Perth’s favourite winter and carnival experiences come together at Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre for your ultimate, hassle free July school holidays. School’s Out Winter Fest will have you enjoying the magic of ice-skating, the snow slide, falling “snow”, carnival rides and entertainment for one all-inclusive ticket price! There’s sideshow games and Showbags on offer too!
With parents FREE TO ENTER and tickets from $45 + BF online this is the best value School Holidays event around.
Limited capacity with staggered entry times from Saturday 2 July to Sunday 17 July 2022.
Plus, you have all day to use your coupons!
Prize details
School’s Out Winter Fest Ultimate Family Pack! 2 x Adults Entry 2 x Kids Entry 2 x Ice Skating Experience 4 x Snow Slide Passes 24 x Ride Coupons 8 x Adult Rider Passes 3 x Value Range Showbags 5 x Sideshow Games Tokens
How to enter
Like the giveaway post on the Melville Mums Instagram feed
Follow @schoolsoutfestperth
Tag 3 friends
School’s Out Winter Fest Ultimate Family Pack giveaway – Terms & Conditions
To be eligible, entrants must be 18+ and live in the Perth metro.
Melville Mums and Carnival Amusements employees/contractors and their family members are ineligible.
Closing date for entry will be 5pm 11 July 2022. After this date, no further entries to the giveaway will be permitted.
No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
The promotion is a Game of Chance, and the winner will be selected at random on 11 July 2022. There will be one (1) winner.
Prize details: 1 x School’s Out Winter Fest Ultimate Family Pack
The winner will be announced on the Melville Mums social media pages and will be contacted via message.
The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current Australian data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
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.
Prize is to be collected in person from School’s Out Winter Fest.
Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram.
The Promoter is Melville Mums (ABN 78 247 134 183).
We’ve partnered with local businesses to bring you our Term 3 Activity Guide, and there are plenty of classes and activities to keep the kids (and mums) happy.
Use the quick links below to view more info – keep checking back as we’ll be adding more to the guide as the start of the term gets closer.
Baby Sensory Perth – South of the River (Melville)
Term 3 is going to be brilliant – adventuring high seas at BABY PIRATES, drumming with animals in our African Special WATCH ME FLY, delighting in wet weather as we go SINGING IN THE RAIN, surprising each other with fancy tricks at MAGIC BOX, exploring colourful coral reefs with BABY SHARK, and saying a huge thanks to Dad with our Special FATHER’S DAY class… plus more!
Suitable for babies from birth up to 13months, each class offers special time for you to bond with your baby.
Is your baby now a toddler? GOOD NEWS… Toddler Sense is HERE!
Launching by popular demand, Toddler classes commence at Melville this term on Mondays and Thursdays. Suitable for toddlers from 13months to 3.5years.
Some weeks of T3 will mirror the same theme as Baby Sensory, but the activities will be different, and tailored to suit toddlers. As well as PIRATES, WATCH ME FLY, MAGIC SHOW, and FATHER’s DAY… Toddlers will ALSO get to launch the term with a CELEBRATIONS class, dance it out at GLOW PARTY, explore the water with BLUE LAGOON, and finish up with a stunning SPARKLES class. There are so many exciting adventures to be had at Toddler Sense, we hope you can join us!
The term starts on Monday 19th July and goes for 10 weeks, exactly in line with the school term.
To book your child’s place, simply head to our website and scroll to the bottom of the page. If you have any questions, feel free to text or call Nat on 0451188728 or email us at southperth-wa@babysensory.com
SPECIAL OFFER – Enrol in Baby Sensory or Toddler Sense at Melville or Vic Park before Sunday 10th July for your chance to win a $1000 voucher with Good Life Portraits. Proceeds from the winner’s enrolment fees will go to Miracle Babies Foundation.
Does your child enjoy getting creative and messy?!
Are they keen to create their own body products or pour a candle?
