Jolly Tots Issue 29

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J!y Toʦ

SPRING 2015 www.jollytotsmagazine.co.uk

YOUR FREE GUIDE FROM PREGNANCY TO PRE-­SCHOOL

SPRING INTO LIFE! Get into the season with eggcellent crafts and fun family ideas Which school?

WE’VE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN PICKING YOUR PLACEMENT

Out & about?

FIND OUT WHAT SPRING IS LIKE AT SACREWELL AND THE NEW TUMBLE TOTS CLASS IN TOWN PLU L S! LU

EVEN MORE IDEAS ON WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO IN YOUR LOCAL AREA

WIN!

£400 SPA WEEKEND AT WYBOSTON LAKES PLUS! FAMILY TICKETS TO WOBURN SAFARI PARK & NENE VALLEY RAILWAY!

WIN! family tickets to Woburn Safari Park!

A FANTASTIC FAMILY EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER ENJOY A SAFARI ADVENTURE in more than 300 acres of beautiful parkland at Woburn Safari Park – home to more than 1,000 wild animals. Take unlimited circuits of the Road Safari, before you continue your journey in Animal Encounters and enjoy lots of free activities in the leisure area. You’ll learn all about the wild residents with fascinating keeper talks and demonstration and there are plenty of activities to keep children amused, including the Mammoth Play Ark, Sea Lion Cove 3D cinema and Elephant Meadow, where you’ll be close enough to touch. There are lots of new animals and attractions at Woburn Safari Park this year!

Explore the Foot Safari and visit the Dissscovery Zone, where you’ll get up close to reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. You can also meet Tarli, the newest member of the Asian elephant herd.

Discover new animal houses and meet the delightful meerkats, marmosets, porcupines and giant tortoises. In the summertime, you can look forward to visiting the Giant Aldabra tortoises in their new home and the brand new marmoset enclosure.

Q: What is the name of the baby elephant at Woburn Safari Park? a) Tiffany b) Terry c) Tarli

Terms: Send your answer to competitions@jollytotsmagazine.co.uk. The closing date is 20 May 2015. The winner will be selected at random and the editor’s decision is final. Each of the two winners will receive a family ticket for two adults and two children. The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. If you are under 16 please ask an adult to supervise your entry. Please note: Woburn Safari Park is only accessible by car.

Spring 2015

WELCOME TO THE SPRING ISSUE OF JOLLY TOTS...

SPRING IS HERE! We’ve longer days, baby animals arriving and even the sun is making the occasional appearance. It’s one of my favourite times of year as there’s simply so much to do – much of it free – and our Family Fun section is packed with brilliant children’s events and activities happening across Cambridgeshire in March - June. We’ve also got delicious family recipes, reviews and a leading expert’s advice for parents wanting to curb their child’s thumb-sucking habit.

We’ve also real parents’ advice on picking pre-schools & primary schools for September and suggestions on how you can look and feel great in time for summer, save money and get your family the support they might need. Don’t forget to check out our adverts, too, for the latest events, classes, offers, services and competitions! I’ll end by saying congratulations to Amy Turner in Werrington for winning our Lost My Name book contest and Sally Tilley in St Neots who’s bagged herself a Minilinguals CD set last issue. But don’t forget you can still enter our Cover Child contest, which will remain open on Facebook until 30 April. We hope you enjoy the issue and a fabulously fun spring!

CAROLINE SCHMIDT EDITOR editor@jollytotsmagazine.co.uk 0770 3274439 Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jollytotsmagazine Follow us on Twitter: @JollyTotsMag JOLLY TOTS / SPRING 2015 3

Find a nearly new sale near you...

Save your family a bundle by buying pre-­loved items at a Nearly New Sale this spring.

Barely worn children’s clothes, toys and equipment can be picked up at bargain prices or why not clear some space and sell outgrown stuff with your own stall? Here are a few buy and sell sales happening across Cambridgeshire between now and June

ST NEOTS, HUNTINGDON & CAMBRIDGE: Baby & Children’s Market Saturday 21st March 2 - 4pm: Huntingdon One Leisure, Saint Peters Road, Huntingdon PE29 7DA. Sunday 19th April 10am -12pm: Cambridge Regional College, Kings Hedges Road CB4 2QT. Saturday 2nd May 2pm - 4pm: The Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots PE19 2BH. Stalls for pre-loved items start from £12.00; Crafts & mums who make £18; Businesses £20 Visit us: www.babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BabyandChildrensMarketCambridgeshire Contact Tara: cambridgeshire@babyandchildrensmarket.co.uk / 07951 210250

ELY & SOHAM: Cheeki Monkeys Saturday 21st March 2pm - 4pm: Ely Beet Sports & Social Club, Lynn Road, Ely CB6 1DD. Saturday 18th April 2pm - 4pm: Ely Beet Sports & Social Club, Lynn Road, Ely CB6 1DD. Saturday 30th May 10am - 12.30pm: Soham Town Council, The Pavilion, CB7 5PL Saturday 27th June 10.30am - 12.30pm: Soham Town Council, The Pavilion, CB7 5PL Stalls for pre-loved £10.00 (inc. vat)/ Craft Stalls £19 (+ vat) / Business stalls £29 (+ vat) Visit us: www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cheekimonkeysely Contact Emma: emma.cheekimonkeys@gmail.com / 07586 474 170

Contents

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2 WIN A DAY AT WOBURN A great family day giveaway up for grabs 4 NEARLY NEW SALES Your local second-hand children’s markets 6 SMILE How to lose weight and gain pounds 9 BUMP & BABY The truth about the hypnobirth experience 11 FAMILY FIRST Where to find the support you need 13 TUMBLE TOTS REVIEW Editor Schmidt gives Tumble Tots a whirl 14 EARLY LEARNING Advice to help you pick your school 17 SPRING EVENTS What to do and where to go this Easter 18 SACREWELL REVIEWED Find out what Sacrewell has to offer 19 SPRING ACTIVITIES Top ideas for introducing kids to nature 20 WIN A LUXURY SPA BREAK An overnight spa retreat for two 21 EASTER CRAFTS Get your little diggers planting this spring 22 FAMILY RECIPES Healthy, tasty meals for the whole family 24 WHAT’S ON LISTINGS Your local classes, services and activities 31 EXPERT COMMENT How to handle the thumb-sucking habit

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J!y Toʦ Get in touch Telephone: 0770 3274439 Email: editor@jollytotsmagazine.co.uk Visit: www.jollytotsmagazine.co.uk Editor Caroline Schmidt

editor@jollytotsmagazine.co.uk Design Luke & Joanna Marsh

artwork@jollytotsmagazine.co.uk

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Advertising

advertising@jollytotsmagazine.co.uk Contributors: Sally Tilley, Nancy Brown, Riverford and Runa Copley

Advertising & distribution enquiries: advertising@jollytotsmagazine.co.uk Advert design services & queries: artwork@jollytotsmagazine.co.uk Like us on Facebook: www.facebook. com/jollytotsmagazine Follow us on Twitter: @JollyTotsMag Digital edition: issuu.com/jollytots

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Any information provided in Jolly Tots or Jollytotsmagazine.co.uk is strictly the opinion of the author and Jolly Tots is not liable for any misinformation. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by the Jolly Tots team remains with M&S Publishing Ltd. Nothing in Jolly Tots or online at Jollytotsmagazine.co.uk may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission from the team at M&S Publishing Ltd.

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Smile

Just for mums

Shed pounds for summer IS HERBALIFE THE PERFECT PRODUCT FOR BUSY PARENTS OR IS IT JUST YET ANOTHER FAD DIET? CAROLINE SCHMIDT FINDS OUT DO YOU SKIP BREAKFAST, grab on the go or nibble your way through lunch and the kids’ leftovers? I know I did and the pounds were starting to pile on.

I can’t blame pregnancy for my paunch, it’s been nearly two years, but my new mummy lifestyle leaves little time left for me. Pre-baby me used to exercise a lot and eat healthy, but now its snacks and a caffeine drip that gets me through the day. And my waning energy means a glass of wine seems far more appealing than a run after the bedtime routine.

I needed to regain some control over my lifestyle, so when St Neots-based Lisa Hayes from Herbalife encouraged me to try her products I admit I was curious.

I wanted to get off my slippery slop of snacks, stodge and extra squishy bits, and could Herbalife be the answer? Don’t get me wrong, I’m the first person to shy away from fast fixes or fad diets – been there, done that, got a wardrobe with sizes 8 - 16 – but Herbalife seemed like a different approach that offered a convenient and nutritional option

for busy lifestyles. Lisa gave me the free health check that she gives to all new clients to help establish goals and bad habits.

While it showed me in relatively okay health, I needed to find a way to have more energy and manage my family lifestyle better. She prescribed me one protein shake, a protein bar and two healthy meals a day, and I can honestly say after two weeks my energy levels are up, my muscle mass has increased, which means I’m burning more fat without even trying, and I know my body is getting what it needs.

It wasn’t easy to stick to; I missed my morning toast, but the cappuccino and mint choc chip shakes were delicious and kick-started the day, stopping me from grabbing the wrong foods.

