Toddle About MK & Bucks April - June 2019

Loving life with little ones

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April - June 2019

ATTACHMENT PARENTING t ig t ot be w at you t i k it is

EASTER FUN ays ut u cti ities

SPECIAL OFFERS iscou ts wort

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presents

LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR A LIFETIME OF LEARNING

Based in Gerrards Cross, at Thorpe Explorers’ Nursery we believe we offer something other nurseries cannot; 07.30 - 18.00 pre-school provision with a strong academic foundation.

To discover more about our nursery with its ‘‘school ready’ sessions and the next step, our vibrant reception class, bring your Explorer to our next open morning on

Wednesday 12th June, 10.00 – 11.30 Book your place online at thorpehouse.co.uk

#ThorpeExplorers Oval Way, Gerrards Cross, Bucks, SL9 8QA. Call the school on 01753 882474 The

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WELCOME

IN THIS ISSUE

TO THE SPRING EDITION 2019!

What's New?

The days are getting longer and warmer... which is handy, because there's so much going on for little ones in Buckinghamshire! It's good to have a bit more daylight to squeeze everything in - here's how to find out what's on: Get all the latest baby and toddler news and events in the What's New? section on pages 4-5, and make sure you get the lowdown on some fun Easter Days Out on page 9. Finally, head over to the Daily Activity Planner from page 29 for all the upcoming groups and classes near you to plan your regular, weekly activities.

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SIGN UP TODAY AT WWW.TODDLE.CLUB/VIP Subscribe before 30th June and you will be entered to win an amazing prize - the Carapace i-Size collection, worth over £249! The latest addition to the award-winning Oyster range from BabyStyle, the prize includes the Carapace Toddler i-Size Car Seat and the Duofix i-Size Base, which together offer comfort and safety up to around four years of age.

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TH WOR R E V O £249

OWNERS/EDITORS Call us on 01908 596050 or email: info@toddleabout.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM

Easter Days Out

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Easter Activities

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Father’s Day Competition 14 Win a Quinny Yezz!

Toddle Models

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Controversy Corner

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Special Offers

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New Baby at Home

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How to do STEM at Home 28 Daily Activity Planner 29-45 Directory

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Just So Festival

If you like what you read in Toddle About, then make sure you get a copy when it's hot off the press each issue by subscribing - it's just £1 every 3 months and you also get extra VIP member benefits such as monthly prize draw entries, freebies and exclusive discounts.

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Is Your Child an Orchid or a Dandelion?

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14,000 copies of Toddle About are distributed every quarter all over Buckinghamshire, including Milton Keynes, Buckingham, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Amersham, Marlow and surrounding areas.

W hilst every ef f ort ha s b een ma d e to ensure the inf orma tion in T od d le A b out is a ccura te a nd correct, we ca nnot g ua ra ntee tha t this is so a nd T od d le A b out L imited ca nnot a nd d oes not a ccept a ny lia b ility f or loss, d a ma g e or prob lems a rising f rom a ny errors, omissions or ina ccura cies in content, nor f rom a ctions ta k en b y rea d ers b a sed on inf orma tion or opinions presented in a d vertisements or throug hout the ma g a z ine. I ma g es a nd inf orma tion supplied b y 3rd pa rties ha ve b een a ccepted in g ood f a ith a nd a ll lia b ility f or a ny leg a l tra nsg ression includ ing b rea ch of copyrig ht rema ins with the supplying pa rties.

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April-June 2019 Toddle About Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire 3

Wh at ‘s N ew ?

WHAT’S NEW FOR BUMPS, BABIES & TODDLERS IN THE MILTON KEYNES & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AREA. Milton Keynes

Splash About with Swimkidz for Less

Swimming is a great way to get children active while having fun and socialising.

Swimkidz are offering a 10% discount for new swimmers on their baby, toddler and children’s lessons. The lessons are held at Freedom Leisure, Milton Keynes, on Monday afternoons and Tuesday mornings. They’re suitable for babi es from three months up to children of four year s of age. To book your child onto a class and claim your discount, email goggles@swimkidz. co.uk or call 07544 555028 and quote discount code TODDLE10%. For more information, visit www.swimkidz.co.uk. P.33

Free Kid’s Meal at Mini Monsters

Based in Central Milton Keynes, Mini Monsters Soft Play Café is the ideal day out - your children can have an absolute blast on the play equipment which is perfect for 0-5s, while you sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of fresh, local coffee with your friends. Entry covers the whole day, so it’s a great place to get lunch too, especially as Toddle About readers can get a free Kid’s Meal (see page 8). Find out more at www.minimonsters.cafe. P.8

Aylesbury Vale

1940s Weekend at Quainton

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is hosting an exciting new event on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June from 10:30am-5pm. The centre, in e to a 1940s Quainton, near Aylesbury, will be hom be home will e Ther . time weekend set in the warles, live 1940s vehic ge vinta ents, actm re-en d guar train rides! entertainment and exciting steam rs, £10 for Tickets are £14 for adults, £13 for senio ts ticke ly Fami 5s. r unde for free children and on, visit (2a+4c) are £42.50. For more informati www.bucksrailcentre.org or email office@bucksrailcentre.org. P.38

Bop Along with Tot Bop

Tot Bop is now at three venues in Aylesbury.

