Sprouts Magazine Winter 2010

The magazine for parents of under-5s

Winter 2010 www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

FOR RICHER NOT POORER? The latest legal view on pre-nups

TOP TOYS for Tots

MAKE A SPLASH Dive in to baby swimming

Have a

Magical

Christmas!

Plus: fabulous fashion, reader reviews, great giveaways and events listings

Exciting NEWS! Come visit the farm on 4th and 5th of December for our Christmas fayre, Santa will be visiting with surprises in store.

Buy your Christmas hampers at Jimmy’s NOW online or come visit us!

NEW this year - breakfast Christmas hampers perfect to start the day with!

Here at Jimmy’s we are now the proud owners of our new restaurant, our 200 year old barn has been converted so there is no reason for you not visiting!

Come see our nature trail and say hello to the new alpacas, then drop in for some delicious Suffolk based food that will leave you wanting more!

www.Jimmysfarm.com

01473 604206 For restaurant bookings:

bookings@jimmysfarm.com

Free child’s meal with every main course

purchased throughout January.

Terms and conditions apply.

Delivery o n 2 2 nd December

editorial Our brilliant cover photography is by the supremely talented Suzanne Fossey. www.fosseyimages.com

Winter 2010

of under-5s The magazine for parents

Winter 2010 k www.sproutsmagazine.co.u

FOR RICHER NOT POORER?

TOP TOYS

The latest legal view on pre-nups

for Tots

MAKE A SPLASH

Dive in to baby swimming

Plus: fabulous fashion, reader

reviews, great giveawa

ys and events listings

Sprouts is published by Thomson Media Partners. We’re aimed at parents of under-5s and copies are available free from nurseries, playgroups, health visitors and family venues, and through individual subscription. Contact us via our website, phone or post if you’re interested in any of the following: t PSEFSJOH JOEJWJEVBM DPQJFT (free + £4.80 p&p for four issues) t PSEFSJOH TUPDLJOH NVMUJQMF DPQJFT GSFF

t BEWFSUJTJOH BEWFSUPSJBMT JOTFSUT Editor Denice Currie Editorial enquiries E: editor@sproutsmagazine.co.uk T: 07767 241579 Publisher Sean Thompson T: 01954 267696 E: sean@eastmag.com Publishing Director Alan Goodes T: 01954 268129 E: alan@eastmag.com Advertising Alan Goodes T: 01954 268129 E: alan@eastmag.com

Yay – we’re back! Sorry for the recent gap between issues of Sprouts. The magazine has moved to a brilliant new publisher (Thomson Media Partners) so we took a bit of break while everything was sorted out. From the many emails I had, I know you missed us, but here we are, back in time for Christmas which, let’s face it, just wouldn’t be the same without Sprouts!

Now this issue is out, I can hopefully ďŹ nd the time to start thinking about cards, pressies , tinsel and all the trimmings. Every year I vow to be more organised but every year I’m up till midnight on Christmas eve, wrapping in a sherry-fuelled frenzy. The magic of the morning makes it all worth it though. When there’s two little people bouncing on the bed, telling you that Santa’s been, the hell that is Argos during December becomes a dim and distant nightmare. I hope you’ll enjoy your own festive frolics, whatever you’re doing, and still ďŹ nd time to ick through our new issue.

As always, the pages are packed with informative articles, interesting features, fabulous fashion, great giveaways and loads more. Just the thing to brighten up these cold, dark days!

Denice

editor@sproutsmagazine.co.uk

Head OfďŹ ce Unit 4, Avenue Business Park, Elsworth, Cambridge CB23 4HY T: 01954 268129 Advertising Production T: 01353 616000 W: ads@eastmag.com F: 01353 616120 When you have ďŹ nished with this magazine, please recycle it or pass it on to your local doctor’s or dentist’s waiting room.

The name and contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reproduced or reprinted without the express permission of Thomson Media Partners. Every attempt is made to ensure information is correct at the time of going to press, but we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

We extend a right to reply to any business or service featured in any reader review. Inclusion of advertising does not imply any recommendation of products or services.

We welcome unsolicited material, but cannot be held responsible for its safe custody or return. The editor reserves the right to modify any such material submitted. Terms and conditions for all competitions, oers and giveaways are printed in full on our standard entry form, on page 33.

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highlights 4‌ New for you

20‌ Tiny Terrors

The very best of what’s new and what’s hot to get you through these chilly days

Tearing your hair out? We make toddler taming easy!

14‌ All things equal?

27‌ Fun with food

Dad of two, Duncan Fisher, takes a radical look at domestic democracy

Let’s get little hands cracking in the kitchen

23‌ Baby Blues

34‌ And ďŹ nally

How to recognise and address postnatal depression

Our new columnist see’s red over going green 3

new for you

New for you Sprouts round up of what’s hot for tots this winter......

Fun with food

We love Little Tikes and little ones do too! Their Super Chef Kitchen boasts all the mod-cons but with an attractive traditional look. It has working doors, plenty storage space and the burner has sizzling good sound-effects. The kitchen comes with a range of accessories plus, for lasting play value, the feet can be used to add height at the base as your child grows. (RRP £79.99, suitable for ages 3yrs+).

Staying on a culinary theme, the new Cozy Shopping Cart comes in very handy for little food shoppers.

Featuring a mini version of the Little Tikes famous and much-loved Cozy Coupe, suitable for a favourite toy or teddy to sit in, kids can push their favourite plaything along whilst collecting the groceries! RRP £34.99, suitable for 3yrs+.

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Natural style For fabulous kid’s fashion – with a conscience – check out barnyardkids.co.uk.

We love their range of Scandinavian baby and children’s clothes (0-5yrs) which includes organic and oeko-tex certified brands like Smafolk, Katvig and Urban Elk. All items are high-quality, comfortable, fun and colourful – just what little ones need to brighten up these dark days!

We’ve a long-sleeved top by leading eco brand Smafolk to give away to two lucky readers – use the form on page 33.

Let’s all singalong It might drive you potty but kids will adore singing along to CBeebies ‘Song Time’, a 2CD album featuring 50 tracks from the BBC’s popular children’s channel.

Featuring instantly recognisable tracks, including theme tunes from current shows like ZingZillas, LazyTown, Gigglebiz, Show Me Show Me to classics such as Balamory, Tellytubbies and In The Night Garden. Set to be a hugely popular album in the run up to Christmas. ‘Song Time’ makes a perfect stocking filler for mini maestros.

We’ve six copies to giveaway – use the entry form on page 33.

Crafty idea If you’re looking for something different this Christmas, check out www. eegee. co.uk. This fabulous website has been set up by Norfolk mum of two, Elise Green, to showcase the work of UK crafters. It features a range of items, from homewares to clothing, accessories and gifts – all handmade and all totally unique. And everything’s postage free so get shopping!

www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

Tops for toys

Fans of Roary the Racing Car stories will love the new Haynes Roary Manual.

Aimed at the 2-6-years age group, the book looks just like the real thing and brings the classic Haynes treatment - complete with big, bright cutaway drawings and illustrated step-by-step guides – to one of the most popular children’s TV characters. The manual’s perfect for little mechanics, explaining how Roary works, what’s under his body panels and how Big Chris keeps him in tip-top condition. Roary’s friends also feature in this fun, colourful book which will delight children and Dads alike!

We’ve four great Roary goodie bags to giveaway, which include the book, height chart, magazine, stickers, a toy car, badges plus more! Enter on page 33.

One to watch

New arrivals

At last – a DVD for pre-schoolers that’s fun and enchanting as well as educational!

‘Jack and Holly’ are the new kids on the block, designed to aid children with speech, counting and recognition.

In the first DVD release, Jack and Holly share the story of Christmas. Of course, grown-ups know all about the festivities but Jack (who’s nearly three), is still trying to work it all out. There’s fun, music and plenty of early learning in this charming production which isn’t over-stylised. To add to its credentials, it’s produced by husband and wife team Jezz and Julianne Wright, from right here in East Anglia! Visit www.jackandholly.com for the full story – and to buy your copy.

We’ve six to giveaway – use the form on page 33.

Why wait till Christmas to enjoy fabulous food? Great, local produce has always been the ethos behind Jimmy’s Farm shop and now you can enjoy a real taste of the country on site, at their new restaurant.

A £250,000 revamp has transformed a listed 200-yearold-barn into a timber-framed family-friendly restaurant serving food, straight from the field to fork. The all-day menu ranges from a greedy farmer’s breakfast to Jimmy’s oversized doorstep sandwiches and evening diners are in for a treat too. Jimmy and Michaela have also been celebrating another new arrival down on the Farm - the birth of a baby daughter Molly Rose. Check out the website – www.jimmysfarm.com – for the latest info, including details of the Farm’s forthcoming Christmas Fayre, on 4 & 5 Dec.

more…

By the book

Did you know we have a leading producer of award-winning educational games, puzzles and activities for children from 18 months to 12 years, right here on our doorstep? Orchard Toys (www.orchardtoys.com), based at Wymondham in Norfolk, have been in business for almost 40 years and all their products are designed in-house with the ethos of learning made fun.

They combine bright, innovative design, durability and quality with sound educational principles. The board used for games, puzzles and product packaging is 100% recycled; the paper used for printed covers is sourced from sustainable forests and is coated with a water-based varnish and all of the products are manufactured and packed in the UK. Can we think of any more reasons that you should add them to your Christmas shopping list?!

We’ve got two ‘What a Performance! Games to giveaway - a fun Christmas game for all the family! Just use the standard entry form on page 33.

