Have you ever parked your car at Westfield Booragoon shopping centre? If so, Westfield wants to hear from you and better understand your experience of using the car park, and how it could be improved from a customer’s perspective. To have your say, all you need to do is complete a short survey. As a thankyou for participating, Westfield is giving you the chance to win either a $250 G-Star RAW or a $250 Country Road gift card.
One Facebook and one Instagram entry per participant allowed.
To be the first to know about future giveaways, events and Melville Mums news, sign up to our eNewsletter.
Melville Mums G-Star RAW & Country Road Gift Card Giveaway – Terms & Conditions
To be eligible, entrants must be 18+ and have used the car park at Westfield Booragoon.
The promotion commences at 5pm AWST on 3 June 2020 and concludes at 5pm AWST on 10 June 2020.
The promotion is a Game of Chance, and the winners will be selected at random on 11 June 2020. There will be two (2) winners.
Prize details: 1 x $250 G-Star RAW gift card and 1 x $250 Country Road gift card.
The winners will be announced on the Melville Mums Facebook page and group on 11 June 2020. The winners will be notified via Facebook and/or Instagram message.
Prizes are not transferable and not redeemable for cash. If a winner does not accept the prize by the time stipulated, Melville Mums reserves the right to select another winner.
Prizes are to be collected in person from Westfield Booragoon.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram.
Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. While stress and anxious feelings are a common response to a situation where we feel under pressure, they usually pass once the stressful situation is over, or ‘stressor’ is removed.
There are many ways to help manage anxiety and the sooner people with anxiety engage with support, the more likely they are to regain stability and develop an effective management plan.
Everyone feels anxious from time to time. When anxious feelings don’t go away, happen without any particular reason, or make it hard to cope with daily life, it may be the sign of an anxiety condition.
In this time of uncertainty, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, many people are more likely to experience a sense of ongoing worry or anxiety.
Worrying vs Anxiety
The difference between worrying and actual anxiety is usually the way we feel in our mind and body. Worrying can certainly be part of anxiety, but not necessarily. We can worry about many things, for example, our safety, finances, health and our future. However, anxiety is a deeper, full sensory experience, which can be quite debilitating and impact our ability to function well, maintain healthy relationships and engage with friends or the community.
Anxiety & COVID-19
During this time of insecurity with the pandemic, many of us may find ourselves worrying more than usual. Worries may typically be around health safety, finances, job security, attending school, education, family, along with increased relationship and parenting issues. However, the threat of serious illness or loss of life due to COVID-19 is a major cause of anxiety for many people right now.
What this pause in real time has brought us is the opportunity, whether we want to or not, to focus on those things which are often just under the surface, or even buried pretty deeply, as we have more time on our hands and are isolating with, or without, others. Financial pressure and domestic violence are two of the leading causes of divorce, so it’s no wonder relationships are feeling the heat right now.
Impact of Isolation & Social Distancing
Personal, relationship, career and family issues can be ignored, swept under the carpet and avoided fairly well when we are busy. Most of us are usually very busy these days, often wishing for more time-out to enjoy the good things in life. Ideally, though, we would also have the freedom to move about as we choose. This time of isolation and social distancing, where we find ourselves cloistered with others 24/7 or unable to be with loved ones, is likely to be putting a huge strain on even the best of dynamics. So, here we are, our wish for more time being granted, however, the restrictions we have experienced have not necessarily allowed us to enjoy the free time we have had at hand.
During this COVID-19 situation, those who are more inclined to significantly worry, become anxious or already have an anxiety disorder diagnosis, will likely find such a health crisis particularly challenging. You could expect to see a heightened state of anxiety with an increase in symptoms and coping behaviours. However, there are many healthy and effective ways to manage stress and anxiety which you may find useful for you and your family, including children, who are experiencing greater levels of stress, worry and/or anxiety at this time.
Why Do We All Respond Differently to Triggers or “Threats”?
