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Dear Readers...

I was having a coffee yesterday morning with a friend who’s son is starting ’big school' this year and sharing how when my son made the leap from childcare to big school it was a huge adjustment for all of us, not just my son. As dramatic as it may sound I felt like I had an empty nest even though Cristian was only gone for six hours and often spent as much time, if not more in childcare prior to starting school. The difference for me was, unlike childcare when I could drop of and pick up at whatever time suited, ‘big school’ meant a 9am start and no picking up before 2.45. I was not able to have friendly chats at the end of each day with Cristian’s teacher to find out what he’d been up too and with whom. I felt shut out and even when I collected Cristian, he was so exhausted I could not get more than a grunt out of him in the car on the way home.

As happy as I was for my son and his world opening up, I felt a little redundant. My solution - not a recommendation to you but it worked for me - get pregnant... I started the cycle all over again!  

Emily started school 3 years ago at which point I had to work on my own self development, through work, involvement in the community and school life. Now it’s me who grunts through exhaustion on the way home in the car!

My tip for you if your child is starting ‘big school’ this year - expect tears, yours and his/hers, plan to keep your days filled while he/she’s at school for the first week or so, catch up with friends, get to a movie or gym, have a haircut and before you know it, it will be time for the afternoon school run.

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

Blogger

In Cath’s blog this week, her little girl is starting childcare, but she is prepared - as an ex teacher she knows the ropes. "No big change is ever smooth sailing, and I’m sure there will be hiccups as we all adjust to new routines, new rules and new ways of doing things.”... Read more.

Give your child a head start with ABC Reading Eggs!

Give your child a head start this year and improve their reading skills in just a few weeks. From 3 year olds taking their first steps into reading, to 5 year olds preparing for school, ABC Reading Eggs helps children of all ages learn to read as they play.

Take advantage of the ABC Reading Eggs Back to School 3 week FREE trial offer and see first hand, why parents and teachers love the ABC Reading Eggs program!
Simply register your child on www.readingeggs.com by the 28th Feb 2010.  Registration is quick, easy and FREE. Just visit the site and type in the access code shown.
Access Code: JAS65LGK

Blogger

When Jo’s son Noah returned from childcare and he started doing and saying things she had not heard him do or say before, she realised this was going to be a big year of learning for her little man as he prepares for the life ahead of him... Read more.

Starting childcare, stopping germs

If your baby’s at the age when they’re just starting childcare, they’re also at the age when they’re starting to pick up germs.

When it comes to protecting your baby, nothing is as trusted as Milton. For generations, Milton antibacterial solution and tablets have been the most effective way to sterilise baby bottles, feeding equipment and other items.

And now Milton’s new baby care range gives you even more ways to protect your baby, including antibacterial gel and spray which are perfect for rubbing on little hands and spraying on toys.
For more helpful baby care tips, go to miltonbaby.com.au.

Win a Junior Masterchef Kit!

The MasterChef phenomenon has touched people of all ages and now the kids can get involved in a safe and fun way with the Junior MasterChef range. Visit, www.kidswhocook.com.au to order and view the whole range of Junior MasterChef products.


Checklist for starting 'big school'

Choose the school you wish to enrol your child in.

Book a tour or interview with the school, take yourchild with you.
Apply to enrol your child at school.
Attend school orientation or transition. Check with your school to see if they run a program.
 
Ensure immunisations are up to date.
Have your child's hearing and eyesight checked.
If your child has an allergy, medical condition or special needs, inform the school as early as possible and make an appointment to see the principal. Ask the school for any documents you need to have filled out by doctors in the event of medication needing to be administered.
 
Ensure your child can open his/her lunchbox, and tie his/her shoes or buy Velcro closing shoes.
 
Organise who will be looking after your child before and after school. Ask your school if they provide after school care or work with a local centre that does. Take your child along to see the before/after school care and meet the carers.
 
Keep your diary up to date with all school functions/plays etc. and schedule your commitments according to avoid missing out.

Be a Super Organised Mum with Bright Star Kids Labels
Will your kids be starting Day Care or School in 2010?
Make sure their brand new things don't get lost or mixed by simply sticking personalised labels on all their items. Bright Star Kids have all the labels you'll need including clothing, shoe and book labels all at fantastic prices. You can choose from lots of packs, including our most popular Pre-School & Day Care Label Value Kit (only $34.95).
You'll also get 40 FREE Tiny Labels and best of all delivery is FREE Australia wide.


Preparing For School

Preparing your child for the first day of school can be a daunting task physically, financially and emotionally. Not only do you have to be prepared with all the school requirements but you will also need to prepare your child and yourselves for the emotional changes you will face.

Send your kids to school with a healthy back

SPI Ergonomic Backpacks from Best 4 Backs are especially designed to fit kindergarten and primary school children and protect their developing spines.

They have loads of special ergonomic features: internal support, chest and waist straps and wide, well-padded shoulder straps, which reduce stress on the back, neck and shoulders and make them comfortable to wear and are available in two sizes so even the smallest child can have a perfectly fitting backpack.

The backpacks are made of durable, easy clean fabric, quality zips and stay standing when empty, making it easy on Mum’s back too!  Feel good about protecting your child’s growing spine!
Available online from www.best4backs.com.au.

Blogger

A warm welcome to 2010 at Parenting Australia from Mihiri, her first blog of the year starts with her resolution - “This year I am committing to Being Present. I worked out the key is to do one thing at a time. I know, I know, how will everything get done??!" ... Read more.


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

22nd January
27th January
2nd February
5th February

Gluten Free.
Lunch box ideas.
Returning to work.
Valentine's Day.

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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.