Kidscene Magazine Issue 45 by KidsceneMagazineOnline

JA N / F E B

2020

Your handbag sized guide

www.kidscenemagazine.co.uk

ISSUE 45

Credit: The Sunday Times

Happy babies & children in a safe, stimulated environment, where they can develop & reach their full potential

FREE TRIAL 1-29 FEBRUARY

At your local Kumon Swansea, Sketty Study Centre, our aim at Kumon is to help children of any age and any ability discover their full potential and achieve beyond expectations. With 60 years of experience, the Kumon Maths and English Programmes enable students to develop into confident, independent learners.

1 February and 29 February, we are offering a one-week Free Trial to all new students at our study centre.

Kumon study helps students develop a positive attitude to study. This can increase their enjoyment across a wide range of subjects at school, whilst also preparing them for personal and professional success later in life. We believe this opportunity to grow on both an academic and a personal level should be available to all children. That is why, between

The Kumon Swansea, Sketty Study Centre is located at Wales National Pool, Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8QG, with classes run on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3pm to 7pm.

To take part in our Free Trial and find out how Kumon can help your child excel, book a consultation with your local study centre.

You can contact your local Instructor, Meghana Ransing, on 01792 296 909 or email swanseasketty@kumoncentre.co.uk

Jan/Feb

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W H A TS O N JUST JUM P CLASSIC WE LSH CAKES R E A D I N G W I T H B O YS BOOK REVIEWS PERCEPTION & POSITIVIT Y

NEXT EDITION | MAR/APR 2019 COPY DEADLINE | FEB 17th 2019 20,000 copies of Kidscene Magazine are delivered directly into primary schools from SA1 to SA15 areas bi-monthly.

P.15

Cafe Play Mumbles

Café Play Mumbles, which has a fantastic two-storey play frame, is an ideal venue for children to play and interact in a safe and secure environment while you sit back and enjoy freshly ground coffee, some great food and a glass of wine. We’ll be hosting some great events throughout the year and can also be booked for children’s and adult’s parties making your celebration as stress-free as possible. Find us on Facebook for latest news, events and offers!

Get Healthy in 2020! Llanelli 2km Fun Run

The half marathon entires may be closed but you can still join us at the 2020 Funtime Fruits Family Fun Run taking place after the half marathon runners start, taking in 2K of the official half marathon route. The 2km fun run shares the Start/Finish Line of the Half Marathon at the iconic Parc Y Scarlets! It is suitable for all ages and abilities - the focus is on enjoyment and inclusion. Bring your family and friends and make it a morning to remember - medals for all who finish! Sign up today for just ÂŁ7.50! www.llanellihalf.co.uk

SIGN U

P NOW

9th www.l February 20 lanell ihalf.c 20 o.uk What an end to 2019 and a great start to 2020! BABY COLLEGE has been selected as a FINALIST in the Baby and Toddler Class of the Year category for the Wales Childrens Activities and Services Awards. Am absolutely over the moon. Check out www.babycollege.co.uk/ Swansea-Neath-and-Llanelli

grand

Part of British Science Week 2020 Discover more about Swansea University’s incredible scientific research!

FR En EE try !

SUPER SCIENCE SWANSEA

Sunday 8th March 11am - 4pm At the National Waterfront Museum

For more details, visit: OrielScience

@OrielScience

orielscience.co.uk

Super Science Swansea Sunday 8th March 11am – 4pm Swansea University’s Oriel Science returns to host “Super Science Swansea” at the National Waterfront Museum, during British Science Week 2020. Visitors of all ages will see a huge range of interactive science exhibits, from animals and insects to meteorites and robots! Spend the day exploring current research with hands on learning, suitable for the entire family! Come and meet extraordinary women whose lives and careers have been shaped by science at our interactive workshops and panel discussions in collaboration with Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales and view the inspiring 100 Welsh Women exhibition to see the fantastic women who have shaped our history. There will also be some fantastic talks from special guests throughout the day. And admission is FREE!! If you love science, this is not to be missed!

waterfront

9th February 2020 www.llanellihalf.co.uk

January

13th - Feb 10th - Monday Munchkins in WWT Wetlands, Llanelli. Every Monday during term time bring your toddlers to take part in exciting activities designed especially for them. With a different theme each week, typical activities include pond dipping, minibeast hunting, crafts, stories, songs, games, and feeding the birds. 11-12pm. 18th - Amazing Astronomy Afternoon at the Waterfront Museum. 12-4pm. Suitable for families. Embrace the time of year when our are skies are at their darkest, with a full family programme to inspire, inform and celebrate all things astronomical. 18th - Star Dome at the Waterfront Museum. 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm. Age 7+ and bookings essential. An awe inspiring whistle-stop tour of the stars in an inflatable planetarium. This exhilarating show brought to us by Dark Sky Wales will launch you interstellar to view constellations, planets and our galaxy.

