SURVIVING THE ‘WITCHING HOUR’

AUTUMN 2011

PREGNANCY, INFANCY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD

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PROMOTING READING AT HOME

KITCHEN HYGIENE

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

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It’s Autumn and that means it’s our birthday! I can hardly believe it’s been two years since Essential Child was born. It’s absolutely flown by. What’s that they say about having fun? I’m proud to say our team are as passionate as always about bringing the very best of information, news, advice and products to the parents, families, teachers and carers of the mid-north coast.

And this issue is no exception. In this issue, Coffs Harbour speech pathologist Kanti Saraswati tells us how children learn to communicate at a very young age, through visual senses, gestures and facial expressions.

We also look at ways to survive the ‘witching hour’, that time of the day when Mum and Dad are tired, the children are hungry and unsettled, and tempers can be just a little bit frayed. Early Childhood Consultant, Pauline offers some simple tips to keeping everyone calm and happy from home-time to bedtime.

Speaking of Pauline, she celebrated a special anniversary of her own last month – 20 years as Director of Possums’ Den Preschool in Coffs Harbour. The staff, parents and children of the Centre gathered to celebrate together at a special morning tea. Pauline was presented with a gold bracelet and custom made photo book, looking back at her two decades at Possums’ Den. Congratulations Pauline! See the story on page 11.

For anyone who is on Facebook – and let’s face it, that’s most of us these days! – please drop by our fan page – www.facebook.com/essentialchild. We would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, suggestions and news from around the mid-north Coast. You might even win a prize! Turn to page 8 for details on this issue’s competition.

Enjoy!

Sarah

x

2 Letters to the Editor.

Out of the mouths of babes.

3 We Love... Moo Goo! & Wrap Me Up

4 “Mum, what does this say?” Promoting reading at home.

5 Handy Hints.

6 Recipe.

Kitchen Hygiene.

8 Book Reviews.

9 Communicating with young children: Communication is very visual.

11 Soap Box.

Still embracing change, 20 years on.

12 Surviving the ‘Witching Hour’

Essential Child Autumn Issue 2011

Editor Sarah Rogers

Early Childhood Consultant Pauline Pryor

Layout & DesignSam Pryor

Cover Photo Captured with Love Photography www.capturedwithlove.com.au

Contributing Writers Jodie Smith Kanti Saraswati

Advertising enquiries:Sarah Rogers,

phone 0410 338 201

ads@essentialchild.com.au

Contact:phone 02 6656 2109

fax 02 6656 2131

info@essentialchild.com.au

PO Box 1587, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450

ABN: 47 491 617 953

Essential Child is published four times a year by Essential Child. No other parties or individuals have any financial interest in this magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. Content within this magazine is information only and not necessarily the views of the editor. It does not purport to be a substitute for professional health and parenting advice. Readers are advised to seek a doctor for all medical and health matters. The publisher and authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of an action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendations set out in this magazine. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.

Inside this issue:

Editor’s letter.

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Letters to the editor. letters@essentialchild.com.au

Out of the mouths of babes.When I collected my four-year-old from preschool he announced that his friend Toby “had to stay home today because he has a tummy beetle”. Kim, Coffs Harbour

I overheard this at a supermarket recently: A little boy, aged about 4, was helping his Mum unpack groceries at the checkout and came to a pack of tampons. “Mum,” he said loudly, “You stick these up your bum, don’t you!” Marianne, Coffs Harbour

After recent rain my daughter (2 1/2) had noticed a bird drinking water that had accumulated in a flower. As we talked about what else drinks from flowers, she remembered a visit to the Butterfly House. It was such a lovely chat about nature, especially when she very wisely informed me, “Mummy, sometimes elephants get their food from the supermarkets.” Maya, Coffs Harbour

When I told my two-year-old that she was ‘a champion’ for sleeping in her own bed all night, she replied “Yes Mummy and you’re a pirate.” Sarah, Emerald Beach

My nearly three-year-old daughter told her friend, “When I go to school I’m going to put my eyebrows on like Mummy does.” Sammi, Woolgoolga.

Not so happy mealI was reading ‘Out of the Mouths’ in your Summer issue and felt bothered reading about the mother who offered her three-year-old a Happy Meal. I know that we all get tired and find it hard to cook up a storm every night, but there are alternatives. Fast food is convenient, I know, but not always the healthiest option.

Fiona Vallance, Bellingen

ED: Thanks for your email Fiona. It’s an important topic. Pauline discusses easy dinner options in her article on page 11.

