FSOLW Issue 32 Jan_Feb2013

The really useful magazine for parents with children 0 - 12 years in Hampshire

FREE Issue 32: January/ February 2013

SOLENT WEST Is a nursery right for your child?

How to have the best holiday ever: our top ten tips When love is broken how to tell the children Are you losing your child benefit?

PL U S Halfte ac tiv rm itie s

Image Monsoon

Free Drama Class Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes.

Our weekly workshops will do wonders for their social, linguistic and physical development as well as being the best fun they’ll have all week.

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Classes for 4 –12 year o ld perform.org s .uk

0845 400 1304 Families Solent West

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In Southampton – Romsey, Bishop Waltham, Lymington, Hedge End, Lordshill & Eastleigh.

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January/ February 2013

Whatever your needs, long or short term ...for whatever reason – house sale and purchase not coinciding, travelling, bereavement, house building work, decorating or even ‘de-cluttering’ to sell your house more quickly – we offer a friendly, flexible and secure facility.

Barn-Store is a friendly family run business only a mile from Stockbridge. We offer all the features associated with the national chains, from high tech security to hassle-free 24/7 access.

For more information, visit our website:

www.barn-store.co.uk or give us a call on:

01264 316166

and ask to speak to Rachel Families Solent West

Contents SOLENT WEST Families Solent West Magazine Editor: Rebecca Carr 0808 108 0917 editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk Next issue: March/ April 2013 Booking deadline: 1 February 2013 Copy deadline: 5 February 2013 To book an advert call: 0808 108 0917 or email: ads@familiessolentwest.co.uk 40,000 readers per issue Printed by Bishops www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

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News & views

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Is a nursery right for your child?

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When love is broken - how to tell the children

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Are you losing your child benefit?

10 How to have the best holiday ever -familiessolentwest @familiessolentw Copyright: Families Solent West, January/ February 2013

12 Wireless technology can you feel the force?

Data Protection: if you send us your name and address in order to win a prize in a competition, we may supply your details to the company offering the prize. If you would prefer us not to do this please state this on your entry.

Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at the owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither Families Solent West not its agents accept liability for loss or damage. We take care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for consequence.

13 What’s on and half-term activities

Families Solent West is part of a group established in 1990 headed by Families South West London. All magazines are independently owned and operated under licence.

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Issue 27 – March/ April 2012

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SOLENT WEST Published 6 times a year, Families Solent West is your free local magazine for families, reaching over 40,000 readers per isssue.

To discuss your advertising requirements, please call 0808 108 0917 or email: ads@familiessolentwest.co.uk

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3 Families Solent West

NEWS National storytelling week

Storytelling can be found enriching lives everywhere: from nurseries and schools to support groups and theatrical performances.

The 13th annual National storytelling week takes place from 26 January – 2 February 2013, encouraging all areas of the community to take part in creating and enjoying storytelling, this most ancient of communicative arts. National storytelling week has an audience of around 17,000 people, so get involved in workshops, performances and events across the country.

Rugbytots – come and give us a try!

Your child doesn’t need to be a budding Jonny Wilkinson to enjoy and reap the benefits that joining a Rubgytots class can bring. Throwing and catching a bright and colourful ball is great for enhancing hand-eye coordination. As young children learn how to carry out new skills on their own such as passing, catching and kicking a ball, with the help and encouragement of experienced coaches, you will see their independence and self-confidence blossom. The high tempo classes are fantastic for your children’s general health and children who are physically fit are less stressed, happier and also sleep betterand what parent doesn’t want that? Rugbytots engenders the concepts of teamwork, respect for others and a healthy approach to competitiveness including how to win and lose graciously – skills that will stand them in good stead for life. Rugbytots is also lots of fun and a great way of making new friends.

Contact Hogie on 0845 313 3244 (South Hampshire) or Phil on 0845 313 3258 (Wichester and Romsey), www.rugbytots.co.uk

Contact Del Reid email: reidthewords@hotmail.com www.sfs.org.uk/national-storytelling-week

hats • booties • clothing

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Home-School Tutoring UK (est. 1984) Tutors (with full references/CRB checked) available for: • • • • •

All ages, levels and subjects Special Needs Support Exam Preparation Support with Home Schooling Holiday and/or Term time work

Initial consultation is free and without obligation

Please contact the Area Advisor for Hampshire (West & Central) Mrs Alex Murray-Twinn, BA (Hons) PGCE, NPQH e: alex.murray-twinn@homeschooltutoring.co.uk t: 02380 275573 www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk 4

January/ February 2013

Tickled Frog Photography launches in Hampshire

Tickled Frog Photography is a new and exciting company launched by Hampshire family man Rob Steel. With a passion for photography spanning 35 years, Rob offers fun, relaxed and affordable on-location family portraits.

Rob will meet you and your family at your favourite location in order to capture the most natural and treasured images. So whether that’s strolling across a pebble beach, kicking up leaves in a forest, playing in lavender fields or snuggled up with your newborn in the comfort of your own home, he aims to deliver photography that will bring a smile to your face as the months and years pass by.