26th - Make & Take - Cwtch Crafts at the Waterfront Museum. Drop in to make a cute cwtch craft for someone you love. 12.30pm-3.30pm

26th - Lap Harp Workshop at the Waterfront Museum. 12.30pm. Always wanted to try the harp? Come along to try our National Instrument of Wales, with harpist Shelley Fairplay This lovely Santes Dwynwen workshop will include demonstrations on a Pedal, Celtic and Lap Harp, then along with Shelleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidance, you can have a go at playing one of the fifteen 17 string lap harps available on the day. 26th - Santes Dwynwen Stories at the Waterfront Museum. Listen to the tale of Santes Dwynwen our Welsh Patron Saint of lovers. 1pm, 2pm & 3pm.

February

1st - Chinese New Year at the Waterfront Museum. 11-3pm. Join us to mark the New Year of the Rat with stories, crafts, cultural music and a mini lantern parade for all the family.

4th - The Little Prince at the Miners' Ammanford. 7pm. Find out how the Little Prince leaves behind his own tiny asteroid and journeys through the universe, coming face to face with the baffling world of grown-ups! Once on planet Earth, the Little Prince is welcomed by a mysterious snake and a wise fox

before encountering the lone pilot. Together they discover the beauty of friendship and the complexity of love. Based on the world-famous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince brings Protein’s award-winning mix of dance, humour and spoken word. Suitable for children young and old 8th - National Storytelling Week: Discover traditional tales from Wales in St Fagans. 1.30pm3.30pm. Its National Storytelling Week so why not join us for a tale or two to spark your imagination. Come and hear stories from the Mabinogion, in the atmospheric setting of Llys Llywelyn – our recreation of a medieval Royal Court of the Princes of Gwynedd.

SIGN UP NOW!! 9th - Frontrunner Events Llanelli Half Marathon Fun Run. 9am start. The race will start and finish at the 2020 home9th of theFebruary legendary Scarlets rugby team, Parc y Scarlets, as we www.llanellihalf.co.uk take you along the Coastal Link Road through Sandy Water Park to Pwll where you join the beautiful Millennium Coastal Path. Come rain or shine, this is the perfect race to help blow off the winter cobwebs and test yourself as we prepare for the return of Springtime. 9th - Tractorama! Swansea Bay Bus Museum & Transport Heritage Centre. A show for tractors old and new, something for enthusiasts and families plus agri - jumble. 10-3pm.

19th - Puss in Boots at the Miners' Ammanford. 1- 3.30pm. Using smoke and mirrors and hidden trapdoors we’ll show you how a sure-footed feline fools both the King and the Ogre to put his master at the top. With a host of puppets, a working windmill and an avalanche of fruit and nuts, this classic furry tail is the cat’s whiskers! 13th - 15th - Shrek the Musical at Swansea Grand Theatre. Performed by Harry's Youth Theatre. 15th - 23rd - Welsh Puddle Jumping Championships at the WWT Wetlands, Llanelli. Pull on your wellies, get out into nature, get muddy and have a splashing time this February half term. Our Puddle Jumping Championships are all-weather wetland fun and the perfect rainy day activity! But it's not just for the kids - grownups, unleash your inner child, release everyday stress and get splashing with some good oldfashioned merriment. Kids, challenge your grownups to see who can make the biggest, craziest splash. Will you claim the Welsh title for 2020 and take home the beautiful silver trophy? There will be daily winners, too, so get practising your perfect splash in our warm-up areas.

19th - Welsh Wrestling at the Ffwrnes Theatre. 7pm. Get ready to rumble with all the thrills and spills of live wrestling. Expect an evening of glitz, glamour and bodyslam mayhem as the Welsh Wrestling roadshow invades for one night only! See the over-the-top stars of the wrestling world collide in a night of super slamming action. A great night of family entertainment that really packs a punch! 19th - Llanelli House Princess hero and Super Hero Tea. 3pm. A great Half Term Treat & a fantastic way to finish off the Llanelli Town Centre Super Hero Day. Meet a Princess Hero & Say Hi to some other Super Heroes joining us at Llanelly House for Tea! Booking is essential 29th - March 1st - Croeso in Swansea City Centre. Celebrate St Davids Day and our Welsh Heritage at Croeso, a two day festival in the City Centre. 11-4pm. Hear Welsh music, sample the best of Welsh food and drink and check out the craft workshops. 29th - St Davids Day Food & Drink Festival. Pembrey Country Park.

For more information on what's on follow kindscene Magazine on Facebook!

"...stepping on a bellicon feels like stuffing my face with marshmallows it fills me with joy from head to toe."