Controlled QuietMy 2 year-old is difficult to get to sleep at night, so I pricked up my ears when I heard a conversation about something called “controlled quiet”, that can be used when over twos are hard to get to sleep. Apparently you do the usual things like stories and a cuddle, then tell him that you are going to do something like the dishes, and if they are quiet you will come back when you’ve finished. Then you leave them for a short time, and if they are quiet, you go back for a little while, and do the same leaving thing again. The plan is that after a while of being quiet they will fall asleep. I’m wondering if any Essential Child readers have used this method, and if so, did it work? Also I would like to know what to do if the child isn’t quiet! I’m worried that it might end up being more like controlled crying if they are not quiet, and I have never been comfortable with that idea.

Kate, Coffs Harbour

Twins bring a change of pace. I can definitely relate to Nicola and her TV ban (Summer issue 2010). Our children (6yo and 3yo twins) are currently undergoing no TV and I have already noticed how much calmer our house has become.

I also enjoyed the article on finding out you’re expecting twins. My experience was slightly different with the sonographer announcing “there’s one hear beat and there’s the other.” “What does that mean?” I asked. My husband on the other hand thought he was getting Dr Who for a child… Anyway, for the expectant mother, twins are a definite change in pace. Your life is busy and challenging at times, but our household is never dull and we have many interesting experiences. Each day adds a new sense of accomplishment.

It would be great to see more stories on how people have dealt with their twins, especially with things like starting school. Do they go into the same class or different? What challenges do parents and siblings of twins face and so on?

Thank you so much for your magazine. I love reading and get a lot out of it.

Alison, Coffs Harbour

ED: Thanks for your letter, Alison! You are our feature letter winner and we’ll be sending your prize to you shortly. I’m excited to announce that Tina Agathocli, who wrote “It’s Bloody Twins, Isn’t It” (Summer 2010), welcomed her boys Steven and Jimmy into the world on the 7th March. We would love to have more articles about twins – if there are any mums or dads of ‘multiples’ out there who would like to share their experiences, please write in and tell us!

Next issue’s featured letter will win a copy of “Let’s Party: Additive Free” by Melanie Avery. Email us at letters@essentialchild.com.au or snail mail PO Box 1587, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450

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We love... Moo Goo!

When my husband had a persistent itchy rash on his leg, a friend suggested a product called Moo Goo. Having never heard of it, I was curious to learn more and soon discovered a bit of a cult following! I now know why.

Moo Goo is a cream that was originally developed in Australia for softening cows’ udders. When it was noticed that dairy workers who applied the cream had lovely soft skin on their hands, the cream was modified for human use.

My other half was willing to try anything. He’d had no success with his doctor’s suggestions about moisturisers, and while paraffin-based products from chemists soothed the itch, the rash remained. Moo Goo however worked wonders, and within a few days the rash was gone! He continued with the cream for a week or so, then tried without it and, low and behold, the rash has stayed away.

Since then I’ve recommended Moo Goo to my daughter when her two-year-old developed a rash around her mouth. The

cream was instantly soothing and after a couple of days , the rash disappeared. (It did come back after a few days, so her Mum started with the cream again as well as investigating causes of the rash.)

I looked up the product’s website and discovered that it can be used for eczema so I suggested it to my daughter-in-law whose little one has this problem. She reports that it has helped enormously.

And recently when a friend was talking about the terrible PUPS rash she had during her pregnancy, she said that the only thing that helped was Moo Goo! It seems that many people are talking about it.

I’ve even been using it under make-up – I’m sure my skin will be a smooth as those dairy-workers’ hands soon! I love Moo Goo.

You’ll find the range of Moo Goo products locally at Bath, Body and Soul at Park Beach Plaza. For more information, visit the website www.moogoo.com.au.

[PJP]

Bath, Body & Soul at Park Beach Plaza have kindly donated a gift pack of products from the Moo Goo range valued at $80.

For your chance to receive this lovely pack, simply tell us, in 25 words or less, why you’d like to try this fantastic product.

Write to: letters@essentialchild.com.au or PO Box 1587, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450

As we all know, most babies love to be swaddled in those early months. It keeps them cosy and stops their natural startle reflexes from waking them up in the middle of the night. If you struggle with mastering muslin swaddle cloths or like me, have a little wriggler who magical unwraps themselves within 10 minutes of you putting them to bed, then the Wrap Me Up is a product you’re going to love!

I discovered this product when I was 7 months pregnant and instantly knew it was going to be exactly what I’d been looking for. My favourite feature of

the Wrap Me Up is that it allows my daughter to have access to her hands. She loves rubbing her face and covering her eyes with her hands at bedtime to help soothe herself to sleep. This wrap allows her to do this whilst still providing the security she needs to keep her snug and sleepy.

When we go out at bed time I can leave her ‘wrapped up’ as there is an opening in the crotch of the Wrap Me Up where the car seat/pram harness pulls through and because her arms are already in the up position I can secure her shoulder harnesses on her without removing her from the wrap.

