If you are a parent of a young child you can now be included on an email list to

receive updates of programs offered through Moorabool Shire Council’s Family and

Children’s Services, including Imagination

Magic.

To register you can email your details to

Vicki at

info@moorabool.vic.gov.au

Www.mconline.com.au/sites2/m4m

Let’s read 2

Reader feedback Imagination Magic

3

Pentland childcare Learning to Say Bye Bye

4

Being Safe While Exercising 5

Bacchus Marsh Hospital Website review

6

Bringing Home Baby Website review

7

A home made train Something for the kids

Play with dough

8

July/August Edition 2006

From the beginning... As time goes on we just seem to evolve and this issue is a concrete example. We hope that the new format will be a bit more user friendly, and thank Fran Peerman, Moorabool Shire’s Family and Children’s Services Manager for her continued enthusiasm and support of our newsletter.

For those of you who are new to this newsletter, a bit of background information may be in order. Several years ago two mothers were asked to develop this newsletter, after having provided a similar publication in Melton Shire. As new inhabitants of Moorabool, and new to what was avail-able, we could see a need to keep mothers informed about issues, services and activities that related to our Shire.

Fran Peerman was the catalyst for our leap into becoming an incorporated group, with several other interested mothers coming onboard.

Since that time we have been involved in the Moorabool Children’s Services Forum, which is a group of interested service providers who work with or for children and families. This group meets and shares information, and M4m are a part of that group to be networked and informed, and to share our experiences. M4m also support Moorabool Shire Council’s Imagination Magic program

through our publication, and a recent $200 donation towards the Bellydancing workshop in May.

M4m played an active part in the 2005 Pram Stroll through Moorabool, and more recently have been asked to attend the Let’s Read Launch ( see page 2) and to join in a partnership for the Best Start initiative.

As mothers we all have something to give to our community and this is our contribution. Through volunteering we have made friendships, learned about ourselves and what it is we can offer, and have developed beyond our initial idea of what this group is all about.

So if you are a mother out there who has some time to give to volunteering you might just want to consider what that will do for you and for those around you. And if you are volunteering, we would love to hear your story.

Bacchus Marsh July 11th Supper Room 213 Main St 10am and 11:15am sessions Ballan July 25th Community Centre, Inglis St Ballan 10am and 11:15am sessions Tickets available June 27th

3 PIGS WITH A TWIST Visit www.moorabool.vic.gov.au for more information .

Moorabool Shire Council’s Maternal and Child Health Services will not be the same again. As from the 22nd June 2006, Moorabool babies will be getting the bug. The reading bug that is. Rotary are financing the “ Let’s Read” program and will be providing the gift of a DVD, information sheets, and a book to all four month old babies living in Moorabool. When parents bring their child for his/her Four Month Key Health Check at their local Moorabool Maternal and Child Health Centre, all four month old children will receive a gift. This gift is a book to keep and to enjoy being read to.

Next year the program will expand to include all four month old babies and one year old children.

‘Let’s Read’ is an initiative of the Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute together with The Smith Family. ‘Let’s read’ is a comprehensive early literacy initiative that promotes the importance of reading with young children from birth to five years of age. Parents will also receive support, guidance with information sheets on how to read to your baby, recommended book titles and an interactive DVD. The DVD has been designed with an introduction by Monica Trapaga and Andrew Daddo. Included in the DVD Monica and Andrew read a book from each of the age groups. Showing different styles and showing how much fun it can be to read with children. Early, fun, daily reading experiences are linked to better health and learning outcomes for all children. Strategies to support families to provide a reading culture within family life will assist children to develop early literacy skills giving them the building blocks for when they start school. Moorabool local library services will be stocking all recommended reading titles for all four age groups: four months; one year; eighteen months and three and half years, along with copies of the DVD for loan. Moorabool Shire CEO Robert Dobrzynski

Let’s Read Launch Dee, Abbie and Lara at the Let’s Read Launch

Getting organised is often based on a routine. I have a 3yo, 2yo and a 6mth old and to get

organised to get out the door at 8.30am in the mornings for playgroups/ 3yo kinda requires

a basic routine.