The programme has helped put me back on the right track to eating well and taking care of me, not just the kids. It was about £40 for a 2-4 week’s supply of protein bars and shakes, so it’s not cheap, but if you want a boost in the right direction, it’s certainly worth a go.

Order your free trial from Lisa by contacting her on: 01480 215194.

TWO NEW CLASSICS Relatives of the adored Dr Seuss have uncovered an unpublished manuscript - looks like a new generation will be enjoying green eggs and ham!

Meanwhile, actress Emma Thompson has published a new Peter Rabbit story – The Spectacular Tale of Peter Rabbit (£12.99) – that reveals the antics he gets up to at his first trip to the funfair. www.peterabbit.com

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Ways to gain £500 We could all do with a few extra pounds, especially as the summer approaches – the most expensive time of year for families, second to Christmas – so pinch those pennies with these money-saving ideas and fill the piggy bank for those sunny days.

Spring clean your stuff: Book a stall at a Nearly New Sale (see p4) or a car boot sale and get rid of the outgrown, unused and unwanted from you home. Clear out the loft and be ruthless with the contents of the toy box. A good day of sales has been known to raise as much as £300.

Tighten the budget: Most families spends £70- £100 a week on food and alcohol, often more. If only for one week, eliminate alcohol, raid the depths of your freezer, brand swap and do meticulous meal planning to see how much you could save. It’s easy to put down £10 on a cute outfit for your tot or spend on miscellaneous treats, but curb it for a month and you’ll start to see the pennies turn in to pounds.

Look for free fun: Swap your coffee and cake for a walk in the park with your mummy buddies, bring a packed lunch and snacks, and visit Children’s Centres and libraries to find free activities for your children. Even make a vow to not get in the car unless absolutely necessary; you will get more fresh air and exercise, and you’ll save valuable pounds in petrol.

Get cashback: A credit card, store card and websites that offer points or cashback on purchases is a great way to build up discounts on days out, which is as good as cash in hand.

Sell, sell, sell: Find the mumpreneur in you and sell your skills. Start a blog and review children’s products and services in exchange for freebies or put your craft hat on and sell your wares online via Facebook, Etsy, Ebay or Fiverr.

Who knows what you could start!

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Bump & baby

HAVE A CALM DRUG-­FREE BIRTH IS THE HYPE ABOUT HYPNOBIRTHING TRUE? NEW MOTHER NANCY BROWN, FROM HUNTINGDON, SHARES HER REMARKABLE BIRTH STORY “WHEN I FIRST became pregnant I felt fairly relaxed about labour – as a Vet I’d been involved with the birth of lot of animals and the practical side of me thought if they could do it without pain relief or intervention then so could I. As my pregnancy progressed I realised humans are not just small cows or big sheep, and that clearly labour is experienced as an ordeal by many women. I wanted to do everything I could to ensure I approached it with the right mindset and tools.

“I ready Maggie Howells book Hypno Natal from cover to cover and this reassured me greatly.

It covers everything: the exact process of labour, how humans are designed to give birth (which in fairness, differs greatly from cows!), what has gone wrong with the support of this process to create so much fear and anxiety, and includes excellent explanation of hypnosis and how that works.

“I started listening to the self-hypnosis CD early in pregnancy (about twice a week from 24 weeks). Some of it made me giggle and I was a bit embarrassed about my ‘hippy mumbo jumbo’, but I looked forward to the 40-minutes downtime and I certainly felt relaxed and confident after I woke up from the sessions. I rarely heard the whole thing – I almost always fell asleep, waking up at it counted m out of hypnosis, so I figured my subconscious must be listening!

As suggested once I was on maternity leave I listened every day if I could, which basically meant a

nice nap on the sofa.

“I did a few other things with a view towards an easier labour: I stayed as fit as I could with pelvic girdle pain by swimming regularly and drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea from week 34. And it all paid off. I can genuinely say I had exactly the labour experience that I wanted – whether I’ve been hypnotised to believe that, who knows and who cares! My actual labour only lasted 8 1/2 hours and I needed no further pain relief than the tens machine and paracetamol (which I threw up!).

It was hard to concentrate on the visualisations through the contractions; I mostly tried to work with the sensations rather than fighting them and eventually Hypno Natal’s words ‘3,2,1 relax’ repeated over and over got me to a more manageable place.

“Whenever I rang the midwives they didn’t seem to think I was in active labour. They were so unconvinced that when we did arrive at the labour ward, and my contractions had stopped on the car journey, even I started to doubt myself and we left all our bags and energy drinks in the car expecting to get turned away. I remember thinking, despite all my good intentions, if I had a much longer to go they’d need give me a general anesthetic until the baby arrived!

“It wasn’t necessary, though: I was fully dilated. The midwives were great and gave me good direction on how to push and when, and I was holding my baby

Above: New mum Nancy Brown shares her story about the birth of her sons using hypnobirthing

in my arms 40-minutes later. Our midwife said she had rarely seen such a calm couple.

“I’m sure my easy labour set our whole family onto a good course to manage the challenges of having a newborn and, now I am pregnant again, incredibly I am actually looking forward to my next labour! Certainly revisiting the CD hypno session has been enjoyable and relaxing and helped me to keep a positive outlook, if a little harder with a young toddler to work around this time.”

Count the Kicks Have you heard of Count The Kicks or perhaps you’ve seen the billboard adverts of mummy celebrities? It’s a fantastic new charity to raise awareness and the prevention of stillbirths. It empowers parents-to-be with the knowledge and confidence throughout their pregnancy to recognise reduced fetal movement and act quickly. Get involved in fundraising or arm yourself with knowledge by visiting: www.countthekicks.org.uk

JOLLY TOTS / SPRING 2015 9

L IA !

EC FER SP OF PRESERVE YOUR SPECIAL TIMES WITH MY AFFORDABLE & PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOTS IN YOUR HOME

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PREGNANCY NEWBORN FIRST YEAR PACKAGES MINI SESSIONS CAKE SMASH TODDLER & FAMILY PHOTO SESSIONS

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£25 off when you quote Jolly Tots Get more money off your order with my referral scheme Based in Ellington, Huntingdon, I work with families where it’s convenient for them. I travel throughout Peterborough, Stamford, St Neots, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, Sandy and Biggleswade. Outside of these areas may incur a small travel cost.

Contact Caroline on: 07703274439 To view my portfolio visit: www.carolineannphotography.co.uk

Member of the British Association of Newborn Photographers

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HELP IS AT HAND

WHEN OUR FAMILIES NEED SUPPORT IT’S DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN, SO WE’VE MADE IT EASY FOR YOU… We all go through troubling times, whether it’s handling a loss of income, managing relationship problems or juggling the chaos of everyday family life. Sometimes these trying periods can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve a child who’s disabled, you’re a single parent or managing multiples. But there are so many services, charities and resources available to help families crawling through an array of circumstances that we think it’s worth reminding you all what help is actually close to hand, should you need it.

It might not be the first place you think of for parenting help, but The Citizens Advice Bureau is there to offer free guidance on all sorts of legal issues from child support and parental access and benefits to setting up your own business. If your problems are more social than financial, the government has also put family workers and health visitors at your disposal. Need someone to talk to about your children, to advise you about sleep routines, behaviour management or potty training – call your health visitor. You can normally find family workers in Children’s Centres and they’re

Make letter art! (6m+) Create your child’s initial with masking tape on a big sheet of white paper and let them go to town with paint. Remove the masking tape to reveal their name.

there to offer you support and to point you in the direction of any expert help you may need. While you’re at a Children’s Centre, ask about their groups and services from young parents groups, job centre and housing drop-ins as well as literacy and math courses – you’ll be surprised at what they offer to help you sustain a positive family life. Social workers might get a bad rap but their job is to help those who are vulnerable and in need; they can sometimes help with housing issues, domestic violence, parenting and refer families to specialist services, too.

If all you need is an ear to bend, often talking to likeminded parents is enough to remind you that you’re not alone, not the only one struggling and that there are plenty of people who are happy to offer helping hand. Try joining a parenting group at your local Children’s Centre, a birthing group like The National Childbirth Trust (NCT), or an online community, like Netmums, which is packed with parents and health professionals offering real-time parenting support.

The network of parents online, especially mums, is growing exponentially and it’s become a vast resource of information on raising kids. Facebook is fantastic for this, whether it’s looking for advice on the best products, activities or parenting procedures.

Check out pages like Being a Mom or The Average Parent. There’s also many groups that focus on topics like weaning and recipes, to the Slow Group dedicated to bereaved parents. A simple search on Facebook will reveal some fantastic resources!

Charities & services FOR FAMILIES Family Lives: Formerly Parentline Plus, this service offers support through web chats, classes and via a helpline: 0808 8002222 www.familylives.org.uk HomeStart: Volunteers provide practical support and friendship to those families in need of everyday help. www.home-start.org.uk Relate: Counselling for all types of relationships including parenting and marriage. www.relate.org.uk The Family Rights Group: For families whose children are involved with social services. www.frg.org.uk FAMILIES OF DISABLED CHILDREN Fledglings: Children’s Disability Charity. www.fledglings.org.uk Contact a family: For families of disabled children. cafamily.org.uk National Autistic Society: For families coping with Autism. www.autism.org.uk The Early Support Programme: For families with children under five with physical and learning disabilities. It can be a gateway to diagnosis or referrals to specialists.