The zipper opening is durable and

easy to use. I’m personally not a fan of velcro which tends to catch on other things in the wash and lose it’s stick after a while. And if I need to change her bottom during the night, the double zipper allows me to open the wrap at the feet without unwrapping her arms, therefore reducing the risk of her waking.

Made from stretchy jersey cotton, even my husband has 100% wrap success with this little beauty!

The Wrap Me Ups are available in blue, pink and a unisex grey and in sizes small, medium and large. $39.95

Jaime Bates, Baby Bella

Wrap Me Up

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Karen was taken back when her son’s teacher asked her about dinner-time at their place. Karen had gone to the parent-teacher meeting to ask the teacher why her six year old, Jack, was behind in his reading, and the first thing the teacher asked was about whether they sit at the table to eat. “What business is it of hers?” Karen thought, but she answered anyway, telling the teacher that Jack usually ate his dinner in front of the TV.

She explained that she had tried to get him to sit at the table, but he would just wriggle around, slump over his plate, or get up and walk around. She had tired of being cross with him, and found that he ate more if he was able to sit on the lounge. She was stunned when the teacher said, “How do you expect me to get him to sit at a desk and concentrate when you can’t get him to sit at a table to eat?”

While the teacher’s

approach may not have been the most sensitive way to deliver a message, she was actually right. Before children can organise their thoughts enough to concentrate, they need to be able to organise their bodies. If they need a lot of concentration to keep themselves in place and upright then there may be little concentration left for the task at hand.

Karen took the teacher’s advice to consult an Occupational Therapist who suggested some simple strategies, such as placing a stool under Jack’s feet to help him to be more stable in a chair.

As well as attending to children’s physical development, there are many other things that parents can do to help children develop the skills and concepts they need to become effective readers and writers.

Talk with childrenThis seems so basic, but it is one of

the most important things we do as parents. Effective conversation skills

are an essential first step to literacy. So talk with your children, ask questions, listen to what they say, and encourage them to take turns in conversations.

Provide a modelLet children see you reading whatever it is that you read -

books, newspapers, magazines, letters, bills, emails, web sites,

recipes, maps, rules for a game, instructions for a new gadget or

flat-packed piece of furniture – anything! Mull over junk mail

and catalogues with your children. Look for road signs and business logos when you are out and about, and answer

that question “What does that say?” All of this helps children

to see that the written word gives us information, and gives them the sense of themselves as being readers.

Show them how you use writing for important purposes, such as letters, emails, shopping lists, labelling photos. Involve children in sending letters, photos, cards, paintings from preschool, emails to family and friends. That way they start to understand that messages can be sent from one place to another, and that other people can read what we write.

Provide materials for drawingChildren use drawing to express their thoughts and ideas well before they learn to write. While you might not be able to ‘read’ what is drawn, if you ask ”what is happening?” rather than

Reading and writin

g is

mor

e than knowing letters and read

ing som

e words.

Mum, what does this say?

Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre74 Victoria St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450Phone 0437 175 055 or 6653 6248

E-Mail coffsphysioforwomen@hotmail.com

Pilates for Mum and BabyPHYSIO Pilates for Mums (babies welcome!)PHYSIO Pilates for Mums to Be

With physio & pilates instructor Meagan Kelly

Mon: 1-2pm, 5.30-6.30pm & 7-8pm

Wed: 5.30-6.30pm, 7-8pmThur: 9.30-10.30am,

10.30-11.30am• Health Fund Rebates available• Bookings Essential

Physiotherapy appointments also available

Antenatal & Postnatal Physiotherapy & Pilates

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“what is it?” you may get an interesting answer. (Children’s drawings are often about action rather than ‘a something’). Drawing and scribbling lead to writing.

Sing songs Children love to join in songs, and the rhymes give them a sense of the patterns in language as well as teaching about sounds. Songs also help them to learn new words.

Tell storiesThis is separate from reading books. Tell stories that you know, or stories about your family and childhood. Children love to hear stories over and over, and this gives them a sense of the sequence of events, that there is a beginning, middle and end. Encourage children to remember the sequence as they retell the

stories. As well as helping them become readers and writers, it is a lovely thing to do together!

Read to childrenSharing simple books is about beginning reading. Children learn that those squiggles on the page mean the same thing every time. They also learn fundamental concepts such as turning one page at a time and turning pages

carefully.

Take time to talk about what is happening in the story, and to wonder what might happen next, even if you’ve read it dozens of times! Children will often pretend to read familiar stories from the pictures – this is an important step in learning to read. You can also ask children to suggest other things that the character might have done. Ask how characters feel, and how your child would feel if the event in the story happened to them.

Look for particular letters – maybe the first letter of your child’s name. Find rhyming words.

Remember, you can’t read too many stories! Above all, make this a fun time together. That way your children will get to know that reading is something to enjoy.