Another thing that I do is to get dinner ready at any time that is available (often while Play School is

on). I have been known to start getting prepared for dinner at 9.00am so at "Cactus Hour"

(5-7pm) (re: Kath and Kim Quote) I have to do very little to get dinner on the table.

Lisa Tatman Dunnstown

Dear m4m I just wanted to thank you for continuing to send your newsletter to me ... I always find the internet sites, advice and poems and stories of great interest. I love reading your newsletter and look forward to receiving it. Thank You and Kind Regards Cassandra L.

Thanks Lisa for your great tip. We hope you enjoy your copy of

Get Organised by Carol Posener. M4 M team

Hi, My name is Jacqui Huxtable and I am writing to mention what a great newsletter you produce. I have two boys 1 & 3 yrs, and recentlymoved to Bacchus Marsh from Ballarat, and was handed your newsletter from the council offices. As a new mother to the area it is great to find out about activities and issues that relate to young families in the area. So, well done!

Hi m4m Thought this might be a useful site for your readers Www.simplesavings.com.au Kylie

We would love to hear your views, ideas or comments.

You can contact us at m4m@tpg.com.au or via our postal address.

LEARNING TO SAY BYE BYE

One of the most difficult things new mums and dads experience when they return to work is leaving their little ones at crèche or Daycare Centre. It can be heart-rending when our children cry and beg us not to go. But there are some simple tips to help settle them in and to give parents a little peace of mind. Each morning As you get ready in the morning, talk to your child about going to the Centre. This will help them to prepare for change. Reassure them that they will only be there for a short time and that you will be back to pick them up. At the Centre If your child is upset when you arrive, sometimes it is better to say good bye then leave your child to be comforted by a fa-miliar carer. Prolonging the separation only causes more dis-tress for both the parent and the child. Don’t sneak away Even if your child is playing happily, make sure your child knows you are leaving and don’t sneak away. Research shows that sneaking away can result in trust issues, or even that the child fears he or she will be left alone. Leaving for the day Once you have said goodbye to your child, leave the room so he or she does not get the wrong message and think you are staying. Crying One of the hardest things to do is leave your child at a centre when they are crying. But most children stop crying within five minutes of his or her parent leaving. During the day Most Centres are happy for parents to ring during the day to check on how their child is going.

Quality Childcare for children From 4 months to 12 years with caring qualified staff

⇒ Occasional and permanent positions

Pentland Childcare and Kindergarten

138-140 Halletts Way, Bacchus Marsh

Registered 4 year old

Kindergarten Program Now taking 2007 enrolments

Vacancies in all age groups. Ring now for more information.

Phone 5367 5248

Michelle Monaghan 53674495 or 0425 791 708

Christmas In July

15th July 1pm to 12 Midnight

Lots of fun!!!!

Jitterbugs at Uniting Church Playgroup.

Moorabool for Mothers do not endorse the products or services mentioned in this newsletter. Articles are only for your information and readers are advised to contact their medical practitioner

regarding any medical or health issues.

Being safe while exercising by Renae Knight

Maximising our safety is always paramount but particularly in winter when it is darker earlier and issues such as visibility are more prevalent. This is particularly important for those out exercising. We can all contribute to keeping ourselves safe against crime, personal injury and road accidents (even though some things are beyond our control). Remember a few simple things.

Always let someone know that you are going for a walk etc.

Always let someone know of your exact route so that if you are late they know where to look in case of accident or injury.

Be aware of your surroundings. While listening to music is great and motivating it can also tune you out to what is happening around you.

Watch where you are going and concentrate - going out for some exercise and coming home with a sprained ankle isn’t always fun (believe me I know – this happened to my husband not once but twice!)

Watch for vehicles when and if crossing roads. This is particularly important if you are listening to music and you can’t actually hear the traffic cues.

Avoid dark, unlit areas and try to walk/run in busy frequented areas.

Change your route (make sure you inform someone)

Safety is a far reaching subject and doing our bit to keep ourselves safe, our homes safe and our communities safe is becoming more important. The old saying, ‘many hands make light work’ is appropriate. We should all try to do our part to promote and enhance our safety. The Victorian Government has a website www.crimesmart.vic.gov.au which provides prac-tical crime prevention tips. In the coming issues of m4m we will feature summaries of the information on this website.

