My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 1
EE FR
Issue 20
reflecting modern family living
IN THIS ISSUE:
Christmas Gift Guide
Kids Fashion Getting boys reading Help with Maths at home Change time: Reusable Nappies Things to do this winter Positive about Autism and much more . . .
My Family is proud to support annakennedyonline.com
www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 2
contents 4-7
Kids’ Fashion Autumn’s a great time to have fun with fashion
8-11
Education Getting Boys reading Could your child benefit from extra tuition? Help – My child is struggling with maths!
12-13
Get Crafty Create an invitation for baby’s first birthday
14-15
Cool Kids’ Rooms Creating a Cool Room for a Child
16-17
Change Time Change time doesn’t have to be a bum deal
18
Health Tiny Tweaks: Controlling Your Weight over Christmas and the New Year
19-37
My Family’s Christmas Gift Guide Magical Gifts for Kids Tween Gift Inspirations Great Gifts for Tots What Mum Says Inspiring Young Minds Handmade with Love Reasons to Buy British Goodies this Christmas Finding the right gift for a Grown Up
38-39
Away with the Kids Things to do this winter Festive Travel Tips
40-41
Special Needs Family Gifts with Purpose Reforms for children with SEN and disabilities come into effect
42-48
Positive about Autism Wear it for Autism is a Smash Hit!!!
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 3
A note from the editor Thank you for picking up our 5th anniversary issue and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our readers, media partners and advertisers for your support. The team and myself have been working hard to bring you loads of great features, tips and advice for you and your family.
My Family magazine 75 Elizabeth Court • Wigston • Leicester LE18 2AF Telephone: 0116 2100911 For advertising enquiries email karen@myfamilymagazine.co.uk For subscriptions and distribution information email info@myfamilymagazine.co.uk
www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk
Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/My-Familymagazine/178172092255392
With Christmas fast approaching, My Family’s fantastic Christmas Gift Guide is full of inspiration for the festive season. We have teamed up with some great companies to bring you 19 pages of gift inspirations for the whole family. With magical gifts for kids, extra special handmade and personalised presents, some of the very best British made items and gifts for grown-ups, you are sure to find some wonderful gifts to add to your Christmas list this year. Find out about the reading crisis among Britain’s under-11s in our education section and check out Liz Walker’s tips to get boys reading. Find out if your child could benefit from extra tuition and Lesley Higgin – Maths teacher and Director of Mathstraks Games – offers helpful tips for children struggling with maths. Winter is a great time for exploring everything that the UK has to offer! From Magical Ice Kingdoms, to stately homes and Christmas events, there is something for everyone in our Away with the Kids section. In fact, we have so much to offer you, why not grab a cuppa and a mince pie or two, relax, and enjoy the read.
Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com @MyFamilyMag
Wishing you all a Happy Christmas,
Feature images used under license from Shutterstock.com and depositphotos.com. Other images have been supplied by independent sources.
Karen x Karen Reddell – Editor
COMPETITION RULES Full details of competition rules are available on our website www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk. Entering a competition through the print magazine or via this website will be seen as acceptance of these rules. DISCLAIMER The information contained in My Family magazine is not meant to replace that of a midwife, healthcare professional or GP. My Family would always recommend that you seek medical information from a qualified health professional.
The Team Hazel Alemany Designer design@myfamilymagazine.co.uk Jake Pullin Sales and Admin info@myfamilymagazine.co.uk
myfamily
3
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 4
Kids’ Fashion Autumn/Winter 2014/2015 Oilily boys’ Never Grow Up hooded sweater and girls’ Corazon coat www.oililyshop.com
Poppy Martha London dress 6-12months to 9-10 years www.poppyengland.com
4
myfamily
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 5
Hedgehog print romper www.pigeonorganics.com
Hedgehog hat and scarf set www.pigeonorganics.com
Drop waisted hip cowl dress for tweens www.isossychildren.com
myfamily
5
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 6
Isossy Omo Boys jacket www.isossychildren.com
Little Jems elegant Champagne & Ivory Lace Dress www.littlejemsmanchester.co.uk
Poppy Jane and Martha Snowstorm dresses and Classic Cardigan www.poppyengland.com
6
myfamily
Spoilt Rotten black organic t-shirt www.spoiltrotten.com
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 7
Freya pink sparkling ballerinas, Hannah purple & silver glitter balerinas and Ivy pink satin & glitter handbag www.thesparkleclub.co.uk
Poppy Rosie dress Woodland print in plum linen www.poppyengland.com
Pettisserie Totally Teal Pettiskirt www.justdresses.co.uk
myfamily
7
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 8
EDUCATION
Getting boys reading by Liz Walker, founder of Reading Chest
Being able to read well at the age of 11 is the keystone to a good start in life. Children need to ‘learn to read’ and then they ‘read to learn’. Save the Children have recently launched the Read on Get on Campaign with the goal of ensuring all 11 year olds will leave primary school being able to read well by 2025. At the moment, only 75% of 11 year olds are able to read well. (Reading well is a ‘level 4’ at school, or in real life terms – it is being able to enjoy stories such as Treasure Island or Harry Potter, as well as confidently being able to enjoy reading in a wide range of subjects.)* The Read on Get on Campaign wants to make reading at the heart of our culture by bringing together a coalition of head teachers, teachers, schools, parents, politicians, celebrities and the wider community to help children become better readers. Research published by Save the Children in the Read on Get on report shows that there are currently more boys unable to read well at the age of 11 than girls. The difference between boys and girls reading is accentuated in low income families. (45% of white British boys from low income families are unable to read well at the age of 11). Even though girls generally do better than boys internationally, the reading gap
between girls and boys in England is one of the widest in the developed world.* We need to do more to get boys reading and more importantly – to get them to read for pleasure. There is a virtuous circle between enjoying reading and being a good reader. Developing a love of stories and books is crucial. All the ideas and strategies below to get boys reading more can obviously to apply to girls as well. l Read for at least 10 minutes a day with or to your children. Frequent short bursts are better than prolonged reading sessions. If it becomes as much a routine as putting on socks, then reluctant readers are less likely to complain. l Read anything. Boys are more likely to enjoy reading if they can choose their own reading material and read for a purpose. Try gadget magazines, skateboard magazines, golf magazines, farming magazines, football programmes or sports biographies. l Get dads reading in the home! Read on Get on research shows that the impact of parents and in particular dads, has a huge positive impact on children’s reading. Children fall into reading habits based on what goes on in their home. If they never see their dad or older brother reading, they are much less likely to pick up a book themselves. l Get dads into schools! Many schools and organisations such as Beanstalk encourage volunteer readers to help with children’s reading. (There are details of how you can volunteer
at www.readongeton.org.uk.) It’s not easy for working people to take time out to help with reading in school, but employers are being encouraged to get involved with Read on Get on by forming partnerships with local schools and being more flexible with employees to allow them to volunteer to help with reading. Imagine the impact when boys in a school see a real builder with his hard hat on reading with a child, because his employer allowed him to extend his lunch by half an hour. l Boys are more likely to be embarrassed to read or be seen to enjoy reading than girls, as it is seen as un-cool. Boys need ‘cool’ role models, to be seen reading, to talk about books and to get involved in reading projects in schools. Get your son to write to sports personalities, celebrities or authors to see if they will visit their school. They might be quite receptive with such an active campaign going on. l Have a ‘no power’ night in the house once a week. Instead of watching TV, playing on the Xbox or PC, play board games and read books together. l Integrate reading into everyday life as much as possible. Ask your son to help you read instructions for tasks you need help with, or get him to read out the recipe as you are cooking. l Time pressured parents need to rethink how they enjoy their time with boys. If you only end up with half an hour of one to one time with your son, then reading a book together should be given as much priority and time as kicking a ball in the back garden. l If nothing else works – use incentives! Whether you are a mum, dad, employer, politician, sports coach, celebrity, builder or chef – there is something we can all do to get involved with Read on Get on and help reach the goal of ensuring all 11 year olds will read well by 2025. For more information and to sign the Read on Get on petition visit www.readongeton.org.uk. For reading advice and access to a wide range of reading books visit www.readingchest.co.uk. *Read on Get on report, published by Save the Children 2014.
8
myfamily
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 9
EDUCATION
Reading Crisis Among Britain's Under-11s One and a half million children will reach the age of 11 unable to ‘read well’ by 2025 unless urgent action is taken to tackle the reading crisis facing Britain’s pupils, according to new research.
The worrying situation has prompted leading charities, teachers, parents and businesses to form a coalition called Read on Get on. They are launching a national mission to support parents and teachers to get all 11 year olds reading well by 2025, meaning they can read, understand and discuss stories, such as Harry Potter. The move has also been backed by publishers and their bestselling authors. A report by the coalition shows that England is one of the most unequal countries when it comes to children’s reading levels, second only to Romania in the EU. The gap between the strongest and weakest readers is equivalent to seven years of schooling. The report calls for a concerted effort from all corners of society. The most comprehensive study of pre-school and primary school-aged children in a generation found disadvantaged children are the worst affected, with four in ten not reading well by the age of 11 – almost double the rate of their better off peers. The report, which uses current data and that from the past decade, also found they are not reading enough outside school, or with their fathers. Read on Get on aims to create a nation of strong readers by:
l Supporting parents to read with young children for ten minutes a day l Urging the public to volunteer to help disadvantaged children improve their reading l Building a powerful coalition of the county’s most influential public, private and charitable organisations to pledge to support the mission l Urging all political parties to support the 2025 target and two interim 2020 goals For more information visit
www.readongeton.org.uk
Established since 1997, Ladybird Day Nursery provides a friendly stimulating and safe environment where children enjoy challenging activities that stretch their imaginations and help develop a range of new skills. Registered with Ofsted Early Years – all staff hold appropriate childcare qualifications. The nursery also benefits from a large, secure garden and CCTV. Situated next to Edgbaston county cricket ground, opposite Cannon Hill Park, Ladybird Day Nursery offers flexible childcare for up to 29 children from 0-8 years of age – including school holidays and teacher training days. Open Monday - Friday, 7.00am until 6.30pm (excluding bank holidays)
Telephone: 0121 440 5706
www.theladybirdnursery.co.uk myfamily
9
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 10
EDUCATION
Could your child benefit from extra tuition? The number of children receiving private tuition continues to grow year on year. The benefits of tuition are vast, and can include increased confidence, a greater love of learning and improved academic attainment.
The research showed that “Explore Learning members’ improvement in maths was 30% higher than that of the comparison group after controlling for gender, age, year group and special educational needs.” The study also found that “Building confidence, overcoming shyness to put up their hand to ask for help, being more independent and less reluctant to try without assistance were all elements that parents recognised in their children and directly attributed to Explore Learning.” Parents that use the service echo the benefits of extra tuition such as Explore Learning:
The tuition company Explore Learning recently commissioned the University of Reading to conduct an efficacy study in order to provide independent proof of the benefits of Explore Learning Tuition.
"My two sons have contrasting abilities and both have benefited from attending Explore. It has given them confidence in core subjects and highlighted areas they need help in. They have both improved considerably over the year. Explore employ helpful and approachable tutors who make learning fun. They remember every child individually and give them great encouragement." K. Waterhouse, Parent
Explore Learning has centres across the UK – try us for free to find out how your family can benefit! To book your free trial, visit
www.explorelearning.co.uk or call 01483 44710.
