Yummy Mummy Magazine June/July 2017

Yummy Mummy @mummymagazine

magazine yummymummymagazine.co.uk

C H I L D S P L A Y C L O T H I N G . C O M

JUNE/JULY 2017 issue 16

Yummy Mummy magazine

from the EDITOR

S

tudies have shown that women who keep fit during pregnancy often enjoy easier, shorter and less complicated labours and also, a faster return to fitness once their baby is born.

If you are pregnant and planning a holiday, with the proper precautions, and armed with adequate travel insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy. So relax and enjoy!

You can take some much needed time to think about names for your baby!

It’s Father’s Day this month so make sure Daddy is involved, they can often feel “left out”! Dads can be just as involved and bond with his new baby as mum.

If you’ve been stuck for ideas on where to take your little ones on holiday then we have some destinations which could tick all the boxes, and some crucial advice on how to keep your kids safe in the sun.

Or for older children, a summer camp can let them run free in a safe environment, and enjoy all sorts of activities to stimulate them.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew will be playing host to a series of enchanting live, outdoor theatrical performances. Or they can get ready for some high speed action with the film release of Disney’s Cars 3! And Kids Week is back for the whole of August, with more than 35 shows offering free tickets for children.

Alex Lux Editor

PUBLISHED BY FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD 17 The Broadway, Old Hatfield Hertfordshire, AL9 5HZ

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com Editor Alex Lux •••••

•••••

Editor Assistant Katie Miller

senior business account Manager Vanessa Lane

•••••

•••••

Design/ Production Emma Andrews

account managers Nicola Drew Lisa Westerman ••••• Directors Rory Smith Patrick Smith

YUMMY MUMMY

Keeping fit during pregnancy Top training tips for keeping fit during pregnancy:

S

tudies have shown that women who keep fit during pregnancy often enjoy easier, shorter and less complicated labours and also, a faster return to fitness once their baby is born. Here are a few tips to keep you in tip top condition during pregnancy: Health and fitness benefits include: • Better circulation • Less unnecessary weight gain • Reduced swelling • Less abdominal discomfort Before you begin, there are some sensible precautions to consider.

Pregnancy symptoms As your pregnancy progresses, your body undergoes many changes, not just visual ones…

These include: • Weight gain • Changing blood pressure • Changing resting heart rate • Increased flexibility as the hormone relaxin is released • Variable levels of fatigue You may also experience some or all of the following conditions: • Morning sickness (often disappearing after 12 weeks) • Increased sweating • Dizziness • Nausea • Hormonal mood changes 6 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

Frequently, by the end of the fourth month most or all of the above symptoms subside and renewed energy levels and vitality are felt. If you have found it difficult to maintain your fitness because of the changes that your body is undergoing, by 16 weeks you often feel raring to go. Providing that you have no medical reasons why you shouldn’t exercise during pregnancy, you can follow a sensible training routine for as long as you wish.

Getting started in pregnancy exercise The key point to remember when exercising through your pregnancy is to keep all your training at a comfortable level. Particularly if you have been a regular exerciser before becoming pregnant, avoid pushing too hard. The focus should be on general fitness maintenance and well-being, rather than competition and exercising to exhaustion.

• Always keep well hydrated • You may find that you sweat more so drinking more water is important.

• Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing • Loose clothing will help keep you cool, particularly as your shape changes.

• Allow longer recoveries - your levels of fatigue will alter through your pregnancy so take extra rest when you feel you need to.

• Always complete a thorough warm up and cool down in your session - Pregnancy affects your circulatory system so extend both your warm up and cool down to 15 minutes so that your body gradually adapts.

• Protect your back at all times - The back increasingly comes under load as your baby grows, so always consider your body position, particularly if carrying out resistance training.

• Avoid exercising on your back after 20 weeks - After 20 weeks, the weight of the womb can cause compression of the inferior vena cava, which in turn can cause dizziness, numbness at the extremities and a lack of oxygen to the foetus.

• Avoid over-stretching - Joints gradually become looser as your pregnancy develops, so avoid excessive flexibility exercises that could over-stretch muscles and tendons.

• Consider your energy requirements Combining exercise with pregnancy increases your calorie requirements so pay particular attention to your pre and post exercise nutrition needs.

• Choose low impact rather than high impact aerobic activities - To avoid excessive pounding and also damage to slacker joints, try activities such as swimming and only jog if you jogged prior to pregnancy.

• Ensure your footwear is supportive and has suitable cushioning - Good ankle and foot support is important, particularly in later pregnancy as joints become more lax.

• Focus on correct posture and technique at all times - It is important to put extra focus into your movements and posture because as your shape changes, your body is loaded in different ways. Good technique is vital to ensure a safe exercise session.

76

50

62

54

CONTENTS Baby Shower Boom

12

Can I Travel Abroad While Pregnant?

14

Temper Tantrums

28

It’s About Dads Too

34

A Princess In Residence

40

Boy Wonders

42

Family Holidays – Are We There Yet?

50

Child Safety In The Sun

54

Families At The Dorchester

60

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Wind In The Willows

62

Charlie & The Chesterfield

66

Masterchefs In The Making

68

D Throne Luxury Toy Car

70

Brick Live At ExCel

72

Disney’s Cars 3

76

Harry Potter Book Club

78

Kids Week

80

Lack Of Sleep Devastates The School Day

86

Does Your Child Want A Pet?

92

Anxiety in Children

94

YUMMY MUMMY

The Royal touch: Organic Montessori toys

T

he Twoodie stacking blocks are inspired

by Montessori “free play” as preferred

by Prince George, but also Google’s Larry & Sergei, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and a disproportionate amount of fortune 500 CEOs who were schooled in this method of early learning.

Twoodie runs over 20 independent tests to ensure the absolute purity and safety of the toys which are natural, sustainable and made to exacting quality standards in JAPAN. A favourite amongst celebrities and educators alike Twoodie is now available to yummy mummies everywhere via Twoodie.com.

This organic toy was developed over many years and with the help of Australia’s acclaimed Early Childhood Maternal Health Nurses. It is uniquely a ONE STOP baby toy solution that is designed to cover ALL the essential developmental and learning needs of a child’s first 18 months of life.

These goals include stacking, sound recognition, colour separation, fine motor skill development

“This organic toy was developed over many years and with the help of Australia’s acclaimed Early Childhood Maternal Health Nurses” and making shapes and letters. This of course is necessary because paediatricians strongly recommend restricting exposure to smartphones and screentime for children under 2.

Twoodie toys come packaged in a luxurious velvet pouch for easy transport and a solid artist tattooed shoebox for safe storage… Adding beauty (not clutter) to the home. They are available exclusively from Twoodie.com with FREE international delivery from JAPAN and a lifetime quality guarantee. www.twoodie.com 8 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

Ultrasound scans

F

or many women, ultrasound scans are the highlight of pregnancy. It’s very exciting to “see” your baby in the womb, often moving his or her hands and legs. Having a scan in pregnancy is usually a happy event, but be aware that ultrasound scans may detect some serious abnormalities, so you should be prepared for that information.

Ultrasound scans use sound waves to build a picture of the baby in the womb. The scans are completely painless, have no known side effects on mothers or babies, and can be carried out at any stage of pregnancy. Talk to your midwife, GP or obstetrician about any concerns you have.

What will happen in the scan room?

Most scans are carried out by specially trained staff called sonographers. The procedure is carried out in a dimly lit room so the sonographer is able to get good images of your baby. You will first be asked to lie on a couch.

The sonographer will put ultrasound gel on your tummy and tuck tissue paper around your clothing to protect it from the gel. The gel makes sure there is good contact between the machine and your skin.

The sonographer passes a handheld device called a probe over your skin. It is this probe that sends out ultrasound waves and picks them up when they bounce back.

A black and white picture of the baby will appear on the ultrasound screen. During the examination, sonographers need to keep the screen in a position that gives them a good view of the baby – either directly facing them or at an angle.

1 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

The sonographer will carefully examine your baby’s body. Having the scan does not hurt, but the sonographer may need to apply slight pressure to get the best views of the baby.

How long will a scan take?

A scan usually takes around 20 minutes. However, the sonographer may not be able to get good views if your baby is lying in an awkward position or moving around a lot.

If you are overweight or your body tissue is dense, sometimes this can reduce the quality of the image because there is more tissue for the ultrasound waves to get through before they reach the baby. If it is difficult to get a good image, the scan may take longer or have to be repeated at another time.

Can an ultrasound scan harm me or my baby?

There are no known risks to the baby or the mother from having an ultrasound scan, but it is important that you consider carefully whether to have the scan or not. The scan can provide information that may mean you have to make further important decisions.

For example, you may be offered further tests that have a risk of miscarriage.

When will scans be offered?

Hospitals offer all pregnant women at least two ultrasound scans during their pregnancy: • At 8 to 14 weeks, and • Between 18 and 21 weeks

“A black and white picture of the baby will appear on the ultrasound screen. During the examination, sonographers need to keep the screen in a position that gives them a good view of the baby”

The first scan is sometimes called the dating scan. The sonographer estimates when your baby is due (the estimated date of delivery, or EDD) based on the baby’s measurements. The dating scan can include a nuchal translucency (NT) scan, which is part of the combined screening test for Down’s syndrome.

The second scan offered to all pregnant women is called the anomaly scan, or mid-pregnancy scan, and usually takes place between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy. This scan checks for structural abnormalities (anomalies) in the baby.

Some women may be offered more than two scans, depending on their health and their pregnancy.

Do I have to have ultrasound scans?

No, not if you don’t want to. Some people want to find out if their baby has problems, while others don’t. The dating scan and anomaly scan are offered to all women, but you don’t have to accept them. Your choice will be respected if you decide not to have the scans, and your antenatal care will continue as normal. You’ll be given the chance to discuss it with your maternity team before making your decision.

What can an ultrasound scan be used for?

An ultrasound scan can be used to: • Check your baby’s size – at the dating scan, this gives a better idea of how many weeks pregnant you are; your due date, which is originally calculated from the first day of your last period, will be adjusted according to the ultrasound measurements • Check whether you’re having more than one baby • Detect some abnormalities • Show the position of your baby and the placenta – for example, when the placenta is low down in late pregnancy, a caesarean section may be advised • Check that the baby is growing normally – this is particularly important if you’re carrying twins, or you have had problems in this pregnancy or a previous pregnancy

normally and no problems are found. This is because most babies are healthy and do not have abnormalities.

If the scan finds there might be a problem, what happens next?

If a problem is found or suspected, the sonographer may ask for a second opinion from another member of staff. You might be offered another test to find out for certain if there is a problem. If you are offered further tests, you will be given more information about them so you can decide whether or not you want to have them. You will be able to discuss this with your midwife or consultant.

If necessary, you will be referred to a specialist, possibly in another hospital.

Is it a girl or a boy?

Finding out the sex of your baby is not offered as part of the national screening programme, but this depends on the policy of your hospital.

If you want to find out the sex of your baby, you can usually do so during the mid-pregnancy scan. Tell the sonographer at the start of the scan that you’d like to know your baby’s sex. Be aware, though, that it’s not always possible for the sonographer to be 100% certain about your baby’s sex. For example, if your baby is lying in an awkward position, it may be difficult or impossible to tell.

Some hospitals have a policy of not telling patients the sex of their baby. Speak to your sonographer or midwife to find out more.

“If you want to find out the sex of your baby, you can usually do so during the mid-pregnancy scan. Tell the sonographer at the start of the scan that you’d like to know your baby’s sex”

Can I have a picture of my baby?

You will need to check if your hospital provides this service. If they do, there may be a charge.

Can I bring family or friends with me when I have the scan?

Yes. Ultrasound scans can sometimes find problems with the baby. You may like someone to come with you to the scan appointment. Most hospitals do not allow children to attend scans as childcare is not usually available. Please ask you hospital about this before your appointment. Remember, an ultrasound scan is an important medical examination and it is treated in the same way as any other hospital investigation.

If everything appears normal, what happens next?

Most scans show that the baby is developing J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7 1 1

YUMMY MUMMY

Baby Shower Boom No longer just for celeb mums-to-be, some are spending £10,000 on parties for their unborn babies: no expense is being spared on today’s baby showers with professional planners, lavish venues and expensive gift lists.

T

he trend, adopted from America, is becoming increasingly common in Britain, with women spending an astonishing £220m attending baby showers each year. Two-thirds of expectant mums now plan a celebration with “the girls”.

When baby showers first caught on here, they were low-key affairs for a few close girlfriends at their pregnant friend’s home. Now the shower has become a costly social event: No wonder dozens of companies now offer baby shower gift-lists online, and there are even professional baby shower planners. The trend has doubtlessly been helped along by celeb mummies tweeting to the world.

Guests buy gifts from a compiled wish-list, this may sound lavish and materialistic but it is not unusual. The baby shower gives the mum-to-be the opportunity to be the centre of attention, with invited guests arriving laden down with designer presents.

‘Baby shower gift lists are becoming more popular and more extravagant as mums-to-be try to up the ante,’ said a consultant for Harrods’ weddings and celebrations gift list department.

‘Where mothers used to ask for small presents, such as baby clothes and toys, we had a list drawn up recently that included a £1,200 Silver Cross Balmoral Pram and a £469 Swarovski crystal-inlaid picture frame.’

