My family issue 18

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Issue 18 • Spring 2014

reflecting modern family living

IN THIS ISSUE: Great places to take a break Autism’s Got Talent 2014 Fresh Spring Fashion Getting Kids Active Inspiring Young Minds and much more . . .

My Family is proud to support annakennedyonline.com www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk

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contents 4-8

Kids’ Fashion Spring into Summer 2014 Spring ideas for girls Tiny Shoes for Tiny Feet

9-14

Away with the Kids 5 Great Places to Take a Break Telling Your Family Stories by Meaghan Fitzgerald Holiday Must Haves

15-17

Health & Wellbeing Reacting to Hayfever & Allergies – Allergy UK Safety for spring & summer – Child Safety Week 2014 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

18-19

Family Wellbeing My Family and the law: Separation and Divorce by Nikki Lynch and Wendy Armstrong, BakerLaw

20-21

Outdoor Play Get Out – Play Out! COMPETITION – Win the Ultimate PL-UG kit!

22-25

Active Kids Getting Kids Active COMPETITION – Win a smartTrike Swimming is Fun and Saves Lives by the Amateur Swimming Association

26-27

Get Crafty Create a Beautiful Gift Bag with Stampin’ Up

28-31

Gifts My Family Love Gift Ideas for Tots & Tweens COMPETITION – Win a Seedling Colour Me Gnome Fathers’ Day Gift Ideas COMPETITION – You could win Typography of Love personalised frame worth £39.99

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Business Hub How to Spring Clean your Business by Helen Lindop Having it all – my way! Aley Forbes & Jo Cumberpatch’s journey to success

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Inspiring Young Minds How do we keep young readers going & develop a love of reading? By Liz Walker Tips to Help Teach Kids to Tell the Time by ClicTime How to Help your Child with Maths by Lesley Higgin

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A note from the editor 39-40

The Good Life Growing Your Own Organic Vegetables COMPETITION – win an Owl duvet cover and pillow case from The Fine Cotton Company COMPETITION – win a Tushi Stick COMPETITION – Win a Frugi £20 Voucher!

COMPETITION – Win a Cocoon Towel from The Little Green Sheep!

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Autism News Autism’s Got Talent – a sneak preview Baston House School Case Study

My Family magazine 75 Elizabeth Court • Wigston • Leicester LE18 2AF Telephone: 0116 2100911 For advertising enquiries email karen@myfamilymagazine.co.uk For subscriptions and distribution information email info@myfamilymagazine.co.uk

www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/My-Familymagazine/178172092255392

Spring is here and we think this issue reflects all of the great things that this wonderful season has to offer.

Our new look Kids’ Fashion section, is bursting with vibrant, fresh childrenswear and shoes, which are sure to have your mini fashionista jumping with joy.

Springtime is a great time for exploring everything that the UK has to offer, so for those of you planning a holiday check out our suggestions for 5 great places to take a break. And, if you are planning to travel with children, we picked a selection of holiday essentials that you may need for your journey.

We take a look at ways to get kids active and reasons it is important for kids to play outdoors, as well as a few ideas to get them over the threshold and enjoying the great outdoors.

In May we will be paying our annual trip to London for our favourite talent show, Autism’s Got Talent 2014. To celebrate the show’s third year, we caught up with the organiser Anna Kennedy OBE for a sneak preview of the acts that will be taking to the stage this year – check out our exclusive preview in the Autism News section.

With Allergy Awareness Week just around the corner (28th April – 4th May) Allergy UK’s Deputy CEO, Lindsey McManus draws our attention to hayfever and spring allergies, and the importance of getting the correct diagnosis and treatment.

With many more informative articles, inspiring features and fun competitions we hope you enjoy browsing through our pages.

We hope that you enjoy the read!

Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com @MyFamilyMag Feature images used under license from Shutterstock.com and depositphotos.com.

Other images have been supplied by independent sources.

Official media partner to My Family Magazine for Law

COMPETITION RULES Full details of competition rules are available on our website www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk. Entering a competition through the print magazine or via this website will be seen as acceptance of these rules.

DISCLAIMER The information contained in My Family magazine is not meant to replace that of a midwife, healthcare professional or GP. My Family would always recommend that you seek medical information from a qualified health professional.

Best Wishes Karen x Karen Reddell – Editor

The Team Hazel Alemany Designer design@myfamilymagazine.co.uk Petrina Kightley-Jones Kayjays Photography Kightley.jones@googlemail.com Jake Pullin Sales and Admin

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. . . with vibrant and fresh childrenswear that is sure to put a spring in the step of your mini fashionista!

Angel’s Face Petti Skirts Prices from £36.00 www.angelsface.co.uk

Oilily knitted wool cardigan, cotton skirt and cotton socks www.oililyshop.com

Belisa white blouse and Sasja B pink block print organdy skirt www.roomseven.com

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Biko classic jacket and trousers – sold separately and handmade to order www.isossychildren.com

Oilily boys’ cotton T-shirt, canvas trousers and soft cotton socks www.oililyshop.com

Dynamic Limited Edition Boy’s Jacket – hand-made to order www.isossychildren.com

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Oilily light summer dress with colourful hand-painted print on a dotted background www.oililyshop.com

Pure cotton ‘Sleep Pea’ All in One and (below) Strawberry Print All in One, Body Suit and Hat www.busypeas.co.uk

Fifi Spiral Print Romper with sheared front and back yoke in cotton satin contrasted with African Spiral print www.isossychildren.com

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KIDS’ FASHION

Spring ideas for girls I love this time of year, blossom is appearing on the trees, daffodils and crocuses are blooming, the mornings are getting brighter, so time to inject some colour and pretty florals to reflect the change of season.

I love these floral headbands, they are great to add to any outfit whether it’s dressing up, a special occasion or just to add a spring touch to a plain dress or jeans.

Easily adjusted to fit any size, £12.00. www.tulipandnettle.com

t

I am Caitlin founder of Cherish & Cherubs.

Spring represents new beginnings as daffodils bloom and their trumpets sing, so how about a fun fantasy filled dressing up costume.

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Here are my top 5 picks for girls this spring:

www.partydelights.co.uk has a great selection from bumble bee to fairy and an array of princess costumes from £12.00.

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This gorgeous Make a Wish Dress is available in sizes 6 months to 10 years (from 63.00) styled with yellow petticoat available in sizes 1 to 7 years (from £37.95). Poppy England has some beautiful designs for girls (and a ladies range of clothing) each dress tells a story of Poppy and her dog Fred, coming with its own storybook so you can not only read the story but wear it! www.poppyengland.com

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There is still a chill in the air, so try one of Cherish & Cherubs long sleeved personalised t-shirts, great with jeans or skirts in a choice of fun designs or just your child’s initial. £20.00 including free P&P. www.cherishandcherubs.co.uk t

To combat the inevitable spring showers these ‘Country Garden Pink Wellies’ by Startite are the perfect pretty accessory.

Available in sizes UK 4 to 12, £18. www.startriteshoes.com

Happy shopping!

Caitlin x

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KIDS’ FASHION

Tiny Shoes for tiny feet

www.inch-blue.com

A vibrant range of clothing, toys and books for babies from newborn to 18 months.

Bringing fashion and education together, Busy Peas introduces children to fruit and vegetables at an early age, encouraging them to read and learn to grow their special favourites!

“PicO¬youV¬own” uniUYI¬gifX foV¬XLaX¬WpeciaP¬baby.

For more information please contact: Jayne Liston: T. 0208 748 7671

E. jayne@busypeas.co.uk

www.busy peas.co.uk

www.bejaks.com

www.vevian.co.uk

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Soft leather shoes designed to give total comfort for little growing feet +44 (0)1495 311123 | www.inch-blue.com

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AWAY WITH THE KIDS

5 Great Places to Take a Break It may be a small island, but here in Britain we are lucky to enjoy a diverse nation full of contrasts right on our doorstep. Whichever direction you decide to travel in, you will find a wide variety of landscapes and cultures to explore.

In every corner of the British Isles you will find hundreds of great attractions, ranging from small local to world-famous landmarks. With over 25 cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a wealth of museums and galleries, vibrant and cosmopolitan towns and cities, the reminders of our rich and fascinating history are never far away.

For those who want breath-taking scenery, bracing fresh air and relaxed country living, the British countryside offers space to catch your breath and escape the city lights and fast pace of normal life. It is also a place of adventure, history and a place to learn about the amazing wildlife that inhabits our islands too.

A Child Friendly Holiday

in Cornwall

A warm welcome awaits you at Fox Valley Cottages, located in the beautiful countryside of south east Cornwall. The sweet little cluster of 11 self-catering cottages and apartments offers the perfect base for families to explore this wonderful part of the world.

The properties on the complex cater for 2 – 6 guests and are comfortably furnished and well equipped. Out in the garden there is a terrace furnished with sun loungers, plenty of garden furniture and a barbeque for those evenings when you fancy cooking alfresco.

If you fancy a splash about with the kids, pop on down to the pool room to take a swim or simply enjoy relaxing in the Sauna and Spa. In the Games room you will find a Pool Table, Table Tennis and Table Football plus an area to keep younger children entertained.

You don’t need to go abroad to enjoy sun, sea and sand - with over 9,000 miles of dramatic and diverse coastline, Britain is fringed with thousands of beautiful beaches and bays. Whether you're planning a family trip to the beach, or a rambling walk by the sea with man's best friend – the British seaside has something for everyone.

If you would like a taste of the wonderful things that you can do and see in Britain, here are 5 Great Places to Take a break…

Kids can let off steam at the outdoor play area where they are free to run around, kick a ball or play cricket - there is a small putting green, trampoline and a Jungle Jim with swings and a slide.

Little ones will love Fox Valley’s furry residents, Dec the guinea pig and Tufty & Chestnut the rabbits, plus a number of chicken and ducks, who are looking forward to meeting them too!

For further information visit www.foxvalleycottages.co.uk email foxvalleycottages@btconnect.com or telephone: 01726 870115

Things to see and do . . .

You are never far away from the water in South East Cornwall, there are boat trips to suit everybody, from a ferry ride cross the Looe River to cruises up the River Tamar and many of the coastal villages offer fishing trips.

Cornwall’s Gardens are known around the world for the diverse collections of plants. The Eden Project may be the most well known, but places like Heligan, Trevarno, Trebah and Mt Edgcumbe should not be missed, especially in the spring when rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas burst into flower.

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AWAY WITH THE KIDS

Take A Family-Friendly

Farm Break

If you are looking to break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a visit to Wheatacre Hall Barns could be just what you are looking for.

A Cottage Break in England’s Smallest County Quietly nestling in England’s smallest county is St Monica's Cottage, a place to relax, unwind and enjoy a taste of traditional England.

Set in the quaint and picturesque conservation village of Egleton in Rutland, the beautifully renovated cottage overlooks scenic farmland to the rear, beyond which is the well-known Rutland Water.

Nestling in the charming south Norfolk countryside, amongst rolling farmland and hidden waterways – the attractive cluster of eight barns on the Burroughs family working dairy and arable farm, provides the perfect spot to relax, unwind and enjoy the tranquillity of country life.

Wheatacre Hall Barns have been tastefully restored with stylish and comfortable interiors to create

luxury, well equipped self-catering accommodation, for couples and families alike. Each barn boasts its own private garden and furnished patio area with barbecue, where guests can relax and enjoy dining alfresco.

There is a play barn to keep under 5’s amused and for more energetic members of the family there is a games room, fitness barn and plenty of grassy areas for football and other outdoor games. Children are sure to love visiting the animals on the farm and the abundance of wildlife and birdlife will delight the nature lovers of the family. The Wheatacre site has extensive river frontage for fishing and there are network of walks varying in length amid the picturesque landscape.

The predominantly stone built, single storey thatched cottage, provides luxury self-catering accommodation for up to six people. St Monica’s is furnished to a very high standard with leather sofas, a fitted kitchen and central wood burning stove. There are two bedrooms – one large double bedroom with king size bed and en-suite bathroom with a

luxurious roll top cast iron bath and large shower, plus a twin bedroom with adjacent shower room. The enclosed gardens are furnished with a table and seating, providing a peaceful place to enjoy views over open countryside and a safe environment for children to play.

Easily accessible by car or train this dreamy little cottage provides perfect location for those wanting to explore an array of unspoilt villages, attractive market towns and the beautiful countryside of Rutland and beyond.

To find out more or to check availability visit www.wheatacrehallbarns.co.uk or telephone 01502 677208

For more information visit www.holidaylettings.co.uk/95665 or telephone: +44 (0) 7771 610668 or +44 (0) 1572 722749

Things to see and do . . .

Things to see and do . . .

Norfolk and Suffolk food produce has a great reputation which is sure to tickle the taste buds! Those who fancy eating out will enjoy visiting the quality, local pubs or restaurants that these two fabulous counties have to offer.

There is so much to see and do right on your doorstep in the unique little county of Rutland.

The fine medieval city of Norwich has a magnificent cathedral, castle with museum, cinemas, theatre, independent shops and a covered market, perfect for combining a spot of retail therapy with a little sightseeing.