Maths & English tuition For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities Mapped to the National Curriculum An environment that children enjoy Open 7 days a week
Book your free trial today! Explore Learning has over 90 centres nationwide. Visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/FindCentre or call 01483 447410 to find your nearest centre.
www.explorelearning.co.uk 10 myfamily
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 11
EDUCATION
Help – My child is struggling with maths! By Lesley Higgin – Maths teacher and director of Mathstraks Games We all worry about our children – their health, their friendships, their schoolwork. One subject can cause particular anxiety – Maths. Why is this? Well, we all know how important a good grade in maths is and perhaps some of us retain unhappy memories of our own maths lessons. Maths education has changed significantly in the last twenty years. Most parents will have been told how to do a calculation, whereas children are now guided to understand a variety of different methods, with the emphasis very much on understanding. Just because your child might be using a method that is unfamiliar or even strange, doesn’t necessarily mean they are not coping. The best way to find out if your child is struggling is to chat to them about maths and try to gauge whether they feel confident with the subject, whether they enjoy it or not and whether they are understanding what is being taught in class. If you suspect that your child may be struggling, speak to their teacher and ask what you can do to help your child.
What can parents do to help their children? l Talk positively and confidently about maths. If your children hear you expressing negative views about the subject, they will pick up on this and it will affect their attitude to the subject. l Don’t worry if you are not confident with your own abilities: Ask your child to explain a method to you, or test each other on your times tables. It can be a real
confidence boost for a child to help a parent! There are also lots of tutorials available online, which you can watch together. l Practise, Practise, Practise… The best way to become confident with something is to do it lots of times until it feels familiar. If your child is struggling with simple arithmetic, do 10 quick questions every day. This doesn’t take long, but your child will quickly see results. l Money, money, money . . . Encourage children to work out how much items will cost and what the change will be. If a child understands money they also understand decimals. For example, in my maths classroom I have often come across children who struggle to add 1.4 and 3.5, but can easily add £1.40 and £3.50. Familiarity with money can help a child to understand numbers. l Play games . . . Helping your child with maths can be fun and playing mathematical games is a brilliant way to help children improve their arithmetic. Lots of great games are available, for example, the traditional game of ‘Shut the Box’ is brilliant for
improving simple addition skills. My own business, Mathstraks Games, began when I designed some fun numeracy card games to play with my own children. * l Discuss maths problems and be amazed together. Set yourselves a problem and either work out the answer or find it online. For example, how far do you think it is from the Earth to the Moon? How many hours are there in a year? How many pennies would make a pile 1 metre high? l Find some online maths games. There are lots available which are free to use, for example, the BBC bitesize website. Lots of schools pay for specific sites such as Mangahigh and MyMaths; if so your child will have login and password details and they will be able to access the games and learning material at home. l Have a go and make a mistake . . . Lots of children worry about ‘going wrong’. I always encourage children in my class to have a go and make a mistake. This can lead to the right answer and a better understanding along the way. None of the great Mathematicians made their discoveries without a fair few mistakes first! * Mathstraks Games produces 3 awardwinning numeracy card games; ‘Mathical Creatures’, ‘Monster Maths’ and ‘Fairy Tables’. All of the games are available in selected toy and game shops around the country and online, including Amazon. For more information message Lesley via the Mathstraks Games facebook page: www.facebook.com/mathstraksgames
myfamily 11
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 12
GET CRAFTY
How to create invitations for your baby’s first birthday party Step 3 Using the Four Your Party stamp set and a sheet of Whisper White cardstock stamp the words “you’re invited” and “party!” On the envelope stamp the word “celebrate” in the bottom right hand corner.
Step 1 MATERIALS LIST
Fold the blank cards in half and stamp your Date, Time and Place stamp on the inside of each card.
l Date, Time, Place Stamp Set l Four Your Party Stamp Set
Step 4
l Strawberry Slush Ink Pad
Using scissors, trim the banners for the front, making a v-shape at the ends for tails. Using the Stampin’ Dimensionals foam pads attach to the front of the card.
l All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack l Note Cards & Envelopes in Whisper White l Whisper White Cardstock l Anywhere Glue Sticks l Rhinestone Basic Jewels l Stampin’ Dimensionals Foam Pads l A photograph of your birthday baby l Paper trimmer l Paper Snips Scissors
Step 5 Step 2 Choose a piece of patterned paper from the All Abloom designer paper stack. Trim the paper to be 4 inches x 3 inches or 10.2cm x 7.7cm. Next trim your baby photograph to be 2 inches x 3 inches or 5.2cm x 7.7cm. Using the glue stick attach the paper to the card front, and then at a jaunty angle affix the image of baby.
www.stampinup.co.uk 12 myfamily
For the final stage, use tweezers to apply the selfadhesive rhinestones to the front of the card.
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 13
GET CRAFTY
The summer holidays might be over, but the fun is just beginning! Suffering from post-Summer blues? Looking for something to distract you from the Autumnal weather? Well, look no further! Hosting a Stampin’ Up! party is a great opportunity to get your friends together, have fun and be creative. Your local Stampin’ Up! demonstrator will come to your home, demonstrate a range of Stampin’ Up!’s beautiful craft products and share a whole host of tips and ideas. You’ll then have plenty of time to get crafty and to peruse the Stampin’ Up! catalogue.
Stampin’ Up! is a direct sales company offering an exclusive line of decorative rubber stamps and beautiful accessories for greeting cards, craft projects and capturing your memories, which can be bought through a network of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. Four great reasons to have a Stampin’ Up! party: 1. The new Autumn/Winter catalogue has just been launched, so there are loads of fabulous new products to try! 2. Your Stampin’ Up! demonstrator will do all the hard work. As the hostess, all you need to do is invite your friends! 3. The party will give you an opportunity to make beautiful projects using the fantastic Stampin’ Up! products – and maybe get a head-start on Christmas cards and gifts! 4. Hostess credits (which can be used to purchase any full-priced catalogue item), and half price items. The more sales your party generates, the more hostess credits and half price items you earn!
To find your local Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and arrange your party visit our website www.stampinup.co.uk or call our free phone support line on 0808 234 4765 www.facebook.com/stampinupuk @stampinupuk
Crafty Tweens Fuel the children’s imaginations and go colour-in crazy creating a unique festive display, to bring cheer to those gloomy winter days in the lead-up to Christmas with Eggnogg’s Colour-in 3D Christmas Tree (RRP £15.99).
Tweens are cool, funky, cute and inquisitive – but anyone who has tried to buy for a tween will know how tricky it can be! If you want to challenge, inspire and entertain the tween in your life, check out Gifts for Tweens – a fantastic online store that offers a choice of creative, fun and unique toys and gifts for children between the ages of 6-12 years old, otherwise known as the Tween age! At Gifts for Tweens you will find a great selection of craft and science inspired kits by Geek and Co. that are sure to fuel your tween’s creative streak, as well as an exceptional range from well-known brands such as Seedling, Pippin, Ein-O Science and Cupcakes & Cartwheels, to name but a few. Whether your tween enjoys crafts, science, baking and nature, or wants to try something new – you will find a wonderful selection of gifts, toys, clothes and accessories that encourage kids to have fun, be active and use their imagination, at
www.eggnogg.co.uk
www.giftsfortweens.co.uk myfamily 13
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 14
COOL KIDS’ ROOMS
Create a space for kids to grow with Petit Home Introducing Petit Home, the online boutique full of quirky and unusual gift inspirations, contemporary kid’s bedroom decor and baby bedroom decorations that defy the predictability of the highstreet!
Stylish Rooms for Little Ones from Nubie
Fairytale Furniture for a Special Person
Create a nursery space that’s safe, comfortable and equally as stylish with the delightful collection of furniture and baby accessories from online children’s boutique, Nubie.co.uk.
Is there a “Special someone” aged 2-7 years, who loves their own special things and loves stories? Someone who loves to play, rapt in their own imagination?
Sourced from around the world, the cool and contemporary range features an array of modern essentials from nursing chairs and changing tables to cots and design-savvy homewares to suit any mother’s style. Choose key furniture pieces from designled brand Oeuf of New York that include a chic mix of minimalist changing table and dresser combos as well as sleekScandinavian style cribs, skilfully crafted using sustainable wood and non-toxic finishes.
As your baby becomes a toddler and the number of toys grows it’s time for the nursery to turn into a child’s bedroom and playroom.
The mumpreneur behind Petit Home, Aurore Vincens, sources timeless accessories and gorgeous items that she would choose to brighten up her own child’s space – products that make her smile! Each item is lovingly handpicked with her little one in mind and then shared with others looking for special items for their own child.
Zandra Johnson, the CEO of Fairytale Furniture, is a passionate advocate for the importance of imaginative play. “Children love their own special things and they love stories. So we put the two together. For every chair we design we write an illustrated story book and include it with the chair.”
So, if you are looking for the perfect items to make your child's space a fun and special place, head to Petit Home for an array of decorative items that make a kid’s room a unique and beautiful place to dream, grow, work & play.
Being a mum Zandra is very aware how active children are, and each design is rigorously tested for safety and stability. All the chairs are also ethically sourced and eco-friendly. There’s even a chair designed for twins.
You will find an exceptional selection of chic and enchanting items to decorate and personalise your child’s room, including children’s bed linen, baby quilts, and adorable kid's cushions, quirky lamps by Heico, poetic mobiles, lovely music boxes and jewellery boxes by Trousselier, plus many more delightful gifts and accessories that are exclusively sold at . . .
www.petithome.co.uk
14 myfamily
Sleek yet practical, the inspiring furniture range is beautifully complemented by a gorgeous selection of baby accessories and uber-cool bedding designs that range from bold robot prints to geometrics in muted pastel hues.
www.nubie.co.uk
“Children seem to relate to the chairs straight away and begin to play. Something that we didn’t foresee was how the chairs become special reading chairs. The children love to read and rock, returning to the chair with yet another book – even if they are only “pretend reading” – it’s establishing a pattern and a love of books. We offer so much more than just a seat”
www.fairytalechildrensfurniture.co.uk
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 15
COOL KIDS’ ROOMS
Creating a Cool Room for a Child Designing and decorating a kid’s room can be fun and exciting for you and your child. Kids love to be involved in choosing all the great things that are going into their space You can have real fun with this, but there are a few things to bear in mind along the way.
Furnishing Depending on the function of the room – bedroom, playroom, a space to chill with friends or all of the aforementioned – you need
decide on the amount of space to allocate to each of the uses and measure up before you ordering furniture. Also think about storage – most kids have loads of stuff and there are some great storage solutions that stylishly combine function, for example – a bed that has a built in guest bed or is combined with a desk for study space.
Lighting Creative and well position lighting fixtures make a child’s room a healthy and inspiring place to grow, learn and play. Fun, playful lighting helps to make a kid’s room an interesting, comfortable space and it helps prevent them developing a fear of the dark. Also, pay special attention to how windows are dressed so that you can make the most of natural light, especially in winter.
