient the children will become.Insecurely attached children can sometimes seem very resilient and independent, and parents might believe that by withholding their reassurance and care they are creating

a strong child. Research shows, however, that this so-called strength is in fact a superficial appearance, and that deep down the child is battling very high stress levels because of the lack of reassurance. High stress levels interfere with the optimal development of the neural brain networks and tend to make the child anxious and less willing to take risks.Another mistake that parents need to guard against is giving their children mixed messages about being reassured. When a parent reassures and calms their child but does so impatiently or angrily, then the child can become confused about the very nature of love. Their childlike minds reason “when I need your love you become angry with me.” This can cause the child to become ambivalent about how reliable parents and caregivers actually are, and this ambivalence can hinder their wholehearted attempts to discover their world. At school these children can show ambivalent attitudes to both the process of learning and relating to teachers as caregivers, and this slows their development and progress.Thankfully most parents are superb at their job and love their children with a great deal of thoughtfulness and skill. These parents, either intuitively or through learning and reflection, provide their children with the base camp of a secure attachment relationship, and set them up for a life-long journey of adventure, learning, achievement and success. By Joseph Driessen, education consultant.Driessen speaks to parent and teacher groups about education. Email [email protected].

The remarkable aspect of having a secure attachment is that it frees the child up to become exploratory, playful and eager to learn.

Secure relationships – the key to school success

Visit Rangimarie Montessori

Children’s HouseWhy Montessori preschool education? Visit Rangimarie Montessori Children’s House to see the Montessori philosophy in action. The children learn in a beautiful indoor and outdoor setting, immersing themselves in an environment that enables them to learn when they are ready. They experience activities holistically through specially designed Montessori materials. Language, reading, maths, science, art, music and physical development are offered to children who are ready to begin them. The staff aim to provide a peaceful and calm space for children to develop their own interests. Give your child this exceptional opportunity to achieve their potential. Visit www.rmch.co.nz for more information.

Tell our advertiser you saw it in...

PAGE 10 PAGE 11 www.familytimes.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz

Penina Clausen, age 6When we make a mess we have to clean it up. We aren’t allowed to go outside if there is a mess. We aren’t allowed to scream and shout because that might hurt people’s ears. My family is important to me; if I didn’t have them I would be very sad. We have to make our own stuff if we don’t have money.

Arie Smith, age 7We have to pick up our rubbish so our house looks nice and tidy. When we watch movies we sometimes have food on the carpet

and we have to clean up the mess. Sometimes I stomp on the stairs. If my mum is cooking she tells me off because she doesn’t

want to be distracted and burn the food. Sometimes I make a mess but I go and clean it up.

Amelia Tufui, age 9Sometimes at home we watch TV and we talk too much; sometimes we don’t listen to each other. When relatives come to our house and we don’t know they are coming, sometimes our house is in a mess so we rush around and clean it up. When they are coming in the front door I am rushing to the kitchen to tidy up. I am the youngest, I ask my brothers and sisters and my mum and dad for help and they help me.

Ieti Ahyoung, age 8 We have noise rules when our baby is asleep. If we make a noise,

our dad sits us down and tells us what to do. We have to do some chores and then we have to stay in our room and do our

homework. If we are bored we have to go to our room and go to sleep. If we have visitors we offer them food and a cup of tea. The

adults have to sit on the chairs and we sit on the floor.

Our reporter Maureen Crisp visited St Bernadette’s Primary School in Naenae to ask kids about what values are important in their homes.

A fun day for the family

Nerf Elite

Blackmores – Conceive Well Gold For

the very best start in life

Draw Something

Mike the Knight

To be in the draw to win, enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Christchurch Competition, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch to reach us by 5th May 2013, unless stated otherwise. Only one entry per household.

NameAddress

CityPhone

Just tick the things you want to win Autumn 2013

What would you like to be when you grow up? We’d love to see a drawing of you in your dream job; it might be something that you have imagined that doesn’t even exist yet! Send us your picture and be in to win an amazing $50 prize pack from Crayola!Three entry age groups: preschool (age 1-4), 5-8, 9-12.Create your design on an A5 sheet or download the template and entry form from www.familytimes.co.nz. Post in to PO Box 36 004, Christchurch 8146. Entries close on 5 May 2013.

Congratulations to our favourite summer food design competition winners from our last issue. They are:

Ariel Holloway – Age 4

“Pooh Bear eating ice cream from a cup in his garden”Ariel Holloway

It’s easy to win fantastic prizes with Family Times. Just fill in the entry form and post it to us by the due date, or enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz. This month we have a fantastic line up of prizes with more great giveaways… Good luck! Check out last issue’s lucky winners online.

Blackmores – Conceive Well Gold For the very best start in lifeBlackmores introduce Conceive Well Gold; a pre-conception supplement that supplies key nutrients needed to put the body into ideal preparation for conception and pregnancy. Specially formulated to be taken for up to six months prior to conception, Conceive Well Gold supports regular normal ovulation and healthy conception. In an easy-to-take one-a-day capsule or tablet, Conceive Well Gold contains key nutrients required for healthy early stage pregnancy and foetal development. We have 10 packs of Blackmores Conceive Well Gold to give away.

WIN, WIN,

WIN!

WIN, WIN,

WIN!

Draw Something There’s no need to be an artist to win this fun-filled Draw Something game based on the hit app. While one player draws, everyone else shouts out their guesses at what they’re drawing. Whoever guesses the word earns coins along with the drawer, and the harder the word, the more coins you earn! Collect 15 coins for the win. RRP: $34.99. We have five Draw Something games to giveaway!

BACK TO THE JUNGLESUNDAY 14th APRIL 3PM MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE WELLINGTONMarc Taddei, Conductor Kahurangi Childrens Performers: Amiria Grenell & Tola Newbery, Hosts

TICKETS FROM TICKETEK 0800 842 538 www.ticketek.co.nz

www.orchestrawellington.co.nz

Karori Pool

22 Donald Street, KaroriPhone 476 5400Wellington.govt.nz

• 25 metre pool

• Toddler pool

• Spa

• Hydroslide

• Aquafitnessclasses

• Birthday parties

A fun day for the familyBased at Wellington’s famous Westpac Stadium, the fast, flat, scenic route around Wellington’s spectacular waterfront has been the Capital City’s favourite footrace for almost 30 years. With a full marathon, half marathon, 10k and the hugely popular Kids’ Magic Mile, this is an event for runners and walkers of all ages, abilities and aspirations. Almost 5000 runners and walkers line up for this great annual occasion. Scheduled for Sunday 23 June, entries for the 2013 Armstrong Motor Group Wellington Marathon are now open, www.wellingtonmarathon.co.nz. Family Times have four family entries to the Wellington Marathon to give away!

Mike the KnightMike the Knight is a new CG-animated ,action-packed series following young Mike - an energetic, cheeky yet bountiful knight-in-training who is driven by his passion to help others and, along the way, be the best knight he can be. Through comedy and adventure and with his rallying cry “be a knight, do it right,” Mike learns the power of responsibility and how to do things the right way. Available now at all leading retailers for RRP $16.99. We have five copies of this DVD to give away.

Nerf Elite Nerf Elite is the new range from Nerf. Nerf Elite Blasters have new technology that makes the blasters fire faster and further than ever before. Complete your mission even in the shadows with the Firestrike blaster! This compact blaster’s precision light beam targeting gives you laser-like focus even in low-light conditions. Speed and mobility are yours with the quick draws and fast firing of the Strongarm blaster. It has the same long-range power as other N-STRIKE Elite blasters (sold separately), and it rapid-fires six darts when you pump the slam fire slide repeatedly while holding the trigger. We have five packs containing the Firestrike and Strongarm blaster to give away.

WIN, WIN,

WIN!

WIN, WIN,

WIN!

