NHM'S TOP 5 SECRET FAMILY BEACH SPOTS

Newcastle Artist Mitch Revs

As the weather heats up it’s great to slip, slop, slap and pack the kids and the dogs in the car to head to the beach. We love it because Vitamin D in reasonable doses is so good for your mental health, especially as a Mumma who can often feel low when faced with hours on end inside the house, it tires out the kids so they sleep and it’s free.

If you’d like an alternative to Newcastle and Merewether Baths read on.

1. Thong Tree Beach, Swansea Heads

This beach is so brilliant. It often has not a soul on it and it’s not rough so the kids don’t feel intimidated plus there are heaps of super cool rock pools and your four legged friend is allowed to come too.

2. Pelican Foreshore, Pelican

Pelican is really beautiful and a really down to earth place to hang out. There’s usually plenty of parking and it’s calm so the kids can just paddle around. Watch the current though it can be really strong sometimes in certain parts so take care. Your puppy is also invited and there’s heaps of room to set up a tent or an umbrella.

3. Spoon Rocks Bay, Caves Beach

4. Beach Road, Wangi

5. Grannies Pool, Blacksmiths

Other cool spots (pun intended)

• Gap Creek Falls, Watagans

• Dobell Park, Wangi

• Booragul

SHARK ATTACKS AT PORT STEPHENS

A shark has bitten a man on his upper right arm at a Port Stephens beach, north of Newcastle. The man suffered minor injuries and is currently at the John Hunter Hospital. The 50 year old was in the water at Samurai Beach on One Mile Beach, near Anna Bay when he was struck just shy of 8am. It’s thought this was mainly due to the increased shark population with a whale carcass in the area. The team from the Rescue Helicopter said:

"He was stable and conscious when emergency services arrived … [and] the wound was treated and wrapped on the beach."

BREAKING: Teenage Girl Sexually Assaulted in Windale

A fourteen year old girl has allegedly been sexually assaulted yesterday as she got off the bus from school. She was approached by a man with a knife who allegedly dragged her into the scrubland and sexually assaulted her. The offender is then said to have left the area in a silver vehicle.

The brave young girl, has managed to give the following description:

• between 30-40 years old

• solid build

• prominent nose

• wearing a dark hoodie and long pants

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

G'day Mate!

The word mate… hmmmmm…. so much to say about this little 4 lettered word. Most commonly used to soften a conversation. Follow up a confrontation with ‘mate’ and it’s not quite as harsh is it? Or did you forget someone’s name? Doesn’t matter, just say ‘mate’ and you’re safe!

Buzzfeed said in an article that these are the ways mate is used:

1. To say hello to someone

2. To reference a friend

3. To express excitement for someone

4. To express disbelief

5. To replace the phrase, ‘here’s the thing’ or ‘let me tell you’ when you’re about to drop a truth bomb on someone

6. To warn someone that you’re annoyed with them

7. To tell someone they need to chill

8. To replace the phrase, ‘this guy’, in an affectionate manner

9. To replace the words ‘bitch’ or ‘dude’

10. To accentuate a stern conversation

11. To disagree with someone

12. To address someone when you don’t know or can’t remember their name

13. To verbally shake your head at someone

14. And to show aggression online

(Seriously though, how many times did you say out loud mate in these contexts)

But what about women? Can women use the word mate? I did a quick google search on this and found one website and their top rule on using the word, is that women must NEVER use it!

Tag a ‘mate’ that uses the word a lot!

THE MOMENT MEGHAN MARKLE INSPIRED A LITTLE AUSSIE GIRL

Everyone swooped on them like seagulls eyeing off a tourist’s steak at one of those fancy restaurants that are normal but have huge price tags because they’re by the harbour. 

Anyway our insider saw the most adorable thing, a  little girl wearing a t-shirt that read "Girls Can Do Anything". Meghan and Harry approached the little girl and complemented her on her shirt then said she was a dead ringer for Meghan as a little girl. 

They didn’t say dead ringer but words to that effect. The little girl’s grandmother said not only were they inspired by Meghan’s life they were gobsmacked to see the photos of Meghan as a child and the resemblance to their little one Meghan said she "was literally about to say the same thing!"

In a world of doom and gloom the young Royals are a breath of fresh air. Anyone agree? Plus cute babies, we love cute babies. 

Teacher Gifts

With Christmas just around the corner (actually 70 days to be exact), I’ve just begun the teacher gift brainstorm. There are so many cool ideas out there. If you type ‘teacher gifts’ into google there are 426 MILLION results! Each year I have tried to do something different and tried to be really inventive but it’s getting harder and harder!