“Photoshoot sessions typically last an hour, but I will stay as long as it takes to get the best photos. It’s important to build rapport with the whole family to help them feel comfortable with the camera, and I always carry colourful props and toys,” says Rob. A photoshoot is priced at £80, and individual prints from £10 with no minimum order. Aside from traditional prints, Tickled Frog offers digital images on CD plus contemporary wall art such as multiaperture frames and beautiful canvas prints.

Families Solent West readers can receive 15% off the photoshoot price by quoting ‘Families Magazine’ For further details contact Rob on 07545 234155 email: rob@tickledfrog.co.uk www.tickledfrog.co.uk

Don’t forget to say you saw these adverts in Families Solent West Magazine Families Solent West

RSPB ‘reconnects’ kids to nature With more than 50% of the world’s population now living in cities, there is growing concern that generations of children with little or no contact with the natural world pose one of the biggest threats to the future of the UK’s natural environment. Now, the RSPB is unveiling a revolutionary approach to reconnect children aged 8-12 with the natural world and wildlife, exploring their empathy for creatures, responsibility for nature, enjoyment of nature experiences and sense of ‘one-ness’ with nature. “Without the opportunity and encouragement to get outdoors and connect with nature, children are missing out on so many benefits that previous generations have enjoyed, and it’s putting the future of our wildlife and natural environment at risk,” says RSPB’s Chief Executive, Dr Mike Clarke. Rachel Bragg from the University of Essex adds, “It’s vital we understand how a child’s experience of nature influences their feelings of connection to the natural world as this will affect future behaviour towards the environment.” Check your family’s level of connection to nature in a simple questionnaire at rspb.org.uk/getoutdoors. Contact Tim Webb 020 7808 1246, 07921 740 753 Tim.Webb@rspb.org.uk

A new secure self storage facility Barn Store has opened near Stockbridge in a countryside location Tara lives at Tiebridge Farm with two children and two pigs.

Faced with a huge derelict cow shed, she has given it a new lease of life. If you are moving house or just need to clear some space we can help.

Tara says ‘Living on site means we can offer the friendly face of storage. We are always willing to help out where we can.’

Located close to the banks of the famous River Test, Tiebridge Farm looks out across the peaceful water meadows. With the shops and restaurants of Stockbridge only a mile away it is possible to clear out your clutter and have an enjoyable day out at the same time.

The project received funding from the Fieldfare Local Action Group as part of the Rural Development Programme for England funded by Defra and the EU. Visit: www.barn-store.co.uk for more information.

Lower speed limits key to kids’ health More than half of parents believe lower speed limits would allow their kids to walk, cycle and play outside more often, according to a survey carried out for charity Sustrans. The survey revealed 54% of parents thought their kids would be more physically active if speed limits were lowered, with 49% identifying busy and dangerous roads as the main reason their children don’t walk or cycle to school. Sustrans’ Free Range Kids campaign is calling for a national 20mph speed limit in residential areas to help tackle the UK’s growing obesity epidemic – a call backed by Dr Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation. “It’s a tragedy that so many of our children are failing to meet recommended physical activity levels but little wonder when parents don’t feel that their local streets are safe,” says Sustrans’ Chief Executive Malcolm Shepherd. “We urgently need to make our neighbourhoods safer if we’re to get kids active by walking and cycling to school and playing outdoors. Parents want to see safer streets - the Government must change the standard speed limit to 20mph on the streets where we live, work and play.”

Contact: Jess.Beaton@sustrans.org.uk I 0207 780 7231 I press@sustrans.org.uk January/ February 2013

Do you know of a nursery, school or other venue that parents regularly visit that would like to receive FREE copies of Families Solent West? Please get in touch and we will deliver them.

Call 0808 108 0917

www.familiessolentwest.co.uk

Beautiful, affordable family portraits.

Precious moments to last a lifetime…

07545 234155 rob@tickledfrog.co.uk

www.tickledfrog.co.uk Families Solent West5

Is a nursery right for your child?

By Joanna Moorhead

Nurseries aren’t the cheapest form of childcare - according to the latest figures, the average cost of a nursery place for a child under two for 25 hours a week is £103.19 a week. But prices vary dramatically, and in some areas nurseries charge as much as £15,000 a year for 25 hours’ care a week.

in the morning and some close late in the evening, but they are not as flexible as, say, a nanny or a childminder.

On the other hand, they have the big advantage that only very, very rarely will they be closed at short notice - so they’re more reliable than one carer who may be ill or have to cope with a sudden family emergency.

Is a nursery the right choice for you?

They may be prohibitively expensive if you have more than one child, although many nurseries do offer a sibling reduction. But if you can fit around its opening hours, if your budget stretches to the fees, and if you like the idea of a social environment and a place with plenty of activities and trained carers, a nursery could be the place for your child and for you.

