It's all about KIDS

It’s all about

kids

The Malta Independent on Sunday MARCH 2019

GRANDPARENTS ARE GREAT IT’S TIME TO PARTY

NICKELODEON THE SAFETY OF TREASURE HUNT MALTA OVER THE COUNTER MEDICINE TEACHING HONESTY

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Grandparents are great grandparents will help prevent them from feeling left out, and mean they always have a visit to look forward to.

It may be difficult for a grandparent to stick to their children’s instructions as to what they want for their children, but a good grandparent will respect and stick to their wishes. In time a mix of old and new ways may then happen, along with the joy of keeping certain habits and traditions. New, and often safer, ways of caring for children are

The relationship between children and their grandparents can be one of the happiest and most valuable they can have. hildren benefit in every way from a strong link with grandparents who enjoy their company and can show them some very positive examples of love and support.

They will soon understand how nanna or nannu can help both them and their parents in hundreds of ways. And, when this help is appreciated and reciprocated it gives them a positive image of how different generations of a family can all have an important and valued role.

Children whose grandparents present a neutral approach and respect parents' rules, while sneaking in the odd little treat here and there, will find that the acceptance and trust they build with their grandparents together, will benefit them both mentally and emotionally for the whole of their lives.

For so many children who have both parents working, grandparents have an extra importance.

They are there, looking after them and supporting them in a place that is as close to home as can be. Grandparents have experience when it comes to helping with homework, patience with childish protests and distractions because they have been parents themselves, and an ability to lighten a dark situation or atmosphere and instill discipline, which somehow seems more acceptable than it does at home!

There are, however some ways

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in which grandparents are not so grand. But with a little thought and a few adjustments they will recognise themselves and find a way to solve any problems.

These are almost always down to the generation gap and the fact that their children, who are anxious not to repeat what they see as their parents’ mistakes, have a clear idea how they want their children to be brought up.

Grandparents, with the wisdom of hindsight and a real appreciation of good manners and considerate behaviour, may cling to their methods, or subtly undermine their children’s efforts. In other cases, after years of being in charge they relish being able to spoil their grandchildren.

Not everything about the past was perfect and it is unrealistic to expect children to interpret things today in the same way as someone whose childhood was spent in a completely dif-

ferent era.

They should understand that children today expect a good reason to do something and for their ideas and sentiments to be, at least, considered when decisions about them are being made.

Children today are rarely left to their own devices, with parents constantly organising activities and playdates, and ferrying their children here and there. Grandparents who remember the freedom they had to make their own entertainment may find themselves feeling sorry for a child who they see as a cotton wool kid.

The fact that many children, of all ages, seem to see their parents as servants and bankers grates on many older people, who were expected to give their fare share of help around the house and be thankful for, or earn their own spending money.

Realising how much extra pres-

Time to PARTY! owever simple you promise yourself these events will be, children’s parties are nerve-wracking to say the least. Too many excited youngsters hurtling around, high on the sort of food they are usually forbidden to eat, but without which no party is worth attending.

It’s no wonder so many parents are taking the easy way out and handing the whole thing over, lock, stock and venue, to a party planner; while they hang out a safe distance away, sipping Prosecco with fellow put-upon parents.

It really is no wonder that our local websites are now crammed with long lists of party ideas, like group creativity sessions, expeditions involving anything from science to chocolate, movie making, horse-riding, animators and adventure locations, to full-blown tea parties complete with Disney guest/s of honour and a lavishly themed cake and goodie-bags that would break the bank of Monte Carlo.

It is because two-working-parent-families no longer have the energy to stage Malta's most envied celebration of the year themselves. Neither have they the foggiest idea where to begin when requested to organise either: A Pink Unicorn, Mermaid, Spiderman, or Dinosaur themed extravaganza.

Awards should presented to the dedicated mothers and fathers who can devote weeks of imagination and effort to a cookery party, where guests get to bake their own birthday cakes; a cycle safari, with masses of food and drink at the finish; a teddy bears' picnic, with dozens of infants eating holistic party food in Buskett Forest; a pirates' treasure hunt with full barbeque, on a nearby rocky coast (hazard alert) and anything involving pizza, sleepovers and drones.

And yet parties are important to children and, sadly from an early age an element of competition soon raises its ugly head and comparisons are made. Parents are under pressure to produce an occasion which will be the talk of the season and all with no hint of showing off or gift hunting. For this seemingly impossible task here are a few suggestions.