Colour Research shows that colour has the ability to inspire, excite, sooth and even agitate, some colours are thought to have an effect on creativity and even on a child’s reading speed and comprehension. If your child has a very clear view of a colour that makes them feel rested, happy or even inspired that’s great, but
if not, the best approach may be to use accents of colour throughout the room.
Bring it all together Finally, if you are struggling to put everything together, it is a good idea to create a mood board filled with the furniture designs, colours, textures, styles and accessories that you and your child love, so that you can see everything come together bit by bit before you begin.
baroo baby and toddler bedding – where imaginations come to life! A one-stop shop for all things modern for little ones, Nubie holds a passion for providing parents with an eclectic collection of high quality products that perfectly complement today’s up-to-date interior style. Brimming with a treasure trove of super chic designs from leading children’s designers, styles range from cribs and cots, toddler beds, to décor accessories and outdoor buys.
Established in 2004, baroo specialises in the design and production of award winning baby and toddler bedding and accessories. baroo gives parents everything they need to transform their little one's bedroom with stunning, fun and imaginative nursery interiors and accompanying accessories.
Enter Voucher code MYFAMILY at checkout for 10% off your first order.
Over the past decade baroo have taken a huge amount of pride in their design and production process which is why they have become a wellloved and trusted brand amongst children, parents and celebrities as well as snapping up some awards along the way. This season, baroo are especially proud of their new collection which consists of 6 gorgeous new designs to capture the imaginations of children and parents alike. Each design consists of a duvet and pillow case set and are made to fit their super snuggly duvets and dream filled pillows. You can view the new collections on their newly launched website:
www.baroo.co.uk
www.nubie.co.uk myfamily 15
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 16
CHANGE TIME
Change time doesn’t have to be a bum deal Carbon Conscious parents have become increasingly aware of the effect of 3 billion disposable nappies thrown away in the UK every year – equating to over 355,000 tonnes of disposable nappy waste every year, with 90% of this going to landfill and an annual disposal cost to local authorities (and tax payers) of £32 million. Reports have shown that a 40% carbon saving can be made through using reusable nappies compared to using disposables – and yes that includes the washing! It is not just our local community that benefits, but our wider environment as well.
Worried about money? Using reusable cloth nappies saves money for both parents and our communities. For every year your baby is in nappies, he or she will need nearly 2,000 nappy changes. With potty training averaging at two and a half years, that is nearly 5,000 nappies per child!
At an average cost of 16p per disposable, between them parents in England and Wales are spending approximately half a billion pounds on disposable nappies every year.
microfiber, hemp and fleece. Whether you are looking for exceptional drying capabilities, something natural or super soft, there is a fabric to suit every family’s need.
Real nappies are not only more environmentally friendly; they can save you money too! Parents can save between £150 and £1,000 over the time of using nappies – even more when the reusable nappies are used on any siblings that might come along!
Choice
It’s Easy Modern cloth nappies come in many shapes and styles, and are designed to be comfortable and secure. It’s not all pins and origami, you can now buy shaped Real Nappies which are styled just like disposables, fastening with poppers or Velcro. Real Nappies today require no boiling; simply pop them in the washing machine before drying and using them again!
Fabulous Fabrics Modern reusable nappies are available in a range of fabrics including organic cotton, bamboo,
With a fantastic choice of styles, fabrics, colours, levels of financial savings and more importantly a choice on how much they can reduce their environmental impact, there is no better time to try reusable cloth nappies. Even using them part time will help reduce a families waste to landfill from birth to potty training. Take a look at the great selection available at www.funkymonkeypants.com
Wipes When it comes to change time it’s not just disposable nappies that have an impact on the environment and our bank accounts – take a moment to think how many disposable wipes are used in just one day! The good news is that there are a number of reusable wipes available that can simply be thrown in the washing machine along with your reusable nappy wash. Check out www.cheekywipes.com – their revolutionary All-In-One Kit will help you do your bit for the environment and save you up to £250 vs using disposable baby wipes while your little one is in nappies!
Potty Training When your child is ready to leave nappies behind and is ready to start potty training, you’ll be pleased to know that by choosing a LumiPotti™ for your little one, you will be reducing your carbon footprint as it is made here in the UK. LumiPotti™ encourages children’s natural progression through every stage for total toilet training. Toilet training is more than just day dry. LumiPotti™ doesn’t stop when the night draws in – its special movement activated night light helps children master night dryness too. For more information and for potty training advice visit www.lumipotti.com.
16 myfamily
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 17
CHANGE TIME
Toilet Training…. Is a big challenge for a little person, so we developed LumiPotti™ for days and nights! LumiPotti’s removable night light is movement sensitive, activating as they sit up in bed. Dry nights achieved, the nightlight provides a handy little light to guide them for years to come . . . Made in Britain with anti-microbial plastic.
10% off direct at LumiPotti.com
Our funky handmade Nappy Bags are cleverly designed to contain all your baby essentials on the go – includes matching changing bag, mat, dribble cloth and wipes pouch. Checkout our unique range of bespoke Nappy Bags, Toddler Bags, Baby Accessories, Jeans Bags and Tote Bags in cool designs including Marvel Comic, Mr Men, Polka Dots & many more. Each design is handmade to order in small limited runs and if you can’t find what you’re looking for we can customise a bag for you.
use code LOCAL14
For more information and stockists see www.lumipotti.com email: info@lumipotti.com
An independent nursery store in West Sussex. Our online presence concentrates on those great products that make travel and days out with little ones so much easier.
www.facebook.com/funkylittlebugs
Eco shopping for your cloth nappies & accessories If you live in Cornwall drop in and see us at 5c Water Ma Trout Industrial Estate Helston TR11 0LW, call 01326617171 or visit www.funkymonkeypants.com
Help & Advice for your nappy needs
Informative articles, discounts and so much more . . . Check out the latest issue FREE online at
www.fiesta-tots.co.uk
www.mybabymagazine.co.uk
myfamily 17
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 18
HEALTH
Tiny Tweaks: Controlling Your Weight over Christmas and the New Year By Denise Hughes
If like most people the indulgence of Christmas and New Year result in you gaining a few extra pounds, you can try to stop this happening by adding a few little tweaks to how you eat over the festive season. Let’s start by stating that to put on 1lb of weight you have to over eat by a whopping 3,500 calories! So one large meal won’t put too many inches around your waist, but as we know Christmas and the New Year seem to roll into one big long eating and drinking session. This leads to over eating and our clothes start to feel really tight. Tiny Tweaks is designed to help you to be good and feel better over the festive season. Tiny tweaks means swapping un-healthy food for a more healthy option. Here are a few tips: l Christmas is an ideal time to eat more protein. Eating more protein like chicken, turkey and even eggs (at breakfast) for example make you feel fuller quicker. Why? Because proteins contain amino acids which send a quick message to the brain that you are full – a signal to stop eating. l Try starting your Christmas meal with a clear soup with chunks of vegetables in, rather than a creamy one with pureed vegetables. A clear soup has fewer calories in than a creamy one. The chunky vegetables make you feel fuller for longer and less likely to over eat. l With Christmas lunch try to stick to unprocessed food – steer clear from the stuffing, sausages wrapped in bacon, and bread sauce, try to choose just the meat, vegetables, and a handful of roast potatoes to keep you full. For desert say no to Christmas cake, pudding, trifle and brandy butter. Instead have a mince pie, but remove the top. Mince
18 myfamily
pies contain around 240 calories each, but without its top on you will cut this down to 160 calories, as a third of them are in the lid. l As the drinks keep flowing bear in mind that alcohol contains empty calories and will increase your appetite. So try to save calories by having a white wine spritzer, but add fizzy water and not lemonade to make your drink last longer . After lunch comes the big flop down in front of the television with snacks, nibbles and chocolate. l Snacking is one of the main reason people put on weight, so try buying in healthier options like Pitta breads (great toasted), hummus, oatcakes, nuts and seeds, malt loaf and fresh, canned or dried fruit. Treat yourself to a good quality bar of dark chocolate, and have a few small squares a day, rather than the whole bar. You could even turn this into a game with the whole family, who can keep their bar of chocolate the longest. l Tempted by peanuts? Try swapping a 25g handful of roasted salted peanuts for a handful of shelled hazelnuts. Roasted peanuts have less than 2 per cent of the recommended daily allowance of the nutrient and antioxidant, Vitamin E, compared to over 50 per cent that is found in the 25g of hazelnuts. This little nut also contains more Iron than roasted topside of beef and more folic acid than broccoli. l And finally compensate for any over indulgence by making an effort to eat less for the next few days and exercise a bit more. Everyone enjoys a walk and getting outside whatever the weather, makes you feel better. Finally, it is best not to start a diet over Christmas but try to be sensible about your weight and food in-take. You can find more diet tips and advice on the Fabulous Body Diet website:
www.fabulousbodydiet.com
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:54
Page 19
Christmas Gift Guide
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 20
CHILDREN’S GIFTS
Magical Gifts for Kids With Christmas just around the corner, now is the time to get organised and start to write your Christmas list. At this time of year the high street is heaving with mass produced toys and games, and it can be hard to filter through everything to find something that is special for your child. There are so many wonderful items available but tracking them down in the busy Christmas rush can be a nightmare. So, if you are looking for an extra special gift this Christmas, why not enjoy a stress free shopping experience as you browse for the perfect festive treat from the warmth of your living room. You may already have a few ideas of what to buy for that special little person in your life but if you are struggling to find the perfect gift, we are here to help. We’ve been searching the internet to put together a selection of gorgeous gifts that are sure to bring smiles all around on Christmas
morning. The criteria for the ‘Children’s Gift Guide’ were to offer you gift inspirations that wouldn’t usually be found on the high street – gifts that stand out from the crowd! As well as educational and creative gifts that will spark their imagination way beyond Christmas, we have chosen a selection of gorgeous alternatives for children and babies – from unique handmade gifts and keepsakes, to wonderful décor for kid’s spaces, soft snuggly
items to keep out the winter chill and super stylish outfits, so they will be dressed to impress this festive season. There are also some fabulous competition prizes up for grabs and exclusive discount codes from a selection of retailers, to help your Christmas budget go a little further.
Happy Shopping from the My Family Team x
cottonkids lots of fun eco-friendly bags for all occasions VISIT WE S OUR ITE FORBT FULLHE RANG E
A selection of chic bed linen, lighting, decorative accessories, wall stickers and musical playthings
• Large personalised Christmas Sacks & Aprons • • Duffle, laundry, tote & shopping bags galore • Call us on 01323 482186 • sales@cottonkids.co.uk
www.cottonkids.co.uk 20 myfamily
www.petithome.co.uk
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 21
CHILDREN’S GIFTS
Gorgeous Christmas gift ideas at Busy Peas… Busy Peas, is a brand that revolves around an adorable range of clothing, toys and books for babies, toddlers and infants. The Busy Peas product ranges feature five cute fruit and vegetable characters – Peat Pea, Tom Tomato, Carry Carrot, Stewart Strawberry and Gene Aubergine. The roots of this business lie in the garden –bringing fashion and education together, Busy Peas designs introduce children to fruit and vegetables at an early age, encouraging them to read and learn to grow their special favourites! BabyPod is a vibrant range of clothing for babies from newborn to 18 months, that includes colourful all-in-one baby grows, sleepsuits, bodysuits, comfy daywear, bibs, hats and booties, all made in the softest cotton to care for baby’s delicate skin. Playpod introduces the fruit and vegetable characters as a range of entertaining and educational books and toys, which includes ‘The veggie bunch’s Christmas’ a fabulous festive addition to the range. Each toddler toy has a cheeky personality, while the toddler books involve the child in the adventures of their favourite Busy Peas character.