Studies show, though, that attending nursery can increase a child’s confidence, because it involves mixing with adults, and other children, from outside the family group. It gives children social skills, and experience from an early age of an environment outside the home. The nursery ‘key worker’ scheme, under which each child is allocated a special member of staff with whom they can bond, helps provide security.

How to reduce nursery costs

Healthy food and menus are another big plus of nursery provision: staff work hard to ensure children are given a balanced diet. And as your child gets older, play and learning opportunities will be targeted appropriately: staff are trained in what young children can do when, and will be conscious of a child’s likely interests and potential.

The government is currently considering cutting staff-to-child ratios in nurseries as a way of reducing what many see as unsustainable prices - but the move is controversial, and organisations such as the Preschool Learning Alliance is warning such a change could risk children’s safety and well-being. Under current regulations, there must be one staff member for every three under-twos, and one for every four children aged two and three.

Nurseries work best for parents who have regular working hours, because it’s difficult or impossible for staff to deal with erratic patterns of collection and drop-off: nurseries often open early

Most nurseries provide funded places for three to five year olds under the government free nursery education scheme. If your child is younger, check whether your employer can offer help

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January/ February 2013

towards your nursery costs through the childcare voucher scheme. Under this, money is taken out of your pay packet before deductions, giving you savings on tax and National Insurance - in return, you are given a voucher or e-voucher that you forward to your nursery, and the amount is deducted from your bill. So it’s a way of getting more childcare for your money though it requires your employer’s co-operation.

How to choose the right nursery Start your nursery search well ahead of the time when you’re actually going to need to leave your child: the more confident you are of the choices you make, the happier you’ll be when it comes to the day you have to head back to the office. Ask around so you get other parents’ views on what nurseries are like in your area. Make a shortlist of ones that might work for you (remember to take geography into account: how easy will it be for you and/or your partner to do the drop off/ collect?) and don’t hesitate to ask to visit a second time.

Make sure you read the most recent Ofsted inspection report for the nurseries you are considering, and ask whether they have any awards of excellence.

Be guided by your instincts when looking at a nursery: it may seem a cliché to say do the children look happy, but it is an important barometer of whether a nursery is good. Be aware of the Families Solent West

Nursery feature

quality of both indoor and outdoor play areas: are the spaces pleasant, bright, welcoming, and do they seem safe? Ask about meals, how the food is prepared, and what time meals are served. Are you able to provide input for your child’s food - suggestions for what s/he would like to eat, or recipes?

What kinds of snacks are provided and how often are they available?

Watch the children while they’re playing, and pay attention to how much they’re interacting with the staff.

How do the staff come across - do they seem happy, relaxed, fun to be around? Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Do they seem interested in your child and his/her likes/dislikes and interests?

Ask about organised play sessions - weekly music groups, perhaps, or storytelling. Are there trips to the library, and to the park? How are these organised, and how often do they take place?

Make sure you understand what the nursery charges, how payment is made, and exactly what the fees include (for example, do they cover meals, nappies, outings). How many

January/ February 2013

weeks a year is the nursery open?

How are parents involved in the nursery, and are there opportunities for parents to meet up?

Is all well when I’m not there?

Some nurseries have webcams which allow parents to see live images of their child at play from their desk at work.

But while some parents welcome this idea, others are sceptical - they say they want their child’s nursery to know they trust its workers, and worry that they’ll be seen as a way of spying on care workers. Others say they like the idea of watching their child at play so much that they’d spend too much time doing it - and wouldn’t ever get any work done! As your child is settling into nursery, trust your instincts about how well it’s going. You know your child better than anyone else, so if your hunch is that your child is happy and contented , that’s almost certainly the case. Remember that in the early days, he or she will probably get more tired than usual -nursery is a big change, emotionally as well as physically. Both your child and you need time to adjust to the new set-up.

leaving your child will be difficult, especially at first, but keeping it brief will help you both. Remember that your child may cry every day when you drop them off (and so might you!) for quite a while; this is a normal part of getting used to this big change in your lives. Cope with it by emphasising the positives: think about why you’re working (to make money and provide a better standard of living; to ensure you have an interesting life, and income, in the longer term) and how much your child will benefit from a wider social network.

Troubleshooting Fingers crossed, you’ll never have a problem with a nursery your child attends. But what happens when there IS an issue? As every working parent knows, nothing undermines your ability to work more than a nagging suspicion that your child isn’t happy, or isn’t being looked after as well as possible or even - worst scenario of all - isn’t safe.

If you have any worries at all about your child’s nursery you must resolve them, and as quickly as possible. So as soon as something strikes you as ‘not right’, talk to the nursery manager or your allocated member of staff many niggles are simply down to a lack of communication. Explain what’s up, and the chances are you’ll never have to mention it again, and things will all be smoothed over.

But if you’re not satisfied that all is well, put your concern in writing to the nursery manager. All nurseries should have a protocol for dealing with complaints - ask to see this if it’s not spelled out in the nursery handbook.

