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Articles by Peninsula Kids
How to Help Your Child be a Good Sport
For many children, games and sport are all about having fun with family, friends and teammates. But for some, winning and losing can feel a little more intense. When they win, they’re on top of the world. Yet when they lose, they might cry, throw a tantrum, accuse others of cheating, make excuses or refuse to keep playing. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many parents and carers wonder how to respond when a child struggles with losing or being a good sport.
From Ewww to Yes Please!
By Amanda Mills Does your child, like many others (including plenty of adults!), refuse to eat broccoli or other vegetables? You’re not alone. Understanding why this happens may help guide how to approach it, so that mealtimes can result in wins rather than battles. After all, when you’re a parent, every win counts! Why can broccoli can be tricky? Simply put, broccoli may genuinely taste worse to them than it does to you. What may help over time There’s no magic trick here.
Somers Arts Fair
The 23rd Annual Somers Arts Fair returns Sunday, 25 October, at Somers Primary School, celebrating the Mornington Peninsula’s creativity, community and love of the arts. Enjoy a relaxed and entertaining day showcasing fine art and crafts, while supporting a wonderful cause and the Somers Primary School community. This is a school fundraiser, gold coin donation upon entry greatly appreciated! Date: Sunday, 25 October Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Address: 87 Camp Hill Rd, Somers somersartsfair.org
The Best Time to Nap According to Your Brain
By Dr Jemma King Picture: AdobeStock Across the world, from Mediterranean towns to Tokyo offices, people use naps to boost energy, creativity and resilience. Science now shows that these old traditions are grounded in wisdom – the right nap, at the right time, is one of the most powerful performance tools we have. A strategically timed nap is a powerful tool that can turn a long painful ‘drag of a day’ into a day of efficiency, mental alertness and clarity, not to mention emotional stability.
MacKillop Family Services
At MacKillop Family Services, we work for the rights of children, young people and families to be safe, to learn, feel nurtured and connected to culture. We provide a variety of services including foster care with the aim of empowering and supporting families and helping children to thrive. Phone 1300 791 677 Email fostercare@mackillop.org.au Facebook @mackillopfamilyservices
RSV Protection Checklist
By Kate Gunthorpe Despite being unfamiliar to many Australians, RSV is having serious impacts on infants. Australia records around 12,000 hospitalisations of babies under one due to RSV every year, making it one of the leading causes of paediatric hospital admissions, especially during the colder months. These rates are alarming- yet new research shows most Australians who are hesitant about RSV vaccination have never heard of the virus or know very little about it.
Tips for Online Safter Gaming
By Dr Elizabeth Milovidov Australia’s Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) has reported on just how embedded gaming is in everyday life, with four out of five (82%) of Australians playing video games. According to eSafety, this number jumps to 86% of 10 to 15 year olds, leaving parents to grapple with how much time their kids are spending online, who they’re playing online games with, and how to keep those experiences positive and age-appropriate.
Discover Endless Family Fun at Bayside
Then hit start at iPlay. Take on Pandemonium’s 11 interactive challenge rooms, exclusive to iPlay at Bayside, testing your speed, agility, memory and teamwork, then keep playing with arcade games and bumper cars. There’s plenty more to fill your day. Putt your way through Holey Moley, hit the lanes at Strike, catch a movie at HOYTS or find their next great read at Robinsons Bookshop. Add family dining and even more to explore, and you can stay for a few hours or make a full day of it.
Coolart Community Picnic 2026
Sunday 1 November | 12.00–4.00pm Coolart Homestead & Wetlands, Somers | FREE ENTRY The Coolart Community Picnic is back! Bring a rug and settle in for a relaxed afternoon of live music, food, local beer and wine, family activities and plenty to explore in the beautiful grounds of Coolart.