PostscriptTen months after that parent-teacher meeting, Jack is now reading at his age level and is powering ahead. The whole family sits at the table to eat, and Karen or her husband read to Jack every night.

[PJP]

Reference: Fleer, M & Raban, B (2007), Early childhood literacy and numeracy: building good practice, DEEWR, Commonwealth of Australia.

Keeping up with children’s paper usage during art and craft experiences can be very expensive. Conserve paper by reusing the back of easel paintings once the paper is dry, carefully reopen and reuse used envelopes that come in the mail and use bull clips to clip together unused paper in children’s drawing books.

Save money on present wrapping by buying a large roll of white wrapping paper and use with different coloured ribbons and gift tags through out the year for birthdays, Christmas or any gift giving occasion.

Keep your toddler amused at the shops by taking along a small basket (woven or plastic) to carry around and put shopping in at the supermarket.

Outdoor play ideas for children in the cooler Autumn weather could include, building a cubby outside using sheets or playsilks, using thick Pavement Chalk to draw on pavers or make a

hopscotch grid for older children. Go on a Nature walk and use a small basket to find natural materials on the ground such as dried leaves and twigs for nature collage or use with playdough.

Children’s healthy eating habits can be encouraged by introducing the concepts of ‘Everyday food’ and ‘Sometimes food’. Everyday foods like fruit, vegetables, yoghurt and cheese can be eaten every day and Sometimes food like cake and ice cream can be eaten sometime during the week, or on special occasions.

Handy hints.

The Jetty Village Cake Shop have a great range of affordable cake tins available for weekly hire including the numbers 0 to 9.

For under $10 a tin, create an effortless but impressive birthday cake that can be filled with a simple butter cake recipe and iced as desired with cream and fruit or lollies and icing. Also

great for children who have particular dietary requirements because the cake is completely home made and can be tailored to meet individual needs ie. egg or gluten free.

Shop 23 Jetty Village Shopping Centre, Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour, (02) 6652 5119.

Jodie Smith

They start to understand that messages can be sent from one place to another, and that other people can read what we write.

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Good hygiene in the kitchen is one of the keys to the prevention of food poisoning and other food borne illnesses. Bacteria and viruses can be thought of as ‘hitchhikers’ that can be carried around your kitchen and deposited wherever contact is made. A dirty knife, for instance, will deposit bacteria on freshly cooked meat. Dirty hands will deposit bacteria on the next sandwich you make. A dirty chopping board that has just had raw chicken on it will transfer bacteria to your lettuce if you choose to use it without washing and sanitising first.

Preparation• Wash hands in warm soapy water

for around 30 seconds before preparing food, after going to the toilet or blowing your nose, and after touching raw meat, poultry or fish, or pets. A 10 second splash under the tap is not enough!

• Dry hands thoroughly on a paper towel or a clean towel.

• Avoid preparing food if you have symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting.

• Use separate chopping boards, utensils and serving platters for ready-to-eat food, like salad vegetables, and raw foods, like meat. This prevents cross contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods.

Cleaning• Wash all work surfaces, dirty dishes

and utensils well with warm soapy water, and dry them thoroughly.

• If you use a tea towel for drying, change it if it becomes dirty or wet.

• Bacteria can grow in wet dishcloths, sponges and dish-mops, so wring and spread them out to dry after each use. They should be changed, or disinfected by heating or soaking in bleach, regularly. The antibacterial dishcloths and sponges currently available in supermarkets should also be changed regularly. These products usually exhibit only mild antibacterial action and cannot replace good hygiene practices.

• Disposable paper towels are an alternative to dishcloths and sponges.

• Never use the same dishcloths and sponges you use for food contact surfaces for cleaning floors or other household cleaning.

One Last Reminder....Be extra careful preparing and cooking food for young children, the pregnant, elderly and sick people. They are particularly susceptible to food borne illness.

No contact, no transfer of bacteria.

For further information visit: www.safefood.net.au

Kitchen Hygiene

Good cleaning practices and good personal hygiene can help prevent contamination and keep families healthy.

KedgereeServes 2-3

Google the words “kedgeree recipe” and you’re going to get a million different versions of this traditional English meal. And that’s what I love about it. It really is just a ‘use-up-what-you-have-in-the-cupboard’ kind of dish, following a basic idea. This was my version (with contributions from Jamie Oliver and Gourmet Traveller!) and my family loved it. Served hot or cold, for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this one’s a winner! And as leftovers, it’s even better!

