News Letter Oct-Nov 2012 - Parents Centres New Zealand Inc

inside this issue: 

Committee report 1 

Editor’s report 1 

Auckland centre news 2 

New arrivals 4 

Great dads start early 5 

CAPC parenting classes 6 

Community support 8 

Support services 10 

Postnatal support group 10 

Literacy and numeracy 11 

We have essential roles 

which are vacant! 12 

CAPC Lending Library 13 

Member Discount Scheme 14 

A week in the life of Harrison Young 16 

Toilet Training 20 

Whooping cough 22 

Fitting First Shoes 24 

What to look for when 

choosing a child restraint 26 

Playing with Newborns 28 

The third month of Fatherhood 30 

Time for your kids is now 32 

Early Pregnancy Course 32 

Sleep in the new family 33 

Information is power! 34 

CAPC top tips 35 

In the kitchen 36 

Contact us 37

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Committee Report 

I first heard about Parents Centre when 

researching Antenatal classes once discovering I 

was pregnant back in 2005 and was told Parents 

Centre was definitely the place to go so I joined. 

Having met such a wonderful bunch of friends 

through my antenatal class (of which our coffee 

group still meet most Fridays!) and as we embarked 

on a scary but exciting journey of parenthood 

together our friendships grew and when my son 

was a few months old I responded to a call for help 

for volunteers otherwise the Centre was in risk of 

closing. Given I had had such an amazing coffee 

group the thought of others not having the chance 

to experience the same thing I knew I had to get 

involved. Three babies later and after nearly seven 

years I have decided it is time to move on to other 

things and give others a chance to step up and 

share their time and expertise. 

Having come from a full on corporate job in 

banking it was a challenge to swap the business 

suits for jumpsuits and initially I found the change 

of career quite a transition. Being used to a bubbly 

vibrant office to just me and this little person I 

found the early days sometimes quite lonely and 

having some other interests was great. 

It has been amazing being part of such a passionate 

group of women who lead Central Auckland 

Parents Centre. Running 14 Antenatal classes per 

year along with other parenting classes, CAPC’s 

turnover and workload is that of a medium 

business yet is run completely by volunteers. 

Have you ever wondered where I get the ideas 

for what to include in the newsletter? Quite often 

it’s from the discussions we have at committee 

meetings. Someone will ask for advice or for an 

opinion on a parenting issue. Advice will be given 

and stories shared and I jot a wee note down to 

investigate further and source an article to share 

with you all. That is how the toilet training article 

came about and how it became our Top Tips topic. 

What is clear during these discussions is that every 

child is unique and every parent/family unit is also 

different with their expectations and values. 

My two pieces of advice for toilet training is to 

forget the potty - start directly on the toilet and 

Editor’s Report 

During my time I have mainly stuck to two fairly 

small main roles, that of managing and liasing 

with our wonderful Childbirth Educators and also 

matching new members up with Coffee Groups. 

Of course I have been involved with lots of other 

initiatives through the committee over the years, 

with one of the highlights being the CAPC 50th 

Anniversary. 

The great thing is that CAPC is so flexible that I 

returned to work when Theo was seven months 

old, two days a week, and then when Stella arrived 

I had ten months off and with Joel I took a full 12 

months off. 

For me it’s all about our little people, we love 

them so much, they are what drive us and keep 

us wanting to be better parents. Throughout 

pregnancies, babies, and working and all the other 

things going on in life I have been able to continue 

volunteering for CAPC and the wonderful thing is 

there has never been any pressure to deliver, you 

just pick up more or do less depending on the 

other things in your life. 

So thanks ladies for the wonderful job you do, for 

teaching and supporting me in the way you have 

over the years, and I wish the centre all the very 

best, you are in great hands! 

Stephanie Sidoruk 

Outgoing CBE Coordinator and 

Coffee Group Liaison 

just wait until the child is ready. Worked with my 

two, one at aged two (with a newborn baby in the 

house), who just told me that she was now wearing 

undies and that was that. My second child was less 

interested until she was 3½ and then all of a sudden 

it just clicked for her. Admittedly I was getting 

impatient by this stage, but had no choice except 

to wait. No incentives or bribes would work, nor 

was comparing her to her sister very constructive. 

The only thing was time and patience. 

So please do remember that your child is unique 

and you can’t rush them. 

Catherine, Newsletter Editor 

CENTRAL AUCKLAND PARENTS CENTRE 1

AUCKLAND CENTRE NEWS 

Committee Farewell 

A huge thank you and farewell to Stephanie 

Sidoruk from all of the committee. Stephanie has 

volunteered for CAPC for the last six years. Stephanie 

initially took on the role of Marketing Coordinator 

but moved on shortly after to fill some 

vacant roles and has been coordinating our Childbirth 

Educators and Coffee Group placements. 

We always have vacancies to fill. Please take a 

look at them on page 12 and consider joining us in 

bringing the excellent range of Parents Centre services 

to Auckland parents. 

If you think you would like to join our amazing 

team please do contact Diana on ph.638-3990 or 

email capc.volunteering@gmail.com. 

Literacy and 

Numeracy 

16 October 

Preparing your child for 

a love of learning. 

See page 11 for more details. 

Find and “Like” 

“Central Auckland Parents Centre” 

on Facebook and stay up to date with all 

our latest news and events, plus lots of 

parenting and other interesting tid-bits. 

Committee Meetings 

Our committee meetings are held 

on the second Monday of the 

month at 7.15pm. 

If you would like to join us please email 

us at capc.volunteering@gmail.com for 

further information. 

Grants Acknowledgment 

Central Auckland Parents Centre would like to say 

a big ‘thank you’ to the following organisation for 

their generous support. Their generosity assists 

CAPC to continue to offer relevant courses with 

up to date resources. 

United Way A grant of $3,450 was received to enable 

us to recognise the volunteer hosts for our 

next 15 antenatal courses. 

TENS machine hire 

A TENS machine can help reduce your pain 

during labour and childbirth. 

We have seven TENS machines available for hire 

by our members. You can make a booking for the 

two weeks prior to your due date until two weeks 

post. All machines are hired with new pads. 

Please supply your own 9 volt batteries. 

Cost: $50.00 plus $50.00 bond. Your bond will be 

refunded within 7 working days. 

You are responsible for collecting and returning 

the TENS machine. We appreciate that early days 

with your baby are busy, but as others are waiting 

to hire the machine, we ask that you return it as 

promptly as possible. 

To Book: Contact Christy (Lending Coordinator) 

Phone: 525 5541 

Email: capc.lending@gmail.com 

New World Baby Club 

Free to join 

There are lots of reasons to join the New World 

Babies Club. Members get exclusive discount coupons 

and Fly Buys Bonus Points on family essentials 

at New World supermarkets nationwide … great 

competitions, a nutritionist to answer your questions, 

a blog with mutterings from a new mother 

and loads more! 

If your’re not a member of the New World Baby 

Club yet go to http://www.newworldbabiesclub. 

co.nz/user/register - it’s free and available wherever 

you live in New Zealand. Remember to tick 

the box to sign up for their emails as that’s how 

they send you discounts, tell you about competitions 

and let you know about the latest articles and 

recipes. 

2 

CENTRAL AUCKLAND PARENTS CENTRE


Congratulations 

Congratulations to Dot Roberts, our Social Media 

Editor on the safe arrival of Grace on 23 July, 

weight 3.9 kg. 

Cover Photo 

Our cover photo children are outgoing 

committee member Stephanie’s family - 

Theo, Stella and Joel Sidoruk, who are having 

some great sibling fun together. 

Would you like to see your cherub 

on the cover of our newsletter? 

Send your hi-resolution portrait photo to 

capc.newslettereditor@gmail.com. 

Facilitation Training 

Do you need awesome and inspiring facilitation 

training to enhance delivery of your programmes 

or work environment? 

Parents Centres has a recognised certificate in facilitation 

and group leadership. 

A professional development skills training weekend 

will be held in Wellington over the weekend of 

3-4 November. We will focus on a variety of aspects 

associated with good leadership. 

Check out our website (www.parentscentre.org. 

nz) for regularly updated programmes or contact 

our Centre Operations Manager for more information 

– ph (04) 233 2022 ext 8803 or email j.hay@ 

parentscentre.org.nz 

What’s on our 

website? 

www.parentscentre.org.nz/auckland 

• Lending Services • Course Information 

• Membership • Member Discount Scheme 

• Volunteering • Past Newsletters 

Sausage Sizzle 

We recently held a very successful Sausage Sizzle 

at Mega Mitre 10 - Lunn Avenue. Thank you to all 

volunteers who volunteered not only themselves 

but their partners as well for the weekend. 

We have tentatively booked another Sausage Sizzle 

for November 17/18 and again will be needing volunteers 

members to help man the BBQ. If you can 

help please email cherylg123@hotmail.com 

Need Labels? 

Need labels for your little one’s things? Go to 

www.stuckonyou.biz and type “Central Auckland 

Parents Centre” into the referral field when 

you make your purchase. CAPC will receive up to 

20% of your purchase price. 

Did you know? 

Parents Centre spearheaded 

the Flexible Working 

Conditions Bill along with 

Sue Kedgely? 

This includes the rights of 

mothers to breastfeed their 

baby or express breastmilk 

in a work environment 

and to negotiate family 

friendly hours. 