First holy communion, flower girl, christening, bridesmaid dresses, dance wear and occasion wear for children.
The Busy Peas Luxury Collection is a beautiful white handmade baby gift box containing an all-in-one with matching accessories, toy and a delightful story book. The box comes tied with a gorgeous green ribbon and a Busy Peas tag –the perfect gift for every little boy and girl this Christmas!
Toys, Gifts and Cards 10% off with code MF10
All products are available to purchase online at
www.littlejemsmanchester.co.uk
LONG SLEEVE BABYGROWS SHORT SLEEVE BABY T-SHIRTS MATERNITY TOPS • BABY GIFTS SCRATCH MITTENS • MUM & DAD T-SHIRTS • FATHER & BABY GIFT SETS • BABY HATS & MORE
www.spoiltrotten.com myfamily 21
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 22
CHILDREN’S GIFTS
a Bundle of Joy this Christmas It’s beginning to look a For BundleBean GO is a multi-use waterproof footmuff, lot like Christmas! designed to keep little ones Join in the fun as the fabulous FESTIVE GIFT FAIR, returns to the NEC from 20 – 23 November 2014. Christmas is all in the preparation! Start with a trip to THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR and you will see how easy it is to find everything you need for the perfect Christmas, all under one roof.
warm and dry this winter. A waterproof shell is backed with cosy fleece and various design features make this the most versatile footmuff on the market. It fits pushchairs, car seats, bike seats and slings/carriers; it can also be used as a play-mat/ waterproof rug or rolled up for easy storage.
From the moment you walk into the Fair, you will be caught up in the excitement of the day, exploring over 325 stalls full of clever new gift ideas and decorations that don’t cost the earth. The variety is huge, with something for ALL the family!
This ingenious product fits all ages from newborn, fits in seconds and cheers up the gloomiest of winter days, making it a perfect gift for busy parents on the go! BundleBean GO has won many parenting and product awards for its design and practicality. It comes in five stunning colours including the ever popular red star and grey elephant prints.
And when your bags are full, drop them off at the Present Crèche and continue to shop or stop for a bite to eat and enjoy the atmosphere created by bands, choirs and entertainers. Find out for yourself why so many people LOVE shopping at FESTIVE GIFT FAIR and return every year! For further information or to buy tickets visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk.
RRP £29.99 • Discount code: MYFAMILY20 – for 20% off
Visit: www.bundlebean.com
Something a little bit different Cherish & Cherubs is providing gifts that are just that little bit different this Christmas – designed to ensure gifts for little ones and mums have the x-factor.
Warm, Snug, Fun and Easy to POP-ON We love POP-ONs – the latest must have for tots on the go! With sleeves which give babies and toddlers freedom to stretch their arms, play with toys or explore the ribbons around the front pocket whilst ‘on the go’ – there’s no more frustrated babies with nothing to do!
No little boy’s room would be complete without a train! This personalised wooden train with front and rear carriages is just the ticket – for just £3 for the pair of carriages and £1.25 per letter. Everyone should have a special top to wear at Christmas – especially little angels. This personalised T-shirt is available in navy, pink, khaki, red and grey for £20 – also available in reindeer andChristmas pudding design. Cherish & Cherubs was set up to bring a fresh approach to gift buying. With an ethos of quirky, different and quality, the online retailer strives to provide products that aren’t stocked on the high-street, to ensure British homes retain the much loved quirky nature we’re renowed for. For more great gift ideas that kids will love visit
www.cherishandcherubs.co.uk 22 myfamily
POP-ON fits over harnesses on buggies, car seats, etc. making it quick and easy to put on and take off, which is great for the changeable British weather. With fold over sleeve ends and a foot pocket, tiny hands and toes keep warm and snug. When not in use, they can be folded into the foot pocket to make a soft fleecy cushion. Available in sizes 0-1 year or 1-3 years. For the full range of colours and other wonderful products visit
www.coziewarmers.co.uk
WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN! For your chance to win your very own POP-ON simply email your name, address and daytime contact number to heather@coziewarmers.co.uk (Competition closes at midnight on 29th December 2014)
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 23
CHILDREN’S GIFTS
Introducing The Sparkle Club, the online store for little girls and budding princesses – the place that dreams are made of! There’s something special for every occasion including girls party shoes , bags, accessories bridesmaid shoes and bridesmaid bags, plus dress-up and gifts too.
TOZIE Slippers for Babies and Toddlers 0-4 years Our soft and flexible Tozie slippers / soft shoes have been designed to stay on! With anti slip grips on fleece soles they are the next best thing to bare feet. See website for full range of colours and sizes available.
Check out our fabulous range of girl’s sparkly party shoes and bags, and baby princess shoes, which are created exclusively for the Sparkle Club by our awardwinning team of designers. For glittering Christmas Gift ideas visit our website today!
www.thesparkleclub.co.uk
www.coziewarmers.co.uk Phone: 01525 718097
Bring some joy to Christmas with our wonderful world of children’s toys, clothes, and accessories at www.loubilou.com
myfamily 23
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 24
CHILDREN’S GIFTS
Tween Gift Inspirations Tweens are funny, cute and curious but this inquisitive and rapidly developing in-between age can be difficult to buy for. So, here are a selection of items that we think tweenagers will find entertaining, useful, inspiring and super stylish – things that Tweens will adore! Design your own Superhero Cape by Seedling What better way to encourage your Tween's imagination than by helping him to design his own cape. A great design kit for boys, it is good fun to make and is certain to be used over and over again. Price £27.00 www.giftsfortweens.co.uk
Sparkly heeled party shoes Martha are beautiful 2 part girls fashion sparkly heeled party shoes. Heeled section in fine silver glitter and front section in chunky fuchsia glitter. Edged in silver with silver ankle strap and TWO detachable flower trims, one in pink and one in silver for FOUR styles in one! Price £17.99 www.thesparkleclub.co.uk use code MYFAMILY – for 10% off
ZOOB Bot – perfect for kids who love robots and love to build! Endorsed by the Science Museum this is an award winning building set with a difference; the pieces move, can interchange and offer numerous design possibilities. Instructions include two design options – a vehicle and a robot. Pull back motor action and light up eyes/headlamps. The set includes 50 ZOOB pieces. Suits ages 6 and up. Price: £27.00 www.smartstart-toys.co.uk
Helco Bunny Rabbit lamp Add a fairytale touch to a child’s space with this cute little rabbit lamp by Heico. It looks great in any nursery and kid’s room décor, casting a wonderful warm light it is as pretty switched on as switched off. Its soft tone adapts to any environment; retro or design and it gives a humoristic touch to any room. Available in white, pink or blue – £38.00
Paris colouring poster Kids will love this giant Paris coloring poster (0.5m high, 1.8m wide) from OMY Design & Play, a French brand, founded by graphic artists and illustrators. Put this art paper on a wall or on the floor it will make a nice creative decoration and will keep your kids busy for hours! £15.50 www.petithome.co.uk
www.petithome.co.uk
Mini-Jumps Mini-Jumps are the fun exercise game for kids aged 4 to 14. Available in two sizes they are specially designed for safe play. The crossbar height is fully adjustable and their lightweight ensures no injuries if impacted. Easy to put up and compact to store, Mini-Jumps turn your garden, hall or garage into a Gymkhana party venue! www.mini-jumps.co.uk Tel: 01832 238008
24 myfamily
Cloud Nine Children's Bracelet A multi strand leather cord bracelet with gold plated heart charms. This pretty children’s charm bracelet is finished off with a gold plated lobster clasp. The bracelet comes in a peach colour. For age range 6-8 years, price £14.00 www.thelittlebritishcompany.co.uk
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 25
CHILDREN’S GIFTS
Great Gifts for Tots Whether you are looking for a special gift to celebrate baby’s first Christmas or a present that will stretch a child’s imagination, here are a few items that we think you will love . . . Christmas Velour Sleepsuits These wonderfully festive Christmas Velour Sleep suits in red or white are super soft and cosy. Front fastening with press studs to make change time quick and easy. The red and white stripe detail to sleeves and feet, with Santa and Christmas tree applique on the front make them the perfect gift for baby’s first Christmas. £7.50 www.littlejemsmanchester.co.uk
FINtastic FUN! SwimFin is suitable for children from 2 yrs+ through to adults learning to swim. It can be used across all four swim strokes for all abilities. Worn on the back, it works in harmony with the body providing total freedom around the arms and legs, thus allowing for a natural swimming position. www.swimfin.co.uk
Jack in The Box – perfect for kids who love surprises! A beautifully crafted wooden Jack in The Box. Turn the handle and watch as Jack springs out in his bright fun costume. This traditional wooden classic will last the generations and never go out of fashion. Suits ages 3 and up. Price: £16.00
Gotrovo – the active treasure hunt game that gets kids moving!
www.smartstart-toys.co.uk
Baby Merino Coat and Hat Set Your little one will look great in this adorable Baby Merino coat and hat set in raspberry, finished with black merino edging to collar and cuffs. The little double breasted coat has a tucked in waist with six pretty flower buttons, comes with a cute hat with raspberry coloured pom poms. Perfect for winter days this stylish set can be knitted to order on request. £65.00 www.incywincycashmere.co.uk
Can You Guess? Orchard Toys has launched the perfect family game for Christmas! Can You Guess? is an action-packed performance game for ages 4 and over, make sounds and perform actions, which the other players have to guess. Confident children can show off their acting skills, while those who are a little more shy, will grow more comfortable being the centre of attention. At just £11.75, it’s a great way game for your little stars this Christmas! www.orchardtoys.com
Gotrovo is the perfect family gift for Christmas – get the kids away from their screens by laying a trail for your intrepid treasure hunters to follow. Perfect for mixed ages and abilities – good oldfashioned fun!. Recommended Age 3+. £19.95 inc free P&P. www.gotrovo.uk
Multi-striped Bunny Our floppy-eared, multistriped bunny has to be the brightest rattle in town! Featuring all the colours in our organic cotton range, he’s fun, friendly and fully machinewashable. Hand-knitted in 100% cotton yarn and made in Bangladesh by talented and capable artisans. Purchase this cute little guy and you will be supporting families in rural Bangladesh – removing the need for economic migration and providing women with flexible working opportunities close to their homes. Price £13.75 www.funkymonkeypants.com
myfamily 25
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 26
CHILDREN’S GIFTS
What Mum Says . . . Buying gifts and toys for children can be trickier than it sounds. Children grow and their tastes change quickly – so how do you find a gift that will stand the test of time and keep their interest long beyond Christmas day. Whether you are short of ideas or feel confused by the amount of choice there is for kids, one thing’s for sure – Mum usually has a good idea of what their child would love for Christmas.
game is always on their Christmas lists and past favourites include Jenga, Operation and Pop Up Pirate. It’s great to hear them laughing as they play together – myself and my husband have been known to take our turn too. Mandy, mum of Kieran aged 3 Kieran loves anything with wheels – fire engines, racing cars, bikes and tractors; he’s got them all! If he can scoot them around the floor, climb in and drive or watch them speed around a track, they are sure to be a hit. His favourite toy at the moment is a figure of 8 wooden train set – he loves driving the train around the track and repositioning the people and houses. Melissa, mum of Scarlet aged 9
This got us thinking and we asked 4 mums to share their ideas about what makes the ideal gift. Sarah, mum of 3 children aged between 6 and 10 years Although my children are all very different, they all love to play together. A game that involves multiple players is always a hit when the wrapping paper comes off! In our house a good
Scarlet is very creative; she likes cutting, sticking, stitching, painting and anything that involves glitter. She is always thinking about what her next creation could be and on Christmas day you will quite literally find my daughter playing with the cardboard box, as she uses her creativity to turn it into something spectacular. If you know a child like Scarlet, I would suggest Seedling Fashion Designer Kit.
