Mummahh

Let’s talk about How to Protect your Online Reputation

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:10:00 GMT

Privacy Awareness Week (PAW) was officially launched in NSW 27 April 2012.

Privacy Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Coombs says that the focus of PAW this year is on children and young adults to get them thinking about protecting their privacy online.

“Today’s technologies are changing the way young people are interacting with others and this exposes them to a number of risks such as cyber-bullying, identity theft and other security risks,” said Dr Coombs.

For more information on how to protect your privacy visit

www.privacy.nsw.gov.au

For Privacy Awareness Week we have a guest blogger - Alex Merton-McCann, McAfee Cybermum Australia. For more information about Alex and to follow her blog click here.

It’s Privacy Awareness Week.
Let’s talk about How to Protect your Online Reputation.

By Alex Merton-McCann, McAfee Cybermum Australia

Ever thought about your reputation within your children’s school or day care community or even your wider group of friends? Probably. Have you thought about your online reputation? Maybe not!

Before we all hopped on to the social networking bandwagon with LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, a reputation was something that was local and shaped by interaction within a person’s network such as colleagues, other parents and friends. But now, your reputation is shaped by your online interactions, and it can have a global reach and impact everything from your child’s next play date to your career and professional prospects.

Almost anything you do online can be tracked, especially if you regularly tweet or publish blog posts. Mistakes and triumphs that used to fade over time in the real world are now archived on social networking sites, in the form of posts and updates, and can be found in online searches. Your online reputation can affect you down the track when an employer is taking a quick look at comments you left in a forum or when another parent is looking at photo of you on a friend’s Facebook profile with low security parameters.

Prompted by Privacy Awareness Week (29 April – 5 May) I thought I’d pass along a few tips to help you protect your family’s online reputation:

Don’t share your personal information—Avoid sharing your address, full birthday and other personal details online. If you share too much, cybercriminals could use this information to impersonate you.

Is your child old enough to join Facebook? Only let a family member join a social network if they meet the age requirements set by the service. Social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Google+ ask that users be at least 13 years of age.
Never share your passwords – Children should be sharing passwords with their parents, but that’s it! Changing passwords regularly is also a good idea.

Select your photos carefully – Make sure you only post appropriate photos of yourself and others. If you wouldn’t want your family or boss to see it, don’t post it!
Avoid posting information about your whereabouts - It’s better not to post your party plans or check in on Facebook while on holidays. Do this after you have returned home. You don’t want to give criminals a heads up that your house is empty!

Do regular online searches for yourself—This is for you to see what others are saying about you online and to check if there’s anyone impersonating you. It’s best to go beyond basic Google search and search sites like Facebook and Twitter, and any forums that you may have used in the past. If you find unflattering photos or information about yourself online, see if you can get them taken down by contacting the person who posted them.

Understand that others influence your reputation—Even if you think you’re projecting a good image online, your reputation could be affected by people in your network who post controversial comments or unflattering photos. Keep an eye on the kind of content your contacts are posting to make sure it doesn't negatively impact your reputation.

It’s important to never underestimate the influence and reach of what you do online. Always be careful what you post; if you have to think twice about uploading a photo or making a status update, it’s probably best not to post it. Make sure you remain aware of what other people post about you and remember to consider anything you do online as public knowledge, so keep it positive!

Losing fat while you relax?

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:26:00 GMT

Readers of my blog will know I have had three children. My youngest is almost 2. Before I had children I was a size 10, after my first child things went down hill and after my second child I had gained an extra 15 kilos. One thing mums will know is that it's extremely hard to find time for yourself let alone find time to exercise.

It has been a constant struggle for me to regain my pre-baby (babies) body and I am still carrying at least 8 kilos more than I would like too!

So if someone said you could lose 5-10 cm from around your abdomen in around 30 minutes, safe and pain free - would you believe it? And if that same person said you could do this while you were lying down relaxing?

I was recently asked to review a procedure that claims to do just that. I have to say (like many of you) I was pretty sceptical, it seems to good to be true.

Meei offers an assortment of non-surgical body sculpting treatments. Fat and cellulite treatments, skin tightening, breast lifts and facelifts - all non surgical and pain free (it just keeps getting better!!). The first treatment I received was a fat "melting" treatment using an ultrasonic cavitation technique. I did quite a bit of research prior to the treatment this is a very basic explanation of how ultrasonic cavitation works.

The ultrasonic device uses a specialised transducer that emits regulated ultrasonic sound beams that delivers real-time acoustic waves into patients. These ultrasonic sound beams "blast" the fat membranes which turns to liquid (mainly consisting of triglycerides). The triglycerides are gradually released and metabolised by the body. The body breaks down the triglycerides to glycerol and free fatty acids.  Afterwards, glycerol will be either flushed by the body or transported to liver and other cells as re-usable energy.

So did it work???

Yes it did. I had instantly lost 3 cm from my abdomen immediately after the treatment. I have since lost another 2 cm, that's 5 cm in 2 days!!!

