On the Coast – Families Issue 97 I December/January 2019 | Page 17

ƒ ƒ Yes, it’s “evil screen-time” but iPads work. But to avoid that iPaddy (a tech toddler tantrum) ensure your device is charged before setting off. It is prudent to download movies the night before and not leave it to the morning of travel because of the mysteriously temperamental nature of buffering that’s been known to last almost as long as an entire movie takes to be shot on location! ƒ ƒ Note: while the iPad is perfect for an hour’s amusement it stores up problems on long journeys by creating a massive vacuum in your child’s life. Traditional games, like the above examples teach, turn taking, observation, waiting and much more, always save the iPad for last!! If you give it too early then once they get bored of the iPad and want to do something else, the dilemma is what to give them? There is now nothing nearly as good as the iPad so however many times you pass a packet of soft-tip pens into the backseat smiling encouragingly about a lovely picture you’d like to see of an elephant, say, you will be greeted by snarls, and the eventual reluctant sigh: “Fine, give it back. I’ll play more Minecraft then.” Happy Travels Laura Kiln has moved to the Central Coast from the UK where she worked in London at the Institute of Psychiatry and the National Specialist Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. She has over 20 years experience of working with families and is internationally recognised as an expert in the field of Parenting. She has four children herself and is used to the dramas of family life. Her practice ‘Laura’s Place’, is open for self or GP referral. Tel: [phone] www.laurasplace.com.au. Laura has appeared on Channel 9 TODAY show as a parenting expert. WHY CHOOSE PHYSIE... at the Coastal Club? Physie encourages use of memory Come and try Physie in 2019 We offer pre-schooler classes for only $5 ERINA FAIR Dance helps me express my emotions Dancing makes me strong and healthy Physie boosts my confidence Physie enriches my imagination through dance At Physie I will form life long friendships Physie aims to empower girls for life Physie helps me develop rhythm P: 0439 993 603 E: [email protected] www.coastalphysie.com DECEMBER/JANUARY – ISSUE 97 17