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Dear Readers...

Everywhere I turn these days there seems to be a healthy eating message, which I support wholeheartedly, however I must say I do feel pressured to score a 'perfect 10' when it comes to nourishing my children. For instance on Sunday we had friends coming over for a roast. I was running late and was in the supermarket buying the chook at 5pm. All items in my trolley were healthy, except - a packet of high fibre, low fat, low salt , low everything, high cost chips(they actually tasted like cardboard!).

Running late I caved in to pester power in the last 5m before reaching the finishing line, the checkout.

I could feel the eyes of other well meaning shoppers burning into me as i opened the packet and shared them with the children (after they were swiped). Guilt swept over me momentarily and then I took a 'walk a few aisles in my shoes and you'd understand' attitude.

I am not perfect, I do not score a perfect 10 and actually I don't want to. It's ok for the kids to have a bickie now and again or share a packet of chips between 3, it's about balance and making as many healthy choices as I can and not putting fear into my children about food.

I felt some comfort when I read the blogs this week. Tanya, Catherine and Jo put their hands up to owning a bickie jar and not scoring a perfect 10 as well. I am not alone!

 

Jane King
Mother to Emily 8, Cristian 14
Founder of Parenting Australia

Rafferty's Garden is a premium range of baby food launched in 2007 and offers seven premium products, which include cereals and smooth purees suitable for babies from 4 months, to a “lumpy” range for toddlers.

Babies and Toddlers love the bright and cheerful packaging and mums love the clever resealable spouts on the smooth range, making it quick and convenient. Rafferty's is yummy, your kids will enjoy experimenting with all the new flavours and textures in the range.

Available in supermarkets nationally, including Woolworths, Coles, IGA, Foodworks, Franklins, as well as Toys R Us.

Parenting Australia Competition

New for Christmas 2009! Introducing the Ubercuff range from Uberkate. Designs to be worn around the wrist. The cuffs are solid sterling silver and come with your choice of two coloured leather wrist straps. Choose black, caramel, turquoise, burnt orange, or olive.
And to celebrate the launch Uberkate is giving away two of these cuffs as an early Christmas present valued at $135 each!


Blogger

Catherine Oehlman has some creative idea’s on how to steer your kids away from the bicky jar at grumble o’clock... Read more.


This week’s blog topic – healthy snacking – worried me somewhat. While our children eat healthy food and some unhealthy treats at parties or special occasions, I often wonder if their diet is healthy enough... By Johanna Baker-Dowdell. Read more.


Parents playing it safe 

Parenting Australia Poll asked - 'Have you omitted nuts from your childs diet because you are afraid they may have an allergic reaction?'

36.4% of parents who responded to last weeks poll said YES

Mummy amnesia nightmare... 

We all have our moments, mummy mental block I call it. My neighourbour and bestie had a doozy a few years ago when her 4 year old son had a friend over for a play date. His mum told my friend about her son's dairy and nut allergies before she left. They had a play, had lunch and later she gave them both a chocolate cornetto... and a medical emergency unfolded - thankfully with no longlasting effects. Accidents happen, people are human and they can forget so if your kids are allergic make sure you label them before a play date or party...


Peace of mind for parents

Donna Rendell is the mother of 6 year old Stella, who has life threatening food allergies…
“It became apparent early on that simply telling people about Stella's food allergies was not enough; I needed something for her to wear which was colourful and eye-catching."
Donna launched the Star Allergy Alerts website in May 2006. Her range has grown to include over 40 different Badge/Sticker designs, Allergy/Medical Bracelets, Wristbands, T-shirts, EpiPen Pouches, Posters and more. They are perfect for Child Care, Kindy, School, Camps, Parties and Play-dates!
Star Allergy Alerts main aim is to promote allergy awareness in a fun, kid-friendly and practical way.

Parenting Australia Competition

Hoyts and Parenting Australia are giving away 20 family passes(admit 4) to see Thomas as you've never seen him before - on the big screen at Hoyts! 'Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails' will be screening from 20 November at selected Hoyts Cinemas (NSW/VIC/ACT/WA/SA only) for a limited time only.


10 Tips for healthy snacking

Think ahead - Plan and shop to ensure you have a healthy fridge and pantry.

Keep colourful mixed portions of fruit and veg chopped in sandwich bags at child's eye height in the fridge.

Also store mini yoghurts at child's eye height in the fridge.

Whenever possible take snacks with you when you go out, with or without the children.
Educate your child not to share food.

Be a good role model - if you snack healthy they will snack healthy.

Top foods like pizza with vegetables and get them involved so they can create their own masterpieces!

Make a nutritious version of nachos.
Do not reward children with food.
Serve water or milk with snacks.

Sugar, dairy, egg and nut free muesli bar recipe
We love this recipe because it's healthy AND it's NUT-FREE so its safe for your children to take to school/daycare! It's easy to make so get the kids to help mix up some of the ingredients(make sure they keep safe from hot/sharp things).

Artisse Organic Aribars are a healthier snacking option that kids are sure to still love. The certified organic Aribars are made with wholegrain brown rice and are free from artificial colours and flavours. They are free from gluten, wheat and dairy, so can be enjoyed by the many kids with these allergies. Perfect for the school lunchbox, meeting the nutritional guidelines for school canteens.


Blogger

Tanya Duncan, busy mother of 2 hungry boys and founder of Mum’s Card, comes up with some cost and time efficient ideas to fuel kids at snack times... Read more.


Mihiri wonders in her blog this week 'How do I move an externally motivated eater to being an internally motivated one? Is it something that will simply come with age? Or as my child's tastes develop? Will it ever come?'... Read more.


Investigating the infamous 'Soft Drink Experiment' 

Soft drinks, as we know are highly processed foods. Our bodies try and cope with these foreign ingredients the best way they can, but they do it under duress causing many unwanted consequences.


Afro Beats: Feel the African rhythm in this colourful, energetic musical performance featuring traditional instruments and percussion.

How to manage your child's eczema 

Up to 10 per cent of children under the age of five develop eczema. The disease in a child calls for special attention. Inside this articles are some tips for helping your child to manage their eczema.


At the Irresistible Gluten Free Food show you can sample hundreds of tasty gluten free products all in one place. Hear from internationally renowned speakers including Dr Joanna McMillian Price and Dr Sue Shepherd on coeliac disease and gluten intolerance as they discuss how to maintain a healthy gluten free diet and much more. See free demos by Tobie Puttock and other top chefs at the Coles Cooking Stage as they prepare meals your family will love. Discover the latest gluten free products including biscuits, cakes, pasta, bread, cereals, smallgoods, icecream, confectionary and more.

To find out more visit www.glutenfreefoodshow.com.au.

Can You Help?

Burt's Bees are inviting Australian consumers to take part in a short survey developed to find out what Australian consumers want to know about 'natural' personal care.
The results of the survey will be published via at www.burtsbees.com.au  and shared with the Australian beauty and health media, because Burt's Bees think they will want to know what's important to you too. If you have a spare 5 mins participate now... 

If you have interesting products or a service you’d like our online family to know about, list it on our directory by contacting us here.
Special editions of Parenting Australia’s eNews to look forward to

17th November
24th November
1st December
8th December

Pregnancy and Newborn
Toilet Training
Festive Flurry
Starting Child Care

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The content of this article is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.

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