The treatment began with me lying down in a quite relaxing room (ahhhhh!). The ultrasound was run over both sides of my abdomen for about 20 minutes (each side). I could hear the buzz of the ultrasound quite loudly which was a little weird but I got used to it. The ultrasound gel was probably the worst part (if I had to find one) however it was thoughtfully applied by the technician (as it's very cold) and removed with a lovely warm towel. After the ultrasound I had lights placed on my abdomen which assist with the tightening and increase the metabolism of the broken down fat.

Whilst I was at Meei I had a second treatment. The BeautyTek is a fantastic treatment for removal of scars, stretchmarks and assists with skin tightening. This particular treatment uses the energy within your own body and is a mix of holistic and scientific technology. It is also very relaxing, I almost fell asleep. Results are not instant with this and depending on what you are treating a plan can be tailored for you - the results are amazing! Although I only had one treatment I noticed a slight lift around my navel area (which I was very pleased with!)

I am no longer sceptical. These treatments work. They are perfect for busy mums and won't cost an arm and a leg. I have put a before and after picture (this isn't me) of a woman who has had the Meei fat treatments over the course of 16 weeks.

So let me just recap: fast, effective, pain free, safe, non invasive fat loss.
I'm sold, how about you? I would love to hear your comments or questions about my experience at Meei.

And if you are interested in trying out the amazing skin tightening and stretch mark reduction packages at Meei we are giving away a 30% discount voucher with every purchase at our online store.

Stubbies Schoolwear Challenge

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:51:00 GMT

Stubbies World Change Challenge

A national fundraising effort to build libraries and publish local language books in Cambodia has been kickstarted by Stubbies Schoolwear, Room to Read and Australian children’s author Tristan Bancks to pay tribute to the National Year of Reading.

The Stubbies World Change Challenge asks all primary school students to partake in fun and
educational activities to help raise $20,000 or more to build a library and promote literacy in
Cambodia.

The first students to join the effort are Year 5/6W from Ocean Shores Public School in
Northern NSW. Featured in the Stubbies World Change Challenge video on Youtube , these
incredibly animated students were led by change-makers Raph and Maya to raise $500 in
just one day – and raised $573.

Stubbies is contributing $10,000 to the cause, leaving primary school students to raise just
over $9,000 to build the first library.

Still a relatively new charity in Australia, Room to Read has managed to capture the hearts
of Australians, raising more than $6 million in the last three years alone.

“Stubbies came to us with a small idea that has grown to become an initiative with huge
impact. The awareness this project will generate amongst students and schools is as
valuable as the library we hope to set up in Cambodia. We encourage every primary school
and student to get involved, to learn and to help change the world, one book, one child at a
time.” Jennie Orchard, Founding Member of Room to Read’s Advisory Board in Australia.

Tristan Bancks, Australian children’s author and committed Room to Read ambassador
produced the Stubbies World Change Challenge video with a brief to show students and
schools just how simple it can be to make a difference:

“What better year than the National Year of Reading for this initiative? As each student is
encouraged to read more, every dollar they raise can put a book in the hand of children who
may never have had access to storybooks, let alone a whole library. Changing the world
starts with education – and with the Stubbies World Change Challenge, everyone gets an
educational experience that makes a difference.”

Schools and students will get more than a rewarding experience if they are a top fundraiser.
The class that raises the most money will win a reading and writing workshop with Tristan
Bancks plus every student in that class will receive a copy of his latest book My Life and
other stuff I made up and a 40% off discount voucher for their next Stubbies Schoolwear
online purchase.

The top five individuals who raise the most on their own will also receive a copy of Tristan’s
book and a 40% off discount voucher for their next Stubbies Schoolwear online purchase. .

Stubbies World Change Challenge is now officially underway. The challenge closes on 31st
July 2012 and winners will be announced on the 6th August 2012. Primary school classes
and individual students can register at www.stubbiesschoolwear.com.au.

As some added incentive (as if you need it, as it is a great cause) we are offering two lucky Mummahh readers the chance to WIN a $40 Stubbies Schoolwear voucher each, perfect for back to school needs next week!!!!

This competition has now closed. Winners announced soon. Good luck.

To enter watch the video and tell us what your favourite challenge is and why?
Email your answer to info@mummahh.com.au or comment below - easy!

Competition closes 5 May 2012. Full terms and conditions can be found here.

Lego - A festival of fun

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:52:00 GMT

I have very fond memories playing with LEGO as a child. My all-time favourite were those little flowers - three green prongs with different coloured flowers that you could put on. I would spend hours making the LEGO house and then "landscaping" with my little flowers and my pine trees. LEGO is pretty much the staple toy - everyone has played with it and it is a simple yet brilliant concept. And it has stood the test of time.

It has been 50 years since the first Lego brick arrived in Australia.

50 years - that's pretty impressive. Today LEGO is still as popular as ever with every Australian owning an average of 70 LEGO bricks. My three children love it and I'm not going to lie, Mum and Dad still love it too. It's a common sight to see all five of us on the lounge room floor surrounded by a sea of LEGO bricks building our next family masterpiece.