Two-thirds of expectant mums now plan a celebration with “the girls” Some more generous, and less materialistic celebrity mums-to-be are seeing an opportunity not to indulge in all the expensive baby gifts, but to give to others. Shakira and Gerard Pique took to social media to ask their fans to donate money to UNICEF for what’s being dubbed a “World Baby Shower”.

The mega pop star and FC Barcelona preferred, rather than having fans sending gifts for their baby born last year, the couple asked all money be given to charity. The money given to UNICEF will go to vulnerable children and expectant mothers around the world.

1 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

Shakira says: “We wanted to help other children around the world and also contribute to a longlasting solution for getting children living in extreme poverty the supplies they need to survive. We also want other parents to feel compelled to do the same. With the explosion of social media, celebrities aren’t the only ones who have platforms that can reach mass audiences, and we want this movement to keep going long after our baby shower ended, so we want to invite them to host their own baby showers with Unicef as well.”

YUMMY MUMMY

Can I travel abroad if I am pregnant?

W

ith the proper precautions, and armed with information on when to travel, vaccination and travel insurance, most women can travel safely well into their pregnancy.

Find out what healthcare facilities are at your destination in case you require urgent medical attention. It’s a good idea to take your medical records with you so you can give doctors the relevant information if necessary.

Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any eventuality, such as pregnancy-related medical care during labour, premature birth and the cost of changing the date of your return trip if you go into labour.

When to travel in pregnancy

Some women prefer not to travel in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy because of nausea and feeling very tired during early stages. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first three months, whether you’re travelling or not.

Travelling in the final months of pregnancy can be tiring and uncomfortable. So, many women find the best time to travel is in mid-pregnancy, between four and six months. Travel during pregnancy is a concern for many women, but if your pregnancy

has no complications then there’s no reason why you can’t travel safely, as long as you take precautions.

Flying in pregnancy

If this is your first baby, now’s your chance to enjoy the luxury of uninterrupted time alone with your partner or with friends. For the next few years, you’ll have to take a car seat, pushchair, nappies and toys with you wherever you go!

Flying is not harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly. The likelihood of going into labour is naturally higher after 37 weeks (around 34 weeks if you’re carrying twins), and some airlines will not let you fly towards the end of your pregnancy. Check with the airline for their policy on this. After week 28 of pregnancy, the airline may ask for a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming your due date, and that you aren’t at risk of complications.

Long-distance travel (longer than 5 hours) carries a small risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about every 30 minutes or so. You can buy a pair of support stockings which will reduce leg swelling.

“Flying is not harmful to you or your baby, but discuss any health issues or pregnancy complications with your midwife or doctor before you fly”

Travel vaccinations when you’re pregnant Vaccines are not recommended because of concerns that the virus or bacteria in the jab could harm the baby in the womb.

You are generally advised to avoid travelling to countries where immunisation is required.

However, if you must travel to areas requiring inoculation, you should get your jabs. The risk of catching an infectious disease far outweighs the risk from vaccination. Some anti-malaria tablets aren’t safe to take in pregnancy so consult your GP for advice.

If you’re travelling to Europe, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles you to free treatment while abroad.

1 4 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

With you every step of the way BEFORE

DURING PREGNANCY

AFTER

Pregnacare® Conception with 21 nutrients including folic acid as recommended for all women trying to conceive.

Pregnacare® Original with 19 nutrients including folic acid and vitamin D as recommended by the Department of Health.

Pregnacare® Breast-feeding with 21 nutrients including 10mcg vitamin D and 300mg DHA for mums during lactation.1

More than just folic acid Most trusted by mums2 Most recommended by midwives2,3

ADPRGRANGEP 18-05-17E 1

Helping to make healthy mums and babies for over 25 years, Pregnacare® provides the recommended level of folic acid,4 along with vitamin D which is advised by the UK Department of Health throughout pregnancy.5 It also provides a range of micronutrients, and is supported by unique clinical research with mums-to-be6,7.

From , Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, supermarkets, chemists, health stores &

www.pregnacare.com

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

QUEEN’S AWARD for the INNOVATION supporting the PREGNACARE range

1. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol.18, No.5, 487-489 (1999). 2. For more information on this research, please visit www.pregnacare.com/mostrecommended. 3. Based on a survey of 1000 midwives. 4. Folic acid contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. Pregnacare® has always contained 400mcg folic acid, the level recommended for all women from the start of trying to conceive until the 12th week of pregnancy. 5. Source: NHS Choices. 6. Agrawal, R. et al. Prospective randomised trial of multiple micronutrients in women undergoing ovulation induction, Reproductive BioMedicine Online December 2011. 7. L Brough et al. Effect of multiple-micronutrient supplementation on maternal nutrient status, infant birth weight and gestational age at birth in a low-income, multi-ethnic population. British Journal of Nutrition (2010), 104, 437-445. *UK’s No.1 pregnancy supplement brand. Nielsen GB ScanTrack Total Coverage Unit Sales 52 w/e 25 March 2017.

YUMMY MUMMY

Why it is important to know your midwife At “Private Midwives” they provide high quality, safe, individualised care, tailored around your specific needs. Linda Bryceland, Director of Midwifery, Quality and Safety at Private Midwifes has some crucial advice…

Q Why is relationship continuity important?

A. “Relationship continuity involves the development of a meaningful relationship between you and your midwife. Having the same person care for you throughout, with frequent, meaningful and unhurried appointments, enables this process.

Being cared for by a midwife who you trust and have confidence in, can empower you to take control.

You feel confident. You feel prepared. When labour commences you are relaxed. You are never left alone and always have your very own midwife by your side throughout. In this environment, it is more likely that labour progresses smoothly and a calm and positive birth experience follows. This forms the foundation for a happy and healthy transition in to parenthood, giving you and your baby the best possible start – because YOU are worth it.”

During labour and birth it is essential to keep the stress hormones at bay and allow the natural hormones associated with birth to flourish. One of the most important is a hormone called Oxytocin.

We know that feeling out of control, uninformed, not listened to, fear, stress and anxiety can all stop the flow of Oxytocin. This can intensify pain, disrupt the labour and birth process and lead to a cascade of interventions which could lead to further loss of control, stress, fear and anxiety. The vision of a relaxed and positive birth experience drifts further and further out of reach”.

“I

n the UK, there are varying models of midwifery care. In most cases, you will be offered “traditional midwifery care” which means that you have about six, brief appointments with a midwife before birth usually in a clinic, at a set time and will probably see different people each time, and someone new when you are in labour. Some women are offered care within a case-loading model, meaning that a midwife is allocated to you and you see the same person all the time, before, during and after baby is born. Some women choose a private midwife. This gives them all the benefits of a case-loading model, but in addition, visits before and after baby is born are more frequent, longer duration and normally in your own home. All care is tailor made around you.

This really is an elite model and the benefits will give you a physical and emotional foundation for a happy transition into parenthood.”

1 6 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

“Sadly, there is huge variation in care provision and we know from surveys that women are not always listened to. In the last UK national survey involving 25,488 women, about 75% were cared for in labour by someone they had never met before and 22% were unhappy as they were left alone during labour or soon after birth.

The outcome from one of the largest trials concluded that women who had continuity from a midwife had fewer epidurals, instrumental or assisted births and episiotomies.

These women were more likely to have a normal birth and needed less pain relief.”

Linda Bryceland Ph.D, MA, BSc, RGN, RM, PGCert.

Director of Midwifery, Quality and Safety For more information visit www.privatemidwives.com

YUMMY MUMMY

Most Popular Baby Names of 2017 Baby-naming experts, Name Berry, have published their official list…an interesting read whether you have a newborn or one on the way.

These are the most popular baby names of 2017 so far…

Power names Apparently, names inspired by multicultural mythology are big this year - Thor, Persephone, Odin, Freya, Jupiter, Luna, Atlas, Clio, Orion, Morrigan, Pandora, and Zeus.

Literary names There’s a lot to be said for giving your son or daughter instant intellectual credibility from the offset. The most favoured names are those that come from childhood literary characters, like Sawyer, Matilda, Holden, Orlando. Also gaining

popularity are authors’ names, both first and last: Austen, Bronte, Poe, Wilde and Zadie.

Starting with an ‘O’ Names beginning with the vowel ‘o’ are gaining traction, for example Olivia, Olive, Ophelia, Oscar, Oliver and Owen.

Prep boys names With politics dominated by conservative parties in the US and the UK this year, prep boys names have rose to the fore – as in Brooks, Hayes, Briggs and Yates. There’s also still a draw to Downton Abbey names, such as Sybil, Cora and Mary. And the trendiest celebrity baby names of 2017 appear to include!

“There’s a lot to be said for giving your son or daughter instant intellectual credibility from the offset”

If you need some inspiration from the world of celebrity here are the top 3 names that are popping up so far for 2017.

The girls…

• Tatjana, the most popular trending baby name for girls on the list is the German variation of the Russian name “Tatiana,” and pronounced the same way.

The names are both derivatives of Tatius, a saint martyred in Rome in the third century.

• Alizeh, the Persian name clocks in at number two for girls, a variation of more common spellings of the names “Eliza” and “Elissa.” It means “joyful”.

• Tahiti, this geographically distinctive name is making the rounds in 2017 as the third most popular name for girls, and means “rising sun”.

The boys…

• Kyd, the most popular trending baby name for boys on the list, is typically an English surname.

Unsurprisingly, it means “kid” or “child”.

• Benajah, a Hebrew name that means “god has built,” is number two on the list for boy names this year.

• Sulien, Although it looks like it should rhyme with “Julien,” the Welsh name Sulien is actually pronounced sil-yen, and comes in third for boys on this year’s list. It means “sun born.”

For the full list visit https://nameberry.com 1 8 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

Dermatologist Dr Ariel Haus talks us through Melasma What is Melasma?

Melasma which is also sometimes called Chloasma, is a common skin condition whereby light to dark brown or greyish patches of pigmentation develop on the skin. It is often a reminder for many women of their pregnancy, though according to the British Association of Dermatologists about 10% of all people who will develop Melasma are men.

However, it is definitely more common in pregnant women and especially so if you have darker skin.

Can it be prevented?

Melasma is a complex condition to understand but it is known there are certain definite triggers, pregnancy being one. Medicine intended to regulate hormone levels, such as the contraceptive pill, or conditions resulting from a hormone imbalance, can also increase the likelihood of Melasma occurring.

Does Melasma only appear on the face?

It is most often seen on the face, especially the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, but it can also appear on the neck and forearms.

How can it be treated?

It is not possible to eliminate the visible effects of Melasma entirely, but it is possible to significantly reduce its size or colour, which for many people will have important emotional consequences. While 2 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

some people will prefer to use camouflage make up to even out their skin tone, others may prefer a more interventionist approach. In my clinic I prefer to use a combined approach of skin peels as well as non-ablative lasers. The laser that I use to treat Melasma is SRA, which uses a combination of intense pulsed light (IPL) and bi-polar radio frequency (RF). All skin types can be treated and improvement will be noticeable within a few weeks.

There is no downtime associated with the treatment, except avoiding the sun immediately afterwards, which will also be necessary on an ongoing basis.

For anyone considering treatment with a laser, it is always important to check the qualifications and experience of the person who will be doing the treatment. In the United Kingdom it is not necessary to be a Dermatologist (or even a Medical Practitioner) to operate a laser and not all lasers are suitable for treating signs of Melasma.

What can I do if I don’t want to see a Dermatologist?

Once you have the visible signs of Melasma, it is important to stay away from the sun, as exposure will make the appearance of Melasma worse. Whenever possible avoid sun exposure during the hours of 11am to 3pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest, wear high strength SPF UVA and UVB products (at least SPF 30 but preferably 50), and wear a wide brimmed hat. Sunbeds must never, ever, be used!

For more information Dr Ariel Haus 140 Harley Street London W1G 7LB 020 7935 6358 www.drhausdermatology.com

YUMMY MUMMY

BABY Talk F

rom your baby’s first gurgle, to his excitable chatter after a day at school, the ability to talk develops gradually. But before your baby says his first word, he’ll be picking up language skills from you and other adults around him.

Here’s an idea of what you can expect, and when.

But remember it’s completely normal for your child to reach these milestones a little earlier or later.

Baby

Birth - 3 months Crying is your baby’s first form of communication.

Your newborn makes quiet, cooing sounds when he’s happy or content. These are typically single vowel sounds, such as “ooh” and “ah” with his tongue and lips.

2 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

2 - 3 months Your baby alters his cry according to his needs.

As you get to know your baby, you may be able to distinguish a hunger cry from the cry he makes when he’s tired or uncomfortable.

3 - 4 months Your baby cries less often but will still cry when he’s uncomfortable or annoyed. He utters mostly vowel sounds, but cooing and gurgling is now a little more varied. Consonant sounds will begin to mix with vowels, such as “baba” or “yaya” 5- 6 months Your baby practises making his voice rise and fall (intonation)often in response to your baby talk and the faces you pull. He’ll be able to make sounds to get your attention, and will babble to himself and laugh when he plays Ask for help if... If your child

“As you get to know your baby, you may be able to distinguish a hunger cry from the cry he makes when he’s tired or uncomfortable”

isn’t making vocal sounds or eye contact with you by the time he’s six months old, talk to your doctor.

7- 12 months Your baby is babbling with greater variety by now, making new sound combinations and intonations.

He tries to copy your speech by putting consonants and vowels together, such as “bah-BAH-bah” or “no-no” He’ll have pretend conversations with you, taking turns to talk. He’ll recognise the names of familiar objects and toys, such as “car” and “teddy”.

