Yummy Mummy Magazine April/May 2017

Yummy Mummy @mummymagazine

magazine yummymummymagazine.co.uk

APRil/MAY 2017 issue 15

Yummy Mummy magazine

from the EDITOR

M

ums-to-be should be aware of the shocking new trend of ‘bumpshaming’… Kim Kardashian’s was “too big”. Victoria Beckham’s was “too small” But Holly Willoughby’s was apparently “just right” Babies only need a bath two or three times a week, with a wash in between, but if your baby really enjoys it, bathe them every day! Here are a few tips on getting the best out of bathing your baby, keeping them safe, and smelling fresh. We all love that clean baby smell!

When employing a nanny there are many responsibilities you may not have considered. The main concern when hiring a nanny is obviously to find the best person to care for your children. You may also be looking to approach a reputable private nanny agency. There are many in London to choose from.

What is the correct way to celebrate a five-year-old’s birthday? The local church hall, a Frozen theme, paper plates and fairy cakes? That is one way we guess, but when it comes to here in London? … We do it differently.

The Savoy is the perfect setting for families planning a trip to London.

Their team are dedicated to creating an unforgettable luxury experience for both adults and children, and the hotel is perfectly located to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.

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

DOES MY BUMP Look Big In This? allm? m S o o T toria Beckha Vic

?

Too dBaisghian

Kim Kar

t? h g i R t Jus Willoughby Holly

Mums-to-be should be aware of the shocking new trend of ‘bumpshaming’… Kim Kardashian’s was “too big”. Victoria Beckham’s was “too small” But Holly Willoughby’s was apparently “just right”

S

ometimes it feels like everyone has an opinion when it comes to pregnancy bods.

But, while it’s one thing to comment on the rich and famous, ‘bump-shaming’ has now become a problem much closer to home.

Recent research carried out by parenting site ChannelMum.com found that 60% of mums had been told they were ‘too fat’ and 32% that they were ‘too small’ during their pregnancy. Astonishingly, 53% of these verbal attacks came from complete strangers. The three most common criticisms were “I was much smaller than you’ , ‘Wow, you are huge’

6 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

and ‘Are you sure it’s not twins?’ Worryingly, these comments – often not meant maliciously – can have a devastating psychological and physical impact.

Pressure Of the women surveyed, 17% said they would consider losing weight because of hurtful remarks made by others. But dieting while pregnant can be dangerous. Any restrictions you put on yourself are also placed on your unborn baby. Women who don’t gain an adequate amount of weight during pregnancy are more likely to have an underweight baby. And limiting your food intake could starve your foetus of vital vitamins and minerals – such as iron (which supports healthy growth) and folic acid (which helps prevent brain, spine and skull deformities) Weight gain means your pregnancy is progressing healthily.

“It is normal to feel scared, vulnerable and even depressed”

Added anxiety People assume that all mums-to-be are in a state of permanent excitement. But it is normal to feel scared, vulnerable and even depressed.

When you are struggling the last thing you want to hear is: ‘You’ve ballooned!’ Added stress during pregnancy can have a harmful effect on the baby’s brain and development – and in the long-term , impact on the child’s behaviour and IQ.

Ignore the bullies!

As long as you are happy and healthy, that’s all that matters. Big, small, fat or thin, as long as mum and baby are happy and well, then it’s no one else’s business. So stuff the negative comments, and don’t worry mums-to-be, your bump is beautiful and so are you.

40 58

74

68

CONTENTS Your Pregnancy Week By Week

8

Antenatal Classes

10

Staying Active Through Pregnancy

14

Where Should I Have My Baby?

16

Seven Keys To Creating A Successful Baby Routine

18

Health Benefits Of Breastfeeding

20

Should be Genius Parenting Gadgets

26

I Need A Nanny

38

Get Your Kids Active Through Exercise

40

Peppa Pig Muddy Walk

42

Birthday Parties To Boast About

46

Fine Dining with the Family

58

Families At The Savoy

66

Chestertons Polo in the Park

68

Families At The Mandarin Oriental

72

Adventures In Wonderland

74

The Robot Zoo At The Horniman Museum

76

The World Of David Walliams

78

Barnes Children’s Literature Festival

80

The Yummy Mummy Guide To Summer Camps

88

YUMMY MUMMY

8 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7 9

YUMMY MUMMY

Antenatal

Classes A

ntenatal classes can help you to prepare for your baby’s birth and learn to look after and feed your baby. They can help you to stay healthy during pregnancy, and give you confidence and information. You can learn about the different arrangements for labour and birth, and the choices available to you. This can help you to make your own birth plan. You may also meet some of the people who will look after you during labour.

You’ll be able to discuss your plans and any worries with professionals and with other parents.

Classes are also a good way to make friends with other parents who are expecting babies around the same time as you. These friendships often help parents through the first few months with a baby.

Classes are usually informal and fun.

Choosing an antenatal class Think about what you hope to gain from antenatal classes so that you can find the sort of class that suits you best. Places in antenatal classes can get booked up early, so it’s a good idea to start making enquiries early in pregnancy so that you can secure a place in the class that you choose.

Speak to your community midwife if you can’t go to classes. The midwife may be able to lend you a DVD about antenatal care, or you may be able to buy one.

What happens in antenatal classes You might be able to attend introductory classes 1 0 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

on baby care early in pregnancy, but most antenatal classes start around 8-10 weeks before your baby is due, when you are around 30-32 weeks pregnant.

If you’re expecting twins, start your classes when you’re around 24 weeks pregnant because your babies are more likely to be born early. Some units offer antenatal classes for women expecting multiples – ask your midwife about this.

Classes are normally held once a week, for around two hours..

The kinds of topics covered by antenatal classes are: • Health in pregnancy, including a healthy diet • Exercises to keep you fit and active during pregnancy • What happens during labour and birth • Coping with labour and information about different types of pain relief • How to help yourself during labour and birth • Relaxation techniques • Information about different kinds of birth and interventions • Caring for your baby, including feeding • Your health after the birth • Emotions and feelings during pregnancy, birth and after Some classes cover all these topics. Others focus on certain aspects, such as exercises and relaxation, or caring for your baby.

The number of different antenatal classes available varies from place to place.

“Think about what you hope to gain from antenatal classes so that you can find the sort of class that suits you best. Places in antenatal classes can get booked up early, so it’s a good idea to start making enquiries early in pregnancy so that you can secure a place in the class that you choose”

YUMMY MUMMY

Keep Calm and…

relax yourself I

t’s normal to be a bit stressed about the changes in your life and to your body. But if you’re stressed and anxious day in, day out, speak to your midwife or doctor.

Continuous, high levels of anxiety may affect your baby. That’s because the stress hormone cortisol can cross the placenta and influence the building blocks of your baby’s emotional developmentOf course, many complex factors will shape your baby’s eventual ability to learn and relate to the world. But it makes sense, for your sake and your baby’s, to tackle stress now.

Here are some positive steps you can take…

Rest and focus on your baby Take time out to focus on your bump. Chat and sing to your unborn baby. From about 23 weeks, he can hear you! Listen to your body, if you’re feeling tired, go to bed early. Your body is working hard to nourish your growing baby and you need plenty of rest.

Talk about it If you have worries about your baby’s wellbeing, you can turn to your midwife for reassurance. Don’t be frightened to admit how you are truly feeling.

Talk to your partner too. You may discover that you share similar worries. Seek out other mums-to-be, perhaps at an antenatal class or an exercise class. It’s likely that at least some of them will be having the same feelings as you.

Eat well Eating well is good for your mind as well as your body. A healthy diet of omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, can lift your mood, and help to reduce depressionTry to have two portions of oily fish a week. Keep an eye on how much water you’re drinking, as dehydration may affect your mood, and make you more prone to headaches. Aim for six to eight glasses of fluid a day.

Take exercise Exercise can improve your moodt’s perfectly safe during pregnancy. Make it gentle exercise, though.

Swimming is ideal, as it keeps you toned, without being too hard on your joints. Find out if there’s an aqua-natal class at your local pool. Pregnancy yoga not only tones and stretches your body, but teaches you to breathe correctly and relax.

Coping with commuting Commuting can be a major source of stress, and it gets worse the more heavily pregnant you are. Try and avoid rush hours. Some train operators offer first-class seats to pregnant season-ticket holders, if standard-class carriages are full. In London, pregnant women who use the underground are entitled to priority seats and can wear a baby-onboard badge to let other passengers know they need a seat. Don’t feel embarrassed. Most people are more than willing to give up their seats, they just need reminding!

