Buzz - Issue 7 - Term 1 - 2016

DISAPPOINTMENT IS
A BIG EMOTION:
4 WAYS
TO HELP YOUR CHILD
DR.JOANNA
KIDS AND BODY IMAGE
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
BROUGHT TO YOU BY RANDWICK PUBLIC SCHOOL • ISSUE 7

JeSTAR
Theatre Group
A place to imagine, create, have fun, be a star!
Enrolling Now for Term 2!
What is JeSTAR Theatre?
Founded 6 years ago, JeSTAR Theatre is exclusively devoted to young
people interested in acting, performing and self-expression
At JeSTAR, children will:
- Enjoy the excitement of performing
on stage to a variety of live audiences
- Stimulate their creativity
- Develop confidence and public
speaking skills
- Accept leadership roles and
responsibilities
- Build teamwork skills
When/where are the classes?
Tuesdays 3:45pm-5pm
PAC Hall, Emanuel School, Randwick
About the Director
Anna Maylis, JeSTAR
Director has had over
20+ years of experience
as a drama teacher and
is the founder of several
theatre studios in the
Eastern Suburbs.
Cost:
$150/term - one class a week for 8-10 weeks
FIRST CLASS FREE!
To enrol or for more information,
please contact Rikki Parker
ph: 0416 563 300 e: jestartheatre@gmail.com

MOORE PARK TIGERS
WINNER OF ‘2012 CLUB OF THE YEAR’ AWARD
Moore Park Tigers Junior AFL Club is on the lookout
for new players of all ages. U5 to U12’s all welcome to join!
Contact: Michael Luvio
Phone: 0411 431 907
Email: president@mooreparktigers.com.au
Website: mooreparktigers.com.au
Children will learn the skills of AFL and
receive an awesome backpack jammed full of gear!

Disappointment
is a big emotion:
4 WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD
Disappointment
IS A BIG EMOTION:
4 ways to help your child
By: Anna Partridge
By: Anna Partridge
A couple of months ago, we were in the throws of
buying a house. We had been back and forth from
the city we wanted to buy in for about four months
and it was a three-hour drive every time we wanted
to look at a house – it was a big ask to drive down
there most weekends and look at houses and we
had pretty well reached our search limit. In fact,
towards the end the kids flatly refused to get out
of the car and look at yet another house so my
husband and I had to tag team.
This one particular weekend, we were on our way
to an auction we were pretty keen to make a bid at
and we chanced by a house that had just gone on
the market the day before. As soon as we walked
in, we knew that was the house we wanted.
We went to the auction, made a very low bid and
quickly and excitedly made an offer on ‘our new
house’.
It could have ended there but… someone made a
counter offer higher than we thought we could.
So at that very moment, after four months of
searching for the perfect house and countless
walking through other people’s bedrooms and
toilets we were within reach of our dream house –
only to be gazumped.
On our first walk through that house we had
mentally moved in. We had decided where our
furniture would go, which child would sleep
in which room, what we would plant in the
vegie patch – and it was all taken away. I was
disappointed – hugely disappointed. That gut
wrenching disappointment that you can feel in the
pit of your stomach at the thought of not getting
‘our house’.
It was a Tuesday afternoon when we got the news.
That same day my son came home from school
and told me with a heavy heart that he had not
been chosen for the school cricket team.
For the past month, he had dreamed of playing
for the school team and thought about what he
would do on his first match. How he would wear
his cricket pads, hold the bat, run after he had
smashed the ball for a 6 and he had practiced and
practiced in our yard. At the try outs, he dropped
a catch and that was the end of his quest. To hear
he wasn’t going to be in the team was a huge
disappointment for him – the same gut wrenching
pain I felt over the house.
I felt helpless for him and wanted to fix it – I
also wanted to fix my disappointment, but to
fix disappointment would have been counter
productive for both of us.
Right at this moment, I needed to ‘be’ with him.
I needed to validate it ‘sucked big time’ he didn’t
get into the team. I didn’t need to offer him treats