CLASSES... Monday 9:30 - 10:15am Dunvant (NEW CLASS)

Tuesday 9:30 - 10:15am Parklands Church, Sketty Park Wednesday 6 - 6:45pm & 7 - 7:45pm Waunarlwydd Community Centre Thursday 6 - 6:45pm & 7 - 7:45pm Gowerton Comprehensive School

Prepare to e the 638 muxercise every one of while being scles in your body low imp and revitalisact, low stress ing. Reboundin shapes and g is suitable for all si to elderly, zes, from the young and from ab men and women solu professionalte beginners to athletes.

TO BOOK... Direct message Stef via the Facebook page 'Just Jump' or call/text 07388054097

Friday Sketty 9.30 - 10.15am BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL AS REBOUNDERS ARE LIMITED!

disease, osteoporosis and cancer! Rebounding is the perfect exercise! STRESS RELIEF - Rebounding on a bellicon is the most fun way to relieve stress! People are now very aware of the power of exercise to combat the negative effects of stress and bouncing on a bellicon is not just about working out and losing weight, it's also a fun way to relieve that stress.

FITNESS BENEFITS

Just Jump rebounding fitness classes started in April 2019 and are going from strength to strength. Working from local community centres around Swansea, the classes lasting 45mins are small and extremely effective. The bellicon rebounder is the best of the best, with incomparably high elasticity due to the bungee ring suspension and top quality bungee cords. Training on a bellicon is therefore quite different to the conventional spring trampoline, or as one client put it, "Stepping on my bellicon feels like stuffing my face with marshmallows. It fills me with fluffy joy from head to toe". Some of the many benefits of rebounding include:

HEALTH BENEFITS OSTEOPOROSIS - Whether we like it or not, bones slowly deteriorate after our 35th year. Fortunately, we don't notice anything of this. Until we make an unfortunate fall and a bone says 'crack'. Osteoporosis is the process of bone deterioration. And the bellicon® rebounder is the remedy for doing something about it! Current science says that the simple act of jumping up and down is the single best exercise for maintaining/improving bone density and by bouncing on a bellicon, bone deterioration stops. WEIGHT CONTROL - Rebounding burns fat 50% faster than running

and because it's so much fun, and far less exhausting, you'll actually want to do it! Consistency is key to weight management and you're far more likely to stay committed, if you enjoy it! BACK PAIN - Bouncing on the ultra gentle bungees of the Bellicon® rebounder strengthens core muscles, including lower back muscles; it lubricates joints, creating more flexibility and comfort and improves balance, coordination & posture. This is the recipe for a healthy, pain free back! LYMPH AND EDEMA - Arguably the single best exercise for your lymphatic system: The energizing effects of a rebounding workout ignites your lymphatic system, helping to flush toxins, bacteria and other waste from your body. You’ll be left feeling renewed and cleansed from the inside out! PELVIC FLOOR - The act of bouncing on a rebounder naturally strengthens your pelvic floor. For people with pelvic floor weakness, the proper form of this exercise can not only strengthen the surrounding muscles themselves, but can also help maintain a healthy weight and encourage proper digestive functioning, both of which can help to reduce symptoms of pelvic floor instability. IMMUNE SYSTEM - The best way to build your defenses against illness and environmental conditions, is to provide your body with what it needs most – a healthy diet and lifestyle that includes moderate but effective aerobic exercise. Exercise not only helps your immune system fight off simple bacterial and viral infections, it decreases your chances of developing heart

CARDIO - Recent studies have confirmed that bouncing on a rebounder is significantly superior to running for reaching target heart rates, increasing cardio strength and engaging muscles, and that it also reduces fat 50% faster. Test subjects report that it's less fatiguing, and would choose to exercise longer while jumping. Rebounding increases your metabolic rate, helping you burn more calories more efficiently. And with no strain on your joints. STRENGTH - All 638 muscles in your body are activated when bouncing on a rebounder. Your muscles respond to alternating weightlessness and 3x g-force, by flexing and relaxing instantaneously, strengthening and toning them naturally and efficiently. Activates every cell, organ, muscle, tendon, and bone in your body. TONING - Core stability muscles are constantly engaged, without thinking about it, to keep you stable and balanced, so you're toning your core every moment you're on the rebounder. You'll strengthen your stomach and lower back muscles, without a single crunch! Your legs and glutes will be particularly toned in a holistic and effective way that only rebounding can do. Added dynamic arm sequences ensure a full body tone-up! BALANCE & COORDINATION - The constant engagement of coremuscles improves your core stability and balance. Added mind-body exercise sequences work to further strengthen accessory muscles and overall coordination. Rebounding increases your body awareness You'll walk taller, stronger and more securely! To try out a class, get in touch to book your space. Message Stef on 07388054097 or contact via Just Jump f.

