MADE (Mums & Dads Edinburgh) - Sept/Oct 2016 by MADE (Mums and Dads Edinburgh) magazine

made SEP/OCT 2016 FREE

mums and dads edinburgh

FINDING TIME when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re already busy

MADE FOR PARENTS TOO an A-Z of hobbies 5 ways to improve your

ENERGY

PLUS news, reviews and denim shoes; spice-pots, slings and smelly things.

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL

Unlock your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage Find out more today:

stagecoach.co.uk/edinburgh edinburgh@stagecoach.co.uk

0808 208 5134

Creative Courage For Life

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Stagecoach Theatre Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.

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Open 365 days a year and set in more than 100 acres of beautiful Lancashire countryside, Ribby Hall Village is the perfect place for you to enjoy making memories with your nearest and dearest! Choose from self catering cottages, pine lodges and larger accommodation to fit all the family Activities a plenty: Swimming pools, toddler areas, our adults - only Spa and more! Extensive selection of dining and entertainment options available T’s & C’s: Winter Wonderland price point based on midweek stay 18th Nov – 22nd Dec. Subject to change and availability.

To book or request a brochure call us on 0800 107 0522 or visit ribbyhall.co.uk/winter Phone lines open 8am - 8pm

made

welcome

Contributors

We asked some of the MADE team what they would do if they had an extra hour each day…

Andrea Mara I’d like to think I’d spend it focusing fully on my kids – playing or reading or just listening. In reality, I suspect I’d spend at least 45 minutes in a panic, trying to decide how best to use the time!

Sophy Dale The honest answer is probably sleep. Or go for a walk by the sea.

Caroline Phipps-Urch I would do more yoga. I love it and it helps me cope with three boys.

When I started MADE five years ago (happy birthday us!) I went on a Time Management course run by local business coach, Anna Davis. I was finding it tricky looking after my one year old son whilst arranging meetings, networking, writing, deadlines and still having some semblance of a life. She taught me a number of hugely helpful techniques, which I still use to this day. But along with prioritising, delegating and stopping procrastinating, she also taught me the importance of having hobbies and regular me-time. I was stunned when I realised I didn’t have either of these. So, thanks to Anna I set myself goals to learn new things, go to new places and have more timeout (both with and without the kids). Somehow I managed to find the time to do everything I wanted, all whilst running the magazine. I always remember Anna asking me if I had an extra hour in every day what I would spend it doing? My answers have changed as the years have progressed, but it’s still a great way to work out what prioritises your day. What would you do with an extra hour?

Louise x

contact

Editor & Publisher Louise Wilson

MADE, PO BOX 28825, Edinburgh, EH14 9BA T: 07738 068022 E: mademag@live.co.uk www.mademagazine.co.uk

Designer

MAMi Designs

Sales Executive

Caroline McClean

Online Events

Emily Watson

Writers

Andrea Mara, Sophy Dale, Caroline Phipps-Urch, Andrea Sykes

Columnists

Kirsty Nicholls, Edinburgh for Under Fives

Agony Aunt

Jojo Sutherland

facebook.com/MADEmag

Cover

Bon Tot, Stockbridge. Photographed by Susie Lowe

twitter.com/MADE_magazine

Printer

Stephens & George

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. While every care has been taken in compiling MADE magazine to ensure that it is correct at the time of going to press. MADE (Mums And Dads Edinburgh) assume no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.

made SEP / OCT 2016

KIDS JACKETS & FLEECE

UP TO 30% OFF SELECTED MODELS

44 Biggar Road, Edinburgh | 0131 445 7711

www.craigdon-edinburgh.com

EDINBURGH

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Contents sep / oct

17 8 News 16 Competitions

Your chance to win

Finding Time

By Andrea Mara

MADE for parents too

An A-Z of hobbies

Friendship & Children

By Andrea Sykes

Review:

Someplace Biggar

Trust Jojo

If you need advice…

Creative Writing

There’s a story in everyone

Shopping for…

Smellies!

Food & Drink

32 According to kids…

Spice Pots

Parenting

Sling Show Scotland 2016

Hair & Beauty

MacGregor Hairdressing

Out & About 5 ways to improve your energy

How to make the world a better place.

Mum’s New World

People Without Children

34 Diaries

What to do in Sept & Oct

Top Tips

for the October holiday

made SEP / OCT 2016

news Autumn at

Treehouse It’s the best season to shop at Treehouse, with more new products than leaves falling from the trees! Sisters, Kim and Sophie, have been up and down the country hunting for fresh and stylish new clothing brands, such as Organic Zoo, Where’s My Bear, Turtle Dove, and Tobias & The Bear. These exciting brands will be joining favourites Dotty Dungarees, Bob & Blossom, Little Joules and Mayoral. The autumn collection includes classic, high quality leather boots and shoes from Froddo, Petasil, Noel, Ricosta and Start-rite, and from a few new brands, including Camper, Bobux and Plae. Treehouse is the one-stop-shop for the best footwear for your little ones, new outfits, along with a fresh haircut!

Super Gran

is back! She’s back - the ordinary granny with extraordinary powers. If you grew up in the 1980s, you’ll remember the TV hit Super Gran. Adapted from Forrest Wilson’s original book, the theme tune was written and performed by Billy Connolly. This new edition of the classic children’s book is perfect for nostalgic parents and superheromad children.

New Pilates Class

for Morningside

Susie and Amy Alexander, sisters based in Edinburgh, combined their passion for movement and wellness by founding ‘Espace Wellbeing’. They provide Pilates Classes Pilates classes at key venues in Edinburgh and Mondays 6pm & 7.10pm have recently launched a new class in Morningside. Their classes give clients a space to “check For booking and prices, contact: hello@espacewellbeing.co.uk in” with their own wellbeing by encouraging good quality movement and adopting meditative and mindfulness techniques. Having worked in the busy corporate world, Susie and Amy are aware of the need to nourish from within and hope to bring the benefits of doing so to the wider community. To find out more go to www.espacewellbeing.co.uk Blue Sky Studio, 90 Morningside Road, EH10 4BY

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news All on One Campus

New Water Babies term splashing off! Watson’s is a large school with a close-knit community, where Nursery through to S6 share a caring, friendly and stimulating environment; providing an unrivalled choice of subjects and levels. S5 and S6 pupils can choose between SQA examinations and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB), and all pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves both academically and through the broad range of extra-curricular activities the school provides. The state-of-the-art George Watson’s Centre for Sport provides magnificent sporting facilities on campus. Flexible wrap-around and holiday care is available to fit the needs of family life. Visit their Open Morning on Oct 8th (9.30am 12.30pm) to see what it means to be part of the Watson’s family.

After summer holidays we are often mindful of the importance of teaching children to swim from very young. Water Babies start that learning right from birth with classes in bath-like hydro-pools suitable for even the teeniest of tots. Their award-winning classes teach fun, confidence and most importantly, safety skills that keep littles one safe in the water. Water Babies teachers are the highest trained baby swimming experts in the business and pride themselves on building confidence of non-swimming and nervous adults too. Call 0131 554 6682 for info on your nearest Water Babies class.

Award-winning music fun Book a free trial class at Monkey Music and join at any point in the term. Should you ever miss a class, they offer a free catch-up class and if you join in September each Little Monkey will receive a reduced membership pack saving £16.00 to the Little Monkey Club. Monkey Music challenges, encourages and allows creative flow as the children learn through music, games, laughter and singing, working with over 15 different percussion instruments each term, all age specific. To arrange your free trial class in Stockbridge, Cramond, Murrayfield or Comely Bank contact Rachel at comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk made SEP / OCT 2016

news Winter Wonderland short breaks at Ribby Hall Village FISHERMAN’S REACH AT RIBBY HALL VILLAGE

Step It Up Dance Step It Up Dance love to party, and what better way for your minihipster to celebrate their special day in style than with a Step It Up Dance party! They offer an exciting range of party packages and themes jam-packed with dancing, games, prizes and a whole lot of fun. They can even provide a full party planning service to include booking the venue, party food, party bags and a cake.

MADE Party Offer GET 10% OFF all Step It Up parties booked before 31st October! Email hello@ stepitupdance.co.uk or call 07428 110 135 quoting ‘MADE’

Share the magic with family and friends as Ribby Hall Village is transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland. From Nov 18th throughout December they host festive activities and entertainment to bring even more sparkle to this special time. Kids can visit the Elves and Santa in his Magical Tree House, have fun with festive arts & crafts and enjoy breakfast or supper with Santa and Mrs Claus. For grown-ups there are Winter Warmer Spa treatments and Christmas Party Nights, and if you are visiting without children, adult-only entertainment! Prices start from £279* for a family of four. To book call 0800 107 0522 or for more information visit RibbyHall.co.uk/Winter

Survey The world’s first multicultural parenting site, Simplybabynames.com, can reveal that dads are now spending more on their children compared to mums. According to a survey 11% of dads questioned spend over £400 per month on their children compared to only 7% of mums.

