It's all about children

children

It’s all about

The Malta Independent on Sunday NOVEMBER 2017

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Who needs a NANNY? Originally hired to look after the children of royalty, the aristocracy and wealthy social climbers, nannies, by today’s standards, are often seen as a luxury. others who never considered going out to work, and chose to pass their time enjoying fashionable philanthropic activities and amusing entertainment, contrived to keep their children out of sight, for all but a very few hours a day. The little dears were confined to their rooms or left to their own devices, with suitable friends and in the care of their nanny and the staff.

When the children were old enough to go away to school, nanny either left or stayed on and cared for younger children, an elderly member of the family, or even the family pets, between doing pieces of sewing and household mending.

Nannies would also look after more than one generation of children and were mostly heavily depended on and much loved. It was not unusual for a family to provide for their nanny long after her retirement. But those days are long gone.

Here we are today with so many working mothers, who are more than entitled to want someone to completely take over once in a while, and children now at the centre of the family with wants and needs and lives that are every bit as demanding as their beloved parents’.

It is time for the nanny to make a comeback and not just in the homes of privileged few. Their necessity as a carer for babies and young children is as important as ever but the goalposts are shifting. It is increasingly clear that for as long as school hours and working hours remain at complete odds, someone will always be needed to fill the gap in care for older children.

And the millennium version of Mary Poppins needs some very different magic for her charges today; not least that she may be employed full time,

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part time or flexi time and might, in fact, not be a she at all. You would be surprised how many male nannies there are around these days. Children are involved in so many activities outside the home that chauffeuring is likely to be a main task, and animal care, since the time saved by her, or his, presence means a long-wanted dog can join that family. Then there is help with homework, cooking, mustering school clothes and kits and covering her charges’ social events when the parents are too busy, or can’t face them.

This is why so many parents are considering a nanny today. Full time working mothers find there is someone to do the home ground work; someone who removes the need to juggle child carers and cleaners, last-minute taxis, favours from friends or endless anxious texts and is always on hand in an emergency.

Nannies do not always live in but usually spend more time in your home than a baby sitter or home help. They quickly become trusted and loved by

the children they look after, who are the reason they are there. New mothers and those returning to work are the most likely to hire a nanny. But an increasing number of parents are considering one for their older children, even up to secondary school level.

If you think about it this makes perfect sense. Older children need someone to ‘be there’ as much as little ones.

Teenagers may be disgusted at the idea, claiming they’re not babies and can look after themselves! Perish the thought they should lose the extra independence they have waited so long for.

But there’s another side to the coin.

Generations ago this age group was either out earning their keep, or away at school. At home they were taught by tutors, usually the boys, and governesses for the girls, who also accompanied them outside ‘school hours’. As the children reached late teens, companions were hired or recruited from other members of the family. This meant that however the youngsters’

parents were occupied, there was always an adult nearby when they needed one.

Today, many parents breathe a sigh of relief when their children are ‘old enough to look after themselves’. But at a time when so much of teens’ lives is spent on social media and they are facing a lot of pressures and changes, even if they would never admit it, nannies would be worth their weight in gold for them too.

Even parents who work from home, or have the support of grandparents, know how worrying it must be to leave young teens alone at home for hours on end. And constantly travelling to and fro, from whoever they are staying with, when they could be unwinding in their own homes can be tiring and disrupting for children however fond family members are of each other.

For parents the peace of mind in knowing where their children are, and with whom, and that in the case of an emergency or accident, someone capable of coping is with them is vital. Part time nannies who are flexible – do breakfast, see everyone to school and are there on their return, join in sports practice, drive children to and from extra-curricular activities and fill in during school holidays – are very much in demand.

And far from feeling that having a nanny is babyish, teens are now appreciating the advantages of having someone, who may actually feel like a friendly aunt or reliable mate, always there to help with school stuff, meals, moral support, or just safe company.

Finally, with everyone constantly singing the praises of quality time, it cannot be underestimated how much peace of mind and time saved is provided by nannies for children of all ages, making such valuable family time all the more happy and carefree.