Classic Welsh Cakes Welsh cakes were the first thing I ever baked with my eldest girl when she was about 18 months old. As you can imagine it was more messy play than baking, with more dough ending up on the floor than in the pan. Fast forward 4 years though and they are still one of our favourite things to make. With St Dwynwens day, Valentines day and St Davids Day all in the mix over the next few weeks it’s a brilliant time to get your kids in the kitchen and cook up the classic Welsh treats. Extra butter (2-3 tablespoons full) for cooking In the biggest bowl you have (big bowls minimise toddler spillages) rub together the butter and flour until all nice and crumbly. Then add in the sugar and sultanas, stirring until evenly distributed. Mix in your egg. You’ll want to use the moisture from the egg to bring the dough together. If it’s a bit dry add a splash of milk but you do want the dough to be pretty firm.

YOU WILL NEED: You will need a rolling pin, round fluted cutter or any roundish shape you prefer (we used a heart cutter here) and baking stone or non-stick frying pan. INGREDIENTS: · 300g self raising flour · 150g butter · 100g caster sugar · 100g sultanas · 1 egg

When combined into a dough, sprinkle flour over your worktop and roll out the mixture to thumb thickness. Using your cutter of choice, cut out your cakes. Again your toddler/child will truly embrace this so let them crack on while you stare in slight disbelief at the volume of flour on your kitchen floor. Melt a small amount (half teaspoon) butter in your frying pan over a low heat and cook the cakes in batches of 3 or 4. Cook them as low and slow as you can really. 5 or 6 minutes each side until golden should do nicely. Once cooked, tip onto a sugared plate and turn to coat. Enjoy with a strong tea and episode of Ben and Holly if your lucky, Paw patrol if not!!!

If you enjoyed this and fancy trying a few more kidfriendly recipes head over to our website baking-with-kids.com or find us on Instagram @baking_with_kids.

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“Girls not only enjoy reading more than boys but they also read more often.” National literary trust report 2015

The first problem to overcome is to identify where your son's reluctance to read comes from and then try to help him overcome it. 1. The Pace of Today There are so many distractions in modern-day life, that happen at such a quick pace. Social media is interactive, quick and with instant feedback. Technology affects all aspects of our lives and the massive gaming culture that so many boys are a part of, only adds to this. How can a book compete with the excitement, explosions and rewards that are given to children playing a console game? 2. Feelings of Failure The National Literacy Trust findings reveal that more than half of children prefer to watch television than read. But why? Basically, there is no chance of feeling like a failure when you watch TV. For those who have struggled with reading over time, every time they make an attempt to read, it reinforces negative feelings of lack of achievement. Of course, seeing their peers ploughing through a giant novel in a school reading session only fans the flames of these feelings of despair. Who would want to put themselves through that? It’s easier to believe that reading is just not cool. 3. Lack of Inspiration For so many boys they have yet to connect with a book in any meaningful way. There is a book out there for everyone. It is just finding it! So what can you do next to help? Here are some tips and suggestions for ways to get your reluctant boys to start reading:

Let him read in the format he wants to. Start to think away from just the traditional forms of reading and think about all of the e-book readers available on the market. There is also the IPad and other tablet devices that children already love to use.

Vary the reading material. Remember that reading comes in many, many forms: websites, magazines, comics, non-fiction books, autobiographies of favourite celebrities or sportspeople, manga and graphic novels.

Let his interests and passions lead the way. If you really struggle to find that book that will get

him started, ask ‘What’s your favourite film?’ Or ‘Which sportsman inspires you?’ This will help you to pick the right genre and help them to find a storyline that they will want to finish.

Keep up to date! Look at what movies are in the cinema as many young adult books have been turned into films recently (‘The Maze Runner,’ ‘Divergent,’ ‘The Hunger Games’ etc.) Maybe you could even read a few children’s books and have a chat about them?

Be your son’s Reading Role Model. If he sees you read and sees how important reading is to you, hopefully this will have a knock-on effect. Have discussions about your reading and make it part of the daily routine. Here are some ideas for reading materials that will engage and inspire:

Recommended Booklist for Boys • Horrid Henry by Francesca Simon – 3 short stories in one small book, creates a sense of achievement when the child has completed an entire story. • Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney – easy to access with illustrations, great characters and funny situations. Currently top of the most-read list! • David Walliams series of books – hilarious, quirky books with wonderful illustrations. Very popular. • Foul Play and Football Academy Series by Tom Palmer – really superb for sporty boys who like footballbased stories. • Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz – Teenage boy juggling normal life with a secret life as a spy. Exciting, fast-paced and filled with action • The Enemy series by Charlie Higson – Thrilling, dark, zombiethemed books with incredible characters and detailed, gripping plot. • Skullduggery Pleasant series by Derek Landy – Mysterious characters with exciting and supernatural edge. Many books in the series so a really good option for getting a child gripped and enthralled in the action. • Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf by Curtis Jobling – Intriguing tale of a boy who learns of his destiny as a werewolf and follows a path full of supernatural happenings and high adventure. A fantasticseries that just gets better and better! If you are worried about your child’s reading, please call Claire at Kip McGrath on 01792 299996 to arrange an assessment.