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SLA CHARITY EVENT

SCOTTISH LOVE IN ACTION PRESENT THEIR SPARKLING SHOWS FOR 2016

HOT FOOD & DRINKS

lightastic FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZAS

£7.50

PER TICKET

Family ticket discounts

NORTH Edinburgh Show

SOUTH Edinburgh Show

FRI 4TH NOV 2016

SUN 6TH NOV 2016

George Heriot’s Playing Fields

George Watson’s Rugby Ground

Inverleith Row, Goldenacre, Edinburgh EH3 5QN

Myreside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5DB

GREEN SHOW Gates open 6.30pm Show Time 7pm – 7.45pm

BLUE SHOW – Gates open 4pm Show Time 4.30pm – 5.15pm

Pipe Band Costume Parade by ECA Delighters Fire Circus Theatre Fireworks Display by Pyromancer Fireworks

RED SHOW – Gates open 6pm Show Time 7.00pm – 7.45pm Pipe Band | Costume Parade by ECA Edinburgh Mela Bollywood Dancers Delighters Fire Circus Theatre Fireworks Display by Pyromancer Fireworks

Visit our website for full details of our fun, family event TICKETS ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.SLA-INDIA.ORG FROM NOON 13TH SEPTEMBER 2016 Number of tickets limited, book early to avoid disappointment Event enquiries: 0131 629 9112 or enquiries@sla-india.org A Registered Scottish Charity, Charity Number SC030516

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news Find your own Dory

Everyone’s favourite forgetful blue fish is back at last for ‘Finding Dory’, and now you can take Dory and her friends home with you for your very own underwater adventure as ZURU launch their ROBOFish collection inspired by Disney-Pixar’s box office record holder film! When kids submerge the swimming fish underwater they begin to move just like a real fish would! Collect Dory, Nemo and Marlin.

Art in the Park 2016 Art in the Park is Colinton’s village fair, encompassing arts & crafts, children’s activities, a games area, a performance stage, a dog show, and this year they will also feature Alpacas in the Park, courtesy of locally-based BobCat Alpacas. Art in the Park will run 11am - 5pm on Sunday 4th September (or 11th September if weather inclement) at Spylaw Park, Colinton.

Portable Power NEW Stamp Markers Faber-Castell, established in 1761, offers children a range of fun and colourful products and product sets, increasing his or her enthusiasm and curiosity for play with Graphite pencils, Colour pencils, Fibre tip pens, Crayons, Connector Paint boxes and Accessories. New to the range in 2016 are cool Stamp Markers – 2 in 1 stamping and drawing pens as well as exciting art gift sets. www.stonegift.com

The Eclipse Series from Besiter comes with a incredibly powerful Li-ion battery which comes in capacities 2500mAh, 5000mAh, 7500mAh and 10000mAh. This means you could charge your iPhone 6S around 5 times and a Samsung Galaxy S7 around 3 times - enough charge for a weekend away and then some! The Eclipse Series power bank comes in 2 stunning colours, black and gun metal and white and silver, to match your devices perfectly; and is compatible with the vast majority of devices that can be charged over USB including smartphones, tablets, bluetooth earpieces, Sat Navs, and even other battery packs.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

©GREG MACVEAN

news Craigdon

lead the way

The natural world in action October and November mean seal season at the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick. Control interactive live cameras located on the Firth of Forth islands to zoom in on the wildlife action. Spot the grey seals on the island of Craigleith and the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, home to one of the most significant seal populations in Britain. Spot a seal pup being born and win your own seal adoption worth £30. Last year, the first seal pup birth was spotted on camera on 4 October and there are around 2,400 births taking place each year on the Isle of May over the winter months. To see the live wildlife webcams visit www.seabird.org

Music hits the right notes with 0-5 year olds at the launch of Rainbow Beats at Charlotte Chapel. Join Rainbow Beats to sing, dance, play and learn about God’s wonderful world; and enjoy the outstanding new facilities following a £2 million refurbishment. Anne from Edinburgh Baby Massage says, “As a church, we have a large number of families with young children and a track record in Sunday School and youth work. They’ve benefitted greatly from our new city centre accommodation and we are pleased that Rainbow Beats makes these facilities available to anyone with pre-school children.” Rainbow Beats meets on Fridays (term time) 10am-11am at Charlotte Chapel, Shandwick Place, £3 per family. charlottechapel.org made SEP / OCT 2016

Making sure your kids have the appropriate clothing and gear to enjoy the outdoors ensures they are comfortable, safe and dry. In the unpredictable Scottish weather you want to make sure your precious bundles are in adaptable and quality products, which is why Craigdon Mountain Sports, Edinburgh lead the way in outdoor clothing and equipment both instore and online. The list of outdoor activities in Scotland is endless, and if they are camping, hiking, climbing, going on school/ club ski trips or taking part in Duke of Edinburgh then you need to visit Craigdon, just off the bypass on Biggar road, opposite Hillend Ski Slopes and at the foot of the Peatlands.

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news Childhood vaccine

offers best defence against flu

Even the healthiest of children can become seriously ill with flu. This is the third year of the childhood immunisation programme, which is being offered every year to approximately 550,000 children across Scotland. The vaccine is the best defence against flu and is given as a quick and painless nasal (nose) spray. It helps protect children and reduces the chance of them spreading the virus to others. Children aged between 2 and 5 and not yet in school will be offered the vaccine at their GP practice from October, and parents who want their child to be immunised are being encouraged to make an appointment with their GP practice.

Primary school children are being offered the vaccine at school, and consent letters will be sent home to parents in their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school bag. The vaccination programme has commenced in schools across Scotland. Once fully implemented itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estimated that the extension of the programme will save an additional 200 lives per year, and reduce the number of people being admitted to hospital for flu by over 1,100 per year. To help protect your 2 to 5 year old child who is not yet at school make an appointment with your GP practice today. Find out more about the flu vaccine for children at immunisationscotland.org.uk/ childflu or call NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.

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competitions competitions •

To win A, B, C or D simply email your name, contact details and answer to competitions@mademagazine.co.uk or enter via www.mademagazine.co.uk before October 21st. Please mark your entry Competition A , B, C or D as the subject.

competitions • competitions

Blue Sky Photography has been trusted for over a decade to bring photographs to life. Their Bump and Baby shoots capture the wonderful stages of pregnancy and new life in their timeless, elegant house style. We have one mum-to-be bump photoshoot, followed by a second shoot with their new arrival in Blue Sky’s gorgeous Morningside photography studio. The bump shoot (usually taking place between 32 and 36 weeks) will be followed by a newborn shoot when baby is under two weeks old. The winner will be presented with a folio with their favourite image from each shoot. To win this beautiful Bump and Baby photoshoot and the folio, simply tell us: Where is Blue Sky Photography’s studio based? For more information go to www.blueskyphotography.co.uk

•

competitions •

WIN

b 16

It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben knows one thing for sure – it’s going to be sooooooooo boring! But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny! From acclaimed producers comes the world premiere of Gangsta Granny by David Walliams live on stage. We have a family ticket for Wednesday 5th October, 7pm to give away, along with a copy of the book signed by David Walliams.

To be in with a chance of winning, just tell us: Who wrote Gangsta Granny?

www.mademagazine.co.uk

•

To be in with a chance one of the dinner sets, just tell us: What does the word Lilla mean?

T&Cs. The winners will be the first entries drawn at random on 21 Oct 2016. Competition entries are restricted to Edinburgh, Lothians and surrounding areas only. Editor’s decision is final. No cash alternative is available and prizes are non-transferrable. Please indicate on your entry if you would prefer not to receive information from MADE and any of its partners. The Blue Sky Photography winner must claim prize before end 2016. The Maid of the Forth winner must book the date of sailing in advance, trips must be taken before end 2016, check website for details of the T&Cs.

made SEP / OCT 2016

competitions

MADE readers receive 10% discount in September! Just pop into Lilla, 15 Colinton Road, Holy Corner and quote ‘MADE’.

competitions •

Looking for a unique baby gift, toy or making over the kids’ bedrooms? Lilla, based at Holy Corner, is a unique boutique for children, stocked full of beautiful Nordic designs for the little people in your life! The name Lilla is the Swedish word for ‘little’. Favourite brands include Danish Ferm Living and Rice, Pappelina rugs from Sweden as well as the ever popular range of Moomin collectables. Icelandic brand, Tulipop, is a stunning range of school and home products based around an enchanted island and the magical, fun characters who live there. We have two fantastic dinner sets to give away, which include a cup, bowl and plate uniquely made from eco-friendly bamboo fibres which make them ultra durable, naturally BPA free and dishwasher safe.

competitions

To be in with a chance of winning a family tickets, just tell us: Which island does the Maid of the Forth visit? For more information go to www.maidoftheforth.co.uk

•

competitions

We’ve teamed up with Maid of the Forth to offer one lucky winner a family ticket (two adults and three children) on board one of their acclaimed sightseeing trips to Inchcolm Island. Enjoy some family time with a cruise from South Queensferry to the historic island, located just four miles from the world-famous Forth Bridge. Ramble around the magnificent monastic abbey, explore the trails, relax on the beach with a picnic and spot the seabirds. Enjoy refreshments on board the family-run vessel which contains two spacious decks, including the popular open-top deck which is ideal for viewing the abundance of marine life such as grey seals, porpoises, dolphins and even the occasional Minke whale.

MINI FRENCH

Fun filled Music & Sensory classes for babies and children from birth-preschool throughout Edinburgh & the Lothians ...with a retro twist!

Are you having a birthday?

A fresh approach to exploring language! ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Celebrate your little ones Birthday in style with a retro Birthday Party sure to get everybody grooving!

