A toast is definitely on the cards once the baby has arrived, but what else does a new or expecting mum need? Consider gifts that she can pamper herself with, such as beauty products, relaxing items, yummy treats and comfy maternity or postpartum clothes.
You can even gift something homemade – a delicious dinner that can go in the fridge or freezer will be one of the most appreciated gifts.
Practical gifts are great too! Think of items that will make her more comfortable and things that will come in handy once the baby is born.
We’ve put together a list of gift ideas for new or expecting mums, and remember that you don’t need to spend a lot of money – there’s plenty out there for a variety of budgets!
Practical Gift Ideas
Stroller Organiser – this universal organiser from Lupantte has insulated cup holders plus space for nappies, phone, toys, snacks, and more!
Maternity or Postpartum Pyjamas
Comfy Dressing Gown or Robe – she can wear this at the hospital and at home
Breastfeeding-friendly tops – these Ekouaer nursing tops are practical, comfy and designed with discrete feeding access
Postpartum Underwear
Comfy Socks – non-slip for the hospital floor
Postpartum Ice Pads – Ninja Mama have reusable ice packs to help with recovery after childbirth
Toiletry Bag – pre-filled with some mini toiletries (for the hospital)
Overall, your immune system does a pretty good job keeping you healthy. Colds and flus are a part of life but there are some steps you can take to strengthen your immune system. We’ve put together a list of 6 ways to boost your immunity to help keep you fighting fit!
Immunity Boosting Food
Yoghurt – Probiotic yoghurt contains helpful ‘germs’ for your gut, that help your body fight sickness. When shopping, look for yoghurt that says ‘contains live cultures’.
Kefir – This milk drink also packs lots of healthy probiotics, it is full of antibacterial properties and can restore the balance of friendly bacteria in your gut. Kefir is a fermented drink, traditionally made using cow’s milk or goat’s milk.
Walnuts – Walnuts have healthy omega-3 fatty acids that are believed to help your body fight illness. They are rich in Antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation, as well as blood pressure. They are known to be good for the brain too!
Fruits and Vegetables – There’s no secret here that these are superheros for our health. Great for the immune system! Aim for ones that are high in Vitamin C, like citrus fruits, strawberries, capsicum, broccoli, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.
Lean Meats – Protein helps keep up your strength and lean meats contain zinc which are great for our white blood cells to help fight infection.
Remember….
Eat Whole Foods – Yes Orange Juice contains Vitamin C, but a whole orange will have more benefits. You should be able to get what you need from real food without reaching for too many supermarket shelf supplements and if you do decide to take supplements make sure to check the ingredients and the quality.
Eat a Variety – We’ve all heard about eating the rainbow. Each colour provides various health benefits and one is not more superior to another. It is important to eat a balanced diet of various colours to ensure you are getting the best range of nutrients you can.
Exercise
Regular exercise can boost your immune system and help fight off infections. Exercise increases blood flow, reduces stress and inflammation, can strengthen antibodies and help your immune cells regenerate regularly. Physical activity may also help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways.
Sleep
During sleep, your immune system releases proteins, some of which help promote sleep. Certain proteins need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation, so it’s important to get plenty of sleep to help fight off sickness. Inadequate or poor quality sleep is linked to a higher susceptibility to infection.
Hydrate
Hydration doesn’t protect you from germs, but preventing dehydration is important to your overall health. Dehydration can cause headaches and set back your physical performance, focus, mood, digestion, and heart and kidney function. This can increase your susceptibility to infections, so make sure you drink enough water!
Fighting Germs
Fighting germs doesn’t boost the immunity, but it does reduce the stress on your immune system. Make sure that your family are washing their hands regularly and carry some wipes when you’re out and about for quick clean-ups.
Another germ-fighting strategy is to throw out your toothbrush if you’ve been sick, because the germs can hang around! “If your child does get sick, throw out her toothbrush right away,” says Barbara Rich, D.D.S., a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. You could catch the same infection twice and reinfect yourself, so clear out that toothbrush!
Minimise Stress
Whether your stress comes on quick or builds slowly over time, your body will trigger a stress response which is meant you help you during your stressful event. This response however also suppresses your immune system making you more susceptible to colds and infection.
