Easing COVID-induced anxiety in kids, building language skills with music before birth, and moving to a blissful yoga session promoting mindfulness – these are some of the workshops forming part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s annual You’re Kidding Me program.
You’re Kidding Me program will deliver a series of in-person and online workshops for Lake Macquarie parents and children to come together to reconnect, learn and be supported across a range of topics relevant to families raising children.
Expert-led talks and workshops kicks off at the end of April as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s You’re Kidding Me program and features eight sessions.
The You’re Kidding Me program is designed to improve access to health, education and family services for kids by connecting Lake Macquarie families to valuable information about local services that support the learning and development of young children.
The workshop series brings children and family services from all across the City and Hunter Region together. Attendees can discover a variety of programs, resources and services that Lake Macquarie parents and families can access. The workshops target new and expectant parents, who are raising kids aged 5 and under.
You’re Kidding Me workshops are free, but each session has a maximum attendance, so bookings are essential. Workshops will be held at public libraries, local service provider rooms and online.
You’re Kidding Me Program Schedule
Music in the early years
Discover how music can help with language development even before birth! Join Julie Logan Music in this interactive session which delves into how singing can support babies learning to talk and help pre-schoolers learning how to read. No musical experience needed, just join in the fun!
- Wednesday 27 April from 10am to 11am
- Charlestown Library
- Presented by Julie Logan Music
- Bookings essential. Register online
How to help a fussy eater
We often focus on the eating occasion with young children, but how can we support a child’s eating environment, away from meal time? Come along to the work shop and learn how young children can have a positive and trusting relationship with food.
- Thursday 28 April 2022 from 10am to 11am
- The event is presented online via ZOOM.
- Presented by Mandy Santos founder of Little People Nutrition
- Bookings essential. Register online
Supporting your little worrier, the anxious child
Come along to our presentation about children and worry and how we can support them. Learn some tips and ideas for soothing children when they feel worried or a bit anxious and help them to build resilience. We will point you in the right direction to find helpful community resources related to children and anxiety. We will also talk about how to know if you need more intensive support and where to find it.
- Monday 2 May 2022 from 10am – 11:30am
- Toronto
- Presented by Family Support Workers and Parent Educators Emma Cook and Rochelle Mellows from CALM
- Bookings essential. Register online
Managing family stress and relationships
Want to get your spark back? Tired of feeling stressed and overwhelmed? You are not alone! And our children feel it too. Join Bonnie Berry, Occupational Therapist, in this fun, practical workshop looking at how we manage stress and its impact on our bodies, brains, and relationship with our kids and families. We will share some practical ways to lighten your stress load, connect with your kids, and bring back some fun.
- Wednesday 4 May 2022 from 10am to 11am
- Charlestown Library
- Presented by Bonnie Berry, Occupational Therapist
- Bookings essential. Register online
Sleep & settle
Are you a new parent? Or a parent with an infant who just won’t settle and sleep? Are you looking for strategies to help your child sleep, and to help you remain calm at sleep time? Look no further, the Hunter’s sleep and settle guru, Natalie Ebrill, will inform and empower you to help your newborn or infant be the best sleeper they can be!
- Friday 6 May 2022 from 10am – 11:30am for infant / 12:30pm – 2pm for toddler
- Warners Bay Theatre
- Presented by Natalie Ebrill
- Bookings essential. Register online
Infant tummy time
As children are developing, emotions and behaviours can take all kinds of forms and, at times, are quite Parents of young babies are encouraged to join us for this great session designed to highlight the importance of tummy time for physical development. The session will inform parents why babies need tummy time, what is normal and what to expect. Presenter Felicity Cook will also cover the best ways to engage your child in tummy time even when your baby may not like it or has other concerns that make tummy time a challenge.
- Wednesday 11 May 2022 from 10am to 11am
- The event is presented online via ZOOM.
- Presented by Felicity Cook
- Bookings essential. Register online
Language development
Are you finding yourself googling “should my child be talking by now” or wondering how to support your child’s language skills at home? Are you unsure what is ‘normal’ and constantly comparing your child to his/her day care peers, cousins or friend’s children? Join Michelle for this great workshop that looks at typical language and speech development from babies to 5 years old and works through how to encourage speech and language skills with your children in your own home.
- Thursday 12 May 2022 from 10am – 11am
- Belmont Library
- Presented by Michelle Batey, Speech Pathologist and director at Early Start Speech
- Bookings essential. Register online
Yoga movement and mindfulness
Are you a new parent? Or a parent with an infant who just won’t settle and sleep? Are you looking for Join Clio as we use our bodies and imaginations to energise our whole beings through stretching, mindful movement and blissful relaxation. Wear comfy clothes and bring a yoga mat if you have one – if not we have spares!
- Friday 13 May 2022 from 10am – 11:30am
- Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP), mima Speers Point
- Presented by Clio Badenhorst, Yoga instructor and director of Yoga Magic
- Bookings essential. Register online
The program includes the annual You’re Kidding Me Expo, which brings together children and family services from all across the City and the Hunter Region. Attendees can discover a variety of programs, resources and services that Lake Macquarie parents and families can access.
You’re Kidding Me Expo 2022 will be held Friday 20 May at The Place Community Centre, Charlestown.
For more information, visit the You’re Kidding Me website.
Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.
