ABC Hampshire winter 2014

The local information magazine for parents in Hampshire

• From babies to big kids •

Winter issue

November 2014 -March 2015 www.abcmag.co.uk

Packed full of essential information • places to go • things to do • ideas for you •

WiN WiN WiN competitions WiN WiN WiN prizes galore WiN WiN WiN

If you are interested in making or saving money call

Gail on 0800 458 0618 or 07985 989 or email gail@easysaveandspend.co.uk and quote ABC

www.easysaveandspend.co.uk

538

The local information magazine for Hampshire parents with young children - from babies to big kids!

Hello and welcome to the winter 2014 issue of ABC Magazine Hampshire.

www.abcmag.co.uk

THE ABC HAMPSHIRE TEAM Editor Rachel Boyle Editorial Assistant Jane Norris Advertising Sales Hilary Maguire Social Media Manager Karen Bryant Website BarkWeb Ltd ABC Magazine Hampshire is operated under franchise and independently owned by Oast Publishing Ltd PO Box 2780 Brighton BN1 5QR Tel: 01273 552842 Fax: 01273 542257

With the long lazy days of summer behind us, Christmas around the Please corner and the end of the year fast approaching it is time to wrap up call (01273 ) 5 warm, snuggle down and read all about parenting in Hampshire 5 2842 regard ing adv with ABC Magazine! As ever, we’ve got loads of ideas on places e rtising or dist ributio to go, things to do and plenty of useful local information too - all n of ABC M agazine designed to make life as a family in Hampshire easier and hopefully Hamps hire. a little more fun! Take a look at our 'diary of events' starting on page 20 and our 'days out for free' on page 22 for some fabulous ideas for fun family days out over the festive period and beyond.

As always we’ve got some great articles for you to enjoy whether you want to know about the importance of teaching empathy to our children (page 8), the educational benefit of apps (page 10), what educational psychologists are and what they do (page 12) or maybe you are considering an independent education for your child (page 15). Or do you wonder if nursery is right for your child (page 5) or about the logistics of skiing as a family (page 27) - if you want to know look in ABC! Remember, ABC is a magazine for parents by parents, so we are always delighted to hear from you with ideas for articles on what you want to know about, places you want to be able to pick up a copy of ABC or anything you want to let other local parents know about.

Last but by no means least, we’ve got some great competition prizes for you to win and to make it simpler and more cost-effective for you, all competitions are now to be entered online, at www.abcmag.co.uk/competitions. Do remember to ‘friend’ us on Facebook or ‘tweet’ us on Twitter to catch up between issues and don’t forget ABC Magazine is now also available online as a fully interactive, digital magazine.

Just remains for me to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2015!

Separate editions of ABC Magazine are produced in: Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire.

No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole, without the express permission of the editor.

Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information within the magazine is correct at time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

★

Rachel Boyle Editor

Meet our handsome 'Cover Star' Seamus (4)

Your child could be our next Cover Star!

See page 2 for details

★ ★ ★ ★Cover Star ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★

For further details please see www.abcmag.co.uk or email: sussex@abcmag.co.uk surrey@abcmag.co.uk kent@abcmag.co.uk hampshire@abcmag.co.uk

Photograph by Helen F Photography 07931 596822 www.helenfphotography.co.uk

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01273 552842 hampshire@abcmag.co.uk

(see ad on page 35)

The opinions expressed within ABC Magazine are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

ABC is a combination of many peoples efforts and contributions so a huge thank you to you all.

Big thanks also to my husband Iain, my boys Joe and Charlie and my mum, for their patience, understanding and help, yet again, in putting another issue together.

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

1

Inside this issue...

National Adoption Week

Bonfire night safety

For a safe bonfire night take a look at www.bonfirenight-safety.co.uk. It is a great looking website full of interesting facts and very good advice on firework safety.

Help yourself and a charity

Having your Will written professionally can give you great peace of mind. This November, you can use a local solicitor who has signed up to Will Aid and you can enjoy the added feel-good factor of supporting nine leading UK charities which include the NSPCC, British Red Cross and Age UK. Instead of paying your solicitor’s fee, you will be invited to make a donation to charity.

Find local solicitors that are participating in Will Aid month by going to www.willaid.org.uk

40

...page-bypage directory

Lifestyle Education

With ideas for helping families to get the most out of life, there are interesting articles for everyone.

Whether you have a baby, toddler or a ‘big school’ child, there’s something to interest you and add to your child’s learning potential.

23

Christmas - the important things

24

Letter from Santa

5

Is nursery right for your child?

25

Helping your toddler to learn

8

Empathy, our greatest teacher?

26

Road safety week

10

The educational benefit of apps

27

Skiing as a family

12

Childhood aspirations...

29

Child-free mini break

12

Educational psychologists

30

Grandparents are cool

13

Stop bullying for all

30

Becoming a single parent

14

Hiring a safe private tutor

34

See yourself in your children?

15

Why an independent education?

34

Meet-a-mum website launched

17

Embracing mobile technology

35

Photo fun

18

The great outdoors

39

The best age to have a baby?

✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷

★

Your child could be the next ABC Hampshire cover star!

★

If you have ever thought about adoption, take the opportunity to find out more during National Adoption Week from 3rd-9th November. Across the UK more than 6,000 children are waiting to find an adoptive family. Take a look at www. nationaladoptionweek.org to find out more and whether this could be the right step for you.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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As an ABC Magazine Hampshire readers you have the opportunity to submit up to three photographs of your child/children for possible use on our front cover.

So, if you'd like to see your child on the cover of ABC simply email us your favourite images with your child's name and age.

★

★

2 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

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Have fun, donate and fundraise for Children in Need on 14th November!

★

Please remember the next issue is our spring one so a nice seasonal image would be ideal!

Closing date for submissions is 10.1.2015 Please send to hampshire@abcmag.co.uk

Out & about

Numbers that count

For ideas about things to do and discover and places to go across Hampshire, look no further...

If you need to know a number in a hurry - hospitals, helplines, libraries, pools, museums and other useful contact numbers, we've got it covered!

20

Diary of events

22

Days out for free

1

Contact us

4

Helplines and useful numbers

4

Leisure directory of what's where

40

Page-by-page directory

Activities

Back to work Returning to work after having a baby or when the children start school can be a tricky time - get inspiration here.

36

Hampshire for sale!

37

Steps to working again

37

Fostering

For children of all ages, structured activities form an important part of their learning and social development.

31

Parent and baby aqua fit

32

Swim classes need safety boost

33

Indoor and outdoor fitness

on the WEB

fully interactive digital magazine online

22

...days out for free!

www.abcmag.co.uk

Check it out!

B

abyExpo - The biggest and brightest BabyShow and Family Fun Day, sponsored

by Swimkidz and Bright Horizons, is coming to the Rivermead Leisure Complex in Reading, Berkshire on Saturday 29th November!

Baby-planners, parents-to-be and young families can look forward to an informative and fun filled day with expert pregnancy and parenting advice, a fabulous entertainment line-up, hundreds of exhibitors from pre-conception to primary, fantastic show deals and promotions, baby show prizes, face painters, play-zones, special guests and much more. The main stage will welcome a host of fun activities and award-winning classes for little ones as well as advice, support and information for all parents-to-be, mums, dads and carers.

✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ ✷✷ ✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ Win fab prizes with Something for everyone! Once again, ABC has brought you a whole heap of competitions, with masses of fabulous prizes for you to win...

2

Cover Star

6

Walker Books bundle

18

Disney Eiffel Tower puzzle

8

Book and board game

34

Laura Ashley throw

16

Stabilo goodie bag

39

Dettol hamper

Good luck!

ABC competition rules: The act of entering any competition will be taken as acceptance of these rules. The closing date for all competitions running in this issue is Friday 13th February 2015 unless stated otherwise on the competition. Only email entries will be accepted for all ABC competitions. Please visit www. abcmag.co.uk/competition to enter. Only one entry per person per competition is permitted. Unless otherwise stated the winner(s) will be randomly selected.

Incomplete entries will not be accepted. No cash alternative to any prize is offered. All winners will be notified by email and their prize will be sent to them. The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Unless stated otherwise on the competition, each entry should be clearly marked with the competition name, together with your name, postal address, email address and telephone number.

If you enter any competition in ABC Magazine, your details may be passed on to the competition supplier.

If you do not wish your details to be used further please state this clearly on each entry.

All ABC competitions are to be entered online please go to www.abcmag.co.uk/competitions ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

3

Leisure Directory CINEMAS

Aldershot West End Centre

01252 330040 Alton Palace Cinema 01420 82303 Basingstoke VUE 0871 224 0240 Portsmouth Odeon 0871 224 4007 VUE 0871 224 0240 Southampton Cineworld 0871 200 2000 Harbour Lights Picture House 0871 902 5733 Odeon 0871 224 4007 Winchester Everyman 0871 906 9060

THEATRES

Aldershot Princes Hall 01252 329155 ANDOVER The Lights Theatre 01264 368368 Basingstoke The Anvil 01256 844244 FAREHAM Ferneham Hall 01329 824864 Southampton Mayflower Theatre 023 8071 1811 Nuffield Theatre 023 8067 1771 SOUTHSEA Kings Theatre 023 9282 8282 Winchester Theatre Royal 01962 844600

MAIN LIBRARIES

Hampshire is fortunate to have many local libraries, (too many to list here!) so to find your nearest please call the Central Contact number on 0845 6035631

SPORTS & LEISURE

Aldershot Aldershot Pools Complex 01252 323482 Alton Alton Sports Centre 01420 540040 ANDOVER Andover Leisure Centre 01264 347100 Basingstoke Basingstoke Aquadrome 01256 472343 BORDON Millchase Leisure Centre 01420 472549 FLEET Hart Leisure Centre 01252 629974 PETERSFIELD Taro Leisure Centre 01730 263996

4 ABC Magazine - Hampshire

Portsmouth Mountbatten Centre 023 9262 6500 The Pyramids 023 9279 9977 Winchester River Park Leisure Centre 01962 848700 YATELEY Frogmore Leisure Centre 01252 873454 Yateleys Health & Fitness 01252 746962

MUSEUMS

Alton Jane Austen's Museum 01420 83262 ANDOVER Museum and Museum of the Iron Age 01264 366283 Basingstoke Basing House 0845 603 5635 Milestones 01256 477766 BROCKENHURST Beaulieu 01590 612345 EASTLEIGH Eastleigh Museum 023 8064 3026 FORDINGBRIDGE Breamore House 01725 512858 Rockbourne Roman Villa 01725 518541 HAVANT Spring Arts Heritage Centre 023 9247 2700 LYNDHURST The New Forest Centre 023 8028 3444 PETERSFIELD Petersfield Museum 01730 262601 Portsmouth Charles Dickens Birthplace 023 9282 1879 Portsmouth City Museum 023 9283 4779 Southampton The Seacity Museum 023 8083 3007 Winchester The Westgate Museum 01962 869864 Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum 01962 863658

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES Aldershot Fareham Gosport Hayling Island Lyndhurst Petersfield Portsmouth Romsey Winchester

01252 320968 01329 221342 023 9252 2944 023 9246 7111 023 8028 2269 01730 268829 023 9282 6722 01794 512987 01962 840500

...what Hampshire parents really read!

Numbers that count!

% % % % HELPLINES

Samaritans 0845 790 9090 Childline 0800 1111 NSPCC 0800 800 5000 NHS Direct Helpline 111 Department for Education 0370 000 2288 Gingerbread Helpline 0808 8020 925 La Leche League 0845 120 2918 Specialising in providing breastfeeding information (24 hour helpline) www.laleche.org.uk NCT Breastfeeding Line 0300 330 0771 NCT Pregnancy and Birth Line 0300 330 0772 The NCT offers help, support and advice. Breast feeding info and support, antenatal classes and postnatal groups in your local area.

BLISS 0500 618 140 National charity supporting parents with sick and premature babies.

Monday - Friday 9am-9pm.

The Compassionate Friends 0845 123 2304 Support for parents following the death of a child.

National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 National Meningitis Helpline 0808 801 0388 Relate 0300 100 1234 Relationship guidance, support and advice.

The Informed Parent 01903 212969 Information on the vaccination debate. www.informedparent.co.uk Lullyby Trust 0808 8026 868 Support for families affected by SIDS Pre-school Learning Alliance 020 7697 2500 Asthma Helpline 0800 121 6244 MENCAP Learning Disability Helpline 0808 808 1111 SANDS 020 7436 5881 Still Birth and Neonatal Death Society Cry-sis 0845 122 8669 Support for families with excessively crying, sleepless and demanding babies.

Winston's Wish 0845 203 0405 Helping bereaved children rebuild their lives after a family death.

RIGHTS & BENEFITS Jobcentre Plus 0845 606 0234 Income Tax Helpline 0300 200 3200 Working/Child Tax Credit 0845 300 3900 Child Benefit Enquiries 0845 302 1444

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUX

Andover 01264 365534 Basingstoke 0844 2451283 Gosport and Fareham 0844 477 2232 New Milton 08444 111 306 East Hampshire 08444 111 306 Romsey 01794 516378 Southampton 023 8022 1406 Winchester 08444 111 306 Yateley 01252 878410

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS

Hampshire Police HQ 101 Frank About Drugs 0300 123 6600 Family Lives 023 80557130 Providing help and support to anyone caring for children

TRAVEL

Gatwick Airport 0844 892 0322 Heathrow Airport 0844 335 1801 National Express 0871 781 8181 Southampton Airport 0844 481 7777 Stagecoach 0845 121 0190 National Rail Enquiries 0845 748 4950

HOSPITALS

Royal Hampshire County 01962 863535 Romsey Hospital 01794 834700 Princess Anne Hospital 023 8077 7222 Priory Hospital Marchwood 023 8084 0044 Alton Community Hospital 01420 82811 Basingstoke & North Hampshire NHS Foundation Trust 01256 473202

Numbers that count!

Is nursery right C

for your child?

hoosing the right childcare for your family is a difficult decision. There is a lot to take into account such as your family's budget, your earning potential, location and, of course, what is best for your child.

For countless mums returning to work is an economic necessity and private nurseries are an ideal solution for many. There has been much said about the amount of time that young children spend in childcare but the vast majority of experts agree that it's the quality of a child's care that matters most.