Try complementary therapies Massage is a fantastic way to de-stress. Show your partner how to do a lower back and relaxation massage. If you are using essential oils, check they’re safe for use in pregnancy. Meditation can help to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisolSit in a quiet place and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply and slowly through your nose, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Focus on your breath or an image, such as a candle, and start repeating either a word or phrase you find calming, over and over. Try to fit in 20 minutes of meditation, once a day, five days a week, ideally in the morning.

Treat yourself Laughter is one of the body’s best ways of relaxing.

So meet up with friends and family and relax doing something you enjoy. Pregnancy is also the perfect time to treat yourself to all those beauty treatments you never normally splash out on.

Be nice to yourself. You deserve it.

1 2 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

Staying active during pregnancy M

ost exercises are safe to perform during pregnancy, as long as you exercise with caution and do not overdo it. Activities can include walking, swimming, low-impact aerobics, yoga and pilates.

Being active during pregnancy means you’re likely maintain a healthier weight and be able to cope better with the physical demands of pregnancy and labour. It also reduces the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects and diabetes. It can also prevent gestational diabetes, which makes your baby grow too big in pregnancy, and can lead to delivery complications and low blood sugar. Being active can also prevent you from getting high blood pressure, which can result in a stillbirth.

Exercising through your pregnancy can be built into your daily routine, and will make it easier to get back to your normal weight after your baby is born.

It can also: • Give you more energy, help you sleep better, and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. So even if you’re feeling shattered, try and fit in some sort of exercise.

• Make you stronger, so you can carry the weight of your growing baby.

• Help to lessen the risk of depression after your baby is born.

There are many dedicated classes for mums-tobe, so check with your local health club or leisure centre for more details.

1 4 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

1 6 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

1 8 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

2 0 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

Don’t be a fool, keep your cool at back to school Avoid unnecessary shopping Losing anything you own is bad enough, but losing something that you cannot avoid replacing (say, kids’ school things) is even worse, especially when you know the loss was preventable. Furthermore, you can’t always rely on the right shops being open when you need something quickly.

No more fights

T

his is a shout out to all you mums, dads and other big kids out there at back to school time. We feel your pain! You’re probably thinking of the mountains of tasks you need to do to prepare for your littlies returning to school, including all the new stuff you have to buy. If you’re already dreading the time and money you will spend acquiring such things, imagine how much worse you’ll feel when they go missing and need to be replaced. Luckily, Stuck On You have just the solution. Our fabulous range of name labels and other personalised products are not only stylish and fun, but they will also survive being wet, dropped, scratched.. anything your child throws at it. Well, almost anything…

You might feel like labelling adds to your already onerous to-do list, but we guarantee that it will spare you hassles in the longer run. Here’s why.

Label it or lose it Children lose things at the drop of a hat – sometimes literally! And this is at the best of times. Throw in back to school time – with the corresponding chaos of sharing a space with loads of other children, learning new things constantly, and high-energy lunchtime fun - and you have a sure fire recipe for even more lost things. Including dropped hats.

Stay out of lost property!

There are better places for you to spend your time than the lost property bins. The gatekeepers of this paradise (of) lost are equally reluctant to be there and so keen to get rid of the clutter that they will sometimes try to push an unlabelled item – potentially your child’s onto another desperate parent.

2 2 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

Labelling helps to remove the ambiguity of who owns what, especially important in an environment where everyone’s things look similar. Ownership challenges are stressful for kids, disruptive to class and awkward for those around. Consider also that kids want to make friends at school and may be reluctant to show their more ‘challenging’ side (preferring to save that for home, of course). Even for kids who like to be challenging whatever the environment, wouldn’t their debating skills be better utilised on more worthy topics? Such as whether Plato was wiser than Aristotle. Or Justin Bieber better than One Direction.

We cannot emphasise enough, if you value your time and money, label the lot! www.stuckonyou.uk

“Losing anything you own is bad enough, but losing something that you cannot avoid replacing is even worse”

YUMMY MUMMY

2 4 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

The Genius Parenting Gadgets

You Need to know about

2 6 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7 2 7

YUMMY MUMMY

Baby Bubbles Babies only need a bath two or three times a week, with a wash in between, but if your baby really enjoys it, bathe them every day! Here are a few tips on getting the best out of bathing your baby, keeping them safe, and smelling fresh. We all love that clean baby smell!

1. Hold your baby on your knee and clean their face first.

2. Next, wash their hair with plain water, supporting them over the bowl.

3. Once you’ve dried their hair gently, you can take off their nappy, wiping away any mess.

4. Lower your baby gently into the bowl or bath using one hand to hold their upper arm and support their head and shoulders.

The water should be warm, not hot.

Check it with your wrist or elbow and mix it well so there are no hot patches.

2 8 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

Don’t bathe your baby straight after a feed or when they’re hungry or tired.

If your baby seems frightened of bathing and cries, try bathing together. It’s easier if someone else holds your baby while you get in and out of the bath

6. Lift your baby out and pat them dry, paying special attention to the creases in their skin.

5. Keep your baby’s head clear of the water.

Use the other hand to gently swish the water over your baby without splashing.

Have everything you need at hand: a baby bath filled with warm water, two towels, a clean nappy, clean clothes and cotton wool.

Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a second.

Don’t add any liquid cleansers to the bath water. Plain water is best for your baby’s skin in the first month.

This is a good time to massage your baby. Massage can help them relax and sleep.

Avoid using any oils or lotions until your baby is at least a month old.

Take a walk on the wild side.

Enjoy the freedom of an off-road adventure with the YippieYo Crossbuggy.

T

ired of pushing your stroller up and down the same old road? Heading off to the countryside with no suitable pushchair to take along? Go off-road and experience the outdoors with the YippieYo Crossbuggy, a completely new, safe and high-quality off-road buggy for two children aged from one to six. The innovative and light-weight aluminium frame ensures stability and agility even in difficult terrain. The combination of just one axle, 14 inch wheels, a generous amount of ground clearance, comfortable suspension and stable disc brakes make the all-terrain buggy unbeatable when out and about. While parents fancy the immensely enhanced mobility compared to regular pushchairs, the kids also enjoy the “hop-on, hop-off ” roadster feeling. The Crossbuggy is easy to take along as well: Just fold backrest and drawbar and dismount the wheels and it will fit in almost any boot.

Impeccable quality, safety certification, and sustainable production. Made in Switzerland.

Sustainability is key to YippieYo. Each Crossbuggy is produced in Switzerland and is free of any

harmful substances. The manufacturing process is much closer to a high-end mountain bike than to an ordinary pushchair: aluminium free-forming, highquality welding, individual powder coating, and use of disc brakes are just some of its unique features.

Notably, the Crossbuggy has passed an extended endurance and safety test and has been granted the renowned German GS-certification (Guaranteed Safety).

The Crossbuggy can be ordered and configured online at www.yippieyo.com.

Test Mums & Dads Wanted.

Let’s do things together.

You get a free YippieYo Crossbuggy, we get weekly social media posts and pictures.

Interested? Send us a mail and a photo to info@yippieyo.com and tell us how and where you would use the YippieYo Crossbuggy and how you could help us to spread the word. We will give 10 buggies away for free to the most compelling ideas. www.yippieyo.com

YUMMY MUMMY

3 0 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

Holidays are coming…

W

ith summer now firmly on the horizon, there’s no better place to shop for all your baby and toddler needs than Hippychick.

Hippychick is the word on every travel-savvy mum’s lips with its judiciously curated collection of stylish essentials designed for life with a baby or toddler.

But for busy mums on the go, says Julia Minchin, Hippychick Founder and yummy mummy of three ‘stylish is not enough. Every item in the Hippychick collection also has to pass muster for its functionality, originality and ingenuity.’

We’ve just had a look through Hippychick’s latest brochure which is now available from their website at www.hippychick.com and have chosen these three items as ones we think are the absolute pick of the crop. Don’t leave home without them this summer.

Tron Already the subject of major industry awards, this unassuming little piece of folded cardboard is, in fact, the UK’s first ever disposable cardboard potty.

Small enough to fit in your handbag, Tron unfolds into a robust and comfortable little potty, complete with its own absorbent and biodegradable, fully leak-proof pad. Once your child has done their business, you can fold Tron up again and use its cleverly integrated handles to deliver it seamlessly and without odour or mess, to the nearest bin.