FOR SINGLE PARENTS Gingerbread: Expert advice and practical support on matters such as maternity, separation, money, starting work, benefits and relationships. www.gingerbread.org.uk One Space: A parenting site for single parents where you can chat, learn and access experts. www.onespace.org.uk

Mum tip!

To help my three year old to remember which feet his shoes go on, I put tiny stickers on the inner edges of the soles. When the stickers are next to each other, he knows he has them on right.”

Lynsey Minor, Sandy

JOLLY TOTS / SPRING 2015 11

New Tumble Tots in town The new Huntingdon Tumble Tots is in full swing, so Jolly Tots WRRN D VHVVLRQ WR ÀQG RXW DERXW WKLV DFWLYH FODVV IRU FKLOGUHQ

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OR A FIRST timer at Tumble Tots, 20-month-old Aiden was enthralled by the hoola hoops, danced to the music and took to the balancing beam like a pro. He climbed and slid, sung songs and ran around with excitement, but taking him through the wooden activity circuit, with the assistance of Tumble Tots staff, quickly showed Aiden’s strengths and the skills he lacked confidence in, like jumping, and even his social skills and concentration. While at Tumble Tots I was spending valuable one-to-one time developing Aiden’s agility, coordination and confidence with the support of staff who knew how to safely introduce different ages and abilities to gymnastics, reacting to each child’s stage of development. Aiden thoroughly enjoyed himself and, for a 40-minute session, we got everything I could hope for from a well-rounded development class, focusing on physical, social and language skills. He was exhausted by the end of it – another reason Tumble Tots definitely gets my vote!

Gymbabes: From six months to walking. Play, explore and learn together in a fun environment that will encourage your baby to sit, crawl, stand and walk confidently using equipment that gets changed every six weeks to develop their confidence.

Tumble Tots: Walking to three years. You assist your child around a circuit of equipment, which is rotated every two weeks to provide new challenges. Sessions include rhyme time and quiet time.

For age 3+: Challenges children with higher pieces of equipment, independent activities and more challenging tasks.

For classes in Huntingdon area contact Cheryl on 07871 946695 / tumbletots. kettering@yahoo.com or visit www.tumbletots.com to find your local venue

Early learning

PICKING A SCHOOL WHILE SEPTEMBER MAY SEEM A WHILE AWAY, NOW IS THE TIME PARENTS START TO THINK ABOUT PRE-­SCHOOLS AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS, SO WE’VE SOME EXPERTS’ ADVICE TO HELP YOU PICK… Searching for a school for your child is a lot like deciding on a new job: some parents might be relieved to find a convenient school with a vacancy but is the school a really happy match for your child? We should be investing time and energy into research, visits, interviews and asking advice from other parents. After all, the school you choose is where your child will spend most of their day, its staff will be responsible for helping you to develop and mould your little one’s mind, to nurture and expand their personality and, above all, making sure they’re happy on a day-to-day basis – no pressure then! Research suggests it’s the first seven years of a person’s life that has the most impact on their ability to learn and their language skills, so it’s really these early education years that matter the most.

It’s a good idea to start looking at schools early as most preschools have a set amount of government-funded spaces for the 15 hours of free childcare, so

USEFUL WEBSITES www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ info/20064/childcare www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ info/20059/schools_and_ learning/363applying_for_a_ school_place

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they fill up fast, and primary schools can also have a priority selection process. Your shortlist of schools will unavoidably be impacted by key factors, such as: location and, for pre-schools, money. Once you have your list, now the real work begins as you need to ask key questions, read the Ofsted reports and arrange visits on open days. Research into the different principles of teaching to see which method might suit your child’s way of learning best – Montessori or Steiner, for instance – ask the schools about their approach and teaching philosophy. What’s the ratio of children to teachers, what’s the staff turnover – this can indicate how happy the environment is to be in – and what extra-curricular programmes are on offer, such as music, swimming and second language classes? There are also a few independent schools in Cambridgeshire, such as Kimbolton School, if you want smaller class sizes and like the idea of an early years private education.

At the end of the day, follow your gut instinct. When you walk around the school and witness its students, how do you feel and, more importantly, how does your child react to the environment?

Good luck and happy hunting!

A mother’s view Michelle Williams on picking her first school for her daughter Katie “When the time came to choose my daughter’s first school, I was apprehensive as I didn’t know much about the local primary schools.

I started by looking at the Ofsted reports but it didn’t give me a personal feel about the schools, so I asked as many parents as I could about their experiences. I asked them which school their children went to, what were their likes and dislikes and the reasons they chose it.

I then registered with all the schools in my area to hear about their open days; these are definitely worth going to as you see the school in action. I also studied the schools’ websites to get an idea about their education ethos and policies, considered the distance of the school from my home and how my daughter would get there and back.

As a working mum, childcare was also necessary so kids clubs and local childminders were essential.

Overall it was a lengthy process but I got there in the end and feel that I made the right decision; my daughter is happy. Hopefully this will help you in making your decision and I wish you the very best of luck.”

Spring events

THESE EASTER EVENTS ARE HOPPING MAD! LOOKING FOR HALF-­TERM ACTIVITIES? LOOK NO FURTHER...

An Eggcellent Treat!

Frosts Garden Centre, Brampton Sat 28 March to Sat 4 April, anytime between 10am - 4pm. Costs £5.99. Enjoy a bunny hunt around the centre followed by egg decorating and a selection of yummy sweeties.

OTHER EVENTS Sing-­a-­long Frozen (ages 4+) Key Theatre, Peterborough. 26 May. £11 a child/£36 for a family.

Remember to dress up as your favourite character! www.vivacity-peterborough.com/ venues/key-theatre

Breakfast or Tea with the Easter Bunny

Huntingdon a Wyevale Garden Centre, 21-22 March & 28 – 5 April. Decorate biscuits, get a Lindt chocolate treat and your own cuddly toy. Booking required. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

Big Bunny Hunt

Sacrewell, in Peterborough.

28 March – 12 April. Costs £3, in addition to normal entry rates.

Jump on to a bumpy tractor ride up to the wood where you’ll hop off to search for eggs. Find a plastic egg and exchange it with the Big Bunny for a chocolate surprise! www.sacrewell.org.uk

WIN! FAMILY

TICKETS TO RIDE ON NENE VALLEY RAILWAY

We’ve two sets of tickets for a family of four up for grabs – all you need to do is tell us what favourite train character will be pulling in to the station this year? Simply email your answer. name and contact details to competitions@jollytotsmagazine.co.uk.

Entries close 30th May

Easter Trail

Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough. 28 March – 13 April. Costs 50p. Collect a trail sheet from the visitor centre and hunt for clues as you walk around Ferry Meadows.

Animal arts & crafts drop-in (toddlers+)

Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester. 10am – 2pm, costs £5. Join in at the learning centre for fun animal-themed arts activities such as hand-print chickens, pom pom sheep, clothes peg horses, cardboard tube dogs! www.woodgreen.org.uk

The Tiger who came to tea Key Theatre, Peterborough.

Mon 29 and Tues 30 June.

Direct from the smash-hit West End season and David Wood’s beloved book, The Tiger Who Came To Tea has oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! www.vivacity-peterborough.com/ venues/key-theatre 3RVW 2IÀ FH :HHNHQG Nene Valley Railway. 4 - 6 April. Activities & quizzes, treasure hunts and a ride in the mail coach, there’s loads to do. www.nvr.org.uk

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Spring at Sacrewell WE FIND OUT WHAT SACREWELL HAS IN STORE FOR YOU THIS SPRING

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ACREWELL, in Peterborough, is much more than another kiddie-friendly farm, or so we found out on our trip to review the recently rebranded heritage centre. Set within 50 acres of Cambridgeshire countryside, Sacrewell is home to an array of farm animals that children can discover as they explore the wildlife trails and Animal Village, from rare breeds of goats and lambs to Shire horses and rabbits. While Sacrewell doesn’t allow visitors to handle the animals, they can get within touching distance to feed the sheep, goats and horses and, from the 15 April, there will be lamb and kid feeding shows. Aside from the animals, there’s an abundance of things to do from puddle jumping and the mini maze, to tractor rides, an animal discovery centre and scavenger hunts. There’s even an 18th Century watermill (currently under restoration) and not to forget an amazing new soft Playbarn. While the main paths through Sacrewell are paved and buggy-friendly, go prepared for mud and rough terrain if you want to do the wildlife trails or visit the animal paddocks.

