The Parenting Column: A Calendar of Tips, Trips and Falls

By Helen Davis

this is a book written for parents of all ages pit together from 4 years worth of newspaper articles I wrote for our local Australian newspaper

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Dec 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781483559742

Book preview

Networks

JANUARY

Happy New Year

Well hello there. Season's Greetings and a very Happy New Year to you all and Happy Parenting for the next twelve months! This time of the year is filled with celebration and joy, a time to eat, drink and be merry. For children and parents alike it can be the best part of the year, a time to reflect on the previous year, the ups and downs, the highs and lows and wonder what this year has in store. I trust you all had a fantastic Christmas, survived the New Year festivities and caught up with family and friends.

We begin the year fresh with hopes and dreams for the coming 12 months and many will begin their New Year Resolutions. You know the ones, I'll lose weight, I'll eat healthier, I'm going to walk every day, and I'll spend more time with friends and family. I'll take less work home. And how many of these have been broken as soon as work and school restarts and we fall back into our usual daily grind and unfortunate bad habits and excuses, not enough hours in the day, fast food saves time and mess. You avoid eye contact with the brand new treadmill sitting idly and rusting outside, most likely on your next garage sale list and yep the dog gets to walk himself round the yard again. Well it didn't do him any harm before – did it? Yes the after festive activities can be a bit of an anticlimax to say the least.

So what can you do to motivate you and your family, get yourself out of the rut and rid of the bulge? There is no quick fix but it can be done. Firstly don't set yourself up to fail - stick to realistic resolutions in manageable chunks and avoid making too many. Better to be master of one and succeed than feel swamped and throw in the towel before you've even begun. Consider doing things together, something sporty perhaps, after all there is safety in numbers. If you smoke or drink it is easy to reduce the amount slowly. Set yourself small rewards for reaching goals. Have a visual reminder, write it on the calendar. Tell your family and friends what you are doing so they can support you and give encouragement. Becoming more organised is not only satisfying but can be a very realistic New Year's resolution that can become contagious once others see the results. Having a spring clean / DE clutter or giving away unused or unwanted items can make you feel contented and refreshed. Feeling positive is good for everyone, affects the whole families' mood and is just what the doctor ordered to kick off the New Year, so choose your resolution wisely and start how you mean to go on. And what's my New Year's Resolution? I'm not telling - it's a secret.

Happy Parenting and a bright and cheerful Happy New Year to you all!

"Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page"

~Henry Ward Beecher

Post-Christmas Blues

The build up to the silly season is incessantly intense. Without fail we work like a trooper, shop 'til we drop, cook up a storm, prepare dishes we have never even heard of (just to impress), from last year's cook book received for Christmas that has only just been opened, endeavouring to outshine last Christmas fare.  During this carefree time most of us do way too much, spread ourselves thin and are emotionally bushed. We suffer self-inflicted sleep deprivation, despite taking crafty nana naps, due to excessively late nights. Then at long last the expectation that has been building up for months is doused in a flood of high spirits and activity once presents are unwrapped and overindulgence and lack of willpower takes over.

As Christmas festivities reach closure, drained mums and dads put happy hyped up kids to bed, clear up empty boxes and gift wrap, and put table leftovers and dishes away. It's all over way too quickly, wham bang thank you Ma'am, in the blink of an eye. Hardly surprising scores of people are left somewhat befuddled in a post-Christmas daze, and believe me it's nothing to do with alcohol!

The mourning of Christmas passing and Post-Christmas Blues are surprisingly common, something to do with that let down feeling after all the warm and fuzzies have gone, the Christmas tree and decorations have finally been packed away, the lollies have all but been eaten so the sugar fix is over and there are no more boring 'dated' Christmas TV reruns to make fun of. You may be relieved that it is all over and that everything went off without a hitch, but no one likes the thought of having to wait a whole year for it all to happen once more. Twelve months seems like an eternity. Every year you promise yourself you will be better organised 'next time' and start Christmas preparations earlier.

And henceforth reality sinks in, families and friends disperse, festivities are done and dusted, its back in the groove, to work, to school holiday care, the daily grind with a few extra calories ( and that's putting it mildly) and a depressingly diminished bank balance.

So how do you treat the dreaded Post Christmas Blues? Start by doing something that makes you feel good, or focus on something to look forward to. Sort through your holiday snaps. Looking at Christmas photos especially the silly ones makes you feel happy. Don't be too hasty to take all your decorations down at once. Keep occupied and busy - this will help prolong that holiday radiance. Walk off that the indigestion and over indulgence of turkey. Exercise not only makes you look and feel better it helps lift the spirit, even if there isn't any left on the shelf, and is great for preventing and treating depression.