Get into the groove Little movers and shakers will love the new D@nce baby walker from Chicco!

It comes with an electronic laptop-style toy featuring a unique MP3 drawer in the front panel that lets baby play songs at the touch of a button. Simply plug your MP3 in, close the drawer to safely protect it and watch your baby bop!

The Chicco D@nce combines independence and fun for your child. Suitable for babies aged 6 to 12 months, the Chicco D@nce is available in three different designs, priced £59.99. Visit www.chicco.co.uk for more info.

We’ve one groovy mover to giveaway – use the form on page 33. www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

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More than skin deep

Kitchen kitsch Mums have long recognised the appeal of the established home ware brand Sophie Allport and now children can get the ‘Sophie style’ too with the launch of their kid’s aprons, for 2-8yrs old. As well as delightful designs, the aprons feature a useful popper button for comfort and safety and are made from 100% cotton. Designs include the ever popular Cupcakes and Gingerbread Men, Sailing Boats, Strawberries and Cream, The Good Life, or Busy Busy Bumble Bees. Adult aprons are priced at £13 and children’s at £8. Available from www. sophieallport.com, Sprouts readers can get an exclusive 20% discount on everything on the site – just use discount Code SPSA1 at the checkout.

We’ve four child’s aprons to giveaway – use the form on page 33.

www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

Now here’s a really good idea – a new organic and Fairtrade baby skincare range from Organic Monkey. Organic Monkey is the first Fairtrade certified range of baby products in the UK. From soothing ‘Bumfluff’ nappy balm made with the purest organic plant oils and Fairtrade shea butter to protect and nourish to gorgeous ‘Hello Mellow’ Massage oil, with organic essential sweet orange and lavender oils to calm and relax, the range is designed to keep your little one’s skin in perfect condition. The range has been developed by two entrepreneurial mums and is available online at www.organicmonkey.co.uk.

We’ve one fabulous ‘Nourish, Protect and Relieve’ Gift Set worth £42.50, to giveaway – just use the standard form on page 33.

TM & © Novel Entertainment Limited 2010

Keep little hands busy with the brilliant new Moon Dough from Spin Master. This amazing new moulding compound is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before – it’s soft and marshmallow-like, doesn’t stick to or stain carpets and never dries out. There’s a range of playsets to choose from, including Playful Puppies, Burger Kitchen, Barn Yard and Pizza Oven. With refill packs available in eight soft colours, there’s no limit to the fun! Ages 3+.

We’ve four sets to giveaway – use the form on page 33.

more… new for you

Mess free fun

Handy Henry Both mischievous Horrid Henry and his angelic brother, Perfect Peter, have joined the ranks of Fiesta Crafts’ multi-award winning range of Tellatale® puppets.

Instantly recognisable, fans of the books and shows will be unable to resist putting on the colourful fabric hand puppets and re-telling some of Henry and Peter’s hysterical antics as well as dreaming up their own new adventures. And for older children, there’s a new range of Reward Charts too. Available at all good toy stores or for further info visit www.fiestacrafts.co.uk.

We’ve two pairs of puppets (a Henry and a Peter) to giveaway – just enter on page 33.

Go on, treat yourself

Sweet dreams

If you’ve got guests you want to impress or simply want to treat yourself to a fabulous ‘grown up’ meal, head for Roger Hickman’s – now open in Norwich, with a menu based on modern British cuisine served in a relaxed, contemporary setting. Just months after opening, the restaurant has been rated in The Good Food Guide and is fast becoming one of the region’s hottest ‘top tables’. Visit www. rogerhickmansrestaurant.com for more info and to view sample menus.

You could win a wonderful meal for two, courtesy of Sprouts – just use the standard entry form on page 33.

Staying away over Christmas or hosting guests?

Create extra bed space for little ones with My First ReadyBed, featuring designs such as Waybuloo, Timmy Time, Handy Manny, In the Night Garden, Peppa Pig and Thomas. Beds have a built-in inflatable headboard and air bumpers down the side for added security and to prevent little ones rolling out. RRP £34.99, suitable for ages 2+. Visit www. myfirstreadybed.co.uk.

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Christmas toys

The Real

TOY STORY Christmas is just around the corner and the till bells are ringing in toy shops across the land. With a whopping £1.4billion set to be shelled out on children’s gifts (that’s an average of £170 per child), read this before you hit the high street.....

A

ccording to the dictionary, the word play has 34 different meanings.

In terms of young children and their development, it’s limitless.

It’s long been recognised that play enhances language development, social competence, creativity, imagination, and thinking skills. It’s a critical element of those early years when a child’s self-awareness, communication and understanding of their physical and social worlds are expanding at a phenomenal rate.

Children use a whole array of skills in their play. They react to others, they think about what they are doing or going to do, and often respond emotionally to the play activity. The integration of these different types of behaviours is key to many aspects of their development.

We all lead such busy lives these days, it can be difficult to set aside time to ‘just play’ but research indicates that children learn best when allowed the freedom to play for large blocks of time (ideally between 30mins to an hour each). Extended play time doesn’t result in children becoming bored.

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Quite the opposite - it can prompt children to become involved in more complex, more productive play activities. Play, more than any other activity, fuels early learning and the healthy development of young minds.

Toys and games are a great way of encouraging play and choosing the ones at the right time will support your child’s experience and provide a strong foundation for learning. Of course, children can and do learn just as much from sticks, loo rolls and random items, (as every parent who’s ever tried to prise the dog’s bone from a fascinated child will know!) but we don’t think they’ll thank you if they only find a wooden spoon and tangerine in their Christmas stocking on Christmas morning! So, with that in mind, what should you be spending your hard-earner cash on and why?

Building toys: Building toys, appropriate to the child’s age, are great for developing spatial reasoning as well as a child’s ability to stick with a task.

As general rule, the younger the child, the more open-ended the building toys should be. It’s unreasonable to expect a two year old to construct the space shuttle out of meccano!

Art materials: We know, most parents don’t want red paint all over their cream carpet but art and craft exploration introduces children to the science of how colours, textures and materials work together. It’s good for creative and non-verbal self-expression.

Props for role-playing: Dressing up and ‘play acting’ have a huge influence on a child’s imagination and language development. They help develop selfawareness and an understanding of the world around them.

Games & puzzles: whether traditional or modern electronic gadgets, games that involve matching, counting and turn-taking are educational as well as fun. Many are designed to address specific learning outcomes, helping children increase in confidence, memory and analytical skills. www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

Outdoor equipment: It may be an oldfashioned concept but fresh air is good for children! Outdoor toys are good for developing physical co-ordination and confidences along with a sense of teamwork and fair play -- important learning attributes that are often overlooked.

Books: Children don’t need to be able to read to get a huge sense of enjoyment and learning from books! Even very young babies love being read to and, as they turn into toddlers, children can learn from pictures, textures and letter shapes.

Research shows that instilling a love of books from an early age helps enormously with literacy and language skills in later life.

Of course, it’s important to choose toys that are suitable and relevant to a child’s specific age group. You might think you’re nurturing a prodigy by presenting a 3 year old with a 100-piece jigsaw but the reality is they’ll just get frustrated, bored and quickly lose interest. By choosing toys which appeal to the right age range you can encourage confidence, curiosity and skills development. And best of all, maximum fun.

Did You Know?

The traditional toy market is worth around £2.7bn.

Despite the recession, the UK toy industry has seen an 8.4% growth to £1.2billion between January to August 2010 vs £1.1billion over the same period in 2009.

Online sales of toys increased 23% in value in the first half of 2010.

Toy Story is the number 1 licensed toy, to August 2010, and ZhuZhu pets have scurried up to No.8.

Zhu Zhu hamster assortment is the top selling item up to August 2010, with Lego’s mini figures at No.8.

The top growth category so far this year is building and construction sets.

6-12months From the age of 6 months, babies become increasingly aware of their environment.

They learn how to grasp, explore their surroundings and reach out for objects.

With toys, they’re fascinated by opening and closing, twisting, shaking, biting, pushing and pulling. Good choices for this age group include cot toys, mirrors, items with high contrast colours or designs, light and texture. Bath toys will be popular too as it’s at this stage that most babies really learn to love the water.

Toddlers As every parent knows, toddlers are into everything! At this stage, children are full of energy and desperate to explore everything around them. They love physical activities and their curiosity is aroused by touching and investigating.

It’s an age full of exploration and discovery when motor skills and handeye co-ordination really begin to kick in. When choosing toys look for things

like simple construction blocks, shape recognition, movement and sound. Rideons are great (for walking children) and they’ll love ‘pretend’ toys that allow them to imitate mum and dad.

Pre-schoolers Stimulation and imagination are the key words for pre-schoolers. At this age, children like to be challenged and get a huge amount of enjoyment from toys which encourage them to develop and improve their social and language skills. Technology has been put to good use in the development of toys for this age group, which can be highly educational as well as fun. Choose interactive toys like remote control vehicles and electronic games/puzzles. Traditional toys like play houses, arts and crafts sets and gardening tools will keep them amused for hours too.

Now turn the page to read more on top toys this Christmas…

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Win a sackful of goodies!

If you’re dazed and confused by the seemingly endless choice of toys on the shelves, Sprouts is here to help! Check out our guide to what’s hot for tots this Christmas....

O Christmas toys

ne of our favourite brands here at Sprouts is Little Tikes (www.littletikes.co.uk) who’ve been developing quality playhouses, climbers, swings, climbing frames and loads more for 40 years – so they know a thing or two.