Pounamu Millar-Grey – Age 9Chole Kingi-McCarthy – Age 7

Winter is a great time to get your kids in the kitchen and encourage them to explore cooking. Preparing natural breakfast foods is an easy and fun way to start. New Zealand Oats make a simple and quick hot and tasty breakfast. Many children enjoy preparing a breakfast of hot oats in the microwave. Oat Singles are convenient, nutritious and allow the control of a serving size. Watch out for the “Hot Spoon” promotion of colour-chang-ing spoons; collect the series and have fun eating a breakfast of hot oats.Increasing the use of oats in daily meals and

baking is also an easy way to increase dietary fibre levels for your family.Oats Singles sachets can be used in many dishes; add a sachet of plain Oat Singles to thicken a stew or casserole, or use honey and golden syrup Oat Singles to make indi-vidual quick steam puddings; check out the recipe at www.harraways.co.nz. School students; watch out for New Zealand Food Week 20-26 May, http://www.justcook.co.nz/. Connect with Harraways on Face-book to see the many local events that are happening all over New Zealand.

Harraways oats – simply the best breakfast.

WIN, WIN,

WIN! WIN, WIN,

WIN!

Kiwis love to get out and have fun on their bikes, especially when the weather is

good.

To ensure everyone has fun and are kept safe on the roads, it is vital that all road users share the road safely. It is in the best interests of all road users to prevent crashes by being aware of each other, giving each other plenty of space and behaving responsibly.

Safety tips for cyclists• Be prepared: plan a safe route and check your bike before you start – brakes, tyres, chain, reflectors and lights.

• Be seen: wear high visibility or brightly coloured clothing. Use front and rear lights at night, in low light or rain.

• Be aware: watch for potholes, rub bish, grates, pedestrians and other hazards.

• Be predictable: make eye contact with other road users to ensure they are aware of you and signal your intentions clearly.

• Be confident: ride in a straight line,

at least 1 metre from parked cars and take the middle of the lane when you have to.

• Be patient: slow down near parked or lined up vehicles. Pass slowly and only when safe.

• Be considerate: try not to hold up the flow of traffic – if necessary, pull over to allow vehicles to pass.

• Be responsible: know the road rules and follow them. Wear an approved helmet, make sure it fits firmly and keep it buckled up. If your helmet is dropped or becomes dented or broken in a crash, replace it immediately.

On the roadRide in single file to let traffic flow past.

Make sure there is a strong rider or adult at both the front and rear of the group – if there’s only one strong rider, then they should ride at the rear.

Ride at a speed the slowest member of the group is comfortable with.Information provided by Bike Wise.

Sharing the road safely

PAGE 10 PAGE 11 www.familytimes.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz

Penina Clausen, age 6When we make a mess we have to clean it up. We aren’t allowed to go outside if there is a mess. We aren’t allowed to scream and shout because that might hurt people’s ears. My family is important to me; if I didn’t have them I would be very sad. We have to make our own stuff if we don’t have money.

Arie Smith, age 7We have to pick up our rubbish so our house looks nice and tidy. When we watch movies we sometimes have food on the carpet

and we have to clean up the mess. Sometimes I stomp on the stairs. If my mum is cooking she tells me off because she doesn’t

want to be distracted and burn the food. Sometimes I make a mess but I go and clean it up.

Amelia Tufui, age 9Sometimes at home we watch TV and we talk too much; sometimes we don’t listen to each other. When relatives come to our house and we don’t know they are coming, sometimes our house is in a mess so we rush around and clean it up. When they are coming in the front door I am rushing to the kitchen to tidy up. I am the youngest, I ask my brothers and sisters and my mum and dad for help and they help me.

Ieti Ahyoung, age 8 We have noise rules when our baby is asleep. If we make a noise,

our dad sits us down and tells us what to do. We have to do some chores and then we have to stay in our room and do our

homework. If we are bored we have to go to our room and go to sleep. If we have visitors we offer them food and a cup of tea. The

adults have to sit on the chairs and we sit on the floor.

Our reporter Maureen Crisp visited St Bernadette’s Primary School in Naenae to ask kids about what values are important in their homes.

A fun day for the family

Nerf Elite

Blackmores – Conceive Well Gold For

the very best start in life

Draw Something

Mike the Knight

To be in the draw to win, enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Christchurch Competition, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch to reach us by 5th May 2013, unless stated otherwise. Only one entry per household.

NameAddress

CityPhone

Just tick the things you want to win Autumn 2013

What would you like to be when you grow up? We’d love to see a drawing of you in your dream job; it might be something that you have imagined that doesn’t even exist yet! Send us your picture and be in to win an amazing $50 prize pack from Crayola!Three entry age groups: preschool (age 1-4), 5-8, 9-12.Create your design on an A5 sheet or download the template and entry form from www.familytimes.co.nz. Post in to PO Box 36 004, Christchurch 8146. Entries close on 5 May 2013.

Congratulations to our favourite summer food design competition winners from our last issue. They are:

Ariel Holloway – Age 4

“Pooh Bear eating ice cream from a cup in his garden”Ariel Holloway

It’s easy to win fantastic prizes with Family Times. Just fill in the entry form and post it to us by the due date, or enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz. This month we have a fantastic line up of prizes with more great giveaways… Good luck! Check out last issue’s lucky winners online.

Blackmores – Conceive Well Gold For the very best start in lifeBlackmores introduce Conceive Well Gold; a pre-conception supplement that supplies key nutrients needed to put the body into ideal preparation for conception and pregnancy. Specially formulated to be taken for up to six months prior to conception, Conceive Well Gold supports regular normal ovulation and healthy conception. In an easy-to-take one-a-day capsule or tablet, Conceive Well Gold contains key nutrients required for healthy early stage pregnancy and foetal development. We have 10 packs of Blackmores Conceive Well Gold to give away.

WIN, WIN,

WIN!

WIN, WIN,

WIN!

Draw Something There’s no need to be an artist to win this fun-filled Draw Something game based on the hit app. While one player draws, everyone else shouts out their guesses at what they’re drawing. Whoever guesses the word earns coins along with the drawer, and the harder the word, the more coins you earn! Collect 15 coins for the win. RRP: $34.99. We have five Draw Something games to giveaway!

BACK TO THE JUNGLESUNDAY 14th APRIL 3PM MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE WELLINGTONMarc Taddei, Conductor Kahurangi Childrens Performers: Amiria Grenell & Tola Newbery, Hosts

TICKETS FROM TICKETEK 0800 842 538 www.ticketek.co.nz

www.orchestrawellington.co.nz

Karori Pool

22 Donald Street, KaroriPhone 476 5400Wellington.govt.nz

• 25 metre pool

• Toddler pool

• Spa

• Hydroslide

• Aquafitnessclasses

• Birthday parties

A fun day for the familyBased at Wellington’s famous Westpac Stadium, the fast, flat, scenic route around Wellington’s spectacular waterfront has been the Capital City’s favourite footrace for almost 30 years. With a full marathon, half marathon, 10k and the hugely popular Kids’ Magic Mile, this is an event for runners and walkers of all ages, abilities and aspirations. Almost 5000 runners and walkers line up for this great annual occasion. Scheduled for Sunday 23 June, entries for the 2013 Armstrong Motor Group Wellington Marathon are now open, www.wellingtonmarathon.co.nz. Family Times have four family entries to the Wellington Marathon to give away!

Mike the KnightMike the Knight is a new CG-animated ,action-packed series following young Mike - an energetic, cheeky yet bountiful knight-in-training who is driven by his passion to help others and, along the way, be the best knight he can be. Through comedy and adventure and with his rallying cry “be a knight, do it right,” Mike learns the power of responsibility and how to do things the right way. Available now at all leading retailers for RRP $16.99. We have five copies of this DVD to give away.

