If you’re anything like us, you’re a bit of a Christmas planner. But you’re also happy to admit that there’s usually a few bits and pieces that you’re going to need to buy last minute.
With IGA, last-minute Christmas preparations are just so easy!
No driving around the shopping centre carpark for hours waiting for a spot, no lining up at the seafood counter hoping there will be some prawns left by the time you make it to the front of the queue, and no worrying that the fresh produce that’s left at the end of the day is anything other than delicious, fresh and flavoursome.
We’re looking for active Mouths of Mums members who love to make their Christmas celebrations extra special and need a handy solution to all those last minute Christmas prep requirements.
We’ll give you an IGA voucher and send you shopping as though it was Christmas Eve, so you can bring to life just how easy, convenient and heart-warming it can be to shop for Christmas at your local IGA. Hey, you might even run into the big guy himself grabbing a few last-minute snacks for the drive!
You might like to put together a Prawn & Mango Xmas Salad full of juicy prawns and the freshest produce, or serve up a Double Baked Xmas Brie with some icy cold bubbles, or a Xmas Cocktail.
You could be like us and decide at the last minute there’s just ‘not enough food’, so you zip down to IGA to stock up on all the fresh fruits of the season and a wonderful selection of antipasto to whip up a Festive Star Xmas Platter. Or at the last minute you want to seat Grandpa beside your favourite neighbour because you’re ‘sure they’ll get along’!
No matter how organised you are this Christmas, you’ll always have the ‘day before’ list — maybe just a few bags of ice, a last minute ‘special’ bottle of bubbles, the fixings for a sweet treat for the kids, or that final tub of cream or cranberry sauce you’ve forgotten. The good news is your local IGA has it all waiting for you to drop by, drop in and be home before anyone at home has missed you.
Selected reviewers will need to create a recipe or two then share their review, photo and video before December 10th, 2025. We want to use your reviews and ideas to inspire others so we need it early.
IGA is so great for any ingredients you need. They have a mic between fresh and prepackaged products. From specialty breads to jars of jam.
I’ve definitely converted to IGA now knowing that each store is individually owned and operated and they often support local growers for their fruits and vegetables. This is something that’s important to my family and I.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I popped into IGA to pick up some last minute Christmas baking essentials from IGA. It was so nice popping into my local store, rather then the large, crowded supermarkets to get everything I needed. My kids love baking, and making treats, so we decided on some simple Christmas Bells. We got all the ingredients, including the cute decorations from our local IGA. The shop was easy, and the baking was fun. The kids couldn't wait to show their friends and family what they'd created.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
IGA is definitely the go to place for Christmas prep! They have a great selection of Christmas themed foods, meats, snacks as well as wrapping paper and so much more! I was pleasantly surprised at the range and the cost. I put together a sweet treat platter which would be great for a chrissy afternoon tea with friends or family as well as something for after Christmas lunch or dinner!
My son and I made the yummy shortbreads for the platter which is a simple 3 ingredient recipe we found!
Shortbread Recipe:
-2 cups plain flour
-250g softened salted butter
-3/4 cup of icing sugar
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 150°C fan forced or 160°C for standard
Step 2:
Line your baking tray
Step 3:
Cream butter by beating it until smooth and adding icing sugar then continue beating until all combined
Step 4:
Start adding the flour slowly, about half and beat until combined then add the rest. Use your hands or a silicone spatula to bring it all together and form into a ball.
Step 5:
Press down on it spread it out to around 1.5cm thickness and you can use either a cup of cookie cutters to cut out as many shortbreads as you like and place each one on to the lined tray.
Step 6:
Put the tray into the oven for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown all over
Step 7:
Leave them to cool by turning the oven off and leave the oven door slightly open for at least 1 hour
Step 8:
Take the tray out of the oven and place on to a lined cooling rack!
