Achieve Issue 13 by Achieve Magazine

BREAKING THE SILENCE ON

Teenage Issues

Summer holiday fun Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

Gift Guide

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Making Parenting Easier

MULTI AWARD WINNING HAMMOCK STYLED BABY BLANKET Full head support for your baby Lift and lay asleep! Take in and out of car seat asleep Help with post birth recovery Help with back support Cost effective with so many uses

â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a mum of seven and a car seat safety expert I

happily recommend the snugglebundl!â&#x20AC;?

would

Margaret Bolt (Rear Facing Toddlers) 15% discount code: Ach8

www.snugglebundl.co.uk. 01273 958703. Safety tested to 30kg. O-6months recommended. Wash and tumble dryable Crash tested in three and five point car seats Easier parenting means happier babies! Achieve

Patented and Multi Award Winning British Design

Contents

Issue 13

06. Parenting Essentials 26. Education With so many people wanting to advise you on what you ‘need’ when your baby is born, it can all get a little confusing, can’t it? Well, we bring you some recommended essentials which are exactly that. Essential.

When you consider how many years children and young people spend in education choosing the right provider suddenly becomes very important, see our guide for finding the right setting for them.

16.Out and About

28. Seasonal

Summer is nearly here! Hurrah! That means holidays, lighter and brighter clothing for your little ones and lots of fun play outside. Take a look at our round up of some of the best family spots in the area as well as some great finds to make summer play even more fun.

20. Break the Silence Being a child isn’t all fun and games, particularly as the teenage years hit and being a parent at that time isn’t any easier. Our Break the Silence section takes a closer look at some of the issues facing young people today with a view to help you navigate your way through it all.

Company Director Jenny Cross - jenny@crossproductions.co.uk Operations Director and Editor Leanne Baker - leanne@crossproductions.co.uk Sales Manager Emily Ennis - emily.ennis@crossproductions.co.uk Design Editor Clare Sommerfeld - clare@crossproductions.co.uk Senior Journalist Emily Kirton - emily.kirton@crossproductions.co.uk

We love the changing seasons right here on UK soil and as we gear up for our family favourite season that is summer, take a look at our reflections on why we love it so much.

31. Fathers Day Gift Guide Father’s Day! It is coming up, so take a peek at our gift guide for inspiration on what to treat him to.

Distribution Media Matters Direct + Self Select Distribution Ltd Published by Cross Productions Ltd, 17 Mandervell Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5LR www.achieve-magazine.co.uk info@achieve-magazine.co.uk 0116 271 2573

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TEETHING SAVIOURS

FATHER’S DAY

How do you show the dads in your life how important they are to you? Well, along with telling them how fab they are on a daily basis, Father’s Day on the 18th June 2017 is a great way to show you care. Dads are notoriously tricky to buy for though and so, with that in mind, we have compiled some of our picks for Father’s Day gifts.

Teething is just no fun, for everyone involved. The discomfort, dribbling and sleepless nights can be eased though with the help of Matchstick Monkey! BPA free and dishwasher friendly, the chewable friend takes the edge of teething without the need for medicating. Yet with its clever ability to distribute teething gel you can medicate effectively. Easy to grip and suitable from 3 months to 3 years the little monkey will be all your little monkey will need! matchstickmonkey.com

TASSEL TIES Embellished Leather Sandals These cute and versatile little numbers will brighten and smarten up any outfit from their summer wardrobe. Plus, they are leather too so kind on their feet. Sizes 3-12 £22 - £26 next.co.uk

Comfort at Home and Away Worried your little ones will wriggle out of their blankets at night? Like the idea of them feeling the same comforts they feel tucked in their own beds when they are away from home on holiday? The Snuggle Sac provides the ideal solution. Available for toddlers up in a wide choice of designs the washable Snuggle Sac is a cosy comforter that’s practical too. The brainchild of a mother who was looking for a snugglier sleeping bag on fun designs, the Snuggle Sac is perfect for home, holiday season and sleepovers too! snugglesac.com

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BADGETASTIC BACKPACK An adorable yet fashionable bag for your tots to teens to carry around those summer essentials on a day out or holiday. Perfect for travel to store all their entertainment bits and snacks. £22 riverisland.com

+44 (0)1978 664362

www.hauckuk.com

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Parenting Essentials

The minute you see the little extra line on the pregnancy test and tell your loved ones the news your mind won’t take long to drift to what parenting essentials you will need, take it from someone whose husband went online and bought a car as soon as I told him we were adding a new addition to our brood! However, whilst that is a little extreme there are essentials you will definitely need and there are others that people insist you need that will pretty soon get relegated to the loft.

safe co-sleeping with your baby, a side crib is top of our list of essentials.

So, what do you actually need? Well, there are some essentials that we swear by to get things started.

Transportation This one is an entirely personal preference and a lot of things need to be considered. Whether the travel system fits into the family car, whether it can easily hop onto the tube/bus/train, whether you want a pram attachment, whether you want something light for travel or somethings with all the trimmings. Personally, I love a good baby carrier/sling and used this far more than a pushchair, but it’s a personal choice so try a few options out.

Sleeping The side cots available in recent years are a god-send, with easy drop down sides they make sleeping next to your baby safe and convenient without any of the back bending and having to actually get out of your bed a million times a night to put them back in their crib. Great for enjoying the many benefits of

Toiletries Whether you opt for re-usable or disposable, there are some great options in both categories with some fab meet-in-the-middle options such as eco-friendly disposables available. The same goes for bubble baths and lotions and potions, your baby’s skin will be very sensitive to any product in the

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mothercare.com

early days and so opt for water and cotton wool in the first few weeks. We are coconut oil nuts in our house and it’s great for baby massage and a moisturiser in one. If you can’t resist the smellies on offer though, there are some great options with natural ingredients you could try. Weleda, Neal’s Yard and Burts Bees do some lovely ranges which are free from harsh chemicals.