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SCREENING screen time It’s hard for anyone who grew up with books, TV, telephones and letter writing to quite understand the hold social media has on children and teenagers. assie is 13. She carries her phone everywhere she goes, checks it at least every eight minutes and readily admits she would be truly lost without it. Her sister, only slightly younger, is both mildly amused and maturely shocked at this ‘dependence’. She still has more to enjoy than life through a screen can provide.

Digital media plays a far greater part in children’s lives than it did when their parents were the same age. They have known nothing else. Remember the excitement when Polaroid cameras were reissued a little while back, and an actual hard copy of what would otherwise be just a fleeting instagram or selfie appeared. Suddenly everyone wanted a camera that made ‘take away’ pictures!

But study after study is telling us how dangerous social media is for younger people. Two main areas of concern are privacy issues and exposure and the complete lack of real face to face personal encounters and experiences that do not immediately have to be shared and subjected to endless comments – many of which might be negative and

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even spiteful.

It seems as if when tweens and older age groups spend time together their company alone is not enough. They are all tapping away at their screens as if these were the only source of information and opinions and the only way to validate their own lives.

Research warnings, and their own personal experience if they are honest, prove that time on line can lead to actual social isolation and an inability to concentrate on tasks for as long as they need; not to mention and exposure to porn, distressing images and subjects, and bullying at unprecedented levels.

Yet, FOMO, fear of missing out, is quite simply calling all the shots.

So, while parents are also embracing all the digital delights from making bookings and shopping to Googling whatever takes their fancy and regularly updating their feeds or using social media for work, how are they ever to ration the time their children spend on line?

Our own use of devices makes it harder for us to police our children and follow the experts’ sometimes draconian and unrealistic advice. Suggestions

from all quarters that screen time is limited to 30 minutes a day is met by derisive laughter from most parents, especially if their children are researching homework online. And good luck with trying to ban Smartphones, when all their friends are ‘chatting’ away like parrots and your child is the one left out.

So, deciding on a maximum number of hours per day or week for using tablets for play is essential. And, if extra time can be bought by good school results, or behaviour above and beyond the call of duty, and spare hours carried forward, this will be seen as negotiating, not an outright ban on ‘enough time’ – whatever that is.

No screens at bedtime or during meals, as long as there are no exceptions, can eventually work. And, if you are brave enough to face the fallout, go for no screens in cafes or cars. As long as there are enough other things to occupy or entertain them, children might actually discover that being in the moment and relating to the environment and surrounding company is really fun.

If we are honest, the lure of screen

gadgets is often a very strong one. Children have grown up with them as almost a fifth limb, and that is because they are too available and too easily provide instant distraction and the peace and quiet parents crave now and then. And yet, those who remember a childhood before tablets admit that they don’t want their children to miss the joys they had.

The way technology has infiltrated childhood does have its disadvantages and the way to balance the pros and cons is by giving a good example. Engaging more with children one-to-one and creating as many activities as possible where the screen would actually be an unwelcome distraction is the way to go.

Children whose parents both work, whose studies take up so much time, who are more or less housebound on dark winter days, and who subsequently resort to artificial relationships and entertainment will eventually welcome such initiatives. And who knows, the screen may end up being cast aside more than it is picked up, one of these days.

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The danger of NIGHT CALLS Discussing mobile phones at bed time is an issue that needs more than just pillow talk. arents and guardians have the difficult task of persuading their children that what, to them, are totally exaggerated theories on future eye and mental health problems are worth taking seriously. How can anyone, especially a teen or even pre-teen sleep well if they are so desperate not to miss a tweet that they must have their phones close by their bed all night?

Credible experts in physical and mental health areas are seriously concerned about the effects of having to be constantly ‘in touch’ on children of school age. That these children are made to feel either disconnected or inferior if they are not almost permenately on the alert for the next communication is sad. It is also damaging their wellbeing.

At least one in 10 teens is woken most nights by their phone. They in turn must be chatting or sending messages.

One in five teens and young adults is disturbed by mobiles several times a night. And the constant hold that social media has, especially on girls, is taking a heavy toll.

Banning teenagers from hav-

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ing mobiles in their bedrooms is hardly possible and very unlikely to cure their craving. The ideal would be a casual discussion about the concerns they raise while respecting, if not understanding, the owner’s perceived need to access their phone 24/7, in order to keep things in proportion.