Fun French sessions - babies to Primary 1 Give your wee one a head start in languages! NEW Access to online learning portal French families welcome

Come & join us! Classes across Edinburgh at a location near you!

minifrench.edi@gmail.com • 07800 554328 Clare: 07811 352 950 / Amy: 07580 106 745 clare@bambinobeats.com / amy@bambinobeats.com www.bambinobeats.com / fb:bambinobeatsmusic

www.minifrench.co.uk

OPEN MORNING

SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER 2016 9.30am–12.30pm

Principal’s Address 9.30am

Choice for S5 and S6 pupils of SQA Qualifications or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme School buses run from East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, Peebles and Haymarket Station Up to 100% financial support available for P7 and S1 entry George Watson’s College Colinton Road Edinburgh EH10 5EG 0131 446 6000 admissions@gwc.org.uk

www.gwc.org.uk

INStILLING CoNfIDENCE INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS

George Watson’s College is administered by the Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board, a charity registered in Scotland SC009747

Finding time for yourself WHEN YOU HAVE NO TIME AT ALL WRITTEN BY Andrea

Mara

Â© NINELUTSK - FOTOLIA

made SEP / OCT 2016

FINDING TIME

obbies. Who has the time? Back before I had kids, I certainly didn’t. I still remember a conversation I had with a friend ten years ago, on the completion of her first half-marathon. “You should try it!” she said. “Oh no, I don’t do any sports,” was my hurried reply. “With work and everything else, I just don’t have time.” I’m still not entirely sure what the “everything else” was – chopping vegetables while watching Tuesday night’s Eastenders perhaps, or going for Thursday drinks with the work crowd, or very important shoe shopping on a Saturday afternoon. Definitely no time for sports – or in fact hobbies of any kind. Fast forward three babies and ten years, and it’s all turned on its head. I run, I do Pilates, and I started a blog. When I had all the time in the world, I couldn’t manage any of it, but now that I’m busier than ever, hobbies not only fit into my schedule, but have become hugely important too. So how exactly does that happen? Actually, when I think about it, it makes sense. Necessity is the mother of invention, and a desperate need for me-time has certainly been somewhat responsible for my newfound hobbies. Up until a few years ago, me-time meant lunch at my desk, or grocery shopping without the kids. And there was an acceptance of sorts – because when showering without an audience has become rare treat, the bar is fairly low. Then following the birth of my third child, I had some separation of my abdominal muscles and was advised to take up Pilates. I went along to my first class feeling a little sceptical, and even resentful at having to give up my time. A couple of hours later, I arrived home exhilarated. Who cares about the muscle wall, I thought – that was bliss! An hour away from everything – no work, no kids (sorry kids), no phone. And even better – a quiet coffee afterwards. I’d found some medicinal me-time, and thus, a hobby was born. It’s not always about being physically removed

“

from home or work though – hobbies can fill a need for mental me-time too. A chance to think about something other than tomorrow’s lunches or next week’s deadline, and an opportunity to regain a sense of self. For me, that was blogging - something I discovered when I went back to work after my third maternity leave, and three years on, it’s still my favourite thing to do. My friend Christine has also found a creative outlet. “A few summers ago my kids wanted to learn to knit, so I bought some needles and wool for all of us. They didn’t stick with it, but the idea of creating something from nothing got me hooked, and before I knew it I was halfway through a scarf and busy plotting my next project.” Mum of two Laura has tried a number of different pastimes, to help her switch off from her stressful job. “I do random courses as a distraction - something completely different to think about other than kids and work. I also have some hope that I might find something I’m so good at I can find a new career! Last year I did dressmaking, but unfortunately I didn’t stick to it - I made a skirt and I have a halffinished dress. I’ve also done two photography courses and some life-drawing courses.” Laura says she’s considering either guitar or coding next, but hasn’t given up on dressmaking. “I still have the sewing machine out – I’ll get the dress finished eventually!” Not all hobbies are about being away from the kids either – Keara, who works full-time, wanted to find interests that allow her to be near her children. “I paint old furniture in the garage and if they want to join in I give them little pieces or old tins to paint. If not, they play around me. We also grow vegetables - it keeps them interested in where food comes from. They can help weed, or just play near me.” There are practical reasons too for postchildren hobbies – like the eventual acceptance that fitness is important. (I know, how grown-up does that sound.) In my case, I realised that

Now that I’m busier than ever, hobbies not only fit into my schedule, but have become hugely important too

”

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Â© NATASNOW - FOTOLIA.COM

FINDING TIME

made SEP / OCT 2016

FINDING TIME

“

When showering without an audience has become rare treat, the bar is fairly low

”

running up and down the stairs to break up fights and find lost shoes might not count as exercise, so I started running out the door and around the park instead. My friend Denise tried fitness of a more robust nature when she took up rowing. “I love getting out on the water. It’s an hour that I have to myself a couple of evenings a week. I get to chat to friends, do a really good workout in the fresh air, and the views are fabulous. It really clears my head and I arrive home relaxed no matter what the day has been like. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s a sanity saver.” How do you find the time I hear you cry! And believe me, that’s how I once felt too. But it doesn’t have to be rowing, or a three-time-aweek bootcamp – there are lots of other hobbies that take up relatively little time. If you’d like to get fit, but don’t want to join a gym, try running, walking, or cycling, all of which you can do without spending significant amounts of time away from the kids. If you prefer a hobby you can do from your couch, there are online courses in everything from fiction writing to genealogy, from upcycling to sugarcraft. Try computer programming, or learn a whole new language – all of which you can do after the kids go to bed. For a more outdoorsy pastime, try GIY – grow food in your garden or herbs in a windowbox. Or go further afield with geo-caching; a GPS based treasure hunt where you hide and seek items outdoors – the kids will love it too. To keep things really simple, get back to the painting you loved as a child, try adult colouring

books, download podcasts (yes, that counts as a hobby) or just grab a good book, find a quiet corner, and escape for half an hour to somewhere completely different. Ultimately, if you find something you love, you’ll look forward to doing it, and you’ll make time for it. But most important of all? None of it matters. If you’re knee-deep in nappies or in the throes of the terrible twos, the last thing you need is pressure to find a hobby or to be told to make time for yourself. When the timing is right and you finally come up for air, I suspect your own version of me-time – whatever that may be - will come and find you. In the meantime, grab a magazine and a coffee and five minutes for yourself – that counts as a hobby too. I promise. n

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Helping women who are overworked and overwhelmed, to release stress, feel calmer and more in control and have more energy and joy for life. “the Calm Woman session allowed me to sleep better and realise that I did have time to do what I NEEDED to do – thanks Dee. I would highly recommend to anyone – especially over-thinking women like me!“ MRS T MURRAY

AUTUMN

IS IN THE AIR

It’s time to stop feeling guilty about wanting more for yourself Email dee@deemurryotherapies.co.uk to arrange a FREE 20 minute Clarity call Sessions available 1:1 in person & over Skype/Zoom Group sessions and talks also available Sign up for the Calm Woman newsletter & your Free 52 ways to release stress guide at

www.deemurraytherapies.co.uk

dee@deemurraytherapies.co.uk 07971 414897

Professional Shoe Fitting Service Treehouse Childrenswear in the heart of Stockbridge 10-12 Hamilton Place, EH3 5AU • 0131 2251242

www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk

MADE for parents too

Hobbies FOR PARENTS

So you’re thinking about trying something new, but you’re not sure what. Simply run your eye over our A-Z of ideas and take your pick. Let us know how you get on…

A IS FOR AERIAL DANCE

Aerial Dance classes are led by professional performers and experienced aerial teachers, using harnesses and ropes to cross the boundaries of dance between the floor and the air. Tricks are taught down low before going higher. You don’t have to be strong, fit or experienced to begin. aerialdance.co.uk

B IS FOR BADMINTON

The second most popular sport in the world, play this high-speed racquet sport in singles or doubles at any level. Fun to play with great health benefits. edinburghbadmintonacademy.co.uk

C IS FOR C ANDLEMAKING

This candle making workshop will teach you the skills to create a natural soy wax container candle with cotton-core wicks; an enjoyable and fun experience in a relaxed environment. cantocandle.com

D IS FOR DRESS-MAKING

Learn sewing machine skills, how to use a dressmaking pattern, and how to sew seams and hems - all the invaluable skills you need to create your very own dress from scratch. redthreadstudio.co.uk

E IS FOR EMBROIDERY

A hobby you can easily carry with you and work on while you watch the kids play. Embroidery is easy to learn, inexpensive to start and you don’t need fancy equipment or lots of space. hobbycraft.co.uk

F IS FOR FOOTGOLF

Footgolf is a mix of football and golf - trying to get the ball into the hole using only your feet in the fewest number of shots possible. It’s very addictive! ukfootgolf.com/edinburgh

G IS FOR GEOC AC HING

Join the world’s largest treasure hunt. Explore, find and log geocaches - there are 5,146 geocaches near Edinburgh! geocaching.com

H IS FOR HORSE RIDING

Whether you are a complete beginner or a more advanced rider, there are flexible options for horse riding as a hobby; and it’s a great way to get out of the city and into the country. lasswadestables.com

I IS FOR ICE SKATING

Ice skating is a tremendous sport and recreational activity with no age group restriction. A great hobby, not only for aspiring figure skaters, but for people wanting to have fun and keep fit. murrayfieldicerinkltd.co.uk