Little Explorers School Holiday Adventures at Lindenderry
Every little explorer is welcomed with their own Adventure Pack on arrival, loaded with activity booklets, a treasure-hunt map of the grounds and a few surprises to unwrap. From there, the estate becomes theirs to roam – treasure hunts through the gardens, games on the lawn, and cosy family movie nights to wind down the day. Kids under 12 stay and eat free, daily breakfast included, so mealtimes are easy too. And you couldn’t ask for a better base for exploring the Peninsula’s family favourites.
Create your very own paper weaving blanket
By Georgie Doherty Create a cosy woven blanket for your sleepy animal friend! This colourful paper weaving project is a fun way to build fine motor skills, creativity and concentration while making a beautiful piece of art. Scan the QR code to download your free sleeping animal templates, then follow the steps below to weave a cosy blanket for your new friend. No printer? No worries! You can also cut out a sleeping animal from a magazine or print a photo of your own sleepy pet.
Melbourne United Mornington Junior Basketball Camp
Civic Reserve Recreation Centre Wednesday 30 September 10am–4pm Melbourne United is bringing a full day of basketball fun to the Mornington Peninsula these school holidays. Designed for children aged 6–12, the camp combines exciting games and skill-development sessions in a fun, supportive environment. Suitable for boys and girls of beginner to intermediate skill levels, it’s a great opportunity for young players to build their confidence, improve their basketball skills and make new friends.
When School Feels Impossible
By Sarah Fortnam-Gray For some families, the school morning routine has become a daily battle. A child who once happily walked through the school gates may suddenly experience tears, headaches, stomach aches, panic, shutdown or an overwhelming feeling that they simply cannot attend. This experience, often referred to as school refusal, is becoming an increasingly recognised issue across Australia and around the world.
Nothing for Teens on the Peninsula? Think Again!
By Amanda Bennets Ask most parents on the Mornington Peninsula what the tricky part of a family day out is, and it’s rarely finding something to do. The problem lies with finding something to do that an eight-year-old, an eleven-year-old and a sixteen-year-old will all agree to get in the car for. Take an ordinary peninsula family: the eight-year-old wants anything with an animal, a maze or a jumping castle in it.
Lamb and Mint Sausage Rolls
Cook: 15-20 minutes | Serves: 4 Ingredients 500g lamb mince 2 garlic cloves, peeled 1 tsp ground cumin Bunch fresh mint, leaves only 8 filo pastry sheets 100g butter, melted 2 TB poppy seed How to build Preheat oven to 180°C (fan-forced) and line a baking tray with baking paper. Crush garlic into a large mixing bowl. Add mince and cumin to bowl. Finely chop mint leaves and set aside approx. 1 heaped tablespoon worth.
Peninsula Kids Spring 2026
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Thinking About Getting a Tutor?
Media reporting estimates one in six Australian students get tutoring at some point in their schooling, to help them catch up, qualify for specific schools or prepare for important exams. But how should parents approach the task of finding a tutor? Our 2025 research highlighted the lack of national standards for tutor qualifications, safety practices and teaching quality. This means parents often have little guidance on choosing a provider they can trust.
Father’s Day at Flinders Hotel
Treat Dad to a special Father’s Day roast, served with rich jus, a golden Yorkshire pudding and seasonal roast vegetables. There’s plenty happening for the kids too, with face painting from 2pm to 4pm and a special visit from the local CFA fire truck. Flinders Hotel’s regular kids’ menu will also be available on the day, with plenty of options for little ones. Flinders Hotel will also be hosting two Father’s Day meat raffles, with all proceeds donated to the CFA.
The Man Cave - Peninsula Kids
By Dr Tim Moss Picture: Supplied Some days, starting a conversation in the car after school can be like trying to get blood from a stone. But there is one event that’s guaranteed to spark enthusiastic discussion in our car on the way home from school and in the days after: a visit from The Man Cave. The Man Cave workshops in our schools provide a safe space for young men and boys to talk openly and honestly about the things that concern them.
Wolfgang in the Stars by Circa
Wolfgang in the Stars dazzles all ages with acrobatics, puppetry, live video, music, and a heartwarming message: imagination travels faster than light! See it at Frankston Arts Centre during the school holidays. Mozart Amadeus Wolfgang, part-time genius, full-time rat-bag, can’t finish his lullaby. The final notes of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star have vanished, so he builds a rocket and blasts into space with his best friend, a circus bear.