Essentially, anxiety is one outcome of our fight and fight response caused by an emotional trigger or “threat”. COVID-19 in of itself is a huge, real threat to our life. For some, it will cause greater anxiety than others. Many people have an innate sense of being safe in the world, no matter what. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re irresponsible, avoidant or in denial, simply, they have a greater trust in the world being a safe place and they’re somewhat confident they’ll remain safe within it.
For others, two things are possible:
They normally feel safe in the world, however, the impact of COVID-19 on individuals around the world is overwhelming, or
They’re already coping with other issues causing anxiety and the severity of COVID-19 adds to an already anxious predisposition or overload.
How each person responds to the threat of COVID-19 on the safety of themselves and their loved ones, depends on those points above. As such, it’s important to understand your own levels of anxiety and why you feel the way you do. In addition, understanding and accepting others may not be responding in the same way you are, respecting their anxiety levels and coping strategies may be different to yours. That one person’s expression, or lack thereof, isn’t right or wrong – just different.
Being caring to others during this time, appreciating everyone is handling their reaction to COVID-19 in their own way, internally and/or externally. We have seen this in action with the frenzy of toilet paper supplies. Some people think it’s completely understandable to want to stock up and others think it’s totally unnecessary, especially when the panic buying causes a shortage for others.
How to Manage & Reduce Anxiety
Reducing anxiety is key to managing our emotions and behaviours. There are many ways in which we can support ourselves in balancing our mind, body and soul to create more internal calm and external harmony. These include:
Identifying underlying or existing stressors.
Identifying the full impact of COVID-19 on your stress levels.
Seeking talking therapy, counselling, to help with the above and alleviate them.
Mindfulness to bring awareness back to your core, so you can regain some control over your emotions and behaviours. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(CBT) is helpful with this. Meditation is also helpful with mindfulness.
Playing music, singing and dancing, exercise.
Developing an anxiety attack grounding checklist. Keep it somewhere easy to access for you and others to help you with.
Some points might be: Breathing – regain control of slow deep breathing, returning to normal Tapping your fingers on your body to bring your mind back into your physical body, saying something like, “I’m safe/it’s safe to be in my body”. Observing items around you – the chair, the pot plant, the table, etc Listen to the sounds of things around you – hear the cars, birds, talking Have a drink of water and/or cup of calming herbal tea – not caffeine as it is a stimulant Chat to a friend/loved one or call someone/support line Have a walk Be kind and supportive of yourself as your body has just released a huge amount of cortisol and now needs to rebalance your biochemistry.
Clearly, the best thing we can do for ourselves is take the proper precautions to stay safe. Engage with others as often as possible to keep mental health in check and get the right help and support as soon as you feel you’re not coping. This will ensure you’re looking after yourself and loved ones, enabling you to return to a new sense of normal as soon as possible.
Indigo-Grace is a university-qualified counsellor and accredited Shamanic Energy Healer, drawing from her own process, qualifications and training to bring you exceptional counselling and healing methods, available to you locally in person or from a distance online.
You can discover more about Indigo-Grace and her services plus read up on many topics on her website, where you can also book directly for a free 15-minute consultation. Make sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and discussions on various topics.
There comes a point in time where your home may no longer suit your family’s needs and/or lifestyle. Here are my top tips to get you in the mindset of planning for the long term, whether it be a renovation or a new home.
Location
Before you spend a cent, make sure you like your location. Quiet friendly streets with a family might be more beneficial long term than river views on a busy arterial street.
Planning
Plan a home that suits you for the next 15 years. Think about the function for small children to late teens. Separate living areas allow space or design open plan living areas that can be closed off, for example by barn doors.
Storage
Build more than you need – you will never regret it. Did you know good storage is worth more than a third bathroom on the real estate market and costs a lot less! Think mud rooms, walk-in linens, window seats and larger garages.
Style
Pinterest and Instagram are great for inspiration but, if you want to find your style, look in your wardrobe. Look at items and colours of your favourite pieces to give you a sense of what you will love for a long time to come.
Wish List
Work out what are your non-negotiables and prioritise these in your budget. If you can’t afford the items immediately, add provisions so that you can install them later. An example of this could be a gas point and planned area for a built in BBQ Kitchen in your alfresco.