It’s particularly hard for daycares and preschools because they have multiple teachers. Personally hampers have always worked for this and been well received. They can feast as they celebrate not having to see our kids everyday for a little while!

So let’s help each other out. What have you done in the past? Or are you a teacher that has received an unforgettable gift and want to share what it was?

Living in a family member's shadow

Imagine how it would feel to have waited and waited for your big day (your wedding), have it arrive and then have another family member steal your limelight by announcing that they’re pregnant on your day? Then imagine that the family members I’m referring to are none other than Harry and Meghan? Poor old Eugenie…

Harry and Meghan are said to have shared their baby news with the royal family on the day that Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank, and let me tell you Fergie wasn’t happy! Through a couple of tweets about her daughter’s wedding at the exact moment of the royal baby announcement, it is pretty clear she isn’t happy about the timing.

So, are you in the shadows of a family member, or perhaps are you the one in the spotlight?

A MAGICAL DISNEY BRUNCH

Ok this made NHM Mummas a little excited. A huge Disney inspired boozy sing a long party is coming to Australia and of course it's fancy dress! So if you feel inspired enough to catch a train down to Sydney this could be for you.

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, there was a Disney-themed bottomless brunch… 

Disney fans, rejoice! Because whether you’re a wannabe Little Mermaid or a regular Prince Charming, you’re invited to an afternoon of bottomless brunching with an (utterly unofficial) Disney twist. 

If you take a pumpkin-turned-carriage, you’ll find the bottomless brunch fit for a princess. Guests will 2 hours of unlimited mimosa, champagne or beer alongside a classic brunch menu served fairy tale-style. 

Magical attendees are 100% encouraged, and there’ll also be themed entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to show off your best Cinderella twirls on the dance floor.

Tickets are extremely limited, register your interest here.

FOOD MY KIDS LOVE BUT I THOUGHT THEY'D HATE

So the strangest thing happened. I felt like eating adult food and couldn’t stand another night of ‘kids food’ so I cooked sausages for the kids and green prawn curry with quinoa for myself and daddy. Admittedly my partner doesn’t like too much green curry paste so I didn’t overdo it. Then my two year old said ‘I have some mummy?’, it’s always entertaining watching her reaction to new food so I thought why not? Turns out she loved it and ate a whole bowl. I was completely flabbergasted. So we asked NHM Mummas what recipes did you think your kid’s would hate but they actually loved?

• Chilli Chicken 

• Salmon smoked or panfried 

• Salt and Pepper Squid 

• Tuna 

• Curried Chicken 

Rebecca McPherson 

• Mexican hot chocolate made from organic dark chocolate but with Chillies/ vanilla etc in it also. For some reason my children absolutely love it. It is warming but energising all at the same. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate

• 2 cups of milk (I like almond but regular dairy milk would work, too)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• dash of salt

• 1 chili pepper, split in half and seeds removed

• 1-4 tablespoons sugar, depending on taste (can use coconut sugar or honey)

• Optional: 2 shots of brandy or Grand Marnier

• Kung Poa Chicken 

• Curried Salmon 

• Calamari Rings 

• Chow mien mince with cabbage 

• Spicy butter chicken 

Abbey-Rose Graham 

Raw Broccoli 

Julia Gajewski 

Blue cheese and olives 

Nicole Gruber 

Oysters 

Dill pickles 

• Beef Stroganoff

• Chicken heart 

• Anchovies 

• Brussel sprouts 

• Thai Beef Salad

• Wallaby 

• Goat 

• Risotto

• Chilli con carne

• Black pudding

Are You Exhausted Mumma?

Do you feel that dread creep in as nighttime draws near? Endless hours rocking a baby or a child that won’t settle? A toddler that thinks sleep is a game and loves to reappear like a magician every few minutes? We’re here to help. The Sleep Teacher is Newcastle’s go to sleep Mumma expert. She’s down to earth, relatable and doesn’t ever pass judgement. We love her and all the good work she’s doing for tired Mummas. So how exhausted are you? Surely you’ve got just a little energy left to hear her thoughts on settling your bubbas and getting more Mumma Zs. Plus win a one on one with The Sleep Teacher.

Honestly, the exhaustion you feel as a mother is unparalled. It's so hard, every phase comes with it's own challenges and they all leave you crying out for coffee. Kristy Griffiths, The Sleep Teacher, joins us to guide us through the stages of the child, lending a helping hand to any mother curious about how to get their kids to sleep better.

