Vivian baby 37

newspaper post

june 2017

Issue 37

a useful guIde to chIldren’s growth

Maths IMportance of early Math lIteracy

sun protectIon

caring for babies delicate skin

MosquIto season

tips on keeping them away

100% organIc

range by plasMon

D

ear readers, Summer is upon us! Grab your swimming gear and head to the beach.

Our summer issue is loaded with interesting reads on coping with mosquitoes, protecting baby’s skin, teething, defining organic amongst many more.

Don’t forget to send in your competition entries to win great prizes from Vivian Corporation. Also, look out for our exciting SMA summer campaign!

Vivia n Ba by Tea m Publisher: Joanna Gatt, Vivian Corporation Contributors: Rosanne Debono, Sephora Schembri, Kathy Zammit, Mariebelle Muscat, Claire Anastasi, Yan Grima & Sara Camenzuli

29 Sanitas Building Tower Street, Msida, MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com

04

Harmful effects of the sun

06

Teething

08

Coping with Mosquitoes

11

What is Organic?

12

Toddler proof your home

14

SMA Summer collection Scheme

16

Early Maths

18

Skills for Reading

20

Whats cooking Kids?

22

Recipe Corner

25

Competitions

www.viviancorp.com

Feel the Energy ginsanaproducts.com

The harmful effecTs of The sun

on the skin of the infant and toddler A baby’s delicate skin makes babies and toddlers more vulnerable to sun damage.

The skin of the infant is very different from the adult’s skin, in several ways: 1. The outer layer of baby skin is a lot thinner and absorbs more water than adult skin.

2. Infant and toddler skin also has less of the brown pigment melanin, which helps protect the skin from ultraviolet light. As children become older, their skin becomes thicker and more pigmented, granting them more sun protection.

Dr. Amy Paller, chairman and professor of dermatology and professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, says the fact that new research shows that 1-yearolds have darker skin on the outside of their forearms, compared with the inside, shows that even babies get more sun exposure than we realize. “We need to be using sun protection from very early on.”

“Children should not be getting sunburned at any age, especially since there are a range of very effective sun protection methods that can be used,” said Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation. “parents need to be extra vigilant about sun protection all the time.”

Paller concedes that once children are mobile (and know how to tear off a sun hat), it is harder to keep them covered up. But she says parents have to try. “Try to avoid that midday sun, which is most intense,” she says. “use

4 • VIVIAN BABY • june 2017

sun protective clothing, and use sunscreens. it’s none too early to be using sun protection in the first year of life.”

Doctors think that sun exposure early in life increases the risk of skin cancers, and less protective skin of babies may be part of the reason.

The ultraviolet light in sunlight also suppresses the skin’s immune system, which may be why lots of early-life sun exposure is associated with earlier melanoma skin cancers.

A few studies found that the genetic changes in the skin caused by sun exposure are different in young children from those in adults.

So those are all good reasons to protect that precious baby skin, and the skin of older children, too.

But it’s not easy to come up with an effective, safe, nonirritating sunscreen for small children. That is reflected in the stat that 7 to 13 percent of children get sunburned in a single summer weekend, and 29 to 83 percent of kids get sunburned at least once in a summer.

Sunscreens do block the UVB radiation that causes sunburn, and more recent formulas also block the UVA radiation that causes wrinkles and aging.

That thin baby skin, and the fact that babies are far more prone to rashes than adults to begin with, “reinforces the need for sunscreens with minimal irritation or sensitization potential,” the Pediatrics report says. Newer oil-based formulas that incorporate titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are promising.

by dr Chris sciberras

Many parents do not know the best ways to protect their young children.

Below is a list of the skin Cancer foundation’s recommendations, published on July 6, 2009, and updated on May 19, 2017: infants • 0-6 months: infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun. their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen.

• An infant’s skin possesses little melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair and eyes and provides some sun protection.

Therefore, babies are especially susceptible to the sun’s damaging effects.

• Use removable mesh window shields to keep direct sunlight from coming in through the windows of your car or invest in UV window film, which can screen almost 100 percent of ultraviolet radiation without reducing visibility.

• Take walks early in the morning before 10 AM or after 4 PM and use a stroller with a sunprotective cover.

• Dress baby in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs.

• Choose a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet that protects the baby’s face, neck, and ears. A baby who wears a hat during the first few months will get used to having it on.

babies 6-12 months old: it is now safe to use sunsCReen on babies.

• Apply broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen to areas left uncovered such as baby’s hands. Many companies have tear-free formulas that won’t sting baby’s eyes.