Toys As essential as everything else, finding high quality toys, teddies and snuggly friends are just as important in a child’s early days. In fact, a good soft comforter can work for you and your baby as a familiar toy can help settle and soothe at sleep time and during the day. As your baby gets older stimulation from educational toys can improve their development and entertain too. There are some great independent toy makers around and wooden toys and soft toys make lovely gifts to give your child.

PARENTING ESSENTIALS you and help you feel you are surrounded by people who love you are very precious and perhaps even vital to little children.”

The Original Soft Baby Photo Book Baby Treasures are truly original presents for the special baby or child in your life. Personalised and tailor-made to your requirements, these lovingly handmade photo books were started by mother to four Mitali Peckham. Born out of her love for creating tailor-made gifts for children, Mitali wanted to create personal gifts which gave comfort, “I think objects which help comfort

The Baby Treasures Photo Book is a child’s equivalent of a coffee table photo book and is a soft cloth photo book filled with photographs of your little one’s family and friends, with space to add names or a caption on each page. Babies love looking at the faces of their loved ones and what better way to share special photos with them than in a custom-made cloth photo book – a book which can be hand washed and personalised with your choice of hanging loop and text.

who have adopted children as they have created photobooks to welcome their new little one into their family, help them settle in and get to know their new family, friends and home. A truly original gift which are often long cherished and kept throughout childhood each one is beautifully packaged and presented. Books cost £24.50 babytreasures.eu

The child-friendly format of the book means babies and toddlers can enjoy browsing through photos of their family or friends independently and carry their album with them wherever they go thanks to a hanging loop to be attached to a buggy or a bag. The comfort means they can snuggle down and read it in bed - it’s just the right size for little hands and each page is lined with fleece making them soft and cuddly. Baby Treasures Photo Books have been especially valuable in the past for people

Breastfeeding Support Contrary to popular knowledge, breastfeeding often isn’t easy. Sure, it usually gets easier when you make it past the first few weeks. However, getting to this easier part requires a lot of effort, gritted teeth, willpower and support. With that in mind we have compiled a few hints and tips that we picked up on our breastfeeding journeys in the hope they might help you on yours. Start as Soon as You Can As soon as is possible after birth attach your baby to your nipple. Cuddle for a bit skin to skin and see what happens. If you need a bit of help, ask the midwife to help you attach comfortably. Attach, Attach and Attach Again To get your milk supply going attach a lot in the first few days, initially there will be colostrum which is perfectly designed to meet your new-borns nutritional needs, there isn’t a lot of it but what there is of it is more than enough, it’s like liquid gold. If things get a little sore with nipples pop a bit of the milk on them. Look After Yourself This is very important for your wellbeing and it’s vital for good milk supply. This can be a hurdle for lots of mums in the initial stages and lots of attaching can help stimulate your supply but also lots of good fluids, balanced meals and rest supports this too. Draw on the help of others around you to make sure you get these things.

Sleepytot Bunny – The Baby Comforter That Has Helped Thousands of Babies and Toddlers To Settle and Be Happy

www.sleepytot.com Achieve 07 03

chicco.co.uk

Chicco Launch New and Improved Next2Me Crib

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The Chicco Next2Me has somewhat of a cult following amongst parents since its launch and now with its latest model, The Next2Me Dream Crib, it is an absolute must have for every new-born.

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Co-sleeping is a controversial subject in the world of parenting and creates quite a vast range of opinions on how you and your family get your zzz’s at night. Studies show that sleeping close to your infant enables a stronger success rate of breastfeeding, ensures a sounder sleep for the whole family and creates a strong bond and attachment for all. However, parents are often concerned with safety issues when it comes to co-sleeping often because of mixed messages, yet clear guidelines for safe co-sleeping are encouraging more and more parents to sleep closer to their baby. Current advice from the National Institute for Health and Care on co-sleeping:

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Make sure your newborn can’t fall out of the bed or become trapped between the mattress and the wall.

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Keep your baby cool by using sheets and blankets rather than a duvet. Ensure bedding does not cover their face or head. Always put your them to sleep on their back rather than their front or side. Babies don’t need a pillow until they are at least a year old. They should also be kept away from parents’ pillows. Never risk falling asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. If you’re feeling really tired and think you may fall asleep while feeding or cuddling them on a sofa or armchair, move to a bed (keeping in mind the safety guidelines above) or, if possible, ask your partner, friend, or family member to look after them while you get some rest.

The Next2Me provides an ideal in-between solution to the Moses basket by the bed and co-sleeping with your little one in the bed, it’s perfect for those that want to co-sleep and enjoy the many benefits but are worried about safety aspects or want more bed space! The new Dream model is at bed height, includes 6 height adjustments and even

a one-handed side panel configuration which you can action simply even from laying down. Complete with a drop side and a tuck-in next to the bed style design you can sleep close to your baby without having to share the same bed. A travel bag is included for easy transport enabling their familiar bed surrounding to travel with you and the Dream crib even features a gentle rocking motion and incline levels to help with digestion and breathing! The net window is for air circulation but also allows for great visuals on your little one whilst the removable and washable lining means you can keep all the bedding fresh. As your newborn grows it can be used as a standalone crib and used in various locations throughout the home. We love the latest design and can see this new model surpassing all levels of cult followings by becoming a staple essential for all new babies. chicco.co.uk

Miffy Chime Ball The Miffy Chime Ball will ensure baby has sweet dreams and this cute and cuddly gift is the perfect way to mark baby’s arrival, a first Christmas or a Christening. £10 miffyshop.co.uk

snugglebundl As a car seat expert, I can’t recommend Snugglebundl enough I have been interested in car seat safety for more than 20 years and a few years ago, I turned my passion into my profession when I started my own business in car seat safety. I have a range of car seat training by accredited bodies and my knowledge covers all car seat areas. However, my area of particular interest is extended rear facing car seats.

top tip Finding it hard to get your baby to settle? Introduce sleep ‘cues’ such as relaxing music or a cuddly toy and be consistent with it when its sleepy time.