Their Tikes Mobile is a fun alternative to a pushchair is ideal for long hikes, short runs, or even a trip to the shops. Available in attractive racing red or hot pink styles, its high-quality, durable plastic body is perfectly sized for toddlers, with a wide seating area and plenty of space on the floor. There is a soft seat belt to keep your child safely strapped in, and the large quiet-ride tyres ensure that noise is kept to a minimum, so all you’ll hear is a happy, chattering child! The Mobile is also extremely easy to transport and store as the handle can be folded down compactly. Once locked into position it becomes a carry handle, so the ride-on can be easily lifted into a car boot or cupboard. RRP £49.99, suitable from 18 to 36 months.

If music’s more their thing, the Tap A Tune xylophone’s colourful chimes produce a full octave of notes, making any tune possible – if unlikely in the hands of a two year old!! Easy to follow music cards teach children how to follow a song, plus it has wheels and a handle so can also be used as a pull-along toy. RRP £10.99, suitable for 18 months+.

For transport buffs, the Peak Road n Rail Set incorporates a large mountain with tunnels, a landing

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pad, secret slides, a 2-piece drawbridge and 2 crossing gates. The road and railway intertwine around the mountain and create the perfect backdrop to all sorts of exciting imaginative play.

The set also includes a car, helicopter and 3-piece train, as well as 3 Toddle Tot friends for children to play with. RRP £34.99, suitable for 18months+.

Worlds Apart (www.worldsapart.com) are another fantastic brand for preschoolers, with their range of award winning toys, bedroom and playroom furniture. We love (and are sure children will too!) their perfectly pretty Puppy Lane Cottage which comes with Candyfloss, a playful plush puppy with his own kennel, collar and lead, brush, bowl and bone.

With plenty of accessories available - like the Kitchen and Garden sets - Puppy Lane cottage provides endless hours of domestic bliss. RRP £69.99, suitable for 2yrs+.

Also from worlds apart, make light of nighttime fears with the innovative 3 in 1 Go Glow® Story Projector. Designed to encourage a quality bedtime routine for parent and child, it consists of a rechargeable night light, torch and projector. The night light glows softly to offer reassurance to little ones and the cone transforms into a handy torch when lifted from the base. In addition to these two useful functions, the Go Glow® Story Projector’s two movie discs can project 12 images of children’s favourite characters (Disney Princess, Toy Story, Peppa Pig or Thomas) onto the ceiling. It’s a practical and fun combination that little ones will love. RRP £24.99, suitable for 2yrs+.

Sprouts Great Festive Giveaway!

We’ve put together a fantastic package of all the products featured here, worth over £200 – and you could win them all for free in time for Christmas! The complete prize bundle consists of: Peak Road n Rail Set Tikes Mobile Tap A Tune Xylophone Puppy Lane Cottage plus accessories Toy Story Go Glow Pal Limited Edition Little Tikes Ruby Coupe Just use our standard entry form on page 33 and make a special Christmas wish!

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pre-nups

Prenuptial agreements have been recognised as enforceable under British divorce law for the first time, in a Supreme Court ruling, effectively altering the landscape of divorce settlements in the UK.

FOR RICHER, NOT POORER

The rise of the pre-nup

I

n the recent case of Radmacher and Granatino, Nicholas Granatino was set to receive more than £5m in his divorce from German heiress Katrin Radmacher. However, the pre-nup which he signed in 1998 was recognised by the Supreme Court, overturning decades of divorce practice. The agreement was intend to safeguarded Ms Radmacher’s assets and Mr Granatino’s divorce settlement was slashed from £5 million to £1 million.

He also received £2.5 million for a house which he was ordered to repay when their youngest daughter, currently aged 7, reaches the age of 22.

By ruling that such contracts are legally binding, the Supreme Court has set a significant legal precedent. A prenuptial agreement, usually entered into before a

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couple get married, is a legal document detailing the division of finances and assets should the marriage end.

According to PR Newswire, almost half of the UK population would consider a prenuptial agreement with women expressing a higher interest - 47% wanting to protect their assets upon divorce compared to 44 % of men.

The call for UK law on prenuptial agreements to change has long been gaining momentum and the Radmacher case is likely to prompt the pre-nup market to rocket.

Should a couple choose not to enter into a pre-nup, the results can often leave one party significantly disadvantaged.

Remember the case of Sir Paul McCartney and Heather Mills? No pre-nup and after just four years of marriage, Mills was awarded £24.3 million in their divorce settlement.

Top 10 Wish-List for Married Couples 1. No cheating 2. Equal share of housework 3. Limit on shopping sprees 4. Not letting your appearance go 5. No contact with exes 6. Control of the remote 7. No snoring 8. No unwanted family visits 9. No breaking wind 10. No leaving the toilet seat up

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The family team at Fosters offers a service in negotiating, drafting and advising on suitable terms for a prenuptial agreement, consistent with a couples needs, post separation and divorce or civil partnership dissolution.

To make a prenuptial agreement, both parties must disclose their financial situation and an agreement is draw up by a solicitor. This can usually be done in a short amount of time. Both parties need to sign the document for it to be valid, however as prenups are not always enforceable in UK law, there is no guarantee that assets will always be protected.

To discuss prenuptial agreements, any of the issues raised in this article or any family matter, Fosters Solicitors Family Department can be contacted on 01603 620508.

Maeve Heaney, a family solicitor with leading local law firm Fosters, says: “Although the case of Radmacher and Granatino does not confirm that a prenup will be upheld in every case, the judgement does strengthen the position of those people choosing to enter into them because the court has said that couples should have a greater amount of say in how they regulate their relationships and their financial affairs.

“It is important to remember that both parties must have enough information about the other’s finances, and must both fully understand what they are entering into and what the implications are in order for the agreement to be binding.

“There will have to be some fundamental aspect of unfairness about the agreement for a court to decide that it should not be upheld.

For example, a court is still likely to continue to refuse to allow a pre-nup to affect the well-being of any children.

It is going to be much easier for pre-

nups to be upheld in marriages where there are no children.”

With divorce rates in 2009 standing at over 128,000 couples (representing one in every three marriages), it’s something everyone should consider.

Women are the main instigators when it comes to making the break, filing for divorce in 91 per cent of cases.

The number of cases citing financial problems as a factor in their divorce has more than doubled in the past two years – from 13 to 27%. And instances where emotional or physical abuse is blamed for the marriage breakdown have risen from 23 to 38%. But infidelity or extramarital affairs remain the commonest reason cited by couples that divorce – featuring in 87% of cases.

“Whatever the reason behind a marriage breakdown, “says Maeve, “the divorce process is rarely easy or pain-free. A pre-nup can offer some protection in a financial sense at least.”

domestic democracy

All Things Equal?

Can mothers have it all? Can they look after their children and sustain a career?

Author and father, Duncan Fisher OBE, takes a radical look at domestic democracy…

“T

he answer is yes, but there is a condition for most families (except the richest): the father must have it all too. If both parents work, they both enable the other to have real time with their children. If both parents care, they both enable the other to have time to keep their work.

Parents actually want to share more than they do. About 1/3 of mothers and fathers say that the mother should be in charge of caring, but 2/3 of mothers and

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fathers say that the mother is in charge of caring. So why the difference between what parents want and what they get?

I believe the answer is barriers: barriers that stop us doing what we want.

A big block to sharing is the lack of decent part-time and flexible work.

The average family needs the income and status of a full-time job, which immediately puts a stop to either parent having it all – the parents are split into different worlds.

But the barriers are not just economic. There are also the feelings of guilt and inadequacy when we work (if we are mothers) or do not work (if we

are fathers). These feelings are based on beliefs we have created to try to make sense of how we are parenting.

We believe that mum is the lead carer, the manager of caring for her own children, the manager of the household, the “primary carer”. If there is any choice, she decides whether or not to work and how, depending on how she feels about her caring responsibilities. She has breasts; this enables her to bond, to create the “primary attachment” with the baby. She has unique powers – a caring instinct, the ability to multi-task.

Dad, meanwhile, is the helper, the understudy. He cannot create a primary bond, only a secondary one. He does not have the same instincts. He accepts the authority of the mother when it comes to decisions about caring for the baby.

If human history were reduced to 24 hours, then this pattern of caring for children was invented 30 seconds ago. This is not how the human family evolved to care for children. And I believe that the reason there is an epidemic of postnatal depression (10-20% of mothers and about 10% of fathers) and such a high levels of relationship breakdown (half of parental relationships get worse after a baby is born) is because we are forcing parenting into a pattern that actually we are not designed for.

So what is “normal” human parenting?

For the vast majority of history, babies have been born into extended families – lots of people looked after baby from day one. Mothers have always shared the care of babies with others. In this we are quite different from some of our closest relatives, chimpanzees, for example. www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

This sharing got us to where we are - it meant that mothers could work and help get the food on the log/stone/table. So human mothers had more babies and more babies were fed and survived.

Let’s be clear about this: the success of the human race is founded on the working mother. Otherwise we would still be living in trees.

Babies have evolved to thrive on this. They have the ability to make lots of adults fall in love with them, quite different from many other species. And it goes further – babies are incredibly clever at working out which adult around them will give them the best care.

Anthropologists believe that the human power to empathise – to read the minds of other people – evolved through the need of babies to work out who is going to give them the most goodies! So the next time you see a child playing his or her parents off against each other, admire the incredible social skills that this activity demonstrates in such a small being.

What about men in all of this?

