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Dog-Friendly Beaches in and around the Melville area

Melville Mums

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February 21, 2022

Dog-Friendly Beaches in and around the Melville area

Next time you’re planning a trip to the beach, there’s no need to leave your furry family member at home. We’ve listed some of the local dog friendly beaches in and around the City of Melville that you can take the whole family to!

The very mention of a trip to the dog beach will usually send tails wagging. The magic of a day at the beach is not lost on your dog. There is something about the freedom of an off leash run and all that socialising that makes your dog’s smile just that little bit bigger.

Helpful Tips for Taking Your Pooch to the Dog Beach

You can let your dog off the leash at most of the dog-friendly beaches we’ve listed, but remember you must still have control of your dog. Here are some other things to keep in mind when planning your next beach trip with your dog.

Make sure you pack plenty of poo-ch pouches.
Check that your dog has its collar on and their ID is attached to it.
Bring fresh water and a dog bowl for after a long run on the beach.
Look out for rips or rough waves when you arrive at the beach if your dog likes to go for swim
If the sand is too hot for your bare feet, it’s probably too hot for your dog’s paws.
Before you jump back in the car, rinse the salt water off your dog’s coat to stop them from licking the salt and to prevent them from itching. Some of these beaches may have outdoor shower facilities you can use.

Attadale – Point Walter (Dog Friendly Area)

Address: Burke Drive, Attadale

Parking: Yes – verge parking and some marked bays

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes and usually quite well stocked

Café: No (Walters River Café is nearby but no dogs allowed on Point Walter)

East Fremantle – John Tonkin Reserve (Dog Friendly Area)

Address: Riverside Road, East Fremantle

Parking: Yes

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes but supply level can vary so take your own if possible

Café: Yes – Zephyr’s Café

Other info: Great playground next to the river on the reserve next to the café, where dogs are allowed on the leash.

Kwinana – Kwinana Dog Beach

Address: Rockingham Beach Road, Cockburn Sound

Parking: Yes

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes and usually quite well stocked

Café: No

Other info: There are public toilets and showers. Yes, this one’s a little further afield but it’s usually quiet and after your beach walk you can take the very short drive in to Rockingham, for a stroll (dog on leash) along the foreshore and have lunch outside at one of the cafes or a picnic whilst the children play on the playground.

North Coogee – C.Y. O’Connor Dog Beach

Address: Cockburn Road, North Coogee

Parking: Yes

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes and usually quite well stocked

Café: No

Other info: There are public toilets and showers. You can see a bronze statue of C.Y O’Connor and his horse offshore, as well as the Omeo Shipwreck.

North Fremantle – Leighton Beach Dog Beach

Address: Leighton Beach Boulevard, North Fremantle

Parking: Yes and there’s some verge parking when it’s busy

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes and usually quite well stocked

Café: There’s sometimes an ice cream van that also serves coffee and has EFTPOS facilities.

Other info: It can get extremely busy in the summer months so go early.

South Fremantle – South Beach Dog Beach

Address: Marine Terrace, South Fremantle

Parking: Yes

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes but supply level can vary so take your own if possible

Café: There’s a coffee van on the weekends and also the cafés along South Terrace are only a short away with your dog on the leash.

Other info: It can get extremely busy in the summer months so go early.

If you’d like to know about dog-friendly parks and reserves, have a look at our blog for suggestions.

Getting to Know Charisse Parnell – The Dance Collective

Getting to Know...

Melville Mums

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February 16, 2022

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Getting to Know Charisse Parnell – The Dance Collective

In the latest Getting to Know blog post, we chat with Charisse Parnell, Director of The Dance Collective. We talk about all things dance, community and managing the mental load as a busy mum.

Hi, Charisse. Please tell us a bit about yourself, your family and your business.

Hi! 😊 I am a mother of two boys (11 and 13) and wife to a Behaviour Specialist … definitely comes in handy raising a family! We moved to Melville from White Gum Valley in 2011 just in time for Finn to start kindergarten at Melville Primary School.

Before starting The Dance Collective, I completed degrees in Marketing and Primary Teaching and worked in both fields, lived and trained in dance overseas, built a successful dance program at Rossmoyne Senior High School, taught at-risk students and simultaneously freelanced as a choreographer/teacher.

What inspired you to start The Dance Collective?