For the platter I used fruit mince pies, shortbread cookies, lamingtons, iced fruit cake and freckle style covered rice cakes. This platter went down a treat this afternoon with my friends who popped over for a get together before they head off on their Christmas holiday!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I love how easy it was to not only being able to ingredients for 1 dessert but 2 desserts at such an affordable price. I managed to purchase ingredients to make my family favourite chocolate ripple cake and Christmas crack.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I had an emergency flight to visit family two states away, and had to come up with something for a get together. A quick trip to the local IGA provided all the ingredients; and happy guests were fed!
I made our tradition of Christmas pav, made with a pavlova shell, lashings of whipped cream, slices of fresh banana, and sprinklings of grated Peppermint Crisp chocolate bar. It was all prepped fast and easy, and everyone loved it! Best of all was that I didn’t have to wait hours whilst baking! Thanks IGA; you saved the day/dessert!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
This time of year is always busy but I am on a mission to get ahead and pre-make some sweet treats for Christmas. I visited my local IGA which is in the neighbourhood and got everything I needed. It’s easy to navigate around the store and although the staff were busy re-stocking shelves they were friendly and took the time to help me locate one item that I couldn’t find. I’ve now ticked off another thing from to-do-list with the help of IGA. My mini chocolate Christmas puddings are done! They taste good, super easy to make, no baking required and can be stored in the fridge for Christmas.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
We had a last minute team meeting organized and will need to bring a plate for unofficial Christmas party for our team. Leche flan or creme caramel is a staple for any special occasion so i quickly head to Iga to buy the ingredients and steam it for 30 mins after mixing all the ingredients. So simple yet silky and delicate each bite was celebrated by my friends in the office.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
A quick shop made our friends Christmas lunch a breeze!
A quick trip to our local IGA and I was able to get everything I needed to prepare a gourmet antipasto platter, and a colourful fruit platter for dessert. Our local IGA is full of fresh, yummy ingredients and at a truce price point. The staff are super friendly too. Thank you IGA for making it super easy to prepare two beautiful platters for a friends Christmas lunch!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I had a last minute friendmas to put together and iga is close to home and had everything I needed to create some christmassy goodies to entertain. I found everything I needed and then so much more to help put my mind at ease, make my creations and feed hungry friends coming to my home
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
With Christmas get togethers in full swing, IGA came to the rescue for some quick and easy festive entertaining. Using my $35 IGA voucher, I headed to my local IGA to grab ingredients for a simple but impressive Christmas dish. Baked Brie! I was able to get everything I needed in one shop and the quality and freshness were great!
IGA made this lastminute prep simple, convenient and stress free. The store was well stocked, staff were friendly and the voucher worked seamlessly at the checkout. I loved that I could rely on IGA for both inspiration and ingredients at such a busy time of year. Highly recommend & this baked Brie was a fav, everyone commented on it! Will make again!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
IGA is so great for any ingredients you need. They have a mic between fresh and prepackaged products. From specialty breads to jars of jam.
I’ve definitely converted to IGA now knowing that each store is individually owned and operated and they often support local growers for their fruits and vegetables. This is something that’s important to my family and I.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I popped into IGA to pick up some last minute Christmas baking essentials from IGA. It was so nice popping into my local store, rather then the large, crowded supermarkets to get everything I needed. My kids love baking, and making treats, so we decided on some simple Christmas Bells. We got all the ingredients, including the cute decorations from our local IGA. The shop was easy, and the baking was fun. The kids couldn't wait to show their friends and family what they'd created.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
IGA is definitely the go to place for Christmas prep! They have a great selection of Christmas themed foods, meats, snacks as well as wrapping paper and so much more! I was pleasantly surprised at the range and the cost. I put together a sweet treat platter which would be great for a chrissy afternoon tea with friends or family as well as something for after Christmas lunch or dinner!
My son and I made the yummy shortbreads for the platter which is a simple 3 ingredient recipe we found!