Toddler

12 months The all-important first words will have been spoken by now, and were probably “mummum” or “dada”.

Your toddler may use a few words, but he won’t be able to pronounce them clearly.

15 months Your toddler raises his voice at the end of a question and makes hand gestures, such as pointing and waving, to emphasise what he’s saying. He may be able to say up to six simple words.

Ask for help if... If your child isn’t saying any words by the time he’s 15 months old, talk to your health visitor.

16 months Talking rather than just babbling out loud has started, even if it isn’t all that clear. He calls you to get your attention and nods and shakes his head for yes and no. Common consonant sounds such as t, d, n, w and h become part of his speech.

18 months Your toddler may know between six and 20 words, including nouns “mama”, verbs such as “eat”, and adjectives such as “cold”.

18 – 24 months Your toddler may have started to put two-word and three-word phrases together to form simple sentences, such as “Daddy go”, “go home now”, and “milk mess”. By 19 months about half of all children will be doing this. He’ll sometimes ask questions about the names of people and objects around him.

24 months Your child may know as many as 50 words by now, including some descriptive language. He’ll use short sentences consisting of two or more words with lots of pauses, such as “want milk”, “Baby ... fall down!” and “Me go... swings?”

2 – 3 years Your child knows about 200 words by now, including lots of verbs, and will be able to carry on a simple conversation about something in his immediate environment.

He’ll be asking simple questions, such as “What?”, “Where?” and “Who?” a lot. Phrases expand from three-word sentences to five-word sentences. He may stutter or stammer while he’s thinking what to say, but this is normal.

Ask for help if… If your two or three-year-old echoes your questions rather than answering them,

or has been stuttering for more than six months, speak to your doctor.

Pre-schooler

3 - 4 years Your child will make words past tense by adding a “d” sound to verbs, and can talk about things in the future as well. He’ll make plurals by adding an “s” sound to nouns, such as “mans” and can use pronouns (I, she, we) correctly. He can talk and play at the same time, knowing between 800 words and 1,000 words. He can say sentences of four words to six words and repeat his favourite words such as “why,” “what,” and “who” often. You can understand him most of the time, and he can describe what happened if you were out of the room. By five years, speech is generally grammatically correct.

Ask for help if… If your child’s stuttering lasts for more than six months, or if he tenses his jaw or grimaces while trying to speak. If so, he may be referred to a speech therapist. Bear in mind it’s perfectly normal for your child to sound as though he’s stuttering if he trips up on his words in his excitement to communicate.

Your child may know as many as 50 words by now, including some descriptive language. He’ll use short sentences consisting of two or more words with lots of pauses, such as “want milk”, “Baby ... fall down!” and “Me go... swings?

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7 2 3

YUMMY MUMMY

Time for Bed! N

ow all the children in the UK are back at their desks, desperately trying to get their brains working again, sleep becomes hugely important.

If you haven’t already reinstated a sleeping routine, you’ll need to do it as soon as possible. The school holidays are an exciting time for children. It means enjoying lovely holidays, afternoon naps, and sometimes late nights, hugely affecting both parents’ and children’s body clocks.

Routine is key to children waking up refreshed and feeling ready for bed at a suitable time. The sooner you begin to reintroduce a sleeping rhythm after several weeks of irregularity, the sooner all the family can fall back into a healthy sleeping pattern.

Don’t know where to start? Get bedtime under control with these top tips...

2 24 4 JJ U UN NE E // JJ U U LLY Y 22 00 11 77

GRADUALLY REINTRODUCE EARLIER BEDTIMES

INTRODUCE TECHNOLOGY-FREE EVENING TIME

An ideal bedtime for under 10’s would be no later than 8.30pm. If you haven’t done so already, try to gradually shift bedtime earlier over the course of a few days to allow children to adjust.

Research has shown that having a constant stream of light enter our eyes before we go to sleep tells our brains we want to be awake. An hour or so before the children go to bed, rule out any blue light; this means no TV, tablets or mobile phones. The bedroom should be a technology-free environment.

A CALMING PRE-SLEEP ROUTINE The hours before can be just as important as actual bedtime. Making a milky drink or reading are great ways to help children wind down and feel ready for sleep.

EAT WELL A good balance of serotonin and melatonin hormones in our system is essential to a good night’s sleep, and sending children to school with a balanced lunchbox will promote this. Foods such as chicken, cheese, tuna, eggs, nuts (if they’re allowed) and milk are all high in serotonin and are lunchbox friendly to boot.

EXERCISE IS KEY It is scientifically proven that exercise can lead to a better night’s sleep. Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to sleep more deeply. A short walk with children after dinner is a good way to help them wind down.

AFFECTION A good cuddle with your child will make them feel calm and loved, especially after a temper tantrum!

YUMMY MUMMY

From the fields of Devon to the nurseries of London N aturalmat are bringing a touch of the Devon countryside to the nursery with their handmade natural fibre mattresses.

Made by hand in Devon using the finest natural and organic materials, the mattresses are naturally breathable and self-ventilating. This helps your child regulate their body temperature and sleep comfortably. Their most popular baby mattress, the Coco Mat was launched in 2001 and has won numerous accolades including a 2017 Mother & Baby award for Best Natural Product.

This bestselling mattress uses Organic coir (coconut fibre) for its natural support and breathability with organic Westcountry lambswool from Soil Association certified farms to provide softness and insulation. Ideal for babies that suffer from allergies and asthma, the mattress is naturally anti-dust mite, chemical free, non-toxic and naturally fire retardant.

The mattresses are available in a variety of child bed sizes and there is also a made to measure service for parents who have an unusual sized baby bed or moses basket from any brand or a much loved family cot. The made to measure service can also be used to create mattresses for pushchair carrycots and travel cots so babies can enjoy natural comfort on the go.

To complement the mattresses, Naturalmat have a range of organic bedding including breathable and waterproof mattress protectors to keep your child’s bed clean and fresh. The pure cotton fitted and

2 6 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

“You can see these beautiful products at the Naturalmat Baby Boutique located in Notting Hill�

flat sheets are certified by the Soil Association and made according to GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). For older children, there are Westcountry lambswool pillows and duvets, all handmade in Devon. Their signature moses basket is the Willow Crib which is a timeless baby bed made entirely from renewable willow crops, using traditional basket weaving skill.

You can see these beautiful products at the Naturalmat Baby Boutique located in the heart of Notting Hill. As well as their natural fibre mattresses, bedding and handcrafted Willow Crib, they also offer a range of natural baby products and nursery furniture. The Linea range from Danish designer Leander combines function with aesthetics for a modern look and feel. The popular Stokke Sleepi bed is on display too. There is sleepwear, blankets, lambskins and accessories made from natural materials by brands such as Aden + Anais, Merino Kids, Bamboom and Heitmann Felle. For the best in natural, organic and contemporary baby sleep products, visit Naturalmat in Notting Hill. www.naturalmat.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

TEMPER TANTRUMS

Temper tantrums usually start at around 18 months and are very common at that age.

One in five two-year-olds has a temper tantrum every day.

O

ne reason for this is that two-year-olds want to express themselves but find it difficult. They feel frustrated and the frustration comes out as a tantrum.

Once a child can talk more they’re less likely to have tantrums. By the age of four, tantrums are far less common.

These ideas may help you to cope with tantrums when they happen.

Tantrum tips

Find out why the tantrum is happening Your child may be tired or hungry, in which case the solution is simple. They could be feeling frustrated or jealous, maybe of another child. They may need time, attention and love, even though they’re not being very loveable.

Understand and accept your child’s anger You probably feel the same way yourself at times, but you can express it in other ways.

Find a distraction If you think your child is starting a tantrum, find something to distract them with straight away. This could be something you can see out of the window.

Say, for example, “Look! A cat”. Make yourself sound as surprised and interested as you can.

Wait for it to stop Losing your temper or shouting back won’t end the tantrum. Ignore the looks you get from people around you and concentrate on staying calm. Giving in won’t help in the long term. If you’ve said no, don’t change your mind and say yes just to end the tantrum.

Otherwise, your child will start to think that tantrums can get them what they want. For the same reason, it doesn’t help to bribe them with sweets or treats.

If you’re at home, try going into another room for a while. Make sure your child can’t hurt themself first.

Be prepared when you’re out shopping Tantrums often happen in shops. This can be embarrassing, and embarrassment makes it harder to stay calm. Keep shopping trips short. Start by going out to buy one or two things only, and build up from there. Involve your child in the shopping by talking about what you need and letting them help you.

Try holding your child firmly until the tantrum passes 2 8 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

Some parents find this helpful, but it can be hard to hold a struggling child. It usually works when your child is more upset than angry and when you’re feeling calm enough to talk to them gently and reassure them.

Hitting, biting, kicking and fighting Most young children occasionally bite, hit or push another child. Toddlers are curious and may not understand that biting or pulling hair hurts.

This doesn’t mean your child will grow up to be aggressive. Here are ways to teach your child that this behaviour is unacceptable: Don’t hit, bite or kick back This could make your child think it’s acceptable to do this. Instead, make it clear that what they’re doing hurts and that you won’t allow it.

Take them out of the situation If you’re with other children, say you’ll leave or ask the other children to leave unless your child’s behaviour improves. You must be prepared to carry this out if you want it to work.

Put your child in another room If you’re at home, try this for a short period. Check that they’re safe before you leave them.

Talk to them Children often go through phases of being upset or insecure, and express their feelings by being aggressive. Finding out what’s worrying them is the first step to being able to help.

Show them you love them, but not their behaviour Children may be behaving badly because they need more love. Show you love them by praising good behaviour and giving them plenty of cuddles when they’re not behaving badly.

Help them let their feelings out in another way Find a big space, such as a park, and encourage your child to run and shout. Letting your child know that you recognise their feelings will make it easier for them to express themselves without hurting anyone else. You could try saying things like: “I know you’re feeling angry about…”. As well as showing you recognise their frustration, it will help them be able to name their own feelings and think about them.

“Once a child can talk more they’re less likely to have tantrums. By the age of four, tantrums are far less common”

Ask an expert If you’re seriously concerned about your child’s behaviour, talk to your health visitor or GP.

www.xokiddo.co.uk

XOKiddo is a trendy yet timeless, organic children's fashion label for the cool kids.

YUMMY MUMMY

New Mum MOT

D

uring pregnancy, labour and birth, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes. The pelvic floor and abdominal muscles have been stretched and the body is put under immense physical strain during childbirth.

These bodily changes can lead to problems such as pelvic girdle pain, rectus diastasis (tummy muscle separation), lower back pain and difficulty with bladder control. The New Mum MOT is a postnatal assessment designed to empower women back to fitness and activity with the aim of preventing the development of long term childbirth related issues.

It is important that women do not feel embarrassed to discuss any post-natal problems they may be experiencing or feel that there is no help available. At Parkside Hospital, our Women’s Health Physiotherapist specialises in the assessment and treatment of these specific post-natal problems.

They offer a supportive environment to discuss concerns, followed by a tailored assessment. With this information a goal and treatment plan will be developed taking into account your specific needs.

Why have a New Mum MOT? Many women feel they have unanswered questions after their 6 week check. Such as: • Am I doing my pelvic floor exercises correctly?

• Can I do sit ups and the plank to help get my tummy back in shape?

• When can I return to my usual levels of exercise?

• Sometimes I leak when I cough or sneeze.

Is this normal?

3 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

These are important questions and a New Mum MOT gives you an opportunity to put your mind at rest!

Research suggests that there will be a natural healing of a rectus diastasis up to 8 weeks postnatal; however there will be no further improvement without interventions such as physiotherapy after this period. A New Mum MOT will ensure you’re doing the correct exercises at the right time, avoid overloading the abdominal muscles which may delay healing and show you the right way of doing every day movements to prevent low back pain now and in the future.

What treatments are available?

• Core strengthening (1:1 or Pilates) • Soft tissue release • Manual therapy • Acupuncture • Hydrotherapy • Bladder retraining • Pelvic floor retraining • Neuromuscular stimulation and biofeedback • Prolapse treatment • Advice and reassurance

THE DETAILS

The New Mum MOT assessment is usually recommended from 6 weeks to 6 years or more after birth – it’s never too late to address post-natal problems.

For more information, or to arrange an assessment contact the Physiotherapy team at Parkside Hospital on 020 8971 8021 or email physio@parkside-hospital.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

Every child deserves a family…

I

n England over 4,000 children are waiting for loving adoptive parents. They are a range of ages, from a variety of backgrounds. What they have in common is a difficult start in life and that they can no longer be brought up by their birth families.

All these children need a loving, stable home.

They need parents who will stick by them through the good times and the bad. They need support and love to help them overcome their troubled backgrounds, make sense of who they are and grow up to be safe and secure.

Adoption is a way of providing a permanent family for children. Parenting adopted children, whilst presenting unique challenges, can be extremely rewarding. If you are able to offer love, commitment, time, patience and the motivation to want to understand how your child sees the world, then that is a great start and the rewards will be limitless.

It may be that you have a wish to be a parent but fertility issues mean that you cannot have a birth child. Or you may already have a family but feel you still have space for another child. Or you may be single and feel that you have masses of love, security and happiness to offer to a child who has not had a great start in life and/or has ongoing challenges. Or you may have adopted and are thinking of adopting again.

Whether you are married or single, divorced or living with a partner, gay or straight, unemployed or disabled, and whatever your cultural background adoption may be for you.