Whether your nearest venue is Fairford Leys Church Hall (Tuesday mornings), Quarrendon & Meadowcroft Community Centre (Tuesday afternoons) or Waddesdon Village Hall (Friday mornings), your little one will love to come along and move to the music! Each dance class has been designed with child development in mind and underpins the EYFS framework. Classes are suitable for children aged 1-7 years. To book a class or a 1-week or 3-week trial, visit www.totbop.co.uk. P.15

Playgroup Beachborough Toddlers and Tiddlers’ to join Beachborough School for

invited You and your little one are warmly and Tiddlers. They organise fun and lers Todd – roup playg their half termly y, giving you a relaxed opportunity enjo to exciting activities for your child Toddlers and Tiddlers is free and open to chat with friends over a cup of tea. to 11am on Thursdays 16th May 10am are s date to all families - upcoming act Julie Wing-Smith on cont se and 20th June. For further details plea .com. P.11 ough hbor beac trar@ regis il ema or 01280 700071

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Aylesbury & South Bucks

Encourage Your Little One’s Natural Curiosity

Grow by Action for Children are bringing their unique experiences to Marlow, Aylesbury and High Wycombe.

Each fun experience is designed to nurture your baby or toddler’s wellbeing as well as your own. The experiences are hosted by qualified Early Years leaders who can help you navigate your way through the early stages of parenthood and offer information, help or support on all aspects of child development. For more information, visit www.grow.org.uk or email growbucks@actionforchildren.org.uk. P.15

Baby Massage and Yoga Classes

Seeds of Love runs baby massage and yoga classes in Hazlemere, South Bucks.

Massage and yoga sessions are fun, and the classes allow parent and baby to have ly classes are some important bonding time. Week beginners, for age mass baby in ing runn ntly curre baby and mum and ners retur baby massage for s, including yoga. There are also monthly workshop re, toddler/ dads’ baby massage, newborn nurtu . Taster pre-schooler yoga and breastfeeding mation, visit infor more For able. avail are ons sessi il ema or .uk www.seedsoflove.co contact@seedsoflove.co.uk. P.44

All Areas

Food Supplements for Mums and Babies With many of us increasingly aware of how important it is to eat healthy, nutritious food and get our recommended daily quota of vitamins and minerals, supplements can be a great option.

Mama's Select is one of the fastest growing food supplement and health companies for mums and babies in the UK. They specialise in high-quality, natural vitamin and supplement formulas to help with breastfeeding, pregnancy and early childhood development. For more information, visit www.mamasselect.co.uk. P.20

Wycombe, Chiltern & South Bucks

In The Night Garden Stage Show

Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and friends are coming to High Wycombe for two days only in their brand-new show!

You’ll see all your ght to life favourite characters beautifully brou ets and with full-size costumes, magical pupp before now book it, miss t Don’ ic. mus enchanting the at is Live en it’s too late! In the Night Gard June.

Wycombe Swan Sat 22nd - Sun 23rd P.13 e.com enliv tgard Book now at www.nigh

Seriously FUN Swimming at Thorpe House School

In January, Thorpe House School and Seriously FUN Swimming Schools launched Thorpe House School’s newly covered indoor swimming pool, with Olympic swimmer Adrian Moorhouse MBE hosting the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The pool will be used by school pupils and to train the elite school swimming team. Meanwhile, Seriously FUN Swimming Schools will offer weekly term-time and school holiday lessons at the pool for children aged three to 12 years. For more information, visit www.seriouslyfun.net. P.2

Calling all ‘CotsWild Explorers’

The Cotswold Wildlife Park’s new ‘CotsWild Explorer’ activity trail launches in April for children aged 6-11 years old. The Egg themed trail pack (available from the gift shop) comes with a pop badge, lanyard and a pencil, to Penguin for £2.50 per pack with 10% going at the als arriv new are e Ther tion. conserva nbills in their Park too - including a flock of Spoo y, some tiny refurbished ‘European wetland’ aviar ile House Rept the in es Turtl Yellow Striped Box -through and a Cassowary (pictured) in the walk e in hom a have now s dillo Arma The lake area. of type a s, ndua Tama the Walled Garden, with Cotswold The g. sprin the in ing arriv ater, Ante 10am.

Wildlife Park is open every day from www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk P.8

April-June 2019 Toddle About Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire 5

Have you ever asked yourself why some children’s lives are filled with satisfaction and happiness whilst others experience frustration and despair? Or why some children succeed and others struggle?

IS YOUR CHILD AN ORCHID OR A DANDELION? Following twenty-five years of revolutionary research, Dr Tom Boyce, one of the world’s foremost doctors in paediatric health reveals in his new book that children are either orchids or they’re dandelions. Some children (like orchids) are more sensitive and susceptible to their surroundings, while others (like dandelions) are more likely to be hardy and resilient, able to thrive easily regardless of the conditions around them.

If you answer yes to more than half of the statements then it’s likely that your child is an orchid child. Here are three ways that you can help your child to flourish: Learn when to push, and not push your child. Every child needs encouragement and to be challenged in order to develop but for orchid children this is a fine and delicate line to tread. Find the balance between measured protection and emboldened exposure.

Dr Boyce suggests that by better understanding more sensitive children and the adults they become, parents have the potential to make a positive lasting difference on their lives.

Create a space in which your child is encouraged to express thoughts and feelings. This could be ensuring that each child has equal opportunity to speak at the dinner table by passing around a ‘talking stick’ or similar. This physical object gives each family member a guarantee that their thoughts and opinions will be heard and empowers the orchid child to speak and express, as well as fostering an environment where orchids and dandelions alike are sensitive to these feelings.