A high-quality nursery, with enthusiastic staff, will offer children security, friendship, entertainment, learning opportunities and challenges.

Making friends Socialising with other children is vital for your child's successful development from a very young age. This is one of the main reasons that even parents who don't actually need childcare still decide that it is best for the child to spend some time at nursery. Children are eager to engage with their peers and it is important that they learn how to build relationships (without their parents being present) with other children and adults outside of their family.

It is true that very young children do not play together but they enjoy playing alongside each other. Even babies will

enjoy each other's company.

Toddlers get a lot out of being with other children. Other children provide excitement and they also learn from one another. Important skills such as empathy are largely learnt by mixing with others.

working day with extra time to allow time for you to travel to work. Your child will have a key worker but you aren't relying on one single carer. If your child's key worker is on holiday or off sick there is always other familiar, caring and qualified staff to take care of your little one so you can go to work with peace of mind.

Structure and routine A nursery may seem a little chaotic and noisy when you first visit with your baby but, All nurseries have to be in fact, every day Ofsted registered will have structure and so follow Socialising and routine.

The Early Years with other High quality Foundation children is vital childcare Stage (EYFS). for your child's maintains This is the successful a healthy learning development from balance of framework a very young structured and used in childcare age. unstructured time settings and in the to allow children to reception classes at simply play, think and school. Of course, babies just be a child. Children are won't be thrust into a learning rarely bored in a nursery. The environment. There will be day is planned to allow them a specific quiet and peaceful some 'down time' but there is room for babies, away from the always something to do and energetic and noisy three and interaction with other children four-year-olds! The curriculum is based on your child's age (continued over the page) If you are working, stability and reliability are vital. A nursery will be open all year round (other than bank holidays) and the hours generally reflect the

Looking for a nursery?

Useful websites • www.ndna.org.uk/parents/find-a-nursery • www.goodcareguide.co.uk • www.gov.uk/find-sure-start-childrens-centre • www.findyourfis.daycaretrust.org.uk (Family Information Services provide a range of information on all services available to parents)

Twyford Nursery is celebrating its 30th birthday!

Nursery Class for 3 to 4 year olds offers children a small class with highly experienced and skilled staff • swimming • gym • PE • French • music • • ballet • cooking • woodland school • literacy • • numeracy • fun play based activities • To come and visit us please contact Mrs Mandy Parker 01962 714622 or email mparker@twyfordschool.com www.twyfordschool.com

Twyford Nursery, Twyford, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 1NW Open 5 days a week throughout term-time offering a range of flexible extended hours Employers Childcare Vouchers can be used for fees and extra activities

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

5

✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ Win fab prizes with Curl up this winter with this collection from Walker Books

Discover the best new picture books with Walker Books’ Picture Book Party, perfect for sharing the love of reading and storytelling with your little ones. From zebras and chimpanzees, to ice cream and dancing, this fantastic selection of picture books has something for everyone.

Visit www.picturebookparty.co.uk for the latest Walker picture books, activities and more.

We’ve teamed up with Walker Books to offer 3 lucky ABC readers the chance to each win a fabulous Picture Book Party goody bag, which includes a copy of Vanilla Ice Cream by Bob Graham, Daisy Saves the Day by Shirley Hughes, The Zebra Who Ran Too Fast by Jenni Desmond, Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance by Birgitta Sif and Willy the Wimp by Anthony Browne, plus stickers, posters and activity sheets. For your chance of winning simply tell us what animal Willy the Wimp is?

Normal ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3.

6 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

(continued from previous page) As your child gets nearer to and developmental readiness school age they will enjoy so you know your child will be being at the 'top of the pile'. getting just what he needs for The rooms that are specifically social, emotional, language and for older children at nursery physical development. will become more structured So much of what your child as the start of 'big school' learns at nursery will gets closer. Staff will be incredibly useful ensure that the The to them when older children rooms that they start can sit and are specifically school. Whilst listen when for older children at at nursery, necessary and nursery will become children will that they have more structured as the learn selfthe practical start of 'big school' control, how skills needed. gets closer... to get along They will be with others and ready to soak to share. If your up all the learning child has become used opportunities at school. to some time away from you, starting school will be far less Attending a high quality nursery traumatic for them, and they has many benefits for your child will understand that you will that you will see for many years see them again at the end of to come. You can have real peace the day. They will have learnt of mind whilst you are at work, how to make new friends and knowing that your child is safe, to be content without an adult's well cared for and having lots undivided attention. of fun. BAC

Dyslexia matters Dyslexia Awareness Week

runs from 3rd-9th November and is an annual event that aims at not just raising awareness, but also showcasing the amazing achievements that people with dyslexia have made.

This year’s theme is 'Dyslexia Matters' and will cover everything from creating a dyslexia friendly environment, supporting and encouraging those with dyslexia, and the ongoing campaign to include dyslexia awareness in initial teacher training.

If you or anyone in your family is dyslexic you can find out more and download resources at www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Our Great Outdoors Forest Schooling

At Jubilee our aim is to inspire and motivate children to become confident independent learners.

With a strong emphasis on our outdoor ethos we encourage children to learn actively using our own, private, 53 acre site. Our nursery includes a large on site paddock as well as a fully working farm and a wooded area complete with stream. All this, combined with professional trained members of staff, makes for the perfect setting for Forest School learning.

Here at Jubilee Day Nursery we care for children from 3 months to 4 1/2 years and we make sure that everyone, regardless of age, has the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful surroundings.

For example, our baby’s first experience of the woods is when they are taken in their buggies to go for walks, this quickly progresses to toddling around in the bluebells in the spring and jumping in the stream in their wellies, in the summer. When the children are old enough they are shown how to build fires so when the weather isn’t quite so warm we can sit around the camp fire.

Forest school learning is the natural next step for pre-school children in their learning process. Our qualified Forest School leader, Emma, progresses the children’s outdoor learning even further. Taking small groups of children and shaping opportunities to explore and discover their natural environment. She provides opportunities for them to learn self-risk assessment, develop self-esteem and begin to negotiate new tasks and complete new challenges. The free flowing activities enable children to choose which activity they want to participate in, whether it is building dens with friends, using tools safely to whittle sticks (with practitioners), or by using the surrounding environment to create art.

To find out more please contact us by: phone: 01189 701 600, email: info@jubileedaynursery.co.uk or by visiting our website: www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk Paddock View, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, RG7 4JD

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

7

by Sarah Thomas Lewes New School

Empathy

is FREE

and will remain so as long as the advertisers are aware of THE magazine that Hampshire parents read!

Please mention ABC when replying to adverts, give copies to your friends, and help spread the word!

Our greatest teacher?

T

here is a quiet revolution taking place. While stories of violence, cruelty and inequality play out each day on our TV screens, there is a gentle uprising of hope.

Politicians and business leaders, neuroscientists and philosophers, educators and economists are converging on a simple idea - when it comes to building a more peaceful world, empathy matters.

✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷ Win fab prizes with Let’s play a game contains everything you need to play six super-fun board games.

The games are boisterous, and engaging, but also help children with first maths, coordination and matching and sorting skills. The pack is also portable, durable and features vibrant artwork.

Make art with your hands and feet! is an art pad with a difference.

Readers are encouraged to draw around their fingers, thumbs, hands, toes or feet to complete the printed pictures. Once the images are complete the pages can then be personalised.

Let's play a game (£14.95 ) and Make art with your hands and feet! (£8.95 ) are both available from all good bookshops or visit www.thamesandhudson.com We’ve teamed up with the publishers Thames and Hudson to offer 4 lucky ABC readers the chance to each win both Let's play a game and Make art with your hands and feet!

For your chance of winning these two great prizes, simply tell us how many different games Let's play a game contains?

Normal ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3.

8 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

Barack Obama has long believed that the ‘empathy deficit’ is a more pressing problem than the federal one, and now Ed Miliband is taking empathy lessons from a Cambridge academic. But the cultivation of empathy goes beyond political rhetoric - it could build a more caring, compassionate and cohesive world.

and political landscapes and transform our communities.

Empathy, to a degree, comes naturally. Despite the individualistic human qualities so often portrayed in popular culture, scientists agree that 98% of us have an ‘empathycircuit’ wired into our brains.

From around two years of age most of us can begin to see that other people have needs or feelings that are From different from around two our own.

Why empathy?

In his book, Empathy: A Handbook for Revolution, years of age Roman But we are most of us can Krznaric generally more begin to see that tells us that inclined to feel other people have empathy is ‘the empathy for needs... art of stepping people we feel imaginatively into are similar to us. the shoes of another In a world defined by person, understanding connectivity and change their feelings and perspectives, we no longer live alongside and using that understanding to people who look, speak or think guide your actions.’ When we the same as us. To build stronger are empathic we not only notice local and global communities and understand each other’s we need to work on our ability feelings, we also care about to empathise with those with them, and act accordingly. different backgrounds or beliefs.

Understood in this way, empathy is potentially not only Author Jeremy Rifkin about individual relationships believes “Empathy is the - it is a collective force that soul of democracy.” If we can can impact on our social empathise we can communicate,

collaborate and innovate together, informed by a deep understanding and mutual respect of our fellow human beings.

provide a moment to reflect on how others may be feeling, or for challenging prejudice and discovering commonalities.

Daily ‘Circle Time’ can provide a regular opportunity for children to share personal experiences while drama and role-play encourage children to take another person’s perspective. Adopting restorative justice and peer mediation practices when conflicts arise will all help build a culture of empathy in school.

Teaching empathy in schools Krznaric suggests that “Empathy will most likely flower on a collective scale if its seeds are planted in our children”. We know that children take cues from the people around them when it comes to learning to notice ...children and care about Some schools each other so, take cues from go further by outside of introducing the people around family life, pioneering them when it comes education has programmes to learning to notice a significant such as 'Roots and care about role to play. of Empathy' each other... or 'Circles for The idea of Learning' into class. bringing empathy These remarkable to education isn’t new projects involve bringing - humanistic psychologist a parent and baby into the Carl Rogers talked of it in the classroom for an hour each 1960s - and there is a strong month. Children interact with body of evidence linking the the baby, witnessing their development of empathic skills developmental milestones and with academic success. But with leaps in learning, and observe a national education system the bond that grows with their intent on prioritizing that which parent. The baby is the teacher, can be measured and compared, and the impact has proven it can be difficult for schools to to be profound in enhancing give the teaching of relational children’s understanding of the skills the time and attention learning process, developing they deserve. emotional intelligence and reducing bullying.

One thing that all teachers can do is to seize every Towards an empathic opportunity to explore and model of education experience what empathy is For children to fully appreciate and why it matters. Reading the power of empathy, they stories, researching projects, need to experience it - from discussing global situations or both points of view. An playground conflicts can all empathic school puts warm

www.projectwildthing.com Check out www.projectwildthing.com for ideas on how to get your child connecting with nature.

The website, the brainchild of filmmaker and father, David Bond, has great ideas on outdoor activities that can last from ten minutes to half a day as well as free Wild Time vouchers to download that allow you to pledge time playing outside with your children.

relationships and mutually respectful communication between staff, children and parents at the heart. It encourages children to think for themselves and develop and express their point of view, while encouraging an openness to and appreciation of that of others. It involves children in defining clear boundaries of behaviour so that everyone feels safe.

At the foundation of an empathic experience of education is a radical shift in communication. Thomas Gordon’s Parent/ Teacher Effectiveness Training and Non-Violent Communication provide learnable tools that can be adopted by schools and parents. The key is to practise and model the art of active, reflective listening, being careful to understand and respond to what a person is really saying (verbally and non-verbally) with the intention of ensuring everyone’s needs are met.

Children who feel that their point of view is heard and valued get better at articulating their feelings, better at listening, better at regulating their emotions and better at learning.

Just as important as listening to others is being open ourselves.

Striving for personal integrity and authenticity - dropping contrived roles of ‘teacher’, ‘parent’ and ‘pupil’ and engaging with each person as a fellow human being - takes courage and self-awareness, but is vital for strengthening relationships and building a strong empathic bond.

Paying attention to how we communicate can transform our capacity for empathy and sow the seeds of empathy in our children. Empathy can teach us to step outside of ourselves and discover the lives of other people. It can help us to become more curious, creative thinkers, to form better relationships, to feel more fulfilled and ultimately to transform our world. In schools, as in life, empathy does indeed matter.

Sarah Thomas is a parent at Lewes New School in Sussex, an independent primary school committed to teaching empathy and empathic communication.

“There is an unexpected magnificence in our children and an underestimated power in their ability to change our world for the better.

It is through our children that we can go beyond the frontiers of science and technology to explore the recesses of the human heart. We have managed to harness the power of the wind, the sun and the water, but have yet to appreciate the power of our children to effect social change.”

Mary Gordon, founder of the Roots of Empathy

Be a nature detective!

For something a little different take a look at the Woodland Trust’s website. It’s full of activities to do outside whatever the weather, including bird bingo and a winter wonderland hunt.

Go to www.naturedetectives.org.uk/download ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 9

by Claire Ridley Gazoob

Evaluating the educational benefit of apps

T

he number of families owning a tablet or digital device of some shape or form has increased dramatically over the past few years. And, as we find ourselves more comfortable with the technology, it’s only natural that our children too are embracing with enthusiasm the digital devices with which they are now surrounded. But of course, most parents are keen to ensure that their digital devices are not crammed full of games with little purpose or too much addictive play. And in fact, most of us would prefer our children to be engaging with something educational - particularly in the early years.

Technology now gives us the perfect platform to help our children’s learning journey.

And the right app can present

a new learning opportunity in an exciting and engaging way.

But take a look on any of the app stores and you will see a host of apps labelled 'educational'. How does one navigate the 'Wild West' of educational apps and find apps that are truly educational?

It goes without saying really, that to find

10 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

the best educational apps, you’ll need to do your own homework! But, here are some hints, tips and ideas that might help you in your search.

Where to start?

A good starting place is to think carefully about the skill you’re looking to develop. Do you want your child to improve their reading, help them recognise numbers or develop problem solving skills? Then,

think about how your child likes to learn. Will the familiarity of a known character engage your child? Or would they benefit in picking up their school studies at home with a familiar learning scheme?

Ask for advice Like most things, the best advice will come from recommendations. Speak to teachers for their advice, or indeed speak with friends at

the school gates and see which apps their children are learning the most from. Equally, there are many review sites out there for apps and you can take some advice from expert reviewers.