They probably already know of the mixed messages about the safety of WiFi and radio waves and their links to certain cancers and other illnesses, but since not enough has been proved one way or the other, they are unlikely to be convinced by that argument. What has been proved is that we should not use electronic devices for least an hour before bed because exposure to artificial and blue light at night slows the release of the hormone melatonin, which encourages sleep and really has an almost caffeine-like effect. Not something you need when there is a busy day of studying, sport or even shopping ahead.

Another point is what exactly is behind their attachment to the apparent demands of their phones. Is it a substitute for genuine one on one friendships? Do they feel so insecure

and eager to prove themselves that almost every waking moment has to be shared and instagramed? Do they really not feel pressurised and exhausted by trying to keep up with it all?

And if so what are they happy and willing to do to stop the not-very-merry go round?

There is plenty. They can: Accept the need for eight

hours sleep a night. What happens during those hours can be discovered in the morning, when they will be all the more refreshed to face the day and all it will include.

Recognise the potential social disaster of being woken from a deep sleep by a message and drowsily replying by hitting any old key resulting in possi-

bly saying something they don’t mean; or worse still accidently sending a selfie while looking less than their usual stylish selves.

Decide whether their phone is a source of comfort or consolation when they feel worried or stressed, or if constantly checking it is just a habit; then find more meaningful ways of staying connected.

Believe that their parents are willing to help with any underlying fears and problems and not blame the phone itself for the way it is used.

Soon after they persuade themselves to cut continuous connection they will be looking for alternatives. Parental suggestions will be immensely helpful. Even if they are rubbished at first, do not give up.

You may even be thanked.

We live in a world where mobiles are an essential vital part of life. Some people may still find that sad, but it may not always be this way. Hopefully the joy of real human contact and live company and entertainment will eventually demote the mobile from its current status as life support machine to that of a useful tool, and we can all sleep better.

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Keeping them CLOSE News that carers in some day nurseries have introduced ‘baby wearing’ has highlighted a method of child rearing known as attachment parenting. n increasing number of parents are adopting this way of bonding with their children, from newborn to at least toddler age.

In practice it differs little from the age-old tradition, still found in several cultures, of keeping little children literally bound to their mothers or care givers throughout the day. A sling enables a mother to carry her baby almost continuously and the baby eats, often on demand, sleeps and enjoys an almost uninterrupted communication while its mother carries on with other activities.

Both provide each other with a sense of security and safety.

This is the natural example of a theory developed in the late 1960s by psychiatrist and psychologist John Bowlby, which maintains that a baby instinctively gravitates to a secure figure, who constantly provides sensitive responses to its needs. Babies then learn to trust and share affection, and thrive through such a connection in early in life.

The benefits of this security apparently result in babies who cry less, enjoy their mother’s company more and grow up happier, healthier and more likely to relate to and empathise with those around them. Their mothers are extra sensitive and responsive to their babies’ needs and, far from raising little wimps, encourage children to explore the world confidently knowing they can always depend on their mothers.

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It’s easy to see how such a parenting method would appeal to a new, keen, and perhaps anxious mother, because the urge to never let her child out of her sight is a massive one; and attachment parenting embraces: Keeping a child physically close through cuddling and cradling, or carrying it around in a sling or baby backpack.

Immediately responding to crying or signs of discomfort before the baby gets too distressed.

Feeding babies and toddlers when they decide they are ready, not at certain times.

Sleeping together not just in a cot in the parents‘ room as many babies do, but actually in bed with them. Safety precautions or not, this is stretching it a bit, even for the most ardent advocate of attachment parenting.

In fact, it is hard to imagine anyone getting a proper night’s sleep in such circumstances.

Responding to a child‘s crying immediately by cuddling and touching before it becomes too distressed.

Research has not proved how much is exactly the right amount of responsiveness and sensitivity to combine with attachment parenting, however this will surely become evident through the baby and its parents‘ own reactions and experiences. It certainly takes exceptional parental effort and selflessness.

But the line between such parenting

and the child becoming a clinging, demanding little brat is a fine one and parents need to remember their own needs and avoid becoming either slaves or martyrs.

Common sense should rule. Working mothers with a job that allows babies to be worn and offers open feeding facilities are in a lucky minority. Others have to adapt or find child care that compliments their methods.