What's new in 2020 Ranked a five-star day out and current holders of a Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor, a Visit Wales Gold Award, and recent recipients of both a Day Out with the Kids ‘Best for Little Kids in the UK’ Family Favourite Award and the Pembrokeshire Tourism ‘Best Visitor Attraction 2019’ award, the award-winning zoo is home to giraffes, flamingos, penguins, African lions, lemurs, meerkats, rhinos, tapirs, bongos, squirrel monkeys, bats, sloths and red pandas…plus many, many more. Alongside the zoo sits the Jolly Barn with all your favourite farmyard friends, including miniature pigs, ponies, giant rabbits, sheep, donkeys, goats, chickens and ferrets, plus the ever-popular ‘Cwtch Corner’ and the opportunity to milk a goat! The Jolly Barn is also the gateway to the rare breed paddocks, the piggery and land train tractor ride. The fun continues in the magical indoor vintage fairground containing 16 lovingly restored fairground favourites like the Golden Gallopers, Dodgems, Caterpillar, Chair-oplanes and the Twist plus a whole host of indoor and outdoor adventure play areas, including the legendary ‘Black Bart’s Pirate Cove’. During the Pembrokeshire school holidays the park will have all of the usual fun and games including meet and greet sessions, zookeeper talks and character walkabouts. There will also be a fantastic magic show courtesy of Luke Jugglestruck and on their Pirate Fun Days, it’s Black Bart’s Pirate Folly show. Both shows take place in Folly Farm’s very own, purpose built, Follies Theatre. 2019 saw Folly Farm continue their trend of constant reinvestment with the inclusion of two new habitats on the zoo. You can now take a stroll through ‘Tortoise Country’ – a state of art purpose built, sulcata tortoise enclosure. Also, ‘Asian Adventure’ – where East meets West. A large walkthrough exhibit, transporting you to the Far East. They’ve also been busy sprucing up some of their existing exhibits. So, why not pop along to see the two-toed sloths in the newly rebranded Tropical Trails habitat. It is here that they will also be welcoming some new arrivals in February 2020 – a pair of West African Dwarf crocodiles! The fun doesn’t stop there…oh no…as throughout 2020 Folly Farm will have several ‘Meet and Greet’ theme days and will also play host to some of your favourite children’s TV characters. They’ll be welcoming Hey Duggee, Trolls and Paw Patrol to name but a few. A full list of character appearance dates and times can be found on the Folly Farm website.

There really is a full day of family friendly fun waiting for you at Folly Farm. And with around 50% of the attractions being located undercover, there is plenty to see and do whatever the weather. And there’s now also the opportunity to ‘play and stay’ at Folly Farm, as phase one of their brand new holiday park will open on 19th June 2020. For more information visit www.folly-farm.co.uk or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FollyFarm So go on, jump in and find out for yourself exactly what Folly Farm has to offer. Whether it’s your first time to the park or you’re an annual pass holder – a fun day out is always guaranteed. Zoo, Barn, Fair, Play – pick your own adventure!

Competition Time... WIN one of three family tickets, just answer the following question... Folly Farm is set to welcome some new arrivals in 2020. Are they: A) North African Dwarf Crocodiles B) East African Dwarf Crocodiles C) West African Dwarf Crocodiles

Title: The Boy Who Made The World Disappear Written by Ben Miller and illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini Publisher: Simon and Schuster Harrison is fundamentally a good child except he has one flaw – his bad temper. At his birthday party Shelley, a children’s party entertainer who performs a show based on the solar system gives the children balloons in the shape of the planets. Harrison is given one that is shaped like a black hole. Harrison soon begins to realise that the balloon really is a black hole and it can make things he doesn’t like disappear. However things get out of hand and he gets a fright when things he loves also disappear. He beings to understand the repercussions that out of control emotions can have.

Title: Sophie Takes To The Sky Written by Katherine Woodine and illustrated by Briony May Smith Ages: 6+ Publisher: Barrington Stoke A sweet and simple tale which reimagines the childhood of Sophie Blanchard, one of the world’s first female aeronauts who was born in France in 1778. Everyone in the village knows that Sophie is scared of everything. From creepy crawlies to imaginary bumps in the night. Her sister, Flora has no such qualms and is scornful of Sophie’s fears. When a travelling fair is scheduled to visit, everyone is excited for they know that the famed balloonists will be attending. Sophie is too afraid to make the trip and stays at home whilst her family go. But an encounter with a black cat gives her strength of heart and fortified she changes her mind and makes her way there. Once at the fair she accidentally ends up on a balloon trip which to her surprise she finds she loves! Realising that unlike many she isn’t scared of heights, she understands that she will never be afraid of anything again! A bite sized easy to digest story which is great for teaching children that no matter what your “flaws” or weaknesses are, that they can be conquered or improved on. It will also reassure children struggling in certain areas that things with courage and will power can be overcome and the future isn’t set in stone.