Take the app for a spin yourself!

There’s no better way to understand if an app is going to deliver the right level of educational benefit to your child than by trying it yourself. You will soon get an understanding of whether the app is too easy or too difficult. All the best apps are rigorously tested to ensure they deliver the right level of engagement for your child.

Many apps like our 'Read with Biff, Chip and Kipper' app are placed into levels so you can easily monitor progression and comprehension before progressing to more challenging content.

No-no’s for education apps There are some features you should try to avoid. Apps that could get your child hooked

or those that have in-app purchases without a child-proof mechanism are generally not great choices!

Parents often fear that using tablets and smartphones, in particular, can be an isolating experience given the nature of the small screen. The best piece of advice we can offer is get involved! Just as you sit with your child to read a book - do the same with your tablet or smartphone. Make it a shared experience and talk about what is happening on-screen.

This way you will know exactly what your child is looking at, you will know exactly how well they are doing in the particular app, and you will be able to accompany them on their learning journey.

Claire Ridley is a mum of two pre-schoolers and resident app enthusiast at Gazoob. Gazoob is a developer and publisher of educational apps including 'Read with Biff, Chip & Kipper' in partnership with Oxford University Press and Letterland Storybook apps.

First tool to decode baby talk

A

tool which could radically improve the diagnosis of language delays in infants is being developed by psychologists.

For the first time, researchers will be able to establish language development norms for children aged eight months to eighteen months. The tool will plug an important gap which has left UK researchers, education and health professionals at a disadvantage.

Researchers are keen to hear from parents with children under eighteen months to take part in the study. Anyone wishing to take part in the study should contact the research team at uk-cdi@ lancaster.ac.uk.

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 11

Childhood aspirations affect later career choices

B

oys who dream of becoming firemen and girls who aspire to become hairdressers are more likely to end up in stereotypically male or female occupations as adults according to new research from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

The research found that children who wanted to do a job traditionally associated with their gender were twice as likely to end up in these types of occupations as adults than children who wanted to go into occupations that are not generally seen as men’s or women’s work.

However, only 6% of adults went into the specific occupation they aspired to as children.

A knock-on effect of this was that women who aspired to female dominated occupations as children were likely to have lower wages in their first jobs. This is because these occupations tend to pay lower average wages.

Interestingly, the researchers found that girls learn to be nonstereotypically female from their mothers, but boys learn to be stereotypically male from their fathers. Girls with mothers in non-stereotypically ‘female occupations’ were more likely to aspire to similarly non-traditionally female jobs. Boys with fathers in traditionally male occupations were more likely to aspire to traditionally male jobs. However, very few children wanted to directly imitate their parents with only a small percentage of boys aspiring to their father’s actual occupation.

It seems that how we divide up chores at home affects how our children’s career hopes. The survey showed that boys living in families with a traditional division of housework tended to aspire to more traditionally male occupations. However, girls living in these types of households did not necessarily aspire to ‘women’s’ occupations.

12 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

What educational psychologists are and what they do...

P

by Nicky Phillips Educational psychologist

eople often tell me that ‘psychologist’ is not a word they would want to hear in a spelling test, so combining it with ‘educational’ would surely place it even further down the list of ideal spelling test items! However, spelling is not the only issue - the title ‘educational psychologist’ often seems to create confusion and anxiety.

A teenage girl once suggested, to avoid the ‘scary title’, educational psychologists should be called ‘people who help us people.’ I’m not sure that will catch on but what might help is clearer information about what educational psychologists are and what they do. their education or may have a What is an educational specific disorder, such as Autism psychologist? or ADHD. Educational psychologists (EPs) work with children and young Educational psychologists people from birth to are regulated by the twenty five years Health and Care of age, who They offer Professions are facing Council difficulties advice and (HCPC) as within their support to the practitioner educational pupils themselves, psychologists or early years their teachers specialising setting. The and parents. in education children and and child young people development. that EPs work with may be finding learning EPs use a range of ways of difficult, may be facing social finding out about the challenges or emotional challenges, may have a disability that impacts on faced by the youngsters

they work with, including observations, consultations and individual assessments. They offer advice and support to the pupils themselves, their teachers and parents.

‘traded’ services and schools and settings purchase the EP time they require. Many schools in this position buy EP services from independent EPs rather than from the Local Authority.

Educational psychologists are Why might I ask an EP to also involved in research, see my child? in order to identify The types of and apply the concerns that most relevant might lead you Use formal and effective to ask for EP assessments psychological involvement to explore a interventions include and advice. things like: child’s learning • managing strengths and Most behaviour difficulties. educational • literacy psychologists difficulties, work for Local including dyslexia Authorities, although • social, emotional and increasingly EPs are choosing friendship issues to work independently to offer • school refusal their services directly to children • limited progress or delayed and their families, schools development and communities. Some local • attention difficulties. authority EP teams provide a EPs also carry out specific service free of charge to schools assessments to support requests in their area, but many are now

Stop bullying for all

T

hat is the theme for Anti-bullying week 2014 which takes place from 17th to 21st November. This is the tenth anniversary campaign, and it will focus on raising the issue of the disproportionate amount that children and young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities that are bullied in schools.

for exam concessions, such as extra time or having a scribe and for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) for young people accessing further and higher education.

Educational psychologists can also advise on supporting the learning of children and young people with specific conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Social Communication Difficulties, Down’s Syndrome and Hearing and Visual Impairments.

If you are worried about any of the areas listed, the first step would be to discuss your concerns with your child’s health visitor, teacher, keyworker or the setting’s SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). They will be able to advise you about what they are doing to support your child and how it is helping. If the school or setting accesses support from an EP the SENCo may suggest asking for their involvement.

Whether your child’s school has a preferred EP or not, you may choose to seek the help of an independent EP directly. Most independent EPs have websites and the British Psychological Society (www.bps.org.uk) holds a list of private psychologists who choose to be included on their database.

What will the EP do?

EPs do lots of different things to help them to find out what difficulties a child or young person is facing and the best ways to help them. They might: • Use formal assessments to explore a child’s learning strengths and difficulties.

• Use specific reading, spelling, maths or writing assessments.

• Use play based assessment, for younger children.

• Talk to the child or young person.

• Talk to the child’s parents and teachers.

• Observe a child or young person in school or nursery, or at home.

• Ask young people, their parents and teacher to fill in questionnaires.

• Work with a child or young person to help them develop new skills or think about things differently.

EPs usually write a report as part of their work, so that there is a record of what they have done and why and advice about what to do next. Depending on the age of the child, the EP might write a report or letter directly to them as well.

Nicky Phillips has twelve years experience as an educational psychologist, with a background in teaching in mainstream schools and a specialism in autism.

She has experience of working in both Local Authority teams and in independent practice. Nicky is a parent herself and has, with her husband, been a Family Link respite carer.

The Anti-bullying Alliance defines bullying as: “the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power.”

It can be hard to know where to turn if you think your child is being bullied, or is the bully. Parents and children can feel embarrassed and unable to talk about it to people they know.

The Anti-bulling Alliance has a list of helplines and websites for both adults and children which can provide you with information and support. Find out more at www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

...the magazine for real people!

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 13

by Fleet Tutors www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

The dilemma of hiring a safe private tutor

D

espite the fact that one in four families in the UK employs private tutors for their children, tutoring is still largely an unregulated ‘industry’. This means that unlike schoolteachers, private tutors are not obliged to have a Disclosure and Barring Service check or even a university degree to teach. According to Mylène Curtis, Managing Director of Fleet Tutors, “if parents choose to hire a tutor directly rather than through an agency, they face a myriad of checks they will need to understand and undertake on their own.”

Types of checks to undertake in hiring a private tutor A reputable and professional agency will perform these checks for the client, but what exactly are all these checks and do they really count?

• Police check This will have ‘National Identification Service’ at the top of the form and only discloses convictions in a local area. This check is insufficient for working with children.

• Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check This check is performed by ‘The Disclosure and Barring Service’. Applicant details are matched against those held on the Police National Computer and will identify any criminal convictions. This also checks if the person is on the DBS barred list. This check is for people who work around children, but not sufficient for people who work in direct contact with children, such as tutors.

• DBS barred list A list of convicted sex offenders and people permanently excluded from working in schools - maintained by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

• Enhanced DBS check This is the most thorough and comprehensive check available and is designed for people in direct contact with children 14 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

kept up to date by ensuring it is such as teachers or tutors. This renewed every three years. is the only check that queries the national police database Entrusting your private and barred list, as well as the tutor needs in safe hands local police departments as Parents should be aware of an important additional step. the administration process This check reveals any criminal behind hiring a self-employed convictions, allegations or independent tutor rather cautions which make the applicant unsuitable than one through a for work with reputable agency.

This is children. In the Reputable and the only check local searches, established that queries the police are also agencies national police asked to reveal will screen database and any ‘additional enhanced DBSs information’ for additional barred list... which may information - a make the tutor major reason why unsuitable for work finding a tutor through an agency is a safer option. with children. For example if a tutor is undergoing a current How do parents ensure investigation, the ‘additional the agency is reputable, information’ in the enhanced especially as agencies are disclosure will reveal it to the unregulated? agency but not to the tutor 1. Choose an agency which is a themselves.

DBS registered body.

Validity of checks 2. Choose an established A reputable company should agency/tutoring company require that DBS checks are that has an address, telephone

36

number and staff - more than just a website. Speak with their staff before allowing any tutor into your home.

3. Confirm that the agency requires ‘enhanced’ DBS’s of their tutors.

4. Ask whether the agency requires the tutors to have degrees in the subjects they teach and/or teaching certificates.

5. Does the agency check references?

6. Are the tutors interviewed?

7. Are the tutors qualified and experienced? Ideally, qualified tutors have a degree in the subject/s they teach (recommend ‘2:1’ minimum level) and/or teaching certificates. They should have successful experience in teaching one-to-one.

The decision factor Despite all these precautions, it is important that parents resist paranoia. Finding a qualified and experienced tutor through an established agency is an investment worth making in your child’s future. Using an agency that is able to do the legwork for you by conducting these checks will go a long way in alleviating any burden associated with hiring a private tutor.

Fleet Tutors, DBS Registered Body 20528800006, is Britain’s leading tutoring service provider with over 5,000 tutors and 36 years experience helping students reach their potential.

For more information, visit www.fleettutors.co.uk telephone 0845 644 5452

Why do parents choose an

independent education?

by Ruth Thorogate www.truthmarketing.co.uk

W

ith average annual day fees in the south east of England often topping £12,000 and boarding fees in excess of £25,000, educating your child in an independent school is a huge financial commitment. But significant numbers of parents are still digging deep to find the money to pay fees and, in surveys, over 50% of parents say if they could, they would choose to go private.

But why do, and indeed why would, so many parents opt to send their child to an independent school? The most popular reason given is 'better standards of education'.

Results at GCSE and A Level

are higher in the independent sector and although that does not mean children do not do well in state schools, when you

also look at grades ...the most important thing achieved in harder to remember when subjects such as choosing a school mathematics and is will your child science, students be happy at private schools there? score a greater

proportion of top grades. Over 51% of A Levels taken by independent school students achieve the top A* or A Grades, compared to a national average of 26%. At GCSE, 60% of (continued over the page)

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 15

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Another reason why parents choose independent schools are the smaller class sizes. Recent news stories have focussed on increasing numbers of children in state primaries being taught in classes of over thirty children.

In pre-prep or independent Prep school classes are more junior schools, the curriculum likely to be around eighteen to on offer is often much broader twenty pupils in size, allowing and richer than you might each child more one-to-one time find in the average primary with their teacher. In senior school. Languages are started schools, classes are larger but at a young age, sometimes even teaching often takes place from nursery or reception in smaller groups, classes and subjects ...an usually with some such as PE, music streaming in and ICT are independent core subjects often taught school is best so that by subject equipped to help teachers specialists fulfil their child’s can plan not the class potential, whatever and deliver teacher. By lessons at a the age of their interests and particular level. eight, specialist strengths. teaching is Independent introduced in schools are seen science and the arts. At as providing a good solid senior schools, you may find preparation for university a choice is offered between and employment, with key A Levels, the International Baccalaureate or the Cambridge skills such as teamwork and public speaking developed Pre-U at Sixth Form. (continued from previous page)

independent school exam entries score A* or A Grades, twoand-a-half times more than the national average of 23%.

The new junior school at St Swithun’s takes shape to open in September 2015 Work is well under way to build a completely new St Swithun’s Junior School on the existing campus on Alresford Road in Winchester.The new school will replace the existing school and will enable the junior school to increase its pupil numbers in response to an increased demand for places whilst also allowing smaller class sizes.The development will include specialist teaching rooms, a science laboratory, an art studio, a media/IT room and a new performing arts space and gym.

Pim Grimes, headmistress of St Swithun’s Junior School said "I am delighted that after all of our planning and preparation, work is progressing so well with our new junior school.The design will make the most of our rural position in the South Downs National Park and allow the pupils to engage with this environment while also providing an atmosphere conducive to academic study and facilities to support our extensive drama, musical and sporting activities.The children are very excited and have enjoyed tours of the new building."

With some year groups in the new school already full, Mrs Grimes continues "If you were to ask a St Swithun’s parent why they chose us for their child, I hope they would tell you that it is because we believe a child’s education should be about discovery, a sense of adventure and a spirit of excitement and fun; that academic success and a great deal more is achieved as a result of this ethos.

Our academic success is achieved through excellent teaching in small groups, wonderful resources and facilities, supportive parents and motivated children who enjoy coming to school.

It is the children that we are most proud of and we spend a lot of time building their self-esteem. All children have different talents 16 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

and skills and my teaching staff and I are committed to finding and developing these. Success in one area leads to a boost in confidence elsewhere and this helps our pupils feel secure enough to explore and take academic risks.

When searching for a school, I believe parents look for a number of qualities - confident and engaging pupils; staff who are dedicated to ensuring that the pupils are successful and happy; an understanding that every child is different; exceptional facilities.You will find these at St Swithun’s."

The new school will open in September 2015 and prospective parents wishing to visit the school should contact the school’s registrar, Mrs Sara Mathieson, office. juniorschool@stswithuns. com, 01962 835750, www.stswithuns.com

through an extensive range of extra-curricular activities.