Understanding Perfectionism
You may notice your child putting pressure on themselves to get things just right, whether at school, in sport, with friends or at home. While wanting to do well is a normal part of growing up, for some children this pressure can start to affect their confidence and wellbeing. Knowing how to respond supportively can make a real difference. Does your child often get upset when they make small mistakes? Or give up quickly when trying something new? It could be they’re showing signs of perfectionism.
Local Author Spotlight – Christine Coleman
Your Special Garden ‘Sleep Tight’, Christine’s first book, is more than a story; it is a thoughtfully designed tool that nurtures a sense of safety at bedtime, supporting children to calm their minds and experience a peaceful night’s sleep. Every life is shaped by a unique story.
Myth-Busting Sleep and Feeding
Picture: Supplied Parents quickly notice a pattern: babies often feed when they wake, and then drift off to sleep once they’ve fed. It seems logical, then, to assume that one causes the other. If a full tummy leads to sleep, surely more milk means longer sleep? This is one of the most common myths about babies — and one of the most frustrating when reality doesn’t match expectation. Feeding and Sleep: Rhythm, Not Cause Feeding and sleep are deeply intertwined in a baby’s daily rhythm.
Flu Checklist: How Parents Can Stay Ahead of the Flu Season
As students winter routines ramp back up, health experts are urging parents to act early, with flu season fast approaching. Australia recorded more than half a million flu cases last year, the highest on record, with early data already pointing to another strong season ahead. Children are among the key drivers of transmission, often bringing illness home to families. The first few weeks back at school after the break are a critical window.
Croque Monsieur - Peninsula Kids
Ingredients 2 slices of bread 100g bechamel sauce 2 slices of ham 3 slices of Swiss cheese 80g of grated cheese Bechamel sauce 10g butter 10g flour 100g milk Salt Pepper Nutmeg Make a roux with butter and flour Add butter and flour to a saucepan and cook while whisking for 1-2 minutes. Warm up the milk, add it to the butter and flour and cook, whisking, until it thickens. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste. How to build Divide the bechamel onto both slices of bread.
Understanding the Heart-breaking Impact of Baby loss
Experiencing the loss of a baby during pregnancy or following birth, is one of the most devastating life events a parent can face. The grief that accompanies this profound sorrow can feel overwhelming and isolating regardless of when the loss occurred. Bereaved parents commonly want to hide away from the world. They can feel that healing is impossible and that no one really understands what they are going through. Throughout pregnancy, a mother is primed to nurture and protect their baby.
Back Pack Safety
By Suzanne Gough By the time our children reach the school gate each morning, many are already carrying more than just homework and a water bottle. Between laptops, lunch boxes, textbooks and sports gear, their backpacks can weigh enough to rival what some adults haul to the gym. Our research found that many students regularly carry between 10 and 15 per cent of their body weight on their backs.
Helping Boys Be Their Best
By Dr Tim Moss Whether it’s energy drinks, supplements or steroids, there are all sorts of things available to tempt kids who want to enhance their performance and reach their goals. It’s important to encourage kids to be the best that they can be, and to support them to be physically active. But there are risks associated with energy drinks, supplements and steroids, particularly for developing bodies and minds.
Giving your Child a Boost from Within
Photo: AdobeStock By Lotta Johansson Most parents know that Vitamin D is essential for building strong bones and teeth, as it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate. But its importance goes much further. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating and strengthening your child’s immune system, helping them fight off common illnesses like colds and flu. It also has an impact on mood and overall well-being.
Be Amazed at McClelland
Picture: Supplied There’s a lot for curious minds to discover at McClelland! Make the most of the brilliant autumn weather and be inspired through sculpture walks, art experiences, and the beautiful outdoors. During the April holidays, McClelland will be celebrating art & Nature Play Week. Nature Play Week is a special initiative from the Kids in Nature Network, developed to celebrate nature play all across Australia with like-minded partner organisations.
