Little London Spring 2020

YOUR ULTIMATE GUI DE TO PARE NTING IN STYLE

FREE SCH O

london

GUI OLS insid e thisD E issue

HEALTH HEROES Easy ways to boost your child’s immune system

SPRING 2020 • £4.40

STORAGE SAVIOURS Smart solutions for your child’s bedroom

WIN!

A FAMILY HOLIDAY to

daddy cool

Chris

Hemsworth on family life by the sea

BARBADOS ONES TO WATCH Favourite mini fashion brands

your

2020 bucket list

Ultimate family destinations

Making

WAV E S

CYCLING IN THE CITY WITH KIDS

ENCOURAGING KINDNESS IN THE PLAYGROUND AND BEYOND THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN THE CAPITAL

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

2019 World's Leading Family & Beach Resort

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“As a doctor with a special interest in skin, I would recommend Smalls to anyone whose children suffer from eczema” – Dr Amy Hughes

FROM A SELECTION AT BODEN.CO.UK

WELCOME Ahh spring! ’Tis the season for new clothes in the wardrobe, new animals frolicking in the fields, and new dates to circle in the diary. But with Easter on its way and plenty of weekends to occupy, you don’t want to be short of inspiration to fill your days. Martha Alexander covers the best events in and around the capital on page 76.

Sartorially speaking a change in season is the perfect time for an update, and I’m sure many parents can’t quite believe the pace in which their not-so-littleones are growing. Let me point you in the direction of Make a Scene on page 38 – showcasing the very best kidswear names to have on your radar in 2020. If I wasn’t a lofty six-feet tall, I’d try to shoehorn some of these styles on myself.

Or perhaps you can’t fathom any further purchases entering your household for fear of hoarding interventions. Fear not, we can help you in that department too. Interiors guru Ali Howard is on a spring-clean mission, starting with the dreaded kids’ bedroom. Her style savvy storage solutions on page 52 are just the trick. Tidy house, tidy mind.

This time of year often sees us reflecting on our daily life too. If one of your resolutions is to be more active as a family, make your way to page 46. Our look at life on two wheels will see the whole brood ramping up the pedal power in no time at all. Or if you’re struggling to motivate your mob then a good place to start is to look at their diet, suggests nutritionist Louise Pyne. Her feature on compiling the miracle menu (p.70) will see kids swerving the common cold and flu, and full of beans (as well as spinach and carrots).

And if the slight glimmer of sunshine has given you the holiday blues, then this issue’s competition is one for you. Win a family stay worth more than £5,000 in dreamy Barbados. Find all the details on page 17. Good luck!

RE BECCA MOORE , E DITOR A n d a fe w of my favour ite th ing s at the mom e nt…

KURT GEIGER BACKPACK £29 SELFRIDGES.COM

RAIN JACKET £50 NEWBIESTORE.COM

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

HELMET £34.95 TENDERLEAF TOYS ROCKET SET MICRO-SCOOTERS.CO.UK £45 BOBBYRABBIT.CO.UK

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COTTON DRESS £54 MINI-LA-MODE.COM

MONNALISA SUNGLASSES £55 MELIJOE.COM

FAM EAST w w w. o l d s p i t a l f i e l d s m a r ke t . c o m # FA M E AS T

FAM EAST AN EASTER FAMILY SOCIAL & SHOP UP FACE PAINTING

KID’S WORKSHOPS

ALL DAY DROP-IN CREATIVE PLAY

FRI 3RD & SAT 4TH APRIL 10 AM - 5 PM

C O N T E N TSprSing 2 02 0 FE ATU R ES

60 THE WANDER LIST

17 WIN ! A HOLIDAY TO BARBADOS We’ve teamed up with Sea Breeze Beach

Natalie Keeler seeks out the top family travel destinations to have on your radar

House to offer a seven-night stay at this luxury family-friendly resort

28 MY LITTLE LONDON

EDUCATION 64 EDUCATION NEWS

Former England rugby player Ugo Monye

What’s new in and out of the classroom,

reveals his favourite spots in the capital

from school initiatives to the latest educational products

30 ALL THE FEELS Are you sitting comfortably? Emma

66 SPREAD THE LOVE

O’Donovan rounds up the best children’s

Becky Dickinson explores how to instil a

books about emotions

sense of kindness in children

70 THE MIRACLE MENU

42 THOR FATHER Marvel movie star Chris Hemsworth talks

Nutritionist Louise Pyne highlights the

blissful home life in Byron Bay with his wife

superfoods to help your little one sidestep

and three children

common colds

72 GROWING UP NATURALLY

46 SPIN CITY Rob Kemp looks at the plus points of

As spring makes it arrival, we unveil why you

learning to ride a bike from a young age

should encourage children to get stuck

in the capital

into gardening and nature

On her spring clean mission, interiors guru

R EGUL A R S

Ali Howard looks at how to revamp your

13 LITTLE NEWS

52 CLEAN AND TIDY

little one’s bedroom

SHO PPIN G & ST YLE 21 LITTLE LOVES

Keeping you in the know about all things great and small

18 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Pens at the ready – we have a few things to

A new season calls for new kicks, and they

keep you busy this spring

don’t come fresher than Veja’s latest drop

44 PARTY TIME : CAROLE MIDDLETON 22 SPRING AWAKENING From playgrounds to bedrooms, bold

Throw an alpine-inspired shindig with these easy-to-plan ideas from Carole Middleton

stripes, ditsy florals and pastel hues spell a

50 GET CRAFTY

seasonal refresh

Seasonal activities to keep kids busy from

32 MAKE WAVES

Leonora Bamford and Nanny Anita

Put the fun back into your little one’s wardrobe with vibrant prints, colour blocking and playful accessories

55 FOOD NEWS The latest and greatest foodie finds for children and adults

38 MAKE A SCENE From long-established labels to new kids

76 AGENDA

on the block, here’s our 2020 edit of the

The best family events happening in

childrenswear brands to watch

London this spring

T R AVEL

81 BOUTIQUES Dress to impress; here’s our pick of the most

57 TRAVEL NEWS

beautiful childrenswear boutiques across

The hottest new getaways and products for

the capital

young families PHOTOGRAPHER: DAVID PELLICER CAHAYA WEARS KNITTED SWEATER, £29.73, TINYCOTTONS. PINAFORE, £49, PIÑATA PUM.

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

82 THE BUSINESS 58 POSTCARD FROM JUMBY BAY

We go behind the scenes with designer

Emma Freud, Richard Curtis and family

and founder of Mini Mode, Amanda Rabor,

enjoy a restorative break in the Caribbean

to talk kids trends and me-time

7

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS ROB KEMP

HENRIETTA EASTON

Journalist

Editorial assistant Where do you live?

Where do you live?

Isleworth

I’ve just moved from West Hampstead to Brixton, it’s quite a change but Brixton is fun.

Favourite thing about spring?

The clocks going forward – making the days longer and lighter again.

What would make a perfect Easter weekend for you?

It would have to be cycling or walking with the family, ideally along the Dorset or Devon coast.

Check out Rob’s cycling piece on p.46

Favourite thing about spring?

Lambing days at home in Sussex, you can’t beat a lamb cuddle.

What would make a perfect Easter weekend for you?

Boiled eggs for breakfast and a family daffodil walk, followed by a roast dinner!

Henrietta talks kids’ fashion on p.38

little london EDITORIAL

EDITOR AT LARGE KATE FREUD EDITOR REBECCA MOORE SUB EDITORS LAURA SUTHERLAND, NATALIE KEELER EDITORIAL ASSISTANT HENRIETTA EASTON ONLINE EDITOR RUBY NORRIS

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS LEONORA BAMFORD, MARISSA HERMER, CAROLE MIDDLETON, EMMA FREUD

DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR CHLOË COLLYER SENIOR DESIGNER NATALIE DOURADO FREELANCE DESIGNERS MATT BOOKMAN

PUBLISHING CHAIRMAN PAUL DOBSON CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER KEVIN PETLEY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER VICKI GAVIN DIRECTOR OF MEDIA JAMES DOBSON MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SALES AND CHELSEA CREATE STEVE ROSS

JOIN US ONLINE Dip in and get your daily digital fix

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PUBLISHER CAROLINE SCOTT EA TO CHAIRMAN SARAH PORTER

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR CAMERON HAY HEAD OF MARKET JULIE PRICE SALES EXECUTIVES EMMA CAIN, MIRANDA-ALIX FORSYTH LITTLE LONDON IS PUBLISHED BY THE CHELSEA MAGAZINE COMPANY LTD, JUBILEE HOUSE, 2 JUBILEE PLACE, LONDON SW3 3TQ WEB: LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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“A gorgeous treat for kids and parents” The Daily Express (on My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty)

The Peacock, London 9 – 18 April

Churchill Theatre, Bromley 9 – 10 May

Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe 25 – 26 April

Richmond Theatre 27 – 31 May

Book now ballet.org.uk/myfirstballet Illustration: Mark Ruffle

london AVA LY N

PHOTOGRAPHED BY LITTLE WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

Say hello to three-year-old Avalyn, who lives in Ley Hill, near Chesham, with mum April, dad Craig and one-year-old brother Noah. She’s a big animal lover and enjoys taking trips the zoo and local farm, and when she’s not singing the tunes from Frozen at the top of her voice, she loves giggling and playing hide and seek with her younger brother.

WANT TO SEE YOUR LITTLE ONE HERE? UPLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE SNAP AT LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK/KID-OF-THE-MONTH Entries close at 11:59pm on 20 April 2020.

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NEWS

little NEWS Updating you on all things big in kid world

Choose from four of the popular book series’ favourite Mr and Misses when you buy your charity cap

LITTLE MISS CHARITABLE

Spread some joy with one of these adorable Mr Men caps by custom-headwear brand Lucky 7 Caps, in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. Choose from four fun and colourful retro cap designs, featuring everyone’s favourite Mr Men characters, Little Miss Sunshine, Mr Tickle, Mr Strong and Little Miss Chatterbox. The cotton hats are exclusively available online, and £10 from every purchase will be donated to the charity, helping cancer sufferers aged 13 to 24. £30, luckysevencaps.com

A recent survey by Start-Rite has revealed that one in five kids go to school wearing the wrong shoe size. This can affect physical development, cause future foot problems and have an impact on focus in the classroom. startriteshoes.com LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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NEWS

MAKI N G A S P L AS H

Proving that wellies don’t have to be dreary, Sophia Webster’s vibrant new range of mini wellies are cool enough to make even the least-outdoorsy child want to grab a pair and find the nearest puddle to jump in. The antithesis of the classic rubber boot, in true Sophia Webster style, the range comes in a glittery neon-bright colour palette of fuchsia, champagne, silver and berry red, complete with the now-iconic Sophia Webster butterfly, of course. £95, sophiawebster.com

WAVY, BABY

Making a big splash in the fight to save the planet British childrenswear brand, Muddy Puddles has launched its first ever UV protective swimwear range, made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. The Save our Oceans collection is the perfect beach wardrobe for this summer’s keen minisurfers, rock-poolers and sand-castle builders, featuring surf suits, swim trunks, swimsuits and rash vests and taking design inspiration from the world beneath the waves, with animal prints, vibrant colours and thought-provoking slogans. From £15, muddypuddles.com

The fun Muddy Puddles designs feature an array of marine-themed patterns

Carry on recycling

Uber-chic parenting accessories label, Tiba + Marl has unveiled its SS20 collection alongside a debut eco range, as part of its continued commitment to sustainability. Featuring recycled backpacks, bumbags and a super-soft blanket, the ranges even include Tiba + Marl’s signature leopard print reimagined in black, white and grey. From £28, tibaandmarl.com

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

NEWS

BEYOND LEISURE

Minimalist Swedish clothing brand Axel Arigato are letting little ones in on the action with a new collection for kids aged two to 12. Echoing its adult ranges, your mini-me can strut their stuff in the label’s classic, supercool tracksuits, trainers, T-shirts and backpacks. The refreshingly modern, gender-neutral range welcomes generation alpha with Axel Arigato’s iconic bee-eater bird emblem. From £40, axelarigato.com

Savlon’s recent survey revealed that one in 10 parents wouldn’t let their child jump in a puddle, and a third would be afraid to let their child climb a tree, while another third don’t feel it’s safe to let their child play outside in winter. savlon.co.uk

LE T ’ S G O G R E E N

In support of the Year of Climate Action, the Science Museum Group has announced climate as the Manchester Science Festival theme in October this year, and the London museum will open a free exhibition about carbon capture in November 2020. Guests of the launch included national treasure Sir David Attenborough. sciencemuseum.org.uk

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

On your bike!

The Mini Hornit Nano bike horn and light is the perfect pocket-sized safety measure for little ones. Now one of the biggest bicycle accessory brands on the market, Hornit has developed the loudest horn around, alerting drivers and pedestrians to a cyclist’s presence.

The Mini Hornit Nano features 15 sounds, three light settings and comes in four colours. £9.99, thehornit.com

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O N C E U P O N A TI M E

Inspiring a young generation of creative thinkers, Cuckooland has announced a brand new screen-free storytelling device from audio publishing house Lunii. Allowing little ones to create their own adventures, My Fabulous Storyteller encourages independent learning and offers hours of original audio content. £64.95, cuckooland.com

NEWS

BE KIND

Launched by friends Lucie and Charlie to promote kindness towards others, especially among children, ourselves and the environment, The Kindness Co-op is the new socially responsible brand making serious waves.

Its adorable, ethically-made sweatshirts, T-shirts, bags and stationery feature inspirational slogans such as ‘be kind to our planet’ and ‘kind is cool’.