Find your own specific way of relieving the stress in your life through either exercise, meditation, prayer, deep breathing and practice it whenever you recognise stress creeping into your life.
Introduce the stress relieving affects of Yoga to your kids through some fun and entertaining videos. Head to the Cosmic Yoga channel on YouTube for a great variety of videos you can watch and practice alongside your little ones.
It’s important to know that even if you do all of the above, you can’t always prevent colds or the flu, but it can strengthen your immune system to fight it if you do get sick. Eat well, exercise well, sleep well, live well and you will give your body a good chance to recover quicker.
Looking for somewhere to get the kids’ hair cut? We’ve put together a list of local kids hairdressers based on recommendations from local mums in our Facebook group. The suggestions include salons that specialise in children’s haircutting as well as salons that cater to adults.
Located in Applecross, this hair salon specialises in kids and teens haircuts. The 4 staff members have extensive child hairdressing experience. There is always a fun DVD playing and some cool chairs to sit on to distract the littlest squirmers. They run by appointments only, no walk-ins.
Mim & Co Hair Lab is a unique boutique salon, specialising in colour correction and precision cutting. They also offer hairdressing services for children. A funky and modern salon that will make your little princess feel grown up.
Just Cuts Westfield, Booragoon
Address: Shop 314 Westfield Shopping Centre Riseley Street, Booragoon
You can make the trip to the hairdressers a whole family affair at Just Cuts in Booragoon. All of their fully qualified staff specialise in cutting mums’, dads’ and all kids’ hair. They do not do any chemical or colouring work however.
There are no appointments at Roll N Dice, you just walk in a wait with your little ones in the very cool kids waiting area. They can read books, colour in and play with the activity centre whilst you both wait for their haircut.
This traditional barbershop located in Myaree includes an in-house coffee lounge and charging stations for your devices. For your little gentlemen, this is a pleasant salon that offers caffeine for the parents while they wait!
Little Herberts, West Perth
Address: Suites 9 & 10, City West Centre, 102 Railway St, West Perth
Little Herberts is more than just a hair salon – it also sells hair accessories, toys and children’s clothing. The contemporary and funky salon makes kids feel safe straight away and helps the parents distract their nervous little ones. You also have the option to shop and book your hair appointment online.
Tips to Help Reduce Anxiety Before your Kids Haircut
For some children, getting their hair cut can trigger some anxiety, tears and even full fist-pounding tantrums. The noises, the smells and the new environment of the hair salon can give the littlest ones sensory overload. If your child is particularly sensitive, it’s a good idea to try a hair salon that specialises in children’s haircutting.
If your child is old enough to talk about their feelings, ask them to tell you in their own words what they’re worried about and just listen and validate their feelings.
Visit the salon before their appointment and maybe ask the hairdresser to just comb their hair and help them choose which chair is their favourite. This makes the salon a somewhat familiar place.
Try playing hairdressers at home.
If the noise of the buzzer or the salon will upset your little one, play their favourite songs over headphones (used upside down) or ear plugs.
Be sure to take some snacks to distract your little ones if they are not too upset to eat them.
Take along a sibling or family member who can help reassure them.
Bring a change of clothes for afterwards if the hair triggers some sensory issues.
Remember to be patient and compassionate.
If you’re looking for more local businesses that help our Melville Mums and their families, head to our business directory. You may also find some useful tips on our parenting section on the blog.
It’s easy to turn the TV on to keep the kids quiet or to keep them occupied whilst you’re doing housework or working from home, but we all know that real play is the best kind of play for young minds. It lets them imagine, create, problem solve, and so much more!
Children are eager to learn, especially when they are young, but sometimes they need a little encouragement. Here’s a list of some screen-free activities for your kids to do at home.
1. Puppet Show
Make puppets out of toilet paper rolls and other household items, and then help your kids put on a puppet show for the whole family.
2. Family Olympics
Recreate a kid friendly Olympics in your home with a selection of indoor or outdoor games. Your kid’s could make medals to give to the winners. You could include the egg & spoon race, beanbag toss or make an obstacle course.