Ingenious! £2.99 from www.hippychick.com/tron

SPACECOT Finally we have lift off in travel cots with SPACECOT. SpaceCot is a full size travel cot made from 3 2 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

SPACECOT, £139.99

space-grade aluminium and is so-called because it features a patented folding mechanism based on folding solar panels used for space satellites.

SpaceCot is the thinnest fold-up travel cot in the market and weighing in at just 6.7kg, it’s the lightest too. But its real point of difference is its ability to pop up and fold back down in under three seconds. £139.99 from www.hippychick.com/spacecot

OMNIO, £389

OMNIO Ever had to negotiate a staircase or escalator with a toddler and a stroller? Imagine how much easier this would be if you could fold up the stroller in seconds and place it on your back, leaving you free to hold hands with your toddler?

Enter Omnio – a full size, wearable stroller with a compact fold for easy storage, and the only lightweight stroller (weighing in at just 7.5kgs) capable of accommodating a child up to 22kg in weight.

Brilliant.

And is there a yummy mummy doesn’t love a guy wearing a pair of wheels? £389 from www.hippychick.com/omnio

Happy Holidays!

TRON, £2.99

YUMMY MUMMY

A guide to good parenting A

lthough there is no exact science to good parenting, there are a few rules that you can apply that will improve your relationship with your children and enable them to grow up into the people you want them to be:

Make clear rules Parents often have very different views about how they want to discipline their children and what behaviour warrants punishment. To overcome these issues, sit down with those that look after your child on a regular basis, whether that be family, friends or a nanny. Write down key rules that you would like your child to follow. Together, you should then decide how you will punish each rule that is broken.

Teamwork is essential when it comes to good discipline. Make sure you explain each rule to your child; you could even make a rule board and put it up in your house.

Listen “Children often live in secretive Between making breakfast, cleaning the house and worlds, so when they decide to getting your kids to brush their teeth it can be hard share something, it can be a big to find the time to listen. Will your kids be thankful that they had perfectly neat and ironed clothes, or deal to them” will they remember that time you sat down and really listened to what they had to say? Children often live in secretive worlds, so when they decide to share something, it can be a big deal to them. Try to get into a routine of asking your kids questions

3 4 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

about their day and their friends.

Have fun!

Although rules are important, your kids will respect you more if you spend time having fun with them too. Choose an activity they enjoy whether it’s a visit to the park, skating, a pamper afternoon or a day out. The activity you choose doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to interest them and be done on a regular basis.

Trust Trust is something that doesn’t come easily to most parents. We worry that they won’t look to cross the road, that they might make the wrong friends or that they will get into trouble. However, trust is essential to make any relationship work and moreover it gives your kids the freedom to explore and learn about life for themselves. It is likely that at some point they will make mistakes, but they will also learn from them. Plus, trust gives you something to bargain with. They can have some freedom if they behave, and if they don’t then it’s taken away.

Show you care Being a parent is hard work, but the rewards can be huge too. Find ways of showing your child that you care. Sometimes it can be easy to buy children gifts when you want to let them know you love them, but emotional attention is a much clearer, stronger message.

YUMMY MUMMY

Foster Care Fortnight Monday 8th - Sunday 21st May 2017 Foster Care Fortnight is the UK’s biggest foster care awareness raising campaign, delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network John Lennon and Kriss Akabusi.

Foster carers have a unique chance to make a real difference to a child’s life, supporting them and working to help them develop and achieve their potential.

Jacqueline Wilson, best-selling children’s author and long term supporter of Foster Care Fortnight says:

“I am proud to support Foster Care Fortnight and hope that this year it will encourage more people than ever to become foster carers”

T

he campaign showcases the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers.

Foster Care Fortnight is a good time to remind ourselves that there are 55,000 foster families across the UK who are giving over 64,000 children a chance of a childhood in which they can thrive. Thousands of new foster families are desperately needed every year to care for children.

Children can live with a family in their local area wherever possible - local authorities have the ultimate responsibility to look after children and young people in care as their corporate parent and directly recruit foster carers to care for them.

Fostering brings emotional rewards that are unmatched, and is one of the most varied, challenging and rewarding jobs you can do. Foster carers say it gives them a real sense of purpose and a tangible way to make a difference to other people’s lives and their own.

There are many famous faces who in their childhood, found themselves part of the social care system. They were loved and nurtured and moved on to achieve great things in their careers.

By taking a look at just some of these celebrities, you can begin to understand what a difference you can make. Giving a foster child the stability and encouragement that they need can help them accomplish anything…..

Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, Coco Chanel, Pierce Brosnan, Fatima Whitbread, Patricia Cornwell, Catherine Cookson, Damien Hirst, Debbie Harry,

3 6 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

“ I am proud to support Foster Care Fortnight and hope that this year it will encourage more people than ever to become foster carers. I have met so many inspiring foster carers and heard from their fostered children about the great work they do. To be able to provide such love and support to a child in such a vulnerable position as one coming in to care is a very special skill indeed. There is an increasing number of children entering care every year in the UK and 9,070 new foster carers needed to open their hearts and their homes to them. If you think you can improve a child’s life through foster care, speak to your local fostering service today.’

For more information and advice visit www. thefosteringnetwork.org.uk

YUMMY MUMMY

W

I Need a Nanny!

hen employing a nanny there are many responsibilities you may not have considered. The main concern when hiring a nanny is obviously to find the best person to care for your children. You may also be looking to approach a reputable private nanny agency. There are many in London to choose from.

discuss and agree any house rules from the outset.

• Is the nanny free to use the phone when she wants?

• Can the nanny invite other nannies around?

• Do either of the parents prefer being left alone when they return from work?

Guide to employing a nanny

Like any employer/employee relationship, your relationship with your nanny will have its ups and downs. There will be times when she is performing better than others and times when you may not agree on everything. You should make sure that there is an ongoing review process as well as ensuring an ongoing dialogue between you and the nanny.

• The nanny who comes into your home is making a career out of caring for your children and as such there are some fundamental employment guidelines that you should follow: • Nanny job description - a precise job description should be discussed and agreed before work commences.

• Nanny contract - it is now a legal requirement to have a written contract of employment. You should agree the terms of this contract with your nanny or agency, and finalise the contract with each party signing and keeping a copy each.

• Guidelines for your nanny - you should think about the way you like your home run and how you would like the relationship with your nanny to develop.

House rules for the nanny If you would like to keep the relationship fairly formal then state this at the outset. In particular, 3 8 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

The ongoing relationship with your nanny

Legal obligations when hiring a nanny The nanny is an employee and therefore as her employer you have a number of legal obligations.

For example: • You have a responsibility to pay tax and national insurance - there is often a temptation to pay cash but this is illegal and you can be fined and charged interest by the Inland Revenue for unpaid tax. If you wish to look at ways of reducing your tax liability, then you should look at the possibility of claiming the childcare tax credit or using childcare vouchers issued by your employer/company.

• You are responsible for paying your employee’s

statutory sick pay; statutory maternity pay and holiday pay. If you wish the nanny to accompany you on holiday, then please note that this does not count towards the nanny’s annual leave and she will need to be paid as normal. Also if you want the nanny to take some of her holiday when you take holiday, this should be specifically stated in the contract.

• You must ensure that your household insurance policy covers you for employers and public liability insurance.

Cars and transport for your nanny It is important that the nanny has appropriate insurance cover for the car that will be used to transport the children (she may need to get insurance to cover her for business use if using her own car). If you are providing a car to the nanny, or you are allowing the nanny to drive your car, check with your insurance company as it can be expensive to put a nanny on your insurance.

The nanny will need to be reimbursed for petrol and running costs whilst transporting the children around. You may either consider a flat rate sum per day or use a mileage rate, if she is using your car. If she is using her own car, then the nanny should be paid 0.45p per mile.

You will also need to clarify issues such as whether the nanny is allowed to use the car for her own personal use and, if so, who pays for the petrol.

YUMMY MUMMY

Get your kids active through exercise I

t’s never been more important to get children active. With use of the internet, mobile phones and computer games, this has resulted in lower levels of activity in children – which could potentially set them up for health problems later in life. That’s why kids need to get more active.

There are plenty of activities that the whole family can get involved in which the kids will love (and parents too!). These will set a great example and contribute to keeping your children fit, active, and most importantly, healthy.

Here are some top tips on getting your kids active through exercise….

Park life Whether it’s going on the swings and slides, or going for a walk followed by having an ice lolly, young children love the park. It has many places to explore and they can run around to their hearts content. It’s also free – which makes it an even more attractive option!

