Fussy Eating: Meal Time Dilemmas By Jacqui Beadle

THE APPLE CONNECTING TASMANIAN FAMILIES

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‘He won’t try anything new’ ‘She won’t eat meat’ ‘He will only eat peanut butter sandwiches’ ‘She won’t eat anything green’ !Sound familiar? Mealtimes can be a struggle for parents particularly if battling with a fussy or picky eater. It is not uncommon for toddlers to be fussy eaters. Young children often develop a strong like or dislike to certain foods just as they have a favourite toy, cartoon or book. !For some children fussy eating may just be a phase that they will eventually grow out of. For others though, fussy eating can become a concern when a child is extremely fussy and only eats very few foods. It is particularly concerning if whole

food groups, such as vegetables or meat, are avoided. This level of fussy eating may put a child at nutritional risk, as nutrition is very important during this age group as it is vital for healthy growth and has a long-term impact on cognitive development. !What to do? Before a child tries something new they need to become familiar with it. Starting exposing your child to a wide variety of different foods at an early age (> 6 months) can help them to become familiar with the food, learn to trust it is safe and therefore are more likely to eat it. Try not to be disheartened if you are constantly exposing your child to the same food and they are rejecting it, persistence is the key, it

can take up to 15-20 exposures for a child to try a new food. !Practical Tip: Don’t stress about mess when introducing new foods, allow your child to learn how to eat foods by touching, smelling and allowing them to decide if they put it in their mouth !It is also important to lead by example and be a positive role model for your child. Try and make mealtimes a social and enjoyable experience without distractions from toys or the television, make mealtimes a time to focus on eating. Toddlers are more likely to eat if social interactions are taking place during feeding and they are much more likely to eat an unfamiliar food if an adult does

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4 first. Try not to keep your child sitting at the table for a long period of time 15-20 minutes is usually enough as they have a short concentration span. !An important note: Children will pick up on your likes and dislikes too, children as young as 3 to 5 year olds have been known to pick up on dieting behaviours of parents, something to keep in mind when conversing around the little ones. !Further tips to try: Get your child involved in mealtimes whether it be from setting the table, to helping with the cooking as this can help get them be more interested in eating the food being provided. It is best to plan meals and snacks for toddlers, having planned meal and snack times helps the

child get into a routine and know when it is time to eat, rather than allowing them to graze all day. !One last tip: It can be hard when a toddler won’t eat the family meal but it is important that you do not resort to preparing their own meal, this sends a message to the child that they are not expected to eat the meal on offer and another option is always available. !Jacqui is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and owner of Nutrition on Macquarie. She has a special interest in paediatric nutrition and is currently completing her PhD in this area. You can contact Jacqui via email at nutritiononmacquarie@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/nutritiononmacquarie !Photo: Jes Jackson of Itty Bitty Photography

The Child Welfare Association was formed in 1917 with the aim of reducing high infant mortality rates. It established baby clinics throughout Tasmania to provide mothers with free information from nurses, doctors, and volunteers about child health and mother craft. !The Child Health Association Tasmania (CHAT) succeeded the Child Welfare Association in 1956. Through fundraising, work circles, education and deputations to government, the Association was able to extend its work to projects. !The focus of CHAT has continually evolved to meet the needs of families during the 20th and 21st Centuries. In 2014, CHAT continues to work with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Child Health and Parenting Service (CHaPS). I am delighted to be part of the CHAT history and the impetus for change. Thankfully infant mortality rates have considerably decreased and understandably the role of CHAT today is somewhat different when compared to 97 years ago. !Accessing support services can be challenging in our small state because of the geographical isolation and regional marginalisation. The advancement of technology creates opportunities for CHAT to bring people together regardless of time or space,

providing 24/7 support through the website and the Child Health Association Tasmania and Mums Network Facebook groups. !Undertaking the structural and cultural change required to meet the needs of families has been the central focus of the Board. We are strengthened by the following strategic goals: !• Supporting and enhancing the

wellbeing of Tasmanian families by providing outstanding primary health programs;