MEGA CREATURES

The second week of the holidays, OMG can you believe it! The highlight of our holiday was always going to be Mega Creatures. We grabbed my mum and headed out to Hunter Valley Gardens today to see the gigantic beasts on display. Seriously, what would we do without the gardens? Between snow time, mega creatures, storybook gardens and the amazing Christmas lights, it is a venue my family absolutely adores. They do everything right. Kids can roam free, without parents stressing about impending dangers. You can bring a packed lunch or buy one. And seriously, how close is it to Newcastle? It took us 30 minutes to get there. It was honestly a fantastic day out!

Halloween Down Under

Walking through Coles this morning the kids and I stopped in front of giant pumpkins and they wanted to buy it so I could carve it for them for Halloween. Um sorry no. This is one fad I don’t need to get behind thanks! I can assure you I’d be injuring myself carving something like a pumpkin. Cutting butternut pumpkin for dinner is honestly bad enough.

Last year, we kind of got behind the hysteria. We dressed up in costumes we had at home and walked around with a group of school friends and collected lollies. It seriously just doesn’t sit right with me. Here we are, telling our kids not to talk to strangers, yet one day a year we encourage them to knock on their doors and collect food off them. Call me paranoid, but when our strawberries are laced with needles, what really could go wrong?!

I’m interested to hear other people’s opinions on Halloween though. I’ll probably still let the kids dress up but I’d prefer given that it’s the end of October to start concentrating on the Christmas season. Because who doesn’t love Christmas!?

Our bullying epidemic

I was horrified to hear of the recent story of the young girl tortured by a group of teenagers and then thrown off a bridge. These were her friends at one stage, in fact one had been romantically involved with her at one stage. Horrifying and incredibly scary stuff. So I did a quick google search into bullying and was even more horrified to read just how young our children are experiencing bullying. One report suggested bullying in preschool years!

One in 4 Australian kids experiences bullying at school so unfortunately if your child does experience bullying they are definitely not alone.

It’s important to be able to recognise the signs that your child is being bullied. These can include:

• cuts, marks and bruises

• withdrawal from activities

• losing items at school

• feelings of stress and anxiety

• avoidance of school

• ripped clothes

• loss or increase in appetite

• friendship breakups

• loss of sleep

So what can you do?

It’s important to keep the lines of communication as open as possible. Ask them directly if they are being bullied and try to work together to help prevent it. Try to relate to them as much as possible, this could mean talking about your own experiences. Encourage them to talk to someone else. Kids Helpline have great resources and is a safe place for kids to call to chat.

TAMPON TAX ABOLISHED, PERIOD

According to my incredible sources (the internet) tampons were used as early as 15th century BCE, back then they were made of wool. Ancient Japanese ladies used them too but they were made out of paper and the Hawaiian ladies used a type of fern.

We still use them today but we were paying a luxury tax on them to date because I know next to my Longchamp bag and my Cartier diamonds my tampons are at the top of the ‘luxurious things I own’ list.

Anyway even though the Government was making $30 million-a-year out of it they’ve let it go. It’s the end, period.

The Itch Down on Head Lice

Towards the middle of last term, my daughter’s preschool sent home a warning to say that there were two confirmed cases of head lice and to be honest I think I freaked more than the chicken pox warning previously. I mean, aren’t mozzies and sandflies bad enough, let alone little creatures itching their heads? Luckily for me, we were spared… this time. But I thought I’d check out the signs and prevention for the inevitable next time.

• Head lice don’t have wings and don’t jump really high, so they rely on head-to-head contact to move from head to head so children are often directly affected because of how they play. This means family members are also at risk but you only have to treat those directly affected.

• This also means you don’t have to clean the whole houses sheets, only the affected person’s pillowslip. It needs to be washed in 60 degree hot water or dried in a hot clothes dryer.

• Head lice eggs are small, the size of the top of a pin. Here is the gross bit… you’ll need to pull an egg off and it will make a pop sound when crushed.

• The hardest part is this: don’t be fooled if you aren’t itching. You could still have lice! Basically if you get the school warning, check everyone!

How to Check: (from Better Health Vic)
The easiest and most effective way to find head lice is to use the conditioner and comb treatment weekly. This includes: 

• Step 1. Comb hair conditioner onto dry, brushed (detangled) hair. This makes it difficult for lice to grip the hair or run around.

• Step 2. Thoroughly comb sections of the hair with a fine tooth head lice comb.