Activity trip Family days out such as visiting the zoo or a similar attraction usually involve an entire day walking around. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, and is a beneficial cardiovascular activity for children and adults alike. So, a Saturday family day out can also be a Saturday family workout!

Fun run A fun run is a non-competitive opportunity for the family to exercise together and usually comes with a medal at the end. Children love rewards, which will be a great incentive for them to participate. There are many charity events that cater for the whole family, and the kids will learn about charities helping 4 0 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

those less fortunate.

School Activities There are many after school clubs that run activities for all ages, whether it be tennis, athletics or hockey, there’s certain to be something to interest your children – and organisers are always looking for helpers to marshal, coach, and generally help out, so there are plenty of opportunities for the entire family to be involved.

On your bike Cycling is a fantastic, fun-filled activity, and is adaptable to every age. If your children are very young, they can either sit in a special trailer or be strapped into seats on the adults’ bikes.

Walking The simplest of all exercise activities, it is good exercise and can be pitched at every age level. Even the youngest kid can toddle a short way. Decide where to make the walk more interesting to your children.

Swimming Playing in a pool is ideal for a family workout, and you’ll find that the kids will love jumping in and out all day! Swimway offer excellent swimming courses across London teaching children from baby upwards to feel comfortable in the water, to paddle and then to swim. You are right there with them, and with trained instructors they will be perfectly safe.

With a little thought and planning, there are plenty of opportunities to get the kids active through exercise, with the additional benefit of some quality family time together!

YUMMY MUMMY

Peppa Pig & launch new Muddy Puddle Walk

This spring, Entertainment One’s (eOne) Peppa Pig is teaming up with the world’s leading children’s charity, Save the Children, to launch a fundraiser like no other

B

etween 8th - 14th May 2017, nurseries, early years groups, families and children are being encouraged to take part in a Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children.

Organising a Muddy Puddle Walk is a great way for your little ones to explore the world around them and jump in muddy puddles, like Peppa Pig, for a worthy cause. However you fundraise – you’ll help Save the Children make life better for children around the world.

Images courtesy of Jamie Baker/Save the Children

4 2 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

There are lots of easy ways to raise money on your Muddy Puddle Walk for Save the Children. The free fundraising pack is full of great activities and fundraising ideas, so you can choose which option will work best for you and your children. Your little ones can get sponsored to walk or splash in puddles at the park, or they can simply donate to join your muddy puddle walk. You can even top up your total by baking and selling Muddy Puddle cupcakes!

Vicky Fallon, Head of Community Giving at Save the Children, said: “We hope that nurseries and families across the nation sign up and take part in their very own Muddy Puddle Walk! By jumping in muddy puddles like Peppa Pig and raising money for Save the Children – you can help the world’s most vulnerable children to have a brighter future.”

By raising money for Save the Children, you’ll help support their work to give every last child the chance to learn, play and grow up healthy and happy. Millions of children around the world are missing out on this – just because of where they’re born. The fundraising pack will also explain what life is like for children in different countries, helping them see how they are making a difference through supporting Save the Children.

Sign up your nursery or family now at www.MuddyPuddleWalk.org to get your free Muddy Puddle Fundraising Pack, full of fundraising ideas and tips for great walks and activities indoors and out – including free Peppa stickers and Save the Children balloons too!

About Save the Children Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, they work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.

When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, they are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. They ensure children’s unique needs are met and their voices are heard.

They deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach. They do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

For more information visit: www.savethechildren.org.uk

BRELOKQ is a LuxuRy BRand fOR BaBy & changing Bags.

MadE in itaLy.

All of our shoes are carefully designed,from the choice of its components to its embellishments of precious accessories, making a simple shoe, a jewellery item of collection that goes beyond its original purpose. www.brelokq.com

YUMMY MUMMY

BEAUTIFUL BABY PRODUCTS FROM

LUCY & BELLE

P

lanning for the arrival of a new baby is such an exciting time but it can also be very overwhelming too. There are just so many baby brands to choose from it can be difficult to know where to begin, right? If you are a fan of classic, timeless styles let then let us introduce you to Lucy and Belle.

Established in 2014 Lucy and Belle, The Online Baby Boutique and home of Baby Chic, was named after Clara Bentata’s identical twin girls.

Clara was inspired to set up Lucy and Belle as she discovered a gap in the market for an online Baby Boutique which makes shopping for babies simple and pleasurable.

Sourcing unique high quality brands not commonly found on the High Street, Lucy and Belle offers a curated collection of key pieces for those

shopping to prepare for the arrival of a new baby, new parents and also anyone looking to purchase a special new baby gift.

Lucy and Belle believe that shopping for a baby should be simple and uncomplicated. Their carefully curated collection of products represents their core overriding value that the innocence and simplicity of childhood should be cherished. A palate of white, baby pink, blue and neutral tones weave through the store making it easy to shop for baby as the collections all complement each other.

Because Lucy and Belle are a small family run business they are genuinely passionate that their customers have a great shopping experience, and will go that extra mile to deal with any special requests.

Visit www.lucyandbelle.com to view the full collection.

“Lucy and Belle believe that shopping for a baby should be simple and uncomplicated”

Top Picks for Bringing Baby Home from Hospital Aden + anais Classic Musy Squares, £19.95

Kissy Kissy Take Me Home Set, £58

Doudou et Compagnie Lapin Bonbon Comforter, £19.95

Pasito a Pasito Car Seat Cover & Hood, £130

Kissy Kissy Knit Blanket, £50

Atelier Hospital Suitcase, £75

4 4 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

Birthday Parties

TO BOAST ABOUT What is the correct way to celebrate a five-year-old’s birthday? The local church hall, a Frozen theme, paper plates and fairy cakes? That is one way we guess, but when it comes to here in London? …

We do it differently.

4 6 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

S

ome say that the children’s birthday party has got way out of control, that too much cash is being spent on spoilt offsprings, and that competition amongst parents has reached an all-time high.

But no parent one wants their child to become famous for throwing the worst parties in the class do they? And so, save-the-date invitations are sent out at the beginning of term in September - to prevent any clashes of bashes.

Five-star hotels are certainly a feature when it comes to holding the ultimate Birthday bash for your little one - there are children’s parties in the ballrooms of the Dorchester, Connaught and May Fair hotels, with DJs and dancefloors. Party planners, including Kasimira, Quintessentially Events and Les Enfants, have found themselves working with budgets for under-10s of up to £150,000.

Bespoke hits the top spot – a weekend spa break for little girls, or a Bond party with a helicopter ride for the boys sound extravagant enough….but there is always a mother that has to go one bigger - one American mother organised a weekend with a TV production company, during which the 10-year-olds wrote, filmed and starred in their own mini feature films.

The acceptable minimum for a party gift hovers at around £40, but can easily go up to £100 for the mother of a reception child keen to ensure continuing invitations - ‘I just wanted to make sure she made friends.’

Of course, there are still plenty of parents who organise a meal out (albeit VIP) or the cinema simply because that’s what their child would most like - though they just have to hire out the whole of the Electric in Notting Hill.

YUMMY MUMMY

IS YOUR CHILD SPOILT ROTTEN? If your child asks for something and you’re not sure whether to allow it, ask her to explain why she thinks it’s a good idea. So if she really wants to watch a DVD and she explains that she’s tidied all her toys, then you can feel more comfortable saying “yes”.

SHOULD I GIVE MY CHILD CHORES TO DO? By introducing your child to simple chores, she’ll start to learn early lessons about taking responsibility. The key is to involve her with what you’re doing, rather than setting her tasks to do alone. For example, when you’re hanging the washing out, she’ll probably love passing you the clothes from the basket. Reward her by thanking her and telling her how helpful she has been. You may find she volunteers to help with a quite a few jobs around the house!

To raise a well-mannered, reasonable child, it’s important to say “no” sometimes. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to nip any spoilt behaviour in the bud HOW CAN I SET LIMITS FOR MY CHILD? It’s really important for you to be clear about what is allowed and what’s not. If you leave any wiggleroom then you set yourself up for arguments later on. A good example is when your child asks you for an unhealthy snack. See the difference between “OK, you can have a biscuit” and “You can have one biscuit, but don’t ask me for any more. This is it.” The first option doesn’t rule out another biscuit.

The second option lets your child know exactly where she stands.

HOW CAN I STICK TO THOSE LIMITS? One really means one. It’s easy to say no to more than one biscuit and then start questioning yourself: would another biscuit really hurt today? It’s important to think long-term, though. It’s too hard for your child to understand why some days eating two or three biscuits is fine while at other times only one is allowed. It could lead to some major tantrums as she becomes frustrated with the lack of consistency. Make it easier for you both by sticking to a limit.