So 50 years is worth celebrating - introducing the LEGO Festival of Play! If you were in Sydney today and happened to venture through Martin Place you may have seen what marked the launch of this event. Martin Place was today transformed into a magical LEGO Forest, complete with colourful LEGO Flowers (my favourite).

The LEGO Forest consists of 15 of the iconic LEGO ‘pine’ trees scaling 4 metres in height and 15 flower sets, both recreated to a 1:1 scale of the original toy pieces. I love it!!! Standing tall in Sydney’s Martin Place from Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 April, the LEGO Forest is part of the launch of the LEGO Festival of Play, a nine-month schedule of hands-on events and elaborate creations all set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the LEGO brick in Australia. The LEGO Forest in Martin Place is a "must see" and these pics will give you a taste.....

Throughout the LEGO Festival of Play a multitude of national activities, all paying homage to the humble LEGO brick, will be unveiled at LEGOfestival.com.au, with plenty of ways for Aussies young and old to get involved.

To celebrate the launch of the LEGO Festival of Play we are giving away a Friends LEGO set - Stephanie's Pet Patrol (pictured below) valued at $15.99.

This competition has now closed. Winners announced soon. Good luck.

Simply comment below and tell us your favourite LEGO memory or moment.....

Competition ends 30 April 2012. See full terms and conditions here.

Beijing Tai Tai Virtual Tour - A Toddler's Survival Guide to China

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:53:00 GMT

As part of the Beijing Tai Tai Virtual Tour we are thrilled to have the following guest post by Tania McCartney

A Toddler’s Survival Guide to China

It’s not every day you get to pack your nappies (not that you’ll end up needing them) and shift to China. As a two-year old Aussie bloke, I could never have dreamed nor schemed the joy in store for me in that nation’s capital. Life in Beijing is like a wonderland of toddler bliss and parental angst that quite simply takes the breath away.

But if you’re lucky enough to ditch the nappies and move there, you’ll need to do it right. After living in China for four years – right through my prime toddler years – I’m your go-to kid. Here’s my survival guide. Don’t let Mum read it.

Departure

It’s moving day and your family must leave for China by 10am.

Sleep in for the first time ever, in your whole entire life. Ever. Wake grumpy. Become completely incoherent to request or instruction. Total noncompliance during passport examination at Customs is mandatory, but it’s absolutely okay to charm the flight attendants, so long as they come up with the Goods. You know what I’m talking about – food and colouring books with pencils.

When you’re handed the Goods, smear the food, rip the colouring books and snap the pencils. They’ll still think you’re adorable.

It’s a long flight. Rewire your blood to become one of the teensy percentage of kids who react adversely to medicated sedatives. Run amok for nine hours. Do not ingest anything except lollies, apple juice and plastic texta lids. Scream, wail and cry when these items are depleted.

When Mum takes you into the toilet to give the adults in the cabin some peace, scream like a banshee and unravel every toilet roll in fury. Refuse to go to the toilet.

Back at Mum’s seat, wet through every single nappy available then fall asleep just as the plane begins to descend, and whilst wearing nothing but underpants. Wet through your clothes, your Mum’s clothes and the fabric seat so it stinks to high heaven. Wake screaming fifteen minutes later from ear pain.

When you get off the plane, vomit in the nice new car on the way to your new home. And don’t forget to get some on your mother’s shoes.

Arrival

On the first morning of your new life in Beijing, wake at the crack of dawn despite the fact that you’ve only had four hours sleep. Stand on the windowsill of the 20th floor of a precariously-built-Chinese-building and slam your fists repeatedly into the pane of glass. Don’t even notice your new ayi (maid, cook and child carer) screaming at your mother – “Not safe! Not safe!”

Get hauled to the ground. Run your hands over the floor and shove your hands in your mouth.

Exploring Your New Town

First stop: Tian’anmen Square. Be the only child in China using a stroller. Be the only child in China with light hair and green eyes. Be exceedingly adorable and wide-eyed-cute in your stroller then watch as fifteen thousand provincial Chinese tear over to rub their hands on your face and take photos with their frozen-in-time instamatics.

Remember that banshee? Scream like its older, more experienced cousin.

Watch in wonder as the provincial Chinese think you’re now even cuter. Pop! Flash! go the instamatics. And… you’re off – pushed in that stroller across Tian’anmen Square like a formula one race car, your provincial friends trailing behind, little red flags waving, Mum and Dad screeching “taxi!!”.

Wipe your hands all over your face where dozens of provincial hands have been before you, and shove those hands in your mouth.

Spend a week at SOS Clinic or Beijing United Hospital. Or both. When you get out, shove your hands in your mouth.

Eating Out

Forget à la carte… in Chinese restaurants you have carte blanche. So exciting. The Chinese will let you get away with anything so take full and shameless advantage. Run, jump, climb, skid, shout, giggle, refuse any intervention then use adorable gooey eyes on the waiters. Ride in their arms, play hide and seek, use them as a swing, a carrier, a vehicle, a horsie.