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sure children face academically may put this in proportion for some grandparents. Others could create situations where their grand children help them with something or clear up after they visit, so children can take pride in their efforts and realise the value of helping.

Another problem can arise when grandparents are unwilling to share their grandchildren with other family members, or are over competitive in the best nanna or nannu stakes. In other cases they may want to be included in most of the outings or holidays their children plan.

Giving them plenty of regular opportunities to be with their

evolving all the time. Parents and grandparents will both be happier if they discuss these openly, accepting what is best for the child without having to score points or always be right.

But, whatever relationship parents may have with their parents, every effort should be made to keep children in touch with their grandparents. And, when grandparents can accept differences in everything from what names they would choose for their grandchildren to their clothes, religion and the interests they are encouraged to follow, they will always be able to enjoy a loving lasting relationship that will be a joy for all the family.

Considering birthdays, Easter and a lot of Holy Communion celebrations, the coming months are certainly party season.

Party poppers

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Send out invitations early, with a final date for acceptances. And, as it is often easier for people to reply by phone or email than fill in the acceptance slip on the invitation, include a contact phone number and email address. Ask for information about allergies and food intolerances, and mention if the party has a theme.

Be careful of too much information on social media.

Someone is bound to feel left out.

Decide whether parents stay or collect their children at the end. It's best to base this decision on the age of the host and guests. If they are very young include a parent and have some special food and drink so you can all enjoy the party.

Be firm about whether siblings are included or not.

For parents who are leaving children, make the collecting time 15 minutes early. There are always some parents who leave it till the last minute.

Spare guests the perennial worry of present giving by announcing the party is a birthday celebration only; but there will be a 'piggy bank' on hand if guests would like to give up to five Euros, which the birthday boy or girl will be able to put towards a present or experience they can choose, especially, to mark the day.

Remember who the party is for, setting an unreachable president is not necessary for young children, who are more likely to be over whelmed than impressed. Older children can set their own agenda, within reason, and are quite capa-

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ble of understanding where the buck has to stop, on every level.

Have plenty of entertainment, games and prizes to hand and a treasure hunt always works, with age appropriate clues. Again older children can mostly choose and organise their own entertainment. It's up to you whether to leave them to it. But, perhaps, don't go too far away if you do.

Finally, if anyone has a tactic for dealing with a parent who attempts to include an uninvited child in a pre-catered event, or has the cheek to turn up at collecting time expecting a party bag for their child's sibling/s, please share it. Party hosts everywhere will be grateful.

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A sound foundation for OUR CHILDREN Treat a child as though he is already the person he is capable of becoming. – Haim G. Ginott ( a school teacher, child psychologist and psychotherapist and a parent educator.) t is often said that if you help a parent, you will have helped a child. The dependence of the child on the parent is natural. In turn, the parent has to provide the basic needs and nurture so vital for a child’s development.

In today’s society, where the occurence of both parents being in employment is the norm, the Foundation for Educational Services (FES) steps in to provide a supporting role in the care of children.

Since it was establishedin 2001, FES has had children’s care and development as a priority. Nowadays, the FES boasts a number of services that enable parents to continue in employment, with peace of mind as their children are safe and being looked after.

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The Childcare Service The Childcare Service provided by FES is available in 14 centres spread across Malta to enable wide accessibility.These centres, offeringcare to babies and toddlers aged between three months and three years, are part of the Free Childcare Scheme. All are licensed and monitored by the Department for Quality Services in Education (DQSE), within the Ministry for Education and Employment. They are also regulated according to the National Standards for Child Day Care Facilities, ensuring staff qualifications, group sizes, adult-to-child ratios and the

space required per child are all in order.

While childcare is not aimed at substituting the love and care within a family environment, one can’t overlook the benefits of a child attending such a service. A childcare facility within an educational setting helps to bolster cognitive skills (including literacy and numeracy) and non-cognitive skills and dispositions (such as emotional development and attitudes to learning). Of course, all this has to be supported right through the education system, but FES is there to help youngsters as they take their initial steps.

The Child-Led Approach The educational programme in the FES Childcare Centres contributes towards the holistic development of the child.

agility,creativity and teamworking. Skolasajf acts as a safe platform for children to exercise and improve their confidence and social skills.