In the beginning it was something small and fun I created outside of my high school work hours to call my own and bring a community of dancers who I had been teaching together.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love connecting people and making people feel part of something special. I love when people are surprised at how far they’ve come or how much they’ve grown, whether it be in dance or confidence. When I hear dancers are happier, their lives have changed, they’ve found new friends, or doing better at school or work because of what they are learning at TDC, I realise this is what I am meant to be doing.

I also love that I’ve been able to combine my marketing, education and dance experience into one role. All the knowledge and skills collected throughout my life has all come into one place. I get to use both sides of my brain – the creative and the analytical!

Finally, the people! TDC brings together the most beautiful humans. We operate and look after each other like family. We all love dance and that love is transferred to care, kindness and acceptance across the company. It’s very special.

Is there anything new/exciting coming up for The Dance Collective?

We’ve got auditions soon for a huge event at Crown in April. It’s for Oasis Ball 25 Year Anniversary – Western Australia’s media and advertising awards night and our client wants dancers from all walks of life – all ages, all sizes and all ethnicities. It’s going to be a great vibe bringing our dancers together and putting such diversity onto a corporate stage.

What are some of your favourite places or things to do in the local area?

We’ve just discovered a gorgeous dog beach at the river near Zephyrs. Our 1-year-old bull terrier Winston loves it there! Mai Thai is hands down our favourite place to eat as a family. My boys always order Massaman Beef and Scott loves the Red Duck Curry.

Do you have any advice for mums looking to start their own business?

Start small. Trying to do it all at once can be overwhelming. You can upskill as your business grows. I am forever learning new skills to improve the way I do things.

Don’t always make choices for profit. Some of my best decisions are made because they need to happen.

Choose something that is your passion. It can be become difficult at times but if you’re doing something your truly passionate about you will have the courage to push through.

Any other words of wisdom for our mums?

The mental load mothers are under is enormous. Two books I highly recommend which may help!

1) Buddhism for Mothers (Sarah Napthali)

2) How to hold it together when you’re doing it all (Felicity Harley)

And nothing better than sharing how you feel with mothers or business owners in a similar position. You realise our challenges are universal. You are not alone!

To find out more about The Dance Collective, head to their website, Facebook page or Instagram feed.

If you loved this post, check out our Getting to Know… blog series, which features local business owners who share their stories with us.

Why Date Nights Are A Necessity & 15+ Date Night Ideas

Melville Mums

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February 9, 2022

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Why Date Nights Are A Necessity & 15+ Date Night Ideas

For the majority of mums who are reading this blog, dating has led you to where you are now, being a proud mum. As your life as a parent rolls along, everything can seem to get more hectic and stressful. Time, money, waistlines; they all get a little tighter and parenthood can become overwhelming. To regain your sanity and keep your marriage solid, date nights are a must, not just a nice-to-have for other couples to enjoy.

Date nights by definition are unique experiences that you share with your significant other without ordinary distractions – something fun for just the two of you! They’re a chance to take a break from your normal routine and daily stresses. A chance to do something special with your partner.

Parenting is a tough job and one that requires a village of support and encouragement around you. This village starts with you and your partner. Friendship is a huge part of a committed relationship which needs to be fostered so it is not taken for granted. By taking the effort to regularly spend time with your partner, you strengthen your bond, find that spark again and realise how amazing parenthood can be.

How often should we go on Date Night?

Start small, maybe once a month and work up to weekly dates if it’s feasible. The more regularly you can schedule “dates” with your partner, the more of these below benefits you and your whole family will enjoy. It’s a win-win situation!

Increased happiness: After spending time with your partner, being listened to and connecting with them you will naturally feel happier. A happy mum means a happy house.
Lower stress levels: Without any distractions, you can talk through any misunderstandings or miscommunications you’ve had with your partner in a less emotional way. Your more relaxed vibe will be well received by your kids.
Rekindled intimacy: Away from the kids and normal family life, you can relight that romantic spark and have some fun too.
Better communication: Date Nights allow you the time and space to talk about things that are important to you as a person and as a couple. You can catch up on what’s happening in your partner’s life because some days you can feel more like “passing ships in the night” than partners. Communication is a muscle that needs to be worked on otherwise it will get weaker.
Modeling good behavior for your kids: By taking time out for yourself as a couple, you are showing your little ones that family is about different relationships, not just the parent-child relationship. It builds a sense of WE in the family unit, instead of a sense of ME.
Stronger commitment and resilience as a couple: When you regularly work on your relationship by doing something as simple as “date night”, you increase its strength and resilience for handling the tougher times.