Just 45 minutes by car – this award winning BeWILDerwood with magical Treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges, Crocklebogs, Twiggles and Boggles, boat trips and marsh walks, offers a brilliantly exciting day out.

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If you enjoy sailing, windsurfing, fishing, walking and cycling Rutland Water is the place to be.

For those interested in conservation, Egleton is home to Egleton Bird Reserve the perfect destination for bird watching and wildlife enthusiasts.

Nearby Stamford is well worth a visit with a traditional Friday Street market, a wealth of boutiques and cafes all surrounded by Georgian splendour, make it a great place to indulge in a spot of retail therapy.

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AWAY WITH THE KIDS

Eco Friendly Camping on

Take a break on

Situated just off the Essex coastline, around 10 miles from Colchester, you will find the unique and largely undiscovered holiday haven, Mersea Island.

Wild at Heart are waiting to introduce you to the best adventure-playground in the world, the wide open spaces of north Scotland – a place where your family can unplug from the distractions of daily life and reconnect with wildlife and the environment.

Mersea Island

Wild at Heart was founded in 2008 by Deborah Benham (MSc, PhD), a marine biologist, animal behaviour expert, ecotourism specialist and accredited tour guide, who is passionate about providing memorable ecotourism experiences which help people form deeper connections with nature.

One of Britain’s best-kept secrets, this tiny island is just five miles by two miles and has twelve miles of coastline.

Located in a peaceful, rural setting, in the southeast of the island you will find Fen Farm Caravan and Camping Site. This small yet wellappointed campsite offers its guests a warm and friendly welcome. Owned by The Lord family since 1918, the site caters for tents, trailer tents, touring caravans and motor homes of any size and boasts award winning loos, a laundry and shower block with solar powered water heating.

Recognised for the work done to protect the environment in and around the campsite with the

the Wild Side

David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award, Fen Farm is a popular destination for those wanting an eco-retreat.

The Wild at Heart experience is perfect for children (and parents!) who are keen on animals and nature. Families can explore the remote beauty of the area with expert guides on a safe, exciting

A great place to escape the distractions of everyday life, the sites proximity to the Essex marshes provides a unique and tranquil atmosphere. At Fen Farm kids can enjoy themselves without having to switch anything on or boot up! There are play areas with swings, seesaws and climbing frames, plus plenty of wide-open space to explore.

For more information visit www.fenfarm.co.uk or telephone 01206 383275

At Newbold House sustainable living and wellbeing centre, you will be well catered for with organic home grown food and the opportunity to relax, have a massage, join a yoga class or just chill in the gorgeous conservatory while the children play in a safe child friendly garden.

For more information visit www.wildatheart-ecoholidays.com telephone 01309 674768 or mobile 07590 832919

Things to see and do . . .

Things to see and do . . .

Fen Farm Camping and Caravan Site is within walking distance of a wonderful south facing beach. In West Mersea you will find shops, cafes, a museum and restaurants, many of which sell the famous

Take in the sights of the Moray Arts Centre, the Findhorn Foundation ecovillage, Cawdor Castle (mentioned in Macbeth), Cairngorm National Park or further afield Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle are around an hour away.

Mersea Native oysters. Take to the water for a spot of sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing or try crabbing – you haven't been to Mersea properly until you have been crabbing in the creek!!

Cudmore Grove Country Park is very close by and the renowned Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve is just 6 miles away. Abberton Reservoir with its abundance of water birds is also well worth the 10 minute drive.

wilderness adventure. Join 'Tracker Dan' looking for clues to unravel the natural mysteries that surround you, watch and learn about native seals and dolphins, use natural materials to make beautiful nature-art, learn bushcraft skills, or even go wild camping.

It is well worth a visit to the Moray Coast just 10 minutes away – voted as one of the top coastlines in the world by National Geographic magazine.

Thrill seekers won’t have to travel far to try their hand at river rafting, canoeing, pony trekking and mountain biking.

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AWAY WITH THE KIDS

Telling Your Family Stories Half term holidays and springtime celebrations can be a great time for creating new family stories that last for generations.

But how can you make sure that you save those memories in a way the whole family can enjoy?

Craft your own family scrapbook A great project for both parents and children to get involved in is scrapbooking. It is a very personal way of sharing stories, where not only writing is involved but art too. Family events and achievements can be chronicled and physical memories can be collected and incorporated into the scrapbook. You can upcycle used travel/event tickets, postcards and newspaper cuttings to make a beautiful and unique collage of memories.

Publish your family stories

Record your family stories

For anyone who thinks their family story would make a great book but are daunted by the difficulties of getting published, then Amazon Kindle eBooks may be the way forward. Kindle eBooks open the doors to amateur writers, and make it possible for parents, grandparents and children (with the help of an adult) to professionally publish their own family memoirs or fictional creations.

Many people love to hear their children telling stories, and in this digital age recording devices are available at a touch of a button. It is a handy way of documenting adventures on the go. These recordings can then be easily sent to relatives and friends. Apps like The Smart Voice Recorder and Audioboo allow parents to easily record themselves or their children, your own personal vignettes can then be easily shared with others via email, Whatsapp, Dropbox etc.

If your family story is incomplete without illustrations, you may be surprised to know that there are whole websites, like Children’s Illustrators (www.childrensillustrators.com) of professional illustrators who can transform your words into a beautiful illustrated picture book. These mementos can be pricey but will last a lifetime.

Look into writing competitions in your area, they are widespread and are a great opportunity for adults and children to explore and share their own writing abilities.

Pick the right digital storytelling tools There are numerous ways to record your family story online, either through a personal family blog or through 23snaps, a free app that allows families to combine text and images into stories that can be shared privately with loved ones.

Whether you’re at home or travelling, there are plenty of ways in which to share your favourite family adventures and memoirs. Story telling with your kids and family can be a fun way to record special times together and is something that should be encouraged and promoted in every possible way.

Article written by:

Meaghan Fitzgerald Head of Operations at 23snaps

www.23snaps.com

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AWAY WITH THE KIDS

Holiday Must Haves Spring is here and if you are about to take to the air or the road, here’s are a few things that you might need on your trip . . .

MEDICAL COOLER – a must have if you need to take medication with you that needs to be stored between 2 and 8 degrees C. Check out Nomad Coolers at www.coolicebox.com CAR SEAT – whether you are taking the kids on a day trip or to the airport, if they are going to spend time in the car it is a legal requirement for them to travel in the correct car seat until they reach 135 centimetres tall or age 12 (the type of car seat your child needs depends on their weight).

Visit www.hauckuk.com for more information.

SUN PROTECTION – always use a high-factor sunblock and keep your babies out of direct sunlight. Your checklist should include sun-hats, sunglasses, loose fitting light cotton clothes.

For UV50+ swimwear visit www.jakabel.com SLEEPING BAG – A must if you are camping and some sleeping bags have been designed to be used in cars and on planes too.

A Snuggle Sac is great for kids on the go – visit www.snugglesac.com

Double Gold for

Bodyguard Hauck launched the Bodyguard in 2013 and to subsequently win not one but two Gold awards in that year confirms we have delivered a Group 11/111 car seat that offers comfort, safety and versatility to families travelling with children.

The Practical PreSchool Awards provide a unique awards programme reviewing products suitable for the infant, pre-school and early years. Items are submitted and tested by professionals in nursery schools and childcare.

The Bizziebaby Awards are voted for by the people that count – ‘The Parents’. Each product submitted is rigorously tested by a selection of Bizziebaby testers for a month. They examine every aspect in great detail ensuring it is right for their needs and makes life easier for them and their baby.

TCSDUO: Hard backed zip up personal insulin pen pack carrier

Suitable from approximately 3-12 years, the Bodyguard provides your child with maximum safety and comfort and is suitable for all vehicles with a standard 3-point belt system. Memory foam is used for head protection which is impact- and shock-absorbing on impact. To keep your child cool the covers are made on breathable microfiber. This car seat grows with your child! Using only one hand the head protection and side wings are adjusted in height and width. The backrest can be reclined in three positions.

TCDUO - JKY-A: super little multi powered medical cooler.

Hauck Bodyguard Car Seat – RRP £129.99

MD8L Nomad Medical Cooler: one of our most popular Medical Travel Coolers for people that have to carry a quantity of medication.

TCM: Hard backed medium sized zip up personal insulin pen pack carrier

These products keep medication between 2-8 degrees C when you are out and about and travelling.

For more details see www.coolicebox.com

Visit

www.hauckuk.com or telephone 01978 664362 for further information.

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AWAY WITH THE KIDS

Jakabel® Introduce New Lines for 2014 Jakabel® the UK specialist in UV50+ wear, floatsuits, wetsuits, pool toys and accessories, have introduced their very own BEACH design range of UV50+ swimwear for 2014 – a great way to protect little ones from the sun when playing in or out of the water.

Tuck Kids up in a

Snuggle Sac Snuggle Sacs are adorable and cosy, award winning sleeping bags which are just perfect for this time of year. So forget that bulky old duvet and get the kids tucked up in a Snuggle Sac – a fleecy sleeping bag that is the modern alternative to traditional bedding.

For baby, Jakabel’s new Babysafe non slip bath gloves, have been specially designed to prevent baby slipping in the bath when you hold them. Also, there are exciting new designs in Jakabel’s very own Nappi-wrap swim nappies, which either go over a disposable swim nappy or be worn on their own, as they are designed to prevent little accidents escaping!

With a huge range of Surfit® branded sun protection wear and wetsuits in the highest quality, brightly coloured fabrics and exciting array of pool toys Jakabel® promises uncompromisingly speedy delivery all year round! to find out more, visit

www.jakabel.com Tel: 0208 7152385 Mobile: 07957 541406 email: info@jakabel.com.

The Snuggle Sac is available for small children and teenagers up to 6ft too! Made with 100% cotton linings, Snuggle Sacs are suitable for use every night of the year, and are equally useful for taking on holidays, sleepovers, long car journeys or simply for lounging about. They are a fantastic alternative to conventional bedding for active sleepers, who could otherwise wake up cold in the night with their covers on the floor.

All Snuggle Sacs have a space within the head area for a standard pillow; they can be machine washed and are fabulous for potty training years as they can be back on the bed in no time at all.

My First Snuggle Sac is designed specifically to ease the move from a cot into a single bed and are recommended by the highly acclaimed children’s sleep clinic, Millpond.

With a choice of many eye catching colours and designs, Snuggle Sac has become a global sensation that has achieved a celebrity following, including J.K Rowling, Gordon Ramsay, Jeremy Clarkson and Jonathan Ross to name a few.

To order your Snuggle Sac visit

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The Cool Ice Box Company specializes in Medical Travel Cases and coolers which hold the temperature between 2–8 degrees, length of time from 5 to 48 hours with no power depending on the model you chose.

From our Small Nomad Travel Case which is ideal for carrying insulin pens to our Nomad Medium Travel Case suitable for Eye drops, Humira and Insulin to our Nomad Rigid Travel Case for longer periods of cooling to the popular 8L Medical Cooler suitable for carrying bigger quantities of medication – this has an internal probe and external temperature display as has the 18L and the larger 28L Nomad Medical Cooler or trolley coolers for carrying volumes of medication, vaccines and samples at stable temperature.

Other must sees in the Jakabel® range include the Dolphin Stripe® soft touch towelling range in fabulous pink or navy stripe which includes beach robes and hooded towels – all at great prices and covering ages 0-10yrs.

Jakabel® is the exclusive UK distributor of the Swimsafe Floatsuits® the only floatsuits in the world with an anti-tip neck ring. Now available in exciting new colours – they are a must for a little one learning to swim between the ages of 1-5yrs.

You can now travel anywhere with your medication!

We also supply micro multi powered units which work off battery, mains or car charger for independent travellers and professionals that need to carry supply medication.

We aim to have a product to suit your requirements and purse.

Please look at our comprehensive website

www.coolicebox.com for further information or email us at info@coolicebox.com requesting a call back at a time to suit you and we will happily talk you through our products.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Reacting to Hayfever & Allergies With Allergy Awareness Week just around the corner (28th April – 4th May) Allergy UK’s Deputy CEO, Lindsey McManus says there will be millions of people in the UK dreading the return of their hay fever symptoms this spring.

Runny noses, itchy streaming eyes, constant sneezing, congestion, and disturbed sleep are all symptoms that we associate with hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis. This is an oftenunderestimated condition and it can be a miserable time of year for sufferers, as the symptoms can affect both work and school and broken nights can have an impact on concentration and productivity. Add to this how it can affect relationships, social events such as sitting in the garden or even day-to-day activities like walking the dog or mowing the lawn, it really shouldn’t be classed as a minor condition. There are many ways that hay fever can be managed and to find tips on allergen avoidance and medications go to www.allergyuk.org/hayfever-and-allergicrhinitis/hay-fever-and-allergic-rhinitis.

However, there is one condition that we see a rise in at this time of year which very few people realise, and may have a link to their hayfever.

This condition is known as Oral Allergy Syndrome.

Oral Allergy Syndrome is the name given to an allergic reaction to food, which only affects the lips, mouth and throat. Symptoms include itching or tingling and/or swelling of all or part of the lips, mouth and the throat and is caused by a cross reaction to allergens found in fruits.

Fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts are the most common causes of oral allergy syndrome although some patients are allergic to a wider range of foods. The key however, is the association with seasonal allergic rhinitis or ‘hay fever’. It has been shown that pollens from trees, (especially Birch), grasses and weeds, contain proteins of similar structure to those present in certain fruit, vegetables, nuts and spices. The most common foods to cause these reactions are fruits such as apples and stoned fruits such as nectarines, peaches, cherries and apricots, and nuts including, peanuts, almonds, walnuts and Brazils.

These proteins are recognised by the immune system of a person with hay fever, triggering an allergic reaction when they eat a food that shares the similar proteins as the pollen. The most well recognised cross-reactions occur with allergy to tree pollens.

Thankfully this is not a life threatening condition. If you have a reaction, keep calm, rinse your mouth with some plain water, and take a dose of an antihistamine and rest. The tingling, itching and swelling should settle within 30 minutes to an hour.

However, it is important that anyone suffering from these symptoms should be referred to an allergy specialist. This will ensure that they have a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The specialist will take details of reactions to decide whether this is oral allergy syndrome or if there there is evidence of more serious food allergy and will advise on medications such as antihistamines or if auto injectors of adrenaline should be prescribed. This is particularly important for those with nut reactions. Allergy skin prick tests or blood tests are used to confirm these types of allergy.

Avoidance of the foods that cause your reactions is most important. An allergy specialist will be able to help find out which group of foods should be avoided. Usually, cooking will destroy the allergens enough for them to be consumed without causing a reaction. There are some exceptions to this however. If you react to celery or nuts then it may be safest to avoid these even if cooked. If you have had serious reactions such as breathing difficulties or anaphylaxis, you should avoid the foods in any form.

If you have difficulties with breathing, your voice becomes hoarse, your throat is closing up or you feel faint, this is more than oral allergy syndrome and you may need additional treatment, and an ambulance should be called immediately. If you have an adrenaline injector you should administer a dose but still call for an ambulance. A dose of antihistamine may be taken if you are able to swallow.

Fortunately, these symptoms are uncommon.

For further information or advice visit: www.allergy.org or call Allergy UK’s national helpline on 01322 619898.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Safety for spring & summer As the weather improves a run around in the back garden or fun in the paddling pool are great ways for kids to let off some steam. Child Safety Week, 23-29th June 2014, supports parents in keeping children safer from serious accidents. Here are some tips for keeping your children safe in your garden this summer.

n Remember to lock garden tools away in a shed or other secure area. Never leave electrical equipment plugged in when you are not using it.

n Secure your garden so younger children can’t wander out into the road if you can.

n Teach children to never eat anything growing in your garden unless you tell them it’s safe to. Find out more at www.rhs.org.uk.

n Keep all chemicals – such as weed killer or fertiliser – locked away and out of reach of young children. Don’t be tempted to transfer contents to food jars or bottles which a child could easily open. n Keep young children away from lit barbeques or bonfires and remember that barbeques will stay hot long after you have finished cooking.

n Watch children playing near or in water, especially two and three year olds who are more likely to drown at home or in your neighbour’s garden. Fill in, fence off or cover your pond if you have one and make sure your young child can’t get out of your garden and near your neighbour’s pond or water feature.

n Babies can drown in as little as 5cm (2 inches) of water. Be sure to empty the paddling pool as soon as you’re finished rather than leave it for the next day.

For further information visit

www.childsafetyweek.org.uk or www.capt.org.uk

Shopping For Baby Equipment Online Congratulations, you’re pregnant . . . three little words that herald the pitterpatter of tiny feet! From that moment on you will want what’s best for your baby, but when it comes to selecting the best gear for your little one – how do we really know what the best is?

Online retailers Babe-equip, aim to make it easy for parents shopping on line to find the right products for them. They offer products that they believe to be the best in their category based on quality, value for money and ease of use – products that they would use on their own children.

Babe-equip go beyond the usual service offered by other online retailers by making their site easier to use and more information based, as well as encouraging use of the blog and product reviews to foster a community spirit with their customers. From maternity and birth, through to taking care of your little ones daily needs, Babe-equip will help you to make informed choices about the items you buy.

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At Babe-equip shopping is simplified with sections such Sleep, Bathing & Nappies, Feeding, Buggies & Travel and a specific ‘Eco Friendly & Organic’ section, which offers products that ease landfill, save energy or are made from natural and/or sustainable resources.

With Child Safety Week (23-29th June) just around the corner, the ‘Child Safety & Car Seats’ section is a great place to start shopping for your baby today.

For more information visit

www.babe-equip.co.uk telephone 01977 663306 or email

customer-services@Babe-equip.co.uk

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Children are waiting too long to be diagnosed with

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society recently launched its report which outlines services for children and young adolescents in the UK who have Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). The report is being launched as the springboard for NRAS to begin to provide a service for children, adolescents and families who are living with JIA, later this year.

The report noted that JIA is not just a cause of physical pain but emotional and socially as well. The impact of JIA is felt long before the opportunity for any diagnosis is made.

Its debilitating nature means it can set the child apart from their peer group, can compromise ‘childhood’ and change hopes and dreams for the future.

The report found that approximately 1,000 children and young people are diagnosed annually in the UK. However, 37% of diagnoses in the specialist centres we visited are delayed by either the General Practitioner (GP) or paediatrician and this delay has been known to be as long as TWO YEARS after first onset of symptoms.

JIA is an inflammatory disease which causes chronic arthritis in children and young people and affects approximately 12,000 children (1 in 1000) under the age of 16. The severity of arthritis can vary from mild to extremely disabling and symptoms include stiff, painful and swollen joints. JIA is also associated with other complications such as blindness which results from uncontrolled inflammation around the lens of the eye and can also significantly delay physical development in the very young, cause permanent joint damage and deformity and delay puberty.

The report which offers suggestions from healthcare professionals of what is needed, is the result of a year project which involved visits to specialist centres and district general hospitals across the UK. for more information visit:

www.nras.org.uk

Introducing the NEW

Your Pregnancy, Your Baby Show The campaign for natural birth continues in the form of ‘Your Pregnancy, Your Baby’ show, a pioneering new event taking place at Stephenson’s College, Coalville, Leicestershire, on Sunday 22nd June, between 10am - 5pm.

Bought to you by Leicestershire based antenatal and parenting service, Partners in Pregnancy – the show will bring together both parents and professionals to showcase informative films, workshops and seminars along with pregnancy, baby and toddler stands from across the East Midlands.

The show offers the opportunity to meet midwives and experts that you may encounter on your journey as a parent. Designed to help women make informed choices about pregnancy, birth and beyond, come along and find out about hypnobirthing, breastfeeding, aromatherapy, doula and so much more!

A great day for the whole family – there’s a fancy dress competition for little ones and the chance to meet Belle, Cinderella and Peter Pan and loads more of their favourite characters!

They will love bopping the time away and making new friends at Diddi dance.

For tickets in advance visit www.yourpregnancyyourbabyshow.co.uk email liz@partnersinpregnancy.co.uk or telephone 07807 056 234

Tickets are priced at £3.50 per adult or group ticket £10.00 for 4 adults in advance or £7.00 per adult on the door (no group ticket) – kids go free!

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FAMILY WELLBEING

My Family and the Law:

Separation and Divorce As My Family Magazine’s official media partner for legal topics, we aim to provide you with guidance as to your rights and your obligations under various laws.

In this edition we meet Nikki Lynch and Wendy Armstrong, both members within our specialist family law team. If your question is not listed, don’t worry, simply contact us and we will be happy to advise you.

I’ve separated from my partner, what options are available to us?

If you are married, you may decide you want a divorce or instead you can simply agree to live separately until you are ready to get divorced.

Either way you should deal with any financial issues as soon as possible as it is always much more complicated to deal with them years later.

Am I entitled to a divorce and how long will it take?

To get a divorce shortly after separation, you will need to show that the marriage has irretrievably broken down due to unreasonable behaviour or adultery. Alternatively, you can

wait and get divorced on 2 years separation with consent or 5 years separation without consent.

The divorce process usually takes 4 to 6 months, but other issues such as the finances or children arrangements may take longer.

Where will the children live?

When considering arrangements for the children every case is different, but will focus on what is in the best interests of the children. The children may live with one parent and have contact with the other parent, or there may be a shared living arrangement. Every case is different but the general approach is that both parents should have regular contact with the children.

What about our house and savings?

If you are married you may be entitled to a share of the matrimonial assets including property, pensions or investments. You may also be entitled to maintenance for you, or if you have the greater income you may have to pay maintenance. Even if everything you own is in your ex-partners name, you may still have a right to make a claim against those assets.

Finances upon divorce is a complex area of law, but an experienced family lawyer can advise you about what you could be entitled to, once they have more details about your case.

Nikki Lynch

Wendy Armstrong

If you are not married, the law is very different and complex and you will need to get advice from an family lawyer as to whether you any claims or rights in respect of property or other assets.

Will I have to go to court?

It is unlikely that you will need to go to court to get a divorce, unless the divorce is defended.

The procedure for getting a divorce is a relatively straightforward. What is generally much less straightforward is sorting out where each person will live, how the matrimonial assets are divided and arrangements for the children. If these issues can be dealt with amicably, then you should be able to reach an agreement without going to court.

How much will it cost?

The costs for obtaining a divorce can vary greatly, but at Bakerlaw we offer a fixed fee package which allows you to instruct a qualified lawyer to deal your divorce, without the worry of how much it will end up costing. Our fixed fee divorce package is only £475.00 plus VAT, which covers all the work required to conclude a non-contested divorce and includes an initial meeting with a family lawyer.

The costs of dealing with financial issues or children arrangements will vary depending on what is involved, but your family lawyer should give you an estimate of the likely costs at the outset of your matter.

Do I need a lawyer?

When dealing with the breakdown of your marriage it is definitely worth getting independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer. You may be tempted to save money by dealing with matters yourself, but this could be a costly mistake if you are not aware of the legal claims you may have.

If you require further advice please contact BakerLaw on 01252 733 770 for a free initial consultation.

Please note: The information provided in this guide is correct at the time of publication and by necessity, brief. It should not be deemed, by any reader, as full legal advice and should not be relied upon.

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Our Family Law Team

Our Private Client Team

– Divorce

– Fixed-fee Wills

– Law related to children

– Fixed-fee powers of attorney

– Civil partnerships

– Probate

– Pensions, finance, property protection

– Disputed inheritances

Our Employment Law Team – Maternity/ Paternity leave and pay – Settlement Agreements – Unfair dismissal – Discrimination claims

Our Property Law Team

Our Business Services Team

Our other expert teams

– House sale an d purchase

– Corporate Legal Services

– Law for Military Personnel

– Transfer of ownership

– Commercial Legal Services

– Claims for Negligence

– Land disputes

– Commercial Litigation

– Defending motor prosecutions

– Equity release

– Dispute resolution

Oĸcial media partner to ‘My Family Magazine’ for Law serving a na onwide client base

01252 733 770 enquiries@baker-law.co.uk www.baker-law.co.uk SPECIAL OFFER to all My Family Magazine readers!(Just quote ‘MFM BakerLaw’ when you call)

Bakerlaw LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regula on Authority (No. 591663). Michael Baker Solicitors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regula on Authority (No. 408525)

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OUTDOOR PLAY

Get Out – Play Out! Many of us have great childhood memories of playing outdoors – climbing trees, building dens, inventing new games – these are all things that contribute to a happy, healthy upbringing. Play should be at the heart of children’s everyday life but it seems that due parental concerns about safety, less natural space to play, increased distractions from electronic devices and a number of other side effects of the modern age; there has been a decline in the number of children playing outside, with fewer than 1 in 10 children regularly playing in wild spaces, versus about half a generation ago.

Only half of seven year olds are getting the hour of exercise that they need every day according to research by the UCL Institute of Child Health. Time playing outside during the week and at weekends has halved in one generation and children are more inclined to stay indoors and watch television, play computer games and even do their homework, than go outside to play - According to the JCB Kids Fresh Air Campaign 2013 .

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With increased concern about the mental and physical health of youngsters today, it’s more important than ever to encourage kids to play outdoors. The Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, Simon Gillespie, even called for a return to 'a traditional outdoors childhood’ to prevent children from being the first generation in history to have a lower life expectancy than their parents.

Letting children go out to play is one of the best things that parents can do for their children's health – outdoor play uses more calories than clubs and tuition and children that are exposed to nature score higher on concentration and self-discipline, improve their awareness, reasoning and observational skills, do better in reading, writing, maths, science and social studies, and are better at working in teams.

Need a bit of inspiration to get the kids out the door?

The arrival of springtime provides the perfect opportunity to give your kids a nudge over the threshold and out into the wonderful world beyond. There are so many play opportunities to explore outdoors – even on rainy days!

In Britain we are lucky to be surrounded by beautiful coastline and a trip to the beach is a great place for kids to unwind and have some fun; as anyone who has ever built a sand castle, crabbed in rock pools and flown a kite will know! So why not head for the shore and turn a

day at the beach into a treasure hunt or go beach combing and see who comes up with the most interesting find.