New Arrivals 

AN4/12 CBE: Nikki Power Course Host: Rosalind Webster 

Name of Parents Name of Baby Date of Birth 

Karina and Damian Elliott Jones Patterson Elliott 28 June 2012 

Nerine Walbran and Murray Simon Kobe Simon 9 July 2012 

Liz and Regan Hill Ella Joan Hill 17 July 2012 

Victoria and Marcus Rameke Ebba Grace Rameke 12 July 2012 

Laurel and Baden Smith Felix Harry Smith 19 July 2012 

Cathy and Graham Carter Sophie Marie Carter 25 July 2012 

Venetta and Stuart Milne-White Madison Milne-White 20 July 2012 

Vanessa and Heath Dummett Estella Grace Sandra Dummett 7 August 2012 

Lynley Hooper Daniel Connor William Hooper 24 June 2012 

Caroline and Mark Derocher Imogen May Derocher 23 July 2012 

Lizzi and Quinn Battson Esme Elizabeth Battson 4 August 2012 

Saana and Rhys Taylor Oscar Rhys Tutbury Taylor 20 July 2012 

Best Beginning for Bubs 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

09 360 0280 | 3/29 Surrey Crescent | Grey Lynn | www.facebook.com/simplychiropracticnz 

4 


GREAT DADS 

START EARLY 

Being a loving and involved father is one of the 

greatest things that a man can do for his child. 

Research shows that bonding starts before a child is born – and a baby’s first 

few weeks of life are an important time to cement the dad-baby relationship. 

These short guides have been 

developed to help new dads: ds: 

prepare for fatherhood 

support mum in the lead 

up to, and at the birth 

get off to a great start 

with baby during the 

first weeks. 

Going to be a 

You have a huge effect on 

how your partner copes, 

and what kind of person 

your baby will grow into. 

Here are some ways you can 

give your child a great start. 

A6Booklet-FA.indd 1 9/08/12 12:18 PM 

At the birth 

A DAD'S 

SURVIVAL 

GUIDE 

“The midwife was 

like, ‘Quick, put your 

hands out and catch 

him!’ After it was 

over, I bawled my 

eyes out, man. 

It was just so cool.” 

Warren Maxwell, 

Trinity Roots, 

Little Bushman 

Photo: Pat Shepherd 

Congratulations 

DAD! 

Now your baby’s here, 

the fun really starts! 

These tools will help you bond 

in the first few weeks… 

Featuring Kiwi dads and musicians Tiki Taane and Warren Maxwell, 

these free resources are available from midwives, lead maternity 

carers and antenatal classes. 

Or order directly from skip.org.nz 

“They’re good strong role 

models, who talk about the 

tricky parts of parenting too.” 

– Midwife, Christchurch 

“It actually makes me feel 

stronger, if Tiki can do it and 

enjoy it, then I can do it.” 

–Young dad, Rotorua 

www.skip.org.nz 


PARENT EDUCATION 

CAPC Parenting Classes 

Baby and You 

A morning course run over 5 weeks for parents of 

babies up to four months old. Covers feeding and 

sleeping, baby massage, postnatal exercises, postnatal 

depression, CPR, first aid and child development. 

The start dates for our next courses are: 16 October, 

8 November, 8 January and 12 February. 

Course costs: $60 CAPC Member, $75 Non Member. 

These courses fill very quickly so contact Caroline 

on 845 0020 or capc.babyandyou.coordinator@ 

gmail.com to reserve a space. 

Moving and Munching 

Targeted at parents of 4-8 month olds, over two 

mornings this course discusses introducing solids, 

baby development and baby safety with a free 

baby recipe book for all attendees. 

The start dates for our next courses are 25 October, 

13 December, 10 January and 14 February. 

Course costs: $35 CAPC Member - single, $40 CAPC 

Member - couple, $45 Non Member - single, $55 

Non Member - couple. 

For more information or to book, contact 

Maree by phone - 636 5045 or email capc.bookings@gmail.com. 

Tinies to Tots 

A two session course aimed at parents of children 

9-18 months. The course will cover fitting first 

shoes, caring for first teeth and preventing tooth 

decay, learning/development/safety and play, 

sleep requirements for older babies’ and nutrition 

and behavioural habits towards eating. 

The next course will start 2 May 2013. 


Member- couple, $50 Non Member - single, $55 


For more information and bookings, contact 


Parenting with Purpose 

This course has been created to encourage parents/caregivers 

and key support people to look at 

how they parent, where they learnt their parenting 

skills and are they the most productive skills 

to use when raising children. It is a six week, two 

hour, evening course and all participants receive a 

workbook. 

The next course will start 10 July 2013. 

Course costs: $75 CAPC Member- single, $85 CAPC 



For more information or to register your interest 

contact Maree by phone - 636 5045 or email capc. 

bookings@gmail.com. 

Magic Moments 

This course focuses on using non-physical ways of 

discipline, and encourages parents and caregivers 

to build strong and caring relationships with their 

children, whilst giving clear boundaries. It is a three 

week, two hour, evening course and all participants 

receive a workbook. 

The next course will start 3 April 2013. 




For more information or to book, contact 


A Mother’s Love 

Your arms were always open when I needed 

a hug. Your heart understood when I needed 

a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I 

needed a lesson. Your strength and love has 

guided me and gave me wings to fly. 

Sarah Malin 

6 


Snuggle up 

warm in a 

PORSE home 

this winter! 

Common childhood illnesses reduce significantly when 

cared for by one person and a small group of friends. 

Choose your own PORSE Nanny or Home Educator to give your child 

the best start in life. 

Call us today to discuss your childcare options. 

Onehunga Ph 634 3328 

Grey Lynn Ph 376 3724 

www.PORSE.co.nz

Community Support 

Preparation for 

Breastfeeding 

Venue: BIRTHCARE - 20 Titoki Street, Parnell, 

Education Room, Level 1 

10.30am - 12.30pm Tuesday once a month, $30.00 

• Care of you and your breasts before and after 

pregnancy 

• Getting off to a good start 

• How to avoid and manage common problems 

• Expressing and storage of breastmilk 

• Introducing solids and weaning 

• Where to get support and help 

Karitane Cribtalk TM 

First Thursday of every month 9.00am - 3.00pm 

1 Wallingford Street, Grey Lynn 

Telephone 575 7174 

Free coffee and free advice. 

Karitane Nurses and Nannies Bureau invite you to 

Karitane Cribtalk TM - an informal gathering for new 

parents. Karitane Cribtalk TM will be casual and relaxed 

and is as much about gaining valuable advice 

from an experienced Karitane Nurse as it is about 

meeting other new families. 

Plunket Family Centre 

309 Sandringham Road, Sandringham 

Phone 849 5027. Please call for an appointment. 

Open hours are: Mon - Thurs 8.45am - 3.30pm 

Staffed by Plunket nurses, community karitane, 

Plunket kaiāwhina and volunteers, the Family centre 

offers support and information on different parenting 

issues. These include breastfeeding, infant 

nutrition, sleeping, child behaviour and parent/ 

family needs. 

Fresh Perspective 

www.freshperspective.org.nz 

Freephone 0800 555 300 

Everybody needs a little help at some time in their 

lives. This is especially true for parents and caregivers 

raising young families. Whether it is learning 

about managing a child’s behaviour and providing 

boundaries, feeding your family well on your weekly 

budget, managing challenging family situations, 

connecting with others in your community or just 

needing someone to talk too. 

Space 

Email: space@aucklandplaycentres.org.nz 

Phone: 815 0866 

The SPACE programme is for (mainly) first time 

parents with newborn babies. Sessions run weekly 

at a Playcentre or suitable community venue, for 

3-4 terms extending through the first year of the 

child’s life. 

Parent Aid 

Central West Auckland - Avondale, Point Chevalier, 

Blockhouse Bay, Hillsborough, Lynfield, Waikowhai, 

Mt Roskill, New Windsor, Mt Albert, Owairaka. 

Phone 815 0330 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm 

Email: parentaidcentralwest@gmail.com 

Free practical help for families with pre-school children 

in Central West Auckland who need a helping 

hand due to: the birth of a baby, illness, accident, 

tiredness or stress. 

Parenting Trust 

Information on programmes available can be 

found at www.parenttrust.org.nz. 

Being the parent you want to be. Even the best parents 

and caregivers get angry sometimes. 

When the parent-child relationship is strengthened, 

parents can provide loving and confident 

nurturing of children. 

8 


Birthcare Maternity Hospital is situated on Titoki Street in Parnell, with tranquil 

views looking out over the Domain, and the Museum. It is a primary care maternity 

hospital available for both birthing and postnatal care. Birthcare is a secure 

facility offering free undercover parking and easy access. 

Use of Birthcare is free to all birthing and postnatal women who are New Zealand 

residents, but you may upgrade to a private or premium room, should you 

choose. We have 45 beds, 24 are in twin share rooms, 17 are private rooms and 

4 premium rooms with queen beds. All rooms have ensuites. However the same 

high quality midwifery service is available to all women using the facility. 

Our birthing suite has four birthing rooms, three with pools for pain relief and 

relaxation as well as water births. We are close to Auckland Hospital for transfer, 

if this is necessary. 