Shortbread Recipe:
-2 cups plain flour
-250g softened salted butter
-3/4 cup of icing sugar
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 150°C fan forced or 160°C for standard
Step 2:
Line your baking tray
Step 3:
Cream butter by beating it until smooth and adding icing sugar then continue beating until all combined
Step 4:
Start adding the flour slowly, about half and beat until combined then add the rest. Use your hands or a silicone spatula to bring it all together and form into a ball.
Step 5:
Press down on it spread it out to around 1.5cm thickness and you can use either a cup of cookie cutters to cut out as many shortbreads as you like and place each one on to the lined tray.
Step 6:
Put the tray into the oven for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown all over
Step 7:
Leave them to cool by turning the oven off and leave the oven door slightly open for at least 1 hour
Step 8:
Take the tray out of the oven and place on to a lined cooling rack!
For the platter I used fruit mince pies, shortbread cookies, lamingtons, iced fruit cake and freckle style covered rice cakes. This platter went down a treat this afternoon with my friends who popped over for a get together before they head off on their Christmas holiday!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
Last last minute due to a disaster but put something together!
So I had a great idea for a prawn and quinoa salad but prawns and chicken didn’t have a long date well they expired within 2 days of buying and I was not risk that, so I put together what I had in my fridge and cupboard. Managed to put Ricotta Gnocchi and garlic bread not a bad last minute meal!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
Last last minute due to a disaster but put something together!
So I had a great idea for a prawn and quinoa salad but prawns and chicken didn’t have a long date well they expired within 2 days of buying and I was not risk that, so I put together what I had in my fridge and cupboard. Managed to put Ricotta Gnocchi and garlic bread not a bad last minute meal!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I love how easy it was to not only being able to ingredients for 1 dessert but 2 desserts at such an affordable price. I managed to purchase ingredients to make my family favourite chocolate ripple cake and Christmas crack.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
We ended up hosting a super last minute Christmas party with friends before they went overseas for the holidays. With a variety of dietary needs we needed to cater for everyone and make it kids friendly (we have kiddos who LOVE to help in the kitchen)
A quick scoot to the IGA after Kindy drop off made it so much easier then going to a shopping centre and what I got for the price was amazing!
We ended up making passion fruit tarts, a festive jelly slice and sushi balls. These were all demolished so quickly (especially the sushi balls!)
Passionfruit tarts
- 1 packet butternut snap biscuits
- 1 tin condensed milk
- 170g passionfruit pulp
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
1.Mix condensed milk + passionfruit + lemon juice in a bowl
2. Microwave biscuits 20-25 secs to soften + shape into cups. This makes them soft so that you can mould them in the rounded patty tin.
3. Pop into patty tin, fill, bake 10 mins at 160°C
Feel free to top with milk chocolate, passionfruit, anything!
Festive Jelly Slice
- 1 packet of Raspberry jelly
- 1 tin of condensed milk
- 1 tub cream cheese
- 1 pack milk arrowroot biscuits
- Butter
1. Mix jelly with 1 cup boiling water.
2. Add condensed milk and cream cheese to jelly mix. Whisk well
3. Crush arrowroot with melted butter to form a biscuit base.
4. Pour jelly mixture over biscuit base. Refrigerate till set. Top with crunch candy cane
5. Cut and enjoy.
Sushi balls
- 2 cups sushi rice
- Salt, sugar, vinegar to season rice
Fillings
- roast chicken
- Cucumber
- Sesame seeds
- (Salmon and cream cheese also goes great!)
1. Cook and season sushi rice
2. Finely chop fillings
3. Mix together in bowl
4. Roll in to balls (the kids loved this part)
5. Refrigerate and serve with soy sauce
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
One of my friends decided to host a last-minute Friendsmas dinner party and requested everyone to bring some festive appetizers to share with the group. Thankfully, for a conveniently located IGA, I was able to effortlessly grab the necessary ingredients to make French Onion Stuffing Balls and Bacon-wrapped Beef Sausages for the party.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
My local IGA is the perfect shop for those last minute items for Christmas Day to create something fresh and delicious. I love the convenience of my local IGA, it is so easy and simple shopping in a one stop shop with everything readily available. The location of the store is easy to get to, the food is so fresh and the prices are competitive. I can rely on IGA to make things easy and run smoothly during this time of the year. I visited my local IGA and picked up fresh fruits, cheese and snacks for a platter.