These opportunities, which complement the academic curriculum, include competitive and fun sports, drama, individual and group musical activities, clubs and societies.

With so much on offer, it is not surprising many parents feel that an independent school is best equipped to help fulfil their child’s potential, whatever their interests and strengths.

There are some practical reasons why parents opt for an independent school. Boarding schools increasingly offer great flexibility in how often or regularly children stay overnight at school from those that stay every week and some weekends to those who do so occasionally when parents have work or other commitments. Many day schools also offer before and after school care, allowing parents to drop off and pick up children on their way to and from work. Some schools run extensive bus and coach routes

which then free parents from the dreaded school run. Other schools even run holiday activity courses to ease the burden of finding childcare during the school vacations.

Whilst the perceived benefits of an independent education are compelling, the most important thing to remember when choosing a school is will your child be happy there?

Results, facilities, activities and opportunities on offer are meaningless if it is not the right environment for your son or daughter to thrive in and succeed. BAC Ruth provides a range of marketing services for independent schools and educational advisory services for families and businesses.

...what Hampshire parents really read!

Embracing mobile technology

A

s many young children embark on their journey through the school years, they will face increasing pressure and expectations from peers to be connected to the world via mobile devices and the Internet as part of both their social lives and studies. This is far-removed from the experiences of their parents’ schooldays and child psychologist, Dr Amanda Gummer, urges them to understand and embrace their technology as part of keeping children safe online.

The versatility of technology enables children’s learning to be much more bespoke and therefore more relevant, engaging and enjoyable and Dr Gummer, founder of

child development, play and tech advice website www. fundamentallychildren.com believes that parents should not be afraid of encouraging (continued over the page)

ABC Magazine - Hampshire 17

(continued from previous page)

their children to engage with technology as part of a balanced play diet. “Getting independent expert advice on apps, eSafety and managing screen time can help parents feel more in control of their children’s technology. In the meantime, here are some tips from the experts at Fundamentally Children on what to look for when evaluating the pros and cons of the tech children engage with,” says Dr Gummer.

Look for technology that: • Allows personalisation children benefit when learning and play is targeted to them and they feel that they have control over aspects of it.

• Encourages socialisation technology that encourages children to play together, communicate or compete will help promote social development.

• Uses new technologies to enhance traditional play patterns - for example, role play.

• Widens access to play by children with additional needs.

• Promotes active play -

technology that encourages children to move around rather than staying sedentary.

Be careful with technology that: • Has poor linking between on and offline play patterns.

• Shoe-horns technology into toys and games that don’t improve play value or accessibility.

• Has too narrow a focus on limited play patterns.

• Is addictive - addictive games with no tools for regulating time spent on screen-based play.

Avoid: • The inclusion of technology where it reduces the flexibility and play value of a toy (over spec’d toys prevent children from developing problemsolving and imagination skills).

• Poorly designed games that will frustrate and confuse children.

• Devices without appropriate parental controls.

• Apps and connected games that enable access to inappropriate material. BAC

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18 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

The great outdoors...

I

t might be chilly outside but helping your little ones embrace the great outdoors can influence their long-term health and life, says Lee Render, Head of Infants at St Nicholas School in Church Crookham.

Yet sadly, the same report says Counting stones, sorting leaves, only one in five of young people playing Poohsticks- all the sorts today feel connected to nature. of things toddlers and young According to another report, children love. Of course mum Natural Childhood, this time might not be quite so happy by the National Trust, statistics if they happen to come home all muddy and with reveal that things shoes that are wet have changed through but dramatically ...it can these formative in just one help children’s experiences generation. education, physical of childhood health, emotional are vitally The number important to of children well-being and health and playing in personal and happiness. wild places is social skills.

90% less than There’s been a thirty years ago. huge amount of The roaming radius research over the last decade for children has declined by 90% and three times as many into the benefits of nature and children are taken to hospital exploring outdoors with your children. The conclusions are each year after falling out of overwhelmingly positive bed, as from falling out of trees. according to a recent report by the RSPB it can help children’s Clearly, the solution to this is education, physical health, to start them enjoying being emotional well-being and outside when they are young - and do what generations of personal and social skills.

mums and teachers have done down the ages - give youngsters an opportunity to let off steam on a daily, if not twice daily, basis.

the seaside, running and racing about really helps children grow up big, strong and healthy.

Pushing the swing, climbing trees, throwing or kicking a ball are all great fun but these activities also help children develop the physical skills they’re so desperate to master.

Buy your children wellies, waterproofs, hats and gloves and let them get wet and muddy, make snowmen, pick daisies and buttercups and don’t underestimate how far they can walk ...if children either.

There’s the added benefit that an active lifestyle is also a develop an early great way appreciation of to prevent nature, with any luck and counter they will want to the growing protect it when obesity crisis.

As the old nursery rhyme, dated from 1708 suggests ‘Boys and girls they go out to play’the importance of playing in the fresh air is timeless and universal.

grow up.

Today, with the rigours of the classroom and the mesmerising modern delights of television, iPads and the computer, it might be argued that getting that all essential breath of fresh air is more important than ever before.

Whether it’s the school grounds, adventure playground, the park, the open countryside or even

Of course, getting outdoors has many other benefits for children and parents alike.

Our brains are stimulated by the sights, sounds and smells of the outside world. Natural light stimulates the pineal gland, the part of the brain that regulates the ‘biological clock’, which is vital to the immune system and also makes you happier. Senses are heightened as children hear and feel the wind in their hair, the sun on their faces and even rain can help with aesthetic awareness.

Teachers certainly comment that children are more likely to be noisy and excited outside while running freely and in safety around the school grounds. You’ll see them call out to each other as they make up games, building skills of communication, organisation and cooperation - all vital in school life and beyond. Their imaginations are stimulated by games of ‘pretend’ which use the natural features or play equipment around them as props. Role-play helps children to understand other perspectives and begin to put their own lives into context, developing social awareness.

There are also many educational opportunities outdoors, especially where there are school grounds for children to develop spatial awareness and to begin to understand the concepts of distance and time. Using a stopwatch to time a run across the playground or racing to be first to scramble to the top of a climbing frame or adventure A log or a hedge can so easily be play area all help - and start imagined as a ‘home’, or a bench to sow the seed of healthy the enemy position in a ‘battle’. competition. Also, if children develop an early appreciation of Qualities of leadership begin to nature, with any luck they will emerge and the children work together to create their own play want to protect it when they grow up. world.

Lee Render is the Head of Infants at St Nicholas’ School, Church Crookham www.st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

The experience of being in the fresh air brings another dimension to development and learning. Children feel less inhibited and their characters are more likely to shine through as they lose themselves in their outdoor world.

what Hampshire parents really want to read!

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ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 19

T

his list of events in your local area has been carefully selected to offer both children and families fun things to do - hopefully with something to appeal to everyone.

We appreciate that on a family day out if the children are happy, the chances for the entire family to enjoy the day are enhanced.

Although every effort is made to ensure that information is correct at time of going to press, ABC Magazine cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions.

Diary of events

Useful out & about

websites

T

he councils, libraries and museums of Hampshire are all busy throughout the year creating things to keep residents busy and entertained. Check out the websites below for further information.

November 1-2 1-2 1-2

www.basingstoke.gov.uk www.eastleigh.gov.uk

M

any councils are involved in the running of the area covered by ABC Magazine and all are great sources of local information. Listed is the telephone number of each council - queries regarding facilities should be raised with the Leisure Services Department.

www.fareham.gov.uk www.discovergosport.co.uk www.visithampshire.co.uk www.hart.gov.uk www.nfdc.gov.uk

1-2 1-2 3-9 5 5-8

www.visitportsmouth.co.uk www.discoversouthampton.co.uk www.rushmoor.gov.uk www.testvalley.gov.uk www.visitwinchester.co.uk

8 8 8 8

Basingstoke & Deane

01256 844844

East Hampshire

01730 266551

Eastleigh

023 8068 8068

Fareham

01329 236100

Gosport

023 9258 4242

Havant

023 9247 4174

fully interactive digital magazine online

New Forest

023 8028 5000

www.abcmag.co.uk

Rushmoor

01252 398399

Test Valley

01264 368000

Winchester

01962 840222

Portsmouth

023 9283 4092

Southampton

023 8022 3855

8-9

20 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

on the WEB

Check it out!

12-15 15 16 2021 Dec 204 Jan 22- 27 2224 Dec

Disclaimer: The information contained in this listing is given in good faith on the basis of information available to ABC Magazine. ABC Magazine cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information and accepts no responsibility for any error, omission or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained herewith, is hereby excluded.

23 28-30

Gruffalo Trail 1-3pm Bolderwood Car Park, New Forest www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest Wizard Weekend Watercress Line, Alresford www.watercressline.co.uk Get Me Out of Here-Survival Undercover Royal Marines Museum, Southsea www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk Halloween Pumpkin Family Trail Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth www.historicdockyard.co.uk Halloween Festival at Marwell Zoo Marwell Zoo, Winchester www.marwell.org.uk HMS - Remembrance Week Trail National Royal Navy Museum, Portsmouth www.historicdockyard.co.uk Free Fireworks Display Stockheath Common, Havant Tel: 023 9244 6019.

Oliver!

Waterside Theatre, Holbury www.wos.org.uk Baby & Children’s Nearly New Sale St Joseph’s RC Church Hall, Havant www.lovelyevents.co.uk Fantastic Firework Fiesta and Fun Fair Greta Park, Hedge End www.hedgeendcarnival.org.uk Fireworks over the South Downs Hinton Ampner, Winchester www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner Walk the Line - Sponsored Walk Watercress Line, Alresford www.watercressline.co.uk Independent Schools Show Vicentia Court, London www.schoolshow.com Fiddler on the Roof 7.30pm Kings Theatre, Southsea www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk Cats Protection Christmas Fayre St Mary’s Parish Centre, Alverstoke www.gosport.cats.org.uk Vintage Fair 10am-4pm High Street, Alton Alton Assembly Rooms, Alton Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market Winchester Cathedral, Winchester www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink Winchester Cathedral, Winchester www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk The Snow Queen Groundlings Theatre, Portsmouth www.groundlings.co.uk Christmas at Marwell Marwell Zoo, Winchester www.marwell.org.uk Christmas Gift Fayre 10am-3pm Careys Manor, Brockenhurst www.autismhampshire.org.uk Victorian Festival of Christmas 10am Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.christmasfestival.co.uk

29 29 2921 Dec 2923 Dec 30 30 30

Albert Road - Christmas Lights 2014 Albert Road, Southsea www.visitportsmouth.gov.uk New Milton Christmas Festival Station Approach, New Milton www.newmiltonevents.co.uk/christmas Space Mission for Santa Winchester Science Centre, Winchester www.winchestersciencecentre.org The Nutcracker with a Twist Mottisfont, Romsey www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont Art, Craft and Gift Fayre 10am-4pm University of Southampton, Southampton www.southampton.ac.uk Christmas at the Brickworks 11am-4pm Swanwick Lane, Southampton www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk Yellow Vintage Fair at The Ageas Bowl Botley Road, Southampton www.yellowvintagefair.co.uk

December 1-21 1-21 1-23 1-24 1-31 1-31 14 Jan 16 Jan 6

Space Mission for Santa Winchester Science Centre, Winchester www.winchestersciencecentre.org Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market Winchester Cathedral, Winchester www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk The Nutcracker with a Twist Mottisfont, Romsey www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont Christmas at Marwell Marwell Zoo, Winchester www.marwell.org.uk Christmas Winter Wonderland Birdworld, Farnham www.birdworld.co.uk The Longdown Farm Christmas Barn Longdown, Ashurst www.longdownfarm.co.uk Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink Winchester Cathedral, Winchester www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk 'Twas the night before Christmas The Vyne, Basingstoke www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne St. Peter’s Church Christmas Fayre St. Peter’s Church, Eastleigh www.parishofboyattwood.org.uk

Aladdin Pantomime at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth 9th December - 4th January

What more could you wish for this Christmas?

A magic lamp, a genie, a flying carpet and a feast of stars will all make for a fantastic family adventure at this year’s traditional pantomime at the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth.

20-24 204 Jan 204 Jan 204 Jan 26-27 6 6 6-7 6-7 6-14 7 7 94 Jan 94 Jan 101 Jan 104 Jan 13 13-14 13-14 13-14 17 18-23 19 19

Stars taking to the stage this year include Antony Costa, Jade Ellis and Marcus Patrick. The cast is completed with Jack Edwards as Abanazar, Phil Randall as Widow Twankey, Aiden J Harvey as Wishee Washee and Christopher Marlowe as The Empress of China.

Book now for this spirited Christmas adventure!

Tickets are on sale from the Kings Theatre Box Office: 023 9282 8282 or from www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk

20-21 20-24

Hunt the Presents!

HMS Warrior, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk Whitehill and Bordon Christmas Fair Community Centre, Borden www.wbtp.co.uk Watercress Line Santa Specials Watercress Line, Alresford www.watercressline.co.uk Santa at Spinnaker Tower Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth www.spinnakertower.co.uk A Classic Nutcracker Christmas Hinton Ampner, Alresford www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner Meet Santa and Cinderella Cast Groundlings Theatre, Portsmouth www.groundlings.co.uk Father Christmas Special 11am-4pm Swanwick Lane, Southampton www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk Aladdin - Christmas Panto Kings Theatre, Southsea www.kings-southsea.com Sleeping Beauty Theatre Royal, Winchester www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk Cinderella Christmas Family Panto The Harlington, Fleet www.theharlington.co.uk Cinderella Groundlings Theatre, Portsmouth www.groundlings.co.uk Hunt the Presents!