to make it better or take him out for dinner to ease
the pain or tell him there is always next time. I
needed to let him feel what disappointed was.
By sitting with him and hearing how bad it
was, I was letting him experience the feeling of
disappointment and could show him it was OK
to feel this way. I talked to him about my own
disappointment and we could share together.
While we were talking, he was building his own
strategies and tools to bounce back from the
disappointment in his head – having these strategies
is a life long skill we can teach out children.
Teaching our kids how to bounce back from
disappointment, sadness and negative life events
– rather than ‘fix it’ for them – is one of the most
valuable gifts we can give as a parent. Building
resilience and strength to climb from the low
moments to higher moments is invaluable.
Here are 4 ways you can help your
child through disappointment
1. Allow your child to feel the disappointment.
Don’t rush in to comfort straight away or offer a
food treat to make it ‘better’ – let your child feel the
disappointment for a time. You want your child to be
able to create their own solutions for bouncing back.
Of course if they are crying inconsolably, you would
give them a cuddle or soft touch on their back, but
otherwise it is not a bad thing for our child to feel
the disappointment.
2. Validate your child’s feelings.
Agree with your child that is feels bad not to
be accepted into the cricket team or to not be
chosen in the choir. Don’t use words such as ‘you
just weren’t good enough this year – maybe next
year’ – they doesn’t need to associate negative
emotions with it. Offer words of encouragement and
validation.
A little girl was crying next to me yesterday at the
kids swimming carnival. I asked her what was wrong
and she told me how she was in the marshalling
area ready to try out for butterfly and got scared –
now she was watching the race she was meant to be
in and was disappointed with herself for not going
in it. As she talked more and her friends gathered
around, she decided it was not such a bad thing
after all and managed to convince herself she did
the right thing with a lot of validation from all of
us.
3. Brainstorm solutions to bounce back
Talk to your child about strategies they used
to overcome their disappointment – it might
be at the dinner table that night when you are
reflecting on the day. Don’t dwell on it or single
it out as a significant event, but talk about some
of the strategies they used when they are no
longer emotional over the event and can think
more rationally. You could combine it with other
lessons they might have learnt from that day
or get other members of the family to reflect
on their own strategies for bouncing back from
disappointment.
4. Children live in the moment
As adults, sometimes it feels like disappointment
can last for hours or even days. But for children
who very much live in the moment, it lasts as long
as the next cute puppy walks past. So don’t dwell
on it with them or over catastrophes the situation.
Feel it, validate it, talk about some strategies to
bounce back then move on. They will be ready to
move on pretty quickly and you need to as well.
By the time my husband came home the night
my son didn’t get into the cricket team, I was still
disappointed for him and he was over it. He had
moved on to the next thing to strive for. While not
dwelling on it, do reflect back on it at some stage
to ensure lessons have been learnt for the next
disappointment.
About Anna:
Anna Partridge is
a certified Positive
Discipline Parent
Educator, a school
teacher and a mother to three highly
spirited, beautiful children. She loves
nothing more than helping parents raise
resilient and confident children, build strong
and connected family relationships and
strive for calm, fun and happy families.
http: /annapartridge.com/

SOUTH EAST EAGLES FC
EST. 1976
Join the friendliest fastest growing club in the Eastern Suburbs
WANT TO JOIN A FRIENDLY SOCCER TEAM?
Coaching by Qualified coaches
Fully Sponsored uniforms
Low Rego fees: $250 for U6-U7, $260 U8- U11
$20 off 2 nd sibling discount, $100 3 rd sibling discount
Training at Heffron Park, next to Des Renford Aquatic Centre car park
Looking for juniors and seniors to join our club for the 2016 season.
REGISTRATION & TRAINING: Tuesday, 8 March 5:00PM at Heffron
Park 53/54 (pls RSVP if you are coming)
Please direct any enquiries to: nina.augoustis@optusnet.com.au or 0418218331 or
register at www.myfootball.club.com.au
Email: southeasteaglesfc@gmail.com Web: www.southeasteaglesfc.com.au
Instagram: @southeasteaglesfc Facebook: /southeasteaglesfc

Eastern Sydney
Dads Connect Playgroup
A FREE inclusive Saturday playgroup for
Dads and their children
• Saturday playtime for fathers, grandfathers, other carers and their children
• All children aged 0-5 years are welcome
• Meet other fathers, grandfathers and carers living in the Randwick/Botany
areas
• Games, activities, social and play opportunities for your child
• Morning tea provided
• Professional staff from Lifestart and Botany FCC attend every month to
provide support and information
• Find out more about what is available to families in Eastern Sydney
When:
Who:
First Saturday of the month (from 5 March 2016) 10.00am –11.30am
Fathers, grandfathers, male carers and their children 0-5 years old
Where: Botany Family and Children’s Centre 13 Banksia St, Botany
More information: Lifestart T: 9311 0177 E: easternsydney@lifestart.org.au
Botany FCC T: 9666 5047
Dads Connect is a partnership project with the
Botany Family and Children’s Centre and has been
funded by Randwick City Council ClubGrants
program. With thanks to our partners.
www.lifestart.org.au