• Sunscreen must be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. toddleRs/pRe-sChool age • protecting toddlers from the sun requires a little more thought and effort. it is important to educate your child and caregivers.

• Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF 15 or higher. Water-resistant, spray-on sunscreens are a good choice for toddlers who will not sit still.

Spray sunscreens should not be applied directly to the face; sprays should be misted into the hands, then spread on the face.

• Make sure your child seeks the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM. Check the outdoor area where your child plays to make sure there is adequate shade.

• Make sure toddlers are covered.

Long-sleeved, unbleached cotton clothing is cool and comfortable, while also highly protective.

Clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) listing on the label offers extra security.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends clothing with a UPF of 30 or higher.

• Don’t forget hats and sunglasses.

Choose a wide-brimmed hat that protects face, neck, and ears.

“With a little effort and planning, it is easy for young children to enjoy the outdoors safely,” said Dr. Robins.

“Parents need to make it a priority and to also lead by example.”

Chicco sun protection range is studied for the protection and treatment of baby’s sensitive skin against all types of sun rays.

uarne S C

Enhanced photoprotective 3P Complex that protects against UVA, UVB and the effects of infrared rays.

Tested on sensitive skins, without parabens and water resistant.

sun cream SPF 50+

sun spray SPF 50+

after sun

GIfT

WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY 3 PRODUCTS including Suncare, Anti-Mosquito & Sunglasses.

Gift available from Pharmacies and Baby shops ONLY.

Stages of Teething and Helpful Hints

Chicco oral care set includes Chicco finger toothbrush and Gum gel, suitable for soothing discomfort linked to the eruption of baby’s first teeth. Sanitising action: it cleans and sanitises the oral mucosa. Contains xylitol, known for its anti-bacterial action. Soothing, refreshing action: gel formula, camomile provides relief to irritated gums. It is flavourless and safe to swallow.

The silicone finger toothbrush is a useful tool for the proper application of Chicco’s gum gel. The soft bristles allow parents to safely massage reddened gums and baby’s first teeth. gum gel Key featuRes: • Gum gel is suitable for soothing discomfort linked to the eruption of baby’s first teeth. • It cleans and sanitises the oral mucosa. • Contains xylitol, known for its anti-bacterial action. • Gel formula, camomile provides relief to irritated gums. • Safe to swallow and flavourless. fingeR toothbRush Key featuRes: • Useful tool for the proper application of Chicco’s gum gel. • Soft bristles allow parents to safely massage reddened gums and baby’s first teeth.

Although the exact timing can vary from child to child, babies typically begin teething around 6 months of age. Usually the front bottom two teeth emerge first, accompanied by the front top two teeth. Teething can be a painful and difficult process for both babies and parents, as infants may become especially fussy or cranky while their new teeth emerge. Symptoms of teething include irritability or fussiness, drooling, chewing on firm solid objects, and sore or sensitive gums.

5 stages of teething in ChildRen Teething happens in 5 stages, lasts a significant amount of time, and can be very tough for both parents and infants to endure. Understanding what to expect during this difficult time, however, can help parents ease the discomfort of their baby as well as navigate their way successfully into toddlerhood.

The 5 stages of teething include: • stage 1: (0-6 months) At birth, babies have a full set of 20 primary teeth in the jawbones beneath their gums. These are frequently referred to as “milk teethâ€? because during this stage a baby’s diet usually consists of milk only. • stage 2: (6-16 months) During this stage, the first teeth emerge. The lower and upper front teeth, the incisors, begin to erupt around 6 months, but signs and symptoms of pain or discomfort may become

evident before 6 months. Prior to eruption, the uneven edges of the teeth may push against the gums, and the baby will typically start chewing on toys, hands, or other solid objects. Putting pressure on the gums alleviates pain and provides a distraction for babies, so make sure to give them appropriate chew items to ease their discomfort.

There will likely be an obvious increase in drool during this period, so keeping a small bib on the baby can make it easier. This will help keep a rash from forming around the baby’s mouth and chin, which can add to the discomfort. • stage 3: (13-19 months) During this stage, the primary molars begin erupting. These teeth come in the back of the mouth in the lower and

Call us on Freephone 8007 3102 6 • VIVIAN BABY • june 2017

upper jaws. This stage is much like stage 2, but parents will notice an even more evident increase in drool, crankiness, and the need to chew on solid objects. During this period, it is also common for babies to experience a bit of a loss of appetite, fever, and diarrhea.