Ask for Help
It is not overindulgent to hire an Interior Designer to help. Believe me – you will second guess yourself a lot when there are a lot of decisions, and some of us will google till midnight, making sure we picked the right exterior colour. Professionals will save you making mistakes that could be costly, but will also point out things to incorporate in the early stages. For example, putting power points in the bedroom in the right location so that you can have lamps on your bedside without extension cords.
Kelly Negus is the Interior Designer behind Connected Interiors, is a mother of two vibrant children, Zara and Clancy, and has lived in Alfred Cove for 14 years.
Kelly is a huge advocate that stunning interior design needn’t cost the earth. Renowned for being a meticulous researcher and a bargain-hunter, she loves helping clients save on their renovations, extensions and new homes.
Kelly has worked in the property industry since 2007, both designing, renovating and building family homes and furnishing apartments for owner occupiers, displays and investors. She has completed studies at the Interior Design Institute – Australia.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and, thanks to Westfield Booragoon, Melville Mums is giving you the chance to win a $250 gift card to use at MECCA! That’s $250 to spend on makeup, skincare, hair, and more!
At this time, the Westfield Booragoon MECCA store is open but the gift card has no expiry date so you can treat yourself to some gorgeous beauty products at a time that suits you. The gift card can also be redeemed in the MECCA online store so you can shop from the comfort of your own home!
All you need to do is like the giveaway post on the Melville Mums Facebook page and leave a comment. Don’t forget to tag a friend who deserves to be spoilt. One comment = 1 entry.
To be the first to know about future giveaways, events and Melville Mums news, sign up to our eNewsletter.
Melville Mums MECCA Gift Card Giveaway – Terms & Conditions
To be eligible, entrants must be 18+ and live within 20km of Westfield Booragoon.
The promotion commences at 12pm AWST on 7 May 2020 and concludes at 5pm AWST on 10 May 2020.
The promotion is a Game of Chance, and the winner will be selected at random on 11 May 2020. There will be one (1) winner.
Prize details: 1 x $250 MECCA gift card.
The winner will be announced on the Melville Mums Facebook page and group on 11 May 2020. The winner will be notified via Facebook message.
Prizes are not transferable and not redeemable for cash. If the winner does not accept the prize by the time stipulated, Melville Mums reserves the right to select another winner.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook.
With social distancing our new (temporary) normal, you can still get the kids out in the fresh air and have some fun by going on a bear hunt around your neighbourhood.
Inspired by the children’s book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, the teddy bear hunt has gone viral, with bears popping up in communities around the globe to entertain kids currently in lockdown due to COVID-19.
Join the Bear Hunt!
Lots of Melville Mums have already joined in on the scavenger-style activity, and it would be great to see even more families get involved and offer a much-needed distraction to local children who may be feeling anxious during these difficult times.
All you need to do is place a teddy (or two…or more!) in a window, porch, tree or fence so it’s visible from the street. Take a picture of your bear display and add the details to the City of Melville Bear Hunt map. Don’t forget to join us in the Melville Mums Facebook group and share your creative bear displays in our Bear Hunt post or tag @melvillemums on Instagram to feature in our stories.
Check out the “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” Animated Story
Next up in the Melville Mums “Getting to Know…” blog series, we learn more about Hayley Burton, toddler mum, sleep specialist and owner of Slumber & Sprout.
Copyright Lana Pratt Photography
Hi, Hayley. Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Hayley and I am a mama, wife and dog lover. I am an interior design enthusiast without the budget my taste requires, food appreciator and reluctant exerciser due to aforementioned food appreciator status. I love sleep to the point I am convinced I was a python in a previous life (Python’s sleep 18hrs a day!).
My darling boy Cooper will be 2 years old in April 2020 and like every other mama out there I am consistently amazed by just how quickly time goes once you become a mum. Cooper is the light of my life, the centre of my universe and the reason for my prematurely greying hair.
I moved to Perth from Auckland, New Zealand in 2008 and lived in Palmyra from 2014 – 2018 with my now husband. 13 months ago the family moved to our forever home in Ardross, which is such an amazing spot.