3. Toilet Paper Train
You could get crafty together and make a toilet paper train like this one here from Kids Activities Blog.
4. Treasure Hunt
Using their craft skills, the kids can make some treasure, you then hide it, create a treasure map and let them enjoy the treasure hunt. To make it more fun, they can even dress up as a brave adventurer!
5. Make a Kite
This is so simple! All you need are two sticks, a plastic bag, string and scissors. Have a look at this easy to follow guide from Instructables.
6. Rock Painting
Find some rocks in your garden or pick some from the local playground, river or beach, wash them, then paint on patterns and pictures. Once finished, it would make a lovely eye catching feature in the garden.
7. Cubby House
Gather your cushions, pillows, blankets and sheets to build a cubby house or fort.
8. Make Lemonade
Try out this simple Homemade Lemonade recipe from Learning 4 Kids.
9. Make Oobleck
If you have corn starch in your pantry, then you can make Oobleck! Take a bowl, pour 1 cup of water, add in 1.5 cups of corn starch, mix it together! It’s easy to make but it’s messy, so make sure you have an easy wipe down surface or a mat. It’s so much fun to play with! You can hold it as a solid and then it will ooze out through your fingers. Add a bit of food colouring to make it even better. Instructables have an easy to follow recipe.
10. Draw with Chalk
Let them channel their inner artist and create artwork outside.
11. Bird Watching
Lie down in your garden and spot the birds. See how many different varieties of birds you can find, then perhaps later you can research them together in a book (otherwise a little supervised screen time might be needed here!)
12. Practise Mindfulness
Headspace have some great tips on how to teach mindfulness to your kids. Try doing some of these activities together.
13. Make a Collage
Using old magazines, newspapers, birthday cards, cut out some pictures and glue on to card or paper to make a collage. Once finished, you could even frame it for everyone to admire.
14. Play Mums & Dads
I mean really play Mums & Dads. Let them dress up in your clothes (choose clothes you are happy for them to wear) and explore the world of make believe: get their bag ready for work, drink a cup of coffee, read the newspaper, make a phone call, use the laptop, all pretend of course. Let them put your shoes on – they love wearing grown up shoes!
15. Dance Party
Have a dance party in the living room. Add in some glow sticks for even more fun!
In the latest Getting to Know blog post, we chat with Dr Anna Stevens, owner and dentist at Polar Dental in Alfred Cove. Anna tells us about providing the best possible service for the local community and helping anxious patients overcome their fear of visiting the dentist.
Hi, Anna. Please tell us a bit about yourself, your family and your business.
I’ve always lived in the local area – I grew up and went to school here. I lived in Adelaide for a while when attending uni but came home for the free babysitting. Now my three children go to school locally. I have worked in private dental practice for 15 years and opened my new practice, Polar Dental in Alfred Cove, in April 2021.
What inspired you to open Polar Dental and start offering dental services to local families?
I jumped at the chance to open a new dental practice close to home when the property became available. I wanted to create a bright, relaxed place to go to work every day, and have equipped the practice with all new, modern facilities to provide the best service possible.
I wanted to provide local families and friends with a community-focused dental practice in the area. I find that a lot of people are seeking care locally these days whilst working from home.
What do you love most about what you do?
I particularly enjoy helping anxious dental patients become happy patients! A lot of people, whether young or old, have anxieties around dental treatment, and I look forward to seeing them relax into motivated patients who can attend for regular dental checks without fear. I am passionate about improving oral health and maintaining healthy mouths for life. It’s great getting to know my patients and watching children grow up over the years that they come to see me.
What are some of your favourite places or things to do in the local area?
In my free time I love to spend time on the Swan river (you might see me down there on my stand-up-paddleboard!), visiting the food trucks at Point Walter with my family, and playing hockey with my team at the Melville Hockey Club.
Do you have any advice for mums looking to start their own business?
I would advise that they gain a good understanding of how most parts of their business works, even if they plan to outsource some aspects. Get a good accountant! Be prepared to stay calm and problem solve while dealing with unexpected issues – these will always arise.
Exercise Right Week is an annual public awareness campaign brought to you by Exercise & Sports Science Australia. This year, the theme is Exercise for the Right Reasons. They want to highlight how powerful exercise, physical activity and movement are for your physical and mental health.