The variety of food available was unlimited, they had everything you could imagine to make a delicious platter. The fresh fruit looked so delicious and so fresh in store. I was very happy with the experience in store, it offered a practical, efficient and smooth shopping experience.
With the last minute items I was able to pick up at my local IGA, I was able to whip together last minute a delicious platter to share with my family, The fresh fruit, salty snacks and cheese and biscuits created an enjoyable platter to enjoy the freshness, high quality products and variety. I love what IGA has to offer
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I had an emergency flight to visit family two states away, and had to come up with something for a get together. A quick trip to the local IGA provided all the ingredients; and happy guests were fed!
I made our tradition of Christmas pav, made with a pavlova shell, lashings of whipped cream, slices of fresh banana, and sprinklings of grated Peppermint Crisp chocolate bar. It was all prepped fast and easy, and everyone loved it! Best of all was that I didn’t have to wait hours whilst baking! Thanks IGA; you saved the day/dessert!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
This time of year is always busy but I am on a mission to get ahead and pre-make some sweet treats for Christmas. I visited my local IGA which is in the neighbourhood and got everything I needed. It’s easy to navigate around the store and although the staff were busy re-stocking shelves they were friendly and took the time to help me locate one item that I couldn’t find. I’ve now ticked off another thing from to-do-list with the help of IGA. My mini chocolate Christmas puddings are done! They taste good, super easy to make, no baking required and can be stored in the fridge for Christmas.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
We had a last minute team meeting organized and will need to bring a plate for unofficial Christmas party for our team. Leche flan or creme caramel is a staple for any special occasion so i quickly head to Iga to buy the ingredients and steam it for 30 mins after mixing all the ingredients. So simple yet silky and delicate each bite was celebrated by my friends in the office.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
A quick shop made our friends Christmas lunch a breeze!
A quick trip to our local IGA and I was able to get everything I needed to prepare a gourmet antipasto platter, and a colourful fruit platter for dessert. Our local IGA is full of fresh, yummy ingredients and at a truce price point. The staff are super friendly too. Thank you IGA for making it super easy to prepare two beautiful platters for a friends Christmas lunch!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
I had a last minute friendmas to put together and iga is close to home and had everything I needed to create some christmassy goodies to entertain. I found everything I needed and then so much more to help put my mind at ease, make my creations and feed hungry friends coming to my home
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
Oops! Forgot I had to bring a kid-friendly plate to a Christmas gathering. Off I ran to IGA for last minute supplies for our favourite foolproof Christmas sweet treat. Thank goodness our IGA is close by and easy to navigate, it makes last minute grocery shops a breeze as we near Christmas.
Reindeer Poops (or kid-friendly "rum" balls)
250g plain sweet biscuits such as Milk Arrowroot, Marie etc.
320g can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup dessicated coconut
Extra 1 cup dessicated coconut for rolling
Method:
1. Crush biscuits into fine crumbs in a food processor, blender, or large zip lock bag. Tip into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add in sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and 1 cup of coconut.
3. Stir to combine until well mixed.
4. Place extra 1 cup of coconut into a separate small bowl.
5. Roll heaped teaspoons of mixture into balls, roll balls in extra 1 cup of coconut to coat evenly.
6. Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Makes approximately 36-40 balls depending on size.
Can substitute regular sweetened condensed milk for sweetened condensed OAT or COCONUT milk, and biscuits for Digestives to make this recipe dairy free.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
We had friends coming round for a friendmas and we had to duck to the IGA for some last minute snacks and drinks. IGA has a great range of snacks and non alcoholic drinks for everyone. Our platter was a massive hit with everyone and we will most certainly be visiting IGA again for any of our shopping needs!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
From the ease of the shop at IGA to the quality and variety of options, it makes creating a delicious gift for neighbours or an easy share crowd please dessert!