Attachment parenting is a parenting style. It has obvious appeal but it may not suit everyone. Many parents consider a baby sleeping in their bed is plain dangerous, or will lead to problems when the time comes for a child to graduate to his or her own bed. There

What is a cough?

A s the season changes and colder weather sets in, certain illnesses start spreading throughout schools and workplaces. The common cold and cough are the most frequent symptoms encountered by most. But, what is a cough?

A cough is a natural reflex that protects your lungs. It

helps clear your airways of lung irritants, such as smoke and mucus, as well as infection.

Prolonged coughing can cause unpleasant side effects, such as chest pain, exhaustion, lightheadedness and loss of bladder control. Coughing can also interfere with sleep, socialising and work.

Coughing occurs when the nerve endings in your airways

become irritated. The airways are tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs. Certain substances (such as smoke and pollen), medical conditions and medicines can irritate these nerve endings.

There are three types of cough: 1. Acute (less than 3 weeks): Common causes are common cold, or other respiratory

will always be those who think demand feeding might lead to dietary problems in later life. Some mothers may feel over-stressed, tied almost 24/7 to a tiny baby. Siblings could become jealous and resent the fact that their brother or sister seems to be getting more attention than they are.

As tiny babies, children need love, food and a sense of communication. It will be the same for the rest of their lives. And whether they are actually tied to you in the early months, or not, there are plenty of ways they can enjoy all three. As they grow up, knowing they have parents who will always have their backs a secure attachment will still form; and that is what is important.

tract infections such as the flu, pneumonia and whooping cough.

2. Subacute (3 to 8 weeks): This type of cough remains even after a cold or other respiratory infections are over.

3. Chronic (more than 8 weeks): common causes of a chronic cough are upper airway cough syndrome, asthma and gastroesophageal reflux dis-

ease.

The treatment depends on the type of cough. Abrolin syrup is a cough preparation containing Ambroxol, which is a mucolytic agent and is used to relieve productive cough. The onset of action occurs after about 30 minutes. The breakdown of the sputum makes it thinner and less viscous and therefore more easily removed by coughing.

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Choosing the TOP TOYS emember seeing toys, games, and beautiful books that you just longed for and being told to wait till Christmas and see what mummy or daddy or Santa brings? Well, this year the choice is enormous and, although it’s still only November, we thought it would be a really a good idea to give you a head start with the present shopping.

But one thing to bear in mind is that there is more at stake than what the young recipient would like; beginning with what influences our choices.

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Whether we would admit it or not, nostalgia has a huge influence on what catches our eye as we enter a toy shop.

In we go with an endless mental list of everything the children have said they would like; in fact it’s a relief to have a clear picture of what you are looking for.

But then something that triggers a glow of recognition catches the eye – the 2017 equivalent of a childhood treasure and you are hooked. The next hour or more flashes by as we tour the toy departments, steeped in Christmas nostalgia, reviving joyful memories from our childhood and totally forgetting what we should be buying.

And when faced with so many themed toys, educational toys, reality toys, creative toys and cuddly toys crowding out the toyshops and retail centres, it’s hard to know where to begin. First remember why a toy attracts you. Is it because it is perfect for a certain individual with simple but strong ideas about what he or she likes or is it something you would like them to have because it is educational, or like one you had? Practically all toys can help a child learn something new. They don’t have to scream ‘learning aid’ to earn a place under the tree.

For children, learning how to have and share fun is important, so just remember what would make them happy and you will be giving them one of their best pres-

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For the children in your life, and the child in you, it’s never too early to start thinking of Christmas toys.

Cozmo the Toy Robot by Anki Meet the cute and super-cool toy robot who will soon become your child’s new best friend.

The more they hang out together, the more he will learn. Soon he will know their name and recognise them. In fact, there‘s a whole lot he can do; he even has ‘feelings’ and he’s great fun for children and young teens.

ents of the year. You can always nip back to the toy shop for the one you want later.

And before the final choice is made here are a few tips.

You want to stay on good terms with the child’s parents? Check with them before buying anything that needs assem-

Ollie the Owl cot toy is just made for the tiniest person on your list, Ollie the Owl has a built in cry sensor, four comforting sounds to lull children to sleep and a softly glowing nightlight.

This is a toy to grow up with for sure.