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MADE for parents too

J IS FOR JAZZ U FIT

M IS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING

K IS FOR KNITTING

N IS FOR NAIL ART

A shimmying jazz class with a twist! Learn old school styles and classics, with an emphasis on moving the whole time, improving flexibility, stamina and strength. www.dndance.co.uk/adult-timetable

Knitting is cool again! Whether you’re a complete beginner or need a crash course to revive your skills, there’s loads to learn - new styles, projects, techniques - and new friends to be made. gingertwiststudios.com

L IS FOR L ANGUAGES

Learning a new language is fun and easy to start, but the results can be very rewarding and it’s a great way to leant about other cultures. Of course it adds a whole new element to travelling too. www.duolingo.com

If you feel like getting off the tarmac and onto some single track with an active and sociable hobby then maybe Mountain Biking is for you. edinburghrc.co.uk

Learn the art of applying nails, covering all nail systems including manicures, gels, fibreglass, silk, acrylics and more. nextstepbeauty.co.uk

O IS FOR OIL PAINTING

Art courses suitable for all levels; you will work on your painting gradually, building up to create a professional work of art. potteraround.co.uk

Aerial classes for young people and adults, age 8 years+ : • beginners to advanced • weekly classes & one off workshops • youth performance groups At Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith For more info, contact: e: learn@aerialdance.co.uk t: 07989 978598 : AllorNothingADT All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre Registered Charity in Scotland (No: SCO43293) / Company No: SC427220

made SEP / OCT 2016

SAVE THE DATE! For more info visit www.colinton-parish.com

MADE for parents too

P IS FOR POLE DANCING

Taking away the stereotypical view of this exercise and turning it into a sport - this class is designed to get you strong and at the same time tone and shape your muscles. fitnesschicks.co.uk

Q IS FOR QUILTING

R IS FOR READING

It expands your horizons, stretches your mind and increases your vocabulary. Carry a book (or e-reader) wherever you go - or join a book-group and make it sociable. edinburghbookshop.com

S IS FOR SPINNING

Inspired by the latest trends in London and LA, spinning is low impact and suitable for beginners. It builds fitness very quickly, as well as being beneficial to your wider health. pedalhousedinburgh.com

T IS FOR TRAMPOLINING

Get fit and have fun all at once, burning 1000 calories an hour in the process in this constantly changing class. ‘Rebounding’ protects the joints from chronic fatigue, taking the normal pressure of an intense workout off. ryzeedinburgh.com

U IS FOR ULTIMATE

Ultimate is a fast-moving team sport, sometimes compared to sports like football. But it’s played with a flying disc. Players require speed, agility and endurance, yet beginners find the game easy to learn and fun to play. sneeekys.co.uk

V IS FOR VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering can benefit the community and environment; as well as allowing you to try something new, develop skills, improve your career prospects, build confidence and meet new people. volunteeredinburgh.org.uk

W IS FOR WARHAMMER

Games workshop and miniature painting. Perfect your miniatures and enjoy a tabletop battle with armies, elves and a variety of creatures. potteraround.co.uk

X IS FOR XTREME SPORTS

Wakeboarding, off-road segways, rope courses over water and Ringo rides! If you want a little more adrenaline in your hobby there’s plenty to choose from. foxlake.co.uk

Y IS FOR YOGA

Yoga can be beneficial at every stage in a woman’s life - from menstruation to postmenopausal, during pregnancy and post-natal, with or without baby. yogabellies.co.uk

Z IS FOR ZUMBA

Zumba is no ordinary exercise class, it is the latin-inspired fitness class that is a party! You’ll smile as much as you sweat! zumbaedinburgh.net

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Using demonstrations and sample pieces you will learn how to prepare and baste your quilt top, how to machine and hand quilt and how to finish your quilt with binding and even add hangers. mybearpaw.co.uk

W EATHERPROOF F UN FO R EVERYONE Open 7 days a week * Near Edinburgh

WHEN FRIENDSHIPS AND C HILDREN

DON’T MIX WRITTEN BY Andrea

reat. I’ll come to yours!” A harmless text from one of my oldest and dearest friends. But one that made me wince a bit as I read it. “Laura and little Alfie are coming round later!” I say as cheerfully as I can to my 3 year old daughter. Emitting a small whimper, she frantically starts stashing various toys and a sippy-cup in her Trunki murmuring “No, no mummy, no, no, noooo”…. Ok, I’m overdramatising slightly, but I promise you it’s not far off. Little Alfie is a toddler tank, with slightly worse manners and the capability of inflicting much more damage. What’s worse is that Laura seems powerless to stop it. So, what do you do if someone you really like happens to produce someone you sort of don’t really like? Does friendship have to change when you procreate? What if you are Laura?! Flashback to 2009. My cool ‘older friend’ from university has come to visit us for lunch. I LOVE her. She’s sophisticated, funny, clever, wise and she manages to do all this while studying AND being a mum! My 20 something year old self is mighty impressed. I secretly want to be her. This time she’s brought her toddler with her and I’m introducing her to my boyfriend. “It’ll be GREAT!” I think. Dear reader, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Henceforth commenced 2 hours of a conversation conducted mostly through a very

“

Sykes

angry 2 year old. “Mummy has been working a bit too hard hasn’t she James?!” my friend uttered shrilly as a rice cake ricocheted off her forehead. “Mummy is trying to talk to Auntie Dre darling!” (Auntie Dre? When did that happen?!) A rice cake lands in my latte and my boyfriend and I exchange glances that reassure the other that WE will NEVER be like this. EVER (I know, I hate the smug childless us a little bit too.) Fast forward to 2013 and I’m heavily pregnant, waddling around enjoying free time and sleep and the ability to plan stuff I totally took for granted dammit, and it’s a whole different kettle of friendship fish. I’ve got over the fact that I’m not invited to any fun events involving delicious alcoholic beverages anymore and I’ve just completed an NCT course. I’ve collected a group of mum mates who will soon become my ‘village’; women with whom I’d exchange 3am WhatsApp messages as our little treasures woke for the umpteenth time and someone would type “is anyone else awake? I’m so tired, my eyes are like tiny raisins” I couldn’t have got through those first few months without them. It was true immersion friendship, where we shared the deeply personal, gritty midnight musings that all new parents face, seeking reassurance in our mutual bewilderment, but was that all we had in common?

If the fact that you’re going to be parents is the basis of your friendship, then be prepared for things to change

”

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FRIENDSHIPS

As we all teetered on the brink of parenthood one member of the group who I’d particularly clicked with said “do you think we’ll stay in touch with all the other couples from the group?” My answer was something along the lines of “It depends what sort of parents they turn out to be I think” I have no idea where this flash of wisdom came from, but it turned out to be true. If the fact that you’re going to be parents is the basis of your friendship, then be prepared for things to change if you turn out to have different takes on how that whole parenting thing goes. Three years on and the choices we’ve all made have played a role in who we see and how often we see each other despite the fact that our WhatsApp group still exists and still sees a bit of ‘anyone know a great children’s entertainer?’ type action. Sometimes having children just changes people. They gain worries and they weather made SEP / OCT 2016

hard storms in bringing these little people to the world. I have friends who keep parenting in a little compartment in their busy lives, and other friends for whom being a parent is their sole reason for being. I like to think I flit between these extremes feeling various degrees of guilt at not being at nearer whichever end I’m currently not occupying! There is no such as a one size fits all pal. Different friends bring different things to the table, and yes sometimes those things include (temporarily) tricky offspring. My reply to that text from my old friend, Laura? “Sod the cake. Book a babysitter, I’m taking you out for dinner” And that’s what we do. And we have the funniest night where we cry with laughter, and I realise that the best friendships, with a bit of nurturing, don’t really have to change at all if you know where they do best. In our case it was post 7pm accompanied by wine. n

HEALTHILY INTEGRATE THE INTERNET INTO FAMILY LIFE WRITTEN BY Dr.

Claire Halsey, Parenting Expert

Being online, whether for leisure, learning or work can be a big part of time at home. Get the most from internet use and family time by following these top tips: 1. Get a balance: Family life works best when it includes a mix of activities. Get the most out of time at home by having a balance of real world family activities, shared time online - perhaps working on a project together or watching a streamed movie - and personal internet use – such as Skyping friends, completing homework or gaming. 2. Make good use of the internet to strengthen relationships: Online connections mean we can share our everyday lives and precious milestones – children’s first steps, big birthdays, exam results – with family and friends who can’t always be around in person. Mix these online methods with real world, face to face contact for the richest connections. 3. Take an interest: When family members are absorbed with online, there’s an opportunity to show an interest and even join in. You may be surprised to discover a shared enthusiasm and develop it together online, and maybe in the real world too. 4. Make the internet do the hard work for you: Whether you’re planning day trips in the holidays, craft activities for a rainy day or making bigger decisions, make online information gathering a natural part of planning in your family. When each of you does a little online detective work, decisions can be easier and best of all, everyone can be involved. 5 Stay safe: Agree your online safety rules and set parental controls if needed. Keep up to date with the latest online scams and safety issues and be open about what you’re each searching and sharing online. You’ll be safer as a family if you keep communicating about online safety.

