Mums magazine spring 16

Mums SPRING 2016

THE ONLY REGIONAL MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO EVERY STAGE OF MOTHERHOOD

Relationship MATTERS The challenges of parenthood and how to strengthen your couple relationship

Child’s play Discover our top tips on baby play to help keep your little one entertained

Spring Staycations

The ultimate family mini break destination

It’s a Mum’s world...

Real mums discuss the joys and challenges of modern-day motherhood

& mindful Young, free

The benefits of mindfulness for children and teenagers

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

1

Protect your children and put their needs first with a new kind of parenting plan.

Splitting up is hard enough, but when there are children involved the process can become even more complicated and painful. Last year the relationship experts at OnePlusOne developed Put Kids First, a free online programme that offers separated parents everything they need to manage shared custody. Designed with mediators, children’s centres, and other experts in child well-being, the programme is the first of its kind to help parents understand and cope with the stress that comes with co-parenting.

A series of unique videos focuses on key skills like staying calm, expressing yourself clearly and negotiating when faced with inflexibility. All of these are essential in ensuring that children are not caught in the middle – and with over a third of kids feeling like one parent is trying to turn them against the other during separation, these skills could save your child a lot of worry.

Once parents feel that they’re ready to work together and put the kid’s needs first, without anger, guilt or resentment getting in the way, the parenting plan helps make communicating as stress-free as possible. Both partners can access and customise their plans entirely online, without even being in the same room as each other. It will even send an email notification whenever a change is made, meaning that arrangements can be tried and tested until you’ve both agreed on the best plan for your children.

For more information, or to take a look around, visit www.splittingup-putkidsfirst.org.uk @mums_magazine

2

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

W

elcome to the sprng issue of Mums Magazine. With the doldrums of winter now behind us, we can now look forward to some brighter days ahead and all the possibilities and opportunities for family fun that they hold. If you’re among the masses currently favouring a staycation over a foreign holiday this year, don’t miss our review of the fabulous Tylney Hall (page 20) - the perfect retreat for a family getaway this spring. In the meantime, you might be looking to fill your diary with some fun activities with the kids, in which case our feature on petting zoos (page 18) and baby swimming (page 24) might offer some inspiration. For mums of young babies, turn to page 23 for some top tips on keeping little ones amused this spring.

Aside from parental duties, taking time out to invest in your couple relationship is also important - such is the theme of this edition. We’ve taken some of the key challenges affecting modern parents and hopefully provided some useful advice for overcoming these stumbling blocks (page 12). After all, parenting is not without its daily challenges, hence the influx of websites, blogs and vlogs offering an outlet and ally to modern mums and dads (page 26). Learning from other mums’ experiences of parenting can be both inspiring and reassuring, so we’ve enlisted the first hand experience of some real mums to help shed light and laughter on the wonderful chaos of the mothering journey (page 15).

4. Nappy rash 6. Beddy buys

Natural ways to treat nappy rash

7.Toliet training

The top four baby sleep products

9. Weaning matters How to ease the process

11.Young, free and mindful Helpful tips for introducing solids

12. Relationship matters

The benefits of mindfulness for children

14. Straw., breeze and cream The challenges of parenthood

15. It’s a Mum’s World

Three children’s skincare essentials

16. Full circle parenting

Enjoy the issue!

The joys & challenges of motherhood

Caroline Seekings

The traditional approaches making a comeback

17. Hop, skip and jump

Editor

18. All the fun of the farm Have a healthy, active spring

9

15

20. Spring staycation

Your guide to petting zoo safety

21. Family holidays

The perfect UK family retreat

22. Education

Summer getaway inspiration

23. Child’s play

Help your child get a head start with learning

12

24. Water wonderful time Keep your little ones entertained

26. Insites for parents

All you need to know about baby swimming The best websites, blogs and vlogs

Mums SPRING 2016

THE ONLY REGIONAL MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO EVERY STAGE OF MOTHERHOOD

Relationship MATTERS The challenges of parenthood and how to strengthen your couple relationship

Child’s play Discover our top tips on baby play to help keep your little ones entertained

Spring Staycations

The ultimate family mini break destination

It’s a Mum’s world...

Real mums discuss the joys and challenges of modern-day motherhood

&

Young, free

mindful www.mums-magazine.co.uk

The benefits of mindfulness for children and teenagers

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

1

mums magazine publication

Information in Mums Magazine is not intended as a substitute for diagnosis, prescription and/or treatment by a Medical Professional.

Opinions expressed in Mums Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, and the magazine is in no way liable for any such opinions. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. No advertisement, article or image may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

The Team: Editor Caroline Seekings caroline@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk Tel: 07834 233346

Produced by:

Photography Richard Jones Photography www.richardjones-photography.com

LIFESTYLE

MAGAZINES

Get in touch: T: 07834 233346 E: caroline@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk www.lifestyle-magazines.co.uk

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Features Editor Chrissy Hayes chrissy@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk

Imagery www.istockphoto.com

Kim IT support

Caroline Editor

Chrissy Features Editor

Amy Column ist

Richard her Photograp

Meet the team Mums Magazine Spring 2016

3

HAPPY BABIES Effective ways to help prevent and treat nappy rash in babies

Many babies suffer from nappy rash at some time in their first 18 months. Nappy rash can be caused by prolonged contact with urine or stools, although having sensitive skin does increase propensity towards the condition. In addition, certain soaps, detergents, wipes and also chafing can be contributing factors. Nappy rash is characterised by red patches on your baby’s bottom, or the whole area may be red.

The skin may look sore and feel hot to touch, and there may be spots, pimples or blisters.

The best approach to treating nappy rash is prevention, and changing wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible can help to lessen the risk of irritation. Young babies need changing as many as 10 or 12 times a day, and older babies at least six to eight times. Be sure to clean the whole nappy area thoroughly, wiping from front to back and use plain water or baby wipes. It also helps to leave the nappy off for as long and as often as you can in order to let fresh air get to the skin. Barrier creams, such as zinc and castor oil may also help.

If your baby does get nappy rash, you can treat it with a nappy rash cream, although if the rash doesn’t go away or becomes bright red with white or red pimples, they may have a thrush infection. In this case, you’ll need to use an anti-fungal cream, available either from the pharmacist or on prescription from your GP. Ask your pharmacist or health visitor for advice.

There are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash Weaning

Any change in diet can lead to looser stools and a greater likelihood of nappy rash affecting your baby.

Common Cold

When a baby has a cold, stools are often looser, meaning that nappy rash is more likely to occur.

Teething

A runny nose, lots of saliva and diarrhoea are often the signs of teething. It’s also a time when nappy rash can strike.

Antibiotics

Nappy rash is often linked to antibiotic use. Antibiotics may mildly upset the digestive system leading to diarrhoea and nappy rash.

First sleep through the night

Sleeping through the night means that nappy changing may be delayed, making nappy rash more likely to develop.

Change in diet

Such as moving on from breast milk may lead to more frequent and watery stools, potentially leading to nappy rash.

Diarrhoea

Nappy rash usually starts when the baby’s delicate skin is in prolonged contact with urine and faeces in the nappy. It’s much more difficult to prevent this if your baby has diarrhoea.

is here to help!

1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543

4

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

is here to help!

We all know how unpredictable babies can be!

Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, and there are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash 1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543

1

we an ing

2

com mon cold

Treatment

for Nappy Rash For occasions when it does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness.

3 teething

4 antib iotics

5

fi rst slee p through the nig ht

6

chan ge in di et

7

di ar rhoe a

Protection

from Nappy Rash For daily protection, use Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment or Easy Spray Barrier Lotion at every nappy change to help prevent nappy rash.

Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.

www.metanium.co.uk

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

we

5

babies’ bums

1

The Cocoonababy® from Red Castle is an ergonomic cocoon that lets babies resume the semi-foetal position from the womb and provides a well-defined, reassuring, tranquil space which relaxes little ones allowing them to fall asleep easily and establish sleep cycles as well as contributing to all-round development.