We will be using a variety of natural ingredients to create a range of body and bath time experiences, which you probably wouldn’t want to do in your kitchen! But your child can enjoy their finished products in your bathroom!
With different hands on experiences for EVERY child to be re-introduced to their creative self, these sessions are wonderful for relaxation and mindfulness, confidence and self-esteem boosting, and of course – FUN!
Our instructors are qualified and experienced with working with children checks and are trained in mental health with promoting body positivity and inclusivity.
🌟 All materials provided, plus an apron for each child 🌟 Child takes home what they make! 🌟 Design self empowering + body positivity labels for each of the products 🌟 90 min term classes 🌟 Eight-week term 🌟 Classes taken by qualified and experienced, specialist instructors 🌟 Parents don’t stay for the class, head to a coffee shop and relax! 🌟 Small class sizes
Dance Creations (Bull Creek, Brentwood, Rossmoyne)
Do you have a dancer at home who twirls and leaps through the house, and are you ready to see them flourish in dance classes that support and encourage them along every step of their dance experience?
Together let’s spark their creativity as they laugh along with new friends, learning their first ballet steps in our Fairy Floss Ballet classes.
Tuesday @ Bull Creek Community Centre Friday @ Blue Gum Community Centre, Brentwood Saturday @ Rossmoyne & Brentwood
We warmly invite you to join our classes and experience the Fairy Floss Ballet difference. We know your little dancer will LOVE them.
We can’t wait to welcome you into our dancing community very soon.
Bookings: To learn more about classes, availability and pricing, simply contact Terrie on 0419 133 673 or visit our website www.dancecreations.com.au.
Melville Arts @ Atwell House (Alfred Cove)
ART COURSES AT MELVILLE ARTS @ ATWELL HOUSE
Term 3 sees the introduction to a variety of new short courses both during the day and evenings.
These include beginner 4-week courses in Drawing, Acrylics, Watercolour, Oil Painting, Pastels, Basket Weaving, Abstract Art and Yoga & Meditation. For the outdoors type, Plein air painting using pastels, venturing out of the studio to paint. We also still have our popular Art Starters 4-week course now also as an extended 8-week course, diving a little deeper into each medium.
Courses are suitable for all ages. Adults, children and young adults – teenagers.
You can make a booking by:
Visiting our new website to explore the short courses and see what else is happening at Melville Arts @ Atwell House.
Phoning the friendly staff on 9330 2800 for bookings or enquiries.
Visiting the Art Centre and meeting our helpful staff to enquire which course will suit you and your lifestyle.
SPECIAL OFFER – When booking a one off workshop as #melvillemums (with 10 participants) receive a group 10% discount
Thriving in Motion (Crawley)
Thriving in Motion @ UWA
Thriving in Motion at University of Western Australia (UWA) is a face-to-face exercise program for kids and young people who experience challenges or barriers to physical activity participation at school or in the community. All abilities, inclusive and mixed ages with the aim to provide a positive exercise experience for all young people.
Services are available Mon – Sat during WA School Terms and include: – Physical Literacy & Health Assessments conducted by an Accredited Exercise Physiologists – 1-on-1 Sessions with Accredited Exercise Physiologists – Small Group Sessions (1 instructor:4 participants) – Group Fitness, Teen Strength & Conditioning and Girls only sessions
Due to the generous support of Telethon7 we are able to offer families discounted rates for 1-on-1 and small group sessions (above). However, subsidies are strictly limited per term so get in touch to for more information or to secure your place! Additional rebates may apply for Accredited Exercise Physiology via NDIS and/or private health funds. To access Exercise Physiology services with us through NDIS you must be either plan managed or self-managed. Funding for NDIS can come from one of two categories in an NDIS plan: improved daily living, or improved health and wellbeing.
For even more kids activities and classes, make sure to check out our local business directory. You can also head to our What’s On calendar to browse events happening in the local area.