A simple mix of scotch fingers, glacé cherries, marshmallows and snakes mixed together with melted chocolate creates a delicious treat! Top it with some special Christmas sprinkles thanks to the excellent selection at IGA and you have the best Christmas treat!
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
Christmas is always a busy time and event, dinners and catch ups happen at the drop of a hat and last minute so being able to make something easy work is key. Popping into our local IGA, I was able to grab everything I needed to meet the brief of 'Can you make a sweet and a savoury' ! I went with some Christmas classics - family favourite - Trifle and a pretty Christmasy themed watermelon and feta salad. I was able to swing by my local IGA and make my dishes last minute and with ease. I was super happy with how they turned out and everyone was stoked with the way they tasted, You would never know that I was able to throw them together in a jiffy.
Now that you've shopped at IGA, how would you rate the ease and convenience?
This reviewer received a voucher to purchase their products for this review.
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Article
‘Trust Your Intuition’: How To Advocate For Your Child In Hospital
Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.
What if I’m overreacting? What if I’ve got it wrong?
So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.
It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.
Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise
According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.
“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.
Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital
While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.
So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.
“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.
Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone
A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.
You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.
Leticia gets it.
“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”
But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.
Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.
“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”
Remember, we know our children better than anyone.
What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process
If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.
Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.
Here’s how it works:
Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.
You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.
What should you actually look out for?
Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.
Things like:
Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse
And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.
That’s enough.
“You are helping us, not bothering us”
If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.
“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.
“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”
The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.
“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”
And if you’re still worried about being judged?
“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”
As a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, I’ve learned to trust my gut when something doesn’t feel right. We’ve had a few experiences where we’ve needed to go through different channels to raise concerns or frustrations with the hospital system to make sure our daughter got the care she needed. It’s great to see programs like this encouraging families to speak up, because parents often know when something isn’t quite right.
As a parent of a child with cystic fibrosis, I’ve learned to trust my gut when something doesn’t feel right. We’ve had a few experiences where we’ve needed to go through different channels to raise concerns or frustrations with the hospital system to make sure our daughter got the care she needed. It’s great to see programs like this encouraging families to speak up, because parents often know when something isn’t quite right.
This is so true from my experience over the years.
No matter how wonderful the medical team is, if you have any doubts speak up as a mother knows her child better than anyone.
Yes and amen to this article ! I agree with always follow your gut, you know your child like no one else does. In fact you are your child’s expert and should never stop advocating for them or speaking up. Sometimes professionals are very good in waving concerns away, all it takes is a human who listens
Even as a healthcare professional, when I took my soon to the ED when I was concerned, I felt awkward about speaking up, worried I was making a big deal out of nothing (even though i would never tjink this about a patient’s family if the roles were reversed). The message in this article is so important. Always stick to your guns. Always speak up and advocate for your kids – they can’t do it for themselves.
And honestly, some medical staff are idiots. I vividly remember the night two doctors huddled over my son’s lung x-rays. I hadn’t been allowed to accompany him to have them taken as I was pregnant. They finally told me solemnly that they were preparing to do emergency surgery as there was something in his lungs – “we don’t know what it is, but it’s definitely man made”. I took one look at the x-rays and asked if they’d taken off the battery packs for his cochlear implants, which were pinned to the back of his shirt, before the x-ray. And of course they hadn’t, and of course that’s what appeared to be in his lungs. Honestly!
I have learned many times to always listen to your gut and speak up when you don’t think something is right. This article was a great read, our kids are our world and if we don’t feel they are getting the right help, and we feel it, we need to speak up.
You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.
A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!
Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.
This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.
It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.
How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!
This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.
This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.
I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.
6:39 pm
IGA one stop shop
4:29 pm
IGA is so great for any ingredients you need
I’ve definitely converted to IGA now knowing that each store is individually owned and operated and they often support local growers for their fruits and vegetables. This is something that’s important to my family and I.