Snuggle Up The original nursing pillow from Snuggle Up supports the baby correctly during feeding time, can be used all the way from the very early stages of pregnancy right through to the crawling period. It eases the back pressure during the latter stages of pregancy and relieves pressure on your arms while feeding. The fabric is exquisitely soft and snugly for the ultimate comfort for you and your baby. It comes in 7 colours and the inner fabric is coated with the aroma of lavender. £20 pregnancypillows.net

I came across the award winning Snugglebundl, a unique carrying blanket, a few years ago now and its use and benefits of using it in car seats is why I love it. It can be tempting to leave a sleeping baby in their car seat at home but there are risks associated with leaving them in a semi upright position for too long and it can increase the risk of hypoxia as well as flat head syndrome. This is where the Snugglebundl comes in as it allows you to transfer the baby from the car seat to better position with minimal disruption, meaning your sleeping baby doesn’t stay in the restricted position for too long. The Snugglebundl has of course been crash tested to the ECER44 European standards. As a car seat expert and mother to seven children myself I would be more than happy to recommend the Snugglebundl to parents, it is an essential. Margaret Bold snugglebundl.co.uk

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Natural products you can trust Carefully selected combinations of age-old herbs like Chamomile, Calendula and Lavender are renowned for their soothing and relaxing properties to calm your baby’s skin. Our pure natural baby products are gentle on delicate skin, eczema friendly and free from harsh chemicals. Shop the full range at greenpeople.co.uk or ocado.com

Mum & Baby Rescue Balm. Rescues dry skin, soothes sore nipples and perineum. £10.50

Nappy Cream Baby Balm. Protects against dampness that can lead to nappy rash. £10.50

Lavender Baby Wash. Gentle lavender shampoo & bath wash for baby. £7.95

With every pattern we see a new and beautiful garment emerging Over 40 years experience in hand knitting and over 200 vintage patterns to choose from we hope we have every baby covered Custom orders are most welcome

www.thevintagebabycompany.co.uk 10 Achieve

Baaaaaaa ewan the dream sheep is the ingenious sleep aid that can be used from birth in almost any cot.

By closely mimicking certain sounds from the womb, it helps babies and toddlers establish a healthy sleep pattern. ewan Snuggly offers a similar comfort. Having been expertly designed using extremely soft plush materials for the body and silky fabric for his knotted legs – which allow little fingers to explore as well as a Velcro tail to secure a dummy or teaser, ewan the dream sheep and snuggly provides extra reassurance for baby as they drift off to sleep. ewan snuggly £9.99 and ewan the dream sheep £29.99 sweetdreamers.co.uk

Visit op! h our s urday

Sat pm 0 day Mon0am - 5:3 9:3

01558 824755

sales@evestoyshop.co.uk

or visit us at: 1 King St, Llandeilo, Camarthenshire, SA19 6AA

Whatever the weather, the Original Dooky is an easy way to protect your child against sun, rain, wind, snow and light. With the Xplorys Dooky Sunshade you can easily create a quiet and peaceful environment for your child without being bothered by rain, sunlight, wind and other surrounding influences. No more adjusting when you change walking direction as Dooky always blocks direct sunlight, not affected by winds and has a an excellent UV Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 40+ and can be swiped to the side when not in use, or rolled up. You can use this Shade wherever you go and for many years, first on your infant carrier or car seat, then on your stroller & pushchair. Matching blankets, infant seat covers and hoods are also available to complete the look.

7% discount with code ACH731hs valid to 31/12/17

www.babe-equip.co.uk

My Buggy Buddy Sun Shade also offers an easy solution for sun protection whether your child is in the buggy, pushchair, pram or car and folds for easy storage. It is available in plain black and a multitude of other designs.

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Sweet dreams

01483 527799 sales@nsauk.com www.nsauk.com

Chicco Next2Me, is now available with even more features to ensure you and your baby sleep closely and comfortably all night long, without being in the same bed. Next2Me Dream is the only side sleeping crib on the market to feature a simple one hand opening panel, allowing you to switch from a stand-alone crib to a side sleeping crib quicker and simpler than ever before. Next2Me Dream Crib ÂŁ215.00 chicco.co.uk

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Natural feeling Chicco has launched an exciting new range of bottles which have been designed to instinctively replicate the natural way a baby feeds. The range includes 150ml and 250ml bottles and are available as single packs or packs of three. In addition to the bottles there are also five age specific variable teats available to buy separately. £6.50 - £25 chicco.co.uk

top tip Baby got cradle cap? Good ol’ coconut oil works wonders and smells delicious! Just gently massage into the scalp before bed and wash out with the next hair wash.

Milestone Baby Cards Don’t let special moments become distant memories. Capture your baby’s first year together with Miffy Simply fill in the date and take a picture of your baby together with the card. This set contains 30 cards with all the major milestones, each one beautifully illustrated. £11.79 amazon.co.uk

mini jumpers Mini-Jumps were launched with one simple philosophy at the forefront of our minds which is ‘Healthy exercise for children that is fun, safe and accessible’. Mini-Jumps are a simple idea but a magnet for children to create Olympic courses or gymkhanas for two legged ponies! Fun on your own, they encourage exercise and healthy competition between friends. Safety is at the forefront of the design. The uprights are large and heavy enough to ensure the jump does not tip over too easily but light enough for children to carry them around. The shape was developed so an upright can fall easily if collided with whilst the crossbars are lightweight and dislodge if knocked. Mini-Jumps are available as singles or in sets to suit all budgets and the includes accessories such as water troughs, course markers, timers and winners rosettes. Available in 2 sizes, as a guide we recommend Mini-Jumps for children 3-8 and for older children, or particularly high jumpers, we have the Mini-Jumps MAX. On all jumps the height of the crossbar is completely adjustable. You will find Mini-Jumps in the straw at the front of horse trailers at Gymkhanas and in the hallways of smart city town houses. Our customers tell us they are the only toy their children go back to year after year. mini-jumps.co.uk 01832 238 008 Achieve 13 03

