Waiuku Oscar Rocks...Tuakau Library Every Thurs, 10.45-11.15am 2-5 years old. Free: Music, stories...

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Babble On Hair

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Wishing you a merry and safe Christmas Thank you for a great year

65 West Street, Pukekohe 09 238 6765 ● qstreethair@yahoo.co.nz

Ngā mihi o te wā me

te Tau Hou

A Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year

We are proudly supported by

Newsletter brought to you by

In association with

First Steps Puni Rd

42 Puni Rd, Pukekohe

238 1633

First Steps Waiuku

68 King St, Waiuku

235 0373

ABC Pukekohe

30 Dublin St, Pukekohe

238 7388

Community Kindy

101 Victoria St

Pukekohe

2384401

At this time of year, most parents are racing around trying to get some sort of Christmas

together. Kids are perhaps getting a bit tired and ratty after a big year of growth and

development. If we don’t stop what we’re doing for a moment and take stock of how we’re

traveling, it is possible that Christmas will become a nightmare rather than the wonderful time it

should and can be.

It may be helpful to think about what’s really going on. This is an increasingly complex world. Do

we value status and appearances more than simplicity and genuine relationships? Do the gifts we

plan to give at Christmas reflect who we really are? Is the latest electronic game as good an

investment as, say, a pack of playing cards? Both might be really appreciated by the recipient

but one has really obvious advantages over the other in terms of price and the potential for

great times of shared activity.

It’s up to each of us to decide how we approach the festive season. It doesn’t matter if you stay

at home or go away. With both you and the kids on holiday, now is the perfect time to establish

and maintain the quality of those all so important relationships. Even if you have limited time or

are away from your children over Christmas, you can still have a great relationship with

them. Kids love to receive letters. Text messages on a mobile phone are fast and cheap. You

can use audio and video tapes, a fax machine or e-mail, even on-line games you can play together.

Many families have little rituals that mean a great deal to them. Some of these rituals start well

before Christmas, for example providing your children with Advent Calendars. Opening them at

the same time each day is a terrific, low-cost way of ensuring opportunities to spend time and

talk about topics that might not otherwise have arisen.

Planning gift lists and shopping expeditions also can be a fun thing for families to do. Of course,

it is possible that these activities may increase the stress levels, so careful planning is vital, as is

having realistic expectations about the abilities and attention span of your kids.

Other traditions are eagerly anticipated – the tree expedition and erection (dad’s nightmare!),

decorating the tree (some families make the decorations or have trinkets that hold great

sentimental significance), smuggling in the gifts and secretly collaborating on the wrapping, a

large sock to hang on the mantle-piece etc. Whatever happens in your family, these rituals are

the threads that make up your Christmas fabric.

Summertime trips to the beach or swimming pool are valued highly by parents and children

alike. Once attention is paid to the safety issues, it is possible to spend day after day in

beautiful and relaxing surroundings at very little cost, thereby creating lasting positive

memories. Of course, opportunities abound for other family excursions which don’t have to cost

a lot; for example: parks, rivers etc. Of course, you don’t have to leave the house to have a

great time. Get out the old board games, decks of cards etc and join in!

So whilst you’re running in all directions trying to get everything done remember the best

Christmas present that you can give your child/ren is your time. Make sure this Christmas is a

positive time for you and your child – and then keep it up. How about giving a gift of a promise

of ½ an hour a day of your undivided attention.

http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/community/family/article/item/8cefcd82c94349a.aspx

Making Christmas a special time

for your family

Our small private centres have limited vacancies available. Phone Trudy 09 2380409 and check out our website www.scholarpreschool.co.nz

Find us at 103 Queen St, Pukekohe 12a Cross St, Drury 82 Kitchener Road, Waiuku

Become a TRAINING FAMILY Are you a parent who wants some extra support and home help? Interesting in working alongside

a nanny intern as a training family?

Become a NANNY INTERN Are you 17-25 years old? We will team you up with a family for the perfect training ground.

Study ECE for FREE and get ‘on the job’ training.

Recruiting now in Franklin

Register your interest now for the February 2015 intake!

Call Deb on 021 833 589

Walking Group

3rd, 10th & 17th Dec. 9.15—10.15am.

Meet at Waiuku Plunket Rooms (Civic

Centre). waiukuplunket@gmail.com

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

If you would like your (regular or one-off) event to be advertised in our calendar, please contact Charlie: 09 2386233 or e-mail csaunders@familysupport.org.nz. For all other advertising, contact Charlie

SPACE

Support group and I

nfo sessions for first time mums with a

baby aged 4-7 months. St Andrews

Church Hall. Every Wed, 1-3pm.