Try not to drag out your goodbyes:

7 Families Solent West

Family matters

When love is broken - how do you tell the children?

By Soila Sindoyo MBPsSS Depending on the age of the child, realise that this moment might be something that they will always remember – the time you told them that you, mummy and daddy, were going to live separately. It is therefore critical that the news is conveyed with caution and this is what we shall be looking at here.

Here is what you will need to keep in mind and to have in place when and while you are breaking the news.

Chose the right time. You know your children best so you will know when the right time is. However, before bed is not really a good idea as this means that they are left with their own thoughts through the night, not the best time to digest such news. You want them to be able to come to you through the day with any questions they may have. Of course they will still think about it when the lights are out and for a long time coming but let’s reduce the pain and stress as much as possible.

Tell them together wherever possible. This may sound obvious but I have heard of cases where one parent takes it upon him/ herself to talk to the children without the knowledge of the other. If you cannot tell them together for whatever reason, do let the other parent know what, when and how you are intending to tell the children and as you tell the children, do let them know, from the start that their father/mother knows that you are talking to them.

Agree on what you will be telling them and how you will be saying it. As we all know, words carry a lot of power and prepare yourselves for questions.

Some questions to anticipate: • • • • •

Why? Do you not love mummy/ daddy any more?

Where are we going to live?

Am I changing schools?

Will I still see daddy/ mummy?

Most importantly reassure them that it is not their fault in any way. Really make sure that

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January/ February 2013

they get this. Contrary to popular belief, not all children blame themselves but it does happen. You might have to revisit this with them again and again.

Be honest. If it’s a trial separation then let them know, if it’s definitely going to end in a divorce then let them know that too. Do not, under any circumstances, give them false hope. It is not fair on them to have to relieve the whole thing again, once they realise that you will not be getting back together ever again. Do not promise them anything. If you don’t have an answer then let me them know.

Tell them when you are both calm and have the time to sit through any questions or concerns that they might have. Please don’t rush through it.

Tell them when you are somewhere safe, somewhere calm and preferably somewhere familiar to them. This way there are neither new nor noisy distractions.

They can concentrate on what is going on here and now. Don’t make it a “special” occasion i.e. take them to the cinema, get them whatever they want and then out to lunch in their favourite restaurant and break the news in there. They don’t need any associations with the news i.e. they don’t need to always see a Pizza Express or a Zizzi restaurant and “remember the time when…”

This is one of the times that you will need to be totally present with your child. Watch them as you speak. Watch their body language and their facial expressions.

They can tell you a lot about what is going on within them. Are they fidgety, avoiding

eye contact, fighting back tears, curled up?

Sometimes these and other behaviours will give you a cue on when to reach out to them physically. “Come here Tom, you look like you could do with a hug right now.”

There are some children who might feel that they suddenly need to look after you – “Are you alright mummy/daddy?” Don’t let them parent you this could just be their way of avoiding hearing, processing and dealing with their own anxieties, fears and worries and displacing/transferring them onto you.

Whatever you tell them make sure it’s age appropriate and use age appropriate words and language. Little ones might not understand a whole account of what is going on while teenagers may need more information.

Be prepared to have them come to speak with you at the most inconvenient time... yes, children have a way of finding the strangest time to want to discuss the most difficult things; when you’re running late for instance. Bear with them. The timing may not be the best for you but it is for your little one.

Do not, under any circumstances, tell the children to keep what is happening at home to themselves. This is very heavy news for a child to carry. You have off-loaded onto them, they should be able to do it too, to whomever they chose. They need care, attention and support from you and others around as opposed to them looking after you and your secrets. Anyway divorce and separation is like pregnancy, you can only keep it a secret for so long.

Soila Sindiyo is a seasoned therapist who helps families and children get through the challenges of divorce. A twice-divorced parent, she deeply understands the challenges faced by families going through divorce. Soila is an accredited Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) practitioner and a member of the British Psychological Soceity. www.soila.co.uk

Families Solent West

Money matters

Are you losing your child benefit?

In January 2013, middle-income families will lose their child benefit if one parent earns £60,000 or more, or see it reduced iif the figure is over £50,000. The ‘squeezed middle’ are being squeezed yet again, which means parents will be desperate to make up the shortfall by taking on extra hours at work or by trying to pay less tax.

If you’re working during the school holidays, you will need to pay for childcare and this can be achieved by opting to pay by childcare vouchers. It means you pay less tax and they can be redeemed against holiday playschemes right up until your child turns 15 years old. In addition, if signing up for childcare vouchers brings down your net income to below the £50,000 threshold, you will keep your child benefit.

Guy Ker, Super Camps’ Managing Director, comments: “Surprisingly, only 30% of Super Camps’ bookings made during the summer of 2012 were paid for using Childcare Vouchers. We think parents are missing out and want to encourage them to pay for their children’s holiday activities using their company’s salary sacrifice scheme.”

A Quick Reference Guide to Childcare Vouchers What are childcare vouchers?