Plus a portion of every sale is donated to mental health charity Young Minds. From £2, thekindnessco-op.com

Mum’s the word

Truly make your favourite lady’s Mother’s Day with a personalised bracelet from Merci Maman’s new collab with Cath Kidston. The mix-and-match collection includes a Mummy and Me matching set for those twinning moments and a fabric Cath Kidston bracelet in five iconic florals, with either a gold or silver charm with a hand-engraved name, date or message, chosen by you. From £39, mercimamanboutique.com

FROM £9.99, WHIRLI.COM

MY PICKS THIS SEASON

FROM A SELECTION AT ARKET.COM

Kate Freud

N

Editor-at-large

ordic brand Arket has perfectly tapped into the British desire for sustainable quality with pursefriendly prices, and its kidswear is super-cool to boot. With chunky stripes, polka dots and eye-catching graphic prints to mix and match, these clothes are made to have fun in.

Like most parents, we live in a sea of plastic toys, which is why I love the idea of environmentally-friendly initiative, Whirli. Simply buy tokens, choose toys from the site and return (or buy) them nine months later. They’ll then be inspected, cleaned, sterilised and sent to another child to enjoy.

Though Zara Kids has long been a favourite for dressing my little people, this season I’m all about the brand’s kid’s interiors. I love that alongside unashamedly girly designs, there are beautiful neutral pieces that won’t offend my outnumbered son. With everything from mirrors to blankets in gorge shades of forest green, rust and mustard, it’s ideal for unisex decorating. I’ve got my eye on these storage shelves.

With Father’s Day around the corner, what sweeter gift is there than matching Love Brand & Co. father-and-son swim shorts? There are plenty to choose from, but most admirable is the brand’s ‘trunks for trunks’ ethos: a percentage of each sale has gone towards elephant conservation since its 2010 launch.

PRICES FROM £60, LOVEBRAND.COM

£179.99. ZARAHOME.COM

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

COMPETITION

WORT over H £5,00 0

Make a splash in the Sea Breeze Beach House family pool

WI N

A SEVEN-NIGHT STAY AT SEA BREEZE BEACH HOUSE IN BARBADOS

D

reaming of your next family getaway? Here at Little London HQ, we have just the ticket with this issue’s competition. Sea Breeze Beach House is an intimate, luxury, family-friendly resort set on the idyllic island of Barbados. This contemporary, boutique, beach house is perfect for discerning families. Being all-inclusive, little ones can enjoy kid-friendly menus at a choice of restaurants (there’s always something for fussy eaters), as well as the dedicated family pool and plenty of activities for all ages.

Boasting a beautiful collection of spacious multiple bedroom suites with twin-bed options for siblings, this is a home away from home. The lucky winner will win a seven-night stay for

two adults and two children in a Two-Bedroom Family Suite, complete with incredible views over the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise waves.

By day, little ones can splash in the family pool while parents sink into a luxurious sun lounger to sip a cooling cocktail. The Lil Dippers Kids Club and Shorebreak teen lounge can keep younger guests entertained. The brilliant staff are on hand to top-up frozen drinks, organise beach cricket games and Caribbean dance classes or teach the family to sail a Hobie Cat. With giant garden chess pieces, Jenga and live nightly entertainment, this laidback resort is the perfect place to play in paradise. Good luck! L

Enjoy the island’s white-sand beaches as a family

sea-breeze.com The winner and their family will stay in a TwoBedroom Family Suite

To enter, visit littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/competitions COMPETITION CLOSES AT 11:59PM ON 6 MAY 2020.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: VALID FOR TRAVEL: 6 MAY – 30 NOVEMBER 2020 OR 1 MAY – 30 NOVEMBER 2021 (EXCLUDING 1-20 AUG 2020/21). ROOMS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AT TIME OF BOOKING. THE PRIZE IS VALID FOR 2 ADULTS & 2 CHILDREN (UNDER 12YRS) SHARING AN OCEAN-VIEW 2-BEDROOM FAMILY SUITE AT SEA BREEZE BEACH HOUSE ON AI BASIS. FLIGHTS, TRAVEL INSURANCE, TRAVEL VISAS, TRANSFERS, SUPPLEMENTARY MEAL/DRINK CHOICES, SPA TREATMENTS AND PERSONAL EXPENDITURE ARE NOT INCLUDED. THIS PRIZE IS STRICTLY NON-TRANSFERABLE AND NON-REFUNDABLE. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE MANDATORY BARBADOS ROOM RATE LEVY OF US$9.63 PER BEDROOM PER NIGHT IS PAYABLE UPON ARRIVAL (SUBJECT TO CHANGE).

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Little ones will love searching Shoreditch Town Hall’s many hiding places for eggs this Easter

RUNNING HEAD

Feet spotlights the unusual species undr the Earth’s surface. £9.99, DK Children

3

This weekend sees the return of Fam East at Old Spitalfields Market, where kids can enjoy fantastic slimemaking workshops, art sessions and egg hunts. Starting at 10am, there’ll also be a pop-up market showcasing upmarket kids’ fashion and homeware, plus some of London’s finest street food.

DIARY

What to do and where to go in the capital over the next two months

oldspitalfieldsmarket.com

12

March

5

World Book Day is back, and this year’s event sees over 100 countries come together to celebrate a love for reading.

Head to independent bookshop The Book Nook in Hertfordshire for a host of activities, from storytelling sessions to author visits, where youngsters can spend their National Book Tokens. worldbookday.com

26

22

person, rosewoodhotels.com

If you have a budding gamer on your hands, take them to London Games Festival, which kicks off today until 6 April. More than 100,000 people are expected to take part this year, celebrating the best in video games and interactive entertainment. games.london

RHS UNDER YOUR FEET, £9.99, DK CHILDREN

21

Great for little ravers, Camp Bestival has teamed up with Big Fish Little Fish to host a party for families. Taking place at Fire & Lightbox in Vauxhall, Lights, Camera, Action! will feature glitter cannons, bubbles, balloons and giant parachutes, plus a brilliant craft area.

shoreditchtownhall.com

Fewer than 20 per cent of kids get the right amount of exercise, so get on your bike in aid of the Big Pedal, a UK-wide challenge encouraging families to cycle rather than drive. Over 1,600 schools will be taking part – find out more at bigpedal.org.uk

April

Lights, Camera, Action

2

Uncover the wriggly creatures that live underground with this wonderful new book from the Royal Horticultural Society. Perfect for seven to nine year olds, Under Your

bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk

22 Big Pedal

remember with afternoon tea at Rosewood London, available to book all weekend. You’ll also receive a complimentary glass of champagne and a special gift to take home – cute! £80 per

Happy Easter from Little London HQ! If you’re kicking it in the capital for the long weekend, head to Shoreditch Town Hall on Saturday for The Great Shoreditch Easter Egg Hunt, where tots are invited to search for hidden eggs. £4,

At last, a day that’s all about you! Make this Mothering Sunday one to

MUDCHUTE FARM

As one of the capital’s largest farms, this East London attraction on the Isle of Dogs is a home for over 100 animals, including sheep, ducks, alpacas, goats and cows.

Mudchute also hosts events throughout school holidays, from cookery to

craft workshops, and is great spot for horse riding, too. mudchute.org

VAUXHALL CITY FARM

Located south of the river, this compact farm features an ecology garden, with a wormery, bog and stag beetle nursery, and a ‘cuddle corner’, where

little ones can interact with the smaller animals who live onsite. And as well as visiting the rare-breed Kentish Town City Farm

goats, alpacas, horses, pigs and hedgehog (named Mr Tiggywinkle), families can also grow their own veg in the allotment. vauxhallcityfarm.org

KENTISH TOWN CITY FARM

The UK’s first ever city farm – established in 1972

18

– this hidden gem near Gospel Oak is where you’ll have the chance to meet chickens, dogs, pigs, a cow and some very cute goat kids. Horse and donkey riding is brilliant here, too, and there’s also a range of weekend and holiday workshops that kids will love. ktcityfarm.org.uk

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/RIKE_, RYANJLANE

BEST CITY FARMS

The Cattle Shed – Norfolk REF: 1952

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little loves…

When wearing Veja and Hundred Pieces latest primary-colour pop sneaks, your child is guaranteed to stand out on the playground

Ice cream sundaes, ’80s movies and long summer days spring to mind with these colourful kicks from Veja and Hundred Pieces’ third collab. Full of flair, these neon pop-wave sneakers are a reinvention of a much-loved retro style, built for a new generation of little movers and shakers to play, dance and explore. Fast forward to 2020, they’ve got their eco priorities right too, made from organic cotton and wild Amazonian rubber.

From £80, veja-store.com

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RECYCLED PLASTIC RAINCOAT £74.99 TOASTIEKIDS.COM

MOLO T-SHIRT FROM £30 ALEXANDALEXA.COM

EMBROIDERED JEANS £89 STELLAMCCARTNEY.COM

COTTON T-SHIRT £38 BEATRICEANDBEE.COM

LEATHER SNEAKERS £22.95 GAP.CO.UK

FROM A SELECTION AT BEATRICEANDBEE.COM

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Time for the kids, time for you, time together

Share your love of skiing With exceptional childcare in all our family friendly resorts and great deals for families with babies and toddlers, you can save money, enjoy your time on the slopes and introduce your kids to the snow.

FOLLOW US

espritski.com 01483 944 241

SHOPPING

FERM LIVING KIDS BASKET £35 SMALLABLE.COM

COTTON T-SHIRT FROM £20 BODEN.CO.UK

COTTON PYJAMAS £55 NIGHTSBYWILDER.COM

COTTON T-SHIRT FROM £26 EMILEETIDA.COM

COTTON DRESS £85 THEMIDDLEDAUGHTER.CO.UK

WOODEN PLAY WORKBENCH £166 NUBIE.CO.UK

LEATHER SNEAKERS £29.99 ZARA.COM

COTTON JEANS £27.95 GAP.CO.UK

COTTON MIX JACKET £116 RASPBERRYPLUM.COM FROM A SELECTION AT MARIECHANTAL.CO.UK

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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INTERVIEW

Ugo loves going for family meals in nearby Richmond

Three-year-old Phoenix can’t wait for her newborn sister Ruby to be grownup enough to play with!

The family love returning to Sardinia each summer

Ugo’s currently covering the Six Nations rugby tournament for BT Sport

Hampton Court Palace is full of memories – and flat grounds for scooter riding

Daughter Phoenix knows that a day out with daddy means that ice cream is on the menu

Ugo and Lucy got married in 2016

Soft-play centres are a favourite for family days

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INTERVIEW

My Little London

UGO MONYE THE FORMER ENGLAND RUGBY PLAYER AND SPORTS PRESENTER TAKES US THROUGH HIS FAVOURITE FAMILY SPOTS IN THE CAPITAL Ugo grew up in Islington, North London, but has lived in Twickenham for 20 years

with her is just so special, and with Lucy a bit out of action concentrating on the new baby, it’s been great to spend more time with her.

Where’s home for you?

What are your favourite days out in London as a family?

ALLANSWART, LUCHEZAR, PAMELA_D_MCADAMS; SHUTTERSTOCK/MISTERVLAD, LORNA ROBERTS.

INTERVIEW: NATALIE KEELER. PHOTOGRAPHY:INSTAGRAM.COM/UGOMONYE; ISTOCK/GORDONBELLPHOTOGRAPHY, CAHKT, SCALIGER,

I was born and raised in Islington, but I’ve been living in Twickenham for the past 20 years. My wife Lucy and I love it here, as there’s a lot of families about, brilliant schools, lovely local shops, and kid-friendly places to eat out. We also have Richmond just up the road, which is similar in that respect, and Bushey Park, where you’ll find loads of deer roaming about. The river is nearby, too, and we love spending afternoons down there feeding the ducks.

Phoenix is a big fan of soft-play centres, and Snakes and Ladders in Syon Park, Purple Dragon in Chelsea and Kidabulous in Sunbury-on-Thames are our favourites. I love taking her – mainly because I’m a big kid myself and get as much out of it as she does.

I think she actually prefers going on days out with me rather than her mum, but only because I always end up buying her ice cream and sweets!

Sport is obviously a big part of your life. Is Phoenix showing signs of being an athlete?

We’re slowly introducing her to sport bit by bit, and so far she’s jumped at the chance to try everything. She’s quite athletic and goes to Rugby Tots, which has taught her a lot of key skills like teamwork and following instructions. Lucy also took her to a gymnastics class a little while ago, and even though she was the youngest child there, she absolutely loved it.

Do you have any favourite outdoor

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

How has Phoenix adjusted to having a baby sister?

spots in and around the capital?

Hampton Court Palace is brilliant, particularly during the summer months. It’s really flat, which means Phoenix can ride around on her scooter, and they have all sorts of activities going on year-round. I actually proposed to Lucy in the rose gardens, so it’s a really special place for us. We tried to take Phoenix to London Zoo as well, but she was more interested in the pigeons than the lions!

Where are your favourite places to eat as a family?

Phoenix loves Pizza Express, so we go there quite a lot. She always orders the dough balls, and she even knows all the waiters by name!

Meals out there are simple and relaxed, and even though I’m a big foodie, while she’s young we’d prefer to go to places where we can easily mix in with other families. Leon in Richmond is brilliant, too, as they have a little play area that’s tucked away at the back.

You’ve just become a dad for the second time. How has fatherhood been for you so far?

It’s been amazing, and I couldn’t be happier that I have two little girls. Ruby is still only a few weeks old, but Phoenix, who’s now three, has such a big character. She loves singing, dancing, princess dresses, and Frozen, and she’s quite the performer! The bond I have 29

She’s really excited. Lucy and I bought her a baby doll a few months back to help her understand that we were having another baby, which worked really well – she gave it baths and took it to bed every night, and every night she’d kiss the bump and sing a lullaby. That said, I think she assumed my wife was giving birth to a toddler, who would be a ready-made playmate for her! So, she’s having to be quite patient and wait for Ruby to grow up a bit.