Might be time to look at gym membership as a New Year's Resolution, the beginning of a new you. Start the New Year a fresh and Spring clean, dust off the cobwebs, or sort out old and outgrown toys and give them to charity. Giving makes you feel good. Set realistic goals and have something set aside to aim for. And lastly, but by no means least, if you have neglected yourself during the festive season, which is very likely, allow yourself some 'me' time to do things you want to do – you've earned it.

Christmas comes but once a year and trust me Post - Christmas Blues (PCB) will pass in due course. Just takes patience. Happy Parenting!

The Dangers of Chroming

Well this year I was going to start this New Year afresh with something bright, positive and cheerful, until I walked through the park along the riverbank behind the RFDS on New Year's Day. Yes it's dried out through lack of rain but what caught my eye other than the poorly spelt graffiti on the path and empty scattered foil wine containers was the amount of aerosols and plastic bottles strewn around filled with yellow paint.

When I walked across the town bridge there were over a dozen children carrying yet more bottles filled with yellow paint heavily engaged in chroming. I would guess some of these kids were less than ten years of age. What can I say? How disappointing! These kids are our next generation of Mount Isan's. Unknowingly they are putting their whole futures at risk and at what cost?

Chroming otherwise known as volatile substance abuse is the sniffing, or inhaling of a substance to gain a high, feeling of drunkenness, or euphoria albeit temporarily. It is witnessed more frequently amongst children because the everyday chemicals used, such as paint, glue, petrol (petrol sniffing) are so easy to acquire, often through illegal means, syphoning fuel a regular occurrence, thus leading to an increase in crime.

Chroming is addictive, the person becoming both psychologically and physically dependent. According to an alarming 2007 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, at least 70,000 Australian youngsters, 14 years and above had used some form of inhalant during the previous 12 months, two thirds at least monthly. Going by this statistic one would have to wonder how many children are involved in substance abuse in Mount Isa, what is being done about it and is this the true figure, or tip of the iceberg?

The effects of substance abuse can be catastrophic, resulting in serious health complications, including damage to the brain, central nervous system, heart, liver, lungs and kidneys. Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is permanent, can lead to difficulties with thought process and planning, cause hearing, eyesight and memory loss, initiate problems with balance and coordination and seizures. Chroming can prove rapidly fatal.

So why do kids do it? Peer pressure, to fit in, curiosity, boredom, experimentation, escapism, copycat syndrome, who knows. Substance abuse can be hard to pin point, so look for subtle clues, glue, solvent or aerosol containers on a child's possession, spilt on clothing, or the smell of paint or chemicals. Watch for sores around the mouth and nose, changes in behavior, anxiety, bad temper, aggression, poor concentration, confusion, decreased school performance, absenteeism, and physical signs of illness such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or headaches. Bear in mind, these signs and symptoms can have other unrelated causes.

With that in mind, suspecting your child might be doing drugs, or indulging in substance abuse has got to be every parent's nightmare. If you have the slightest inkling that substance abuse is the culprit do something about it before it's too late. Talk to your child and discuss the risks openly and honestly. Seek help from your GP, or call Alcohol and Drug Services Queensland 07 3236 2414 or 1800 177 833. The state Brain Injury Association or State Drug Service can also provide information on treatment and appropriate referral.

Happy New Year – Now Clean Your Room!

From Christmas cheer festivity and ringing in the New Year it is now time to spring clean, to dust away the cobwebs and start a fresh. New Year is the occasion when we traditionally let go of the old and shepherd in the new. The period for new beginnings, hopes and dreams for the coming twelve months.

Having said that spring cleaning can be a sizeable undertaking, a chore that many of us would prefer to put on the back burner. Roping in the kids to help can be a challenge in itself, especially as most are still in post-Christmas holiday mode. To get them the slightest bit interested makes it enjoyable. Believe it or not most kids actually like chores once they understand the end result. Even small children take delight in helping and being made to feel useful. Older children appreciate feeling valued and trusted. Make it fun and offer choice.

Consider making a list of all of the tasks that must be completed and determine who is best suited for that responsibility. Set realistic goals. Break the job up into smaller more manageable chunks. Think safety and of course ensure what is divvied out is age/skill appropriate.