FEATURE YOUR BABY IN A 2007 CALENDAR

* No entry fee * Not in conjunction with any modeling, photographic or any other agency * No obligation to purchase * This is a FREE op-

portunity

Photos are being accepted for a 2007 Wall Calendar which will contain over 370 photos of Victorian children aged 0-3 years.

For the chance to have your child included in this calendar, please submit sharp focus colour photo via mail to PO Box 281 Rosanna, Vic 3084 (to have photo returned, include self-addressed stamped envelope) or Email clear digital high-resolution photos to: admin@katprintcreations.com Entries will be accepted until the calendar is full….so don’t delay ! ! !

Individual entry forms are required for each photo received via post and must be attached with tape to back of photo. If emailing, details from entry form below may be written in the body of the email with photo(s) attached.

JUDGING: Photos will be judged on originality, personality, moods, cuteness and uniqueness. Judges decisions are Final.

Please Visit www.katprintcreations.com for full terms and conditions. For enquiries please phone 0403 219 907

BABY CALENDAR ENTRY FORM 2007 Baby’s Name: ____________________ DOB: ___________ Parent/Guardian’s Name: ___________________________ Address: ________________________________________ Suburb: ________________________ P/Code:__________ Phone: ( ) ___________________Mobile:_____________ Email: ___________________________________________ Photo Date: ______________________ I confirm I am the parent/guardian of the child detailed above and in the photo attached. I am owner of all rights, including copyright of the attached photo. I agree to all guidelines/terms/ conditions of this entry.

SIGNATURE: __________________________________ Photocopies of Entry Forms Are Permitted and Welcome

Educational books, toys, games, puzzles,

reference books and more, for the whole family!

Our product range cover babies through to early secondary school, and many family reference. Our range is carefully selected for its high educational content, value and fun!.

Host a Learning Ladder “Get Together” in your own home or in your group (play, kinder, school, etc) and enjoy our products for FREE (with our generous host rewards)

SPECIAL OFFER!

Call before August 31st and book a Get Together and in addition to our normal host rewards you will also receive a

FREE gift from the range to the value of $20.

For more information call:

Jacqui Huxtable

5367 8049 or 0409 433393

Our catalogue can be viewed at our website

www.learningladder.com.au

Bacchus Marsh Hospital Djerriwarrh Health Services Being born at the Bacchus Marsh Hospital myself (36 years ago) I thought it would be pretty special to have my two children there too…and special it was. Childbirth can be an anxious time for expecting parents and I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Mary Little and her midwifery staff do a marvelous job which needs to be recognised. I have always loved the relaxed atmosphere of our local hospital and some of my City friends have likened it to a ‘Country Practice’ feel. Not many hospitals have views out of the windows, most have views of other buildings and sounds of city traffic. I am not talking of seeing rolling meadows in Bacchus Marsh but you can actually see trees, grass and most importantly your visitors arriving (which gives you just enough time to get out of your PJs and into something more visitor friendly). When expecting my first daughter I enrolled into the Pre-Natal classes with Jo Speed the Maternal Child Health Nurse. She welcomed the new parents-to-be with her special personal touch and gave us a feeling of contentment that we have been well informed. She explained all of our choices for birth and informed us of what to expect after the baby arrives. This is where I researched my pain relief options for the birth. I had my first daughter in Birthing suite number 1 which was lovely. With an ensuite, large bed and bar fridge, it resembled a hotel suite. There was plenty of room for the influx of first day visitors and we were really comfortable. The midwives were fabulous, the food was wonderful and the birth was pain free (well maybe just free). So when my second daughter was born in April this year I was actually looking forward to my stay at the Hospital. In birthing suite number 2 this time the birth was quicker, easier and drug free again. I spent much of my time there with the blinds open and the sunshine poring into the room. It was really relaxing. I have to give a special mention to the kitchen staff. Every meal was mouth watering, the variety of menu was great and you can set your watch by the meal times. I had porridge for breakfast one morning and it was amazing…it took me back to the days before porridge became instant and microwaved.