FREE EVENTS
Starting on Monday 23rd May, Exercise Right are putting on a range of FREE in person exercise classes, education sessions and Q & A sessions – all run by accredited exercise professionals! Scheduled events include yoga classes, women’s health information sessions, pilates, walks and more!
If you’re looking for simple exercises you can do at home, there are lots of video workouts to choose from, including a mums and bubs video. Plus you can find out more information and facts in their blog and download activity sheets to try with your kids (like this HIIT workout shown below).
Source: Exercise Right
Exercise benefits for children
Some of the benefits you can explain to your kids that they will enjoy from exercising are listed below:
Exercise makes your lungs and heart stronger, giving you more energy so you can play for longer.
Exercise helps blood flow to your brain and organs, so you can concentrate in school.
Exercise strengthens and stretches your muscles. So you don’t hurt yourself when you’re lifting something heavy.
Exercise builds strong and healthy bones, helping you stand taller and lighter on your feet.
Exercise helps with your coordination and reflexes, so you can catch and kick balls or balance on the jungle gym.
Exercise helps to manage weight, keeping your body lean and healthy.
Exercise decreases your risk of diseases or illnesses, it even boosts your immune system and can help you avoid getting a cold.
Teaching your child to ride a bike can be a daunting task, to say the least. The nerves and emotions that it brings up can be quite overwhelming for your little ones (and for the mums and dads). We’ve put together some handy tips to help you teach your child to ride a bike. Hopefully, they’ll help make the process a little easier for everyone. The pure joy on their faces as they ride off on their own for the first time, makes it all worth it!
1. Be patient
It’s not always going to happen the first time, so be patient. There’s a lot for your child to process, so try not to overload them with too much information in one go. If they feel pressured or intimidated, that could be enough to put them off trying, so go slow. Letting them learn at their own pace is vital for their success and will ease any pressure. Don’t expect them to be able to use the brakes when they’re still mastering how to balance!
2. Safety first
Teach your child how important safety and comfort is when it comes to riding a bike. Talk to them about the importance of wearing a helmet and ensuring it is fitted correctly. Here are some tips on how to fit a helmet correctly. Their clothes must be comfortable and not restrictive or impractical – I know your daughter’s skirt is beautiful, but if it gets caught in the back wheel, you will have a problem! Check that shoes are fastened properly and not going to slip off or get caught in the pedals.
3. Start in an open space
You want your child to feel at ease when learning to ride a bike and teaching them in the street isn’t ideal, unless you live in a quiet cul-de-sac. Try taking them to an empty car park, basketball court or park. I would try to avoid the pavement too if possible, as this can feel too restrictive for them or have too many obstacles to think about. Local school netball or basketball courts are a great place to learn as they are open, flat and smooth.
4. Balance
If your child has never used a balance bike before, you could try taking the pedals off whilst they get used to balancing, or just let their legs hang past the pedals to the floor. It will feel wobbly to begin with but if they practise walking first, then step up the pace a little – they will be running with the bike soon enough! Once they’ve got comfortable with balancing on the bike, it’s time to bring back the pedals.
5. Steering
Steering will be difficult at first, which is why it’s great to practise in an open space, but they will eventually get the hang of it. They must understand that they need to look in the direction that they are going, because their steering usually instinctively follows where they’re looking.
6. Braking
In a way, it’s probably better to teach your child how to stop the bike before they learn how to ride it, because it can be quite scary if you’re going full speed and don’t know how to stop!
There are two types of brake – there’s the foot brake and the hand brake. The foot brake is when you pedal backwards to stop, and the hand brake is on the handlebars. The hand brake is more efficient at braking safely, and children will have more control over slowing down and stopping.
A good idea here is to get your child off the bike, walk alongside the bike and practise pulling on the hand brake. This will get them used to how much pressure they need and how the bike feels when it stops. It also eliminates having to think about too many things at once. That way, they can just focus on the braking.