Children find the natural world an intriguing and magical place, full of mystery and wonder.

Ever changing, nature fuels their imagination and encourages them to be inquisitive about the world around them. It produces a desire to learn about their environment and to respect the world they live in.

There are many ways that you can incorporate nature in to your child’s playtime, here are a few ideas to get you started . . . l planting and growing vegetables, fruit and flowers l cooking outdoors, l making camps and dens l collect natures jewels (shells, pebbles, leaves etc) and turn them into a wonderful piece of art or jewellery l go on a bug hunt, see how many types you can find l name the cloud shape l go star gazing l race paper boats or twigs in a stream l go puddle jumping l host a teddy bear picnic For more ideas and information visit www.playengland.org.uk www.projectwildthing.com www.forestry.gov.uk

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OUTDOOR PLAY

Den Building Fun with PL-UG What child doesn’t love building dens? The tradition has been a favourite pastime for generations and PL-UG is set to take den building to the next level!

www.pl-ug.com

This British born and utterly unique construction toy will make dream dens possible. PL-UG is an incredibly clever concept that allows children to build almost any den they imagine by attaching PLUG to the world around them.

There are currently seven PL-UG components to choose from including connector discs, rods, suction cups, clamps, pegs and hooks that are all designed to connect together, and be attached to different objects around the house or garden such as chairs, tables, trees and benches. Once they have a structure, all they then need to do is secure a sheet over the top and put their ‘keep out’ sign on the door!

PL-UG comes in three different kits; the Entry kit which includes the key PL-UG components and the all-important ‘keep out’ sign, but children need to use their own

bed sheet, the Mid kit comes with the key PL-UGs and some extras and a blue starred sheet, but for the ultimate den building experience, the Premium Kit includes all the PL-UGs, discs, rods and a sheet.

Den building is innate within children, now thanks to PL-UGs passion to truly modernise this fun filled tradition, the little ones can be all the more creative with their designs!

WIN! + WIN! + WIN! My Family magazine has one Ultimate PL-UG kit to giveaway to a lucky reader. To enter simply email your name, address and day time contact number to pl-ug@myfamilymagazine.co.uk (closing date for entries is midnight on Monday 30th June 2014).

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ACTIVE KIDS

Getting Kids Active Physical activity helps children grow strong bones, maintain a healthy weight and discover the world around them. Best of all, it's great fun!

All children should be physically active for at least one hour a day. You can help by encouraging your child to find activities they enjoy, and by building physical activity into family life. Most children love running around a park or playing in a playground.

Bristol University’s professor of exercise and health sciences, Ken Fox, has 10 suggestions that can make exercise fun for all the family: 1

Walk or cycle to and from school with the kids as often as possible.

2

Build a den or treehouse with them in the school holidays. Or, under supervision, encourage them to climb a tree or two.

3

Go roller skating, roller blading or skateboarding, indoor or out. In winter, go ice skating. Kids also love scooters.

One reason why physical activity in childhood is so important is because it helps your child to maintain a healthy weight.

4

Do an activity challenge together, such as working towards a fun run or a walk for charity.

But that's not the only reason. Physical activity is a part of the way children discover the world and themselves. It helps to build strong muscles and healthy bones, as well as to improve selfconfidence.

5

Take the dog for a walk. If you don’t have one of your own, ask to borrow a neighbour’s or friend’s dog and take it for a walk.

6

You can find advice on eating well and getting active as a family at the Change4Life website – www.nhs.uk/Change4Life 7

8

Support your kids in sports, clubs or any other activities that may interest them.

Joining a weekend club sport ensures commitment to a team and regular exercise.

Find time every weekend to do something active with your children. Play frisbee or football in the park, go trampolining or try indoor rock climbing.

Fly a kite. The Kite Society of Great Britain – lists a number of groups that regularly meet for special flying days with experienced members who offer advice and assistance.

Some also run kite-making workshops. Visit www.thekitesociety.org.uk for more information

9

Try a beach holiday. When they hit the sand, children find a multitude of ways to exercise, including games, swimming and plenty of running around.

10 The National Parks website has lists of events such as guided walks and children’s fun days, for fresh ideas for active days out – visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk.

Activities for babies Being active should be encouraged from birth.

Before your baby begins to crawl, encourage them to be physically active by reaching and grasping, pulling and pushing, and moving their head, body and limbs during daily routines, and during supervised floor play, including tummy time.

Children who can walk on their own should be physically active every day for at least 180 minutes (3 hours), spread throughout the day, indoors or out.

Children love using their bodies to crawl, walk, run, jump and climb. The more opportunities you give them to burn off energy, the happier they’ll be.

You’ll probably find they sleep better and are more easygoing. By giving them the chance to exercise, you’ll be helping their muscle development and general fitness. It also starts habits that will help them grow into fit, healthy adults.

Child and toddler activity tips l Lay your baby down so that they can kick their legs. l Let your toddler walk with you rather than always using the buggy. l Toddlers and young children love going to the park, where they can climb and swing or just run around. l Toys that your child can pick up and move around will help improve their co-ordination and develop the muscles in their arms and hands. l There may be activities for parents and children at your local leisure centre and Sure Start Children’s Centre. l You can take your baby swimming from a very young age. There’s no need to wait until they’ve been immunised.

For more information visit

www.nhs.uk

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ACTIVE KIDS

Your private family journal.

23snaps lets you build a beautiful collection of photos, videos and thoughts. Privately share precious moments with family and close friends all over the world.

GET THE FREE APP NOW. SEARCH FOR 23SNAPS ONLINE OR IN:

You could be the winner of a smartTrike worth ÂŁ119! smarTrike is delighted to team up with My Family to offer one lucky winner one of their brand new 4 in 1 Boutique tricycles, suitable for tots aged ten months to three years and beyond, worth ÂŁ119!

The Boutique comes equipped with all smarTrike’s incredible technology, including a patented Swivel Wheel and Touch Steering as well as some added extras!

2014 sees the launch of an extremely clever new feature – the Magic Button! The button makes it super easy and quick to change between parent and child steering modes.

The Boutique has a fullyextendable sun canopy, perfect for sunny days, and a very clever detachable storage bag perfect for all those baby essentials. In addition to this it also has a bucket, zippered pouch and for baby a drinks holder and toy phone! In the first stage, which starts at 10 months, little ones can sit back and relax in a padded seat that is safe and secure. smarTrike have even added shock absorbent wheels with built in suspension so there are no surprise bumps for baby.

As the little one grows, their trike adapts to meet their changing needs. In the beginning Mum or Dad takes control with the steering handle. As they gain confidence little ones can practice steering, but don’t worry parents will still have full control! Once tots are ready to be in charge, parents simply need to press the Magic Button which will transfer control to their little one in one simple step! The steering handle can then be removed, and little ones can have a lot of fun wheeling about independently.

WIN! + WIN! + WIN! To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply email your name, address and day time contact number to smart@myfamilymagazine.co.uk (closing date for entries is midnight on Monday 30th June 2014).

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ACTIVE KIDS

Swimming is Fun and Saves Lives Swimming is an excellent all round activity that exercises the whole body. It’s great fun, anyone can do it and it is a skill that opens the door to a huge range of water based activities such as surfing, water polo or even sailing. Swimming is not only one of the safest and most popular forms of exercise, it’s the only sport that can save your life.

Swimming’s national governing body, the ASA, surveyed 3,501 primary schools for their report entitled ‘Learning the Lesson – the future of school swimming’ on how many of their children have attained Key Stage 2 swimming requirements. It found that half of children aged 7-11 cannot swim the length of a typical swimming pool (25 metres) unaided, despite swimming being a compulsory element of the national curriculum. This equates to 1.1 million children that are unable to be safe in and around water.

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98% of parents share the ASA’s vision of every child learning to swim before they leave primary school. Parents can actively support their child’s progress through regular family trips to the pool. A fun environment is the best way for children to learn and acquire new skills, so swimming as a family will grow a child’s confidence and ensure a successful and memorable learn to swim experience.

Having fun and playing games in the water will build a strong foundation for a child to develop new skills. The ASA have a whole host of great games for the pool such as Fishy in the Middle, Treasure Hunt and Underwater Humming. You can find out how to play these games and loads more on the ASA website www.swimming.org/go/parents/gamesfor-the-pool.

The British Gas ASA Learn to Swim Pathway is the national syllabus to assist and support the delivery of swimming lessons. Used in more than 1,000 swimming programmes nationwide, as well as overseas, it is already the most successful sports programme of its kind.

We encourage everyone to check that their swimming lessons are using the British Gas ASA Learn to Swim Pathway to ensure children

receive the best possible instruction based on the swimming expertise of the ASA. Your child can start learning to swim earlier than you might think. Many pools offer adult and child swimming classes from six months upwards and this is an excellent way to engage your child in water activities in a fun environment.

The ASA has produced a Learn to Swim Parent’s Guide for parents to support their child through their aquatic journey, available from www.swimgb.com.

Parents often state their own lack of confidence in the water as a barrier to swimming with their children, but learning to swim is a fantastic experience and has no age limit. Thousands of adults take the plunge and learn to be more confident in water each year.

Many pools deliver specialised adult lessons in a friendly and supportive environment for all abilities in line with ASA recommendations, whether you’re a beginner, a returner or a more advanced swimmer looking to refine your technique.

Log onto www.swimming.org and use our Poolfinder tool to locate your local pool and enquire about swimming lessons today.

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ACTIVE KIDS

Shark attack!

SwimFin welcomes Violet Fish to the family!

SwimFin, the world’s only shark fin shaped swimming aid for toddlers and children, is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new colour for 2014.

The Violet Fish in purple is the latest addition and will join the growing collection of bright fins in May! Due to popular demand, the team behind the revolutionary vertical buoyancy aid decided it was time to introduce another

bright colour to the range to ensure there really is a fin to suit every little swimmer. Purple is the perfect choice for boys or girls,

and it’s even Pantone’s colour of the year, so anyone choosing this particular fin is sure be the envy of the marina!

Learning to swim with a fin is not only a whole lot of fun, it’s a lot easier too! Unlike traditional flotation aids, SwimFin does not restrict arms or legs, so little ones have total freedom to kick and splash about and master those four key strokes.

SwimFin is worn on the back, so they help children establish a natural position in the water ensuring there is no danger of tipping or losing balance. The

beauty of a SwimFin is that it’s a self-adjusting aid, adapting through each and every stage of learning to swim. It gives complete support when fully submerged in the water, but can also be used to master swimming underwater. Wearing a SwimFin boosts confidence, and you can guarantee parents will have no trouble convincing children to wear one; it’s a lot of fun being a shark!

For further details visit:

www.swimfin.co.uk or find us on Facebook & Twitter

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GET CRAFTY

Create a beautiful Gift Bag INGREDIENTS LIST STAMPS Cool Kid Stamp set TOOLS Raspberry Ripple, Basic Black, Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green Stampin' Write Markers INKS AND CARDSTOCK Birthday Basics Designer Series Paper, Whisper White cardstock PUNCHES Decorative Label Punch

Step 1

Step 2

Take a piece of 12x6in designer paper and score along the long edge at 3.5in, 4.5in, 5.5in, 9in, 10in and 11in. Turn 90 degrees and score at 1.25in.

Make a paper cut at the 3.5, 5.5, 9 and 11in score lines, just as far as the horizontal score line. Fold each score as shown in the picture.

ADHESIVES Sticky Strip ACCESSORIES Mini Metallic Clothespins, Island Indigo Bakers Twine

Step 3

Step 4

Add Sticky Strip to both long edges of the 1in end panel, across the 2 pairs of 1in panels and then on the reverse of the middle 3.5in section, as shown in the picture.

Fold the bag into shape and tape the two long sides together. Then fold in the two small panels on the bottom in and the large panel with no tape down onto them. Finish with the taped large panel to seal the bag. Pinch the top closed, ready for your stamped tag.

Step 5 Score an 11.5 x 6.5in piece of Whisper White card across the middle and fold in half. Take the Cool Kid stamp and colour in the stamp carefully using your chosen colours, then stamp onto the cardstock, near the fold.

(Tip: If your ink dries before you are ready to stamp simply huff on the stamp to reactivate the ink.) Punch the Decorative Label out, taking care not to punch through the fold.

Step 6 Tie a bow in a piece of Bakers Twine and use a Mini Metallic Clothespin to attach it to you bag, along with your tag.

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GET CRAFTY

Flexible, Fun & Fabulous!

Are you looking for a business opportunity with flexible hours? Are you keen to do something that you enjoy, that gives you a chance to make new friends?

Stampin’ Up! is a direct sales company offering an exclusive line of decorative rubber stamps and beautiful accessories, for greeting cards, craft projects and scrapbooking, which can only be bought through a network of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.

There are loads of great reasons to join Stampin’ Up! Just ask our demonstrators…

Flexibility “With a normal job it’s so hard to compromise – the hours are the hours.

But Stampin’ Up! allows me to work around the kids and find that essential balance.” – Traci Cornelius, Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator

Share Your Creativity!