Achieves’ Tots Love Snuggle Sac The Snuggle Sac becomes a staple in our home and it will in yours too… That transition from Moses basket, cot or crib to their ‘big bed’ is never easy, believe me, I know! The nights spent nestled in next to them when their sleep was disturbed to soothe them back to sleep unaware that you too have fallen asleep in the world’s smallest bed, the nights spent sleeping lightly aware that any moment they may wake you up from being too cold or hot, from being spooked by something or simply feeling unsettled become countless. What if there was a way to make the transition easier? To give them the comfort

they need to feel secure, safe, warm and cosy in their ‘big bed’? Snuggle Sac was the invention of mother Tina for this exact purpose. The warm, fun and quirky ‘sleeping bag’ is loved by many a toddler and parent and it pretty quickly became a family staple in our home that’s for sure. The Snuggle Sacs come in a variety of shapes and sizes with something to appeal to all ages and tastes, watch how fast your toddler associated the Snuggle Sac with sleep time, how they ‘bond’ with their sac so that it sits comfortably and cosily between bedding and soft toy comforter. The washable sacs have 100% cotton linings so there’s none of that slipping about or sweaty nights in the summer, just comfortable, spacious bedding to snuggle up in and feel comforted by. What’s particularly great about the sleep associations that your littles make with the sac is that it can go with the toddler wherever they sleep taking with them the comforting feeling, so, that sleepover at grandmas or that family holiday become the same reassurance that helps them settle seamlessly. Speaking of holidays, they are ideal for this purpose, weighing 0.95kg the toddler sacs they can easily be taken on an airplane as hand luggage.

There are lots of sleep sacs to choose from and letting your toddler choose their own can be a great way of starting the whole process, browse the site with them and purchase from snugglesac.com, amazon or kiddicare.com. Each sac comes with its own storage tote and you can even personalise your own if you can’t find what you are looking for. Snuggle Sac have been making the transition easier for over 17 years and have been recommended by the children’s Sleep Charity, Millpond Sleep Clinic and other professionals.

snugglesac.com

snugglesac.com 07799 863466 14 Achieve

Matchstick Monkeys Matchstick Monkey is a fun flexible baby teething applicator which aids pain relief getting teething gels and granules right to the source of the pain.

Teething Tots Teeth, why do they need to cause so much bother when they start to show up? Thankfully there are things to help ease the pain of the process for your tots though…here are some of our top teething tips.

A teether you can medicate with. Getting passed those front teeth right to the source of the pain

Chew Away The temptation for them to chew on everything and anything at this stage is strong, so invest in a specialist teether as opposed to your keys or knuckle! There are some great products around these days to ease the discomfort.

Made from soft, safe silicone with handles that are thin enough for your little ones to hold and use from a young age Perfect for small hands looking for something to hold with ease

Dry the Dribble With teething comes lots of dribbling, try and mop it up as you go along with a cloth bib as this helps prevent teething rashes that are particularly problematic at this time.

£9.99 matchstickmonkey.com

Lots of Cuddles An obvious one really but just knowing you are close by with cuddles always helps everything really doesn’t it!

Potty Training? Bright bots washable training pants have been developed with an absorbent layer to assist your toddler in toilet training. They’ve been designed to look and feel just like the underpants that “bigger kids” wear and so encourage your child to progress through training. Available in 4 sizes and 12 colours!

Telephone 01295 810008 Email merrygorounduk@btconnect.com www.merrygorounduk.co.uk Achieve 15 03

Out and About

Here in the Midlands there is so much to do with a family in tow. Whether it’s you and your children or your grandchildren for a special day it’s easy to fill lots of days with fun. Here are a few of our picks for summer holiday fun in the Midlands. Parks and Play Bradgate Park is one of Leicestershire’s most treasured areas for getting outside, soaking in the season and exploring. Sure, there aren’t any swings or slides but there are great hills perfect for rolling down and wild deer – what more could you ask for?! bradgatepark.org.uk Muddy Boots is run by Emily Crofton in Leicester who provides a range of fun activities, pre-school sessions, children’s parties and adventure days for all ages with wild learning and outdoor play as 16 Achieve

nature intended in a woodland setting. mymuddyboots.org.uk Kingsbury Water Park is Warwickshire’s premier waterside attraction. Boasting not one but 15 lakes situated in over 600 acres of country park. Stroll along the surfaced paths, explore hidden corners, spot birds and wildlife or hire a bike. countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk Sandwell Valley Country Park is in the heart of the West Midlands and just one mile from West Bromwich town center. With two working farm visitor centres, nature areas, an aerial assault course and adventure playground, a mountain bike trail, the RSPB Visitor Centre, woodland, meadows and farmland there is plenty to keep the whole family amused. sandwell.gov.uk

next.co.uk

Twycross Zoo is set in more than 80-acres, with around 500 animals of almost 150 species to see, including many endangered animals and native species in the Zoo’s Nature Reserve. With regular talks and feeds, lots of adventure play areas and plenty of food and picnic spots on sight it’s a family day out to remember. twycrosszoo.org

Final Tips - In the warmer months slather on the sun cream and pack the picnic, just don’t be put off by the rain or cold, the kids won’t be if they are layered up and it’s all part of the fun! Remember your children don’t really need huge levels of paid entertainment, they just need to get outside for adventures. It’s all in the planning, seek out the right environments, pack a picnic, pack a tent, and show your children life beyond the screen!

OUT AND ABOUT

The Beach Easy

All Terrain Wheelchair

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The “Beach Easy” rolls over sand and rough terrain with remarkable ease!