• Supporting staff and clients; • Ensuring efficient internal

systems and processes; • Financial Management; and • Relationships with key

stakeholders. !All five areas have been priority for review and with a strong, experienced and diversely skilled Board we have governed CHAT to undertake considerable change. CHAT staff lead by our highly competent SEO have been resilient and worked collaboratively to review programs. !CHAT has grown its capacity to deliver for families reaching more deeply into the communities we serve to advocate for children. CHAT’s presence has grown and we continue to be recognised for upholding and advocating for families rights in Tasmania, working

with the not for profit sector and across government to support children and families. !Five years ago as a first time parent I did my research by reading everything about pregnancy and parenting. I was quietly proud of my preparedness. Then, our twins were born, and quite a few things happened of which we were not prepared. Each stage we go through raising our family brings with it new joys and unforseen challenges. And just when you feel you have it all under control something changes and we need to be resilient, creative and patient to grapple with the new challenge! !It has been a busy year seeking efficiencies and improved performance through the review of programs, policy and procedures, staffing and fiscal management. Listening and responding to the individual and collective needs of current and potential users of our services is an essential part of improving and delivering better outcomes for families. The changes resulting from the review will have significant impact on CHAT in the coming year. This issue of The Apple is testament to the growth of our organisation. !!Katie Wightman President Child Health Association Tasmania

President’s Report By Katie Wightman

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It has been a massive few months for the Child Health Association Tasmania (CHAT), farewelling much loved old staff, welcoming new staff, and lots of hard work behind the scenes on updating our image with a new logo, website and this publication, which we are proud to present to you all today. !Many of you will know that CHAT has been around for almost a century – a remarkable feat for an Association started by a handful of strong-minded women in 1917 to advocate for and improve the health and wellbeing of mothers and their children! !Over the decades, CHAT has continued to evolve with the times and to the changing needs of our members and Tasmania families in general. I have been very excited to join the CHAT team at the end of April as Acting State Executive Officer, and to be a part of the most recent evolution of the organisation. In the last 6 months, we have been lucky enough to gain the wonderful Matthew Smith in Finance and Admin, and brilliant Regional Coordinators, Christine Jolly (South) and Kelly Rechtin (North West). This new team have been working incredibly hard to ensure that CHAT continues to provide a strong and supportive role for our members. !We have been talking with the many existing CHAT groups and branches, and working to re-establish our fantastic Retailer Discount Program and regular information sessions. We have also introduced new longer-term membership options to save our members time and money.

!Perhaps most excitingly, we have today launched a new logo, new website and this publication, The Apple. This fresh face of CHAT reflects us as an organisation that is modern, relevant and providing our members with 24/7 support, resources and information. !As a mum to an almost-2-year old, I remember all to clearly the hours

spent in the dead of night, one-handedly accessing the internet as I fed my son, or rocked him to sleep, or even struggled to get to sleep myself once I had finally managed to settle him. I was not alone! My friends were out there, doing the very same thing, and we were united as we chatted online, kept up with what was happening in our communities on HMN Chat, and accessing information on what was out there for families. !Our new website aims to provide easily accessible information on who we are and what we offer. Being a member of CHAT offers so many benefits, from financial savings, to loads of resources, to meeting new people and forming special friendships with others going through the same things as us. I’m proud to acknowledge some of our very long-term and loyal CHAT members have been with the organisation for decades, and

although their children have long grown up and had their own children, still count friends they made through CHAT as their closest friends. A lot of these special members give so much back to CHAT today, through fundraising and supporting communities in need. !Last, but certainly not least of all, I cannot extend a big enough

welcome to the wonderful Hobart Mums Network to CHAT. HMN has touched the lives of so many mums (and their families) and provided amazing support and resources since it was founded in 2011. We feel HMN fits perfectly into CHAT, and is helping us to broaden our scope and provide bigger

and better support and services. A big thank you to Christine Jolly for making the decision to bring HMN into our organisation. !Don’t forget to check out our new website and make the most of all the benefits we offer our members. If you’re not a member, join today – find out how at www.chatas.com.au!