"I find crafting a sociable activity; sharing a love of crafting by spending time with others from all walks of life. It gives you the freedom to be creative whatever your age or ability. Making new friends and learning something new gives everyone a buzz." – Emma Shelcot, Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator

Expand your circle of friends “Being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator has given me some fantastic experiences.

I’ve met so many amazing people, and not just in my local area but from all over the world.” – Rhoda Macpherson, Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator

So what are you waiting for? To find out more visit our website

www.stampinup.co.uk or call our free phone support line on 0808 234 4765

@stampinupUK • Facebook.com/stampinupuk

Weald of Kent Craft & Design Show celebrates its 30th anniversary!

The Weald of Kent Craft & Design Show is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, taking place from the 3-5 May at the stunning Penshurst Place & Gardens, nr Tonbridge.

Offering a beautiful range of bespoke items for the house and garden, over 250 craftspeople will offer something to suit all tastes with glassware, jewellery, clothes, paintings and much more.

Visitors can join the festivities, shopping from a selection of handmade crafts from leading British artisans while listening to live music and enjoying a delicious array of fine food including strawberries and champagne or an afternoon tea.

families can get involved in the Family Craft Workshops offering fun and lively ways to decorate ceramics and make paper, or learn the art of wood turning and pencil making.

Those looking for inspiration can interact with experts in the Traditional Craft Demonstrations including wire sculpting, pole lathe turning and hazel hurdle and spar making. The Kids Bee Happy Sand Painting will keep children amused for hours creating colourful pictures from sand, and

Head to the Good Food Live area to find a vast array of tempting treats in the Specialist Food & Drink Marquee, and watch guest chef Paul Da Costa Greaves as he prepares some delicious feasts at the Live Cookery Demonstration Theatre. With a bag full of ingredients and a head full of ideas you’ll be able to treat family and friends to a new range of recipes.

For further information or to purchase tickets online visit www.ichfevents.co.uk or phone Ticket Hotline 01425 277988.

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GIFTS MY FAMILY LOVE

Gift Ideas for Tots & Teens We are a nation in love with technology and that includes our kids too. Flashing lights and fast-paced gameplay captivates kids and it can be difficult to drag them away from their favourite electronic device. But in an era where it is common for kids to own an iPad, blackberry, PlayStation or Xbox (or all of the above) it is important to stimulate their imaginations in other ways every now and again.

Make your own All Natural Hand Balm

by The Homemade Company – contains everything needed to make 2 wonderful hand balms, plus ribbon, bags and labels to create their own 'homemade' gifts – rrp. £14.99 from www.giftsfortweens.co.uk SwimFin – The world’s only vertical buoyancy aid – the modern alternative to the traditional bulky armbands and rubber rings. Suitable for ages 2 and above – rrp £21.99 from www.swimfin.co.uk

The Pirate Shack from Win Green – sets the scene perfectly for little pirates to embark on untold adventures! Beautifully hand embroidered and appliquéd, 100% cotton from £200.00 at www.wingreen.co.uk

So whether you are looking for a gift for a special event, something to keep them busy during the holidays or simply want to treat them, here are a few suggestions we think that you will love . . .

Awaken Your Child’s Imagination with Toys from

Let’s Play Fair If you are looking for an imaginative gift for your little one, you’ll be spoilt for choice at award winning toy retailer Let’s Play Fair! Now celebrating their 6th year, the family-run company has blossomed into a reliable, easy to use online store; sourcing toys from around the world, to offer you something different from the usual High Street options.

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Design your own Superhero Cape by Seedling – a fantastic create-it kit particularly for the boys, encouraging them to "save" the day as a Super Hero – rrp. £27.00 from www.giftsfortweens.co.uk

Let’s Play Fair have hand-picked their range to include a fabulous selection of musical toys, craft kits, jigsaws and puzzles, handmade rag dolls and wooden toys, that will last through the whole family for years to come.

With customer service second to none, your order will be with you in just 3 days and orders over £100.00 are delivered free of charge (UK delivery only). If you need help choosing a gift or would like a gift delivering abroad, Let’s Play Fair are on hand to give you advice; just give them a call on 01279 815508 or email karen@letsplayfair.co.uk.

With a fantastic selection of brands including Believe You Can, Crafty Kids, EcoChums, Imajo, I'm Toy, Lanka Kade, Lilliputiens and many, many more – you are sure to find an exciting gift that will stir your child’s imagination.

When you buy from Let’s Play Fair, you will be safe in the knowledge that all of their products are either Fair Trade certified or ethically produced; with the guarantee that there was no use of child labour during the manufacturing process.

Why wait – log on to the brand new website

www.letsplayfair.co.uk and start your shopping today!

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GIFTS MY FAMILY LOVE

Win a Seedling

Colour Me Gnome Seedling is the New Zealand born brand that took the UK by storm in 2012 with their impressive collection of craft kits.

Fathers’ Day Gift Ideas

With an aim to inspire the minds and ignite the imagination of little ones everywhere, Seedling only provide the tools and templates so children can use their own individual creativity.

thesilverimpressioncompany.co.uk

My Family magazine has one ‘Colour me Gnome’ set to giveaway. It was these gnomes that were painted by celebrities including Elton John and Joanna Lumley at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show last year to mark its centenary. Now little ones can create and style with this traditional gnome ready for decorating! The perfect character for any space – this Seedling Kit contains: Ceramic Gnome, 6 Craft Markers & Instructions Recommended for Ages 5+ years. £19.95 www.kindtoys.co.uk

toxicfox.co.uk

WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN! To enter simply email your name, address and day time contact number to seedling@myfamilymagazine.co.uk (closing date for entries is midnight on Monday 30th June 2014).

notonthehighstreet.com

Snuggle Sac is the original awardwinning sleeping bag for children.

The perfect gift for Tots, Teens and Tweens, Snuggle Sac makes a great value for money present, which will last longer than a single birthday.

Designed for use every night of the year, Snuggle Sacs are equally useful for long car journeys and sleepovers or simply for lounging about in front of the TV. Snuggle Sac is available in a fabulous selection of contemporary designs that make a kid’s room cool!

Choose from My First Snuggle Sac, Original Snuggle Sac and the Harry Potter Collection.

Snuggle Sacs are recommended by the highly acclaimed children’s sleep clinic, Millpond.

Free delivery on orders over £60!

Visit www.snugglesac.com

daisydaisyethicalgifts.co.uk

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GIFTS MY FAMILY LOVE

A Gift for Every Occasion Gift giving is a way of expressing your gratitude, recognition and appreciation for someone special and a way of expressing love, friendship, hope, sorrow, happiness and joy. Giving a gift can strengthen relationships between family, friends and even business clients.

Whether it’s a gift for your mum’s birthday, your friend’s wedding, a wedding anniversary or to say thank you, we often find ourselves heading for the wine, flowers and chocolates in order to find a ‘quick fix’ to our gift giving dilemmas. We all know, deep down, that we could have chosen better!

It’s easy to run out of ideas and then there are also ‘tricky to buy for’ recipient,

who seems to have everything and needs nothing! At some point we all find ourselves asking ‘What am I supposed to get?’

If you are facing a gift giving conundrum we want to help you put a smile on your loved one’s face. Because every gift giving opportunity is a chance to strengthen relationships and show appreciation for the people we care about, here are a few suggestions to bear in mind when looking for the perfect gift solution… l Don’t leave it until the last minute; give it some thought before you go shopping to buy the gift. Ask yourself what would be the perfect gift to buy for the person receiving it. Before you hit the highstreet have a few ideas in mind or you will walk around aimlessly searching for the perfect gift. l Decide what kind of gift you would like to give. Sentimental, humorous or breath-taking? Does the recipient have a quirky personality, a favourite colour, or a special interest?

l When you are buying for a child consider age, ability and personality.

Discretely ask child’s parent what they might like and what others are buying, this will help avoid the disappointment of duplicate gifts. l Take a moment to remember something about the person receiving the gift.

Perhaps there was an event that you two have shared or a special memory that you could relate to the perfect gift. l Listen out for hints – has the recipient been hinting about something that they would like to receive as a gift? Do they have a wishlist? l Be personal. The perfect gift should be personal, after all that is what makes it the perfect gift. Consider a personalised piece of jewelery or keepsake. Would they prefer something that is handmade? l Be creative and bear in mind that if you have bought the perfect gift in the past, that the perfect gift you bought for one person will not be the perfect gift for everyone. l Explore the internet. There is a world of fabulous gift ideas at your fingertips.

This will also take the legwork out of gift shopping as your gifts can be delivered directly to your door.

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GIFTS MY FAMILY LOVE

Unique Handmade Gifts & Keepsakes If you are looking for a keepsake to mark the arrival of a new baby or a gift to treasure for a special person in your life, The Silver Impression Company can provide you with the perfect gift.

The stylish collection of fine silver jewellery and gifts, includes pendants, cufflinks, bracelets, keyrings and handbag charms that can be personalised with a loved one's fingerprint, handprint or footprint to create a totally unique gift. Simply take an impression using the quick and easy-to-use kit provided, return by post and the impression is then returned to you as a beautiful piece of silver jewellery.

Every item is handmade right here in the UK by Jane Allman, the talented designer behind The Silver Impression Company. If you can’t find exactly what you are looking for, Jane will design an item to your own personal specifications – ensuring that your gift giving moment is truly memorable one.

Visit www.thesilverimpressioncompany.co.uk and save 10% off your order when you quote MYFAMILY13 at the checkout.

Win Typography of Love personalised frame worth £39.99 Typography of Love (TOL) is a unique personalised gift brand which provides you with the ability to transform your memories, hopes and aspirations into stunning pieces of original art.

Founded by young and passionate designer Mel Oates, the products are lovingly handcrafted in the UK and all share the ethos that “everyone has a story and it is worth sharing!”.

WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN! A perfect gift for Father’s Day, you could WIN your very own TOL personalised frame worth £39.99 by finishing the following sentence:

My dad is the greatest because…..

Please email your entries to comp@toxicfox.co.uk with the Title My Family Magazine Competition. The competition will close 30th June 2014 and the winner will be notified by email.

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BUSINESS HUB

How to spring

clean

your business

Spring is in the air! Spring cleaning your house is quite simple, even though many of us might not feel much like doing it sometimes. But how do you spring clean your business?

First, go back and revisit your business goals. Where do you want to be at the end of this year? What about next year? Once you’re clear about what you’re working towards, you can see if you’ve wandered off

track and then decide what needs to be done to get you back on track.

Reconnecting with your goals is a great way to avoid future distractions, too. I bet you’re regularly asked to take part in new promotional opportunities, try out new products or even just volunteer in your local community? I know I am. If you have a clear picture of what you want to achieve, it’s far easier to decide which of these opportunities are going to be right for you and your business. It’s also much easier to say ‘no’ or ‘maybe later’ to the ones that aren’t right for you.

Look at what’s working well in your business. How could you do more of that?

You may need to dump or delegate those things that aren’t the best use of your time and resources so you can focus on what is working. For example, which marketing methods are bringing you the most new clients? Which products or services are making the most profit?

Often, we do tasks ourselves when it would be more cost effective to pay someone else to do them for us. If you are the business owner you should be earning more money per hour than a cleaner or someone who takes packages to the post office, so why not find someone to do those tasks for you?

Other people can usually do these tasks far more quickly and efficiently than we can ourselves because they do them all the time and they are better at them.

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If you know you need to spring clean your business but can’t work out what to do first, try to step back and see it as an outsider would. You could even partner up with another business owner and support each other. There are probably things that could be easily fixed but you’re too close to them to see them.

Finally, if you’re really fed up with your business and are thinking of giving it all up, don’t despair. We all feel that way sometimes. Perhaps your business has run its course and you’re ready for something new, but maybe you just need to spring clean your business and take some time away from it to feel positive again.

Helen Lindop Helen is a small business blogger and creator of TheFastStartUp.com, an e-course for people who want to start their own part-time businesses.

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BUSINESS HUB

Having it all – my way!

Aley Forbes & Jo Cumberpatch’s journey to success How to earn some money from home? That was the question that kept going through my head as the end of my maternity leave approached. I don't know why it preoccupied me, since looking after three children with barely three years between youngest and eldest would, you'd think, be enough.

Maybe it was a fear of losing my 'financial independence', or of boredom hitting down the line. But while I felt no longing to return to work, I had a nagging worry that if I didn't do something alongside caring for my children, I might find myself desperate for 'something else' two years hence, and be faced with a return to work that would have my children on the losing side.

I knew things were bad when I considered filling in internet surveys for a pound a time!

Then I briefly considered doing deliveries with my kids in the back of the car . . . could they really sleep under bundles of packaged clothing as the advert suggested?

My problem was I didn't have any 'skills' . . . baking, or making. My 'thing' had always been my career. But one day I found myself driving (without packages) and wondering if those little treasure hunts I used to make for my eldest daughter might be something people would like to buy . . . on the kids and playing with friends have been lovely ways to involve them. We've had some difficult moments along the way . . . just finding a name that didn't infringe someone else's trademark proved nearly impossible! At times our friendship has been tested, but it has endured. Our mottos are: 'always assume best intentions', and 'family first'!