What does it take to be an adoptive parent?

Adoptive parents need the same qualities as any other parent. Adoption offers children the love, stability and security of family life they may not 3 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

“Adoption is a way of providing a permanent family for children. Parenting adopted children, whilst presenting unique challenges, can be extremely rewarding”

have experienced before. Have confidence that you have what it takes!

You will need to give your adopted child(ren) lots of individual time, understanding and support. Children who experience unmet physical and emotional needs early in life can have their later development adversely affected, perhaps requiring different parenting techniques to a birth child. That may sound daunting but there is plenty of support available, via your agency and voluntary support agencies.

On a practical level, you will need to be able to support a child financially, though you don’t have to be a millionaire or even be a homeowner. You can apply for tax credits to supplement your income when you adopt, and other financial help may also be available in the form of one-off or regular payments.

When you first adopt, one partner will be expected to take time off work for between six and twelve months to help the child settle in.

Your child will also need your ongoing support to help them understand about their birth family and why they were adopted. You will need to be able to help discuss their history with them in a respectful way and highlight the positives in their past.

Where it is in their best interests there may be ongoing contact with the child’s birth family. This can involve anything from occasional meetings with birth family members or ‘letterbox’ contact once or twice a year. As an adoptive parent, you will need to support your child with whatever arrangements are agreed for contact with their birth family.

Adoption is a lifelong commitment requiring skill, empathy, energy, patience – and a sense of humour! But there can be no greater reward than transforming a child’s life forever and building a happy, fulfilled family.

Adoption transforms the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in society.

YUMMY MUMMY

IT’S ABOUT DAD’S TOO! W

hen a new baby arrives, Dads can often feel “left out”! There is absolutely no need for this to happen, Dads can be just as involved and bond with his new baby as the mum.

Bath time is so much fun and can be a very enjoyable experience for Dad and your baby together. It also gives dad some time to have skin to skin contact with his baby, which is a great bonder.

If you are breast feeding then it might seem impossible for Dad to help in any way…wrong! You can express some of your supply and keep it in the fridge and dad can take over when your baby wakes in the night for a feed.

It is such a pleasurable thing for a dad to do.

Having that time in the quiet and still of the night, holding his baby close, feeding and then winding and resettling the baby, allowing you to sleep and catch up on some well-earned rest. Something that will be greatly appreciated!

Nappy changing is also not exclusively for mums, dads can do that too. And while your baby is on the changing mat they can have a chat and a sing and just enjoy some fun time together. Remember that even from an early age babies enjoy contact and hearing sounds and voices. Very soon they will recognise their

“Very soon they will recognise their Dads voice too, and react on hearing it”

3 4 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

Dads voice too, and react on hearing it.

When your baby has been fed, dad can take over the winding, leaving you some time to wind down and enjoy a cuppa and put your feet up. Maybe watch some TV, or read a book or have some precious time to take a soak in the bath and relax.

These are just a few suggestions for enabling Dad to bond with his new little one. So you see it is not all about Mum, it can be all about Dad too!

And with Father’s Day in June we want to make extra sure that Daddy feels special, not just to his baby and children but to you too.

The Parallel Line Design is a sign of a genuine BABYBJÖRN product.

YUMMY MUMMY

STYLISH LIVING E

lla James is an online store which offers a curated collection of stylish accessories for both Indoor and Outdoor Living.

The children’s collection ‘Little Ella James ‘focuses on imaginative, quality products which make wonderful gifts that will stand the test of time. The collection is sourced throughout Europe and includes the bestselling Adorable Bunny Nightlight, gorgeous Bloom Pink Tepee with Feather Trim and colourful Wooden Raindrop Wall Hooks. The boys’ collection includes a wonderful Woodland Fox Print Wigwam, a Woodland Design Croquet Set and the popular Felt safari Animal Heads.

New products are added to the collections each month and a Christmas collection of decorative accessories and stocking fillers is launched each October.

Visit www.ellajames.co.uk or telephone 01572 759 190 for Customer services and Mail Order

Image © nobodinoz

“The boys collection includes a wonderful Woodland Fox print wigwam, a woodland design croquet set”

3 6 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

Use discount code YUMMY15 for 15% off

Adorable bunny night light, ÂŁ75

Members of Please follow us on Facebook

YUMMY MUMMY

Backpacks

The functional fashion statement , by Millie Ralston - London resident and mum of three “Effortlessly combining fashion with function, they are the new must have bags for modern mums and will keep you looking stylish and organised well beyond motherhood”

W

hen I hear the word ‘backpack’, I picture my awkward teenage-self waiting for the bus to school with an entire library on my back, or even worse, some awful ugly waterproof thing I lugged round Thailand on my gap-year. But in the year of the throwback that 2017 has become, retro fashion is everywhere, and believe it or not backpacks have made a comeback. Even Burberry is paying homage to the archive style with their reworked rucksack, which, by the way, they are selling for an eye-watering £895. I don’t remember my school bag being that much but hey, that’s fashion for you.

At first I thought this new trend of bag was just another fad, along with the choker necklaces and bell sleeves that have recently resurfaced. But, after road testing one for a week I can certainly see why they are so popular. The new-generation backpack is not just a novelty or a fashion statement, as a mummy of three its an absolute godsend.

After reading the reviews online of the raved-about KeriKit Thor backpack, I thought I would see what all the fuss is about. Compared to the black nylon monstrosity I usually envisage backpacks to be it was a chic work of art, made of beautiful butter-soft nude leather and sleek gold hardware. Like a handsome hunk across the bar it

3 8 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

certainly caught my attention, but it is what was inside that I fell in love with. With designated pockets for all my mummy needs, including bottle holders and a waterproof pocket for dirty clothes, you can just tell its design has been well thoughtout by a fellow mother; its not just pretty, its practical too. Suddenly it all made sense: sure backpacks are a quirky novelty and a throwback to our school days, but unlike most bags they’re actually functional.

Afterall, the reason we wore them as kids was so we could have hands-free fun. Wearing my backpack I feel stylish and feminine, yet it innovatively organises everything I may need on a day out with the children and crucially allows me to keep both hands free; an absolute necessity as a mum. What’s more, the padded straps made it so comfortable I forgot it was even there.

So along with my new Thor backpack came a very large slice of humble pie. Backpacks are certainly the fashion statement I can get on board with as a mum thanks to the KeriKit range.

Effortlessly combining fashion with function they are the new it-bags for mums that will be stylish and useful well beyond motherhood. Thankfully they are the cheaper and more practical alternative to the Burberry, and certainly just as cool.

YUMMY MUMMY

A

PRINCESS IN RESIDENCE “From baby girl nurseries and young girlie bedrooms to pre-teen girls rooms, you’ll find design ideas for every stage of your daughter’s childhood” have to consist of clear storage containers and rows of school-style cubbies. A tall and simple bookshelf consisting of both drawers and shelves can showcase her favourite toys and collectibles, while keeping small trinkets safely stored.

G

irl’s bedrooms are certainly not relegated to frilly beds and all-over pink decors any longer. Today’s girls bedrooms are as varied as each girl’s personality with styles, colours and motifs in an endless range of possibilities.

From baby girl nurseries and young girlie bedrooms to pre-teen girls rooms, you’ll find design ideas for every stage of your daughter’s childhood.

Decorating a room that grows with your child calls for creativity and clever planning. Keep life simple by leaving walls and furniture bright and white. The neutral backdrop will blend effortlessly with any number of solids and patterns on bedding and other decor.

While pretty is important, practicality is a must.

Bedding, accessories, and paint colours can easily be changed as tastes go from little girl to teen.

The many storage options can readily go from holding dolls to fashion magazines and makeup.

Keep her stylish space organised by adding simple wall shelves. Narrow shelves in various sizes create visual interest in a bedroom and offer a simple way to showcase books, artwork and other knick-knacks.

Bedrooms aren’t just for sleeping anymore. A hanging bubble chair provides a unique place to read and study, as well as the “girls only” ladderaccessible secret hideout.

An organised and clutter-free bedroom doesn’t

4 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

beds - bunks - mid sleepers - high sleepers - furniture - storage - desks & chairs

littlefolksfurniture.co.uk 01985 300588

YUMMY MUMMY

BOY WONDERS

W

hether you’re looking to create your perfect son’s nursery, design a vibrant play zone for your toddler, or overhaul your teen’s den, you need to start with a plan.

And much like a girl’s room doesn’t have to be the traditional pink, boy’s rooms definitely don’t have to be blue. Pastel colours are always good for your baby’s nursery, creating a calm and peaceful environment, but there are many other colours to choose from.

Once your little boy grows out of his crib, you can use a toddler bed or have him graduate right to a large bed. Storage beds, bunk beds, and trundle beds are a few styles to consider.

Be sure to include multipurpose kids’ furniture and storage space. In addition to storing his clothes, you’ll need to store his toys and books. A bookcase will work, especially if the upper shelves are used just for decor and the lower shelves are used for the toys he can get himself. You may also want to consider a toy box or a shelving unit with storage bins that make cleaning up after playtime much easier.

Young children like a craft table or a desk to do colouring, whereas an older child needs a place to do homework - this can be created within one space that won’t require too much work as your child gets older.

After you have the furniture, you can select your design theme, which can be as simple as a colour 4 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

scheme – blue isn’t always the colour these days so make sure to consider your son’s interests. Even very young children will have a favourite colour.

Traditional colour palettes such as blues and reds are the classic option, but don’t be afraid of zingy yellows or calming pastel shades if you want something a little different.

TOP TIPS

Walls with fun print wallpaper is a great way to liven up a colour scheme. If your son is sporting mad, you can renew the age-old football theme with the addition of vintage football tables and cool posters or perhaps a striking, excuse the pun.. feature wall.

Shop for accessories that you can update as your son grows - one of the easiest ways to establish a theme of the room is with kids’ bedding, and this can be updated regularly.

Lighting for kids can be less serious than the fixtures in the rest of your house. A ceiling light fixture can be a fun place to repeat the theme, and a table lamp adds light for doing homework.

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7 4 3

Boys Blue Striped Tiger Shorts, £232.00

Boys White Cotton Shirt, £158.00 Black Leather Horsebit Loafers, £178.00

Girls Pink Leather Sandals, £237.00

Girls Purple Pique Polo Top, £123.00

Girls Blue Embroidered Denim Jeans, £365.00

Exclusively at...

Boys Black leather monster eye trainers, from £283.00 Boys Beige text bubble shirt, from £164.00

Boys Blue distressed bermuda shorts, from £155.00

Girls Red Embroidered Backpack, £405.00

Girls Red Neoprene Beaded Dress, from £325.00

Girls Red Monster Robot Slip On Shoes, from £257.00

Exclusively at...

Boys White Chinese New Year Rooster Polo Top, from £165.00 Boys Blue Denim Shorts, from £185.00 Boys White Leather Trainers, from £194.00 Boys Navy Chinese New Year Rooster Cap, £145.00

Girls Pink Pineapple Ruffle Top, from £185.00 Girls Pink Pineapple Ruffle Shorts, from £175.00 Girls Pink Pineapple Espadrilles, from £125.00

Exclusively at...

YUMMY MUMMY

Are we there yet?

I

f you’ve been stuck for ideas on where to take the kids on holiday this summer then we have some destinations which could tick all the boxes for you and your family! As is the case every year, 2017 is showing a number of trends when it comes to popular child-friendly holidays around the world - there are some old favourites in this list and a few surprises!

So without further adieu, here is a quick overview of some top family holiday destinations for 2017.

soak up the history of America’s oldest city, while taking the time to soak up the sun at Revere Beach and generally live in the lap of luxury. After a few days, take the quick bus ride to New York City and be sure to take a camera to capture the kids’ faces when they first lay eyes on Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and pretty much the whole place.

Florida The sunshine state really is in every respect a living, breathing dream come true for kids. In places like Orlando, their wildest fantasies are brought to life right before their eyes each and every day, adding up to a fortnight, week or even just a long weekend they’ll never forget. And it’s a blast for the adults too! Disney World and Universal Studios tickets might not come cheap, but living costs in general across Florida are surprisingly low.

Croatia

Canary Islands You can pretty much take your pick of any of the Canary islands and you won’t go far wrong, though over recent years Gran Canaria has really come into its own for families. Compared to the likes of Lanzarote and Fuertaventura, Gran Canaria is quieter, more laid back and has a certain special tranquility about it.

Thailand Seriously? With kids? Absolutely - the thing to remember here is that there is much more to Thailand than the infamous streets of Bangkok.

Head out to a smaller, quieter island like Koh Chang and enjoy an unspoilt paradise where deserted beaches, elephant safaris and some of the most wonderful people in the world are just waiting to look after you. Best of all, once you’re there it’s almost impossible to spend the money in your pocket !

Boston/New York If you’ve been thinking of giving the kids their first taste of the USA, consider a two-leg trip taking in Boston and New York City. Start out in Boston and 5 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

“In places like Orlando, their wildest fantasies are brought to life right before their eyes each and every day”

Off the tourist map until recently but fast becoming a global hot-spot for the world’s jet-setting elite, Croatia brings together everything that’s wonderful about family travel all in one sun-soaked paradise.

Explore hidden villages time seems to have forgotten, find your own deserted island or just lap it up in any of the world class resorts on offer by the barrel-load!