Child Health Association Tasmania By Alison Wood, Acting State Executive Officer

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I was in a restaurant recently where I observed a couple who were sitting opposite each other but staring into space. It appeared they had run out of conversation. I felt a little sad when I saw that. They probably decided to have a night out together, planned it, got dressed up for it, enjoyed the meal, but there was no real connection. I have had couples in therapy say to me, “We don’t know how to just talk anymore.” !We all remember when we first met our lovers and the one thing that came easy was lots of just chatting. People who meet each other for the first time can talk about all kinds of things. These are feel good conversations. !How can we have a feel good conversations with our partner who knows everything about us and for whom there are no surprises ? !Couples who do conversations well are often willing to talk about anything and everything. They talk about the things that go on in their lives. Let me list some topics for conversation, the people who have met, a friend, family or someone at work at the gym, the club in a fellowship group. A topical issue from the news or a documentary. If you have read a good book, watched a movie, an article in a magazine, the latest in the tech or medical world. Politics and religion, your inner fears of sickness, growing old and death. What you would do if you won $20 million dollars. A plan

you may have for a holiday, a desire to renovate the house, planting something new in the garden, discussing an idea you may have for your children. I could list a whole page. !What helps conversations is listening with interest, being curious, asking questions and just letting your partner talk without cutting in and changing the topic. After a good talk two people will feel connected. See this and more marriage tips go to www.youtube.com search ‘marriage tips, talk to the Hans. !Hans is a marriage counsellor, husband, father, step-father, and local minister. You can contact him via www.hobartmarriagecounselling.com.au. He also writes a regular Marriage Q&A for The Apple. You can ask him any question to be answered by emailing info@hobartmarriagecounselling.com.au .

Let’s Just Talk By Hans Kelder

The Federal Government budget announcement led to immediate funding uncertainty for Family Food Patch, with the early end to the National Partnerships Agreement on Preventative Health. We thank our program partners and valued Family Food Educators

for their rallying support during this time. We are clinging on for now and will keep you posted on any news for the future for the Patch. For now it is business as usual... !We have just begun another Family Food Educator training course at the wayraparattee Child and Family Centre in Geeveston. We look forward to introducing you to the new members of our network next month. !If you are interested in finding out more about the Family Food Educator training course, our contact details are below and we would love to chat with you. !YouTube Channel We are continuing to add short, practical video clips on our various training topics to the Family Food Patch YouTube channel. Check it out for tips on getting children active, introducing solids and drink options for children. !

Coconut and Date Cookies (from One Handed Cooks) Makes 24 cookies !Ingredients 1 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped 1/4 cup rolled oats 3 Tbsp wholemeal flour 1/2 cup desiccated or shredded coconut 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ ripe banana 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 tbsp brown sugar or golden syrup (optional) 1/4 cup milk !Method Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 2 baking trays with oven proof paper. Place all ingredients (except milk) in your food processor and blend to combine. Stir through the milk until a moist batter forms. Roll teaspoon sized balls, place on the baking tray and flatten gently. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes. Cool. !!www.familyfoodpatch.org.au

Family Food Patch By Emma Rowell and Emily Rataj

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Thermorevolution A Business Connect InterviewBy Kate Sward, Business Connect Coordinator