Research confirmed there wasn't anyone offering a similar product . . . I might actually have hit on something! But getting started was hard. The break through came with a text, to my dear friend and ex-colleague Jo. 'Do you want to start a little business, £100 investment each, evenings only?'

'Yes, yes, yes!' came the reply.

And so our company Created4Kids, and our treasure hunt game Gotrovo began.

The reality has been an unbelievable amount of work, and because I have my children with me full time, it is all evenings. But testing the game

And have we succeeded? Well, we are almost two years down the line . . . with baby number four due in a month for me . . . and things are really taking off. It's been a massive learning curve, and for the first 18 months I might have been better off doing those internet surveys, but they wouldn't offer the excitement and prospects of our company. We've had a fantastic Christmas, secured a regional enterprise grant, and got some great retailer relationships, not to mention fantastic user reviews. And we are now developing our next, linked product. We never wanted to conquer the world with this. But I set out to do something that would make me feel good, and still be with my kids . . . we will continue to strive for more, but by those parameters, we've succeeded.

www.created4kids.co.uk

Lots of support and individual help in the early days.

For an investment of £3,500 which includes a full week’s training, Operating license, Start-up pack, Operations manual and digital templates, you would be all set up and ready to go!

You get your own page on our website, which is proven to generate business.

Whether you are a young parent, or someone approaching retirement, you could find yourself with a new interest which generates a useful income.

Like to run your own business – with hours to suit you?

INTERESTED? Then contact Janet Cousins for further information 07745 305090 or email janet@stickyfingerscookeryparties.co.uk www.stickyfingerscookeryparties.co.uk http://uk.linkedin.com/in/janetcousins

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INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS

How do we keep young readers going & develop a love of reading?

by Liz Walker, founder of Reading Chest Two out of three of my children were really keen early readers. They were both desperate to ‘learn to read’, but there was quite a difference between them.

Whilst they are now both very able readers, the eldest seems to have lost the enjoyment she once had when she was younger.

I am now wondering if her initial enjoyment of reading came from moving up through the levels and onto the next colour band at school, rather than the books themselves. My younger daughter however, thankfully seems to get pleasure from actually reading.

It is a real shame that there are probably many more very capable young readers, similar to my eldest daughter, who do everything right and fly through the book bands, but then

somewhere along the line, something is lost and a love of reading never really develops. So – the question is how does this happen and can we fix it?

A problem in some schools is the lack of suitable reading material and support once children become ‘free readers’; i.e. once they hit the top of the levelled book bands within a school and are allowed to read anything they want. Becoming a ‘free reader’ is the target many children strive for in their early years, however once this point is reached, for some it is like dropping off a cliff edge.

From my own experience, the ‘free reader’ section of school lending libraries receives the least amount of attention from teachers and librarians. There may be peer pressure to choose the thickest book with the highest number of pages and the smallest print. In addition, teachers tend not to give as much attention to the ‘free readers’ of a class, especially if there are still less able readers to focus on.

All of this contributes to an increased possibility that children will choose inappropriate books, which might be too difficult to understand, or too long to maintain their interest. Comprehension and enjoyment is lost. Expression disappears and children end up reading like robots.

Before long, reading has become a chore rather than a pleasure.

Becoming a fluent or free reader is such a critical stage of development that more support and guidance needs to be given by teachers and parents at this time. It is important to give children access to a wide choice of good quality, age and ability appropriate books.

Children will have developed their own reading preferences and this should be nurtured.

If children haven’t yet discovered a favourite author, series of books or style of writing, then additional guidance and suggestions are needed. If nothing is forthcoming from a class teacher or school librarian, then get recommendations from friends. Those with older siblings can be particularly helpful. You can also find some great reviews and ideas from websites such as the children’s books sections of mumsnet.com and theguardian.com.

A book club is a great way to encourage children’s reading – where a group of children all read the same book and meet to talk about it (either in person or in an online forum.) I have many adult friends who rave about their book clubs. In addition to enjoying a good read, they are excellent social events (usually involving wine). Children’s book clubs can also be great fun (although probably not involving wine)! Children love to take ownership, so try to get them to organise their own after school or lunch time book club.

Another crucial part of keeping reading alive in children is for parents not to stop reading stories to them. This will give them access to books and authors that they might not necessarily have chosen themselves.

Audio books are also a brilliant way to keep children’s interest in books going. Long car journeys are the best place for a captive audience! These can either be bought as CDs or downloaded from websites such as audible.co.uk.

If children’s motivation in reading has already dipped, it might be hard, but not impossible to get it going again. The easiest way is to inspire children when they are still early eager readers.

This is the time when it is really important to give children a good choice of books and continuous encouragement and guidance.

Hopefully, more children will then develop a love of reading for life , rather than thinking that learning to read is a ‘job done’ once they reach the acclaimed ‘free reader’ status.

For more reading advice and access to a wide range of books for young readers, visit

www.readingchest.co.uk 34 myfamily

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The essence of the Busy Peas brand revolves around an adorable range of clothing, toys and books for babies, toddlers and infants.

Create the perfect Treasure Hunt with Gotrovo . . .

Sticky Fingers Children's Parties: Fun, Sticky & Educational!

the game that gets children moving and expands their imagination!

Another school holiday just around the corner? If you need something physical, educational and above all great family fun to tempt the kids away from the computer or television screen then check out the Treasure Hunt Game, Gotrovo.

The roots of this business lie in the garden – with the aim of bringing fashion and education together, Busy Peas designs introduce children to fruit and vegetables at an early age, encouraging them to read and learn to grow their special favourites!

You don’t have to wait for a birthday to have a Sticky Fingers Children’s Party! With a number of holidays just around the corner, why not keep kids entertained by getting together with other mums in your circle to arrange a party that is fun, sticky and educational.

Party guests (minimum of 8) will enjoy a full two hours of fun, creativity and entertainment, suitable for boys and girls from age 5.

Rated 5star by Amazon reviewers, Gotrovo is a reusable treasure hunt kit where all the hard work has been done for you: lay a trail of picture, word, riddle or role-play clues for children to follow at home or in the garden. Watch them follow the map all the way to the treasure. The range of clues will keep children of all ages entertained, no matter what the weather!

Children participate in weighing and mixing the ingredients, following step by step instruction with the assistance of a party host. During ‘baking time’ children participate in various craft activities and at the end of the party, they take home a sample of their cooking, together with their chef's hat, recipe card and Junior Chef Certificate.

The Busy Peas product ranges feature five fruit and vegetable characters – Peat Pea, Tom Tomato, Carry Carror, Stewart Strawberry and Gene Aubergine.

BabyPod features a vibrant range of clothing for babies from newborn to 18 months and Playpod introduces the fruit and vegetable characters as a range of entertaining and educational books and toys.

All products are available to purchase on line at

www.busypeas.co.uk

Gotrovo includes: 100 beautiful hand drawn clue cards, a double sided treasure map, a swag bag, gold coins and a golden treasure bar. For 1 to many players, suitable for children of various abilities from 3-8 years – use the game for play dates, birthday parties or just because the kids are climbing the walls and lay a different trail every time!

Want to know more? Check out www.created4kids.co.uk or email info@created4kids.co.uk for more information.

Sticky Fingers bring the party to your house – all that is required is an oven, table and chairs, and a sink! The party package includes all party requirements, including supplying the cups, plates, napkins, tablecloths, aprons for the children, and all the equipment and ingredients, which are high quality and include free-range eggs. And if all that baking makes them hungry, children can enjoy a selection of party food and choice of drink supplied by Sticky Fingers.

To find out more or to book a party call Janet on 01283 704304 or 07745 305090 or email us with your details.

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INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS

Tips to Help Teach Kids to Tell the Time

by ClicTime

Learning to tell the time is a significant stage in a child’s life but it is clear that some children are struggling to get to grips with reading, understanding and telling the time. In an age where digital clocks surround children on tablets, phones and other gadgets, it has come to light that many children aged between 4 and 8 cannot tell the time on traditional clock faces.

l Encourage your child to move the hour to different numbers until he/she is comfortable reading the o’clock.

Using two numbering systems at once (counting hours up to 12 and minutes to 60,) and understanding the term past and to, can be very difficult for young children to understand.

l Demonstrate to your child how to read the hour and minute hand together.

l Explain that the long hand is the minute hand – point out that the minute hand sweeps around the clock, as the hour hand moves from one hour to the next. l Keeping the hour hand stationary, move the minute hand around and show your child that the minute hand takes five minutes to move from one digit to the next. l Start counting using the 5-minute marks; once they master this, progress to numbers like 12 and 39. Encourage your child to move the minute hand around and practise reading it until he/she has mastered counting the minutes.

Here are a few tips that you can use to help them to tell time:

l Let them practise setting the minute and the hour hand to some simple times (for e.g. 1:15, 4:30, 3:05) before moving on to more complicated times( for e.g. 9.37, 11:59, 8:42).

l First start by teaching them to count to 12, then 30 and on to 60. Trying to teach your child the minutes in an hour before your child can count to 60, will be confusing and off-putting for them.

l Get your child to write down significant times such as – bed time is at 7:30, breakfasts is at 8:05, schools finishes at 3.10 and get them to demonstrate the time on the clock.

l Teach the 5 times tables – understanding 5-10-15-20-2530 . . . etc. will make it much easier to understand the minute hand on a clock. l Use an old-style clock face with movable hands. l Explain that the short hand is the hour hand. Keeping the minute hand at 12, move the hour hand to various positions on the clock. Explain that any time the minute hand is exactly over the 12, it is __ o'clock.

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l Continue to practise and encourage telling and demonstrating different times of the day and night.

Need a little help?

The LEGO® Time Teacher from ClicTime, includes a buildable Minifigure Link Watch, a clock for children to construct at home and also training tools such as flash cards to help them learn how to tell the time.

Designed to give your child a rewarding and creative experience whilst learning to tell the time – LEGO® Time Teacher is available in blue and pink, and is suitable for both boys and girls. RRP: £19.99.

At ClicTime, we offer an extensive range of great interactive products that are tailored for kids. All of our LEGO® watches are buildable, which means that children are allowed to put their own personal stamp on their products.

Our clocks are also giant LEGO® minifigures, which double up as a toy, making it fun for kids to learn the time.

ClicTime design and manufacture quality branded and private label timepieces. We are the global licensee for LEGO® watches and clocks.

To order LEGO® Time Teacher today or for more great gift ideas for kids or adults, visit

www.legowatches.com You’ll also find us on – Facebook: www.facebook.com/legowatches Twitter: @legowatches

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How to help your child with maths

by Lesley Higgin, Founder of Mathstraks Games

As parents, we all want our children to do well in this important subject, but how best to achieve this? When children are learning to read, parents are encouraged to listen to their child reading every day, and a similar approach of little and often is ideal for young maths learners.

This doesn’t mean sitting your children down in front of a list of sums. There are lots of different games you can play with your children which will also help improve their numeracy.

Playing Shops

learner, as you can adapt the shop to fit their interests: sweet shops, toy shops, dinosaur shops . . . you can use real or play money and make the adding and giving change as easy or difficult as required.

This is an ideal activity for a reluctant maths

Counting As a child, I can remember my Gran having a huge glass jar of pennies, which we would count for her.

Children love this and making piles of 10ps can help give children a really good understanding of our decimal number system.

Traditional Games Old favourites such as Snakes and Ladders and original Monopoly can be easily overlooked, but most children enjoy playing them and they are practising their maths without realising it! Yahtzee is a fantastic dice game which practises numeracy as well as being a great introduction to probability (children usually begin to study this at secondary school). Another lovely traditional game is Shut the Box. This is an addition game consisting of a wooden box with numbered lids and a couple of dice. It’s really simple to play and very addictive!

Card Games Top Trumps is a brilliant game for helping children understand how to order numbers, including decimals.

There are so many different sets available, you are bound to find one that appeals to your son or

daughter. Patience, played with normal playing cards is also great for pattern-spotting and ordering.

Pre-school children can play this as there is no reading involved.

Numeracy Games Lots of companies produce fantastic numeracy games for preschool and reception children and particular favourites in our house were Pop to the Shops and Bus Stop by Orchard Toys. For children aged 5 and above Monster Maths by Mathstraks Games is a fun way to practise addition skills and number bonds. For older children (7 and above) Mathstraks Games produce Mathical Creatures, a great game to help improve mental arithmetic and Fairy Tables, a Fairy Tale-themed strategy game to help children learn times tables.

For more information on Mathstraks Games visit

www.facebook.com/mathstraksgames

Challenge, Inspire and Entertain Your Tween Tweens are cool, funky, cute and inquisitive! But anyone who has tried to buy for a tween will know how tricky it can be, as many of the items found on the highstreet are too young, too old or just simply uninteresting!

If you want to challenge, inspire and entertain the tween in your life, check out Gifts for Tweens – a fantastic online store that offers a choice of creative, fun and unique toys and gifts for children between the ages of 6-12 years old, otherwise known as the Tween age!

At Gifts for Tweens you will find favourite brands including Seedling, Little Experience, Ridleys by Wild & Wolf, X-ray Anatomy sets by Revell, Pippin Jewellery Sets, Spiegelburg, and Cupcakes & Cartwheels, to name but a few.

