ultimate back to school guide

WelcomeWell I hope everybody enjoyed their holiday and made beautiful memories with family and friends over the christmas and new year break.

So, back to school for another year and wether your children are just starting school for the first time or wether they are entering into highschool we have cov-ered all of the frequently worried about questions for 2013. Plus we have included some fanastic deals to start the term back the keep some money still in your pocket.

Keep a look out for our fabulous healthy lunch ideas to get creative with and the kids will be sure to love them too. Also we have included some fun back to school games at the back of the guide to help get the kids into school mode again. Have a wonderful and safe 2013 school year.

Creative DirectorBethaney Gray

Out Now!

Contact the editor: [email protected] enquiries: [email protected] us www.talkingmumsmagazine.com

Contents

Pg6 Back to School Hair Styles

Pg8 Back to School with Asthma? Follow these easy steps to breath easy.

Pg10 Recipes for Health Lunch ideas

Pg13 Back to School saving Find some fantastic back to school deals.

Pg22 Book Review Lisa shares her gorgeous book find, perfect to start the year with.

Pg24 Back to School Check List Don’t forget anything with our checklist to get your youngters off to school.

Pg25 Top Tips to prepare your child for prep.

Pg26 Safety at School What parents need to know

Pg27 Top Tips on sending your kids to high school for the first time.

Pg29 Back to school Puzzlers and games.

Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.BK Skinner

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use to change the world.

Nelson Mandela

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Items Needed: Brush, rat-tail comb, 2 hair elastics, 1 rubber band, hairspray, and a few bobby pins.

Hairstyle Steps:1. Comb all of the hair up into a high ponytail… {You will want it to sit high on the head, not on the back of your head.}2. Secure the high ponytail with a hair elastic…3. Divide the ponytail into three sections and create a simple, basic braid down to the ends of the hair…

4. Secure this braid with a small elastic {preferably the same color as your hair}…5. Then twist the braid around the front of the ponytail holder to create the bun effect. {You really want the braid to lay flat against the rubberband so that the braid is featured well}…6. Once the hair is all twisted around into a bun, secure it with another hair elastic or bobbypins/spin pins. {Either way will work fine, so simply pick whatever is most comfortable for you.}…7. Add a little pop to the hairstyle by throwing on a cute headband as an accessory.

It looks complex, but if you know how to do the first step of tying your shoelaces, then you can certainly do this braid! The pattern to the braid is essentially overlaying loose square knots.

1. I started with the hair wet, and used a little pomade to control the flyways.2. You then take as small section next to the part, and divide it in two, and interlace them just like the first step of tying your shoe. I then did this two more times, each time adding the top strands to an alligator clip.3. After creating your third set of strands, bring the first two strands under the next two, and interlace them again just like the first step of tying your shoe.4. Repeat these steps until the braided headband has the look you want.5. Secure the end with a bobby pin and spritz with hairspray as desired.6. When the hair dries, the loops of the knots spread out a little and look absolutely gorgeous!This braid is perfect for any formal occasion, or for dancers, cheerleaders, or simply wearing around town! It can also be worn in any number of combinations for a super cute and unique hairstyle!For more ideas head to

http://www.cutegirlshairstyles.com

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How to choose School Shoes!

TOPTIPS

Getting the Right Fit in Kids’ Shoes

TIP 1Have your children’s feet measured when buying shoes, since what might seem comfortable to them for a minute or two in the store is very different from what will be comfortable after a day of playing. Feet should be measured while standing, and always have both feet measured. Since one foot is usually larger than the other, buy shoes to accommodate the larger of the two feet.

TIP 2When your child is wearing the shoes, and their feet are fully extended (watch for toe crunching!), there should be a bit of room between the edge of the shoe toe and the edge of your child’s toes - about a half inch.

TIP 3With the rate children outgrow shoes, it’s probably tempting to buy shoes that are too big, but you should never buy shoes that are more than one size too large for your child. Shoes that are too big can

cause a child to trip and develop foot problems while trying to walk in shoes that are too large.

TIP 4Obviously a shoe that has too tight of a heel will cause discomfort, but hav-ing shoes that are too loose is also very problematic. The heel of the shoes should rest snugly but not tightly around your the back of the child’s heel.

TIP 5Children’s shoes should have laces, velcro or some other fastening system. As a general rule, avoid backless or slip-on shoes for kids.