The cutest toy is the fingerlings interactive monkey, in brown, turquoise, blue, pink, purple and white. It latches onto a finger and responds to motion, touch and sound by moving its head, blinking and speaking monkey talk. It can also hang upside down and if you blow it a kiss and it will kiss you back. Swing it, pet it or rock it to sleep, it responds with over 40 animations. By the way, there is a fingerling unicorn too.

bling, or feeding, or makes a loud noise.

Is the toy age appropriate? Are the parents into gender neutral toys? They have become a bit of an issue and as children are growing up in a world of role reversals their access to toys should reflect this.

Is the toy safe? You don’t want any

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Djeco Topanifarm Cubes for Infants are a clever new take on stacking cubes. Each beautifully-designed box is home to an animal so the joy is not only building them up and knocking them down, but also putting each animal in its own place and playing with the boxes individually.

Harry Potter Hogswart Battle is a game for all Potter fans that can be played without a screen! Choose which character you want to be to defend the wizarding world from all evil forces. Your aim is to have the best time gaining influence, mastering the most powerful spells, discovering magical items, recruiting allies and more!

Little Live Pets Pleas for a puppy for Christmas should only be granted if the pup is Tiara, who arrives complete with an adoption certificate and a feeding bottle Totally interactive, she moves and feels just like a real puppy, even breathing and snoring and is utterly adorable.

child adding to the Christmas statistics of children ending up in A & E, as a result of your gift. The international CE toy safety mark should be on all packaging and labeling; the product should be made of non-toxic, inflammable materials, all parts and fittings must be as indestructible as possible and all items must include full instructions where necessary. Soft toys have to be washable, and there should be clear information about any items that could be a danger to young children or need the supervision of an adult to assemble and use.

Other than that, providing the toy is also age appropriate and has been mentioned on a wish list sometime in the past six months you are making a good choice.

Finally, we could not help including a small selection of the very latest toys which are bound to be on this year’s most wanted list.

The latest Sky Viper V2400 HD Streaming Drone With FPV Headset The latest model delivers a hobbylevel performance at a great value. It is easy to fly with unique, new Viper Flight Firmware and Auto Pilot features. With a touch of a button it performs a load of exciting functions and stunts and is easy to master for those new to drones.

Moana’s Magical Seashell Necklace Fans of Disney’s magical heroine, Moana will be delighted to be given her iconic blue shell necklace, which magically lights up when opened to reveal a soft green glow. It also lights up when closed with the push of a button. Batteries are supplied and it is suitable for three-year-olds plus.

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Why is sleep so important for child how can we be sure they get enou

From birth to adulthood sleep is vital. And, just as they can learn from an early age what is good for them to eat and why, they will appreciate what plenty of sleep means for their growth and welfare if the facts explained in a way they can understand.

irstly, sleep helps them grow. The release of growth hormones is connected to sleep. By getting enough sleep our bodies are guaranteed to produce the amount of hormones and chemicals to make sure they grow well and stay strong.

Good health is directly connected to the amount of sleep a child has. Not getting enough can damage the immune system and plenty of sleep seems to boost the immune system. The comparison may be odious but when researchers deprived rats of their sleep their white blood cells dropped 20 percent.

Mental health is influenced by sleep too. Everyone knows that a tired child or teenager is someone you want to avoid.

Too little sleep makes it difficult to manage emotions and quickly turns even the most delightful young person into an irritable horror.

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Also, the sorting and storing of experiences and information that seems to go on in our brains during sleep is possibly one of the brain's main functions during sleep. We only have to remember how disorganised and confused we feel when we are over tired, to know that is a fact.

Research has also picked up a possible link between continuous sleep problems and in childhood and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression later in life. Studies have shown that children with aggressive tendencies or who bully others are often not getting enough sleep. There is also a link between sleeplessness weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems.

The right amount of sleep gives children a step up in class too. Being tired means it's more difficult to understand what they are being taught, and to remember what they have

learned when necessary; vital basic skills for success in school The verdict is still out on how sleep and energy are related, but it seems pretty obvious that when they don’t get enough sleep they are not very energetic. This is a real disadvantage if they take part in sports and other lively after school activities that need a sustainable supply of energy.