Finishing 10th Dec. See contact details

from 9th Dec

Time Out

Coffee & Craft. Franklin

Baptist Church. Every Tues, 9.45– 11.45am. Call Ruth

Dexter: 238 9457 for more info

Oasis

Playgroup

Pukekohe Anglican Church Halll

Every Mon & Fri. 9.30—11.00

Libby 2387723

or 021 0339047 pukekohecommunityaction@xtra.co.nz

La Leche League

1st, 8th & 15th Dec. Back

2nd Feb. 10am—12pm.

Breastfeeding Support Grp

Pukekohe Maternity Unit

Well Women

Peer Support

Every Mon. 10.30am—12pm.

Finishing 15th Dec.. Contact .

021 158 8134 for more info

Waiuku

Library

Storytime

every Wed, 10.30

- 11.30am

Wriggle & Rhyme

Every Friday Pukekohe Library. 10.30am

Waiuku Plunket’s

Coffee Group

10.30am – 12.30pm. Cornerstone

Hall, cnr Valley & Rossiter Sreets,

Waiuku. 1st & 3rd Wed of every

month. Contact Kate, 021 0346672

or e-mail waiukuplunket@gmail.com

SPACE

Support group and information sessions

for first time mums with a baby aged

0-3 months. St Andrews Church Hall.

Every Tues, 1-3pm. Enquiries to

Libby on 021 0339047 or pukekohecommunityaction@xtra.co.nz

TODDLER TIME

Tuakau Library

Every Thurs, 10.45-11.15am

2-5 years old. Free: Music,

stories and craft.

Last day of Term 4

(Primary Schools)

*some schools finish on different days

so please check with your school

Children the heart of all we do

20 ECE Hours

Harrington Avenue, Pukekohe

pukekohecentral@cmka.org.nz Phone Amber: 09 2388047

12 STORYTIME

IN THE PARK

10.30 – 11.30am

Kevan Lawrence Park,

Waiuku (Waiuku Library if

wet)

Runamocha

Playgroup Every Mon & Thurs.

Waiuku Christian fellowship

church (3 James Bright Lane) 10am - 12pm

Gym Bunnies (0-5 years) Every Tues. 10.15am - 10.45am.

Waiuku Health & Fitness, 21

Martyn Street, Waiuku.

Pukeko

Playgroup Aka Aka school -

room 6

12.30pm - 3pm

5th & 12th Dec

CrossFit Waiuku Every on Tues & Thurs

Mums n bubs: 9am-10am. $10

per session. Free supervised

crèche. Contact

kirsty@crossfitwaiuku.com

Kids CrossFit classes:

3:30-4.15pm. $5 per child.

Sign up by contacting

Tash@crossfitwaiuku.com

Pukekohe North

Rangatahi

Every Tues, 6pm – 8pm @ Puna o

Te Ora, Kayes Road, Pukekohe.

Purpose: To encourage and engage

with the youth of our community

Runamocha

Christmas Party

Waiuku Christian

Fellowship (3 James

Bright Lane, Waiuku).

10am—12pm. $5 per child,

Cost includes sausage

sizzle/drink, face painting,

Xmas crafts and a gift

from Santa!

Safe Sleep Day

—5th December POSITION baby flat on his or her

back to sleep, face up towards the

heavens. www.safesleepday.org.nz.

Wriggle & Rhyme

Waiuku Library

Every Tues, 9.30am

Merry Christmas from

Franklin Family Support Services!

STORYTIME

IN THE PARK

10.30 – 11.30am

Bledisloe Park,

Pukekohe (Puke

Library if wet)

Tots n Tunes

Play Group

Xmas party Waiuku Civic Centre

@ 10am (next to

Plunket Rooms).

Xmas at da

marae Nga Hau e wha marae,

88 Beatty Rd, Pukekohe

4-5pm - Health

Promotional Stalls.

Kai Stalls open.

5-7.30pm - Entertainment

*Local Talent

“Santa Arrives”

Karakia whakamutunga

CrossFit Waiuku

Every on Tues & Thurs

Mums n bubs: 9am-10am

Kids CrossFit classes:

3:30—4.15pm (see 11th

Dec advert for more info)

Free Olympic

Weightlifting Coaching 1 hour class with Kirsty Lillis (CrossFit

Waiuku) and Caleb Symon (owner and

Head Coach of the New Zealand

Weightlifting Academy. Every Wed

(through the school holidays) at 6pm. Free to Waiuku College students. Contact

Kirsty@crossfitwaiuku.com

Oscar Rocks

Playgroup

every Wed, 9.30-

12.30pm @ Hamilton

Estate Community Hall

Waiuku Oscar Rocks

Community based out of school care programme at

View Road Primary School, Waiuku

7 - 8.30am and 3-6pm sessions.