TIP 6Look for shoes made from breathable materials, such such as canvas or leather. In addition to being more durable, they will help to keep the child’s foot cooler and dryer, helping to prevent blisters, discomfort, and smelly shoes.

For more tips head towww.shoes.about.com

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Back to School with Asthma? Follow these easy steps to breath easy.

Step 1Get your AAP together!

The vast majority of people with asthma do not have a written asthma action plan (AAP), despite national guidelines over the last 20 years recom-mending their use. Make sure you have yours finalised, enlisting the assistance of your child’s GP or specialist where required.

Step 2Talk to your Child

Talk with your child about their “asthma drill”, that is, what to do in the event of an attack. This should always involve the first step of letting an adult know if they are having difficulty breathing. Reading Asthma Peeps’ book The Trouble With Bear Hugs with your child can help them in understand-ing this process. The book uses simple metaphors to help children understand and communicate their asthma symp-toms to adults, something which can be difficult and confusing for youngsters.Another great way to increase their understanding is to pull out their medi-

cation, whether that be a puffer, nasal spray and/or spacer, and go through the motions.

Step 3Talk to the School

With a new school year come new teachers and staff. Make time to visit the school and talk the teacher through your child’s AAP. Remember your child is under the supervision of vari-ous people, so where possible, ensure that physical education, nurse and main office staff all have a copy of the AAP.Establish exactly who will implement and be responsible for following your child’s AAP. Asthma Peeps personalised wallet cards are a great, simple way to make sure your child’s carers are prepared in the event of an attack. These cards outline required asthma medication, at-tack symptoms and first-aid steps in the event of an attack.

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Step 4Don’t Let it Slide

As your child develops so too will their requirement for more or less medication. Regularly reassess your child’s condition and revisit steps one, two and three if there are any changes.Australia has the third highest rate of childhood asthma in the world, with the condition costing the community over $700 million dollars per annum.Asthma Peeps is a proud partner of Asthma Australia and donates $1 from every purchase made via the website to Asthma Australia.If you are the carer of a child with asthma, head to www.asthmapeeps.com to shop the full range and access a range of valuable and informa-tive resources to help prepare for school.

Asthma Peeps Founder - Kym Latterwww.asthmapeeps.com

What you’ll needYellow, green, and white frostingCupcakesRed Skittles or M&M’sSmall plastic bagRubber band or twist tieChocolate-covered graham crackersWhite Good & Plenty candies

How to make it1) Cover the cupcakes with yellow frosting and allow them to sit for an hour before decorating. Dab each red Skittle or M&M with a bit of green frosting for the apple’s leaf, then set them aside.

2) Put a tablespoon or two of white frosting into a small plastic bag for piping. Cut a very small hole in a corner of the bag, twist the top of the bag closed, and secure it with a rubber band or twist tie. Piping the frosting gently out of the hole, write messages on the chocolate-covered graham crackers. Leave space at the bottom of the cookie, where it’ll be stuck into the cupcake.

4) Cut a groove in the cupcake’s frosting with a knife, then fit a blackboard into the groove. Add one Skittle or M&M apple and a piece of Good & Plenty chalk, as shown.

What you’ll needWhat you’ll needBreadPeanut butter or cream cheeseJelly or jamWater bottle cap

How to make it1) For each sandwich, cut two slices of bread into flower shapes with a cookie cutter.

2) Cut a hole in one of the slices by pressing a water bottle cap into the center.

3) Spread the peanut butter and jelly on the whole

piece and place the slice with the hole on top.

Check out more recipes on line, head towww.spoonful.com

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Get Creative

What you’ll need2 slices of bread (one white and the other whole wheat, roughly the same size)Cookie cutters, 1 large and 1 small (ours measure 3 1/4 inches for the hand and 1 1/2 inches for the heart)

How to make it1) Set the 2 slices of bread on a cutting board. Cut out the centers of each with a large and a small cookie cutter.

2) Swap the center cutouts, so the wheat bread has a white bread design and the white has the wheat, then assemble your sandwich.

What you’ll need1 cup light corn syrup1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar1 1/2 cups cashew butter1 cup powdered nonfat milk1 tablespoon vanilla extract3 cups granola cereal1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to make itLightly coat a 9- by 13-inch baking pan and a sheet of waxed paper with cooking spray and set them aside. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the corn syrup and brown sugar. Let the mixture cook until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute, then bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 30 seconds more.