Any summer holidays planned?

We’re thinking about going to either New York or France, and I imagine we’ll also travel back to Forte Village in Sardinia, where we’ve been on holiday for the past three or four years. In my opinion, it’s one of the best places in the world for families to go – there’s a huge programme of family activities for the whole day, and loads of sports, dance clubs, cricket and rugby. There’s also a brilliant beach and kids’ pools, and all the restaurants have great children’s menus.

Anything in the pipeline for the next few months?

I’m currently covering the Six Nations on BT Sport, which has been keeping me busy, and I’ve been quite fortunate as I’ve been based in London for the majority of it. It’s a fantastic time of year and hugely exciting for me. In the summer, I’ll also be flying to Tokyo to cover the Olympics, which I’m really looking forward to. L

BOOKS

2-4 YEARS

5-8 YEARS

9-12 YEARS

Who is Happy?

Your Mind is like the Sky

BY JARVIS

BY BRONWEN BALLARD AND LAURA CARLIN

Looking After Your Mental Health

A crazy-cool cast of characters take readers through a fun series of questions that help tots understand 12 key emotions. A joyful thing to share.

This visually stunning book explores mindfulness through the eyes of a young girl learning that life is full of feelings, and how to work through them.

Filled with practical tips, this accessible guide to positively influencing emotions is an essential read for young people.

£6.99 • Frances Lincoln

£11.99 • Frances Lincoln

£6.99 • Usborne

Perfectly Imperfect Stories

BY ALICE JAMES AND LOUIE STOWELL

Feel Better, Daddy

Ravi’s Roar

BY NANCY LOEWEN AND HAZEL QUINTANILLA

BY TOM PERCIVAL

BY LEO POTION AND ANA STRUMPF

Bright Start books subtly focus on supporting emotional intelligence; this one explores empathy when a little girl cares for her poorly parent.

Ravi is good at controlling his temper, but sometimes he just has to let his inner tiger out. This pacy story will provide a relatable platform for lots of little tigers.

Meet 29 iconic figures, from musicians to sporting heroes, and learn how they overcame and embraced mental health issues to inspire new generations.

£9.99 • Words & Pictures

£6.99 • Bloomsbury

£12.99 • Magic Cat

The Problem with Problems

Where Happiness Begins

Attack of the Heebie Jeebies

BY RACHEL ROONEY AND ZEHRA HICKS

BY EVA ELAND

BY TOM PERCIVAL

Problems are given a jolly physical form in this original picture book all about how to overcome things that may cause worry in everyday life.

Happiness is never far away if you know where to look. This charming picture book shows that sometimes it’s closer than you think. A life-affirming read.

An action-packed new illustrated fiction series for independent readers that explores anxiety – and how to conquer it – through rip-roaring adventure stories!

£12.99 • Andersen Press

£12.99 • Andersen Press

£6.99 • Macmillan Children’s Books

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INTERACTIVE

Be Positive!

BY DR SHARIE COOMBES

Colour and doodle your way to being calm, happy and confident with this mindfulness activity book specially designed to help with self-confidence. £9.99 • Studio Press

I Like to Be Kind

BY DR JANET ROSE AND MARIE PARUIT

Aimed at tiny readers, this fun interactive book about encouraging conversation about feelings, positive emotions, kindness and friendship.

ILLUSTRATION: HAZEL QUINTANILLA

£6.99 • Campbell

Letting Go

BY DR SHARIE COOMBES

Cleverly-curated exercises and activities teach kids to use creativity to combat feelings sadness in times of loss, change, and disappointment. £9.99 • Studio Press

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

All the feels

EMMA O’DONOVAN ROUNDS UP THE BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT EMOTIONS 31

THIS PAGE: LOLA WEARS JERSEY JUMPSUIT, £27.95, TUC TUC. DENIM JACKET, £79, GUESS KIDS. JERSEY HEADBAND, £9.25, TUC TUC. RIGHT PAGE: MARIA WEARS RAINCOAT, £66.26, TINYCOTTONS. COTTON TANK TOP, £22.08, TINYCOTTONS. SKIRT, £55.20, BELLEROSE. LOLA WEARS JUMPSUIT, £57.76, TINYCOTTONS. BELT BAG, £40.77, TINYCOTTONS. CAHAYA WEARS COTTON T-SHIRT, £40, BONMOT. COTTON CARDIGAN, £66.25, TINYCOTTONS. COTTON ROMPER, £ 57.72, TINYCOTTONS.

Ma k e

wa ve s

Put the fun back into your child’s springtime wardrobe with vibrant prints, bold colour-blocking and playful accessories PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID PELLICER STYLING: LAIA GOMEZ

THIS PAGE: RICARD WEARS JUMPSUIT, £23.25, TUC TUC. SWEATSHIRT, £22.18, SAYPLEASE. LEFT PAGE: LOLA WEARS SUNGLASSES, £16, PARFOIS. T-SHIRT, £27.95, TUC TUC. TROUSERS, £27.95, TUC TUC. COTTON T-SHIRT, £40, IKKS. CAHAYA WEARS KNITTED JUMPER, £72.19, BELLEROSE. DUNGAREES, £72.19, BELLEROSE.

THIS PAGE: MARIA WEARS RAINCOAT, £66.26, TINYCOTTONS. COTTON TANK TOP, £22.08, TINYCOTTONS. SKIRT, £55.20, BELLEROSE. RIGHT PAGE: RICARD WEARS JUMPSUIT, £76.45, BONMOT. DENIM SHIRT, £45, GUESS KIDS. MARIA WEARS COTTON T-SHIRT, £41, IKKS. TULLE SKIRT, £60, PIÑATA PUM.

With thanks to: Models: Cahaya, Lola, Maria, Ricard.

Model agencies: 5th Models, Front Row and Sugar Kids.

Make-up and hair: MATILDA BELTRAN @ YSL BeautĂŠ, GHD & Aveda Style assistant: SERGI PADIAL Make-up & hair assistant: ESTEL CAMINAL Location: El Remolar-Filipines, Barcelona.

FASHION

Make a SCENE

FROM LONG-ESTABLISHED LABELS TO NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, CHILDRENSWEAR JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER. HERE’S OUR 2020 FASHION-FORWARD ONES TO WATCH

W

ith fashion sweethearts like Harper Beckham, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and the KardashianWests setting the internet alight with sales every time they step out in a new look, it’s hardly surprising that the kids’ fashion market is growing at an incredible pace. Anyone who’s anyone has jumped on the mini-me bandwagon, from Dior and D&G to high-street staples and independent designers.

But the best of children’s fashion doesn’t just copy adult trends. Though there’s an undeniable demand to be stylish, childlike playfulness and clothes for adventuring continue to reign supreme.

And with this in mind, we’ve scoured the SS20 collections to pick out the cream of the crop, selecting brands that stand out from the crowd this year, for both their gorgeous designs and the messages they champion; whether that’s eco-friendly fashion, world peace or just really beautiful clothes that let children simply be (very chic) children.

RASPBERRY PLUM

Art-inspired luxe brand Raspberry Plum thinks of itself as a ‘pioneer of style’ rather than a trend follower. This season it pays homage to expressionist painter Paul Klee’s vivid use of colour with sartorial surprises such as pretty lace sportswear pieces, oversized sunnies and tulletrimmed socks. The line has a nostalgic feel that cleverly draws on the bright colours and exaggerated silhouettes of the 1960s, from fun shift dresses to matching shorts-and-jacket sets. These clothes are seriously groovy. raspberryplum.com

MOLO

Award-winning Danish brand Molo’s innovative new collection, We Are Family features daring prints, clashing patterns, bright colours and statement co-ords, successfully proving once again that this is the coolest of the cool in kid’s fashion.

Expressive, imaginative and designed to be different, the range explores the idea of where we come from, finding ourselves in each other and a love of travel, nature and music. Casual, sporty and extremely wearable, Molo clothes celebrate big imaginations and living life to the fullest. molo.com

Dress your little darling up in Molo’s su er res S atterns suc as this vivid heart print dress

FASHION

Pair your child’s summer-holiday wardrobe with a pair of these bold sneakers or sandals

OEUF NYC

POM D’API

In an earthy palette of grassy green, sky blue, tomato red and rose pink, Oeuf NYC’s new Human Beans range features quirky vegetable prints, simple checks and pretty polka dots. Effortlessly capturing the infectious energy and delightful simplicity of childhood, the timeless brand is the go-to for sustainably-sourced kids’ fashion. The clothes themselves – made exclusively from organic cotton, wool and baby alpaca – are stylishly unshowy. This season’s pieces include sun dresses, rompers, graphic tees and mixand-match co-ords. oeufnyc.com

With 150 years of shoe-making experience and a wealth of knowledge on children’s feet, Pom D’Api continues to be the go-to brand for the crème de la crème of children’s shoes. It expertly combines contemporary creativity, a touch of the brand’s iconic heritage and a practicality that’s essential in kids’ footwear. New styles for the coming year include simple colour-pop sandals to match bright summer days, and a fresh selection of the brand’s classic Clotaire lace-up boots, the perfect (and hard-wearing) option for growing feet. pomdapi.fr

ZARA KIDS

The absolute queen of the high street, Zara Kids’ ranges always make us wish we could still fit into size 11-12. Guaranteed to turn heads, the brand effortlessly fuses the coolest of the grown-up trends with a youthful air that no other brand ever quite achieves. Gorgeously eclectic, the new season stomps in proudly with hiking boots and chunky trainers, waxy hunt jackets paired with the prettiest of floral dresses, puffer sleeves, bucket hats and combat trousers. Thank you Zara, we can always count on you. zara.com

WORDS: HENRIETTA EASTON

BONPOINT

French children are the best-dressed kids in the world, right? We can thank Bonpoint for that. Loved by fashion sweetheart Harper Beckham, the Parisbased fashion house proves again this season that it’s the epitome of high-end childrenswear, with whimsical designs and signature French elegance. Delicate Liberty-print dresses, cotton pyjamas and jackets are worn alongside contemporary street-style looks and occasionwear pieces, combining heritage with cutting-edge for an unapologetically individual point of view. bonpoint.com LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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FASHION

CATIMINI X MAKE MY LEMONADE

This collab is giving us chilled summer vibes already... Founder of womenswear label Make My Lemonade, Lisa Gachet, has teamed up French kids’ fashion stalwart Catimini to create a ‘summer smoothie’ line that we cannot get enough of. A delicious fruit salad of juicy colours, bold stripes and tutti-frutti motifs adorn wardrobe essentials, statement pieces and fun accessories. Designed for fun and play, this unisex capsule range is all your little ones will want to wear all summer long. Available from 14 April 2020 in select Catimini stores. catimini.com

MARIE-CHANTAL

We’ll just say it: Princess Marie Chantal of Greece really knows what she’s doing when it comes to dressing little ones.

Inspired by old-world romanticism, it’s little wonder we’re head over heels for the SS20 range. Liberty fabrics, soft tweeds and broderie anglaise are contrasted beautifully with metallic jacquards, classic denim and neon pops – it doesn’t get much prettier. Marie-Chantal’s designs always guarantee timeless, royalty-worthy style with an oh-so-fashionable edge. mariechantal.com

MINI BODEN

Marie-Chantal’s luxury fabrics and classic details make for sophisticated kidswear

While wearing Mini Boden, adventure is a given. Every piece is purposefully designed so that kids can enjoy outdoor fun. Taking inspiration from nature, SS20 celebrates mini explorers, with a nostalgic feel. We see delicate florals and embroideries, picnic-ready ginghams and classic Breton stripes alongside graphic tees, combat trousers and furlined hoodies for windy beach days.

This year, the brand is also launching a planet-friendly swimwear line made from recycled fishing nets. boden.co.uk 40

FASHION

STELLA MCCARTNEY

First launching her childrenswear line in 2010, the global fashion goddess sprinkles her glorious McCartney magic on everything she designs. Her eco-friendly ranges encourage the youngest generation to use its voices for positive change, and we can’t get enough. This season rainbows are a recurring motif – representing peace, diversity and love – feature across easyto-wear sun dresses, distressed denim co-ords and colourful statement pieces with retro prints and graphic slogans like ‘love more’ and ‘green fingers.’ Stella, we love you. stellamccartney.com

COS KIDS

The backbone of any modern mini wardrobe, COS continues to treat us to timelessly chic clothes for little ones season after season, and SS20 delivers the brand’s typical elegantly understated impact. The classic Scandi-style shines through in simple, utilitarian shapes and thoughtful colours. From boxy cotton T-shirts, combat trousers and colourful statement looks, each piece is designed to last far beyond a single season.

Kids will love these ever-so wearable wardrobe staples forever.

Scand-chic meets playful prints and colour-blocking in the latest COS Kids collection

cosstores.com

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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NEWBIE

Newbie’s easy-wear, Scandi style is deliciously wholesome. True to form, SS20 celebrates the great outdoors, from the farmer’s vegetable patch and secret garden, to an explorer out at sea. We love the simple, delicate floral dresses, cosy knitted cardigans and the vegetableprinted dungarees and bodysuits. These are clothes made for learning, discovering and adventuring in. Plus, they’re all sustainably made too! newbiestore.com

INTERVIEW

Thor FAT H E R HE IS ONE OF HOLLYWOOD’S HIGHEST GROSSING STARS, AND YET CHRIS HEMSWORTH IS HAPPY TO ADMIT THAT NOTHING COMPARES TO HIS BLISSED-OUT HOMELIFE IN BYRON BAY, WITH WIFE ELSA PATAKY AND THEIR THREE CHILDREN

O

ver the last decade, Thor has literally hammered cinema screens across the globe. With this has come fame, glory and for the actor playing the mighty Norse God, Chris Hemsworth, a sizeable fortune. But rather than luxuriate in the inevitable prestige that comes with being a blockbuster superstar in Hollywood, the handsome 36-year-old and his Spanish wife Elsa Pataky decided to embark on a different adventure, relocating to Australia’s stunning Byron Bay in 2015.