$5 per hour includes pick up and snack

WINZ subsidies available, as well as cash discounts

Holiday programme!

9am—3pm. $20 for a full day

5th—30th Jan, 2015

Contact Shelley - 022 3109871 or

Grace - 09 2355242 (after hours)

Every Tues & Thurs Mums n bubs: 9am-10am. Helps

mothers get back into shape as well

as helping mums-to-be maintain

fitness and well-being throughout

pregnancy. $10 per session. Free

supervised crèche. Contact

kirsty@crossfitwaiuku.com

Kids CrossFit classes: 3:30-

4.15pm. Build your child's

confidence and develop athleticism

with fundamental strength and

movement: running, jumping, climbing,

crawling, games, and basic

gymnastics $5 per child. Sign up by

contacting Tash@crossfitwaiuku.com

Free Olympic Weightlifting

Coaching 1 hour class with Kirsty Lillis

(CrossFit Waiuku) and Caleb

Symon (owner and Head

Coach of the New Zealand

Weightlifting Academy.

Every Wed (through the

school holidays) at 6pm.

Free to Waiuku College students. Contact

Kirsty@crossfitwaiuku.com

Franklin Parents Centre’s

Mum's 'work'

Christmas party

7.30pm @ Ginger, 10 King St., Pukekohe

$10 curry night, all welcome email

fpccourses@gmail.com for more info

Thunder in the park 5-7 Dec

Under 16’s

free with an

accompanying

adult.

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Adult Literacy Franklin Inc.

Choice Change Freedom

Free Courses for Adult Learners

FAMILY LEARNING - Brush up on your maths and understanding of your child’s homework. This could lead to getting yourself a

qualification or topping up your NCEA credits. Gain confidence to speak to teachers. Learn how NCEA works.

Please contact us to find out more.

WORKPLACE SUPPORT - Up skill to make you a more productive and skilled employee. Support with preparation for

joining the Police, Fire Service, Armed Forces .

CV JOBSTART - Create or update your CV and job application letters. Improve your interview skills.

Contact us today on 09 239 0316

Grief and Loss Programme

Peer Support groups for those with loss through death, divorce or major family change. In-School

and after school programmes available. Enquiries to Marisa, 021 142 5812 or

seasonsfranklin@xtra.co.nz

Adult Grief & Loss Group

For adults dealing with bereavement. Enquiries to Jan Wallace on 027 4521366 or seasonsfranklin@xtra.co.nz

Providing free meals for families with newborn

babies, and families who are struggling with illness

0508 BELLYFUL www.bellyful.org.nz

providing a free Peer Support Group to women and their families who are experiencing or are at risk of Ante Natal

and/or Post Natal Distress. This is a free group for women in the Franklin area. Please contact us on

021 1588 134 or visit www.wellwomenfranklin.org.nz for more information on our services.

With you for every stage of parenthood!

Prepare yourself for parenthood with our antenatal classes, then have all your newborn

questions answered in our postnatal Baby and You course.

Try our moving and munching sessions for Toddlers.

Contact us for dates and more info: 09 2838513 fpccourses@gmail.com

Parent to Parent Auckland offers information, support, sibling activities and

informative seminars including: IEP navigation, personal support and Autism

support training to aid parents and families of those with disabilities and health issues.

For more info visit www.parent2parent.org.nz

or call 0508 236 236

Our other services…

COUNSELLING We give you the tools to solve issues and reach decisions, work through loss, put to rest concerns, resolve past trauma, anxiety, depression and anger. Add meaning to life.

EARLY YEARS SERVICE HUB A central point where families can access a range of services for pre-birth to 6 years.

BUDGETING & FINANCIAL LITERACY Giving you tools to help manage your finances, reduce debt and plan for a debt free future.

SOCIAL WORK Tailored, specialised needs based support towards family focused well being.

HEARTLAND SERVICES Face to face appointments with Government Services.

TRANSPORT TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS Volunteer drivers transporting you to your medical appointments. Subsidies may be available.

JP CLINICS Weekly appointments available. LEGAL APPOINTMENTS Weekly appointments available.

Franklin Family Support Services 2 King Street, Pukekohe. Ph: 238 6233

www.familysupport.org.nz

Carpet Spot

Cleaner To clean spots on

rugs and carpets, use

window cleaner. It

works as well as the

spray-on carpet

cleaners

Mozzies be gone! To keep the pesky blood suckers at bay, place a

fabric softener dryer sheet in your pocket.