Using a team approach it's amazing what can be achieved in even a short time. Completing tasks provides a sense of achievement. Old or grown out of toys and items still in good condition can be donated to those in need or sold on. Giving makes you feel good, plus any extra cash is a bonus especially this time of the year. Reward good behaviour and hard work by showing your appreciation. Maybe something special as a thank you.

When it comes to inspiring kids to unclutter and tidy their bedrooms, parents can feel they are in a losing battle. Many children appear totally oblivious to the mess and putting it politely lingering smells that often lurk within. And older kids especially take exception to mum and dad sticky-beaking into 'their' private domain. However a certain level of hygiene and cleanliness isn't unacceptable so it is only fair that while the kids are still living under the same roof they abide by the same rules.

True youngsters might need a little prompting to get going, but it doesn't pay to do everything for them. From an early age teach your child to pick up items, put things away and taking pride in their surroundings. If you constantly clear up after your children this can be habit forming and you can hardly expect things to change.

As a parent sometimes you have to use every trick in the book. In fact it is remarkable how quickly a child's room, especially a teenager's, is cleaned when a parent 'threatens' to come in and start vacuuming! Changing the room around, decorating or buying new furniture can be a huge motivator especially if your child is asked his opinion and is allowed to assist. Having plenty of storage space will make the job easier and future organization less arduous.

This January there will be umpteen trips to the dump and numerous garage sales. The good news is that by the time we welcome in the Chinese New Year on 31st January 2014, which happens to be the year of the Horse, much of the spring cleaning will be well and truly over - at least for another year! Happy Parenting!

Children Who Do Chores are More Productive Adults

Recent research suggests children, who are involved in doing chores learn from an early age to work together, contribute to their family, society, gain a sense of achievement, empowerment, gratitude and satisfaction. Being valued and part of the family, or group, cements a culture of being involved and the desire to help one other.

Involved kids learn values, empathy, a sense of worth, routine and organisation. In turn they will be more likely to help in the household in adulthood, to become more successful and productive.

The same can be said for volunteering. In helping others there is a great sense of satisfaction and the pleasure felt from giving rather than receiving. The sense that unpaid work can be just as fulfilling.

Having children help around the house is a learning curve. It's not true that no one likes chores. Many kids want to be involved without necessarily being asked and toddlers will imitate parents as they do housework.

An occupied child is less likely to get into mischief and at least you know where they are. Sharing chores can reduce stress and promotes healthy discussion, away from the distraction of television and social media. Working together encourages bonding and teamwork.

There are some simple ways to get it right. Make it interesting and fun, liven it up with some music or song perhaps, don't have unrealistic expectations, or expect perfection. Supervise, ensure its age appropriate and safe, divvy it our fairly and set time limits. Creating a chore chart can work wonders, make it easier to see who's doing what and when and who's turn is it next. A chore plan for each task will install a great life lesson, the thrill of completing a project from start to finish, and ultimately a feeling of a job well done.

Finally don't forget to say thank you. Praise goes a long way and is a great motivator. A child will positively glow with pride.

A pervasive sense of gratitude is one of the 10 signs of happiness - Dalai Lama

Happy Parenting!

New Beginning - new Bubs

With the New Year we welcome new beginnings and the start of all things new. For some this year will bring significant change culminating in the patter of little feet!

Nine months is a very short time to get your head around pregnancy let alone come to terms with impending parenthood. And as any parent will verbalize nothing can really prepare you for the mammoth transition, lifestyle and relationship adjustments, sense of who you have now become.

Nearly all parents-to-be find pregnancy fascinating yet mystifying. Most don't know what to expect whilst expecting and the idea of bringing home a tiny bundle of joy though exciting can be quite daunting. So what can you do to make the transition easier?

The accessibility of all things from pregnancy, birth and parenting has never been so good. Yes the data is out there 'big time', growing by the millisecond. However wading through the overloaded mine field of purported advice to extract the good, bad and let's face it the frequently ugly often misleading, possibly inaccurate, maybe even dangerous information is complex, putting it mildly.

Well it's not all bad news. I've just come across a Self-Directed Learning Package (SDLP) filled with great up-to-date tips and advice specially designed for mums and dads to be. What a great idea. And what's more it's free!

So what exactly is an SDLP I hear you ask? It's a resource package of worksheets and information booklets designed to be used by anyone, anywhere, anytime that can be worked through at your own pace. In other words a user- friendly fun relaxed unrushed way to study in the comfort of one's own comfort zone.