“The decision to move from Los Angeles to Australia was the best we could have made,” he says. “The film business just overwhelms you in LA. You’re living and breathing it every day and everyone’s talking about the same thing. It was starting to become oppressive.”

For the Aussie native, the joy of raising his children – daughter India, seven, and twin sons Tristan and Sasha, five – on the northern New South Wales coast reaches far beyond the need to shield them from the cloistered confines of the entertainment industry, speaking instead to a more primitive desire of heritage and wild, unbridled freedom.

“I wanted my kids to learn about their father’s culture and be able to grow up in a place where you’re much closer to nature and the sea. We live just around the corner from the beach and it’s a totally different kind of world,” he explains.

“It’s also nice for the kids to get to know their grandparents, and I hope our children will grow up with the same kind of close spirit that my brothers and I grew up with.

“For me, that’s upbringing wrapped in a feeling of love, support, and with so much attention and interest. There was security in whatever we did as brothers, and I think when you have that as a child, it gives you the incentive to take more risks when you get older… there’s nothing holding you back.”

The actor’s brothers are of course fellow Hollywood heavyweights Luke and Liam Hemsworth, and while their CVs may not quite match up to that of the middle sibling, the love and solidarity between the trio is almost an Australian legend of its own, with each of them taking every opportunity to publicly praise and prop each other up. “We’re definitely

competitive in other ways, but not when it comes to work,” he assures. “I think we appreciate the instability of it all, which is why family has to come first.”

Not surprisingly, great success requires great sacrifice, and the lengths Chris has gone to for his career are undeniable, particularly as bouncing between his Marvel commitments and the other more serious roles – Blackhat, In The Heart of The Sea – has required some hefty, fast, physical alterations.

In particular, the strict diet and fitness regime required to transform from a hammer-wielding hulk of rippling muscle (Thor) to a 185lb racing legend (James Hunt) in just four months which would make even the toughest of tough guys baulk. Characteristically, Hemsworth takes such challenges in his stride, though he’ll admit to finding the emotional aspect of his jet-set career somewhat harder to navigate.

“The tough part is leaving to do a film, and each time I have to explain to my daughter the need to go away again and she asks, ‘Can I come?’. That’s heart-breaking,” he says. “I usually just bribe her to make myself feel better saying ‘I’ll bring you a present’, and the tears are gone… that’s what’s called quality parenting!” he jokes. “But seriously, I’m all about the bribes; I don’t know how you parent without them.”

Fortunately for Hemsworth, even when on the other side of the world he’s safe in Chris reprised the role of Thor the knowledge that his for the highest-grossing film of children are home with all time, Avengers: Endgame their devoted mother.

After being introduced by friends in 2010 he and Elsa Pataky were married inside a year, and within a further two their daughter had arrived. For his “soul mate”, the decision to set aside her own acting career to raise their brood was vital to 42

Chris met fellow actor Elsa through friends in 2010

INTERVIEW: VIOLET WILDER. PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAMY/ © WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES / © MARVEL STUDIOS / COURTESY EVERETT COLLECTION; REX IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK; KATHY HUTCHINS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; INSTAGRAM.COM/CHRISHEMSWORTH

Chris hates having to leave his family behind in Byron Bay when working away create a stable, loving home.

“I owe Elsa so much.

There’s all the obvious stuff of her giving me three beautiful children, but also when I consider how much she has given up or put on hold, I’m so grateful. I’m constantly looking for ways to pay back what she has done for me, but I fear there’s no gesture great enough.”

With heritage being a clear value of the HemsworthPataky household, it comes as no surprise that the Madridborn matriarch converses with the kids in her native tongue, though her husband is a little less forthcoming with his Latin language skills, saying, “Elsa speaks Spanish to our kids and everyone in the house is fluent in Spanish except me. I’ve always been meaning to learn the language but have never managed to do it. My kids love speaking Spanish, though, and I’m happy that they’ll grow up able to converse in more than one language – that will stand them in good stead.”

Having recently starred in the highest-grossing film of all time (Avengers: Endgame) one could forgive Hemsworth for wanting to take a little time for himself. This year he’ll spread his wings behind the scenes, acting as a co-producer for the first time in upcoming action thriller Out of The Fire, a film in which he also stars. Yet with the Avengers franchise coming to its natural conclusion, it would make sense for Hemsworth to return to Australia for bonding, surfing and mental regrouping. And with the renovation complete on the family’s new mega mansion, it wouldn’t be out of the question for the couple to perhaps want to add to their collection of pictureperfect children.

“At the moment we have no plans to extend as far as family goes,” he smiles. “Raising three young kids is logistically pretty tough. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world to have children, but right now Elsa and I are both very happy with the numbers as they stand!” L

PARTIES

Warming and delicious, get the kids involved in making these clever little snowmen

Hot chocolate snowmen

By Annabel Karmel Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 5 minutes •Makes: 3 hot chocolates

INGREDIENTS: Hot chocolate • 1 litre milk • 4 tbsp drinking chocolate • Sugar, to taste (optional) Snowmen • Pretzel sticks • 9 medium-sized marshmallows • Orange jelly beans • 50g dark chocolate chips • Cocktail sticks METHOD To make the snowmen, thread three marshmallows onto a cocktail stick.

Using a spare cocktail stick, make small holes for your arms and legs and nose.

Insert pretzel sticks into the holes for the arms and legs and an orange jelly bean for the nose.

Using a chocolate icing pen, draw on the snowman’s buttons, eyes and mouth. Place to one side.

For the hot chocolate, put the milk into a pan. Bring it to a simmer, then spoon in 4 tablespoons of drinking chocolate and stir until dissolved.

Place the snowmen on top of your mugs and serve (be careful to remove the cocktail stick for little ones before tucking in).

Look the par t…

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: STELLA MCCARTNEY DRESS £75 CHILDRENSALON.COM. DOWN JACKET £199.95 REIMA.COM. SCOTCH & SODA SWEATER £80 MELIJOE.COM. DENIM JACKET £94 STELLAMCCARTNEY.COM. MOON BOOT KIDS BOOTS £70 NET-A-PORTER.COM. JEANS FROM £12 NEXT.COM.

BALLOON BUNCH (PACK OF 14) £34.99 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK WOODEN CUTLERY (18 PIECES) £3.49 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK

For lots more food inspiration, visit annabelkarmel.com SNOW BLANKET £2.99 THERANGE.CO.UK

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PARTIES SHEEPSKIN RUG £70 HABITAT.CO.UK

PA R T Y T I M E W I T H

Light it up

LED candles are the perfect choice for a children’s party, offering hours of flickering light without the danger of a real flame!

From£6 each, next.co.uk

ICED KINGDOM

Carole Middleton

SNOWSTOPPER Give mini snowsports fans a party they’ll never forget with an authentic alpine theme

WINTER WONDERLAND CAKE If your baking skills are less than desirable, let Peggy Porschen lend a helping hand! £74.95, peggyporschen.com

THEMED CUPCAKES These cupcakes look wonderful on a cake stand – and are rathy tasty too!

From £19.20, lolascupcakes.co.uk

WHETHER YOU’VE RECENTLY ENJOYED SOME VALUABLE FAMILY time skiing, sledding, snowboarding and, of course, cosying up in front of the fire with warm blankets and hot drinks, or are about to endure an epic ski family ski trip, it also makes a great seasonal party theme.

Welcome guests into your very own ‘log cabin’ decked out with cosy faux-fur cushions and rugs, customised signs, fairylights, propped-up skis, a sprinkling of fake snow and electric pillar candles to bathe the room in a warm glow. You could even add the name of your lodge to a piece of weathered wood to hang above the front door. Woodland decorations, such as pine cones, branches and garlands of greenery add an authentic touch, too. You may have some of these props leftover from Christmas, so it’s a great chance to give them an extra lease of life.

TABLE COVER £5.99 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK

When it comes to feeding your guests, the most warming options are always a winner.

Supervised cheese and chocolate fondue stations (although potentially quite messy!) will be a hit with children and adults alike.

Serve with bite-sized dipping morsels such as strawberries, grapes, marshmallows, pretzels, cubes of bread and tortilla chips. Bowls of filling macaroni cheese will offer something more substantial, while a hot chocolate station, complete with an array of decadent toppings, makes the perfect dessert for sweet-toothed guests.

Children love winning medals – and what better way to keep them entertained than with their very own indoor Olympics?

Transform tabletops into fields for curling or air hockey, and while a snowball fight isn’t technically a sport, it is a lot of fun for a winter-themed party! L

INDOOR SNOWBALLS £5.99 THESNOWPEOPLE.COM

NOTEBOOK 99P PARTYPIECES.CO.UK PAPER PARTY BAGS (PACK OF 10) £3.49 PARTYPIECES.CO.UK

MINI SNOWBALLS £1 HOBBYCRAFT.CO.UK

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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SIRCH SLEDGE £39 CONNOX.CO.UK

GET ACTIVE

SPIN CITY ROB KEMP looks at the benefits of starting life on two wheels from a young age in the capital

F

“

or many parents the first experiences of cycling with their children comes when they fix a child seat to their own bike and take to the local roads,” says Andy Cremin, project manager of cycling charity Sustrans.org. Of the estimated 610,000 daily cycle journeys made in London, a rising number of them include babies and toddlers being ferried along in child seats, trailers or on purpose-built ‘family’ bikes.

One such parent is John Amir, 50, from Herne Hill. “I first took our eldest boy Eddy on the bike seat when he was eight months old. I take his little brother, Kit, who’s 19 months now, in the same seat.” Since becoming a father, John has also opened his own bike shop, BonVelo (bonvelo.co.uk). “My partner Karina and I are both keen cyclists, so it came naturally to take the boys with us on the bikes as soon as we could. We use a rearfit seat – it’s the most comfortable and will take a child up to 22kg, so around five years old if you need to.”

While it’s possible to use both front and rear seats on the same bike, it can make things very cumbersome. A more popular solution for carrying two or more children is a trailer or specially-designed cargo bike.

“I use a four-seater cargo bike,” explains Maria Ona, a childminder from Isleworth.

“I take children aged 10 months to four years – including my own – and have used it since doing a trial run on Wandsworth Common.

I chose this model because not only does it cater for four kids, there’s room for bags, too.

“I’ve always enjoyed keeping fit but being a mum to three children and working up to 60 hours each week as a childminder, it’s hard to find time to exercise,” adds Maria. “I can

end up cycling 25 miles in a day, so this way I benefit fitness wise, plus I reckon I save more than £1,000 in petrol annually.”

TEACHING KIDS TO RIDE Some parents look to familiarise their toddlers with cycling and using pedals with ride-on toys or push-along tricycles. “But from around the age of three it’s good to try your child out on a balance bike,” says Andy.

These simple bikes have no pedals or chain.

“Take your child to the park with a balance bike – they’re great for mastering control and learning to ride properly.” Once they’ve got the hang of that, they can progress to a pedal bike fairly easily. “We’ve seen a move towards these bikes and away from stabilisers as kids can rely on them too much,” adds Andy.

Sustrans helps run BikeIt Plus cycle sessions at schools across London. “Once your child is at school they can have BikeIt Plus sessions, funded by TFL. For older children, schools can also get free Bikeability courses that teach them to ride safely on the roads – these are also run during school holiday.

“We see the parents as the gatekeepers to children cycling confidently,” says Andy. “If you take your children to cycle locally or at any of the great places to ride around London, such as Victoria Park, Hyde Park, Richmond Park, along the canal network or the Olympic Velo Park with its mountain bike, BMX and road circuits, you can give them a great grounding in cycling with confidence.” L Rob Kemp writes for Cycling Plus magazine. He’s also the author of The Expectant Dad’s Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know (£12.99, Vermilion)

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FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: KNOG STROBE LIGHT £11 FROGBIKES.CO.UK; HARMONY 20 BIKE £279.99 RIDGEBACK.CO.UK; FROG 48 BIKE £280 FROGBIKES. CO.UK; MINI HELMET £29.99 THEHORNIT.COM; RALEIGH BALANCE BIKE £120 EVANSCYCLES.COM

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GET ACTIVE

BUYING A BIKE

The Frog Bikes team shares some top purchasing tips Should we buy a balance bike?

Ideally most kids will start on a balance bike, so they master balance before worrying about how to pedal or change gears.

Some may not show an interest at a younger age, but there are still options for older or taller children, as pedals can be removed on a first pedal bike. Frog Bikes also do a larger bike (Frog 52S) without gears, for kids who aren’t ready for gears but have an average inside leg measurement of 52cm; around five or six years old. It’s also important that a child learns to brake from an early age. This is why Frog Bikes even have a brake on their tiniest 10” balance bike – the Tadpole Mini!

Why is the weight of a kids’ bike so important?

Some kids’ bikes weigh as much as the child, so they’re at an immediate disadvantage when starting with a heavy bike. If the bike’s lightweight and has child-friendly parts like easy-toreach brake levers and gear shifters for little hands, they’ll experience success much faster.

What about stabilisers?

Stabilisers tend to offer a false sense of security. They end up leaning to one side rather than learning the skill of balancing. We generally encourage our customers to avoid them.

IMAGE: FROG BIKES

Any other pitfalls to be aware of?

It’s really important that the bike is fully assembled, fitted to the child and has had a full check by a qualified mechanic. Buying a bike online normally means it’ll arrive unbuilt, which can be daunting for a parent. Frog Bikes only sell through independent bike stores, so they can be correctly fitted to the child and fully assembled and assessed by a qualified mechanic.