The laudable and creative fund raising activities, the intiatives taken with local councils, and the showmanship exhibited in the end of summer Talent Show are all good testament to the blooming talents that embellish the overall service.

An Empowering Service

Children in this age group require a more intense and personal level of nurturing.

This is delivered by seeing the child as a person, with individual needs and interests that have to be addressed, to help them gain skills and develop fully. Their achievements are not gauged according to a standard checklist of a one size fits all approach, but according to an authentic assessment of their capabilities and individual accomplishments. Along this line of thought, childcare assistants focus on listening to the children and observing them while they are engaged in spontaneous activities, to be able to assess and support the children’s future learning.

This child-led approach is also extended into the Kingergarten years, beyond the age of three years. The continuous care provided by the educational system gives parents the reassurance that their children are being taken care of in a structured and organised

manner. The first hiccup comes during the holidays, but that hurdle is overcome by the FES services of Klabb 3-16 and Skolasajf. While the former provides a non-formal programme of activities during after-school hours, the latter is on a much larger scale during the summer months.

The Skolasajf Service The Skolasajf Service is an eight-week programme, offering non-formal educational activities to children between the ages of three and 16 years. The service is offered in nearly 60 primary schools around Malta and Gozo, including five Resource Centres. Parents have the option of using the service in whichever locality is most convenient for them.Children are placed in groups, to enjoy age-appropriate activities, and staff take on various roles. The Centre Co-ordinator, Playworkers and Child Suport staff work hand in hand for a complete synergy in transforming the centre into a hub of activity.

The Skolasajf programme is multi-pronged, presenting children with a variety of class-based activities, outings, and collaboration with partners. It also emphasises a healthy and active lifestyle.

These activities expose children to a number of nonformal learning opportunities, to empower them with certain life skills. Whether being engaged in discussions, games, projects, outings or concerts, the children are gaining applicable skills such as selfesteem, physical

Giving children the opportunity to be with their peers in a safe environment is one way of enabling children to grow and develop at their own pace. Children are children the world over, and the memories of childhood stay for the long haul. Allowing them to forge friendships and to acquire skills, from an early age, are ways of making children independent lifelong learners and succesful human beings in the fields their chosen paths lead them to.

General Information about Skolasajf 2019 This year Skolasajf will run between 15th July 2019 and 6th September 2019. Kinder children will start their Skolasajf experience on 16th July 2019. The service will run for eight weeks from Monday to Friday, from 08:30 till 12:30 hours. An extended service for working parents is also offered in selected centres, from 07:00 till 08:30 and 12:30 till 17:30 hours. Parents will be able to apply for the centre of their choice towards the end of March 2019.

Anyone interested in working for Skolasajf may apply via the FES Recruitment portal athttps://recruitment.fes.go v.mt/which lists all the available roles and corresponding job descriptions.

For additional information or assistance with applications, applicants are invited to send an email to hr.ses@gov.mt

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Nickelodeon

Treasure Hunt Malta

Families are in for a real treat when Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt Malta kicks off this Easter from 13th-17th April 2019.

A treasure hunt like no other, children and their families will get the chance to enjoy exclusive Nickelodeon experiences and rewards at select attractions around Malta! uring the Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt extravaganza, families will be able to spy SpongeBob SquarePants at Bikini Bottom (AKA the Malta National Aquarium), learn to duel with Nella the Princess Knight at Spazju Kreattiv, take selfies in the exclusive Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles AR photo booth and meet PAW Patrol at the Esplora Science Centre, as they embark on an adventurous treasure hunt across the Mediterranean island.

In addition to the character

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experiences at the selected attractions, a free live theatre show at Pjazza Teatru Rjal will launch the treasure hunt over the opening weekend, a multicharacter musical show for kids and families. A Nickelodeon Multi-Media Exhibition and Workshop Hub will be open throughout the week at Spazju Kreattiv, with the week’s activities rounding off with a carnival-style parade through Valletta Old Town.

Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi said that over the past year, the Ministry for Tourism along with the Malta Tourism

Authority have worked extensively on festival tourism and introduced a number of key events throughout the year. The Nickelodeon Treasure Hunt aims to attract the family tourism niche.

Activity packs distributed

via Malta Tourism Authority at all the venue locations and Air Malta flights, will give young visitors a chance to learn more about their favourite Nickelodeon characters and the island at the same time, whilst stamps collected at each attraction can be redeemed for

Nickelodeon prizes. You can also access our exclusive Augmented Reality map of the treasure hunt to follow our Nickelodeon characters and events around the island.