When it’s time to eat, insist that fried rice and egg pancakes are the only thing you could possibly ingest. Spread the rice from here to kingdom-come, mash some into your hair and up your nose where it will dry like cement. Shove your finger up your nose to push it deeper. Drop your chopsticks on the floor, pick them up and shove them in your mouth. Shove anything except food in your mouth, particularly if it’s been on the floor. Chew on the back of the chair and shred the paper napkin before tossing all over the next waiter.

When it’s time to leave the restaurant, go kicking and screaming but know you’ll always be welcomed back. You can simply do no wrong. Make eyes at the utterly adoring wait staff then grab a handful of Mum’s hair and pull it as you wave goodbye.

Play

It’s too hot, freezing, polluted, filthy to go outside. When Mum finally agrees to take you to the indoor playground upstairs, tear around for hours non-stop and refuse to leave. After the sixth or seventh visit to this playground, grow suddenly and immensely bored with it and never want to go again. This is the time Mum suddenly falls in love with it.

Make best friends with all the children who go away for twelve weeks over summer. Fight unashamedly with the children who are always around and available to play. End up playing really nicely with the ones whose mothers your Mum can’t stand.

Refuse to play with any toy that is ridiculously expensive or was really hard to acquire. Become obsessed with any toy that could poison or impale you on contact. Whine endlessly until Mum ruins yet another pot making playdough. Squeal with delight when the blue food colouring has finally been kneaded through, then roll it, cut it and mould it for 28.7 seconds before leaving it to dry into a cement cowpat, never to be used again.

Oh – and shove some in your mouth.

Ayi

Why should Mum and Dad invest a year’s pay on an hour-a-day expat-driven daycare facility, when you can have your very own personal valet? Enter Ayi – and enter the entourage-saturated world of the Western toddler mega star.

The gods are smiling on you, little one. Who is she – this dark haired angel on Earth who will acquiesce to your every (perfectly reasonable) demand? Part psychic, part adoring fawner – this woman has been sent from above to both anticipate and provide all that your parents will not.

Of course, you are naturally oblivious to the tension and frustration caused by Ayi and her lenient ways. Whiz on the floor? Sure. Poop in the corner? Why not. Be spoon-fed morning, noon and night and cossetted within an inch of your life – yes, please. But what does it matter? Independence and self-competence? Bah, humbug!

The thing is, at least two of you in this parental love-triangle are happy. You have the need for adoration and Ayi has the need to give it – a pure and harmonious union. And all the while, Mum is hoping in her heart of hearts this will not turn you into a discipline-deprived despot by the time you’re five.

Just remind Mum the old Chinese adage… the more difficult the boy, the better the man.

We can live in hope.

Tania McCartney is an editor, presenter and book-obsessed author of both children’s and adult books. As an ACT Ambassador for the National Year of Reading 2012, she is passionate about literacy and children’s literature. Tania runs literary site Kids Book Review, writes for several online sites and loves paper, travel, marshmallows and laughing. Her latest book Beijing Tai Tai, $24.99 is out now and available from www.exislepublishing.com.au. It is also available as an ebook for $9.99.

Tania blogs at www.taniamccartney.com

This competition has now closed. Congratulations to Katie Penley.

We have a copy of Beijing Tai Tai to giveaway visit our Competitions page to enter.

Dress ups

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 23:53:00 GMT

So as you probably know kids go through phases of character worship. My first son went through many: The Wiggles, Thomas the Tank Engine, Ben-10, just to name a few. It goes something like this...first they see the show, then they want everything they use, wear and play with, to have that character on it.

This can get pretty expensive! My daughter is into Bratz. She received a few Bratz dolls for Christmas (to accompany her many Barbies). Now the good thing is that I have recently found out that I can pick up the Bratz range of merchandise from Target. If your little one is into Lalaloopsy, they stock these too along with other licensed character merchandise. I actually find this great - that a large department store offers these products at reasonable prices (otherwise I could go broke).

A trick I have devised is that my daughter wants to wear these types of things all the time and obviously school wouldn't be too impressed with my daughter rocking up decked out in her Bratz t-shirt etc etc. But you can "weasle" them into day-to day (school) life and keep everyone happy. Check out these Bratz school shoes (yes...school shoes!)

Walllahhh! crisis over. My daughter has her Bratz fix and some pretty good looking school shoes. Of course you can get lunch boxes, drink bottles - let's face you you can get almost anything with your children's favourite character on it these days.

Check out Target (instore if you can, I find the online store doesn't have the full range) to pick up some some items for your little one -that won't break the bank.

Best Start

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

It's been a while between blogs.

Juggling family and work becomes all consuming and life just seems so hectic. Let's be honest managing a home and family is a full time job. I don't care what people say, it's hard work and it's constant. Mornings in our house are chaos and resemble a mini tornado. There are two kids to get fed, dressed and ready for school. There is a toddler to get ready for daycare and then of course my husband and I who need to get ready for work. Sounds manageable.