It’s too hard to organise!

It may seem like work at first to organise and schedule regular date nights, but just remember the fun the two of you can get up to. Because date nights are a necessity, plan them together and do something you both enjoy to make the process more fun. You can try something as simple and inexpensive as walking to the local park or as extravagant as a weekend away at a spa. Here are some ideas to get your date night diary started, whether you are looking for a night out, a night in or a “date day”.

It doesn’t matter so much what you do on date night but what you feel that is important.
Anon

Date Nights or Date Days out of the house

Catch a movie either indoors or outdoors
Sweat it out together; bike ride, beach walk, surfing, ice skating, hiking
Try sightseeing in a new part of town
Grab a picnic rug and relax
Enjoy a long leisurely grown up breakfast
Share a laugh at a comedy show
Listen to live music
Book a table at a romantic restaurant
Check into a day spa
Have a weeknight getaway at your favourite hotel
Go to a sports game

Stay at home Date Nights (Once the kids are in bed)

Order in from your favourite restaurant and stay up chatting
Find a new TV series on Netflix and snuggle up on the couch
Play for washing up privileges over a games night
Grab a wine and go on a virtual tour anywhere in the world. Virtual museums, zoos, aquariums and art galleries can all easily be found online.

For even more inspiration, here’s a list of 20 at-home date night ideas to help re-ignite that spark!

So put on your favourite slippers, sneakers or heels and send your partner an invite to a date night. Relax and have some fun, we all deserve it!

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Kids

Melville Mums

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February 7, 2022

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Valentine’s Day looks a little different when you become a parent. It’s usually a little louder and less intimate than when it was just the “two of you”. Valentine’s Day with kids can however give your family a great excuse to show each other how much you care. Here are some suggestions on local family-friendly events and DIY ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day with kids.

Dinner at Dusk, Bicton

Where: 5 Honour Avenue, Point Walter Reserve, Bicton

When: 4.30 – 8.30pm

Website: Dinner at Dusk

Spend time with your loved ones at Dinner at Dusk Point Walter! Enjoy a night under the stars with the best range of food trucks, live music and an ambience you will love. Bring a blanket and set up with family and friends on the grass, or take up a seat at one of the complimentary tables and chairs.

Summer Screens, Bicton

Snuggle up with your loved ones and watch a family movie under the stars this Valentine’s weekend. Hawaiian’s Melville is hosting a FREE Summer Screens series so pack a rug, cushions and picnic dinner, or treat yourself to a delicious dinner from one of the delicious food retailers, and enjoy the show!

This is a free event but please register to attend – details can be found on the website.

Where: 380 Canning Highway, Bicton

When: 6.00pm – 9.00pm

Website: Hawaiian’s Melville

Melville Summer Music, Melville

The City of Melville’s free Summer Music series will feature performances from some of the best artists in WA across four stunning outdoor spaces in Melville. The concerts will run from Saturday, 13 November 2021 through to Saturday, 26 March 2022.

The family-friendly concerts celebrate the best of summer – outdoor picnics, food trucks and live music, all against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.

Where: Yagan Mia Wireless Hill Park, Kadidjiny Park, Limestone Amphitheatre and Piney Lakes Reserve

When: 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Website: Melville Summer Music

South Perth StrEats, South Perth

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day! There will be live music by Jacob Pihema Music and a host of delicious vendors including:

Oishii Modern Japanese Street Food
Peter’s Cà Phê
Merlion Seafood Street
Hot Jam Doughnuts
murphys.spuds
Juice Station
Jumplings

So, if you’re celebrating Valentine’s, or just want a great vibe with delicious food, head to South Perth with family and friends, relax by the river with views of the gorgeous city skyline.

Where: Sir James Mitchell Park, Coode Street, South Perth

When: Wednesdays to Sundays 5.00pm – 8.30pm

Website: South Perth StrEats

Remember to download the SafeWA App and be Covid safe.