Nerf Elite Nerf Elite is the new range from Nerf. Nerf Elite Blasters have new technology that makes the blasters fire faster and further than ever before. Complete your mission even in the shadows with the Firestrike blaster! This compact blaster’s precision light beam targeting gives you laser-like focus even in low-light conditions. Speed and mobility are yours with the quick draws and fast firing of the Strongarm blaster. It has the same long-range power as other N-STRIKE Elite blasters (sold separately), and it rapid-fires six darts when you pump the slam fire slide repeatedly while holding the trigger. We have five packs containing the Firestrike and Strongarm blaster to give away.

WIN, WIN,

WIN!

WIN, WIN,

WIN!

Pounamu Millar-Grey – Age 9Chole Kingi-McCarthy – Age 7

Winter is a great time to get your kids in the kitchen and encourage them to explore cooking. Preparing natural breakfast foods is an easy and fun way to start. New Zealand Oats make a simple and quick hot and tasty breakfast. Many children enjoy preparing a breakfast of hot oats in the microwave. Oat Singles are convenient, nutritious and allow the control of a serving size. Watch out for the “Hot Spoon” promotion of colour-chang-ing spoons; collect the series and have fun eating a breakfast of hot oats.Increasing the use of oats in daily meals and

baking is also an easy way to increase dietary fibre levels for your family.Oats Singles sachets can be used in many dishes; add a sachet of plain Oat Singles to thicken a stew or casserole, or use honey and golden syrup Oat Singles to make indi-vidual quick steam puddings; check out the recipe at www.harraways.co.nz. School students; watch out for New Zealand Food Week 20-26 May, http://www.justcook.co.nz/. Connect with Harraways on Face-book to see the many local events that are happening all over New Zealand.

Harraways oats – simply the best breakfast.

WIN, WIN,

WIN! WIN, WIN,

WIN!

Kiwis love to get out and have fun on their bikes, especially when the weather is

good.

To ensure everyone has fun and are kept safe on the roads, it is vital that all road users share the road safely. It is in the best interests of all road users to prevent crashes by being aware of each other, giving each other plenty of space and behaving responsibly.

Safety tips for cyclists• Be prepared: plan a safe route and check your bike before you start – brakes, tyres, chain, reflectors and lights.

• Be seen: wear high visibility or brightly coloured clothing. Use front and rear lights at night, in low light or rain.

• Be aware: watch for potholes, rub bish, grates, pedestrians and other hazards.

• Be predictable: make eye contact with other road users to ensure they are aware of you and signal your intentions clearly.

• Be confident: ride in a straight line,

at least 1 metre from parked cars and take the middle of the lane when you have to.

• Be patient: slow down near parked or lined up vehicles. Pass slowly and only when safe.

• Be considerate: try not to hold up the flow of traffic – if necessary, pull over to allow vehicles to pass.

• Be responsible: know the road rules and follow them. Wear an approved helmet, make sure it fits firmly and keep it buckled up. If your helmet is dropped or becomes dented or broken in a crash, replace it immediately.

On the roadRide in single file to let traffic flow past.

Make sure there is a strong rider or adult at both the front and rear of the group – if there’s only one strong rider, then they should ride at the rear.

Ride at a speed the slowest member of the group is comfortable with.Information provided by Bike Wise.

Sharing the road safely


cool activities

Calendar of Events

251 Karori Road, Karori, Phone 476 8090Wellington.govt.nz

Karori Recreation CentrePreschool programmes

School-age programmes

Adult classes

Facility hire

Sports league

Museumof WellingtonCity & Seapirate, paddy and taniwha parties

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Capital E National Theatre for Children is delighted to welcome back “Seasons” this April school holidays at Downstage Theatre, Wellington. Described as “children’s theatre at its magical best,” this highly energetic, captivating show transports children into the heart of our ever-changing seasonal calendar through song, dance and puppetry. Experience a magical journey into nature’s world of living things, colours and sounds with the excitement of spring’s new life, summer’s long hot days and holidays in the sun, the blast of autumn colour leading us to the stark and vivid winter world. This charming and engaging theatrical encounter is the perfect way for 2 to 7-year-olds to discover why we have seasons and what’s so

special about each one.Capital E is for “Everywhere” these April holidays as it explores, creates and discovers its way around Wellington city! Each venue has it’s very own uniquely inspired craft and workshop activity, whether it’s finding your inner star and creating constellations at Carter Observatory, watching your very own traditional paper kite taking flight at the Colonial Cottage or learning the craft behind the magic and making a pop-up book from scratch at the Museum of Wellington City and Sea. With all this and more there will be fun at every turn this April as you journey through Wellington discovering all the way!Visit www.capitale.org.nz, phone 04-913-3740.

Holiday fun with Capital E

Capital E presents Seasons at Downstage theatre.

Our wonderful summer has come to an end,

but there’s still time to get out and about before winter arrives. Check out some of the family friendly events below.

Until 25 AprilCrown Jewels at the Coronation Cafe. There’s no need to travel all the way to London to view the crown jewels – the Museum of Wellington City & Sea has replicas with all the glamour of the originals. Open 10am to 5pm with free entry.

Until 28 April

Play. Play is an exhibition of play furniture, play-scapes and play-objects created by international artists and designers. The playground allows children to constantly reconfigure their environment and to design their own course of play. Visit www.dowse.org.nz.

Until 16 JuneMyths, Monsters & Magical Things. Discover bountiful beasts, fabulous fairies, elaborate elves and drowsy dragons in this new exhibition for children and their families. Works

range from jewellery to sculpture and painting to photography. Visit www.dowse.org.nz.

13 AprilBaby Loves Disco - movie stars tour. Baby Loves Disco transforms the hippest nightclubs and bars into child-proof discos. Prizes for best movie star costumes, dance comps and more. On at The Grand, 69 Courtenay Place. Tickets $12. Visit www.babylovesdisco.co.nz.

14 April

Life Flight open day. Life Flight will showcase emergency services including: Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NZ Police, NZ Army Bomb Squad, and much more. Kids, dress up as your favourite emergency service - there’s prizes for the best costume! From 10am-2pm, 17 George Bolt Street, Rongotai. Kids free, adults by donation. Visit www.lifeflight.org.nz/openday.

14 AprilOrchestra Wellington presents Baby Pops – Back to the Jungle. Ages 2-6. Conducted by Marc Taddei with Kahurangi Children’s Performers, Amiria Grenell and Tola Newbery. On at 3pm at Michael Fowler Centre. Visit

www.ticketek.co.nz.

18-19 April

Insight Studio Performances. This is an intimate studio performance by the students

of the New Zealand School of Dance: a unique opportunity to see the dancers in the studio. From 6-7pm, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown. Entry by koha. No booking required. Visit www.nzschoolofdance.ac.nz.

19-20 AprilUFBA National Fire fighter Combat Challenge. The challenge seeks to encourage fire fighter fitness and demonstrate the rigours of the job to the public. The course has earned the reputation of being the toughest two minutes in sport. Free to watch: 19 April, 4pm-6pm; 20 April, 10am-4pm. At Odlins Plaza, 21 Cable Street.

20 AprilBerhampore Nursery open day. Enjoy this once-a-year chance to see behind the scenes at the Wellington City Council nursery, where thousands of trees and shrubs are grown for the city’s streets, parks and gardens. Displays, talks, free advice and a plant sale. Free admission. From 10am-2pm, Emerson Street, Berhampore.

20 AprilDiscover Montessori. Have you ever wondered what Montessori education is all about? This free event is for parents and

those new to Montessori. Four experienced Montessori teachers will share ideas and information about the Montessori philosophy. From 9.30am, free entry, Rydges Wellington, 75 Featherston Street.

22 AprilCapital E welcomes back Seasons. This April school holidays at Downstage Theatre. This charming and engaging theatrical encounter is the perfect opportunity for 2 to 7-year-olds to discover why we have seasons and what’s so special about each one. Visit www.capitale.org.nz.