• stage 4: (16-23 months) During this stage, the canine teeth will surface. The same recommendations for stage 2 and 3 can be implemented during this period to keep the baby as comfortable as possible.

• stage 5: (23-33 months) For some children, this is the most painful stage of teething. During this time, the large molars emerge. These are the biggest teeth, and parents

may find their normal soothing techniques are no longer effective.

Try different methods to soothe the toddler until something helps.

putting pressure on the gums alleviates pain and provides a distraction for babies, so make sure to give them appropriate chew items to ease their discomfort.

Helpful Hints Some helpful hints for soothing a baby’s sensitive and sore gums include: • Massage baby’s gums with a clean finger, damp washcloth, or clean dampened gauze pad. Provide pressure to the gums to alleviate the baby’s pain.

• Provide a teething ring made of hard rubber.

• Fill a bottle with water and allow the baby to suck.

• Give the baby hard foods that are safe to chew on, if the baby is old enough to eat solid foods as part of his/her diet. Solid vegetables like a peeled and chilled cucumber or carrot can be helpful, but watch the baby closely, as pieces may break off and potentially become choking hazards.

• Dry the drool to keep the skin from becoming too irritated or a rash from forming. Keep a clean dry bib or cloth under the baby’s chin.

• Giving the baby over-the-counter remedies may alleviate pain as well.

Before giving the baby any medicines, however, ask the paediatrician what is safe and appropriate for your child.

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Teethers

TEETHER 2M Gum massager in soft rubber suitable for the initial teething period. The large massaging surface with its 3D texture relieves and gently stimulates inflamed gums.

It’s elongated shape also allows the gums above the molars to be massaged. The ring offers another surface with an irregular texture making it satisfying to bite on.

TEETHER 4M With its “S”-shaped structure, the special 3D surface helps keep gums and teeth clean just when the baby is starting to eat his first soft food, introducing more germs and bacteria into the oral cavity. Soft rubber with different structures to massage and relieve the gums. Massages and cleans gums and teeth at the same time.

TEETHER ROMEO AND GIULIETTA Made in natural rubber with a vanilla aroma, is the ideal friend to soothe sore gums.

The structure, natural food colorants and squeaks are designed to stimulate baby’s gums, eyesight and hearing. It is designed with soft, hard and nobly parts to help the baby throughout the tooth development.

VIVIAN BABY • june 2017 • 7

IT IS THE SEASON...

FOR MOSQUITOES summer time is brilliant on the maltese islands, but experiencing mosquito bites and scratching them like crazy is not so pleasant. we have been experiencing this for many years and every year we are attacked by these sanguinivorous insects.

First and fore-most we need to get to know this so called enemy to many people. Here are a few tips that will help you keep these pests away, especially to protect the younger members of the family.

Remove any stagnant wateR Mosquitoes are able to adapt to any kind of weather, but they particularly thrive in hot and humid climates. Our climate is the perfect environment for mosquitoes, as the females require stagnant bodies of water or moist crevices such as flower pots to lay their eggs. Once temperatures begin to rise, the eggs will start to hatch from their cosy nests.

If your house is being invaded by these creatures, make sure to drain such sources of water.

Keep youR enemies out of youR house Keep windows shut at all times, but if you need to air your rooms, have mosquito nets installed so that they do not find their way in. Once you close the window, disinfect the room by plugging in a mosquito killer unit.

Air-conditioners confuse mosquitoes, as the circulating air will distract their path of scent towards your

body. You can also keep them away with fans, as mosquitoes are weak fliers and are instantly thrown off course by the breeze. And this is why there are less mosquitoes around when it is windy! why do they bite me and not the peRson next to me?

You could be slapping yourself trying to fight off a swarm of mosquitoes, while the other persons next to you have never even been bitten once in their lives. Research has found, in fact, that people with Type O blood are found to be twice as attractive to mosquitoes than those with Type A blood; Type B people were in the middle. In addition, 85 percent of people produce a secretion that signals what blood type they are; mosquitoes are drawn to those 85 percent more than the nonsecretors, regardless of blood type. it is the female mosquito that needs ouR blood Male mosquitoes do not bite, only the females need our blood but not for feeding, they store it to use its protein to develop their young. The females can lay up to 300 eggs.. so if we manage to keep them away from our houses we will be able to decrease their population!

the wounds The real cause of the irritation is the saliva they inject. Luckily, mosquitoes in Malta do not carry diseases such as malaria, but the itchiness caused is almost unbearable. You can use a soothing cream which can calm down the irritation and calm the itchiness.

