Monday, December 8, 2014

Add caption
 Now that the hotter weather is here it is important to remember the following messages, for your children and your pets. There is more information on the Kidsafe Victoria webpage.

 
 
 
 
Keeping baby cool in the heat
SOME INFORMATION FROM THE AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOCIATION.
 
 
 
 
WATER SAFETY AND YOUR YOUNG CHILDREN
INFORMATION FROM  THE RAISING CHILDREN WEBSITE
 
Safety aside, there are some fun things your child can do on a hot day that involves water.
 
Small containers of water and cheap paint brushes can provide hours of fun, "painting" the path, the walls, their bike or toys, and even themselves.
 
Collect flowers and leaves etc and freeze them in icecream or margerine containers filled with water. Watch them melt outside on the warm ground.
 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Walk Wheel and Push Event - Maddingley Park this Saturday

Walk Wheel and Push Event
Maddingley Park Bacchus Marsh
Saturday November 29
10.30 - 2.30

Celebrating International Day of People with Disability

Inclusive event.
Bring your family and friends

Free activities
- try your hand at boules
- wheelchair basketball

Kids activities

Music by Rudely Interupted and local musicians

Displays

Free Showbags

Lions BBQ

Close to the Adventure Playground.

Fun for kids of all ages

Rudely Interupted

Monday, November 3, 2014

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Teddy Bear's Picnic



Round and round the garden
like a teddy bear
one step, two step
tickle you under there
 
If you haven't been to library storytime or rhyme time, it's a great way to join in with your children, and share songs and rhymes.
 
Early literacy activities are so important.
Reading to your children, singing, rhyming and talking all build your child's literacy.
 

 
Look at our previous post on the website for information on activities during children's week. October 20 - 27
 
 
 
 

Thursday, October 16, 2014

CELEBRATE CHILDREN'S WEEK IN MOORABOOL


 
 
 
GET CREATIVE AND CELEBRATE CHILDREN'S WEEK      IN MOORABOOL.
LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUN IN BACCHUS MARSH AND BALLAN NEXT WEEK.
NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST COME ALONG!
 

 
 
CHECK OUT THE BREASTFEEDING IN MOORABOOL GROUP FACEBOOK PAGE WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP BY M4M. SHARE INFORMATION AND JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION.
 
 


Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Sleep, fussy eaters, toilet training, behaviour...

 
Great informal parenting chats are on offer from Moorabool Shire's Maternal and Child Health Service, and they're kid friendly.
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Apps for parents


Life can be hectic as a parent, with a million tasks to juggle,  and a maze of information to navigate.
There are a number of apps out there to assist parents, and the following are two examples.
If you have any suggestions for tried and tested apps that you find helpful to you as a parent, please let m4m know and we can share them with other Moorabool parents.

Immunisation Schedule App

Immunisation protects the community against vaccine-preventable diseases. Each vaccine plays an important role, so timely vaccination is the best way to protect your child. This website offers parents access to comprehensive information on immunisation as well as the following, easy-to-use free tools designed to help you save the date to vaccinate.

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/save-the-date/id619046535?ls=1&mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nswhealth.immunisation



The new ASD & Disability app is free and designed to help parents find the services and information they need to best meet the needs of their children. It includes:
  • A service pathfinder to guide parents through the process of connecting with support, including financial assistance, and the services they can access at each stage before and after diagnosis. It also introduces them to key specialists and professionals that they will encounter along the way.
  • A service mapping tool allowing parents to locate services anywhere around Australia via postcode and service type.
  • Videos with parent stories, tips, reassurance and ideas.
  • Links to articles for parents about common disability and ASD topics including diagnosis, early intervention, learning and development, social challenges, communication, thinking and learning strengths, later diagnosis of ASD and choosing interventions.
Download the free Raising Children with ASD and Disability app from iTunes for iOS or Google Play for Android


Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Have your say in Moorabool

Join the conversation.

Moorabool for Mothers are hosting a new Facebook page

called Breastfeeding in Moorabool Group.

You can request to join. 

This is a good place to share your stories, links to information, and to find out about what is available for breastfeeding mothers in Moorabool and beyond.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/484145628382231/?ref=br_tf

 

Survey for Families

  Moorabool Shire Council are currently asking Moorabool  families to complete a survey to assist with the development of a new Municipal Early Years Plan. The plan will assist Council to deliver services, programs and facilities for children from birth to 12 years, and their families, now and into the future. 

Council would like to hear your experience and perspectives on how Moorabool Shire can be a better place for children and families.  

To complete a survey you can follow the link below.