Who is Roslyn Teirney? I’m a fifth generation Tasmanian, married to a New Zealander. We have three adult children and four grandchildren. As a former teacher, I have a passion to draw out the potential in people I work with, so that they are encouraged and believe in themselves. Although I was always good academically at school and university, I developed a low self-esteem for other reasons and I’ve struggled with mental health issues at times. I’m a loving, giving and creative person, quite open about my flaws and vulnerabilities, and very glad to be alive. !Tell us about your business and what you do. My business is Thermorevolution. I’m an independent Thermomix consultant. The role has many facets. I do home demonstrations in small groups to show people the Thermomix in action. I put in the orders for people who wish to purchase and delivery their Thermomixes privately to get them off to a good start. I attend training meetings, support new recruits into the business, participate in team events such as cooking classes and am always on the look-out for ways to add value to my customers’ investment in their Thermomix. As part of my service to my customers and other interested people, I have a Facebook page with over 1800 likers. I keep in touch with people by sending out a monthly newsletter and I frequently pop out just to see people briefly if they need a particular book or if they want me to check something. If anything goes wrong, I troubleshoot and I spend a lot of time researching issues to help my customers. I practise cooking and developing lots of different Thermomix recipes. Of course I also have to do prospecting, networking and a whole range of organisational tasks and I need to be across all the policies and procedures of Thermomix in Australia, so that I represent their brand as they wish to be represented. !What were you doing prior to Thermorevolution? I was a teacher in Tasmanian schools and colleges for 40 years. My teaching subjects were Music and English and I came to specialise in project-based collaboration to encourage the gifted and talented for the last few years of my career. I conducted choirs and produced musical theatre. I was always very pro-active in trying to build up music in all the schools I worked in and giving students a

whole range of memorable and exciting moments in their schooling. !Inspiration behind starting Thermorevolution? I retired from teaching a few years early, due to ill health, and I was attracted to Thermomix as a business opportunity, hoping that it would put challenges into my life that I could master, with the support of people who cared about my success because their income also benefited if I made money. Earlier in my life, I had sold Tupperware, and I was very successful in that endeavour when my children were toddlers, so I had a strong expectation of success when I got into Thermomix. The excellence of the engineering of the Thermomix excited me. It revolutionised my life and my confidence to cook, so I knew there would be many people who would want to hear about it just as much as I did. !What was your first step in setting up Thermorevolution? Like most consultants, first I heard about the product, then I attended a couple of demonstrations and a cooking class. At that point, I decided to become a consultant. I trained for a month and then began work in early 2011. The name Thermorevolution was not launched until February 2014. Until then I was just using my own name to brand my business. !Your biggest achievement to date? In the business, I think winning the inaugural national award for Excellence in Social Media in March 2012 is still my highlight, although a couple of other very special milestones were making my 100th sale in November last year and co-presenting at my first Hobart cooking class this year. !Best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Do your job with love and care. If people complain, listen and learn from the feedback, let them go if necessary and be grateful for the insight into who is not your ideal customer. !!You're a business woman- how do you balance home/work life? I do not pretend that my life is in balance but I try to chip away at all areas. I make the most of any quiet time when I am alone and I am very blessed to be able to get away occasionally and travel with my husband to recharge. When I get very busy, I gratefully accept help from my husband and I outsource casual support for cleaning and filing to a good friend, whose company is very uplifting. I work at improving my self-discipline, so that I can serve my customers consistently and be present for my family. !Any hot tips for aspiring Business Mums? Eat those frogs!! (If that doesn’t mean anything to you, Google Brian Tracy.) Keep a separate account for your business expenses. Become an active member of Business Connect and enjoy building your business but take all the time you need to express your love for your children in all the ways you want. And the obvious tip from me is to equip yourself with a hardworking Thermomix and free yourself to spend more time with your children and the business you are so passionate about.