6. Find those teachable moments: There are plenty of opportunities to make online activity a chance to teach valuable life skills and set good habits for the next generation. Online shopping is an ideal place to begin. Next time a purchase is needed work together to consider what you’re looking for, deciding on a budget, making price comparisons, considering quality or reviews and checking for secure payment. All these add up to useful skills online and off. 7. Make work and home life flexible: Working online can offer opportunities for flexibility that allow families to be available at key points in the day or for important events – family mealtimes, the school play or sports events. Grasp opportunities for flexible working and work from home to be around for those significant family moments. Put a limit on it though. 8. Privacy: Families are built on love and trust and this extends to the online world as well. Family members will have different ideas about what is private and what needs to be accessible to others. Get this all out in the open. Give clear explanations about what must be visible such as search histories and what can be private and why. Share your reasons using possible scenarios - such as a teenager’s Facebook page being left open on a laptop – to work out how this should be handled. It’s wise to agree what can be shared about other family members on social media, and what should not.

Dr. Claire Halsey is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, author and broadcaster in parenting. Visit www.clairehalsey.com for more info.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

FOREVER in blue jeans

1 1. LINEN DENIM BLUE APRON £35, www.alsohome.com 2. DENIM PINAFORE DRESS £65 www.oliverbonas.com 3. RECYCLED DENIM & CHENILLE CUSHION £24.99, www.harleyandlola.co.uk 4. DENIM ‘DOTTY DUNGAREES’ (0-3 months up to 4-5 years) £37, Treehouse, Stockbridge, www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk 5. DENIM WHALE TOY £16, CherryGardenWorkshop.etsy.com 6. DENIM DAMASK WALLPAPER £120.00, www.debbiemckeegan.com 7. DENIM CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR £33, Maddie & Mark’s (available in kids’ sizes 5 to 7) 8. SCENTED DACHSHUND DRAUGHT EXCLUDER IN DENIM STRIPE £68, www.cuckooland.com 9. DENIM AND LEATHER SHOPPER by Clara-Himmel £35, DaWanda.com 10. GENOA DENIM HIGH BAR CHAIR £91.99, www.harleyandlola.co.uk © DESIGNED BY STARLINE - FREEPIK.COM

made SEP / OCT 2016

HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

...ACCORDING TO KIDS By making every second of good times as good as you can. Anna (5)

I would give everyone magic powers and all schools water parks. Gordon (8)

I’d stop the army from going to war. They can do bin duty instead. Paul (5)

I would give all children in the world adult-sized portions of their favourite foods and all adults children’s portions of healthy foods. Gordon (8)

By haunting all the mean presidents and making them go to jail, because I do not like two presidents being voted! Jack (7)

Not to litter, don’t start fires and don’t start wars. Jake (8)

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ACCORDING TO KIDS

By recycling. Luke (6)

By cleaning up the world and looking after everybody - we could give money to people who don’t have a home and have to stay on the street. Jude (6)

You need to be kind and good to all of the people. Donato (5)

made SEP / OCT 2016

You make the world a better place by not fighting, by making friends and remembering it would be very boring if we were all the same Harrison (6)

Build better inventions, like bullets that can glow in the dark as it would entertain people. Lucas (8)

This is the second in a series of questions we ask children. If you would like your kids involved ask them about the following topics and email their responses to louisewilson@live.com

If we don’t look after the world, we’ll all have to move out. Charlie (8)

Topics coming up…. • How the world began • Love and Marriage • How babies are born • Mum and Dad • God • What happens when you die? Fairies, the Easter Bunny and Santa

To stop wars, I’d send each person to their bedroom. Hannah (4)

Dates for your diary Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

10am & 11.30am (40 mins) Tiny Tales: Sweet Dreams @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. Dreamy stories and lullabies for ages 1-3. ÂŁ5 per child, book in advance.

Ocean Film Festival World Tour returns to the Festival Theatre to showcase the best selection of ocean-themed short films from all over the globe.

Edinburgh School Holiday

Billy Elliot @ Edinburgh Playhouse. Recommended for children 8+.

ÂŠALEKSEY STEMMER

10.30 - 11am Story Time for fives and under @ Jabberwocky, Haddington. Every Monday

SEPT 20 - OCT 22

26 27 28 29

Keep up to date with all the latest events by logging onto 34

www.mademagazine.co.uk

September 2016 Spotlight on... 2 3 Luna Cinema @ Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Classic films under the stars.

Midstock Festival: Music to Your Ears @ Dalkeith Country Park

Friday Saturday Sunday 4

11am - 5pm Art in the Park @ Spylaw Park, Colinton. Alpacas, arts & crafts, games, food, and tombolas. Will run on Sept 11th if weather bad.

Explorathon 16! Sept 30th & Oct 1st FREE various venues www.explorathon. co.uk/edinburgh

9 10 11 Maid of the Forth, the family-run sightseeing cruise on the Firth of Forth, hosts a 3-hour evening cruise featuring live music. www. maidoftheforth.co.uk

Day Out With Thomas @ Bo’ness & Kenneil Railway. Engines with friendly faces, children’s entertainment and fairground attractions. Booking essential, on 11th too.

16 17

ART IN THE PARK, SEPT 4 (OR 11)

18 The Edinburgh Kiltwalk

SEPT 10 & 11

23 24 Sling Show Scotland @ Heriot Watt University. This inaugural event is aimed at all those who are new to carrying their child and want to find out more.

Doors Open Day in Edinburgh - free access to hundreds of fascinating buildings. SEPT 24 & 25

EXPLORATHON SEPT 30 & OCT 1 © DOUGLAS ROBERTSON

Explorathon 16! Various free science and arts & crafts events across the city. See Spotlight for more info.

Release your creativity and unleash your science skills. Visit the City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, Newington and explore a beautiful indoor woodland. Sneak in some supercool science while you’re shopping in Ocean Terminal, Leith. Get inventively creative at WHALE Arts, Wester Hailes. Do this and more during Explorathon ‘16 - European Researchers’ Scottish programme of events and Fun Palaces Scotland - an extravaganza of discovery, debate and entertainment for all the family. European Researchers’ Night events takes place simultaneously annually in cities across Europe so that everyone can find out what researchers really do and how research affects our daily lives. Fun Palaces are about arts and sciences, crafts and technologies, community and culture - everyone is an artist, everyone is a scientist.

www.mademagazine.co.uk/whats-on.html made SEP / OCT 2016

Dates for your diary Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Gangsta Granny @ King’s Theatre for ages 5+. Based on the David Walliams book, this wonderful new production is sure to delight children, parents and all grannies! Runs Oct 5th - 9th.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang @ Festival Theatre. Runs Oct 5th - 16th.

BOTANIC LIGHTS OCT 13 - NOV 6

2pm (1hr 30) Spellchasers Riddling Workshop with Lari Don @ Storytelling Centre. Join Lari to hear a riddle tale and learn to create your own riddles. £5 per child, for ages 8-12.

2pm - 3.30pm Survive! @ Water of Leith Visitor. Water, Food, Shelter and Fire are the keys to survival, learn new skills from ‘wild’ leaders. Booking Essential.

Botanic Lights will run from Oct 13 - Nov 6 (except Mondays) at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. www.botaniclights.co.uk Botanic Lights

2pm - 3.30pm. Hopetoun does Hogwarts! Enjoy a guided walk around Hopetoun House to collect natural ingredients and make spells Harry Potter would be proud of.

HOPETOUN DOES HOGWARTS OCT 19TH

Biggar Little Festival runs Oct 20th - 30th. A family-friendly festival filled with workshops, exhibitions, children’s events, a craft and food fair, and festival clubs.

Keep up to date with all the latest events by logging onto 36

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Fun 2016 Summer October at THE YARD on...

Friday Saturday denSunday making, arts and

Spotlight

1 crafts, 2 junk-modelling, dressing-up 1pm - 5pm Doggy Fun Day Sunday Fundayand much @ Mercat Grill in Whitecraig. A more... @ The Yard Adventure Centre. drop-in familycontests, play sessions forper disabled freeWe funrun day with agility £5 child. children on Fridays and Saturdays, a 3-8’s club doggy stalls andand theour winners of on Tuesdays. on Mondays 2-5’s club us a try... announced. theirGive competitions SeeFor Facebook for details. information on times visit www.theyardscotland.org.uk, 0131 476 4506 The Yard, 22 Eyre Place Lane, Edinburgh EH3 5EH

7 8

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG OCT 5-16

Spooky Happenings @ Almond Valley. Mysterious creatures are lurking around the farm. Wander around the Spooky Trail, with mysteries, games, crafts and surprises. Oct 8th-30th.

14 15

9 ALMOND VALLEY OCT 8 - 30

21st - 31st Oct Scottish Storytelling Centre

4pm - 5.30pm Family Roller Disco @ Meadowbank Stadium

21 22

28 29

The Scottish International Storytelling Festival runs Oct 21st - 31st. 10 days of live storytelling, oral traditions and cultural diversity.

Steam Gala @ Bo’ness & Kennel Railway. Special weekend featuring a variety of steam locomotives from the SRPS fleet. Check out their Steam ’n’ Scream at Halloween too!

10am - 8pm All-day Halloween Party @ Almond Valley. Halloween games, dancing, dressing-up and crafty creations.