We have our own LMC (Lead Maternity Carer) midwives, who provide continuity 

of care for those women choosing to birth at Birth care. They hold ante natal 

clinics on Level 3 at Birthcare. Our midwives are passionate about supporting 

and promoting natural birth at Birthcare. There is also a great team of professionals 

who provide postnatal services. These include physiotherapists, visiting 

paediatricians, and lactation consultants. The core midwifery and nursing staff 

are highly skilled in all aspects of postnatal care. They give special attention to 

parentcraft, and education to assist in that transition to parenthood. They liase 

closely with the LMC’s who are providing care for the women here and enjoy 

working in a close relationship with them. 

We have a lactation clinic which is held twice a week and is free for up to 4 weeks 

postnatally with a written referral from the woman’s LMC otherwise there is a 

$60 charge. 

There are regular tours of Birthcare for prospective parents. 

For further information call 09-374 0800, 

or visit www.birthcare.co.nz

PARENT SUPPORT 

10 

Support Services 

Allergy New Zealand 

Phone 623 3912 www.allergy.org.nz 

Barnardos Parent Help Line 

(Mon – Fri 9.00am – 5.00pm) 

Phone 09-625 0562 

www.barnardos.org.nz 

Healthline (24 hours per day) 

Phone 0800 611 116 

www.moh.govt.nz/healthline 

La Leche League (Breastfeeding) 

Phone 846 0752 www.lalecheleague.org.nz 

Miscarriage Support Auckland 

Phone 378 4060 www.miscarriagesupport.org.nz 

National Poisons Centre 

0800 POISON / 0800 764 744 

www.poisons.co.nz 

Parent to Parent Special Needs Children Support 

Phone 0508 236 236 

www.parent2parent.org.nz 

Plunket Car Seat Rental 

Phone 620 5791 www.plunket.org.nz 

Plunket Line (24 hours per day) 

0800 933 922 www.plunket.org.nz 

Post Natal Distress 

Phone 836 6967 

www.postnataldistress.org.nz 

SIDS New Zealand 

Phone 0800 164 455 (24hrs) www.sids.org.nz 

SKIP 

Phone 04 916 3300 www.skip.org.nz 

Starship Hospital 

Phone 307 8900 www.starship.org.nz 

Stillbirth and Newborn Death Support 

Phone 307 8900 www.sands.org.nz 

Trauma and Birth Stress Support Group 

Phone 575 7404 www.tabs.org.nz 

Women’s Refuge 

Phone 303 3939 www.womensrefuge.org.nz 

Work and Income (WINZ) 

Phone 0800 559 009 

www.workandincome.govt.nz 

Working for Families 

Phone 0800 257 477 

www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz 

Postnatal Support Group 

Central Auckland Support Group 

Great South Road, Greenlane 

Please call the office on 09 836 6967 

if you wish to join the group. 

We encourage you to contact us if you 

are experiencing any of the following: 

• Miserable most of the time and especially 

in the mornings and/or evenings 

• That life is not worth living and 

you have nothing to look forward to 

• Guilty and very ready to blame yourself 

• Irritable, snapping at your partner 

or other children 

• Tearful and overwhelmed 

• Constantly exhausted 

• Unable to enjoy yourself and humourless 

• You can’t cope; things easily get on top of you 

• Anxious about your baby 

and seeking reassurance 

• Unable to concentrate on anything 

• That your baby is a stranger and not really yours 

• No appetite or overeating 

• Loss of sex drive 

• Low energy levels 

• Problems with memory 

• Difficulty making decisions 

• Disturbed sleep, 

including early morning wakefulness 

• Feelings of not coping 

• Thinking a lot about the birth process 

For more information please contact the 

Postnatal Distress Network Trust 

Phone: 09 836 6967 

Web: www.postnataldistress.org.nz 

Email: pnd.org@xtra.co.nz 


Literacy 

• Speaking and Listening 

• Early Drawing and Writing 

• Early Reading 

• Phonics 

Numeracy 

• Sorting and Matching 

• Counting 

• Mathematical Language 

• Measures 

Support literacy and numeracy 

development in the early years 

A 90 minute presentation on how to support 

literacy and numeracy development for children 1 to 5 years 

Full of practical tips, fun ideas and new resources to support 

your child’s success in literacy and numeracy 

Day: Tuesday, 16th October 

Time: 7.30pm to 9.30pm 

Venue: Athol Syms Hall 

11 Griffin Ave, Epsom 

Cost: $10 Parents Centre Member - single 

$15 Parents Centre Member - couple 

$20 Non Member - single 

$25 Non Member - couple 

BOOKINGS: Maree Phone: 636 5045 

Email: capc.bookings@gmail.com 

Menstrual Problems 

Pain and associated disorder. 

Fertility/Infertility (Men and Women) 

Natural and artificial fertility (IVF, IUI...) 

Pregnancy 

Morning sickness, breech, induction, small for dates, 

anaemia, heart burn... 

Pre-birth Acupuncture 

Weekly from 36 weeks to minimize intervention. 

Post-natal Care 

Mother warming/after birth recovery, lactation/ 

feeding problems, depression, mastitis. 

Lee-Ana Lowe NZRA reg. member, ACC treatment provider 

142 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, 1021 

09 833 4290 l 027 310 7014 l lee-ana@ana-med.co.nz 

www.ana-med.co.nz 

CENTRAL AUCKLAND PARENTS CENTRE 

11

We have Essential Roles 

which are Vacant! 

Can You Help? 

Our volunteer roles 

are designed to fit 

around your busy lives. 

Many of these roles 

only need a few hours 

of your attention a 

month – but these 

are vital roles which 

we MUST fill to 

ensure Parents Centre 

runs smoothly. 

No previous experience 

required. Training, 

support and good 

company provided. 

Parent Education Coordinator: The Parent Education 

Coordinator organises our Tinies to Tots classes, Magic Moments 

parenting classes, and our one-off sessions. This includes 

confirming speakers, organising hosts, and providing general 

oversight for the courses. Time commitment: couple of hours a 

fortnight. 

Child Birth Educator Coordinator: We need someone to be 

our ‘go to’ person for our Child Birth Educators (CBE’s). These fantastic 

women teach our antenatal classes and need a designated person in 

our committee to contact to ensure these classes are a success. Time 

commitment: approx an hour a month. 

Advertising Coordinator: Our current Advertising Coordinator 

intends to stand down from the role and needs someone to take 

over from her. This job involves liaising with existing and new 

advertisers and forwarding all advertisements to the Editor of our 

newsletter. It also involves maintaining the Membership Discount 

Scheme. Time commitment is about 5 hours per month. 

Venue Coordinator: A small but essential role! The Venue 

Coordinator handles our venue bookings (an annual task) and 

then throughout the year makes sure that the supplies and 

resources kept at our venues in Epsom and Onehunga are 

well stocked and in order. Time commitment: a few hours a 

fortnight 

Interested in learning more? Or want to come along to one 

of our next committee meetings on Monday 8 October and/ 

or Monday 12 November 7.15pm - 9.30pm. Contact Diana on 

638-3990 or email capc.volunteering@gmail.com for details. 

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can 

do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. 

Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. ” 

Mahatma Gandhi 

12 


CAPC Lending Library 

CAPC runs a boutique lending library for members and non members. 

Baby Gone: a compilation of 

carefully chosen New Zealand families’ 

stories about infertility, miscarriage, 

still birth and infant loss. It is 

an interesting read whatever your 

parenting story is. CAPC has a copy 

of this book you can borrow at no 

charge. 

Moving to Learn: a musical, 

dancing, playing, and movement 

program designed to stimulate your 

child in their early years. This book 

and CD set covers an extensive range 

of topics from birth to three years. 

CAPC has several sets you can borrow 

for a gold coin donation. 

Australian Women’s 

Weekly Kids Cakes: 

a wealth of ideas to create a masterpiece 

for your child’s birthday, 

or any special occasion. Many 

cakes are a simple iced sponge 

with lollies for decoration and 

quick enough to create during 

your baby’s nap time. CAPC has 

a copy of this book you can borrow for $5, including 

delivery. 

#1, #2 and Teddy Bear Cake Tins: it’s 

amazing how good a packet cake, simple icing and 

a few jelly beans can look and taste if it’s made in a 

“fancy” tin. CAPC has one of each you can borrow 

for $5 (CAPC members) or $8 (non-member). 

To borrow any of these items please contact 

Christy on capc.lending@gmail.com. 

It's hard justifying working and raising my 

child. Kindy offered the flexibility to work 

and get the caring start he needs. 

Our kindys offer so many 

opportunities for your child, 

pop in for a visit anytime. 

For more information call 

0800 4 KINDY 

or visit our website 

www.mykindy.co.nz 


Member Discount Scheme 

The following retailers offer discounts to 

Central Auckland Parents Centre members. 

To get the discount, please remember to show your membership card. 

3 Wise Monkeys 

www.3wisemonkeys.co.nz 

Discount: 10% when quoting 

PSDIDAKL 

Active Soul 

P: 021 263 351 

E: info@activesoul.co.nz 

www.activesoul.co.nz 

Discount: Complimentary Trial 

Session PLUS 20% off a Term 

Concession Card. 