Mosquitoes are repelled by the scent and you'll

smell like summer breeze all night!

Franklin Young Mums

Join our Facebook page for on-line support

Our meetings are open to all parents with an interest in breastfeeding.

Babies and children are always welcome!

Every Monday 10am - 12pm at

Pukekohe Maternity Unit

A big thank you to PORSE Pukekohe who have supported us by providing refreshments for our Incredible Years sessions.

Strengthening Families EMPOWERS Families to sort out their issues all at once in a co-ordinated way. Families are supported to achieve lasting results. It’s about making a difference for families by connecting the services.

This service is for families who are getting help from one or more agencies

and have children under 17 years of age.

For more info or to register, contact our friendly reception team

on 2386233 www.strengtheningfamilies.govt.nz

Franklin Family Support Services is an Approved

Provider by the Ministry of Justice

Up-coming December

programme dates: Wed 3rd, 5-9pm

Mon 8th, 9am -1pm

Free parenting information programme that has helped thousands of families to deal

with separation

By taking part, you’ll get practical advice about helping you and your

children deal with separation. It will also help you plan how you’ll care for your children after you’ve separated.

Parenting Through Separation is the first step in most cases to support you to reach agreement on how you’ll care

for children during separation or when there are disputes.

For more information or to register, contact our friendly reception team on 2386233. More info: www.justice.govt.nz/family-justice

3-8 yrs bring different challenges! This 14 week programme is for

parents and focuses on connecting with children through play effective praise, motivation, limits that work, handling misbehaviour, and creative

problem solving.

To register or for further info, contact our friendly reception team: Franklin Family Support Services, 2 King Street,

Pukekohe. Ph: 238 6233

waiukutoylib@gmail.com

Police 111 or 237 1700

Child Youth & Family

0508 326459

Victim Support 0800 842 846

Women’s Refuge

0800 733 843

Lifeline (24/7) (09) 522 2999

Family Violence Info Line

0800 456 450

Healthline 0800 611 116

Plunketline

0800 933 922

The B4 School Check is a nationwide programme offering

a free health and development check for 4-year-olds.

Contact your Well Child Provider (Tamariki

Ora or Plunket) or the Counties Manukau

key contact, Kathy Casey on 0800 104 105

option 3 or (09) 261 3390, or e-mail

kathy.casey@middlemore.co.nz

Young and Pregnant

or Parenting?

Programmes available to share information about pregnancy, labour & birth and parenting

Includes budgeting & financial assistance information session, health & nutrition and more!

Call 09 2386233 or e-mail reception@familysupport.og.nz

A One Dollar Warrior believes that each of us in entitled to the life-saving

medical care that we need even if it comes at a cost.

BECOME A WARRIOR NOW! www.onedollarwarriors.org.nz

Commit to giving $1 when we tell you about someone who needs lifesaving medical treatment not available in NZ

Stinky drains To clean, put 1 tablespoon of bak-

ing soda down the sink followed

by 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and

let stand for 15 minutes, then

flush with hot water.

Bananarama Pull bananas apart before displaying them in your

fruit bowl. If you leave them connected at the

stem, they'll ripen faster and go brown quicker.

Fake flowers Silk or fake flowers

that are dull or dusty.

Spray with hair-

spray. They will stay

shiny and when they

get dusty again,

simply blow off with

hair dryer.

Travel sick baby Take baking soda in a small

snaplock bag in the car. If

baby is sick, simply

sprinkle clothes with the

soda. Brush off when dry,

and the odour will

have disappeared.

Early Years Services Directory

Franklin Family Support Services are putting together a Directory for early

years services - groups, regular events, Early Childhood Centres, support

networks and more

If you would like to feature in the directory (free for those who qualify),

or advertise your business (fees applicable) , please contact

csaunders@familysupport.org.nz or call 09 2386233 and ask for Charlie.

To learn how to

prevent driveway run

overs, visit

http://bit.ly/

preventrunovers

Gifts and decorations don’t

always need to be bought, you

can make them! Here are some

ideas that you can create with

the children in your life.

Old boxes, twigs, paper cups, ribbon, even

flour, salt and water can create

something special

to be treasured.

Involve grandparents,

aunts, uncles, cousins

and friends

Amazing Aloe Freeze Aloe Vera in

an ice cube tray and

use for instant

sunburn relief!

Dog deterrant Dog chewing on couch cushions? Pour a bit of

lemon juice on corners. Dogs do not like citrus.