Prior to starting Slumber & Sprout, I was a corporate Personal Assistant for 10 years which suited my type A personality to a tee.
What inspired you to start Slumber & Sprout?
I’ve always been a lover of sleep, I could sleep all day long given the opportunity. So when I birthed a shocking sleeper I thought it was a cruel joke. After HOURS of research, struggles and tears over sleepless nights I finally turned Cooper into an amazing sleeper – but not before losing a good 6 months worth of sleep myself.
From that point on I found myself passionately talking with other mums about what worked, what didn’t and how there had to be an easier way than sifting through bucket loads of conflicting information to find what worked for your individual little human. I was aware of sleep consultants but they were so far out of my price range, particularly for a new mum that had just spent a heap on completely unnecessary baby gear.
When I came across the course to become a baby sleep consultant I knew I had found my calling. Talking about sleep all day and helping little ones get the sleep that they need and in turn give mums the opportunity to sleep again too? What could be more perfect.
What’s the most common sleep issue you’re asked about? What are your top tips for achieving optimum sleep in babies/toddlers?
The 4 month mark is often a turning point for mums. Their little one goes through the 4 month regression which is a permanent change in sleep cycles and patterns, which often results in 2 hourly wakes through the night and the emergence of catnapping. The 4 month regression is actually a progression in your little one’s development but, after weeks or months of barely stringing together 5 hours sleep a night, it is difficult to view it in this positive manner. Teaching your little one to self settle (independently drift off to sleep) is the key to overcoming this regression and working toward great sleep.
If you can establish healthy sleep habits from an early age then your journey toward great sleep will be a much simpler one. This often begins with creating an optimal sleep environment – complete darkness, white noise, perfect temperature and a sleeping bag or swaddle depending on age.
I also recommend following my Instagram page which is loaded with free helpful advice to help you implement some positive changes to sleep on your own – sometimes a few tweaks are all that is required.
So, what’s next for Slumber & Sprout?
I am currently working on developing a solution to help as many mums as I can with their little one’s sleep. Often it is the price of working with a sleep consultant that prevents mums from being able to hire me, so I hope to develop a really cost effective way to help as many mums as possible.
What are some of your favourite places or things to do in the local area?
I absolutely love The City of Melville and spend as much time locally as possible.
You will find me at Old Boy café just about every morning – best muffins and coffee in town and they always spoil their customers of the dog variety! I am also a big fan of Coco Belle café.
We are so blessed to live a short walk to the river, which is where I try to walk my border collie (albeit not as often as I should). My reluctant exercise takes place at F45 Booragoon.
Ardross St is another favourite hotspot for foodie adventures and shopping – I may be a reluctant exerciser but I am not a reluctant activewear wearer! I also love the Palmyra Primary School Sunday markets – so great for the weekly fruit and vegetable shop.
Do you have any advice for mums looking to start their own business?
Take the plunge! Yes, it is scary but it is definitely preferable to looking back and wondering “what if”. Filling your own cup as a mum is a vital part of being the best mama you can be, so if starting your own business is something you are passionate about and is going to help you feel fulfilled then ABSOLUTELY go for it. I love that Cooper sees me working hard everyday, I hope it inspires him to do the same when he is big.
You can connect with Hayley via the Slumber & Sprout Facebook and Instagram pages. Come and join us in the Melville Mums Facebook group to meet other local mums and seek advice & tips on all things parenting.
A Channel Mum survey found that 90% of mums feel lonely and 80% want more mum friends.
We are wired for connection and despite the fact that we’re rarely physically alone as mothers, many mothers feel very lonely and isolated.
This is because loneliness doesn’t require you to be alone. Loneliness occurs when you have fewer relationships than you desire in your life, or they are not of the quality or depth you desire.
The key is really emotional connection.
If we feel we aren’t understood or heard, or that we can’t be our authentic selves with anyone, then we’re much likely to feel lonely and isolated.
The good news is that we have complete control over changing this situation and feeling more connected by getting out there and making new friends.
But it’s so awkward…
The same Channel Mum survey found that a third of mums have never taken the initiative or started a conversation that led to friendship.