The playground at Shirley Strickland Reserve in Ardross has had a much-needed makeover, and it looks fantastic! We went and had a look just after the playground opened, and there’s lots to love about the new play space and facilities.
The main feature is a set of connected two-storey towers with a long enclosed slide looking out to the sports fields. It’s quite a tricky climb to the top so it’s probably more suited to kids 5 and over but, with a bit of help from an adult, brave younger ones may enjoy it too.
Other than the main structure, there’s plenty of low-lying nature-inspired play equipment to choose from including stepping stones, totem poles, balance beams and rustic tee pee. There’s also a short double concrete slide for the little ones to play on.
There are no shade sails, but the natural shade cover provided by the established trees does a good job keeping the sun off the majority of the play space.
To the right of the nature playground is a set of three swings – one basket swing and two traditional style swings. For the older kids, there’s also a half-court basketball area with bench seating for spectators.
For families wanting to stay for a while and make the most of the facilities, there are four gas BBQs available with picnic tables nearby that have a great view of the entire play area and sports field.
In the pavilion itself, there are public toilets and changing facilities, plus on community sport days on the weekends, the canteen area is often open, offering basic hot food options, snacks and cold drinks so come down and support the local sporting clubs.
Shirley Strickland Reserve really is a wonderful destination that brings families and the wider community together so if you haven’t already, make sure to put it on your to-visit list!
__________
Essential Info
Fenced? No
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes
Nearest coffee: Several cafes in Riseley St precinct
With school holidays just around the corner, one of our local mums shares her tips on what to consider when planning a road trip with kids.It can be quite overwhelming thinking about how to keep your kids entertained for long periods of time in a small space. Hopefully, we can help make your next road trip less stressful and even a bit of fun!
1. Time
This is probably the most important thing to consider as it determines everything else you need for your journey. Firstly, work out how long it’s going to take you to reach your destination. Then you need to add in toilet and rest breaks, as well as when is the best time to leave to avoid any traffic delays where possible.
It’s also a good idea to let someone know when we’re leaving and when you’re planning to arrive. Once you’ve worked out how long your journey will take and what time you’re leaving, then you can work your way through the below points.
2. Clothes
If you’re planning to leave first thing in the morning before the traffic, let the kids wear their pyjamas in the car. At the first pit stop, they can get changed if they want to. Pack their clothes in the side of their door along with their shoes. For younger kids, make sure you have a change of clothes for the journey in case there are any spillages or accidents. Make sure whatever clothes you wear in the car are comfortable!
3. First Aid Kit & Essentials
Always have band aids, wipes and antiseptic cream handy! Other things to pack with you in the car during a road trip are:
Tissues
Hand Sanitiser
Nappy bag if travelling with babies
Bag for your little one if they suffer from motion sickness
Pack a cool bag of fruit, preferably things that don’t need to be cut up during the journey, or pre-cut the fruit before you leave. Also pack a bag of dry pantry food such as nuts, muesli bars, chips, biscuits and pretzels. The only form of yoghurt that would be safe to take in the car are the squeezy pouches. They are easy to open and not too messy. Try to avoid lollies or too much sugar as you don’t want the kids bouncing around the car!
Other items to make life a little easier are:
A rubbish bag
Travel bowls for the little ones to keep snacks all together and to catch crumbs
Milk and bottles for younger kids
Make sure everyone has a full bottle of water within easy reach! Ensure that snack bags are easily accessible to yourself or your kids to limit the amount of food stops you’ll need to take.
5. Activities
The length of your journey will determine what you need to pack in terms of keeping everyone occupied. Some ideas for car activities include:
Favourite Toys – Encourage imaginative play by creating stories or road trips for their toys to feature in
Play games such as I spy, Rainbow cars or spot the kangaroo/cows/sheep
Colouring books and pencil crayons – Provide pencils, paper and colouring books for each child.
Books – lots of books! However, this isn’t ideal for anyone who gets car sick.