You get up (woken up by the kids), there's no milk left which creates "breakfast mayhem". No one does what you ask because they're glued to iCarly until you turn the TV off. Throw in a tantrum or six from the toddler. We're already running late when one of the kids starts screaming "can't find my socks/drink bottle/bag (insert anything really)". Then from the other child (just to mix it up) there's a "it's my news day today, I need to explain the life cycle of a plant"...and it goes on..and on..and on... until we are so late and feel like we have been thrown into a spinning vortex and spat out the other end.

I am sure it's common in most households (my god I hope it is!!!).

I sometimes look at my kids and wonder if I have done a good job. It's not like you can go "oh I stuffed that one up" and start again. Don't get me wrong my kids are pretty good, normal - they can be really really good or really really bad and most of the time they are right in the middle - average everyday kids.

I have just read a book by Lynn Jenkins called Best Start. Lynn is a registered clinical psychologist who has worked in adult mental health settings, sexual assault counselling and community counselling. Lynn has a strong interest in perinatal mental health and is passionate about assisting women to feel confident in their ability to raise healthy, happy children. Best Start looks at how a person's emotional foundations are formed in babyhood and how these foundations effect the way in which a child develops. It goes on to explain what parents can do to to ensure that their child experiences the best start in life.

I found the book very interesting and it didn't leave me questioning my parenting skills. The reverse in fact, it made me realise that I have, and continue to do the best I can for my kids. Written in an easy to read style Best Start explains that if babies aren't given an environment where they feel safe, are comfortable to question things, are able to show emotions (and so on), they may have issues with these things as adults.

Lynn likens babies brains and emotions to a seed. When you plant a seed and tend to it it grows and flourishes , but when you neglect it wilts - a very simplistic analogy, but you get the idea. The book isn't rocket science (or that elusive "how-to" manual they forgot to give me at the hospital when I had my babies) but it's worth a read to give you an opportunity to step back and see things in black and white so you can aim to apply it to your spinning vortex oops I mean family.

Best Start by Lynn Jenkins RRP $19.99 from Exilse Publishing.

School daze craze

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:48:00 GMT

So when I think back to school (and I don't mean that re-occurring nightmare where I have a test and I haven't studied) I often remember playground activities; making friends - "will you be my best friend" and of course school work. It is funny to think of all the "crazes" that swept through the schoolyard. There was marbles, which I had quite a few of, and was quite good at. I used to play in the "marble area" at primary school. It was this dirt area where all the players would head to, equiped with their bag full marbles; toms, steelys, cats eyes and my favourite the galaxy (that one that had the holes all over which made them look like stars). I also had a few prized rare ceramic ones that I think I got from my grandad.

Then there was handstands? I know ......what the!! We used to have handstand competitions. Who could stay up the longest and who could walk on their hands and how far. We would tuck our school dress into our undies and up we'd go.

For the boys (and some girls) there was footy cards. This one is a staple and is as popular today as it was back then, with a few changes. Recently we would have to buy a certain brand of potatoe chips so my seven year old could get the "footy card". So a we ended up with quite a few packets of chips emptied into a container (to eat later) because all he really wanted was that card.

Throughout history we have seen many playground games:

- Yo-yos which date back to 500BC and are one of the oldest toys in history. Yoy-yo's peaked in popularity in 1962 when Duncan Toys sold 45 million units world-wide. Who can forget "Walk the dog", "Around the World" and "Rock the Baby"!

- Hopscotch

- Hula Hoops

- Elastics. I remember getting my grandma to raid her sewing box to make me my trustsy elastic.

- Spinning top, which has had a modern facelift and marketed under the name Beyblades (oh my these babies swept through our house big time. We have the stadium and a whole array of spinning things that "battle").

Things haven't changed really and now there is a whole new array of toys and games sweeping through playgrounds. The revamped spinning top is now the twirlicious collection of FurReal Friends Dizzy Dancers who perform dance tricks as they get set to balance, spin and twirl around the playground. These twirling spinning pets with a funny face and a cute tuft of fur on top of their head will have girls in a spin as they collect and mix n’ match their very own dance troupe. The twirlin’ base and all dancing pets can be quickly interchanged to create a unique Dizzy Dancers Pet.

The first wave of ten characters will see Roz Paws, Lula Blu, Mandi Pandee, Penelopaw, and Penny Waddle spinning their way across playgrounds from February 22nd with an additional 70 different pets to be launched throughout the year. With 70 different pets I am sure my daughter will send me broke (or be doing lots of chores) to get as many of these characters as possible. My saving grace is there is no batteries required.

While girls are discovering the joys of spinning tops in 2012, boys will be re-visiting three all-time favourites in one game - marbles, spinning tops and collectables. Star Wars Fighter Pods brings together these perennial playground games with ever popular Star Wars figures including heroes Luke Skywalker and evil nemesis Darth Vader and a focus on intergalactic battlelines.

The new Star Wars collectible battling experience features micro heroes for mega battles. There are three ways to play and launch, spin or roll your pod into battle and to victory!