The Playbarn has enough to keep children occupied for hours and as it’s divided up in to three sections – babies, 2-5 years and 5 year olds+ – there’s something for all age groups, including a kart track. It does get very busy as you’d expect and there is no obvious security measures to stop children from leaving, so it’s up to you to keep a close eye on them. There’s limited seating, and muddy prams/shoes must be left outside the entrance, but as long as you’re prepared for the many people and travel light, it’s enjoyable for everyone. There are picnic areas and two cafes, serving a range of snacks and hot meals, one by the main entrance and another in the Playbarn. All in all, for a family of four at £32 (under 2s go free), Sacrewell offers everything you could want for a fun family day out this Spring. www.sacrewell.org.uk

Spring activities

A bre r athof fresh re rresh air INTRODUCE YOUR LITTLE ONES TO NATURE THIS SPRING

HAVE YOU PLAYED TODAY? Stimulate your child’s imagination and help foster creativity with these five fun and free games…

Plan a scavenger hunt: Match the flowers to their pictures, go in search of colours or nature items like leaves and squirrels in your local park.

Away with the fairies! ”We look for fairies in fields and play guess the vegetable at the allotment” Becca Andrews , mum of 2 Get digging! Hand them some gloves and a mini trowel and let them dig in a big flower pot or help you plant your spring bulbs.

Roar like a lion! Next time you face kid inertia, ask them to move like an animal: Flap like a bird, growl like a tiger or waddle like a duck.

It’s sure to get belly chuckles and some cooperation.

Play hopscotch: A popular game that’s as much fun when you’re five as when you’re fifty. Grab your chalk and get drawing, then take turns throwing the stone on a square, get hopping like bunny!

1 Little Seedlings events

(age 4+) Dobbies Garden Centre, Peterborough. Join in on the first Sunday of every month to learn about plants and wildlife. www.dobbies.com/whats-on/ littleseedlings/

Little Diggers

(age 2+) A Wyevale garden centre.

There’s a variety of events happening at your local centre. www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

Field Good Friday!

Wood Green Animal Shelter, Godmanchester; 3 April, 11am – 3pm. Experience the centre’s field animals: feed the chickens and goats and learn about the horses.

Make paper plate sheep and enjoy an easter egg competition.

Fun at Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough Wild Wednesday

Wed 1st, 8th April and 27th May; 10am – 2pm. Free. A morning of seasonal crafts for children.

Nature Tots Mon 9, March, 1 & 13 April, 11 & 25 May, 8 & 22 June; 10am – 11.30am, £2.50.

Each monthly group has a nature theme and includes time outdoor, crafts, a story and songtime.

Booking essential. Call Nene Park Trust 01733234193 Ark Farm 11 April, 10 - 3pm, free. Meet the animals of Ark Farm.

Going on a bear hunt

Thurs 9 April & 28 May; 11am -12.30pm, £5. Bring your own teddy bear as you join the rangers on a hunt to find Barney the Bear.

Build a scarecrow

Thurs 2 April, 11.15 – 12.15pm, free.

Frames, stuffing and clothes are all provided but feel free to bring unwanted clothes. A prize will be given for the best-dressed scarecrow. Booking essential.

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JOLLY TOTS / SPRING 19

K !

IN EA 00 WA BRH £4 SP T A OR W

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A LUXURY BREAK AT Y SPA, WYBOSTON LAKES HOTEL ARE YOU IN GREAT NEED OF SOME R&R? ENTER THIS INCREDIBLE CONTEST TO WIN AN OVERNIGHT SPA RETREAT FOR TWO

Y

OU’LL FIND Y Spa at Wyboston Lakes Hotel nestling in 365 acres of countryside just outside the market town of St Neots. If you’ve not had time to pay it a visit, now’s your chance to do just that for free.

Y Spa, with its eleven treatment rooms, is a truly exceptional spa focusing on total pleasure. It’s a little of what’s good for you and a lot of what you like!

Its thermal suite is quite outstanding with a softy sauna enjoying fantastic views of the external hydrotherapy pool, a salt cabin, steam room, experience showers, Rasul and a never seen before ice wall experience to cool guests off after a ‘steamy’ session. Y Spa also plays host to the UK’s first authentic Finish Kelo sauna with 100-year-old solid Kelo log walls.

The Big Sleep and the Chill Out areas provide comfy beds, therapeutic water beds and cosy, hideaway reading pods, with a double-sided open fire to keep you warm and totally relaxed.

The winner of the competition will enjoy Y Spa’s thermal suite and chill out areas for one full day together with a Y Spa Fresh Face facial and Y Spa soothing scalp treatment. The lucky winner will get to enjoy a three course dinner in the Waterfront Restaurant overlooking the lake, an overnight stay in Wyboston Lakes’ Suite with breakfast the following morning.

How to enter To be in with a chance of winning this prize, two guests and worth £400, simply answer the following question:

Q: How many treatment rooms does Y Spa have?

Send your answers to competitions@ jollytotsmagazine.co.uk Terms and conditions: Entries close 18th May. Competition entrants must be 18+.

The prize offered is for two people and is subject to availability. Prize must be taken before 30th June 2015. No cash alternative. Prize is non-transferable.

Prize can be taken Monday to Friday only.

Egg-cellent crafts

Egg-­carton planting A FIRST PLANTING experience is fun, messy and explorative – you can plant everything in anything with kids as long as you have fun. From infants’ wellingtons and decorated yogurt pots to egg crates or, in the spirit of Easter, actual eggs.

Carefully slice the top off three eggs, making the holes different sizes to allow for their ’hairstyles’ to grow. Empty the eggs and wash them out carefully.

With the aid of your little helper, fill the eggs with some soil and sprinkle in Loads more some seeds. Cress or mustard seeds will ideas to try... grow within a few days, so these are good Visit our Pinterest page to use for practically instant results. @jtots for more crafty ideas and www.jollytotsmagazine.co.uk Once you’ve wiped the egg shells of for fun tutorials earth residue, give them expressions and have your child top them up with water everyday and watch them grow.

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JOLLY TOTS / SPRING 2015

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Healthy living

FAMILY RECIPES

GET YOUR KIDS EATING THEIR VEGGIES THIS SPRING WITH THESE TASTY RECIPES FROM RIVERFOOD ORGANIC FARMS IN PETERBOROUGH THAT THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL ENJOY Support local farms and have your organic fruit and fresh vegetables delivered to your door with Riverford Organic Farms. Visit: www.riverford.co.uk for details and ideas for fuss-free cooking

Serves 4

Serves 2

Prep time: 40 mins Cook time: 40 mins

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 40 mins

Glamorgan sausages This old Welsh recipe uses traditional leeks and creamy Caerphilly cheese for a vegetarian alternative to bangers.

Serve with mash and gravy if you like. A bowl of honey and mustard roasted carrots or parsnips are particularly good with this for dinner, as are baked beans for brunch!

What you’ll need...

1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing Small knob of butter (approx 15g) 2-3 leeks, finely shredded (approx 350g weight) 2 tbsp fresh or 2 tsp dried thyme leaves 150g breadcrumbs, plus 100g for coating 150g caws cenarth caerphilly cheese, crumbled 3 eggs, beaten (beat 2 together and keep 1 separate) 2 tbsp plain flour What to do...

1) Heat the oil and butter in a heavy-based pan. Add the leeks and thyme and season with salt and pepper.

2) Fry on a low heat, stirring occasionally, for approx 10 mins, until soft but not coloured.

3) Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Stir in the breadcrumbs and cheese.

4) Gradually add 2 eggs, a little at a time until the mixture just holds together (you may not need it all, but you can use any left over with the other egg later).

5) Form the mixture into 8 even-sized fat sausage shapes with your hands. Roll each in a little flour, the other beaten egg, then the extra breadcrumbs, until coated.

6) Place on a non-stick baking tray, lightly greased with oil.

7) Chill in the fridge for 30 mins. Preheat oven to 200°C. 8) Bake for 25-30 mins, until crisp and golden.

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Spring greens & spelt risotto with thyme A delicious and highly nutritious meal that’s simple to make, is packed with fibre, vital vitamins and minerals and taste. It’s also great for blending for weaning babies What you’ll need...

Knob of butter (approx 20g) 1 large onion, finely chopped (or use a leek) 2 good sprigs of thyme or lemon thyme, leaves only 200g pearled spelt, rinsed 600ml hot veg stock (low/no salt) 300g spring greens, rib stalks cut out, leaves left whole 50g Parmesan or vegetarian equivalent, finely grated What to do...

1) Melt the butter in a heavy-based pan and fry the onion very gently for at least 10 mins, stirring now and then, until soft and translucent.

2) Add the thyme and spelt and stir for 1 min.

3) Add the stock, season with salt and pepper and simmer gently for 25-30 mins, until the spelt is tender and almost all the liquid has absorbed (you don’t need to stir it as much as risotto rice).

4) While the spelt is cooking, boil the spring green leaves in a pan of lightly salted water for 6-8 mins until tender.

5) Drain, plunge into a bowl of very cold water, leave to cool, then drain again. Squeeze out any excess liquid, then finely shred the leaves.

6) Once the spelt is just tender, add the spring greens and Parmesan and stir for a min or two to combine.

7) Check the seasoning before serving.

WHAT’S ON IN YOUR AREA FROM BABY AND TODDLER CLASSES TO WILDLIFE AND SOFT PLAY CENTRES, WE HAVE IT ALL...

Pregnancy & Infants NCT For breastfeeding counsellors, call 01733 452610.

The Baby Café Breastfeeding drop-in groups in Peterborough.