Tablets with their own headphones! Having their own headphones makes life that little bit (OK, a lot) more comfortable for everyone!
Audiobooks – These are great for when they’ve had too much screen time and they just need to tune out. Or for those who get car sick reading a book. Audible are offering a free trial – they have a fantastic range of audiobooks and podcasts for the whole family to enjoy.
Music – There will be some areas during your journey where the radio signal is low so make sure you have your phone charged or some CDs handy to listen to.
6. Rest Breaks
And last but by no means least, always try to work out in advance when you’re going to stop for toilet breaks. Obviously, these stops will be more frequent with younger kids. Try to schedule in time for everyone to stretch their legs and move around a little – kids really need this and it’s important to give them space away from the car, especially on long journeys. Always try to stop somewhere with a play area or grass if possible – let them run off some energy. Remember to pack a potty for younger kids too!
You might have your own things to add to this list, but I hope it helps make your planning a little easier. Happy travels!
We’ve partnered with local businesses to bring you our July School Holidays Activity Guide, and there are plenty of classes and activities to keep the kids (and mums) happy.
Use the quick links below to view more info – there are some fantastic special offers just for Melville Mums!
Bullseye Sensory Clinic is running a school holiday program this July featuring small group activities led by our occupational therapists.
Suitable for children aged 6 to 10 years old, the program will work on: – Social Thinking: Self-awareness, emotional regulation strategies, Social and emotional flexibility, including being adaptable. – Building confidence, coping skills, and resilience. – Fine motor skills, motor planning, and organisational skills. – Team games involving: collaboration, idea sharing, turn-taking, solving problems, role-playing, using imagination, and having fun!
WHEN: The three-session program runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am – 12.30pm. Week One: 4th, 6th & 8th July OR Week Two: 11th, 13th & 15th July
Our program is full of fun and exciting classes for kids of all ages and abilities to try out! Wi th classes starting at 2yrs, we have everything from general circus skills, to aerials and tumbling, Chinese pole and trampolining.
SPECIAL OFFER – Use code “MM10” for a 10% discount on your booking or get 20% off when you book 2 or more classes code “HOLIDAY20”
Collier Park Golf (Como)
Be the parent that gets their kids outdoors these school holidays, and make memories that last.
Mini Golf at Collier Park – which is in the heart of South Perth, and only 10 minutes from the CBD – is an awesome activity that keeps children active, happy, and smiling. A perfect opportunity to get some awesome family photos.
Opening hours are Monday-Sunday, 9am-8pm (last tee off at 6:30pm). Mini Golf is also licensed Friday – Sunday after 12noon, so if you want to have a drink in the pavilion while your kids play, by all means treat yourself!
Freo Builds Trail (Fremantle)
FREO BUILDS TRAIL | 4-17 July
Get a FREE LEGO® toy when you complete this FREE, family-friendly trail!*
Bring your family to Fremantle for an urban adventure and discover Fremantle’s famous icons as you’ve never seen them before – imagined by primary school children and created by Perth’s best LEGO® builders!
From spirit-driven lighthouses with legs, a slowly turning tourist wheel on a snail and whale transporting an entire city, visitors will never have seen Fremantle like this.
Follow the trail to discover six imaginative Freo Builds, plus codewords – and don’t forget to vote for your favourite for a chance to win great prizes*.
Head to the heart of Fremantle, Walyalup Koort, throughout the July school holidays for giant outdoor games, DJs, a trackless train, face painting, and the ‘Creation Station’.
This is a FREE ticketed event, online bookings are essential.
The notion of drama and theatre practises aiding well-being in young people is certainly not new. We believe that it is through Drama classes and ensemble building activities that young people begin to develop a richer sense of self including how they see themselves, others and the world around them. We believe in the power of playful drama techniques to build positive life long skill set to navigate the ever changing world in which we live. Come along and grab a taste of theatre processes and activities that guarantee fun laughter, and play. Because, if you haven’t heard, we’re serious about play.