Other natural sources such as rubbing half a lemon or chilled aloe vera gel may also help. There are some great products on the market which are made out of natural extracts and have a fast soothing effect. the passionate bite The Asian Tiger Mosquito is full of life but silent. This striped breed does not make a buzzing sound thus making it harder to know that it is close. The female hunts for blood, only during the day and they head for the ankles and work their way up until they find a pronounced enough capillary.

They are more immune to repellents, sprays and nets, so our suggestion is to just eliminate any water sources to keep their presence to a minimum. Also, do be careful as they can be very dangerous to pets such as cats and dogs, as they can transmit heartworm.

Chicco Products are available from all leading outlets 8 • VIVIAN BABY • june 2017

ON THEIR SKIN, ALL THE PROTECTION THAT THEY DESERVE. CHICCO ANTI-MOSQUITO RANGE PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT PROTECTION THANKS TO ITS PLANT ORIGIN TO PROTECT SENSITIVE AND DELICATE BABY’S SKIN AGAINST THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF MOSQUITOES.

Beautiful summer days bring the sun, the desire to walk outdoor, but they are also associated with pesky mosquitoes and insects.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…?

Mosquitoes are attracted by carbon dioxide released by our skin and are able to perceive our smell easily, up to 30 meters.

However, despite the most common types of mosquitoes, the Asian Tiger Mosquito appears also during the day. It is very easy to be stung by a mosquito, which can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions, especially for people with delicate skin.

HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOUR BABY’S DELICATE SKIN? It is recommended selecting products with care, not using them on children under three years. Baby’s delicate skin, however, needs to be protected with special repellents which are formulated specifically for sensitive skin, and ideally, with active ingredients of plant origin.

CHICCO ANTI-MOSQUITO RANGE. Chicco Anti-Mosquito range provides an excellent protection to protect baby’s skin against the most common types of mosquitoes, including the annoying Asian Tiger Mosquito. The range uses an active ingredient of plant origin, Citriodiol, extracted from a species of Australian Eucalyptus, well-known for its insect repellent properties. A complete range of products to leave babies’s skin soft and pleasantly scented. Thanks to its practical formats, spray, gel, roll on and wipes, application is easier, even on younger babies, everyday.

Chicco Anti-Mosquito products: • are Medical Surgical Products; • offer protection effectively day and night; • do not contain alcohol, colouring or parabens; • are easy to use thanks to their practical formats.

MADE IN ITALY

Chicco Anti-Mosquito range. Excellent protection for your baby’s skin.

Discover more on chicco.com

Call us on

for your nearest stockist VIVIAN BABY • june 2017 • 9

by

A 100% organic range by Plasmon

10 • VIVIAN BABY • june 2017

What is Organic?

14 varieties to accompany your growing child on his discovery of the world of tastes and flavours.

A range of simple and naturally good meals made with organically farmed ingredients and prepared with love for your child.

O

rganic farming involves the production of wholesome livestock and crops while maintaining a healthy ecological balance, and respecting natural ecosystems. Organic farming follows a set of rigorous guidelines and practices to ensure that the agricultural system operates as naturally as possible: • No genetically modified organisms (GMO) are used.

A genetically modified organism refers to any living thing (animal or plant) containing DNA from another organism. This is usually done to give the organism additional powers, such as increased growth rate or insect resistance.

• Synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, livestock antibiotics and food additives are used with very strict limits and when possible avoided.

Synthetic pesticides, fertilisers and livestock antibiotics are used in conventional farming. They are chemicals used to increase yield, and reduce the effect of harmful parasites on the crops, however have a lasting negative effect on the environment and possibly on the consumer.

• Using natural methods of enhancing crop growth such as manure for fertiliser, crop rotation and the use of natural pest control.

Manure, crop rotation and natural pest control are three methods that can be used instead of the conventional fertilisers and

pesticides, thus decreasing synthetic chemicals emitted in the environment.

• Livestock is raised using organic feeds, and in freerange open-air systems.

By giving the animals the most humane conditions possible the producer ensures more nutritious meat, with less fat content.

Organically grown fruit, vegetables and livestock are processed, manufactured and packaged by a supply chain specifically for organic food therefore at no point in time will organic food be in contact with conventional products.

Produced in Italy

VIVIAN BABY • june 2017 • 11

How to

f o o r p r e l d tod your home?

As soon as your toddler is able to stand, it’s time to do a check around the home for hazards.

T

oddlers are particularly prone to falls when learning to walk. They may be unsteady on their feet, but can move very quickly. So stay one step ahead of them and toddler-proof your home with these injury prevention tips.