HOW CAN I HANDLE MY CHILD BEGGING? Never give in to begging. The first time you give in to begging, you teach your child that it works. And the next time she sees something she wants and you say “no”, you won’t hear the end of it. She’ll plead with you until you give in again. Ignoring begging from the start lets her know it’s a waste of time and will save you a lot of stress.

WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE WHETHER SHE SHOULD HAVE SOMETHING? 5 4 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

“The first time you give in to begging, you teach your child that it works”

HOW CAN I HELP HER DEAL WITH DISAPPOINTMENT? It’s natural to hate seeing your child upset, but in life disappointment is sometimes inevitable! By making her familiar with it through little things such as denying her a new doll when you’re shopping, she’ll develop important coping skills. These will become invaluable as she grows up.

HOW CAN I ENCOURAGE HER TO EARN HER TREATS? The easiest way to spoil your child is to give her everything she wants too easily. It’s much better to give treats as a reward for good behaviour rather than “just because”. So if your child is desperate for a new toy, you could set up a star chart and let her know how many stars she needs for you to buy it for her.

Every time she’s good, give her a star. She’ll feel a real sense of achievement when she finally gets what she wants. And she won’t take it for granted.

The Nursery WiNdoW A leading boutique dedicated to Great British design, with beautifully crafted products in timeless and elegant designs that will both charm and inspire.

We have resided in Walton street for over 30 years and specialise in hand made sustainable luxury from bedding to changing mats. shop here for an exclusive range of gifts that will be cherished and loved by all, and create an exquisite baby shower gift that suits your taste and pocket.

A haven for mothers-to-be.

83 Walton Street, SW3 2HP www.nurserywindow.co.uk 0207 581 3358

YUMMY MUMMY

Building a brand.

Going global and giving back

I

t’s been quite the journey for luxury brand Kerikit. So following on from their recent Q&A, they were keen to tell Yummy Mummy magazine a bit more about how the challenges of building a successful brand and expanding into new territories. Keri had this to say: “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved so far but it hasn’t been without its challenges.

Some people are really lucky and hit gold straight off the bat. They just get it right and you feel like you are left at the starting block while they fly into the stratosphere. That’s certainly how I felt a year ago and looking back I really struggled with jealousy, frustration and with a lack of sales I also started to lose confidence too. If you want to start your own business you need far more money than you think to invest then grow a brand. You need friends in high places or a fantastic network of people to help you - or failing that a very supportive husband and granny who will listen to your endless concerns, worries and fears! While all this felt like years ago It was actually just a few months ago before Christmas when I remember thinking will all this hard work ever pay off ? Or would I run out of money before it did. Now, partly down to hard work - but also due to a huge shift in my mental approach to all things business and life related everything is really going from strength to strength. I take more

5 6 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

time for myself and my family, I balance things better and take time to invest in myself which not only makes me happier it has made my business flourish too. I am thrilled that we are now selling online at Nordstrom and sales have exceeded my expectations in just the first couple of weeks. We are also now stocked in Wolf & Badger in Soho New York - KeriKit is going global!

All of this brings me to my greatest chapter yet - the ability to give something back. I am very fortunate to be blessed with three lovely children along with a beautiful home and a loving husband so my children are growing up in a very safe and loving environment. People often comment that they are so happy and my response is they should be - they have nothing to be upset about. It breaks my heart to know so many young children out there are not having similar childhood experiences - Some are in foster homes while others are carers for sick parents and many experience very little love at all.

I am therefore really grateful as my business develops I am looking towards helping children less fortunate with a small donation from each sale online going towards the honeypot foundation which help support children who are young carers to be children once again.

Thank you so much to all the lovely people who have chosen Kerikit as their bag of choice. And huge thanks to those of you who have taking the time to leave amazing reviews on my website. Every single one means the world to me as my aim is to make both mothers and children smile”. Keri xx More info on this will be on their website soon.

KeriKit. Luxury limited edition leather bags that change with you.

“I am extremely proud of what we have achieved so far but it hasn’t been without its challenges”

www.kerikit.com 07967699474

YUMMY MUMMY

Families At the Savoy

5 8 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

T

he Savoy is the perfect setting for families planning a trip to London. Their team are dedicated to creating an unforgettable luxury experience for both adults and children, and the hotel is perfectly located to explore all that this vibrant city has to offer.

Additional services available on request: Alcohol removal services Luggage storage Pay TV channel blocking:

Amenities • Baby cots, roll-away beds and bed side rails available upon request • Connecting rooms and suites available upon request (subject to availability) • Children’s Welcome Kit • Baby bathtub • Children’s bathroom amenities, bathrobes, slippers and clothes hangers • Bottle warmers • Highchairs • Baby prams/strollers • In-room games consoles • DVD & CD players • Ipod docking station • 10m swimming pool situated in its own atrium and filled with natural light (Please note children under 16 must be supervised by an adult at all times) Please note:: All amenities are available on request and subject to availability.

For more details, and to make your reservation, please visit www.fairmont.com/savoy.

Dining Children are welcome in Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill, Simpson’s-In-The-Strand, the Thames Foyer and Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill.

The Savoy, Strand, London, WC2R 0EU. Tel: 020 7836 4343

Babysitting The Savoy uses the services of Rockabye Babysitters, a well renowned babysitting company in London. Please contact the Housekeeping department for assistance.

A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7 5 9

YUMMY MUMMY

6 0 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

presents The Royal Parks Foundation have once again partnered with Hartbeeps to deliver an immersive, interactive and unique approach to baby development.

B

abies are taken on a themed journey in a warm, sensory inspired room, guided by friendly Hartbeeps staff. Set to music and nursery rhymes, props and accessories will help children of any age develop their confidence and allow an even stronger bond between baby and adult to form.

The six week long Hartbeeps courses are held on Tuesday mornings, at the Royal Parks Foundation Education Centre in Hyde Park. There are two course options to cater for new-borns up to toddlers.

Baby Bells: (under 6 months) suitable for new-borns to babies almost sitting This class is provided free for parents who have experienced traumatic births, have had bonding issues and/or are suffering with post natal illness or depression. Baby Bells is a lovely, gentle class, which focuses on bonding and confidence. They use elements of baby yoga, baby massage and calming techniques, to guide little ones through a magical, imaginary ‘Baby Land’.

Your little one will meet friendly puppet characters, be introduced to age-appropriate props and discover sparkly parachutes - all designed to delight those freshly acquired senses and help babies to uncurl and release trapped energy.

“The six week long Hartbeeps courses are held on Tuesday mornings” Baby Beeps: (+6 months) older class suitable for babies who are sitting confidently to almost confidently walking Baby Beeps is a bouncy, interactive baby development class that focuses on early language acquisition. Every class is a fun-filled adventure through imaginary ‘Baby Land’ with wacky characters, lighting effects, cool props and parachutes that you won’t see anywhere else.

The class is set to a funky soundtrack of original baby songs, remixed nursery rhymes and lullabies. From the everyday to the truly spectacular, everything we do in Baby Beeps is magical.

6 2 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

Course dates 18th April- 23rd May 6th June- 18th July 10am - 10:45am Baby Beeps (6 months+) 11am - 11:45am Baby Bells (under 6 months) The price for the Baby Beeps course is £66 (£11 per session).

To book your place on these courses, please contact Laura McMahon at lmcmahon@royalparksfoundation.org.

Trial sessions You can also pay for a one off trial session at £11, however please be aware priority will be given to whole course bookings.

Visit the website to find out more! www.supporttheroyalparks.org/ events/hartbeeps

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 4 A P R IL / M A Y 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

welcomes back A-List party planners, Sharky and George, Hurlingham Park, Fulham sw6

And for the grown-ups there is an array of exclusive bars, providing quintessential locations to enjoy world class polo and music whilst sipping a thirst-quenching cocktail. There is also an on-site shopping village featuring an array of boutiques selling unique luxury items.

Finals Day takes place on Sunday 11th June, with London’s biggest childrens’ party kicking off at 11am - 1.30pm before the Polo Finals begin.

C

hestertons Polo in the Park, combining world-class sport, a host of London’s most exciting restaurants and Europe’s longest outdoor bar, also welcomes back leading A-list children’s party planners, Sharky & George and London’s top soft play venue, Eddie Catz. The hugely popular party planners are pulling out all the stops with a host of activities, to ensure your children have the best possible memories of Chestertons Polo in the Park.