Remove the pan from the heat and use a long-handled metal spoon to stir in the cashew butter, powdered milk, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the granola and cinna-mon. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, then use the waxed paper, oiled side down, to flatten it.

Let the mixture cool for 1 hour, then turn it out onto a cutting board. If needed, use a knife to release it. Slice the granola into 24 bars and store them in a sealable container layered between sheets of waxed paper until ready to eat. They can be kept up to a week.

www.spoonful.com

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Hi, I am Sharon McWilliams, mum of three, and I would like to introduce you to The Chefs Toolbox, an exciting direct selling company. The Chefs Toolbox is an Australian owned company which marries fast yet flavoursome recipes with clever kitchenware, to make cooking easier, healthier, faster and a lot more fun! As a consultant you will run your own business, in one of the most enjoyable possible ways with flexible hours working from home and running interactive cooking parties which are very social, informative and a fun way to demonstrate professional kitchenware.

Most importantly, you don’t need to be a chef or a professional sales person, just a self starter with a desire to succeed in your own business. The Chefs Toolbox offers you the opportunity for great income, and training and support provided by the team at The Chefs Toolbox to help you create your working freedom!

For more info contact Sharon McWilliams on 0408 206 220www.inspiringbusiness.com.au

Start your own business and earn extra cash!

Work the hours that suit you Spend more quality time with your children Cut down on childcare expenses Earn an income whilst having flexibility

If you would like to find out more about this exciting opportunity, and are keen to really succeed in running your own business in 2013, please contact me to find out more!

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Get the most from your mobile technologyPia Argiratos from Powered Life offers some tips to how your family can make the most of your mobile toys and tools.

Mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras and other mobile devices all have the potential to improve the lives of your children.Amongst thousands of rubbish ‘apps’ or applications apps, there are ones that are both fun and educational. For iPad, check out Lemon Tree Books <https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/lemon-tree-interactive-books/id585288841?mt=8> to personalise stories for kids 3-8 years. Have an older child or family with a busy schedule? Producteev <www.producteev.com> is a web based to do system to help people of all ages, including an app to add tasks, homework, reading lists and more. ‘Work spaces’ can be shared, so parents can help kids stay organised.

Camera and audio recording tools on mobile devices can encourage children to pay attention to the world around them and even record their own rapid growth. Try taking a photo of your child each morning of a whole year to help them see how they change. Have them take their own photos or do a “A day in my life...”project. Print or download photos and help them add their own words and capture memories.Read on your tablet, using a stylus to high

light and notate PDF documents just like a pen on paper. Also means you can read another chapter while the kids are in their swimming lesson then on the way home the same device can calm the overtired rascals!Considering what else kids do withtheir hands, regular cleaning is essential for reducing scratches, stopping muck from entering power and data ports as well as the transmission of bacteria from user to user. Slightly dampen a microfibre cloth with demineralised water or diluted cleaning vinegar, and wipe your unit clean including in the corners, being careful to avoid fibres or moisture getting inside. Dry completely before use.Pia Argiratos is from Powered Life www.poweredlife.com.au, helping you maximise the benefits of mobile technol-ogy by powering and protecting devices wherever you are.This Australian company offers the best brands in rugged, tough cases for mobile phones, iPads and more plus portable power packs so that you won’t say “Oh no, my battery is dead!” ever again.

1) When children are using audio on your mobile gear, make sure they can hear it. Good quality, adjustable, safety designed headsets are available for children, helping them stay focussed and interested.

2) As careful as they may be, excitement sometimes exceeds sense. Invest in a protec-tive tough case to keep your device and data intact, saving $$$ in repairs. Tough cases can be drop proof, shock proof, even water proof – kid proof!

3) Mobile devices are only useful while they work, so pack a portable power pack, or solar charger to recharge anywhere. From a pocket sized unit that easily slips into a school bag or hand bag, to a larger unit for laptops, there is a portable power pack to keep your device powered up and useful!

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So the crazy Christmas is over. I hope you all had a fantastic time with friends and family. Have to say having a tod-dler at this time of year really makes it so much more special. I just love this time of year the hot days, swimming and the yummy summer fruit. Unfortu-nately this means not as much reading time for most children as they are to busy being outside enjoying the fantas-tic Australian Summer. I do make time everyday for Bella and I to read at least one book (usually it turns into more) before bed. It is great to try and keep that balance all year round of play and literature.