7. Choosing a teacher
Who is the right teacher? Are you the right teacher? Would your partner be better, or perhaps someone else? Your child needs to trust who is teaching them, but they also need to be on a similar wavelength. If you have high expectations of them then they might be better with someone who has more patience to take it slowly. They might feel more pressure with you. Their older sibling might be a good choice if they look up to them, or a cousin, especially if they want to join in on the fun.
8. Check the seat height
Always check the seat height, as kids are constantly growing. What was a good height for them a month ago, might be too low now. You can have it slightly lower whilst they’re learning, so that they don’t feel up so high. Just remember to move it to where it needs to be for the most comfort and make sure their feet can touch the ground with the balls of their feet.
9. Check the bike before you ride
Always check the bike before they ride. Check that the pedals turn smoothly, the breaks work, the tyres are pumped up and the saddle is secure.
10. Don’t forget that it should be fun!
Riding with your friends and family is fun, so make the teaching fun too! And if they are ready to stop for today or take a break, let them. Don’t force them to keep riding because it will lose the element of fun. Always be positive and encouraging.
Here are some videos to watch to find even more tips to help you teach your child to ride a bike.
Keeping active and healthy is a priority for all of us, but sometimes fitting it in and finding the motivation can be a little hard. If you’re looking for fitness programs that you can do from the comfort of your own home, we’ve put together a list of some online fitness programs that might work for you. You can exercise at a time and pace that suits you. There’s an array of activities available, from cardio to yoga, so you are sure to find something that fits in with your idea of a home workout.
You can still meet your fitness goals with The Healthy Mummy – the workouts can be done whenever and wherever. The Healthy Mummy is designed to help busy mums take control over their health and weight loss goals. The highly rated app gives you access to over 500 exercise workout videos as well as family-friendly and budget-friendly recipes to help you along your fitness journey. The videos are guided programs with plenty of options including Boxing, HIIT, Tabata and Yoga. With options for all fitness levels, the videos range from 10 to 30 minutes in length.
Cost: Annual $99 (regular special offers available)
You can fit exercise into your busy lifestyle with the MyTXO full-body workouts that get you results in under 20 minutes, or you can try the 10-minute Express workouts. You can also keep your mind healthy with weekly meditations and mindful tips. Plus you will have access to delicious and dietitian-approved meal plans, with regular, vegetarian, budget and gluten-free options, there’s something for everybody.
The Sweat trainers will guide you on your fitness journey with structured programs and workouts that fit into your lifestyle. With Sweat you can schedule your workouts, get real-time reminders, track your steps and see your workout history each month. You can choose from high intensity workouts, weight training, resistance, pilates, barre and much more. You will also have access to hundreds of recipes & nutrition education.
“28 minutes a day, all you need is your phone” – 28 by Sam Wood is a complete at home training, nutrition and mind program. Chose from a variety of workout options (HIIT, yoga and pilates) with 5 different fitness levels, as well as low impact, pregnancy and postnatal options. You can also enjoy some of the quick, simple, budget friendly meals, with over 3000 recipes, which are scientifically designed to improve your metabolism and turn you into a fat-burning machine!
Discover your at home workout with Les Mills. Choose from cardio, HIIT and strength training through to dance workouts and flexibility. You will find workouts for all levels and goals. You can set up beginner to advanced, 3 – 12 week workout plans to help you achieve your goals. There is also a great selection of fitness options for children!
Choose from the signature HIIT circuits, yoga and Pilates inspired sessions and cardio options to give you a total body workout. There are hundreds of different workouts to improve flexibility, endurance, strength and posture. Available in beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, you will find options to suit all abilities and fitness goals. With a selection of quick, fresh, family friendly recipes, you can add healthy eating to your long term plan. You can enjoy weekly meditation and mindfulness sessions will help you reduce stress and anxiety and improve self-confidence.
12WBT with Michelle Bridges is an online health & fitness program that has been running for 10 years. You can choose a 12 week program or a membership to suit your lifestyle. 12WBT is simple and convenient, just what you want from a home workout. There are so many programs to choose from to suit your needs, whether it’s weight loss, stength training, pregnancy or post partum. Your tailored 12 week program will help you keep on track with your fitness goals. You will also receive a customisable 12 week Meal Plan to make your journey that little bit easier. Mindset coaching videos will be available for you to access to keep yourself motivated.
