Blogs

School Holiday Guide for Darwin Palmerston and surrounds – Keep the kids busy this December and January!

Christmas school holiday

It is a little hard to believe that school is about to finish up for the year and go into holiday mode! I still remember the first day of school when I sent my twin boys off for their first day of preschool at the start of this year! Such a big moment in their little lives. School holidays sort of bring a love hate relationship with them. While as parents you welcome the break to routine – the early rises, the lunch box packing, the washing and ironing of uniforms (well no ironing in my house lol)  the constant after school activities and commitments. Consequently on the flip side you then also have to entertain them. Sure you can laze about the house for some days but if your kids are anything like mine – they start to drive you up the wall and need to go out and do an activity or go somewhere.

We have rounded up some great free or reasonably priced activities to keep your sanity and keep the kids busy these school holidays! Don’t forget our blog on 20 easy home activities to also keep your little ones entertained!

Continue Reading →

When good things came made with love and still cost 5c

ice cream

I grew up in the long, hot, dry summers of Country Victoria. It was relentless, oppressive heat. It was hot northerly winds that burnt your nose when you took a breath and it was brown land and dead grass as far as the eye could see. Mum and Dad worked hard to put food on the table. Dad on the farm from sun up to sun down. Mum in town, selling first office equipment and later cars. There wasn’t much room in the budget for luxuries like ice cream or air conditioning.

Continue Reading →

Our Top 20 easy home activities to entertain the kids

painting one way to entertain

Some days can be challenging. The kids don’t want to play with their hundreds of toys. You say to them “go play”…..they are under your feet and bugging you. Sometimes it is helpful to set up some play ideas to entertain them. You can sit with them to start the play (depending on the age of the child) and then let them continue. You may then get some peace to enjoy a cuppa or finish that task. We asked our Darwin Family Life members and compiled some of our own favourites to bring you our Top 20 ideas to entertain the kids at home. A blog to keep handy especially with the school holidays right round the corner!
Continue Reading →

Bad behaviour driving you bonkers? Try our paper kindness chain

Kids bad behaviour

I don’t know what it is like at your house at the moment – but with the weather, the end of the school year approaching, my kids fighting and their bad behaviour on the rise – it is all taking a toll on my sanity. The constant fighting is enough to send any person bonkers, but add to the mix this sleep deprived Mumma well enough said! This is where the Paper kindness chain may help our sanity and bring a little more peace back to our households! Read on to see what this chain is all about.Continue Reading →

Making Pom Poms – Children’s craft activity to keep them busy!

The finished pom pom

My 6 year old daughter came home from school recently with much excitement to show me her pom pom she had created during school. Her smile was beaming off her face how proud she was for having finished this project. A pom pom is a wool ball. It is created using cardboard discs and threading different wool in and out. I used to make these as a child also and kept me entertained for hours and now my daughter is enjoying them too! Such a great moment to share things with her from my own childhood. We sat down one afternoon recently to start making some pom poms and teaching my boys as well. We decided to use Christmas colours but any wool will do. Check out our video and keep reading for all the instructions on how to make your very own pom pom.

Continue Reading →

Self-care made simple, quick and meaningful for busy mums

Mum Self care

With our limited time and energy, we’re trying to make sure our little humans survive and thrive. We’re earnestly trying to meet the standards we set for ourselves, and that we take on from the world around us. Standards that are often unrealistic and overwhelming. We’re dealing with a sea of (often contradictory) information, to guide us. Our minds never stop thinking, planning, reflecting, wondering, worrying, and dealing with life.

Before we know it, looking after ourselves is at the bottom of our to-do list. In fact, we might not even have made it onto the list at all.

This isn’t a sustainable way to live your life.

Continue Reading →

Darwin Fun bus mobile playgroup

Fun bus mobile playgroup sign

Darwin is a place that is really geared towards our young population with there being many family orientated activities that are FREE and FUN. The Fun bus is just one of the many things on offer to keep the little ones busy and entertained during the week. The Fun bus mobile playgroup is run by the City of Darwin Council. It operates Monday to Friday except on public holidays and the December/January School holidays.

Continue Reading →

Starting Preschool and School – everything you need to know

Child at preschool

Starting school is a huge milestone for both your child and you as a parent. It can be a time of much excitement and anxiety (for both parents and/or the child!) It may be the first time they are away from you for long periods of time. Preschool in the Northern Territory is the first year of schooling.