It’s just so awkward sometimes, isn’t it?
Are you ever lost for words when starting a conversation with someone new?
Are you consumed with worrying about whether they will like you or judge you?
Do you find it hard to approach the groups of mums that seem to know each other so well?
Or, are you so exhausted that it just feels all too hard?
Meeting new mum friends can feel like dating sometimes, and yes, it’s really hard to have a proper conversation when you’re constantly interrupted by the little loves of your life.
But it’s worth it.
Because real, fulfilling connections in our lives have a positive impact on our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and even impacts the way we parent. Plus, it’s always worthwhile to remember that we are modelling how to have healthy relationships for our children.
Before you even leave the house…
Many of us unintentionally make connecting with others much harder than it needs to be.
How?
By holding onto stories and beliefs that make connecting scary and risky.
For example:
“I’m so awkward”
“I never know what to say”
“No one will want to talk to me”
“I’m not good enough to be a friend to these mums”
“Making friends is so hard”
“Everyone else already knows someone here. They aren’t looking for new friends”
“I need to be more _______ for them to like me”
“If I invite someone to catch up they might reject me”
“Everyone rejects me”
“I don’t want to bother them”
When we tell ourselves these things, our brains will do anything to talk us out of actually trying to connect so we don’t have to feel any emotional pain.
What are your beliefs about connecting with others?
Are they helping you connect confidently or making it really scary to connect?
If you were confident about connecting, what would you believe instead?
Let me give you an example.
Let’s say you believe that making friends is so hard. Your brain will constantly be looking for evidence to back this up (it likes to be right!). So even if you do make a friend, it will perceive this as an exception.
If you think that making friends is hard, you’ll feel that it takes a lot of effort and perhaps is even a hassle. You may attribute the fact that it’s hard, to something that is wrong with you, which makes it even harder to put yourself out there.
If, instead, you chose to believe that making friends is easy and that you are friendly and interesting, you would feel much more willing to talk to someone new and see what happens. You’re also much less likely to take it personally if things don’t progress.
Your beliefs and stories can change how you feel, how you act and of course, the outcome.
I want to also take a moment to focus on the fear of being judged. This is one of the most common fears people have, so it’s not limited to mums!
If you fear being judged, know this; when someone judges you, it’s not about you. It’s about them and what they think you should be like (which is irrelevant). Plus, it is usually related to something they are judging themselves for. If someone does judge you, then you’ve just received some important information about them and you may decide they are not the right person to build a friendship with. However, most people aren’t judging us, so it’s more helpful to assume the best rather than the worst.
Where to find new mum friends
When you’re ready to take your empowering beliefs and stories on the road and find new mum friends, here are some places to start:
Mothers groups, playgroups or other support groups in your local area
Online forums (I have found online friendships to be very supportive, but you may also be able to organise to meet in person if the forum is a local one)
Neighbours, friends of your friends, other community groups or activity groups you are part of (exercise classes, art classes, volunteering groups, book clubs, etc.)
The places you go in your daily routine – at the park, the library, in a queue, at the play area at the shopping centre
Your children’s school or activities
Online friendships are great, but nothing can replace face-to-face connection so make sure you have some of those.
Ok, I’ve found a place to potentially meet other mums. What should I do now?
So, you’re now in a place where you can connect with others. What do you actually do and say?
Firstly, take the focus off yourself, and be curious and interested in others. This leaves less headspace for your fears and self-doubts.
Then:
Be available for connection – make eye contact with others (not your phone).
Offer smiles readily (who doesn’t love to receive a warm smile!)
Find something you genuinely like about a mum or her child and offer a compliment.
Ask questions. Start simple; “what’s your daughter’s name?”, ”do you live in the area?”, “have you been coming here for a while?”. As the conversation and relationship progresses, you can ask about their background, opinions and experiences. Keep it relevant to the conversation and keep the conversation flowing in-between so it’s not like an interrogation.
Look for things you have in common.
Really listen to what they’re saying. Observe body language and the emotion in what they’re communicating. Often when people are talking, we aren’t really listening because we’re too caught up in thinking about what we will say next. Just listen and respond once you have fully understood.