A special government scheme operated through employers that allow you to pay for childcare from your pre-tax salary and National Insurance income.

Who can use them?

Parents with children aged up to 15 years. If each parent works, they can both claim for childcare vouchers, so there’ll be twice as many to use.

Why should I bother?

You can save over £1000 a year. A basic rate taxpayer can pay for up to £243 of childcare with vouchers each month.

How can I get vouchers?

Employers can either give you vouchers in addition to your normal salary as a perk, or they may ask you to sign up for a “salary sacrifice” scheme in which part of your pay is turned into vouchers.

Where can I use them?

They can be used for registered and regulated nurseries, playgroups, nannies, childminders and holiday playschemes like Super Camps.

Ask your employer if they run a childcare voucher scheme themselves; they might use a voucher company to do it for them.

Voucher companies include: Busy Bees, Computershare, Edenred, Kiddivouchers, plus many more.

What if my employer doesn’t run a voucher scheme?

Don’t be afraid to ask them to start one. It needn’t cost them anything – and in fact they’ll save money as they won’t have to pay National Insurance on wages you use for vouchers. If you are self-employed, ask your accountant as you too are entitled to childcare vouchers.

What’s the catch?

For most people there isn’t one! If you claim Child Tax Credits, using childcare vouchers may affect the amount you receive – so it’s worth checking if you’ll be better off with the HMRC’s online calculator. www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/ccin.htm How do I pay by childcare vouchers?

Once you have signed up to your

company’s scheme, their voucher administrator/ company will set you up with an account. Your vouchers will go into your account, like a bank balance, at the end of the month when you get paid.

Log into your account at the end of the month to check your voucher balance. If you need to make any payments to your registered nursery/nanny/childcare provider you can authorise and make payments like a bank transfer. If you’re saving them up, they can sit in your account until they’re needed (although do check for expiry dates).

Make sure that the voucher company has your childcare provider listed as one of your chosen recipients.

And with childcare vouchers, everyone’s a winner. You benefit because your salary will go further; employers don’t pay National Insurance on the vouchers so it saves them money; and your child can enjoy the wide range of childcare options and activities on offer.

More Information available from: www.supercamps.co.uk www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefitcharge

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9 Families Solent West

Image - chillypowder.com

How to have your best holiday ever: our top ten secrets

Joanna Moorhead, who has been planning her family’s holidays for the last 20 years, shares her insider tips to help you plan for a summer to remember in 2013 Fantastic family holidays don’t just happen. They’re crafted, often by hours of work from one or both parents, who spend endless amounts of time planning, plotting, budgeting and making sure safety nets are in place to stop hiccups becoming disasters. Of course everyone loves spontaneity - but for spontaneous decision to be possible, especially where a family with children are concerned, a framework has to be in place...and getting that framework right is the backbone of every holiday.

So how do you do it? Here are our top ten secrets.

1. Don’t cut corners. To get the right holiday, you may have to spend a long time on research. Don’t begrudge this time, and don’t expect the perfect holiday to fall into your lap without it: after your mortgage, your car and (if you’re paying them) your child’s school or university costs, the money you spend on your holiday is your biggest outlay.

So doing the homework matters.

Start with a list of what sort of holiday you’re looking for – the location you’re after, what facilities you need close by, what sort of accommodation you need, how far it needs to be from the airport, and so on. Give yourself parameters, and then get googling. Keep a list possible resorts/villas/hotels; whittle 10 January/ February 2013

it down to a shortlist; and then make a decision.

2. Don’t expect a bargain. After two decades of planning holidays for my family (my children are aged between ten and 20), I’m sure of one thing: where school holidays are concerned, bargains are as rare as hen’s teeth. Far better to start from the premise that you’ll get what you pay for. Look for the best deal, the best quality that you can possibly afford: but if somewhere seems a lot cheaper than other places, scrutinise it very carefully indeed.

3. Space is crucial. You know those places that say ‘sleep 4/6’ and turn out, on closer inspection, to have a pull-down bed in the sitting room?

Avoid them (at full capacity) like the plague. Squeezing as many people as possible in is fine for students, less good for grown-ups. You want a bit of luxury on holiday – and space is luxurious.

4. Location, location, location. Just as when you’re buying a house, this is your number one priority. Some of the villas I’ve looked at for my

family’s holiday this year are twice the price of others, simply because of where they are. And guess what: I can understand why. On holiday I want a great view and shops and restaurants we can walk to. If you’ve got younger children, a beach within walking distance may be your number one location priority. Know what you need, and don’t settle for less.

5. Friends matter, so think very carefully about who to holiday with.

However close you are, nothing scratches away at a friendship’s weakest points as much as sharing two weeks together. You think you know that couple, and you think you like their kids? Take it from me, you’re going to know a lot about them, and you may have totally reassessed their kids, by the flight home.