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RUNNING HEAD

ROOM RESET

Ideal for refreshing a muted nursery, den or sleep space, Nidi Design’s chic new furniture pieces will add an urban, modernist edge to your child’s lair. In irresistible shades of indigo blue, soft pink, sage green and on-trend mustard, these clever storage solutions, uber-cool bunk beds and study spaces will inspire both creativity and calm in your little ones. From £180, nubie.co.uk

interior

NEWS

Stylish updates and inspiring finds to make your house a home

Your little one can dream about nights spent in the bush while they doze under this luggage rack canopy

THE LIFE OF THE PARTY Planning a party? Meri Meri’s enchanting collab with French artist Nathalie L’Été will add a pop of colourful whimsy to proceedings. The adorable range features impeccably dressed cats, floral vignettes and metallic foil edges. With cups, napkins, plates and cupcake kits, afternoon tea is all set. From £4.50, merimeri.co.uk

SUSTAINABLE SLEEP

WILDEST DREAMS

Dutch brand Moozle is the needto-know label for stylish, no-waste kids’ duvet sets. Its bedding is made from the softest Europeangrown organic cotton and printed using water- and energy-saving machinery. Choose from an array of fun prints, such as the supercool Leapin’ Leopards design.

From €69.99, moozlehome.com

Little ones can embark upon night-time adventures with Nöa & Nani’s new Offroad Bed. Let them dream of wild savannahs and starry skies under the luggage rack canopy, and play in the tent’s hideaway den. The canopy can even be replaced with a slide for added thrills. From £169, noaandnani.co.uk

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CREATIVITY

get CRAFTY

MUM-OF-THREE LEONORA BAMFORD AND NANNY ANITA SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE SPRINGTIME ACTIVITIES

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ast forward into spring and there is nothing like a patch of gorgeous nodding daffodils to make everyone smile. I love planting bulbs with the children before Christmas and then seeing the fruits of our labour bursting through the soil at this time of year. It’s a great time to take your sketch book out into the park and while you’re there, look for any buds that might be appearing. Nanny Anita has also been dreaming up lots and lots of fun for the half-term break and we can’t wait to try out her ice-skating Lego with the kids and drip painting, inspired by icicles. L

My youngest is Peter Rabbit obsessed and I can’t wait to get him dressed up in Dinoski’s Peter Rabbit-inspired suit. £185, DINOSKIWEAR.COM

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CREATIVITY

ICE - SKATING LEGO You’ll need: • Tray • water • Lego figures • ice-cube tray • freezer Method • Fill your tray up with water and place it in the freezer overnight.

• Fill up an ice-cube tray with water and add your Lego people to it; make sure that they are standing up. Then put it in the freezer overnight. We have used a heart-shaped ice cube tray.

• When it is ready take it out and play.

CHEL-SKI Our half term ski holiday offered hours of fun in the snowy mountains.

My eldest two love tobogganing which is always followed by lots of hot chocolate and marshmallows.

My littlest is still too young to actually ski so now that we’re back we’re going to check out Chel-ski as we haven’t been for a few years. Chelski is an indoor skiing venue offering a variety of challenges on the slopes. It improves technique and confidence, but most of all, it’s lots of fun.It's also next door to another one of our family faves, Clip ‘n’ Climb! chel-ski.uk

BANANA MUFFINS

PHOTOGRAPHY: HELENE SANDBERG; ISTOCK/KAANATES, UDRA; SHUTTERSTOCK/CJMACER

I love making muffins for packed lunches and always use the leftover batter to make a loaf cake. This month it's all about banana muffins and the kids love them.

You’ll need: • ¹/³ cup melted coconut oil or extravirgin olive oil • ½ cup maple syrup or honey • 2 eggs • 2 or 3 mashed ripe bananas • handful of blueberries • ¼ cup milk of choice • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp vanilla extract • ½ tsp salt • ½ tsp cinnamon • 1 ¾ cups flour of choice • ¹/³ cup old-fashioned oats, plus more for sprinkling on top Method • Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line your muffin tin or loaf tin.

• In a large bowl, beat the coconut oil and maple syrup together with a whisk. Then add the eggs and beat further. Mix in the mashed bananas and milk, baking soda, vanilla extract, salt and cinnamon.

• Add the flour and oats to the bowl and mix with large spoon.

DRIP PAINTING You’ll need: • Pipette • concentrated liquid watercolour paint • paper • tray Method • Stand a sheet of of paper upright in a tray (to collect any excess paint and avoid mess).

• Using a pipette, add drips of paint to the top of the paper, then let it run down the paper to form lines.

• You can add berries, chocolate chips or anything else now.

• Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cases and sprinkle each muffin with a few oats. Pop in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes.

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INTERIORS

SASS & BELLE STORAGE BASKET, £25, ANDLIVING.CO.UK

C L E A N & T I DY ALI HOWARD IS ON A SPRING-CLEAN MISSION. FIRST UP: THE DREADED KIDS’ BEDROOMS

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f “Tidy your room!” is on constant repeat in your house, you’re not alone. For parents everywhere it can feel like a losing battle. So it’s worth investing in smart storage solutions that’ll make everyone’s life easier – and what better time to get organised than spring?

Choose a high sleeper with integrated shelving for books, funky school-locker-style cabinets that’ll make them feel grown up, and ingenious toy storage that makes tidying up part of the game.

CUBE SHELVING UNIT, £35, NOAANDNANI.CO.UK

UMAGE SHELF, FROM £26, SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM

This double-level bed makes the most of t e edroo ’s oors ace and ids will lo e slee in on t e to un BATTISTELLA CAMELOT SOFT LOFT BED, £1,650, GOMODERN.CO.UK

FABELAB STORAGE BAG, £37.50, MINIFILI.COM

LINUS HIGH BED, £399, MADE.COM

a e c ores ore un or little ones y a in a y ear a toy tidyin co anion 52

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INTERIORS

Little bookworms will happily tidy their tomes away with this sculptural bookcase in the bedroom. Made from MDF, it features versatile shelving for hefty encyclo aedias and i sy icture oo s MATHY BY BOLS BOOKCASE, £695, BEDKINGDOM.CO.UK

FOLDING STORAGE CRATE, £12.50, BOBBYRABBIT.COM

With this unit’s angled, open shelves, your little one will love to sort the dinosaurs from the Duplo, while keeping everything easily accessible

Sa e on oor s ace and o ertical with a playful storage piece they’ll love to personalise. This clever peg board features hooks, shelving, a basket and a pot – for holding everything from crayons to sports medals

VOX TULI BOOKCASE & TOY STORAGE, £175, CUCKOOLAND.COM

THE 100 PEG BOARD, £160, PEGANDBOARD.COM

PINE WARDROBE LOCKER, £725, CUCKOOLAND.COM

BEDSIDE LOCKER £129, MUSTARDMADE.COM

WOODEN TOY BOX, £199, BOORI.COM

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Beautiful cottages on the North Norfolk Coast Indoor pool, soft play, ride on tractors, toddler play area. www.weybourne-holiday-cottages.co.uk 54

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eed your arty o e wit ind ul e ’s re res ed reci e o enu o tions

SPECIAL DELIVERY If you and your brood are keen to try the recipe-box trend, it’s worth sampling Mindful Chef’s new-and-improved Family Box, now catering for up to five diners.

Whether you’re feeding the whole family, or meal-prepping for the week, you’ll find a host of delicious ideas inside: from Mexican chilli, guacamole and sweet-potato fries, to beef bolognese with brown-rice penne – all delivered in eco packaging. mindfulchef.com

food

NEWS

win

The latest and greatest foodie finds for your mini diners HOP TO IT

CRUNCH TIME

Already dreaming about all the Easter sweet treat? Us too… especially PLAYin Choc’s new Easterthemed ToyChoc boxes. Each of the wholly recyclable packs includes a 3D rabbit puzzle, fun fact card and – our fave bit – two delicious organic vegan chocolates. playinchoc.com

Safe for schooltime snacking (and packed with vitamins), MadeGood’s new range of granola bars are free from some of the most common food allergens, such as nuts, egg, soy, dairy and gluten. Choose from mixed berry, chocolate chip and chocolate & banana flavours. madegoodfoods.com

Win one of five ecofriendly kids’ lunch packs

Cut down on plastic with Beeswax Wraps, a reusable alternative that’s ideal for lunchtime.

Made from organic cotton, beeswax, jojoba oil and pine resin, the self-seal packs keep food fresh, thanks to the antibacterial material. Simply wash with soap after each use, and pop them in the compost bin after a year of use. Win one of five children’s lunch packs: each one includes two medium wraps and two small wraps.

Good luck! Enter online at: littlelondonmagazine.co.uk/competitions

A new study has found that the average UK child learns to use a knife and fork aged four, with one in 10 parents even allowing children to eat spaghetti, yoghurt and beans with their hands. And 19% revealed that they don’t care how their child eats food, as long as it’s eaten!

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SPRING TIME AT BOCKETTS FARM PARK

OVER 500 NEW BORN LAMBS DUE OUTDOOR INDOOR PLAY

FULL PROGRAMME OF FARM FUN

LL/SPRING2020

MEET THE SHEPHERD SESSIONS

ADVENTURE

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BLUE PLANET

t ravel

NEWS

Keeping big and little globetrotters on the map and in the know

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve has launched new Sea Clearly workshops, teaching little ones about sustainability and protecting the planet. Kids will better understand the world they live in through fun educational activities, from song and dance sessions and sports to exploring the island’s nature and snorkelling amid the fascinating marine life. westin.com/maldivesmiriandhoo

CLASS IS IN SESSION

PEACE AT LAST

Maldivian resort Soneva Fushi has extended its partnership with mentoring scheme Oppidan Education, offering kids creative learning opportunities while on holiday with complimentary drop-in workshops in the Children’s Den. There’ll also be opportunities to go sailing, hunt for mushrooms and stargaze with experts. soneva.com

Languedoc wine estate Les Carrasses is perfect for a stress-free break en famille.

As well as its many kid-friendly activities, the self-catering retreat has a new forest cabin, playground and fitness area.

Lounge poolside while they explore it all, looked after by bilingual childcare professionals. lescarrasses.com

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON Dads and their mini-mes can go all out with this twinning look on holiday with these fab matching father and sun swim shorts from Man Cub. Watch out for double the trouble this summer! ‘Cub’ sizes are available for ages six months to six years. man-cub.com

Planning a staycation en famille? Head to Home Farm Holiday Cottages in Weybourne, Norfolk, and you’ll find plenty to keep little ones amused, from table tennis to tractor rides around the farm, plus an exciting new toddler play area. weybourne-holiday-cottages.co.uk LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Emma, Richard and family enjoyed accommodation that lay a mere 30 steps from the resort’s swimming pool

Emma spent most of the week napping, petting farm animals and partaking in cocktail hour

POS TCAR D

Jumby Bay is green in every sense of the word

from

JUMBY BAY EMMA FREUD, Richard Curtis and family head for a restorative break in the Caribbean THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I DREAM OF wild holidays filled with intrepid adventures.

And then there are times when the only decision I want to make is where to nap. After a hectic few months, all we wanted was calm family time, minimal contact with other humans, and absolutely no one asking ‘Shall we visit the local glass-blowing factory?’

And so we found ourselves on a seven-hour flight to Antigua, followed by a five-minute boat ride straight into Jumby Bay’s hotel bar.

Within 30 minutes, we were on the beach, ice-cold beers in hand. The 300-acre island’s only residents are guests of the beautiful 50-room hotel. Clinking bottles, we vowed to meaningfully bond with none of them.

Jumby Bay is green in every sense of the word, which makes it very easy to feel good about staying there. There are no cars – every resident is given a bike for the duration of their stay – each house has a solar water heating system, indigenous animals are protected by a sustainability programme, all cuttings are composted, and all biproducts are recycled. There’s a little farm at the island’s centre where vegetables and herbs are grown, meanwhile chickens, sheep and tortoises

submit themselves to vigorous daily petting from younger guests – and me.

Overlooking the golden bay, the colonialstyle rooms are unfussily luxurious, and fabulously well-considered for families. Our little house was 15 steps from the bar, 30 steps from the pool, and 45 steps from the beach (I had time to count) but that was as energetic as things got, for this holiday was defined by what didn’t happen. We didn’t leave the island. We didn’t talk to anyone else. We didn’t take part in any activities, and we certainly didn’t spend a single minute wondering ‘what shall we do today?’.

However, we did enjoy lazy swims. We ate fresh poke bowls at the beach. We rode 20-minute circuits of the island. We indulged in spa bliss. We lay in hammocks, sipping beach nightcaps. And when the hotel set up a cinema screen on the beach, bedecking the sand with bean bags and candles, we watched Mulan, its thrilling battle scenes playing out in the twilit tide’s reflection. Quite enough excitement for one holiday, you’ll agree. L

The spacious colonialstyle villas and suites offer guests pared-back luxury

Richard enjoyed daily beachside lunches, including fresh poke bowls After sunset, the beach cinema is set up for family-friendly screenings

Turquoise Holidays offers seven nights at Jumby Bay from £4,119 with flights and transfers, turquoiseholidays.co.uk

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Elisa’s London Nannies

With over 20 years of experience we placed candidates for some of the most exclusive clients across Greater London.

We have a great network of nannies and only select the highest quality candidates; experienced, professional and reliable, who are carefully matched to individual needs of each family.