The tiny but tough Star Wars Fighter Pods will be in store March 7th, 2012 with over 100 figures from all six Star Wars films and The Clone Wars to collect! Boys can create epic battles with their own miniature intergalactic army of Storm troopers and Jedi Knights with the Star Wars Fighter Pods.

Schoolyard crazes have changed over time but it seems the school kids of today are being lured away from their portable screens for classic toys their parents enjoyed!

Congratulations to Carolyn (entry via blog) and Marnie (entry via email) who have both won a Dizzy dancers prize Pack!!

Thanks to Hasbro we have two Dizzy Dancer Packs valued at $90 each to give away.

Each pack contains:

1 x Dizzy Dancers
1 x Dizzy Dancers Dance Champs 2 Pack
1 x Dizzy Dancers Twirlin' Dance Studio

This competition is now closed.

Either leave a comment below or email your answer to info@mummahh.com.au

School goes high tech!

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:49:00 GMT

When my daughter started school her backpack was nearly as big as her! It's really important to choose the right backpack for your children, given that most of them are lugging round a small home office these days. Here is an interesting piece supplied by Intel Australia. ......

School goes high tech!

By Intel Australia

Times are a-changing and technology really seems to be making an impact on our children’s school environment these days. Firstly, we used to lug around backpacks filled with heavy text books and more recently students have been carrying heavy text books AND a heavy laptop. You’ve got to be thinking that can’t be good for your child’s back, and you’d be right. The Chiropractor’s Association of Australia says that adult back pain and spinal disorders may stem from childhood activities including carrying a heavily loaded backpack for twelve years or more of schooling[i].

So much work seems to be done on a computer these days and laptops are getting lighter. An Ultrabook, which is a thin and light notebook computer, can weigh as little as 1kg. Now that’s better than a bag filled with text books – or having to fork out for two sets of text books so your child doesn’t have to cart them from home to school every day!

Back in our day (seriously, I thought that was something only our parents said), we didn’t have things like interactive whiteboards or school intranets, let alone back packs with built in laptop compartments and smartphone pockets. The first point of call for assignments was always the family set of encyclopaedias or the library, not the internet. Technology is really making its mark on our children’s schooling.

Kate Burleigh from Intel Australia says Ultrabook computers are a great option for students. “They are thin, light and powerful enough for older students who may be looking for a device that can last them through university. They have at least five hours of battery life, and some have up to eight hours which is plenty to get children through the school day.”

Here are some additional tips on how to prevent back pain associated with carrying heavy back packs from The Chiropractor’s Association of Australia[ii]:

- Backpacks should ideally be no heavier than 10% of a student’s weight when packed
- Make sure the backpack is sturdy and appropriately sized - no wider than the student's chest
- Put comfort and fit at the top of the priority list, rather than good looks
- Choose a backpack with broad, padded shoulder straps
- Use both shoulder straps - never sling the pack over one shoulder
- Use waist straps attached - they are there for a good reason
- Don't wear the backpack any lower than the hollow of the lower back
- Don't overload the backpack - use school lockers and plan homework well in advance
- Place all heavy items at the base of the pack, close to the spine, for a better distribution of weight

To download a fact sheet with more information about carrying back packs click here.

For more information on choosing the right computer for your child, visit the Intel website.

[i]Back Pack Tips, The Australian Chiropractors Association, viewed 1^st February 2012, http://chiropractors.asn.au/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Back_Pack_Fact_Sheet&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=10770

[ii] Back Pack Tips, The Australian Chiropractors Association, viewed 1^st February 2012, http://chiropractors.asn.au/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Back_Pack_Fact_Sheet&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=10770

Can I have some of that yummy medicine!

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:55:00 GMT

Nature's Own have just released Omega Delight.

I've put the (scientific) facts below about the health benefits for school age children (and adults!) of Omega-3. But I'm a true believer in putting things to the test. I want honesty. I want pure, unscripted reactions. Basically, I want the truth - so bring in the kids.

Mr 7 and Miss 5 are guaranteed to give you an honest opinion, especially when it comes to taste. How often do you hear YUCK when you're giving your kids medicines or vitamins? Let's face it some don't really taste that good. I remember the taste of liquid penicillin given to me as a kid, it still makes me shudder when I think of it.

First of all, I have to comment on the packaging because I like to consider myself a bit arty. I find the presentation very appealing, and especially enticing for kids. So what did the kids think?

I showed them the bottle and explained what it was and what it did. They were interested in how it would "help their brain". Now for the all important taste test.....

There was a chorus of YUM and MMMM. My son said "It's creamy and fruity....can I have some more".

I then had to explain that it was "medicine" and you only have the recommended amount everyday. So now, on a regular basis, I get "Can I have some more of that yummy medicine?"

So if your children aren't getting enough Omega-3 naturally and you are looking for a way to supplement their diet I can highly recommend Nature's Own Omega Delight. Oh, and by the way I thought it was pretty yummy too!

Here's what the the experts say:

Despite near blanket awareness of the role of Omega-3 in brain development and concentration, Australian school children are not even close to consuming enough for optimal health. This Omega-3 dietary challenge is particularly relevant as parents worry about their children’s concentration levels heading back to school.