6. Be honest about the sort of experience you want. Holidays aren’t times to be aspirational, or eyeing up the Joneses, or following the in-crowd. They’re about being honest about how you’d really love to spend a fortnight with your family – and who cares what anyone else might think. You don’t need anyone else’s approval, or envy, for the holiday you choose: what this is about is working out what’s right for your family, and making it happen.

7. Once you’re there, alternate busy days with quiet ones. Even if you’re a busy, boisterous, action-packed family, everyone needs some Families Solent West

Travel feature downtime. The easiest, simplest way to make sure you get both busy days and more relaxed ones is simply to alternate them. If you went to a water park yesterday, relax by the pool today. If you went fell-walking yesterday, read a book and have a cream tea today. Overloading is the enemy of a good holiday.

8. Don’t over-plan: have ideas, but leave space to be open to what you find when you get there. It’s well worth doing some research about the area you’ll be staying in – essential, in fact – but it’s a mistake to plan every jot and comma of your stay before you even touch down.

You want to explore, to discover, to be surprised, to make friends – and all these things will only happen if you’ve left the space for them to

unfold. So, for as much knowledge as you’ve learned beforehand, always be flexible about what you’re going to find out, and want to do, when you actually get there.

9. Embrace change: as your family grows up, be ready to move on to new destinations and new experiences. For three years running my family had wonderful holidays in a hilltop villa in inland, northern Mallorca. It was perfect for us: but by the third year it was obvious my older daughters needed something more: shops, places to hang out, a beach they could walk to. I was desperately unhappy about giving up the villa: but guess what? The following year I found somewhere even better.

10. Set boundaries. It might be a holiday, but rules ensure everyone – especially the parents – get a break.

If your children are younger, those rules might be about bedtime (you need some time with your partner, so letting your kids stay up all evening might not be the best move), or about time for the children to go to the crèche; if your children are older, the rules might be about sharing the washing up, or about how much contact you need to have with them through the day. But put your rules in place, because then everyone can relax and have what they came to do: have a wonderful fortnight away.

Where to go...the Alps The Alps are much too good to save for your skiing holidays – in fact, those who’ve tried the area summer and winter often say summer is the best time to be there. For a wonderful family Alpine holiday, you’ll be hard-pressed to improve on the Chilly Powder formula – choose from a luxurious hotel or a villa, all set in a biscuit-tin picture-perfect location, complete with in-chalet childcare and – for the foodies – an in-chalet chef. Sports on offer include white water rafting, rock-climbing, trekking, tennis and summer tobogganing (which is one of the most fun summer sports I’ve ever tried, and kids adore it).

Prices vary depending on what sort of package you’re after, but as a for-instance, Chalet des Amis (three bedrooms; sleeps up to eight) is £1,200 in the midsummer.

More information at www.chillypowder.com

Where to go...North Devon Devon is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason: wonderful beaches, plenty to do (even in the rain), beautiful scenery and a wide choice of where to stay. Libbear Barton, a country estate on the north side of the county, hits just the right note of luxury (beamed cottages that are beautifully laid out and furnished) and has everything on hand, from stairgates to babysitters, for the hardpressed family. There’s an indoor pool, games room, play areas inside and out, fishing lake and woods – all on a rolling, 40-acre estate, and with the sea a half hour’s drive away. Perfect for big families or families holidaying together – the farmhouse sleeps up to 14. Prices vary, but for example Moley’s Place, sleeping eight in four bedrooms, costs around £1,700 a week in high summer.

More information at www.libbearbarton.co.uk

January/ February 2013

11 Families Solent West

Health

Wireless technology: can you feel the force?

By Helena Foss

Can you remember a life before mobiles and texting? I often let my five-year-old son play games on my mobile.

That’s normal, isn’t it? There is wifi in most schools and there are phone masts on top of the tower block where my son’s school friend lives. In the past, community activists campaigned against such things. Today, they are simply part of the landscape. But surely this technology wouldn’t be allowed if it wasn’t proven to be safe, would it?

As the more powerful G4 network is being rolled out across the nation, I think it’s wise to at least question the safety of wireless technology. Especially in light of the recent roll call of unethical activity in once trusted institutions: banking (once a paragon of respectability); Sir Jimmy Savile (OBE no less); BBC management; abuse in care homes; corporate tax avoidance (one rule for the rich, another for the poor); Rupert Murdoch’s News International debacle; and prestigious medical journals losing credibility due to industry funding that skews research in drug corporations’ favour. An exeditor of a reputable medical journal has estimated this accounts for at least two thirds of trials published in major journals. http://bit.ly/QuPaRg Blimey! Is nothing sacred anymore?

in October 2012, a link between heavy mobile use (up to six hours a working day over 12 years) and brain tumours, was upheld in an Italian court (an employee was suing his employer). The Telegraph has also reported a link found with hyperactivity and poor memory in adult offspring of pregnant mice exposed to cellphone radiation by researchers at Yale University.