Spain There really couldn’t be a list like this without giving a nod to mainland Spain - the UK’s most treasured family holiday destination for generations. From the Costa Blanca to the streets of Barcelona and right down to the unique cultural experience that is Gibraltar, kids simply revel in the Spanish way of life that never fails to capture their heart, soul and mind.

UK Last but not least, the new classic that is the ‘staycation’ is once again tipped to be big business for families in 2017 - more specifically those not entirely perturbed by the constant threat of a shower or two. In terms of where to head, the usual haunts like the Lake District, Devon and Cornwall are all topping the bill, though Scotland’s cultural highlights like Edinburgh are also mounting a fightback.

Ultimate swim style for 2017

P

latypus Australia is a global UV Swimwear and fashion Beachwear brand that unites style with sun safety for kids aged 0 to 14.

The Collection features never-before-seen prints in practical yet stylish silhouettes.

Our NEW eco-friendly boys boardshorts produced from 58% recycled plastic bottles is a very exciting development for 2017, protecting our children from the harmful UV rays and also protecting the precious environment around us.

The boardshorts pair back with rash guards, hats and swimwear all of which are chlorine resistant and guaranteeing maximum sun protection Platypus Australia has also introduced new on-trend swimwear styles for 2017, including cropped rash guards, capped sleeve one pieces and flounce bikinis for girls

and a t-shirt rash guard with a pocket for boys. The new collection also features performance items for swimming lessons and pool training like athletic style bikinis, onepieces and the very popular jammers and leggings.

Designed to ensure that kids look stylish while remaining comfortable, cool and protected from the sun’s harmful rays, Platypus Australia provides maximum sun protection with a UPF 50+ rating meeting the strict criteria of Arpansa and the British Standard for ultraviolet radiation. The line is made with Lycra® Xtra Life™, which affords supreme shape-retention, maximum breathability, and ultra-chlorine resistance properties.

View the entire Collection at www.platypusaustralia.com also available at House of Fraser Online www.houseoffraser.co.uk

PLATYPUS AUSTRALIA AVAILABLE AT HOUSE OF FRASER AND ONLINE www.platypusaustralia.com

ULTRA CHLORINE RESISTANT

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7 5 1

YUMMY MUMMY

FLYING HIGH B

edBox® is the ultimate travel gadget for children from birth until 7 years of age.

It is your child’s hand luggage, ride-on suitcase and inflight bed/leg-rest, all in one. Designed by former-Norwegian Captain and engineer Halvor Holmgren and his wife, a specialist in children’s travel products, they have revolutionised flying with children.

Travelling with children can be stressful, tiring and demanding. The ride-on aspect of our BedBox makes getting through long airport corridors easier, quicker and much more fun. Because of the adjustable wheels, the BedBox handles better than dad’s sports car. And as a plus, we made it into a suitcase according to carry-on dimensions, so you can use it as nappy bag or allow your kids to pack for themselves.

But what about the part of the journey that you spend in the air? For many parents, the real hassle about traveling starts when entering the aircraft.

5 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

“The ride-on aspect of our BedBox makes getting through long airport corridors easier, quicker and much more fun”

Getting a child to sleep on the plane, can be one of the most horrendous parts of travelling with a young child and yet solutions for children sleeping onboard most aircrafts are very limited.

The flight attendant might tell your child to get off the floor (not most comfortable option anyway!). If you have the luxury to have a row of seats to yourself, you might allow your child to sleep across the row meaning they cannot use the seatbelt (not the safest option!). And finally, if they are asleep on you; you cannot move (not the most practical option!). Therefore, the BedBox comes to the rescue: for you, your child, and every other passenger on board who wants quiet flight!

Giving your child the option to lie down fully stretched out, or using it as a leg rest if they are older, means they can still use the seat belt and get some shut eye. As a parent it means you can sit back, enjoy your inflight meal and watch the inflight movies undisturbed.

So. Yes, it’s a suitcase. Yes, it’s a bed. Yes, it’s a miracle. www.jet-kids.com

YUMMY MUMMY

SafeTheinSun Exposing your child to too much sun may increase their risk of skin cancer later in life.

Sunburn can also cause considerable pain and discomfort in the short term.

Tips to protect your child from sunburn • Encourage your child to play in the shade – for example, under trees – especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest.

• Keep babies under the age of six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday.

• Cover exposed parts of your child’s skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days. Use one that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above and is effective against UVA and UVB. Don’t forget to apply it to their shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks and the tops of their feet. Reapply often throughout the day.

• Be especially careful to protect your child’s shoulders and the back of their neck when they’re playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn.

• Cover your child up in loose, baggy cotton clothes, such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves.

• Get your child to wear a floppy hat with a wide brim that shades their face and neck.w • Protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses that meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the “CE” mark (check the label or ask the manufacturer).

• If your child is swimming, use a waterproof sunblock of factor 15 or above. Reapply after towelling.

5 4 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

“Be especially careful to protect your child’s shoulders and the back of their neck when they’re playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn”

USE DiScoUnt coDE YM0617 for15% off

SWIM SAFELY WITH JAKABEL

Jakabel has a stylish, eye catching and easy-to-spot range of UV50+ swimwear and accessories, including the highly acclaimed Swimsafe floatsuits – the only ones with an anti-tip neck ring. High-quality, resilient and chlorine-safe, they look good on all the family!

Sizes from 0-13yrs plus adult sizes. Delivery 2-3 days all year round.

Email: info@jakabel.com Tel: 020 8715 2385

www.jakabel.com

YUMMY MUMMY

BABY SENSORY

TODDLER RUGBY Believe it or not, toddler rugby IS a thing and it’s far gentler than the adult version of the sport. Children as young as two years can attend to build us their balance, agility and co-ordination skills – and have lots of fun doing it.

We recommend: www.rugbytots.co.uk

Ideal for boosting your baby’s development and stimulating his senses, baby sensory classes use varying sensory experiences (e.g. visual, auditory and tactile) to help your tot learn to build on all the skills he needs to grow.

We recommend: www.babysensory.com

BABY SWIMMING The phrase ‘water baby’ wasn’t pulled out of thin air – a lot of little ‘uns love splashing around and find swimming a really calming activity. Plus, it’s never too soon to introduce your baby to water.

We recommend: www.swimway.co.uk

Baby and Toddler

Activity Classes

Signing up for a baby or toddler class is not only a great way to get you and your tot out of the house regularly, it also gives you both a chance to get all social. Not to mention, your little one can learn a new skill or burn off some excess energy – and hopefully sleep better.

TODDLER FOOTBALL You don’t have to be at school to play football in a team children as young as 18 months can sign up for this class!

We recommend: www.littlekickers.co.uk

BABY YOGA Baby yoga is bursting with benefits and is fast becoming a seriously trendy mum/baby activity – so it shouldn’t be too hard to find a class near you.

Using a range of gentle stretches and movements to calm and relax your baby, it aids sleep, boosts digestion and is a great way for you both to bond.

We recommend: www.tattybumpkin.com

TODDLER GYMNASTICS

TODDLER ART CLASSES Crafting isn’t just fun for little ones – it’s a brilliant way to really encourage them to tap into their creativity. And enrolling your toddler in a class can help him learn to make choices, share, listen, observe and pretend – as well as play and interact with other children.

We recommend: www.thecreationstation.co.uk

5 6 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

Designed to develop motor skills in areas of agility, balance, climbing and coordination, pre-school gymnastic classes let children explore freely and control their movements more precisely. Plus anything including soft play is bound to be fun for little ones!

We recommend: www.tumbletots.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

The

Guide to

SUMMER CAMPS A

s the summer holidays draw near, you may be considering enrolling your children in a summer camp. Being a relatively recent phenomena in the UK, it is a fantastic opportunity for letting your child run free in a safe and monitored environment, allowing them to feed their interests, develop their talents, build their confidence, learn social skills and get plenty of exercise!

There are Summer Camps in the UK if you would feel safer having your child within reach, but there are many others in Europe as well as the US, if you want to encourage them to broaden their horizons.

Packing your precious child off into the unknown can be hard. Help your child by taking a positive approach. You can’t run and get them as soon as there’s a problem; it can require a little tough love. Parenting is about giving children roots and the ability to fly – and camp provides both. It helps them gain independence in a stable environment. That noted, the decision to go to camp should always be the child’s, and while parents can encourage, they should never push.

5 8 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

“Selecting a summer camp can be almost as challenging as choosing a school: Does distance matter? What are the camp’s philosophies?

Does it offer activities my child will enjoy?”

Remember that summer camps are designed with children of all types in mind. Most partner them with a grown-up who will make sure they brush their teeth, tuck them into bed every night and give them a hug if they’re homesick. If you want to speak to your child while they’re away, check camp policy. Most frown on mobiles, so you’re unlikely to be texting during the day. Calls may be restricted to certain times, but letters are generally encouraged.

“It’s important to do your research.

Involve your child in the selection process (though not necessarily the short-listing), to ensure they’re interested in the programme and feel comfortable”

With so many outdoor activities on offer, it is important that you look for providers that are licensed by the Adventure Activity Licensing Authority (bit.ly/camp safety), monitored by Ofsted (ofsted.gov.uk) or accredited

by BAPA. Most providers have comprehensive websites with information on staff training, campers-to-staff ratios (which should be about 10 to 1 for children aged eight to 14), and staff CRB checks. If you can’t find this information online, telephone to check.

Search for a camp that has been successful for a very long time, with a track record that speaks for itself. Experienced camps know how to get it just right so that kids can’t wait to come back and visit again.

Make sure you consider the unexpected, too. Ask whether staff have first-aid qualifications, if the camp is in contact with local doctors and hospitals, and what insurance policies are in place. Your child may need additional cover.

It’s got to be FUN FUN FUN for your children and worry free for you!

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7 5 9

YUMMY MUMMY

T

Five star families at The Dorchester

he Dorchester is very happy to welcome children and families, with their concierge happy to arrange a variety of family activities throughout London, or arrange a qualified babysitter or nanny if needed.

Many rooms at The Dorchester can be interconnecting to accommodate families, and they do their very best to ensure your guest room feels like home for you and your family.

In your room, you can enjoy the following amenities and activities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Luxury home from home comforts include: • Freshly-baked cookies • A special gift pack • Luxury mini bathrobes and slippers • Family channels for your TV* • Children’s books and board games* • Family DVDs and CDs* • Nintendo Wii and PlayStation with a selection of games* 6 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

*Available on request Housekeeping can arrange a variety of infant items in your room upon request, including bottle steriliser, crib, cot, highchair, baby bath, microwave and bottle warmer.

The Dorchester has a variety of dining options designed for young taste buds and we are happy to accommodate special requests. The Dorchester can accommodate any specific dietary requirements including organic and low or no sugar diets. You may also arrange a consultation with the chef to discuss your family’s dietary needs.

Children’s menus are available in The Promenade, The Grill at The Dorchester and in-room dining, presented in specially designed children’s crockery.

Both restaurants offer high chairs and colouring books. In-room dining is also pleased to offer an expertly selected baby menu. For more information, please contact the switchboard team.

For further information, please contact The Dorchester on 020 7629 8888. 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA. www.dorchestercollection.com

YUMMY MUMMY

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS KEW TO STAGE MAGICAL SUMMER SHOWS

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew will be playing host to fairies, Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad this summer as part of a series of enchanting live, outdoor theatrical performances.

The Wind in the Willows 22 July – 28 August The Wind in the Willows is Kenneth Grahame’s classic story of life on the riverbank. A rollicking yet gentle adventure with best friends Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter and, of course, the arrogant, vain and hilarious Toad. This critically acclaimed, outdoor theatre production set against the magical backdrop of Kew Gardens’ lake, is packed with much-loved colourful characters, music, song and laughter.

There is fun for young and old alike as the Head Chief Rabbit transforms your young ones into rabbits with a waggle of the ears and a wiggle of the nose. The young rabbits then join in the riverbank adventure with fun-filled laughs and surprises along the way. A favourite of children everywhere, this is interactive theatre at its very best. Come along and be part of the adventure! Suitable for adults and children of all ages.

Performance times: Tue-Fri at 10.30am; Sat-Sun at 10.30am & 2.30pm 6 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

The Dream Fairies Adventure through Bubble Land 29 July – 28 August The adventurous Honeysuckle unexpectedly meets the fairies from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Honeysuckle has lost her wings and the Dream Fairies – cheeky Mustardseed, fluttery Moth, daring Cobweb and sweet Peaseblossom – have flown off course on their way to Fairy Land.

Together, with the help of all the little elves and fairies, they go on an adventure to find Honeysuckle’s wings and the special map to guide them home. This production is an interactive adventure full of singalong, clap-along songs plus bubbles and acrobatics, and, of course, a sprinkle of magic dust that will enthral the young ones throughout the school holidays. Children are invited to come dressed as their favourite fairies or elves. Suitable for children aged 3-6 years.

Performance times: Tue-Fri at 11am; Sat-Sun at 11am & 2pm

Ticket prices per show Adult - £21.90 Child - £16.90 Group of 4 - £67.00

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.theatreonkew.co.uk or call 0871 231 0847 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

YUMMY MUMMY

A tablet for tots The Amazon Fire Kids Edition – the full-featured tablet for tots

T

he Amazon Fire Kids Edition (£99.99), an award-winning tablet, is the perfect educational gadget gift for tots this Christmas. The Fire Kids Edition includes innovative parental controls that put learning before play, and includes a year’s access to ‘Fire for Kids Unlimited’ – a hand selected subscription to thousands of kid-friendly books, movies, TV shows, educational apps and games.