If you are wondering whether your child might be an orchid, take a look at these statements to see which resonate: Your child finds it difficult to handle simple critique and disapproval, but generally responds positively to gentle correction Your child seems to think of unusual solutions to problems that their siblings or peers would probably not have devised

Sensitive, susceptible children have more powerful, influential responses to both negative, stressful circumstances and to positive, caring and supportive conditions.

Therefore, while all children need attention, orchid children will benefit more from parental time than their dandelion counterparts.

Your child can have a physical pain-like reaction to non-physical activity, such as social conflict resulting in stomach ache Your child feels things very strongly and is quick to display emotion Your child is affected by changes in the physical environment, e.g. lighting, sound, temperature

For further detail on these and more suggestions, read Dr Tom Boyce’s book, The Orchid and the Dandelion (Bluebird, £16.99). It is a profound and optimistic look at how we can better understand more sensitive children and how we can make a positive, lasting difference on their lives.

6 April-June 2019 Toddle About

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Loving life with little ones

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Loving life with little ones

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April - June 2019

t ig t ot be w at you t i k it is

EASTER FUN ays ut u cti ities

SPECIAL OFFERS iscou ts wort

E eryt i g u p aby

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ou o eri g ilto ey es ucki g a ylesbury ig yco be ri ces isboroug ers a arlow a surrou i g area

WIN

ay a ily oli oli ay at a a e to ark wort up £500

2019 AND YOU JOIN BEFORE 30TH JUNE CARAPACE COULD WIN A OYSTER AT AND DUOFIX TODDLER I-SIZE CAR SE ER £249.

I-SIZE BASE, WORTH OV K WW W.BABYST YLE.CO.U awar wi i g e is t e latest a itio to t e arapace i i e collectio recli e i bot rearwar aby tyle. e seat ca be ea rest a yster ra ge ro ess ar easy eatures orwar aci g positio s a a e ery car our ey. c il is sa e a secure o a ust e t e suri g your

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

recipe for the Perfect Day Out Step 1. Combine a cafe with fab play equipment.

Step 2. Add fresh coffee and yummy cakes.

Step 3. Relax with friends while the children play!

FREE KID’S MEAL

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.

with this advert*

To find out more:

Mini Monsters Cafe, 12 Garrick Walk, 12th Street, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3PT.

Enter your postcode at www.babysensory.com C las s e sat :Locations all over the Milton Keynes and Bucks area. Find your nearest class and get started with us.

01908 083 093 www.minimonsters.cafe MiniMonstersSoftPlayCafe

www.babysensory.com

* T & C ’ s: O f f er is f or one k id ’ s hot mea l. B ring this a d vert with you a nd g ive to ca shier.

O nly a pplica b le with f ull price entry f ee - ca nnot b e used a long sid e monthly pa sses. 1 voucher per child per d a y. C a nnot b e used with a ny other of f er. Expires: 30 /0 6 /2 0 19 .

We’ve done the research; so you can enjoy the fun...

BS_A6_Advert_Image-1_Postcode_Update_1.indd 1

19/01/2015 17:42

CotsWild

Explo reTrrasi l Activity

ril 1st-30th Ap

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EASTER Events & Days Out

MAKE THE MOST OF THE EASTER HOLIDAYS WITH THESE GREAT DAYS OUT & EVENTS

SHAKE OFF THOSE WINTRY BLUES AND ENJOY THE SPRING SUNSHINE WITH THESE FUN ACTIVITIES!

CHILTERN OPEN AIR MUSEUM

EASTER FUN ACTIVITIES

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

CADBURY EASTER EGG TRAIL

Fri 19th - Mon 22nd April, 10am - 5pm Join Chiltern Open Air Museum for their Easter Lambing event and meet the new spring Oxford Down lambs born in the traditional lambing fold. Take part in Easter trails, crafts and activities, and explore their 30 historic buildings.

Fri 19th, Sat 20th, Sun 21st & Mon 22nd April, 10.30am - 5pm Come for steam train rides with Thomas the Tank Engine, meet the Fat Controller, ride the miniature railway, watch the model trains, visit the Railway Museum, have your faces painted, all included, plus lots more!

Mon 8th - Mon 22nd April, 10am - 4pm Take on the Cadbury Easter Egg Trail and find out what treats the wildlife are hoping for on our nature adventure. Complete the trail and receive a chocolate prize. Suitable for little ones and older explorers.

Cost: See website for details.

Cost: see website for details.

Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, HP8 4AB www.coam.org.uk

Station Road, Quainton, Nr Aylesbury, HP22 4BY www.bucksrailcentre.org BucksRailCentre

ChilternOpenAirMuseum

EGG-CELLENT EASTER EGG HUNT

EASTER GLIS GLIS TRAIL

MILTON KEYNES CITY DISCOVERY CENTRE Sun 14th April, 1 - 3pm Come on an egg-cellent Easter egg hunt around the beautiful grounds of Bradwell Abbey. Find all of the clues to receive your prize. Keep everyone entertained with cut and colour activities based in the medieval Cruck Barn.

Cost: £1.50 entry.

Bradwell Abbey, Alston Drive, Milton Keynes MK13 9AP Tel: 01908 227229 www.mkcdc.org.uk

MKCityDiscovery

HUGHENDEN NATIONAL TRUST

Cost: £3 per child, plus normal admission.