HMS Warrior, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk Watercress Line Santa Specials Watercress Line, Alresford www.watercressline.co.uk Christmastime at Hollycombe Hollycombe Steam Museum, Liphook www.hollycombe.co.uk Santa at Spinnaker Tower Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth www.spinnakertower.co.uk Christmas Walking Safari 10am Bolderwood Car Park, New Forest www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest Santa at Spinnaker Tower Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth www.spinnakertower.co.uk Lake of Lights Service 5pm Canoe Lake, Southsea www.rowanshospice.co.uk Tales of Winter Magic Butser Ancient Farm, Waterlooville www.butserancientfarm.co.uk Christmastime at Hollycombe Hollycombe Steam Museum, Liphook www.hollycombe.co.uk Watercress Line Santa Specials Watercress Line, Alresford www.watercressline.co.uk

264 Jan

Christmastime at Hollycombe Hollycombe Steam Museum, Liphook www.hollycombe.co.uk Family Activity Area - HMS Warrior 1860 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk Get Me Out of Here- Survival in the Arctic Royal Marines Museum, Southsea www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk Christmas at Beaulieu Beaulieu, Brockenhurst www.beaulieu.co.uk WWII Christmas Leave Watercress Line, Alresford www.watercressline.co.uk The Nutcracker with a Twist Mottisfont, Romsey www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont

January 1 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-4 1-6 2-4

Cinderella Christmas Family Panto The Harlington, Fleet www.theharlington.co.uk Cinderella Groundlings Theatre, Portsmouth www.groundlings.co.uk Winchester Cathedral Ice Rink Winchester Cathedral, Winchester www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk Family Activity Area - HMS Warrior 1860 Portsmouth Historic Dockyard www.historicdockyard.co.uk Get Me Out of Here- Survival in the Arctic Royal Marines Museum, Southsea www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk The Nutcracker with a Twist Mottisfont, Romsey www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont Christmas at Beaulieu Beaulieu, Brockenhurst www.beaulieu.co.uk Sleeping Beauty Theatre Royal, Winchester www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk 'Twas the night before Christmas The Vyne, Basingstoke www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne Aladdin - Christmas Panto Kings Theatre, Southsea www.kings-southsea.com

February 14-22 14-22

‘Hands-on’ at Beaulieu Beaulieu, Brockenhurst www.beaulieu.co.uk Live Science Shows Winchester Science Centre, Winchester www.winchestersciencecentre.org

LOOK OUT FOR THE NEW SPRING ISSUE OF ABC OUT & ABOUT 1st MARCH

March 13-22

National Science and Engineering Week Winchester Science Centre, Winchester www.winchestersciencecentre.org

...what Hampshire parents really read!

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 21

Fun places to go & things to do in

Hampshire

• Days out for FREE • Days out for FREE • Days out for FREE • All these places offer free admission and may also have other facilities available for a charge (such as tea rooms, boat hire, golf etc) Aldershot -Brickfields Country Park. The chance to participate in a variety of nature studies. www.brickfieldspark.org Alton - The Curtis Museum & Allen Gallery. The museum has local history from the Ice Age to present day. www3.hants.gov.uk/curtis-museum Andover - Andover Museum. From Saxons to the present day, a town house once visited by Jane Austin. www3.hants.gov.uk/andover-museum Basingstoke - Willis Museum. A programme of visiting exhibitions and a gallery 'Basingstoke - the last 200 years'. www3.hants.gov.uk/willis-museum Bursledon - Manor Farm Country Park. Children's play areas, space for picnics. (fee payable for entry to the farm) www3.hants.gov.uk/manorfarm Eastleigh – Eastleigh Museum. Free admission and activities which change according to the exhibitions. www3.hants.gov.uk/eastleigh-museum Eastleigh - Fleming Park. Paddling pool and an outdoor children's play area, (other facilities available at a charge). www.eastleigh.gov.uk Eastleigh - Lakeside Country Park .This popular waterpark has open grassland and day fishing (by permit). www.eastleigh.gov.uk Fareham - The Royal Armouries Museum. The museum houses the national collection of artillery. www.royalarmouries.org Farnborough - Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum. Learn about early jets, artefacts and a simulator for the children. www.airsciences.org.uk Gosport - Gosport Discovery Centre. There are great areas for children, a local history museum and a geology museum. www3.hants.gov.uk/gdc Havant - Spring Artist Heritage Centre. Displays on former industries, commerce, tourism, transport and local buildings. www.thespring.co.uk Lepe - Lepe Country Park. An attractive coastal strip with beaches, picnic areas and walks. There is a children's play area. www3.hants.gov.uk/lepe Lyndhurst - The New Forest Reptile Centre. A great place to see all the reptiles and amphibians of the New Forest. www.thenewforest.co.uk Netley - Royal Victoria Country Park. There is a parkland for walks and picnics and a seashore for beachcombing. www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp Southampton - City Walls. Some of the old town walls remain, they are connected by a special walk. www.discoversouthampton.co.uk Southampton - Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre. Children's splashpool and play area, trail, streams and heathland. www.visit-hampshire.co.uk Southsea - Cumberland House. Many imaginative and informative displays showing local natural history. www.portsmouthnaturalhistory.co.uk Stockbridge - Danebury Ring. One of the finest Iron-Age hill forts in southern Britain. www3.hants.gov.uk/danebury Totton - Totton and Eling Heritage Centre. Information panels and three-dimensional scene depicting local history. www.elingexperience.co.uk West End - Itchen Valley Country Park. A large countryside with trails and picnic sites and a large adventure play area. www.eastleigh.gov.uk Winchester - City Museum. The story of Winchester from prehistoric and Roman to present day. www.winchestermuseumcollections.org.uk Winchester - The Great Hall. Built in the 13th century as part of the medieval castle with King Arthur's Round Table. www3.hants.gov.uk/greathall Winchester - HorsePower. The Museum of the King's Royal Hussars. www.horsepowermuseum.co.uk Winchester - Winchester Cathedral. Built for William the Conqueror - Jane Austin is buried here. www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk Amesbury - Stonehenge Landscape. Surrounding Stonehenge there are many fascinating archaeological features. www.this-is-amesbury.co.uk Salisbury - Salisbury Cathedral. Follow the trail looking for animals and symbols or take the guided tower tour. www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

Want to reach Hampshire parents?

Call us now, we'll show you how! (01273) 552842 22 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

Christmas - remember the

important things

I

t is so easy to get caught up in the whole commercial madness of Christmas; buying way too many presents, spoiling our children rotten and eating and drinking to excess. Christmas is often a time where there seems too much of everything, and while it can be fun to indulge to a certain degree, try and spend a few minutes to think about how you can make it a more ethical, and possibly meaningful, Christmas in your family.

Children are bombarded with adverts of the best new toys and whilst it is always nice to get them what they want, it is also worth talking to children about why they can't have everything they want and about other children who aren't as lucky as them and may get very little for Christmas.

If you know someone is going to be on their own at Christmas, try to make some time to pop round to see them or invite them to spend part of the day with your family. Research conducted by the RVS (Royal Voluntary Association) suggests that just under a quarter of a million older people spend Christmas alone.

The months prior to Christmas Some of them may prefer to be are a great time to have a clear on their own, but a quick phone call will makes people realise out and you can encourage your children to sort that they haven't been through their own forgotten and never When most toys to see what goes amiss. of us look back they could take at our favourite to a charity You can make it shop, or give Christmas memories, a more ethical to one of the Christmas in it rarely involves campaigns that your family in a a particular try to ensure that number of simple present. all children get at ways. Try and least one present at can buy sustainable Christmas. presents that will last a long time and have the potential When most of us look back to be used in a variety ways as at our favourite Christmas your child grows, rather than the memories, it rarely involves a latest toy or gadget, which may particular present. Our memories have a shorter shelf life. Toys and are much more likely to revolve activity packs that allow children around special times spent to make things themselves and with our families and friends, use their own skills and creativity playing games or following timemake great presents. (continued over the page) honoured family traditions.

The last recommended posting dates for Christmas 18th December for 2nd class 20th December for 1st class For overseas deliveries take a look at: www.royalmail. com/greetings ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 23

(continued from previous page)

has something to open but you don't spend ridiculous amounts of money you can't afford. If you put a limit on what is spent on a present, often more thought goes into what you buy, rather than money being spent for the sake If you put a of it. limit on what is

You can also make some gifts yourself, which makes them extra special, and relatives will always cherish anything that has been handmade by the children in the family.

Use charity websites to buy virtual gifts for those who seem to have everything, and provide help to those who need it in the process.

spent on a present, Maybe, this year, often more thought think about goes into what buying less food.

We always buy you buy...

It isn't worth getting into unmanageable debt for the sake of a few presents that may be forgotten in a month or two's time. If things are tight this year, suggest to extended family members that you put a limit of how much you spend on each gift, just buy for one person each, or all club together and put a small amount in each and buy one super present. This way, you ensure that everyone

far too much food at Christmas and so much ends up being thrown away. Try to buy a little less of everything and you will probably still have too much! The shops are only shut for a day or two, so you can always restock if you run out of anything.

Don't forget to recycle as much as possible - cards, wrapping paper, decorations, even unwanted gifts. And finally, with a your conscience clear, make sure you have a merry Christmas! BAC

NSPCC teams up with Santa to make Christmas wishes come true

C

hildren’s charity the NSPCC is once again teaming up with Santa to make children’s Christmas wishes come true by sending them a personalised Letter from Santa, sent direct from the North Pole via Rudolph Mail.

The colourful, beautifully illustrated letters include the child’s (or big kid’s) name, age, gender, and a few other details which only Santa could know. Santa has even written a special poem to celebrate baby’s first Christmas too - a keepsake to treasure for years to come.

Christmas is an exciting time of year but for some children it can be an incredibly difficult and lonely time. By requesting a Letter from Santa for a suggested donation of £5, the NSPCC can be there for vulnerable children, giving them someone to turn to when they need advice and support, this Christmas and beyond.

Every £5 raised by Letter from Santa could help the NSPCC’s ChildLine service be there whenever a child seeks help either online or by phone. Every £12 raised could help trained ChildLine Schools Service volunteers talk to one primary school child about abuse, improving their understanding of abuse and how they can stay safe.

The ChildLine Schools Service has already spoken to more than 6,300 children in schools across Sussex.

Tracey Bravo, NSPCC community fundraising manager for Sussex, said: “Christmas is such magical time of year for children so why not bring even more magic and excitement by ordering a Letter from Santa for a friend or relative and support the NSPCC during the festive season.”

Santa’s mailroom is open until 15th December 2014, and all those who request a Letter from Santa this year will be entered into a draw to win a Center Parcs holiday for a family of four.

Visit LAPLAND UK see main advert on the outside back cover...

24 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

Request your Letter from Santa by calling 0845 839 9304 or visit www.nspcc.org.uk/santa

Helping your toddler to learn

T

hose few years between being a baby and going to school are very important for your little one. They are learning so much every day and it is amazing to watch. Young children are discovering the world around them and learning how they fit into it. Whether they are at home full-time or in nursery, there are so many opportunities for them to learn.

This time is vital in terms of speech and language development. You will see how their ‘baby talk’ is now turning into real words and they are going from single words to putting words together.

only makes it fun for your child, but will also help to satiate a toddler’s natural curiosity.

Children learn language all day, every day, through their normal daily routines and their interactions with others. They If your child is at nursery, much also learn and use language of the day and the layout of within their play, which means the nursery will be geared at that it is a good idea to take a giving your child many learning look at the toys you have out opportunities, without them for your child to play with. even realising it. Children will We increasingly hear of prehave fun while they are learning. schoolers playing on tablets and, They could be playing at shops, of course, modern technology listening to a story, ‘writing’ certainly does have its place in the sand, sorting for educational purposes shapes - these are all and sometimes for the first blocks keeping your This of maths and child occupied. not only reading. The However, more makes it fun for nursery will basic toys allow your child, but will be working for openalso help to satiate a in accordance ended play with the opportunities toddler’s natural Early Years and many curiosity.

Foundation more language Stage which sets opportunities. It standards for the is an old example, but learning, development and care children get so much fun from a of children from birth to five big box; it can be made into so years old. many different things that uses their imagination and creativity.

There are also many ways you can help your child to If your child attends a nursery, learn at home. Of course, you they should be able to give you don’t want to be sitting down a plan of what they hope to with your three year old and cover over the next few weeks. teaching them how to write You only need to know the their letters perfectly or teaching general theme and you can tie them the basics of addition this in with what you are doing and subtraction, but there are at home. For instance, if your many ways that learning can nursery has a ‘seaside’ theme for be incorporated into everyday the week, you could go to the (continued over the page) situations and play. This not

Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium houses 100 hands-on science exhibits in a purpose-built pyramid and also boasts the UK’s largest capacity digital planetarium. The Science Centre is open seven days a week all year around and attracts over 150,000 visitors per year. It has free on-site parking and a cafe serving fresh food cooked on the premises.

Winchester Science Centre hosts a number of events and activities for both children and adults. For further information visit: www.winchestersciencecentre.org or call: 01962 863791 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 25

(continued from previous page)

seaside and collect some seaweed and shells. You can count the shells, write your child’s name in shells, and make a collage with the seaweed. Your nursery may have a colour of the week, and you can collect items from home of that colour, or find a book that mentions that colour. This all helps to re-enforce what your child is learning at nursery.

things in the pictures and repeat the words after you, and make a game out of it. This prepares your child for the early reading stage, when she will use pictures for clues about what is being said on each page.

Pre-schoolers are just beginning to learn the basics: that print runs left to right and top to bottom, for example, and that books have a cover and a back.

Point to words as you read them and talk about a book as you read it. Even before your child can read, you can start building comprehension skills. Ask your child questions as you read such as, “What do you think this book is about?” and “What’s he doing in this picture?”

Reading is something that you can certainly do with your child, from a very young age. Reading time should be special for you and your child. Bedtime stories are traditional, but think about other times of the day you and your child can share books, such as over breakfast, during bath time, or after pre-school. Your local library is a wonderful Finally, don’t forget words place to go. It’s free, are everywhere so always warm and read words aloud ...many dry, and full of that you see on libraries have books! As well road signs, in comfortable as looking at supermarkets and choosing and in seats where you books, many your daily can cuddle up with libraries have routine. your little one comfortable This shows and read a seats where your child you can cuddle that reading is book. up with your little an important part one and read a book. If of everyday life, and your house is noisy with other they will also begin to recognise children in the evening, this is very common letters and words. a perfect place to spend some precious time with your child.

The most important thing at this age is to make learning fun.

When you are reading with At nursery and in reception your child, remember that the class, learning will almost words aren’t the main attraction exclusively be through play, so for pre-schoolers. Pick out keep this going at home and books with vibrant colours and your child will grow up with a beautiful pictures, and talk thirst to learn and understand about the illustrations with your the world around them. BAC child. Ask your child to point to

what Hampshire parents really want to read!