Developed in a maternity ward by a paediatrician and a physiotherapist,The Cocoonababy® helps create a smooth transition from the womb to the outside world and can limit many of the common new-born discomforts.

The Cocoonababy® is suitable from birth up to 4 months and is available at John Lewis, Amazon and JoJo Maman Bebe. RRP £129.90

2

Teach Your Child to Sleep by the highlyacclaimed Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic has a 97 per cent success rate in resolving children’s sleep problems. Discover how to get your baby or child to settle easily and sleep through the night with step-by-step advice that gets right to the heart of the problem. All the techniques recommended in this book have been tried and tested at Millpond. Teach Your Child to Sleep aims to prove that seemingly complex sleep problems can actually have simple solutions. The book guides readers across all elements of sleep, from how to encourage good sleeping habits to identifying and tackling sleep problems. After the nature of the problem has been isolated, there is a small but well-defined selection of techniques with which to confront it. Based on their previous experience, the team at Millpond believe that once readers have chosen the right solution for their family’s needs, they are only 2-3 weeks away from a baby or child who knows how to sleep.

Available from www.amazon.co.uk

3

The Snüz Designz Collection is a gorgeous selection of contemporary products, specially made for styling babies sleep space.

Super soft and made from 100% cotton, the Designz collection includes a complete three piece crib bedding set, which has been specially made for the SnüzPod, but also fits standard size cribs.

The new product range will also feature a reversible blanket to be sold separately and fitted sheets, available in three sizes including crib, Moses basket/pram and also cot and cot bed.

‘From birth, babies sleep for up to 20 hours a day, so it is important to create the best sleeping environment possible’

Beddy buys

The top

four musthaves for

night time

nodding off

4

The Papa Penguin night light emits a cozy orangey/ yellowy glow and features a multi stepped dimmer, allowing for story time or low level light when sleeping. It also features a light alarm and countdown timer for sleep training.

Other essential f u n c t i o n s include a clock, thermometer and stopwatch to help with feeding.

Papa Pengion is available from www.cozyglo.co.uk

www.snuz.co.uk 6

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Kidsflush

Getting to grips with

Kidsflush has been designed to help children flush the toilet easily (and make the boring job a little more fun).

Kidsflush is a large, colourful, easy to flush button that fits over the traditional push button and makes it much easier for little hands to get the job done, it also plays a fun tune which encourage children to use it.

TOILET TRAINING The latest products to help ease the process of toilet training

www.kidsflush.com

The WeePot WeePot is a fun and easy to use boy’s urinal that can be used anywhere, since it is easy to fix to any wall, with no need for drilling. It is also easy to clean! Just unhook it, rinse it out and place it back on the suction hook.

The WeePot is now available at Babies R Us (www.toysrus.co.uk/babiesrus). www.jahgoo.com

The Potette Potty The Potette Potty is perfect as an emergency solution when your child can’t wait, especially if recently potty trained.

Choose the Potette Potty if you’re looking for a hygienic and practical portable potty. £15 www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Wetec Seat Protector The Wetec seat protector acts as a barrier to car seats, pushchairs, and highchairs in the event of nappy leaks or toilet training accidents. http://koo-di.co.uk

The Kids Kit Toilet Trainer The Kids Kit Toilet trainer serves as a potty, a step up toilet seat and a toilet seat all in one. It makes potty training fun and allows children to become independent at their own pace.The removable potty is easy to clean, folds for easy storage and is extremely stable and safe. The rubber insert prevents slipping and ensures comfort and safety. Suitable for children aged 1- 3 years. Designed to fit toilets measuring mini-max 38-42cm from floor to rim of toilet bowl www.babywants.co.uk £26.99 www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

7

SOLID STARTS

Simple ways to get weaning off to a positive start

Cook up a storm for your little one with Béaba Babycook® Weaning is made easy with the Béaba Babycook®, which allows parents to create nutritious, balanced and creative meals for little ones in 15 minutes.

The Béaba Babycook® is an all-in-one steamer-blender that allows parents to give their tots the best nutritional start in life when introducing their first solids. Parents can cook a range of perfectly balanced, blended food using this innovative, compact gadget which is practical as well as functional, and fits perfectly into any kitchen.

Béaba understands how important healthy eating is especially for little ones when they start eating proper food, so they get all the vitamins and minerals they need. The Béaba Babycook® allows parents to choose what ingredients go into their baby’s food, with no hidden sugars or salts. The quick and easy cooking process means less time in the kitchen and more time with little ones, with meals ready from fridge to highchair in minutes. Simply steam a variety of nutritional and healthy ingredients: vegetables, fruit, fish and meat; rice, pasta and quinoa then blend the delicious combination to the preferred texture, whilst retaining all the vital nutrients.

The defrosting and reheating option is perfect for meal planning, simply pop the meal to reheat, safe in the knowledge that nutrients and vitamins won’t be lost.

The large cooking bowl (1100 ml) in the Béaba Babycook® helps kick-start in-sync family eating as meals can be prepared for toddlers and adults as well as weaning babies. The fabulous colours and compact design won’t look out of place in even the most stylish of kitchens and the easy clip system can be used with one hand, perfect for parents with tots who like to lend a hand in the kitchen.

The Béaba Babycook® is available at John Lewis, Amazon and JoJo Maman Bebe.

RRP £109.95

8

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

WE LOVE...

The Twist ‘n’ Lock Freezer Pod by Vital Baby is a unique set of six individual 60ml food pots which twist and lock securely into one neat tray, helping to keep fridges and freezers organised and tidy! www.vitalbaby.co.uk

EXTRA READING Dr Pixie’s First Foods is an accessible book which is dedicated to helping parents prepare for the transition from milk to solids, so you and your baby can relax and enjoy this new phase. www.igloobooks.com

Helping hands The charity Baby’s Taste Journey™ has partnered with the NCT to provide unique workshops introducing new tastes and healthy eating habits to little eaters. http://babystastejourney.org.uk/

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

The healthy eating loophole Nearly three quarters of parents (74%) say their children have pestered them to buy junk food according to a new survey from the British Heart Foundation. Of those who have experienced ‘pester power’ at some point from their children, more than a third of the responses from parents related to junk food advertising, in particular to adverts that children are seeing on TV. Research by The Food Standards Agency has found that TV marketing of food and drink products can influence children’s food preferences.

Loopholes in the UK regulatory system mean that junk food adverts which are banned during children’s programming can still be shown during family programming, such as X-Factor, when children’s TV viewing peaks.

Junk food displays at checkouts have also been named in the survey as key pester culprits, with more than 40% parents saying that this scenario was likely to trigger a request for junk food.

While the overwhelming majority of parents (85%) recognise that what their children eat now is important for their health in later life, the BHF is deeply concerned that parents’ best efforts to protect their children’s health are being sabotaged by an environment where junk food marketing is openly aimed at children.

The survey also shows that while the majority of parents felt that they had control over what their children ate and drank within the home, 75% admit that they don’t know as much about what happens when their children are out and about. One in four parents believes that not being able to influence what their children eat away from home stands in the way of being able to ensure that their children have a healthy diet.

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

STEALTH VEG

THE INNOVATIVE FOODS THAT ARE HELPING SNEAK VEGETABLES INTO CHILDREN’S DIETS Kiddyum’s frozen meals for young children are packed full of delicious, natural ingredients, with no added sugar or preservatives, low salt and are also free from GM ingredients, artificial colours and flavours. All are made in the UK, using only sustainable fish, and British meat and dairy. Kiddyum is available in the freezer section of more than 320 Sainsburys stores nationwide and online at www.sainsburys.co.uk RRP £2.20.