Human fathers are totally unique amongst all species in one respect – they are incredibly variable when it comes to babies. Sometimes they are full on carers, sometimes they are absolutely not involved at all. This is evolution too. Sometimes in human history men have been needed in families for caring for babies, sometimes it can be done by mothers and other women because the men are needed elsewhere.

The thing that switches men from one role to another is hormones. Put a man near a baby or a pregnant women and he goes hormonal. His aggression drops, he becomes calmer and kinder and more attentive. A man who is repeatedly put in this situation goes even more hormonal each time! This is nature’s way of turning men into carers as and when they are needed. Men are extremely good at caring for babies and are adapted to forming overwhelmingly strong attachments to their children, just like mothers do.

In post-industrial societies, we mostly live in small families where other women are in short supply for the job of caring for children. Fathers are close in – they nearly all attend the birth of their www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

Top Tips For New Parents t Don’t end up with one parent doing all the caring and the other doing all the earning unless you really cannot avoid it. t Both spend time alone with your baby. Both become competent and confident with him/her, learn and appreciate your different parenting styles - your child will. t Mothers: put yourself first sometimes (and fathers – let them do this). Mothers who make the children such a big part of their lives that everything else is forgotten often become depressed. t Fathers: move mountains to get flexible work, even if it gives you only a few extra hours with your baby every week. t Talk and listen. Don’t just barge into the role you think is yours – find out if your partner is happy with what your choice means for them. Do they feel put-upon or babies. Fathers are going hormonal on a mass scale. It is the call of nature.

So let’s reframe the whole thing about caring for children and come up with a new set of fundamental beliefs: There is no such thing as a “primary carer”. There is a group, a family, and a child is born into it. The family is like a body – every person has a unique role.

No-one is expendable, and no-one is essential either (an important survival mechanism in the past). It does not matter if at any one time the child might be closer to one parent or the other, or indeed to someone who is not a parent.

The only thing that matters is that the child experiences unconditional love from at least one person, preferably more.

Investing in family relationships, such as the parents going out for time alone together, is not a distraction from good parenting, it is a central part of good parenting. Children say again and again that family relationships are the most important thing in their lives.

pushed out by you? Things will then feel fairer, you will be more loving and less stressed – which will also be good for your sex life. t Make time for each other and do things you used to do before you had children. A happy couple relationship means happier children. t Don’t feel guilty about working – nearly all mothers and fathers for all of human history have had to work. Try to organize work so that one of you is looking after the baby as much as possible; babies have always been looked after by several people. t If moving house could mean a smaller mortgage or more involved grandparents, think hard about it. t Each agree to do the one task around the house that the other likes least. If you can afford it, pay for some of the tasks to be done for you.

Good parenting includes encouraging a child to bond strongly with several people. If a child turns to different people when in trouble, then it is a triumph, not a failure of motherhood.

Working motherhood is the norm.

It is only a problem if, because of the work, the child is not getting enough loving care. So the problem is not the work, it is the lack of alternative care.

Duncan’s new book, Baby’s Here! Who Does What? (£9.99) is available now.

According to Duncan, it’s designed to be bought by mothers, then shared with fathers at home. The book is very attractively produced with lots of colour and specially commissioned illustrations – very high quality. It has a real “wow” factor when held and read. You can find out more or purchase a copy from www. whodoeswhatbook.com, where you can also read more articles by Duncan.

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fashion

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Keep your tots toastie this winter in these fabulous fashions!

It’s a

Wrap!

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1. Killion wears denim jeans £17.99 and marl grey cap £5.99 both Zara, Stallion jumper £20 Pumpkin Patch and Alfie duffle from Monsoon £40, all available at Chapelfield shopping centre, Norwich. Shoes models own.

2. Nyah wears grey shift dress £25.99 and pink polo neck £9.99 both Zara, Woodstock scarf £12 with matching hat £10 both Monsoon and Prairie Princess tweed blazor £20 at Pumpkin Patch, all available at Chapelfield shopping centre, Norwich. Shoes models own.

3. Nyah wears brown fringe bag £15.99, knitted rosette dress £19.99 and brown leggings £4.99 all from Zara, and Studio gilet £28 Monsoon, all available at Chapelfield shopping centre, Norwich. Shoes models own.

4. Nyah wears Carnival girl jumper £16 and dusk cap £8 both Pumpkin Patch, jodpur style trousers £19.99 Zara and Woodstock tweed coat (with removable flower) £60 Monsoon, all available at Chapelfield shopping centre, Norwich. Shoes models own.

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5. Killion wears Mule flight jacket £24 Pumpkin Patch with Sherlock trousers £22 and Noel shirt £18 both Monsoon, available in Chapelfield shopping centre, Norwich. Shoes models own.

6. Nyah wears Woodstock short £19.00 and Studio heart cardigan £34 both Monsoon, white leggings £4.99 and khaki mac £29.99 both Zara, all available in Chapelfield shopping centre, Norwich. Shoes models own.

7. Killion wears black chords £14 Pumpkin Patch, long sleeve grey top £3.99, grey hoody £17.99 and stripy scarf £6.99 all Zara, available at Chapelfield shopping centre, Norwich. Shoes models own. www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

7 Models: Killion and Nyah from SandraReynolds Agency www.sandrareynolds.co.uk Styling: Katie Ingram from SandraReynolds Agency (as above) Photography: Rob Ward www.robwardphotography.com 17

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Read All About It

by Pat Saunders, Poppys Books

For most of the year many of us think of our friends as often as we do our extended families but, as Christmas approaches, (too quickly!), we all make a start on lists on who to send cards to and buy presents for and it’s members of our families who usually head those lists. It’s wonderful to have a close, loving family, one of the greatest gifts we can ever have and yet sometimes, in the midst of a somewhat chaotic life – post children – we can lose that everyday closeness. Christmas gives us a reason to remember it again.The books I have chosen this month aren’t about Christmas – but about family members.

Hello Daddy was recently published, one of a set of eight books, by Evans Books. The photography in each of them is instantly captivating, children from around the world pictured with their fathers and with simple one line text. If you only buy one book about fathers it should be this one!

Published by Evans Books. £11.99 (hardback).

Published by Frances Lincoln. £11.99 (hardback).

www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

Published by Doubleday. £10.99 (hardback).

Mummy, Do You Love Me? is published

by Walker Books.

Little chick wonders if his Mummy will love him if he’s naughty, if he doesn’t win a race, if he splashes in puddles and, of course, Mummy does love him “ Because I’m your Mummy” she says.

Published by Walker Books. £5.99 (paperback).

And finally, Brand New Baby, again by Walker Books, showing a family waiting for their new baby to be born and how life changes for its brother and sister after the birth, when mum and dad are both exhausted from changing nappies and being woken through the night. I love that this is one of the few books to show mum breast feeding her baby.

Published by Walker Books. £4.99 (paperback).

Read all about it

The Great Big Book of Families, also recently published, by Frances Lincoln, shows how families have changed from the classic ‘Mum, Dad, Son, Daughter’ all living together to the different types of families today which may have divorced parents, grandparents, foster parents or ones with two mums or two dads bringing up that same family. The illustrations are wonderfully child-like and show families in an optimistic light.

My Brother,

by Anthony Browne, is written from a younger brother’s perspective of having a cool hero for a brother. Having an older brother myself, I can’t help but agree! I thought my brother was THE best.

Cool clothes, cool friends, best at drawing, climbing, running and even best at scaring me!

EXCLUSIVE READER SAVING! The RRP of all five featured titles is £45.95 – but Sprouts readers can get the set for a special offer price from Poppy’s Books of only £35! Orders can be made by phone, email (sales@poppysbooks.co.uk) or on website http://www.poppysbooks.co.uk/ special-offer-for-preschools-209-c.asp.

Or you could get a set for free!

We’ve one complete sets of these titles to give away– just fill in your details on the standard form on page 33.

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Terrors

tantrums

Tiny

At some point, your angelic little baby is going to morph into a purple, screaming monster who, short of a rotating head, wouldn’t look out of place in the Exorcist – welcome to the world of toddler tantrums!

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antrums usually start anytime from about 18months onwards, depending on your child’s stage of development. They can take many forms (small children are remarkably creative!) but commonly involve a huge amount of kicking, screaming, flailing fists, falling to the floor or, basically, going completely bonkers.

You live in fear of the fashion police as your child insists on wearing a vest, pink tutu and green socks; the mere mention of broccoli ignites a battleground at mealtimes and a trip to the supermarket becomes an exercise in public humiliation.

The good news (yes, there is some!) is that this stage doesn’t last forever and your toddler will eventually outgrow the behaviour. Meanwhile though, the key to staying sane and surviving unscathed can lie in understanding the causes of tantrums and having effective tactics to deal with them.

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What’s Up?

Frustration – between the ages of around 1 ½ to 3yrs, your toddler is developing a strong sense of personality and ‘self ’. They begin to feel a new range of emotions and develop a need for independence. Their communication

skills are still fairly limited though and sometimes their desire exceeds their ability which can easily lead them to become frustrated, angry or simply feeling overwhelmed.

Tiredness – you’ll find your daily routine changes as your child moves from ‘baby’ to ‘toddler’ but the importance of enough sleep shouldn’t be underestimated. Tiredness is often the primary reason behind a major meltdown so make sure you stick to regular bedtimes and try to ensure your child has a good nap during the day.

Food - a hungry child is a grumpy child so stick to regular mealtimes no matter how busy your day is. Don’t be tempted to fill them up on ‘fast food’ though as many contain ingredients thought to contribute to mood swings and behavioural problems.