Visit www.thebabycafe.org to find your local centre.

NCT Bumps and Babies For pregnant parents and babies up to one year. Coffee, tea, chat, play, postnatal and breastfeeding support.

- Peterborough: Mons 1pm-2.30pm.

Tesco community room at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre.

- St Neots: Thurs 10am-12pm, Eatons Children’s Centre.

MamaBabyBliss & Toddler Yoga Pregnancy & baby yoga, relaxation and baby massage. Toddler Yoga for 1-3 year olds: Thurs 10am -11am in St Neots. Call Joanna: 07904 374212 for more details and other classes.

Not just baby massage At-home one-to-one massage tutition for parents with babies 6 weeks to sitting. Contact Donna: 01733247129/07860875097 Mummy Natal A six-week course for mums-to-be that includes birth ball exercises, meditation and breathing techniques in Huntingdon and Peterborough. Contact 07815 810430 /bex@birthbeginnings.co.uk Pregnancy yoga Hatha Yoga classes for mums to be. Wed 6-7pm at Longsands Academy, St Neots.

Contact: lindatongue@yahoo.co.uk Mantenatal Dads-only antenatal workshops. A chance to explore pregnancy, birth and early parenting. www.mantenatal.com BabyBliss Courses for infant massage, baby/toddler yoga, baby & child swimming and First Aid within the Huntingdon /Peterborough area. www.mybabybliss.info

24 JOLLY TOTS / SPRING 2015

Daisy Birthing Keep the pregnant body healthy and strong through yoga, breathe work and selfhypnosis. For course dates contact One Leisure St Ives 01480 388500, One Leisure Huntingdon 01480 388600. Visit: www.oneleisure.net Yoga 4 Pregnancy Wed 7pm – 8.30pm. Oak Tree Centre, Huntingdon PE29 7HN. Call: Barbara Moorby 01480 380307. www.yoga4everybody.co.uk Canuck Castings Expert handmade children’s hand and foot or parent and child 3D sculptures.

Call Mark 07933 824763/www. facebook.com/canuckcastings

Photographers Caroline Ann Photography Relaxed newborn, children and family photography in your home.

First-year, cake smashes and mum & me packages avaliable. www. carolineannphotography.co.uk Sarah Dale Photography Newborn photography based in Sawtry.sarahdalephotography.com

Childcare Support Services Sleep Fairies Offers maternity nurses, night nannies, sleep trainers and breastfeeding consultants. www.sleepfairies.co.uk Cracker Jacks Nursery and out-of- school club. 3 Foundry Way, Eaton Socon, St. Neots.

Call 01480 477515 Families and Childcare Information Services Local childcare information Peterborough (0800 29 89 121) Cambridgeshire (0345 04 54 014) www.familiesandchildcare.org.uk Useful resources: www.sitters. co.uk and www.childcare.co.uk

Educational development Minilinguals Learn Spanish with your toddler through music, movement and rhyme. For 0 -5yrs in St Neots. Contact Vicky: 07979 503269 / hello@minilinguals.co.uk/ www.littlelanguagelearners.com Tiny Talk Whaddon, Cambourne, Histon & Brampton. Baby signing & singing classes for babies and young toddlers. Call: Carol 0795 1601107 / carols@tinytalk.co.uk Sing and Sign St. Neots. For 6 18mths. Thursdays. Learn to communicate with your baby or toddler pre-speech. Call Julie Warriner for details 01767 691488.

Happy Faces 16 Lincoln Road, Glinton, Peterborough. Monthly fee.

Organised educational play sessions for 8mths - 5yrs for 1hr 15mins Monday to Friday. Call Claire 01733 324851 / 07714276901. www.clairehappyfaces.co.uk

Music & Singing Groups Music for Little People Fun and educational music classes for 0 - 5 years. All taught by qualified musicians and teachers.

Call Karen: 01480 812469 / www.musicforlittlepeople.co.uk Clap & Sing / Parachute Play The Rainbow Children’s Centre, Somersham. For 0-5yrs. Song and movement to stimulate babies.

Wed 9.30am – 10.30am, 10.30am – 11.30am (term-time only).

Pre-enrolment. Voluntary donation.

Call: Trisha (01487 741456).

Encore Concerts St. Mary’s Church, Eaton Socon.

Every third Thursday of the month.

These classical concerts are perfect or all ages but are aimed at babies to pre-school. Adults £5, children free.

Refreshments included. Contact info@encoreconcerts.co.uk /

facebook.com/encoreconcerts Warboys Clap and Sing Warboys Community Primary School Community Hall. All pre-schoolers welcome. Thurs 1.45pm - 2.45pm (term time). Cost: £1 donation. Call: Kate Smith 01487 824390.

Wiggle Waggle Lively, fun and educational music, dance and fitness programme for ages 0-5yrs. Build confidence, self-esteem and fitness.

Huntingdon, Godmanchester, Hamptons area of Peterborough, St Neots. Call Sharon for details: 01480 382103/wigglewaggleonline.com Singing Beans Singing with instruments, puppets, props, bubbles and more. Suitable for 0 – 5yrs.

Monday 10-11am, St Mary’s Parish Hall, Huntingdon. £2 per child. Dropin sessions. Natalie: 07870249129 www.littlebeansworld.com Contact your local Children’s Centres for low-cost/free play, sensory, music & dance sessions.

Get Active! (All ages) Jazzercise Pulse-pounding, beat-pumping fitness programme.

Find your local class at www. jazzercise.co.uk. Quote Jolly Tots to get a discount.

Dribblers Football School - One Leisure St Ives, Westwood Road. For ages 2+ years.

01480 388500.

- One Leisure Sawtry, Green End Road, Sawtry PE28 5UY. For ages 3 - 5 yrs. 01480 387800.

- One Leisure St Neots, Barford Road, Eynesbury, St Neots. For ages 3 – 4 yrs. 01480 388700.

Tiny Tykes Peterborough.

Six-week football coaching courses for 18m – 5yrs. Call 07944889321 / www.tinytykes.co.uk Little Scrummers Peterborough & Cambridge. Various Saturday morning rugby sessions for 2yrs – 6yrs. Call 07738591232 www.littlescrummers.com Balanceability Introduction to cycling in a safe environment. Develop cycling skills, balance, co-ordination, agility and flexibility in a six-week accredited programme for 2½ to 4yrs Runs at One Leisure St Ives (01480 388500) and Cambourne Fitness and Sports Centre, CB23 6FY (01954 714070).

Tumble Tots & Gymbabes For 6mths - 7 yrs. For St Neots & Huntingdon, contact Cheryl 07871 946695; Peterborough: Amanda (01832 272127);St. Ives Karen (01353 661255) www.tumbletots.com Baby Gym Huntingdon Gymnastics Club, Claytons Way PE29 1UT. Class for 8wks old walking, 10.50am - 11.35am; baby walking – 2yrs, Fri 10am -10.45am; £3, term-time only. 01480 523 43. www.huntingdon-gymnastics.org Ice Tots Planet Ice 1 Mallard Road, Peterborough, PE3 8YN. Supervised skating sessions for 18mths - 5yrs with qualified coach. Pay £4.50 for first child, second child £1.50. Sun 10am-11am.

Call 01733 260222 / www. planet-ice.co.uk

Gearo’s Soccor Tots Sunday morning football for 2-5yrs, 10am-11am, at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon. £4 no booking required.

Roller Skating @ One Leisure Get your skates on to One Leisure.

Fun roller skating sessions for all the family every Sunday and also during the school holidays. Available at One Leisure St Ives (01480 388500) and One Leisure St Neots (01480 388700). www.oneleisure.net

Little Kickers Various age-related football coaching sessions available in near Cambridge and in Peterborough for 18mths – 5yrs. Give your children a positive introduction to sport. www.littlekickers.co.uk

Little Pins @ Basement Lanes Social 1½-hour tenpin bowling for parents and under 5’s on Wednesdays and Fridays. One Leisure St Ives, Westwood Road, St Ives PE27 6WU. Call 01480 388500 to book. www.basementlanes.co.uk

Evolution Taekwondo Martial Arts Academy, Unit 4, Wainman Road, Peterborough PE2 7BU. Classes from age 4. Call for more info (01733 235230) or email: info@evolutiontkd.co.uk Little Ninja’s (Hicks Karate) Loxley Community Centre, Loxley, Peterborough, PE4 5BW and Dogsthorpe Community Centre, Poplar Avenue, PE1 4QF. Martial Arts Classes for age 3+. Call Andrew Hicks (01733 810043 / 07974 196256). www.hickskarate.co.uk First Strokes Godmanchester Community Pool, Park Lane, Huntingdon. Family swimming and lessons. www.firststrokes.com Baby & Junior Swimming Lessons One Leisure Huntingdon, Ramsey, Sawtry, St. Ives and St. Neots.

Qualified teaching staff help your child gain confidence, develop technique and enjoy swimming. Call local site for details: Huntingdon: (01480 388600) Ramsey: (01480 387900) Sawtry: (01480 387800) St Ives: (01480 388500) St Neots: (01480 388700) or visit: www.oneleisure.net Kimbolton School Swimming Pool Kimbolton, PE28 0EA. The pool is open to the public all year for general swimming for children under 8yrs with parents. Lessons for over 5’s.