Clearly there is more to Shelley than just party tricks and Harrison sets off to find her to help him put things right. A quirky story which interweaves scientific facts, much mooted concepts such as time travel with the imagination. It’s an easy to read and well-paced story with some lovely creative ideas which wrap up its moral message interspersed by high quality and detailed monochrome drawings. Title: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse Written and illustrated by Charlie Mackesy Ages: 7 – Adult Publisher: Penguin A beautiful book which details the conversations and reflections of four very different friends as identified in the title. At first glance their questions and thoughts are simple ones but on closer inspection they are ruminations about the fundamental meaning of our deeper core existence. Though three of them are animals the theme is essentially about the universal spiritual values that humans across the boundaries of race, religion and age share. And it is this that underpins the whole book. The importance and value of kindness, compassion and friendship. It also reminds us of how important it is to be kind to ourselves. In a world driven by celebrity and achievement at any cost or the pressure to compete in an ever increasing pace of life this gentle, wistful but never maudlin book will inspire and give hope. It will resonate with many of us when at times in our lives when we have needed to be still and present in the here and now. And in a timely manner to count our blessings and remind us that at the end of the day above all the noise what and who is really important to us. The complementary illustrations in black pen and ink splashed with water colour are stylish and elegant. And striking alongside the printed handwritten text. An instant classic for the bookshelves!

Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 6 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage Find out more today:

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BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF

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a e s n a w S s e l c y C er d Santan Santander Cycles Swanseaâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Healthy, Sustainable and Affordable Way to Travel Around Swansea As well as helping boost the wellbeing of the community and providing a convenient yet affordable means of getting across our increasingly congested city, Santander Cycles offer environmentally conscious Swansea residents and visitors alike with a viable sustainable travel option. The scheme, which was introduced in July 2018 after Swansea University won the Santander Cycles University challenge, now offers 65 bikes which anyone can hire from 6 docking stations located across Swansea Bay. With 24/7 self-hire made easy through a convenient app and rides costing as little as 50p for half an hour, Santander Cycles are helping make cycling in Swansea accessible. In September last year, inclusive cycling charity Bikeability Wales became the new local service provider for the scheme, responsible for the day to day management and maintenance of the bikes. In line with their mission

to get people out of their cars and onto two wheels, the Bikeability team worked with the University to introduce a Carla Cargo electric trailer to the fleet, making their operation even more environmentally friendly. As a result of using the e-trailer instead of a van to transport the bikes from station to station, the team estimate theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be avoiding over 7,000 car miles each year! The University hopes to expand the cycle scheme with further docking stations and bikes so that more and more people can enjoy the benefits of bike sharing in Swansea. Find out more and register here: santandercycles.co.uk/ Swansea. For full details go to visitswanseabay.com/parade

Mum to Mumpreneur with Natalie Darlington 1). Tell us about your business I’m a self employed beautician. I’ve been in the business for 12 years and absolutely love it. I started offering just mobile eyebrow wax & tint and lashes in my shed in the garden and did mobile work in peoples kitchens. Every year I kept adding treatments to my price list. I was on and off mobile for 8 years and in January 2019 I started renting out rooms upstairs in a busy hairdressers and it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done. I now offer gel polish, facials, waxing , henna brows, brow lamination, pedicures, semi permanent lashes, cluster lashes, microneedling, chemical peels, Dermaplaning, make-up, spray tans, ear piercing and pamper parties. I’m also a Prince's Trust Ambassador and help out young people. I also won beautician of the year in the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards 2019! 2). Where did you begin and what motivated you to start your own business? I wasn’t the best at school so when I got in to beauty therapy in Swansea College, I was over the moon!!!!! I spent 3 years in college and I did my level 2, level 3 & Holistic Diploma. I started working in a salon in Killay and loved it. I then went on to work on a cruise liner to work in the spa department. I travelled to the Bahamas and Caribbean and being 19 years old I had the time of my life. My contract finished and I returned home and started doing mobile work alongside working 2 jobs One was in a bar and the other was a cash and carry. I managed then to get myself a job in a well known beauty salon and I could quit the other two jobs. I was there for just over a year and I decided I was ready to settle down and have a family. I left the salon in 2011 and was just doing mobile beauty. My business just boomed from there. Being in a career you love is literally the best thing that can ever happen to you. 3). How many children do you have- tell us a bit about your family. I got pregnant in 2011 and had terrible morning sickness so I couldn’t work anymore. I got so bad I had to live with my parents for a while! I got to about 28 weeks pregnant and started to feel human again. Me and my partner then had a new home to live in and had to start from scratch again. Jacob was due Xmas day 2011! He didn’t arrive until 2 weeks later, January 8th. I had an emergency C section as I just couldn’t dilate. I had gas and air, pethidine and epidural. He was 10lbs and 3 1/2oz !! Yes I’m glad it was a C section. A month after having Jacob I felt like me once more and started working again. It was easier when he was a baby. It was when he went to a toddler I found it very hard to work with him around. So I only worked when my husband was home so I could go out and work. I was then ready for another child and welcomed Oliver into the world. He was an elective C section and was 2 weeks early. He weighed 8 lbs 3 oz. There’s 2 years and