The book of the Month this month is for those of you who may have received a puppy (or other animal) for Christmas. Taeh Goes To The Vet, Written By An-other fantastic Australian Author Wendy Healy-Hindmarch.Taeh goes to the Vet is a children’s pic-ture book based on the adventures of a Dalmatian and her fears of going to the vet, and is the first in a series.This book takes a scary situation of having to go to the vets or doctors and makes it humorous.With this book children will be able to relate their fears to Taeh and see that even animals get scared of having to go to their ‘doctor’ and realise that in the end Taeh is brave enough to face her fear and that going to the vet or doctors doesn’t necessarily have to be a traumatic experience.

Lisa CruseMum to one gorgeous little girl and owner of Pint Size Books www.facebook.com/pintsizebooks

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The Manuella Backpack is a stylish piece, and is perfect for all of your Back to School needs. It can be carried as a handbag or as a backback. Also fantastic for use as a daycare or nappy bag.

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TOP TIPPack a change

of clothes for the

first week at school

while the kids get

in a routine as ac-

cidents do happen.

* Make Appointmentsdon’t wait until school starts and the kaos begins.

DoctorsDentistHair CutEye Doctors...

* Register & Confirm

- After School activities- Daycare- Transportation/ Bus routes- Emergency Contacts

* Look for Sales to save on stationary/suppliesKeep an eye out for sales to save on all your back to school supplies and remember they only last for a limited time so make sure you don’t miss out.

* Label Supplies/ClothingThe day before label all equip-ment and write a list of all you’ll need to organise, such as food and a change of clothing. Stick the list to the fridge and tick each item off with your child as you complete it.

Back to School Checklist

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Preparing your Child for PrepEncourage your child to be independent by helping them get used to: * Putting on and doing up their own shoes * Eating and drinking without help (openinglunchboxes, wrapping and unwrapping school lunches and drinking from drink bottles) * Caring for and putting away play things * Using a handkerchief or tissue * Going to the toilet independently * Using playground equipment safely * Carrying his or her own bag * Identifying his or her own belongings.

Work with your child to develop his or her communication skills. Help your child to: * Make his or her own needs known* Use appropriate greetings* Respond verbally when spoken to.

Familiarise your child with the school environment and routine by: * Driving or walking by the school a few times so that the school becomes a familiar place* Showing your child where to put his or her things, such as a school bag and hat* Making sure your child knows how to get home from school safely or where to wait for you in the afternoon or where to go for after-school care * Visiting the school, if possible, when otherchildren are there so that your child can get used to the number of children, the playground and the movement of children around school grounds* Encourage children to understand that teach-ers are at school to help.

education.qld.gov.au/studentservices/inclusive/prep

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Back to School SafelyBack to school season is upon us. It’s time to reiterate the importance of Stranger Danger with your children. Whether your child is five or fifteen, don’t assume because you had “the talk” once, it should suffice.

Teens are just as vulnerable as elementary aged children. Discussions should include two important criteria:

1) Be age appropriate - Talk with your teen about not walking and talking on the cell phone at the same time or not wearing head-phones. For younger children, discuss what or who a stranger could be. (Many children still think of a stranger as only an ugly, mean, nasty, scary monster looking person).

2) Develop a secret word for younger children. Many younger children would go with an adult if they were told “Your mum couldn’t pick you up and asked me to come get you.” In the event that you are unable to pick up your child and need to send a friend or co-worker in your place, alert your child that they may not go with that person unless the substitute knows the secret word. Role play this until you are confident your child fully grasps the importance of this check and balance system.

3) Discussion vs. Lecture “ Unless you wish to get blank stares or a response of “Yeah I know already” it’s best to talk with your child, not to your child. Ask open ended questions. Avoid questions that can be an-swered with a simple yes or no answer. A two way dialogue will be much more effective.

http://ezinearticles.com

Making the Transition fromPrimary School 2 High School

The middle school and high school years can be filled with all sorts of bumps along the way. But there are ways to help make the move out of elementary school a little easier for your child.

It can be a tough transition to high school, because so many things change from the cozy, primary school environment. Your child may not be with the same friends that they were with previously because it’s a much larger environment and kids are taking a variety of different classes. So they lose their social cohort to a certain extent. They also lose that sense of intimacy and the challenge and difficulty begins to go up. They begin to be exposed to things like algebra and geometry.”More than anything during the middle school years kids need help in time management and with strate-gies on how to deal with the additional workload. Without this help from parents kids can feel a little overwhelmed. When kids move into high school they are faced with a whole different set of grading criteria, many new and different teachers, and there has to be a lot of strategizing, and figuring out how to learn in this environment.