Call 01480 862276/ www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk Water Babies Teach your baby to swim at classes in Buckden, Colne, Cambridge and Wellingborough. From Newborn.

Call Debi Hogston 01933 651790/ www.waterbabies.co.uk

Dance & Drama (18m-5yrs) Stageworks Studios Infant & Early Year Dance in St Neots and Buckden: Tues, Thurs, Fri and Saturday. Call 01480 812626 www.stageworksstudio.co.uk Kiernan Theatre Academy Huntingdon weekly drama lessons, youth theatre, holiday workshops, JOLLY TOTS / SPRING 2015 25

after school clubs for those aged 3+. www.kiernantheatreacademy.com Stagecoach Theatre Arts School For age 4+. Learn to act, sing and dance. For Huntingdon classes contact: Jo (01353 667442) and Peterborough: Ashleigh (01778 440077) www.stagecoach.co.uk Stage Stars Theatre Academy Alconbury, Brampton, Papworth & Sawtry. Classes in drama, singing and dance for ages 2+.

Contact Gemma: 07807193182.

Dance Studio The Cresset, Rightwell, Bretton, Peterborough PE3 8DX. Classes for age 2+. Babies Ballet age 3+; Modern and tap age 4+. Term-time only. Call: 01733 842516. www.cresset.co.uk Dance Supplies 20, Bridge Street, St. Ives PE27 5EG. Authorised retailer (01480 498174) www.dancesuppliesstives.co.uk Kelly Marie’s Dance Supplies Unit 2, Fishers Yard, Market Square, St. Neots PE19 2AF. Outfit sizes fromage 2. Call: (01480 477212). www.kellymariesdancewear.co.uk Linda Allen School of Dance Alconbury, Kimbolton & Spaldwick Ballet, Tap & jazz classes from 3½ yrs. Email: balletclass@btinternet. com /www.balletclass.org.uk

Family Days Out Hamerton Zoo Park Nr Sawtry, Huntingdon PE28 5REWildlife park and adventure playground. Open daily. www.hamertonzoopark.com Sacrewell Peterborough, PE8 6HJ. From £5.50 Activity barns, tractor rides and shire horses, Sacrewell has lots to entertain and inform your little ones all year round. www.sacrewell.org.uk Pigeons Farm Wisbech Road, Peterborough, PE6 0TD. Many breeds of farm animals and birds, large play area, restaurant and shop.

Open all year. For more details call 01733 271020 or 01733 271414, visit: www.pigeonsfarm.co.uk Shepreth Wildlife Park Station Road, Shepreth, SG8 6PZ. Adventure playground and soft playroom for under 5yrs. Open 10am - 5pm. Call 01763 262226 / www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk The Raptor Foundation The Heath, St. Ives Road, Woodhurst, Huntingdon PE28 3BT. Open daily, flying displays.

Cost: Under 3’s free. Age 4+ £3.

Adults: £5. Call 01487 741140/ www.raptorfoundation.org.uk

Peterborough Academy of Dance Various classes for 3+ . Call: Jill Dawson: 01733 234 555

Oasis Beach Pool Aquapark in Bedford, MK42 OBZ. Features flumes, rapid river and an area for babies and toddlers. Under 3s free, kids and adults £4.50 - £7.

Saldance Theatre Arts 27, Fenlake Business Centre, Peterborough PE1 5BQ.Mums & Tots (from age 2): Thurs 1.15pm.

Pre-school age: Thurs 2pm. Cost: £4 per session. www.saldance.co.uk / info@saldance.co.uk

Wood Green The Animal Charity King’s Bush Farm, Godmanchester PE29 2NH. Animal re-homing centre. Children’s play area, pet supplies and shop. Open 10am – 4pm daily. 0844 248 8181/ www.woodgreen.org.uk

Tu Danse Studios Peterborough dance & movement classes for age 2 yrs+ including Mummy & Me sessions.Contact: Anita 01733 553830/www.tudanse.co.uk

National Trust properties Run, ride and have family fun in these glorious heritage and nature centres.

There’s Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse, Wimpole Estate’s home farm, Houghton Mill (see below) and Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Wendy Burke School of Dance Hartford, Huntingdon and Sawtry.

Ballet classes. For age 3yrs +.

Contact: Wendy 01487 822002 / wendy.burke@hotmail.co.uk

26 JOLLY TOTS / SPRING 2015

Houghton Mill Houghton, Huntingdon PE28 2AZ.

See a working mill in action, with lots of hands on fun. Beautiful grounds and boat rides. Ideal for a family day out. www.nationaltrust.orgukeatres Burgess Hall Westwood Road, St Ives PE27 6WU .

Productions, events and discos for children throughout the year. Box Office: 01480 388500 or visit: www.burgesshall.net Key Theatre Embankment Road, Peterborough.

PE1 1EF. Productions aimed at children throughout the year. Box office: 01733 207239.

The Cresset Theatre Rightwell, Bretton Centre, Peterborough PE3 8DX Seasonal shows for children. (01733 265705) www.cresset.co.uk

Soft Play/Adventure Centres Flutterbyz Funbarn A short drive from Huntingdon, in Fenstanton is this brilliant softplay facility with baby and toddler areas.

The centre is suitable for children up to 11 years old. Specialises in parties for ages 1 to 8. Tues - Sat 10am 5pm and Sun 10am - 4pm. Costs £2.50 - £4.50. Call 01480 493394 www.flutterbyz.co.uk Jungle Jims Playland 5 Tyne Road, Sandy, Beds, SG19 1SA. Indoor adventure play, separate area for under 3’s. Open Tue – Sunday.

Fantastic Jungle Parties starting from £7.95. (01767 682808) www.junglejimsplayland.co.uk Leo’s Funzone Indoor adventure play centre for babies, toddlers and children. A great venue for children’s parties.Free entry for adults and discounted entry for children under 1. Open 7 days a week. Call: 01480 388600/ visit: www.leosfunzone.co.uk - One Leisure Huntingdon: St Peter’s Road, Huntingdon - One Leisure St Neots: Barford Road, St. Neots Sacrewell Play Barn Sacrewell, Peterborough PE8 6HJ. New giant softplay area for 0-12yrs.

Open 7 days a week, 10am - 4pm.

Call 01780 782254/www.sacrewell. org.uk/playbarn Activity World Padholme Road East, Peterborough, PE1 5XH. Indoor play with separate Toddler World.

Open 9.30am – 5.30pm. Closed Tues. Cost: from £4.95. Birthday parties. Call 01733 314446/www. activityworld.co.uk Big Sky Adventure Play 24, Wainman Road, Shrewsbury Avenue, Woodston, Peterborough PE2 7BU. Soft Play area for 3 months to 11 yrs old or max height of 4 ft 11 inches. Open 9.30am – 6pm (term time), Sat 10am - 6pm, Sun 10am – 5pm. Birthday parties. Call 01733 390810/ www.bigsky.co.uk Eat ‘n’ Play Huntingdon Road, St. Neots PE19 1XG. Large play area (max height 1.45m/4’9”) with separate toddler area. Open 11am daily. Cost: £3.75.

Weekends/hols £4.25. Call 01480 471611 /www.eatnplay.co.uk

Entertainers/Parties Colin Daines MMC Magic and balloon modelling.

Member of the magic circle. Family occasions a speciality (01480 212571) Crafty Monkey Moores Walk, St Neots or Mobile. Offers Pottery Painting, Build a Bear, decopatch & Jewellery making parties for all ages.

Call 01480 219222/ craftymonkeypotterypainting.com Kreepie Krawlies Soft Play A soft play party hire in the Cambs area. Call 07447 582457 / 01763 209 174 /www.kreepiekrawlies.co.uk Little Beans Parties Themed parties for children aged 1 +. Call Natalie: 07870 249129. www.littlebeansworld.com Party at One Leisure One Leisure Huntingdon, Ramsey, Sawtry, St. Ives and St. Neots. All One Leisure sites provide a wide range of fun pool, soft play and sports birthday parties for under 5’s and juniors. Contact your local One Leisure site for details: Huntingdon: 01480 388600, Ramsey: 01480

387900, Sawtry: 01480 387800, St. Ives: 01480 388500, St. Neots: 01480 388700 or visit oneleisure.net Party Time! Fun entertainment and themed parties for all ages such as Knights & Princesses and Pirates & Fairies. Call: Trisha 01487 741456 www.partytime.uk.com The Birthday Football Club TBFC deliver completefootball birthday parties. Personalised Invitations, Party Bags & Personalised Homemade Cake, all included! Call Gareth: (07901 022874). www.thebirthdayfootballclub.co.uk

Baby & Toddler Groups Westwood & Ravensthorpe Children’s Centre Family support and fun activities. Based at Highlees and Ravensthorpe Primary School, Peterborough. Call 01733 266425.

Orton Children’s Centre The Jigsaw Centre , Peterborough Support and activity groups for children under 5s. 01933 417438 Honeyhill Community and Children’s Centre Support and free classes for expectant mums & 0-5yrs. Paston, Peterborough.