There’s also ‘Fire for Kids Camera’ – a 2MP camera with photo software and fun editing tools such as drawing and stickers, so little ones can explore their creative side. Parents can easily print the pictures to hang, share them with friends and family or auto-save them with free unlimited cloud storage for photos taken with Fire tablets. As always with Fire for Kids, kids are blocked from posting photos to social media.

Furthermore, innovative parental controls help to encourage learning before play by allowing parents to limit their child’s screen time and set specific educational goals – meaning access to games and cartoons can be blocked until these have been met.

• Fire tablet: 7” display, quad-core processor, front and rear cameras, microSD slot for additional storage up to 200GB, and easy-to-use parental controls • 1 year of ‘Fire for Kids Unlimited’: Access to thousands of books, TV shows, educational apps, and games, at no additional cost • Kid-friendly web browser: Controlled access to thousands of age-appropriate websites and selected YouTube videos

6 4 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

The Kid-Proof Case is designed to be the perfect solution for parents who need worryfree protection against drops, bumps, and the typical mayhem caused by kids at play. Designed to be durable and lightweight, the Kid-Proof Case fits perfectly in little hands without adding unnecessary weight to the tablet. And If they do break it, return it and Amazon will replace it for free, no questions asked. Suitable for children aged 3 years plus, there’s even a 2-year worryfree guarantee to give parents further peace of mind’. www.Amazon.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

‘Charlie & The Chesterfield Afternoon Tea’ returns to The Chesterfield, Mayfair

T

hose with a sweet tooth can indulge in the sweetest of treats at The Chesterfield Mayfair’s famous afternoon tea inspired

by Roald Dahl’s much loved book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Already known as one of London’s best places for afternoon tea having received the Award for Excellence from The Tea Guild for an ‘Outstanding Afternoon Tea’ three years in a row, The Chesterfield Mayfair is offering its Charlie and The Chesterfield afternoon tea taking guests on a journey through the sweet, colourful and chocolaty world of Charlie and his friends.

Afternoon tea includes chocolate Wonka Bars, Oompa Loompa cupcakes, fizzy lifting cheesecakes, blueberry macaroons and golden eggs plus the usual traditional afternoon tea favourites of sandwiches and scones. Guests can choose from an extensive selection of the finest loose leaf teas, hot chocolate

6 6 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

or coffee. It is served daily from 1.00pm to 5.30pm and is priced at £38.50 per person or a children’s Oopma Loompa Tea for £19.50 per child under 12 years.

The magic continues as guests leave with a ‘Chesterfield Mayfair Golden Ticket’ just like Charlie does in the book. A golden ticket inside an envelope offers guests the chance to win a selection of treats, with every ticket a guaranteed win. Prizes vary from a two-night weekend stay in a Junior Suite, an overnight stay in a Superior King room, magnum of Champagne, a discount on your next afternoon tea or a complimentary glass of Champagne on your next visit.

Coinciding with the mystery and curiosity that Charlie encounters – each golden ticket given to guests can only be revealed upon their next visit to the hotel at which point they can open their envelope and discover what treat they have won!

THE DETAILS

Bookings are essential, visit www.chesterfieldmayfair.com Or email bookch@rchmail.com 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5EB Telephone: 020 7491 2622

YUMMY MUMMY

MASTERCHEFS IN THE MAKING?

Y

oung children learn best by watching, doing and talking - it is an opportunity for your child to learn at home, particularly in the kitchen. Children love to learn, feel grown-up and have a go at safe adult tasks. As a young apprentice, young children can learn at their own pace and in their own time with support.

Meal and snack times naturally play a central part in a young child’s world and are ripe for exploring issues such as: • Where foods come from • Healthy eating • Introduce new foods in an exciting way • Planning and preparing foods Young children love to be involved in the planning and preparation of food; it might seem mundane to us but it’s a whole new world for them.

There are opportunities for children to help with: • Making lists for shopping (using pictures) • Understanding which foods are good for them • Appreciating where foods are grown • Weighing food • Stirring and mixing foods • Understanding the importance of washing hands and hygiene with food

“As a young apprentice, young children can learn at their own pace and in their own time with support”

Food shopping Going shopping together is an opportunity for children to start learning about names of different foods, where they come from, prices and quantities.

Engaging children in the shopping process can even help relieve the boredom.

Once home, children can begin to help store away foods in the correct places. Again, an apprentice style of learning by watching grown-ups and copying is delightful for young children and a source of genuine educational experience for them.

Variety is the key At an early age, children can be encouraged to choose a variety of foods to help ensure that they obtain the wide range of nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Children can be exposed to a range of foods in fun ways, for example: • Reading simple recipe books with grown-ups • Pointing out different colours of foods • Encouraging them to notice different textures and tastes Children like to role play and becoming a chef (perhaps just by wearing an apron and hat) can set them off on the right track.

With help, young children can start: • Using a rolling pin for pastry-making • Buttering bread and rolls • Cracking eggs • Rubbing in butter and flour • Decorating – using a variety of toppings on puddings and cakes Together, grown-ups and children can record their efforts using a camera or by drawing pictures. Why not start to compile a ‘My Cook Book’ with their own photos of the food you have both prepared together?

6 8 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

The D Throne SA luxury Electric toy car built for the mini millionaire in your life

L

uxury cars often make heads turn when they drive by in their all-elegant gleaming avatars. This though, is hardly ever the case when you see a kid zooming around in a cute little toy car. However, here to make your jaws drop is the D Throne S Electric.

For those of you with a love of luxury vehicles, this is a one in a million chance to make your child have the same tastes as you - and the quality of the craftsmanship is unparalleled considering that it’s intended for use by a child.

Outrageously stylish and well made, boasting a design aesthetic inspired by the vehicles of the early 1900s, there is an awful lot to love about these

“There is an awful lot to love about these contraptions for the little person in your life”

Luxury cars often make heads turn when they drive by in their all-elegant gleaming avatars. This though, is hardly ever the case when you see a kid zooming around in a cute little toy car. However, here to make your jaws drop is the D Throne S Electric.

7 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

contraptions for the little person in your life.

The four-wheeled work of art bears all the hallmarks of craftsmanship one might associate with a luxury brand.

The super-luxe D Throne S is painstakingly designed and is in all probability the most luxurious toy your child could ever own. The tiny automobile also offers you a perfect reason to bond with you little one, with a space on its rear that easily allows an adult

“A great attention to detail can also be seen in the exterior and interior design of the car” to hop on board. Parents can also activate different modes on the smart controller and turn the D. Throne S into a motorised or non-motorised stroller.

Designed by Seoul-based Hyunsoo Choi and Taeno Yoon at Joongho Choi Studio, D Throne is certainly no ordinary car manufacturer – they are currently on their third generation of their electric cars which just seem to be getting better and better with time.

A great attention to detail can also be seen in the exterior and interior design of the car with finishes of exquisite car enamel and hand-made leather seats, four-inch aluminum wheels, side LEDs and working headlights for safety.

This model also has been composed by simply dividing its body parts into two sections, which are top and bottom, using plastic molding techniques.

In addition, it is designed to simultaneously configure gold grill parts located in front of the body, and a fender structure attached to each wheel, which maintains a design of a classic car.

Concurrently, it has implemented a user-friendly feature that allows users to safely and easily manage and use the car.

The luxe little car can be purchased in black, khaki, and. an off-white colour (complete with shimmering copper accentuations in both models).

If you can afford to pamper your child silly (with no monetary limits whatsoever!), then buying him/ her the luxurious D Throne S is probably the ultimate gift.

The rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of driving time, so a family can enjoy outdoor activities while it is available to convert the mode in situations when carrying children in something like a stroller. It has slip-proof breaks to prevent the car slipping.

To have these various functions possible, the structures of the design and appearance have been delicately constructed by placing the parts and accessories though the engineering technology during the electronic car development process.

The Korean electric car manufacturer has certainly made it big by going small, and counts amongst its esteemed clients Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Al Maktoum, the Crown Price of Dubai, who placed a customised order blinged out with over 2,000 Swarovski crystals.

Dimensions of the D Throne S are 40”H x 23.5”L x 15”W and can hold up to 200kg.

For those who really want to spoil their child with a piece of automotive awesomeness, this is surely the chief candidate for the job.

Interested in designing a varied range of objects, Joongho Choi and his team have participated in numerous projects ranging from lighting to IT electronics and furniture.

Building partnerships with various companies including American Standard, 3M, Jabra, Samsung, Banyan Tree and etc, they were introduced and awarded by several globally known media. Their brand philosophy is to create a product that is based on the reality, and the comfort of comfort for a long time.

To find out more email contact@dthronefamily.com; www.dthronefamily.com; www.joonghochoi.com J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7 7 1

YUMMY MUMMY

THE UK’S LARGEST LEGO EXHIBITION BRICKLIVE RETURNS TO LONDON 27-30 JULY 2017, LONDON EXCEL

“This is a MUST for all fans of LEGO® whatever their age!”

B

RICKLIVE, built for LEGO® fans, has announced the dates of its first ever UK tour - bringing its array of astounding creations to legions of fans in London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Belfast in 2017.

There’s a reason BRICKLIVE’s strapline is ‘Built for LEGO® Fans’ because that is exactly what it is – built by LEGO® fans for LEGO fans!

There will be a range of fantastic features at each event for all of the family - including the popular BRICK PITS. There are millions of bricks where free building is encouraged and some fantastic creations made by visitors, fans and professional builders!

They even have Duplo and a soft BRICK pit so even the youngest LEGO fans can get involved and enjoy the most popular toy in the world! There is also the eye-popping Feature Builds, showcasing some of the most astonishing creations from the world’s very best LEGO® builders.

BRICKLIVE is a fantastic opportunity for LEGO fans of all ages to get creative. Forget age and skill – let your imagination run wild and build a

7 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

fantastic new LEGO creation while meeting other LEGO fans. There’s no queuing or restriction on time; spend 20 minutes or two hours enjoying yourself as you build.

Just pick a pit and grab some bricks!

This is a MUST for all fans of LEGO® whatever their age!

You can also see the latest LEGO® sets to buy as well as specialist retailers selling cool vintage and collectible rare sets and accessories too. Plus lots of fantastic LEGO® themed gift ideas for fans of all ages.

Andy Smith, Director of Events at Multiplay said: “We’re fully committed to making this year’s events the best ever, with more bricks, builders, creations and fans than ever before! BRICKLIVE is the number one convention for LEGO® fans in the UK, and we’re thrilled to be bringing it to more of them over the next twelve months.”

For more information, please visit www.BRICKLIVE.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

Any tots for tennis?

By Lisa Salmon

W

ithout more children picking up rackets, Britain’s tennis future doesn’t look promising. Luckily, there is a campaign that is trying to attract more youngsters to the sport, by encouraging parents to get them involved.

The Ready to Play initiative features advice and a series of fun videos showing simple games for parents to play with their children to help them learn the basic skills needed for tennis, including hand-eye coordination, accuracy and ball control.

The videos star the current Davis Cup Captain Leon Smith, who is keen to ensure Britain’s upcoming tennis talents are as successful as the current generation. “Tennis has so much to offer for a young player and introducing them to it at a younger age will keep them in the sport longer,” he says.

A key part of getting more children interested in tennis is through schools and Smith says the Tennis Foundation, which delivers teacher training in tennis and provides tennis equipment, has now reached more than 20,000 British schools. Getting more clubs and parks to host the sport is also vital, he adds, so kids have somewhere to play outside school.

Tennis icons Having successful role models is also key to encouraging children to take up a sport. Smith lists Andy and Jamie Murray, Johanna Konta, Heather Watson and Laura Robson as the current tennis icons.

“If you speak to any of the top players, they’ll all say they had an idol when they started out. Heather, Laura and most recently Johanna, are fantastic role models for young girls. We’re so lucky to have in Andy Murray a player that’s at the very top of his game that young players can look up to.Jamie Murray had a very successful 2015 and is now competing at the highest levels. We know how popular doubles is for those playing across the country, so it’s great for the sport that we have a top British player there too.”

Active encouragement Recent research by Pharmaton Active Life, which has teamed up with the LTA to launch the Ready to Play campaign, found more than three quarters (78%) of parents would like to encourage their children to try a new sport, while 40% feel they could do more to encourage their children to be active.

7 4 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

“The emphasis, especially when children are young, is on the parent to encourage kids to keep active,” says father-of-three Smith, who says the games on the Ready to Play website will help develop tennis skills and can be played indoors and outdoors throughout the year.

Best chance So, are campaigns like Ready to Play really what Britain needs to become a tennis great?

“It’s such a long road from starting to play the game to getting anywhere near winning a Grand Slam,” admits Smith. “But our best chance of ensuring we have more players at the top of the game is to grow the base. I’m excited by the Ready to Play campaign and the earlier we engage with players and their parents, the more likely they are to choose tennis as a sport they’ll continue to play throughout school and beyond.”

For more information about the Ready to Play campaign, visit www.readytoplaytennis.co.uk

“More than three quarters (78%) of parents would like to encourage their children to try a new sport”

Villa holidays lovingly handpicked with a fa mily focused mind.

Book direct with independent villa agents We are the first website that is dedicated solely to child friendly properties and which puts parents in touch directly with a wide range of independent villa agents and managers, with the ultimate goal of providing the most cost effective and stress free solution to the perfect family holiday.