Ingredients:2 cups of cooked brown rice (or basmati or jasmine – whatever you have)200g of smoked fish (I used smoked salmon fillet from the supermarket, but check out the fish co-op for other options. I also used some tinned tuna because I didn’t quite have enough fish!)1 ½ cups milk1 bay leaf3 eggs1tbs ghee or 40 g butter, coarsely chopped (I like using ghee for Indian-style dishes, but butter is just as good.)1tsp finely grated fresh ginger (or 2tsp of powdered ginger)1 medium onion, chopped1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped2-3tsp mild curry powderAny vegetables you want – I used 8 cherry tomatoes, some oyster mushrooms and ½ cup frozen peas. You could leave vegies out altogether if you want. Juice of one lemon¼ cup chopped coriander (flat-leaf parsley works too)

Method:Boil the eggs for 10 minutes, then drain, refresh under cold running water, peel, thinly slice and set aside.

Bring milk, bay leaf and ½ cup water to the boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, add fish and simmer until fish flakes easily (10 minutes). Cool in liquid, remove and coarsely flake, discarding skin and bones. Reserve ½ cup of poaching liquid.

Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat, add curry, onion, garlic and ginger and sauté until onion is soft (about 5 minutes). Add tomatoes, mushrooms and peas and stir through for a few minutes. Add rice and fish, stirring to combine, and cook until heated through. Add poaching liquid, egg and coriander, stirring to combine, and cook until eggs are warm (about 2 minutes). Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Serve with lemon, chutney or natural yoghurt. Chopped fresh chilli would also liven it up if you like things spicy.

Rec

ipe

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The annual Japanese Festival of Children’s Day will be held on Sunday 1 May 2011 in the Japanese section of the Coffs Harbour Regional Botanic Garden.

This festival is in its fifth year and celebrates the close relationship between Coffs Harbour and our sister city of Sasebo. Each year, windsocks called koinobori, which were presented to Coffs Harbour Council in 2005 by Sasebo, are flown on this fun family day. The koinobori represent the koi (or carp), symbols of perseverance.

The festival will also feature the annual show and judging of the Coffs Harbour Branch of the Koi Society of Australia. The judging will be by International Judges Kate Macgill assisted by Gerard and Kazuto McDonald.

The festival runs from 10.30am to 3pm.

Essential Child will be there, so drop by and say hi!

JAPANESE CHILDREN’S DAY

FESTIVAL

CELEBRATING OUR FIFTH YEAR!

SUNDAY 1ST MAY KARATE DEMONSTRATIONS

TAIKO DRUMMERS

TRADITIONAL DANCE GROUP

TRADITIONAL GAMES AND STORY-TELLING

ANIMÉ FASHION PARADES

PUPPET SHOWS

BONSAI DISPLAYS

JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHER PERFORMANCE ARTIST MR HITOSHI YANO (REN)

A WIDE VARIETY OF WORKSHOPS TO LEARNORIGAMI, CALLIGRAPHY,

SUSHI-MAKING, MANGA MASK DESIGN AND JAPANESE TEA CEREMONIES.

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The Gruffaloby Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Macmillan Children’s Books

Ages 3-8

‘A Gruffalo? What’s a Gruffalo?’ ‘A Gruffalo! Why, didn’t you know? He has terrible tusks and terrible claws And terrible teeth in his terrible jaws.’

If you saw the recent performance of The Gruffalo at the Jetty Theatre you will already be a fan of this story. Hilarious, suspenseful and just a teeny bit scary, The Gruffalo shines with imagination. When a fox, an owl and a snake try to eat the mouse in this award-winning story, he imagines a terrifying creature to scare them away. But then he bumps into a real-life Gruffalo! The quick-thinking mouse convinces the Gruffalo that he is actually the scariest creature around, so the Gruffalo gulps in fear and runs away. The riotous rhyming style is simply made for reading aloud and enjoying together.

A wonderful illustration of the value of clear thinking in threatening situations, this story could also be useful as part of a protective behaviours program.

PJP

I’ll Always Come BackBy Steve Metzger

Illustrated by Joy Allen

Scholastic

Ages 2-6

This simple book, told with a parent’s voice, describes the many activities a little girl might enjoy at school, while repeating the important message that Mum will always come back. It also reassures the child that she is in her Mum’s thoughts throughout the day. While some of the text could set up some unrealistic expectations of school (baking sweet muffins, for instance), the overall message is that school is a positive experience.

Joy Allen’s tender watercolour pictures add to the gentle encouraging tone.

Although the book is recommended for children getting ready for primary school, it is also very suitable for preschool children about to enter an early childhood centre.

PJP

Goodnight MoonBy Margaret Wise Brown

Illustrated by Clement Hurd

Pan Macmillan

Ages 0-3

First published in 1947, Goodnight Moon is a classic tale of a rabbit going to bed which has remained a favourite bed time story for many generations and still manages to maintain its timeless charm today.

‘Goodnight room, Goodnight moon, Goodnight cow jumping over the moon’

The simple story is a soothing lullaby and is filled with rhyme, repetition and references to other familiar nursery rhymes and stories.