6:32 am
Convenience and ease
11:10 pm
Christmas Sweet Treats
My son and I made the yummy shortbreads for the platter which is a simple 3 ingredient recipe we found!
Shortbread Recipe:
-2 cups plain flour
-250g softened salted butter
-3/4 cup of icing sugar
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 150°C fan forced or 160°C for standard
Step 2:
Line your baking tray
Step 3:
Cream butter by beating it until smooth and adding icing sugar then continue beating until all combined
Step 4:
Start adding the flour slowly, about half and beat until combined then add the rest. Use your hands or a silicone spatula to bring it all together and form into a ball.
Step 5:
Press down on it spread it out to around 1.5cm thickness and you can use either a cup of cookie cutters to cut out as many shortbreads as you like and place each one on to the lined tray.
Step 6:
Put the tray into the oven for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown all over
Step 7:
Leave them to cool by turning the oven off and leave the oven door slightly open for at least 1 hour
Step 8:
Take the tray out of the oven and place on to a lined cooling rack!
For the platter I used fruit mince pies, shortbread cookies, lamingtons, iced fruit cake and freckle style covered rice cakes. This platter went down a treat this afternoon with my friends who popped over for a get together before they head off on their Christmas holiday!
7:45 pm
Christmas dessert
5:25 pm
IGA Does it Again!
I made our tradition of Christmas pav, made with a pavlova shell, lashings of whipped cream, slices of fresh banana, and sprinklings of grated Peppermint Crisp chocolate bar. It was all prepped fast and easy, and everyone loved it! Best of all was that I didn’t have to wait hours whilst baking! Thanks IGA; you saved the day/dessert!
5:25 pm
Getting ahead this Christmas
3:42 pm
Leche flan saves the government
3:23 pm
A quick shop made our friends Christmas lunch a breeze!
12:29 pm
Everything I need
6:39 pm
IGA one stop shop
4:43 pm
Stress Free Christmas Eve Entertaining with IGA!!
IGA made this lastminute prep simple, convenient and stress free. The store was well stocked, staff were friendly and the voucher worked seamlessly at the checkout. I loved that I could rely on IGA for both inspiration and ingredients at such a busy time of year. Highly recommend & this baked Brie was a fav, everyone commented on it! Will make again!
4:29 pm
IGA is so great for any ingredients you need
I’ve definitely converted to IGA now knowing that each store is individually owned and operated and they often support local growers for their fruits and vegetables. This is something that’s important to my family and I.
6:32 am
Convenience and ease
11:10 pm
Christmas Sweet Treats
My son and I made the yummy shortbreads for the platter which is a simple 3 ingredient recipe we found!
Shortbread Recipe:
-2 cups plain flour
-250g softened salted butter
-3/4 cup of icing sugar
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 150°C fan forced or 160°C for standard
Step 2:
Line your baking tray
Step 3:
Cream butter by beating it until smooth and adding icing sugar then continue beating until all combined
Step 4:
Start adding the flour slowly, about half and beat until combined then add the rest. Use your hands or a silicone spatula to bring it all together and form into a ball.
Step 5:
Press down on it spread it out to around 1.5cm thickness and you can use either a cup of cookie cutters to cut out as many shortbreads as you like and place each one on to the lined tray.
Step 6:
Put the tray into the oven for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown all over
Step 7:
Leave them to cool by turning the oven off and leave the oven door slightly open for at least 1 hour
Step 8:
Take the tray out of the oven and place on to a lined cooling rack!
For the platter I used fruit mince pies, shortbread cookies, lamingtons, iced fruit cake and freckle style covered rice cakes. This platter went down a treat this afternoon with my friends who popped over for a get together before they head off on their Christmas holiday!
8:29 pm
Last last minute due to a disaster but put something together!
8:29 pm
Last last minute due to a disaster but put something together!