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Let’s imagine that yesterday you were pulled over by the police, for speeding. How would you feel if, at the time, they had told you that you were a bad woman/man. And when you got home and shared the story with your partner, that they also said you were bad for doing that. And if tomorrow you saw that same police, would you want a reminder not to be bad like yesterday? I know I’d hate it, and would probably feel angry at being reminded over and over! !Yet, isn’t this what we often do to our children when they misbehave….. we somethimes say words like: Naughty boy , or bad girl! And some parents then repeat the story to Daddy when he comes home….. “Sarah was so bad today, she did xyz”. Or tomorrow when the child is playing in a similar situation, we remind them not to be naughty like yesterday. !We wouldn’t like it if it happened to us, so why would we do it to our children? !The reality is that we all make mistakes… and that’s what they are ‘mistakes’, or poor choices. It doesn’t make us bad or naughty! !A better way to handle it, when children misbehave, is to think of it this way…. What they did wasn’t

good – it doesn’t make them bad. In very simple terms, explain why their behaviour way inappropriate, and importantly teach them how to do it differently next time. Eg “Sarah, (aged 3) when you draw on the floor, it’s very hard to clean it off. So when you want to draw, ask Mummy for some drawing paper.” This makes it very clear to the child, and all gives them an option for next time. When we just tell them they are bad for drawing on the floor, we haven’t given them any information on what to do to solve the problem. They don’t need a 10 min lecture (think of the policeman doing that to you!) just a brief alternative, which is specific. !Now let’s look at the term ‘good’. If I came to your house and said: “Oh Jenny, you are such a good parent”, whilst you might smile, you don’t actually know what you did to get that praise. Is it because you read to your children, or because you give them healthy food, or because you listen to them? My praise is unclear, ill-defined. !Often we do the same to our children: ‘You’re such a good boy David!” Again, he might smile but really doesn’t know why you said it. Make your praise specific…. Tell

them what it was they did, which you thought was ‘good’. Eg: “David, you are so helpful when you put your empty plate on the kitchen bench” – he is in no doubt as to what he did to receive your praise. !The reality is that children aren’t good or bad. They are children, who sometimes behave well, and other times, not. Let’s talk to them specifically about the behaviour, and not put labels on them. !!Sonja is a Senior Parenting Consultant, with 14 years parenting experience, on top of a 20 year teaching background. She is also a Life Coach. Sonja can be found at www.theparentingcafe.com.au or via email: sonja@theparentingcafe.com.au

Good Kids and Bad Kids By Sonja Preston

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The Child Health Association Tasmania (CHAT) delivers the Growing Families Program, which is funded through Anglicare’s Communities for Children Project and is aimed at increasing the awareness of healthy and nutritional food options for families living in the Northern Suburbs of Launceston and George Town. The Program consists of several different regular groups: CHAT'n'Munch George Town and Mobile CHAT’n’Munch, Dads CHAT in Mowbray and Dads CHAT in George Town, along with various Holiday Programs. We have a great Growing Families team, with Dianne Martin as Program Manager, Kathryn Ervin as the CHAT’n’Munch facilitator, Simon McCulloch as the Dads George Town facilitator and Jason Maxwell as the Dads Mowbray facilitator. !The Program has a specific focus on providing the knowledge and skills, along with the practical

application of how to prepare and cook affordable, healthy and nutritional food for families. !This year Growing Families was able to trial two very successful pilot programs: Feed Me a Story (FMaS) and Men Exploring New Directional Strategies (MENDS), providing group participants access to more intensive, structured learning to increase both their physical and mental health. We would love to establish these as ongoing Programs, however due to funding restrictions, are unable to do so at this point. We shall continue to work towards achieving this, so stay tuned! !If you are interested in joining one of the Growing Families groups, you can find out more on our website, or by contacting us today. !!

Growing Families By Alison Wood

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What a buzz of activities there has been in Hobart lately. There were so many children and families out and about during the evenings for Dark MOFO, Festival of Voices. What was your families’ favourite event? !The month of August celebrates Book Week and National Science Week, see below for more information. !The City of Hobart is planning the Myer Hobart Christmas Pageant, are you involved in a community group or organisation and would like to take part in the Hobart Myer Christmas Pageant? Information is available at www.hobartcity.com.au !Fridays 15 & 22 Aug, 6.30-8pm City of Hobart Bush Adventures - Where Our Wild Things Are At night a whole other world of creatures come out to play in our bushland! We’ll go on a night walk to see where our wild things are and then head back together for a starlight supper and a story. Dress warmly and bring a torch if you have one. Cost: $8 per person Meet: Gate to Waterworks Reserve (park outside the gate please) Bookings on: 6238 2886 !11,18,25th August - Mornings 9.30am-11.30am or Evenings 6.30- 8.30pm 1-2-3 Magic and Emotion coaching parent course Anglicare Tasmania, 18 Watchorn St, Hobart Contact 1800 243 232 for more information