The illustrations are captivating and are a mixture of bright, bold colours which alternate with black and white.

An adorable first book suitable for newborns to toddlers, perfect for settling before bed.

Jodie Smith

Home Based childcare!• A safe, secure and stimulating

home environment with small groups of up to five children.

• Flexible hours matched to individual family needs.

• Your child benefits by having the same carer, every day.

• Mixed ages create a unique learning environment

Ph: 6652 7819 ‘The Cottage’ 2 Peterson Rd, Coffs HarbourEmail: admin@coffsfdc.org.auwww.coffsfdc.org.auAccredited by NCAC, licensed by Departments of Community Services, with qualified staff supporting carers and children.

Book R

eviews.

For your chance to win these three

books leave a comment on our Facebook page in 25 words or less telling us about your favourite children’s book.

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We value your ideas, suggestions & feedback so come be a part of our community.

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Communication is so much more than words. In fact, it often requires more of our visual senses than our talking and listening systems. From a very young age, babies watch faces, responding to smiles, gestures and facial expressions, as well as listen to the tones in voices. The foundations for good communication start in the first few months when we interact with our babies and wait for their looks, smiles ‘goos’ and ‘gars’. It doesn’t take long before they start to copy what we do and by 9-10months of age, they move towards intentional communication.

Even without words, babies can look and point to what they want. They learn to use sounds, gestures and facial expressions to gain our attention, to get something they want or to protest. Parents help to shape communication by speaking to their young infants with interesting tones, asking questions with rising intonation at the end of the question and pretending they have answered with words and gestures, by giving them the words they would say, if they could. “Do you want your dinner? Yes you do. You’re hungry!” Babies notice the faces and fun sounds, and if you wait for their responses, you will get a look, a sound or a gesture. In this way we hold ‘conversations’ with our babies, and they love to take their turn.

Playing games like ‘Round and Round

the Garden’, ‘This Little Piggy’ and ‘Peek a Boo’ teaches babies about taking turns. This helps prepare them for later conversations which, of course, require taking turns at talking and listening. Songs and nursery rhymes also help children to tune into speech and sounds in a fun way. When we add our gestures and facial expressions we make it easier for them to pay attention. The way our eyebrows lift, our mouth turns up or down, the way we lean towards the child or pull back, all give important messages.

Many messages are misconstrued when children haven’t learned to watch and ‘read’ the person they are talking to. This is often observed in children with High Functioning Autism (HFA). They

may be able to take turns in a conversation but often misunderstand their communication partner, because they rarely look at faces to read the emotional content of a message. Even when they do look, some children with HFA are unable to match the facial expression to the correct emotion.

Some parents wait for the development of speech at 2 years old, believing communication is mostly about speech and the development of sound and words. However, young babies who are not interacting with their parents at 9-10 months

of age should be referred to a speech pathologist so that strategies can be introduced to help support strong social and emotional development at an early age. Children who are not using 50 words at 2 years, are not copying words and have not babbled should also be referred for assessment.

A speech pathologist will assess the child’s expressive language and their receptive language skills. A hearing test with an audiologist may be necessary. The child’s fluency and the quality of their voice will be observed, as well as the development of speech sounds, sentence structure and grammar. Conversation skills are also observed. At 2-3 years of age children are beginning to initiate and maintain a conversation, and respond to their conversation partners. All of these

skills allow for the development of the friendships and good peer interactions that are important aspects of a young child’s communication development.

Speech Pathologists can help with the assessment of eating and drinking skills, which can go hand-in-hand with speech difficulties. Often a team approach with a paediatrician, dietician and occupational therapist is needed to provide a full assessment and intervention for the support of difficulties with eating.

We sometimes observe the development of dysfluency – which can sound like stuttering – as a child is gaining more language, developing language sequence, starting to tell stories, share information and create new ideas. Many children move through this stage and become confident and fluent speakers without intervention. Some children will need regular speech pathology sessions.

Research has shown children with good speech and language skills are unlikely to have difficulties at school. Communication is closely linked to social skills, cognitive development, play and attention. Often the assessment of a child’s overall development is essential to helping a child develop good communication.

Early Childhood Intervention Programs may be able to assist in providing a transdisciplinary assessment – in other words, an assessment of the child’s medical history and ongoing medical and educational needs by a team of specialists which may include a paediatrician, a special educator, an occupational therapist and a speech pathologist. Together, the team can provide the child’s family and preschool with a program to support communication, motor and cognitive development. This may consist of exercises and strategies to develop communication through play, daily routines, books, music and fun interactions.

The program for a child with communication, speech and language difficulties will depend on the individual requirements for the child and his family. Your doctor or paediatrician can help you decide if you need the help of a transdiciplinary team or a visit to a speech pathology clinic.