Hughenden, High Wycombe, HP14 4LA. Tel: 01494 755 573 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hughenden

hughendenmanor

EASTER EGG HUNT

AMERSHAM MUSEUM

WYCOMBE MUSEUM

Sat 6th - Tues 23rd April

Fri 5th - Tues 23rd April, 10am - 4.30pm

12noon - 4.30pm

Search the museum and garden in the Easter Egg Hunt! Complete your sheet to claim your sweet prize. With indoor and outdoor hunts, they’ve got you covered whatever the weather.

(during normal opening times: Wednesday – Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday),

Search the museum with the Easter trail to find the glis-glis.

Complete the trail and win an Amersham-themed colouring book to take home.

Cost: £1 per person, plus normal admission.

49 High Street, Amersham, HP7 0DP. Tel: 01494 723700 www.amershammuseum.org AmershamMuseum

Cost: £2.50 per child. No need to book.

Pick up your trail at reception.

Priory Avenue, High Wycombe, HP13 6PX. Tel: 01494 957210 www.wycombemuseum.org.uk WycombeMuseum

Details are correct at time of printing but may change.

About Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire 9 Please check with the event hostApril-June for prices,2019 timesToddle & dates.

MINI BUNNY QUICHES No.1 parenting author and leading children’s cookery expert Annabel Karmel shares her top recipes for budding chefs.

Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Makes: 6 quiches

Ingredients: • 8 mini tortilla wraps • Olive oil • 2 onions, chopped • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped • 2 eggs

• 150ml double cream • 150ml milk • 120g Gruyere cheese, grated To Decorate: • Carrots, chives, spring onions

1. Preheat the oven to 180C Fan. Grease 6 size 1 ramekins with oil. Trim the tortilla wraps to 14cm diameter circles. Line the ramekins with the wraps, pushing them into the bases and up the sides.

2. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a saucepan. Cook the onions for 10 minutes until soft. Spoon into the ramekins.

Sprinkle with the thyme. Season. Divide the Gruyere between the cases. Mix the eggs, cream and milk together in a bowl to make the custard then pour it on top. Bake for 20 minutes.

Written by

ANNABEL KARMEL

3. Cut out the bunny ears from the remaining 2 wraps. Brush the ears with oil and place on a baking sheet. Bake alongside the ramekins for 8 minutes until golden.

4. When the custard is set, remove from the oven and inset the ears into the quiche. Decorate with carrot for the bunnies’ nose, chives for whiskers and spring onions for the eyes.

Do you have a fussy eater? Check out Annabel’s brand new batch of fussy eating recipes now available on her Baby & Toddler Recipe App. Get the app or update your app and access this special bundle for just £1.99. Visit www.annabelkarmel.com for more information.

EASTER CHICK & BUNNY CONES

Easter egg hunts are super fun for little ones, but rather than buying a basket for them to collect their goodies in, why not get crafty and make an Easter Cone with them?

These cute Easter Bunny and Chick Cones are easy peasy to make and are ideal for collecting hidden Easter treats and eggs from around the house and garden.

Alternatively, you could use them as party bags, or add a hole in each side and hang them up as a hiding place for Easter eggs!

How to Assemble 1. Download a printable PDF and print your Easter characters on thin card or paper: www.toddle.club/eastercones 2. Cut carefully around the edge then fold and score the tab.

3. Fold and stick the tab to the opposite side to form a cone. You can use sticky tape to do this so it is ready to decorate immediately.

4. Let your little ones loose with some pens, coloured stickers, felt shapes and pipe cleaners to make the faces of your chick and bunny and make them unique.

5. The cones are now ready to be filled with little treats from the Easter egg hunt!

Party Pieces is the UK’s leading supplier of party accessories for all ages, owned by Carole Middleton; the number one expert in party organising. Party Pieces aim to bring you every magical item you will ever need for any celebration.

Shop online at www.partypieces.co.uk or call 01635 201 844. And for more inspiration visit blog.partypieces.co.uk!

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Fo

ne n. k!

Beachborough Independent Prep School for Ages 2½ to 13

Feeling Adventurous?

Come and explore at our next

Open Morning

Friday 10th May | 9:30am-12 midday Westbury, Brackley, NN13 5LB | www.beachborough.com registrar@beachborough.com 01280 700071

Beachborough Awarded ‘EXCELLENT IN ALL AREAS’ Inspection Report 2018

Follow our adventures

/Beachboroughsch April-June 2019 Toddle About Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire 11

Shop t u o Ab

5 UNIQUE AND FUN PRODUCTS CHECK THE CENTRE PAGES FOR ANY SPECIAL OFFERS ON THESE PRODUCTS.

OYSTER CARAPACE I-SIZE COLLECTION - £249 The latest addition to the award-winning Oyster range from BabyStyle, the Collection includes the Carapace Toddler i-Size Car Seat and the Duofix i-Size Base, which together offer comfort and safety up to around four years of age. The seat can be reclined in both rearward and forward facing positions and features easy harness and headrest adjustments, ensuring your child is safe and secure. www.babystyle.co.uk

BABOCUSH NEWBORN CUSHION - £139 The Babocush is an award-winning baby comfort cushion designed as an alternative to the classic tummy time session. The cushion provides a soft surface for your baby to strengthen their tummy, back and neck muscles.