Secret Sausages have 90% less fat, 50% fewer calories & 35% less salt than normal sausages. Three of them is also claimed to supply one of your 5 a day. The entire range are also gluten free and suitable for home freezing. www.secret-sausages.com

DID YOU KNOW? 36% of children have an energy drop by the afternoon and 27% have an energy drop in the evening 38% of parents report that having an after school snack or spending time with a parent put their child in a better mood

CHILD NUTRITION:

MAKING A MEAL OF IT Healthy eating inspiration for kids

Bananas and strawberries are the most liked fruit (37 – 38%) and carrots the most liked vegetable (44%) www.fruit-bowl.com

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

9

The best

BIRTHDAY PARTIES IN BERKSHIRE!

www.Uniqueoutdoors.co.uk

Call 01189 331806 to book your party today!

oodle's en

Family CAFE

at Slough Ice Arena Learn to skate at your local accredited Ice Arena and follow a nationally recognised training programme aimed at teaching you from the basics, right up to competitive Skating level.

• • • •

Intensive 5 Day Crash Courses Weekly Block Courses Skate UK Levels 1-8 Progression to NISA Levels 1-10 (Dance/Figure)

• Private Tuition • NISA Qualified Coaches • Some of the best and most experienced Coaches around!

Enjoy the fun of learning to skate and take up an enjoyable recreational past time. If competitive skating is your bag, then we can take you from Beginner to Advanced all under one roof. We currently have British & World Junior competitors training at Absolutely Ice, who have progressed through our Learn to Skate Courses…come and give it a try and you could be next!

T

P L A Y

Play area with a variety of toys and colouring

S

ARTIES &P

Birthday parties hosted at Doodle’s Everything arranged for you and party food included.

RELAX

Friendly and welcoming for families

Private hire for parties available

PlayCafeDoodlesDen For more information please call us on 01753 894810 or visit www.absolutely-ice.co.uk Absolutely Ice, Slough Ice Arena, Montem Lane, Slough, SL1 2QG

10

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

Weekly classes running doodlesden.com

OP E

LEARN TO SKATE

A

EVEN T

E

Cakes a n d s a n d w i ch e s and healthy snacks for children and adults

TIMES NG NI Monday - 9.30am-4pm Tuesday - 9.30am-6pm Wednesday - 12pm-4:30pm Thursday - 9.30am-4pm Friday - 9.30am-6pm Saturday - 9.30am-4pm Sunday - 11am-1:30pm

@DoodlesDen

WINDSOR LIBRARY 1st Floor Bachelors Acre Windsor SL4 1ER

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mindfulness for children and teenagers You’ve probably heard about mindfulness for adults but can it be of any value to children? Research is showing that it can increase focus and attention in children, help them achieve better grades, develop greater empathy and compassion and generally help them manage some of the difficult feelings they may experience such as pressure to achieve, anger, distress or bullying. One of the key things about it is that it actually changes the structure of the brain by decreasing the parts that lead to poor attention, aroused emotions and messy thinking and increasing those areas involved with better focus and attention, and greater emotional control and perspective.

Children have a natural ability to be mindful and curious but these often get clouded as they have more demands placed on them and multiple distractions. Teaching children about mindfulness can be a wonderful way of engaging with them as there is no pressure to achieve and it can be a lot of fun. An added benefit is that it can help you too, as a parent, if you do the practices together. Examples of everyday things you can do include walking in slow motion letting yourselves feel each movement; stopping for a moment to see what is around you; sitting quietly and discovering how many different sounds you can hear; seeing how long you can let a piece of chocolate melt on your tongue and then slowly moving it around your mouth; lying down and doing a gentle scan that involves breathing into different parts of your body. There are hundreds of different things that can be done with all age groups, including adolescents. It’s being seen as so beneficial that there is already a big drive to get it into all schools.

Most books on mindfulness for children are written for adults to teach the practices to children. However, there are a few books that allow children to read about it for themselves, with parental supervision if needed. One such book is Monkey Mind & The Mountain: Mindfulness for 8 – 12 year olds (and older)

& mindful Young, free

www.lifehappens-mindfulness.com

Tapping into mental health Anamaya for School is the first app to offer children and young adults a full mindfulness programme on their phones for use at home, with teacher involvement being as small or as large as desired and guidance for parents to support them.

With 109 lessons and exercises over two age categories (7-11 yrs, and 11+) the app develops awareness of the nature and source of emotions, building emotional stability, self-esteem and reducing feelings of negativity in a fun and engaging way.

It is designed so that any school can provide the benefits of mindfulness to students over the course of a term but equally, parents can support their children to use it at home with no school involvement. Visit www.anamaya.co.uk for more details.

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mental health among adults is a

much talked about subject, but the

issue with children and teenagers is

seldom discussed. So what steps can we take to ensure the sound mental health of our young people?

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

11

Relationship MATTERS

A closer look at the challenges of parenthood and how to strengthen your couple relationship Having a child is an amazing and transformational milestone in a couple relationship. For most, the arrival of a new baby strengthens and enhances a partnership, but the parental journey is not without its challenges. All couples face challenges at some point, and the introduction of a third family member can often bring to the forefront differences of opinion that may not have had the opportunity to manifest before. We take a look at some of the challenges faced by some couples, and how they took steps to overcome them.

Mindful relationships Mindful Relationships offers a practical way to improve our relationship with ourselves and more effectively manage the stresses associated with dispute resolution and conflict. As we become more intimate with ourselves by cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion, this naturally ripples out to others and transforms our relationship with our partners, families, workplaces and communities. £9.95 www.amazon.co.uk 12

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

Childcare

How to achieve a fair division of duties

By Lucy Todd

Women in the UK take on more than two-thirds of childcare duties and do nearly four weeks a year more unpaid work in the home than men, according to a new report.

In a study of 37 countries, the Overseas Development Institute found that men in Ireland carried out just seven per cent of childcare.

Sweden, on the other hand, came out as the most equal - with men responsible for 37 per cent of unpaid care.

What is it that Sweden is getting right and how are they convincing their menfolk to engage more with childcare responsibilities and domestic duties?

Let’s not kid ourselves that dads in Sweden are just a bit nicer. There is far greater support by the Swedish government for dads to take on childcare responsibilities from the get-go. New parents are granted 16-months of leave of which three months are set aside specifically for fathers - during which time they receive 80 per cent of their salary. In the UK fathers get a measly two weeks with basic statutory pay.

But even after all parental leave is over and both parents are back at work it’s still women who undertake the larger share of childcarerelated responsibilities, especially in relation to managing children’s schedules and handling child sickness.

Perhaps because mothers have become accustomed to the responsibility during maternity leave and perhaps because society expects it.

But because Swedish men are encouraged to take a more active role in the home from the start, it is seen as more of a cultural norm for them to be the ones to pick the kids up from the school gates, for example.

So until the UK government catches up with a more

progressive stance towards parental leave, what can you do to optimise the balance of childcare and domestic drudgery carried out by you and your partner?

PRIORITISE Childcare and household chores are an inevitability, so think about what each family member needs - and what they can contribute - and consider what your goals are.

Once you let go of perfection your stress levels will reduce immediately. Sit down with your partner and prioritise which chores are important.

DIVISION OF LABOUR It may be useful to keep a week-long log of all the childcare-related tasks and domestic jobs you do - and for your partner to do the same. It’ll give you a chance to assess your work-load and also to appreciate just how much you each do. Look at the list and see how you feel about each task. Is there any that you really dislike - is there a chance of swapping it for one of your partner’s chores? Be realistic: a fiftyfifty division of domestic jobs may not be the way to go - especially if you work reduced hours, or haven’t gone back to work - but try to agree on a split that you find mutually acceptable.

HACKS Do whatever it takes to make life easier: Get smart with cooking - when possible cook extra and throw a batch in the freezer. Invest in a larger washing machine so you can get more done in one go and perhaps use online grocery shopping and a set list of favourites each week.

SHARING CHILDREN Realise that you both have different parenting skills and that these differences are valuable for your child. Try not to criticise or micromanage your partner if they do things slightly differently to you.

Divvy up daily tasks when possible - maybe one of you can take morning breakfast duty and the other can do the evening bath. Take turns having a weekend lie-in or getting up in the middle of the night. Make sure each parent has their share of fun things like reading the bedtime story as well as the mundane tasks like emptying the nappy bin.