OK, so here is a little basic info Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is basically microwave radiation. Small doses, of course, will not kill you. (In fact, I would say microwave ovens are lifesaving at stress o’clock when the kids are famished and you resort to heating up a frozen ready meal!) But do we want this kind of invisible energy in our homes all the time? WiFi and cordless phones, we often forget, are all EMR-emitting devices too.

Simple tips to keep your family safe (just in case it isn’t)

The fact is that telecommunications industry-funded research says that EMR poses less danger than independent scientists say it does. Plus, the effects of EMR on children, whose skulls are thinner and whose brains are still developing, is still not fully researched or understood. In 2011, the World Health Organisation classified EMR from mobile phones as “possibly carcinogenic” and, according to a Daily Telegraph report 12 January/ February 2013

OK, so let’s not panic – but let’s not ignore the issue either. Whilst the scientific debate continues, when it comes to erring on the side of precaution, I’m with Edmund Burke who said: “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” It’s like insurance, you don’t need it till you find it’s too late.

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Always turn your wifi router off at night (just a switch).

Never put your mobile close to your baby’s head, nor let them use it as a toy. Think twice about whether your cordless baby monitor is necessary or place it as far as possible from baby. These devices also emit EMR, they work with Wifi after all.

Carry your phone in your bag, not your pocket. Manufacturer’s small print warns users to keep mobiles away from the body, even though advertising campaigns show the opposite.

The NHS advises children and teenagers to text or make short, essential calls only. The further away from the body/ears the better.

Do not let your teenager sleep next to their phone at night (and

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especially not keep it under their pillow for secret texting). (See the NHS leaflet on familiesonline.co.uk/ radiation).

Do not use your phone as an alarm clock next to your head.

Go back to a corded phone. No re-wiring is required, simply buy two Ethernet boxes to plug in computers and laptops to your regular electricity socket. Radiation from cordless (DECT) phones is intense, and in some cases higher than a mobile phone (models/devices vary in intensity, check SAR levels).

Get informed. We’ve collated lots of useful websites, articles, reports, videos: www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation

Further Information A comprehensive report on controversies in current EMR research: http://archive.radiationresearch.org/ pdfs/15reasons.asp

Families Solent West

What’s on Throughout January Storytime Winchester Discovery Centre www3.hants.gov.uk/wdc 2.15pm Tues & 2.30pm Saturdays Free session for little one’s in the children’s library every Tuesday and Saturday.

7 January Tiny Treasures Tudor House & Garden www.tudorhouseandgarden.com 10.30-11.30am, £4.50 Pre-book only 023 8083 4536 Have you got little ones who love exploring? They’ll enjoy discovering hidden treasures in our unique city museums. Encourage creativity and learn about the past in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Join us once a month for a variety of activities and themed sessions.

10 January Baby Rhyme Time Winchester Discovery Centre www3.hants.gov.uk/wdc 9.45am & 11am Free session in the performance hall.

Advert1:Layout 1 05/12/2011 12:16 Page 1

Please always phone or view the website before attending the event listed in case details have changed since we went to press.

11 January Chatterbooks Winchester Discovery Centre www3.hants.gov.uk/wdc Reading Group for children aged 8 – 11 years 17 January Cinderella The Point, Eastleigh www.westfieldproductions.co.uk Various times

Follow Cinderella and Buttons on their bumpy journey to find love, hampered by the mischief and jealousy of two very ugly sisters! Cinderella promises to be a magical treat for the whole family.

19 January Little Pickles Markets www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk Jubilee Hall, Bishops Waltham, SO32 1ED 10am - 11.30am

Little Pickles Markets

www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk 2000 Centre, Hedge End 10am - 11.30am Buy and sell pre-loved good quality baby and children’s clothing and equipment.

23 - 26 January Treasure Island, The Panto www.bishopstokeplayers.org 023 8069 3032 7.30pm & 2.30pm on Saturday Bishopstoke Memorial Hall So50 6LQ Tickets £7 or £5 for under 16’s Ahoy there, me hearties! ‘Treasure Island the Panto’ is a marvellous re-telling of the children’s classic adventure novel but with all the fun of pantomime thrown in! There’s swashbuckling upon the high seas, treasure on a desert island, pirates and parakeets, a Dame with a vast behind and, of course, love and romance.

2 February My Big Little Sister Nuffield Theatre www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk 023 8067 1771 2pm, £6

A delightful new play taking a lighthearted look at the pressure of consumerism on young minds and learning what happiness really means.

spinnaker tower adults pay kids prices* this half term 16 to 24 February good quality baby and 'Buy and Sell Pre-loved equipment' children's clothes and Check out our webs

ite for dates and ven

www.littlepicklesmar email: littlepicklesma

ues near you:

kets.co.uk

rkets@gmail.com

Contact us on : 07856 832095 Check out our social media sites:

Twitter:twitter.com/littlepicklesmk Facebook: www.facebook.com/littlepicklesmarkets1

January/ February 2013

• Family fun at Britain’s tallest viewing tower!