Ignorance is not bliss especially when it comes to pregnancy and birth. Knowledge and understanding of the many changes and complexities during pregnancy and childbirth help relieve many of the unwarranted fears, lessens stress, builds confidence and sense of well-being and may even reduce episodes of high blood pressure and depression. It can lead to a healthier pregnancy and delivery an overall more satisfying experience. Long term it can expand parenting skills and contentment. Not bad for a bit of reading.

The Looking After You-self learning pack for expectant mums (and let's not forget dads) is available from Women's Health at www.womhealth.org.au

For more information on 'What to Expect Pregnancy and parenting, every step of the way 'check out the website www.whattoexpect.com/what-to-expect

Enjoy your pregnancy and learn as much as you can. It's a rewarding way to pass the time.

As Sir Francis Bacon said "Knowledge is Power."

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

National Birth Defects Prevention Month falls this month coinciding with Folic Acid Awareness Week 4-10 January. Birth defects affect approximately 3% of babies born in Australia. There are over 4,000 different types congenital heart defects (CHDs) being the most common.

Minor birth defects may require little or no treatment occasionally going unnoticed until a chance possibly surprise finding in adulthood. More severe potentially life threatening conditions may be evident at birth and can result in life-long physical and cognitive challenges frequently requiring medical and or surgical intervention. With early detection and advances in care many more people born with birth defects have less morbidity and are living significantly longer. That being said birth defects contribute to 20% of infant mortality.

Being of a particular race or ethnicity can increase chances of specific birth defects as can a family history. In this case genetic counselling may be called for. Babies conceived to older parents, from first cousins or through IVF have more incidences of birth abnormality.

Today many birth defects and conditions are identified early on in pregnancy through prenatal screening such as Spina bifida, Down syndrome, certain metabolic disorders, heart defects, cleft palate, malformations, deformities and tumours. Far the majority of birth defects are either obvious at birth or become apparent and are diagnosed within the first twelve months.

Determining a definite cause isn't always easy. Environmental factors such as exposure to chemicals, drugs, infections or viruses' in utero, chromosomal abnormalities, or a combination can all play a part. Tobacco, drug and alcohol usage, uncontrolled diabetes and being over or under weight before and whilst pregnant are all associated with increased risk.

Although not all birth defects are preventable there are many ways women can reduce the likelihood of occurrence. Treating and managing health issues and ensuring healthy behaviours before and during pregnancy will improve chances of having a healthy baby. Before pregnancy check vaccinations are current and Pap smear is up-to-date.

The importance of early and regular prenatal and anti natal care cannot be over emphasised. Talk to your health professional about any medications both prescription and over-the-counter. Sustain a healthy weight and manage conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or epilepsy. Avoid risk factors wherever possible, potential poisonous substances at work or home and infections, such as toxoplasmosis

 Folic Acid Awareness Week aims to promote public awareness of the essential role this vital vitamin B vitamin has on a developing foetus. Women contemplating motherhood are encouraged to consume 400 µg of folic acid before and during pregnancy required for cell growth. Consuming foods high in folic acid and taking folic acid supplements have been shown to reduce the possibility of neural tube defects that occur in the first months of pregnancy when the brain and spinal cord are forming, often at a time a mother does not know she is pregnant.

Most of us are well aware of the dangers of alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs usage during pregnancy, increasing the likelihood of premature birth, certain birth defects including cleft palate and infant death. Alcohol consumption even in small amounts can cause Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Giving them up during pregnancy is a small price to pay for a healthy child. Happy Parenting!

Early preventative infant and maternal health can have a significant positive effect on the long term health and wellbeing of a child. We owe it to our children to give them the best possible start in life.

Additional information is available at www.cdc.gov/birthdefects

and on folic acid from www.cdc.gov/folicacid

Did Your Birth Plan Go To Plan?

Question is did your birth plan go to plan, or did it fly out the window? In most cases the answer is probably not. The birth of a child is truly memorable and the experience will last a lifetime. Having a say in how this will take place allows expectant parents to make informed choices and take greater control.

Most mums and dads-to-be have a pretty good understanding of pregnancy and birth even if this is their first time. There is so much advise out there it can in fact be information overload. Sometimes too much knowledge can be a bad thing. The good, the bad and the ugly can lead to increased confusion and unnecessary anxiety.

We all have a fairly good idea of what we want during labour. However what we want and what we get can be two entirely different things. Best-laid plans may not go to plan.

First time labour or labour pro with several labours under your belt, no birth is alike. Things don't always go by the book and things can change very rapidly.