If Barre is your thing, then you might want to try Barre Body online, you’ll increase your strength and endurance, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. With the option to join a live streamed class or on demand when you can, you will find a class that fits. Barre Body On Demand offers class styles and lengths to suit your mood and energy level, or with Barre Body Programs you can find a program that will help you reach your fitness goals.
They also offer Pilates, yoga, cardio, reformer and pre/post natal.
Peaches welcomes all fitness levels and all body types. From the comfort of your own home you can enjoy a total body workout. They also have specialised Pilates classes for prenatal and postnatal women. If you are new to Pilates you can try the Pilates 101 series and the Beginner Peach online classes, otherwise if you have some experience in the world of Pilates then you can join one of their challenges. There’s also a great selection of healthy recipes to keep you on track.
The Upbeat is a selection of beat based workouts to develop the body of a dancer. This is great at home workout where you can listen to the music, let go of yourself and have fun whilst working out. A dance inspired workout might be just what you need! You can watch on demand or join in on the live stream sessions. Choose from 15 min, 30 min and 45 min workouts. No dancing experience required and all fitness levels welcome.
For even more health and fitness inspo, check out our blog section with local gyms & fitness centres with creche facilities, beginner’s guide to meditation, local swimming pools, plus much more!
It was 12 o’clock (Midnight) and I was still up making cardboard Paw Patrol badges when I suddenly questioned every step in my life that led me to that moment.
What on earth was I doing staying up at all hours gluing Paw Patrol badges???
I get it! You want to make your child’s birthday party magical and perfect. But it also sends chills down your spine. Whether you’re hosting one, or just have to take your kids to one, is it really how us mums want to be spending our time?
Well, no. But of course we do it, because that’s what us mums (and dads) do.
Have you ever looked around at a child’s birthday party and noticed how stress out the hosts look? In trying to plan the perfect celebration for our kid, many of us fret over every detail and overextend ourselves and our budgets.
All you want is everyone to be blissfully happy. And you want some amazing photos for your Instagram feed.
But sweetheart, you are so tired, and confused from scanning every Pinterest post looking for the perfect themes, decoration and designer cake. Maybe you have already put a tonne of work into it already and now you’ve had it!
Or, perhaps you are simply realising all the hours (and $$$$$) it’s going to take to make the party a reality.
Girl, I seriously know how you feel. I’ve been there and felt exact the same way.
And my friend, I have some great news for you. Unless putting on an amazing party brings you immense joy, you can stop all this planning RIGHT now.
You don’t have to sacrifice your life at the detriment of your children’s parties.
You don’t have to experience all this insane birthday stress.
And you can still be a Rockstar Muma and host.
In fact, I would argue that NOT stressing yourself out will actually ultimately bring your child more happiness and will help you be a better mum than what you already are.
AND YES, YOU ARE A GOOD MUM. YOU DON’T NEED A PARTY TO PROVE IT.
Your child does not need this party. Your child can experience the joy and magic of turning another year older without it giving you grey hairs and forcing you into sleep deprivation.
Crazy stress is not the only way for a fun and exciting party.
But I get you.
Despite a headache and serious sleep deprivation, I was determined to have a picture-perfect Paw Patrol party for my 3-year-old. I was looking at the pile of badges I had spent hours making FOR A DECORATION (eyeroll *🙄*) and it was like: This. Is. Ridiculous.
And it was.
But like so many mums I got caught up wanting a picture-perfect Pinterest/Instagram-worthy birthday party.
So, some real questions here: Who exactly is the fancy birthday for?
Is it your child? Other mums? Social media? For yourself? A combination?
If I was answering in that moment with the tutus, I would have to admit it was for all those reasons. While creating a magical experience for my son was my primary motivation, it was not my only motivation. I’m 100% I would have gone about things differently.
As you know, kids find joy in the simplest things. A cardboard box or kitchen utensils can keep kids busy for hours while the mountains of toys gather dust.
I’m telling you mama – your child doesn’t need a fancy party to have fun and feel special.
A BETTER WAY
Just days after my stressful and exhausting dinosaur birthday party, I went to a party for one of my son’s friends. And this mum had it figured out.