Tell them about you. Self-disclosure is a great way to build trust and connection. Just don’t overwhelm them with all your deepest darkest secrets straight away. Share honestly and openly to a level that you feel comfortable with. People can feel when you are being yourself and it’s magnetic!
Be generous and helpful. Pick up something they dropped, retrieve their child’s hat, help them get the pram down the stairs, or offer information that would help them (if they ask for it).
Once you have decided that you want to get to know someone better, then you can invite them for a playdate or coffee, connect with them on social media so you can chat more, ask them to join you at an activity (for you or your children), or simply offer to exchange numbers.
Come and join us in the Melville Mums Facebook group– it’s a friendly, supportive space where you can meet other mums, ask for advice and seek recommendations on local family-friendly places to go & things to do.
Have realistic expectations
Relationships take time and are built on a series of conversations, so keep your expectations realistic. You’re not likely to have a new best friend straight away! That’s ok and is no indication of where the friendship might go.
Also, know that you won’t click with everyone. We have enough to fit into our lives, without having to worry about friendships that don’t feel right. Let them go. It’s best for everyone.
Lastly, remember that mum life is full. You know yourself that there are seasons where you can only barely get through the essentials. If someone doesn’t reply to your messages, or declines your first invitation to catch up, don’t automatically assume they don’t want to get to know you. She might be feeling vulnerable herself, or she may be struggling to stay on top of everything in her own life. Just try again or move on if you feel that’s better. Your tribe is out there and you will find them.
You, lovely mum, deserve to feel connected and loved by people who are right for you. Make connection a priority in your life and you will see so many benefits.
Louise East is a Mindset and Life Coach for mums who want to feel happier, calmer, more confident and more fulfilled. She loves helping mums uncover and rewrite the stories and beliefs that are no longer serving them so they can achieve their goals and grow in self-belief and self-love. She is awife, mum to a 5 year old, step mum to 3 young adults and now even a super cool, young grandma to 2 gorgeous babies! Louise offers complimentary 30 mins calls to mums who want to explore how they can honour their needs and create the life they want. To schedule your call email louise@moretomum.com.au. You can find more help and inspiration for mum life at https://www.moretomum.com.au or follow Louise on Facebook or Instagram @moretomum.
As part of our “Getting to Know…” series, I chatted with Bec Petherick, mum of 2 and owner of CrossFit Quarter Melville. Bec tells me more about how CFQ got started and why CrossFit is for everyone.
Hi, Bec. Could you please tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Bec, married with 2 girls (Alice – 2 years and Hazel – 5 months) and I have lived in the local area (Bicton, Melville and now East Freo) for the past 10 years.
Before going on open-ended maternity leave with Alice (I literally gave birth to her the night I went on leave), I worked at an IT start up called Solv Solutions, based in Applecross. We developed, built and then had great success providing online injury management and safety software to 100’s of the biggest companies around Australia. This was all while running concurrently running CrossFit Quarter Melville, ensuring my life was pretty busy but nothing compared to 2 under 2 😊
What inspired you to start CrossFit Quarter?
I was introduced to CrossFit about 8-9 years ago while living in Melbourne and instantly fell in love with the style of training. On my return to Perth there were no CrossFit boxes (a box is what we call a CrossFit gym) around Bicton where I was going to be living so, armed with my Sports Science degree, a desire to share the experience I’ve had with others and knowledge of starting a business, CFQ was born. I loved the training so much and the community at my Melbourne gym, I was super keen to build and establish something here for all my friends and family to enjoy too.
What is CrossFit and who’s it for?
CrossFit is a strength & conditioning program that is designed for everyone. The biggest myth that I wish I could dispel about CrossFit is that you need to be fit to start.
That is certainly not the case, as everything we do is scalable and it is our belief that whether you are a high-performing athlete or a 80 year old grandmother, your movement requirements should differ by degree, not kind. We all need to be able to lift objects, squat down and move freely at some level, so we simply train in the gym to ensure that our life outside the gym is easier. And from my experience as a mum, being fit and strong is certainly a requirement for wrangling toddlers.