Before leaving home, check the WA Gov Covid website for any updated requirements
Stay home if you are unwell
Observe good hand hygiene and use the hand sanitiser where provided
Maintain social distancing
Check-in upon arrival, using the SafeWA app – look out for the QR codes around event or use manual check-in if available

DIY Valentine’s Day Celebrations

If an organized family outing isn’t feasible, we have listed some ideas to help make your Valentine’s Day celebrations with your kids just as special as they are.

Talk about Love

Take the opportunity to tell your child how much you love them and what love means to you. You can also ask them questions to get them thinking about family, friendship, and love. What do they love? How do they show their family that they love them?
Write love notes filled with what you love about your kids and tape them to their bedroom door for them to wake up to
Give each other 10 compliments throughout the day
Read stories about love

Bake with Love

Make pink heart shaped pancakes for breakfast
Put a bit more pink or red in your little ones lunch boxes
Bake heart shaped cookies or a Valentine’s Day cake with the whole family
Create a love themed mocktail to enjoy together – use cranberry juice to make it red

Make “Lovely” craft

Make Valentine’s Day cards together
Each paint a picture of someone you love
Give out vouchers for a one on one date with Mum or Dad
Paint love hearts on rocks
Make these cute Fingerprint Heart Poem Keepsakes from Simply Today Life
Design a Valentine’s Picture Frame – take inspiration from Design Improved

Spend time together

Go for a picnic
Enjoy a special meal at home – dress everyone in their best clothes and use the good plates
Go for a walk as a family – head to the beach, King’s Park or find a new bush walk to try
Take a trip to the Swan Valley and enjoy some time in a family-friendly winery
Book a staycation for the whole family & relax

However you choose to spend Valentine’s Day, we hope it’s filled with lots of love, hugs and kisses xx

For more local events, head to our What’s On page.

Carawatha Park (Willagee) – Playground Review

Melville Mums

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February 1, 2022

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Carawatha Park (Willagee) – Playground Review

Carawatha Park playground is everything you need for kids of all abilities and ages. Although personally, I think bigger kids will have a better time than little ones at this playground.

The carpark is small with only one accessible parking bay, however there is heaps of street parking available near the playground.

There are lots of established trees here, making the playground quite cool and breezy, even on a hot summer day! If the day is extra hot, there are a few picnic tables and benches that are also in the shade (or part shade, depending on the time of the day).

There is a fantastic water play area. Little kids love getting water pumped out of the water pump and then watching as the water makes its way down. Just remember to bring a change of clothes.

There is also a sand play area for little kids with a little sand pulley system. Kids can climb up the little bench and pull on the chain or stay down in the sand and shove sand into the little sand carrier. Sand play is good fun, until the kids get into their car seats and then there’s sand everywhere!

Carawatha Park playground has the usual slides but it also has a large slide mound with wide polished concrete custom slide. It’s wide enough for at least two kids to come down the slide together, landing in mulch. There are large rocks beside the slide, teasing and challenging kids to climb up on them.

This playground really is inspired by nature and boasts balancing beams, stepping stones and logs. The beams and stones are in mulch and sand, so a fall can be slightly softened. Kids can definitely practice balancing and improve their agility. There is also a little bridge for kids to run up and down on.

As if the playground does not have enough rocks and stepping stones, it also has lots of blocks to climb. Additionally, there is also an arched climbing frame over a stepped feature log. The landing is soft as the area is mulched.

Another unique piece of play equipment here is the tree deck with a climbing frame. There’s a scramble net for the little spider-man (or spider-woman) to climb through and a bright orange fireman’s pole for them to come sliding down. Bigger kids can climb up the established tree from the tree deck and they would get a bird’s eye view of the playground for sure!

As you follow the footpath towards the back of the playground, you will see the adjoining bushland. Beautiful trees weep down towards the mulch while large logs criss cross each other, inviting little climbers up. There are wood carvings scattered around the bushland and also the park itself.

There are a few outdoor exercise equipment here in the green grass areas. The playground also has abundant garden beds with beautiful native plants and also has a bush tucker theme featuring various edibles and fruit trees like macadamia, lily pily and the irish strawberry tree.

There is a lot of green grass areas for picnics and playing sport. There is also an AFL goal post in the open green space area just before the adjoining bushland. BBQ facilities are also available here. All accessible toilets can be found in this playground too.