The Midwives were excellent. I was surprised that I needed a refresher on latching a newborn baby (after breastfeeding my first daughter for 12 Months), but the midwives were really helpful and nothing was too much trouble. I noticed that they were communicating my needs extremely well between themselves…I didn’t have to repeat anything twice and the next midwife on duty was well informed of the events of the last shift. This gave me a real confidence in the care we were receiving. The Djerriwarrh Health Services should be very proud of its Maternity Ward. How lucky we are to have such a wonderful facility in our town. Dee Heagney

Website Reviews By Kylie www.millenniumkids.com.au This website has been set up by young people between the ages of ten through

to twenty-five who have a passion for the environment. It allows young people to engage their ideas and

passion for environmental issues. They run an annual Kids Helping Kids Environmental Conference and their

Sustainability Roadshows allow people to voice their options on a local, national or global concern. It’s a great

website to get the children involved in if they are keen on environmental issues.

www.junkbusters.com Hands up those who are overwhelmed with junk mail. Its everywhere from the mail

box through to your inbox (email storage). The aim of this website is to help you remove all kinds of junk

messages from your life. So log on and start getting rid of that clutter.

Bringing Home Baby

When I was little, I used to fight like crazy with my older brother. When I recall the yelling, the screaming and sorry to say, even the punching that used to pass between us, I think only one thing: poor mum!

Of course, I can sympathize with mum now, because I’m a mother myself, and I hate to think of my children heading down that same rivalry-road. How exhausting! However, I think I’d be living in fantasy-land if I imagine my boys won’t have their fights and scuffles. I just hope, like all par-ents, that they learn to play together nicely most of the time.

From the day our baby came home to meet our toddler, I’ve been putting some strategies into place that I hope will minimize the inevitable sibling rivalry that most children (and parents!) are familiar with.

Here are a couple of simple and effective strategies I’ve found helpful when ‘bringing home baby’:

Assuming you are coming home from hospital, have dad, or another adult carry the baby in from the car. That way, you are free to greet your other child/ren without the baby ‘getting in the way’.

Try to use language that doesn’t always refer to ‘the baby’. Instead of saying “I’m just changing the baby’s nappy” or “I’ve just got to give the baby some milk”, say something like “I’ve just got one more job to do before we read a story” or “when I’ve finished here, I’ll get you some lunch”. It’s inevitable that older children have to wait until the baby’s needs are taken care of, but if you mix up your language a bit, they at least won’t be hear-ing ‘baby, baby, baby’ all day.

If your toddler or older child (like mine) wants to climb on you while you’re feeding your baby, again, try to avoid saying things like “be careful not to hurt the baby”. Try saying “be careful not to hurt mummy” or “don’t please, that could hurt us”.

When brother or sister is cuddling the baby, turn your focus to the older child. Instead of talking about how cute the baby is, give your toddler a kiss and rub his/her back and say “what lovely cuddling” or “gee you’re good at that”. Later you could add “I think the baby loves to have a cuddle with you”. You’re sure to see a look of pride on your toddler’s face!

Always ask the older child’s permission if you offer one of his or her toys to the baby. “Is it alright if the baby has a turn with your toy car?” And, assuming you’re given permission, be sure to follow this with a hearty “thank you, what lovely sharing”. Of course, if your toddler or older child says no, then respect this with “that’s ok, maybe next time you might feel like sharing”.

And strange as it may sound, from time to time, I don’t think it hurts to enforce the family rules on the baby! If your toddler or older child hears you being ‘fair’ from the very beginning, then there is perhaps less opportunity for resentment to build. Of course the baby hasn’t got a clue what he’s doing when he reaches for his sister’s hair, but for the sake of your older child, you could quietly say, “no baby, don’t hurt your sister”, or “no baby, that’s not your toy”. Once again, the baby isn’t coming first and the older child will continue to feel valued and respected.

So that’s it. Maybe you have some tips of your own? If so, send them in and we’ll pass them on. And for what it’s worth … I’m pleased to report that I now have a very happy and harmonious relationship with my brother. We only punch each other occasionally!

Jane Gardner

www.allaboutnappies.com Are you a cloth or disposable nappy person when it comes to changing the babies

nappy? Either way at this site you will find chatty advice about the nappies and what is best. Why not add your

own experience as this site aims to encourage mothers by mothers themselves.

www.sidsandkids.org With Red Nose Day taking place in June this year why not check out this site that is also

raising awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. You will be able to find support networks and advice if

you are going through the grief of losing a baby. It’s worth having a browse at the site to find out how to

become involved in raising the awareness of Red Nose Day.