Aglaze Auckland Car Paint 

Protection 

P: 551 1691 

Discount: Free fabric protection 

with any booking 

Aitee’s Musikgarten 

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All About Buggies 

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Adelina Photography 

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adelina.co.nz 

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Discount: $25 sitting fee + 25% 

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Ana-Med Acupuncture 

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Apex Advice Group 

P: : 021 979 198 or 968 9746 

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Discount: 10% off your 

oersonal insurances 

valid for the entire lifetime 

of the insured. This offer 

is also available to existing 

Sovereign policy holders. 

Baby Factory 

Discount: 20% off shopping day. 

See coupon in CAPC newsletter - 

inside front cover 

Baby on the Move 

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Discount: 10% off 

6 month capsule hire 

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Back in Balance Chiropractic 

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Big Bed Bumper 

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We will also donate 5% of all 

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14 


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A week in my life 

This newsletter is very Mummy and Daddy centric and I wanted to give us smaller family members 

a voice. My grandparents are spread all over the world so most weeks I write to them to give them 

an update on what I have been up to. Obviously I dictate these to Mummy because I know 

only the letters M, O and G, and she knows all 26. Enjoy! 

Sent: Sun 28/03/10 18.52 

From: Harrison Young 

To: My Grandparents 

Subject: Let’s get physical 

Hi Grandparents 

This week I have been so active! Olivia Newton John – 

eat your heart out! Where do I start? 

Mummy and I have been out walking more. We have been 

down to the supermarket and library a couple of times 

in the stroller, and to Coyle Park (a big park at the 

end of the Point Chevalier peninsula) in the front 

pack a couple of times. I like the front pack as I 

can turn my head from side to side and see some of 

the scenery. Well, anything within a metre or so of 

my face, which is the extent of my vision at the moment. 

This is a far better form of tummy time than the 

rolled up towel Mummy and Daddy have been using. And 

Mummy finished my sling so we can use that too, plus 

Mummy bought a sling off her friends (who came all the 

way from Sydney to visit me) that Daddy may be able to use too. I now fit 

the sunglasses that Annie gave me and so I wear these and the sunhat Uncles 

Greg and David gave me so my beautiful skin is protected from the sun. 

I have also been on a swing in the playground at Coyle Park while I was in 

the front pack. This was a lot of fun and I look forward to when I can sit 

up by myself and go in the other playground swings that are my size. 

I have grown saliva glands this week, but have not yet mastered the art of 

swallowing saliva so I am dribbling quite a lot. I am giving Michael Jordon 

a run for his money, that’s for sure! I have attached a photo of me blowing 

bubbles with my dribble! 

I surprised Mummy one day this week by rolling onto my side again. I am 

holding out on the rolling lark so this was a once off for now. I may do it 

once again this week if I can be bothered. I’ll keep you updated! 

I have mastered a new yoga pose. This time it’s the Hindi squat, which 

makes Mummy quite jealous as I can do it really easily and she struggled 

even when I was still in her tummy and the relaxin hormones were coursing 

through her body. 

Daddy and I have been working on grasping and shaking this week. I am better 

than he is at this. Daddy grasps my rattle and puts this into my hand, 

then I start shaking it. Daddy then can’t hang on to the rattle so lets 

go, I can hang on for half an hour if I want to! We have also been playing 

with grasping the lion in my play gym. This is a bit bigger than my rattle 

so a little bit harder to hold onto so I settle for batting it to and fro 

most of the time. 

I am getting more and more independently mobile, I can even move in my 

16 


sleep! Here is a picture of me when I had just woken up. Mummy and Daddy 

think I need to sleep in a sleeping bag this winter rather than a sheet and 

blanket so the bag moves with me! 

I have been so busy at other physical activities I have not been able to 

take the time to grow hair, so this is falling out and I am developing a 

receding hairline. I am not too worried (yet) as apparently this is normal 

and it will grow back at some point. 

Mummy finally did some baking last week for my friends at SPACE. She made 

chocolate crackles and marshmallow as practice for my second birthday (I 

may still be eating mushy pumpkin when it’s my first birthday). When she told 

me what the menu would be for this and I licked my lips in anticipation! 

Love, Harrison xxx 

Sent: Fri 02/04/2010 10.47 

From: Harrison Young 

To: My Grandparents 

Subject: Happy quarter birthday to me! 

Hi Grandparents 

Can you believe I am quarter of a year old already?!? 

And I am SO BIG for my age. Both the Plunket 

nurse and Mothercare nurse commented on this yesterday. 

They were very surprised I was only quarter of 

a year old. Mummy and Daddy are feeding me so well! 

I have grown almost twice the size I was when I was 

pulled out of Mummy’s tummy, statistics hot off the 

press are 6.36 kg and 62 cm tall (compared to 3.41 kg 

and 52.5 cm tall). This means all of my small clothes 

have been retired to the attic. Mummy was commenting 

my first nappies look so small now. When I was wearing them Mummy and 

Daddy thought they were so big!!! 

I am also getting so strong. I now face forwards in the front pack when 

we walk to the park. This is far more interesting than Mummy’s chest. 

And when I am having “tummy time” on the floor (without a towel) I can 

lift my head up. This does build up an appetite though: this morning I 

was not really interested in breakfast but after 5 minutes of tummy time 

I was rather peckish. Although eating too is also quite tiring, here is 

a picture of me having just finished afternoon tea one day. 

My hands are starting to behave themselves more and more: I can grab the 

labels on my bib and tug at my bib. And this morning I was giving the 

giraffe in my play gym a good bat. I also spent a lot of time nibbling 

on my hands so these need an extra good clean when I have my bath each 

night. I still don’t like sucking my fingers when I am in bed though, 

my dummy is far preferable. I am starting to like the look of “Allan” 

though, the “comforter” Annie and Grumpa bought me from the Allan Scott 

winery. Here is a picture of me and Allan. 

I was a brave boy yesterday. I had my 3 month immunisation shots and 

these REALLY HURT. I don’t think Mummy liked it either so we had lots 

of cuddles all day and I had a wee nap with her in Mummy and Daddy’s 

room. I also had a little bit of Pamol (Panadol/Tylenol for people my 

size) to take the edge off the pain. 

Love,Harrison xxx 


If something happened to you, are you 

certain your family will be financially secure? 

Now is a great time to review your financial plans. 

As a parent, it is up to you to protect your children and provide for their 

future. Even if something happened to you, you’d want to know that your 

family’s fi nancial future is taken care of. 

The Offer: 10% discount off your Personal Insurances 

Apex Advice Group and Sovereign are offering members 

of Central Auckland Parents Centre a 10% discount on their 

insurances. This discount is valid for the entire lifetime of the 

insured, unlike some other online offers where their discount 

is only valid for the 1st year. 

This offer is also available to existing Sovereign policy holders. 

Through personal insurances you can protect your family against premature 

loss of life, permanent or temporary disability and protect your income. 

About Apex Advice Group: Apex Advice Group has been helping New 

Zealanders protect and grow their wealth since 1986. Services include full 

fi nancial planning, insurance advice, debt management, mortgages, 

investments, and retirement planning. 

Will Leang is a member of Central Auckland Parents Centre and a fi nancial 

advisor with Apex. Graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree 

in Accounting and Finance, he commands very strong knowledge and 

experience with insurances and mortgages. 

Married with one child, he believes that all success is due to great preparation. 

He works with families and businesses to help them plan for whatever stage 

in life they are at. 

Contact Will if you have any questions or if you are interested in taking up 

this offer. 

Will Leang - Financial Advisor 

021 979 198, 09 968 9746, 0800 500 510 

will@apexgroup.co.nz, www.apexadvice.co.nz 

18 


HIRE OR BUY NEW 

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Address: 852a Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden 

Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 10am - 4.00pm 

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Other Times by Appointment 


Toilet Training 

Most kids are ready to start toilet training somewhere 

between the ages of two to shortly after 

their third birthday. Boys usually fall somewhere 

near the end of this range. Usually when children 

start to let you know their nappies are messy they 

are about ready. 

Some of the main signs that a child is developmentally 

ready to begin potty training are: 

1. A bowel and bladder that are mature (i.e., 

can hold larger amounts at one time) and can 

“sense” the need to void/eliminate staying dry 

for at least 2 hours at a time (including nap 

times) 

2. The child can recognise that she is voiding/eliminating 

(you can also recognise they are by their 

facial expression, posture, place they go to do 

it, what they say, etc.) 

3. Your child notices and/or becomes distressed 

by having a wet/soiled nappy 

4. A “willingness” to sit on the potty or toilet 

(without fear, with or without nappy/clothes 

still on) 

5. The child is able to walk to/from the bathroom, 

get on the toilet, sit, balance, and get off the 

toilet or potty chair with little assistance 

6. The child is able to pull his pants down by himself 

7. The child can follow simple instructions/directions/commands 

8. The child is asking to have his wet/dirty nappy 

changed or to use the potty or toilet 

9. Your child is having regular bowel movements 

You can capitalize on this natural readiness by: 

• Prep work! Start a couple months in advance 

after you are noticing signs that they are psychologically, 

physically, and mentally ready. Let 

them go pick out special big boy/big girl underwear, 

let them pick out a special seat. Decorating 

the seat with stickers they like may be helpful. 

• Reading aloud together as a family one of the 

many good books that describe potty/toilet 

use as a part of growing up. Illustrations of fire 

fighters, doctors, baby sitters, and parents all 

going to the bathroom will interest and educate 

your kids. 