ALMOND VALLEY OCT 29TH

Festival of Dreams: The 2016 Storytelling Festival

11am - 4pm Pirate Weekend @ Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick. Enjoy arts and crafts, pirate treasure hunt, face painting, smoking cannons, plus prizes for the best dressed pirates! Party with The Pumpkins @ (The Haunted) Jam House. Wear your best Halloween costume and enjoy dancing, with plenty of tricks and treats! buytickets.at popupparentsevents

Celebrate the power of storytelling to lift you out of time and place with the liberating power of imagination, including special family days and events tailored for tots to enjoy autumnal dreaming with crafts, tales and music. The best of Scotland’s storytelling talent will merge with invited guests from Spain, Portugal, Central and Southern America offering a plethora of fables and myths alongside stimulating talks and workshops in a ten-day celebration of live storytelling and cultural diversity.

www.mademagazine.co.uk/whats-on.html made SEP MARCH / OCT / APRIL 20162016

TS TO N S R FO TE E TO

POP UP PARENTS’ EVENTS PRESENTS

HALL WEEN H P

Party with the pumpkins

Book & pay for a Step It Up Dance Party by the 31st October, for any available date in 2016, and quote MADE to save 15%! AWARD-WINNING DANCE AND CHEERLEADING PARTIES FOR HEALTHY, HAPPY KIDS!

stepitupdance.co.uk/parties /StepItUpDance

DRESS AS YOU DARE

ESS FANCY DR ON COMPETITI

Sunday 30th October Times 10-11.30am / 12.30pm-2pm / 3-4.30pm

Tickets £8 each

Booking: buytickets.at/popupparentsevents Email: popupparentsevents@gmail.com

07428 110 135

@StepItUpDanceUK

THE JAM HOUSE

5 QUEEN STREET, EDINBURGH EH2 1JE

OCTOBER BREAK DESIGNED BY FREEPIK.COM

NEED IDEAS TO FILL

October break the

LOOK NO FURTHER ...

RES TORATION Visit the newly renovated Dalkeith Country Park, where parents can discover the joys of Restoration Yard, and the kids can lose themselves in Fort Douglas, with its turreted treehouses and lofty wooden walkways. 1,000 acre park just 5 miles from Edinburgh - shop, eat, play and restore balance.

DANCE C AMP This devilish dance camp from Step It Up Dance (at Broughton High School) will be jam-packed with dancing, ghoulish games, creepy creative tasks and frightful fun! Camp finishes with a Halloween Hip Hop party allowing attendees to show off their spookiest steps learnt during the week. Mon 17th – Fri 21st Oct, 9.30am – 3.30pm

EARLY BIRD BOOKING OFFER

SAVE £5 IF YOU BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.STEPITUPDANCE.CO.UK BEFORE 19TH SEPT USING CODE BKD221 made SEP / OCT 2016

OCTOBER BREAK

PIRATE WEEKEND Inspired by the link between Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island and the nearby island of Fidra, Pirate Weekend at the Scottish Seabird Centre is a swashbuckling fun weekend celebrating the high seas with arts & crafts, pirate treasure hunt, face painting, smoking cannons and exploding treasure chests, plus there will be prizes for the best dressed pirates! Sat 22nd - Sun 23rd Oct, 11am - 4pm © SEAN BELL

ICE CREAM AT CRAMOND Enjoy a walk, scoot or cycle along Cramond’s beautiful foreshore and take a pit-stop at the recently opened Boardwalk Beach Club Café along the way. With artisan coffee, delicious ice-cream and freshly baked goodies, there’s something for everyone.

VOLCANIC ROCK N ROLL This October half term, the universe is your oyster at Dynamic Earth. Meet scientists working in cutting-edge Space and Earth Observation Science in Scotland, explore the worlds of opportunity in science, and get hands-on with a dazzling array of minerals and gems. Find out about volcanic rocks as well as the Scottish craft of polishing and cutting agates.

SPOOKY HAPPENINGS As the nights get darker there are mysterious creatures lurking around Almond Valley. Grab your sheet and look out for the clues on the Spooky Trail. In the craft area make spooky masks, friendly bats and dangly Ghosts and Monsters. Explore a world of magic and shadows, with mysteries to solve, games to play, and a scary surprise around every corner. Sat 8th – Sun 30th Oct

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Technology Classes for Kids New Saturday morning classes at North Merchiston Club, Edinburgh Design Your Own Video Game • Inspirational 3D Animation • Create your own app • Web Design • Create Your Own Comic Book • Programme Robots • Clay Animation • Movie-making • And so much more!

Control the cameras and zoom in on the super-cute seals.

We also offer birthday parties in everything from Minecraft & CSI to stop motion animation

Seal season from October. Only 30 mins from Edinburgh.

Enquire today about our Saturday classes

www.seabird.org Image © Maggie Sheddan / Scottish Charity no SC025837

For further information contact 0131 6530580 or lynnek@computerxplorers.co.uk www.sescotland.computerxplorers.co.uk

DISCOVERY CENTRE · BOAT TRIPS · CAFÉ · GIFT SHOP

Seeking some Free Family Adventure time on your doorstep? Release your creativity and unleash your science skills...explore a beautiful indoor woodland within a Newington church... sneak in some super-cool science while you’re shopping in Ocean Terminal... get inventively creative at WHALE Arts, Wester Hailes...

Curiosity Forest

Leith Labs

City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, Nicolson Square, EH8 9BX 1. Friday 30 Sept, 5-9pm - for adults 2. Saturday 1 Oct, 10am-5pm - for all ages 3. Sunday 2 Oct, 2-5pm - for all ages

Ocean Terminal, Leith, EH6 6JJ 1. Friday 30 Sept, 12-6pm 2. Saturday 1 Oct, 10am-4pm

WHALE Arts, Wester Hailes 30 Westburn Grove, EH14 2SA 1. Friday 30 Sept, 2-4pm - for 7-10 year olds 2. Saturday 1 Oct, 10am-2pm - for all ages Limited places so book in advance: info@whalearts.co.uk 0131 458 3267, www.whalearts.co.uk

www.explorathon.co.uk/edinburgh • facebook.com/ernscot • twitter.com/ernscot • instagram.com/ernscot FunPalaces.co.uk facebook.com • FunPalaces twitter.com/FunPalaces www.facebook.com/leithlabs • www.scienceceilidh.com/leithlabs

SOME PLACE

Biggar

e were in Biggar the day I went into labour with our second son. Frustratingly he was 10 days late and I was speed walking around town, supping on pineapple smoothies and wolfing down curry. I’m not sure what exactly did the trick but baby Jack joined us later that night. Fast forward two years we are back in Biggar, reminiscing. Despite Jack still having a stubborn streak we are having a lovely family break. We’re staying at the Elphinstone Hotel on the Main Street - or the Elph as it is locally known - a traditional family-run inn with a strong reputation for being friendly and welcoming. We have a great size family room with a double bed, bunk beds and a cot; and having two TVs in one room is ‘sooooo cool’, according to six year old, Luke. What’s also deemed cool are the more-thanhelpful wait staff who have put on CBeebies for us as we go down for dinner. Jack is still not in a cooperative mood. He screams and attempts to grab cutlery to throw at us because we suggested he sit in a highchair, but with the aid of Iggle Piggle he manages to eat a few mouthfuls and starts to calm down. The wait-staff are angels.

They don’t bat an eyelid and bring mummy and daddy wine. Our brave attempt at bringing Jack to an actual restaurant is rewarded by excellent food. All sourced locally, you could tell the ingredients were top notch, with meat from William Ovens Butcher; and fruit, veg and fish from The Orchard - both Biggar High Street favourites. We dined on a sharing platter to start, followed by the house Chicken Curry (for old times’ sake) and the Haggis and Chicken for our mains. The kids had home-made pizzas which were delicious, and the ice-cream for afters was to die for! Made by Taylors of Biggar, it is incredibly creamy and absolutely gorgeous. Taylor’s own Cones and Candies just up the street - a fabulous little haven of all kinds of sweet treats. Although a small town, Biggar is famed for having it’s own Puppet Theatre, run by the Purves family - the only permanent puppet theatre in Scotland, no less. Professional puppeteers for almost 40 years, they entertain children and adults alike with magical performances of puppets that glow in the dark in a Victorian

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SOME PLACE BIGGAR

Oct 20th - 30th

style theatre seating 100 people. Their schedule is online (always book in advance) or go see them in action at the Biggar Little Festival 20th - 30th October when Biggar will host an eclectic programme of workshops, exhibitions, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events, performances, craft and food. With more than 50 events over the 10 days there is something for all ages and interests and many events are free. We are all looking forward to popping down to the Biggar Little Festival in October, but for tonight we have a quick walk around the town after dinner to try and tire the boys out, before settling down for the night in our cosy family room. In true stubborn Jack style, he refuses to go to sleep. n

Find out more... www.elphinstonehotel.co.uk www.purvespuppets.com www.biggarlittlefestival.com

made SEP / OCT 2016

Weekly Local Classes

Most babies learn best when they see, hear, feel, touch, taste and smell.

A watery world of confidence, skill and fun!

It’s safe to say you’ll burst with pride as you watch your baby journey from the early days of gentle floating, kicking and splashing to wriggling, giggling and jumping in! Sneak a peek, it’s all amazing! Our multi-award winning classes will introduce you and your baby (or babies) to a world of sensory delights, where you can relax, spend quality time with each other and enjoy meeting other new parents. Specifically designed from birth to aid your child’s development, the programme is packed with an incredible variety of sounds, smells, sights, textures, music, dance, signing and massage – and you’ll never experience the same class twice.