2 months between the both of them. So I had a 2 year old and a new born baby. Yes it was hard. I took a little longer to get back to myself as the recovery took a bit longer than the first pregnancy. After a few months I felt like I could start back to work. I had lost a lot of clients as I stopped working early on in the pregnancy, which I know happens. So I started from scratch again! Now I have an 8 year old and a 5 year old. I have a husband who I’ve been with for 10 years. We also have a dog called spud who we rescued from Llyis Nini. We are very close and love going away on breaks and holidays. I’m even on the PTA in the boys school and love helping out. 4). How do you juggle childcare? Being in the salon now is real as I have to be there a lot more than being mobile. My husband and I are like sailing ships. When he gets home from work I then go and do my work. I tend to be in the salon 9:30-2:45pm if my husband is working. If he’s off I will then work until 7pm. If I’m really struggling I will ask my sister or my mum for help. I’m very lucky I’m self employed, I could never work a normal job as it wouldn’t be flexible enough with the children. And my oldest son plays for the local football team so we’re busy on Sundays! 5). what do you do to relax? I absolutely love being pampered and having a massage. I book a massage when I have free time and absolutely love it. I also enjoy running on the beach next to the waves with my earphones on. I find it such a lovely way of releasing stress and anxiety. I work to go on holidays and spend time with my family. So any break away is definitely a relaxing break. I also love a gin! 6). What's been your biggest challenge & how have you overcome it? My biggest challenge was when I booked time off work for 'me'. But that never happened and I would end up working on my day off. I would get stressed from working a lot, so now I get Monday’s off, that’s my day to do what I want. Sometimes I may work a Monday but that’s very rare now. In business you do have to say no sometimes. You can’t please everyone. 7). What's the one piece of advice you would give up other mums wanting to start their own business? If it’s something you’ve always dreamed of, then do it. What’s stopping you? Children just make you work harder for what you want. Be organised: organisation is the key to success. Being a mother you have to sort the house out, cook and clean, help the kids with homework, walk the dog and having a husband is like a kid too! And then it’s your business. So I find being organised and sorting all housework is a major help for yourself, so you don’t get stressed. In business you start from scratch but just climb the steps of the ladder one by one and you will get there. It takes time to build your empire. So keep at it. www.facebook.com/mobilebeautyswansea/

Tiny Toes Ballet

FINALIST in Wales Childens Activites & Services Awards 2020: Miss Eleanor has been running Tiny Toes ballet Swansea and Neath Port Talbot County for almost a year now. Within that time the school has doubled in size and has over 300 students, each as vibrant, energetic and capable as the last. With classes from as far as Pontlliw right down to Port Talbot Miss Eleanor is confident there will be the perfect class for your little dancer. Classes are designed for little boys and little girls that love to dance from 6 months to 7 years and are fully integrated with the Early Years Foundation Stage. Every term a new theme is introduced to help nurture creative learning and movement. With new classes opening across the area in January to keep up with demand and ever growing waiting list Miss Eleanor is excited for 2020 and the new influx of students. Kelly Jenkins, the Wales Childrens Activities & Services Awards 2020, event organiser, says "It is an incredible achievement for Tiny Toes Ballet Swansea & Neath to be a finalist as the standard of applications was so high. The judges are going to have a difficult task in selecting the winners!" If you would like more information on Tiny Toes Ballet contact Miss Eleanor directly: 07456 524942 eleanor@tinytoesballet.co.uk Facebook.com/ttbSwansea

Perception and Positivity In many people’s lives, January brings newness. New promises, new health goals, new directions and many other new ideas. However, do you ever think about developing a new perception? As I write this I am sat in Saudi Arabia, in the middle of the desert, running an outdoor ice rink. Yes, an ice rink in the middle of the desert, in the middle east. Saudi Arabia is just north of the Equator where the temperature can reach up to 50 degrees in the summer and during the day in the winter around 18 degrees.

I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and only when it’s meant to happen. When a person makes the decision to develops their skills, mindset and ability into what is needed to progress, only then do they break the barriers of perception, of what they thought wasn’t possible. Developing skills, mindset and ability are all achieved through acquiring more understanding and knowledge. Sometimes not knowing the answer when asked a question is ok and it’s important to be confident knowing you are able to research for the answer, reason or understanding. Also asking questions is an important way to widen your knowledge and broaden your perspective. In doing this you become better informed, more confident and informed which leads you to feeling positive. This is where positivity comes in. There is a famous saying by Napoleon Hill; “A positive mind finds a way it can be done; A negative mind looks for all the ways it can't be done.”