20 

• Watching the same-sex parent or older sibling 

in the bathroom reinforces this process. 

• Buying fun new underwear can further encourage 

your child. 

• Allowing your child to pick out a toilet seat or 

potty and using non-food rewards for potty/toilet 

use can also make the process fun. 

• However, there are other forces that can make 

toilet training difficult even for typical kids. Fear 

often plays a major role. Toilet training tends to 

come at an age when children’s fears are most 

intense. It is important to de-pressurise the 

situation. If your child seems to be afraid of the 

toilet itself, then gradually acclimatise them to 

the potty; 

- Have him sit on a potty fully clothed for a 

few minutes each day while you read to him 

or tell him a story. 

- When that becomes old, take his nappy off 

so he can sit on it just like Dad and Mum. 

- Begin putting the contents of his dirty nappies 

in the toilet so he can see what happens. 

- Then, give him the opportunity to run 

around bare-bottomed so he can try to go 

on the potty if he wants. The desire for approval 

is another strong motivating force 

that impacts toilet training. 

• Although some people would recommend pull 

ups, I personally would recommend just starting 

with underwear, unless the child is very 

aware of their bowel movements/wet nappies 

already and is uncomfortable. 

It is important that you have set aside a lot of time, 

especially in the beginning, to dedicate to the process. 

Also, do not start the toilet training process 

at a time that is already stressful for the child. Do 

not do this at the same time another child is being 

born, moving house, or at the same time as starting 

preschool. Kids need some time to adjust to all 

the new stressors in their lives. 

If these methods are still not working, here are 

some intensive methods that parents have found 

successful. *These methods also work well for children 

with autism/PDD-NOS* 


The Naked Method 

Many people have used the naked method where 

they allow the child to run around naked (while at 

home) in order to have the child really feel and realise 

when they have gone to the bathroom. This is 

a messy one but can be successful. 

Intensive Toilet Training 

The intensive method refers to taking a whole 

week (such as a holiday period) to intensely concentrate 

on toilet training. This can include letting 

the child be naked, or wearing undies and working 

very hard on getting a result in the toilet that you 

can reinforce heavily. For some children this may 

take just a couple days, for others more. 

This is a highly structured schedule which starts 

with the child sitting on the toilet or potty every 30 

minutes. A reinforcer is anything that will motivate 

and be an incentive for the child. It is important to 

find several things that may work, which can be 

put into a special toilet basket that can be placed 

within sight, but out of reach in the bathroom. 

The toilet/potty reinforcer must be only for actually 

producing something in the toilet/potty. Do 

not offer it at other times or it will lose its novelty, 

and we want it to be really tied to potty successes. 

A sticker chart for going toilet/potty can also be a 

great reinforcing tool, especially for visual learners. 

A sticker for each time they go can then add up to 

a special reinforcer, like a trip to their favorite restaurant 

or park. It is important to tie the reinforcer 

with social praise at all times. 

To start out: 

1. Set a thirty minute toileting schedule, and set a 

timer so the child has a visual and auditory cue 

indicating when it is time to go sit on the toilet. 

2. Take the child as consistently as possible every 

thirty minutes to sit for a couple minutes on the 

potty. Even if the child does not have success, 

make sure to praise the child for sitting and trying. 

This is a great time to cement the toileting routine 

and encourage independence in self help skills. Have 

the child pull pants up and down and wash hands 

with the least amount of prompting necessary. 

Praise and Reinforcement 

If there is not a result, praise the child for trying 

and for sitting nicely and tell them we will “try 

again later”. During this time it is important to stay 

positive and reinforcing. You don’t want the whole 

process to become traumatising for the child. It 

is important to stay consistent and that the child 

understands the expectations of the bathroom 

routine. 

When there is a result, make sure to be excited and 

praise the child immediately. 

Make the social praise very obvious and immediate, 

it is important that the connection is made 

between the praise and the fact that the child has 

had a success in the toilet. Let them stand and look 

at the toilet and point it out so that they can see 

visually that they have had a success. Make sure 

that your verbal reinforcement is very specific. 

Accidents Happen... 

Accidents will happen frequently in the first couple 

weeks. If the child has wet or made a mess in their 

pants, say very matter-of-factly, without anger or 

emotion, “You are wet (or soiled, or had a booboo, 

or had a BM). Big boys (or girls) do that on the 

potty (or toilet).” Take the child to the bathroom 

and have them start the routine and sit on the potty 

so you can model the correct toileting behavior 

and so you can reinforce them for sitting on the 

toilet appropriately. 

Then have them change themselves as independently 

as possible. This may be difficult but it is 

important to remain neutral and consistent. This is 

not meant to be a punishment, but rather a natural 

consequence of not using the toilet. If you don’t 

use the toilet then you will have to change yourself 

into new clean dry clothes, and put your soiled 

clothes in the hamper. This is to help tie the idea 

that going to the bathroom in your clothes and not 

the potty or toilet is uncomfortable. 


Whooping cough 

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly infectious 

disease that is spread by coughing and sneezing. 

There is currently an outbreak of whooping cough 

in New Zealand. 

It is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria 

which causes inflammation throughout the respiratory 

system, which in turn produces thick mucus 

that blocks airways and damages the breathing 

tubes. Whooping cough is distinguished through 

the pronounced `whoop’ that children make as 

they struggle for breath during a coughing fit. 

Whooping cough can be very serious for babies 

– especially those under one year old. The risk of 

severe complications is greatest for children aged 

less than six months. 

If babies catch whooping cough, they: 

• may not be able to feed or breathe properly 

• may become so ill they require hospitalisation. 

• may have damaged lungs as a result of severe 

bouts of coughing, making them susceptible to 

future lung infections 

• could end up with serious complications such 

as pneumonia, brain damage, convulsions and 

death. The risk of brain damage ranges from 

about 1:100 to 1:1000. 

What are the signs and symptoms? 

Whooping cough begins with cold-like symptoms 

such as: 

• a runny nose 

• sneezing 

• a slight fever 

• a mild cough 

• sore eyes. 

The cough becomes worse and and progresses to 

coughing spasms. Babies and children often gasp 

for air and make a ‘whooping’ sound during coughing 

attacks. Coughing may leave an infant or child 

struggling for air and even turning blue or purple. 

Your child may vomit due to gagging on mucus. 

They may be unable to sleep due to coughing and 

can become exhausted. Children can seem well between 

the coughing spells. 

While whooping cough can affect all age groups 

including adults, it is most common in children under 

two. Adults and older children don’t normally 

make the ‘whoop’ sound, but can still get very sick. 

Whooping cough can last for 6 weeks and may take 

up to 2 – 3 months for the symptoms to disappear. 

When is it infectious? 

Whooping cough spreads through coughing and 

sneezing. The disease is most infectious in the early 

stages, when symptoms resemble a normal cold. 

By the second week the child is having coughing 

spells at night which progress to whooping or even 

vomiting. The incubation period (from exposure to 

the bacteria to when the symptoms begin) is 5 –14 

days. Whooping cough continues to be infectious 

three to four weeks after the cough starts. Many 

babies catch whooping cough from their older siblings 

or parents – often before they’re old enough 

to be vaccinated. 

How common is whooping cough? 

We have an outbreak of the disease every three to 

five years. 

• In this recent outbreak, between August 2011 

and August 2012, more than 4900 cases have 

been reported 

• During the previous epidemic in 2004–2005, 

more than 5000 cases were reported. In 2004, 

159 children were hospitalised, and one died. 

What is the treatment? 

If you think you or a family member has whooping 

cough, see your doctor as soon as possible. 

Throat swabs, blood tests and x-rays may be done 

to test to see whether it is whooping cough. 

If you are able to - record the sound of the cough 

and give this to your doctor. This can be done 

through your mobile phones and can be helpful for 

the diagnosis. 

• Antibiotics can help lessen the severity of the 

cough, but need to be administered early in the 

disease process. 

• Your doctor will tell you how to care for yourself 

or your child at home while you’re recovering. 

• Hospitalisation may be required, especially 

for babies and young children. This may be to 

administer intravenous antibiotics and oxygen 

therapy. If dehydrated or unable to feed, your 

child may require intravenous fluid therapy. 

22 CENTRAL AUCKLAND PARENTS CENTRE

• If there are other children in the house, they 

may be given preventative doses of antibiotics. 

What can I do to help my child with whooping 

cough? 

• The earlier you see the doctor and your child 

starts antibiotics the better 

• Lean your child forward on your lap when 

coughing 

• Use a humidifier to moisten the air – or sit with 

the child in a steamy bathroom 

• Give plenty of fluids 

• Dress your child in cool cotton clothes and tepid 

sponge them if they are feverish 

• Give small, light meals to reduce the risk of 

vomiting 

• Avoid smoky atmospheres 

• Keep your child calm, as excitement or exertion 

can trigger a coughing spell 

• Experts suggest sleeping in the same room as 

your child to help them not feel afraid 

• Keep your children away from others until the 

antibiotic course is completed. 

Help stop the spread of whooping cough 

• Make sure your children are up to date with 

their immunisations 

• Keep your baby away from anyone with a cough 

• If you have a cough, stay away from babies 

• If you’ve got a cough that won’t go away, see 

your doctor. 