!Wed 13th – 14th August Mt Nelson Primary School Musical ‘Kids in paradise’ !16th – 24th August Book Week See Hobart LINC website for activities !Sunday 24th August 11.00am – 3.00pm TMAG Family Fun Day !Friday 29th August Myer Christmas pageant applications close !!Focus on Services for Children and Families in Hobart This section will focus on new programs in Hobart for Children and Families and also a feature on a service for Children and Families, this month it is The Smith Family Saver Plus Program. !Colony 47 Housing Connect – ‘one stop shop’ for people to access all their housing and support needs. Housing Connect will refer people to other available services 1800 800 588 (24 hours) Level 3, 181 Collins St (9.0am – 5.00pm Mon – Fri) !The Tassie Male Group – Relationships Australia For men seeking to build a more rewarding family and personal life. 2hours weekly, over 6 weeks. Ph 1300 364 277 or email admin@reltas.com.au

Children and Families Activities in August City of HobartBy Amanda Midgley, Community Development Officer- Children and Families, City of Hobart.

Local savings program, Saver Plus, is helping to ease the burden of education costs by supporting families with financial literacy workshops and $500 in matched savings. Delivered in Southern Tasmania by The Smith Family, the 10-month program has already benefited more than 600 local families, encouraging them to set financial goals and learn about long-term savings habits. !Sharon, a sole parent from Bellerive, says the program has meant her son can pursue his passion for climbing, joining the squad at the newly reopened indoor climbing centre in Hobart. "It's great to know that I will have $500 that I wouldn't normally have, to go towards education costs. It’s really helped reduce the stress that can mount up after the holidays. Throughout the journey I learned that it’s not hard to budget and save money and you can and will finally

reach your saving goals. Plus it’s the best feeling reaching such a rewarding goal” said Sharon. !How does Saver Plus work? Saver Plus participants open a dedicated bank account into which they make regular deposits. They attend two informal workshops to build their financial management skills and when they reach their savings goal after 10 months their savings, up to $500, are matched. The matched savings can be used to pay for education expenses such as books, uniforms, sports equipment, music and dance, computers, schools trips, tools and equipment to support studies etc. There are no costs or fees involved. !Email Nicole at nicole.Hacker@thesmithfamily.com.au to arrange a time to chat about whether Saver Plus could help your family.

The Smith Family Saver Plus Program By Nicole Hacker

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During the month of July we hosted a visit from national author, speaker, parenting consultant, Pinky McKay. You can watch the interview from WIN News here: http://youtu.be/rxO08j4nj8A. !We also had the pleasure of launching a new children’s book with accompanying music album. Marion and Steve Isham, local children’s book creators, have recently published a book of lullabies featuring Tasmanian animals called Where the Playtpus Sleeps. The wonderful, and very pregnant with twins, Christina Baehr took their poems and put them to music. At the launch, Christina performed several of these lullabies to the delight of young and old alike. Books are available at their stall at Salamanca Market. The Album can be downloaded here: http://www.christinaharp.com !The Haven is a thriving hub of activity in Hobart’s CBD where local families come to connect. More