Thursday 7th July 11-14yr olds at 11:30am-1:30pm 7-10yr olds at 2pm-4pm Kadidjiny Park Hall, Melville $35 per student
11-14 year olds find it hard to transition into high school, but what if you gave them a chance a practising resilience and actually stepping into who they are supposed to be- and watch their confidence boom!
Bookings: Please jump onto our website and go to our timetable link and click on the July school Holidays class that’s appropriate for your child’s age.
SPECIAL OFFER – Melville Mums get $5 off with the code ‘melmums’
Kids on the Move (Melville)
Kids on the Move is a brand new kids fitness program, similar to a multi-sport program but rather than focusing on ball sports we will run, row, skip, jump, squat, hang, lift, carry, press, go upside down, do obstacle courses and team challenges.
With different programs for different age groups, we focus the sessions accordingly to change the kids but ensure they are having fun. Fun, fitness & confidence are the main goals on the program.
And we are excited that this program is launching in Melville first, initially being run at a gym in Melville, so that weather is never an issue.
Bookings: Jump over to our website kidsonthemove.com.au or follow us on Instagram @kidsonthemoveau to see all the Term 2 Holiday sessions and Term 3 program as the details are released.
SPECIAL OFFER – As part of the launch of the program we will be offering a number of free trial sessions across the Term 2 holidays where we would love to meet as many Melville families as possible.
Southlands Boulevarde (Willetton)
Hole in One Holiday Fun!
Putt your way through our mini golf jungle. Beware of the cheeky monkeys, tigers and lions trying to put you off your game!
Gather your crew and keep score – some healthy competition never hurt anyone!
5 – 17 July from 10am – 2pm daily except Sundays 11am – 3pm.
Visit Stockland Bull Creek these school holidays for two weeks of Beary Good Fun with Build-A-Bear!
Little ones can create their own Build-A-Bear to take home and love forever. Plus, bring your furry friend down for a FREE Teddy Bear’s Picnic where little one’s can sing along with Goldilocks, make their own teddy bear paws, and enjoy a yummy treat!
When: Monday 4 – Saturday 16 July 10am – 1pm Where: Stockland Bull Creek, near Target Cost: $5 per child for Build-A-Bear session, FREE Teddy Bear’s picnic sessions.
To avoid disappointment, bookings are recommended.
For even more kids activities and classes, make sure to check out our local business directory. You can also head to our What’s On calendar to browse events happening in the local area.
Catching up with friends over High Tea seems to be a popular option at the moment for all the right reasons. What’s not to love about enjoying delicious savoury bite sized treats and decadent sweets with friends around a table! Add endless coffee and tea (or even bubbles), and life is good. We’ve put together a list of High Tea venues around Perth that offer unique experiences for you to enjoy with friends or family.
Whether you are planning a special occasion or just a catch up with a friend, May St larder offers an artisan High Tea menu available daily. Enjoy traditional sweet and savory treats alongside some non traditional surprises like the Korean fried chicken slider.
Every Sunday afternoon, the Esplanade Hotel serves up a traditional high tea experience. This once British tradition of indulging in a selection of sweet and savoury dishes can be enjoyed in the ocean side suburb of Fremantle. It’s a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday with friends or family to celebrate a special occasion.
Enjoy high tea with a twist at Moore and Moore Café in Freo. You will be treated to a unique experience as you indulge on house-made Moroccan tea and Moroccan inspired sweet and savory delights.
Tea Time: Weekdays at 9:30am & 1:30pm, Saturday at 1:30pm
Praline Patisserie, Mount Pleasant
Source: Praline Patisserie
For a French take on the High Tea experience head to Praline Patisserie in Mount Pleasant. You will be treated to a mouth watering array of French sweet treats and savory bites. Served with either a bottomless cup of coffee or tea and for an additional cost you can add some bubbles.