Immunisation 

All babies in New Zealand can be immunised 

against whooping cough as part of their free childhood 

immunisations. They are not protected until 

they have had all three doses – at six weeks, three 

months and five months old. Booster doses are given 

at four and 11 years of age. If your baby or child 

hasn’t been immunised, talk to your GP or practice 

nurse. They can arrange a time for your child to be 

immunised. It’s never too late to catch up. 

Around 84% of babies are protected once they 

have completed the three doses of vaccine. Protection 

wanes over time. People can get whooping 

cough some years later, even if they have been 

immunised or have had it before. That is why the 

booster immunisations for four and 11-year-olds 

are important. 

Adults are urged to get vaccinations if in contact 

with babies 

Paediatrician Dr Cameron Grant is urging adults to 

be vaccinated against whooping cough if they are 

in contact with newborn babies: “Of the infants 

admitted to Starship with whooping cough, one 

in 10 will end up in intensive care and, of these, 

one in six will die or be left with brain or lung damage. 

Until babies are fully immunised, adults pose 

the most risk to them. About 70 per cent of babies 

with whooping cough catch this infection from parents 

or other close family members,” 

The best way for adults to protect babies from the 

disease is by getting a whooping cough booster 

vaccine themselves. This costs around $30. 

Immunisation is recommended if: 

• your work involves regular contact with infants 

• you are pregnant (especially in later stages of 

pregnancy) 

• you live with or care for infants under 12 

months of age – even if the baby has been fully 

immunised 

• you are vulnerable to whooping cough and at 

high risk of severe illness or complications (eg, 

those with chronic respiratory conditions, congenital 

heart disease or immunodeficiency). 

This information was sourced from the websites of 

the Ministry of Health, Kiwi Families and the Auckland 

Regional Public Health Service. 


Fitting First Shoes 

Helping your children put 

their best foot forward 

Your child’s feet have to carry the weight of their 

body throughout their lifetime, and the shoes 

they wear in childhood can make (or break) their 

future foot health. 

The bones in a child’s feet are formed from soft, 

pliable cartilage which doesn’t solidify into bone 

until approximately five years of age. During those 

crucial first few years the foot needs as much room 

as possible to grow and form naturally, without being 

moulded by ill-fitting shoes. 

Neglecting foot health invites not only future foot 

problems, but also problems in other parts of the 

body, such as the legs and back. 

Barefoot is best 

Barefoot walking helps form our balance, movement 

systems, and posture for life. It’s essential for 

natural development of baby feet, and experts say 

that a child’s foot will develop more naturally the 

longer he/she is allowed to walk without shoes, so 

let them be barefoot as often as possible. 

Barefoot may be best, but there are some times 

when shoes are important – for warmth, for protection, 

and also sometimes for decoration. Use 

shoes when necessary, and for those times make 

sure you choose good-quality shoes that fit your 

child’s foot properly. 

Measuring your child’s feet 

To find out the correct size shoe for your child, you 

need to know the size of their feet. The fastest and 

most efficient way to measure little feet is by getting 

them to stand on a piece of paper and drawing 

lines at the front and the back of their foot, and 

then measuring the lines. If your child isn’t standing 

yet, apply pressure to the foot when drawing 

the lines, as the foot spreads quite a lot with 

weight on it. Make sure to measure both feet as 

they’re likely to be different lengths. 

Allow enough ‘wiggle room’ 

You may have heard of the ‘rule of thumb’ when 

buying your shoes – it’s the rule that there should 

be a thumb-length between your toes and the end 

of the shoe (which is approx 12-16mm). For little 

kids, that’s just too much length at the end of a 

foot which might only be 12cm or so, and the extra 

length creates a trip hazard. 

We recommend adding 5mm until their feet reach 

a length of about 15cm or they’re walking confidently. 

Once they reach that 15cm mark you can 

start adding a full 1cm and then rounding up. 

(Rounding up means 5mm or 1cm is the MINIMUM 

amount you should add for ‘wiggle room’). 

Ignore shoe sizes 

Now you know what size feet your child has, you 

can look for the right size shoes. However as an 

Austrian study found that 97% of marked shoe sizes 

are wrong (some by up to 2cm), you can’t rely on 

the marked shoe size. The inner length measurement 

is the ONLY measurement that counts. 

To find the inner length measurement, take a tape 

measure with you and physically measure inside 

the shoe - or if it has a removable sole, you can pull 

that out and measure it. 

Remember that the inner length measurement 

you’re looking for should be at least 5mm longer 

than your baby’s longest foot length. 

They look quite big, is that right? 

Once you’ve bought the right-sized shoes, you 

might put them on your toddler and think “Gosh, 

they look big”. That’s NORMAL. By the time your 

baby turns one, their feet will be almost half of 

their adult foot size. 

This means that little feet shod in good-fitting spacious 

shoes can look rather large. It’s very hard 

to buy dainty toddler shoes, and for good reason 

24 


– toddlers don’t have dainty feet. This is a much 

more serious problem for little girls, and as a result 

women tend to have four times as many foot problems 

as men in later life. 

By all means choose the cutest shoes you can find, 

but without compromising on space for your child’s 

feet to grow properly. Expect them to look a little 

big for your child. It’s perfectly normal. 

What to look for in a good-quality pair of shoes: 

1. They should be foot-shaped 

Most toddler feet are shaped like that cartoon 

footprint – with a narrow heel, wide front, and 

spread-out toes. So shoes should be the same 

shape – narrower at the heel, with plenty of 

room and width in the toe area, a secure fastening, 

a supportive heel cup (the heel is the only 

place a shoe should ‘fit’ the foot), and obviously 

a flat heel. 

2. They should be breathable 

Strangely, kid’s feet sweat twice as much as adult 

feet. This excess sweat means they’re more susceptible 

to blisters, slipping in their shoes, and 

stinky feet! That’s why you should only choose 

socks and shoes made of breathable, absorbent 

material such as cotton, canvas or leather. Avoid 

synthetics as they encourage sweating, and 

don’t ‘give’ much so they tend to rub more. 

3. They should be flexible 

Shoes need plenty of flexibility so children can 

bend and flex their feet naturally. Make sure 

shoes have lightweight flexible soles that will 

allow good freedom-of-movement for your toddler 

– the sole should bend easily to at least 55 

degrees at the ball of the foot. 

A toddler trying to walk in hard soles ends up 

doing that horrible clumping flat-footed walk 

because their feet simply can’t bend naturally. 

In general the softer the sole, the better – as 

softer soles are more like walking barefoot. 

4. They should have a back – even summer styles 

Avoid backless styles as they force the foot and 

toes to curl to keep the shoe from falling off. 

With backless styles (including jandals) walkers 

are forced to take shorter steps, and toe muscles 

are constantly activated, so it alters how 

we naturally walk. A well-fitting shoe should be 

fastened onto the foot so that it follows the foot 

in ANY movement, without needing effort from 

the foot to keep it on. 

Kid’s feet grow like weeds, so measure measure 

MEASURE 

Everyone knows that children’s feet grow fast, but 

infant feet grow the fastest of all. That’s why it’s SO 

important to measure your child’s feet – and the 

inside of their shoes – at least every season, but 

preferably every month. 

Consider yourself lucky if shoes last a season! We 

know that can make it very expensive, but it’s better 

to have good-fitting ‘cheap’ shoes than toosmall 

‘expensive’ shoes. Price is not always an indicator 

of quality. 

As the central nervous system isn’t fully developed 

yet your child actually can’t feel when shoes are 

squashing or damaging them – it doesn’t hurt – so 

YOU need to be the one that checks if they fit properly. 

So measure often, and measure both the feet 

AND the current shoes to make sure they still fit. 

You need to increase shoe size BEFORE your child’s 

toes touch the end of the shoes. 

The twentieth pair of shoes is just as important 

as the first 

First shoes are important, but so is every pair of 

shoes until your child is at least five years old. 

Choose good-quality well-fitting shoes for the first 

five years of your child’s life, and you’ll set them up 

for a lifetime of healthy feet. 

Written by Nicole Wilson and Robyn Christie, 

of Bugalugz “little shoes at little prices” 

www.bugalugz.co.nz 


What to look for when 

choosing a child restraint 

Standard compliance label 

All child restraints sold here must meet 1 of the 3 

standards listed below: 

• Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS1754: 

This can be identified by the Australian “tick” mark 

• US standard FMVSS213: Restraints that comply 

with this standard must show the number FM- 

VSS213. They carry the “S” mark to show they 

have been certified for use in New Zealand. 

• European standard ECE R44.04: This is labelled 

with a circle containing an “E”. 

Top tether strap: This stops the child restraint tipping 

forward in a crash, so there’s less likelihood 

of serious neck and head injuries from whiplash or 

from hitting the back of the seat in front. 

A top tether strap, rear- and forward-facing, is required 

by the Australian/New Zealand standard. 

The US standard also requires it, but for forwardfacing 

restraints only. 

Your car will need an anchor point to attach the 

tether strap to. This will be on the metal of the 

back parcel tray of a sedan, or in larger vehicles 

on the floor behind the back seat or other location 

such as the roof. The tether strap simply clips on to 

the anchor point like a dog lead and is pulled tight. 

Most new cars sold in New Zealand have an anchor 

point already fitted. If your vehicle doesn’t, you can 

have one put in. Ask your local Plunket for advice 

on where to get this done. Many garages do it for 

a very small fee. 