According to the Omega Delight Survey*, 97% of mothers correctly link Omega-3 to brain development and 94% to concentration. However, only 20% manage to get their children to eat the recommended two to three servings of fish a week and less than 20% supplement their child’s diet.

Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Milena Katz, said there is clearly a high awareness and understanding of the role Omega-3 plays in brain development and concentration but this study demonstrates that awareness is unfortunately failing to translate into action through either diet or supplements.

Although Omega-3 intake through diet is always preferred, it’s relevant that parents consider other options including Omega-3 supplementation while also working on improving their children’s fish intake.

Acknowledging the significant challenges associated with getting children to eat enough fish or take a traditional Omega-3 supplement, Nature’s Own Senior Brand Manager, Mark Ho, said the new Omega Delight range had recently been introduced in Australia as an alternative.

“Our customers were telling us that they understood the need for Omega-3 but some were turned away from supplements because of the traditional fishy taste or oily texture.

“Omega Delight is a good source of Omega-3 with the delicious taste and texture of a fruit smoothie. It’s a delicious way to get the benefits of Omega-3 and can be enjoyed on its own, in a drink or as a cereal topping. As an added bonus, it doesn’t contain any sugar. “

Omega Delight is now available in good pharmacies and Coles stores. RRP $21.95.

* 'School children and Omega-3 in Australia’

Pure Profile survey conducted on behalf of Nature’s Own Omega Delight, December 2011. Sample size 1003.

We have two Nature's Own Omega Delight prize packs to give away.

Each pack consist of three bottles of Nature's Own Omega Delight: 1 x Mango Peach, 1 x Pineapple and 1 x Citrus Burst (specifically for kids). Each Prize Pack RRP is $65.85.

Competition ends 12 Feb, 2012. For full terms and condition click here.

Leave a comment below, answering the following question:

"Tell us in 25 words or less how Omega Delight would benefit your child?"

This competition is now closed.

Congratulations to Lyndall and Candice who are the lucky winners!

A good egg

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:25:00 GMT

My kids love eggs.

My (almost) two year old will vacuum up a plate of scrambled eggs in a matter of minutes. On those days when we're all tired and just can't face preparing and cooking a huge meal, it's eggs on toast or scrambled eggs.

The good thing is - they are healthy (pheww, don't feel like a bad parent for skimping on the meat and three veg once in a while). My eldest had a a very short lived reaction to eggs as a baby. They gave him a mild rash around his mouth.

From my own research I have found that egg allergy or intolerance is the one of the most common food allergies which affects about 1-2% of preschool age children. It is usually due to allergy (IgE) antibodies against egg proteins.

Many infants and young children will grow out of their egg allergy. Approximately 2 out of 3 will grow out of their allergy by 5-10 years of age. Those children who have had milder allergic reactions with only skin reactions are more likely to outgrow their allergy than children with more severe reactions.

If you would like more information on egg allergy you can visit the Kid's Health section of the Westmead Children's Hospital website which is a fabulous resource for parents, with a wide variety of fact sheets covering children's health topics. Just a note - don't rely on my word or a website when it comes to medical situations - always seek advice from a health professional.

My son was one of those children who outgrew his intolerance. Thank goodness because, amongst other things, eggs are in (most) cakes, biscuits and other yummy things! But they are also fantastic on there own.

Some nutritional facts about eggs:

- Two average eggs provide two thirds of the day's requirements for selenium, around one third of the day's requirements for vitamin B12, iodine, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), riboflavin, vitamin A and vitamin E and 20-25% of the day's requirements for protein, folate, iron and phosphorus.

- Eggs also provide zinc, are one of the only food sources of vitamin D and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly the long chain DHA and DPA.

So with the kids heading back to school I won't be able to whip up eggs on toast for lunch and I am not sure they will win many friends with a stinky boiled egg in their lunch box. The Australian Egg Coorporation has come up with a super yummy Carrot and Muesli Muffin recipe which makes a perfect lunch box treat.

As well as being lower in saturated fat and sugar* than an average muffin, these lunch box goodies contain nutritious eggs and are also high in fibre thanks to their wholegrain ingredients - wholegrain flour, muesli and carrots, which help kids maintain a healthy digestive system.

In fact one serving will provide your child with**:

- 17% RDI for dietary fibre

- 17% RDI for iron

- 17% RDI for protein

These muffins in your children's lunch box means you know exactly what they're eating and they're also less likely to eat other not-so-healthy snacks. You can download the recipe here.

For more inspiring egg ideas you can visit www.eggs.com.au

* Daily intake and recommended dietary intakes for labelling puposes.

**One carrot and muesli muffin is 28% lower in saturated fat and 34% lower in sugar compared to a commercial style muffin (NUTTAB 2010)

Making learning fun?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:48:00 GMT

My daughter is five and started school last year. When she started school she was only 4, but we thought she was ready. I am very proud to say we were right and she got through kindy with flying colours.