Closing date for the survey is June 25. Completed surveys including your contact details will be entered into a draw to win a $50 voucher.

 https://www.research.net/s/V5RDBQT 

 



Monday, May 12, 2014

Transition to Secondary School Expo


You are invited to the Moorabool Shire Council Primary to Secondary School Transition Expo


This expo aims to provide parents, families and young people with an opportunity to explore
and discuss key factors associated with the transition from Primary to Secondary school,
including young people’s social and emotional wellbeing at the time of this transition.
 
Angie Wilcock, an expert in school transition will be the keynote speaker, and will present information on a range of issues associated with the transition.          
A number of secondary schools from across the region will also be at the Expo to discuss primary to secondary transition issues.
Where: Bacchus Marsh Town Hall.
When: 22nd May, 2014.
Time: start 7:00pm.
RSVP: 16th May.
Please send your response to both your school and the email address below. Or for any further queries contact Youth Services on the phone number below.
Ph: 5366 7100 or Email: jperham@moorabool.vic.gov.au

Thursday, May 1, 2014

May Update - what's on!


Breastfeeding support in Moorabool


You can now find information about breastfeeding support services within Moorabool on the Moorabool Shire Council website www.moorabool.vic.gov.au
 Breastfeeding Support Group
Next meeting Tuesday 6th May, Studio 22, 182 Halletts Way Darley. All mothers welcome, whatever your stage in your breastfeeding journey. Meet other mums, share a cuppa, and get support and information. Relaxed friendly group, with play activities for children.

Ante-natal breastfeeding information class
 - Saturday May 10th - Call Nichole on 53667100 for more information.

Something for Dads


If you are a dad who has the care of their children 0-5 during the week and are looking for something to do, have you considered playgroup? We will be organising a day shortly to bring dads together to discuss forming a dads and kids playgroup in Moorabool. If you are interested you can call Nichole on 53667100.


Imagination Magic in May is being held in Bacchus Marsh, Gordon and Dunnstown.
If you are interested in tickets call Moorabool Shire Council's Customer Service on 53667100.
 
 

websites 


The following website by Tim Gill has some interesting articles, video snips and conversations around the nature of childhood. Tim is a well known presenter on the topic of childhood, and challenges our thinking in regards to the nature of childhood these days, as compared to the childhood some of us remember. It is well worth a look.  http://rethinkingchildhood.com/
 
For those of you who aspire to be Free Range Parents, with Free Range Kids, Lenore Skenazy's website is an interesting read. You can subscribe to receive email updates.
 
 
And for those of you who just like to look at beautiful images and dream, love to craft and want inspiration, are wanting some DIY ideas, love inspirational quotes, etc etc etc etc etc.
Check out Pinterest. Just Google it. Add a word or two to the search bar, and get hooked.
One of my favourites is Claw Foot Bath.
 
 
 

 
 

 



 
 





 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

School Holiday Fun in Moorabool

 
 
 
 
The school holidays are fast approaching, and many of you will be looking for inexpensive and fun activities to do with your children. Don't forget to check out our playgrounds page for ideas, and the flyers below for some other local activities. If you have any other ideas for low cost/ no cost activities let us know so that we can share them with other families.


For Imagination Magic tickets contact
Moorabool Shire Council's Customer Service on 53667100

Thursday, March 13, 2014

M4M news for March


What's on in Moorabool for Families?
 

                    Closing the Gap - 20th March, Town Hall, 4pm - 6.30pm 

                    Harmony Day - 21st March, Lerderderg Library, 11am - 1pm

                    Ballan Autumn Festival - 23rd March, all day 

                    Playgroup Week Event - 27th March, 10am - 12pm

                    Rural Living Expo - 11th - 13th April, Exhibition Buildings

                    Families Week -15th-22nd May






 
On Sunday 23rd March 2014: from 9am
Art Show
Photo Exhibition
PARADE
Pet Show
Wood Chop
Vintage Machinery
Historical Society
Model Rail
                                            Street Stalls
                                                 Music
                                               Dancing

                                               Displays
                                          Demonstrations   
Ballan Commuter Art Exhibition
Back to the Seventies Kids Art Exhibition
                                                                                                    
There will also be free kids activities provided by Best Start and the Maternal and Child Health Service, so come along and have a fun day with the family.
 
 
 
 

We recommend you get onto the Parent Email list by contacting Moorabool Shire Council's Maternal and Child Health Service on 53667100. This is a great program for kids 0-5 years
and their mums, dads and carers.
Tickets are free by calling customer service on 5366 7100.
If you're not on the email list to receive the flyers, here is a snapshot of what's coming up.