We work closely in partnership with local and trusted villa managers and agents to bring holidaymakers expert local knowledge and a personal touch, unrivalled by the larger operators.

“We believe that child friendly holidays shouldn’t be demoted to just a filter but should be a treasure trove of information, filled with all the knowledge and advice you need to book a family friendly villa with confidence.”

Sarah Davies, Managing Director, Child Friendly Villas Direct

The World’s first Teddy Travel Service for VIBs (Very Important Bears).

We will return any special furry friends left at one of our villas free of charge!

www.childfriendlyvillasdirect.com EMAIL enquiries@childfriendlyvillasdirect.com

YUMMY MUMMY

START YOUR ENGINES And Get Ready For Some High Speed Action..

Disney’ s Cars 3 races into UK cinemas on 14th July

2017 – 2018 Release Dates At A Glance 2017 Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 (Dir. James Gunn) 28th April Pirates Of The Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge(Dir. Joachim Ronning And Espen Sandberg) 26th May Cars 3 (Dir. Brian Fee) 14th July Thor: Ragnarok (Dir. Taika Waititi) 27th October Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Dir. Rian Johnson) 15th December

2018

T

he turbo-charged franchise returns for ‘Cars 3’, which follows the legendary Lightning McQueen on his greatest challenge yet as he’s blindsided by a new generation of elite racers.

Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves by newcomer and hi-tech racer Jackson Storm (voice of Armie Hammer). To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez, with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!

7 6 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

The Cars franchise began in 2006, with its sequel following in 2011.

Disney has also announced an exciting new product collection that will bring the high-speed action to life! From figurines, remote-controlled cars and race tracks, to outdoor games and dressup, there will be something to suit every Cars fan.

Disney Store will become home to an action-packed array of Cars 3 products. From the Mack Die-Cast Carrier Set which holds Lightning McQueen and seven of his friends, to the Cruz Ramirez Remote Control Car where fans can channel their budding racer using the wheel-shaped controller, the Disney Store collection is filled with racing fun. www.disneystore.co.uk

Coco (Dir. Lee Unkrich) 19th January Black Panther 16Th February A Wrinkle In Time 23rd March Magic Camp 6th April Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War 4th May Untitled Han Solo Movie 25th May The Incredibles 2 15th June Ralph Breaks The Internet 30th November Mary Poppins Returns 21st December

Fans both old and new can expect an extensive line-up of products from some of the largest retailers across the UK; Examples of these include: • A loop-the-loop Cars 3 Transforming Willy’s Butte track which boasts three ways to play and comes with a Lightning McQueen car by Mattel • Cars 3 Deluxe Lightning McQueen Race Suit Costume by Rubies Masquerade • Flo’s Café by LEGO Duplo, where fans can have endless fun building Lightning McQueen, Mack, or brand-new character Cruz Ramirez before heading to the next race • 10” Jackson Storm Plush by Posh Paws, perfect for any fan to have big cuddles and playtime; available in multiple sizes

ultimate lightning mcqueen by sphero, rrp £299, AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD RETAILERS

Cars 3 Deluxe Lightning McQueen Race Suit Costume by Rubies Masquerade, RRP £19.99, AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD RETAILERS

daniel swervez and cruz ramirez die-casts (set of 2) rrp £13.99, disney store

lightning mcqueen 6v battery operated ride-on by mv sports, rrp£199.99, AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD RETAILERS

cars 3 finish first slot car racing set by carrera, rrp £69.99, debenhams

cruz ramirez remote control car, rrp £17.99, disney store

flo’s cafe by lego duplo, rrp £44.99, www.lego.com

“From figurines, remote-controlled cars and race tracks, to outdoor games and dress-up, there will be something to suit every Cars fan”

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7 7 7

YUMMY MUMMY

A Harry Potter book club is coming

to London!

Marking the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, a new book club dedicated to JK Rowling’s beloved series is launching in London this June.

T

aking place in a secret location in London (which will be revealed once you’ve joined the club) on Tuesday 20th June 2017 at 7pm, the first Book Club will run for nine weeks, every Tuesday, with the last commencing on Tuesday 15th August. The club will start of course with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, before going onto the many other famous books.

Per week, members will read two chapters of the book. There will also be activities, wizarding treats and snacks and selected chapters will be read out loud by one of the club’s storytellers. And you don’t have to bring your own book either, as this will be provided for you to keep, take home and bring into every session.

They will also have a Book 1 after party later in September where you can dress up, invite your friends and celebrate all things Harry Potter.

The club currently has limited spaces that will need booking in advance. It will cost you a £25 joining fee plus a £15 weekly fee to read along with the other muggles. www.wizardbookclub.com The Wizard Book Club is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., Bloomsbury or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.

7 8 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

Kids Week 2017

K

ids Week, the annual London theatre initiative run by the Society of London Theatre, returns for the whole of August 2017, with more than 35 shows offering free tickets for children.

This year marks the 20th Kids Week, which began in 1998 and over the years has reached over 1.2 million children and families.

Kids Week, one of the world’s longest running audience development initiatives, encourages young people to experience live theatre. During Kids Week one child aged 16 or under can go free to a wide range of participating shows when accompanied by an adult paying full price. In addition two extra children can go for half price, and there are no booking, postage or transaction fees.

Kids Week also has a fantastic range of free activities and events which includes everything from storytelling and backstage tours to choreography and stage combat workshops.

Under 5’s The Hunting Of The Snark We’re Going On A Bear Hunt* What The Ladybird Heard

All ages 5+ Adventures In Wonderland The Adventures Of Pinocchio Annie Around The World In 80 Days The Borrowers* Gangsta Granny Half A Sixpence Horrible Histories - More Best Of Barmy Britain Matilda The Musical Oliver Twist Created For Everyone Aged Six And Over* School Of Rock – The Musical* STOMP The Wind In The Willows

All ages 8+ 13* 42nd Street An American In Paris Disney’s Aladdin* Disney’s The Lion King* Dreamgirls Five Guys Named Moe* Jungle Book* King Kong!

Mamma Mia! Les Misérables Motown The Musical The Mousetrap The Phantom Of The Opera The Play That Goes Wrong Thriller Live!

Wicked

Parental Guidance The Comedy About A Bank Robbery Kinky Boots The Kite Runner* The Woman In Black *Limited Availability

Tickets on sale from Tuesday 13th June for performances from 1st – 31st August.

Additionally, Kids Week ticket holders will be able to take advantage of a number of Kids Go Free deals on dining, tours and hotels.

To purchase tickets, and for the full activity listings, please visit www.kidsweek.co.uk All Kids Week offers are subject to availability for specific performances.

Please note: Shows are listed by age suitability but this is only a guideline. Information about the shows is available on the website. Shows on offer may change throughout the promotion and all offers are subject to availability for specific performances (especially at weekends).

For more information visit www.kidsweek.co.uk 8 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

Main image: Kids from School Of Rock (Photo: Tristram Kenton); Circle: The Borrowers; Below: Matilda

The shows taking part in Kids Week 2017 are:

THE DETAILS For Kids Week news and announcements follow: www.kidsweek.co.uk Facebook & Twitter @KidsWeek 2017. Participating shows announced http://bit.ly/2qVHCxi Society of London Theatre (SOLT), a not-for-profit organisation representing the London theatre industry. SOLT also runs the Olivier Awards, West End LIVE, TKTS, Theatre Tokens, Kids Week and Official London Theatre

YUMMY MUMMY

Let the Drama begin…

How to get your kids into stage school

S

hows like the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent make fame seem fast track, but behind the scenes is often a long, arduous journey.

The idea of your Sylvia Young Theatre School child forging a career A specialist performing arts school offering excellent vocational and academic on stage may seem education. The school was established in 1981 in Drury Lane. In July 2010, they a risky one, but with moved to premises in Nutford Place, just off Seymour Place in W1. The site renowned stage schools houses two vocational floors with studios, rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, offering academic two academic floors and a large canteen with two courtyard gardens. studies alongside the Ages: “The Sylvia Young Theatre School is non-denominational and covocational, children educational. Students range from 10 to 16 years of age.” can perfect their talents 1 Nutford Place, London W1H 5YZ while gaining a secure www.syts.co.uk education.

Read on for our guide to getting your child into stage school...

Parents who are interested in letting their children follow the creative path should start looking into some of the best acting schools for kids in UK. Children at a young age will benefit from learning drama at stage schools in many different ways, not least of which is gaining confidence.

Acting schools for kids help with raising child’s self-esteem and levels of confidence, and positive reinforcement is one of the key factors to successful training and fun creative outlet. Even if your kids aren’t interested in pursuing careers in the entertainment business or the artistic world, all the tools that good teachers in some of these best acting schools for kids in UK will provide them with will benefit students in many different aspects.

Kids learn best when they are surrounded by fun, supportive and understanding teachers. They love to play and learn when the environment is comfortable and relaxed instead of being confined to stress of work. Some of these best acting schools for kids is exactly what your child might need, and the classes will usually be kept to smaller sizes in order to provide a The Barbara Speake Stage School safer, more focus environment.

In addition to having kids learn The school was opened on February 10th 1945 as a dancing acting from a variety of other sources, school only, by the present principal Miss Barbara Speake MBE. including reading books that expand In 1963 it became a full time school providing academic and imagination, stage schools can also be a artistic training. The strength of the school is in its friendly great idea. Best acting schools for kids atmosphere, traditional qualities and caring and committed staff. in UK will focus not only on educating If you wish for a small happy school for your child, where every children in the artistic field but building teacher can care for his or her indivudual needs, then it is here. It their confidence levels, exploring and has been proved that pupils here succeed though enjoyment of praising their creativity. their school which gives them confidence to follow whatever path But above all else, the most they choose whether in the field of entertainment, or in a more important part of having your child academic career. attend one of these acting schools for Ages: “Barbara Speake Stage School, London is an independent kids is that they will have an insane school for boys and girls aged from 4 to 16.” amount of fun playing, and definitely East Acton Lane, East Acton, London, W3 7EG enjoy the process! www.barbaraspeake.com

8 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

West End Summer School The Ultimate Theatre Summer School for 8–21 year olds. An amazing week-long course at the renowned Guildhall School of Music & Drama, past students of which include Daniel Craig and Orlando Bloom! Led by top industry professionals and West End stars that gives your child the chance to perform on a West End Stage!

West End Stage, Top Floor, 17 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden WC2E 7NL

Italia Conti Arts Centre One of the most famous stage schools in the UK. Founded in 1911, the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts is Britain’s oldest Performing Arts training school. It is renowned throughout the world as a training centre of excellence. Italia Conti Arts Centre in Guildford, Surrey, is the addition to their growing campus and offers a range of unique courses which incorporate quality Performing Arts Training with the opportunity to undertake Teacher Training qualifications. They provide full and part time courses for students of all ages, from little ones finding their feet, through to professional training for those embarking on a career in Performing Arts and Musical Theatre.

Ages: “Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, London is an independent school for boys and girls aged from 10 to 19.”

23 Goswell Road, London, EC1M 7AJ www.italia-conti.com

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School Stagecoach Theatre Arts is a highly regarded network of performing arts schools with a proven record of delivering quality dance, drama and singing lessons to youngsters worldwide. Over the years Stagecoach has provided a springboard for some of the UK’s leading young talent and has had the privilege of watching thousands of kids grow in confidence and ability. Their formula of teaching small classes of children an hour of dance, an hour of singing and an hour of drama on a weekly basis was an instant success.

Ages: “Dance, Drama & Singing Classes for 4-18 year olds” Multiple locations across the world. www.stagecoach.co.uk

BRIT School The BRIT School is a Performing Arts and Technology School for teens aged 14-19, located in Croydon. Students have the chance to study vocational subjects in dance, theatre, music and media alongside the national curriculum.

The BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology, 60 The Crescent, www.brit.croydon.sch.uk

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7 8 3

YUMMY MUMMY

Learning Your

A,B,Cs

Our definitive guide to help you make all the right choices for your children

T

here are 2,500+ independent schools in the UK which are independent of local or central government control.

Independent schools offer a wealth of facilities and high teaching standards that enable students to achieve great results year after year.

Independent schools are in the unique position to provide a truly bespoke education for your child.

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision that takes plenty of time and research. There are a wide range of independent schools specialising in different age groups and needs.

PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOLS (AGES 2 YEARS - 7 YEARS) Pre-preparatory schools - also called nursery schools or kindergartens - correspond to nursery and infants stages in local authority schools. In pre-preparatory schools children are taught to read, write, develop numeracy and learn to play.

Pre-prep schools are often attached to specific junior schools.Pre-prep school is the first time most children will experience education, as opposed to the daycare provided by kindergartons. Children will have to learn the basics of mathematics, science and English, and a host of other subjects. Outside the classroom, many of the children will be having their first proper experience with team sports, music and/or choral tuition, and the arts.

PREPARATORY SCHOOLS (AGES 7 YEARS -11+ OR 13 YEARS) Preparatory or prep schools, have a full range of subjects leading to admission to senior schools at 11+ or through the 13+ Common Entrance Examination.As their name implies, the preparatory schools are focused primarily on preparing boys and girls for their senior education, and the important public exams that come with it.

8 4 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

Free of the National Curriculum, prep schools can differentiate their curricula according to what they think best prepares children for their later education. Most prep school children will be learning a foreign language from the very first year, and don’t be surprised to see subjects like Latin, Philosophy and Physics in the classroom, with cricket, rugby and tennis all on offer during games.