Your advertisement could have been in this space 15,000 times - all for only £150!

That’s 1p per copy!

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26 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

W

e all use roads to get around and most of us use them in a variety of different ways: walking, catching the bus or driving, and maybe cycling, running or skating too. Of course, however we use roads, we are all just people trying to get about, but some road users are especially vulnerable and need protecting by those in charge of vehicles.

Yet sometimes it can feel like where everyone looked out roads are angry places where for and protected each other, different road users are in particularly the most vulnerable? different tribes and competing for space and priority. A simple In this year’s Road Safety lack of consideration and care Week (17th-23rd November), can have awful consequences. everyone is asked to look out for It can mean people feel each other on roads, because less able to get out being selfish can easily and about and lead to tragedy.

It can less likely to Drivers are urged mean people choose to to protect feel less able to walk or cycle: people on foot children not and bike by get out and about being allowed slowing down and less likely to to walk to 20mph in choose to walk to school, communities, or cycle... commuters not looking twice and feeling able to taking it slowly at cycle, families being junctions and bends, more inclined to always and giving people plenty of use the car. It can also lead to room. Everyone is encouraged tragedy: people suffering horrific to put safety first and be injuries or being killed because considerate to one another; of someone going too fast, too people on foot and bike should close or not looking out. never take chances, and make sure they can always be seen.

Wouldn’t it be better if, Taken from instead of being stressful www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk and risky, streets were places

by Moira Clarke Esprit Holidays

Skiing as a family

F

irst things to think about when considering taking the children skiing - are your children gung-ho enough to give it a go? Is your baby or toddler sociable enough to join a nursery for the week? Are you, as parents, able to let (continued over the page) them get on with it?

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 27

(continued from previous page)

Then consider the practicalities • Choose an operator with plenty of experience and trust them - they have done it before.

• Check flight times - are they a civilised hour for children?

• Check distance/time from arrival airport resort - long transfers can be nauseous!

• Choose an operator that offers a choice of destinations, not just limiting families to one or two particular resorts where they 'do' childcare. Just because you are skiing with children doesn’t mean you have to limit your horizons.

Childcare questions to ask: • Does the resort or the Tour Operator provide childcare?

• Are the child carers qualified?

• What is the ratio of children to carers?

• Is the nursery in the chalet, a dedicated playroom or do you have to traipse your child round the resort?

• Are the activity clubs just video clubs or do the children get out and about?

• Any evening activities for children? You want to enjoy your dinner without worrying about the children.

• Any babysitting provided? A night out without the children is a definite must on holiday!

• What are the age ranges for the nursery or childcare?

• What are the catering arrangements for the children?

Nursery care for babies and toddlers Not many Tour Operators offer their very own dedicated nursery, so care and attention needs to be paid to what exactly you are booking for your infant. If it is a local resort nursery, do the carers speak English? Will they follow your child’s routine? What will they do during the day? And will it be for five or six days?

children from ski school as this can severely restrict a parent’s time on the slopes.

Non-skiing activity clubs Young children don’t have the stamina to ski all day so some sort of nonskiing club is necessary. Ensure it includes plenty of outdoor fun and isn’t just a video or computer club.

If it is your Tour Operator’s in-house nursery, check the qualifications of the childcare team and the location and facilities of the crèche. You Babysitting don’t want just the living room Some operators charge extra for floor of your chalet with a few babysitting, others don’t do it at toys - you want a dedicated all. If nightlife is important, try playroom with proper and check beforehand facilities for infants how much extra and toddlers.

Where you may have to the chalet or pay out in the Ski school hotel is situated resort to avoid for children will have a hefty bills not Many holiday budgeted for. packages offer big impact on children’s ski the enjoyment of Catering classes but it the children.

Check the eating is important to arrangements. know whether or Children tend to be not the classes are just happier eating simpler meals run by the local ski school or all together and can’t last all if the operator has any special evening waiting for an adult arrangements. Some operators just book children into the local dinner at 8pm, regardless of Mum and Dad wanting to eat as classes, which may then have a family! anything up to sixteen children in them and be taught in the Location of properties local language! It is also worth Where the chalet or hotel is checking whether the parents situated will have a big impact have to take to and collect their on the enjoyment of the children.

Ski in/out is ideal for parents but for children who will be in ski lessons it may be advisable to look for properties

where the ski school meeting point is close by for their convenience rather than yours.

Prices Skiing with children can be expensive. Some child friendly operators do not have child friendly prices! Carefully check for free child places and up to what age they are applicable, and also the number of child places allowed per family.

Many operators only allow two children at a child’s price and thereafter charge adult prices. Always work out the whole package price before deciding which is better value - an operator with the most expensive adult price may turn out to offer the best whole family cost.

Often sharing the parent’s room gives the greatest discount for children but if you want separate rooms for the children you will not get much of a discount from some operators.

Brochures/websites that do not give any child prices are questionable - do they make them up as they go along?

Booking certain dates with some companies may give good offers - free children’s places, for example, but do remember to work out the whole package before getting excited about a great deal! BAC www.espritski.com

...what Hampshire parents really read!

28 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

The child-free mini break M

y children are wonderful and I love them dearly, but I also love some child-free time!

I think it’s healthy for me as a parent and for my children too because they realise that mum and dad have a life together too, that doesn’t always have to involve them.

within a couple of hours' drive, The only problem is that so that you don’t spend most of whenever we do go away, the time travelling. we spend most of the time talking about the children! So, If you haven’t spent much time sometimes we go away with another couple in order to avoid away from the children it’s natural to feel a little worried this. It doesn’t really matter about how you are going to fill where you go, it’s getting away the time or what you are from the daily routine of going to talk about. being parents for just It can be a good one or two nights The only idea to have a that is important. focus to the Time and problem is that weekend such money whenever we do go as golf, a spa probably mean away, we spend treat or two, you can’t go most of the time or even just a away for more talking about long walk in than a couple the children! the countryside. of nights so it’s often best to keep (continued over the page)

...it’s what everyone reads!

Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa - 'a slice of paradise' in Sussex!

I

really can't think of a better way of spending time with friends than an overnight stay at Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa. Three of us had arranged to meet for a sneaky night away from the everyday circus we call 'being mum', knowing that for the next twenty four hours, it was just us, with no interruptions.

As I turned into the long driveway towards the hotel it took me past tennis courts, beautiful buildings and manicured lawns that stretched into the distance. The hotel itself looked like a myriad of medieval buildings and, to my disbelief, I soon learnt that the hotel grounds actually meet Climping beach!

As we chatted away we were like excited children unpacking our cases in our very grand room with stunning views and its own open fire. We enjoyed a light lunch of sandwiches and tea and then donned our fluffy towelling robes and proceeded to the spa, a short walk across the hotel lawn. After a brief consultation, we were introduced to our therapists, and the hour and a half that followed can only be described as heaven! I had booked a Mediterranean Float, an all over face and body treatment, which left me feeling both recharged and refreshed and ready to take on the world. After the treatments, we met in the chill-out room which was a beautifully lit, calming room with reclining loungers and fluffy blankets. At our leisure, we had time to

take advantage of the steam and sauna rooms and wonderful pool facilities, including the outdoor pool and jacuzzi.

Feeling refreshed, we headed back to our room to get changed for dinner and made our way down to one of the many lounge areas for pre-dinner drinks. The evening meal was just as we expected - fine dining at its very best and service that was second to none. After dinner, we had a little walkabout in the hotel as there were so many fascinating little nooks and crannies to be discovered, including a tunnel which led to the other buildings on site. We took to our beds with relaxed bodies, full tummies and light heads chatting away until the wee hours. It felt like we'd been away for days and normal life seemed so far away - like a distant, chaotic memory.

Morning came all too soon and after a delicious full English breakfast it was time to say goodbye - we parted with hugs and vowed that this would be the first of many visits to Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa...

Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa, Climping, West Sussex BN17 5RW (01903) 723511 www.hshotels.co.uk ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 29

(continued from previous page) fantastic time and be thoroughly spoilt by grandparents, an Many couples take turns to aunt and uncle or friends. have a girls or boys weekend Our children have often been away with close friends. These quite upset when we get home mini breaks are normally full because the people who were of good food, alcohol and lots kindly looking after them of laughter and reminiscing. had given them a much more You may come back a little exciting time than we would tired but it is certainly worth it. have done! The family very When you have children and quickly slip back into the limited time and money, old routine but we it is easy to fall into ...the normally get an a monotonous people extra big hug routine and a at bedtime complete break who were kindly and my from the looking after them norm can be had given them a much husband and I agree that rejuvenating, more exciting time it has been even if it’s only than we would wonderful to an hour away have done! get away, but it is and for a night equally wonderful or two. to be home again, plus we have lots of happy, shared Whilst you are away the memories. BAC children will probably have a

Grandparents are cool

T

he coolest grandparents let you stay up late, laugh at rude rhymes, tell you secrets, and are on social media according to a new study. Researchers polled children aged five to fifteen years to establish the traits and attributes that grandparents possess to be deemed ‘cool’.

On-trend grannies and grandads also own a tablet, always have homemade cakes available and push money in to your hands whilst saying “shhhh.” Letting you choose what you want for dinner, having picnics indoors and playing on games consoles were also on the cool list. As was knowing lots of card games, listening to your music, letting you bake without moaning about the mess, and taking you on days out.

The poll by McCarthy & Stone, the UK’s retirement developer, also revealed the coolest grandparents are most likely to be called Ted and Maggie. They let their grandchildren play in rain, always have sweets and treats on hand and have an array of rude jokes up their sleeves.

It’s also lovely to know that 65% of children described their grandparents as cool, 75% said they hoped to be like their grandparents when they grow old and 70% also said they thought their grandparents were much younger than their years.

30 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

by Erica Waller www.muminthesouth.co.uk

Becoming a

single parent I

used to say: “I don’t know how single parents manage” manage”.. Now I know, because I am one. My life as a mum is different now. It’s (even more) full on, on my own.

There is no one to warm the milk while I run the bath, or help look for the tiny Dalmatian Thing-Three can’t sleep without. No one to sort the dishwasher, laundry or run the hoover round. I’m a whirlwind, writing to do lists on loo rolls, making packed lunches at midnight, losing track of days.

And then it’s his turn to have the girls, and I go from having children hanging from each limb, all wanting me at once, to not being a mum at all. There is no in-between, no packed lunches to make. On the days they do not sleep here, I can’t work out which is worse, the shape they leave in their unmade beds, or the pristine readiness of covers straightened for their return.

The days I do not have them are black holes that I fall into. I go out, and I smile, sleep, and laugh, but all the while an invisible thread stretches taut and painful, pulling me and my thoughts back to my babies.

I know this will not always be the case. Dust will settle, cogs will turn, the sun will rise and set, and I will rise and resettle with it.

My experience as a mother has changed forever though, and a part of me will always feel I failed. I used to think I knew what my future would hold, now I have no idea. I’m telling myself that this is exciting.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m nowhere near ready to ‘get back in the game’, and even if I was, I’ve got three young kids, Rheumatoid Arthritis, a stomach like a pair of testicles and another man’s name tattooed on my left buttock. I’m what’s known as ‘damaged goods’ on the meat market.

Luckily for me, my babies are like water-soaked sponges of love, that can never be wrung out. They cover me with kisses and iridescent lip-gloss (which does nothing for my complexion).

They are always up for a snoggy-pops... when they are here.

I hold them in my arms and inhale them deeply, imprinting them inside before each handover. They go to a distant land that I don’t know about, and they come back in different clothes and hairbands. They seem bigger each time they return.

They never come back smelling the same. I have to scrub them until they smell like mine again, sloshing soap in my eyes to hide tears of grief for the seconds of their lives that I missed.

by Julie-ann James Aquababies

Parent and baby aqua fit

Get fit and lose weight whilst having fun

A

qua aerobics is an excellent method of exercise which improves the fitness of the heart and lungs, tones the body and reduces fat. It is an ideal form of post-partum exercise as it is kinder to joints and the water supports some of the extra pregnancy weight.

It's not only good for newborns, it’s also great for toddlers! It’s a great way to introduce your child to the water, it keeps the younger age group completely entertained and it’s a great bonding process.

Working out with other likeminded people is a good motivator. Bodyweight issues are important to postnatal women and exercising in a homogenous group helps to reduce self-consciousness. Aqua

aerobic programs also offer a social outlet for parents to meet other parents with young children; commonly cited as a valuable experience for new parents.

Benefits for parents: Aqua aerobics is an excellent method of exercise which improves cardio vascular fitness and tones the body whilst increasing the metabolic rate (continued over the page)

Aqua aerobics for you and fun water confidence for your child

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 31

(continued from previous page)

which helps to promote weight loss. It is an ideal form of postpartum exercise as the water reduces pressure which supports the body and is kinder to joints.

Swim classes need safety boost

R

ecent research from the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) shows that only 50% of children are able to swim. With many schools needing to cut costs, swimming is often bearing the brunt of these tough times.

A scheme launched by SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure, Learning and Well-Being, will ensure that swimming classes are run by trained professionals. This initiative, the Register of Aquatic Professionals (RAPs), will make sure that funds are not at risk of being squandered by employing unaccredited swimming teachers that endanger swimmers and are ineffective in teaching correct techniques.

Research from the ASA shows that half of primary school children can’t swim the length of a pool. And with resources tight as schools continue with compulsory swimming lessons, there’s an increasing need for swimming professionals to be fit for purpose and value for money.

Created in partnership with the ASA, The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK and Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA), RAPs provides a system of regulation to ensure that individuals working in the aquatic industry meet agreed National Occupational Standards (NOS) and best practice guidelines. It will tackle head on

32 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

the concerns about safety in the water because all those on the register will be fully qualified and accredited.

Stuart Wilson, Register Lead for RAPs, added, “The dangers associated with swimming are very real, not only for children but also for adults. We want to encourage people to have fun in the water, but we want that to be a safe endeavour. RAPs is an initiative that will instil added confidence in anybody that wants to be taught to swim. When working with a RAPs qualified professional, the public can be assured that they are in safe hands whilst they learn.”