7:45 pm
Christmas dessert
7:42 pm
IGA to the rescue
A quick scoot to the IGA after Kindy drop off made it so much easier then going to a shopping centre and what I got for the price was amazing!
We ended up making passion fruit tarts, a festive jelly slice and sushi balls. These were all demolished so quickly (especially the sushi balls!)
Passionfruit tarts
- 1 packet butternut snap biscuits
- 1 tin condensed milk
- 170g passionfruit pulp
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
1.Mix condensed milk + passionfruit + lemon juice in a bowl
2. Microwave biscuits 20-25 secs to soften + shape into cups. This makes them soft so that you can mould them in the rounded patty tin.
3. Pop into patty tin, fill, bake 10 mins at 160°C
Feel free to top with milk chocolate, passionfruit, anything!
Festive Jelly Slice
- 1 packet of Raspberry jelly
- 1 tin of condensed milk
- 1 tub cream cheese
- 1 pack milk arrowroot biscuits
- Butter
1. Mix jelly with 1 cup boiling water.
2. Add condensed milk and cream cheese to jelly mix. Whisk well
3. Crush arrowroot with melted butter to form a biscuit base.
4. Pour jelly mixture over biscuit base. Refrigerate till set. Top with crunch candy cane
5. Cut and enjoy.
Sushi balls
- 2 cups sushi rice
- Salt, sugar, vinegar to season rice
Fillings
- roast chicken
- Cucumber
- Sesame seeds
- (Salmon and cream cheese also goes great!)
1. Cook and season sushi rice
2. Finely chop fillings
3. Mix together in bowl
4. Roll in to balls (the kids loved this part)
5. Refrigerate and serve with soy sauce
7:31 pm
It's a Christmas Miracle!
5:32 pm
Christmas made simple and easy with IGA!
The variety of food available was unlimited, they had everything you could imagine to make a delicious platter. The fresh fruit looked so delicious and so fresh in store. I was very happy with the experience in store, it offered a practical, efficient and smooth shopping experience.
With the last minute items I was able to pick up at my local IGA, I was able to whip together last minute a delicious platter to share with my family, The fresh fruit, salty snacks and cheese and biscuits created an enjoyable platter to enjoy the freshness, high quality products and variety. I love what IGA has to offer
5:25 pm
IGA Does it Again!
I made our tradition of Christmas pav, made with a pavlova shell, lashings of whipped cream, slices of fresh banana, and sprinklings of grated Peppermint Crisp chocolate bar. It was all prepped fast and easy, and everyone loved it! Best of all was that I didn’t have to wait hours whilst baking! Thanks IGA; you saved the day/dessert!
5:25 pm
Getting ahead this Christmas
3:42 pm
Leche flan saves the government
3:23 pm
A quick shop made our friends Christmas lunch a breeze!
12:29 pm
Everything I need
12:11 pm
IGA saves the day!
Reindeer Poops (or kid-friendly "rum" balls)
250g plain sweet biscuits such as Milk Arrowroot, Marie etc.
320g can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup dessicated coconut
Extra 1 cup dessicated coconut for rolling
Method:
1. Crush biscuits into fine crumbs in a food processor, blender, or large zip lock bag. Tip into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add in sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and 1 cup of coconut.
3. Stir to combine until well mixed.
4. Place extra 1 cup of coconut into a separate small bowl.
5. Roll heaped teaspoons of mixture into balls, roll balls in extra 1 cup of coconut to coat evenly.
6. Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Makes approximately 36-40 balls depending on size.
Can substitute regular sweetened condensed milk for sweetened condensed OAT or COCONUT milk, and biscuits for Digestives to make this recipe dairy free.
10:36 am
Great range for last minute shopping
7:46 am
Simple rocky road ahead
A simple mix of scotch fingers, glacé cherries, marshmallows and snakes mixed together with melted chocolate creates a delicious treat! Top it with some special Christmas sprinkles thanks to the excellent selection at IGA and you have the best Christmas treat!
11:15 pm
Last minute magic
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