Opt instead for healthy meals and small, nutritious snacks throughout the day as a steady source of energy and to avoid dips in blood sugar levels.

Attention – Even though your toddler’s growing in independence, remember they’re still very attached www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

to you. You are their main source of comfort and security and anything which diverts your attention away from them for too long is likely to result in a paddy. This is particularly true in relation to any big changes in your life, such as returning to work, starting nursery, having a new baby etc. Making enough time for your toddler, even when there are other priorities, can help them feel more secure and ward off attention-seeking displays.

While the sort of stuff above can be helpful in avoiding tantrums there will, of course, be times when a hissyfit is inevitable and you just have to get through it. Tempting though it is to abandon the seething mass in the supermarket aisle and claim never to have seen the child before it’s much better to have some tactics up your sleeve to deal with the tiny terror: Ignoring – you’ll need skin thicker than a rhinoceros and more patience than a saint but ignoring a mid-tantrum toddler can work wonders. They soon realise it’s no fun hamming it up when there’s no audience. Easier to do at home than in a public place but equally effective in both – if you can bear the pitying looks of other mothers across the frozen peas!

Reward – yes, we know it’s a form of bribery and corruption but hey, if a sticker buys you peace we think you should live with it! Older toddlers especially respond well to positive praise and encouragement. Try a chart system where they earn small rewards for good behaviour and begin to understand the consequences of ‘bad’ behaviour by the removal of points earned.

Distraction – Most toddlers have the attention span of a gnat and can be diverted from an on-coming episode by something more interesting. Yelling ‘look at the big yellow digger!’ on the bus may get you a few funny looks but being a mum requires courage and ingenuity as well as a total lack of any ability to feel embarrassment!

Choices – Once underway, a tantrum often escalates and continues because your toddler doesn’t know to back-track or feels trapped in a corner. Help them www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

by offering solutions which allow them to retain some sense of ‘control’, for example, instead of insisting they wear the green jumper give them a choice of the green one or the blue one. This sort of technique gives them something to focus on and although sometimes means compromise on your part, really won’t turn them into spoilt brats (but that’s another article!).

Time-out – when all else fails and your tot’s reached the stage of apoplectic rage (usually indicated by a purple face and total rigidity of the entire body!) sometimes the best solution is to remove them from the situation. Quietly, but firmly, put them somewhere safe, shut the door and let them scream it out – usually around one minute for each year of age (theirs, not yours!). This type of technique should always be preceded with a ‘time-out’ warning and followed up with lots of hugs and reassurance. The space is good for you too and is infinitely better than ‘losing it’ with your little one.

Deciding how to deal with tantrums most effectively depends a lot on what your child responds best to. One thing’s for sure though – once you’ve written the ground rules you need to stick to them religiously. Remembering the ‘three C’s’ should help get you through this period of your toddler’s development: consistency, calmness and communication (not chocolate, chilled wine and a chain on the bedroom door!)

Toddlers will always test your boundaries. Being consistent in how you react will actually help them feel secure and accelerate the speed at which they work out their own most effective response.

Keeping calm may seem a real challenge when actually, you’d like to scream and stamp your feet too, but remember you’re the grown-up here!

You’re the strongest role model your child’s got and leading by example in the way you behave can be a really positive influence. If you shout and rage in response to your child, you’re effectively saying to them ‘this is how we deal with things around here’.

Finally, and very importantly, communicate. A toddler is actually

Sprouts readers say: “When my son Harry (2 ½) loses it, I find that holding him really close helps calm him down. Sometimes this means getting on the floor beside him – we don’t talk, I just hug him until the sobbing subsides.”

Diane Poole, Ely “I find ignoring Phoebe (3) calls a quick halt to most strops. Especially if we’re out somewhere, I just pretend to much more interested in something else. It’s not always easy and I’ve had people come up to me in shops and give me ‘alternative’ advice but I’ve learned to tough it out.”

Kathy Notts, Stalham “Wherever we are, I always have a ‘Mr Happy’ book handy, usually in my bag. James (22 months) really likes this book so it’s kept as an effective distraction if I sense a tantrum coming on! I whip the book out and chatter on about how much nicer it is to be happy than grumpy.

It works for us although I expect James will outgrow it at some stage!”

Annie Whyte, Thetford

capable of understanding a lot more than they’re able to say themselves so talk to your child about what’s bothering them and explain solutions.

Be aware too of the language you use (and we don’t just mean cursing when they’re out of control!) – let them know you understand how they’re feeling and use phrases which reflect back, i.e., ‘I understand how angry you feel about this…..’.

Toddler taming isn’t easy but your child will learn to manage their temper and emotions as they grow up – so just keep repeating that thought next time you’re bombarded with breadsticks from the car seat! Or, as Michael Winner might say: ‘Calm down dear, it’s only a tantrum!’

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To find out more about childminding in your area contact: Childminding Matters 01603 615667 Or visit our website www.childmindingmatters.org.uk

Are you interested in training to become a registered Childminder

Working from home

Childminding Matters is supported by

Registered Charity No: 1097815

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post natal depression

Baby Blues?

by Alison Folwell

N

o-one ever said that having children was easy.

Very few couples can imagine the full impact our little bundles of joy will have on our lives: everything changes.

Money is tighter, sleep is a thing of the past, and even the strongest relationship is tested to the limits. But for many parents, the situation goes beyond the normal pressure. The extreme emotional turmoil of those early weeks can develop into a more serious condition: postnatal depression.

What is postnatal depression?

As the name indicates, postnatal depression (PND) is a form of depression that affects women after the birth of a child. The exact causes are not known, but it can begin any time after birth, generally up to around six months afterwards, sometimes even later. It is different to the “baby blues” experienced by around half of all new mothers just a few days after the birth, when a flood of hormones and emotions can cause feelings of despondency and general “weepiness” that can last a few days.

Is it common?

In a word: yes. Approximately one in ten mothers suffers from postnatal depression. There is some evidence that certain people may be more likely to develop it, such as women with pre-existing depressive conditions or those who have recently gone through extremely stressful or traumatic events for example, but PND does not always affect people in these groups, and frequently occurs in people with none of these factors in common. www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

What are the symptoms?

Although these vary according to the individual, symptoms may include the following: t irritability t extreme tiredness t anxiety t feelings of panic and lack of control t isolation t guilt t loss of appetite t no interest in your child t inability to feel enjoyment t general despondency t fear that you may harm your child (It is actually very rare that a woman will harm her baby due to PND, but the fear of it is a common symptom)

What do I do if I have postnatal depression or suspect that someone else does?

If you think you are suffering from PND, you must speak to your health visitor, midwife or GP, who will all be able to offer support and advice. If you suspect someone else has the condition, try talking to them about it and suggest they seek professional support. It’s vital that people suffering PND realise that they are not alone, that help is available, and that it’s not in any way their fault. It is a common condition but can be extremely isolating to the individual concerned.

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the individual.

Your health visitor, midwife or GP will be able to advise on the best options for your circumstances, and increased support from friends and family will also be essential. Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed in particularly serious cases.

Having a baby is without doubt one of the most stressful, emotional and exhausting experiences a woman will go through. However, it should also be the happiest and most rewarding. PND is not a trivial issue, but it can be treated, and the more understanding people have of the condition, the more people can be helped each year to a good recovery, and to discover the full joy of being a parent.

Who can help?

Strong support from a partner, friends or family is vital , as is help from a health visitor, midwife or GP. There are several counsellors who specialise in PND, and there are many organisations that can offer support. A few pointers are listed below: Association for Postnatal Depression – Helpline: 020 7386 0868 CRY-SIS- Helpline: 020 7404 5011 Meet-A-Mum-Association (MAMA) – Helpline: 0845 120 3746 National Childbirth Trust – Enquiry line: 0870 444 8707 www.mumsnet.com www.bounty.com www.nhs.uk/conditions/ postnataldepression www.netmums.com 23

water babies

It’s never too late – or early – to start encouraging water confidence in little ones.

Founder of Swimbabes, Laura Molloy, has eight years experience of teaching babies and toddlers to swim and believes every baby should learn so they are equipped with vital survival skills that will stay with them for life:

In the Swim

I

ntroducing babies to water helps avoid the traumatic experience that older children sometimes suffer around water. Little ones who learn key life saving skills have a greater regard for water and are safer around it – with many able to swim by as young as two years old.

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It’s natural for parents to feel anxious the first time they let their baby go in the water, but don’t worry; babies have a natural affinity with water as it is a free environment for them. Our inborn ‘gag reflex’ is generally strongest up to six months old and it’s this gag reflex that enables babies to hold their breath underwater naturally, providing www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

Image coutesy of Water Babies

Image coutesy of Swimbabes

Interacting with other babies and children will also help little ones develop their language skills. Baby swim classes are structured and use building blocks based around your baby’s own development - this constant stimulation helps to improve your baby’s intelligence too.

The journey to good swimming takes a lot of practice and patience. Every child will achieve the goals in their own time and should not be rushed or forced into activities they are not ready for. Children should be encouraged to find swimming fun, with creative activities that help to develop early motor skills and promote water confidence.

One of the leading providers of baby swimming classes across Norfolk and Suffolk is Water Babies, (www.waterbabies.co.uk) or visit www.baby-swimming-lessons.swimwithus.co.uk for a comprehensive list of classes in your local area.