It was in their big backyard at home, they had some playground equipment (trampoline & swings) and they hired a ball pit and bouncy castle. They served up home-made sandwiches (with simple fillings such as ham & cheese), heated up some (bought) sausage rolls, and a platter of fruit & supermarket cupcakes while the mum chattered completely stress-free with the other mums, and the kids played happily.
No gift bags, no decorations, no games. Just a bunch of happy kids and relaxed parents.
Frankly, this mum was a birthday party “God”.
Ok, I know we don’t all have a big backyard with room for a bouncy castle, but this mum had it figured out!
She used the resources that were easily at her disposal and she kept it super simple.
While I ran around at my son’s birthday party exhausted and frantically and still traumatised by it all, my mum friend sat relaxed and happy with all the other mums. She appeared to be enjoying herself.
The difference couldn’t have been more opposite.
THE THREE F’S OF ROCKING A BIRTHDAY PARTY
Can I let you in on a little secret? I’ve come to realise that a successful kids birthday party really only needs 3 things: Frosting, Fun and Friends.
That’s it. Really
No birthday stress needed.
AT THE END OF THE DAY….
Remember mama, at the end of the day, what your kids most is a happy, healthy mum, who takes care of herself. What will shape their future is feeling loved by you and connected. Not a party.
So, go hug your kid and get some sleep, my friend. You’ve got this!
Written by local mum, Emma Orchard.
For more ideas about planning your little’s one birthday party visit our Parties & Events sectionin the Business Directory. Here, you’ll find local businesses that can help you with birthday gifts, venue hire, entertainers, photographers and more. Have fun, mamas!
Manning Park playground is a play space that shows off castle-like equipment, while being surrounded by the beautiful Manning Lake. The playground is full of exciting ramps leading up to bridges connecting different forts and lots of different slides to bring the kids squealing down.
Manning Park playground, awaiting shade sails to be fitted and ready for summer.
Manning Park playground is located within Manning Park in Hamilton Hill. The park itself is part of Beeliar Regional Park that boasts Manning Lake and the limestone ridge to the west of the wetland. Behind the museum, you can enjoy the Davilak Walking Trail, a limestone track passing by lots of historical ruins.
There is ample parking near the playground. When you drive in to park, you will see Azelia Ley Homestead Museum. Opposite the museum is the beautiful Manning Lake.
Green grass areas overlook Manning Lake with lots of picnic tables, gazebos and BBQ facilities. On an ordinary weekend, you would see people sitting under the gazebos having BBQ or lying on the grass, reading away.
The toilets separate the picnic areas from Manning Park playground. The playground is made up of different sections; all sections are fitted with shade sail poles, and shade sails are on to help reduce the heat in summer.
Toilets at Manning Park playground.
The playground is for kids of all abilities and ages. There is an all-abilities Liberty Swing which requires an access key from the City of Cockburn to use the ramp for the swing. There is a bench near the Liberty Swing which is shaded by an established tree.
Liberty Swing for kids with wheelchairs.
The rest of the playground comprises of castle-like play equipment with a sign stating “Friendship Castle”. There are ramps leading up to the forts, with red winding slides and smaller straight yellow slides for the little ones. There’s also another bench there but it is not shaded by trees.
Kids can run up the ramp, through little bridges and up to the little fort, before sliding down the winding red slide. The yellow Liberty Swing is on the right.
There are monkey bars and fireman’s poles there too. It’s a great place to play hide and seek for the little ones as they run from one fort to another.
The playground is surrounded by lovely grassy areas to watch the kids or to simply enjoy a picnic. Manning Park has decent footpath access around the lake for prams and wheelchairs. You can also see kids whizzing by on their scooters and bicycles.
The park is open daily from 7am to 7pm. There are no cafes within the park itself. The closest cafes include Coco & Boho and Caffissimo Phoenix; both are still quite far away from the park though, so it might be best to grab your coffee on the way!
__________
Essential Info
Fenced? No, except for Liberty Swing
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes
Nearest coffee: Coco & Boho and Caffissimo Phoenix
Manning Park playground is a play space that shows off castle-like equipment, while being surrounded by the beautiful Manning Lake. The playground is full...