OUTSOURCING Discuss whether a few pounds spent here or there could be a wise investment for both your sanities. Maybe you cook Mondays and Wednesdays, your partner does Tuesdays and Thursdays - and Friday you order a takeaway. Perhaps consider hiring a cleaner once a week if it’ll improve your quality of life.

COMMUNICATION Even if you do write down a list, it’s not set in stone and can be changed at any time.

Everything is negotiable!

Keep talking to each other, work as a team and stay flexible. If you can’t manage to do some of your tasks don’t stress yourself out no-one’s perfect. Above all make sure you have family time as well as time for just the two of you.

As a final thought, a recent study in the journal Psychological Science suggests that dads who share household chores with their wives tend to have more ambitious children - particularly daughters.

They were found to have girls more likely to aspire to careers in medicine or accountancy than men who didn’t share domestic duties.

And another study from the US suggests that sharing child care means a better sex life for couples than if one partner shoulders most of the burden alone. Amen to that. www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Sex Couples can enjoy a more fulfilling sex life after having children - as the majority of dads prefer their partner’s curvier post-birth body, a new report from the UK’s top video parenting site Channel Mum reveals.

Natural Intimate Moisturiser

A huge 94 per cent of parents say they are satisfied with their sex life, with 57 per cent claiming sex is better after having kids, not worse.While three in five couples (58%) admitted they had less sex after becoming parents, 28 per cent actually had sex more.

And four in five couples (83%) said becoming a mum and dad made them focus more on the quality, not quantity, of their romantic encounters. Interestingly, while almost half of new mums (44%) worried their partner wouldn’t fancy them, two thirds of men (64%) actually preferred their wife or girlfriend’s curvier post-birth body. By contrast, mums are much harsher on themselves. Only 14 per cent of new mums felt body confident with over a third (35%) admitting they felt ‘too fat for sex’.

On average, parents face a ‘58 day wait’ after birth to resume their full sex lives, with 65 per cent making love again by this point. Just one in 20 couples wait a year or more before having sex again - but 14 per cent restart sex life in three weeks or less, against medical advice.

Free

sample

Keeping the spark alive According to the study by Channel Mum, three in five enjoy regular ‘date nights’ (60%) and a quarter (23%) schedule sex to ensure they have time to make love. One in five (18%) watch porn together while 17 per cent revealed they tried sexting photos and four per cent videos to keep their love alive.

Each day Channel Mum publishes a new video at youtube.com/ channelmum <http://youtube.com/channelmum>

Parenting methods

When Parenting Methods Collide

By Natalie Trice

There is no denying that parenting can be tough.Whilst teething, sleepless nights and potty training are stumbling blocks most of us expect to encounter, when it comes to parenting styles for some reason we think we will agree.

This isn’t always the case and can cause unexpected issues in relationships.

Some parents have very high expectations but their partners are a soft touch and will do anything for five minutes peace.You’re lax when it comes to bedtime but your partner likes evenings to be quiet with the children in bed by 7pm. Maybe you’re a Tiger Mother but dad thinks the children should ‘just be kids’.

Relax...

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Your differing styles don’t have to spell disaster and could actually be a good thing.

The key to harmony and success when it comes to parenting is communication and flexibility. Whether it’s TV time, manners or skirt lengths, work together, find common ground, play to your strengths and settle differences in private.

Regularly discuss your decisions and concerns because at the end of the day you are both trying to do what is right for your children so they feel secure and have the opportunity for growth and development.

There might not be a best way of raising children but if we work together as a couple who offer patience, love and guidance, it is likely that everything else will fall into place.

Natalie Trice Natalie is an author, blogger and freelance journalist. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and two sons. www.natalietrice.co.uk

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

13

Straw, breeze & cream Discover the three most important ways to keep children cool and protected in the sun

Change bag essential

Kid’s Natural Sunscreen SPF 45 is a specially formulated kids sunscreen which is tear-free, water-resistant and hypoallergenic, providing long-lasting solar defense for kids who are active outdoors under prolonged sun exposure. £11.99 from www.jasonnaturalcare. co.uk

Dr Teixeira, Consultant Dermatologist at London Dermatology Clinic, gives her views on sun protection for children Ultraviolet radiation from the sun produces mutations in our DNA. Much of this change occurs before age 16, and can potentially result in skin tumours appearing later in life.

It is, therefore, extremely important to start applying sunscreen on our children’s skin as soon as possible. Even during winter, or when the sky is overcast.

If the sky is not black, this is because ultraviolet radiation is crossing the clouds and reaching our babies’ skin. Use a sunscreen on all exposed skin every morning of the year, if you are in the city, or, if the day is very hot and sunny, re-apply at mid-day and mid-afternoon.

Choose your favourite brand, as long as they have high SPF factor and good UVA protection. Also, it is important to cover with straw hat and clothing.

SUNNY DAY ESSENTIAL Natural Straw Trilby Hat (Older Boys) £9-£11 www.next.co.uk 14

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

I love my job

By Marie Leonard Yep, I know it’s tantamount to saying ‘I love my unicorn’, but it’s true; I work with lovely, creative, hilarious people, doing work that challenges and betters me. I’m not saving any endangered species or contributing to world peace, but it’s my job and I’m grateful for it.

But every day at half past three, I feel unutterably sad.

Up until a few months ago, that’s when I’d finish work, head to school and collect my beloved daughter. I’d spend the next few hours in a hail of homework and cooking, listening to playground politics, soothing her worries and cheering her successes. I had the best of both worlds and I knew hers as well as my own.

In the back of your mind you always know that they won’t be teeny forever and, if you’re doing the mummy thing well, they will start to need you less and less. I didn’t stay still while my daughter grew and had been planning to ramp up in a new career as soon as the time was right.

The time is never right. But the opportunities come along anyway. And I hauled myself through seven shades of misery trying to decide what would be right for us, for our family.

I really dislike the expression ‘Mummy Guilt’ because it sounds so…well, self-flagellating.

I have no time for self-pity, preferring to just jolly well get on with things. But Mummy Guilt is different. It’s the pain in your heart when your baby excitedly wants to tell their childminder their news. It’s the tears on your laptop when they learn something new without you.

It’s leaving them in the morning darkness and returning home in the evening darkness. It’s the stolen Skypes between meetings so you can say ‘I love you and I miss you’.

Last week I had the opportunity to do the school run for the first time in three months.

We headed for ice cream in winter and chatted about her day. It rained and the wind blew, but I didn’t care. I felt lighter and happier. We laughed and cuddled. It was freezing, but there was nowhere I’d have rather been. Mummy Guilt doesn’t stop and my half three sadness won’t go away, but I know that as long as we can do these things together and make them count that we will be ok.

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

It’s a Mum’s world...

Real mums discuss the joys and challenges of modern-day motherhood

Sport, it’s not you: it’s me

By Lucy Todd Sport and me. We’ve been a thing for some time you see. Running, swimming, cycling, yoga, gym, spinning, horse-riding, tennis, hiking… you name it. I did something every day.

But now… well, Sport, it’s not you: it’s me. I’ve had a baby, you see, and things are a bit different. Exercising for an hour or more every day with a newborn is out of the question. At best, it seems like some self-indulgent vanity project and at worst, it seems like I would be undermining my body’s own recuperation post-labour. Catching up on forty winks has become more my jam than a punishing workout. Sport, you’re just going to have to take a backseat for a while. And, surprisingly, that’s fine.

Exercise has become more about fitting around my life than my life fitting around exercise.

My mother looks after my 4-month old daughter on Monday mornings so I use that time to go swimming, and I’ll get out for a run one morning at the weekend. Other than that, I see what the week throws at me and go from there. I’ll do 45 minutes of yoga in my front room during baby nap-time perhaps once or twice a week, and sometimes I make it to a buggy fit class at a local park. I try to remember to use my daughter to do a few arm lifts and ab crunches every now and then and other than that I just try to get out and about with her in the baby carrier or in the pram as much as possible.