Essential Info

Fenced? No

Toilets? Yes

Picnic tables? Yes

BBQs? Yes

Nearest coffee: Little Olive Leaf Cafe

Location: 10 Archibald Street, Willagee

For more local playgrounds, check out our Parks & Playgrounds section

8 Books to Help your Kids with their First Day of School

Melville Mums

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January 18, 2022

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8 Books to Help your Kids with their First Day of School

Book Reviews for Preschoolers aged 3-5 years

Starting school for the first time is a large step into the unknown for your little ones. Not surprisingly, this can cause lot of “first day of school” butterflies for them (and for mum and dad). We have come to your rescue armed with a list of 8 books that can help your little ones understand why they are feeling anxious about their first day at school and possibly turn those butterflies into small jitters of excitement.

Books are such a powerful tool that parents can use to connect with your children and calm them down. They can build memories, strengthen bonds and create an important love of reading and communicating. So find a book and work through the anxiety you and your little ones may feel together, and both enjoy that first day of school.

The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
Clifford Goes to Kindergarten by Norman Bridwell
First Day by Andrew Daddo
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Starting School by Jane Godwin
Llama Llama Misses Mamma by Anna Dewdney
Wombat Goes to School by Jackie French
The Don’t Worry Book by Todd Parr

The Night Before Kindergarten

The Night Before Kindergarten is an uplifting take off on the classic Christmas poem “The Night Before Christmas”. It’s the first day of school and the kids are preparing for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all-saying goodbye to Mum and Dad. But maybe it won’t be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is.

The rhyme and the beautiful illustrations of this book will both help to take your child’s mind of their nervousness. It will instead get them excited and involved in the process of getting ready for school.

GET ‘THE NIGHT BEFORE KINDERGARTEN’

Clifford Goes to Kindergarten

Emily Elizabeth is starting Kindergarten and she’s a little nervous. Good thing that the teacher sent a note home that says each child can bring something from home to make the transition a little easier. But the teacher didn’t bet on a child bringing something or someone as big as Clifford!

The humor and cuteness that Clifford always brings can easily be remembered by your little one when they are having a moment of nerves. Maybe they can bring a smaller version of Clifford along with them in their school bag on their first day.

GET ‘CLIFFORD GOES TO KINDERGARTEN’

First Day

Are you ready? It’ll be fun! You’ll make new friends. New BFFs! You might have to be a bit brave … It’s the first day of school, but who is the most nervous about the big day?

This is a cute book for all those mums that are just as nervous as their little ones about their first day of school. A book that will reassure both of you that this is the just one of the many exciting “firsts” that you will share together.

GET ‘FIRST DAY’

The Kissing Hand

Chester, a young raccoon, is anxious about leaving his mother, his toys, and his friends on the first day of school. Lovingly, his mother shares a secret that will help him cope with his new world.

This is beautiful book about the reassurance a mother gives to her child that she is always with them. This is a perfect book for those who children suffer from separation anxiety. It gives you a simple exercise you can use or adapt to help your child cope with their “first day of school” anxiety.

GET ‘THE KISSING HAND’

Starting School

Tim, Hannah, Sunita, Joe and Polly are all off to school for the first time. Would you like to meet them and see how they go? There are new friends to make, fun ways to learn, and lots of different things to discover.

This book perfectly illustrates how everyone has a different experience at school because we are all different. Some children are more nervous because its a new school, or because mum can’t stay or simply because they have to eat out of a lunchbox for the first time. But you all have one thing in common, school can end up being so much fun in different ways.

GET ‘STARTING SCHOOL’

Llama Llama Misses Mama

It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool! And Llama Llama’s mama makes sure he’s ready. They meet the teachers. See the other children. Look at all the books and games. But then it’s time for Mama to leave. And suddenly Llama Llama isn’t so excited anymore. Will Mama Llama come back?

This is heart warming story is perfect for your little ones if they are worried about leaving mum and her not coming back. Llama ends up having a great time with his new friends and realises he loves his mum AND school.

GET ‘LLAMA LLAMA MISSES MAMA’

Wombat Goes to School

When Mothball discovers a new hole, it unexpectedly leads her to the local school. The children learn that wombats love carrots and grass, while Mothball learns that lunch boxes contain very few carrots, that sports sheds can be a good place to have a nap, and that when you’re brown and round, it’s not a good idea to get too close to a ball …

This is a cute and funny book that will put a smile on your little’s ones face. It’s about Wombat accidentally going to school but its funny, cute and easy to read. A great distraction and reminder that school can be fun.