23 AprilIvy: Saviour of the Dinosaur. A theatre show - especially for children - about a cleaning lady who tries to save the dinosaurs from extinction. Expressions Arts Centre, Upper Hutt, 10am, 11.30am and 1pm. Tickets are $10.50. Phone 04- 527-2168. Visit www.expressions.org.nz.

27 April

Makertorium at Te Papa. This is an interactive event containing spectacles, hands-on workshops, and a showcase of kiwi “maker” culture. See robots, flying machines and 3D printers in action, with outdoor spectacles that will amaze and delight. Make your own rocket


The first term of the year is coming to an end. It’s

time to start thinking about holiday entertainment ideas to keep those busy little bodies and minds occupied during the break. We’ve put together some fun options to get you started.

StaglandsStaglands Wildlife Reserve & Cafe is located in the scenic Akatarawa Valley and offers visitors the unique opportunity to feed and freely interact with wildlife in a natural environment. Open daily. Visit www.staglands.co.nz.

Thompsons Horse CentreThompsons Horse Centre offers your child a unique pony experience; holiday programmes; birthday parties, and individual/group riding lessons in Upper Hutt. It’s a safe environment for your child to enjoy well-schooled ponies. Phone 04-526-4515, visit www.thompsonshorsecentre.co.nz.

Armageddon ExpoMeet the voice of Lisa Simpson, Yeardley Smith, at Armageddon expo in Hamilton (25/26 May) and Wellington (1-3 June) plus stars, gaming, comics, fun and fantasy for all the family. Visit www.armageddonexpo.com.

KIDSCOYour children’s social development between

5 and 11-years is influenced by their out-of-school care experience. Their needs are KIDSCO’s priority. KIDSCO - “the next best place to home.” Visit www.kidsco.co.nz

Holiday specials Kapitall Kids Theatre presents ...Back to the land of OZ. From 23 April - 4 May 2013, Gryphon Theatre, 11am and 1pm weekdays and 11am Saturdays. Bookings 04-934-4068. Cost $10, groups of 10 plus $9. Visit www.kapitallkidstheatre.co.nz.

El Rancho residential holiday kids campsA place for kids to be challenged, have fun, be safe and learn about God. Find out more at www.elrancho.co.nz.

It’s My Turn to Cook Tonight - Bosch school holiday programmeGet your children cooking in your home using your food with a nationwide free, online event. From 22– 24 April. Visit www.itsmyturntocooktonight.com for information.

Capital EExperience the spellbinding magic of stop-motion animation. Bring models to life and learn tricks and techniques to shoot your own animated masterpiece! Workshops for beginners and stop-motion lovers. Visit www.capitale.org.nz, 04-913-3740.

ZealandiaThere’s lots of fun for the kids at Zealandia these school holidays. Join a Walk & Talk or species talk. Free every day with admission. Find out more at www.visitzealandia.com/events.

KidzStuff Theatre presents …The Great Piratical Rumbustification by Carl Nixon, 20 April – 4 May, Monday-Friday, 11am and 1pm; Saturday 11am. At 4 Moncrieff St, Mt. Victoria. Tickets $10, groups of 10 plus $9. Bookings 04-385-0292.

Compiled by Tracey-Ann Abery

cool activities

Entertainment

Bookings: (04)934 4068 Tickets $10 : Groups 10+ $9

www.kapitallkidstheatre.co.nz

Back to the Land

ofOZ23 April to 4 May 2013

Gryphon Theatre, Ghuznee Street11am & 1pm weekdays / 11am Saturdays

KidzStuff Theatre presents The

Great Piratical Rumbustification

By Carl Nixon. There is that feeling in the air again… the pirates are getting restless. Oh, for a party! But a pirate party must be a stolen one. What happens when an unlikely babysitter is called will be the best Rumbustification you have had in years! The shows always contain song, dance, audience participation and comedy for both children and adults. KidzStuff Theatre has performed holiday shows for local children for 14 years. On 20 April - 4 May.

Let the kids go wild at Zealandia - April school

holidaysWhy not treat the kids to something a bit different these school holidays?Make your lunch taste even better with a free child general admission to Zealandia (the sanctuary valley and exhibition) with each main menu item purchased at Rata Café.Also, free with admission are kids’ clue trail sheets - find the letters through the valley to solve the clue.After dark on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are Kids’ Night Adventures - a truly memorable and creepy crawly experience! Best for 7 to 12-year-olds, booking essential, $15 child, $30 adult.A must for families at any time of year: gain year-round access to Zealandia for just $101 (two adults and up to three children). For full details visit www.visitzealandia.com, to book call 04-920-9200 ext 3.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN ONLY AT ZEALANDIA

BOOK NOW!

BRINGING BIRDSONG BACK TO WELLINGTON

For all conditions, times and details go to www.visitzealandia.com/events or phone 04 920 9200

KIDS’ NIGHT ADVENTURESCreepy crawlie excitement Tue and Wed, evenings

FREE CLUE TRAILS any day with admission

PLUS A FREE CHILD ADMISSIONwith each main menu item purchased at Rata Café

Photo: Jo Moore

Have fun at El Rancho camp these holidays.

or enter the Eggs Prize. From 10am-6pm at Te Papa. Free admission.

28 AprilWellington Botanic Garden Harvest

Festival. Find out what to do with what you grew. There will be information on how to make jam, jellies and preserves; looking out for our bees; community gardens and orchards. Plus enter your pumpkin, basket of produce or kids’ “vegetable person” in a fun competition. Held at the Treehouse, 10am-3pm. Free admission.

29 April – 3 MayWestfield Queensgate. Enjoy the holidays with free holiday fun. Kids can play at the creativity centre 10.30am – 2pm. Phone 04-922-3500 or visit www.westfield.co.nz/queensgate.

2 MayCreative Clay for children at Expressions. Get creative these school holidays and create your own clay creation. Tickets are $5. Expressions Arts Centre, Upper Hutt. Phone 04-527-2168, www.expressions.org.nz.

16-19 May

Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes. Join Ariel as she yearns to explore the world above the waves; see Prince Philip defeat the evil Maleficent to rescue Sleeping Beauty. Witness high flying jumps, daring acrobatics and amazing skating. TSB Bank Arena. Visit www.ticketek.co.nz.

1-3 June

Armageddon Expo. Meet the voice of Lisa Simpson, Yeardley Smith, at Armageddon expo plus stars, gaming, comics, fun and fantasy for all the family. Visit www.armageddonexpo.com.

Compiled by Tracey-Ann Abery


The election date for this year’s trustee elections is looming, and nominations are fast approaching with the final deadline of 2 May.

This year’s election theme is “Step forward” “Piki Ake” - acknowledging the importance

of parents, caregivers and community members rising to the challenge by standing for election. For parents who want a say in the future of their child(ren)’s school and education, standing for election is a great way to get involved. School trustees have a very important role in making sure every child achieves their potential at school. It’s a vital role for ensuring quality education for our children. The trustee elections are the largest democratic event in the country, involving the election of a board of trustees for more than 2400 state and state-integrated New Zealand schools every three years. Trustees are elected by parents and staff members. More than 13,000 people are needed to form the school boards and more than 110,000 people have taken on the trusteeship role since 1989.The board of trustees has overall responsibility for the governance of a school. It sets the educational goals and strategic direction of the school in consultation with parents, staff and students, and monitors performance against these. Boards are accountable for the performance of the school and students’ achievement, and must ensure that the school complies with the law and is a responsible employer. Boards are also responsible for overseeing the management of

personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration.The school’s principal is the board’s chief executive and manages the school operation in line with the board’s policies. The membership of the school board includes elected parent representatives, an elected staff representative and the principal. If the school has students above Year 9, the board also includes a student representative. This year’s election date is set for 30 May and all parents of students who are enrolled full-time are eligible to vote for parent representatives. Results are declared on 5 June.Trustees need to reflect their local community, have a commitment to children and education, and have the skills to ultimately help the school lift student achievement. Trustees do not have to be parents nor have children at the

school they stand for: rather a variety of skills and experiences, work well in a team, the ability to ask challenging questions and good communication skills. New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA), president Lorraine Kerr says that board members are entrusted by the community to ensure the success of schools and a bright future for children. “We need an education system where all children are expected to succeed and one where we all take shared responsibility in ensuring this happens. As a member of a school board you can make things happen – you can make a difference.”You can contact your school if you want to find out about standing for election, nominating someone else and voting in the election – they will be happy to help. NZSTA also provides free advice and support for interested potential trustees. For more information, visit www.trustee-election.co.nz or phone 0800 ELECTION (0800-353-284).