SWIM SAFELY WITH JAKABEL Jakabel has a stylish, eye catching and easy-to-spot range of UV50+ swimwear and accessories, including the highly acclaimed Swimsafe floatsuits – the only ones with an anti-tip neck ring. High-quality, resilient and chlorine-safe, they look good on all the family! Sizes from 0-13yrs plus adult sizes. Delivery 2-3 days all year round.

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Villa for 4, 2 minute walk to the beach and good discount on twilight golf. Free tennis and pool at tennis centre

A short drive from Faro airport, two minute walk to sandy beaches and almost at the front of the delightful Aldeamento village in Vale do Lobo. Accommodation comprises two double/twin bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, dining and living room with open fireplace and satellite TV. There is a spacious roof terrace, recently extended with awning, suitable for extra people june- september and a small shaded garden ideal for summer lunchtime. Free use of tennis courts, pool and gym at Vale Do Lobo Tennis Centre, good discount on twilight golf. We recieve many repeat bookings year after year.

01935 891 241

peakevenetia@rocketmail.com

www.1valedolobo.co.uk Achieve 17 03

Hand-picked family holidays that are perfect for children and their parents too!

cottages ing Everytghreat for a break family

farmstays

glamping

villas

www.awaywiththekids.co.uk

@awaywiththekids

info@awaywiththekids.co.uk

www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor

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hotels

Calvert Trust Exmoor, the only 5 star activity accommodation in the country, enables people with all types of disability and their family and friends to experience challenging and enjoyable adventure breaks together. At our fully accessible residential centre all activities are specifically designed and equipped to cater for everyone.

Have your residential break with us and discover

it's what you CAN do that Counts!

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Inflatable fashion Boasting a multi-coloured rainbow print, this all in one swimsuit features a front ruffle detail and thinner ruffle shoulder strap. Its bright colours will make this one piece a must have for any little swimmers this summer season! Rainbow Ruffle Strap Swimsuit £9 - £11 mandco.com

Sun safety The sun is coming! Hurrah! Of course, we want to be safe in the sun though so here are some top tips from the NHS to help you enjoy the sun safely. •

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top tip

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Create a holiday travel activity kit. Arm yourself with a mini-rucksack filled with stickers, reading and colouring books, pencils and snacks to make travel that bit easier!

Outdoor games you can take anywhere The vintage Tin Can Alley game is perfect family fun for school fêtes, kids parties or summer garden games. The set comes with 3 bean bags and 10 ‘shop product’ design tin cans, making it perfect for playing shopkeepers too! Shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2016 it’s sure to be loved by the kids!

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Encourage your child to play in the shade – for example, under trees – especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. Keep babies under the age of six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday. Cover exposed parts of your child’s skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days. Use one that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above and is effective against UVA and UVB. Don’t forget to apply it to their shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks, and the tops of their feet. Reapply often throughout the day. Cover your child up in loose cotton clothes, such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves. Get your child to wear a floppy hat with a wide brim that shades their face and neck. Protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses that meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the “CE” mark – check the label. If your child is swimming, use a waterproof sunblock of factor 15 or above. Reapply after towelling.

So, keep safe in the sun but remember to have lots of fun!

Tin Can Alley Game £19.95 dotcomgiftshop.com

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Break the Silence

teensafe.com

CYBERBULLYING According to the latest figures at ChildLine there were over 11,000 counselling sessions with young people who talked to the 24-hour service about online issues last year, ‘Cyberbullying is an increasingly common form of bullying behaviour which happens on social networks, games and mobile phones. Cyberbullying can include spreading rumours about someone, or posting nasty or embarrassing messages, images or videos.’ Swiping, tapping, tweeting… these are all commonplace words for our children and young people now, they are a large proportion of their lives and enhance and form relationships with their friends. However, despite it being a positive place for young people there can also be a great deal of negativity. The online arena can 20 Achieve

be an extension of the playground and therefore, if the bullying is happening in their school it could very well be happening online too therefore young people never get the kind of break from it that our generation had when we got to the safety of home; the bullying is 24 hours a day, every day and with no escape. How then, can you the parent, help prevent online bullying and how can you help if it is happening in your home? Some may favour a blanket ban on social media, but this is likely impossible and is the type of ‘helicopter’ parenting that many of us hope to avoid. Social media might not seem very important to you but to them it is often their social life, the two are absolutely intertwined. Help them create that social

life offline. Encourage more family days outdoors, discover sports, clubs or even instruments that might take them away from the screen and back to socialising face to face with others – a far more rewarding experience for all of us. Perhaps then an ideal place to start is to listen, to really listen. If your child is experiencing cyberbullying talking to you about it may not feel like an option, but by opening up the arena and offering your ear without judgement you might be surprised. Or, they may feel more comfortable opening up to other family members, older siblings or family friends so try to offer this too. Social media can be pretty crippling to self-esteem even without the added threat of bullying and so creating value in themselves

BREAK THE SILENCE away from the likes online can really help. Encouraging limits that you work out together is no bad thing either, they might feel relief in knowing that you are watching it all a little. Cyberbullying may not even have a face, it might not be someone that they know, online can be a place for anonymous bullying or ‘trolling’ as it is often referred. This can be very difficult to combat but is thankfully becoming an area where awareness is increasing greatly at least. In either scenario, it is important that you tell your child’s school what is happening, although your child may not be wanting this initially the school need to be aware so that they can be extra vigilant. All schools of course have a duty of care to their pupils and take bullying very seriously indeed. The important message to bring home is that they are not alone, that it should not be happening and that you and their teachers will do all they can to stop it in its tracks. If your child will not open to you about it yet you suspect something is wrong, point them in the direction of the many supportive services that are available.

bbc.co.uk

childline.org.uk 0800 1111

bullying.co.uk 0808 800 2222 kidscape.org.uk 020 7730 3300

SOS

nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk 0845 22 55 787 07734 701 221 For all abuse on social media always report to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