Quinoa
Cookies
with Coconut &
Chocolate Chunks
It’s
early afternoon,
blood sugar levels are crashing
and you’ve got a serious case of
the mid-afternoon munchies.
But before scrounging for
coins and heading to
the vending machine,
why not take a look
at this delicious and
healthy snack to get
your through the
afternoon.
Ingredients
• 1 ½cups whole wheat flour
• 1teaspoon salt
• ½teaspoon baking powder
• ½teaspoon baking soda
• ½cup unsalted butter, at room
temperature
• ¼cup sugar
• ¼cup light brown sugar
• ¼cup honey
• 2large eggs
• 1teaspoon vanilla
• ½teaspoon almond extract
• 1cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• ½cup dessiccated coconut
(unsweetened)
• 1cup dark chocolate chunks or
chips
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180° F and line 2 baking sheets with baking paper.
2. Whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. With a stand or electric mixer, cream butter, sugars, and honey until light and fluffy. Add eggs,
vanilla, and almond extract, and mix until pale and fluffy, about 2 more minutes.
4. Mix in flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time. Stir in quinoa, coconut, and chocolate.
5. Plop spoon size balls of dough onto sheets an inch or so apart, and bake until golden, 12 to
15 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Organic Waste
Processing at RPS
At RPS we have three ways to process organic waste. Why? Because if organic
waste ends up in landfill in decomposes anaerobically (without air) causing
harmful methane gas to be released into the atmosphere. Methane is a
significant contributor to green house gas emissions but we can all help to
reduce our contribution by taking advantage of the following options.
Option 1 - Chickens
Our chickens are grateful for any kitchen scraps or uneaten crunch and sip
you might find yourselves with. They particularly like corn cobs and capsicum
seeds! Left over rice is fine too, and while they do enjoy bread and pasta we
try not to feed them these as it isn’t the best for them. Any scraps for chickens
can be deposited over the fence near the banana plants that the goats have
done their best to destroy. The goats will probably get in there to have a look at
what’s on offer first!
Option 2 - Goats
Our goats love your weeds and tree prunings. The only ones I avoid are
avocado as I’ve read conflicting reports about these being toxic to goats. Better
safe than sick goats. Dandelions and prickly plants seem to be a favourite but
they’ll have a nibble at anything (including my trousers on a few occasions!).
Option 3 - Compost
Our compost (near the cricket nets) is a great place to dispose of any other
kitchen scraps you don’t think the chickens or goats will be interested in. Just
lift the cover on the largest bay and add yours to the steaming pile. Two or
three times a week the year 4s turn this to keep it breaking down fast.
Any questions or comments you have about the garden or organic waste
systems can be directed to year 4 or to me - I’m in the gardens on Mondays.
Sarah

RPS Bands Already
Hitting the High Notes
Welcome back to music-making for 2016!
I am very pleased to report that all bands
have got off to a roaring start this year!
Training Bands
Particular congratulations go out to our
newbies, who are already behaving so
beautifully and working so hard. I’m
certain if they continue this way they will
soon be making wonderful and exciting
music on their amazing new instruments.
I can wait for our first big performance
together!
Student Leadership
We are thrilled to announce that the Band
Captains for 2016 will be Sienna Reiners
and Jason Zhou.
Not just outstanding musicians on their
respective instruments, but these two
also have excellent attendance and
participation records, demonstrate
incredible focus, maturity, and
enthusiasm during rehearsals, are
tireless in their efforts during pack-up
and set-up, have an all-around lovely
disposition and are very encouraging
and supportive of all those around them.
Congratulations everyone for selecting
such worthy leaders, and thank you and
congratulations to all of the excellent
candidates who put themselves forward
for this responsibility. Keep up the good
work setting a great example.
Attendance and Punctuality
All bands’ have demonstrated excellent
attendance and punctuality so far,
allowing the musicians and conductor to
maximise their precious rehearsal time as
a completed team, and create a positive
atmosphere in the rehearsal room from
the very start. Thank you to the parents
who facilitate these successful starts to
each and every rehearsal, particularly on
those early mornings!
Parent Helpers
Thanks to all parents who have been
diligently attending and assisting at
rehearsals. The extra adult presence and
hands-on-deck is so important and much
appreciated. We also welcome all parents
into the rehearsal room at any time if
you are keen and interested to hear what
your kids are rehearsing and how they are
working.
Private Lessons and Private Practice
Our tutoring team has expanded again
this year and we are delighted to boast
some of Sydney’s finest musicians and
educators among them. All students
will soon begin preparations for our RPS
Instrumental Awards to be completed
in Term 3, but we are also very pleased
to see that some students are also
undertaking external instrumental
examinations. Bravo to those students for
taking on the extra challenge.