Board of Trustees – what to expectBoards also: Work with the principal and consult with staff, students and the community. Monitor progress and let parents know how the school is progressing against its annual targets and how well students are achieving. Decide how the school’s funding will be spent. Select the school’s principal and support the development of all staff. Oversee the management of staff, property, finances, curriculum and administration.

ERO BOOKLETS FOR PARENTS

The Education Review Office has published two new booklets for parents. How is my child doing? Questions to ask at school. School Trustees - Helping you to ask

the right questions.

Contact [email protected] for copies or visit our website www.ero.govt.nz.

This proof is designed to be viewed on screen, and will only print at a low resolution.

…. when you can’t be there for primary school kids during the school holidays!

• Themed programmes – fun, imaginative activities & games

• Programme design includes each child’s stage of development

• No fuss/no charge late pickup for emergencies

• Qualified & Trained staff • OSCAR & WINZ • See web site for details

www.kidsco.co.nz

LA LECHE LEAGUE OFFERS:• Mother-to-mothersupport• Telephonehelp• Trainedbreastfeedingcounsellors• Regularmeetings• Booksandleafletsforsale• Lendinglibraries

CONTACT US: (04) 471 0690EMAIL:[email protected]/LLLNZwww.lalecheleague.org.nz

Breastfeeding help - by mothers for mothers

Early childhood education with a

difference Parents and whanau are at the heart of Playcentre. The philosophy is that being really involved in your child’s early years is rewarding, fun, and brings great results.Playcentre values parents/whanau as children’s best first teachers, so it provides free NZQA-approved training for adults to lead sessions and run centres. Learning teaching and parenting skills, including child development and positive guidance, helps you really enjoy parenting. The importance of play, especially child-led play, is central to Playcentre, where children’s passions and interests are encouraged. Good ratios mean adults work closely with children to extend their learning and that children can do complex activities, like building projects. Many families find lifetime friendships through Playcentre. Children from birth to school-age can attend, and there are 39 Playcentres in Wellington and the Hutt. Phone 0800 PLAYNZ or visit www.Playcentre.org.nz to find a Playcentre near you.

KIDSCO

Your children experience a good deal of their social development from age five to 11-years in their after school or holiday programme. Meeting your children’s developmental needs and working with you as a family is important to us here at KIDSCO. As parents, we want our kids cared for by people who are trained and qualified, and we want them to have fun with people who understand their needs. That’s why KIDSCO is “the next best place to home.”


It’s time to take the layers off and head outside to exercise. Here are a few events you can participate in as a family.

Play AreasThere are more than 100 parks and playgrounds throughout Wellington city, ranging in size and play equipment. Why not try out a couple of new ones these holidays, before winter sets in? Visit www.wellington.govt.nz for a list of parks and playgrounds around Wellington.

Active Kids park sessionsHutt City Council will run its popular Active Kids programme at local parks across the city during the April school holidays. The sessions are designed to introduce children (aged 5 - 12) to sport and movement skills in a fun, inclusive and supportive atmosphere. It’s free and fun for the whole family, so get along and get active. Parent/caregivers are required to stay with their children throughout the programme. No bookings required. For more information email [email protected] or contact 04-560-0307.

Until 5 MayWellington Ice Rink. Ice World NZ has returned its outdoor ice skating rink to the

beautiful Queens Wharf waterfront. The rink is 35m x 15m, which is plenty of room for first timers and experienced alike to skate their heart out. The rink is undercover so operates rain or shine. Visit Ice World’s Facebook page to download a discount voucher.

7 AprilPorirua Grand Traverse – Youth Challenge. This is the event for younger multi-sporters in the making - a great introduction to full multisport. The event starts with a 2km group waka paddle on Porirua Harbour, followed by an 8km mountain bike ride through Titahi Bay, over Whitireia Park and back around the coastline to Onepoto, finishing with a final 2.5km run that ends at Whitireia Polytech in Porirua. Get your friends together and enter as a team or you can enter by yourself. Visit www.poriruagrandtraverse.co.nz.

13 AprilWellington Heart Stopper Challenge. Teams of four to six people in fancy dress leap into a pool of icy water and remain submerged for five minutes. It’s 300 seconds of fun to raise money for Wellington@Heart - Wellington kids undergoing open heart surgery. Register your team, donate at www.heartstopper.org.nz or head along to watch the fun. From 11am-2pm at Frank Kitts Park.

14 AprilFYD’s Big Walk. Put on your walking shoes and get along to Zealandia to raise money for kiwi kids. Your choice of a 2km, 5km or 10km walk. Starts at 9am. Children $5, Adults $10. Family $20. Visit www.bigwalk.org.nz for more information and registration.

18 AprilTinytown Buggy Walk. Enjoy the company of other parents with guided buggy walks around the southern and eastern suburbs each month. No bookings required, just turn up on the day. Meet at 9.45am at Haitaitai netball courts. Compiled by Tracey-Ann Abery

Family physical activitiesfamily fitness

The Armstrong Motor Group Wellington Marathon has something for everyone! Based at Wellington›s famous Westpac Stadium, the fast, flat, scenic route around Wellington›s spectacular waterfront has been the capital city’s favourite footrace for almost 30 years. With a full marathon,

half marathon, 10k and the hugely popular Kids’ Magic Mile, this is an event for runners and walkers of all age, ability and aspirations. Enter now at www.wellingtonmarathon.co.nz.

Photo credit: www.marathon-photos.com.

The days may be shorter and the evenings cooler, but the autumn school holidays can be a great time of year for a fam-ily camping trip.

The weather is often settled and an earlier sunset means it’s easier to get kids to bed

in a tent than in mid-summer. The Department of Conservation (DOC) has a range of affordable and family-friendly campsites in some beautiful settings – beachside, bush and lake. At this time of year you should have no problem getting a tent site. Many DOC campsites just require you to self-register when you get there.Camp fees are generally $6-$10/night for adults and $3-$5/night for children (5 to 17-years-old) and under-fives are free. Higher fees may apply for powered sites and hot showers.Camping is an ideal way to spend time in the outdoors and get close to nature. It’s an adventure for children: setting up a tent, cooking and eating outside, exploring the nearby beach, lake-shore or forest and making new campsite friends. Enjoyable camping experiences when children are young can contribute to a life-time appreciation and love of the outdoors. These campsites are all suitable for families. Check out more at www.doc.govt.nz/camping.

Catchpool valley campsite This spacious campsite is just 45 minutes drive from Wellington near the Orongorongo Valley and Rimutaka Forest Park. Facilities include hot showers, picnic tables and a barbecue. You can bring your dog but it must be on a leash at all times as there are North Island brown kiwi in the park.The campsite has plenty of open space for games and there are swimming holes in the nearby Catchpool Stream. Take one of the short scenic walks in the Catchpool Valley- they’re suitable for all ages- or a longer bush tramp in the park.

Otaki Forks campsite There are two camping areas nestled in regenerating bush on the river flats at Otaki Forks (where two tributaries meet the Otaki River). The larger School House Flat campsite closes after Easter, but the smaller Black Gate campsite is open all year round. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. There is water and flush toilets as well as nearby picnic areas. There’s plenty to do in the area. Take a short walk to see a relic of the area’s mining and sawmilling history or head into the Otaki Gorge for picnicking and water activities. The river offers swimming, white water kayaking and rafting and trout fishing.