It’s certainly not Insane Circuits and I’m not quite as toned as before, but actually I find that having a baby is constant low-level exercise anyway. Sure, i’m not pushing myself in the same way as before and it’s taking me a while to get my running and swimming distances back to what they were, but I’m on my feet most of the day and am usually rushing around. Plus the alternative is so worth it. I’d so much rather spend an hour grinning inanely at my baby than grinding away at the gym right now anyway.

And you know what, Sport, I know you’ll always be there for me. I’ll come back to you one day. I promise.

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

15

Milk

Dairy UK welcomes positive steps towards School Milk Scheme Dairy UK recently welcomed the European Council Special Committee on Agriculture’s endorsement of a new compromise position for a revised EU School Milk Scheme.

The position expands the list of eligible products for EU subsidy to include a number of flavoured dairy products and increases the total budget from €80 million to €100 million.

Full circle parenting

The old-school parenting routines that are making a comeback this year

The list of eligible products now includes drinking milk and its lactose-free variants, cheese, yogurt and other fermented products as well as a number of flavoured milks and yogurts. National health authorities would still need to approve which of these eligible products to distribute in schools across the UK. The compromise position also includes a breakdown of how much aid would be allocated to each Member State – the UK would receive just under €10 million per school year, which is amongst the four highest allocations of all European countries.

According to research, one in six (16%) 4-6 year olds spend up to six hours online each day, a massive 2,190 hours every year and two thirds (66%) of kids own one or two smart devices by the time they’re six (statistics by www.avg.com). These statistics may raise concerns for many parents, prompting a call to replace these devices with good old-fashioned reading books. But what if there was a way to re-introduce the lost habit of reading without going against these modern digital times?

Dr Judith Bryans, Chief Executive of Dairy UK, said: “This is excellent news for school children across the UK. We are particularly pleased by the inclusion of flavoured milks and yogurts alongside plain dairy products as all can make important contributions to children’s intakes of essential nutrients, particularly protein, calcium and vitamin B12.

Jacqueline Kennedy once said, “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world.

Love of books is the best of all.” Increasingly, the research backs her up. The more we read to our children as toddlers, the better they do at school. The better they do at school, the more successful they will be in life. As parents, what more could we want for our kids?

“At a time when children and teenagers tend to eat less dairy and end up missing out on these key nutrients, it is crucial to ensure that nutrient-rich dairy products remain easily accessible to them. The School Milk Scheme plays a key role in ensuring that children have access to these nutritious foods and the importance of this cannot be stressed enough given the role nutrition plays in long term growth and development and overall health.

Helping your child take their first steps in reading should be a fun and rewarding experience. The end goal isn’t just about giving them a head start in school; it’s also about inspiring them to develop a lifelong love of reading.

“Dairy UK has put in a lot of effort to get these messages across to representatives of all European institutions and we are delighted that our voice and those of our European colleagues were heard. We will maintain a constructive dialogue with Members of the European Parliament and other European institutions to ensure the new scheme is adopted.”

The European Parliament still needs to give this position the green light before the process can continue. If accepted, the new EU School Milk Scheme would be applicable from August 2017.

16

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

Books

Early learning programme puts reading back on trend

Reading Eggs is the award-winning early learning programme that has made learning to read a fun and exciting experience for over 3.4 million children worldwide. Safe and easy to use, children love the colourful animations, one-on-one reading lessons and high-level interactivity that makes learning seem like play, not work. The research-based programme also provides parents with detailed reports, printable activity sheets, and a library of over 2000 online books to appeal to even the fussiest of young readers!

Reading Eggs is designed for children aged 3 to 13. Parents can sign up for a limitedtime 4-week free trial (no credit card required) at www.readingeggs.co.uk/mumsmagazine before 30 June.

‘Helping your child take their first steps in reading should be a fun and rewarding experience. The end goal isn’t just about giving them a head start in school; it’s also about inspiring them to develop a lifelong love of reading’

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Drawing

Art classes making a come back Art is one of the most traditional children’s pastimes, and one that modern times saw fall by the wayside as more stimulating forms of entertainment took over. More recently though, an influx in children’s art and creative classes has seen parents revert to the power of paint, pencils and glue in helping keep children amused whilst simultaneously developing their skills and attention spans.

HOWLAND TUTORS (tuition in or close to MAIDENHEAD, WYCOMBE, SLOUGH, HENLEY, AMERSHAM, WINDSOR and the CHALFONTS) Expanding local agency (established in 1998 and owned by highly experienced teachers) offers individual tuition in twenty subjects including: all primary, biology, chemistry, economics, english, french, geography, history, spanish, maths and physics.

Further tutors welcome

Tel. (01628) 477164 www.howlandtutors.co.uk

Reading Eggs is the multi-award winning online reading programme for children aged 3-13 years old. With hundreds of reading lessons and activities to explore, sign up for our special 4 WEEK TRIAL and see first-hand how your child’s reading can improve in just 4 weeks!

Register today at

readingeggs.co.uk/mums Hurry, offer ends 30th June 2016 Registration is fast, easy and obligation-free!

Please note: This offer is only available to new customers who sign up at the above address. Not applicable for schools.

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

17

& . . . p jum

Hop, skip

Inspirational activities to help motivate children towards a healthy, active spring

The school walk

Keeping kids active is not only important for their overall health, it is also essential for regulating their behaviour and sleep, as pent up energy caused by inactivity can potentially lead to issues in both these areas.

Did you know?

The percentage of children in Reception

According to research by Living Streets, the UK Year2 who are obese decreased to 9.1 per cent charity for everyday walking, primary school children in 2014-15, according to figures published by who do not walk to school are missing out on a the Health and Social Care Information Centre range of social, physical and practical benefits that (HSCIC).These figures are the lowest to be recorded by the NCMP. By comparison, their parents’ and grandparents’ generations took for obesity prevalence among Year 6 granted. A YouGov poll commissioned by the charity children has increased since asked three generations what they enjoyed about walking 2006-07. to school, and it found that children aged 8 to 11 who normally walk to school enjoyed meeting their friends on the way and spending time with family the most, with 53 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

The worrying news is that with just 46 per cent of primary-aged children now walking to school (National Travel Survey 2014), lots of children are missing out on this valuable time with loved ones.

This figure is in vast contrast to the 70 per cent of people their parents’ age, who used to walk. www.livingstreets.org.uk

Family Yoga Yoga for You and Your Child is a comprehensive introduction to the inspirational world of yoga for children. Mark Singleton adapts more than 40 yoga positions to make them safe, effective and fun for children.

The book contains everything you need to know to start practising yoga with your child. With the emphasis on safety and enjoyment, it shows how to make yoga sessions exciting, interactive and child-friendly by playing yoga games, going on ‘yoga adventures’ and imitating animal shapes, walks and noises.

play, explore & discover

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yoga-YourChild-Step-step/dp/1904292933 Published by www.watkinspublishing.com

18

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Keeping your toddler healthy at the petting farm The British springtime brings to mind farmyard visits to see new born lambs and chicks. With the popularity of children’s farms on the rise, spring isn’t complete for a toddler without a trip to see the tractors and animals.

Toddlers are renowned for wanting to touch everything and always seem to have fingers in their mouths. A farm visit is a wonderful and educational experience for children but it is important to ensure little hands are kept clean by following basic hygiene rules to avoid picking up germs and bacteria from the animals.

Petting zoos make a great family day out this spring, but what do you need to know before heading out?

Fay Watt, Managing Director of first aid and healthcare specialists NatraSan, offers parents helpful top tips to keeping inquisitive hands germ-free at a farm visit: Keep a close eye on kids and animals: Children will quite happily feed a salivating lamb and straight away put their fingers in their own mouths, even if you’ve told them not to! Pay close attention when feeding animals and give hands a good spritz of NatraSan when the need arises.

Pack an effective disinfectant: Packing a safe disinfectant that has the ability to sanitise a number of different surfaces is vital to keep your family clean at farms. NatraSan First Aid spray kills 99.9999% of germs - great for picnic benches.