71-75 Shelton Street, WC2H 9JQ T: 0203 842 6514 E: contact@elisas-london-nannies.co.uk

Beautifully designed backpacks for boys and girls

www.josephineandjoe.com

www.elisas-london-nannies.co.uk

The Kensington Ballet School

Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Holland Park, Notting Hill, Fulham, Pimlico, Islington Children aged 15 months - 10 years. Free trial classes available.

kensingtonballet.com • dance@kensingtonballet.com • 07957650042 LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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T H E W A N D E R L I S T FROM CITY BREAKS TO SEASIDE SPOTS AND EVERYTHING IN

BETWEEN, NATALIE KEELER SEEKS OUT THE TOP FAMILY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS TO HAVE ON YOUR RADAR

JAMAICA

With crystalline shores and white-sand beaches – not to mention a wealth of kid-friendly resorts – it’s little surprise that this Caribbean nation was crowned World Family Destination at the 2019 World Travel Awards. Top attractions include AquaSol Theme Park’s water rides and Turtle River Falls and Gardens’ exotic biospheres, while adventure-seekers have the chance to zipline across a tropical rainforest at Mystic Mountain. Toddler in tow? Spend an afternoon at Cool Runnings Water Park, where there’s a brilliant play area for little ones.

STAY: Named the Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort at the 2020 World Travel Awards, Beaches Negril has it all. From buffet-style dining to piratethemed swimming pools, kids will be in paradise. beaches.com

Newquay’s Sands Resort cliffside panoramas across the north Cornwall coastline are unrivalled

COPENHAGEN

Kids will revel in the Danish capital’s choice of 125 child-friendly attractions, from the all-new, interactive Museum of Copenhagen and Experimentarium’s hands-on science to Tivoli Gardens’ thrilling rides, before feasting on Østerberg’s delicious ice cream. Under-12s travel free on public transport, but with a Copenhagen Card (copenhagencard.com), you’ll also gain free admission to more than 80 sights. Winner!

STAY: Relaxed yet refined, the boutique-style Hotel Sanders offers its mini guests welcome gifts upon arrival, plus bedtime milk and cookies. Connecting rooms and extra beds are available, too. hotelsanders.com

CORNWALL

Tourist numbers are set to rocket in the south-west this summer – at least according to Visit Cornwall, which speculated at the 2020 Tourism Summit that fewer families will be travelling overseas due to climate change.

With a coastline that spans 300 miles, the region is also home to many of the UK’s most beautiful blue-flag beaches, Carbis Bay, Great Western, and Trevone among them. Curious tots will be well served at the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan, while bike rides along the Camel Estuary offer the most exquisite scenery.

STAY: Sands Resort in Newquay benefits from superb sea views, fab facilities and an unmatched family atmosphere, plus a crèche and free baby gear hire. sandsresort.co.uk 60

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Kick back and soak up the sun at the brand new Ikos Andalucía while the kids play in the pool and hone their soccer skills

ANDALUCÍA JAPAN

Home of the 2020 Olympic Games, this year will be a busy one for Tokyo, with tourists set to arrive in their droves throughout July and August – the country’s hottest and wettest months. Here for the sightseeing? Visit in April, October or November instead, when the weather is mild and outdoor spaces are at their prettiest.

Top spots include Asakusa – Tokyo’s old town – and the Ghibli Animation Studio Museum, as well as cultural capital, Kyoto, with over 2,000 temples and shrines.

STAY: The Highlights of Japan 10-day itinerary with Families Worldwide leaves no stone unturned, and can be adapted to meet your needs. Accommodation and transfers come included, too. familiesworldwide.co.uk

LA PLAGNE

Spain has been the world leader in Blue Flag beaches for 32 consecutive years, with 79 of these situated in Andalucía. Add to this a balmy climate, amusement parks and water sports, and you’ll find it difficult getting your little ones on the flight home. The region’s culture revolves around family, as evidenced everywhere you go, from Selwo Aventura’s wild-animal enclosure to Isla Mágica, where youngsters can enjoy pirate shows and rollercoasters.

STAY: Opening in May 2020, sun-drenched Ikos Andalucía boasts luxe family suites, dazzling pools, a kids’ club and football academy, plus a teen room for older children. ikosresorts.com

Whether you’re booking a last-minute ski trip, or looking ahead, La Plagne is one of the most family-friendly resorts out there. Its vast, gentle pistes are ideal for younger skiers, and this year’s swanky new lift upgrades mean it’ll be easier than ever to venture up and down the mountains. Off the slopes, thrill-seekers can also try skidooing, paragliding or the bobsleigh run, while everyone will be delighted by the magical La Plagne’s Igloo Village attraction.

STAY: Ideal for skiing en famille, Belle Plagne has a wonderful kid-friendly atmosphere. Check into Esprit’s Hotel Des Deux Domaines for plush family rooms, spa facilities and great childcare offerings. espritski.com L

LISBON

As the 2019 World Travel Awards’ Leading City Break, Portugal’s capital is a treasure trove of cultural excursions – with lots for mini travellers, too. Attractions include a zoo, parks and Europe’s largest aquarium (book online to avoid queues), plus the Jéronimos Monastery, where kids are free to explore. The hilly terrain guarantees remarkable vistas but can be a bit strenuous for tots, so hop on the Eléctrico 28 tram to cut through Lisbon’s popular neighbourhoods.

STAY: Martinhal Chiado is a haven for families, with its baby concierge, kids’ club and child-friendly menus, but if you want to leave, you won’t have to travel far to reach the city centre. martinhal.com LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Did you know? A new Explore Learning survey has found that 57 per cent of London parents say their maths skills let them down on a daily basis, while 69 per cent of UK children aged four to 14 say they find maths easy. explorelearning.co.uk

T H G I R B YO U N G T HIN GS An essential guide to your child’s education

T H I S T E R M ’ S M U S T - H AV E S …

LIEWOOD WATER BOTTLE £23, SCANDIBORN.CO.UK

DJECO BACKPACK £24.99, TROUVA.COM

MAYORAL COAT £60, ALEXANDALEXA.COM

TORTOISESHELL GLASSES £75, ZOOBUG.COM

COTTON JUMPER £38, EMILEETIDA.COM

LIEWOOD RUBBER BOOTS £40, NATURALBABY SHOWER.CO.UK

EDUCATION WHATEVER NEXT...

PREPARING FOR THE NEXT STEP Researching schools

If you want to know more about schooling and plan for the future, check out our sister title, The Guide to Independent Schools. Published twice a year, this is essential reading for parents looking to continue their child’s educational journey within the independent school sector.

The guide covers each stage of the school career, from nursery to sixth form, and includes a comprehensive directory of independent schools across the United Kingdom as well as expert advice to help you make the right educational decisions for your child’s future.

ORDER THE LATEST ISSUE NOW! Visit chelseamagazines. com/independentschool-parent or call 020 7349 3700. The Guide to Independent Schools is also available for just £5.95 in selected supermarkets and all good newsagents.

Under-15s across the UK have entered Toyota’s 2020 Dream Car Art Contest by drawing what they think the cars of the future will look like. The competition challenges kids to address important issues imaginatively. Entries include cars that can time travel, clean the ocean and have disco buttons – sounds good to us! toyota.co.uk

education

NEWS

Everything you need to know about what’s going on in and out of the classroom

FEEL THE MUSIC

Scientists have found that music stimulates more of the brain than any other activity! At Monkey Music, its immersive classes ensure little ones embrace music in a fun, exciting and structured environment. Plus, the first class is free! monkeymusic.co.uk

ONCE UPON A TIME… Unleash your child’s inner writer with Story Out of the Box, a game encouraging them to create thousands of stories. With 80 lively prompts, no two tales will be the same. Suitable for ages six plus, it’s ideal for creativewriting practise. Released on 4 May 2020, £14.99, laurenceking.com

JUST BE YOUR SELF Queer Eye star, Jonathan Van Ness’ first children’s book. Peanut Goes for the Gold is about a non-binary guinea pig who follows their dreams. The funny, heartfelt book aims to inspire little readers to love themselves.

Available from 2 April 2020. £12.99, harpercollins.co.uk

IVF pioneer and co-founder of menopause-delay procedure ProFaM, Professor Simon Fishel says fertility lessons should be a compulsory part of the sex education curriculum. profam.co.uk

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“First stop for self-catering accommodation” - Telegraph

Family-friendly villa holidays on Ile de Ré & the Aquitaine Coast A villa is more than just a place to stay; it’s where your family memories are made.

To create your perfect holiday in France speak to one of our villa specialists.

alternative-aquitaine.co.uk

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T. 01395 576655

EDUCATION

We can encourage children to be thoughtful, compassionate and inclusive by modelling kind behaviour ourselves

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EDUCATION

SPREAD TH E LOVE BECK Y DICKINSON explores how to instil a sense of kindness in children

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few days after the birth of my third child, in an exhausted postnatal haze, surrounded by chaos, laundry and half-dressed children, the doorbell went. I remember pushing piles of clutter out of the way to answer it, worried that I’d forgotten the midwife was coming. A woman I’d never met before stood on the doorstep and handed me an enormous parcel of food. I still remember the contents: a beef casserole and an apple crumble, with enough to put in the freezer. She said she’d heard I’d just had a baby and didn’t have any family around to help. Then she left. I wished she’d stayed. But I’ll remember that act of kindness forever; so totally unexpected and so hugely welcomed that it still brings tears to my eyes.

Kindness is a powerful thing. It should be the norm, but we only have to read some of the comments on social media, or listen to the news, to know that it isn’t. Not always, anyway. Yet as parents we’re in a position to change that by instilling kindness in our children; encouraging them to be inclusive, helpful, compassionate human beings. And one of the best ways we can do this is to

model kindness ourselves. Because in a world in which one in four people experience a mental health problem, the way we treat one another can help shape lives, communities, and ultimately the society we live in.

Research shows that acts of kindness don’t just enhance the lives of those on the receiving end, but are good for the giver’s wellbeing too. When we act kindly towards someone else, this triggers the brain to release endorphins, the hormones associated

children to be kind seems as fundamental and as important as teaching them to brush their teeth. Fortunately, it’s also a natural human response. Gail Hugman, the author of 100 Things to Learn Before You’re 10, says, “Children are born with kindness in them, but sometimes, a child’s experience may cause them to become unkind at times; for example where there’s sibling rivalry or a lack of confidence and they feel vulnerable.

Their lack of experience may lead them to ‘wrong conclusions’ – we usually hear it as ‘it’s not fair!” With over 40 years’ teaching experience, Gail says, “We can interpret unkind acts as a sign they need to have, a ‘mummy moment’, with a parent or someone they trust, who can remind them how unique, special and talented they are which will return them to the best of themselves.”

Hand in Hand parenting instructor, Kate Orson agrees. She says, “Empathy and kindness are natural human qualities that arise from within, but sometimes their own emotions and needs get in the way.” Kate adds that when it comes to kindness, modelling is much more effective than teaching.

“Children know and feel deep down how

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/HALFPOINT

˝EMPATHY AND KINDNESS ARE NATURAL HUMAN QUALITIES THAT ARISE FROM WITHIN“

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with happiness. As well as bringing about a ‘helper’s high’ this could even improve your health. This is because doing something nice for someone else has a stimulating effect on the vagus nerve, which helps to regulate blood sugar and other bodily processes, thereby helping to protect against diabetes, strokes, heart disease and other conditions.

So, given the raft of benefits for all involved – not to mention the urgent need for kindness in the world – encouraging

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EDUCATION

Real kindness goes a little deeper than the kind behaviour we’re taught by are tal ures

˝PRACTISE COMPASSIONATE PARENTING , WITHOUT PUNISHMENT AND REWARD“ it is to be treated kindly and when they feel good, they want to be kind and spread the good feeling to others. When you teach or tell a child to be kind, they do it because they feel it’s the right thing to do or because they ‘have’ to – of course that has its place, but real kindness goes a little deeper than that, and comes more naturally.”

Often, we think of kindness as something we show towards the outside world. But Kate believes the best place to start is in your own home. “Be the kindness you want to see in your children.” She says. “Practise compassionate parenting, without punishment and reward. Don’t threaten to take away privileges if a child misbehaves. This kind of transactional parenting, will be internalised

by a child as a way to treat others. Set limits in a firm, gentle and loving way and seek help if you feel like you’re stuck on how to deal with challenging behaviour without resorting to rewards and punishments.”

Of course, one of the foundations of kindness is empathy. As parents, this means listening to our children and recognising their emotions, however misplaced they may seem. In doing so, we show our children how to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, helping them to grow into kind, sensitive and happy people. And this in turn helps to create a society where being kind is the norm.

Because through kindness, we really can encourage our children to be a force for good and change in the world. L

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FURTHER READING • Tears Heal: How to listen to our children,

by Kate Orson (Piatkus) £13.99. Available from Amazon • 100 Things to Learn before you’re 10 (The Endless Bookcase) by Gail Hugman, available from Amazon • randomactsofkindness.org

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EDUCATION

TH E M I R ACLE M E N U Sidestep common colds and the flu with these superfoods, says nutritionist LOUISE PYNE

SPINACH If your child’s recovering from an illness, filling her up on leafy greens packed with iron is a great way to revive flagging energy levels.

This mineral is needed to transport oxygen around her body and also needed for general growth and development.

Top tip: Add a handful of spinach to a homemade banana and strawberry smoothie (blend the ingredients together with milk) and serve it in a coloured beaker with a straw so she won’t be put off by the colour.

YOGHURT Yoghurt is a pretty child-friendly food; and the good news is that this dairy delight also contains probiotics (good bacteria that helps to keep her digestive system healthy). A healthy gut is linked to increased immunity so it’s important to fill up on foods that help to

nourish this body system.

Top tip: Your child might turn her nose up at unflavoured yoghurt but in order to minimise artificial sugars, full-fat Greek yoghurt is best and it’s also high in nutrients like protein and calcium. Chop up some of her favourite fruit and a squeeze of honey or maple syrup for a naturally sweet treat that she’ll love.

GARLIC Garlic gets five stars for its immunity powers.

Each little clove contains a compound called allicin which is released when garlic is minced (and not when it’s chopped!). Studies show that allicin helps to increase levels of infection-fighting white blood cells, which can help to tackle bacteria and viruses.

Top tip: Add garlic to recipes regularly.