B U T T O N

This ingenious gadget is a discreet way of sending an SOS alert with your location to family and friends in an emergency, The SOS Button can send a text, email or voice alert along with your GPS location to up to five emergency contacts. The SOS Button works with any Bluetooth enabled Smartphone; just download the app from the App Store or Google Play, pre-load your emergency contacts and press the SOS button to send an instant and discreet alert to your family and friends if you are feeling under threat. Complete with a keyring lanyard, the SOS button conveniently hangs on your keyring so you can activate it from within your pocket. A brilliant gift for kids, teenagers and adults alike. £60 thegreatgiftcompany.co.uk Achieve 21 03

BULLYING IN SCHOOLS

factretriever.com

As a parent, there are few more worrying things than imagining that your children are being bullied in their school, the place you drop them off every morning and relinquish their care onto the professionals. But, bullying in our schools is a very real thing with more than ‘16,000 young people absent from school due to bullying and over 25,700 ChildLine counselling sessions with children about bullying last year alone’ ChildLine.org.uk. The facts speak for themselves and these are just the cases that are reported, or made apparent due to absence. So, what can you do if you suspect or discover your daughter or son is being

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bullied in school? Well, there are lots of things you can do, which is good news when you might be feeling rather helpless. Listen. This is the biggest one really. Creating an open and honest environment in their family home is the very best way that you can help. Try to listen without getting angry or upset, put them in control of what they would like you all to do about it next. Remember this is about them and not you, even though you will feel all of these things it’s important that you don’t project this onto them. Let your child know that things aren’t their fault, that they aren’t weak for being bullied but that with you knowing you can take the steps that they are comfortable with in resolving things, you can help make things better. Encouraging your child to come from a place of strength rather than shame about their bullying that bullied individuals often feel will show tormentors that they aren’t the target that they may have once thought. Explain that this helps to take away some of the power that aggressors feel. One of the things that children often fear in this situation is their parents going straight

to the school, the bully or the bully’s parents and simply advising them to hit back or call names in retaliation. These responses often exasperate the problem or causes further anxiety for the child. Equally, diminishing the feelings they are having won’t help either. Keep the lines of communication open, with you, your child and their school. All schools have an anti-bullying policy which often includes mentors within the school especially trained in how to help. Make an appointment with the school, get the facts clear before you go and avoid blaming the school, allow them to begin a resolution and keep in touch to ensure that things are moving in the right direction. More than anything make sure your children know that you are taking it seriously, that they are in control of what happens next and that they are not a victim, they are not to blame and that there is lots of support available to them.

childline.org.uk bullying.co.uk kidscape.org.uk nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk

EXAMS

The ChildLine National Exam Stress Survey revealed that 96% of the 1300 who completed the survey felt anxious about exams and revision, with 59% feeling pressure from their parents to do well and 64% saying they have never received any support in dealing with exams. Exam time is coming up and for many families it can be difficult to know how to provide the support that our young people need. There are a few things that are known to help and really show you are in it with them. Help them with revision Now, it may be something they feel they want to tackle alone but with your aid in guiding them they will certainly feel less alone in the whole thing. Setting down some realistic revision goals, helping them with notes and reminders on the walls around the

home, helping to ‘test’ them over breakfast all helps. Remind them it won’t be forever When you are in situations like this it can feel like it will be worrying forever, like you will be in the midst of it all and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Reminding them that it is only for this short period of time, that it won’t always be this way is not only helpful to them but to the whole family during this time. Keep them fed right Making sure you keep them well fed and watered can help, dropping the junk and caffeine is a great start as this will help with the afternoon lull in energy. Things like smoothies as snacks and fish for its brain power at lunch. Encourage some light exercise or fresh air, a revision environment can start to feel stagnant after a while, a walk outside or a gentle jog can help get things moving and returning to the desk after will be far more productive.

for time to switch off, socialising or doing a hobby away from school and college work is really important to refresh and gain perspective. Take the pressure off Of course, we all want our children to do well in exam time but added pressure and stress from us will only be detrimental to their performance and mental health. Make sure they feel motivated to achieve by all means but try not to inflict undue pressure. There are organisations out there to help with revision, options after exams for young people and counselling services too.

connections-direct.com princes-trust.org.uk childline.org.uk

Get the right rest and time off Ensuring a good night’s sleep is vital in keeping the brain ticking over and keeping anxiety levels at bay. The same can be said

cnn.com

disqus.com

Quitting the refined sweet stuff isn’t easy, take it from someone who knows, but the health benefits when you get through to the other side of the addictive sugars are too great not to share. Refined sugar is everywhere, in the media and in our foods and it is time to give it the heave ho, especially if you want to lose weight, be healthier or simply to save your teeth.

with increased weight gain and long term to our skin, the aging process and all sorts of health problems such as diabetes and even providing a cancer cell friendly environment.

Why the big fuss?

•

Well, there are a number of reasons why and one of the biggest is the research into its effects on our health. Put simply, its effects put a huge strain on our system and the peaks and troughs it causes to our body is bad for our health both in the short term

• Busting the sugar myths •

•

One of the biggest myths about sugar is that ‘we need it for energy’, nobody needs sugar for anything. Fact. Sugar in fruit is ok, right? Yes, it’s better than the refined stuff but it still causes our glycaemic index to soar so if you are looking to lose weight avoid the high sugar ones for a bit. Savoury foods don’t have sugar. Check the label of your loaf of bread and you will be surprised! The sugary stuff

•

is everywhere. The best way to avoid it is to make your own everything, everything you can make from scratch do so. You will always feel rough when you quit. You will initially as your body adjusts to the change but after a short while you will no longer be a slave to the afternoon slump or even really crave the stuff. Hurrah! Quitting sugar makes you boring. Yes, you will have to resist the office cake but there are plenty of refined sugar free baking options these days which mean you don’t have to miss out.