Always wash with soap and water: As well as having a handy bottle of NatraSan with you, it is wise to ensure everyone washes hands with warm soap and water after petting or feeding the animals and again before eating.

Spritz hands regularly: There will always be the risk that someone doesn’t clean their hands properly with soap and water, and then touches items in the play or eating areas, for example, thus spreading bacteria. Using the versatile NatraSan spray will help to reduce the spread of any germs.

Don’t forget about your mouth: Little fingers are always going in mouths and this is a common way for germs to be spread. Always clean little hands egularly just in case your child touches an animal and then sucks their thumb, for example.

Fay Watt, Managing Director of NatraSan, says: “With the popularity of farm visits increasing every year, we want to ensure that families stay clean and germ-free. NatraSan offers children and adults safe protection from 99.9999% of germs and bacteria - that’s over 100 times more effective than 99.9% products and the Travel Buddy is a handbag or change bag essential.”

All the fun of the farm Don’t get caught short

Out with your baby?

Pack all you need for nappy changing

R READE FREE AY GIV EAW

Metanium is giving away 3 MELOBABY All-In-One Nappy Wallet and Change Mats (RRP £30) plus a sample of Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion. The MELOBABY changing bag holds everything you need for a quick nappy change, as well as doubling up as a changing mat! Using a barrier ointment or lotion even when you’re away from home, will help protect your little one from nappy rash. Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment has a unique double action formula to provide daily protection from nappy rash and is gentle enough to use every day and at each nappy change. It’s now also available in a handy Spray - double-action Metanium Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion protects and moisturises the skin to help prevent nappy rash (ideal to keep in your changing bag and use when you’re out and about).

Visit www.metanium.co.uk for more information about the Metanium range and advice about nappy rash.

NatraSan costs £10.00 for 250ml and £7.00 for 100ml - available at www.natrasanuk.com

To be in with a chance of winning email info@ lifestyle-magazines.co.uk with your name and address, with Metanium as the subject heading.

Closing date 31st May 16.

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

19

Spring Staycations We’re all familiar with the all work and no play equation, but today’s busy lifestyles often make this a hard habit to break. As a new mum, I have found this especially the case in the last 12 weeks, and while the days have been far from dull (the opposite in fact), the four walls of home have certainly become a little monotonous. And so we decided on a mini break away to Tylney Hall in Hook - a lavish-looking Victorian hotel that was just far enough away to feel like a holiday, but not such a distance as to be a burden with a little one - a mere 45 minute drive in fact.

The hotel prides itself on being family friendly, so I was at ease about the prospect of what would be our first night away. A cot was prearranged for our room and after perusing the website I was well versed on the walks and facilities that we could look forward to enjoying with our baby.

We arrived to the warmest of welcomes from the hotel staff. After offering to collect our bags from the car and take them to our room, we even managed to avoid the usual check-in stress of lugging heavy bags up flights of stairs.

A welcome relief given the weight of said bag, complete with a multitude of essential ‘baby baggage’. We were also very kindly allowed to leave our pram at reception, where it remained guarded by the door and reception staff for the remainder of our stay.

Our intentions for a long walk around the 60 acre grounds may have been rained off on the first day, but the compensation of getting to spend the afternoon tucked up in our apartment-esque hotel room more than made up for it. Complete with its own dining area and lounge, the room felt like a much more luxurious home-from-home, complete with comfortable sofa, wall mounted TV and coffee machine. The sheer size of the room and facilities put paid to any concerns I had about managing the many seated hours of a newborn feeding routine away from home. As 20

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

at Tylney Hall, Hampshire

any new mum will relate, this can amount to a significant chunk of an average day, during which a partner might risk feeling somewhat redundant if it hadn’t been for the additional flat screen in the bedroom, allowing for some uninterrupted rugby viewing action. These additional extras certainly helped smooth the transition from those early house-bound weeks of new motherhood, back into the real world of travel and adventure. Keen for some quality ‘father/son’ time, I took my leave from motherly duties to enjoy the hotel’s leisure facilities, which included a gym and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The mini workout that I mustered the energy for made for a welcome return to the room and it’s surprise jacuzzi bath - a rare treat away from my usual fast-paced shower/change routine.

With our dinner booked for 7pm in the Oak Restaurant, we managed to get organised early enough to enjoy a drink in the Italian Lounge before dinner. It was an opportunity to appreciate the impressive ambiance and stunning decor of this restored period room, with its marble fireplaces, period furnishings and spectacular ceiling which we later learned was imported piece by piece from the Grimation Palace in Florence. This was a ‘change of scene’ if ever there was one, and the opportunity we needed to enjoy the company of each other and our bundle of joy, a basic pleasure that sometimes gets lost in the midst of parenting duties.

Having taken the first dinner sitting at 7pm, it wasn’t long before we were shown through to our table in the candle-lit dining room. The mood lighting and delicate piano accompaniment clearly got the better of our smallest family member, who quietly slept in his chair in the corner while we enjoyed our dinner. On neighbouring tables, children dined with their parents, lending credence to the family-friendly ethos not usually associated with such high calibre hotels and

dining rooms. The hotel’s flexibility in this respect helps bring parents back to their grown-up roots by creating a rare middle ground between fine and family dining. The result is nostalgic for parents and inspiring for the children who seemed to relish in the opportunity to put their best grown-up skills to the test in a very adult environment.

With blue skies and sunshine the following morning helping add some ‘bright’ to our very early 6am start, we headed down for breakfast in the main dining room where we had been the previous night. Now transformed for breakfast, the only similarity in this now bright and airy room was the staff, including the very friendly maitre-d who had served us the previous evening, Feeling as full up as is inevitable when faced with an over-flowing buffet of fried and continential appetisers, we could finally set about the long walk we had planned the previous day. A gravel path led us over the terrace overlooking the house’s manicured lawns, and down through the water gardens and tree lined pathways leading around the building. The fresh air was the perfect way to blow away the cobwebs and enjoy the final hours of our break away before setting off home. Clearly having had the same idea, other parents could be spotted overseeing their older children as they enjoyed free reign of the vast expanses of lawn. The sheer size of the grounds couldn’t fail to exhaust even the most energetic of little ones, not to mention the health-conscious ‘bigger ones’ who could be admired jogging admirably through the winding wilderness. It was the perfect inspirational yet relaxing setting, and a must-visit for any couples or families looking for a refined, elegant and revitalising escape this spring.

For more information and prices visit the Tylney Hall website: www.tylneyhall.co.uk www.mums-magazine.co.uk

FAMILY HOLIDAYS Be flexible and allow for downtime Just because you want to go for a hike along the coastline doesn’t mean your teen does.

Allow for some rest and relaxation time during your trip

Top five tips for travelling with teens Choose your destination together Involving your teen in choosing your destination ensures that both parents and teens have the chance to enjoy different aspects of the trip Give your teenager a budget Give your teen an allowance for the holiday to give them the independence they crave then let them keep what they don’t spend at the end of the trip.

Don’t force them to go without internet Plan to visit a destination that has some WiFi facilities. It’s unrealistic to expect teens to go completely offline for a whole week

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Make sure your chosen destination has activities that are suitable for teens Look for engaging activities like canoeing, volleyball, paintballing and ten-pin bowling TEENS aren’t always easy to please as they look to spread their wings and search for independence, especially when on holiday. No longer do they wish to be tied to their parents and have reached the age where kids clubs simply don’t fit the bill.

One way to tackle this and avoid boring your teens is to opt for a city break, combined with a stay in a park that offers a great pool and lots of sporting activities so they can truly experience the best of both worlds – and no time to get bored!

HOMES FROM HOME Going on holiday is a chance to learn more about the country you’re visiting, meet the locals and open your family up to new experiences. One of the best ways to do this is with a homestay, giving you the option of a home from home anywhere around the world. Homestay accommodation connects guests with live-in hosts who open their homes to travelers. With hosts in over 150 countries, you and your family can take in more of the culture of a destination and return with a greater appreciation and understanding of the people and country.