For more information visit http://malta.nickelodeon.tv/

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To tell the TRUTH Living as they are a world of truths, half truths and total fantasy how can we teach our children the value of honesty? hildren have wide imaginations and given that books, games, movies and their creative writing classes all encourage this, it‘s understandable that they are going to embroider actual facts to make them more amusing or interesting. Some reasons for this may be to get more attention, to see how far they can stretch a person’s credibility, or because they hope that in the telling they might make it true – wishful thinking.

A pre-schooler’s early proficiency in what we would call lying can be indications of a higher IQ and good social skills in the future. Young children use fantastic stories to process their ideas and experiences; listening to them and talking about them will be very helpful.

Similarly, if a sad or sinister tall story persists it may be a sign that a child is troubled or afraid of something and every effort must be made to subtly discover what that is.

Like it or not, children of all ages will manipulate the truth to their advantage or to avoid trouble for themselves. And

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this is where responsible parents and carers can instill a respect for the truth and examples of what can happen when lies are told. Since this age group is too young to understand why lying is wrong, when they clearly see it as advantageous to themselves, the best way of dealing with it is by example. A little one denying he has hurt the family pet, or taken a cake without asking, can be told he must always make sure the pet is happy and safe, or that the missing cake will mean someone will have to go without come tea time.

Punishing youngsters who fib to get out of trouble may not always work; it will encourage more lies to avoid your anger and further penalties. This is where explaining the effect lies can have on everyone concerned, and that they could put people in danger in some circumstances, is important.

Parents will be able to tell when their own children have reached the stage when they should take responsibility for telling the truth. And they can also be the best guide of when to explain when the truth can be cruel or frightening.

An amusing discussion about how not to tell a generous relative that you actually hate their gifts would be a way to introduce the concept of white lies.

And the skill of distracting a younger sibling who asks a question which has an answer he or she won’t want to hear, will be a life-long lesson for older children.

Some children will go on to use ‘white lies’ to avoid disappointing someone, or to cover for a BFF they promised to support. But wise parents can point out how these can have serious consequences, and encourage their children to always tell them if they are in such a position. Children will probably be glad not to have to shoulder the burden of another’s secret in such circumstances, or to feel they may be partly to blame themselves. This, and an adults’ approval of their trust, will be lessons enough that lies can have a way of getting too complicated, even if they were meant to help.

When a fib has been exposed parents should first try and find out why their child thought it necessary or advantageous to lie; their reasons may seem perfectly logical to them; to avoid trouble, to make something seem better than it is, to cover for a friend, or because they thought it was for the greater good.

Such tampering with the truth doesn’t always deserve punishment. But if it appears that they lied for personal gain,

or to get someone into trouble, or because they were told what to say by a friend or person they wanted to please, or, maybe, feared, then the matter really needs serious and careful handling. And, habitually telling lies is usually a sign of other problems.

We would always hope that as our children grow up, they will see for themselves that lying is wrong in so many ways. But, unfortunately there are too many high profile examples of liars doing very nicely thank you, for that to happen. The Church no longer has the influence it once had. Good old family values are often exposed as hypocritical family secrets. Peer pressure and strong family expectations may be in conflict in preteen and secondary school years.

In turn, it falls to parents to be totally honest and truthful with their children, according to their age and capacity for understanding the truth.

Mixed messages, such as some of the excuses children overhear us using, do not set a good example. There are plenty of examples in stories and movies – Pinocchio, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, the fable of the Tortoise and the Hare where the truth wins against all odds that are moving and appealing to children of every age. And when we, ourselves, can hardly see that the truth is really out there, these are a good place to start.

FREE GIFT BAGS for students who visit HERITAGE MALTA musems and sites in Rabat and Mdina during March his month, all primary and secondary level students have an extra incentive to visit Heritage Malta’s museums and sites which are located in Rabat and Mdina. While their Heritage Malta card will gain them and two adults free entry to the sites at these locations, they will also be rewarded with a free gift bag.

In Rabat, students can visit the Domvs Romana to get an idea about the private life and habits of ancient Roman aristocrats.

The surviving mosaic floors which adorn some of the rooms show how the affluent ancient Romans used to decorate their houses. Moreover, artefacts at the museum related to fashion, education, entertainment, food and drink shed light on the aspects of a Roman family.