As children reach the end of their time at prep school, most will look to the Common Entrance Exam as their gateway into the senior schools. It is during this transition process that senior schools are also looking for talented pupils for scholarships and other awards, so the very able students may be asked to attend further examinations/recitals/ matches &c, depending on where their particular strengths lie.

In the state system, children are tested by the Government SATs, however many schools in the independent sector will have their own internal methods of measuring the performance of the children. There are around 499 prep schools in the Independent Association of Prep Schools, one of our constituent Head’s Associations, collectively educating over 134,000 children.

SENIOR SCHOOLS (AGES 11 YEARS -18 YEARS) Most of the pupils in independent education are in senior school, educating over 350,000 senior school students in almost eight hundred schools.

Independent Senior Schools offer approaches to education, subjects, facilities and sports unparalleled in the state sector – students can study History of Art, Government, Russian and Japanese, and try their hands at Astronomy, Ceramics or Equestrianism. They could be on their school judo or sailing team, and take trips all over the world.

Whatever your child’s particular strengths, passions and interests, there is almost certainly a school which can offer the chance to try all of them.

Inspiring Confidence, Unlocking Potential.

11+ & 13+ Booster Courses

Delivered by experienced teachers Small and differentiated class groups of 8 or less English, Maths and Reasoning Past paper practice, model answers and exam techniques Exclusive resources developed in-house Before Autumn Term starts | 31 Aug - 4 Sept Autumn Term Half Term

| 23 - 27 Oct

End of Autumn Term

| 16 - 20 Dec

One-to-one Tuition

11+ Mock Exams

www.exceptionalacademics.com info@exceptionalacademics.com T: 020 3002 3770

St Joseph’s School Chelsea, SW3 2QT Belleville School Clapham, SW11 6PR School Applications

YUMMY MUMMY

Teachers say lack of sleep devastates the school day W “Nearly half (48%) said lack of sleep made children unruly and badly behaved”

8 6 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

e’ve been astonished at the findings from a recent teachers’ survey by The Sleep Council that looked into the sleep of primary school children and how it affects them at school.

Did you know that 92% of teachers complain that pupils are so tired they are unable to pay attention in class? And that more than a third said lack of sleep among youngsters is a daily problem for them. Nearly 88% of teachers felt that too many distractions in the bedroom (electronic games, TVs etc) were at the root of the sleep related problems along with the fact, parents are simply not strict enough about enforcing bedtimes.

For two thirds of teachers (65%) the problem is so serious they consider that the long term progress of their pupils can be affected while nearly half (48%) said lack of sleep made children unruly and badly behaved.

These are some shocking statistics!

Good news is that more than half of the teachers questioned agreed that the brightest children in the classroom are the best slept and most wide awake.

So there you go, a decent night’s sleep will help them to do better at school!

Do you have children who are often tired because they don’t go to bed early enough? Or do you have children and follow a relaxing bed routine and enforced bed times?

The Sleep Council says that the main problem is the increase of technological gadgets that children seem to have in their bedrooms nowadays. In

their opinion the worst being the ease at which children can access the internet 24 hours a day. They recommend that the bedroom should be technology free in an evening to help wind down for bedtime.

You often see very young children with smart phones, and some parents may not realise exactly what their children can access, especially at night when you may think your child has gone to sleep.

Children may not be aware of the importance of sleep and the impact that it can have on their day, so we think what your doing is fantastic, and vital in increasing awareness of this problem.

It is always worth remembering that children that are tired can also turn into monsters!

The Sleep Council is an impartial, advisory organisation that raises the awareness of the importance of a good night’s sleep to health and wellbeing and provides helpful advice and tips on how to improve sleep quality and create the perfect sleep environment.

Girls Enjoying Success!

83.5% A*-A Grades at GCSE 69.5% A*-A Grades at A Level A leading Independent Girls’ School in North London inspiring pupils to develop scholarship, integrity, altruism and independence.

Visit us! Book a place at one of our Open Days.

Independent Day School for Girls aged 4-18

www.channing.co.uk 020 8340 2328

YUMMY MUMMY

L

An extra string to their bow

earning to play an instrument can help your child fine-tune their ear and enhance skills needed for education and social interaction. Your school-age kid’s schedule is probably loaded with fun activities. If you’re on the fence about adding music classes to the list, take note of the benefits that come with signing your little one up for lessons. Read on to learn more about the benefits of music education..

It improves academic skills Music and maths are highly intertwined. By understanding beat, rhythm, and scales, children are learning how to divide, create fractions, and recognise patterns. It seems that music wires a child’s brain to help him better understand other areas of maths. As kids get older, they’ll start reciting songs, calling on their short-term memory and eventually their long-term memory. Musical instrument classes also introduce young children to basic physics. For instance, plucking the strings on a guitar or violin teaches children about harmonic and sympathetic vibrations. Even non-string instruments, such as drums, give older kids the opportunity to explore these scientific principles.

It develops physical skills Certain instruments, such as percussion, help children develop coordination; they require movement of the hands, arms, and feet. String and keyboard instruments, like the violin and piano, demand different actions from your right and left hands simultaneously. Instruments not only help develop ambidexterity, but they can also enhance coordination and perfecting timing, preparing children for other hobbies, like dance and sports.

It cultivates social skills Group classes require peer interaction and communication, which encourage teamwork, as children must collaborate to create a crescendo or an accelerando. It’s important for children to know and understand their individual part in a larger ensemble.

Playing an instrument teaches kids to persevere through hours, months, and sometimes years of practice before they reach specific goals, such as performing with a band or memorising a solo piece.

Private lessons and practicing at home require a very focused kind of attention for even 10 minutes at a time. Group lessons improve patience, as children 8 8 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

“Lessons offer a forum where children can learn to accept and give constructive criticism”

must wait their turn to play individually. And in waiting for their turn, kids learn to show their peers respect, to sit still and be quiet for designated periods of time, and to be attentive.

It boosts self-esteem Lessons offer a forum where children can learn to accept and give constructive criticism. Turning negative feedback into positive change helps build self-confidence. Presenting yourself in public is an important skill whether you become a professional musician or not. This skill is easily transferrable to public speaking. And, of course, once a child is advanced enough, she’ll possess musical skills that will help her stand out.

Experts don’t always agree on which instruments are best for big kids to learn, but many music teachers do agree that it’s hard to go wrong with the piano, percussion, recorder, guitar, or violin.

YUMMY MUMMY

A TREE HOUSE For Your Children

I

t’s a dream of many children to own their own tree house where they can escape and immerse themselves in fantasy and imagination. The tree house has long been a symbol of the freedom of youth, and of creativity running wild.

Tree houses have changed over the years, from rickety and unsafe structures, to modern designs that now even incorporate swings, slides and climbing frames. Despite their evolution, their popularity has remained consistent.

When you really want to give your kids the ultimate custom tree house or wooden playhouse for the garden, getting a bespoke timber building from skilled craftsmen guarantees you get exactly what you want! The shops are full of playhouses

9 0 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

“The tree house has long been a symbol of the freedom of youth, and of creativity running wild”

All images courtesy of Cheeky Monkey Treehouses

barely big enough for the children’s toys and with a similar limited shelf life!

If you really want to give your children a playhouse or tree house that lasts their whole childhood, bespoke wooden buildings are ideal.

Bespoke treehouses are a big trend in many gardens; with elaborate designs built high up on stilts, within and around branches. They can take on many different shapes sizes, colours and themes, too, and feature a number of cute accessories and fun activities to keep kids entertained throughout the summer!

And you don’t need a tree to have a tree house. It can be built in the right location for you. The areas surrounding your tree house could be landscaped with shrubs, trees or a lawn - whatever is needed to enhance the appearance of your treehouse.

Your children’s safety is of paramount importance. The construction process of a treehouse can be demanding - not kids’ stuff at all; requiring a great deal of planning and ensuring European safety standards are met.

Approach specialist tree house companies and get recommendations from friends. It is crucial that you receive professional advice and guidance, with construction and installation done by experts to keep your child safe. Provide them with a fantasy hideaway in natural surroundings by making a part of the garden their own. www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.com

Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses and elevated platforms.

Commercial & International commissions welcomed

TEL: +44 (0)1403 732452 www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

Does Your Child Want A Pet? Y

“There are though, good reasons for involving animals in a child’s life”

9 2 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

oung children seem to be attracted by things that are soft and cuddly. This is catered for by providing them with soft toys, picture books and even television programmes that present animals as cute and desirable.

However, there is a big difference between a photo or a soft cuddly toy and a pet. Pets are living things and need looking after to make sure that they get the right sort of food and enough exercise. They also get tired and irritable, just like children, and need grooming and cleaning up after.

There are though, good reasons for involving animals in a child’s life. Looking after an animal can help a child learn that animals have needs similar to their own, developing empathy, tolerance and respect that can be transferred to other living things.

In addition there is evidence that having a pet can reduce stress in people of all ages. Dogs have the additional benefit of needing regular exercise which has health benefits for both child and parents.

Choosing a pet is a decision that needs a great deal of care and above all commitment. Unlike a soft toy, any pet will suffer if it is neglected or treated harshly. You will need to show your child how to look after an animal, treating it gently and with care and also how to feed, exercise and groom it. While an older child might be allowed to groom a pet, younger children will need support because, like children, most pets find it hard to sit still.

Like humans, pets can be unpredictable and sometimes aggressive so children need to learn

not to interfere when they are feeding or if they are tired or asleep. Never, under any circumstances leave a young child alone with an animal - even small pets can inflict a painful bite.

While the most common pet choice might be a small furry animal like a cat, dog or guinea pig there a number of other possible choices that will support the developing understanding of how to look after animals. It is important not to forget all the other living things that can be investigated, talked about and (with support) looked after by young children, for example feeding garden birds, visiting farms or investigating the lives and habitats of worms and beetles.

Creepy-crawlies are easy to investigate as they are generally easy to find, and you can create an environment for them quite simply by placing a few logs or broken house bricks in a quiet area of the garden. Within a few days there is likely to be a thriving colony living there. Creepy-crawlies can be a good way of addressing any fears that young children might have and provide a focus for talking about the useful role they play in keeping the world tidy and recycling dead matter like leaves and old bark. They need very careful handling, though, as they are small and easily damaged. It is also important to know which ones are safe to handle and which should be avoided.

Just like pets, wild animals, insects and birds can play an important role in developing an understanding of living things and a growing respect for their right to life.

YUMMY MUMMY

Anxiety in children Just like adults, children and young people feel worried and anxious at times. But if it is starting to affect their wellbeing, they may need some help to overcome it.

C

hildren tend to feel anxious about different things at different ages. Many of these worries are a normal part of growing up. From about eight months to three years, for example, it’s very common for young children to have something called separation anxiety. They may become clingy and cry when separated from their parents. This is a normal stage in children’s development and tends to ease off at around age two to three.

It’s also common for pre-school children to develop specific fears or phobias. Common fears include animals, insects, storms, heights, water, blood, and the dark…and when starting at a new school. These fears usually go away gradually on their own.

When is anxiety a problem for children?

Anxiety becomes a problem for children when it starts to get in the way of their day-to-day life.

Severe anxiety can harm children’s psychological and emotional wellbeing, affecting their self-esteem and confidence. They may become withdrawn and avoid situations that make them feel anxious.

What are the signs of anxiety in children?

When young children feel anxious, they cannot always understand or express what they are feeling.

You may notice that they become irritable, tearful, clingy or have difficulty sleeping or eating. They may wake in the night, start wetting the bed or have bad dreams. In older children you may notice a lack the confidence to try new things, find it hard to concentrate and prone to angry outbursts.

How to help your anxious child

If your child is experiencing anxiety, there is plenty you can do to help...It’s important to talk to your child. reassure them and show them you understand how they feel. Focus on exploring solutions with your child, and help them plan ways to cope with them.

With younger children... you could say, ‘I’ll take you to the party, knock on the door and talk to the mum or dad, then you can give your friend their present”.

Other ways to ease anxiety in children

Children of all ages find regular routines reassuring, so try to stick to regular daily routines where possible. If your child is anxious because of distressing events, such as a bereavement or separation, see if you can find books or films that will help them understand their feelings.

9 4 J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 7

Try not to become anxious yourself or overprotective.

Practice simple relaxation techniques with your child, such as taking three deep, slow breaths, breathing in for a count of three and out for three.

Distraction can be helpful for young children.

For example, if they are anxious about going to nursery, play games on the way there, this is a way of focusing attention away from internal anxiety and worries.

When should we get help?

If your child’s anxiety is severe and interferes with their everyday life, it’s a good idea to get some outside help. Some children do grow out of anxiety but, if it’s not addressed in childhood, it can continue. A visit to your GP is a good place to start.

If your child’s anxiety is affecting their school life, talk to their school as well.

Parents can get help and advice around children’s mental health from Young Minds’ free parent helpline on 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am-4pm).

“Practice simple relaxation techniques with your child, such as taking three deep, slow breaths, breathing in for a count of three and out for three”

Enjoy some me time at the Lab

CALL TODAY FOR OUR EXCLUSIVE JOINING OFFERS CALL NOW AND QUOTE LABLIFE MUSWELL HILL THE AVENUE, N10 2QE CALL 020 8482 3000

MILL HILL HALL LANE, NW4 4TJ CALL 020 8457 3300

LABSPA.CO.UK