As well as successfully teaching more than 1500 babies to swim each week, Swimbabes run an online swim shop selling specialist swimwear, floats and games for babies and children plus a range of travel and holiday items. All products have been fully tested and approved by Swimbabes instructors. To view the range visit: www.swimbabes.co.uk.

a gentle introduction to submersion. Young babies also have primitive swimming stroke actions and can propel themselves through the water easily. Baby swim classes will build upon these natural reflexes and enable your baby to be completely happy moving in and through the water.

The ability to swim from a young age is certainly a gift for life which opens the door for your little one to enjoy other water-based activities, from waterskiing to sailing to diving. Introducing babies to swimming improves their physical, emotional and social development plus enhances their intellect and language skills.

Physical strength is built through muscle development; early swimming allows use of muscles that baby cannot yet use on dry land, which can aid early walking. Co-ordination and associated motor skills are also improved through regular exercise, not to mention it being a good workout that will strengthen the heart and lungs.

Emotional contact is pivotal to water confidence. When children are introduced to water from a young age they feel safe and secure within it. It familiarises babies with deep water and gives them the confidence to swim below the water level. Weekly swimming is also special one-toone time for a baby and parent where they can have fun with no interruptions.

Social skills abound at baby swim sessions. Little swimmers are constantly interacting with adults, other babies and children and it allows parents to socialise with each other too. These unique swimming sessions can develop special relationships, which are looked forward to each week. www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

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You’re looking at this.

So are thousands of local parents.

Using our unique distribution network, via nurseries, playgroups and early-years settings, this magazine gets directly into the hands of parents throughout the region.

With advertising rates starting as low as £90, can you afford not to be seen in Sprouts?

Email: alan@eastmag.com or call 01954 268129 to request a media pack.

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Fun with Food!

For your chance to win a fantastic Cookie Tot course or a Kiddy Cook workshop please use the standard entry form on page 33!

By Frances Webster

Food is one of the great joys of life. Parents of young children may find it hard to agree ….and as a mother of two, I know how they feel.

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try again another day. The food may become more accepted if it makes a regular appearance. Give lots of praise when your child eats well.

Family affair; Whenever you can, sit down as a family and all enjoy the same meal (some alterations, such as pureeing may be needed for weeny ones). Not only do you to have to prepare just one meal, your little ones will enjoy the social interaction and you can encourage good table manners.

Junior chefs; Children of all ages love cooking. They get a thrill out of nearly every aspect of it; cracking eggs, whisking, weighing and even the washing up! Start them young (from around 2 is good) and they will grow up being curious and willing to try new things. Kids can learn so much from getting into the kitchen; new vocabulary, numeracy skills, team work, geography and science (and they’ll be having so much fun it won’t seem a chore). They get a huge sense of achievement in sharing their yummy culinary creations with family and friends.

So whether it is at home and / or lessons at school, in afterschool clubs or classes in their own time, give your kids the time and the opportunity to get stuck in and watch their confidence grow.

A little of what you fancy does you good; No food is “good” or “bad”, as long as the overall diet is balanced and varied. Everyone in the family should be allowed the occasional “treat” and a sane

approach will help avoid the extremes of obesity or neuroticism.

Gastronomic experiments: Have fun with the science of food.

Kids love learning about how to tell a good egg from a bad one without cracking them. Get them to make home made butter within 5 minutes. Or amaze them with the chemical reactions by making a “self inflating balloon” using bi-carbonate of soda and vinegar.

You might even produce the next Heston Blumenthal,

fun with food

ut happy and healthy eating starts at home. Parents need to make sure their little ones get off to the best start in life and get them into good habits.

Cooking at home means eating healthily can be cheap, simple and quick. With a little effort any meal or snack can be nutritious and tasty and will give your child the building blocks for growth and development.

Here are some top tips on how to encourage kids to have inquisitive taste buds and find food fun: Variety is the spice of life; From the day your children start eating solids, regularly introduce them to all sorts of tastes and textures. Don’t be scared to push the boundaries, discovering food is an adventure. In my daughter’s first week of nursery she had vegetable curry with naan bread. She was 9 months old and loved it!

The art of disguise; By making food funky you can encourage children to eat the healthy options you want them to. Why not try a potato mouse, an avocado boat, a fruit kebab or a smiley face pizza?

Encouragement and praise; Persevere with fussy eaters, who hate trying anything new. Don’t be tempted to give them just the few foods you know they will eat; especially if they are the not-so healthy options. Regularly offer new ingredients, with them trying at least one mouthful before saying they don’t like it. If they refuse it,

Frances Webster runs Kiddy Cook Norwich, providing cookery classes and parties for 2-11 year olds.

Cookie Tot – courses for 2-4 year olds. A new and unique pre-school activity based around food – simple recipes, music and games. Weekly sessions in Taverham, Poringland and Cringleford Kiddy Cook – monthly Saturday and Holiday workshops in Tasburgh, for little chefs (4-11 year olds).

Kiddy cook also run sessions in after-school clubs, schools & nurseries and host great birthday parties! www.kiddycook.co.uk norwich@kiddycook.co.uk; 07973 724870

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Lunch Bunch Eating out with fidgety toddlers or finding somewhere to go on a wet afternoon that’ll keep you all amused isn’t always easy! Help is at hand with Sprouts reader reviews, where local mums give the insider info on the best family friendly venues…

Venue: Nandos, Red Lion St. Norwich When visited: Saturday, 5.30pm Grown ups: Sarah & Paul (mum and dad!)

Children: Flynn 21/2 and Taliesin 13 months

lunch bunch

Ease of access 5/5 There is a ramp inside for access and the restaurant is generally spacious.

We were asked to store our tandem buggy at the front of house so as not to obstruct access for others, which we felt was a reasonable request.

Welcome/service 4/5 Perfunctory and slightly systematic, but unobtrusive and helpful. Not the warmest of welcomes we’ve ever experienced, instead though, the server was quiet but professional.

Waiting time for food 5/5 It took just 15 minutes for our main courses to arrive, which was barely enough time to empty our bags of all our distraction devices!

Kids menu choice 4/5 Of course, this is a chicken restaurant so the range is limited, as it is for adults too, but more than adequate for our two carnivorous sons, especially Flynn, who, when asked what he would like to eat

replied “MEAT!” . We ordered two fillet burgers, one with a side of fries and the other with corn on the cob so they could mix and match.

The kids meal deal included a main dish, one side and bottomless frozen yoghurt for dessert, for a set price, and we ordered a couple of extra sides for us all to share.

Quality of food 4/5 As a chain, the quality of the food was not comparable to a local, independent restaurant, but seemed fresh was certainly tasty. The salad leaves in the Mediterranean salad were not as crisp as I would have liked.

High chair availability 5/5 Comments: They welcome children and providing us with two highchairs did not phase them as they had plenty.

Value 3/5 Although the food was tasty, the price certainly crept up, once we started to add some side dishes.

We opted for a combo deal, which included a whole chicken, sides and bottomless soft drinks for grown ups, but some main meals did not include the extras, such as fries or salad

Overall: We had a lovely, early evening meal. The children were intrigued by some of the more unusual side dishes, such as Macho peas, and it made a refreshing change from the usual pizza or sausages. The children (and daddy!), also liked the novelty of being able to help yourself to dressings, condiments and adult drinks. Paul happily added lashings of extra hot periperi sauce to his chicken!

Changing facilities/toilets 4/5 The toilets were clean and perfectly adequate, although downstairs.

The baby changing room is on ground level but you have to request a key to gain entry – not ideal in an emergency.

If you’d like to volunteer to do a Lunch or Day Out review, please use our contact form or e-mail editor@sproutsmagazine.co.uk, with your name and children’s details.

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putting your children first

Open Morning 2nd February 9:30am – 12:00pm Our beautiful, personalised birthcharts make a wonderful Christmas, birthday or christening present!

First class facilities Breakfast & After School Clubs

Minibus services

The astrology4children birthchart is a detailed personalised horoscope presented in booklet form. Providing parents with an in-depth insight into their child’s personality, behaviour, health and latent talents – a useful and unique keepsake that will be treasured forever.

Visit www.astrology4children.com or call us on 020 7281 0935

Nursery from 2 years Small class sizes

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The ultimate Christmas experience for children aged 1 to 101

Booking essential 0132 28 8784 84 477 ww ww.sa ant nta as-mag gica al-jou urney.c co.uk Thursford Collection, Thursford, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0AS (off the A148 between Fakenham and Holt.)

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what’s on?

NORFOLK EVENTS Magic of Christmas at Blickling Hall 3 & 4 Dec. Carol singing, craft marquee and family entertainment.

Timed/ticketed entry only. 5-9pm.

T: 0844 800 4308; E: blickling@ nationaltrust.org Down on the Farm 4 Dec, Gressenhall Workhouse. Last NWT Wildlife Watch of the Year.

Booking essential. T: 01603 625540 Santa Specials 4-5, 11-12, 18-18, 21-24 Dec. North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham. T; 01263 820800. W: nnrailway.co.uk Santa Steam Trains 2-24 Dec, Bure Valley Railway. T: 10263 733858. W: bvrw.co.uk Christmas Experience 5 Dec, 10am-5pm, Gressenhall Workhouse. Meet Santa and enjoy the music, crafts and gift stalls. T: 01362 860563 Historic Christmas Fayre 10-12 Dec, Norwich Cathedral.

Costumed entertainers, hog roast and stalls. W: blackknighthistorical.co.uk Christmas at Church Farm, Stow Bardolph From 2 Dec, every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December as well as Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday & Thursday of Christmas week. Santa’s Magical Grotto, animal nativity scenes, indoor tree house, outside activity playground, the sand and straw barns and ride-on tractors.