Ballan, March 25, 10am - Yogabugs - yoga through stories ( tickets available now)
Bacchus Marsh, April 8, 10am and 11.15am- Indigenous Storytelling - Yarnstrongsista - stories and puppetry ( tickets available March 26)
Ballan, April 22, 10am- Storytelling- JB Rowley (tickets available March 26)
Dunnstown, May 12, 10am - Jon Madin and his homemade instruments (tickets available April 23)
Bacchus Marsh, May 13, 10am and 11.15am - Colour Me Music (tickets available April 23)
Ballan, May 27, 10am - Colour Me Music (tickets available April 23)



What’s in the popcorn you buy at the movies? Jane
If you visit the website, www.fedup.com.au ,  you’ll find lots of information about food additives such as artificial colours and flavours. In particular, the website helps explain the effects additives have on children’s health and behaviour. For example, you can look for frequently asked questions, like the one below about movie theatre popcorn. It’s not all it’s cracked (or popped!) up to be!

http://fedup.com.au/information/frequently-asked-questions/additive-questions#popcorn

Q. What’s in the popcorn they sell in cinemas? I’m sure it affects my 4 yo.
A. At Hoyts the popcorn contains tartrazine (102). ...... Any product containing this colour in Europe must carry a warning "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. Regulators in Australia say parents who want to avoid this additive can choose to read labels.
Or what about this email from a mother who removed the bread preservative 282 from her daughter’s diet:
From [329] 282: Two years of underachieving with calcium propionate (July 2004)

The introduction of preservative 282 in purchased bread coincided with a decline in our daughter's abilities. Her bread intake increased until she was eating about 8 or more slices/day and her performance decreased until we were able to get very little work out of her as she was unable to concentrate for more than about one minute at a time.

... I did further investigation on the net...the result was that we returned to using our bread maker after not having used it for nearly two years. After about ten days, we had a different child. She started concentrating! She finished in 10 minutes what she previously couldn't finish in 4 hours. Her spelling started to improve as did her handwriting. She also finally learned to ride a two-wheeled bike!


 

 



Breastfeeding clips to make you laugh, and make you think

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dw2XHMUnyE      ( ruin your day...)
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiS8q_fifa0           (Embarrassed, by Holly McNish)

For breastfeeding support options in Moorabool contact Moorabool Shire Council's Maternal and Child Health Service on 53667100.







 


 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Breastfeeding Mothers in Moorabool are not alone - Breastfeeding Support and MCH open sessions

Following the launch of a new Breastfeeding Support Group in Bacchus Marsh at the start of February this year, the group have set some dates for their meetings for the next few months.
The atmosphere at the launch was positive, warm and inviting for the mothers, babies, children and visitors who attended.
The ABA lactation consultants who will be facilitating the group are offering a monthly session, with time for a talk on the topics listed below, and time for socialising, and for providing mothers with support and information.
The breastfeeding journey can be rewarding, but is not always a smooth journey for all mothers. In particular having others who can support your needs and your desire to breastfeed can be a challenge, and this is something a breastfeeding support group can provide.
The group is being supported by a grant received from the Macedon Ranges and North Western Melbourne Medicare Local, and by the Moorabool Maternal and Child Health Service.
 
You can just come along, or email ( see below) or call 53667100 for more information.
 
 
For more information on Breastfeeding support, please see our page on Breastfeeding.
 
Maternal and Child Health Service

 

 
The Moorabool MCH Service is now offering an  
open session at the
new Gell St Clinic, 15 Lerderderg St, Bacchus Marsh.
11am -12.30pm Thursdays
This is a great addition to the MCH service
where parents can meet with an MCH Nurse,
no appointment necessary
Just come along
For more information contact MCH Admin on 53667100

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Invitation to the Launch of new Breastfeeding Support Group in Bacchus Marsh


COME ALONG TO THE LAUNCH, AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT IS AVAILABLE IN MOORABOOL FOR BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS.

GOOD COFFEE, MORNING TEA AND CHILD FRIENDLY.
 
 
 

 
A PROGRAM FOR 0-5 YEAR OLDS AND THEIR MUMS, DADS AND CARERS
FREE ENTRY BY BOOKING A TICKET
 
FEBRUARY
AFRICAN DRUMMING
 
FEBRUARY 11, BACCHUS MARSH
10AM AND 11.15AM SESSIONS
 
FEBRUARY 25, BALLAN
10AM SESSION
 
TICKETS AVAILABLE JANUARY 28
 
MARCH
YOGA THROUGH STORIES
 

MARCH 11, BACCHUS MARSH
10AM AND 11.15AM SESSIONS
MARCH 25, BALLAN
10AM SESSION
 
TICKETS AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 26
 
CALL MOORABOOL SHIRE CUSTOMER SERVICE ON 5366 7100