And remember - the magic really happens
at home! So remember to repeat and
reinforce what you’ve learnt in your lessons
and at band rehearsal at least 4 times a
week.
direction of the conductor, who similarly
couldn’t fully execute her role without such
a powerful team of parents by her side.
Thank you to all the Committee parents for
your unfailing contributions.
Calendar Updates
The performance and events calendar for
bands this year is looking very exciting
(but not too packed!). Some performances
on the horizon include our casual Open
Rehearsals for every group at the end of
this term, and Anzac Day Assembly. In
term 2 we are endeavouring to have our
annual Band Camp, and in Term 3 it will
be very exciting to participate in the NSW
Band Festival in the amazing John Clancy
Auditorium, when we will play some
excellent Australian compositions, and
perhaps the two training bands will join
forces and enter as a combined superband!
Band Committee
Great kudos goes out to this year’s Band
Committee and the incredible supporting
staff on the school’s executive, Helen Te
Rata and Susan Allen, without whom we
could have never had such a smooth and
successful start to this year under the most
unusual and tricky circumstances.
The Committee welcomes the flowing new
members.........
A school band committee is a very large
and complicated machine, and RPS is
incredibly lucky to have a group of such
dedicated, generous, thoughtful, skilled,
and particularly lovely parents serving our
band program and supporting the musical
**WANTED: PARENT REPS**
It would be wonderful to run our Alumni
Band again this year, and we are hoping
to begin a bit earlier in 2016. However,
these special extra projects can’t get off
the ground without a parent or two to
administrate for them. If you are unable to
commit to being a full member of the Band
Committee, but are willing and able to
serve the program in other ways, we would
love to hear from you.
Wishing you all a wonderful year
ahead filled with amazing sounds and
camaraderie.
Musically Yours,
Megan Lipworth
Program Director

Family Mindfulness Evening
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
We would be delighted if you would join us on Tuesday 5 April for our Family Mindfulness
Evening at 6pm.
In this Family Mindfulness Evening we will explore “What is Mindfulness” through an interactive
presentation where you will be shown practical skills that can be implemented at home for the
benefit of your child and the whole family.
Throughout the term, your child has been exploring mindfulness – a practice which trains the
brain to slow down and process sensory data.
Mindfulness:
There is a lot of recent research about the neuroplasticity of the brain and on the positive
impact of mindfulness practices. According to Dr. Kirk Strosahl and Dr. Patricia Robinson,
"brain training involving mindfulness practices can strengthen areas of the brain responsible for
attention, emotional control, and problem solving. There is even emerging evidence that
mindfulness-based brain training produces permanent structural changes in the brain.”
●
●
●
●
Through cross-sectional research and validated classroom pedagogies, we combine
Fundamental movement / games / mindfulness and FUN
Positive psychology
Cognitive affective neuroscience with scientifically proven mindfulness activities and
Solid research into child development and social emotional learning
Our programs teach students how to:
●
●
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Build resilience
Develop self regulation
Increase self awareness
Practice positive relationship skills
Strengthen problem solving skills
Our programs also address issues such as childhood obesity, bullying, peer pressure, negative
body image, family breakdown, stress and performance anxiety issues commonly faced at
school.
Yours faithfully
Nikki Bonus
http://www.lifeskillsgroup.com.au/
Yoga To Go Australia Pty Ltd t/a Life Skills Group Level 1, 597 Darling Street, Rozelle NSW 2039
Phone 1300 889 018 email info@lifeskillsgroup.com.au website www.lifeskillsgroup.com.au abn 35 111 623 128
Mail Letter NSW 9Feb15 Page 1 of 1
©The content of this document remains the property of Yoga To Go Pty Ltd. No part of the material protected by this copyright notice may be reproduced or utilized in any form or
by any means, without prior permission from the copyright owner.