Darwin Family Life has done the research and currently has had four children go through preschool so knows what to expect. Read on for more information about what you need to do, when your child can start preschool and which schools they could attend.
Continue Reading →

Homemade safe easy play dough recipe and the many benefits of play

Play dough and some of our tools

Smash it, roll it, twist it, make animals, cut it…..the options are endless. So much imagination is ignited with play dough. We love playing with it in our household! It can be one of those activities you either love or hate. It can be messy – but of the messy play fun it is one that makes least amount of mess. Or if you really cannot stand the mess head to the funbus mobile playgroup – they often have play dough out for the kids!

Play dough can be very simple to make at home and then you then know the exact ingredients, giving you peace of mind it is safe for your babies or toddlers if they decide to eat some. Which for my toddler at the moment – everything goes in the mouth! Read on for our quick, easy and safe play dough recipe and it’s many benefits.
Continue Reading →

A Caring World Shares – Children’s Week 2017

A caring World shares childrens week 2017

Did you know that October 21st to 29th is Children’s Week? It is annual event celebrated throughout Australia around the 4th Wednesday in October. The permanent theme which was adopted in 1996 is “A Caring World Shares” which reflects the aim of Children’s Week.

Many different events and activities are organised nation wide and the Northern Territory is also celebrating! “Children’s Week celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. It is also a time for children to demonstrate their talents, skills and abilities.”

Many children throughout Australia will participate, celebrate and enjoy events and activities hosted in various locations. From schools, playgroups, daycare, libraries and other community organisations.

“Designated by the nations of the world, Universal Children’s Day calls society to a greater response to the plight of many millions of children around the world who are denied the basic necessities of a happy childhood and the education to develop their capacities. It also calls us in Australia to consider those conditions in society which affect the lives and future of our own children.”

Children’s Week Local Events

Here are all the events happening around Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area to celebrate Children’s Week 2017!

Darwin

City of Darwin Children’s Art Exhibition
On display Monday 23 October – Friday 24 November 8:30am – 5:00pm

This exhibition will showcase NT children’s artistic abilities and creative pursuits.
Venue: Council Community Art Space, Civic Centre, Harry Chan Ave Darwin

Free Family Fun Morning for children 0-5 and their families
Wednesday 25 October 9:00 – 12:00 noon
Art & craft activities, Funbus, jumping castle, petting zoo, story-time, magic show with Hyper the clown, disco with Kevin, free give away and morning tea.
Venue: Jingili Water Gardens, Freshwater Road, Jingili

Free Family Fun Afternoon at Darwin Waterfront
Saturday 28 October 3:00 – 6:00pm
Darwin Waterfront activities with water slide, Float and Play in the Lagoon, art and craft activities, Archery Attack and lots more.

Movie night under the stars at Darwin Waterfront
Saturday 28 October 7pm
Movie Inside Out: Bring along blankets or chairs and relax on the Waterfront lawns under the stars with family and friends.
Darwin Waterfront, Kitchener Drive

Palmerston and Rural Events

Palmerston Children’s Week Party for children 0-5 and their families
Tuesday 24 October 9:00 – 11:00am
ALL FAMILIES WELCOME to enjoy join in the fun for all ages. Coffee available for purchase. The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) in collaboration with other community groups will be celebrating this event over two days.

The first celebration in Palmerston will be focusing on the amazing talents children and babies bring to the breastfeeding relationship and the importance of obtaining correct breastfeeding and support to allow our children to thrive. This event will be very family friendly with lots of activities for children. You do not need to be an ABA member to attend.

Venue: Palmerston Recreation Centre, The Boulevard, Palmerston

Batchelor Oval National Children’s Week Celebration
Tuesday 25th October 9:30 – 12 noon
Free fun activities for children and families – EVERYONE WELCOME
Venue: Batchelor Oval

Smile-A-Mile Humpty Doo Children’s Week Celebration
Thursday 26th October 9.30 – 12 noon

Everyone welcome! Come along and join in celebrating National Children’s Week. Lots of fun kid’s activities – petty zoo, jumping castles, badge making, ride on John Deere toys, art and craft. Free sausage BBQ and icy poles.
Venue: Humpty Doo Village Green – 85 Challoner Circuit, Humpty Doo

Head along to one of the many events happening this week with your family. Celebrate your children! Let us know if you attend any!

Quotes from www.childrensweek.org.au