Known for its panoramic views of Perth city, the C restaurant offers a delicious high tea service. The selection of treats that you will be served tend to be more on the sweet side than the savoury. The restaurant also offers freshly percolated coffee alongside its exquisite tea blends.
Tea Time: Monday to Friday between 12:30pm & 2:30pm, Saturday and Sunday between 1pm & 2pm
Fleur Restaurant, Perth City
Source: Broadsheet
Head into the city on a Saturday for an afternoon Bloom at Fleur restaurant. The restaurant sits inside the heritage listed Royal Hotel in Perth City. They offer an experience that is less high tea, more high indulgence. Afternoon Bloom starts with a glass of prosecco and then takes you through a selection of interesting and decadent treats. It is a unique mix of the immaculate old style charm of High tea with contemporary delicacies and presentation.
Spend the afternoon at Elizabeth Quay enjoying a high tea experience at the Hearth Lounge at The Ritz Carlton. Choose from two courses of savory and sweet treats from local producers paired with a beverage package. You can either enjoy your High Tea with bubbles or without. At certain times throughout the year you can take the kids along for their own afternoon Tea service.
Tea Time: Monday to Friday between 12pm & 4pm in the Hearth Lounge, Saturday and Sunday 12pm & 3pm in the Hearth Restaurant
TWR Crown Towers, Burswood
Source: Crown Perth
For all those coffee lovers out there, how about a High Coffee instead of a High Tea? The TWR cocktail bar at the Crown Towers in Burswood serves up a uniquely different High Tea that is coffee inspired. Enjoy four decadent desserts and your choice of coffee cocktail (Non-alcoholic options are also available). All whilst taking in the stunning view of the Swan River whilst whiling away the afternoon with friends.
Sit back, relax and experience one of the world’s oldest and most beloved traditions without having to do the washing up! I Love Tea is a mobile high tea service that provides a bespoke journey through the aromas, flavours and comforts that make a memorable high tea. All you have to do is send out the invitations.
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)
If you’re wanting to take the kids to the movies these school holidays, there are some great family-friendly flicks to enjoy. Our Winter Holidays Movie Guide includes a synopsis of each movie, its release date, running time and rating.Get your popcorn ready – it’s time to sit back and be entertained with the kids!
Don’t call her a princess! Pil is a young orphan living in the medieval city of Foggyburgh. One day, the cruel regent Tristain curses Roland, the heir to the throne, by changing him into a “chickat” (half chicken, half cat). To save Roland and the kingdom, Pil embarks on a quest for the antidote, along with Graubart, a clumsy guard with a good heart, Jiggler, a young loony jester, and her three tamed weasels. From the Cursed Forest to the Glen of the Beast, Pil and her unlikely companions live their greatest adventure and find the family they never had.
Release Date: 2nd June
Running Time: 89 mins
Rated: PG
Lightyear
Follow the origin story of legendary Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear in Lightyear as he is marooned onto a hostile planet and tries to find a way back home through space and time.
Release Date: June 16th
Running Time: 105 min.
Rating: PG
Minions the Rise of Gru
The untold story of one 12-year-old’s dream to become the world’s greatest supervillain. In the heart of the 1970s, amid a flurry of feathered hair and flared jeans, Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) is growing up in the suburbs.
Release Date: June 23rd
Running Time: 45 mins
Rated: TBC
My Sweet Monster
Princess Barbara is secretly in love with Prince Edward. When the sneaky post clerk Weasel demands the king to marry him to Barbara, she flees. Sweet monster Boogey does everything in his might to help Barbara save the kingdom.
Release Date: 7th July
Running Time: 98 mins
Rated: PG
Netflix movies
The Sea Beast (2022)
When a young girl stows away on the ship of a legendary sea monster hunter, they launch an epic journey into uncharted waters — and make history to boot.
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.
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