The recommended time for children to sleep is nine to 12 hours a night but not all children have a specific sleep pattern. If they are born early risers putting them to bed later will not help them sleep till later. And a child who goes to bed earlier will not actually fall asleep till they are ready. Most children develop a pattern of their own and a routine can be built around this.

But bedtime battles with children who have trouble getting to sleep are exhausting for everyone and not confined to one age group. Anything

from wanting one more story, to hanging on for one more message will give children the urge to stay awake as long as possible.

Creating the best environment for sleep should begin from night one. Babies and young children will settle down as long as they are warm, fed, feel secure and are not over excited.

All of the above applies to school age children too, plus the assurance that the latest scary person or object they have discovered is not hiding anywhere near, and that everything is ready for whatever important school or fun event has been planned for the next day. A regular routine, devoid of too much excitement will set the right atmosphere.

But a mere half an hour of screen time before bed can be stimulating enough upset sleep hormones and keep your child awake an extra couple of hours.

Ditto for all older children and teens, but their concerns

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are more likely to keep them awake. Parents may be sharing some of their worries too, but establishing the habit of clearing the air if there have been any arguments, promising to discuss deep concerns in the morning, or producing a hot drink and some biscuits and having a chat before bed are all ways of providing the sort of support that should stop them tossing and turning all night or, worse still, spending half the night online absorbing goodness knows what horrors.

There are hundreds of ways a bedroom, which also doubles as a playroom, den or study can be transformed into a sanctuary of calm when it's time to sleep; clever use of decorations and lighting being the most obvious. These need not cost a fortune and if whoever will be sleeping in the room has the most say in the furnishings it will feel all the more calm and welcoming when it's time to settle down for a good night's sleep.

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Time for PLAY From casual meet ups for a few hours, or a day of making their own entertainment with friends, even children’s play time has become something to be scheduled into their day. n a world now seen as too full of traffic, strangers and any number of unseen dangers the idea that a few generations ago children could take themselves off on foot or their bikes to the countyside, yes we had plenty of it then, or the beach, is unimaginable.

Local cinemas, easily reached by children, had special showings of films which they could enjoy on their own.

There were sports clubs and societies they could join and most mothers stayed at home or within their neighbourhood keeping the youngest entertained. But there was nothing like the activities and media entertainment that we have today.

Children simply occupied themselves most of the time.

How different it is now. Families with both parents working have to compartmentalise their time. There is an almost unspoken need to know exactly where our children are at any given

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moment and health and safety concerns seem to be far greater than in previous generations. Play time for children now, even those of late junior school age, is largely structured. Casually wandering round to play at friend’s house and staying on for lunch or tea hardly happens anymore. Playing with friends, at home or away is now by appointment.

The play date is now a calendar event; planned to the last detail regarding time, date, length and locality, to fit in neatly with school, doctrina, homework, private lessons and extra-curricular activities.

Once all the parents concerned have agreed the logistics the event takes on almost the same importance as a birthday party. Play date ideas and etiquette suggestions are all over the internet with headings about numbers, activities, refreshments and information on how to handle badly behaved children and parents who don’t pull

their weight that would be perfectly fitting for a daycare centre or nursery school, let alone your own living room.

We already have a growing number of play areas, those attached to a factory, certain hotels and restaurants and farthinking children’s clothes shops. But playmate cafes, are also springing up, meaning mothers can get out of the house and meet for coffee and snacks in a child-friendly environment. This is a really good idea and may well develop into specially themed cafes and those serving healthy and alternative food and drinks to very deserving clients.

Hosting play dates can be loads of fun and you will want your children to get invitations, but a gathering of friends and children away from home leaves everyone free of the catering and clearing up issues.

Meanwhile, for anyone organised enough to subscribe to a playmate group the following points may be helpful, whether your children are hosts or guests.

Babies and young toddlers do not really play together and are more likely to stick close to their parents so having quite a few at once is easy. When children are older it gets more demanding as they become more interactive and establish pecking orders and their parents will be leaving them alone.

Don’t be persuaded to take more children than you can comfortably handle, always include children who already know each other as well as newcomers.

Filter out the parents who do not collect on time, introduce gatecrashers or decide on your behalf that it’s time all the little guests were exposed to chickenpox before big school.