To find out more:

Enter your postcode at www.babysensory.com E mai lH e le nL ai dlaw :

edinburgheast@babysensory.co.uk

C h e c k

Baby Sensory

www.facebook.com/babysensoryedinburgheast

C las s e sat :

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Jojo! Trust

Got a child related problem and need some advice? Look no further! Comedian, JoJo Sutherland, is on hand to help. Send your problems to info@mademagazine.co.uk @jojosutherland www.jojosutherland.co.uk

The holiday season seems like a dim and distant memory as we hurtle towards the winter months – is there actually someone speeding up time, because I’m pretty sure it was only April last week. The one thing that never changes is that every time we return from a break I feel utterly exhausted and in need of a holiday. We managed to sneak a week in Cyprus, we rented a house on the beach and the thought of seven sun-soaked days, filled with swimming in the sea and sunbathing, lay tantalizingly ahead so arriving to brilliant blue skies just confirmed our anticipation. Then the first night came and there was a thunderstorm like I have never witnessed before and rendered my youngest so terrified that not one

of us got a wink of sleep. The following five days rained down on us so much I think we actually shrank. There are only so many card games you can play when the queen of clubs is missing from the pack. It turns out spending time with your family isn’t always a bonding experience. The older two girls still aren’t talking to each other and we’ve been home a month. Despite the downside of a fractious family at least my kids have stopped making me feel guilty that I don’t spend enough time with them and I’m already planning our next holiday together – I was thinking a week in Guantanamo bay might be a lot more fun and a lot less expensive.

Dear Jojo My four year old keeps biting his friends at nursery, how do I get him to stop? Helen, Tollcross Dear Helen You could try wiring his jaw together, but that might be impractical. Or let him play with a large angry dog, but that is possibly fraught with danger. I remember my eldest liked to have a good chew on his friends until one of them bit him back and that put paid to that!

Jojo x

made SEP / OCT 2016

TIME TO WRITE WRITTEN BY Sophy

have an unusual job. I describe it to children as ‘helping people tell stories’, whilst adults get the less pithy version, ‘I work with writers as an editor and mentor and run retreats, and I’m setting up an online writing community’. I find when I tell people about my job that they frequently tell me that they would love to write but haven’t written creatively for years, often not since they left school. When we start chatting, there are usually one of these reasons to blame (and very often all of them): 1. They can’t find time to write. 2. The problem is not exactly time, more about feeling isolated and lacking motivation. 3. They don’t have the confidence to write -

Dale

when they try, they’re so unsatisfied with what they produce that they give up in frustration. I’ve been there with all three of these reasons myself, and so have developed courses and strategies that tackle these issues from the inside out. The first problem - time - is in some ways the easiest to solve. I run a free e-course called ‘Make Time to Create’, which looks at how to be much more strategic and intentional with your time – even when you work and you have small kids and it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day for all the stuff you already have on, let alone adding a whole new element of writing into the equation. You really can let go of some of the

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things that seem non-negotiable now and carve out enough writing time to make a difference (which doesn’t have to be a huge amount) – but first you have to really understand how you’re using your time at the moment, and be prepared to be really ruthless about what you jettison in order to make that time. The second problem, feeling isolated and lacking motivation, is near universal amongst people who are starting to write. Working in a vacuum is really really hard – everyone needs support to do their best work. The actual writing can only really be done alone, but everything that goes around it – editing, structuring and revising – is massively easier with feedback, whether from a professional editor or a group made SEP / OCT 2016

of like-minded fellow writers. Advice on fixing technical problems with plot, dialogue or pace can be invaluable, as are pointers on submitting to magazines, publishers and literary agents – but more useful than any of this logistical help is that sense of not having to go it alone. As the best-selling writer Po Bronson puts it: “Writing school helped me by surrounding me with people who aspired to the same ideals I did. I’d been a bonds salesman – I didn’t know any other writers, and I’d never even met a writer. I didn’t even know any readers. If the other traders and salespeople read books, they never mentioned it. At school, for at least one night a week, I sat down beside people who thought nothing was more important than making a sentence sing…

TIME TO WRITE

“

Who had chosen, like me, to compromise their love lives and work lives to carve out time for being alone with their thoughts and a pencil… Who had received rejection letter after rejection letter, and how had been called ‘impractical’ by their parents. I can’t emphasize enough the sway of being in a community of likeminded people… Because the hardest thing was not learning to write; the hardest thing was to never give up.” We can’t all drop everything and enrol in a Creative Writing Masters course at university (and most of us don’t have a spare £12,000 to pay the fees either) but we can seek out support, structure and like-minded people, and online communities can be a great way to do this, being flexible, relatively cheap, and neither timespecific nor location-specific. So, time can be more flexible than you might at first think – and community is there to be found if you look for it. But the third reason is the one that stops people in their tracks before they even get going. One way to counter this fear of failure is to take yourself back to the time in your life before you even realised that failure was an option. Once upon a time we were all three year olds finger-painting and chatting about the adventures we were having with our imaginary friends. Even when we were, say, eight or ten, most of us were still confidently constructing imaginary worlds, either alone or with our friends, and not worrying at all about whether we were getting this ‘right’ or not. As adults, even as adolescents, we start losing this playfulness and stop being able just to enjoy the process of creativity without getting caught up in judging the end results. Our inner critics can get louder and louder, until they completely drown out our own joy in making something new. If that’s your problem (and it was mine for years and years) then reconnecting with the kinds of things you loved to do when you were seven or eight can be one way to get

past your inner critic and get on with creating something new. As parents we have a special advantage here, in that we can observe – and learn from - our own kids’ confidence in making things up, experimenting and being creative just for the fun of it. It’s important to be gentle with yourself and just take baby steps to begin with, so I’ve made a super simple bite-sized mini course, ‘Imaginary Worlds’, to help you to find your seven year old self’s playful creativity again. There are lots of other resources out there – great books on writing, evening classes, librarybased writers’ groups. If you’d love to get back to writing, find what will work for you and go for it. As Brené Brown says, “There’s no such thing as creative people and non-creative people. There are only people who use their creativity and people who don’t. Unused creativity doesn’t just disappear. It lives within us until it’s expressed, neglected to death, or suffocated by resentment and fear… When I make creating a priority, everything in my life works better.” n

There’s no such thing as creative people and noncreative people. There are only people who use their creativity and people who don’t

”

Find out more...

Sophy Dale has spent 20 years working in all aspects of the books world, as a publisher, editor of a literary magazine, founding Manager of the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust and manager of a number of literary prizes including the BBC National Short Story Award (also including many stints working in libraries and bookshops). She runs www.sparkforwriters.com where you can find the mini e-courses Make Time to Create and Imaginary Worlds along with her mentoring and editorial services. She also runs both an online writers’ group and a free writers’ community, which are for anyone looking for support, feedback, and a group of fellow writers to hang out with.

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Mum’s New World WRITTEN BY Kirsty

Nicholls

EDITOR OF EDINBURGH FOR UNDER FIVES

ince settling into motherhood, I’ve found myself clinging on to my sense of identity for dear life. I’m Jack’s mum, but surely I’m more than that. I’m still a journalist, bookworm, movieenthusiast and closet dance music lover. The fact that these other traits are now so fuzzy is brought into sharp focus when we holiday – or attempt to – with People Without Children (PWC). We’ve lurched from one extreme to another. We’ve had holidays with PWC where everyone was expected to do everything together, and did so grudgingly. We’ve had holidays where it was suggested that we might like to “do our own thing” to give the PWC a break. Our cultural intake may now be limited to the goings-on of the Island of Sodor, but we were still quite sad to miss out on that historical site visit and pub lunch. We’ve had holidays during which we were told to cut-back the child-chat (I just popped my toddler and bump back into my suitcase). We’ve had post-holiday conversations with PWC where it’s been clear there will never be another one. I’ve felt rejected. However laid back or thick skinned you are, it’s a tricky tightrope to negotiate. I know that other people’s children can be really annoying. But I’m still “me”, and we’re still “us”. Our piece just doesn’t always fit into the jigsaw anymore. During a recent trip I arranged to meet an old school friend. She picked the venue – a new café I’d never been to before. The disgust on the waitress’s face when we asked for a highchair said it all. It became clear that Jack was going to be heading straight back out of the door with his daddy. Of course this establishment didn’t have a baby change; it was actively trying to keep noisy toddlers away from its horn-rimmed bespectacled, manicured newspaper readers,

“

and exploring little fingers off its oiled reclaimed timber and sparkling chrome. It was a haven about which a newish-parent can only fantasise. Jack and daddy popped in and out while I quickly caught up with my friend, gawping at my surroundings like a child in Disneyland. Three sets of people sat on the table next to us and each quickly moved when an alternative became free. It was only when I caught the raised eyebrow of a fellow patron after I dared to laugh (quite loudly) that it occurred to me that it wasn’t Jack who was the problem. It was me. I’m not known for laughing quietly and this is one identity trait which has clearly stuck fast. Perhaps this has been the issue all along: since when did fun and laughter become so offensive? We are where we are, we are who we are, and we just need to fit in and make do as best as we can. Please pass the plate of teddy bear-shaped sandwiches and get Jack to make me a cup of imaginary tea. This artisan espresso just isn’t doing it for me today. n

Our cultural intake may now be limited to the goings-on of the Island of Sodor

made SEP / OCT 2016

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S E T DA

WRITTEN BY

Caroline Phipps-Urch

friend we’ve invited over and actually that can be socially challenging for me as I’m not naturally outgoing.’ For me, things changed once my oldest son entered the school environment. I hadn’t given much thought to my middle child, but there’s just 17 months between them and actually while Conrad was enjoying school, Magnus was desperately missing him. While other parents were organising play dates I refrained – I could see Magnus’ excitement at collecting Conrad from school and that was something I didn’t want to stamp out. The playtime they had after school had suddenly become precious. Caitlyn, a mother of four, told me, ‘I do occasionally organise play dates. This is usually because one of my children wants to build a school friendship. We do regularly have other children in the house during the week as I share pick-up and drop-off with other parents for activities. That said, some kids are easy to have over and others just mean another layer of hassle.