P&C
President’s Report
Back to school BBQ
A great big thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors who helped make
the Back to School BBQ such an outstanding success. Thanks also for a great
turn out by the whole school community. It was a nice opportunity to have
the chance to catch up with everyone. The highlight was the home-made
dumplings - even 2,500 of those tasty parcels were not enough to meet
demand! Thank you for organizing them Winnie and crew. Thanks also to the
various stall organizers including Adriana, Roshini, Annette, Marissa, Andrea,
Sonal and of course Mike on the BBQ.
There is so much preparation that goes on behind the scenes also. I have to save
the biggest thanks for the real backbone of our fundraising efforts, with Sue
Hammermaster in the driver’s seat and Leanne Bergen as the able co-pilot, much
thanks to both of you.
The new school accommodation plans
We will present the preliminary plans for the long promised school expansion for
which works will commence in July of this year.
Having such a major construction project on school grounds will not be without
its inconveniences. We are keen to show the school community that it will
certainly be worth the effort. Susan Allen is putting a tremendous effort into
the planning phase, along with the project managers, to ensure there is as little
disruption as possible.
Working Bee
Our term one school working Bee is scheduled for Sunday 3rd of April from
9am. Of course we will make sure any volunteers are well fed for their efforts.
Please come along to help spruce up the school, even if it is only for an hour. It
all helps.
Terry Daly
Randwick P&C
President

Sunday 3 April - save the date
The term one working bee will be held on Sunday 10 April, 9am -
3pm.
The school working bee is a great way to contribute to the school.
Lots of jobs to join in - gardening, mulching, covering books,
painting. New school parents particularly welcome! Yummy lunch
provided!
See the P&C Facebook page for more information.
Damian Lucas
Working bee co-ordinator
9am to 3pm
Everyone welcome
Delicious BBQ lunch
and Fabulous dumplings
Plant a shrub, spread some mulch,
pull pesky weeds, sweep up leaves,
repaint lines, turn compost, meet
other parents, involve the kids, have
loads of fun!

Traditional
Friday Morning Tea @ RPS
Everyone is welcome to come along to the Randwick
Public School Traditional Friday Morning Tea, which
takes place weekly at the Parents’ room.
Each week a different class is responsible for hosting the morning tea,
including setting and packing up and bringing cakes, biscuits and/or
other food to share.
Term 1 Traditional Friday Morning Tea Hosts 2016
Week Date Class Coordinator Comments
8 Friday 18 March Class 1C
Please bring or drop off
something simple to
share
9 Friday 25 March Good Friday Public Holiday – no morning tea
Timara Kay Morning tea -
everyone welcome
10 Friday 1 April Class 1P
Please bring or drop off
something simple to
share
11 Friday 8 April All Kindergarten classes
Please bring something
yummy to share
with our gorgeous
grandparents
Roshini
Bandaranayake
Noelle Seaton
Clare Campbell
Dilini De
Lanerolle
Jackie Whitaker
Naomi Moylan
Toni Yao
Larissa Taylor
Morning tea -
everyone welcome
Grandparents
day – Kindy
performance
Jay Trakosas
Morning Tea Coordinator

Invitation to VOLUNTEER FOR READING
Be part of the Randwick Public School Support a Reader Program! (SARP)
The focus of the program is to support the decoding and fluency in of reading. This includes reading
simple books, wordlists and playing word games.
Parents could assist by spending 30 minutes with a student (ideally 3 times a week) to assist
children with extra reading.
**************************************************
PARENT SARP VOLUNTEER
Parent/Carer Name: _____________________________ Your child’s class: _____________________________
Days & Times available: _______________________________________________________________________
I am able to assist with SARP program.
Contact numbers
___________________________
Email:
____________________________________
Please return to your child’s class teacher. Thank you
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invitation to VOLUNTEER FOR MATHS
Be part of the Randwick Public School Support a Maths Pupil Program! (SAMP)
The focus of the program is to support the Speed and fluency in mental computation of number facts.
Parents could assist by spending 30 minutes with a student (ideally 3 times a week) to
encourage memorisation of basic facts and will be provided with a ‘pack’ of activities.
**************************************************
PARENT SAMP VOLUNTEER
Parent/Carer Name: _____________________________ Your child’s class: _______
Days & Times available: _______________________________________________________________________
I am able to assist with SARP program.
Contact numbers
___________________________
Email:
____________________________________
Please return to your child’s class teacher. Thank you