The action kicks off on Friday 9th June, with the Little Hooves Club at Chestertons Polo in the Park, run by Sharky & George and in partnership with Eddie Catz. The kids club will no doubt have children erupting with excitement with features such as a bouncy castle, fantastic face painting, a soft play zone, obstacle courses and a brilliant arts and craft area for children to get their creative hats on.

6 6 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

Activities include..

• Rocket balloon launching and giant bubble making • Space Hopper Steeplechase, Mega sack races, Rocket balloon javelin • Giant musical mats • Ultimate waterbomb catapulting competition, Squirrel tails • Giant sock wrestling arena, Giant musical bumps • Biggest game of musical statues ever • 100-a-side tug of war Then the whole family will see the crowning of the champions of Chestertons Polo in the Park 2017.

Tickets for Chestertons Polo in the Park start from just £15. Tickets can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.co.uk. For more information please visit www.polointheparklondon.com.

“The action kicks off on Friday 9th June, with the Little Hooves Club at Chestertons Polo in the Park”

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

FINE DINING WITH The days of fine dining in the most elegant restaurants in London diminish when you have kids - OR DOES IT?

M

any of London’s coolest restaurants are surprisingly accommodating to children, so get the kids together and check out some of the most trendiest eateries in London for your family.

lunchtime crèche for kids aged 2 years – 12 years old. It’s supervised by fully qualified staff so you can finish off your meal whilst the kids play.

135 Portland Road, London W11 4LW Tel: 020 7229 8331/020 7727 4585

Sticky Fingers, Kensington

Bubba Gump Shrimp

Aptly named, Bill Wyman’s much loved steak and ribs restaurant has a children’s menu titled ‘Sticky Little Fingers’ It caters for kids under 12 years old, and you can’t get more child-friendly than with any meal your little one gets a soft serve vanilla ice cream cone or tub!

1A Phillimore Gardens, London, W8 7QB Tel: 020 7938 5338

Give the little ones a taste of America’s Deep South at this Forrest Gump themed restaurant in the historic ‘Trocadero’ building. Bubba Gump Shrimp serves kids’ favourites such as popcorn shrimp, chicken strips and macaroni cheese as part of its children’s menu; while, for dessert, they can even build their own sundae from delicious sweet treats.

13 Coventry Street, London, W1D 7AB Tel: 0203 763 5288

Julies, Holland Park The ultimate in child friendly. Aside from its great menu and delicious dishes, it has a Sunday 6 8 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

Giraffe With plenty of healthy options, you can take your

“Give the little ones a taste of America’s Deep South at this Forrest Gump themed restaurant”

THE Family? kids for a guilt-free meal at Giraffe at outlets across London. Whether porridge, fresh fruit or pancakes for breakfast; or salmon, omelette or nachos for lunch, your kids will love tucking into the fresh fare at this relaxed eatery. Make sure to take advantage of the great value meal deal that includes a main meal and drink. www.giraffe.net

Gordon Ramsey Restaurants Wonderful news that the family man has literally fed the demand for family-friendly dining. Across his many restaurants in London, there are delicious Children’s Menus with good wholesome foods for your kids. Gordon Ramsey Restaurants are a great introduction to fine dining for your children. www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com

Planet Hollywood A visit to Planet Hollywood is always a big hit with your youngest, nearest and dearest, with food on offer including burgers and ice cream you can’t really go wrong. Add into the mix a fun atmosphere, great Hollywood memorabilia and a room dedicated to the adventures of our very own British secret service agent, James Bond.

57-60 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4QX. Tel: 020 7287 1000

Rainforest Café Rainforest Cafe, located just two minutes from Piccadilly Circus, brings together the sights and sounds of the jungle in a vibrant and exciting atmosphere of fun for all the family. See the venue brought to life by elephants, gorillas, jaguars and crocodiles, together with tropical fish tanks, an indoor waterfall and thunderstorm all adding to the exciting dining experience. Great for all the family, there is an extensive menu of American and International cuisine catering for both adults and children.

20 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7EU. Tel: 020 7434 3111

“Rainforest Cafe, located just two minutes from Piccadilly Circus, brings together the sights and sounds of the jungle”

A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7 6 9

YUMMY MUMMY

THE ART OF THE BRICK: DC SUPER HEROES at South Bank

World’s Largest LEGO® Exhibition inspired by Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman Artist Nathan Sawaya presents more than 120 works of art, created with more than 2 million LEGO bricks Until 4 September 2017

F

ollowing a successful run in Madrid, THE ART OF THE BRICK: DC SUPER HEROES made its London debut on 1st March 2017. The contemporary art exhibition is shown in an exclusively built space on London’s South Bank.

Together with Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, the well-known and celebrated artist has created the world’s largest collection of artwork inspired by DC’s Justice League, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, alongside DC SuperVillains the Joker, Harley Quinn and more.

Through a series of immersive galleries, THE ART OF THE BRICK: DC SUPER HEROES showcases Sawaya’s interpretations on characters, vehicles, environments and themes found throughout DC Super Heroes mythology including transformation and reinvention, strength and weakness, as well as good vs. evil.

To kids and adults who love LEGO, Sawaya is a

7 0 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

bit of a super hero! For the last decade, the former lawyer- turned- artist has elevated the simple toy to highly sought-after artwork, and has inspired countless kids to think outside of the box. Sawaya has turned to the stories of super heroes for his own inspiration in this exhibition – featuring LEGO sculptures that emulate DC’s legendary characters, vehicles, surroundings and themes that are present in the DC mythology.

THE ART OF THE BRICK: DC SUPER HEROES exhibition includes more than 120 original pieces, created exclusively from LEGO bricks, including a life-size Batmobile (5.5 metres) and built from half a million standard pieces.

Sawaya has captured on a real scale some of the most iconic Super Heroes and Super-Villains from DC, exploring more than 80 years of history.

“Just like Superman, we all have our own story.

This art collection is based on the elements of the journey of a super hero, including the moment in which we are all called to the adventure,” explains Sawaya.“As a kid I spent Saturday mornings sitting on the floor playing with LEGO and watching the DC Super Friends cartoons. So this new collection of artwork is a dream come true for me.”

THE ART OF THE BRICK: DC SUPER HEROES is in partnership with Warner Bros.

Consumer Products and DC Entertainment.

London’s South Bank, Doon Street Car Park, Upper Ground, London SE1 2PP. Open daily until 4 September Sun – Wed: 10am – 6pm.

Thurs: 10am – 8pm.

Fri/Sat: 10am – 7pm Last admission one hour before closing For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.aotbdc.co.uk Or telephone 0333 247 0620

BATMAN, SUPERMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics. (s16)

LEGO, its logo, the brick and knob configuration and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2016 The LEGO Group. Used with permission.

YUMMY MUMMY

FAMILIES AT

M

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

andarin Oriental Hyde Park, London offers families the best of both worlds. With an unrivalled location offering fashionable Knightsbridge on one side and leafy Hyde Park on the other, families are treated to a weekend in the capital where any wish can come true.

From connecting rooms to a host of personalised amenities, parents and kids alike will feel immediately at home… but with five-star service.

Below is an outline of services that the hotel offers or can arrange for families staying at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London.

Amenities:

• Baby cots, extra beds for littles ones – they also do bed-side rails 7 2 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

“From connecting rooms to a host of personalised amenities, parents and kids alike will feel immediately at home… but with fivestar service”

• Connecting rooms and suites upon request & subject to availability • Children’s welcome amenities which includes cookie decorating kit and stuffed animals • Baby Bathtub • Children’s bathroom amenities, bathrobes from 4 - 12 • Yuyu bottles kid friendly (caterpillar) • Bottle warmers • High chairs • Baby strollers • In room game consoles • Mini umbrellas • Butler’s team • DVD & CD players • Ipod docking station • 17 metre swimming located within the wellbeing and fitness centre

Children’s Parties by Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

Babysitting:

• Babysitting services – rock-a-by babysitters and Hopes & Dreams are the two companies that they work with. Concierge can happily assist in making the necessary arrangements.

Dining: • Children are welcome in all restaurants (The Rosebery Lounge, Bar Boulud and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal) • Tailor-made menus for the little ones in every restaurant with colouring kits available

Additional services available on request

• Alcohol removal service • Luggage storage • Pay TV channel blocking • Croquet set available upon request to set up on the Terrace • Easter Egg Hunt and Scavenger Hunt • VIP access to Harrods Grotto at Christmas • Riding with the Riding School of Hyde Park • Family day outings arranged by the team to explore the city and the nearby parks, as well as day trips (i.e Harry Potter Studios etc)

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park creates sophisticated and bespoke parties that will make every child’s fantasy a reality, from Pirates of the Mandarin with epic adventures, to enchanted Fairy Forests, where dreams really do come true!