By Fiona Oliphant, Department of Conservation


camping

The days may be shorter and the evenings cooler, but the autumn school holidays can be a great time of year for a family camping trip.

Autumn camping – it’s not too late!

The weather is often settled and an earlier sunset means it’s easier to get kids to bed

in a tent than in mid-summer. The Department of Conservation (DOC)

has a range of affordable and family-friendly campsites in some beautiful settings – beachside, bush and lake. At this time of year you should have no problem getting a tent site. Many DOC campsites just require you to self-register when you get there.

Camp fees are generally $6-$10/night for adults and $3-$5/night for children (5 to 17-years-old) and under-fives are free. Higher fees may apply

for powered sites and hot showers.Camping is an ideal way to spend time in

the outdoors and get close to nature. It’s an adventure for children: setting up a tent, cooking and eating outside, exploring the nearby beach, lake-shore or forest and making new campsite friends. Enjoyable camping experiences when children are young can contribute to a life-time appreciation and love of the outdoors.

These campsites are all suitable for families. Check out more at www.doc.govt.nz/camping.

Canterbury and the West CoastPeel Forest campsite A grove of native trees surrounds this campsite between Peel Forest and the Rangitata River, north of Geraldine. You have a choice of standard tent sites, powered sites and cabins, and there are hot showers too. It pays to book this campsite.

The main campsite closes on 1 May for the winter but after this you can self register and camp at the nearby Clarke Flat amenity area.

Peel Forest is a precious remnant of podocarp forest that once covered a large area in mid-Canterbury. Explore the rich and diverse forest on a variety of tracks within the reserve and discover ancient giant totara, matai and kahikatea trees on the Big Tree Walk, and a huge diversity of ferns on the Fern Walk.

Wooded Gully (Mt Thomas) campsite Wooded Gully campsite lies in the foothills of the Southern Alps, an hour’s drive from Christchurch and about 12 km from Ashley Gorge. Facilities include water and toilets, and dogs are allowed on a leash.

This is a great spot for families, with open grassed areas for games, a stream to play in and lovely picnic sites. It’s also the starting point for walks that range from one hour to a full-day traverse of Mt Thomas Forest.

Lake Mahinapua campsite Take time out at the sheltered and tranquil Lake Mahinapua campsite in forest surroundings, just south of Hokitika. This popular overnight and day stop is generally quiet in the autumn. There is water and toilets and picnic tables as well as a boat ramp and jetty.

Yachting, kayaking and swimming are favoured activities and there are short bush walks. The nearby Mahinapua Walkway (which can also be cycled) is a longer option around the lake.

By Fiona Oliphant, Department of Conservation

Before you go:C Choose a camping destination that

matches your family’s experience and interests.

C Check the long-range weather forecast and be prepared to change plans or pack up early if the weather looks bad.

C Go through your camping equipment – put up the tent at home, test the cooker, check fuel supply, sleeping mats, and torches etc.

C Make sure you take plenty of easy-to-prepare food, warm and weather-proof

clothes, insect repellent, sun screen, first aid kit etc.

C Let the kids choose a favourite toy and take wet day activities.

C Consider camping with other families who have children of similar ages, and if you haven’t camped before, going with others who are more experienced.

C You may be able to borrow or hire camping equipment if you don’t have your own.

C Check out the camping care code and practice “no trace” camping.


Autumn camping – it’s not too late!


The election date for this year’s trustee elections is looming, and nominations are fast approaching with the final deadline of 2 May.

This year’s election theme is “Step forward” “Piki Ake” - acknowledging the importance

of parents, caregivers and community members rising to the challenge by standing for election. For parents who want a say in the future of their child(ren)’s school and education, standing for election is a great way to get involved. School trustees have a very important role in making sure every child achieves their potential at school. It’s a vital role for ensuring quality education for our children. The trustee elections are the largest democratic event in the country, involving the election of a board of trustees for more than 2400 state and state-integrated New Zealand schools every three years. Trustees are elected by parents and staff members. More than 13,000 people are needed to form the school boards and more than 110,000 people have taken on the trusteeship role since 1989.The board of trustees has overall responsibility for the governance of a school. It sets the educational goals and strategic direction of the school in consultation with parents, staff and students, and monitors performance against these. Boards are accountable for the performance of the school and students’ achievement, and must ensure that the school complies with the law and is a responsible employer. Boards are also responsible for overseeing the management of

personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration.The school’s principal is the board’s chief executive and manages the school operation in line with the board’s policies. The membership of the school board includes elected parent representatives, an elected staff representative and the principal. If the school has students above Year 9, the board also includes a student representative. This year’s election date is set for 30 May and all parents of students who are enrolled full-time are eligible to vote for parent representatives. Results are declared on 5 June.Trustees need to reflect their local community, have a commitment to children and education, and have the skills to ultimately help the school lift student achievement. Trustees do not have to be parents nor have children at the

school they stand for: rather a variety of skills and experiences, work well in a team, the ability to ask challenging questions and good communication skills. New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA), president Lorraine Kerr says that board members are entrusted by the community to ensure the success of schools and a bright future for children. “We need an education system where all children are expected to succeed and one where we all take shared responsibility in ensuring this happens. As a member of a school board you can make things happen – you can make a difference.”You can contact your school if you want to find out about standing for election, nominating someone else and voting in the election – they will be happy to help. NZSTA also provides free advice and support for interested potential trustees. For more information, visit www.trustee-election.co.nz or phone 0800 ELECTION (0800-353-284).

Board of Trustees – what to expectBoards also: Work with the principal and consult with staff, students and the community. Monitor progress and let parents know how the school is progressing against its annual targets and how well students are achieving. Decide how the school’s funding will be spent. Select the school’s principal and support the development of all staff. Oversee the management of staff, property, finances, curriculum and administration.

ERO BOOKLETS FOR PARENTS

The Education Review Office has published two new booklets for parents. How is my child doing? Questions to ask at school. School Trustees - Helping you to ask

the right questions.

Contact [email protected] for copies or visit our website www.ero.govt.nz.

This proof is designed to be viewed on screen, and will only print at a low resolution.

…. when you can’t be there for primary school kids during the school holidays!

• Themed programmes – fun, imaginative activities & games

• Programme design includes each child’s stage of development

• No fuss/no charge late pickup for emergencies

• Qualified & Trained staff • OSCAR & WINZ • See web site for details

www.kidsco.co.nz

LA LECHE LEAGUE OFFERS:• Mother-to-mothersupport• Telephonehelp• Trainedbreastfeedingcounsellors• Regularmeetings• Booksandleafletsforsale• Lendinglibraries

CONTACT US: (04) 471 0690EMAIL:[email protected]/LLLNZwww.lalecheleague.org.nz

Breastfeeding help - by mothers for mothers

Early childhood education with a

difference Parents and whanau are at the heart of Playcentre. The philosophy is that being really involved in your child’s early years is rewarding, fun, and brings great results.Playcentre values parents/whanau as children’s best first teachers, so it provides free NZQA-approved training for adults to lead sessions and run centres. Learning teaching and parenting skills, including child development and positive guidance, helps you really enjoy parenting. The importance of play, especially child-led play, is central to Playcentre, where children’s passions and interests are encouraged. Good ratios mean adults work closely with children to extend their learning and that children can do complex activities, like building projects. Many families find lifetime friendships through Playcentre. Children from birth to school-age can attend, and there are 39 Playcentres in Wellington and the Hutt. Phone 0800 PLAYNZ or visit www.Playcentre.org.nz to find a Playcentre near you.

KIDSCO

Your children experience a good deal of their social development from age five to 11-years in their after school or holiday programme. Meeting your children’s developmental needs and working with you as a family is important to us here at KIDSCO. As parents, we want our kids cared for by people who are trained and qualified, and we want them to have fun with people who understand their needs. That’s why KIDSCO is “the next best place to home.”