Use a base of onions, garlic, carrots and celery for dishes like spaghetti bolognese and shepherd’s pie for delicious flavour that’s not too overpowering when cooked.

Sometimes, especially with less kid-friendly superfoods like salmon, you’ll need to get creative in how you include them in meals

CARROTS This bright orange veggie is crammed with vitamin A, a nutrient that helps to supercharge numbers of protective white blood cells, and ensures that the respiratory tract stays healthy by preventing germs from entering her body.

Top tip: Serve her lightly steamed carrot sticks with her favourite dip, or finely chop carrots and add them to stews and soups.

SALMON The good omega-3 fats found in oily fish such as salmon help to strengthen her immunity by enhancing the function of protective immune B cells, so it’s a good idea to make sure you offer her two portions of oily fish per week.

Top tip: If your child isn’t a massive fan of fish, get creative. Cut a salmon fillet into little chunks, dip them in breadcrumbs and then bake or shallow fry. Serve with mashed potato and steamed veg for a hearty meal. L

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/SKYNESHER

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etting sick is simply inevitable for children. All babies are born with an immature immune system and this defence system starts to build up slowly by battling a series of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. It’s perfectly normal for your child to experience around six episodes of minor illnesses per year – this include coughs, colds and ear infections and while there’s no quick fi x solution to sidestep sickness, there are plenty of steps that you can take to minimise the impact when illness does hit.

Most of us have heard the term ‘rainbow foods,’ (brightly-coloured fresh fruits and vegetables), but it’s not always easy to get our little ones to munch on more of the good stuff – the secret is to sneak these goodies into our children’s diet. After all, what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her! And along with vibrant fresh produce, there are lots of other foods that help to keep the baddies out. Here’s a rundown of our favourite immunity-boosting foods and how to get more of them into your child’s diet.

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EDUCATION

DAILY DOSE Set up a healthy sleep routine

Sleep is one of the best ways to keep the immune system in tiptop condition and by the time your child reaches pre-school age she’ll need around 10 hours sleep. If your child’s resistant to bedtimes, playing lullabies, installing a soothing ceiling projector, or investing in a gro clock or night light may help.

Make sure she’s active

Regular exercise increases the number of defence-boosting cells called natural killer cells, so make sure that daily exercise forms part of her lifestyle.

Enrolling your bub into a sports club, dance or martial arts class is a good way to keep her moving and make sure you do lots of fun activities together – a game of tag in the park, swimming, bike rides and so on will ensure she gets enough exercise.

Be clean

It sounds obvious but setting up good hygiene habits can minimise any stress on your little one’s immune system. Remind her to wash her hands before and after meals, after a trip to the park and when playing with pets so that it eventually becomes a habit for her.

For more information, visit childnet.com and nspcc.org.uk.

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GROWING UP N AT U R A L LY BECK Y DICKINSON explores the benefits of encouraging children to get stuck into gardening and nature this spring

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onger, lighter days, shoots poking through soil and an unfamiliar warmth in the air. Spring is creeping in and it’s the perfect time to switch off those screens and get outside. From improving wellbeing to increasing activity levels, embracing nature can do wonders for our physical and mental health. And gardening in particular provides a wonderful learning environment in which children can do something productive while having fun and getting their hands dirty. What’s more, it sows the seeds for a healthy hobby for life.

Yet according to the Natural Childhood report, published by the RSPB, only one in five children have a ‘connection to nature’ and time spent playing outdoors has halved in just one generation. This has worrying implications not just for physical and mental health, but also for the environment. We need to raise a generation of children who care enough about plants and wildlife to want to nurture the planet as they grow up.

In London and across the UK we are spoilt for green spaces and local parks. However, one of the best places to help children connect with nature is in your own back garden – or even a balcony, or windowsill if you don’t have a garden. Here are three ways you can ignite their curiosity while making a positive impact on the environment...

GROW SOMETHING TO EAT Growing a few easy fruit and vegetable crops is a great way to help children understand where their food comes from, while hopefully

nudging them towards their five or ten a day.

Carrots and tomatoes take on a whole new appeal when children have witnessed their journey to fruition!

It’s best to start small and choose fruits and vegetables that are relatively low maintenance and fast growing so that your little helpers don’t lose interest. Peas, beans, beetroot, radishes and courgettes are all ideal crops to grow with children. If you don’t have the time or space for a whole vegetable patch, don’t fret. Raised beds and planting tables make a great half-way option, while many plants, like strawberries and tomatoes, do brilliantly in containers or hanging baskets, with the added advantage of being further away from slugs.

Lots of plants, like herbs and salad leaves, can also be grown in pots on a window sill.

As a general rule, most seeds can be sown in April (although check the packet first), then it’s really just a case of watch and water. Regardless of age, there’s a simple, yet magical pleasure in witnessing a handful of tiny, dry seeds transform into something bountiful and delicious.

GROW SOMETHING PRETTY Whether in pots or borders, flowers can lift the most listless of gardens into a blooming haven, providing colour, perfume and an endless source of fascination. Unless you’ve got your sights set on the Chelsea Flower Show, don’t attempt anything too ambitious to start with. Marigolds, nasturtiums, sweet peas and cosmos are all fun and straightforward to grow with children.

CARROTS AND TOMATOES TAKE ON A WHOLE NEW APPEAL WHEN CHILDREN HAVE WITNESSED THEIR JOURNEY TO FRUITION! 72

Introduce your little one to the wonders of the garden by letting them help and watch seeds grow into delicious veg or beautiful owers

LITTLE GREEN FINGERS Get your kids all kitted out for their garden-bound adventures with these essential green-fingered buys

KIDS’ RAINCOAT, £43 REIMA.COM

PLASTIC-FREE TOOLS, DESIGNED FOR LITTLE HANDS AND BUILT TO LAST USING ASH AND STAINLESS STEEL CAN BE FOUND AT THE WONDERFUL GARDEN COMPANY. GARDEN FORK £32.45, CHILDREN’S WATERING CAN £6.75 THEWONDERFULGARDEN INGCOMPANY.CO.UK

DO SOMETHING WILD Attracting mini-beasts, and a few larger ones too, into your garden is another great way to help children engage with the natural world.

From starting a wormery to feeding the birds

(as long as you don’t have a cat!) to building a bug hotel or a hedgehog home, there are all sorts of ways to increase biodiversity right where you live. For slightly older children who aren’t likely to fall in, you could even create a pond to attract frogs and toads whose habitats are in decline.

Besides appealing to your little naturalist’s sense of curiosity, caring for wildlife encourages children to respect their surroundings and gives them a sense of empowerment, knowing they can help make a difference. Why not consign an area of your garden over to nature? Instead of trimming hedges and mowing lawns, just let it grow wild. As well as saving yourself a job, this can help provide shelter for a host of creatures – as well as hours of fun and investigation for your own little creatures. At the end of the day, it’s their world, and engaging children with nature from an early age ensures a brighter future for themselves and the environment. L

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/RAWPIXEL

Although for wow factor, it’s hard to beat sunflowers, including unusual varieties such as Ruby Sunset and Teddy Bear. It’s best to sow seeds in pots of compost inside first, then replant in larger pots when they’re bigger.

As well as bright, showy blooms, it’s worth creating a wildflower area too. Simply scatter a packet of mixed wildflower seeds over a patch of earth and watch it develop into a buzzing oasis. With insects disappearing at an alarming rate and a third of species around the world now endangered, growing native flowers provides an important lifeline for the future of the natural world and an opportunity to talk to children about the importance of pollinating insects.

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WHAT’S ON

AG E N DA

MARTHA ALEX ANDER reveals what’s going on in the capital

EASTER SUNDAY FAMILY LUNCH AND EGG HUNT

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/SOLSTOCK

Sunday 12 April, 12 noon until 4pm A pre-polo-season shindig, this annual family lunch is sure to be a smart but relaxed occasion, taking in the gorgeous surroundings and salubrious hospitality of Ham Polo Club.

And for competitive youngsters, the real highlight of the day will be the club’s thrilling egg hunt, which will have them searching far and wide across the vast verdant grounds.

Admission: TBC

Ham Polo Club, Petersham Road, Richmond TW10 7AH hampoloclub.com

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DUST Wednesday 18 to Monday 23 March This is the story of Little Titch, who moves into a huge pink house and finds it full of mess, dust and chaos. When she meets bona fide hoarder Nelly, Titch begins an unexpected, beautiful friendship. With the help of puppetry, poetry and music, Dust is a beautiful spectacle.

Bocketts Farm

Admission: £7

Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND halfmoon.org.uk

DISNEY ON ICE MAGICAL ICE FESTIVAL Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 April Take adventure to new heights as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and your friends from around the Disney Kingdom come together as Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival. Gear up to enter a world of excitement as the show skates into the arena.

Admission: From £24, family tickets available The SSE Arena, Wembley, Arena Square, Engineers Way, London HA9 0AA disneyonice.com

PEPPA PIG : MY FIRST CONCERT Tuesday 14 April to Sunday 31 May Ideal for under-fives, this unique show sees Peppa and her crew learn all about the wonderful world of classical music, accompanied by an incredible live orchestra. Dance and sing along with this interactive performance, as Peppa and her brother George learn all about the various sounds that musical instruments can make, while enjoying a range of iconic orchestral pieces.

Disney on Ice Magical Ice Festival

LIT TLE PRINCE AND PRINCES S TEA Served every day 12-5pm As the Queen celebrates her 93rd birthday on 21 April, why not get little ones into the royal spirit at The Rubens at The Palace? The Little Prince and Princess Tea sees all the luxuries of traditional afternoon tea sweetly adapted for smaller guests. Treats include bite-size sandwiches, baked scones, selected pastries and a choice of drink. A true delight!

Admission: child, £16; adult £20

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

southbankcentre.co.uk

Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April Enjoy a great family day out as the lambing season gets into full swing at Bocketts Farm! With more than 500 newborn lambs due and Meet the Shepherd sessions daily, there will be plenty of opportunity to learn about the lambs and even watch one being born. Kids will also love to get up close to the baby chicks, ducklings and bunnies in the Small Animal Village. Plus, complete the Easter stamp trail to take home a chocolate treat, and enjoy fun live Easter shows.

FUN FRENCH EASTER DAY CAMP !

Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 April Calling all mini bilingual enthusiasts aged four to 16 years old! Et Patati Et Patata, the French immersion programme, is hosting an Easter Day Camp which promises a wide range of fun and creative activities in French! Over the course of 30 hours (9-3pm), kids will explore the sounds, flavours, customs, and cultures of France. Language will be taught through stories, songs and workshops.

Buckingham Palace Road, London,

17 years, £12.95, adults £11.95

Flora Gardens Primary School,

Admission: Free

Bocketts Farm, Young Street,

Dalling Rd, Hammersmith, London

Museum of London Docklands, West

Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 9B

W6 0UD

India Quay, London E14 4AL

bockettsfarm.co.uk

etpatatipatata.com

museumoflondon.org.uk

Admission: Children aged three to

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Admission: From £9

artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA

The Rubens at The Palace, 39

artsdepot.co.uk

rubenshotel.com

ADVENTURES AT THE DOCKS Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March Travel around the Museum of London Docklands solving puzzles as you go, earning special cards to complete your quest.

There will also be workshops with games and mini-challenges to take part in this weekend.

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Saturday 2 May, 11am and 2pm For kids aged four to seven years, The Great Race! champions taking part – not just winning. lnspired by the 2020 Olympics, it tells a traditional Japanese story with a core theme of competition. Using original music, dance, puppetry and Taiko drumming, the show reveals that kindness and courage help us cross the finishing line.

Admission: £19 per child

SW1W 0PS

Admission: TBC

THE GREAT RACE !

WHAT’S ON

101 DALMATIANS

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS

Saturday 16 May to Sunday 21 June Given that Dodie Smith’s iconic story was set in the heart of Regent’s Park, it’s fitting that a brand new musical version of the tale should be performed there, in the Open Air Theatre. Prepare to be completely charmed.

Sunday 15 March to Sunday 3 May Jonathan Swift’s much-loved novel is retold with fresh humour by three teenagers armed with a camera, projector and props.

Admission: From £25

Admission: From £8

Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ unicorntheatre.com

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, The Regent’s Park, Inner Circle, NW1 4NU

OH NO, GEORGE !

openairtheatre.com

Saturday 14 March Cake-loving canine George tries to be a good boy, but can’t resist temptation. Adapted from Chris Haughton’s book, the show’s acrobatics and slapstick will delight audiences young and old!

EGGS ON LEGS Monday 13 to Thursday 16 April Poetic and playful, this is a slightly bonkers puppet show is all about a family of eggs living in a tree. Suitable for children aged between three and eight.

Dino Coaster at LEGOLAND

DINO COASTER AT LEGOL AND From Friday 13 March March marks LEGOLAND Windsor opening for its main season, and this year it’s even more exciting than ever. The world’s first DUPLO Dino Coaster will be set in the heart of the DUPLO Valley, which is bigger and better than before. This is the perfect first rollercoaster for little ones.

GREAT FIRE OF LONDON FAMILY WALK

Admission: £7

Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse

Admission: child, £11.50; adult £13.50

Road, E1 0ND

Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar

halfmoon.org.uk

Passage, N1 2DN littleangeltheatre.com

Until Saturday 21 March Suitable for those aged five plus, this 45-minute walk through the City takes in key sites of the Great Fire of London, setting little challenges along the way – and in doing so, takes you back in time. From Pudding Lane to diarist Samuel Pepys’ garden – the biggest story of 1666 is brought to life.

TRAILS

HORNIMAN EASTER FAIR

Until Tuesday 31 March, 10am to 5.45pm The Undiscovered Museum paper trail is a visual treasure hunt and is part of celebrations to mark the opening of the V&A Exhibition Road Quarter. A brilliant way to learn about the museum’s history.