Jayne, mum of Josh aged 5 My son Josh loves puzzles – he’s a real thinker! He loves working through the process of fitting the pieces together to create the end result – it gives him a real feeling of satisfaction. We have a number of puzzles that Josh plays with over and over again. He especially likes puzzles that use skills he is learning at school, like learning how to put letters together to make words or that test is numeracy skills – his favourite is a 30piece number puzzle called One,Two,Tree by Orchard Toys.
Smart Start Toys offer quality educational toys for children of all ages, including discovery and creative kits, games, science kits and puzzles.
A vibrant range of clothing, toys and books for babies from newborn to 18 months.
Our award winning toys are innovative and fun providing extensive learning and play value.
Bringing fashion and education together, Busy Peas introduces children to fruit and vegetables at an early age, encouraging them to read and learn to grow their special favourites!
We offer a gift wrapping service and a speedy delivery to all UK mainland addresses.
“PicO¬youV¬own” uniUYI¬gifX foV¬XLaX¬WpeciaP¬baby. For more information please contact: Jayne Liston: T. 0208 748 7671 E. jayne@busypeas.co.uk
*SV (MWGSYRX YWI GSHI 1=&%&= EX XLI GLIGOSYX valid until 31/1/2015
www.busy peas.co.uk 26 myfamily
Enjoy 15% off your next order with offer code: MFM14
Free delivery on orders over £60
www.smartstart-toys.co.uk
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 27
CHILDREN’S GIFTS
Gifts for Tweens offer a choice of creative, fun and unique toys and gifts for tweenagers between the ages of 6-12 years old.
At Gifts for Tweens you will find favourite brands including Seedling, Little Experience, Ridleys by Wild & Wolf, X-ray Anatomy sets by Revell, Pippin Jewellery Sets, Spiegelburg, and Cupcakes & Cartwheels, to name but a few. For exceptional gifts, toys, clothes and accessories that encourage tweens to have fun, be active and use their imagination, visit our website . . .
www.giftsfortweens.co.uk
They found the treasure – can you? Watch your little ones delight in hours of treasurehunting magic with 5 star rated treasure hunt game, Gotrovo! Perfect for play-dates, parties, or special one-to-one time, it’s the stuff memories are made of. You could even lay a trail to the Christmas presents! Recommended Age: 3+ • £19.95 including free P&P
www.gotrovo.uk
myfamily 27
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 28
CHILDREN’S GIFTS
Inspiring Young Minds at Christmas Play is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital to their development. Kids learn best when they are having fun because they engage more. Learning through play helps children develop social and cognitive skills, gain self-confidence and mature emotionally. Although PCs, tablets and electronic games play their part in teaching these key skills, it is important to encourage kids to turn off the gadgets and play. Christmas is the ideal time to do this and there are loads of great gifts, games, toys and puzzles that will fire up their imagination, spark their creativity and will keep on giving way beyond Christmas. Here are a few tips to help you to choose toys and games for your child, that will help them to learn and develop key skills while having lots of fun too:
l Consider toys that encourage creativity, such as toys that can be taken apart and put back together again or that involve creating shapes or models that will grow with your child and provide hours of fun. Lego or sticky bricks, cookery sets and craft kits are good examples of creative gifts that have stood the test of time. l Good toys allow children to use their imagination rather than directing how they play – dolls, playhouses, dens and cars are good examples of toys that will spark their imagination and provide a platform for play. l It is good for a child to be able to entertain themselves but equally important for them to be able to play with others, share and understand the rules of game play. A game that they can play with other children or their parents such as a board or card game will challenge them and encourage social interaction. l Avoid gimmicks and toys that are too complex – simplicity allows the child to use their own imagination and avoids the frustration that comes with over complicated gadgets and gizmos.
Christmas Fun for Kids from Mathstraks Games This Christmas, your child can enjoy an enchanted journey of mathematical play with three award winning new numeracy card games by Mathstraks Games. Mathical Creatures, Monster Maths and Fairy Tables offer hours of educational, festive fun for 2-4 players. Imagination Gaming Awards, silver award winner for Best Numeracy Games – Monster Maths, is an exciting card game for children aged 5+. Monster Maths will help your youngster practise and improve addition
skills for 1 and 2 digit numbers – using simple sums, the aim of the game is to be the first player to make a monster. Your little ones will love playing Mathical Creatures – an enjoyable, mathematical card game for children aged 7+ which uses the fun theme of myths and monsters, to teach and reinforce key numeracy skills. This much-loved game will help your child practise and improve their mental arithmetic, and improve their maths confidence through play. Fairy Tables will take your child to a magical realm of fire-breathing dragons, handsome princes and beautiful princesses, where they use their times tables knowledge in
28 myfamily
a race to place fairy tale characters in stories. This is an ingenious card game to help kids aged 7+ practise and learn their multiplication tables. Mathstraks Games are available from many independent toy and games shops and a variety of online retailers including Amazon.
For supplier information, check out Mathstraks Facebook page www.facebook.com/mathstraksgames
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 29
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 30
CHILDREN’S GIFTS
The award winning company dedicated to making children Feel Good about themselves and their world.
Fun, educational products that help to build confidence and self esteem. Encouraging children to feel happy, creative, magical and special. Bring the Feel Good factor into your home!
For more information visit
www.feelgoodfriends.com
Win a Treasure Hunt Game
Teach the time in a week?
Every child loves a treasure hunt . . . and with 5 star rated treasure hunt game Gotrovo, so will you! Developed with educationalists, this unique and highly adaptable game inspires children to learn while they play, following a trail of clues through your home, garden or local park. Real active fun without a screen in sight! Perfect for play-dates, parties or magical one to one time. Suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities to play together. The kit comes complete with 100 reusable clue cards, treasure maps, swag bag, golden coins and a golden treasure bar. Just lay the trail and watch them go! Recommended Age 3+ • £19.95 including free P&P
www.gotrovo.uk
WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN! Aramazu illustrated books make great gifts. Fun, easy to read and effective, 85% of children learn to tell the time in one week.
"very impressed" TimesOnline www.aramazu.com/shop Prices from £6.99 + p&p
30 myfamily
To win your free Gotrovo answer the riddle Scrub your hands ‘til they’re nice and pink, your next clue’s hiding in the _ _ _ _ Email us with the answer along with your name and address at info@gotrovo.uk by the 10th December 2014 and we will pick the lucky winners at random and post your game out in plenty of time for Christmas!
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 31
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 32
HANDMADE WITH LOVE
Unique, bespoke and handmade with love As the Christmas trees and decorations go up, and you tuck into your first mince pie; it should be starting to feel a lot like Christmas!
You are probably thinking about joining millions of shoppers on the highstreet to find gifts and décor to make Christmas 2014 an occasion to remember. But, before you join them, please take a moment to think about buying handmade gifts for friends and loved ones this year. Handmade gifts are cool, stylish, trendy and usually one-of-a kind; besides, it is so much more fun shopping for unusual, quirky items that can’t be found on the highstreet. Few gifts are more appreciated than those that have been made by hand and when you give a handmade gift, your loved one will be delighted that your intention was to make it both personal and unique – that you chose something especially for them! Usually you’ll be in direct contact with the person who is making the item for you, which means that they may be able to tweak the design or personalise the gift to your own specification. Also, because handmade gifts are rarely mass-produced, it solves the problem of giving an identical gift as someone else.
Simply Christmas This year, the creatively inclined will be in their element at the brand new Simply Christmas show, 28 – 30 November at the ExCel, London. Held alongside the established Hobbycrafts and Art Materials Live shows, Simply Christmas offers the perfect opportunity for crafty types to stock up on all they need to make beautiful festive cards and presents this holiday season. Inspirational workshops and tips from exhibitors will give visitors a chance to create their very own handmade pieces to add some Christmas spirit and sparkle to their homes or pick up clever ideas in the many ways to add some creative touches to cards and presents. Buy tickets on-line at www.ichf.co.uk or Phone Ticket Hotline: 01425 277988
32 myfamily
In the age of mass produced goods, let’s not forget the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing that you are helping to support a skill or trade in a very direct way. When you buy a handmade gift you gain a unique connection with an artisan – which is really cool! Plus, buying handmade, especially locally can greatly reduce your carbon footprint – so you will be helping the environment too. So, if you are sitting down to write your Christmas list and you are looking for something a little different or there’s someone who is tricky to buy for, a handmade gift may be just the solution that you are looking for.
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 33
HANDMADE WITH LOVE
The Perfect Teddy Bear Companion The Shetland Teddy Bear Company® is a small, award winning family business, making an adorable collection of traditional jointed heirloom teddy bears in the remote Shetland Islands. Looking for something different? Something for twins? Something they can play with, read in and treasure as their own special chair? Every chair comes with its own illustrated story book, perfect for encouraging little ones to read. Child’s wooden rocking chair with illustrated story book: £149
The charming little family of Teddy Bears are handmade from 100% Organic Shetland Wool, which is grown, spun, woven and knitted on the island. Each cuddly bear wears either a chunky hand knitted scarf, lace scarf or shawl. They are made entirely by hand and each bear comes with a certificate, hand signed by the artist. Uradale Bears are the new addition to the clan and are available in 6 Heritage colours made from natural plant dyes. Each bear’s heritage is fully traceable back to the actual field on which the wool was grown, Uradale Croft, in the Shetland Islands. To find the perfect teddy bear or a fabulous keepsake gift, visit: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ShetlandTeddyBearCo or follow www.facebook.com/shetlandteddybears on Facebook
www.fairytalechildrensfurniture.co.uk
Bags of funky gifts for Christmas A reflection of modern family life from birth to early teens
As the Christmas countdown begins, it is likely that you are looking for just the right gifts for everyone on your list this year. Look no further – check out Funky Little Bugs, for bags of stylish gift ideas this Christmas. Mum’s all over the world love the unique, quirky range of bags and accessories handmade by Steph right here in the UK. Funky Little Bugs offers an eye catching collection of Nappy Bags, Toddler Bags, Jeans Bags, Tote Bags and baby accessories, featuring the popular Marvel Comic series, Mr Men, Polka Dots and many more original designs.