GET ‘WOMBAT GOES TO SCHOOL’

The Don’t Worry Book

This book beautifully illustrates and reassures kids everywhere that even when things are scary or confusing, there’s always something comforting around the corner.

This is a perfect picture book that is simple to follow and help your little set those first day of school worry’s aside for a while. The lesson of the book can be even taught to older kids who may have the tendency to worry too much.

GET ‘THE DON’T WORRY BOOK’

Let us know what your favourite book is that you like to read with your little ones about their first day. Leave a comment below or join the conversation in the Melville Mums Facebook group.

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Piney Lakes Sensory Play Park (Winthrop) – Playground Review

Melville Mums

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January 13, 2022

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Piney Lakes Sensory Play Park (Winthrop) – Playground Review

Piney Lakes Sensory Play Park is an all-inclusive playground for kids of all abilities. There are lots of carpark spaces here which are also generous in size to accommodate wheelchairs and prams.

This play park is based on nature play, so it’s hardly surprising that the park has lots of established trees creating canopies over the play areas and seating areas. The park is also peppered with eye-catching artwork and sculptures.

True to the nature play theme, the play areas are surrounded by raised gardens with displays of native plants that are home to native animals and insects. There is also a spinning wheel as you walk into the play park.

*Spinning wheel for kids on the left and a footpath around the play park*

The sand play area is usually busy with little kids as it has pulleys, wheels and a conveyor belt.

*Sand play area in the park with the lake in the far left and an artwork on the right*

The water play area is also another highlight with little kids as there is a water pump on each end and the kids can see the water flowing down both play tables. Be prepared and bring a change of clothes though! Lots of squealing and laughter usually emanate from both the sand and water play areas.

This play park also has a turtle dome where little kids run in and out of. There is a balance seesaw which is a highlight of the park.

*Turtle dome on the left, fountain in the middle and the sand play area on the right*

There are lots of balancing beams and logs, and rollover bars, encouraging agility in kids.

*Wooden timber beams and logs, and bars keeping kids busy*

There are quieter spaces within this play park where older kids can sit and rest such as the story chair nook with a pirates’ map.

This play park also offers an accessible roundabout for kids in wheelchairs. There are a few swings nearby; toddler swings, swings for older kids, a basket swing and a swing with back support and straps.

There is also a labyrinth with coloured peepholes and speaker phones for three-way conversations.

Unfortunately, this play park is not fenced and is close to a lake, making supervising toddlers essential. The lake is beautiful with water fountains providing the calming sound of water flowing. It is easy to forget that this play park is not far from Leach Highway!

*Water fountains provide a calming backdrop to the play area*

There is a small waterfall that is beautiful against the greenery of the play park. There is also a long board walk (ramp) from the play park up to the amphitheatre area. The walk is accessible to wheelchairs and prams.

*Long board walk to the amphitheatre area*

Next to the board walk is an obstacle course of large orange rings. You can see kids crawl through them like little ninjas!

Over the walkway is a larger climbing frame for older kids with a rubbery mat floor. There are also lots of footpaths here for walking and these footpaths are frequently used by those with wheelchairs, prams, bicycles and scooters.

*Wide footpaths generously providing access to prams, wheelchairs, cyclists and those on scooters.*

Lots of green open space can be found here to throw down a picnic rug or throw a frisbee around. There are also picnic tables, benches and BBQ facilities plus two accessible unisex toilets that are fitted with adult change tables and grab rails.

__________

Essential Info

Fenced? No

Toilets? Yes

Picnic tables? Yes

BBQs? Yes

Nearest coffee: None nearby

Location: Piney Lakes Sensory Play Park, Off Murdoch Drive Winthrop

For more local playgrounds, check out our Parks & Playgrounds section

Let’s Make it a “A Year of Resolutions”

Melville Mums

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January 12, 2022

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A simple exercise to set (and reach) your New Year’s goals.

Woman holding candles that read 2022 for New Years

Let’s be real, how many times have you told yourself that this is the Year you will stick to your New Year’s resolutions? Then, as February 1^st rolls around, you realise your attempts to get to the gym, to eat more greens and to be a more patient mum have all been rather feeble. By March, you are down to the one resolution to just make one bed in the house every day.