Find out more at nhs.uk/livewell/ goodfood/pages/sugars Achieve 23 03

telegraph.co.uk

TEEN IMAGE For young adults, the idea of their image is a very real concern. In a time when their bodies are changing, friendship groups evolving, social media all-encompassing and environments in flux it’s hard for young people to remain in a positive mindset about their own image. For some, self-image concerns can be mild, with the occasional worry about their body or how they come across to others, but for some it can become an all-consuming thing resulting in obsessive thoughts.

pictures, they end up feeling unhappy with themselves… If people knew they had to describe what they had altered, it might make them less likely to do it. These photos can lead people to believe in realities that very often, do not exist.” — Jo Swinson, a British member of Parliament from the Liberal Democratic Party.

to allow them to express themselves through their clothing if they choose to, projecting your ideas onto them with too much of how they should dress/wear their hair won’t help them to listen to their own voice. Teach them that there is only one of them so it’s best to express themselves their unique way, after all everyone else’s ‘you’ is already taken.

So, what can you do to help? How can you guide your children when it comes to processing ideas of who they are?

Whilst working out who they are, what they stand for and where they fit in, teens are bombarded with images of how they should look. The mirage of celebrity, Instagram and Facebook continuously confronting them with perceived ‘norms’ and ideas about who they ‘should’ or ‘could’ be. This constant ‘traffic’ of ideas and stream of consciousness can create concerning levels of compare thoughts which if consumed at a vulnerable time can be damaging. In fact, this stream of noise from unrealistic images (which are often heavily filtered and edited) affects a great deal of us all and so at a time with so much change occurring it is nothing short of being potentially detrimental to many. “When teenagers and women look at these

Lead by Example As parents, you are your children’s role models, make sure that any talk you talk about how you look, your weight, your clothes, your face, your hair is positive else they will pick up on yourself critique and believe that is what they should do too. You as positive role models will go a long way, particularly when they are young. Finding a positive role model is important otherwise they may pick that celebrity who is image obsessed posting a million selfies a day to look up to, or compare themselves to.

Life Away from the Screen Trying to get them away from their screens isn’t easy but there are a few ways. If they are younger encouraging them to get outside and join activity groups is a great start, or, if they are older try and facilitate ways that they can socialise with their friends with cinema trips, sports or other hobbies away from social media and gossip sites.

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Freedom with Expression Whilst we are trying to encourage the idea that image isn’t important it’s a good idea

As with most things in parenting one of the best ways to encourage a positive outlook in your child is to keep the communication open, lots of talking and checking in with them and leading by example. mind.org.uk bddfoundation.org berealcampaign.co.uk youngminds.org.uk

ANXIETY According to youngminds.org.uk as many as 1 in 6 young people will experience anxiety problems at some point in their lives, this figure though, is for those that might experience generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks or phobias and do not include those children who experience occasional worry or bouts of increased worry. Feelings of worry and anxiousness may not always indicate that there is a longterm condition, but rather that something is proving to be a little testing at the time such as family dynamic changes, exams in school or even bullying. These times might mean that as parents we need to be more aware of their feelings and emotions at this time but might not mean that you need to seek help from your doctor or professionals. So, what do you do then when you suspect these typical worries that your child is experiencing go beyond a level of so -called normality? Well, there are signs which can point towards the conclusions that something more serious is at play and if you can be parents.com

CHILDREN NOT EATING What do you do if your child develops a distaste for what feels like everything you cook for them? For so many parents when you choose to put another meal of home-cooked food in front of them the disappointment as they push it around and announce they don’t like it is something else. As a parents the worry of knowing you know you ought to be getting lots of healthy foods in them is very real but what do you do when they won’t eat it? Well, firstly everyone tells you not to make a big deal out of it, to simply keep serving it until they like it, that the more emphasis you put on the situation the worse it will get

aware of them, you can get them the help they might need sooner rather than later. Regularity Picking up on how often they seem to be feeling anxious or nervous is the first step. If they appear to be anxious outside of whatever situation it may be that seemed to trigger it, i.e. if it carries on further than the period of unsettlement, it could be more of an ongoing anxiety rather than specific to an event. Physicality Individuals with anxiety often remark on the physicality of the disorder, so things like racing heartbeats, dry mouths, trembling, tense muscles, light headed and even stomach cramping are all signs the anxiety is something more than a worry.

Appetite Things such as eating and sleeping become more difficult, appetite can become low and getting to and staying asleep difficult to achieve. If your child appears to be eating or sleeping less and waking lots when they do it could be a sign that the anxiety is affecting their everyday functions. If you feel at all worried about any of your young person’s symptoms try to get to their GP.

There are also some great, supportive resources out there.

youngminds.org.uk childline.org.uk anxietyuk.org.uk

Social Life If the worry seems to be affecting their everyday lives, so, resistance to attending school and social events with friends. Withdrawing from family scenes and a lack of passion for things they once loved such as hobbies is another sign things might not be right. but this is easier said than done isn’t it. The consensus is that as they grow older their taste buds will change and they will adapt to the foods they once disliked. Texture plays a big role too, and many studies show that the more textures you introduce when they are young the better. So, what can you do to try and help your little ones get those healthy foods in? Well, there are luckily a few things you can do. Make them mini chefs My children are always more interested in dinner when they have played a part in making it. Of course, their involvement will depend on their age but getting them to stir and add things here and there usually works wonders! Asking them to lay the table and even ‘take orders’ from family members makes it fun too.

