Are you a ‘baby’ parent or a ‘kid’ parent?
I’m 100% a kid parent. I don’t go gooey at babies (they still scare me!), and I don’t miss those early years of sleepless nights and trying to interpret the cries. But I love being part of my kids’ growth and learning, so each year of parenting that goes by is more fulfilling than the last.
The only time I wish my kids were teeny tiny again is when I look at today’s childcare options. Gone are the cramped rooms where the only real purpose of the centre was to ensure the child slept, was fed and had a clean bum. Today, there are nutritious meals, yoga and music lessons, facilities better than most hotels I’ve ever stayed at, activities that cater to every interest, and nature-based play spaces that your own inner child is desperate to explore. Luckily, my work allows me to still visit and explore these marvellous spaces and witness the wonder on the kids’ faces with every new thing they learn. I got to experience this when we visited the new state-of-the-art AELC College in Marsden and the playground at Heritage Park (see page 18 for more on that!). Seeing exactly what is possible when creating a childcare centre from the ground up … it blew my mind.
Of course, summer is almost here, so we chat with learn-to-swim expert Chris Shapland to find out the essentials of water safety this summer. Some of these really surprised me, too!
We also have a HUGE Ipswich Special this issue, where we take a look at everything that is awesome about Ipswich for kids and families, including a guide to summer in Ipswich, our favourite parks, cafes, accommodation and a comprehensive Ipswich school directory.
Plus, we have all the regular news, reviews, events and activities… all bundled up in a super-duper Spring/Summer edition!
Pick up a copy from parenting hotspots across Brisbane and Northern Gold Coast now, or read online!
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