Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Summer 2018

FOCUS ON CHILDREN

L earning about empathy, relationships, the environment and nature are just some of the benefits children receive by caring for animals. Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion, and empathy. Children love their pets—and for good reason. Creatures large and small teach, delight, and offer a special kind of companionship. Children are known for playing hard -- and their destroyed toys show it. However, small pets must be handled with care, so kids quickly learn the importance of gentle treatment and it translates to other facets of their lives like their relationships with siblings and friends. Children trained to extend justice, kindness and mercy to animals become more just, kind and considerate in their relations to each other. The sense of responsibility kids get from taking care of their dogs, cats, pet birds, reptiles or fish often transfers to other parts of their lives -- they take better care of themselves. Plus, kids who are kind to animals are less likely to get in trouble with the law: One of the biggest indicators of future violence in children is cruelty to animals. No infant or young child should be left alone with a pet, and all children need to be taught how to pet and hold an animal — and when to leave the family pets alone. Adults should focus on teaching what’s right, not what’s wrong and to respect animals but not fear them. Animals improve child development

“Petting an animal, hearing its soft breathing, feeling its heartbeat, looking into its sweet eyes, knowing that the pet needs us and that we need the pet, creates feelings of love and a corresponding influx of chemicals from the brain that are calming and comforting and create a sense of well-being and happiness. Don’t make tending to the pets a “have to;” use your words and behaviour to model pet care as a “want to,” an animal who’s counting on you and your child. Assign realistic, age-related tasks, and be supportive of your child. This is important because it sends your child the message that someone else relies on them.

If your family’s pets are too often lost in the shuffle of school, soccer, and dance lessons, it’s time to look at moving them up in the priorities. Pets should and must be cared for, just like the rest of the family. Pets -- even small pets like fish and birds -- can bring incredible stress relief to your family. Think about it: Pets don’t care whether or not you’ve had a bad day -- they just want to be there for your when you get home. Kids have far too many challenges in today’s society -- both academically and socially -- and their small pets can give them a semblance of normalcy and balance even when life challenges them.

pedicures, a High Materni-Tea twice a week, and the provision of meals throughout the couples week-long stay. “Gosford Private provides an atmosphere designed to empower women to feel safe and nurtured, while remaining under the care of their chosen Specialist. We recognise that the first days after birth are an important time for bonding and establishing the foundations of new parenthood, and improving that experience for families is aided by the design and creation of a more ‘homelike’ environment.”

style the hospital’s five Birthing Suites with natural elements, warm neutral colours and soft furnishings and artworks, promoting an environment which helps to relax women in labour, and stimulate the intricate balance of hormones released during birth. “Our qualified and experienced Midwives understand that an atmosphere promoting peace and calm for your baby’s birth supports the release of endorphins, and promotes a satisfying and joyous experience.” says Robyn. Combined with this ‘homelike’ environment, the Birthing Suites include relaxing baths for women choosing to use water immersion as a gentle and natural method of pain relief. The warm baths promote freedom to move and promote many therapeutic benefits, including feelings of positivity and increased satisfaction. After birth, the women and their partners are provided ongoing, compassionate care within the Maternity Ward, supporting each family’s sense of purpose, belonging and personal growth. This includes partners ‘rooming in’ with the new mothers, complimentary manicures/

G osford Private Hospital recognises that right from the beginning of life, the importance of safe, tranquil and comfortable spaces plays an important role in our sense of health, belonging and wellbeing. The recent re-styling of the hospital’s private Maternity Ward ensures all families are able to relax in a comfortable environment, promoting a feeling of security and being ‘at home’. “A growing body of evidence exists demonstrating positive outcomes for women when birthing in a ‘homelike’ environment. The medicalised, highly technological environment of hospitals can unknowingly concern families and increase anxieties. Fear is counterproductive to labour so the importance of an environment which supports security, safety, warmth and comfort is beneficial,” says Gosford Private Maternity Manager, Robyn Gasparotto. Gosford Private has engaged local Central Coast stylists, Aspire Property Styling, to re- Homelike Environment