Birth is a natural thing, you are always being told what can go wrong, but when it actually happens you don't really think about it. The end result for the majority of us thank goodness is a healthy baby, whether born by the plan or not. A birth plan contains your wishes for your planned labour. Positioning, pain relief, who will be there, it all boils down to personal choice.

Not sure how to write a birthing plan, or how to even get started? Talk to your friends who have kids about how theirs worked and importantly what didn't. Would they have changed anything? Discuss your proposed plan with your doctor and midwife.

There are no hard and fast rules to formulating your individualised birthing plan. Be realistic and flexible, prepared to listen to the medical staff, accept that sometimes medical intervention is required, and that even with the best intentions the outcome can be very different.

Whether Planning for a natural / assisted birth, or C- section a birthing plan is a valuable tool that can assist you to have the labour, birth and after care you most desire.

For a simple birth plan template and more information on how to complete one check out wwwbabycenter.com/calculators-birth plan

Most parents are glad they made a plan even if it didn't go to plan.

Happy Parenting!

Protecting Children in the Heat

With the exceptionally prolonged above average heat wave we are all experiencing this year it seems only fitting to talk about protecting ourselves and our loved ones. The young, the elderly, frail and disabled and outdoor workers are particularly susceptible to dehydration and heat exposure, nevertheless we are all at risk if we do not take adequate precautions.

Where possible keep cool, in the shade and out of the sun. Set the air-conditioner to about 25C, make use of fans and stay in the coolest part of the house. Make the most of air conditioned areas such as shopping centres, libraries and cinemas.

Drink plenty of fluids. Children may need encouragement. Breast and bottle fed babies cannot tell you they are thirsty and often need extra fluids in the form of cooled boiled water. Dress in comfortable lightweight 'breathable' clothing, natural fibres are best and cover arms and legs when outside. Babies may only need a single and a nappy. A 'tepid' bath warm enough to be comfortable (not cold) can help keep babies and children cool. Water and pool play are fun activities as well as a great way to cool down.

Coolest time of the day to travel is early morning. Park in the shade when you can. Cars can reach over 65C within a very short time. Always keep the air conditioner on in the car, shade babies and children from the sun and NEVER leave a baby or child in the car, even for a few minutes. The heat of a car can be fatal.

Babies and children's skin is thinner, more easily damaged and burnt by the sun. Always remember slip slop slap and wrap and a hat preferably with a wide brim. Use a 30+ broad based spectrum sunscreen to all exposed parts of the skin. Try to avoid going out during the hottest times of the day

Be mindful of signs of dehydration, such as darker than normal urine, less wet nappies, dry skin, lips and tongue. Babies can become unsettled, appear unwell and the soft spot on the head, the fontanels, may be sunken. Other causes of dehydration include vomiting and diarrhoea.

Whatever the cause dehydration without prompt management and treatment can become serious. Always seek prompt medical advice if a baby or child appears to be unwell or you suspect dehydration. If a child or adult is clearly unwell call an ambulance immediately.

Heat stroke can happen when too much water is lost from the body and the temperature starts to rise. This can lead to organ failure and death. Make your New Year's Resolution this year to update or renew your First Aid Certificate. It could save a life.

Happy Parenting!

No Tan Jan

The last week January marks the conclusion of No Tan Jan Month. For years, the perfect tan was regarded as the means to look healthier, more attractive and in some cases athletic. It is less fashionable today yet despite what we now know and the potential dangers the 'perfect' tan is still highly sort after by many. They are literally 'baking' themselves in the sun. A sun tan is in point of fact a sign that the skin had been damaged. 80% of sun damage takes place in childhood and years can elapse before a cancer develops.

One in two Australians will require treatment for skin cancer during their lifetime. Though of the many forms of skin cancer melanoma is the least common, it is the most deadliest kind and needs to be identified early if any treatment is to be successful. Australia has the highest rates of melanoma worldwide. 11,000 Australians are diagnosed each year and the numbers are rising. It continues to be the leading cause of cancer death amongst females in the 25-30 age group and is the third commonest cancer in 15 to 39 year olds. It is observed more frequently in causations and males. Though less common, melanoma can occur in young children.

10% of melanomas are hereditary and family history significantly increases one's risk. However the majority, at least two thirds of melanomas result from excessive and prolonged sun exposure. Most common sites for Melanoma include the head, ears, neck and torso, especially in males and lower legs in females. Melanoma can involve the eye and places not exposed to the sun, and in rare cases appears internally.