than a parenting room, our members come to feed a baby, change a nappy, let toddler have a bit of a play, help themselves to a cuppa, make new friends, and participate in a number of events. !This volunteer-run facility is YOUR haven in the city. !Who can use it? All families are welcome at The Haven: mums, dads, bubs and kids, grandparents, carers, aunties, and uncles. Entry is $2 per family. FREE for Child Health Association Tasmania members. !Come and enjoy a monthly book club, Zumba class, budgeting seminar, craft circle, etc. Our lineup of events can be viewed here. If you would like to hold a seminar, workshop, etc. Contact us. !The Haven includes the following amenities: Swap Shop, toilet, change table, microwave, tea and coffee, refrigerator, comfortable sofa and chairs, lovely toys, tables and chairs for families to eat lunch together or for workshops. Opening Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-2pm !Closures/altered hours during school holidays are possible. Please check The Haven Facebook page for current status. ! Location: 121 Macquarie St, Hobart (down the alley off Macquarie St. behind St. Davids Cathedral office building)

The Haven By Christine Jolly

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This is inspired by one of my favourite teachers, my son. You see, he’s really very good at communicating his emotions (when he wants to) !The other day, over breakfast, he reminded me, “mummy, it would be very disappointing if you were to break your promise” I have no idea where he learns this stuff, honestly, it’s not from me. !I had to laugh and he certainly got my attention. He only wanted one of those veggie sticker books from woollies but it wasn’t high on my priority list and he very successfully managed to bypass the 1 million other important things I was worrying about and get his case heard first and his sticker book bought. !He was right I had promised and there was no complaining or whinging, just a bloody good point. I should keep my promises. !He seems to have learnt the fine art of persuasion – something his younger brother struggles with and so he just resorts to screaming “I hate you”…which is not nice and a bit funny because he screws up his cute little 2 year old face and it comes out as “ate chew” I don’t laugh though because that makes him really angry (ok I do laugh sometimes, quietly, to myself) But it doesn’t make me want to do what he wants…. !Anyway back to Mr Persuasive, is seems he’s also good with another P word, anyone else sounding out words at school? arghh it’s becoming a habit. To the Point, Perseverance was what I really wanted to tell you about. !I was struggling with an activity and it was bloody annoying and I was muttering about how I didn’t have time and it was stupid and blah, blah. Then a little voice pipes up, “keep going, you’ll get there” So I looked up a little surprised and then he hits me with “well, you’ll never do it if you just give up” Nothing like the voice of reason from a five year old. !And he was right, I did do it! Admittedly, he did have a vested interest in my success; in that the thing I was struggling with was actually for him but still, it was good advice. !Good advice, it seems I like handing out (yes I’m taking the credit for this one) but I could do with taking myself. So here it is, in no particular order, my 5 things I am not going to give up on this year !Headstands I tried and I was doing great and I nearly broke my finger, so I gave up. Not anymore. Inversion you will be mine. !Meal planning and general other planning I love order; until things become too organised and then I feel the need to create chaos. Until I can’t cope

anymore and I have to organise myself again. It’s a yin yang thing. !Running a marathon I’ve run one and I seem to be finding excuses not to do it again. Cadbury 2015. Marathon. There said it. !Housework There must be a better way??? I am going to find it. Or maybe just clean more? I like the first option better !Learn to reverse park OK, so I can reverse park but I hate doing it. !I can’t really add this one in because it doesn’t really take perseverance, but more flowers, there should be more flowers in my life! !So over to you. Start your own list and stick it on the fridge and start smashing it. Better still share it with me. Come, join me! !!Jess Schmidt is a qualified personal trainer and owner of mamafirst fitness based in Hobart, Tasmania. She also is mum to two crazy, wonderful boys and is slowly mastering the fine art of Lego. When not sword fighting or playing hide and seek she writes and runs and escapes on a yoga mat. You can get in touch at www.mamafirstfitness.com or email jess@mamafirstfitness.com !!!!!!!!!!