Parenting classesNo-one gives you a guide to raising children when you leave the maternity ward, but enlisting the help of some quality parenting classes is a great way for all parents to take a step back and try some new ideas.

Parent HelpParent Help offers individual parenting education tailored to your own needs with professionally trained counsellors/parent educators at Compassion House, Wellington. To find out more or make an appointment, phone 04-499-9994.


parties

Face painting quickly turns children into amazing animals and mythical monsters,

and is a hit both at home and at birthday parties.

Good materials and practice are the two cornerstones of quality face painting. Professional paints don’t cause irritation like

Pony Parties & Their Farmyard Friends offer cute ponies and farm animals especially for children’s entertainment. They travel to your party or event, or alternatively, new to Christchurch is their specially designed indoor children’s party venue. Rain or shine, Pony Parties can host your party with their fully-catered pony riding and farmyard party programme - entertainment galore! Visit www.ponyparties.co.nz or see party feedback on Facebook. Book a party with a difference: phone 03-329-7266 or 027-424-7768

Pony Parties2-4-6-8 who wants

to roller skate?Grab the kids and come roller skating - it’s fun, interactive, great fitness and perfect for the whole family. All skates are provided so come and join the party music, disco lights, games and prizes for just $8 per person (includes skate hire). Regular public sessions are at Rolleston, Prebbleton and Kaiapoi. Birthday parties, fundraisers, 40th’s, holiday programmes and lessons are Phatsk8’s speciality. They even sell skates and accessories. Visit www.phatsk8.co.nz, phone Ingrid on 03-349-9924 or 027-387-0065.

Many families are picking up the offer of using Ferrymead Heritage Park as a special children’s birthday party venue. You can book and hire a tram at Ferrymead: take rides and hold your own party for up to two-and-a-half hours in your very own tram, bring your own party food for on the tram or Ferrymead can cater instead if you desire. Contact the park office or visit www.ferrymead.org.nz for more details.

Ferrymead Heritage Park

Fun animal faces If you’re looking for a creative outlet that will benefit your kids, or a fun way of entertaining them, why not consider face painting?

The Music FairyThe Music Fairy is excited to announce Rosie Roulette as her latest Music Fairy performer. You may have seen Rosie appear recently on New Zealand’s Got Talent, and heard her wonderful singing. Rosie can come as your Music Fairy at your special birthday party. The Music Fairy performance is one-hour long and consists of songs from the Music Fairy & Friends CD and stage show, dancing, musical games, fairy dust and fairy bubbles and even some face-painting! Bookings at www.musicfairy.co.nz or phone 0508 FAIRY 4 U (0508-324-7948).

cheaper ones can, are much more comfortable on the skin, easier to paint with and go much further. They are absolutely worth the investment, as are quality brushes and sponges that allow you to make the most of your paints. The sooner you start painting, the better you’ll become, so what are you waiting for?

4 Add leopard markings on forehead and cheekbones in black, and

paint a pink nose and lips – spray these heavily with glitter whilst still wet.

5 With a thin brush, outline the nose and paint the muzzle.

Highlight with white and paint teeth (optional).

2 Outline in black and paint lines inside ears, blend out to create

depth.3Side view.1 Sponge metallic white (mixed with

a little silver for “pop”) over the face, focusing on the front of the face and creating ears.

Step by step:

Snow leopard

By Sarah HollandSarah is a professional face and body artist. She trains and oversees an experienced team of artists and balloon twisters around New Zealand. She loves supporting new artists and provides a range of professional equipment to help you get started. Visit www.fabfaces.co.nz for more inofrmation.

FT_Autumn 13 ChCh.indd 27 21/03/13 10:52 AM


parties



















Step by step:

Snow leopard




parties









Fun animal facesIf you’re looking for a creative outlet that will benefit your kids, or a fun way of entertaining them, why not consider face painting?








depth.3Side view. 1 Sponge metallic white (mixed with


Step by step:

Snow leopard


FT_Autumn 13 ChCh.indd 2721/03/13 10:52 AM

If you’re looking for a creative outlet that will benefit your kids, or a fun way of entertain-ing them, why not consider face painting?


and is a hit both at home and at birthday par-ties. Good materials and practice are the two cornerstones of quality face painting. Profes-sional paints don’t cause irritation like cheaper ones can, are much more comfortable on the skin, easier to paint with and go much further. They are absolutely worth the investment, as are quality brushes and sponges that allow you

to make the most of your paints. The sooner you start painting, the better you’ll become, so what are you waiting for?

By Sarah HollandSarah is a professional face and body artist. She trains and oversees an experienced team of artists and balloon twisters around New Zealand. She loves supporting new artists and provides a range of professional equipment to help you get started. Visit www.fabfaces.co.nz for more information.


parties



















Step by step:

Snow leopard




parties



















Step by step:

Snow leopard




parties



















Step by step:

Snow leopard




parties



















Step by step:

Snow leopard




parties



















Step by step:

Snow leopard




parties



















Step by step:

Snow leopard



1Sponge top and bottom with a light colour. 2Sponge a darker colour around

the edges, blending the two colours.

3Starting from the edge of the face, working in, outline in

black, thick to thin.4Outline the top wings, working

from the top down. Outline the bottom wings from the cheek bones, in. Always work thick to thin.

5Add a small body and antenna with a thinner brush and white

embellishments (optional).

Butterfly

Thompsons Horse Centre

Thompsons Horse Centre has holiday programmes, birthday party plans, gift vouchers, and individual/group riding lessons available.For birthday parties, children can have a lovely ride around the farm trail, or if wet, play mounted games in the indoor arena. There is a picnic area/playground for the children to enjoy and you are able to have your own party food in this safe area. Holiday programmes are two days long, from 9am -4pm: these are great fun and something that all children will remember. For more information phone 04-526-4515 or visit www.thompsonshorsecentre.co.nz.

Sometimes you need some information or an answer

to a curly question. Why not pick up the phone and call the relative support agency? You’ll find professional caring people ready to assist you.Cancer Society Wellington – they need you!Grandparents and home-based parents are welcome as volunteer drivers and visitors to make a difference to someone experiencing cancer. Training, parking, and a contribution to your expenses provided. Contact Ann Hodson, 04-389-0050, [email protected].

Help for Busy Mums“Keep the YOU in Mum” mentoring programmes (NZ-wide) • Find life balance • Prioritise/manage time effectively

• Get motivated• Improve confidence• Eliminate overwhelming ‘To Do’ lists• Achieve more by focusing on less• Set step-by-step, achievable goals.Contact Parent Educator/Author Karyn Riley: [email protected]: 03-344 2924

Help is @ hand


parties



















Step by step:

Snow leopard




parties



















Step by step:

Snow leopard



1Sponge metallic white (mixed with a little silver for “pop”) over

the face, focusing on the front of the face and creating ears.

2Outline in black and paint lines inside ears, blend out to create

depth.3Side view. 5With a thin brush, outline the

nose and paint the muzzle. Highlight with white and paint teeth (optional).

4Add leopard markings on forehead and cheekbones in black, and paint

a pink nose and lips – spray these heav-ily with glitter whilst still wet.

Step by step:

Snow leopard

Check out our Competitions online and win!

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T I ME S

Summer ISSue 2010

Are we imagining it

or...

Are our kids growing

up too quickly?

Win Win Win

Competitions,

giveaways and vouchers

Yummy Christmas

treats

Have fun baking with

the kids

Partners as well as

parents

Tips for a harmonious

home

IN CINEMAS

Win Win WinCompetitions, giveaways and

vouchers

Kia Kaha ChristchurchEight-page supplement on “the new normal”

Optimum sleepMaximise your child’s learning potential

Childhood trauma

Helping kids bounce back

WInter ISSue 2011


Bear Has a Story to TellPhilip C Stead Illustrated by Erin E SteadAllen & UnwinHardback $24.99● Bear wants to tell a story but all his friends are preparing for winter - Mouse is gathering seeds, Duck is getting ready to fly south - and they all need his help. Then Bear has to hibernate himself. When spring comes, Bear can’t remember what his story was, but this time his friends help him. Illustrations show the cuddliest bear ever and the spare wintery background.