• Step 3. Wipe the conditioner from the comb onto a paper towel or tissue.

• Step 4. Look on the tissue and on the comb for lice and eggs.

• Step 5. Repeat the combing for every part of the head at least four or five times.

• Step 6. If lice or eggs are found, the person should be treated.

Now to get rid of the buggers…

The two preferred treatment options available for initially treating head lice are the ‘conditioner and comb’ method, and the use of an insecticide. There are plenty of treatments around and after a few forum searches, many people also recommend using apple cider vinegar and coconut oil.

Keep them away….

My daughter’s preschool told me head lice don’t particularly like overly clean hair so limit the amount of washes as much as you can. They also advised using hair spray as a bit of a barrier. Keep their hair as tied back as possible.

Good luck everyone!

The Day My Baby Fell Down Concrete Stairs

The day started off like any other. My youngest waking at 5:45am bouncing up and down in her cot and my toddler running into our room shortly after. Then we went about our day getting ready to go to work and daycare respectively. I was putting on the washing when I heard a blood curdling scream, I ran out to see what was happening and found that my 2 year old had made her way through the baby proofing out to the patio and my 9 month old had fallen down 11 concrete stairs.

I found her there are the very bottom crying.

I rushed down to pick her up inconsolable but as I did she soon calmed down and laughed at Summer her sister who said ‘Lilly fell down’. I felt like the worst mother in the world. I went to the Dr and we went onto John Hunter Hospital where Lilly remained under observation for 24 hours. During that time I felt so much gratitude for this country we live in and The John Hunter Hospital which I have viewed so far, after two babies and one other procedure as an incredible facility.

After 24 hours of observation and scans we returned home. Home never feels quite so beautiful as when you’ve experienced trauma then returned. Every simple aspect of it that you take for granted daily, glows obviously and you remind yourself to be grateful more often.

I am so grateful and I will work to be a better mother everyday for my beautiful children.

In our Childhood Accidents show below Clinical Nurse Consultant Kate King from the John Hunter Trauma Service at John Hunter Hospital takes Mummas through:

• common injuries in babies and children

• steps you can take as a mother to prevent or lessen the chances of these occurring

• what to do if these things do occur

• when and how to seek help

My 2 year old got through the baby proofing recently while I was putting on washing and my 9 month old fell down 11 concrete stairs. It was my worst day to date as a mother.

NHM HEALTH WARNING: GASTRO

HEALTH WARNING: GASTRO 

The NHM has seen an outbreak of Gastro amongst families and would like to issue a warning and help parents coping with the illness. 

Our long weekend was consumed with washing vomitus sheets and changing massive amounts of nappies more than normal as our poor babies suffered through and awful bought of Gastro. Lucky my partner hasn’t come down with it yet he was just a little ‘unwell’ towards the end of last week. I on the other hand have been hit relatively hard needing bed rest and incapable of doing mum duties, which makes life super hard! 

We seem to be on the mend but some NHM Mummas have reported that their bubs and kids have had to be hospitalised with it. 

Tips 

• use lots of Glen 20 and antibacterial Gastro is highly contagious 

• give a small baby little amounts Hydralyte with a syringe to keep their fluids up 

• if your baby is breastfeed continue to breastfeed them as they will take it

• suck on ice cubes 

Signs of Gastro 

• feeling unwell, not wanting to eat or drink

• vomiting beings for 24-48 hours followed by diarrhoea which can last upto 10 days 

• stomach pain 

• fever 

Go to the hospital if

• your child or baby is not holding down any fluids 

• they appear limp or less responsive to you than they would normally be 

More

Gastro is super contagious 

The germs are mainly spread by the vomit or faeces of an infected person or through hand-to-hand contact. 

Kids sharing toys and bottles is also a no no. Unless you’re a super parent chances are if one child has got it it’s going to move through the house. 

You can prevent the spread through hand washing, antibacterial gels, Glen 20, disinfecting bed linen. People with the disease stay contagious for a time after they’ve recovered too. 

Gastro won’t always appear straight away

You may come into contact with the virus but it can take two or three days after exposure to the virus before the symptoms appear.

Gastro can be life-threatening

Due to dehydration, mainly in babies, small children and the elderly. The symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea cause the body to lose a lot of fluid, so it is important to keep drinking.

Gastro can be treated

For most adults, gastro should ease up  within a few days, if you are worried about your loved one’s fluid intake though consult a doctor to seek treatment. 