As a compulsory part of the national curriculum in schools, the need for fully qualified teachers both in and outside of schools remains a priority because many children haven’t learnt to swim properly. RAPs will provide verification that those working in the sector are fully qualified to perform their role. It will support the training needs and career development of those working in related roles, including; swimming teachers, lifeguards, pool managers and pool plant operators.

Additional benefits of aqua exercise are: • Suitable for non-swimmers • Particularly suited to people who carry excess weight as the water partially covers the body (for the body conscious) and improves body image whilst providing support • Increases relaxation and the range of body movement • Blood pressure can be reduced • Improves posture

Sound - Babies love the sound of the human voice which is why classes are designed with lullabies and nursery rhymes to help engage the child.

Touch - For babies, body contact is really important, not only as a source of heat and comfort but with certain points of touch you can teach a child to listen and to register, as touch can help to reassure and relax a child.

Aqua classes are also a fantastic social experience for both parent and child.

Benefits for baby Water is a great equalizer for babies and they can achieve some level of independence before they can crawl. The water provides support and they love the fun and freedom of the whole experience. It will also encourage physical, social and psychological development and enhance their awareness.

It is important to recognise the many benefits that can be achieved through postnatal exercise but it is also important to be aware of the risks involved.

With safety as a priority, many health benefits can be achieved.

Exercise programmes are specifically designed to minimise these Aqua risks with safety Aqua aerobics also: classes are as a priority.

• Builds water We strongly confidence also a fantastic recommend social experience • Teaches basic mothers wait breathing for both parent until their six exercises and child. week postnatal • Provides some of check-up before the basic foundations attending classes. of swimming • Encourages physical, social Benefits of working out and psychological development together: • Enhances awareness Bonding - Parents who are • Provides water safety training able to set aside time to exercise • Improves eating and sleeping together with their babies will patterns! find that bonding through • Makes exercising with your exercise creates a special, new child fun! BAC and exciting quality time to Aquababies has been pioneering spend together.

Sight - There are so many new experiences for the baby to see.

Baby Aquatic programs since 1989.

Julie-ann James spent years researching and now works as a consultant and has set up swim schools in China, Turkey, Jordon, Cyprus, Malta and many more countries.

Children’s indoor and outdoor fitness strategies

N

o matter what the season, it’s important to ensure children get up and moving so they stay on track with their physical fitness! Here are some tips with many that offer the opportunity for some good old-fashioned family time.

Exercising need not be reserved shopping centre several times! activities that are physical for the outdoors as there • Ride a bike, skateboard, fitness-oriented. This may is plenty children can or scooter. include tennis, dance, kick These do inside of the • Roller skate or boxing, golf, swimming and house to get fit! in-line skate. self-defence. These lessons lessons will • Walk or run • Arrange will help your child help your child up and down a game of become more wellbecome more a staircase football, rounded in many areas well-rounded in multiple times basketball, of fitness and may help them many areas of (skip a step for cricket, rounders find one that they enjoy and added intensity). or tennis to where they might want to take fitness...

• Skip - yes, get your heart advanced lessons. indoors too! Just pumping and muscles • Enjoy an ‘extreme’ family ensure that the child has working. holiday. Get your children enough clearance from that • Swim! Forget doggie paddles; involved in planning a dynamic cherished vase! instead, do laps up and down family holiday that includes • Dance! Let the children the pool or, for the ambitious physical activities for everyone. ‘boogie’ away those calories. types, try butterfly stroke!

Each family member should be • Calisthenics (push-ups, sit• Skipping is an old standby able to plan a physical activity ups, jumping jacks, for example) that offers an array of health whether it is taking a walking are great exercise and you can benefits. tour of a city, playing volleyball, hold a friendly competition!

• Take casual activity to the next kayaking, white water rafting, • Hula hoop; again, clearance is level and add excitement. snorkeling, skiing or snow key here!

Seek out community boarding.

• Crunches! Sure, let the events, such as • Together, your ...it will children watch television but a sponsored family can take also motivate challenge them to do as many walk, run or the months and reward them sit-ups as they can while the cycle ride prior to adverts are on. Do this for that accepts the trip to for engaging in at least one full television children. build up the activities that are programme, which usually However, endurance, good for their includes at least three or four competition strength, and health. commercial breaks. should not be skills necessary to enjoy your active • Shadow boxing is a great way the focus. Instead, the focus should be on plans. The ‘holiday’ to work the arm, leg and core doing one’s best. These events can even be a simple day trip muscles while also getting the heart pumping. Children will are often in support of a good have fun showing you how they cause, so children can also can ‘float like a butterfly and learn the value of fundraising sting like a bee.’ and giving to those that are in • Yoga (yes, for little ones, too!) need. Let children pick a cause is great for developing body that is important to them and coordination and balance. make sure the activity matches • Stretching helps with their physical abilities. Families flexibility, which is another sign can even spend a couple of of a healthy body. weekends prior to the event ‘in training’, getting conditioned Prefer the great outdoors? and practicing team-building Not a problem! Outdoor fitness skills. ideas abound, including: • Take some lessons. Find an • Take a walk, jog, or hike. after-school club or community Raining? Walk round the centre that offers lessons or

in your own neighbourhood or something much more extravagant. Children can save pocket money for ‘cool’ fitness clothes or earn money to be used toward the purchase of specialty equipment by achieving physical fitnessoriented goals (like getting a certain belt in Karate or completing a successful term with their swimming club). This will not only teach children about preparation, organisation, and planning, but it will also motivate and reward them for engaging in activities that are good for their health.

Children’s health advocate, health industry veteran and fitness champion, Merilee Kern, is the creator of ‘Kids Making Healthy Choices’ APP for children, parents/caregivers and educators (available on iTunes), which is based on her children’s book, ‘Making Healthy Choices - A Story to Inspire Fit, Weight-Wise Kids.’

For more information visit www.KidsMakingHealthyChoices.com

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 33

Need to tell parents in Hampshire about your business?

Talk to us - we can help!

(01273) 552842

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by Erica Waller www.muminthesouth.co.uk

Do you see yourself in your children?

I

never wanted to have daughters. I brooded over mini versions of my husband. Brown eyes like pools of chocolate. I never considered the idea of mini versions of me. I did not want to see myself reďŹ&#x201A;ected in someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face.

The thought of passing on my ďŹ&#x201A;aws and failings and fears horriďŹ ed me. I wanted to harvest perfection, and I was so far from it. As they grew, I felt cross when people likened parts of their daughters to themselves. I would think, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why do they have to be like you? Why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t they be themselves?â&#x20AC;? I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel that way anymore.

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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud to see my temper in my middle daughter. She doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take any nonsense. If someone hurts her she will make sure they know it. Good.

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Thing-Three screams until I go and find her tiny plastic Dalmatian before she will sleep, and I smile to myself in the dark as I search under covers. A dog with a bone, just like her mother. I never give up, may she never give up either.

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Meet-a-mum website launched

I

t can be more difďŹ cult to make new friends as a mum particularly if you have moved into a new area, or have lost touch with friends during your maternity leave. Mum Amie is a new, free to use, meet-a-mum website that matches usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; proďŹ les for compatibility, enabling mums to make friends.

The website has been created by mum Aimee Foster and her friend Gemma Dorsett, as a way of helping mums find other mum friends. The site uses dating site technology to match up mums and help them find friends with similar interests, circumstances and personalities. The website also aims to help single mums, mums in same sex relationships and mums that have children with disabilities find each other for friendship and support.

Take a look at www.mumamie.com

34 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

Thing-One and I spend hours drawing The Faraway Tree.

I see my imagination seep out on her white paper. I feel so grateful for my unconventionality. She will always have a world in her head that she can travel to whenever this one lets her down.

I never thought I would be a single mum raising three small daughters. I used to be scared of my own shadow. Now I lock the doors at night, no longer afraid of the dark. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m shedding off my failings and flaws and emerging, butterfly beautiful.

I am a mother, a role model, a woman, a fighter. I am going to fill my childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearts with love and their heads with the belief that they are good enough. They can do anything. They are in control of themselves and their lives. Their happiness is inside them, a gift to themselves, never to be given away.

When I was first on my own, I would wait until my daughters were finally asleep, and then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d crawl up the garden and scream into the grass, pulling at tufts, mud scraping beneath my nails. I wanted to bury myself in the worms and decay.

Now I dance upon the same grass with my daughters following behind me. My little size three feet stamp back down the ground I once dug up to hide beneath. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to hide. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to cry. I have three daughters who think I made the moon. This is not a responsibility to run away from. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an honour to embrace.

Photo fun

T

here will be many photos taken over the festive period; at the school nativity play, photos of the children with Father Christmas, ice skating perhaps, in front of the tree, and on the special day itself. But how many of them will you actually get developed? Don’t keep them on a memory card, or on your computer; print them out and enjoy them.

Photos are a wonderful way of of year, so if you are hoping to remembering a special moment. use the photos as Christmas You will all love to look back gifts, you should book very on them in the months and soon. There are some fantastic years to come. In the depths of photographers in the county. winter, putting photos into an Try to find one that specialises album or making them into in photographing children.

They will be experts a collage is a lovely at making children way of spending a feel relaxed and few hours with Photos are happy, and your children the perfect way to will be able to as your record your children capture the reminiscence growing up, and your personality about special of your times. family developing, child in their Scrapbook growing and photos. Many making is still changing. photographers very popular. will now come to Children can use the your home if you feel photos as a centre point for a page and then write a few your children will be happier words about them, and decorate in their own environment, or the rest of the page. you could have photos taken at one of your favourite places.

Friends and family love to Obviously, this is dependent on receive photos. A photo of your the weather; so you would need child having fun with some to have an alternative plan if it friends is a lovely gift for them is a gloomy, wet day. and a photo album lovingly When you book the shoot, put together by you will be a choose a time that suits treasured gift for grandparents. the routine of your family, Professionally taken photos particularly if you have young are very popular at this time children. Children will be

happier if they aren’t hungry or tired and are comfortable in the clothes they are wearing.

It is a good idea to talk to the photographer about the kind of ‘look’ you would like. It may be formal or more casual, or you may want it themed around your child’s favourite sport or toy. Try on the clothes that you are all planning to wear in advance for a ‘dress rehearsal’ to ensure that no colours clash or look out of place and that everything still fits everyone.

Remember, these are photos that you are probably going to keep forever, so bear this in mind when you are choosing what to wear.

Most photographers have a gallery on their websites of photos that they have taken so

you could look at those to see the kind of thing that you like.

Photographers can also come along to record a special family event. This could be a big birthday party or a family gathering - this option has the added bonus that you won’t need to worry about taking photos yourself on the day.

Photos are the perfect way to record your children growing up and your family developing, growing and changing. Children will love to look at them in the future and will be able to appreciate how they have grown and altered. Whether you are taking the photos, or a photographer is, remember to get them developed so that you can enjoy looking at them and showing them to others.

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 35

Hampshire A

for sale!

BC Hampshire was launched seven years ago and is now an established, well-read magazine loved by both parents and advertisers. As part of the ABC 'family' of magazines it is wellsupported with a fantastic website and Social Media, ensuring businesses who advertise issue after issue get the right message across to the right people. We are now looking for a new franchisee to take over the day-to-day running of the magazine - a real chance to get your teeth into an enjoyable business that you can run from home, fitting around your family commitments. Managing and growing the client base for ABC Magazine requires no more than good communication skills, the correct approach, and the time to commit to the business. The experience can be very rewarding, not only financially, but on a personal level too.

WANTED

Hampshire is a diverse county, full of interesting businesses led We are now looking for someone who is interested in buying by determined, entrepreneurial business owners and the established ABC Magazine Hampshire franchise, Full prospective and existing clients are very open to the someone who has the necessary skills to consolidate idea of ABC Magazine helping them promote the existing client base and has the right training and their business to our targetted audience. Even attitude to approach more local and national ongoing support in these uncertain financial times, you will businesses, to offer them the opportunity of is provided, so if this be encouraged by the amount of enthusiastic promoting their business in a high quality, business opportunity and confident individuals who are contacting well-established, informative magazine which appeals to you, you us to tell us about their new ventures and is well-distributed to their target market. may just be the business ideas. I genuinely enjoy hearing their person we are stories and I am often able to pass on helpful As franchisee/editor, you will be fully trained contacts and make introductions to those looking and equipped with the tools and knowledge to be looking for! for like-minded people with skills and products that able to sell advertising space, and put together the will benefit their businesses. Although sales-based, this is magazine from scratch. No experience is necessary, but not really an 'advertising sales job' but more of an opportunity a background in sales is recommended, as is a sound business to help local businesses grow sense, competent literacy and - if a local business, new or computer skills and an ability As expands into new areas of established, has a target market to both work on your own the UK, we are always on the lookout of families or children, then and also fit in with the already for bright and ambitious people who want to keep busy; combining ABC Magazine really is the established ABC network childcare and family life with logical choice for them to form of editors. This role is most running a really interesting a working relationship with. definitely for someone who is and profitable business not afraid of hard work! a new Magazine!

ABC Magazine Hampshire Taking on an Magazine began back in 2007 and got off Full training and ongoing franchise is an investment to a flying start with help from support is provided, so if this opportunity as well as a career, the franchisor and Head Office business opportunity appeals and would appeal to someone team in Sussex. There was a to you, you may just be the with strong organisational skills, who is prepared to work hard. desperate need in the county person we are looking for! for a free local information We are looking for editors in all Please contact ABC Magazine magazine specifically for counties in southern England, however, parents with young children.

Head Office on 01273 552842 we would welcome interest from for a preliminary discussion, The very nature of a franchise people anywhere in the UK! is that you have the huge or email your CV to us, ho@abcmag.co.uk - we look advantage in the early days of continuous assistance, support forward to hearing from you! and guidance every step of the way. There are so many pitfalls and dangers to be faced when starting a business alone, but We would be particularly interested to hear from people living in Hampshire who are keen to take on with a franchisor/mentor who ...what the established ABC Magazine franchise. has ‘been there, done that and created a successful proven Hampshire If you would like to know more please business model’ the guidance parents visit our website www.abcmag.co.uk in the early days is invaluable, or call (01273) 552842 or and the ongoing support vital really read! email: franchise@abcmag.co.uk to the success of your business.

36 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

New editor wanted for established Hampshire franchise...