Keeping an eye on their younger visitors, they specialise in: • Christenings • First year celebrations • Birthday • Bar Mitzvahs • Bat Mitzvahs • Sweet 16 The newly refurbished beautiful Carlyle Room, with state-of-the-art retractable wall, is the perfect location to create momentous celebrations with a real WOW factor for children of all ages. The Carlyle Room is suitable for up to 80 guests with production or 200 for a reception. For clients with larger parties, the beautiful Ballroom is suitable for 200 guests for a dinner dance or 400 for a reception.

A minimum number of guests may apply.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s parties include: • A dedicated co-ordinator to assist you in creating a memorable party • Quirky non-alcoholic “mocktails” and cocktails on arrival • Tailor-made family favourite canapés for our mini-Mandarin’s sophisticated palates • Bespoke themes, characters and adventures Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s new outside catering service allows them to bring their legendary experience to your private home or your unique venue of choice.

THE DETAILS For reservations please call 020 7235 2000 or email molon-sales@mohg.com molon-reservations@mohg.com For further information or to book your event, please contact the Events Team on molon-events@mohg.com or telephone 020 7201 3772.

66 Knightsbridge London SW1X 7LA www.mandarinoriental.com/london

A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7 7 3

YUMMY MUMMY

“ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND” Returns From 13th May 2017, at The Vaults

L

es Enfants Terribles and ebp in association with Creature of London are delighted to announce their children’s show “ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND” will return to The Vaults in 2017.

ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND”, the critically acclaimed, multi-sensory experience created and directed specifically for children aged 5 to 10 from Les Enfant Terribles award-winning children’s theatre company Les Petits, will play a limited season from 13 May 2017 – 3 September 2017.

Pushing the boundaries of children’s theatre “ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND”

allows families to explore Wonderland up close, in an immense multi-room set in the Vaults under Waterloo station. In this hour long show, children will play a part in controlling their own experience, as they search for Alice who is missing in Wonderland. On entering Wonderland whether you ‘Eat me’ or ‘Drink Me’ will determine your unique path. Tumble with the Tweedle twins; follow the White Rabbit and take Tea with the Hatter at the Maddest Tea Party of all! “ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND” is adapted by Oliver Lansley and Anthony Spargo directed by Emma Earle (Mr Popper’s Penguins).

“There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full of Wonder, Mystery and Danger” Lewis Carroll, 1865

MORE INFORMATION DATES Saturday 13 May – Sunday 3 September 2017

TICKETS Box Office: 0844 248 1125 or www.alice-underground.com/ book-aiw Ticket Prices: Adult: £26.50.

Children: £15.50. Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £71.00 For further information visit: www.alice-underground.com/ aiw/tickets

THE VENUE The Vaults are housed in the tunnels under Waterloo Station, featuring 11 spaces and 17,000 square feet. Their mission as an arts platform is to collaborate and conspire, embracing artists from all walks of life to come together and inspire others.

For more information visit www.the-vaults.org

7 4 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

a world of fun

and adventure

V

isit wonderful Battersea Park Children’s Zoo in 2017 for a world of fun and adventure for kids. A full-size tractor and fire engine. There’ll be more funfilled activities taking place throughout the year, including arts and crafts sessions, animal-themed days and animal encounters, as well as special sessions with the Zoo’s popular artist-in-residence.

The fantastic sandpits, waterjets, swings, climbing frames and rides are just waiting to be explored and

there are enchanting mammals, birds and reptiles to meet too, including Kune Kune pigs Wiggle and Piggle, donkeys Smokey and Dusty and Shetland pony Feather. Emus Ant and Dec are great fun to watch, along with the lively Asian short-clawed otters and mischievous squirrel monkeys. There’s a secret lookout tunnel for spying on the meerkats and plenty more wildlife species to discover, including ring-tailed lemurs, cotton top tamarins, wallabies, Scottish wildcats, agouti, mara, hedgehogs, chipmunks, guinea pigs, rabbits, harvest mice, giant snails, snakes, African grey parrots, finches and lovebirds. Don’t forget to join the friendly keepers at feeding times to learn more about the animals and their habits and, for special occasions, Keeper Experiences and birthday parties are also available.

See the website for further information about our animals and our exciting programme of activities.

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, Battersea Park, Chelsea Embankment, Battersea, London SW11 4NJ

YUMMY MUMMY

Giant robot animals invade the Horniman Museum until Sunday 29th October 2017

The Horniman will also host a special programme of events linked to the exhibition throughout the year.

Ticket prices: Child £4.40; Adult £7.70: Family (2 adults, 2 children) £18.70.

(Prices include 10% voluntary Gift Aid donation) Visit www.horniman.ac.uk for more information.

Horniman members enjoy free, unlimited visits to the exhibition.

The Horniman Museum 100 London Road London SE23 3PQ

7 6 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

W

here can you meet a robotic rhino, a squid with 18-foot tentacles and a huge housefly with a vacuum cleaner for a mouth? The Robot Zoo is home to all these and more at the Horniman Museum & Gardens.

The Robot Zoo houses larger-than-life-size robot animals made from familiar machine parts and gadgets, in an exciting hands-on family exhibition revealing some of nature’s most amazing adaptations. Through interactive games and challenges, The Robot Zoo reveals how a chameleon changes colour, what makes grasshoppers leap so high, and exactly why a platypus looks so strange.

Using pistons for muscles, pipes instead of intestines, and computerised ‘brains’, the robot animals show how their real life counterparts see, hear, hunt, hide and move. And through other interactive exhibits visitors can try their hand at squid racing, fire a chameleon’s ‘tongue-gun’ and even design their own ‘mutant’ robot creature.

Dr Emma-Louise Nicholls, Deputy Keeper of Natural History at the Horniman says: ‘Animals are amazing, and these robots really show us how.

The everyday parts used – tubes, hinges and even a fly-swatter – form innovative representations of the amazing tools and abilities that have evolved in nature to allow animals to survive in a wide variety of environments and habitats. From a housefly’s lightning reactions to a bat’s ability to locate prey in the dark, this exhibition demonstrates just how extraordinary the animals that share our world really are.’

The Robot Zoo is open until Sunday 29th October 2017.

YUMMY MUMMY

“I had a very happy childhood, but I wasn’t that happy a child. I liked being alone and creating characters and voices. I think that’s when your creativity is developed, when you’re young. I liked the world of the imagination because it was an easy place to go to”.

THE WORLD OF

DAVID WALLIAMS

– David Walliams

D

id you know that he’s the biggest selling children’s author to have started writing since the year 2000? Not only that, you can also read his books in over forty-six languages, and he’s sold over eight million copies worldwide!

That’s a whole lot of kids laughing their pants off around the world.

But there’s even more! You can watch Mr Stink, Gangsta Granny and The Boy in the Dress on

7 8 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

DVD. And have you listened to all of the books on audio too? Hilariously read by David Walliams himself! And not forgetting that Ratburger, Demon Dentist and Awful Auntie have all won the National Book Awards Children’s Book of the Year.

Since beginning his publishing career in 2008, David Walliams has taken the children’s literary world by storm. David is currently the fastest growing children’s author in the UK. Walliams’ books have achieved unprecedented critical acclaim and it comes as no surprise that countless broadsheet reviewers have compared him to his all-time hero, Roald Dahl.

David is well known for his work with Matt Lucas. Together they created Little Britain, which has won numerous international awards including three BAFTAs and is now shown in over 100 countries. David and Matt followed Little Britain with the hugely popular spoof airport documentary series Come Fly With Me. David has also proven himself as a dramatic actor, with acclaimed roles in Stephen Poliakoff ’s Capturing Mary for BBC2, as Frankie Howerd in the biopic Rather You Than Me for BBC4, and on the West End stage in Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land starring alongside Sir Michael Gambon and in Michael Grandage’s version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Noël Coward Theatre in 2013.

In September 2011 David swam 140 miles from Gloucestershire to Westminster raising £2.5 million for Sports Relief. David has also proved popular in his role as a judge on TV talent show Britain’s Got Talent, where he found inspiration for one of the characters in his bestselling novel RATBURGER.