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’ve never gone out of my way to arrange play dates. I have three boys within three and a half years of each other that get on well, so I’ve never felt the need to organise them. When my oldest two were younger we would have the odd lunchtime play date after nursery. The mums had become friends of mine and the children were happy to play together for a couple of hours. This was a good time for adult conversation and cemented friendships between us mums as well as the children. Recently I have been chatting to other mums about the subject and realised there is a lot of emotion attached to play dates. Whether it is angst, guilt or enthusiasm everyone had strong feelings about them. Sarah, who has a four year old son, said, ‘I hate them. I have an only child so I feel I should organise them for his benefit however I don’t like the pressure or assumption that you have to reciprocate. He’s under five so we’re still at the stage where a parent will accompany the

PLAY DATES

‘We don’t have any electrical devices and I know some play dates are just sitting together playing computer games or iPads which defeats the object of having a friend round. ‘I think it can be used as a tool by pushy parents to try and gain social prowess points. Until the kids start organising them themselves it is the parents that drive it. They are doing this with the best intentions and it probably reflects the ‘helicopter’ parenting that is rife these days. Woe betide a play date like we had as kids, when we hung out and got bored together before returning for some food. Now you feel the need to lay on an organised activity like craft or baking.’ Natasha has been a nanny for over twenty years, ‘I think play dates are a good thing. For only children, it helps them socialise outside the confines of school or nursery and encourages them to share. For others it can help build and cement friendships particularly in the holidays when the constraints of homework and after school activities aren’t there. I do however thinks made SEP / OCT 2016

“

Woe betide a play date like we had as kids, when we hung out and got bored together before returning for some food.

”

some parents use them as a ‘babysitting tool’ and actually for working parents with limited time with their children it is more beneficial for them to spend time together as a family.’ During term time I know my school aged children are tired and adding a friend into that mix after school can just add tension, particularly as I’m a ‘hands-off’ parent. We chose a Montessori nursery for all of our boys and I have brought the ethos into our home. So I don’t plan activities for them, everything is accessible for them if

PLAY DATES

they choose to do it. If they want to do craft they have access to what they need and can help themselves. Rebecca, a mother of four, told me ‘I rarely have them. I’ve had too many children come over and expect to be entertained. One child actually asked what activity I had planned for her. I showed her where the toys were and how to get into the garden and told her to go and play.’ When I was chatting to Evelyn she happily explained ‘we rarely have other children over to play and almost never after school. Finding mutual times, which suit everyone, is a major task in itself and I don’t have the patience. We sometimes have a child spend an afternoon with us in the school holidays and usually have a big outdoor play. Oddly we rarely have reciprocating invitations which also means I never feel obliged to invite other children over.’ As children get older they start organising their own play dates with friends whom they want to spend more time with. So actually it’s a small window of their lives where we as parents need to facilitate them and where we have an influence

in which friends we invite into our homes to play with our children. The general consensus when chatting to mothers in the last few weeks is that play dates are a positive addition to their child’s lives. Reiterated by Dr Rachel Happer, a Child Psychologist here in Edinburgh: ‘Play dates give parents the opportunity to support & scaffold their child’s relationships, in a place that is safe & comfortable for the child. They allow parents to have a tiny window into their child’s world, which is wonderful for both child and adult.’ n

Caroline recently campaigned for free street closures in Edinburgh and The City of Edinburgh Council is in support of the initiative. She hopes these become easier to organise and with no or very little cost involved they will help facilitate stress free, easy, impromptu play dates with children who are neighbours. Find out more about Edinburgh Playing Out on Facebook, Twitter or by emailing edinburghplayingout@gmail.com

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Greenhill Montessori Nursery Let your child’s adventure begin!

P Children from 18 months to Primary Age P Hours from 9.00 to 16.00 (Care 8.15 to 17.30) P Billingual, with Native speaking teachers in both English and Spanish P Online progress tracking system for each child P We accept Childcare Vouchers P In Partnership with Edinburgh Council P Follows the Curriculum for Excellence Our Values Here at Greenhill Montessori Nursery we are committed to providing a safe, loving and nurturing environment for each child who joins us. We engage your child socially, emotionally and educationally to ensure their success in the future. Their happiness, security and self confidence are our main goals. 3 Greenhill Park, Morningside, Edinburgh EH10 4DW Tel: 01316290787 info@greenhillmontessori.co.uk www.greenhillmontessori.co.uk

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ast Lothian mum of three and lifelong cook, Melanie Auld, wanted to create an easy way for busy parents to make delicious curries. From her home kitchen she developed Spice Pots - Indian spice blends which make curries and Indian Food - with beautifully simple recipes. MADE spoke to Melanie to find out more. As a child, Melanie would host imaginary cookery shows from her treehouse, making anything with just water, plastic pans and sawdust from her Dad’s workshop. But as an adult and inspired by 6 months in India, spices replaced sawdust and Mel perfected her repertoire of superb home-cooked curries. As a mum with no time for complicated recipes, Mel launched Spice Pots in 2013 and

now anyone can make a delicious curry, without the hassle. Each aromatic pot is still hand-filled in Scotland and contain only the finest spices - no fillers, no nasties. The pots are gluten free. All the pots can be used with vegetables, meat, fish or pulses. Make simple curries or use to season BBQ food.

Korma Curry serves 4 This is a seriously easy version of a Chicken Korma Curry. It takes around 30 minutes to make, so a definite contender for a week night family supper. You can use chicken, vegetables, a mix of the two or add some lentils to bulk it out. Use coconut oil as a replacement for your usual oil and add loads of veggies for a seriously healthy dinner. www.mademagazine.co.uk

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Indian Curry Kit

Ingredients: l 2 tablespoons oil l 2 onions, finely chopped l 4cm piece of ginger, grated l 4 cloves of garlic l 400g tin of tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes) l Korma Spice Pot, ½ pot or 4/5 teaspoons l 4 chicken breasts (or veggies), chopped l 400ml tin coconut milk l Salt, to taste l Fresh coriander, to garnish l Heat

the oil and cook the onions, ginger and garlic until soft and browning.

l Add

the tomatoes, and reduce for 5 minutes or so. Add the Korma Spice Pot. Cook for a minute then add the chopped chicken. Mix and cook. When the chicken has taken on a bit of colour, add the coconut milk and salt. Gently cook for about 15 minutes. n

Find out more… For lots more recipes, ideas and to buy your Spice Pots go to www.spicepots.com

made SEP / OCT 2016

Spice Pots make delicious, easy and healthy curries. And they come with simple recipes. The easiest curry kit on the block... Buy your Spice Pot from: • Margiotta, Edinburgh • The Mouse Hole Deli, Edinburgh • Findlays Butcher, Edinburgh • Walled Garden, Archerfield Estate • Ramsays Butchers, Gullane • Gosford Bothy Farm Shop, Aberlady • Andersons Butchers, North Berwick • Merryhatton Garden Centre, East Fortune • Linton Butchers, East Linton • The Garden Gate, East Links Family Park • Dunbar Garden Centre

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Organised by Kimberley Mitchell & Mhairi Christie

Sling Show Scotland’s first dedicated Sling Show celebrating ‘All Things Sling’ in the beautiful surroundings of Heriot Watt University on 24th September.

ling Show Scotland will be Scotlands first dedicated Sling Show, helping give parents and carers the opportunity to find out more about slings in a fun, friendly and informal way. From expectant parents to experienced slingers, everyone is invited. Held in Heriot Watt’s beautiful Riccarton campus, it will be a celebration of “All Things Sling’. Carrying your child in a sling (also known as babywearing) is gaining more popularity, and for very good reasons; wearing your child helps to minimise symptoms of reflux, supports feeding, reduces the risk of plagiocephaly and also can

help reduce the severity of postnatal depression as well as many other health benefits. It also has practical benefits too parents who carry their children in slings have their hands free to accomplish daily activities and experience the world with their child, as well as being able to negotiate around the shops with ease!

PROGRAMME

The Show has an exciting programme lined up, including the UK’s finest sling manufacturers (who will be bringing some great exclusive designs, just for the show), a programme of

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Celebrating

workshops and seminars, and a fantastic community area with NHS Lothian and NCT Scotland on hand with lots of information for parents/carers. There will also be a Kids Corner where your little ones can unwind with a story, create works of art or just play, while you grab a cup of coffee from the cafe and refuel. Sling Show Scotland will also be supporting The UP project and Bliss Scotland by running a fantastic raffle on the day with amazing prizes from a huge range of companies.