Safety harness: At least five securing-points is preferable. 

Harness-height options: This lets you adjust the 

restraint as the child grows taller. 

Recline button: This allows the child to sleep comfortably 

on long journeys. 

A high seat-back: A seat may claim to be suitable 

for children up to 18 kilograms, but a tall child may 

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postnatal exercise specialists 

Classes and Boot Camps 

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email: info@fitfitfit.co.nz 

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26 


grow out of a seat with a low back before it reaches 

the maximum age and weight. 

Locking clip: This holds the lap safety belt tight. A locking 

clip’s a good idea, even though it’s not required 

by the Australian/New Zealand standard. Some restraints 

do not need one so check the instructions. 

Lining: Make sure the lining is easy to remove and 

washable. To protect your car’s seat coverings look 

for a restraint with a mat underneath. Or you can 

keep a towel in the car instead. 

Plan ahead: Buy or hire your restraint several 

weeks before you’ll need it. This will give you time 

to get used to installing it. 

Always try the restraint in the car before you buy. 

Not all restraints fit all vehicles - some won’t fit 

when they’re in the rear-facing position, and sometimes 

the safety belt won’t be long enough to secure 

the restraint. If your family has two cars, try 

the restraint in both. 

Ask if any of the retailer’s staff have Safe2Go training 

- Safe2Go is a joint initiative between Land 

Transport NZ and ACC. Someone who’s had this 

training can advise you on your choice of restraint 

and show you how to install it properly. 

Don’t buy second-hand: A second-hand restraint 

may have been bought overseas and may not comply 

with safety standards. Or it may have been in 

an accident. Or the instructions or extras such as 

a locking clip may be missing. Or it may simply be 

too old. 

Over time, plastic can become brittle and the webbing 

fabric can deteriorate from friction or from 

exposure to the sun. A restraint that will survive a 

severe impact in its first few years after manufacture 

may fail in an accident 10 years later. 

If buying a new child restraint is beyond your budget, 

you can apply to WINZ for a Special Needs grant 

to buy one. 

Hiring: You can hire a child restraint through the 

Plunket Car Seat Rental Scheme. There’s a monthly 

rental charge, plus a bond that’s refunded when 

the seat is returned in good condition. 

Plunket also has restraints for short-term hire, for 

example when a child is visiting you. Some retailers 

also provide approved restraints for hire. As well, 

ACC has provided restraints for hiring at a very low 

cost to various organisations. 

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Playing with Newborns 

Many new parents wonder, “What does the baby 

want to play?” The answer is, most of the time, 

your baby wants to play games with YOU! 

Fun Foot Baby Games – Newborn babies have a 

stepping reflex that is fun to play with. Hold your 

baby under the arms (grasping around the chest 

firmly - not cranking on delicate shoulder joints) 

and “stand” him in an upright position on the floor. 

When the baby’s foot touches the ground he’ll lift 

it up, lowering the other foot as though walking. 

This baby reflex fades after about two months so 

enjoy the baby game while it lasts. 

Hand Baby Games – Newborns have a strong grasp 

reflex and love to play hand games. Lay your baby 

on her back (floor or lap), and let her grasp your 

fingers. Lift her arms gently, describing your motions 

in sing-song voice, “Up, Down. In, Out”. She 

loves your higher-pitched voice. She’ll begin to associate 

the word with the motion as you play variations 

of this game over the next several months. 

Voice Game Fun – Your baby recognises your voice 

and prefers your voice over strangers. This makes 

for fun baby games. Call your baby from his right, 

or left and watch him turn his head to look at you. 

Talk to your baby about your daily life, describing 

your actions, “Now Mummy is washing dirty socks. 

One sock.....two sock....” It’s not important what 

you say – just that you spend time talking to them. 

Movement Baby Games – This is a great game to 

play with your baby to help them get used to being 

on their back and stomach. Start baby on her back 

and chant through this rhythm as you do the motions: 

“Rub a baby belly – pat, pat, pat. Rub a baby 

belly – just like that!” Then roll the baby over gently 

onto her belly. “Rrrooooooll over baby!” “ Rub a 

baby back – pat, pat, pat....” etc. Once your baby 

learns what is coming next she will anticipate the 

exaggerated “Rrrooooooll Over!”. 

Baby Sound Games – Babies are masters at making 

“impolite” noises. And what fun it is to play along! 

Your baby is a great excuse to blow bubbles, make 

raspberries, kissy-noises and lip buzzes. He will 

delight in trying to mimic you as you both explore 

the variety of noises and expressions you can make 

together. 

Floor Time Baby Games – Belly time is an important 

precursor to crawling, helps develop back 

muscles used in sitting and walking as well as helping 

to prevent flat spots from too much time spent 

on the back. Lie down on the floor in front of your 

baby and encourage her to look at you. “Peek a 

Boo” becomes a fun exercise game as she lifts her 

head to look at you. (Note: Always put your baby 

to sleep on her back – play this game during awake 

times.) 

Singing Baby Games – You baby enjoys hearing 

you sing personalised familiar songs is easy. For 

example – “Rain, Rain Go Away” became “Evan, I 

love you. I really, really love you. Every day – night 

and day. Evan, Mumma loves you.” Even as a nearly 

three year old toddler, this song never fails to bring 

a smile to his face because the repetition of this 

singing game has made it so familiar to him. 

28 


Aitee Musicgarten 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The third month of Fatherhood 

In the third month of fatherhood you begin to hope 

for a “routine” to be established for your baby. But 

that’s not always the case! It doesn’t mean anything 

is “wrong” with your baby or that you and 

your wife are not doing things right. Babies take a 

long time to adjust to being in the outside world. 

Remember for nine months your baby’s every 

need was met on demand. Eating, sleeping, all 

bodily functions were met immediately and without 

any effort while inside the womb. Over the last 

two months your baby has been learning how to 

communicate their needs to you. Needs they don’t 

even understand themselves. 

Dad’s at this time often hit the “exhaustion point.” 

The unpredictability of the nights is usually the 

toughest. Not getting a continual nights sleep 

leaves many new fathers feeling spent and fatigued. 

Along with being physically overtired, new 

dad’s need to recognise how emotionally weary 

they have become making all the adjustments to 

their new life style. I remember feeling when we 

went out as a family; it was my wife, our baby and 

their pack animal, me...carrying all the stuff, we 

now needed to take with us. 

At three months the roles of mother and father 

can become polarised. Dad spending less time with 

baby and mum spending more. Dads may feel they 

can’t calm the baby as easy as their wife/partner 

probably can. Research has shown that whoever, 

mum or dad, spends more time with baby gets to 

know their needs better. But is also clear that babies 

need both their father and mother. 

Your baby is now learning that your hands are larger 

and hold him differently than does his mums. 

Fathers’ clothes feel different and he has a different 

smell than mother. He can feel the differences 

of your skin and recognise the differences in your 

voice. These experiences, that there are two different 

kinds of people in the world that both care 

for him and love him is very important. We now

know the care and stimulation of the father at this 

early age sets in motion a developmental process 

for later learning. 

By staying involved in the early months of your 

child’s life you are preparing your child for the future. 

Involved fathers help stimulate better social 

skills and problem solving abilities in their children, 

that often show up years later. So even if you are 

wearying a bit in this third month of fatherhood . . . 

hang in there! 

Here are a few practical tips that new dads have 

shared with me to get the most out of your 3rd 

month of fatherhood. 

For your baby: 

• Babies are discovering their own hands and are 

fascinated by them. Hold your baby on your lap 

and let him grasp your finger. 

• Your baby may like to sit contently and look 

at things. Have a safe place; a crib, playpen or 

infant seat that won’t tip over where you can 

place objects for your baby to look at. From 

time to time change the view your baby has of 

the objects he’s been viewing. 

For your wife/partner: 

• Take a walk together as a family. See if you can 

have the baby in a “front pack” that is on you. 

• Talk with your wife/partner about each of you 

getting twenty minutes to yourselves in the 

evening. 

For you: 

• Find time to walk with the baby by yourself. Use 

this time to appreciate how by caring for your 

baby you are making a very important contribution 

to her life. 

• See if you can leave work ten or fifteen minutes 

early and have a cup of coffee or tea by yourself. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Time for your 

kids is now 

32 

The next time you feel busy 

and overwhelmed, and one 

of your children wants your 

attention, think about the 

lyrics to this song written 

by Curtis Chapman: 

She spins and she sways 

To whatever song plays 

Without a care in the world 

And I’m sitting here wearing 

The weight of the world on my shoulders 

It’s been a long day 

And there’s still work to do 

She’s pulling at me 

Saying “Dad, I need you. 

There’s a ball at the castle 

And I’ve been invited 

And I need to practice my dancing 

Oh, please, Daddy, please?” 

So I will dance with Cinderella 

While she is here in my arms 

‘Cause I know something 

he prince never knew 

Oh, I will dance with Cinderella 

I don’t want to miss even one song 

‘Cause all too soon the clock will 

strike midnight 

And she’ll be gone... 

Been too busy for your kids lately? 

Every day is one more 

chance to connect. 

Early Pregnancy 

Course 

with Waitemata Parents Centre 

Have You Got Lots of Questions 

About Your Pregnancy? 