Informative articles, discounts and so much more . . .
Sign up to receive our newsletter today! check out the latest issue FREE online at
www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk
New lines are regularly added but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, Steph welcomes orders for commissioned items – working with her customers to create a bag that will suit the users own style and need. To find the perfect gift, personalised Santa Sacks, Christmas Stockings and Gift Bags visit
www.facebook.com/funkylittlebugs myfamily 33
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 34
MADE IN BRITAIN
Reasons to Buy British Goodies this Christmas The countdown to Christmas has begun and there is no better time to make the most of the great selection of British made gifts and décor available.
In Britain, we are fortunate to have a wealth of homegrown industry and innovations right on our doorstep. For those who enjoy the best that life has to offer; the ‘Made in Britain’ label represents some of the finest quality gifts, decorations, tableware, food and drink, in the world. Christmas is a time for giving but when we are considering what to give to that special person on our list, isn’t it our duty to think about how and where it was made? When you buy an item with British pedigree you know that you are not only supporting ethical production, fair wages and decent working conditions but reducing the environmental impact of imported goods. You will be buying a safe, traceable product that has been produced to very high standards of safety. British made products may sometimes cost a little more, but because they are often better made, you are investing in something of quality that will last.
By purchasing British products you will be helping to keep age old skills of craftsmen and women in studios, workshops, factories and farms throughout the British Isles alive. You will be assisting future growth and prosperity, strengthening British production and British capabilities – benefiting future generations too! If we all buy British made products, the increasing demand for things made in the UK would force retailers to think twice about where they source their products from. By flying the flag for British made goods, we hope that you will take inspiration from the wonderful items recommended in this section for the family and friends on your Christmas list this year.
Gibsons Creates the Perfect Recipe for Post Xmas Dinner Fun As a British, family company established in 1919, we pride ourselves on all things British. After dinner puzzles are a favourite British pastime and a perfect way to keep the whole family entertained this Christmas. To pass the puzzling bug onto the very wee ones in your life, why not try our My World range? There are 19 fun, educational puzzles and games in
From teensy 2 piece to whopping 60 piece giant floor puzzles, there’s lots to learn and discover!
the range that have all been developed in conjunction with child psychologist, Amanda Gummer, so they are perfectly tailored to teach children essential skills for life.
Our Spot the Sillies range is perfect for children aged 5+ who want a puzzle that is a little trickier than My World, but just as fun. There are five different scenes, from horse riding lessons, to pirate pandemonium, all have 100 pieces and once complete have 10 silly additions – the challenge is to find them all! For aspiring geographers, our award-winning Jig-Maps provide hours of entertainment and a good geography lesson... for Mum and Dad too, we’re betting! Each puzzle sets the challenge not only of piecing
34 myfamily
together the map, but placing each identically shaped country or city name in the right spot on the puzzle. There are three editions in the range, UK & Ireland, Europe and World maps. Gibsons are available from a range of good toy and gift shops around the UK – use the store finder online at www.gibsonsgames.co.uk/ where-to-buy
WIN! + WIN! + WIN! We’ve teamed up with My Family to give away 5 Gibsons puzzles in time for Christmas. To enter go to ‘competitions’ at www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk, choose a puzzle and click the link to enter before 8th December 2014
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 35
MADE IN BRITAIN
From Britain with Love The Little British Company was launched in 2013 by Jacky, who has always had a passion for all the lovely things Britain has to offer.
10% Discount
to all readers with code MF10
Shewanted to come up with a website that would exhibit the gorgeous products you can find on your doorstep, that are produced in beautiful Britain. What’s more she wanted to develop a place where people could buy British made, high quality goods and support our UK traders without the consumer having to break the bank! The Little British Company has something for everyone on your gift list on our easy to use online store. An award winning company which is driven by passion to support British made goods and ultimately delivering them to you; for you and your gifts receivers to enjoy! 1st class delivery and free gift wrapping help to complete your shopping experience.
www.thelittlebritishcompany.co.uk
www.thelittlebritishcompany.co.uk
Bibbles are functional, attractive and great for teething babies and dribbly toddlers. Designed and lovingly manufactured in Nottingham, UK. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ ShetlandTeddyBearCo
Bibbles are made with a quality soft cotton top fabric to absorb wetness and a soft fleece under layer to act as a barrier, preventing clothing and baby’s chin from becoming wet and uncomfortable. Adjustable nickel free press-studs means it’s a comfy fit and being machine washable, your Bibble will last for years!
Luxurious hand knitted cashmere baby wear
Bibbles come in a continually changing range of colours and designs to suit every taste and will enhance any outfit, ideal for the modern mum and baby of today.
Everything you need to keep your little one warm, cosy and comfy. All of our knitwear can be knitted to order Member of Craft Scotland and UK Handknitting
www.incywincycashmere.co.uk
10% Off your 1st order with code FAMILY
www.bandana-bibs.co.uk myfamily 35
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 36
GIFTS FOR GROWN UPS
Finding the right gift for Grown Ups Choosing the right gift for someone can be difficult and as we all go into shopping autopilot this Christmas, it is easy to run out of ideas. Then there is also the ‘tricky to buy for’ recipient, who seems to have everything and needs nothing! At some point we all find ourselves asking ‘What am I supposed to get?’ Adults especially, can be hard to buy for and we can often find ourselves heading for the wine, socks or chocolates in order to find a ‘quick fix’ to our gift giving dilemmas; knowing deep down, that we could have chosen better! Before you hit the highstreet this Christmas have a few ideas in mind or you will walk around aimlessly searching for the perfect gift. Give it some thought before you go shopping – decide whether the gift that you would like to give
should be sentimental, humorous or breath-taking? Does the recipient have a quirky personality; are they sporty, do they have a hobby or a special interest? Are they an extrovert? They may like something that will challenge them or get their adrenalin going, like an experience day. Be creative and bear in mind, that the perfect gift you bought for one person will not be the perfect gift for everyone.
Unique Handmade Gifts and Keepsakes If you are looking for a unique gift for Christmas, a keepsake to mark the arrival of a new baby or a gift to treasure for a special person in your life, The Silver Impression Company can provide you with the perfect gift. The stylish collection of fine silver jewellery and gifts includes pendants, cufflinks, bracelets, keyrings and handbag charms that can be personalised with a loved one's fingerprint, handprint or footprint to create a totally one-of-a-kind gift. Simply take an impression using the quick and easy-to-use kit provided, return by post and the impression is then returned to you as a beautiful piece of silver jewellery. Every item is handmade right here in the UK by Jane Allman, the talented designer behind The Silver Impression Company. If you can’t find exactly what you are looking for, Jane will design an item to your own personal specifications – ensuring that your gift giving moment is truly memorable one. Visit:
www.fingerprintjewellerycompany.co.uk
36 myfamily
The perfect gift should be personal, after all that is what makes it the perfect gift! Maybe they would prefer jewellery or keepsake or something that is hand-made? There are also things to avoid! If you don’t know the recipient well enough avoid gifts like makeup as it is easy to get it wrong or earrings, which can’t be exchange
or refunded (for hygiene reasons) if the recipient doesn’t like your choice. Before you head to the highstreet, explore the internet – there is a world of fabulous gift ideas at your fingertips. This will also take the legwork and stress out of gift shopping, as your gifts can be delivered directly to your door.
Anyone & Any Occasion – Gift Basket Make Christmas fun, remarkable and memorable with the perfect gift basket, whatever the occasion, whoever the recipient. The Anyone & Any Occasion Gift Basket is carefully wrapped in cellophane and adorned with ribbons to make a stunning presentation with your own personal printed message card included. Anyone & Any Occasion – Gift Basket contains: Coffee, Cup and Saucer, Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Candle, Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Soap, Luxury Neck Pillow, Jet Set Toiletries Bag, Inflatable Bath Pillow, Eye Mask and a Towel Turban for her OR a soft, absorbent hand towel for him. Price: £150.00
www.mainlybaby.co.uk
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 37
GIFTS FOR GROWN UPS
The Wonder Weeks The worldwide #1 bestselling infant development book The Wonder Weeks is a worldwide bestseller explaining the perceptual world and the leaps babies make from 0-20 months. With each leap comes a drastic change in your baby’s mental development, which affects not only his mood, but also his health, sleeping patterns and the “three C’s” (crying, clinging and crankiness). The Wonder Weeks helps your baby to get the most out of his development and helps him go through these difficult phases.
It’s finally here – My Wonder Weeks Journal . . . For all those magical leaps How did YOUR baby make the leaps? What did he do? How did he react? What did he like to look at? You can now record all of this information in The Best – Journal – Ever! The NEW Wonder Weeks Journal will help you to get an insight into the little things that make huge impact. Writing and scrapbooking in this journal is fun and meanwhile… the questions make you much more aware of the brainy things your clever, smart, fabulous baby is doing. The Wonder Weeks Journal is the ultimate Christmas present! Be the author of your own most treasured book! Available: 16 November
www.thewonderweeks.com
myfamily 37
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 38
AWAY WITH THE KIDS
Things to do this winter The clocks may have gone back and the shortest day is fast approaching, but that doesn’t have to signal a time of hibernation for us humans! Winter can be one of the nicest times of the year to get out and about – less crowded and clear blue skies (sometimes!). Fewer tourists make this a great time for families with small children to get out and about in the UK. Whether taking an invigorating walk along the coast, meandering through the countryside or visiting a Christmas Market, you will be spoilt for choice. Gather the family together and head for UK’s spectacular Christmas destination – Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, from 21st November for six exciting weeks of winter festivities, entertainment and new attractions. Visit The Magical Ice Kingdom where children and adults are invited to walk through the frozen forest and explore the world of frozen princesses, unicorns and the Snow before heading to Santa Land, where young visitors can meet Father Christmas and his Elves. Take to the ice for a spin the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink or watch the action from above, on the iconic Giant Observation Wheel. Other favourite attractions include the ever-popular daytime show for all the family, Zippos Christmas Circus and an evening show for older thrill seekers, Cirque Berserk. Christmas shoppers can browse over 200 chalets in the beautiful Angels Christmas & Yuletide Markets for unusual and handmade gifts and crafts, before stopping off for a glass of mulled wine and something to eat at one of the restaurants and bars throughout the attraction. For further information visit www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
38 myfamily
A wealth of beautifully lit Christmas trees in the Castle Courtyard welcomes you to Christmas of a bygone era. Walkers House restaurant will be serving a delicious selection of home-made and locally sourced dishes, tea, coffee, cakes, warmed mince pies and Mulled Wine. The Castle Gift Shop is filled with delightful Christmas goodies and gifts for friends and family. For information about opening times and entry costs visit www.rockinghamcastle.com Pay a visit to Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire from 25th November to 21st December, where you can enter the world of the Stahlbaum family as Clara and Fritz celebrate a traditional Christmas Eve in the Nutcracker Mansion. Witness the battle between Clara's Nutcracker doll and gingerbread soldier, against the Mouse King and his army of mice, then follow Clara's journey as she weaves through the Christmas Forest to the Land of Sweets. Costumed guides will be baking traditional festive delicacies and there are mincemeat treats to enjoy. For information about opening times and entry costs visit www.tattonpark.org.uk
Take a step back in time for a Victorian Christmas at Rockingham Castle, 17th to 21st November. It’s Christmas Eve 1881 – George Lewis Watson, his wife Laura Maria, and several if their relatives are at Rockingham for Christmas. The Castle Staff are busy preparing for a magnificent family Christmas gathering. Dressed in period costume, the House Keeper, Governess, Butler & Footman will be taking you back in time to the reign of Queen Victoria; their stories of Victorian family life below stairs and above will entertain and delight.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve and welcome 2015 with a bang at the London NYE 2014 Fireworks, presented by the Mayor of London. At midnight on New Year’s Eve London’s night skies will be a blaze of light and colour with a display of stunning pyrotechnics from the river on London’s famous South Bank. It’s a truly breath-taking sight set against the capital’s unique skyline, and one that draws crowds of over 500,000 people each year – making London’s NYE Fireworks one of the biggest celebrations of its kind in the world. Don’t miss out on this spectacular event, tickets are £10 each and you can book up to four tickets www.london.gov.uk/nye Don’t stay indoors waiting for spring – wrap up warm, grab a brolly and venture outdoors to see all that this fabulous season has to offer – because winter’s just too good to waste!