Power of Perseverance By Jessica Schmidt

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North West Region !The North West hasn’t had much Child Health Association activity in the past couple of years, so we have been hard at work re-establishing connections and partnerships, and supporting our existing groups. We have two active groups, and hope to have more before too long! !Our current groups are: !Rosebery Toddler Gym Playgroup run by the fabulous Jo Powell. The group meets every Wednesday from 10:30-12:30 at the Rosebery Memorial Hall. There is a $2/child or $3/family fee, as all money collected goes back toward acquiring new toys and gym equipment. !King Island Playgroup is run by the amazing Rose Hoyt. The group meets every Thursday from 10:30-12:30 at the King Island Racecourse (ground floor building). There is a $2/family fee and it is asked you bring a snack or morning tea to share. !CHAT will resume its partnership with Child Health and Parenting Services new parent groups in the new year. !There is also a closed, moderated face book page for all NW Mums, intended for connecting, supporting and inspiring each other during our parenting journey. The link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/244135739115717/. !Coordinator: Kelly Rechtin e: kellyrechtin@gmail.com m: 0408 538 349 !!!!!!!!!!!!

Southern Region !There is heaps to do in the South of Tasmania for our members. You might like to come along to one of our regular activities: !The Haven Open Wednesday to Friday, 10-2pm, our members volunteer to facilitate this welcoming space in Hobart’s CBD. Come along for an info session or just pop in for a bit of a play and chat to other parents. !HMN Chat Our online community has often been described as “better than Google” !Lindisfarne Playgroup Lauderdale Playgroup Kingston Playgroup !Pram Walking Groups Mondays and Fridays pack the pram in the boot of the car and explore our region’s best pram walking tracks with other mums. Enjoy a cuppa at a nearby afterwards. !Business Connect This group meets twice a month for a morning tea and evening training seminar. Mums who own their own business use the group to network and collaborate with other business mums. !Hobart Mums Choir CMW Music coordinates our choir of local mums. Rehearsals have the feel of a mums’ group, playgroup, and hardcore rehearsal. There are evening and morning rehearsal options. !Hobart Mums Fitness Linx School of Performing Arts coordinates our fitness group for mums and their little ones. No childminding here. The little ones hop in and join the fun. !Coordinator: Christine Jolly e: hobartmumsnetwork@gmail.com m: 0400 518 154 !!!!

Northern Region !It has been a relatively quiet time in the northern region in the last few months, with the Northern Regional Coordinator position vacant. In the absence of a Coordinator, I have been contacting and following up with the CHAT groups and branches in the north. We have a total of 9 groups and branches running in the region, all of whom are very keen to have new members join. These groups have a variety of set ups, from playgroups, to Dads groups, to pram walking groups, along with long-standing branches that focus on fundraising. !Over the next couple of months, we will hopefully be organising an information session in the north with our partners Kidsafe Tasmania, and also one on First Aid. We have taken on board some feedback from our members in the last few weeks on what they would like to see, and are currently investigating other information session options. Stay tuned to our Facebook page, website and future publications to find out when and where these sessions will be held. !If you would like to join a group, please check out our website for contact information. If you have a few people lined up and would like to form a new CHAT group, talk to us about how we can help you, and what we can organise for you. !We will be advertising the Northern Regional Coordinator position in the coming weeks, so if you or anyone you know might be interested, make sure you keep an eye out for applications opening! !Coordinator: Vacant Written by: Alison Wood e: seo@chatas.com.au m: 0428 221 886 !!!!!!!!!

Tasmanian Regional Reports TH

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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed within

The Apple are those of the writers only and do not reflect the views and opinions of

Child Health Association Tasmania. !Our members are encouraged to submit

their own stories for our monthly publication. !To submit content for future editions of The Apple,

please follow our Content Guidelines on our website: www.chatas.com.au. !

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on our website: www.chatas.com.au for various opportunities. !

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Select “HOBART MUMS NETWORK” at checkout.

The following programs are part of Child Health Association Tasmania !

Business Connect Family Food Patch Growing Families

The Haven Hobart Mums Network

North West Mums Network Pram Walking Groups

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To find out more about our programs and membership, please visit our website

www.chatas.com.au