Devise a weekly meal plan If your children are old enough sit down with them and your cookery books and get them to pick out meals they would like for the week. Write a list that they can see in the house of what each day will entail and jot down your shopping list together. Even go shopping together for the ingredients so they can be as involved as possible. Above all try not to worry about it all too much, unless there are serious nutrition issues of course. As adults, we tend to be pretty obsessed with what we are and aren’t eating and can worry too much, bringing the fun into it for them can make all the difference. honey.nine.com

Hide it There are lots of great ways to sneak more veg in, soups, casseroles and even blended veg into that spaghetti bolognaise these are all good moves to increase their vegetable intake. Smoothies are also a great way of upping their 5-a-day, mine love anything strawberry and banana based! Achieve 25 03

Education

Your child will potentially be in education from the age of three through to their 20’s. That is a long time and so, the choices you make with them for their playschool, primary, secondary, college and even university will be important ones. Our educational life makes a significant impact on not only our future careers, but on the friendships, we form, our confidence and our personal and emotional growth. Spending a lot of hours at the providers, one of the most important things that we need to remember when choosing a place for our child to get their education is that it is a place in which they can thrive where they are happy. So, how do you support their educational journey? Well, in this special section of our magazine we show you some of the ways you can help with the things that will affect their school life, such as exam stress, anxiety and even how to choose the right education providers. 26 Achieve

Exam season is around the corner and whilst it is a hot topic of debate for many as to the merits of ‘testing’ our children when they are younger, as they get older they will experience it more and more as an inevitable part of their life as a student. There are ways you as a parent or guardian can help them in these often trying and emotionally stressful times though so you don’t have to feel absolutely helpless. Choosing a provider is also something we explore, from the very start of their journey with a playschool selection guide. Their primary and secondary school choices will of course have a lot to do with your catchment areas and the friendships they make in primary school as to the secondary school choices as well as the schools results and Ofsted reports. The needs of your child will also come into play, especially if you discover they have

tesco.com

Special Educational Needs. This can be truly a struggle for some parents but it is important to remember that, dependent on your child’s needs, many mainstream schools have specific support programmes in place. Visit lots of schools to get a feel and have lots of discussions with the head and teachers to see if they can meet your individual child’s need. Then of course there are lots of excellent special needs schools in our area and a visit to a few of this to compare will help a lot. Our counties have some excellent education providers to choose from and with plenty of advice available along the way your child’s education will hopefully be a successful and happy one. As a publication Education is one of our hot topics and we will continuously bring you news, recommendations and points of interest about this important aspect of your child’s life.

EDUCATION

Choosing a Playschool for your Child With the rules recently changing from 15 hours free for 3 year olds to 30 hours for parents who work over 16 hours the demand for nursery school places will be bigger than ever. Choosing for your child to attend playschool isn’t an easy decision for most of us though, the thought of leaving them in someone’s care other than a member of your family can feel a little daunting. How, then, do you choose the right playschool for your tot? Locality is quite an important one, your chosen nursery will have a strict time policy so you want to ensure that it works with any other school or work drop offs you may have. Then you need to find out whether or not they offer government funded hours, not all nurseries offer this you see. Draw up a shortlist of the playschools you like and then it’s visiting time.

dailybackgrounds.com

Call to arrange appointments and if you can take another family member and your child with you to get a reflection of the kind of place you might send your child to. Some places offer an open-door policy so as they welcome you in you are getting a typical day environment and not a ‘prepped for your visit’ one. As you take in the new playschool look for cues from your child, after all if they aren’t happy there then it won’t be a right fit. Ask the right questions, request to see typical learning journey from a child currently at the playschool, see if you can meet their

‘keyworker’, ask what their healthy eating plans are and any other questions that crop up! Once you have seen a few, you will have an idea of what you want, the feeling you get when you visit a place will leave you with a clear idea of your favourite and from here you can start the application process. The 30 hours start the first term after your child’s 3rd birthday but even if you feel you are too early to register, you won’t be, get it done and you no longer need to worry about it.

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For a free consultation and site survey please contact us and we would be more than happy to help. Contact: Joel: 07801 573278 / Angus: 07765 256537 sales@sunkentrampolines.co.uk / www.sunkentrampolines.co.uk Achieve 27 03

Seasonal

We just love the four seasons that we enjoy right here in the UK. Each season seems to bring with it different small pleasures, doesn’t it? The lovely anticipation as you can feel the new season in the air is wonderful, especially if you are someone who enjoys the outdoors. A walk in your local woodland is so different each and every time you go and with the change in season it can feel like an entirely different place all together. Each time of year is like a fresh start holding its own breed of something special. As soon as the autumn leaves start falling in their lovely colours we delight in the crunchy leaves underfoot and the chance to get some crisp air. Winter arrives and we revel in the opportunity to cosy up, get out the slow cooker and celebrate bonfire night and Christmas and all the cheer they bring. Then as we hear the birds chirping 28 Achieve

and the daffodils and blossom sprouting the welcome relief from winter is here! We know then that summer will soon be on its way, a time for exploring, holidays, ice cream and lighter evenings hurrah! Summer is a particularly favourite season for so many of us in the UK particularly for the children as the outdoors suddenly seems to open up with garden play, park fun and picnics galore. Playing outdoors ‘til the sun starts to set, making dens and getting ever so slightly muddy is the stuff of children’s dreams and makes for lovely family time. Dining al fresco every night, investing in a few new garden toys to keep them happy for hours at home, booking that family holiday or camping trips a plenty, whatever your favourite activities in this lovely season there is plenty of opportunity for lots of quality family time.

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Summer also gives plenty of picnic and outdoor opportunities, we love both and the children will gladly have a picnic anywhere, won’t they? Never stuck for something to do, gathering their favourite snacks and drinks, blankets under arm and with favorite picnic spots in mind it is a lovely way to spend the day as a family without the need for a big budget. Time out on a camping holiday is a very freeing feeling, a bit like going off-grid for a while in your own home from home. A break from the norm is so good for us all, time off from the usual routine as a family creating new memories is priceless. Many campsites try and adopt a relaxed vibe so that you don’t feel too restricted with how you live for a few nights under the stars. Camping + family = fun filled adventurous holidays that everyone will remember forever.

SEASONAL

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Stretch Chinos £10 - £11 Denim Western Jacket £25 - £27 Double Cloth Check Shirt £5.50 - £12 Grey Long Sleeve Print Badges T-Shirt £4 - £4.50 Smart Lace - Up Shoes £17 - £19 next.co.uk 30 Achieve

Gift Guide

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