Continue to try and eat if you have gastro

Dry toast, biscuits or anything bland is the way to go. Steer clear of dairy. Taking in food helps the lining of the intestine to heal more quickly, and allows the body to regain strength. 

Preventing Gastro 

The advice says that if you practise good hand hygiene, and teach your children from an early age the importance of washing hands with soap and water you can prevent them getting sick but we all know this is near impossible. 

Caring for other NHM Families 

Sick parents and children should stay away from childcare, preschool, school or work until there has been no vomiting or diarrhoea for at least 24 hours. 

Also stay away from swimming pools, communal activities and other childrens toys and things. Wash down frequently touched surfaces in the house. 

WHY MY CHILD'S NOT STARTING SCHOOL NEXT YEAR

My little girl is a February baby and she will turn 5 next year. This has meant that I’ve had a tough time trying to decide whether to send her to school or not next year. We are part of a fantastic preschool, who incidentally form part of a P-12 school, so I feel I have been guided in the right direction by our preschool directors and educators. The end result is that I have decided to hold her back until the following year, or as a close friend says, keep her until the time is right for her. 

The defining moment for me was when one of the preschool directors said, ‘you may regret sending her early, but you’ll never regret keeping her another year and then the other one said, Grace would probably be totally fine next year, but she would be amazing the year after. And that did it for me. 

Are you tossing up sending your little one next year or have you come to a similar result in the past? I’d love to hear other stories and don’t miss our Education Podcast where we chat about this amongst many other things. 

Proudly Sponsored by The Little Unicorn, Early Childhood Centres. Our Education Special is timed perfectly for mums contemplating what to do next year. At what age are your children ready for care and early education? What option will you go for? How to choose the correct care and education for your bub.

HE LEFT US SO WHY SHOULD THEY HAVE HIS NAME?

How would you feel about ditching your partner’s name if they were a bad dad?

One mum has caused a conversation on Mumsnet after posting this:

"I married the wrong man"

"I'm just about to get divorced and my 1yr DD [darling daughter] has his surname," she said. She then went on to say her partner was ditching her and the kids because they were “too much hassle”. She went on to say "He has said to me he finds being a dad stressful and he wants to focus on himself,"

She said he’ll be offended and she’ll need his permission but she wants to change her child’s name so it doesn’t reflect him.

She went on to say "I know it's just semantics, but I always dreamed of having a child and I love being a mum and I don't see why I have to lose our family name connection because I married the wrong man."

One mum commented, "What is in a name?" another said  "if he says no then that's that isn't it? It won't really affect her life so don't let this upset you too much."

Other’s suggested she just wait til she finds love again,

"If you were to marry again in the future would you take your new spouse's name? Would any of the children of that marriage take your 'maiden' name or their father's name. Your dd [darling daughter] could turn out to be the only one with your 'family name connection'." .

Those for change said if he’s not in their life he doesn’t deserve to have the child carry his name. "Just tell him you’d like her to have the same surname as you and to sign here please."Another said "I would change it. Why does your name trump his? Because he cannot be bothered to be part of your family so why should he have the family name."

Maybe dropping a deadbeat dad’s name will become commonplace in the future.

PODCAST RELEASE: Education Special

Do you remember the first time you dropped your child off anywhere to go to work? Maybe you haven’t done it yet but it’s a super big deal. Who do you entrust to guide your child day to day when you’re off earning a living to pay the family mortgage? Some parents feel that Family Daycare will be more familiar for their kids and they’ll feel more comfortable with the one person but what happens if that person has an off day like we do as mums? Also signs to look for to guide you in the right direction when choosing an early childhood care and education environment. The principal question to ask is, would you feel comfortable spending an entire day in the space? If not maybe you’re asking too much of your child to do so. Also are the Educator’s engaged with the children and do the children there seem like they’re happy?

Do you have school aged children? We talk about the signs that let you know your child is ready for school. Also if they’re not, what can be done to change that or do you hold them back. Enjoy the show plus a chance for you to win a high tea for your Mumma friends at The Tea Collective on Darby Street in Newcastle and we have family passes to give away to Mega Creatures at Hunter Valley Gardens. Check out the Education Special of ‘NHM I Got It From My Mumma’ below sponsored by The Little Unicorn, Early Childhood Centres.

Proudly Sponsored by The Little Unicorn, Early Childhood Centres. Our Education Special is timed perfectly for mums contemplating what to do next year. At what age are your children ready for care and early education? What option will you go for? How to choose the correct care and education for your bub.