• Use stair gates on stairs until your toddler can use them confidently • Put padding on sharp corners and keep floors clear of toys and other objects they could trip over • Soon they’ll be climbing. Time to move furniture away from windows and fit safety locks to windows to prevent them from falling out • Put safety film over glass patio doors to stop it from shattering 12 • VIVIAN BABY • june 2017

Toddler proofing checklist Now that your little one is standing tall, many things previously out of reach are now easy to grab – especially when they hit those growth spurts.

• Put pans at the back of the cooker with the handles turned in when you are cooking and make sure fires and radiators are covered with a fireguard • Child safety locks are cheap and easy to fit on drawers and cupboards • Never leave hot drinks where your toddler could grab them

Your little one is still exploring the world by putting things in their mouths. So, it’s important to keep an eye out for new potential poisons and choking hazards.

• Keep all medicines, household cleaners, garden chemicals and sharp objects like scissors and nail files locked away or well out of your toddler’s reach.

• Make sure small objects, such as coins, jewellery or beads, are out of your toddler’s reach. And remember to check your handbag for this type of thing too as they might look in there.

This article was brought to you by the SMA Nutrition team

Fortified milk drink that’s nutritionally tailored for toddlers form 1 year onwards Contains Vitamin D and Calcium to support the normal growth and development of bones Iron to help support normal cognitive development

Helping to build a nutritional foundation for life We remind you of the importance of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle from the very beginning.

www.viviancorp.com • www.smamums.co.uk 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street, Msida MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com

Breastfeeding is best for babies. You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietician or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant formulae and on all matters of infant feeding. Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breastfeeding. Introducing partial bottle-feeding may have negative effect on breastfeeding and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding. Infant Formulae should always be prepared and used as directed. Inappropriate foods or feeding methods, or improper use of infant formula, may present a health hazard.

SuMMeR Co ColleCt SMA PRo PRogReSS KidS RedeeM the tinS foR fAntAStiC, fun, SuMMeR giftS

20

PointS

30

PointS SMA Progress Kids Hat

50tS

Poin

SMA Progress Kids Beach Bag

SMA Progress Kids Inflatable Armchair

= 14 • VIVIAN BABY • june 2017

10

PointS

lleCtion SCheMe gobbleR 5 in 1 SCooteR

blue

PinK

win

A gobbleR 5 in 1 SCooteR with SMA PRogReSS KidS! two PARtiCiPAntS will be in the ChAnCe to win A gobbleR 5 in 1 SCooteR eACh

wheRe CAn i RedeeM My gift?

Present the tins at Vivian Corporation, 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street Msida Monday–Thursday from 08:30-13:00 / 14:00-16:30 Friday from 08:30-13:00

This scheme is valid until the end of september 2017 or until stocks last (Whichever comes first)

Terms and CondiTions • • • •

• • • •

This offer is valid on the SMA PRO Progress Kids (1-4 years).

Vivian Corporation reserves the right to reject any other SMA Nutrition tins which are not within the scheme.

This promotion is valid until the end of September 2017 or until stocks last (whichever comes first) The tins are to be redeemed at Vivian Corporation, 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street Imsida. Monday – Thursday from 8:30 till 13:00 / 14:00 till 16:30 and Friday from 08:30-13:00 Two tickets will be drawn on Monday 2nd October 2017 and announced on the Vivian Baby Facebook page One ticket is given with every gift redeemed A skill question will be asked to the winners This offer is not in conjunction with any other offer

Vivian Baby VIVIAN BABY • june 2017 • 15

LEARNING MADE FUN EARLY MATH MATTERS! as the parent of a preschooler, you probably enjoy experiencing the world through your child’s eyes as he or she explores and learns with great enthusiasm. and as your child’s first teacher, you can start teaching the basics of reading, writing, and math.

Giving preschoolers a solid foundation in early math literacy is critical to their future academic success, not to mention how important it is to their day-to-day functioning. This is especially true given the increased demands of the math curriculum in our elementary schools today. If your child attends preschool, you can expect to see greater emphasis placed on teaching early math as preschools ramp up to prepare students for elementary school math.

What do you need to know and do to help your preschooler learn about math? To help you get started, we will explain how preschoolers learn about the many dimensions of math so you can build on that. You will learn what questions to ask your child’s preschool about their math program and instruction. We suggest some fun and educational math activities and games to do with your preschooler. And finally,

Big Number Jigsaw

16 • VIVIAN BABY • june 2017

Collect one to ten in this first colour and number game. A fun colour matching game that helps to teach number sequencing.