Last year Poppy Littlewood (3S) set herself
the goal of packing and delivering 500
littlecarepacks to those in need in and
around Sydney. These littlecarepacks contain
much needed hygiene items such as soap,
deodorants, tooth brush/paste.
It was an ambitious goal and when she
started to struggle with numbers Poppy
and sister Indie (KK) started fundraising in
the backyard of their home and also set up
a stand at the school end of year BBQ, you
probably saw them!
In December Poppy hosted a working bee,
with around 15 children (and their parents)
who pitched in packing littlecarepacks. With
the help of family, friends, the Randwick
School community and some generous
corporate supporters such as Unilver, Libra,
Pact Group, Novotel Darling Harbour,
Bronte Dental & Centennial Smiles Poppy
and her team of friends made over 670
littlecarepacks!
On Christmas Day Poppy and Indie were
invited to The Wayside Chapel to be
recognized and congratulated by Reverend
Graham Long and Prime Minister Turnbull, a
huge honor.
All of this would not have been possible
without the support of some great kids
from RPS; Millie, William, Sakura, Ava, Eve,
Sarah, Oliver and Jessica who have helped
enormously by fundraising and packing
along the way.
Poppy is not stopping here, in term 2 you’ll
hear more about how the families and
children of RPS can be involved in 2016 and
how each child can make a difference to the
lives of others with a simple act of kindness.
In the meantime you can follow along on
facebook/littlecarepacks or instagram @
littlecarepacks

CALLING ALL WORKING MOTHERS!
Would you like to participate in a study about your experiences of employment and motherhood?
My name is Leanne Stevenson and I am a Sociology PhD student at the University of Sydney.
I am currently undertaking research that investigates the experiences of mothers in paid
employment with primary school aged children. I am seeking to interview mothers with a range of
employment situations, including full-time, part-time, casual or looking for paid work. A diversity
of mothers is encouraged. The study is interested in the experiences of mothers in relation to
motherhood and parenting, paid work, housework, social networks, leissure and consumption.
If you are interested in participating in this please feel free to contact Leanne at
lste9356@uni.sydney.edu.au or by phone, 0402917957 for more information.
Alternatively, you can also contact my supervisor Dr. Amanda Elliot at
amanda.elliot@sydney.edu.au, or by phone, 0432683493.
Kind Regards,
Leanne Stevenson

BRICKS 4 KIDZ® LEGO®TECHNIC®
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
RANDWICK PUBLIC SCHOOL
An EXTRAORDINARY experience for children!
Come and join in all the fun of our BRICKS 4 KIDZ® After School Workshops
with LEGO®! Our one hour workshops explore architecture, engineering and
technology concepts. Children will participate in term-long sessions
constructing a new and exciting model each week.
This fun, action-packed one hour per week combines real-life skills with real-kid
fun! K - Y6.
Give us a
SHOUT!
Bricks-4-Kidz-Randwick-
Eastern Suburbs
@RandwickB4K
Bricks4KidzRandwick
0411 373 101
bnainu@bricks4kidz.com
LEGO® is a registered trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse these programs.
Wednesday afternoons
3.10pm - 4.10pm
Wed 4th May - Wed 22nd June
8 Sessions $140
REGISTER NOW
Bricks4Kidz.com.au/Randwick