Entering into a CrossFit gym, it does look different to what you may be used to, usually with a large pull-up rig dominating the space, lots of barbells, kettle bells and rowing machines etc. but at CFQ we have such a diverse range of members and we all started as beginners. The most common thing people tell us once they start training is that they wonder why they were so nervous or that they wish they started sooner.
Do you have any advice for mums getting back into fitness or how to schedule fitness into a busy day?
It’s tough! I know that first hand, especially now with two. Even with keys to a fully equipped gym and the knowledge to know what to do, it is not easy…but to me, it’s totally worth it.
Getting back into the gym more regularly this year, probably around the 3 month mark for my youngest, was the best thing I have done for myself and for everyone around me.
Initially I thought taking that hour or so out of the house was a bit indulgent but every time I left I came back energised, calmer and ready for the day or night-time routine/all nighter 😊
Exercise to me is my release, it was an opportunity to focus on myself and I can say that during each class I hardly ever thought about the 1000 things I had to do at home. I simply moved, got sweaty, enjoyed adult conversation and it was grand. It still is and it has become an almost non-negotiable for our household.
So my advice is to simply do what you can and just take the first step. Sometimes the hardest part of a workout is making the decision to do it, putting on your shoes and going.
But I can almost guarantee that once you get started then you won’t regret it.
And if it’s not the gym for you, if it’s yoga, going for a walk, swim at the beach, then my advice is to do that. And do it as often as you can.
Someone once told me that your own health should always be your number one priority and I thought but surely my kids are more important. Although on reflection I tend to agree as if you don’t have your health then what good are you to anyone around you.
Can you tell us more about your CrossFit Quarter Teens program? What are the benefits of CrossFit for teens?
Our CrossFit Quarter Teens Program is for 12 – 17 year olds to help improve their fitness, strength, speed, power and stamina for their chosen sports. Or for those who simply wish to do CrossFit as their chosen sport.
We aim to build a group of motivated and enthusiastic athletes who encourage and inspire each other to improve at each session and it is a great opportunity for teens to meet and interact with others from different sporting codes and schools.
This program currently runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons at 4pm, with athletes being able to attend once, twice or three times per week depending on their workload and other training commitments. Although, due to the popularity of this program so far this year, it looks as though we’ll soon be extending to offer classes every day.
A number of our teens have been training with us for a number of years and, as well as seeing their physical capabilities improve out of sight, we have also watched their self-esteem, confidence and mental fortitude build beyond anything we even expected. The teens look out for each other, welcome the new kids and help each other out as much as they can, ensuring they have also built their own community at CFQ.
So, what’s next for CFQ?
Coming into our 8th year of operation in 2020, we aim to continue to provide a high level service to our current members, plenty of which have been training with us for 5 year plus, as well as hoping to see a number of new members through the doors to start their CrossFit journey.
Plus, I’ve just launched my own @coach.bec Instagram to help provide some insight and information to those who are not quite ready to step into the gym but looking to learn some things and perhaps start on their own.
What are some of your favourite places or things to do in the local area?
We are so incredibly grateful to live in such a wonderful area and most weekends you will find us at our favourite spot, Bicton Baths, usually with a Little Stove or Puck coffee in hand.
We have also been regulars at Kirby Swim Melville for the past 18 months and know all of the songs from library rhyme time.
When we do break out of our local circle, our Perth Zoo and Scitech memberships have been great investments to tire Alice out to ensure we get a good midday nap!
If you’ve heard about CrossFit before and been tempted to give it a try or are interested by the information above, then we’d love you to come down and give it a try. We regularly hold free beginner sessions, which I predominately coach, where we further explain everything about CrossFit, how we do things at CFQ and give you a small taste of what it’s like.
In addition, any teen is welcome to come down for a free trial in any Monday, Wednesday or Friday 4pm class.