W: churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk Santa Cruise, Wroxham & Hoveton 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 22-24 Dec. 11am-3pm Meet Santa as you cruise on the beautiful Broads. Gift, Festive cookies and soft drinks for the children and mulled wine and mince pies for the adults. W: broads.co.uk Santa’s Magical Journey, Thursford 4-5, 11-23 Dec. 9.30am-6pm. A unique, wonderland of enchanting sights for everyone who believes in the festive spirit, whether they’re aged 1 or 101! W: thursford.com Pantomania! Hippodrome Christmas Circus 11 Dec – 3 Jan. Thrills, spectacle, glamour, excitement and hilarious comedy. The perfect holiday treat for all the family. W: hippodromecircus. co.uk www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

Father Christmas at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden 12 Dec. 5-7pm. Visit Santa in his magical woodland grotto. Tearoom, gift shop, bird hide, children’s nature trail. W:fairhavengarden.co.uk Pre-Schoolers Workshop 16 Dec. 6 Jan. Norwich Puppet Theatre. Get creative and make a puppet! Session lasts 1½ hours, with the making part of the session taking the first hour then you’re free to chat and play! W: puppettheatre.co.uk Santa’s Farm at Notcutts Garden Centre, Norwich 21 Nov – 24 Dec. Meet Santa’s reindeer and other farmyard friends.

Have a chat with Santa and take home a special gift. Tea and Breakfast events also running (booking required). W: notcutts.co.uk

REGULAR ACTIVITIES Adventure Island Playpark 15–17 Pinbush Road, Lowestoft.

Biggest indoor play area in the region. Call 01502 519933 or visit www.adventureislandplaypark.co.uk Alpington & Yelverton Pre-School Monday to Thursday, with a rising 5’s session on a Thursday afternoon including lunch. Fun friendly environment where children learn through play. Please contact Vicky on 07880592862.

Antenatal yoga Trowse, Norwich. Regular six-week courses led by two professionally qualified British Wheel of Yoga teachers. Also intensive one-day ‘preparation for birth’ days. Booking essential. Call Nicola 07905 422149 or email nicanneyoga@hotmail.co.uk Baby massage Classes at Dereham Leisure Centre, each Wednesday (term time). Call Zoe on 01362 851819 or 07710897498 or visit www. toptotoemassage.co.uk Birthlight, Yoga for Pregnancy Kelling Studio, Holt. Tuesdays, 9.45– 10.45am.Call Susanna, 01263 740392, email susanna@yogameditationrelaxation. co.uk or visit www.yogameditation- relaxation.co.uk Dilham Parent & Toddler Group Dilham village hall. Mondays (term time), 9–10.45am. Come and join us for a friendly chat while your child plays. Refreshments served. £1.50 first toddler and adult, 50p each toddler thereafter, babies free. Call Teresa 01493 749998 or Lynn 01692 582549.

‘Drop-in’ music group Half an hour of music and actions followed by drinks and biscuits.

10.30–11.30am every Friday (except bank holidays). £1.50 per family.

Held at the Methodist Hall in Loddon – parking available!

Early Learning Centre Playtime Castle Mall, Norwich and High Street, King’s Lynn. Tuesday mornings from 10am. Pop in, meet friends and explore the toys!

Great Ellingham Under Fives Mother and toddler (birth to five).

Recreation centre. Every wed 1.30 3pm (term time only). First session free £1. Over ones, 50p under ones.

Snack provided. Craft each week Contact amanda 01953 453764 Gressenhall Parent & Toddler Group The Reading Room, Gressenhall.

Every Wednesday term time, 1.30– 3pm. Activities, monthly visits by local toy library, messy play sessions, run by Gressenhall Playgroup staff.

A great way to make friends while the children play. No need to book, just come along and join us. Contact 07946 446822.

Gressenhall Playgroup The Reading Room, Gressenhall.

Daily throughout term time, 9.30am–12.30pm. Communitybased playgroup, from age 2 to school age. Contact 07946 446822.

Gymboree Riverside Swimming Centre and Eaton Park Community Centre, Norwich. Gym, music, arts and baby-play classes for children from newborn to 5 years. Call Rebecca on 07507 891154 or visit www. gymboree-uk.com IMPS Diss United Reformed Church Hall.

Tuesdays, 9.40am and 10.40am (toddlers); Thursdays, 9.30 (babies).

Exciting creative and sensory play sessions. Call Rachel Baker on 01379 640696.

Inspire Imps Inspire Discovery Centre, St Michael’s Church, Oak St, Norwich NR3 3AE, Sundays 10am–1pm.

Storytelling, painting, games, arts and crafts atthis fun museum with hands-on activities thatstimulate children’s curiosity and interest in science and technology. Housed in one of Norwich’s finest medieval churches.Reduced admission price for adults (£3.50 instead of £4.50), under-5s free. For more information call 01603 612612 or visit www. inspirediscoverycentre.com Jo Jingles Various locations, various dates. Fun music and movement experience for children aged 6 months–5 years. Call Beckie Clifton on 07925 325016 or 01508 532547, or visit www. jojingles.com/Norwich

Free, drop-in library activities Children’s Library, The Forum, Norwich. Tiny Tots Stories & Songs – Wednesdays, 2pm; The Bear Club – Fridays, 10.30am; Family Story Time – Sundays 2.30pm.

Call 01603 774750 or visit www. norfolk.gov.uk.

MAD Academy Taverham, Poringland, Thorpe St Andrew, Old Catton. High-energy music and dance classes for children aged 3 months–4 years. Call Zoe Darwin 01603 482777 or visit www. madacademy.com Moonlightbaby – infant massage Small, relaxed classes in Norwich and South Norfolk. Enhance bonding, have fun. IAIM programme. For details see www.moonlightbaby.info or call Jana Ward 01508 493753.

Mucky Pups Spixworth Scout Hut, Crostwick Common, Norwich. Tuesdays 1–2pm, Wednesdays 10–11am and 11.15am– 12.15pm. The original art and craft club for children aged 18 months–5 years. Call Claire Dye 01603 710764 or visitwww.muckypups.com Nappuccino St Alban’s Hall, Grove Walk, Norwich. Second Thursday every month, 11am–1pm. Refreshments, toys, second-hand and new nappy sales, advice and other baby-related stands. Entry £1. Call 01603 860049 Norfolk Veggie Mums Group Various venues in Norwich, last Thursday of month, 2pm. All parents/ carers with vegetarian or vegan babies/toddlers welcome. Call Alicia Howell on 01603 620784 or email aliciahoell@btinternet.com North Elmham Parent and Toddler Group Saxon Centre (behind the school), Holt road,Thursdays (term-time) 1.00–3.00pm. Come and join us for a friendly chat while you child plays, indoor and outdoor activities provided and supervised by qualified play leaders. Refreshments served. £2.50 per child (parent free). Contact Shelley on 01362 668091.

Pilates Trowse Manor Rooms, Norwich.

Mon, Thur and Fri evenings. A health enhancing technique to promote a strong, flexible and aligned body. Enjoy some relaxation for yourself! For further information, call Trudy (Pilates Institute trained instructor) on 01603 712973 or email trudykemp@fireflyuk.net Pre-School Music (PRESMA) Various locations each weekday, throughout Norfolk and Suffolk.

Songs and musical games for babies and preschoolers. Call 01603 628626 (office open 10am–1pm, closed Thurs) or visit www.presma.org.

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what’s on?

TinyTalk baby signing and singing classes Various dates and locations. Helping babies to communicate before they can talk. To find a class visit www. tinytalk.co.uk Toddler Yoga For dates and locations, contact Zoe Flint at Top to Toe Massage on 01362 851819 or visit www. toptotoemassage.co.uk.

Waterbabies Various locations.

Learning to swim – fun for babies and parents alike. Suitable from birth upwards. Call 01603 702 589 or visit www.waterbabies. co.uk Waveney Gymnastics Club Southwell Road, Lowestoft.

Exploratory fun play sessions, encouraging physical development and social interaction, as well as structured gymnastics lessons. For babies and toddlers aged 8 weeks upwards. Call 01502 501419 or visit www.waveneygymnastics.org Wicklewood Baby & Toddler Group Wicklewood village hall,1.15– 2.45pm (term time). Come and join us meet new friends while your little ones play. Lots of new toys, crafts, games, songs refreshments and fun.£1.50 per parent/career family.

Contact Nicki on 01953 600762 or email goodings123@btinternet.com Wymondham Baby Café Methodist church, Town Green, Wymondham. Mondays 10am–12 noon. Mums-to-be, parents, carers and families welcome. Enjoy support and advice while relaxing with a tea or coffee, squashes and home baking.

Call 01953 603792.

SUFFOLK EVENTS Lantern-Lit Christmas at Anglesey Abbey 4 Dec, 10.30am-8pm. Children’s lantern-making workshops then procession. E: angleseyabbey@ nationaltrust.org Santa Specials 5, 12, 18 & 19 Dec, 11am-5pm, Mid-Suffolk Light Railway. Includes refreshments, entertainment and present for each child. T: 01449 766899 W: mslr.org.uk Winter Wonderland, Cornhill, Ipswich 5 Dec. 11am-3pm. Santa will be handing out presents from his magical grotto (Presents are £3 with a donation going to charity). Real reindeer and entertainment.

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Christmas Lights Switch On, Halesworth 4 Dec. Carol singing, historic, themed dress, fireworks and live music.