Steps to

working again

I

t can be difficult to return to work after a career break to have children, even if you know what you want to do. Technology has moved quickly, your skills and qualifications may need updating, and you may feel out of touch with the work environment.

If you are going back to the same company it is worthwhile keeping in touch with them whilst you are on maternity leave. Many larger companies have formal ways of keeping in contact with staff, but if not, the occasional phone call or catch up with colleagues can help you when you go back to work.

Many women choose not to work until their children are at school, so may be out of the workplace for five years or more. If this is the case, many

things may have changed or you evening classes to bring you up to date in many areas may choose an entirely new such as computing, career. It is likely your business and skills may need Many accounts, health updating or you local colleges and beauty and may need an run daytime and so on. If you entire new set evening classes to are choosing of skills if you bring you up to date a new career are changing in many areas such as path, you may career. The computing, business fi nd there are first thing and accounts... specific GCSEs to do is some you need that research into the qualifications or you don’t have. Many colleges run year-long GCSE expertise you need. Many courses that will enable you to local colleges run daytime and

get the qualifications you need more quickly.

Going to college is obviously a time and financial commitment, at a time when you may be short of both. Courses are normally run at various times to suit parents and those with jobs already, so you should be able to find one to fit in with your schedule. There will also be homework that you need to do and many parents can find this difficult to fit in with (continued over the page)

Foster with Hampshire County Council We’re looking for people like you to join Hampshire County Council’s Fostering Service.

Being a foster carer is richly rewarding - one of our foster carers described it as being “challenging, rewarding and massively positive”.

It is such an apt description we chose it as the title for our DVD, which you can now watch online at www.hants.gov.uk/fostering - we’re happy to send you a free copy of this DVD, so if you’d rather watch it at home, please get in contact and ask for your free copy..

“It’s challenging, rewarding and massively positive” Fostering is a flexible working option, enabling you to stay at home and care for a child around your own family’s needs. We particularly need foster carers for children aged 11+, teenagers, sibling groups, children with disabilities or special needs and parent and child placements.

We welcome enquiries and applications from anyone over the age of 21; single males, single females; couples straight, gay or lesbian; living in your own home or rented accommodation.

Whether you have always thought about fostering, or want to find out more, call us today on 0845 603 5620 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 37

(continued from previous page)

family commitments. Often, you may need to work late at night after children are in bed, but it is worth it to be able to do the kind of work that you want to, rather than settling for something else.

or nursery will be very happy to have your help once a week. You may be able to listen to children reading, play with children at nursery or help out on a school trip. This also gives you the opportunity to find out whether you do want to actually work with children.

time to get the qualifications and experience you need to do the job that you really want to.

The four types of working parent On 30th June, new government legislation was passed giving full-time workers the right to request flexible working.

If you are turning a hobby into You can also volunteer for the Citrix, who specialise in making a money-making enterprise pre-school committee, be on software to enable workers to there are some skills you will the school PTA or become work more flexibly, conducted need, or you can pay someone a school governor. These all research and found that working else to do them for you. You parents with one child were may decide to make party cakes, show a certain type of skill more likely to support depending on the be a children’s entertainer or flexible working role; including set up your own drama classes.

Returning than nonadministration, You will still need some basic to work is parents, and accounting and marketing skills organisation certainly not parents with and time so it is worthwhile looking two or more management. for courses for small business easy, particularly children were They also owners at your local college. if you want to twice as likely prove to an do something to support the employer that Volunteer work is a good way entirely new. legislation as you are the type to ease yourself back into the those with none. of person to get work environment and it also involved, and it gives shows future employers that Citrix has categorised working you something to talk about you have done something more parents into four types and than looking after your children at an interview. has tips for each type to help (although we know this is often Returning to work is certainly them become more flexible and a full-time job!) Many parents not easy, particularly if you want balance working and family life. choose to work in schools or to do something entirely new. something to do with children It can be appealing to take the The desk-chained after having their own, so it is easier option and go back to How you act: If when the useful to be able to show an something you know, but you children are on holiday, your employer that you have made may be working for many years schedule hasn’t changed one bit an effort to work in the right (maybe there’s a grandparent environment. Your child’s school so it is worthwhile taking some or partner on hand to keep an eye on the children) but you are possibly more likely to head straight for the exit as soon as the clock strikes five, in order to enjoy the long evenings with your family.

We are looking for a self-employed, self-starter, with at least fifteen child-free hours a week Tip: Take advantage of the new available to sell advertising space in flexible working legislation to ABC Magazine to local businesses create a work schedule that in Hampshire. allows you spend more time with your family, at the hours If you think you would enjoy this sales that suit them. Alternatively, opportunity, are well presented and confident, investigate remote working to enjoy talking to people, have a good standard of bring the office to your home. literacy and excellent organisational skills then give us a call!

The boomerang Sales experience useful and references required.

How you act: Where your coworkers hear clocks chime, you You will need a landline telephone, hear school bells ring, and are computer, access to email, your own car most likely found dashing across and lots of enthusiasm! town conducting a conference call on your mobile before Call Rachel on 01273 552842 switching straight into ‘parent hampshire@abcmag.co.uk mode’ as soon as you arrive at the school gates. But the next www.abcmag.co.uk

Sales opportunity

38 ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE

morning at 9am? You’re right back into ‘work mode’.

Tip: Put out some feelers among fellow flexible parents of your children’s school friends to see if you can find an opportunity for a play date.

Consequently, you won’t need to miss that late meeting and your children can have some added fun with friends, plus by returning the favour down the line you will help out a friend into the bargain.

The juggler How you act: You have embraced remote and flexible working to its fullest extent to juggle the demands of the double life of work and children, from hosting a conference call in the gap between dinner and bathtime to proofing a budget while reading a bedtime story.

Tip: Encourage your children to take up a personal project - from writing a letter to their grandparents to a ‘science investigation’ in the back garden - to do alongside your own work. Then while they are rewarded for their productivity with some time doing whatever they want, you can take calls uninterrupted. Younger children? Create a schedule around their waking hours to let your colleagues know when you will be available to talk, scream-free.

The fully flexible How you act: You’ve the holy grail of flexible working practices and have got the worklife balance down to a fine art.

Congratulations!

Tip: Share your wisdom!

A BC

If you are interested in making or saving money please see ad on the inside front cover...

by Erica Waller www.muminthesouth.co.uk

When is the best age to have a baby?

H

aving a baby - should you do it early and ‘get it out the way’ or should you ‘live first’ before ‘giving it all up’? I was told both these things about when to have children. Neither made it sound an appealing prospect.

So when do you do it? Is there ever an ideal time to put on three stone, give up your career, replace your wardrobe with a tatty dressing gown and pair of maternity leggings, and your designer handbag with a baby?

when I went back to work I was swiftly and sharply made redundant.

I spent the last half of my twenties pregnant or breastfeeding, while my friends got drunk and went on diving holidays. They kept up with fashions. They carried business cards. I bought a onesie and carried nappy sacks.

I had a baby after a girl at work told me she was pregnant and I felt jealous. It came from nowhere. It knocked me over like a They tidal wave. Up kept up with until that fashions. They point all I had cared about carried business was having cards. I bought a toned a onesie and stomach and carried nappy faffing about in sacks.

Marketing.

I was twenty five. The husband was all “Let’s move house first and get sorted” I was all “Shut up and get your pants off, we are doing this.”

Now it’s my turn. I am, finally, emerging from my sleep befuddled, milky cocoon of mothering babies and noticing there is a world outside my window.

(This may just be because I finally have enough time to draw the curtains.)

I don’t regret having a baby when I did. Even though

All my friends, however, are just having their babies. I remember

when they came round to see me, in my tea and spew-stained dressing gown, shuffling like a zombie to make them tea while they held the baby awkwardly, and at a distance from their posh frocks.

And now it’s the other way round.

They left a short time later, riding off on a cloud of hairspray, independence and lots of terribly important things to do.

I stood in the spot they vacated, holding the crying baby.

Meanwhile motherhood has robbed them of all they are.

Armed with a pair of breasts and apparent ‘instinct’ they will have to find their way, as I did.

I pop in to see their newborn bundle, while my children are at school and nursery, then nip off to the shops.

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It can be difficult to know what products are best to keep the home safe when babies and young children are around. As your little one’s immune system only begins to produce antibodies at two to three months old, it is important to take extra precautions before bringing a newborn home, to ensure maximum protection from the bacteria and viruses that exist.

Good home hygiene routines, such as hand washing and surface disinfection, have been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of infection around the home. Even adding Dettol Anti-Bacterial Laundry Cleanser to the household washing can help prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses among the family.

Luckily, Dettol are on hand with a selection of products that allow mums to take straightforward measures in ensuring all materials and surfaces that come into contact with newborns are hygienically clean.

We’ve teamed up with Dettol to offer 1 lucky ABC reader the chance to win a fantastic luxury hamper worth £100 featuring the latest products from the Dettol range, along with a super soft baby robe and cuddly bunny from The White Company.

For your chance of winning, simply tell us what home hygiene routines have been scientifically proven to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria in the home?

Normal ABC competition rules apply and can be found on page 3.

ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 39

Page-by-page directory shopping & services This Directory has been created to help ensure easy reference to the businesses which support ABC. All ABC advertisers are also listed on our website with a direct link to their website.

Activity Classes

Aquababies Hampshire 01273 833101

www.aquababies-uk.com

Rusalka Swimming School Hampshire 02392 594449

www.rusalkaswim.com

Teddy Tennis Hampshire 0845 643 1173

31

32

33

Fleet Tutors Hampshire 0845 644 5452

14

Gazoob Nationwide

23

Hampshire Childcare & Family Information Team 6 Hampshire 0845 603 5620

www.fid.hants.gov.uk Sitters Nationwide

29

08447 367 367

www.sitters.co.uk

Christmas Shows

Little Pickles Markets Southampton 01225 434227

23

Sitters Nationwide

29 08447 367 367

www.sitters.co.uk

29

08447 367 367

www.sitters.co.uk Lapland UK 24 Whitmoor Forest Ascot, Berkshire 0871 620 7063

www.laplanduk.co.uk

25

Hampshire Childcare & Family Information Team 6 Hampshire 0845 603 5620

www.fid.hants.gov.uk

37

www.nicky-phillips.co.uk

Jubilee Jets & Jubilee Gems Holday Club 7 Padworth, Tadley, North Basingstoke 01189 834018

Fleet Tutors Hampshire 0845 644 5452 priceless information for Hampshire parents!

27

www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

17

www.laplanduk.co.uk

6

Watercress Line Mid Hants Railway New Alresford 01962 733810

Winchester Science Centre Winchester 01962 863791

Private Tuition

www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

Fleet Tutors Hampshire 0845 644 5452

Poppins Nursery at The Carroll Centre 5 Winchester 01962 840 022

www.thecarrollcentre.org

Rookwood School Andover 01264 325900 St Nicholas’ School Fleet 01252 850 121

www.st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk www.stswithuns.com Twyford School Twyford, Winchester

15

19

17

www.twyfordschool.com Nicky Phillips Educational Psychologist Hampshire

My Name Label Nationwide 0870 850 7897

13

6

Helen F Photography Sussex 07931 596822

Lapland UK 24 Whitmoor Forest Ascot, Berkshire 0871 620 7063

www.laplanduk.co.uk

Watercress Line Mid Hants Railway New Alresford 01962 733810

23

www.watercressline.co.uk My Name Label Nationwide 0870 850 7897

6

www.mynamelabel.co.uk Aquababies Hampshire 01273 833101

www.aquababies-uk.com

31

32

www.rusalkaswim.com

Tennis

www.teddytennis.com

www.helenfphotography.co.uk

This directory is to help ensure easy reference to the local businesses which support ABC It is also a list of where you can pick up a free copy - 90% of advertisers also distribute the magazine.

www.abcmag.co.uk ABC Magazine is also available online as an interactive, easy-to-read and search digital magazine with all our advertisers benefitting from a direct link to their website.

40 ABC Magazine - Hampshire

23

Santa

Teddy Tennis Hampshire 0845 643 1173 35

14

www.watercressline.co.uk

Rusalka Swimming School Hampshire 02392 594449

www.mynamelabel.co.uk

Photography

Watercress Line Mid Hants Railway New Alresford 01962 733810

Swimming Classes

Parental Support

25

Railways

School Uniform

5 01962 714622

23

www.winchestersciencecentre.org

Nurseries & Pre-School Education

Jubilee Day Nursery 7 Padworth, Tadley, North Basingstoke 01189 701600

23

info@littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk/ winter

www.mynamelabel.co.uk

Personalised Stationery 14

Lapland UK 24 Whitmoor Forest Ascot, Berkshire 0871 620 7063

www.watercressline.co.uk

www.nicky-phillips.co.uk

www.espritski.com

Home Tuition

My Name Label Nationwide 0870 850 7897

St Swithun’s Junior School Winchester 01962 835 700

www.hants.gov.uk/fostering

Esprit Holidays Nationwide 01483 791 900

Labelling

Places To Visit

Little Pickles Markets Southampton 01225 434227

5 01962 714622

www.rookwood.hants.sch.uk

Fostering & Adoption

Holidays 13

Twyford School Twyford, Winchester

19

www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk

Family Information Services

Hampshire County Council Fostercare Hampshire 0845 6035620

www.stswithuns.com

15

www.twyfordschool.com

www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk

Educational Psychologist Nicky Phillips Educational Psychologist Hampshire

www.easysaveandspend.co.uk

Holiday Clubs

www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk

Daycare

IFC

www.winchestersciencecentre.org

Childcare

St Nicholas’ School Fleet 01252 850 121

St Swithun’s Junior School Winchester 01962 835 700

Winchester Science Centre Winchester 01962 863791

info@littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk/ winter

Rookwood School Andover 01264 325900

www.st-nicholas.hants.sch.uk

Family Day Out

www.gazoob.com Little Pickles Markets Southampton 01225 434227

13

www.nicky-phillips.co.uk

Sitters Nationwide

Independent Schools www.rookwood.hants.sch.uk

Nicky Phillips Educational Psychologist Hampshire

Evening Babysitting 11

Baby Shows

11

www.gazoob.com

Utility Warehouse Nationwide 0800 458 0618

www.fleet-tutors.co.uk

Apps

Gazoob Nationwide

Employment

www.teddytennis.com

After School Education

Educational Support

33