Age: 3-12

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how pResChooleRs leaRn the many aspeCts of math Most preschoolers, even without guidance from adults, are naturally interested in math as it exists in the world around them. They learn math best by engaging in dynamic, handson games and projects. Preschoolers love to ask questions and play games that involve the many aspects of math. The following table lists the key aspects of preschool math, along with simple games and activities you can use to help your child learn them.

Counting Caterpillars

A bold and colourful jigsaw, designed to encourage number recognition and counting skills from one to twenty.

Suitable to play on a table or as a floor puzzle. Age 3-6

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we will explain how to partner with preschool teachers to make sure your child is on track and experiences math as being “real� and useful throughout the day — at school, at home, and while at play.

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Match & Count Learn to count from 1 to 20 by matching the simple picture cards with the numbers. Only the correct cards will fit together. Age: 3+

Call us on Freephone 8007 3102 for your nearest stockist

math aspect

games and activities

number sense

Count food items at snack time (e.g., 5 crackers, 20 raisins, 10 baby carrots).

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Use a calendar to count down the days to a birthday or special holiday. Help your childar ning ade see the connection between a numeral like “5,” the word “five” and five days on the calendar.

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F

Practice simple addition and subtraction using small toys and blocks.

Play simple board games where your child moves a game piece from one position to the next.

Have your child name the shapes of cookie cutters or blocks.

geometry

Arrange cookie cutters in patterns on a cookie sheet or placemat. A simple pattern might be: star-circle-star-circle. measurement

Let your child help you measure ingredients for a simple recipe - preferably a favourite!

Measure your child’s height every month or so, showing how you use a yardstick or tape measure.

Mark his or her height on a “growth chart” or a mark on a door frame. Do the same with any siblings. Help your child compare his or her own height to previous months and also to his or her siblings’ heights.

math language

Talk through games and daily activities that involve math concepts.

Have your child name numbers and shapes.

Help your child understand and express comparisons like more than/less than, bigger/smaller, and near/far.

spatial Relations

Play games where you direct your child to jump forward and back, to run far from you or stay nearby.

Use songs with corresponding movements to teach concepts like in and out, up and down, and round and round.

Add and subtract to fill your cauldron! Check the answers by rubbing the eat sensitive ‘ghost’ patches on the cards to see if you are right. Age: 3-5

A fun addition and subtraction game. Take a counter and throw the dice to move round the board counting passengers on and off your big red bus. The winner is the player with the most passengers when their bus finally gets to the bus station. Age: 4-8

Two traditional family games in one! Old favourites are given an exciting pirate twist on this doublesided playing board. Age: 5-9

Ladybirds A first counting game. An Orchard Toys classic. Roll the dice, match the spots and count the ladybirds hiding on the leaves.Age: 3-6

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Pirate Snakes & Ladders & Ludo

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Magic Cauldron Bus Stop

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VIVIAN BABY • june 2017 • 17

Skills for Reading Readiness

what is letteR ReCognition?

Letter recognition—also known as alphabet recognition—is the ability to: • Distinguish between the 26 letters of the alphabet. • Say the letter name.

If your child already knows “The Alphabet Song,� that is a great start! But there is more to letter recognition than being able to sing the ABCs. You want your child to be able to pick out the individual letters and name them, and that is where the downloadable activities that follow really shine.

Big Alphabet Jigsaw Helps children learn the letters of the alphabet in a fun and engaging way. Includes a full size poster of the jigsaw. age 3-6

Alphabet Match

advantages of leaRning the letteR names Children who know the names of the letters have three major advantages: 1. Kids who know letter names will learn the sounds of the letters much more easily. By contrast, children who do not know the letter names often have tremendous difficulty in learning the sounds of the letters.

2. Children who can easily name the letters of the alphabet have an easier time learning to read.

3. As they learn the letter names, children tend to be more motivated to discover more about the letters and words around them.

Learn the letters of the alphabet by matching the simple picture cards with the letters. Only the correct cards will fit together. age 4+

Match and Spell

Alphabet Flashcards

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18 • VIVIAN BABY • june 2017

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Double-sided, colourful flashcards to introduce children to the letters of the alphabet in a fun way. age: 3+

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A fun first reading and spelling game. Match and Spell encourages letter recognition, teaches basic phonetic word building and promotes matching of pictures and words. age 4+

Call us on Freephone 8007 3102 for your nearest stockist

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heRe aRe some tips to help youR Child in his Reading sKills: • Help your child learn how to hold a book correctly.