The soothing vibrations and heartbeat sounds keep baby relaxed and engaged, and the position they lie in helps fight colic, reflux and flat head syndrome. www.babocush.com

NAILMATIC KIDS NAIL VARNISH - £6.99 Nailmatic Kids is a nail varnish that has been formulated especially for children. Not only are these fun, colourful polishes completely chemical free, without phthalates, formaldehyde or fragrance, but they magically disappear with warm soapy water so there is no need for nail varnish remover! www.1two.co.uk

MAMA’S SELECT SHATAVARI - £15.90 £5 OFF

WITH CODE

TODDLE5

The Ayurvedic herb Shatavari has been used by generations of women to increase breast milk production and Mama’s Select Shatavari brings you this herb as a capsule supplement which could help you to produce more breast milk for your baby. www.MamasSelect.co.uk

THE FREYA APP - £2.99 New from The Positive Birth Company, this is the world’s first hypnobirthingfriendly surge (contraction) timer and virtual birth partner. The app supports and coaches throughout labour and birth using key hypnobirthing techniques such as simple breathing techniques, positive affirmations, gentle music and calming visualisations. The ‘surge timer’ tracks progress, letting expectant mothers know when labour is established.

Download from iTunes 12 April-June 2019 Toddle About

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Pony Parties Loving life with little ones

WE COME TO YOU! Unicorns, Superheroes, Princesses or Pirates - you name it, we can do it.

Parties include pony grooming, dressing, rides and games.

SUBSCRIBE FOR JUST £1

Call Sharon on 07780 707206 www.ollie-and-friends.co.uk

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Toddle About is the #1 parenting magazine in Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire.

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Win

W

F AT H E R ’ S D A Y C O M P E T I T I O N

A FAMILY TICKET TO

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE worth up to £52

To celebrate Father’s Day, we are giving away a family ticket (for 2 adults and 2 children) to Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.

With plenty to see and do, the railway centre makes for a great day out!

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre occupies an extensive site in rolling Buckinghamshire countryside.

Exhibits range from large express passenger locomotives to the humble shunting engine together with a host of smaller items recreating the golden age of steam. Come for steam train rides, take a trip on the ride-on miniature railway, watch the model trains, visit the Railway Museum and have fun sorting the mail at the Travelling Post Office.

The winning tickets can be used for any event, including: Day Out With Thomas, Teddy’s Train Ride, PAW Patrol & Peppa Pig character days, plus Steam Galas, rallies and lots more, until the centre closes on 03.11.2019.

Enter Online www.toddle.club/bucksrailcentre Competition ends midnight Sun 16th June 2019.

For more information visit: bucksrailcentre.org

T er m s an d C on d ition s ap p ly, vis it bit.ly/ tacom p etition s f or f ur th er d etails .

P a rties from £ 10 per ch il d

Welcome to Rugrats & Halfpints!

Com e a l ong a nd j oin in th e fun!

Ch eck out our M em b er sh ip from £ 90 a y ea r

W hether you are looking to j ust come and play, book a party, or j oin one of our dance classes, we look f orward to welcoming you here at R ug rats and H alf pints. Providing sensory and sof t play in B anbury f rom birth!

B aby A rea

The Main F rame

The C af e

Party F acilities

Trampolines

wwww.rugratsandhalfpints.com 14 April-June 2019 Toddle About

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A QUINNY Win YEZZ STROLLER

IMAGINE A BUGGY SO LIGHT IT CAN ALMOST FLY! The Yezz comes close. The feather light buggy – only 5.5 kg – features a lightweight frame with shoulder strap and folds to a compact size.

It is a breeze to carry and having both hands free is perfect for parents who live in the city and love to travel, as many airlines allow the Yezz as carry-on luggage. Just fold the Yezz into a tiny package and you are ready for take-off.

Enter your name into our free prize draw to win a Quinny Yezz (Neon Frost) worth £175 at www.toddle.club/winayezz Competition ends midnight Sun 2nd June 2019.

WORT £175!H

KEY YEZZ FACTS & FEATURES: Suitable from 6 months to 15 kg (approx. 3.5 years).

Extremely compact, lightweight, manoeuvrable and light to push.

2019 colours: Neon Frost, Bold Blue, Grey Road and Bold Berry.

Purchase online: www.quinny.com

ENTER ONLINE NOW AT www.toddle.club/winayezz

April-June 2019 Toddle About Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire 15

2 MONTHS TO 2 ½ YEARS

Saturday 11th May - 10am-11:30am Thursday 16th May - 10am-11:30am

16 April-June 2019 Toddle About

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01/03/2019 12:48

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Winner

Winner

Baby and Toddler Photo Competition Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered the Spring Toddle Models competition.

We hope you enjoy looking through the entries as much as we have. Congratulations go to Bryony Hartnell Murphy who won ÂŁ400 to spend at Forest Holidays. www.forestholidays.co.uk

Bryony Hartnell Mu rphy, 4yrs 10mths

Unfortunately, we're unable to print all the entries, below is a selection of some of the fab entries.

Abigail Poole, 2 years 2 months

Herbie Murray, 5 years 4 months

Alexander Dexter-Hicks, 5 months

Cecelia Jackson, 22 months

Edward Barter, 3 years

Evelyn Amelia Brittin, 2 years 4 months

Henry Thomas Edward McCann, 17 months

Alfie Collins, 2 years 5 months

Noah Siequien, 2 years 8 months

Albert Cojocaru, 2 months 1 week

Hollie Whitby, 4 years

Isabella Mae Kostecki, 3 years 9 months

Liliana Anna, 2 years 5 months

Esme Cabral, 4 years

Aria Butler, 2 years

Amelia Wallace, 2 years 7 months

Amelia-Rose Bates, 2.5 years

Lyla Hilton, 1 year 11 months

Gillen, 3 years

Kalla Meyer, 18 months

January - March 2019 Toddle About Northamptonshire171 April-June 2019 Toddle About Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire

Toddle Models Entries continued...