If this scenario sounds all too familiar, take heart in the statistic that at least 80% of all New Year’s resolutions fail and a large proportion of them are forgotten by the 1^st February. Why is it so hard to make a few well-intentioned goals become top priorities and achievable?

There are many reasons why resolutions can fail but here are the top 3:

Your resolutions are based on what you think other people or society wants of you
They are too vague
There is no set plan in place highlighting how to achieve them

Although it may seem a good idea then to just abandon the idea of New Year’s resolutions (considering that life as a mum is pretty hectic at the best of times), they can have a very beneficial and lasting effect on your entire family. They are simply promises to yourself to improve your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around you by being aware of what you do daily or weekly.

Goal Setting is one life lesson that can be taught and demonstrated by making New Year’s resolutions as a family. This is a skill that is not inherent but needs to be learnt and practiced, so whilst you are shedding those extra Christmas kilo’s you are also teaching your little ones an important life skill.

The Year of Resolutions exercise

Instead of writing down a few large resolutions for the whole year, break them down into monthly resolutions or monthly goals for each family member. This means that you don’t have to wait until January 1st next year to start this exercise, you can start whenever you like.

1. Take a large sheet of paper that can be divided into equal sections for each family member. To get the most benefit out of this exercise and increase the chance of success, it’s preferable if all family members can be involved.

2. Ask everyone to come up with 2 or 3 goals for the month. These goals should be age appropriate and achievable. If your little ones are too small to write their own goals, you can help them make some but be sure to include them in the conversation. For example, you could set your 4 year old the goal of pouring the milk in their cereal bowl or making their own jam sandwich.

3. Place this sheet of goals where the whole family can see it on a regular basis, such as the fridge or the TV room. This makes everyone feel accountable for his or her goals and acts as a daily reminder of what they are trying to achieve for the month.

4. At the beginning of each month, sit down as a family (maybe over some ice cream or other treats) to talk about how many of your goals you achieved or worked at during the month.

5. Create a new monthly list of goals for each family member. If some of the goals from the month before were not met, you can simply repeat them again. This may mean that you need to help your little ones or partner with breaking their goals down into action points.

6. At the end of the year you can collect the monthly lists of goals and remind everyone about how much they have achieved throughout the year. A lesson learnt in setting yourself small goals, staying accountable, having fun achieving them and feeling proud of your own accomplishments. These lessons are not only invaluable to your smallest family members, but also for all of us mums and our partners too.

This “Year of Resolutions” exercise can easily be turned into a family tradition that can be passed down through generations. It is a modern family take on the idea of setting New Year’s resolutions and it’s a fun, rewarding way to encourage communication and build stronger bonds within your family (and it’s a bonus if you end up with a tidier house and clothes that fit a little looser).

Have you or your family made any New Year’s resolutions for the coming year? Share them with us in the Melville Mums Facebook Group.

Happy New Year’s from the Melville Mums team!

Local Fitness Centres & Gyms with a Creche

Melville Mums

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January 3, 2022

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Local Fitness Centres & Gyms with a Creche

If you’re a mum with little ones, you might be on the hunt for a fitness centre or gym with a creche. Below are some local fitness centres and gyms with childcare facilities – it doesn’t include every local gym but this is a great place to start. Have a look at each website to find a class that suits you and read on for more information on their creche facilities.

LeisureFit Booragoon

LeisureFit Booragoon has a creche that provides care for children from 8 weeks to 6 years of age. They are open Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 1.00pm and Saturday, 8.15am – 12 noon. They also have a school holidays kids club for children aged 5 – 11 years old, Monday – Friday. For the adults, there is the gym, a range of fitness classes and wellness facilities. For more information on how to make the most of your time at LeisureFit, head to the website via the link below.

Creche Entry Fees: $5.25 (max 2 hour visit)
Phone: 9364 0823
Address: 521 Marmion Street, Booragoon
Website: LeisureFit Recreation Centres

Fernwood Fitness Melville

Fernwood Fitness Melville has a creche in their kids club activity centre which is open Monday – Friday 8:45am – 11:30am, freeing you up for a range of group fitness classes, personal training and weight management. Head over to their website to see what else they have to offer.