• As you read books together, emphasize the fact that you are reading from front to back and from left to right. Let your child turn the pages.

• As your child helps you in the kitchen, point out the names on the food boxes and cans and the ingredients as you read your recipe.

• Point out and read road signs and store signs as you travel in the car.

• Sing the alphabet song together.

Practice starting at different letters.

• Use activities that help children recognize both uppercase and lowercase letters.

• Begin to encourage an association between letter names and the sounds they make.

• Create the alphabet with building blocks or form letters with playdough.

• Read lots of nursery rhymes and rhyming picture books together. arn ing Made F • Encourage your child to anticipate rhyme as you read together.

• Play clapping and rhyming games like Miss Mary Mack and Pat-a-Cake.

• Read aloud to your children daily.

Read books that are in line with your child’s interests so he begins to realize that there is a benefit to learning to read.

• Encourage even young children to interact with books.

• Attend story time at the library.

• Let your child see you enjoying books.

• Make read-aloud time an enjoyable shared time.

• As you read, ask open-ended questions. For example, ask “What do you think is going to happen when we turn the page?” or “Why did the boy go outside?”

• Use everyday life experiences to build your child’s vocabulary.

• Encourage imaginative play and storytelling.

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Keep tRaCK of whiCh letteRs youR Child Knows When you are teaching letters to your child, make sure that you get to the end of the alphabet. This may seem obvious, but all too often, young children do not master the last several letters. Be sure that your child knows U, V, and W as well as he knows A, B, and C!

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Our range of colouring activity books with stickers are designed with education in mind, featuring bold illustrations and fun step-by-step activities. The range includes books to help children learn their first words, ABC’s, 123’s and much more!

Pass the Word

Develop reading and spelling skills using sounds and blends. Follows on from our best selling Match and Spell.

Helps develop advanced reading and spelling skills. age 5+

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Orchard Games are available from all leading toyshops and supermarkets

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Match and Spell Next Steps

Learn to spell and develop literacy skills with this fast-moving word game. Race against the timer to put together a word, but try to be quick as when the time runs out the letters have to be passed on to the next player. age: 5-9

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VIVIAN BABY • june 2017 • 19

WHAT’S COOKING

By Author And Food ExpErt AnnABEl KArmEl

20 • VIVIAN BABY • june 2017

KIDS? F

rom the most eager of eaters to the faddiest of little foodies, children of all ages can benefit from spending time in the kitchen. From peeling to grating, mixing and rolling, there are lots of simple tasks for tiny hands.

Some of my happiest memories are of my children cooking and baking. It was a great way to spend quality time together and I loved watching their faces peering through the oven door, waiting for their cakes to rise or their jacket potatoes to crisp. you’ll stand a good chance of instilling a love of good, healthy food when preparing simple meals together from scratch. It doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming, so a tasty sultana muffin or a ham and cheese omelette is a great place to start.

We all know that kids love to ask questions; they’re naturally inquisitive and want to explore the world around them. my three children would always ask me about everything and anything! their thirst for knowledge never ceased to amaze me. that’s why I fed their curiosity in the kitchen, which worked wonders - although I quickly learnt their enthusiasm waned when it came to washing up. there isn’t a ‘best before’ date on learning how to cook and whilst starting young equips children with the knowledge and skill to make good food choices as they grow-up, it’s never too late to learn good habits.

So how can you have a cracking time in the kitchen?

Early birds Kids can join you in the kitchen earlier than you might think. Whether it’s counting out ingredients or washing them, cracking eggs or rolling dough, little ones can give you a helping hand. Give them bowls of various ingredients and let them explore.

Keep it simple Children (especially toddlers) have short attention spans, so start with recipes that are extra easy and provide a result reasonably quickly. my hungry Caterpillar sandwich is a simple recipe and pancakes, omelettes and cupcakes are easy too.

Get messy let’s face it; cooking with kids is never going to be mess free. Spending time in the kitchen with different smells, sights and textures should be a fun and memorable experience, so don’t worry about a bit of mess. make sure you wear aprons or old clothes and use plastic tablecloths to make tidying up easier. trust me: ingredients like chocolate get everywhere!

Food art unleash their inner picasso by getting creative with their edible masterpieces. use veggies to create faces on pizza bases or decorate cupcakes to make fun characters or animals.

Food trivia It’s important to introduce as many foods as possible at an early age. try playing a game and blindfold

each child before introducing a new food and ask them to guess what it is. Giving them facts is likely to make them more interested about what they are eating.