For more information visit www.homestay.com

For more information and to book please visit www.alfresco-holidays.com

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

21

Youth Matters Tuition - established for twenty years With branches at St. Bernard’s Grammar School and Burnham Grammar School, Youth Matters Tuition has been offering tuition to primary school children for twenty years. Wendy Gregory, with more than thirty years teaching experience, told us why she thinks they have been so successful.

“When we opened in 1995, there was only one other tuition centre in Slough! With so many people offering tuition nowadays, it is difficult for parents to know how to choose, but Youth Matters are proud of the fact that we only employ fully qualified, highly experienced teachers. Because of their expertise, teachers can quickly address any gaps in a child’s knowledge or understanding. Children are taught in small groups of about six children per teacher so they receive plenty of attention.” Wendy adds, “We don’t mislead parents or make false promises, but ensure that children make sound progress, whatever their ability. Many parents are thrilled with the improvement their children have made at school as a result of the support and excellent teaching they receive from us. ” Youth Matters Tuition offer tuition in English, Maths, SATS preparation and 11 + coaching.

If you feel your child could benefit from extra tuition, telephone Mrs. Gregory on 01753 793680, email info@youth-matters.co.uk or visit our website at www.youth-matters.co.uk

HELP YOUR CHILD GET A HEAD START WITH LEARNING THIS SPRING

A FAT CHANCE

A recent poll of parents with children aged four to 16 commissioned by the brain health experts at Equazen ( w w w. e q u a z e n . c o. u k ) found that a third of parents worried about their child’s reading ability - a concern which could directly correlate to the growing incidence of omega 3 deficiencies in children.

Evidence from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows that most children are missing out on omega-3 rich oily fish, a deficiency which could potentially impact on learning and behaviour.

Mum and nutritionist, Dr Emma Derbyshire says: “science has found that the Equazen blend of omega-3 and 6 in the diet may help with behaviour, memory and as a result learning and reading.”

22

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

“ Youth Matters has proven to be the perfect approach and level of work intensity for my son-it has also made the whole 11+ experience, as a parent, stress free.”

Mrs S.., July 2015 Youth Matters Tuition has been established for 20 years. Pupils are taught in small groups by fully qualified, experienced teachers.

We offer: • Yrs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 English and Maths • SATS preparation • 11+ coaching-yrs 4, 5 and 6 To find out more about us visit our website at www.youth-matters.co.uk Tuition is currently offered at the following venues: VENUE St. Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School, Langley (yrs 2-6 ) TIME: Saturday,10am-12 noon Saturday, 2pm-4pm FEES: £30 per session VENUE Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham TIME: Tuesday. 5pm-6.30pm ( yrs 4 and 5 ) FEES: 25 per session

Places are limited and are offered on a first come, first served basis.

To reserve a place phone Mrs Gregory on 01753 793680 or email info@youth-matters.co.uk www.mums-magazine.co.uk

In a baby’s first few months, they naturally enjoy brief interludes of play with lots of smiling and soft words. However as they grow, babies constantly learn about the world around them, enjoying the simplest of activities, with both learning and play going hand in hand. To help parents make the most of this precious time, Founder of Babycademy, Bernice Hewson and Dr Brenda Todd are thrilled to launch their top tips on play: 1. ‘One on one’ play time is really important This helps to establish an attachment to a caregiver and will be important throughout your child’s life.

2. Take things at your baby’s pace Let them lead the play, hasty progression to more challenging activities or trying to play when they would rather sleep or eat can be counter-productive.

3. Play with a real live partner is best of all!

By actively playing with your baby, you will encourage them to interact with both you and their environment. Babies love games that involve routine and gentle surprises, such as peekaboo!

4. Try to allow your baby to maintain concentration Avoid the temptation to distract or hurry them and take notice of what kind of activity, story or music engages them most, you can then structure playtime around their preferences.

5. Try extending the length of play sessions When your baby is ready for more, try extending the length of play sessions, or introduce another member of the family to playtime. www.babycademy.co.uk

We love...

Child’s

Discover our top tips on baby play to help keep your little ones entertained

play

Six of the best

baby classes Sensory baby play

Sensory baby classes introduce parents to the many ways to stimulate very young babies, including through sound, touch and sight.

The Bounce and Play Baby Door Bouncer helps keep your baby active, entertained, and in one safe place.

Baby yoga

Baby yoga is based on the principles of yoga and baby massage and is a gentle, mutually beneficial and fun activity to enjoy with your baby.

£27 www.munchkin.com

Swimming

Baby swimming teaches water safety and improves physical and mental health as well as bonding, confidence, co-ordination and strength.

The Baby Base 2-in-1™ Seat is the perfect way help little ones sit up and engage more in playtime.

See more at: http://www. kidsii.com/products/highchairs-and-seats#sthash. nYjKoL3r.dpuf

Music classes

Rhythm is an important educational principle for younng babies and music has been shown to have therapeutic benefits, particularly for premature babies.

Baby Massage

Massage is an excellent way of connecting with your baby and it also helps them to feel relaxed and loved.

Baby Signing

By using signs with words, parents can convey a greater language input, and signing babies can communicate complex things earlier.

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

23

Water wonderful time!

Discover the benefits of baby swimming

The benefits of baby swimming

“Physically, swimming is wonderful for your baby and the only form of exercise they can do, literally, from birth. Babies can exercise many more muscles in the water than they can on land and amazingly, they can swim short distances unaided from when they are tiny. Sessions in the pool are great for strengthening arm, leg and neck muscles and superb for tiny lungs and cardiovascular fitness, making them fitter and stronger; this is because they are constantly working against the resistance of the water. You will also notice the difference in their physical ability on land – regular swimmers have improved balance, better core strength and have often been shown to crawl and walk earlier than their peers.

Baby swimming has also been proven to aid mental development, with the exercises helping to stimulate brain development resulting in better co-ordination, achieving physical and educational milestones earlier (sitting up, crawling, ability to count, identify colours etc). The lesson environment also promotes social skills and learning and is an ideal opportunity for precious bonding time between carer and baby.” https://www.waterbabies.co.uk 01256 844 926

Baby swimming essentials

Swim mirror The baby swim mirror is a concept that has rapidly gained momentum since its introduction into a number of international swim schools. It began as a way to help babies and children learn to enjoy the pool and bath experience through play. A wet smiling reflection provides a welcome distraction for babies and toddlers who are not yet relaxed in the water and it’s a fun way to stop worried tears!

Suitable from birth the Splash Pals mirror floats on the water and is the ideal way to create and encourage learning through play. It is perfect for using under the water too during supervised submerge swim sessions.

Made from high-density foam in a curved, moulded shape with an acrylic mirror, the Splash Pals mirror is the perfect size for little hands – and teething mouths! S £8.99 www.splashabout.com Warming wetsuit This special baby wetsuit has long arms and legs for extra cover, yet is soft and easy to put on due to the deep back opening. In soft fleece lined nylon, it is especially good for babies who need the extra warmth, whatever the reason - or the season!

Please note that for protection against leaks in the pool, the Warm-in-one should be used in conjunction with our Happy Nappy or an alternative swim nappy.

Warming wetsuit https://www.waterbabies. co.uk/shop/wetsuits/wb-warm-in-one

The Happy Nappy Wetstuit British Standards issued guidelines for baby swimming last month and they recommend children under 3 years should wear a neoprene swim nappy to prevent unwelcome leaks of baby and toddler poo in the pool. The happy Nappy Wetsuit is a wetsuit created in consultation with swim schools to maintain a baby’s core temperature in water – this is especially important as young babies don’t move around much in the water so feel cold quicker, even in warm pools. The great thing about the Happy Nappy Wetsuit though is it has a swim school approved leak-proof nappy incorporated into the body of the wetsuit. This is innovative and unique, cost-effective and eco friendly as you don’t need a disposable swim nappy underneath. The Happy Nappy Wetsuit is made from supple neoprene so it’s ideal for newborn skin, the fabric is also good for babies with sensitive skin including eczema as the material keeps barrier creams in place rather than absorb them. http://www.splashabout.com/baby-swimwear/baby-wetsuits/new-happy-nappy-wetsuit 24

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

My first swim Taking your baby for his or her first swim is a much anticipated milestone moment for parents. One that is second only to the first bath - an equally wet and wary affair entailing some very mixed reactions to the wierd and wonderful sensations of water.