Theodore Henry Oscar Ridley, 2 years

Nancy Healey, 11 months

Mya Stevens, 1 year 4 months

Olivia Hanna Purzycka Garcia, 3 years 7 months

Theo, 2 years 2 months

Logan Tristan Prior-Smith, 8 months

Rahmah Bint Bhuyian, 4 years

Tammi Barker, 5 months

Millie Prokopchuk, 3 years

Meredith Steptoe, 2 years

Jai Hundal, 3 years 1 month

Harrison Gordge, 4 years 6 months

Thomas Parej, 2 years 8 months

Noah Hughes, 3 years 4 months

Rohaan Umar, 2 years 10 months

Holistic Sleep Coach

Family Sleep Consultant

A Family Centred Approach

Musical Minis is a pre-school fun time music group for babies and toddlers. Each structered session encourages cognitive, physical and emotional development through the use of music, intruments and stories.

♥ Gentle and supportive methods

♥ Bespoke routines

♥ No “cry it out”

♥ 1 to 1 support

♥ Evidence based information

♥ Attachment focused

♥ A multi dimensional approach

Accredited Sleep Coach and Maternity Nurse

Classes in Stony Stratford, Loughton Lodge, Buckingham, Winslow & Tingewick.

Book your little one’s Birthday Party with us!

For more information contact Sophie Cadigan sophie@musicalminis.co.uk Tel: 07792 497950

Please call Diane 07807 006 167 www.familysleepconsultant.co.uk Email infofamilysleep@gmail.com

www.musicalminis.co.uk 2 January - March Toddle About 18 April-June 20192019 Toddle About

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infofamilysleep

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Competition

PHOTO COMPETITION

WORTH UP TO

£500

Win a Family Holiday at a Haven Holiday Park PRIZE: A family holiday to any one of Haven’s 37 coastal holiday parks located in the UK, worth up to £500.

Enjoy a 3 night weekend or 4 night midweek break to be taken before 30 October 2020 (exc. school holidays and bank holiday weekends). Winner will stay in Prestige self-catering caravan accommodation sleeping up to 6 people.

TO ENTER: Send us a recent picture of your little one enjoying some spring time fun, such as sliding down a slide, dancing in the rain or just chilling on the grass- all count!

Submit your photo by Sunday 9th June 2019.

Haven’s 37 award-winning family holiday parks are dotted around the beautiful Great British coast throughout England, Scotland and Wales. In 2019, they are launching brand new Play Villages at Craig Tara and Hopton that are perfect for under 5s to let their imaginations run wild, while also expanding their Totally Tots offering. They are located next to some of Britain’s most beautiful beaches making them the perfect holiday base.

www.toddle.club/todmodels TO BOOK CALL 0333 202 5250 or visit www.haven.co.uk

April-June 2019 Toddle About Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire 19

JUST SO FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES BIGGEST EVER PROGRAMME FOR ITS 10TH YEAR Now in its 10th year, Just So is an annual, weekend-long festival for children and families, offering astonishing arts, unique experiences and imaginative outdoor adventures like no other. The festival offers families the opportunity to step out of their day to day lives into a wonderland of world-class literature, arts, theatre, dance, music, comedy and creative pursuits.

Just So will have several exciting new areas for 2019. Be dazzled by the Fire Garden, a pyrotechnic marvel of light and heat, or delve into the Garden of Delight, a mysterious palace of secrets in a section of the Rode Hall Estate that has never been open to the festival audience before. The woods will be home to author talks, music workshops and night-time DJ sets in Wonderland, and the New Curiosity Shop will teach about art, animation, digital and journalism skills.

This three-day event in Cheshire boasts a wide variety of inspiring talent and family-friendly entertainment including magical storytellers, family comedians and musicians. Festival goers will love exploring the themed areas, including Roll Up, Roll Up, the circus-themed tent celebrating female circus acts; the Flamingo Lounge, encouraging dance and movement; the Ministry of Games, Games hosting party games and inspiring powers of dexterity and strategy; the Spellbound Forest and much more.

There will also be new locations for some favourite areas. Footlights, where you can dance like wild things to live bands, will move to the lakeside. So now you can watch the sun set over the water as you show off your best moves.

Whether you’ve been to Just So Festival before or not, 2019 is sure to be the biggest and best year yet! Take your family on a weekend to remember in the midst of this stunning four-acre woodland in Cheshire.

Estate, Cheshire

JUST SO FESTIVAL - 16th/17th/18th August 2019, Rode Hall www.justsofestival.org.uk For more information and tickets, visit

20 April-June 2019 Toddle About

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Controversy Corner

ATTACHMENT PARENTING:

IT MIGHT NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK IT IS Attachment Parenting is enveloped in confusion and opinion. It is often perceived as a fringe or extreme approach to parenting, though parents who practise it are simply following their instincts for attunement with their child. You may be practising it yourself without even realising it.

A Brief History Attachment Parenting International (API) was founded 25 years ago by Barbara Nicholson and Lysa Parker, in Nashville, Tennessee. They were mothers and teachers who noticed a growing need among students for greater family security and caregiver availability. They founded API to bring information and support to parents through a centralised collection of resources.