Risk factors include being fair-haired and skinned, having blue or green eyes, red, or blonde hair, anyone who easily burns or is particularly sensitive to the sun, living in a sunny environment, or exposed to strong sunlight and those with a family history. Solariums once ever popular have been proven to multiply the risk of melanoma by 75%. The UVA emitted can be five times more than natural sunlight. Queensland is set to follow NSW and South Australia's example in banning solariums by 2015.

Prevention and early detection is the key. We all understand how to reduce sun exposure, by limiting time outside above all during the hours of 11 and 3, by covering up, wearing protective clothing, long sleeves and a hat with a wide brim, rather than a cap that gives very limited protection, using sunscreen and lip balm, slop, slop, slap and wrap. You are never too young to be tan safe. From as early as 10 years old everyone should be encouraged to check their skin on a regular basis and an annual skin check with your GP is good advice. Use a mirror for those hard to see/ reach areas, or get a family member to help. And as always see your doctor if you are concerned about any lesion, mole or lump. It could save your life. Happy Parenting! For more information on melanoma or No Tan Jan got to

www.thewarwickfoundation.org.au/notanjan www.melanoma.org.au/about-melanoma

Happy Parenting!

Healthy Weight Week

January 20-26 is Healthy Weight Week and guess what the 22nd is 'Rid the World of Fad Diets Day'! Healthy Weight Week is now in its teens, the idea to promote healthy diet-free eating habits and good lifestyle choices, thus reducing eating and weight related problems.

About a quarter of 2-16 year olds are overweight. On a positive note that means three quarters are not. The trick is to maintaining a healthy weight by balancing calorie intake with the energy we use. Excess calories are stored as body fat leading to weight gain.

As a nation we are getting fatter, possibly not what you want to hear straight after Christmas over-indulgence. The most common New Year's Resolution is to lose weight and with this not surprisingly is a spike in gym membership. Great idea so long as you follow through. Regardless of your genes, with right food choices and adequate exercise and the right mindset there is every chance you will succeed.

Obese kids often stay overweight adults. Being overweight increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes, breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnoea, fatty liver, liver disease, gallstones, gastro-oesophageal reflux, joint problems, muscular pain and some cancers. Overweight people are more likely to suffer social discrimination and have low self-esteem.

Healthy diet-free eating habits include eating a wide variety of foods, ideally 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables a day, always eating breakfast and never skipping meals. Easiest way to encourage reduced portion size is to use a smaller plate. Simple and it works. Don't feel obliged to finish a plate and do not eat when you are not hungry.

We all know how to cut back on fatty and sugary high calorie foods. It's not rocket science. Read the food labels. Look for reduced fat, sugar and salt varieties and healthier alternatives. Avoid temptation; don't buy items if you can't avoid them. Fizzy drinks and juices are by far the number one cause of excess 'hidden' calories. Just one can of soft drink contains anything up to 15 teaspoons of sugar and fruit juices are not far behind. Most 'diet' soft drinks, same as water, contain no calories. Think about it. Makes sense. Would you give your child a bowl of sugar for brekkie, because in effect that is exactly what you are doing, not to mention what it is doing to their teeth?

And some so-called well-advertised 'healthy' cereal brands leave a lot to be desired, might be fortified with vitamins and natural colours, but are swimming in sugar. And why, because it is a cheap substitute and the government won't do anything to stop it. These kids are our next generation, our future and they deserve better.

Kids learn through example. Encourage active play to help burn calories. Even small weight loss can bring about huge health benefits both mentally and physically. But do it sensibly. Fad and crash dieting can be dangerous. There is no such thing as the perfect diet. Dieters regain weight if they do not maintain their change to a healthier lifestyle. Small but consistent steps to change are the recipe for achieving your goal. Write down what you eat and drink for a week and analyse it. If you can't stop, swap the item with something healthier. Talk to your doctor or dietician about an individualised healthy eating and weight reduction plan. Write the date in your diary.

Happy Parenting!

Preparing for School

Probably one of the biggest questions parents ask themselves when it comes to starting school, is whether their child is truly ready and what can be done to make the transaction easier. By law, all children must be enrolled in school by their sixth birthday. Some children benefit significantly from extra maturity and it can help them if they start a tad later while others are ready at a much younger age, are showing signs of boredom at home and may even express their desire to go to school, particularly if they have an older sibling already attending.

Schools are well versed when it comes to new students so if you have any questions talk to your child's teacher or principal. Most schools have parent guides. The Queensland State School web site www.education.qld.gov.au/schools about also has some very useful information, or contact private schools direct.

Introduce the idea of school gradually, talk positively and practice getting ready. There are some excellent books about going to