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 39
AWAY WITH THE KIDS
A Cottage Break in England’s smallest county Quietly nestling in England’s smallest county is St Monica's Cottage, a place to unwind and enjoy a taste of traditional England. Set in the quaint and picturesque conservation village of Egleton in Rutland, the beautifully renovated cottage overlooks scenic farmland to the rear, beyond which is the well-known Rutland Water. St Monica’s is a single storey thatched cottage, furnished to a very high standard with leather sofas, a fitted kitchen and central wood burning stove, providing luxury self-catering accommodation for up to six people.
Festive Travel Tips by Alexandra Wyver-Northam – founder of fiesta-tots.co.uk
I remember 7 years ago, preparing for Christmas. Our child was just 4 months old and we were going to be away from home for nearly 2 weeks. I could still hear my Mum’s and Mother-in-Law’s amusement at how much kit we seemed to need, to go anywhere with one little baby. Well, we made that first Christmas our opportunity to prove them wrong. We packed sensibly for all three of us and tried to reduce the amount of clothing we took. Let’s face it; there really wasn’t any need for more than 3-4 outfits for a little baby, especially when we had easy access to a washing machine.
There are two bedrooms – one large double bedroom with king size bed and en-suite bathroom with roll top cast iron bath and large shower, plus a twin bedroom with adjacent shower room. The enclosed gardens are furnished with a table and seating, providing a peaceful place to enjoy views over open countryside and a safe environment for children to play. Easily accessible by car or train this dreamy little cottage provides perfect location for those wanting to explore an array of unspoilt villages, attractive market towns and the beautiful countryside of Rutland and beyond.
For more information visit www.holidaylettings.co.uk/95665 or telephone: +44 (0) 7771 610668 or +44 (0) 1572 722749
Things to see and do . . . There is so much to see and do right on your door step in the unique little county of Rutland. If you enjoy sailing, windsurfing, fishing, walking and cycling Rutland Water is the place to be.
20 minutes away, nearby Stamford is well worth a visit with a traditional of Friday Street market, a wealth of boutiques and cafes all surrounded by Georgian splendor. Or, pay a visit to Burghley House – events include Spooky Tours, The Burghley Pumpkin Trail, Santa Fun Run and Christmas Carol Concert for Families.
One piece of equipment that definitely helped us in our mission was the Koo-di Bubble Travel Cot (previously known as Samsonite) – with an integrated mosquito net and mattress, it packs up very small and light. It’s officially suitable for up to 18 month olds, although we used it up to two years old. We needed to wake up for a madly early flight, so we used a travel sleeping bag that made the transfer from bed to car seat much easier. I’d recommend Inventa by Love to Dream – it has re-sealable slot for the car seat crotch buckle to go through and also benefits from zipped vents – a great idea when travelling because of the many fluctuations in temperature. My third and final equipment tip is the small and innocent looking Sock Ons. So small but they pack a punch for usefulness. No more lost socks and cold feet, of vital importance when travelling remember the packing light on the clothing front idea? You don’t want to risk loosing a sock and you don’t want a baby full of cold over Christmas. Trust me, they work!
myfamily 39
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 40
SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY
Gifts with Purpose Christmas is just around the corner and if you are looking for a gift for someone with special needs or a disability, you’ll be pleased to know that there is an extensive range of exciting and useful gifts to choose from.
The MedicAlert Foundation helps people with Medical Conditions or Allergies live life to the full MedicAlert members wear a custom made Bracelet or Necklace, which is engraved with their basic medical details. Healthcare professionals are trained to look for the MedicAlert symbol that is inscribed on the jewellery, when checking the neck or wrist pulse points. This enables a medical condition to be quickly diagnosed in an emergency.
Buying a gift for a person with special needs or disability does not have to be difficult if you follow a few simple steps. The best place to start is to think about things that the recipient enjoys such as hobbies, activities, a favourite TV show, storybook characters etc.
Should more information be required, a call to the 24/7 emergency number (engraved on the jewellery) can be made to gain access to the member’s detailed medical record.
Think about limitations that the recipient may have – can they use the item independently, will it be useful or make life easier for them?
This enables MedicAlert members to live their lives as normally as possible, in the knowledge that if they find themselves in an emergency situation, their MedicAlert jewellery will communicate their condition even if they can’t.
Consider whether the recipient would like a gift that will help them learn new skills or help develop a skill that they are working on – look out sensory products, items that help with speech and language or with selfhelp skills.
MedicAlert has been working for 50 years, receiving no funding from government or the NHS, being mainly financed by the membership fees and sales of the jewellery.
www.medicalert.org.uk
Fashionable chewing bracelets For style and comfort on the go… BundleBean GO is the perfect cosy and waterproof cover for kids in special-needs buggies or wheelchairs. It is nonrestrictive and can be fitted in seconds without moving your child. It doubles as a waterproof blanket or mat for time out of the buggy and features a pouch pocket for special things. RRP £29.99 Discount code: SPECIAL20 – for 20% off From www.bundlebean.com Fits all brands of special needs buggy and kids wheelchair – suitable for ages from newborn up to about 12 years of age.
40 myfamily
Chewigem Tread Bangles are a range of stylish chewing bracelets with a tyre tread pattern and designed to look amazingly fashionable whilst discreetly serving your child’s need to chew.
Christmas Glitter Balls
Especially rewarding to babies & children and adults with special needs, autism and sensory processing difficulties, who seek additional proprioceptive input into the jaw. Non-toxic and safe to chew. Age 3 Years+
Our fabulous Christmas Glitter Balls are magical multi-sensory balls which are fascinating to observe, and super bouncy too - with a cheerful Christmas character inside. Made in tough, rubbery transparent plastic, each is filled with a glittering liquid mixture. Bounce, shake or roll the ball and the glitter within the ball swirls and erupts into mesmerizing clouds of dancing glitter – excellent ball for 'To and Fro' games to get them interacting. Age 3 Years+
www.sensorytoywarehouse.com
www.sensorytoywarehouse.com
Suitable for moderate to aggressive chewers – helping to provide valuable sensory input into the jaw through chewing and biting.
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 41
SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY
Reforms for children with SEN and disabilities come into effect The biggest education reforms in a generation for children and young people with special educational needs became law on Monday 1 September. The new Children and Families Act will offer simpler, improved and consistent help for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
As well as protecting the schools budget, it will extend provision from birth to 25 years of age. This will give families greater choice in decisions and ensure needs are properly met. The new system will extend rights and protection to young people by introducing a new education, health and care plan. Professionals will also provide more tailored support to families, giving them the help and assistance they need. In England 1 in 5 children has SEN or disability, ranging from dyslexia to a physical impairment. These reforms, outlined in the code of practice, will enable them and their parents to have a role in shaping the support they receive. The code of practice advises local education authorities, maintained schools, early education settings and others on carrying out statutory duties for children’s special educational needs. ‘Pathfinder’ families in 31 areas around the country have taken part in pilots for the change. Their feedback has shown that they
believe the reforms help to place them at the centre of the system. The reforms were developed in partnership with parent groups, including the National Network of Parent Carer Forum, Contact a Family and Special Needs Jungle. For further information visit www.gov.uk
Bibbleplus+ b a n d a n a
b i b s
Bibble Plus+ Bandana Bibs are the functional and stylish solution for older children, teenagers and adults who have difficulties with drooling and dribbling. Bibble Plus+ are available in 3 sizes and come in a range of colours and designs to suit every taste and enhance any outfit.
Receive 10% off your 1st order. Enter code: FAMILY10 at the checkout to receive your discount
www.bibbleplus.co.uk myfamily 41
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 42
POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM
Supporting students with autism Henshaws College in Harrogate provides specialist further education for students with a diverse range of needs. Henshaws is building on its existing services for students with autism by opening new residential and teaching facilities on campus in 2015, alongside developing technology to support autistic learners.
have many years of experience in supporting young people to develop their independence, employability and communication skills.
Places available for September 2015
l A sector-leading Assistive Technology team
One in three students at Henshaws College has a diagnosis of autism. The College’s highly trained education, care and therapy teams
l Personalised study programmes from PreEntry to Level 1
These new facilities will allow the College to develop further its excellence in this area of provision by creating a safe, specialist environment for learners with autism.
Students at Henshaws benefit from: l In–house therapists and disability support specialists l Team Teach trained staff
l First class residential, media and sports facilities.
New technology for autistic learners Henshaws College is working with the North East Autism Society to produce two innovative solutions for autistic learners. The Autism Day Planner and the Sequence Slider will support learners on the autistic spectrum to sequence daily routines and work tasks. Support staff and parents can access the planner remotely to update routines, giving students a method to deal with change and unfamiliar activities.
Visit Henshaws College Families are always welcome to contact the College to arrange a visit:
Call 01423 886451 or email admissions@henshaws.ac.uk
www.henshaws.ac.uk
& " () " '$ $ $ (*&&%') College
$( ,( %"" &'%+ ( (& " () * ) %$ %' . - ' %" ( *' " '$ $ ' $ ) ' &- ) #( (*&&%') ()* $)( , ) *) (# ( $(%'- #& '# $)( & -( " ( " ) ( $ " '$ $ *") ( )% + ) ' "%$ ) '# % "(
' $)
%%! -%*' + ( ) # (( %$(@ $( ,( *! ,,, $( ,( *! $( ,( %"" % ( $ ''% ) %') %'!( ' 42 myfamily
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 43
POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM BASTON HOUSE SCHOOL CASE STUDY
Sally took a gamble by sending her son to a new and unproven school, but Baston House has paid off for the whole family in many ways Sally Pettitt has three children, the middle one being 13-year-old Harry who was among the first six students at Baston House School
Limited choices Harry was diagnosed with autism (PDD-NOS) when he was four years old but was fortunate enough to be able to attend a mainstream primary school, which was more than able to adequately address what Sally believed were his needs at the time. However, when the time came to consider his secondary education, Sally had to reassess the situation, especially in light of the fact that their Local Education Authority offered only a limited choice of settings. “His primary school had served him very well but they accepted that Harry needed more than a mainstream school could provide at the next stage,” Sally says. “The only option we were given by the LEA was not geared specifically to children with autism and, as a child who is very able on the autistic spectrum, we felt that Harry would plateau academically if he was not given the right opportunities.” “I had heard that a new school was being started up, one which I subsequently discovered would focus only on children similar to Harry, and when I eventually went to look around I realised that we had found precisely what we needed.”
interaction,” Sally explains. “He is extremely sensitive to noise and texture, for example, which means he finds it difficult to function in a supermarket or restaurant so it was always difficult to take him shopping, or to go out for a family meal as he had a very limited diet. Since being at Baston House, he has learned to try, and enjoy, a much wider range of foods and he is a great deal more confident around people outside his immediate family. The change has been dramatic.”