Wishy-Washy WorldBy Joy CowleyIllustrated by Philip WebbClean Slate PressHardback $25.99 ● This is eight new stories (also published as school readers) about long-time favourites Mr and Mrs Wishy-Washy and their animals. There’s a laugh in every one even though they are written in simple language suitable for a very new reader. The rotund Mrs Wishy-Washy has a constant battle to keep everyone clean and organised, particularly when the animals love mud and playing around. Warm and friendly illustrations capture the personalities perfectly. Ages 5-7.

The Terrible SuitcaseBy Emma Allen Illustrated by Freya BlackwoodScholasticPaperback $21Hardback $31● A little girl turns five but instead of the backpack she wants she gets “the terrible suitcase.” She’s very cross about it and hides in the class cardboard rocket. But then another child comes in crying so to distract the suitcase is offered as a space food container, then a toolkit, until lots of children are playing happily and the suitcase has new status as a treasure. A good school introduction. Ages 3-7.

Vulgar the Viking and the Spooky School TripBy Odin RedbeardIllustrated by Sarah HorneNosy CrowPaperback $14.99● Vulgar‘s new teacher, Otto the Bone-Cruncher, gives lessons in tough Viking stuff like hunting, fighting and exploring, which turns out to be more difficult than Vulgar expected. Then Otto takes them on a school trip. After a long, hard walk and giant slugs for dinner, it gets dark and decidedly spooky, not helped by Vulgar’s scary campfire story. Funny and dramatic with great scratchy ink drawings throughout. Ages 5-8.

Footsteps Through the Fog By Margaret MahyIllustrated by Gavin Bishop PuffinPaperback $19.99● Anthea is blind so when she goes to the beach with her brothers and sisters they have to take care of her, but when fog comes rolling in it’s Anthea who can find the way home. Braille title on the front and alphabet on back flap. Royalties to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind. Lovely smudgy illustrations capture the foggy beachscape. Ages 4-10.

Azzi in BetweenBy Sarah GarlandFrances LincolnHardback $32.99● War was closing in on the town where Azzi lived with her family. They had to leave in a hurry, with just a few possessions. They travel by boat to a new country. Everything is different. Azzi goes to school and learns to speak a new language. Gardening lessons gives her an idea to help her family feel more at home. This touching and traumatic tale enables a better understanding of differing cultures. Ages 5-12.

A First Book of NatureBy Nicola DaviesIllustrated by Mark Hearld Walker Books Hardback $32.99 ● Poems and stylised illustrations using linocuts, paint and collage capture the seasons and the outdoors from stargazing to bird-watching, seasonal farm activities like haymaking and milking, familiar animals like chickens and sheep and wildlife including deer and squirrels. An English publication so some animals like squirrels will not be familiar to New Zealand children but the pages of a book are a great place to meet them. A large treasure of a book. Ages 3-10.

Anzac Day: The New Zealand Story. What it is and why it mattersBy Philippa WerryNew Holland Paperback $24.99● Explore the story of Anzac Day, from the Gallipoli Campaign and the Great War, through to the commemorative services held annually throughout the country. Find out the background behind Anzac biscuits, the Last Post and more. Timeline, maps, paintings, photographs, newspaper clippings and info graphics tell the story in great detail. Ages 8-12.

Kids’ Garden Adventure By Don Burke (Burke’s Backyard)New HollandPaperback plus kit $30.00● This is a great time of year to plant a garden. This kit will inspire kids to get their fingers dirty with lots of different activities to do with plants, from planting seeds to making an eggshell garden or a scarecrow, and experiment with changing the colour of flowers. Blending fun with science and craft. The kit includes a small spade, a thermometer and compass, and a tiny torch (great for hunting snails at night).

Dear Scarlett By Fleur Hitchcock Nosy CrowPaperback $19.99 ● Scarlett (11) receives a box of things left to her by her dead jewel-thief father. She then discovers that her dad wasn’t a criminal after all and there’s a rumour that he has left a treasure trove of diamonds, but how is she going to find them? There’s a dangerous couple after Scarlett’s secret too, and her new friend Ellie to help her work things out. A funny enthralling family mystery. Ages 9-12.

Mr & Mrs Bunny - Detectives Extraordinaire By Mrs Bunny, translated from Rabbit by Polly HorvathIllustrated by Sophie BlackallSchwartz & WadeHardback $33.50● Madeline’s parents have been abducted by foxes. She meets Mr and Mrs Bunny (yes they are rabbits) who have just decided to become detectives. Unfortunately they aren’t very good, but they try hard, whilst also trying to fit into the town they’ve just moved to. Luckily Madeline is able to understand Rabbit, and might just find her parents in spite of her “helpers.” Ages 9-12.

Sally Bangle: Unexpected DetectiveBy Melinda SzymanikTale-Spin Media, 2013Ebook US$2.99● If you haven’t tried reading an e-book yet, try this mystery novel about Sally whose sea-captain dad disappeared seven years ago. When she does a project about the headmistress’ father, Professor Angstrom, she discovers he was on the voyage where her father disappeared and Sally will do anything - even visiting a mental hospital, breaking and entering, and dealing with some dangerous people - to find out what really happened. Ages 8-12. Available from most e-tailers.

Junior Fiction Intermediate Fiction

Crissi Blair lives with her family in west Auckland and spends her time reading and writing, mostly about children’s books. Crissi organised the Storylines Festival of New Zealand Children’s Writers and Illustrators for three years and publishes the useful guide New Zealand Children’s Books in Print which is updated every year. Visit www.silvertone.co.nz for more information.

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0800 762 786 www.op.ac.nz

Pregnant?

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Have you thought of sharing this special time with a student midwife?The focus for our first year Wellington-based midwifery students is to ‘follow through’ pregnancy, birth and early weeks at home, with women and their families – the role being that of a companion/support person.Our students enjoy these experiences which provide their best learning opportunities.If your baby is due by December and you think you might enjoy sharing your childbirth experience with one of our students, please contact:

Melanie Piri, School of Midwifery 0800 762 786, [email protected]

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LEGO® Chima Lennox’ Lion Attack

Crug is after the CHI powering the mighty Lion Attack vehicle. Protect the lion tribe’s CHI with Lennox’ Lion Attack, featuring big claw attack function, lion head front and disc shooter! We have five packs of this fantastic new LEGO® Chima to give away! Enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: LEGO Chima, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 5 May 2013. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.


Purchase your tickets & choose your favourite seat now at www.readingcinemas.co.nz

$7.50 Child TicketPresent this voucher at the Box office & receive one

child ticket for $7.50.only valid at reading cinemas courtenay until 05 may 2013. Not available for 3D, Titan & Gold Lounge or any other promotional or discounted ticket. Original voucher must be surrendered at the Box Office.







$10.00Adult Ticket

Present this voucher at the Box office & receive one adult ticket for $10.00.

only valid at reading cinemas courtenay until 05 may 2013. Not available for 3D, Titan & Gold Lounge or any other promotional or discounted ticket. Original voucher must be surrendered at the Box Office.

$10.00Adult Ticket

Present this voucher at the Box office & receive one adult ticket for $10.00.

only valid at reading cinemas courtenay until 05 may 2013. Not available for 3D, Titan & Gold Lounge or any other promotional or discounted ticket. Original voucher must be surrendered at the Box Office.


www.wellingtonmarathon.co.nz

23 JUNE 2013

2013

NZ Marathon Champs

BANG FOR YOUR

BUCK Every finisher receives a warm down pack that

includes a towel, sponsor goodies, fruit and

Powerade. Full Marathon and Kids’ Magic Mile

finishers receive medals.

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Wellington Autumn 2013

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