Whether your tween enjoys crafting, sewing, science, baking, nature or wants to try something new, you will find a choice of exceptional gifts, toys, clothes and accessories that encourage kids to have fun, be active and use their imagination - which are all essential for happy Tweens.

Gifts for Tweens is not only a great place to shop, you’ll find fun activities for tweens and a tween blog – for more information visit

www.giftsfortweens.co.uk myfamily 37

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Mathematical Fun from Mathstraks Games If you want to help your child with their maths and are looking for a fun way to support their learning outside the classroom, we suggest giving Mathstraks Games a try.

and above which uses the fun theme of myths and monsters, to teach and reinforce key numeracy skills. This much-loved game will help your child practise and improve their mental arithmetic, and improve their maths confidence through play.

With three award winning new games Mathical Creatures, Monster Maths and Fairy Tables, your child is sure to enjoy an enchanted journey which features many exciting characters and creatures along the way.

of fire-breathing dragons, handsome princes and beautiful princesses awaits your child as they use their times tables knowledge in a race to place fairy tale characters in stories.

Mathical Creatures is an enjoyable, mathematical card game for children aged 7 Your little monster is sure to love Monster Maths – an exciting card game for children aged 5 and above. Monster Maths will help your youngster practise and improve addition skills for 1 and 2 digit numbers – using simple sums, the aim of the game is to be the first player to make a monster.

Fairy Tables is an ingenious card game to help kids aged 7 and above practise and learn multiplication tables. A magical realm

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Each game contains everything you need for hours of educational fun for 2-4 players, so children can enjoy playing together and with mum and dad too.

Mathstraks Games are available from many independent toy and games shops and a variety of online retailers including Amazon.

For supplier information, check out Mathstraks Facebook page www.facebook.com/mathstraksgames

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THE GOOD LIFE

Growing Your Own

Organic Vegetables

Your garden is your own little patch of the world to look after.

Most gardens are quite small, but there are 15 million of them in the UK. If all of these gardens were cared for organically, it would create a much better environment – for our families, plants and wildlife.

Here are some quick tips on what to do in your organic veg patch this month: l Keep on top of the weeds! As the weeds start to emerge and flourish, hoe regularly to keep them in check. Get to know what your weed seedlings and vegetable seedlings look like, so you don’t hoe your veg off by mistake!

l Soil will still be warming up after the winter rains. Delay seed sowing in open soil until you can see weeds growing strongly - a good sign that soil is starting to warm up at last. l Planting potatoes: Wait until soil is warm enough before planting potatoes. Wet soils need to dry out before they will warm up after winter and as seed potatoes will rot in waterlogged soils, don’t rush to plant them out until the soil shows signs of warming up. A good indicator is when the grass and weeds start to grow.

For more tips on organic veg growing find out about joining Garden Organic. Not only will you be supporting a charity which, through gardening, works with individuals to improve their health and wellbeing, but in return we will support you in your own organic growing by providing a magazine, factsheets, monthly information and access to an email advice line.

For more details visit

www.gardenorganic.org.uk

Sleep Easy with

The Fine Cotton Company You may not be aware of the chemicals you or your family are exposed to when you sleep – chemical based dyes, flame retardants or formaldehyde resin can feature in cotton and non-iron bedding or polyester mixes.

The Fine Cotton Company specialise in 100% organic cotton bedding for adults, children and babies which is free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be detrimental to human health. They are passionate about design and quality of their range, which includes organic cotton towels, dressing gowns, blankets and accessories that are soft to the touch, kind on the conscience and great value too.

Little ones will love the new Owl design duvet cover and matching accessories, which are embroidered with cute owls in pink or blue.

The fun children’s range includes beautiful fleece blankets and hooded organic cotton baby towels – a must for baby’s bath time.

For kids on the go and sleepovers, the Bugglebag® is a versatile and very comfortable new snuggle bag with a difference – it leaves the feet free so the child can walk around. It has a zip side, velcro fastening at the shoulder and a large pocket at the front which is great for keeping a favourite toy close at hand. It is also suitable for use on a plane or in the car as the seat belt fits over the Bugglebag® to keep your child safe.

WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN! The Fine Cotton Company are giving you the chance to win an Owl duvet cover and pillow case, in pink or blue for your child.

To enter simply email ‘Owl Pink’ or ‘Owl Blue’ along with your name, address and daytime telephone number to owls@thefinecottoncompany.com (closing date for entries is midnight on Monday 30th June 2014).

For more information or to place an order visit

www.thefinecottoncompany.com or call 0845 602 9050.

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THE GOOD LIFE

Win a Tushi

Stick

Win a

£20 Voucher to spend with Frugi!

Frugi, one of the UK’s leading children’s wear brands has teamed up with My Family to offer one lucky reader a £20 voucher to spend on their gorgeous Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Inspired by beaches and festivals and featuring some stunning, colourful prints it captures the very essence of a brilliantly British Summer’s Day.

The Tushi stick is a 100% natural nappy ointment that comes in a unique stick applicator – a first for the UK! The idea for Tushi Stick was thought up by Canadian Mum, Marcie Weinstein Smith, who wanted a chemical free solution for her son’s nappy rash. Using a stick applicator is so convenient for Mum or Dad, it won’t spill, leak or get stuck under nails. As parents won’t have to go back and forth between the stick and baby’s bottom, as they would with a tube or tub, there is reduced risk of cross-contamination! Perfect for keeping nappy changes, clean, safe and healthy!

Not only is Lovey’s Tushi Stick extremely convenient, it’s also best for baby. Founder Marcie was adamant that it should contain absolutely no chemicals or nasties, and as a result has created a lovely natural ointment made from a gorgeous blend of natural and essential oils. Just some of the wonderful oils you’ll find in a Tushi Stick are calendula, apricot, coconut, sweet almond, avocado, grapeseed, jojoba and rosehip - as a result it smells pretty amazing! The oils work in harmony to reduce inflammation, tone, soothe and moisturise skin to make it super soft and peachy.

See more at

There are cute rompers for the littlest members of the family, stunning girl’s dresses as well as some fantastic shorts and t-shirt combinations for boys. Camper vans, ice lollies, beach huts, dinosaurs, surf boards, floral prints and guitars make this one of their coolest collections yet.

Absolutely everything is made from organic cotton, so it’s lovely and soft against delicate skin. Little ones will not feel at all restricted by their outfits and can focus on the important things like climbing trees, roaming in rock pools and running through fields.

Parents will love Frugi just as much as their little ones, as it’s long lasting and well made, and can be thrown in the washing machine if it gets covered in mud or ice-cream.

Check out the Frugi website –

www.welovefrugi.com to pick out your favourite items!

WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN! To enter simply email your name, address and day time contact number to frugi@myfamilymagazine.co.uk (closing date for entries is midnight on Monday 30th June 2014).

Win a Cocoon Towel from

The Little Green Sheep!

Organic baby bedding and bathtime brand The Little Green Sheep, has a gorgeous new product to share. The Organic Cocoon Towel a gorgeous, versatile, soft snuggly bath wrap perfect for young babies!

Unlike other bath towels for babies, the Cocoon Towel comes with a unique and cosy foot pouch to keep little legs under control so parents focus on the task at hand. It also comes with a cute hood, and two side panels which can be wrapped around baby’s tummy for the ultimate cuddle after bathtime!

The Cocoon Towel is the perfect accessory for baby massage, and as it’s so lightweight it can easily be popped in a changing bag. Whether you are off to a baby class or going to Granny’s for a sleepover, the Cocoon Towel is a really handy and versatile piece of kit!

Made from the finest organic terry towelling cotton the Cocoon Towel is gentle on sensitive and delicate young skin, it’s super-absorbent and best of all the Cocoon Towel is 100% organic, fairly traded and GOTS certified, so it’s not only best for baby, it’s environmentally friendly too.

Visit

www.cinnamonsue.co.uk

www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk

WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN!

WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN!

Cinnamon Sue have teamed up with My Family to offer you the chance to win one of their fabulous Lovey’s Tushi sticks.Simply email your name, address and telephone number to tushi@myfamilymagazine.co.uk (closing date for entries is midnight on Monday 30th June 2014).

We are giving you the chance to a win a Cocoon Towel from the Green Sheep! To enter simply email your name, address and telephone number to cocoon@myfamilymagazine.co.uk (closing date for entries is midnight on Monday 30th June 2014).

40 myfamily

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AUTISM NEWS

Join us for the return of

Autism’s GOT TALENT! 2014 Autism charity, Anna Kennedy Online would like to invite you to join us for ‘Autism’s Got Talent 2014’ on Saturday 10th May at the Mermaid Theatre, London.

Now in its third year, the show which is co-produced by Pineapple Performing Arts School promises to be a great event, as it brings together a diverse group of people, who are all on the Autistic Spectrum – to show everyone just how talented they are!

All too often people make the mistake of thinking that anyone with a disability is capable of very little . . .

HOLD THE PRESS . . .

Autism’s Got Talent will be showing everyone just what all these great people really are capable of and just how good they are at it!!

Talent comes in many forms and stretches way beyond the field of performance, so on the night we will also be hearing from, and championing, people that have done other amazing things. This night will surely open the eyes of those who previously didn’t realise just what someone on the Autistic Spectrum can achieve.

This is not just a night to celebrate a small section of people, but a celebration of EVERYONE that is on the Spectrum – here’s a sneak preview of the fantastic acts that will be performing at AGT 2014 . . .

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AUTISM NEWS

HCaitlin Churcher

HJake Chodosh

Caitlin has recently turned 12 years old, she is on the Autistic Spectrum, with ADHD and Meares Irlen Syndrome. She began Gymnastics when she was 3 and is super excited to be performing a gymnastics routine at Autism's got Talent. She is a massive fan of One Direction and has pictures of them all over bedroom!

Jake is 20 years old – he loves to explore London, put together 3d puzzles and watch Disney classics. However, he is at his happiest when painting. Jake is also on the Autistic spectrum, making his artistic interpretations just that little bit more interesting.

HAlice Jordan

HEmma Lowry

Growing up, teenager Alice Jordan found it difficult to socialise with other children and often felt different, unhappy and alone. But, following several sessions with a music industry expert Alice has found her voice!

She has started writing and performing her own songs, and has never been happier.

11-year-old Emma loves to sing, dance, act, make up and likes drawing. Emma didn’t talk much until primary year 1 but she did enjoy singing. When she was four she won a karaoke competition on holiday and a local radio singing competition when she was eight. She entered Britain’s Got Talent in 2011 and got to the last 120. That year she also won the Northern Ireland heat of festival 4 stars and went on to sing at numerous events across Northern Ireland.

HAlfie

Anderson

10 year old Alfie Anderson is young boy with Aspergers who has an amazing talent and obsession for drumming. He loves a variety of music and his favourite band is Green Day.

HCallum Abbiss Autistic, 22 year old Callum likes reading and describes himself as outgoing. He loves mixing with different people and wants everyone to have a better understanding of his disability.

Callum is inspired by music! He enjoys singing at karaoke bars and has auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent, The Voice and the X Factor. He has also recently started to play guitar and can’t wait to share his talent with the Autism’s Got Talent audience.

HHillingdon Manor

School

HBenedetta Tichi 21 year old Benedetta from Umbria, Italy, has autism and a rare disease tuberous sclerosis.

She has an ear for music and showed a natural talent for percussion since she was a child, often beating out a rhythm on whatever she had at hand – a door, a dashboard, the kitchen table.

42 myfamily

Hillingdon Manor School is proud to present some of its finest and most enthusiastic dancers. For a few, it is another year performing at Autism’s Got Talent and they are looking forward to bettering their previous acts. For the rest, it is their first time taking part in the show, but they are looking forward to having the opportunity to express what they enjoy and have learned, on stage. All the students view the show as a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talents and skills.

HJoseph Ferris Joseph, 13, was diagnosed with Autism 3 years ago. He finds it particularly challenging to make friends and understand social communication. He has always had 3 passions – lego, rollercoasters and music. Joseph co-wrote a song called Unity, which was chosen out of hundreds to appear on a CD produced as part of an antibullying campaign rolled out across Northamptonshire schools. He currently enjoys singing as a chorister with the boys’ choir at All Saint’s Church, Northampton and is currently learning the guitar and writing his own music.

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AUTISM NEWS

HJordan Statham

HAppollo -

Musician Jordan Statham has aspergers /PDD and is currently studying for a level 3 diploma in music performance at Glass House special needs college. He met best friend Oscar about a year ago and since then the pair have been performing together throughout the UK.

Jonathan Senga, Ciaran Fox and Ahmed Mitten aka Appollo, are a group of autistic teenagers from Radlett Lodge School Hertfordshire, with a passion for performing.