Kanti Saraswati

Communication is very visual.Kanti Saraswati, Coffs Harbour ‘Childtalk’ Speech Pathologist, looks at the importance of gestures and facial expressions when children are learning to communicate.

10 essential child

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Essential Child’s very own Early Childhood Consultant, Pauline Pryor, recently celebrated 20 years as Director at Possums’ Den Preschool in Coffs Harbour. But looking back over the years, she says her career might have taken a very different path.

“In 1990, I’d been teaching in a preschool for 13 years and things were changing in the early childhood field. The new buzz-words were about child-focussed, interest based programs and accreditation. I was afraid of these changes, because I didn’t know enough about them. So, for me, the easy way out was to seek a change of career.”

A year later, when no different opportunities had come her way, Pauline was offered the position of Director at Possums’ Den. She not only accepted the role, but chose to embrace the changes in the early childhood industry.

“I promised myself that I would find out about these new ways of teaching and commit myself to doing the best job I could for this centre.”

Today, the staff and parents of Possums’ Den would tell you that Pauline’s commitment is as strong as it was 20 years ago.

Former colleague and now parent at Possums’ Den, Darlene Illingworth said, “Pauline has shown complete dedication to keeping up with best practice in early childhood education.”

Colleague of nine years Trish Thorncroft agrees: “She continues to be enthusiastic, innovative and possess a calmness that truly conveys the message that children have a right to high quality early childhood experiences. And she walks the walk, she doesn’t just talk the talk. She stays in touch with the realities of working with children.”

When asked what kept her at the Centre for so long, Pauline said simply, “Why would I want to work anywhere else? The wonderful, professional people I work with, the strong support we give each other and the acceptance of new ideas make the culture at Possums’ Den unique. And the fact that we are a community-based, not-for-profit centre promotes this culture.”

“And of course, I am constantly delighted by the enthusiasm of the children I teach, and I gain enormous pleasure from seeing them grow and develop into confident little people ready for school.”

And Pauline’s vision for the future?

“I believe I have more to learn and more to offer, so I’ll be around for a while yet. Maybe I’ll be here long enough to see the centre in a permanent home, and long enough to see early childhood teachers paid the same as other teachers.”

[SJR]

Still embracing change, 20 years on.

I am tired of hearing the same arguments year after year.

I couldn’t believe my ears the other evening when I heard a discussion on TV about whether boys should be allowed to play with “girls’ toys”.

Come on! I thought that argument had been settled 30 years ago.

All of my peers believe that both boys and girls can play with any toys they wish. Men can be Dads, so boys can play with dolls. Girls can be engineers, so they can have Lego. But inevitably the discussion on the TV centred around Barbie dolls – no-one suggested that Barbies may not be suitable for either gender!

And what about the continuing argument about breastfeeding in public – I thought that one was also won decades ago. Certainly I fed my children (now in their thirties) whenever and wherever they were hungry without condemnation from anyone. I lived in a regional town, not a trendy city suburb or an alternative community, but still people were enlightened, and the rights of children were supported.

It’s way past time that people stopped living in the Victorian era and just got over these ridiculous ideas.

Jan, Boambee

Soap

box

.

12 essential child 12 essential child

The hour or so before dinner, when everyone is more likely to be tired, cranky and hungry, is wryly termed by some as ‘the witching hour’, and can jangle the nerves of the calmest parent.

At this time of the day toddlers and babies are typically grizzly, older children are tired from a busy day at preschool or school, everyone is hungry and wants some attention. Parents are tired too, either from a day with the children or a day at work.

While this scenario may seem familiar, it does not have to be accepted as an inevitable part of family life. There are some simple alternatives to turning on the television that can help to conquer the witching hour for good.

Have realistic expectationsTransition is often difficult for children, even when it’s part of your everyday routine – like saying good-bye to Mum or Dad in the morning, or coming home at the end of the day. Children who haven’t seen you all day will need some undivided attention. So take a little time to sit with your children to listen to their stories about their day and have a cuddle, just to help ease that transition from group settings like preschool to home (where someone loves them unconditionally). Although you may feel you need to get dinner under way, the more cheerfully and completely you respond to your child’s need for attention, the sooner the child will feel reassured and relaxed.

Just as you feel tired at the end of the day, children are often worn out too, so avoid shopping in the afternoons whenever you can, and limit after-school activities.

Surviving the ‘Witching Hour’

Super Easy Yellow CurryAn easy and delicious mild curry can be made using a yellow Thai curry paste (I like Valcom brand, available at most supermarkets).

You’ll need some sliced chicken (thigh fillets are best), coconut milk, fish sauce and sugar, plus a potato and some cherry tomatoes. Follow the simple instructions on the jar, but add extra vegetables. My favourites are sweet potato and beans, but it’s a good opportunity to use up bits and pieces from your crisper.