The Hidden Junk in Healthy Kids Snacks and How to spot It
By Mandy Sacher Walk down any baby or snack aisle and you’ll see a sea of promises: ‘natural’, ‘no added sugar’, ‘made with organic ingredients.’ As parents, we want to make the best choices for our children – but what if many of these so-called healthy options aren’t what they seem? Behind those wholesome-looking labels often hide fruit concentrates, sweeteners, emulsifiers and preservatives; ingredients that can impact a child’s developing body and brain in subtle but significant ways.
Getting Help with Using a Baby Carrier
There seem to be new baby carriers entering the market every month. Even those of us experienced in babywearing sometimes struggle to keep up, so it is no surprise that many parents feel unsure where to begin. In online babywearing spaces it is common to see parents asking for help getting the “right” carrier, while listing several they have already bought and tried.
Vegemite Scrolls
8 slices of bread 50 g unsalted butter (softened) 2-3 tablespoons Vegemite (or to taste). Makes: 4 Cut crusts off bread. Overlap two slices by 1cm, then roll flat with a rolling pin to create a rectangle. Repeat for four rectangles. Evenly smear butter, then Vegemite, onto each bread rectangle. Roll each rectangle tightly into a “snake,” then coil inwards to form a scroll. Secure with a skewer while making the remaining scrolls. Air fry scrolls for 3 minutes at 200C to toast.
The Perfect Parent Trap
You’re not alone. Parenting today feels heavier than it used to. Not because we are failing, but because we’re surrounded by noise and constant messages about what a “good parent” should be doing. But here’s the part we don’t talk about enough: we don’t just parent from today’s stress and exhaustion. We parent from everything that has happened to us. There’s a pattern I see, something I call the “perfect parent trap”. It isn’t about making mistakes. It’s about something quieter and more confusing.
Why learning to Lose Will Help a Child’s Self-esteem
An important aspect of fundamental emotional development which can be easily missed out on is learning to lose. Learning to lose is crucial for building a healthy self-esteem in children because it teaches resilience, coping with disappointment, adaptability and perspective. It is vital for children to understand that setbacks are a normal part of life, and it doesn’t mean that they have failed, or that they are a failure.
Male Infertility Care
It takes two to tango. You could be forgiven for thinking that infertility is all about women. Our society identifies reproduction as mainly a women’s health concern, and they usually shoulder the burden of infertility treatment. But infertility — the inability to conceive after trying for 12 months — affects couples, not individuals. Men’s reproductive health gets less attention than women’s.
Soul Circus Aerial School
At Soul Circus, we believe that circus is for everyone! Our after school classes are designed to be fun, inclusive, and confidence-building, providing every child the opportunity to move, explore, and discover what they love within a supportive, non-competitive environment. Our philosophy is simple: let everybody shine. Every student is welcomed, supported, and celebrated for who they are and how they grow. Circus at Soul Circus beautifully bridges the gap between sport and art.
Art, Nature, and Adventure for Kids and Families
This summer, McClelland is set to become a destination where creativity meets the great outdoors. Surrounded by beautiful bushland and striking sculpture trails, the gallery invites families to immerse themselves in a world of imagination, discovery, and hands-on fun. Whether children are budding artists, curious explorers, or passionate animal lovers, McClelland’s children’s programming promises experiences that spark joy and inspire wonder.
Compass and Tide Games & Activity Products
Compass & Tide is a small, local Mornington Peninsula business founded in 2025 by a parent creating screen-free, place-based games and activity products for families. Designed to spark curiosity and connection, the range celebrates local landscapes and landmarks through play — bringing families and friends together while encouraging conversation, shared memories and a deeper connection to place. At the heart of the range is The Mornington Peninsula Board Game.