Today, the Attachment Parenting movement is well-established. Most parents recognise the power of touch, positive discipline and other Attachment Parenting practices. However, the essence of Attachment Parenting has been muddled. It is often confused with other parenting styles, such as permissive parenting (placing very few rules, expectations or demands on the child), helicopter parenting (like helicopters, parents ‘hover overhead’ to oversee every aspect of their child’s life) and natural parenting (based on a desire to live and parent responsively and consciously). API approaches parenting in ways that can be adapted by any parent with the goal and desire of helping children reach their fullest individual potential.

So What IS Attachment Parenting?

Attachment Parenting is an application of sensitive responsive parenting. Attachment Parenting is based in the practice of nurturing parenting methods that create strong emotional bonds, also known as secure attachment, between children and their parent(s).

Attachment quality is correlated with lifelong effects and often has a much more significant impact than people first assume. A person with a secure attachment is generally able to respond to stress

in healthy ways and establish more meaningful and close relationships. A person with an insecure attachment style may be more susceptible to stress and less healthy relationships. Insecurely attached individuals are at greater risk of mental health concerns, such as anxiety.

How parents develop a secure attachment in their child lies in the parent’s ability to fulfill that child’s need for trust, empathy and affection by providing consistent, loving, responsive care. By demonstrating healthy, positive relationship skills, the parent provides emotional scaffolding for the child to learn essential self-regulatory skills.

API’s Eight Principles of Parenting “API’s Eight Principles of Parenting” are designed to give parents tools to apply the concept behind Attachment Parenting. These tools guide parents as they incorporate fostering attachment into their parenting styles:

1 Prepare for pregnancy, childbirth and parenting It is important that parents do research into pregnancy care, childbirth choices and parenting styles. Childbirth without intervention shows the best start to the parent-infant bond. However, there are ways to modify the initial bonding experience for mothers who encounter complications.

2 Feed with love and respect

Research shows unequivocal evidence for breastfeeding for infants along with gentle weaning into nutritious food choices. The physiology of breastfeeding promotes a high degree of maternal responsiveness. In cases where breastfeeding is not possible, bottle-nursing (attentive bottle-feeding) should emulate the closeness of breastfeeding.

April-June 2019 Toddle About Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire 21

3 Respond with sensitivity

This is viewed by many parents as the cornerstone to Attachment Parenting. It encompasses a timely response by a nurturing caregiver. Baby-training systems, such as ‘cry it out,’ are inconsistent with this principle. The foundation of responding with sensitivity in the early years prepares parents for parenting in the long-term by modelling respectfulness and kindness.

4 Provide nurturing touch

Parents who ‘wear’ their babies in a sling or body wrap are applying this principle. If your child doesn’t like going in a sling, other forms of nurturing touch can be achieved through massage, hugs, hand-holding and cuddling.

Every parent can incorporate attachment-minded techniques into their childrearing philosophy.

Moreover, whilst the basis of Attachment Theory is rooted in studies involving infants and toddlers, research in adult relationships is increasingly showing that attachment quality is an important feature of development and the effects persist over a lifetime. Children of all ages and developmental stages can benefit from parenting that takes attachment into account.

Attachment Parenting may be different, but not necessarily difficult Most parents who incorporate attachment-orientation into their parenting style comment that Attachment Parenting makes their lives smoother. It requires more time and energy than other parenting approaches during the infant stage, or the initial period of time if this approach is introduced to an older child, but it results in an easier relationship long-term because the parent and child are cooperating rather than engaging in power struggles. Even with infants, many families report more sleep and less crying – without sacrificing a parent’s sense of satisfaction – with breastfeeding, baby-wearing and co-sleeping.

5 Ensure safe sleep

Many parents share a bedroom with their young children. Those who exclusively breastfeed and who take necessary safety precautions may prefer to share their bed. However, this principle can be just as easily applied to crib-sleeping situations. The point is that parents should remain responsive to their children during sleep.

6 Use consistent and loving care

Secure attachment depends on continuity of care by a single, primary caregiver. Ideally, this is the parent.

However, if both parents work outside the home, this principle can be applied by ensuring that the child is being cared for by one long-term childcare provider who is responsive and empathic.

When it comes to a parent’s happiness, the role that parenting plays is a matter of subjectivity as well.

Attachment-minded parents are happy to give their children more attention than not.

7 Practice positive discipline

There has been a strong push against physical punishment in recent years, but research shows that all forms of punishment, including punitive timeouts, can be ineffective and harmful to psychological and emotional development. Parents are encouraged to teach by example and use non-punitive discipline techniques such as substitution, distraction, problem-solving and playful parenting. Rules should be implemented only to teach and guide the child as they develop their sense of moral responsibility.

8 Strive for personal and family balance

Attachment Parenting is a family-centred approach in that all members of the family have equal value.

Parents need balance between their parenting role and their personal life in order to continue exerting the energy and motivation needed to maintain a healthy relationship and to model healthy lifestyles for their children.

There is no single way within the eight principles to apply the attachment concept. Parents are advised to use what works, meaning that not every attachmentminded family must choose all of the parenting practices within a certain principle. For example, some families may prefer homebirths and midwives while others opt for birthing centres or hospitals. In the same way, most families strive to breastfeed, but there are fortunately alternatives when this cannot happen.

At its core, what differentiates Attachment Parenting from other childrearing approaches is understanding and intentionally applying evidenced-informed practices that support healthy secure attachment. API believes by helping parents shift to being close and responsive, we can raise secure, joyful and empathic children, strengthening families to create a more compassionate world.