Adorable bunny night light, ÂŁ48

Use discount code YUMMY15 for 15% off

Members of Please follow us on Facebook

YUMMY MUMMY

BARNES CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Saturday 13TH May & Sunday 14th May 2017

MORE INFORMATION

L

ondon’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival will be returning to the capital in May 2017 for the third consecutive year. The Barnes Children’s Literature Festival programme offers over sixty events for ages 0-12 and beyond, spanning Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May, including author talks, workshops, story time and craft sessions, music, film and much more.

Confirmed authors and illustrators for 2017 include former Children’s Laureates Michael Rosen and Anthony Browne as well as a raft of bestselling authors including Nick Sharratt, Francesca Simon, Steve Cole, Lauren St John, Guy Parker- Rees and Book Trust Illustrator in Residence, Sarah McIntyre. They will appear alongside a few famous faces including David Baddiel, Clare Balding, Lucy Worsley, Cbeebies Ben Faulks, Floella Benjamin, Sophie Thompson, Prof Robert Winston, and Christian O’Connell. Actor Adrian Edmondson will

Illustrator: Nick Sharratt

8 0 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

be making his first festival appearance at Barnes with his debut children’s novel, Tilly and the Time Machine.

The Barnes Festival is committed to programming some of the best known names in children’s books alongside new talent and a few treats the audience is unlikely to see at festivals elsewhere. Very special events this year include another festival first featuring Barnes’s best known resident, Judith Kerr joining her dear friend Axel Scheffler for an event called ‘When Mog Meets Zog’ and an exclusive interview with mega bestselling illustrator, Tony Ross.

Other highlights include a brand new interactive Harry Potter show, a new production of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes – set to live music – for young children, an exclusive screening of the short animation based on Jon Klassen’s award-winning I Want My Hat Back picture book, and a series of workshops from Aardman Animation, the Oscarwinning creators of Wallace & Gromit, Morph and Shaun the Sheep.

To continue the expansion, the Festival will open on Friday 12th May with a new education and outreach programme involving local schools. This features, in a rare festival appearance, the author of Goodnight Mr Tom, Michelle Magorian, and the Children’s Poetry Prize winner, Joseph Coelho, among others.

Illustrator: Ed Vere

The Barnes Children’s Literature Festival is a community event and a percentage of all books sold, together with the surplus from ticket sales, is donated to local primary school libraries.

THE DETAILS

Tickets on sale now. www.barneskidslitfest.org.

Twitter: @kidslitfest Facebook: BarnesKidsLitFest #BCLF2017

YUMMY MUMMY

8 2 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

8 4 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

YUMMY MUMMY

YUMMY MUMMY MAGAZINE COMPETITION We have teamed up with the England and Wales Cricket Board to offer one lucky reader a special prize!

competition time Do you want to get your kids outdoors and more active this summer?

The prize consists of 1 x place at an All Stars Cricket centre including participant pack (supplied when course starts).

Personalised pack includes: backpack, cricket bat, water bottle, cap and shirt.

For your chance to win a place at All Stars Cricket this summer and a personalised cricket pack (includes backpack, cricket bat, water bottle, cap and shirt)

Simply answer the following question: Which season is most popular for playing cricket? a) Summer b) Autumn c) Winter

W

ell, All Stars Cricket is a brand-new programme from the England and Wales Cricket Board, which is aimed at girls and boys aged 5-8.

It’s a fun, first-time experience of cricket which develops your child’s movement skills. They can learn; catching, throwing, hitting a moving ball and teamwork – all whilst making new friends in a safe and inclusive environment.

All Stars Cricket starts in May 2017 and they have over 1,500 centres across the country. It’s an 8-week course and each session lasts one hour. These sessions are packed with little, skills based games

“They can learn; catching, throwing, hitting a moving ball and teamwork” 8 6 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

that are run by trained and accredited activators and Mum and Dad are encouraged to take part too, so you can spend some time with the kids.

Once you are signed up to All Stars Cricket, your child will receive a personalised pack which includes; a backpack, cricket bat, water bottle, cap and shirt!

To find your nearest All Stars Cricket centre, you can easily register online at www.allstarscricket.co.uk

To enter:

Email your answer and contact details to info@ centralmediagroup.co.uk with Yummy Mummy Magazine in the subject box.

The winner will be picked at random, and will be contacted in May by the England & Wales Cricket Board.

Terms & conditions Must be redeemed in 2017. Prize only for England & Wales. Cannot be redeemed for cash. ECB will aim to provide a centre within 10 miles.

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.

8 8 A P R IL / M A Y 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!

A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7 8 9

YUMMY MUMMY

How will our divorce affect our children?

I

f you are a parent going through a separation or divorce, you are likely to be worried about the effects on your children. You need to prepare yourself to deal with some of the sensitive challenges ahead, including issues involving arrangements for your children, like custody.

Divorce and separation affects children differently from adults. Children can have feelings of bewilderment, loneliness, anxiety, sadness and anger. Many children will think that they have done something to cause this. Children often try to protect their own parents by not expressing these feelings or by saying different things to each parent, depending on what they think that parent might want to hear.

Although you and your spouse will no longer be living together, remember that you will need to rely on each other as parents in the future. The wellbeing of your child depends on that. Do not be afraid to get outside help for you and your child if needed, and make sure you spend time in trying to understand what your child is going through.

For separating parents, sorting out the arrangements for their children can be highly emotionally charged, making it difficult to agree.

In time, hopefully a civil/friendly parenting relationship can be maintained and the practicalities of child care can be discussed and agreed upon freely. If you still cannot come to an agreement, then mediation or collaborative law should be considered. Although there will be some circumstances where court intervention is required, going to court should be a last resort.

For fathers it is not as straight forward: • If you were married at the time of your child’s birth, then the father will have parental responsibility.

• If you were unmarried at the time then the child’s date of birth is important. If your child was born

9 0 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

after 1 December 2003 and the father was named on the child’s birth certificate, he will have parental responsibility.

• If your child was born before that date then only the mother will automatically have parental responsibility.

If you require further assistance on any these issues, consult a family lawyer who can assist you by advising on and applying for any of these agreements and orders.

“Although you and your spouse will no longer be living together, remember that you will need to rely on each other as parents in the future”

A father can, however, acquire parental responsibility through one of the following: • Subsequently marrying the mother of the child • Applying to the court for a parental responsibility order • Making a parental responsibility agreement (in a set procedure) with the mother • Applying for and getting a residence order • Being appointed the child’s guardian (once the appointment takes effect).

YUMMY MUMMY

CHILD WELLBEING IN THE UK There are currently 3.7 million children living in poverty in the UK. 1.7 million of these children are living in severe poverty. In the UK 63% of children living in poverty are in a family where someone works.

Barnardo’s, Jan 2016

Today nearly a third of children aged 2 to 15 are overweight or obese, and younger generations are becoming obese at earlier ages and staying obese for longer.

850,000 children aged 5-16 have mental health problems

N

ational Children’s Day UK (NCDUK) is all about the importance of a healthy childhood and how we need to protect the rights and freedoms of children, in order to ensure that they can grow into happy, healthy adults.

This year National Children’s Day UK is taking place on Sunday 14th May and people can organise any kind of big or small event for the week up to and including the day. From small family gettogethers to local community events and talks - it’s a great opportunity for people to raise awareness and support for projects they are running or things that they care about.

In 2017 the day will be repeating its link with the Childhood Trust’s Summer Give, which aims to alleviate the impact of child poverty during the summer holidays. Last year £542,000 was raised with activities ranging from play initiatives for the youngest children, through to facilitated work experience and interview skills training for older teens.

9 2 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7

“Children in the modern world are experiencing pressures that were unknown to previous generations” Wendy Ellyatt, Chief Executive of the Save Childhood Movement said: “Children in the modern world are experiencing pressures that were unknown to previous generations and National Children’s Day UK provides a wonderful opportunity for people to highlight things that are going on in the lives of children and families and issues that they care about.

We hope everyone will use the day as a platform to celebrate everything that is magical about childhood, but to also shine a light on any problems and what we can do to alleviate them’.

For more details, visit www.nationalchildrensdayuk.com

Three children in every classroom have a diagnosable mental health disorder.

Roughly 725,000 people in the UK suffer from eating disorders, 86% of these will have shown symptoms before the age of 19.

One in 10 deliberately harm themselves regularly (and 15,000 of them are hospitalised each year because of this

Nearly 80,000 children and young people suffer from severe depression

YUMMY MUMMY

9 4 A P R IL / M A Y 2 0 1 7