• Stunning 350˚ views • Amazing glass floor • Interactive Ship Finder • Cafe in the Clouds PluS Adults pay kids prices* all week when accompanied by a full paying child. *Only one adult at child rate per full paying child. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discounted ticket.

www.spinnakertower.co.uk 02392 857 520 Spinnaker Tower Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth PO1 3TT Open daily 10am to 6pm

13 Families Solent West

What’s on 3 February Little Pickles Markets www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk Bitterne Leisure Centre, 10am - 11.30am

17 February Family Activities Winchester Cathedral www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk 10am – 12 noon Activities and workshops inspired by the Cathedral. Suitable for children aged 7-11.

17 - 25 February

Little Pickles Markets www.littlepicklesmarkets.co.uk The Hilt, Chandlers Ford 2pm - 3.30pm Tiny Treasures SeaCity Museum www.seacitymuseum.co.uk 10.30-11.30am / £4.50 Pre-book only 023 8083 4536 Have you got little ones who love exploring? They’ll enjoy discovering hidden treasures in our unique city museums. Encourage creativity and learn about the past in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Join us once a month for a variety of activities and themed sessions.

16 - 24 February

Paultons Park www.paultonspark.co.uk 023 8081 4442

Paultons Park, home to the UK exclusive Peppa Pig World, is open for February Half Term! Peppa Pig World is set in nearly 3 acres of fully themed fun with 7 fantastic rides, magical attractions and indoor and outdoor play areas!

Paultons Park now has over 60 wonderful rides and attractions to discover, such as the awesome volcano-themed ride MAGMA, the fabulous EDGE and not forgetting the awesome Cobra!

18 - 24 February

Marwell The wonderful world of scales Marwell www.marwell.org.uk Open daily from 10am Take part in our themed crafts, meet our mini beasts and enjoy our animal talks.

Family Fun Spinnaker Tower www.spinnakertower.co.uk 02392 857520 Open daily 10.00am to 6.00pm The Spinnaker Tower is inviting kids of all ages for a half term of family fun. Adults will pay kids prices during February half term.

14 January/ February 2013

Wallace and Gromit Watercress Line www.watercressline.co.uk Adult £14, Child (Aged 2-16 yrs) £7 Child under 2 free, Family £35 New for 2013! Come and join Wallace and Gromit for a Grand Day Out at the Watercress Line! Learn how to make animation models out of clay with a real life Aardman modeller*, find out more about the gadgets and gismo’s in the loco sheds and enjoy some cheese tasting at Ropley station. Catch the BIG steam trains to Alresford where Wallace and Gromit will be making appearances at various intervals on each day and where you will find face painting, colouring and activity sheets plus DVD shows for younger children.

To include your event in our what’s on guide email the details to: editor@familiessolentwest.co.uk

18 February Juggling Jake Circus Workshop Royal Victoria Country Park www3.hants.gov.uk/rvcp 11:00am FREE Come and ‘Have a Go’. Great fun for all the family. Just pop into the Empire room near the Cedar Tea Rooms anytime between 11am and 3pm. Supported by’ Hog the Limelight’. Free normal car parking charges apply.

20 February The Very Hungry Caterpillar Family Workshop Tudor House www.tudorhouseandgarden.com 10.30am-12.30pm, OR 1.30-3.30pm, pre-book only 023 8083 4536 Come and hear the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, then get creative with some leaf printing and make a fantastic caterpillar sculpture of your own.

21 February Family Activities Winchester Cathedral www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk 10 – 12 noon Activities and workshops inspired by the Cathedral. Suitable for children aged 7-11.

22 February Intriguing Egyptians Family Workshop SeaCity Museum www.seacitymuseum.co.uk Learning Deck 10.30am-12.30pm, OR 1.30-3.30pm Find out about Egyptian mummies, handle precious Egyptian artifacts, create flamboyant mythical masks and even mummify an orange to take home!

24 February Michaela Strachan’s Really Wild Adventure Winchester Theatre Royal www.theatre-royal-winchester.co.uk 1.30pm, Ages 3 – 8 Tickets £12.50 Popular TV presenter Michaela Strachan will take families on a delightful journey through an alphabet jungle of animal rhymes.

Families Solent West

The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu is proud to announce that BOND IN MOTION, the exclusive official exhibition of 50 original James Bond vehicles, will be continuing throughout 2013.

The exhibition, is the largest of its kind staged anywhere in the world and features 50 original vehicles from the James Bond films, including some of the best loved and most iconic.

The exhibition, staged to celebrate 50 years of this enduring film franchise is brought right up to date with four vehicles from the 23rd and latest Bond film SKYFALL which premiered last month; BOND IN MOTION features a whole range of vehicles which have appeared in Bond films over the years including cars, boats, motorbikes, jets and many more.

Advance tickets, at a special rate, are available to buy online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk.

For further information visit: www.bondinmotion.co.uk

January/ February 2013

15 Families Solent West

HALF A MILLION PEOPLE

CAN’T BE WRONG

HEAR WHAT YOU’RE MISSING

January/ February 2013

Families Solent West