So perhaps it’s not such an extreme approach after all.

This article was written by Attachment Parenting International. To find out more about Attachment Parenting, visit www.attachmentparenting.org The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Toddle About.

22 April-June 2019 Toddle About

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April-June 2019 Toddle About Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire 23

SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHERS

USE THE VOUCHERS BELOW TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT WE LOVE A BARGAIN!

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24 April-June 2019 Toddle About

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April-June 2019 Toddle About MK & Buckinghamshire 25

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD ADJUST TO THE A R R I VA L O F A NEW BABY

One life altering change at a time please

The arrival of a new baby is a really big change. So, try to avoid putting your child through any other major changes at the same time. For example, if your child is going to be moving from a crib to a bed, it’s a good idea to make the move a few months before or after the arrival of your new bundle of joy. Too many changes all at once can be overwhelming.

A present from baby

It doesn’t hurt to get your child a new present from the baby to help ensure that they get off on the right foot. Toys are often a winning idea. Older kids might question how an infant was able to procure such a gift, but toddlers and younger children will just be excited and won’t give it a second thought.

Either way, a gift is likely to be well received. This present may also help make up for the fact that the baby is using your child’s old stroller, car seat, and toys all of a sudden as well.

By Ryan Howard

The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time.

However, for your older child, a new baby can be a dramatic life change. All of a sudden they aren’t the centre of attention at all times.

This new arrival seems to be mum and dad’s first priority, and doesn’t really do anything besides sleep, fill nappies and cry. It’s no surprise that this transition can be rocky.

Final thoughts

Sometimes kids embrace new siblings right away, and other times feelings of jealousy create a little friction. If your older child acts out a little and throws a tantrum here and there, try and be patient. Going through a change like this can be stressful, and young children sometimes have a tough time coping.

Give it a little time though, and sooner or later things will feel like they are back to normal for everyone.

Here are a few tips to help things go more smoothly.

Talk about the new baby ahead of time

It’s a good idea to start talking to your child about the new baby. While toddlers and young children may have trouble fully grasping the implications of a new sibling, at least it won’t be a complete surprise. It can help to point out different things around the house from time to time that the baby will use. For example, you might show your child a bassinet or crib and say this is where the the baby is going to sleep.

Sometimes concrete examples like this can really help.

A few books on the topic

Stop by the library and pick up a few books about new babies coming home to join a family.

These books will often feature a young boy or girl adjusting to life with a new sibling. Stories like this are a great way to help your little one absorb the message, and better mentally prepare for life with a baby in the house.

Ryan Howard runs SmartParentAdvice, a site that provides parenting advice for moms and dads. Ryan writes about all of the ups and downs of parenting, provides solutions to common challenges, and reviews products that parents need for babies and toddlers.

26 April-June 2019 Toddle About

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April-June 2019 Toddle About Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire 27

MAKING SCIENCE, T E C H N O L O G Y, ENGINEERING A N D M AT H S

Fun!

Children are truly amazing. They are born with a will to learn, they are innately curious, they love to explore, to discover, to create and to understand the world around them. With no bias or boundary.

In their early years, it is therefore very important to provide our children with activities and opportunities to learn all about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). This early involvement will help to prepare them well for school and ultimately their future careers ahead.

STEM is so important in our world, so much of what we do, have and need is rooted in these areas and we should celebrate this with our children. Let’s get excited by STEM! Having fun with STEM activities both inside and outside may spark interests that you never knew your child had. Activities in STEM are a great way to develop thinking skills, problem-solving skills, investigation skills and encourage curiosity and creative thinking.

At Northampton High, we always use a variety of multi-sensory opportunities to promote STEM. From using light-boxes, growing food, building with a variety of materials and sorting and classifying objects there are always new ways to learn.

A great way to start is to gather a box of tools for investigation and experimentation - try adding a torch, a tape measure, a magnifying glass, a mirror.

Task your toddler with taking these to the park and see how they can use them to investigate what lurks under leaves and hides under twigs, how flowers grow to different sizes and how the world looks so different upside down.

See if they can help you to build a small shelter to fit a squirrel in or even a big one to fit themselves in!

Soon there will be no stopping the ideas and fun.

Have a go at home How can you help the dinosaur eggs hatch? The little dinosaurs are frozen in their eggs, how can we get them out as fast as possible? What happens if we use warm water on ice? What happens when we use salt? Can we bang them with our spoons? What is happening to the colours as the eggs melt?

Place a small dinosaur or other toy inside a balloon. Make as many as you like.

Fill the balloon to form a small ball shape with water and tie the balloon neck. If you like, add different food colouring to some of the eggs so that you have a variety of coloured eggs. You could add smells too, such as lemon or lime juice.

Freeze.

Remove from the freezer and cut off the balloon.

You will be left with small balls of ice.

Place the ice eggs in a bowl or on a tray.

Use pipettes, spoons, jugs or cups to pour warm water over the eggs. Sprinkle on some salt, rub them, tap them with a spoon, give them a good poke and prod.

Every time your child tries something new to melt the eggs, talk to them about what may happen, what they can see and how it feels.

Most importantly, keep everything fun and exciting and enjoy your time together as STEM detectives!

Written by Northampton High School. Everyone is welcome to visit any of their open events.

Please contact admissions on nhs.admssions@nhs.gdst.net to find out more.

28 April-June 2019 Toddle About