Creche Entry Fees: $4 for 1 child, $7 for 2 children, $10 for 3 children
Phone: 9330 7055
Address: Melville Square, 248 Leach Highway, Myaree
Website: Fernwood Fitness Melville

Goodlife Health Club Myaree

The Goodlife Health Club in Myaree offers child minding services on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between the hours of 8:30am – 11:30am. The creche is available for children 8 weeks to 12 years of age. In addition to their group fitness classes and weights room, you can also try out their steam room whilst you are there. Find more details on their website, simply click on the link below for Goodlife Health Club.

Creche Entry Fee: Included in Membership Fee
Phone: 6103 8100
Address: 276 Leach Highway, Myaree
Website: Goodlife Health Clubs

Fremantle Leisure Centre

Fremantle Leisure Centre has a creche that is open Monday – Friday, 8.45am – 12.45pm and Saturday 8.15am – 11.30am, children aged from 3 months up to (but not including) 6 years old are welcome. As well as it’s swimming pools, there is a gym and a range of group classes catering to a range of fitness levels, check out their website for what’s available at Fremantle Leisure Centre.

Creche Entry Fees: $5.30 (max 2 hour visit)
Phone: 9432 9999
Address: 10 Shuffrey Street, Fremantle
Website: Fremantle Leisure Centre

Gold’s Gym South Fremantle

Gold’s Gym has a Kids Club that provides care for children from 3 months to 12 years of age. They are open Monday – Thursday, 8.30am – 12.00pm, 4.45pm – 7.45pm; Friday 8.30am – 12.00pm and Saturday, 8.00am – 12.00pm. In addition to the gym facilities, Gold’s Gym South Fremantle offers group fitness classes and boot camp, head to their website for more information.

Creche Entry Fees: free for members, $5.00 for non-members
Phone: 0414 106 162
Address: 256 Hampton Road, South Fremantle
Website: Gold’s Gym South Fremantle

Cockburn ARC

Cockburn ARC has the Carnaby’s Club Creche which is open Monday – Friday, 8.45am – 12.45pm and Saturdays 8.15am – 12.15pm, suitable for children from 8 weeks to 5 years of age. It is also open for children up to 11 years during the school holidays from 8.45am – 11.45am for $7.40 (Big Kid’s School Holidays Creche). Enjoy your time at Cockburn ARC with a range of fitness classes and gym facilities, along with LifeCare Physiotherapists. Have a look at their website below for more information.

Creche Entry Fees: $4.90 for 2 hours, $6.40 for 3 hours
Phone: 9411 3344
Address: 31 Veterans Parade, Cockburn Central
Website: Cockburn ARC

Roar Fitness Bibra Lake

The Cub House at Roar Fitness Bibra Lake is open for children 8 weeks up to 6 years old, and up to 13 years of age on some evenings and on Saturdays. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday it is open 8.30am – 1.00pm and 4.30pm – 7.30pm; Thursday & Friday it is open 8.30am – 1.00pm and 7.30am – 12.00pm on Saturdays. Make the most of your time at Roar Fitness Bibra Lake with their one stop fitness training centre, take a look at their website for more details on the facilities.

Creche Entry Fees: Members: $3.00 up to 1 hour, $4.00 for 1 – 1.5 hours, $5 for 1.5 – 2 hours
Phone: 9412 0014
Address: 23 Port Kembla Drive, Bibra Lake
Website: Roar Fitness Bibra Lake

Beatty Park Leisure Centre

For those happy to travel a little further, Beatty Park Leisure Centre offers an extensive range of facilities. The creche is available for children 8 weeks to 5 years of age. They are open Monday – Friday, 8.15am – 1.15pm and Saturday, 7.45am – 12.45am. More details can be found on their website, simply click on the link below for Beatty Park.

Creche Entry Fees: $2.50 for members, $7.00 for non-members (max 3 hour visit)
Phone: 9273 6088
Address: 220 Vincent Street, North Perth
Website: Beatty Park Leisure Centre

If you’d like to know about other classes and activities happening in and around the City of Melville, check out our local business directory.

10 Fun Christmas Crafts for Kids

Melville Mums

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December 14, 2021

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Some schools have already broken up for the holidays; others have a few more days to go. Here are some Christmas Craft ideas that will keep the kids busy in the lead up to Christmas.