Compass & Tide - Peninsula Kids
Established on the Mornington Peninsula in 2025, we create locally inspired gifts that bring people together. Our range includes the Mornington Peninsula Board Game and a children’s activity book and journal for ages 7–12, encouraging outdoor exploration, reflection and discovering the Peninsula, with puzzles for rainy days. play@compassandtide.com.au compassandtide.com.au
How to encourage independent play during summer break
By Mia Barnes For youngsters, long summer days are an idyllic part of childhood. but did you know that THE WAY your little ones have fun can have a big impact on their development? Here’s how to encourage independent play and why it’s important. Why Independent Play Matters Playing alone, without being directed by an adult, helps kids develop problem-solving and reasoning skills. It nurtures imagination and creativity and can lead to stronger self-confidence and self-reliance.
Splash into summer fun at PARC these school holidays!
Splash Island is back! PARC’s giant inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island, is back these school holidays with a tropical twist, and ready for adventurers, big and small. Slip, slide and splash your way through a day of family fun, tiptoeing across balance beams, and sliding down its slippery slopes. Booking Splash Island Date: 30-minute sessions on weekdays, starting Monday 5 January – Friday 23 January.
Six Steps to Reaching Your Breastfeeding Goals
By Yvette O’Dowd Breastfeeding is natural — but it isn’t always easy. Most mothers find meeting their breastfeeding goals takes patience, determination and lots of support. How your birth and early postnatal care are managed can make a big difference, so it helps to prepare early, learn what’s normal, and build a strong support network before your baby arrives. Don’t wait for your baby to arrive to start learning about breastfeeding.
Social Media Ban: How Parents Can Help Kids Stay SAFELY Connected
Picture: AdobeStock As Australia’s social media ban for under-16’s edges closer, children are already worried about losing touch with their friends. But while the onus is on social media platforms to act, researchers at the University of South Australia say the real battle will be at home – where parents must enforce the rules, manage their children’s reactions, and help them adjust. The key to a smoother transition is education, reassurance, and open, age-appropriate conversations.
Summer 2025 Colouring Competition
Winning entries will receive one of FIVE EAGLE PRIZE PACKS! Download and get the kids colouring. You’ll also find this page in our spring edition. Email entries to info@peninsulakids.com.au or PM your artwork to facebook.com/MorningtonPeninsulaKids. Drawn on 14/02/2026. Winner notified by email. Prize must be collected from Peninsula Kids offices during office hours, 9am-5pm located at 1/15 Wallis Drive, Hastings VIC 3915. TERMS & CONDITIONS
Peninsula Kids Summer 2025/26
Subscribe to MPK to receive a copy of Peninsula Kids online each quarter. You will also receive our weekly What’s On Guide so you are the first to find out about great local events and things to do.
School Readiness and Preparing for School
What does ‘being ready’ for school mean? Starting school is a big event in a child’s life, and for their family. To get off to a good start, children need to develop a range of skills, so that they will be ready to learn well and be happy at school. All Australian children must start school by the time they turn 6 years of age. Most children start between the ages of 4 and 5 years.
Say What Matters
By Amanda Stokes I used to believe that I was a pretty good communicator. after all, I teach emotional intelligence, I run workshops on effective communication, AND I help people talk better. But the truth is, when it comes to the people I love most, – my husband, my kids, – it’s not always easy. The emotions are higher, the stakes feel bigger, and we fall into patterns THAT we don’t even realise are running the show.
The Portsea Camp
Looking for a school holiday or weekend experience your kids will never forget? At The Portsea Camp, our Making a Difference (M.A.D) Programs offer something for every child, from thrill-seeking adventurers to creative thinkers and budding leaders. Nestled on the stunning Mornington Peninsula coastline in Portsea, our camps give kids the space to slow down, reset, and reconnectwith themselves, new friends, and nature.
Dad Starts Now - Peninsula Kids
By Dr Tim Moss Around 90% of Australian males become Fathers. That makes fatherhood for Australian men more likely than driving a car, finishing high school or working full-time. Despite the high probability of eventually becoming a dad, there’s not a lot of education and support provided to prepare boys and men for this critical role.
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