We decided to wait 9 weeks before taking young Miles for a dip at our local leisure club. Although general guidelines specify there is no need to wait, we were keen for him to amass a bit of body fat - and us a sense of confidence and organisation - before taking the plunge. After all, there are some definite logistics to taking a baby swimming, not least of which is the sheer volume of supplies needed. Alongside the usual change bag, another bag is needed for swim nappies, wetsuits, wash products, towels - not to mention your own swimming costumes and products. Then there is the challenge of the baby wetsuit - tricky to get those little chubby legs and arms into, but essential for warmth and comfort in the water.

Such was the thermal regulating action of the soft fleece lining of Miles’ Water Babies suit, that you could actually feel his body heat contrast against the relative coldness of the pool.

Natural remedies for the skin and body including Eczema, Psoriasis, Chicken Pox, Nappy Rash, Teenage Spots, Acne, Nits and much more...

For further advice and information: please contact emma@magic-cream.co.uk 01962 776918 / 07702 309688 www.magic-cream.co.uk

The experience once in the water was fun all-round, albeit somewhat brief, as a mere ten minutes in the water seemed enough as a first introduction. We had a few vague smiles, mixed with a distinct look of confusion which - hinting at a possible meltdown - we took as our cue to exit the pool with a hasty dash for the stash of warm towels layed out ready for the quick ‘strip and wrap’ conveyer.

While the plan was always to go home for a bath to remove the chlorine, I did shower him off before drying and dressing him, the only challenge after which was my own still costume-clad (and somewhat chilly) state. With separate female and male changing rooms there is little room for ‘shift changing’, so towelling off and dressing whilst keeping one hand on a determined-to-roll baby was the biggest difficulty (if I had to name one) of the day. In all though, I would put ‘baby’s first swim’ up there as a success story and a priceless experience for the parenting memory bank.

Post-swim skincare The Effects of Chlorine on Baby Skin

by Emma Arkell, Owner of www.magic-cream.co.uk

Baby Miles, wearing Water Babies Warming Wetsuit (www.waterbabaies.co.uk) www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Swimming is brilliant for babies. Not only does it give them confidence in the water from an early age, but it also gives them a great physical work-out which strengthens their heart and lungs and in turn aids development of the brain. Less brilliant is the effect of chlorine on their skin. Chlorine is found in most pools because it is so effective at keeping the water clean but it has a strong odour, reddens eyes and even causes an allergic reaction in some. Because it is absorbed into the skin, it also causes the skin and hair to dry out. So how can we combat this? Well did you know that chlorine is more harmful when it reacts with organic matter such as sweat, hair and urine which is why lots of swimming pools ask dippers to shower before entering the water? Equally important is showering straight after a dip to wash off as much of the chlorine as possible. Use a baby-friendly bodywash such as my Little People’s Top to Toe Cleanser (also a shampoo) and then a good moisturiser. My Little People’s Lavender Balm (containing Organic Wild Lavender and Organic Roman Chamomile) moisturises beautifully and also soothes the skin if there has been any sort of reaction.

Mums Magazine Spring 2016 25

For parenthood...

Up All Night is a source of up-to-date features designed to make it easy for you to access content in the middle of the night. www.upallnight.com

Insites for parents

A round up of some of the best websites, blogs and vlogs offering support and information during pregnany and early parenthood

The Motherish is a site for women who are thinking about having a baby and women who are mothers. The site brings you all the stories of what mothers are talking about at mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; groups, at the school gate, at ante-natal classes, at work and on social media. www.themotherish.com

For pregnancy...

Pregnant Chicken features some brilliantly written and accurate accounts of the pregnancy and early parenthood experience. www.pregnantchicken.com

BabyCentre has been named as the only website for parents to achieve certification by The Information Standard, a health and care certification programme supported by NHS England, in recognition of the high quality and reliable health information it provides. Having undergone rigorous assessment, BabyCentre received the accreditation marking out its content as clear, accurate, balanced, evidence-based and up-to-date. www.babycentre.co.uk

For Dads...

Dad Channel has the very best dad vloggers in the UK & US contributing and sharing their journey of fatherhood. None of them are expert, but simply dads trying to do a good job of fatherhood and sharing their honest and genuine journeys. More information about Dad Channel can be found at www.dadchannel.co.uk, on Twitter at @dadchanneluk and of course the YouTube Channel itself: http://hillcrestpr.us4.list-manage.com/ track/click?u=fdb40eecc2e238aa25bcfff70&id=2b5bf215c3&e=f836e50dcf 26

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Group B Group Streptococcus (GBS) is the testing most common cause B Streptococcus information of life-threatening infections in newborn babies in the UK. What is Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?

Group B Streptococcus is the commonest cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies in the UK. Most GBS infections can be prevented by giving antibiotics intravenously (through a vein) at the onset of labour to all women where GBS has been detected during their current pregnancy. It is also appropriate for those with other recognised risk factors (having previously had a baby with GBS, having a fever in labour, labour starting, or waters breaking before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy and/or waters breaking more than 18 hours before delivery).

This recommended use of antibiotics reduces the likelihood of early-onset GBS infection developing in a baby born to a woman carrying GBS at the time of delivery from around 1 in 300 to less than 1 in 6000.

Intravenous antibiotics given in labour are highly effective at preventing GBS infection in newborn babies. Oral antibiotics should not be given during pregnancy for GBS colonisation as they have not been shown to be effective. There are always small but potentially serious risks associated with taking antibiotics, and management and treatment need to be fully discussed.

Detecting a GBS carrier Screening for GBS carriage is not yet routinely offered in the NHS. Laboratory testing of GBS testing is routinely undertaken at The Doctors Laboratory (www.tdlpathology.com). The method for testing is an enriched culture medium (ECM) specifically designed for the isolation of GBS in swabs. Two swabs (lower vaginal and rectal) need to be cultured, ideally in the last five weeks of pregnancy, to best predict colonisation of GBS around the time of delivery.

Cost of GBS Screen ÂŁ35.00 (this includes the request form, postal pathology pack, 2 swabs in non-nutritive transport medium, post paid padded envelope and laboratory testing service).

How to request GBS Screening Pack(s) Please contact The Doctors Laboratory Tel: 020 7307 7373 Email: gbs@tdlpathology.com www.tdlpathology.com The Doctors Laboratory is fully CPA accredited and has a long-standing reputation for the provision of pathology services to the private sector, industry and the public sector.

For more information on GBS please contact: Group B Strep Support PO Box 203, Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 1GF Tel: 01444 416176 E-mail: info@gbss.org.uk www.gbss.org.uk Registered charity No 1058159 Group B Strep Support is a national charity providing accurate and up to date information on GBS for families and health professionals. Group B Strep Support endorses the availability of reliable prenatal GBS testing but has no particular links with nor receives any money from any laboratory. GBSS wants to see reliable testing for GBS routinely www.mums-magazine.co.uk available to all pregnant women on the NHS. All the charityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current leaflets are available from their website or by post.

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

27

is here to help!

We all know how unpredictable babies can be!

Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, and there are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash 1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543

1

we an ing

2

com mon cold

Treatment

for Nappy Rash For occasions when it does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness.

3 teething

4 antib iotics

5

fi rst slee p through the nig ht

6

chan ge in di et

7

di ar rhoe a

Protection

from Nappy Rash For daily protection, use Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment or Easy Spray Barrier Lotion at every nappy change to help prevent nappy rash.

Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.

www.metanium.co.uk

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Spring 2016

we

babiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bums28