A little distance away in Rabat, St Paul’s Catacombs take students on a different journey, in an

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Domvs Romana – Rabat

underground world where people used to bury their deceased loved ones in rock-cut tombs and chambers. Here, they can learn about the different burial traditions and customs and also about the various tomb styles which exist in this complex.

The National Museum of Natural History in Mdina has always been popular with students since here they can explore numerous exhibits that relate to local geology and palaeontology, human evolution, exotic mammals, marine

St Paul’s Catacombs – Rabat

fauna, insects, shells and birds.

Among the most intriguing curiosities, there is the largest squid that was captured in Maltese waters.

Students are reminded to take their Heritage Malta Passport with them during these visits in

order to have it stamped at each site. These stamps are collectibles and will lead to further special rewards.

More information is available on Heritage Malta’s website www.heritagemalta.org/passport

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A spoonful of MEDICINE When a child is coughing and crying at three am or the waiting list for a doctor's appointment is endless, is over the counter medicine the answer? ost parents keep a first aid box or medicine cupboard and a stock of standby remedies for childhood aches and pains is standard but it is important to include products that are designed specifically for babies and children, rather than half or diluted doses of adult medication.

Reading up on over the counter (OTC) medicines is helpful but, since children have varying degrees of tolerance to different medicines, it would be better to discuss everyday remedies during regular appointments with your doctor, or at a clinic where your children's notes and health history can be accessed.

A handy selection of treatments can be built up for the following symptoms and conditions. But these should only be given as a stop gap, and a visit to a doctor made as soon as possible if the condition does not improve almost immediately.

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Pain and Fever Pain and fever reducers are possibly the most used OTCs. These all include children's versions and your pharmacist should be able to recommend which ones are best suited to certain symptoms.

Useful as they are, aspirin should never be given to children or teens as it can be linked to Reye's Syndrome, a rare but serious condition that causes swelling in the liver and brain. Although aspirin is sometimes approved for children over three, should never be given to children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms. Medicines like the original Pepto Bismol and Kaopectate, which may contain bismuth subsalicylate, should not be administered to children and young teens either.

Colds and Coughs There are is large variety of cough and cold medicines for children, but they are not suitable for infants under

the age of two. Many manufacturers have even gone as far as stopping marketing them for children under four.

For Babies There are so few products are approved for babies and younger infants, so it is vital that to use only those only use those, and preferably with the knowledge and advice of a pediatrician. The more commonly used of these OTC medicines include those for wind, teething problems, vitamin supplements, creams and nappy rash ointment, and sprays or ointments to counteract itching and insect bites and stings and mild sun burn.

Other OTC medicines such as wart removal treatments, cream for fungal infections or ringworm, mild laxatives and pro-biotics are available in plenty. Simply choose a • To be on the safe side, here are some medications you strictly avoid.

• Anything described as low-dose or baby aspirin.

• Homeopathic teething tablets and gels some of which contain belladonna in amounts far higher than claimed on the label, can pose a serious risk to babies and toddlers.

• Benzocaine gels and liquids, when used for mouth and gum pain can lead to a rare but serious, and sometimes fatal, condition called methemoglobinemia, in which the amount of oxygen carried in the blood stream is greatly reduced. Children under two are particularly at risk.

• Non-fluoride infant tooth & gum cleanser; a smear

name you trust or consult the pharmacist. Although, as stomach ache can appear many reasons, some psychological, it is best to consult a doctor before resorting to an OTC.

Allergies These should never be underestimated; and it is important to have them clearly diagnosed before any OTC is used. Always know exactly what is in all syrups, tablets and nasal sprays, to avoid aggravating the symptoms or bringing on others.

And, while on the subject of allergies, remember some children may have or develop an allergy to an ingredient in a medicine; and this should always be born in mind when buying any OTC for children or adults alike. of fluoride toothpaste is recommended to brush an infant's teeth, especially in areas where fluoride is not added to the water supply.

• Ipecac syrup, once a parent's standby to induce vomiting if a child had ingested something poisonous, is no longer recommended. In fact it is highly dangerous and often caused more problems than it cured. Keep poisonous substances locked away instead.

In short it is best to avoid giving any OTC to a child under six, unless on the advice of a physician who knows the child; or to a child with a high temperature, fever or having a febrile fit or convulsion. This is where you call a doctor.

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