For 15 years I have been part of running ice rinks and teaching on them, and for 15 years we have joked about what it would be like to have an ice rink in the summer with hot sunshine. So, what has this got to do with Perception and being Positive? Our perception was that it’s not possible to stop ice from melting in desert like temperatures. Our perception was that it is not possible to sensibly finance an ice rink in the desert. Our perception was that it’s just not possible. Our perception was based on our knowledge, our assumption and our ability to believe it could be done. An outdoor ice rink in 32 degree heat. Then the day came when an invitation of building an ice rink in the desert was offered, although we didn’t build the structure, we were brought in to maintain the ice and run it for 6 months!

In order to move forwards, it is important to know how to do so. This is how you research and your ability to believe there is either an answer, solution or alternative. Understanding that believing there is a way and researching ‘the how’ gives you the most positive starting point you can have. Whilst negativity can hinder or stop progress, it can also enable progress. Looking for negatives and finding ways that things cannot be done can sometimes help you find the answers as to how things can be done in the end. It is called solution-based negativity, similar to troubleshooting. When you train your mind to be positive, you enable yourself to find solutions, to find ways forward and overcome negativity. Finding ways forwards through positivity creates new perceptions because a perception is based upon the way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted. This can be changed through learning, developing skills and understanding. So next time you think something is impossible, find the problem, look for a solution or an alternative and change your perspective. This can be applied in school, college, work, life, family and relationships. There is always a positive way forward. If it is possible to build an ice rink and run it in the desert, then it is possible to overcome all which seems impossible in life. With love and Positivity

Jennifer Barnfield

Positivity and Visualisation Practitioner

Every Saturday and Sunday For enquiries and bookings call 01792 513513 or email wnp@swansea.ac.uk Wales National Pool Swansea Sketty Lane, Swansea SA2 8QG

First Aid for Children Asthma is a common condition affecting over 1.1 million children in the UK. Learning First Aid skills will enable you to support a child suffering an attack. As a first aider your priorities are to preserve life, alleviate suffering, prevent the condition from worsening and promote recovery. In our second article in the series we look in more detail as to how you can support a child with Asthma.

Asthma Asthma can develop in children but may subside in teenage years. Asthma affects the air passages which carry air in and out of the lungs. A child having an acute asthma attack will have the muscles of the air passages go into spasm making it hard for air to pass. This can be life threatening when it is not managed. A child may have triggers that irritate the air passage causing the asthma, which can include exercise, dust, pollens, animal fur, breathing in cold air, air pollution and picking up an infection, for example a cold.

Recognition Children will display different symptoms, but can get worse at night or during exercise. There may be:  Difficult in breathing  Wheezing or whistling noise on breathing out  Coughing  Difficulty speaking, due to of lack breath  Grey-blue tinge to lips, and ear lobes  Anxiety and stress  Exhaustion  Collapse

Action The aim of treatment is to get a child’s breathing under control and maintain it: 1. Remain calm and reassure the child. 2. Get them or support them to take the reliever inhaler.

The child may have been provided a spacer to help them take the medication. The spacer allows the medication to mix in air before entering child’s mouth, ensuring it effectively gets into the lungs. 3. Sit the child down, in up right position, that is comfortable for the child. Do not let them lie down. 4. A mild attack should relieve in a few minutes. If it is not improving, encourage them to take another does. 5. Monitor them throughout and if the signs are getting worse, call the ambulance service. If the child is not diagnosed with asthma, but is having breathing difficulties, call for an ambulance. If you would like to learn more, attend one of our first aid courses covering children and infants.

Paediatric First Aid - 2 day course First aid training for Primary schools, nurseries, childminders and parents. Learn life saving skills for babies and children, including choking, infantile convulsions, asthma, fainting and meningitis. Level 3 accredited award recognised by EYFS and OFSTED/ESTYN. 9 - 10 March 2020 - Village Hotel, Swansea - £125 15 - 16 June 2020 - Village Hotel, Swansea - £125

To book contact Dewi Development 01792 834141 info@dewidevelopment.co.uk dewidevelopment.co.uk/paediatric

with every two full price tickets.

Experie n Come and

Kidscene

Vo uc he r

One child free entry Play

t the Fun a

round g r i Fa

Barnthe

Explore the

Zoo

Come and see character appearances at intervals on each day

Poppy & Branch

5th & 6th April

12 & 13 Apr 30 & 31 Aug

See website for more appearances

Kidscene

www.folly-farm.co.uk

10% discount on online day tickets

Terms and conditions One child (aged 2-15) free entry with two full price tickets on presentation of this voucher. Children under two years old qualify for free admission on our standard tariff. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer including Tesco clubcard and online discount. Valid from Saturday 15th February to Tuesday 1st September 2020. Please refer to our website for opening times. Offer is non-transferable.

Gorseinon Sketty

01792 89 11 44 Address 01792 29 99 96 Web Address

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