A major impact on learning Sally believes that it is the approach of Baston House which has effected this change in her son. With a complete understanding of each child’s individual needs, the teaching and other trained staff members are able to tailor the curriculum to every student. “Harry needs speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and the availability of a psychologist, all of whom are always on-site and provide regular
input. These resources, along with the small class sizes, have almost certainly had the biggest impact on Harry’s learning and achievement, and given him a far greater chance to reach the potential he undoubtedly has.”
Addressing the challenges in the most effective way Autism is a disorder which presents each child it affects with a varying range of challenges. At Baston House, believes Sally, every child is recognised as a person in their own right and treated accordingly. “All these children have something to offer and should be given the chance to shine. Whether Harry will be able to capitalise on his academic or other achievements in the future we don’t know, but at least he has been given the chance to make the most of his abilities. As far as I am concerned, I will know that by enrolling him at Baston House I have done the very best I can as a mother.”
Huge steps forward That school was Baston House, officially opened by Samantha Cameron in 2011, and although Sally had to challenge the decision of the LEA, twice she was triumphant at tribunal. “It was a bit of a gamble as the school had only recently opened but I liked the ethos and what they promised, and I was right to take the chance. Not only does Harry have a smile on his face every morning, he is learning, achieving and much more socially adept than before. That in itself is a huge step forward.”
A dramatic change Whilst Harry is currently out-performing for his age in some areas and likely to take some recognised qualifications, other aspects of his disorder were potentially holding him back from a more rounded life, as well as restricting that of his own family. “In common with many autistic children, Harry has sensory processing disorder which affects his ability to maintain normal
To learn more about Baston House visit
www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk
myfamily 43
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:55
Page 44
POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM
Wear it for Autism is a Smash Hit!!! Wear it for Autism 2014 proved to be a great success for the second year, as the sell-out event saw 200 plus guests and celebrities fill the venue at the Millennium Hotel Knightsbridge to raise awareness of autism. Founded by Anna Kennedy OBE of autism charity Anna Kennedy Online – Wear it for Autism provided the opportunity to highlight the difficulties faced by people on the spectrum and their families, and to celebrate the amazing achievement of inspirational mums, dads, children, grandparents and carers, who either have autism themselves or care for those living with the condition. Anna Kennedy OBE says, “The idea behind Wear It For Autism was to spoil those who usually never get a chance to treat – or even think – of themselves. Living with autism can be challenging and extremely demanding, so we wanted to create a special event that would be fun for all involved’ During a vigorous and emotional process earlier on in the year, judges Steven Smith, Angel Sinclair, Dr Pam Spurr, Maggie Paterson, Sam Tomlin and Fiona Shepherd went through the heart wrenching process of choosing winners from many worthy nominations to take centre stage at the event.
The winners – all of whom are affected by autism, were greeted on the catwalk by numerous celebrities including Amy Willerton, George Gilby, Mitch Winehouse, Arlene Phillips, Keith Mason, Dr Pam Spurr, Steven King and Nicola Duffet – which in itself was a highlight of the evening. During the show, the audience which included celebrity guests Lydia Lucy and Olivia Cox, enjoyed performances from Pineapple Performing Arts, Jess and the Bandits, X Factor and Autism’s Got Talent star Scott James and the adorable Ryan Wiggins, who didn’t leave a dry eye in the house. Another major highlight was the announcement of author Steven Smith as the new patron of Anna Kennedy Online.
The winning line up Ann Wright, Sharon King, Maimuna Mutaasa, Lisa EmberyDonaghy, Craig Binns, Lee Cook, Sandra Trotter, Demi Stamp, Emma Bell, Anne and Steven Rann, Dani Bowman and Sophie Jayne Garner, were pampered by professional make-up artists and styled by Celebrity Stylist Lewis-Duncan Weedon, before joining celebrity hosts and Models of Diversity to strut their stuff on the catwalk.
Steven Smith commented, “Having been a judge for ‘Wear if for Autism’ I understand the often horrific bullying in society of young people with Autism and the discrimination they face in life. I wanted to make a difference. Meeting the truly remarkable Anna Kennedy OBE inspired me to come on board. I hope to bring my skills to the table and help make a difference.”
Delighted with Steven Smith’s support Anna commented, “I asked Steven Smith to become the new patron of the charity, because of his ongoing and extensive support of the charity and Wear it for Autism. He has been on board from start to finish, and has participated in several events to raise money and awareness for both the charity and for autism. He has become a fantastic ambassador and a close friend. He was very excited when I asked him to fill the role, and I was thrilled when he agreed. I couldn’t wait to announce the news at Wear it for Autism.” Thanks to the masses of support received from Models of Diversity, My A Dress Book, Bon Prix, Miglio Jewellery, Living Autism, Pineapple Performing Arts plus the donation of items to the winners and the event, Wear it for Autism 2014 charity fashion event was the epitome of glitz and glamour. Anna commented ‘’I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved, who helped make the second Wear it for Autism the best yet!’’ Photos: © So Shoot Me Photography & Avalanche Studio
44 myfamily
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:56
Page 45
POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM
myfamily 45
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:56
Page 46
POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM
Hillingdon Manor School Celebrates 15th Year Anna Kennedy OBE and staff at Hillingdon Manor School had a great deal to be proud of at the recent celebration of the school’s fifteenth year. The special event included pupils and teachers, who were joined parents and special guests Sir John Randell, MP for Uxbridge and Waterloo Road Star Richard Mylan – who was met with very excited members of staff and pupils, many of whom are fans of the show.
Guests enjoyed a star performance by Dance with Attitude – Hillingdon’s street dance group, and pupils helped Anna to cut a Birthday Cake to mark the special occasion. The highlight of the celebrations was when pupils in their final year, gave heartfelt and emotional speeches on what the school had meant to them.
autistic children, after her two autistic sons were turned away from mainstream education. Shomari Nassor described his experience at Hillingdon Manor School, “I am very different to how I was when I started at Hillingdon Manor in 2007. This may just be an old building and school that needs tender loving care, but its cosy, its home and a great place to learn.” The school was founded by autism campaigner Anna Kennedy OBE, who re-mortgaged her own house so she could set up a school for
The Trip by Jamie Foster In December 2013, students from West London Community College performed the world premiere of their original play about autism; in August 2014 they took ‘The Trip’ to the masses to perform at the biggest performing arts festival in the world – Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I’m proud to say I was fully backed by Hillcrest and my managers. We opened online money giving pages, sold cakes and lunches in the college. Armed with a mini bus full of set, costume and, of course, enthusiastic actors, we headed to Edinburgh full of anticipation; it didn’t disappoint. From start to finish, the experience was truly amazing. The play was extremely well received and the actors themselves fell in love with this ancient city.
46 myfamily
We enjoyed as much as we could of what Edinburgh had to offer; from seeing other shows to the museums to the nightlife. The highlight has to be seeing this extraordinary group of individuals work so tirelessly as a team to pull each other through our time there. They
Hillingdon Manor School first opened its doors to 19 pupils in September 1999 as a specialist primary school for children with an autistic spectrum condition. Today, the school is located over three sites and is the largest school for children with autism in the UK & Europe – offering a brighter future to students through a unique mix of education and support to pupils across the spectrum.
www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk
lived together, laughed together, even cried together, but came out the other side as stronger, more confident human beings. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved up there. Our aim was to educate the audiences about the complex condition that is autism. We did that every time we stopped someone and asked them to take a flyer.
www.autismconsultants.org
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:56
Page 47
POSITIVE ABOUT AUTISM
It’s that time again…
Show us your TALENT!!!!! The date is set and the Theatre booked. So, it would seem that everything is in place. Actually that is not strictly true! What we are missing at this time is the most important part of all . . . the STARS of the show! If you have a relative, child or friend who is on the spectrum and has a great talent that they could share with others then why not get in touch with us? Maybe you yourself are on the spectrum and have a hankering to take to the stage.
All that we ask people to do who are interested in entering themselves or someone they know for Autism’s Got Talent is to send us a little Vid/Youtube clip of that person performing so that we can see them when making our decision.
Each year we look for a diverse mix of talents from across the spectrum and the country. It is not all about singing and dancing, so if you think you can play an instrument and WOW people, perform magic and make Austin disappear or even present a talk on something you have achieved, as the lovely Jo Redman did this year on her Kick-Boxing – then please DO get in touch with us. Don’t presume we won’t be interested in what you do!
The decision process is VERY difficult for us as we like to make the show as diverse as possible. If you are not lucky enough to be chosen please do not take it as a negative. Chances are it will just mean we had too many people doing the same thing or from the same area. Believe me we would LOVE to have EVERYONE but the show would end up being a week long! As a final note please do remember that Autism’s Got Talent is NOT a competition but rather a CELEBRATION of just how talented those on the Autistic Spectrum really can be.
Please send all Vids/Youtube clips to lisa.robins@thevines.org.uk or Austin@annakennedyonline.com. Entries will be accepted up until December 31st. The decision process will take place in January 2015. Get practicing and GET THOSE ENTRIES IN!! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
myfamily 47
My Family 20
3/11/14
16:56
Page 48
Baston House School • Bromley Specialist independent day facility for children diagnosed with autism aged between 5 & 16 years l A centre of excellence in education and development. l Local Authority referrals welcome l Admissions now being taken for Primary and Secondary School The following open morning is planned for parents and carers wishing to find out more about Baston House School Thursday 5th March 2015 (Starting at 10am) For admissions and information about upcoming events call 020 8462 1010 or visit www.bastonhouseschool.org.uk Baston House School Baston Road • Hayes • Bromley • Kent BR2 7AB
Hillingdon Manor The largest school for children with autism, in the UK & Europe Specialist independent day education for children aged between 3 and 19. The following open mornings are planned for parents and carers wishing to find out more about Hillingdon Manor school:
Yiewsley Grange (Lower School) Monday 1st December 2014 • Wednesday 25th March 2015 (all starting at 10.30am)
Tel: 01895 420315 for further information
The Manor (Upper School) Thursday 11th December 2014 • Thursday 12th February 2015 (all starting at 11am)
Tel: 01895 813679 for further information Local Authority referrals accepted. • Access to the National Curriculum. For more information about admissions, open days and events, visit www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk or contact the Head Teacher, Akinyi Dulo on 01895 813679