Call 01733 577611 Funky Monkeys Farcet Salvation Army Church, Peterborough. For age 0-5yrs. Tues/Thurs 9.30am 11.30am (term times). Cost: £1 per family. Call Beverley: 01733 240130.

Mini Movers. Art, craft, singing and trips for 0-5yrs. Weds 10-11.30am at Kingsgate Community Church, 2 Staplee Way, Peterborough PE1 4YT. £1.50 per family, includes drink/ snack. Call Kim Connor: 01733 311156 via church office.

www.neneparktrust.org.uk Tot Stop Stanground Baptist Church, Chapel Street, Peterborough PE2 8JG. Fri 9:45am-11:45am. Toys, craft activity and singing. A friendly and welcoming group. Call Jane on 01733 310411.

Mummas & Bubbas Meet Up British Legion, 210 Broadway, Yaxley, PE7 3NR. Mondays in term time: 10.30 - 11.30. Cost £1. Contact Lou: 07710 465711. Email: mummasand bubbasmeetup@gmail.com Orton Wistow Toddlers Orton Wistow Community Centre, Napier Place Peterborough PE2 6XN. Newborn - pre-school. Indoor and outdoor play. Tues 1.15pm - 3pm (term time). £2 per family. Call Natasha: 07547 907303.

Folksworth Toddler Group All welcome from babies to pre-school age at Folksworth Village Hall, Elm Road, Nr Peterborough, PE7 3SX. Thursday 10am - 11.30am. £2 per adult and child, 50p each additional child. £1 per adult with baby under 6 months. Contact Lisa Finch 07961 422156.

Jigsaw Juniors For pre-school age. Toys, books, activities and messy play. Wed 1.30pm-2.45pm.

Orton Children’s Centre, The Jigsaw Centre, Peterborough PE2 5PW Call: 01733 452690.

Ramsey Children’s Centre 25 Great Whyte Ramsey PE26 1HG. Open Mon, Tues & Thurs 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-12.30pm and Fri 9. am-4.30pm. Call (01480 379420) or cambridgeshirechildrenscentres.org.uk

Young Explorers Peterborough Museum. First Thursday of the month 10-11.30am and 1-2pm offers stories, crafts and rhymetime.

01733 864 700 /www.vivacitypeterborough.com/museums

Ramsey Toddler Groups Scout Hut, Ramsey, Free.

Unstructured play for under 5’s to develop their creative side. Soft play: Thurs 9.30am – 11.30am, Messy Play Wed 1pm-2.30pm. General Play: Fri 9.30am – 11.30am term-time only.

Call Sarah Abraham:01487 813279.

Nature Tots Ferry Meadows, Peterborough. Outdoor toddler group with crafts and songs. Second Monday of the month, 10-11.30am.

Booking essential. 01733234193/

Little Lambs Toddler Group Salem Baptist Church, High Street, Ramsey PE26 1AB. Toddlers: Every Thurs 9.30am-11am (term time).

Call Jo Smith: 01487 711109.

JOLLY TOTS / SPRING 2015 27

Chatterbox Toddler Group Memorial Hall, School Lane, Alconbury. Fri 9am - 11am. Juice/hot drinks and biscuits provided.

Call Vicky Brown: 07775 777091.

Poppies Children’s Centre Brampton Primary School, The Green, Brampton, PE28 4RF. MonThurs 9am-12pm (01480 376191) Brampton Baby & Toddler Group Commemoration Hall, Brampton.

For 0-5 yrs, every Mon 9.30am -11.30am (term time). Arts & crafts, role play, singing, floor toys for all ages. Healthy snacks and drinks.

Follow us on Facebook. Only £2.

MOMS Club of Huntingdon Weekly playgroups, park days, outings, crafts, meal swap and a monthly moms night out. For details: www.momsclubofrafalconbury molesworth.weebly.com Rainbow Toddler Group 83A High Street, Huntingdon Community Church Centre PE29 3DP. Newborn – 4 yrs. Tues 9.30am – 11am. Cost: 50p per family, refreshments provided (01480 411665) church@hccuk.org Busybees Great Staughton Village Hall, PE19 5DG Cost: For 0 - 5 yrs. Weds (term-time only) 10.00am - 11.30am.

Fruit and drink for the children, arts & crafts and floor toys. Free.

Call Tracey: 01480 357540 Daffodil Children’s Centre Godmanchester Primary School, Park Lane, Godmanchester, PE29 2AG Open Mon-Fri 9am-3.30pm.

Call 01480 375116 Multiple Births Group Mon 10am - 11.30am (term time) Daffodil Children’s Centre, Godmanchester Community Primary School (01480 375116).

St Mary’s 0-5 Playgroup Comrades Club, 58 Cambridge Street, Godmanchester. PE29 2AY For 0-5 Yrs. Every Thursday 9:30-11:30 (term time) £2.00 per family. Craft, free play and singing.

Toys for all ages. Drink and biscuits included. Call Stacey (07876191982).

28 JOLLY TOTS / SPRING 2015

Email: staceyrodger@hotmail.com Fenstanton Baby & Toddler Group Church Centre, Fenstanton.

Meets every Wed (inc. school hols), 10am - 11.30am.Sessions cost £2.

First is free. Come along or call Becky on 01480 493067.

Colne Toddler Group Colne Community Hall, East Street.

9.30-11.30am Friday during term time. Birth up-to school age. £2.00 per family. Includes refreshments.

Contact Charlotte: 01487 843925.

Smiley Tots Parent & Toddler Group Yelden Village Hall, Spring Lane, Yelden MK44 1BA. Every Wed 10am-12pm (term time). Come and play! £2 per family inc. drink & snack.

Call Vicky: 01933 317220.

Roxton Tots Climbing and ride-on toys, craft table, baby area and song time.

Roxton Village Hall. Fri 9.30am11.30am. £2.50 (one adult, one child). 50p per extra adult or child over one. Refreshments included.

Call Andy: 07795431766 or join our closed group on Facebook.

The Eatons Children’s Centre Various sessions, courses and support available for parents/carers and children aged 0-5 years. Mon Thurs 9am - 4pm and Fri 9am - 1pm.

Bushmead Primary School, Eaton Socon, St. Neots PE19 8BT. For more details 01480 358340. Visit: cambridgeshirechildrenscentres.org.uk Who Let the Dads Out St Mary’s Church Eaton Socon. A chance to have some fun with your preschooler, eat some bacon, meet other dads, even read a newspaper!

3rd Saturday of the month at 9am.

Term-time only. Cost £1 per child.

Contact: curate@eatonsocon.org Tiddlers and Toddlers Jubilee Hall, Eaton Socon, St. Neots.

Est. 30 yrs. Friday 9.30am – 11.30am (term time). Call Margaret 01480 215695; Benny 07980 810313.

St Neots Rural Children’s Centre Little Paxton Primary School, Gordon Road, PE19 6NG. Various session, courses and support available for

parents/carers and children aged 0-5 years. Open term time Wednesday and Fridays 9am - 1pm. cambridgeshirechildrenscentre.org.uk Tots Praise St. Neots Parish Church, PE19 2BU. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month 10.3011.30. Free. Bring your little one to play and take part in a children’s Christian mini service. Term time only. Call Jane on 01480 350137 Butterfly Children’s Centre Various sessions, courses and support for parents/carers and children aged 0-5. Open Tues Thurs 9am -4pm. Winhills School, off Duck Lane, St. Neots PE19 2DX. cambridgeshirechildrenscentres.org.uk Busy Bears Fun Time Newborn - 5 yrs. Wed & Fri 10am-11.30am (term time). The Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St. Neots PE19 2BH. Cost: £2.50 per child, £4 family ticket. 01480 388922.

Mornings One Leisure St Neots.

Relaxed and sociable sessions that include use of Leo’s Funzone plus other fun activities. Term-time only.

For reduced prices, times and dates visit www.leosfunzone.co.uk Little Angels For 0 - 4 yrs. Wed 1pm - 2.45pm (term -time only). Free play and refreshments. Berkley Street Methodist Church, Eynesbury, St. Neots PE19 2NB. Call: 01480 474062 email: ellash1705@gmail.com.

Puddleducks Mums n Tots Overhills Primary School, Kimbolton, PE28 0HY. Tues 9am - 11am. £3 per family, includes drink and biscuits.

Contact Mandy 01480 869370.

The Daisy Children’s Centre Papworth Everard & surrounding villages. For more information about their current programme, call: 01480 831423.

Baby & Me Friday 10am-11.30am.

The Hub, Great Cambourne.

Playtime for 0-2 year olds (older siblings up to school age welcome) £1.50 per family. www.facebook. com/BabyAndMe.cambourne St Ives Children’s Centre

Wheatfields Primary School, Nene Way PE27 3WF. For 0 – 5 yrs. Mon 9am - 3pm. Tues - Wed 9am - 5pm, Thurs 9am - 4pm, Fri 9am - 12pm.

Call: Fran (07776 494 100).