With more than 2 weeks to go until school was due back and the temperature still in the mid 30s, I NEEDED to find something to keep my eldest son (Mr 4) occupied for a few hours, preferably indoors. He absolutely loves anything jumping, swinging, climbing – as many almost-5 year old boys do – so I thought a gymnastics-based activity would be the perfect choice.
I’d already heard great things about Active Gymnastics so when I saw they had recreational Gym Fun sessions running throughout January, I knew Mr 4 would love it!
Arrival & Warm-Up
The Gym Fun session started at 9am, with parents asked to pick up their children at 12.30pm, or 3pm if staying for the full-day session. We opted for the morning session to see how Mr 4 would go, especially as he would be one of the youngest there.
The morning started off with stretches and games to get the kids warmed up and ready for the more energetic activities planned. Attempting handstands and doing the splits were particularly popular!
Fun, Fun & More Fun
After the warmup, the kids were split into groups and taken to different areas of the gym to have a go at various activities. The gym occupies two huge warehouses, and there are lots of different apparatus to try out – bars, beam, trampoline, foam pit, and more! It’s not all physical activity though – the participants are given a morning tea break with fruit provided, plus there’s a craft session held in a separate area upstairs.
At the end of the morning session, the kids were brought back together for some team-based games before heading home (or to lunch, for the all-day participants).
Final Verdict
It’s clear the coaches are passionate about sharing their gymnastics experience and knowledge, and they take into account the varying ages, personalities and skill levels. All the kids are encouraged to try each skill or activity, but are never forced to do something they don’t want to do. It was also great to see that siblings and friends were able to stay together as another way to make the kids feel more comfortable.
Whichever program you decide to enrol in, sessions are designed to help improve coordination, flexibility, balance and strength while learning fun and challenging gymnastics skills. It’s non-competitive, plus it’s a great way to burn off excess energy, whatever the weather.
It took Mr 4 a little while to settle into the session but, as he got more confident, he really enjoyed himself and talked about his new-found skills the whole way home!
What: The Holiday Rec program runs Monday – Thursday with a choice of sessions.
During the term, Active Gymnastics also offers a variety of classes for boys and girls, from 2 year olds up to teenagers. For more information, check out the Active Gymnastics directory listing.
Disclaimer: Active Gymnastics provided Melville Mums with a Gym Fun morning session enrolment in return for an honest review.Thoughts and opinions expressed are those of the reviewer and are not influenced by the company in any way.
It’s giveaway time! Thanks to our friends at Connetix Tiles, we’re giving you the chance to win a 62 piece set valued at $119!
About Connetix Tiles
Connetix Tiles allow children to construct 2D and 3D shapes, using their imagination and creativity to play and build. Our magnetic tiles encourage cognitive development, spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills and help children build knowledge around scientific and mathematical concepts – all through PLAY!
Not only that, children can play independently or with friends and family, supporting important social skills such as teamwork, cooperation, perseverance and resilience. Create big castles and towers, build new homes for favourite toys or explore 3D shapes and patterns, all while having fun.
Connetix Tiles Features
Designed using stronger magnets so you can take your creations to a whole new level.
Made using food grade ABS plastic and with all tiles riveted for extra safety.
Our inverted design makes Connetix Tiles stronger & more scratch resistant while the clear appearance allows for beautiful reflections.
Compatible with all other leading magnetic tile brands.
All you need to do is like the giveaway post on the Melville Mums Facebook page and tell us why you’d like to win.
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Melville Mums Connetix Tiles Giveaway – Terms & Conditions
To be eligible, entrants must be 18+ and live within Perth metro.
The promotion commences at 12pm AWST on 10 January 2020 and concludes at 5pm AWST on 17 January 2020.
The promotion is a Game of Chance, and the winner will be selected at random on 17 January 2020. There will be one (1) winner.
Prize details: 1 x 62 Piece Connetix Tile Set ($119 value) plus local pickup (Melville area) or free delivery within Perth Metro.
The winner will be announced on the Melville Mums Facebook page and group on 18 January 2020. The winner will be notified via Facebook message.
Prizes are not transferable and not redeemable for cash. If the winner does not accept the prize by the time stipulated, Melville Mums reserves the right to select another winner.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook.