Our Qualified Childbirth 

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• Your Pregnant Body 

• Baby’s Development 

• Choosing your Lead Maternity Carer 

• What to Eat and What Not to Eat 

• Annoyances and Remedies 

• Exercise in Pregnancy 

• Bloods, Scans, Dip Sticks 

• Pregnancy Emotions and Life Changes 

• Your Pregnancy and Your Partner 

• Essential Baby Equipment 

• What to Expect at Antenatal Classes 

Who: Ideal for women 12-20 weeks 

pregnant 

Venue: Training Room 1, Level 2, 

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(Above Plunket next to Takapuna 

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When: 10am-2pm Saturday 3 November 

Cost: $30 ($40 couple) 

To book and more information email: 

waitemata@parentscentre.org.nz 


Sleep in the new family 

It has been estimated that parents of infants 3 to 

4 months of age can expect their infant to begin 

sleeping through the night. In rare cases infants as 

young as 2 months of age have sorted their sleep 

patterns and settled comfortably into what their 

parents would consider an acceptable routine. 

Unfortunately, about 30% of infants between 4 to 

6 months of age have not yet established a sleep 

pattern and their parent(s) or caregivers become 

somewhat sleep deprived as well. 

As a first time parent do you ever think to yourself, 

“when will he finally sleep through the night?”, “is 

she teething… again?”, “what am I doing wrong?” 

You may wonder if your infant is sleeping worse 

than other infants of the same age. You may ask 

yourself: is my child getting enough sleep? It sure 

feels like you aren’t getting enough sleep! Are they 

a problem sleeper or are you simply having a harder-than-usual 

time dealing with it? If you are sure 

they are a problem sleeper, then how bad is the 

problem compared to other infants with or without 

sleep problems? How much sleep are you actually 

getting compared with your partner? These 

are just some of the questions that Unitec Masters 

students LeeAnn Jefferies and Gracela are trying to 

answer with their nationwide Infant Sleep Study. 

“There is plenty of data available to parents regarding 

‘normal’ sleep patterns of infants, however, believe 

it or not, there is not any data available about 

the sleep patterns of problematic sleepers!” says 

LeeAnn. “This means that researchers and healthcare 

providers are unable to compare the severity 

of a sleep problem to others with similar problems.” 

LeeAnn also explains that we don’t know 

how much variability there is in the sleep patterns 

of problem sleepers. For example, there are plenty 

of things we can try to improve our child’s sleep, 

however, it is almost always impossible to know 

if baby’s sleep has improved because of a change 

in routine, or simply because the baby felt particularly 

calm and restful that day, or perhaps they 

have grown-out of stage one of development and 

are about to enter into another. The problem with 

this is that it makes it extremely difficult to have 

any level of confidence about anything that is tried 

to improve an infant’s sleep. It also means that 

researchers are unable to determine the amount 

of change in infant sleep that would be needed to 

indicate an effect, and not just natural variability. 

On the other half of the sleep issue are the parents. 

Lack of sleep as a result of infants sleep disturbances 

are the prime reason that parents seek 

help from pediatricians, Plunket, and other sleep 

experts. Gracela, mother of two, knows all too well 

the impact that sleeplessness has on parents. “I 

lived for the day that my second daughter began 

eating solids because I thought that would change 

everything… it didn’t… and neither did anything 

else, until, eventually, she started crawling into 

bed with us every night!” 

Gracela notes that “until now, the focus of parental 

sleep patterns has been exclusively concerned 

with the mother; however the sleep patterns of 

the partner are often overlooked.” Gracela hopes 

that this study will shine some light on this equally 

important issue. 

The research project is being supported by the 

New Zealand Respiratory and Sleep Institute as 

well as Plunket, and numerous supporters have 

kindly donated gifts to be given to participants. 

LeeAnn and Gracela are inviting couples from all 

over New Zealand who have one infant between 

4 to 9 months of age to participate in the threemonth 

study. All parents will fill out sleep diaries 

for a period of seven consecutive days over three 

months and some parents will also wear a sleep/ 

motion detector for seven consecutive days over 

three months. 

For more information, or to apply for this study, 

please go to www.infantsleepstudy.co.nz. 


Information is power! 

In these days of the internet and shelves and 

shelves of pregnancy and parenting books available 

in every library and book store, it seems 

strange to think that in the past that basic information 

about reproduction and pregnancy was 

not only hard to come by, but banned from being 

published or imported into New Zealand, unless 

for medical purposes! 

In the 1940s and 1950s this was indeed the case. 

There was not much information available to explain 

to women how their bodies worked or about 

pregnancy or labour and it was not a polite topic of 

conversation. As a result many women (and men) 

did not understand what to expect and were frightened 

about the whole process. 

Parenting, too, was very hard for many women. 

The age of average age of mothers was a lot younger 

than today – in 1950, the average age was just 

over 20, compared to 30 today, which meant that 

many women had less life experience, confidence 

and knowledge to draw on when looking after their 

children. Changes in communities meant women 

often did not have family close by and communities 

had fewer facilities and services than today 

(e.g., most women couldn’t just drive down to a 

Parents Centre New Zealand 

celebrates 60 years of 

supporting parents this year. 

Continuing our series of short articles about the history of Parents 

Centre. Take a moment to remember those parents who have 

paved the way for us today. 

supermarket as there wasn’t a supermarket and 

they didn’t have a car or easy public transport). 

Gender roles meant that men were often less involved 

in parenting and there were many expectations 

placed upon these young women, often 

without the support to enable the expectations to 

be fulfilled. 

When Parents Centre began to offer antenatal 

courses in 1952, this then was a real new source 

of information for expectant parents. Parents Centre 

libraries were a vital source of information on 

health, pregnancy, natural child birth, and children’s 

development. 

Parents Centre also helped parents to understand 

that many of the ideas about what babies could 

be expected to do (e.g., stick to a rigid four hour 

feeding pattern from birth, sleeping through the 

night and potty training very early) were just myths 

and not based on reality for most parents. (Unfortunately 

they are the type of myths to resurface 

again and again)! 

Emily Harrop-Smith 

Reference: Dobbie, M. (1990). The trouble with 

women: The story of Parents Centre New Zealand. 

NZ: Cape Catley Ltd.

CAPC Top Tips for parents 

Where your CAPC committee and members share their advice and thoughts on parenting topics. 

Tip for Toilet Training 

“Use elasticated waist pants, rather than ones with zippers and buttons. ” 

“Wait for summer, when your child can have lots of outside time and your washing dries faster.” 

“Buy cheap undies, so if you have to throw a few pairs out it doesn’t matter.” 

“Use pullups for going out..” 

“Dont’ start until your child can have a dry nappy for more than 2 hours.” 

“Look for your child’s interests as motivators, for example, Harry loves climbing and a ladder style 

toilet seat made him want to sit on the toilet, and he loves using the toilet spray so this is his reward 

for doing poos on the toilet.” 

“Make sure there is nothing else going on in your child’s life - eg moving house, new sibling, starting daycare.” 

“Don’t panic - there’s not many five year olds in nappies” 

“Purchase a child sized seat that has handles they can hold onto..” 

“Ping pong balls or stickers that little boys can aim at.” 

“Get kids books about toileting from your local library - eg ‘Anna on the Big Toilet’, ‘Potty Poo Poo Wee Wee’, 

‘On your Potty’, ‘Dinosaur vs the Potty’ and ‘Have you seen my Potty.” 

“If your child won’t put the toy down to go to the toilet, then take the toy to the toilet.” 

“Relax, your child will do it in their own time.” 

“Put a Huggies disposable change mat over your child’s carseat.” 

“Put some food colouring into the toilet so your child can enjoy watching it change colour after going toilet.” 

“Teach your child that it’s way more comfortable to be dry instead of wet.” 

“Try to give your child some privacy when they are using the toilet.” 

Next month’s Top Tip topic is: 

“Your favourite read aloud children’s books” 

Email your top tip or topic ideas to capc.newslettereditor@gmail.com 


IN THE KITCHEN 

Bonnie Peters - Natural Yummies 

I have three children with food allergies and intolerances. As I could not just buy packet food for them, it was 

imperative that I found recipes I could use. Over the past 14 years I have spent countless hours adapting and 

creating new recipes and the end result has been my two cookbooks which I hope will help other families. All 

recipes use inexpensive and accessible ingredients and are very simple and quick to make. Although focused 

on food allergies such as gluten, dairy, sugar etc they are equally as good for parents who want their children 

to eat healthier. www.naturalyummies.co.nz 

French Banana Bread 

Ingredients 

5 to 6 large bananas 2 cups soymilk, almond, rice milk or milk alternative 

1tsp pure vanilla essence 

½ tsp cinnamon 

Method 

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor to make a batter. Cut pieces of bread into fingers and 

soak in the batter. Gently fry in a frypan or skillet until golden brown. Your kids will really like this one and 

it is great for weekend breakfasts or lunches. 

Apricot and Almond Spread 

Ingredients 

1½ cups dried apricots 

1 cup water 

⅛ tsp stevia 

½ cup finely chopped almonds 

Method 

Combine apricots and water in a pot and cook until most of the water has evaporated. This should be 

around 30 minutes. Mash the apricot pulp and add the stevia and almonds. Use as a topping on all the 

different breads, scones, pikelets, waffles and pancakes. 

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News Letter Oct-Nov 2012 - Parents Centres New Zealand Inc

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