Always have a contact number for

emergencies. And be very firm about drop off and pick up times. There may be the odd occasion when a parent is genuinely delayed collecting a child but steer clear of those who make a habit of it.

Keep refreshments simple and easy to eat and drink, you are not there to provide gourmet menus. And if parents offer to bring snacks for a child with special dietary issues, by all means accept gratefully.

Two or three children will probably be happy playing with your children’s toys; favourite treasures can be hidden away for the duration if your child is nervous about sharing them. But for any more you could organise modeling, painting, team or musical games, scrapbook making or even hunting round the room for certain items and sitting down, once they have spotted them all, till everyone is ready.

Finally, if you have strong views about your children’s screen time, let other parents know. Young children can only benefit from being in screen free zones.

And many parents now want to keep them out of sight and mind as much as possible, having seen the way even very young children are becoming so obsessed with them.

Be prepared to referee squabbles but leave discipline to a child’s parents. If you issue invitations for each playmate you host rather than belong to a rota of hosts, you can simply leave a regularly disruptive child off the guest list.

When your child is the guest it’s simple. Don’t send a child who is unwell.

Offer to bring some refreshments. Leave when your child is happy for you to go and collect on time. Remember, children with good manners are always welcome; and you will naturally want yours to receive plenty of repeat invitations.

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Horizons is a leading publishing house, and this year is proud to present 5 MAGICAL BOOKS to its young readers.

L-Ingwanti Maġici is the very first book written by Anabelle Azzopardi. Beautifully illustrated by Jose Luis Ocana, the story is about a little girl, Lizzie, who loved collecting the many pairs of gloves that her grandmother used to make for her. Join Lizzie and her gloves in a world full of magical and endless adventures which will take you on a rollercoaster ride with all its ups and downs.

Like most children’s stories, Emma begins like this …. ‘Once upon a time there was a fouryear-old girl called Emma’….

Emma was a boisterous and happy girl who preferred watching television rather than going to sleep in the evening. It would be nine o’clock and Emma would still be watching television! At last her mother finds a way of convincing Emma when it is time for bed, thanks to the moon. Emma loved nature, and every day spent time looking at and talking to the flowers in her little garden at home. And once the flowers spoke back to her…

This is the second book by Victor Fenech which forms part of a series of young children’s books by Horizons. His first book was Luke u r-Rigal ta’ Santa Klaws.

Paddington Treats from M&S PADD ING Advent C TON alen €4.95 10 dar 0g

This festive season, M&S has teamed up with a treasured British icon to create a truly special Christmas.

Paddington is the star of Marks & Spencer’s campaign this year and to celebrate a selection of irresistible Paddington goodies will be available. #LoveTheBear Visit our Marks and Spencer stores in Valletta, Sliema, Tigne, Bay Street and Daniels for more cute Paddington themed Christmas treats.

Il-Ħajjat tal-istejjer is written by seasoned authoress Rita Saliba. In the realm of Mulberry trees, Benjaminu, a tailor used to mesmerize everyone with his narratives. With every piece of fabric, he came across, a beautiful story would unfold and clothes would be sewn, inspired by this magic …. Rita Saliba is the author of three other books in the series Il-Ktieb Dejjem Ħabib a series of young children’s books by Horizons. Her other books are Il-Buffu l-Mistħi, The Scarecrow Who Wanted to Fly and Weraq tal-Fidda.

Blanzuni Mbexxqa is a diverse book which gives children the opportunity to encounter different characters such as Alexia, engrossed in a conversation with a sparrow; Michael, overpowered by a bad experience, Danica, who brought up a stray kitten and others. Ġorġ Borg is a known poet and author of several children’s books. Blanzuni Mbexxqa is his first book in a series of young children’s books

by Horizons. Naomi Gatt is the illustrator.

FIRETECH for peace of mind As parents, we do our utmost to ensure the safe guarding of our family, always. We go to great lengths to ensure that their needs are seen to and their safety is always a top priority. Equipping our home with basic fire-fighting equipment such as a fire extinguisher and teaching our children basic fire fighting skills, like how to use it, can be life-altering. We should never underestimate the quick reaction time of our children and how less likely they are to panic than their adult counterparts, in case of emergency.