Thank You
To Our
Generous Easter
Raffle Sponsors

Kids &
Body Image
Kids are like sponges – they absorb everything that’s going on around them. If
you’re a mother to girls, you know how closely they watch you and they learn
from your actions and words. Boys do the same with their dad and other key male
influences around them, looking for an example to aspire to.
As a parent, you hope to arm
your children with a sense of selffulfilment.
We want our kids to be
happy with who they are. But in a
society that is obsessed with body
perfection (mostly unrealistic and
unattainable), how much control
do we have? Can our words and
actions counteract the endless
messages being bombarded
toward our kids by the media?
A new study published
in Feminism and
Psychology focuses on how Jewish
mothers installed resilience in
their daughters to combat body
dissatisfaction, which can lead
to eating disorders. The analysis
revealed common ways these
mums and daughters rejected
the oppressive and stereotypical
messages portrayed by the media.
And how these mothers armed
their daughters with the selfconfidence
needed to face the
world positively. What it comes
down to is open, honest and
encouraging communication.
The methods used
Reserachers talked to mothers
and daughters in the study to
determine what helped create
positive self-images. Some of the
mothers interviewed reacalled
how their own mothers’ negative
comments towards them about
eating too much caused them to
associate food with guilt and bad
feelings. In turn, when it came to
raising their own daughters, they
focused on the quality of the food
and the importance of making
healthy food choices and how
good it is for their bodies.
Some of the methods used to
communicate positive body selfimage
were:
Filtering: being cautious and
sensitive regarding body image
issues.
Transmitting
awareness: communicating with
your children about the dangers of
eating disorders, which can result
in serious medical complications
and even death.
Positive reinforcement: talking
positively to your child about
their body and avoiding negative
language.
Discussion: talking opening
about messaging from the media
and providing your child with the
tools needed to be critical of what
they see and hear.
Positivity: shifting the focus
from food and body appearance
to health, nutrition and taking
pleasure in healthy foods.
Exercise is a habit
Teaching our kids how to lead
an active and healthy life is also
important. But what about kids
who aren’t naturally drawn to
active hobbies such as sport? A
new study found that it’s
important not to pressure or guilt
kids into exercise - it just doesn›t
work.
The study, from the University of
Georgia, looked at kids in year six,
seven and eight – a critical time
in a child’s life as kids typically
decrease their activity levels by 50
precent between 5 th and 6 th grade,
according to Rod Dishman, the
study’s lead author.
According to the study, kids who
felt obligated to be more active
were less likely to embrace activity
overall. While kids who felt they
could make their own decisions
about exercise were more likely to
see themselves as a person who
exercises, which in turn made
them more likely to exercise.
The upshot of the study is that it’s
important kids develop the habit
of exercise before they reach year
6 or 7 so that they can identify
themselves as a person who is
active, which will in turn make
them more active.

How you can help
If you’re a mother or father, it’s important to remember
you’re being watched! Kids do what you do more than
what you say. If you’re eating healthy foods, exercising
regularly and looking after your body, your kids will
emulate that behaviour. Being positive about your
body is important. Talk about how strong you are and
how fit you are and nix the language that revolves
around losing weight or dieting or being unhappy with
a certain area of your body.
When it comes to creating exercise as a habit for your
kids, its important not to pressure or guilt them into
activity. Making kids feel guilty doesn’t work. Rather,
focus on activity for the sake of fun. Be active together
and make it a valuable part of your family’s quality
time. Here are some ideas to encourage more active
time as a whole family.
10 ways to be active with your family
• Go for a hike. Find a local walk you can do with
your kids and make it a special family outing on
the weekend.
• Hire bikes. Riding bikes together is a great way
to get the whole family moving.
• Have a handball competition. Get some chalk
and draw a court on your driveway or in your
garage and host a family handball comp.
• Get a friend to join in. Sometimes all kids need
is a friend to help join in the fun. Sign your child
and their friend up for a weekly class together
or see if they’d like to join a team together.
• Try something new – if the weather permits,
try stand up paddle boarding or indoor rock
climbing.
• Sign up for a charity walk or run. Look for a local
event the whole family can do. Use it as your
motivation to train and get moving.
• Garden together! If you need some work
done around the house, get the whole family
involved. Play some music while you work to
keep you all upbeat. End the job with a healthy
snack and a cool glass of water.
• Play frisbee or kick a ball in the park or at the
beach. If you enjoy a weekend BBQ bring such
activities with you so that you move as well as
eat!
• Sneak it in – park further away from school, so
you all have to walk further. Suggest you take
the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to the
corner store together if you need to pick up milk
or bread.
• See who takes the most steps. Buy a pedometer
and share it around. See who takes the most
steps in a day.
Dr Joanna McMillan
Registered Nutritionist and Accredited Practising Dietitian.
For more information on 'The Dr Joanna Plate' go to www.drjoanna.com.au, your trusted nutrition and healthy lifestyle hub.

TAEKWON-DO
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**Other classes available through the week at ITFA HQ, Level 3, 48 O’Riordan St,
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