One of the keys to success is the support children need

to make the transition from childhood, to adolescence, to adulthood. What seems to happen is that children who are at risk are more likely to drop out of school at this time, so we need to give them extra attention and support to get them through this because as you know, school drop-out is a huge risk factor for unemploy-ment and problems down the line.

Helping a child with the transition to high school be-gins with keeping the doors of communication open.

One of the key things that parents need to do is to keep their ears open and be always talking and have open communication with their children. Young people need to know that their parents love them, understand them and are behind them. It has been proven that parents who have open communications with their kids have a much better success at helping their children through the transitions.

So if your child is moving out of primary school this year, don’t assume that they’re able to handle these changes without help from you. The middle school and high school years are challenging times that require a little extra support from mum and dad.

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What to Consider whenChoosing a School...

If you’re looking beyond the local public school, think about what will work best for your child’s characteristics, personality, strengths, needs and interests. You might also consider how different schools’ cultures and values sit with your family values and family life.Other factors you could take into account include:* The facilities the school has to support your child’s learning – such as playgrounds, library, home language support, music programs, clubs and sporting teams.* The opportunities for parent and family in-volvement with the school, and how communica-tion between home and the school is managed.* The school’s size and number of children enrolled.* the school’s religious affiliation or otherwise.* Your preference in relation to public versus private education.* The location of the school, cost or difficulty of travelling to and from the school, and public transport options.* Your preferences or needs – for example, boarding, or the possibility of educating your child at home. * The connection between the school and the local community

Important facts and factorsMany parents worry about factors such as class size, whether single-sex or co-ed is best, and

how to get a handle on a school’s philosophy. Here are some facts that might guide your think-ing.

Class size Some older research suggested that the ideal class size is 16 students to one teacher. But more recent research indicates that teacher quality and work-related conditions are more im-portant than the number of students in the class.Single-sex or co-educational Generally, whether a school is co-ed or single sex isn’t as important as the school’s quality of leadership, teachers and approach to teaching. Most families will have a personal view about the issue, which is linked to the personality of their child and their family values, and will choose what’s best for their own situation. School culture or philosophy Schools have individual and distinct cultures and learning and teaching philosophies. For example, some will have a strong sports ethic, some will follow a re-ligious affiliation, and others promote individual-ity and artistic pursuits.It all depends on what’s important to you and your child. Are you looking for a curriculum with a balanced sporting and academic approach, or one with strengths in artistic and musical areas, or in science and maths? An environment with a strong academic focus might be important to you, or perhaps one that teaches your child more about your religious views.

www.raisingchildren.net.au28

Activities & Games

I’m Late For School

I got up late for school today, And nearly missed the bus! I hurried down the stairs, Wolfed my toast, and caused a fuss!I quickly threw books in mybag, My pens, my lunch and shorts. Grabbed my coat from out the cupboard, Took my bat and ball for sports.I slid across the kitchen floor, And hopped around the cat! Then expertly rolled over, Jumped back up and grabbed my hat!I belted out of our front door, Spun round and swung it shut. Saw the bus was waiting for me, I felt I had time to strut!I climbed aboard and then froze still, And knew that things weren’t right! My friends fell down in fits of fun, And pointed with delight!My face went red, I couldn’t breathe, For in my haste I knew! I’d forgotten to wear trousers, Jump-er, shirt, my socks and shoes!

Written by Gareth Lancaster

Match them up!1) Soccer Ride

2) Music Ball

3) Bike Read

4) Book Instrument

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Colour me in

Play ball with Math! Improve your

math skills as you swing.

Create silly sto-ries as you fill in the blanks. The classic

game with a math twist

Some of our favorite, Fun Educational games

Find lots more free games at www.funbrain.com

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Back to School Jokes

Nathan comes home from his first day at school. Mother asks, ‘What did you learn today?’He replies, ‘Not enough. I have to go back tomorrow.’

Mia: I think we need a new teacher.Mum: Why is that?Mia: Our teacher doesn’t know anything, she keeps asking us for the answers.

The summer holiday was over and young Jack returned to Wicor school.Only two days later his teacher phoned his mother to tell her that Jack was misbehaving.‘Wait a minute,’ mother said. ‘I had Jack with me for six weeks and I never called you once when he misbehaved.

Cut out these

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ultimate back to school guide

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