Radlett School

& Oscar Bell

HWLCC HMatthew Scott

HJoshua Beckford Joshua is an exceptional 8 year old boy with Aspergers Syndrome. He has unusual skills in Maths, Foreign Language, History, Philosophy, IT, Art and Science. He learned to read fluently using phonics at 2 years 6 months old, mastered speaking Japanese at 2 and a half years, then started to learn Chinese Mandarin. At 6 years old he completed a master class in Philosophy and a Historical Enquiry Research Project at Oxford University – he was awarded a distinction in both subjects. He is the BYA`s Child Ambassador for Education and aims to attend either Oxford or Cambridge to study to become a neuro-surgeon specialising in Genetics.

HLucy Clapham 25 year old Lucy Clapham from Bedfordshire, has autism and Tourette syndrome. She has a pet rabbit called Lorenne, loves musicals, singing and is a quad skater in a roller derby group.

Matthew’s Aspergers Syndrome and OCD were formally recognised age 11 at secondary school transfer. He started playing the clarinet age 7, studied for a BMus in performance at RAM where he graduated with a 1st Class Honours in 2013 and is currently studying for an MA in performance at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Matthew enjoys orchestral playing but performing solo and chamber works have always given him a particular buzz. He has recently featured in part of the film soundtrack of November Man starring Pierce Brosnan, which is due to be released towards the end of the year.

HRyan Wiggins 13 years old Ryan is from Watford and has Asperger syndrome. He spent his primary years changing from school to school as he never 'fitted in'.

After trying several hobbies he went to drama classes and his love of the performing arts started. He has performed at the Watford Pump House theatre in Bugsy Malone, Annie, Beauty and the Beast and last year he proudly played the lead role in Oliver at the Watford Palace theatre. His nan bought him his first guitar, and he taught himself how to play. Noticing his natural ability to play, his mum signed him up for lessons at Music Gym and this led him to reaching the regional finals of national singing competition Teen star last year.

West London Community College is a well-established independent living skills provision for adults with an Autistic Spectrum Condition or Asperger Syndrome. Students from the college will perform an extract from ‘The Trip’ a play about a teacher who takes a class of autistic teenagers on an illfated day trip to London. To raise awareness of autism they will be taking the play to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.

HTap

for Fun

Renowned autism campaigner Anna Kennedy OBE will be taking to the stage with dance partner Michael John French for a third year of Autism’s got Talent. They will be joined by fellow tap dancers and Tap for Fun, for an amazing tap dancing performance.

HHHHHH Join Us!

HPineapple

Performing Arts School

Dancers from the award winning Pineapple Performing Arts School, are set to impress the audience with another outstanding performance, as they take to the Autism’s Got Talent stage for a third year!

Everyone Is welcome – this will be a very understanding and Autism Aware Audience. We really do want this to be a mixed audience of those on the spectrum and those that aren’t.

Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out.

Call 01895 619734 or email lisa.robins@thevines.org.uk Tickets cost £15 for adults and £10 for children.

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AUTISM NEWS

Give Us A Break Comic Raises Awareness of Autism Anna Kennedy Online presents an Autism Awareness Comic written by Jo Redman our Charity Patron. Jo is a young woman diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and now 3 x World Kick Box Champion.

In December 2013 the comic was launched at The House of Commons at a presentation given on Autism and Diagnosis. The Give us a Break! comic was very well received. The 8 side comic is in Bitstrip format and is useful for Schools and Colleges to raise awareness about the condition.

This comic is priced at £2 each in the UK including postage and £4 overseas. You can pay by cheque made payable to Anna Kennedy Online and post to Lisa Robins, Vine House, Harlington Road, Hillingdon, Middlesex, UB8 3HD or make payment by PayPal to paypal@annakennedyonline.com and quote COMIC. When ordering please be sure to include your name and the address you would like the comic to be sent to.

For more information visit

www.annakennedyonline.com

West London Community College take ‘The Trip’ to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival For the last year, staff at West London Community College have been working with health professionals and emergency services representatives on a new Autism Alert Card initiative.

It quickly became clear that the autism training offered to these individuals was, at best, limited. Despite regularly coming into contact with members of public on the spectrum, the police confessed to online training and the fire brigade admitted more could be done to raise awareness about autism among the profession.

So, with the bit between their teeth a group of students from the college – all who have autism and their teacher Jamie Foster, set about creating a piece of theatre that would not only have its audience rolling in the aisles with laughter, but it would hopefully get them thinking about the complex condition that is autism.

Hence 'The Trip' was born...

'The Trip' tells the story of a teacher who takes a class of autistic teenagers on an illfated day trip to London. It gives some insight into the autistic mindset and what can go wrong when life becomes overwhelming.

Sometimes it's hilarious . . . sometimes it really, really isn't. But whatever happens, the play teaches that 'it's not naughty, it's Autism'.

44 myfamily

‘The Trip’ proved to be such a success with its audience that the group have teamed up with autism charity Anna Kennedy Online to reach as big an audience as possible and will be taking the play to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2014.

This this is a very ambitious project with the potential to influence the standard of care that people with Autism receive, at times when they need it most.

You can follow their progress and help them to raise much needed funds for the project on their Facebook page

www.facebook.com/WLCCthetrip or help by making a donation through uk.virginmoneygiving.com/thetripproject – all funds will go initially into funding the trip to the Fringe. Any surplus will be fed into the development of an accompanying workshop and DVD, which will be presented as a training course to those across the UK who may encounter autistic people as part of their daily work.

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AUTISM NEWS

Flash Mob for Autism Awareness Month in Croydon town centre Shoppers at Whitgift Shopping Centre, Croydon watched in amazement when they were treated to an exclusive and surprise Flash Mob to launch the beginning of Autism Awareness Month.

Passers-by were taken by surprise as dancers from autism charity Anna Kennedy Online, Croydon’s Nuffield Health Club and Bird Gang Dance Group (the UK representatives in the World Hip Hop Championships 2012), sponta-

neously burst into dance to a well-rehearsed performance choreographed by Hannah Maxwell (Nuffield Health Studio Manager). The group which involved people with autism, have been secretly rehearsing at the Nuffield Health Club in

Croydon for several months with the aim to raise awareness and place a positive perspective on autism.

Anna Kennedy OBE, Founder of Anna Kennedy Online said, “When we hear about autism related subjects on the news, it is always doom and gloom. The flash mob was a unique way to celebrate autism and showcase the capabilities and confidence that these remarkable individuals possess. April is Autism Awareness Month, so the Flash Mob was a fantastic platform to launch the range of activities that will be taking place throughout the month, not just from Anna Kennedy Online, but all organisations throughout the world.”

Anna continues. “There are so many talented people out there who are on the autistic spectrum, and both the Flash Mob and Autism’s Got Talent have provided a platform to not only showcase this talent, but to give the performers confidence and to feel included in fun and unique activities. They also benefit greatly from the social aspects.”

A professional video of the event was filmed and produced by Avalanche-studio, a production company based in Croydon and is now available on social media platforms to demonstrate Autism Awareness in a positive light throughout April and beyond: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CQ62o3QZ 7c&feature=youtu.be

Travel Safely with

Crelling Harnesses If you have a disability or are travelling with a loved one with special needs, we’re sure you’ll agree that it is important to have equipment that makes the journey and your holiday as enjoyable, safe and comfortable as possible.

Crelling Harnesses is a friendly family based company offering a full range of seatbelts and harnesses for children and adults with special needs. All of Crelling’s belts and harnesses are designed to provide postural support or in the case of learning difficulties and challenging behaviour a certain degree of restraint.

Knowing that there are some purchases in life that you don’t make lightly and to ensure your full peace of mind, Crelling Harnesses are OFT Approved and carry the CE marking. They are a member of The British Healthcare Trades Association, as well as being an approved supplier of Britax products.

Crelling are happy to advise and help you choose the correct product for your needs.

They offer extensive range of products from simple belts to full harnesses for use on all aspects of special needs equipment including vehicle seats, aircraft seats, wheelchairs, stairlifts and bathing & shower seats. They also make a range of walking reins designed to help and control children and adults with challenging behaviour or learning difficulties when out walking.

For more information phone 01253 852298, email info@crelling.com or visit

www.crelling.com myfamily 45

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AUTISM NEWS BASTON HOUSE SCHOOL CASE STUDY

All Mary wanted was a school that understood not just autism, but her son’s own needs as well, and Baston House has come up trumps Mary McInerney lives in Lewisham with her two children. Jasper, 11, has been attending Baston House School for 18 months.

Desperate for an alternative

A positive response

Mary says: “My son Jasper was diagnosed with autism at the age of four. Unfortunately, he was unable to manage mainstream school and by the time he was nine he was extremely distressed and his attendance very poor. The school did not understand Jasper’s needs while the work and the environment were becoming impossible for him to manage. He was continually physically refusing to go to school and trying to hurt himself to avoid having to go.

It took many months, a great deal of effort and a significant amount of money before Jasper was allocated funding for a place at Baston House but, Mary says, she does not begrudge any of it. “At long last, having struggled so hard for so long in the wrong setting for a child like him, he is able to engage effectively with his education, in a setting he can understand, and where he is understood. His confidence and selfesteem have soared and he is learning much more than he ever has before because his needs are being addressed so well he is responding very positively and his teachers have high expectations of his academic achievement, as well as his overall well-being.”

“His self-esteem was on the floor and the school responded by taking me to court for his poor attendance, thereby blaming me and ignoring Jasper’s needs. We had hit rock bottom and there was no choice but to take Jasper out of this inappropriate setting which was unable to address his needs.”

(Below, left to right) Jasmine (Jazz) McInerney, Jasper McInerney and Mary McInerney.

Understanding the child One thing which Mary especially appreciates about Baston House is the way that the children are treated as individuals with their own

particular needs addressed according to their capabilities and interests. “Just because all the pupils are on the autistic spectrum, it does not follow that they should all be treated the same.

In Jasper’s case, amongst other things he struggled with concentrating for long periods and has certain sensory issues, so he is allowed to take short breaks from his work, his assignments are broken into smaller ‘bite-sized’ sections, and even the classroom lighting was changed as the fluorescent striplights were upsetting to him. This proves to me that Baston fully understands not just my son’s condition, but my son himself, and is prepared to respond in the way which will best serve his needs.”

Overcoming hurdles Mary has been greatly relieved to find a school which suits Jasper so well and means he will not have to endure the problems a mainstream secondary setting would most likely have caused him. Nevertheless, she knows that there are more hurdles to overcome. “Like many eleven year old boys, quite often Jasper would prefer not to have to go to school at all and he still sometimes decides he’ll try and get out of it,” she says, “but because he can see that his teachers and I are on his side, working together and commited to him, he accepts the situation and mostly he enjoys being at school - or at least puts up with it! And that is a milestone in itself.”

Forward to the future Although Mary does not expect miracles, she is quietly optimistic about what the future might hold for Jasper. “His teachers are very pleased with his progress, and they are excellent at keeping me in touch with everything so that I know what has been going on each day. I genuinely believe that Baston House is helping him to move forward rather than stigmatising him and holding him back because he has autism. I have high hopes that he will be able to live with a measure of independence because of the remarkable support he is receiving from a remarkable school.”

To learn more about Baston House visit

www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk 46 myfamily

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FREE AU FOR PAR TISM EVENT ENTS & CARERS PRACTIC AL GUIDA

N NGES OF CE ON THE AUTISM Dunch Tuesday 20t urc h CHALLE

May at h Park H t Warwic otel & Confe he rence C kshire C entre, V22 6Q W

e now Book onlin group.co.uk www.hesley

Hesley Group Schools and Colleges - living and learning together

We seek to offer: • a flexible, positive and empowering first choice of placement.

• stability and progress when this may not have been previously possible.

• an alternative to hospital of which you may not be aware.

At Hesley Group we are:

• Autism • Learning disabilities • Highly complex and challenging needs Many of the children and young people who live happily and learn positively with us have had multiple placements before coming to a Hesley Group school or college.

Referral enquiries freephone 0800 055 6789 www.hesleygroup.co.uk Established in 1975, Hesley Group, through its schools and colleges support 8 to 25 year olds with a highly experienced and expert multidisciplinary educational, care and therapeutic staff resource, in high quality purpose built settings. We’re focused on positive outcomes and progress towards sustainable independence.

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Baston House School • Bromley Specialist independent day facility for children diagnosed with autism aged between 5 & 16 years l A centre of excellence in education and development. l Local Authority referrals welcome l Admissions now being taken for Primary and Secondary School The following open morning is planned for parents and carers wishing to find out more about Baston House School Tuesday 29th April • Tuesday 3rd June (Starting at 11am) For admissions and information about upcoming events call 020 8462 1010 or visit www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk Baston House School Baston Road • Hayes • Bromley • Kent BR2 7AB

Hillingdon Manor The largest school for children with autism, in the UK & Europe Specialist independent day education for children aged between 3 and 19.

The following open mornings are planned for parents and carers wishing to find out more about Hillingdon Manor school:

Yiewsley Grange (Lower School) Tuesday 8th July (starting at 10.30am)

Tel: 01895 420315 for further information

The Manor (Upper School) Thursday 1st May • Thursday 10th July (all starting at 11am)

Tel: 01895 813679 for further information Local Authority referrals accepted. • Access to the National Curriculum.

For more information about admissions, open days and events, visit www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk or contact the Head Teacher, Akinyi Dulo on 01895 813679