Food, Drink & Gift Fair 4 & 5 Dec. The Chilli Company, Stowmarket. 10am-4pm. Free entry.

Children’s entertainment, BBQ, free tastings.

Breakfast or Tea with Santa 1-24 Dec. Meet Santa Claus, play pass the parcel, listen to a story, enjoy some refreshments and take home a special gift. Booking essential. T: 01394 445400 Arty Crafty Christmas 2, 9 & 16 Dec. At 11am. Snakes and Ladders, Cavendish Street, Ipswich Encourage the kids to express their creativity. Create special Christmas cards, glittery tree decorations and more. W: snakes-and-ladders.co.uk Kids Christmas Crafts 4 Dec. Lakenheath Fen. 2-4pm.

Learn how to make animal Christmas cards, Crackers, decorations and much more. W: rspb.og.uk Father Christmas 5 Dec. Pakenham Water Mill, Bury St Edmunds. Presents for all children. Mill open from 3pm, Father Christmas arrives by boat at 4.30pm.

W: pakenhamwatermill.co.uk Christmas Festival at Jimmy’s Farm, Ipswich 4&5 Dec. 10am-5pm. Fun and free entertainment for all the family! W; jimmysfarm.com Christmas Wonderland 11-23 Dec. 11am-3pm. Easton Farm Park. £5 entry fee includes a visit to Father Christmas in his Grotto, sleigh ride, hug a bunny, nativity and lots more. W: eastonfarmpark.co.uk Christmas at Banham Zoo 4-5, 11-12, 18-24 Dec. 11am-3pm.

Santa’s Grotto plus winter “Amazing Animals!” presentation and seasonal activities in the Education Centre. W: banhamzoo.co.uk.

REGULAR ACTIVITIES Arrival baby feeding and weaning support Martlesham Pavilion, Martlesham Heath IP5 3SL. Free baby feeding and weaning group sessions. Thursdays 1–4.30pm. Drink tea and talk through any questions with us and our friendly group of mums and new babies.

Expert advice and support on hand.

Tel. 01394 459415 or visit www.

ArrivalBreastfeedingSupport.com.

Baby massage Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market, Suffolk.Massage may help with colic, nasal congestion,constipation and sleep. Suitable for babies 0–12 months.

Call Katy Nash 01473 748571 or visit website: uk.geocities.com/ katyj@ btinternet.com

Bosom Buddies Breastfeeding support by trained volunteers from the Breastfeeding Network (BfN). Wednesday 10am - 12pm (term-time only). Bury Library Children’s Centre, Sergeant’s Walk, Bury St Edmunds , Suffolk IP33 1TZ Bosom Buddies breastfeeding drop-in Framfield Medical Centre, Woodbridge IP12 4FD. Thursdays, 10am–12 noon. Run by trained volunteers from the Breastfeeding Network. Join us for a cup of tea and a chat in a child-friendly environment. Contact Lynne Wearing on 07766 624944.

The Creation Station Various time and locations. Creative fun with for children aged 1–5 years. Call Charmaine Longman 07855 370418or visit www. thecreationstation.co.uk Gymbabes – 6 months to walking Various times and locations. For details contact Angela Clark 01502 582453 or 07789 426560,or visit www.tumbletots.com ‘Le Club Francais’ French Club – 3 to 9 years Moreton Hall Health Club, Mount Road, Bury St Edmunds IP327BJ. Sat 11.30am–13.30pm. Structured course with games, songs and quizzes.

Contact Jonathan Hayes 01359 232127 or 07986 484332 or visit www.lcfclubs.com/jonhayes/ Library activities – storytelling and nursery rhymes arious library locations throughout Suffolk. Free of charge. Contact 01473 584563 or emailhelp@ suffolklibraries.co.uk Little Nippers Yaxley Village Hall, near Eye. Yaxley and Mellis Baby and Toddler Group.

Contact Lauren Fox 01379 788758, 07786636620 or yamlittlenippers@ btinternet.com Monkey Music – 3 months to 4 years Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds and Long Melford. Contact Sarah McCarter 01284 723313, sarah.mccarter@ monkeymusic.co.uk, or visit www. monkeymusic.co.uk Music with Mummy – 3 years and under Various locations. Contact Polly Carnegie 01284 850830 or Samantha Pickering 01284 725341, email samthingnice@yahoo.co.uk, or visit www.musicwithmummy.co.uk Nature Bugs outdoor parent and toddler group Thornham Walks, Thornham Magna, EyeIP23 8HH. Thursday (term time) 10am–12 noon. Nature walks, gardening, crafts and singing. Call Joanne on 01449 780369 for further infoor to book a place.

NCT Bumps and Babes Eye, Complementary Medicine Centre, Gilchrist Unit. Mondays 10.30am-noon. Non-members welcome. Contact Garance Lawrence 01379 643024.

NCT Crawlers and Cruisers Roydon Church Parish Room.

Fridays 10am–11.30am. Nonmembers welcome. £1 per family.

Contact Kirsty 01379 688138.

Pre-School Music (PRESMA) Various locations each weekday.

Songs andmusical games for babies and preschoolers. Contact 01603 628626 or email presma@ preschoolmusicassoc.freeserve.co.uk (office hours Mon–Fri 10am–1pm, closed Thursdays), or visit www. presma.org Pyramids Playbus Purpose-built double-decker bus visiting ruralvillages in mid-Suffolk.

Play and education facilities for preschool children, a meeting place for carers. Call Sue Stanislawski 01379 650746or 07931 347130 (bus mobile 07836 745050) or visit www. pyramidsplaybus.co.uk Tadpole Tunes Various locations, Bury St Edmunds.

Independent music classes run by qualified teachers based in three areas of. Contact Nancy on 01284 717054, email nancy@ tadpoletunes. co.uk, or visit our website www. tadpoletunes.co.uk.

Tumbletots – walking-school age Various times and locations. Physical activities to develop confidence and control. Call Angela Clark 01502 582453 or 07789 426560 or visit www.tumbletots.com West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village A1101 near Bury St Edmunds IP28 6HG. Open10am–5pm (last entry 4pm summer, 3.30pmwinter) daily.

Reconstructed village on original site, plus café, adventure playground, nature trails etc. Contact 01284 728718 or visitwww.weststow.org

All listings are correct, to the best of our knowledge,but we suggest you telephone the organiser before going along. For more ideas on local events and up-to-date listings check out www.whatson4littleones.co.uk or www.netmums.com/whatson/ Entry in our What’s On listings is free! Email details to editor@ sproutsmagazine.co.uk. www.sproutsmagazine.co.uk

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And Finally...

By Joanna Peios, would-be eco-mum

“I knew my attempts at being a model eco-mama were getting out of hand when, stood in a field at nightfall in late autumn with an irate husband and tired toddler, I realised I’d recycled the instructions on how to erect our new tent. Then the heavens opened. Thankfully Mr T loves to rise to a challenge.”

and finally…

Y

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ou could say I’ve become somewhat obsessed with recycling in our house. If I see any piece of unauthorised paper lying around I rush to recycle it (I’m thinking pizza flyers not credit card bills, though wouldn’t that be nice).

To the point where Mr T often moans about not even getting a chance to read anything - not even today’s newspaper.

I still don’t know why we continue to buy the Sunday papers; as soon as they arrive in our household, they are laboriously separated into sections I do and don’t want to read; Sports and Business straight in the recycling, much to the exasperation of the other half who often does want to read them but is more interested in ‘What’s happening on Twitter’ to really care.

The thing is, with two selfconfessed news junkies and a toddler in tow, News (in the printed format) becomes Old News as soon as it crosses our threshold.

By the time we’ve got round to sitting down to read them, it’s nearly the weekend again, by which point I’ve probably recycled the damn lot already.

This recycling mania has rubbed off on our daughter, affectionately and somewhat lazily known as A in our abode, who barely three, knows the ins and outs of what can and can’t be recycled by our so called green council. If a guest unknowingly throws a beer can in the bin, she calmly walks over to remove it, giving one of her ‘you should know better’ looks on the way.

The message got somewhat confused recently when A discovered one of her artworks in the office recycling bin and cornered me. I looked at her in horror as if to say, however did that end up in there? Of late she’s developed quite a penchant for ‘arts and crafts’, which while gratefully filling the gaping void of school holidays, has meant an ever-growing mountain of ‘decorated’ paper that is taking over my office. Frankly it’s making me feel on edge.

She let me off that time, but second time round, she wasn’t letting me get away with it. ‘Mummy, why is my picture in the recycling AGAIN?’ More than a bit miffed, she found it hard to believe that it just fell in there as I’d suggested. OK, I admit I had a fleeting moment of guilt as I surreptitiously threw it in, but really, you can’t keep them all can you?

Besides, her daddy is a graphic designer, the sort who refuses to buy his daughter a t-shirt from her nursery as its logo is in Comic Sans. While the masterpieces make it onto the gallery of fame AKA our kitchen wall, my guilt at removing the less considered pieces is quickly dispersed with thoughts of ‘saving the world’. Phew.”

Did you know? t Around 3 billion nappies are thrown away in the UK every year – that’s 8 million every day - with about 90% ending up in landfill. t The average child uses about 6,500 nappies by the age of 2 1/2yrs. t An estimated 800,000 tonnes of toy packaging from presents is destined for the dustbin this Christmas. t Over 40% of toys them will be broken or lost within 3 months. Because of the difficulty of recycling heavy plastics most of these will head for the tip. t 6 million tonnes of edible food end up in landfill, from families alone (not including producers and retailers).

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