There are many ways in which our home can be safer. Be it by equipping the premises with a CCTV system to be able to keep an eye on our loved ones when travelling or installing an intercom to see who is at the door before opening; many small installations can make a big difference. Having a safe installed to stow away your valuables and an intruder alarm to alert you in case of unwanted visitors, these are just a few of the options that can offer you that sense of security. A sufficient amount of money is spent on making a home look beautiful and feel welcoming, it is time we invested a bit more in making our homes safer… because peace of mind is priceless. Danjela Bianchi

And finally, for the readers that fell in love with our Patatinu, comes the sequel Patatinu ilħmar ta’ qalbu tajba, by Maria Ferriggi. Patatinu’s adventures continue on Ġianni’s farm. What does Leda want from Patatinu?

And for whom is the new female donkey? What happens when Patatinu meets his new neighbours? Who is Adalja? And why is Pizu on Ġianni’s farm? And how will Ġakki manage to get Patatinu, Dolly and Karrottinu out of a fix? Do all these stories have a happy ending? This and much more can be found in this second book of Patatinu.

Rock the Holidays!

Book your Event at HARD ROCK CAFE MALTA Hard Rock Cafe, Malta, is the ideal venue for the holiday season. Adorned with rock memorabilia from Queen, Michael Jackson, Elton John and Madonna, our two outlets are crazy-packed venues ready to rock your world. World-famous, delicious American food is served as a delicacy, paired with a refreshing cocktail, topped off with an amplified service from our staff that will make you feel the vibe like a VIP. Hard Rock offers the option of Set Menus, Finger Food, and Open Bar options. Whether it’s a sit downdinner or a stand-up reception, they can do it for you. So, to have a party so good that everyone will strive for an encore, it is suggested that you contact sales@hardrockcafe.com.mt, or 21380983.

Associate yourself with a legendary brand. Crank up your holiday event at the Hard Rock. It’s a one-ofa-kind party venue where you can throw down like rock stars.

Hard Rock Cafe Malta is part of the reputable brand of over 180 cafes, over 20 hotels and over 10 casinos around the world. Our locations include Waterfront and Bay Street (and Airport) in Malta, together with locations in Paris, Barcelona, London, Dubai, Tokyo and New York.

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Gzira Local Council invites all children in Malta . & Gozo to come to Gzira on Sunday the 19th of November and celebrate the rights of the child Universal Children’s Day was established by the United Nations on the 14th December 1954, the General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world. The 20th November was chosen for this purpose.

The Gżira Local Council takes the rights and welfare of the child very seriously. It marks this very special day by organising an annual celebration. As has become customary Gżira Mayor, Mr. Conrad Borg Manché, on behalf of the locality’s councillors has issued an open invitation to all the children in Malta & Gozo, to come to Gżira to celebrate this great day.

This year the Gżira Council has joined forces with St Clare College and the Ministries of Education & Employment and European affairs & Equality,

the performance, there will be two short plays one performed by the pupils of St Clare College and the other by Grandparents Malta, there will also be dancing and a magician. This will be followed by another show under the large Gazebo outside the hall. There will also be a free Fun-Park consisting of trampolines, trains, bouncy castles, merry go-rounds and more. H.E. The President, Marie Louise Colerio Preca is expected to visit the event.

The first 300 children to arrive for the 9am show will receive a free gift pack containing toys & snacks. Around 850 bags of free popcorn will be distributed throughout the day and all the fun park rides are free. There is also a freeparking, entrance either from Turu Colombo Square or Triq il-Madonna tal- Ġebla. in a unique partnership aimed at highlighting the rights of the child on a national level.

The event is also supported by Nanniet Malta Foundation.

This year the event will be celebrate in the Gżira Locality by two events. On the 15 of

November Gżira will be hosting the first ever ‘National Youth Conference on Integration’. The Hon Minister Dr. Helena Dalli and the Hon Minister Mr Evarist Bartolo will be addressing the gathering.

Then on the 19th of November, Gżira will be hosting the largest children’s party for Universal Children’s Day, in Malta. The program will start at 9am by a live show on stage, with Ivan Plumpton Ensemble opening

Venue: St Clare College Time: 9am to 4pm Terms and Conditions - All gifts are distributed until stocks last – Free Parking is on a first come first served bases – All children must be accompanied by an adult.

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