Saturday 11 to Sunday 12 April, 10.30am to 4.30pm This annual celebration at the Horniman Museum is where families can discover a host of craft workshops, storytelling performances, face painting and, of course, a hunt for some delicious chocolate eggs.

Victoria and Albert Museum,

Horniman Museum, 100 London

Admission: child, £5; adult £7.50

Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL

Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ

LEGOLAND Windsor, Winkfield Rd,

Museum of London, 150 London

vam.ac.uk

horniman.ac.uk

Windsor, SL4 4AY

Wall, EC2Y 5HN

legoland.co.uk

museumoflondon.org.uk

THE BOAT RACE

ALL POINTS EAST IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Admission: From £29pp when

booked online one day in advance

Sunday 29 March The first Boat Race between students of Oxford and Cambridge universities took place in June 1829 at Henley-onThames. Now, the annual meet is a world-famous sporting fixture that takes place on the Thames between Putney and Mortlake.

Older kids will love the race-day atmosphere down by the river.

Admission: Free

Various riverside locations through

Admission: Free

Admission: Free

All Points East In the Neighbourhood

Monday 25 to Thursday 28 May, 10am to 9.30pm daily Sandwiched between East London’s popular music festival’s adults-only concert dates, there are family-friendly days at the venue offering a range of activities including music, arts, a circus and an abundance of delicious street food.

Admission: Free

Putney, Barnes and Mortlake

Victoria Park, E9 7DE

theboatrace.org

allpointseastfestival.com

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WHAT’S ON

Little Monster

HOW TO BE A PHARAOH SLEEPOVER

COVENT GARDEN MAY FAYRE AND PUPPET FESTIVAL

Saturday 14 March, 6.15pm to Sunday 15 March 9am Who wouldn’t love to spend the night with kings and gods in ancient Egypt? Children aged eight and above are invited to a sleepover at the British Museum, where they’ll learn all about pharaohs via workshops, activities and storytelling, before lights out. And be sure to take one last look around before doors open again.

Saturday 9 May The first recorded Punch and Judy show took place at Covent Garden some 350 years ago.

These days, Mr Punch’s birthday is celebrated on the second weekend of May with a brass band procession, and a special service takes place at St Paul’s Church, during which he usually makes an appearance in the pulpit. Afterwards, the church gardens are alive with puppetry.

Admission: From £45

Admission: Free

The British Museum, Great Russell St,

LIT TLE MONSTER

Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DG

St Paul’s Church & Garden, Bedford

britishmuseum.org

Street, WC2E 9ED

Sunday 8 March, 11am and 2pm Go on a mission to find a mystery monster, with only two storytellers to assist. Shadows, songs and puppetry make this tale of of friendship and differences magical. Ideal for children aged three to six.

BARNES DUCK RACE Monday 20 April, 12pm Be there for noon to witness a multicoloured raft of ducks gliding over Beverley Brook. All entrants, who can buy ducks in advance from local vendors and customise them, will receive an Easter egg while larger prizes will go to the owners of the first, second and third-placed ducks.

Admission: Free (£5 to buy a duck) Vine Road Pavilion, SW13 0NE barnes-ca.org

ROALD DAHL AND THE IMAGINATION SEEKERS Friday 17 April, 11.30am and 2pm This interactive show takes a new look at the author’s much-loved stories, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Twits.

Admission: child, £9.50; adult £18 Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Admission: From £9

artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho

CAMELLIA SHOW

Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA

Until Sunday 22 March, 10am to 3pm This annual spectacle, where the stunning Grade I listed Conservatory at Chiswick House blooms with rare camellias, makes for a glorious family trip out. There are 33 varieties – some of which are descended from the original planting in 1828. This year marks its 10th anniversary.

artsdepot.co.uk

WILD Tuesday 17 March to Sunday 3 May Best suited to kids aged between two and six, Wild tells the tale of a free-spirited girl who lives in the forest, learning from the animals who live with her.

Admission: From £12

Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ unicorntheatre.com

LONDON EASTER CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG SCURRY Monday 13 April, 10.15am This 10k run is open to everyone aged four and over. Too far?

There’s also a two-mile fun run and children’s race for younger athletes. Medals and Easter eggs are up for grabs at the finish line.

R EVIEW: BY R EBECCA M OOR E

SEA LIFE

Daily opening times vary, see website for details I took full advantage of my niece’s London visit by adding a stroll around Sea Life to our itinerary. After a string of goldfish pals as a child, and having lived here for five years, a visit was well overdue.

It’s much larger than I’d imagined, venturing way beyond the tropical fish scene, with plenty of different aquarium zones and thrilling viewpoints at each turn. We saw everything from crocodiles to baby penguins, with a few sea turtles thrown in for good measure. And the action kicks off as soon as you arrive, walking over a glass window as underwater chums (including sharks!) swim beneath your feet. This of course inspired a rendition of Baby Shark, much to everyone’s delight. I’d recommend taking note of the feedings times too, as Little Ruby was the residents gobble up their grub. mesmerised by the Ruby loved watching penguins underwater world dip, dive and glide their way to food. A wonderful afternoon!

Admission: Tickets from £34 per

person when purchased online.

Admission: Free

Chiswick House, Chiswick House, Conservatory Yard, W4 2QN chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

THE GRUFFALO + THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE IN CONCERT Friday 29 May, 11.30am This double-bill screening of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s classic tales is accompanied by live music from the brilliant BBC Concert Orchestra.

Admission: From £15

Admission: £4

Sea Life Centre, Westminster Bridge

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore,

The Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR

Road, London SE1 7PB

London, SW7 2AP

runbritain.com

visitsealife.com/london

royalalberthall.com

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WHAT’S ON

RAVER TOTS COMES TO INDIGO AT THE O 2

Saturday 7 March from 3pm Indigo at the O2 will have its roof raised by revelling toddlers as Raver Tots takes over for the country’s biggest-ever indoor family festival. Expect great tunes, including a live set by the world’s youngest DJ, DJ Archie.

Admission: From £10

Indigo at The O2, 205 Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10 0ES ravertots.co.uk

THATMUSE EASTER EGG HUNT

Tuesday 14 to Sunday 19 April Stories of Merlin, Sir Lancelot, King Arthur and many more are rebooted in performances full of music, puppetry and movement.

Each story has been crafted by a different artist, making each one completely unique in every possible way. Ideal for children aged three to seven.

Saturday 28 March, 10.30am to 1pm Teams of up to four can bunny hop around the Natural History Museum solving clues. Treasures, such as dinosaur eggs must be found – and photographed within a short time frame. But chocolate lovers be warned – there are no sweet-treat prizes!

Chickenshed Southgate, 290 Chase

Natural History Museum, Cromwell

Side, N14 4PE

Road, SW7 5BD

Barbican Hall, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS

chickenshed.org.uk

nhm.ac.uk

lso.co.uk

Admission: £7

Admission: From £8

BABY BROADWAY FAMILY CONCERT

LSO FAMILY CONCERT Saturday 16 May, 10am to 1pm Suitable for kids aged between seven and 12 years, this concert by the London Symphony Orchestra is set up with families in mind. The music is themed and includes well-known favourites, as well as introductions to more unusual pieces. Participation is encouraged, and there’s a heap of free activities before the concert starts at noon.

Admission: From £5

LSO Family Concert

Thursday 2 April Well-known numbers from the world’s most popular musicals belted out by professional West End stars are the order of the day at Baby Broadway. But as well as the melodies, there are bubbles, puppetry and a whole lot of audience interaction. Kids of all ages are welcome.

PHOTOGRAPHY: KEVIN LEIGHTON. ILLUSTRATION: MARK RUFFLE

Tales from the Round Table

TALES FROM THE ROUND TABLE

Admission: £6

Chickenshed Southgate, 290 Chase

WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Friday 1 May to Sunday 12 July This lyrical story of a family setting out across hill, dale, river and sea to capture a big bear is an enduringly popular book, and on stage it’s just as appealing.

Side, N14 4PE chickenshed.org.uk My First Ballet: Cinderella

Admission: From £5

Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN littleangeltheatre.com

MY FIRST BALLET: CINDERELL A Thursday 9 to Saturday 18 April A shorter version of Prokofiev’s gorgeous score, this performance comes with a narrator to help young audiences (of three years and above) follow the story. A flawless collaboration between th English National Ballet and the English National Ballet School.

Admission: From £10

The Peacock, Portugal Street, London, WC2A 2HT peacocktheatre.com

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LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

BOUTIQUES

IL GUFO

THE LITTLE WHITE COMPANY

NEWBIE

Founded in Italy in 1980, family-run Il Gufo produces clothing and accessories for both boys and girls from newborn up to 14 years.

A fine example of Italian craftsmanship, its designs are made from the very best materials – think organic cotton, merino wool, soft leather and cashmere. This season’s Secret Garden line pays homage to nature, with rain jackets, animal-print tees and pretty florals.

The Little White Company’s immaculate stores are a favourite with stylish mamas looking for luxury clothes, bedding and toys that are still practical and affordable. From gorgeous cashmere sweaters to the cutest ballet slippers and pure cotton sleepwear, everything at The Little White Company maintains the simple, elegant aesthetic of the adult collection, but with a touch of childhood magic thrown in, too.

This Swedish lifestyle brand offers timeless style with a modern twist for the little ones in your life. Its sustainably and eco-consciously made clothes for babies and kids up to age eight bring a hint of wholesome nostalgia to the childrenswear market, with pieces designed for adventure made to be passed down generations. This season, Newbie celebrates exploring the great outdoors, from the garden to the world beneath the waves.

Stores across London thewhitecompany.com

Stores across London newbiestore.com

PEPA & CO

BONPOINT

NATURAL FOR BABY

Pepa & Co’s clothing for boys and girls from newborn up to eight years capture the best of British and Spanish heritage design. Founded only seven years ago, the brand is loved by the royal family, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte seen in a number of styles, including the page boy and bridesmaid outfits for their Aunt Pippa’s wedding. The brand has more recently opened its first boutique.

Bonpoint is undoubtedly the haute couture of children’s fashion, with in-house design studios and stores all over the globe.

Under the artistic direction of Christine Innamorato, each of the Parisian boutique’s pieces is hand-crafted to exacting standards.

Bonpoint’s classic clothing range features signature detailing, unrivalled quality fabrics and beautifully intricate patterns and prints, catering for stylish boys, girls and babies.

This boutique makes every effort it can to consider the environment. Stocking brands such as The Little Green Sheep, Le Toy Van and Wooly Organic, each item is made with organic natural materials under the best possible ethical and eco-friendly conditions.

The shop itself is run with eco-based policies: electricity comes from a green supplier and notices are made from recycled paper.

313 Brompton Road, Chelsea, London SW3 2DY ilgufo.com

40 Elizabeth Street, Belgravia, London SW1 9NZ pepaandcompany.com

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Stores across London bonpoint.com

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78 Balham High Road, London SW12 9AG naturalforbaby.london

Childrenswear designer and mum Myleene Klass was a front-row guest at last season’s Mini Mode

RUNNING HEAD

THE BUSINESS Amanda Rabor of

Billieblush is one of the many brands that takes to the catwalk (available at childrensalon.com)

MINI MODE

The designer and founder of global kids fashion week talks kids’ trends and me-time Tell us the story behind Mini Mode?

Mini Mode was born out of my work with my own kids’ fashion brand, Isossy. I’m passionate about kids, how we dress them and how they reflect us and our environments.

Childrenswear is powerful; from premium brands and independent designers to fast fashion stores, which always seem to have their finger on the pulse because they reproduce so swiftly and on a larger scale.

So Mini Mode is my interpretation of what I felt was missing in the UK kids’ market for me as a designer. In February 2018 I launched the first Mini Mode show, a new platform to showcase kids’ fashion during London Fashion Week. I’m currently on sabbatical with my brand Isossy so that I can focus fully on Mini Mode, which is very exciting.

MADPAX showcased its latest creative bags at the 2020 Mini Mode show

Tell us more about MIni Mode.

Mini Mode is a family event – a chance for young fashionistas to be inspired by incredible designers from across the world, and an opportunity to discover brands and looks that you might have never come across otherwise.

You’ll see international designer brands showcased by adorable mini models on the runway, alongside a selection of kids’ entertainment from talented young performers in between fashion shows.

Describe a typical working day.

I work for myself, so I wouldn’t say I have a typical working day, but I do set productivity goals to ensure my important work is achieved. The rest is all fluff.

Kidswear brands take to the catwalk

How do you find a work-life balance?

I usually start my day at the gym or enjoying a walk; I need that time to just focus on myself.

I also like to do some meditation and a bit a reading if I can before launching into the emails. I work hard but also make sure I have time with my partner and family.

What childrenswear fashion trends have you seen emerge for 2020?

Trends are always evolving, so slogans are still prevalent and social messaging is everywhere and very politicised. Brands are really pushing their identities to the forefront with logo strapping. Bolder colours and patterns are emerging, which I love. Flounces and bell sleeves are fabulously feminine. Equally, we’ve had some amazing quirky brands like BEBEBEBE, which brings its Korean sensibilities to the western market while Kicomo by Kiara’s bold aesthetic brings a fresh creative approach. I love bringing these expressive designs to the market.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I love absolutely everything that I’m doing currently. It comes from my heart.

What’s in the pipeline for 2020?

I know Mini Mode’s going to start with a bang, so I’m excited to see what unfolds and how close I’ll get to my vision for the show. L mini-mode.co.uk

LITTLELONDONMAGAZINE.CO.UK

IS YOUR CHILD FUTURE READY? CREATIVITY & CODING CAMPS FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-12+ EASTER BREAK 30TH MARCH - 17TH APRIL MAY HALF-TERM 26TH - 29TH MAY SUMMER BREAK 6TH JULY - 28TH AUGUST

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