Baby Lounge Time for Health, St Ives, hosts group play sessions for babies up to 15mths: Fri 10.45am – 12.00pm; and Baby Lounge Extra for 0 - 2yrs: Fri 3- 4.45 pm. Call: 01480 461411. www.timeforhealth.co.uk Houghton & Wyton Toddler Group Houghton & Wyton Memorial Hall, St. Ives Road, Houghton, PE28 2BJ. Arts & Crafts on Tues 10am - 11.45am (inc. holidays). Craft, free play and singing. Refreshments available. £2 per family.

St. Ives Christian Fellowship Parents and Toddlers Burleigh Hill Community Centre, Constable Road PE27 3ER. Newborn – 4 yrs. Thurs 9.15am – 11am (term time). Call Jason: 01480 463161.

Needingworth Little Tigers Baby & Toddler Group Needingworth Village Hall, St Ives.

For 0-5 yrs. Mon 10am -11:30am (term time). Call 01480 469294..

Warboys Under 5’s Toddler Group High street, Warboys, PE28 2TA. Newborn – 5 yrs. Fri 1pm – 3pm.

Cost: £1.50 for first child, 50p each additional child. Toys, games and refreshments. Call: (01487 823190)

Storytime/Rhymetimes Bretton District Library The Cresset, Rightwell, Bretton, Peterborough PE3 8DS.Storytime: Thurs 11am -11.30am. Rhymetime: Tues 11 - 11.30am. Story and Rhyme time: Sat 10.30am - 11am.

Cambourne Library Rhymetime and Storytime alternate Fridays from 9.30am -10.00am.

Chatteris Library 2 Furrowfields Road, Chatteris PE16 6DY Storytime, Tues 2:15pm2:45pm (term-time only), Rhymetime (0-3 yrs), Thurs 10am-11am (term-time only) Dogsthorpe Community Library Central Avenue, Dogsthorpe,

Peterborough PE1 4LH. Stories and rhymes: Tues 2.30 - 3pm; Thurs 2.30-3pm and Sat 11-11.30am.

Eye Library Crowland Road, Eye, Peterborough PE6 7TN. Under 5’ s storytime: Mon 10.30am - 11am. Rhyme Time: Mon 11am - 11.30am. Children’s craft club, Sat 11am - 12pm.

Call: 01733 864142.

Hampton Library 6B Serpentine Green Shopping Centre, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8DR. Rhymetime: Tuesday, 10.15 – 10.45am. Storytime: Thurs 3.30-4pm & Sat 11.30-12pm.

Huntingdon Library Princes Street, Huntingdon PE29 3PH. Storytime: 18mths – 5 yrs, Weds 10.30am –11am. Rhymetime: 0-18m Fri 10 - 10.30am; 18m - 3yrs Fri 11am - 11.30am.

Orton District Library Orton Centre, Peterborough PE2 5RQ. Storytime: Orton Library Storytime is every Thursday, 10 – 10.30am (all year round) and every Saturday 11 – 11.30am.

Rhymetime: Mon 11am -11.30am.

Peterborough Central Library Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1RX Storytime: Fri 2.15pm - 2.45pm, Sat 10.30am -11am & 2.15pm - 2.45pm.

Rhyme Time: Thurs 1.30pm-2pm.

Ramsey Library School Lane, Ramsey PE26 1AF. Rhymetime: 0-3yrs. Fri 10.30 - 11am.

Sawtry Library Fen Lane, Sawtry PE28 5TQ. Rhymetime for 0-18m: Weds 10am -10.30am weekly.

Somersham Community Information Centre Church Street Somersham PE28 3EG.For pre-school children. Tues 10.30am11am - stories & rhyme ending with a craft activity every week.

Stanground Community Library Southfields Avenue, Peterborough PE2 8RZ. Storytime: Fri 3.30pm 4pm. Rhymetime Tues 10 -10.30am.

St. Ives Library Station Rd, St. Ives PE27 5BW. Rhymetime for pre-schoolers Weds 10.00am –

10.30am and 11.15-11.45am.

St. Neots Library Priory Lane, St. Neots PE19 2BH. Rhymetime for 18m - pre-schoolers: Mon 2pm–2.30pm; For 0 - 18mths Fri 10am-10.30 & 11.15- 11.45am.

Thorney Library Church Street, Thorney, Peterborough, PE6 0QB. Story and Rhymetime Mon 2.30pm - 3pm.

Warboys Library High Street, Warboys PE28 2TA. Rhymetime for 18mths - 5yrs Tues 11-11.30am.

Storytime:Thurs 10.30am – 11am.

Werrington District Library Staniland Way, PE4 6JT.Storytime: Tues 2pm – 2.30pm. Sat 10.45am 11.15am. Rhyme Time: Fri 2.15pm – 2.45pm. Call: 01733 864282.

Woodston Library Orchard Street, Peterborough PE2 9AL.Storytime: Thurs 10.30am 11am. Rhyme Time: Wed 2.15pm – 2.45pm.

Yaxley Library Lansdowne Rd, Yaxley. Storytime: Tues 10.30am– 11am (term time). Rhymetime for 0-18m: Fri 10.30am–11am.

Toy Libraries Huntingdon Toy Library Huntingdon Nursery School, Ambury Rd, Huntingdon PE29 1AD. Newborn – 5 years. Thurs 9am 11.15am, 12.45pm – 3pm. £1 per year subs then 25p per toy. Term-time only. Call: Mary Mansfield (01480 375216).St. Neots St Neots Children’s Centres Winhills School, 01480 358350 , open Tues – Thurs 9am – 4pm; The Eatons Children’s Centre, Bushmead School, Eaton Socon 01480 358350 Mon -Thurs 9am - 4pm and Fri 9am - 1.00pm; St Neots Rural Children’s Centre; Little Paxton School, open term-time Mon-Fri 9am – 1pm Call: 01480 358350.

Highlees Children’s Centre, PE3 7ER. Pop in any time. Baby Explorers - Fri 12.45am - 2pm.

No charge and no booking needed. Call: Steph for more details (01733 260833).

JOLLY TOTS / SPRING 2015 29

Expert advice

Thumb sucking in the under 5s DR RUNA MOWLA-­COPLEY, ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING AUTHORITIES ON THUMB SUCKING, SHARES HER ADVICE AND TIPS FOR WHEN AND HOW TO BREAK THE HABIT

D

OES YOUR CHILD suck their thumb? Should you be concerned or not?

Like many new parents, I was What problems can thumb grateful when my daughter sucking cause? Persistent sucking can discovered her thumb in lead to speech problems, such as lisping her first few months. and imprecise pronunciation. Once the Thumb sucking stopped habit has stopped natural improvement of her from crying, soothed the teeth can occur within six months. If the her to sleep and temporarily habit breaks before the adult teeth are distracted her from hunger. established your child is unlikely to It’s is a very common have caused any long-term childhood habit with three damage to their teeth. quarters of infants sucking their thumb in their first year and it can even start as early as in the womb.

If your sweet toddler turns into a suckers, who just simply rest their little monster whenever you try to thumb in their mouth, may not extract their thumb from their develop any problems at all. mouth, you’re not alone. But, fret Aggressive suckers, however, often not; the majority of experts agree experience dental issues, maybe that a thumb sucker younger than even in their baby teeth. five shouldn’t be pressured to stop.

Breaking the habit at this stage is Most children stop the habit on worth it as more than 60% of UK’s their own between the ages of two and four. They simply grow out of a 10-year-old digit suckers have very serious bite problems that can habit that is no longer useful to require lengthy (and costly) them. However, some children courses of orthodontic treatment. continue sucking beyond their Most young children are pre-school years and if your child completely unaware how their is still sucking when his adult teeth little thumbs can affect their erupt, it may be time to take action to break the habit. Pressure applied mouth and teeth and react in a very positive way when this is by the thumb/finger on the teeth demonstrated to them. If your and roof of the mouth can have a child is still a toddler, there is still negative effect on developing plenty of time to stop. Most of all, teeth and bite. The severity of the remember that your child needs problem depends on the your support and understanding frequency, intensity, duration and during the process of breaking the also the position in which the digit thumb sucking habit. is placed in the mouth. Passive

Q&A

Charlie’s Thumb by Dr Runa Mowla-­Copley Charlie’s Thumb is a wonderfully illustrated book written by Dr Runa Mowla-Copley. Charlie loves sucking his thumb all day and all night but a visit from the Tooth Fairy leads to some unusual events, which makes Charlie think perhaps sucking his thumb isn’t such a good idea after all. You can buy Charlie’s Thumb online from Waterstones and Amazon.co.uk

BREAKING THE HABIT Useful tips to help encourage your child to stop thumb sucking...

Praise your child for not sucking; instead of scolding when they do.

If your child is sucking for comfort, fix the source of anxiety.

Home remedies such as using a glove, sock or thumb guard before bedtime or painting the thumb with a foul-tasting nail polish can work, if combined with positive reinforcement.

Your orthodontist or dentist may be able to provide further encouragement. It’s amazing what a few words from an expert to your child can do! I often get parents call up the next day to say that whatever I said to their child has magically made them break their habit overnight. For children over the age of 8 where the habit is proving difficult to kick and has already had a noticeable negative dental effect, your dentist may prescribe a habit breaker.

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