Serve it with rice (jasmine gives an authentic Thai taste), and maybe

some spring onion or coriander on the top.

For no-fail rice, place 1cup of rice in a microwaveable bowl, add 2 cups of boiling water and add salt to taste. Stir, cover, and cook in microwave for 12 minutes. For larger amounts, continue to use twice as much water as rice, and increase the cooking time a little. Two cups of rice will take about 15 minutes.

Try to retain your inner calm and resist the urge to contribute to the problem by responding angrily

This is quicker, cheaper

and tastier than most

take-aways!

13essential child

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Emergency FrittataThis is an excellent fall-back when you need a quick meal.

You’ll need 2 eggs per person (lightly beaten), an onion (chopped), a slice or two of bacon (chopped), a potato (or two), frozen peas, a sliced tomato (optional), and some grated cheese.

Pre-heat your oven on grill (top elements), or just on high (about 220˚)

• First, cook the potato in its jacket in a microwave – about 4 minutes, depending on size

• Fry the onion and bacon in a frying pan that can go into the oven

• Add the frozen peas and cook for a few minutes. (Other vegetables can be added too if you wish)

• Slice the potato and add it to the pan

• Add the beaten eggs

• As the eggs start to cook, gently lift the edges to allow uncooked egg to go to the bottom of the pan. When it is nearly cooked, turn off the heat.

• Put tomato slices on top if you wish, and cover with grated cheese.

• Pop into the oven until the egg has all set and the cheese starts to brown.

Delicious by itself or with a salad.

This is quicker, cheaper

and tastier than most

take-aways!

Provide a snackCut up some raw vegies or other healthy snacks before you start dinner, being sure to avoid ‘empty sugars’ that dull the appetite.

Give children something calming to doPut on some soothing music, and set out something the children like to do (always accompanied by a snack). Simply put out paper and pencils, or have some special things in bags or containers that only come out at this time of the day. Some ideas are:• Little collections of whatever your

child loves – dinosaurs, fairies, farm animals, sea creatures

• Small construction sets• Little puzzles• Magnet sets to use on the fridge –

letters, pictures, numbers• Matching cards• Beading or threading

• Stickers and notebook• Sorting games• Lacing cards• A small photo album of family

photographs• A small chalkboard and chalk, or

whiteboard and pens

It is the novelty of these things only coming out at this time of the day that makes them work, so make sure to stick to that rule. Rotate toys in and out of the bags, and change them reasonable regularly. Children can play close to where you are working so you can continue to talk and interact.

Be preparedKeep a supply of basic ingredients in your fridge and pantry. A couple of slices of bacon in the freezer, for instance, can expand your options. If at all possible, try to have some dinner preparations done in advance: you can wash the lettuce, trim the vegetables, or measure ingredients the night before. Make sure you plan a few days ahead so you know you have everything you need, and keep the menu simple. One-pot meals cut down on work and cleaning-up. Cook double quantities and either freeze half, or have it the next day – what a wonderful feeling it is to know that dinner’s done! Have a back-up plan, such as baked beans or eggs for days when it is obvious children need feeding quickly.

Have dinner earlyMany meltdowns can be avoided if children eat before their blood sugars run low Ideally plan for the family to eat together, but if this is not possible every day, at least give the children their dinner. You can eat together on less hectic days and on weekends. Shared family meals are an important part of children’s social and language development.

Involve children in dinner preparationChildren love to do ‘real jobs’, so offer them a task they enjoy to help with dinner. Washing vegetables is one possibility. A two-year-old will, for instance, be happy with some beans, a bowl of water and a colander to put the washed beans in. A towel under the work area will soak up spillages, and although you might need to surreptitiously give a final rinse, your little one will feel an important part of the family. Older children, even preschoolers, are more than capable of peeling or chopping vegetables, as long as you give them an implement suitable to their abilities. The older ones will appreciate your acknowledgement of their place in the ‘pecking order’ when you allow them more responsibility, such as handling a sharp knife. Setting the table is another job that appeals to some children, especially if they have some autonomy in deciding on things like placemats. Some older children may prefer amusing little ones to helping with dinner, which could be even more useful!

Avoid escalating tensionsHaving done everything in your power to make an evening run smoothly, things can still go belly-up. Try to retain your inner calm and resist the urge to contribute to the problem by responding angrily. Remember it is natural for children to ‘act up’ when they are tired and hungry. Show some sympathy, pause for a hug and some kind words, and remind yourself that, in a short while, the children will be in bed and you can put your feet up and relax. That is, after you have cleaned up the mess, chopped vegies for tomorrow night, prepared lunches and school clothes, and prepared for the early morning onslaught!

[PJP]