And something for the kids By Renae

A few cost effective ideas for hours of

entertainment! Make your own snakes and ladders game with a piece of

cardboard. Draw a grid, number it and draw some snakes and ladders (or whatever you want). My kids loved helping to make this especially when it came to colouring and drawing. This is a great game to help with counting and well as developing the concept of ‘taking turns’. Ours is still in great shape and gets hours of use!

Make a winter wonderland by drawing and cutting out

clouds, snowmen, the sun, rainbows etc. We used silver curling ribbon for the rain. Hang the creations on the wall. Our playroom has truly been transformed!

If your children are interested in planets and space then this

is a goodie but is time consuming. We are currently creating our own little papier mache solar system. You too can create three dimensional planets, moon, sun etc by using balloons and covering them with strips of newspaper dipped in paste (flour and water). Let them dry and do it again. Once they have dried again the kids can then paint them. Upon drying hang them up! What a fantastic way to learn about planets and space.

Play with Dough By Anita Want something to do when you need an inside day? Some of our favourite things to play with are the doughs, play dough, salt dough and bread dough.

Play dough is great for allowing free play, it’s inexpensive and easy to make, add some cookie cutters, a rolling pin and other small kitchen utensils and even toddlers can be kept amused for hours.

Salt dough can be used to make lasting mementos, fridge magnets, hand imprints, small sculptures or gifts for family. Once dried it can be painted, another fun and messy activity! Be aware that due to the high salt content of both recipes, both doughs are toxic if consumed in moderate quantities.

Bread dough is another fun thing to play with, and you can eat the end result! The bread maker makes life easy, or find or create a traditional family recipe. Here are some recipes for the play dough and salt dough, check out the net for other recipes and handy hints.

Play dough:

1/2 cup salt

1 1/2 cups flour

2tbl sp cream of tartar

1 tbl sp of oil

1 cup water

Food dye. Either mix all ingredients over low heat until they come together,

A HOME-MADE TRAIN

Dick Weigall suggests a rewarding backyard project.

Many of us have tried to make billy-carts as children. They involved buying a couple of sets of axles and wheels and nailing these to a couple of planks of wood (otherwise known as the chassis.) Usually part of a fruit box was attached for the driver to sit in. There was little planning. It sort of evolved as we went along. Crude? Yes, but we had lots of fun.

The same philosophy can be applied when making a train for children. Have a go at making it, and as problems arise you (or a friend) will soon find a solution.

Fix a couple of axles and wheels to a plank or two of wood. Nail a box, or part thereof, to the back end as a driver’s seat. Now find a large paint tin or a four gallon drum to use as a boiler for the front of the train. A small chimney (jam tin) sits on top of this drum. How it is attached makes an interesting but not impossible challenge. (I use nuts, bolts and washers.) Erect a driver’s cab – just an elongated box - against the boiler.

Other carriages are attached to the engine by extended wire coat hangers. Again, fruit boxes are ideal for these carriages, but if these are in short supply why not use sturdy cardboard boxes? Finally, a good coat of paint does wonders for the whole train, but beware of washable children’s paint which comes off on clothing if it becomes at all damp. The whole train is pulled along with a length of rope.

As with the model city (described in the May edition of this newsletter) you will find all sorts of ways to improve your backyard train and the ‘railway’ in general. Stations, signals, bridges, train tickets…it never ends.

Footnote: If this all sounds too hard, your local friendly hardware store will supply you with what you need if you show him or her this article - except for that wonderful Australian bush quality of improvisation. You have to supply that yourself!

Salt Dough

1 cup fine salt 1 cup flour About 1/2 cup of water.

Mix the flour and the salt together in a lage bowl, depending on the flour you may need a different amount of water, make a well in the centre, add the water and mix.

Knead until you have a smooth, elastic and non sticky dough.

Add more flour for a softer dough, more salt will make it more grainy, add wall paper glue to make it more cohesive.

The dough can be air dried if it is only thin. For oven drying, if the sculpture is partly air dried, start at 50 deg. C for 30 min, raise it to 100 and bake until done –each cm thick should be roughly 2 hours, it should sound hollow when tapped.

Hint: Use foil inside sculptures to reduce the baking time.