I know all children are different, some are ready for school sooner than others and some need to wait a little longer. My son and daughter were born in the middle of the year, so for both we had to make a decision as to put them in early or hold them back. With my oldest (my son) we waited that extra little bit before starting school but my daughter just seemed ready, especially after watching her older brother go off to school every day.

I am amazed at the transformation that kids go through in that first year of school. They go in knowing next to nothing and at the end of that first year they can read and write. It is wonderful to watch. But I am noticing with my son, going on to year one, and in a week year two, the shine is starting to come off the whole school thing. You see (according to my son), year one is so much harder than kindy. I asked him why and was told "you have to do maths and stuff and there isn't as much free time". So I suspect this was a little glimpse into the future that will contain the constant "have you done your homework" sagas!

Over the school holidays my five year old daughter and seven year old son have been road testing some of the wonderful LeapFrog educational products. Now lets not fool anyone, these products are sneaky devices that actually make kids think they are playing (ie having fun) when all the while they are also learning - BRILLIANT! Who would of thought - a toy that you actually want them to play with all the time. And that's just what both of them did.

My daughter can now always be found within a 2 metre radius of her Leapster Explorer. This little beauty is a hand held "gaming" device which I like to call the Nintendo DS for 4-9 year olds. Personally, the difference for me is that hand helds like the DS are focused on gaming, where as the Leapster has found that balance between fun, gaming and learning. The Leapster has games, e-books and a whole range of other features and add-ons. The games and software (purchased separately RRP $44.95) contain licensed characters such as Dora, Fairies, Scooby Doo and Ben 10. The Leapster comes with a preloaded game which my daughter loves - woo hoo (we all know that buying add-ons and games can get expensive so it's great when they actually like the pre-loaded one!).

Although he liked the Leapster (if he could ever pry it from his sister), my son took a shine to the LeapFrog Tag Reading System (RRP $59.99) and in particular the Interactive Map (RRP $29.99) we purchased for it. This was a surprise actually because at least 50 times a day my son requests a Nintendo DS..."you know what I want, I want a DS" over and over, he tells us. By the way he did have a DS until he learned the harsh lesson that when you "leave" your Nintendo DS somewhere not many people will hand it in or try and return it to it's (very distressed) owner. But back to the story...So I was shocked that he was more interested in the Tag and I can't really blame him, it's quite impressive. I would have a loved a pen that talked to me when I was a kid! And that is essentially what it is.

To be a little more technical, there is a small infrared camera at the tip of the stylus which 'reads' letters, words and symbols printed on the special dot-patterned pages of the books in the Tag library. Like the pre-loaded game on the Leapster, the Tag comes with a Disney book called 'Let's Play Tag' which teaches kids how it all works. The Tag will read an entire book out loud in character voices and as skill levels increase you can read word by word or just play activities. This is where it was great, totally suitable for both my children. For my four year old daughter, she enjoyed the reading aspect, where as this didn't challenge my seven year old son so much, and he enjoyed the activities.

Straight up - I don't get paid to do reviews, so when I say this I am totally honest...the Interactive World Map is fantastic. My son and I stayed up way too late one night trying to get to "Super Dooper Voyager" level playing the Map Racer game which is a timed quiz that tests your knowledge of the world's countries. I can tell you I was embarrassed at how bad my geography knowledge was. My son can now instantly point out any country on the globe within a nanosecond (well close to it). There are other great learning activities and I was quite amazed at how much fun we had with what seems like a map printed on a bit of cardboard. The Interactive World Map (pictured below) RRP $29.99 is sold separately to the Tag Reading System.

There are heaps of great books available for the Tag which include Dr Seuss' Cat In The Hat as well as activity storybooks with popular characters SpongeBob SquarePants (popular - my kids think this yellow guy is a god!), Disney Princess and Toy Story.

The other great feature of all the LeapFrog products is the free online LeapFrog Learning Path. The LeapFrog Connect Application is the gateway to all the online features for your LeapFrog products.

Via LeapFrog Connect you can:

- see what your child is up too, the skills they have engaged and their progress

- download learning apps (these aren't free and will set you back around $10)

- download books for the tag reader

- redeem rewards for completed activities and games (rewards include printable activity sheets).

The LeapFrog products are an investment (let's face it they are big ticket items and then there are the books and games etc etc) but I think they are a worthwhile investment in my children's education: short story - money well spent. Now whilst these products are great, the down side is they "chew the juice" and by that I mean get a battery charger or you will go broke replacing batteries. I suppose I could always see this as a positive that they are constantly using them and learning as they do! If you want to find out more about LeapFrog products visit www.leapfrog.com

Thanks to LeapFrog we have a Tag Reading System (RRP $59.99) and a Tag Interactive Map (RRP $29.99) to give away.

To enter tell us in 25 words or less, in a comment below, which LeapFrog product would help your kids leap into the new school year and why.

Oh and don't forget to share this blog on Facebook so all your friends can find out all about LeapFrog and our fab giveaway!

Competition ends midnight 5 February 2012