Squabble-free fun If you are cooking with more than one child, give each of them their own job or spoon to stir. yes, it’s important to encourage sharing, but they also want their own responsibilities. It also stops sibling squabbles.

Healthy favourites try making healthy junk food using good quality lean meat for burgers and English muffins for pizza bases.

A good way to coat homemade fish fingers is to dip them in seasoned flour, beaten egg and crushed cornflakes.

Safety first Kids love to copy grown-ups, so make sure you set a good example when you’re in the kitchen. Always wash your hands before cooking and help your little ones do the same.

Getting children to take an active interest in what they’re eating is essential for their general health and wellbeing. And if you have a fussy eater, they’re far more likely to eat something they’ve prepared themselves than something you’ve put in front of them. my ethos is that we as parents need to help give our children a positive relationship with food, and that means letting them help out in the kitchen. yes it be might be messy, or chaotic and their enthusiasm might disappear half way through a recipe, but believe me they’ll always be back to eat the goods at the end.

VIVIAN BABY • june 2017 • 21

real fruit 3+ aGE

With no added sugar and loads of

Vitamin C goodness!

Plasmon (Malta)

Plasmon (Malta)

Receipe Corner by Lea Hogg LEA HOGG is a food blogger, broadcaster and tv chef. She is a food columnist and her work appears on several publications in English and Maltese. She is currently writing her third cookbook. Her blog is www.goodfoodeveryday.wordpress.com

Quick and easy using Cuore di Natura MAkiNG A VeGetABLe pUree A vegetable puree is very easy to prepare: Method · Peel and cut the vegetables into small pieces and place in a saucepan in just enough water on low to medium heat.

Bring to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes depending on the type of vegetable you are using but be careful not to overcook them. The vegetables should be just soft enough to pierce them with a fork. Drain the water but do not discard it. Transfer the vegetables to a blender, add a ladleful of the vegetable cooking water and blend until it is a smooth and an even consistency. If necessary add more cooking water. · Vegetable puree freezes very well. It is versatile and can be mixed with pasta, ground rice, a cereal or grain or indeed other fruit and vegetables.

BUtterNUt SqUASh ANd chickeN pUree with ZUcchiNi, peAS ANd qUiNOA • ½ teaspoon olive oil • 250g pureed butternut squash • Cooking water from butternut squash • 1 chicken breast • 1 bayleaf • 1 jar Cuore di Natura Zucchini, Peas and Quinoa Method • Roughly chop the chicken breast and sauté in the olive oil. Cook on low heat for 5 minutes and then add some cooking water from the butternut squash and the bayleaf. Simmer for 10 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked and remove from the heat.

• Place the chicken in a blender together with the butternut squash. Blend together until you have a smooth

TIP: PLASmON POLL O IS AVAILABLE AND m AY BE USED INSTEAD OF THE cHIckEN BREAST puree. Add the jar of Zucchini, Peas and Quinoa and serve a couple of spoons in baby’s bowl.

• Freeze the rest of the puree in an ice cube tray and use within 1 month.

TIP: AVOID ADDING SALT, REFINED SUGAR AND HONEY TO BABY FOOD

Quick and easy using X-Kidz Smoothie Something fresh and cool for the summer: Using good quality children’s ready-to-eat food saves a lot of time and is more economical than buying a large amount of fruit that needs to be used up quickly. You can combine them with a variety of other ingredients to keep the menu interesting for your child. I notice that children love blueberries and I add them to both recipes to give a nutritional boost and load the recipes with extra antioxidants and Vitamin C and K.

AppLe ApricOt BANANA ice LOLLy with BLUeBerrieS • 3 pouches X-Kidz Apple Apricot Banana • 50g fresh blueberries • 6 Ice Lolly Moulds Method • Wash the blueberries well and cut them in half. Place them in a bowl and use a fork to break them down slightly.

• Divide the blueberries between the lolly moulds and pour the X-Kidz smoothies over the blueberries.

• Secure the lolly moulds and freeze for 2 hours before serving.

VIVIAN BABY • june 2017 • 23

Making friends with fruit & vegetables

YummY Fruit & Veg SnackS For kidS: 100% organic no added sugar or additives perfect as lunchbox companions fruit & veg made fun 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street, Msida MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com

ORG100% ANIC www.viviancorp.com

pure & wholesome organic homecooked taste 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street Msida MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com www.viviancorp.com

competition

by

Send us one variety found within the Plasmon Cuore di Natura range

Send an SMS with your answers to 50619615 by not later than 30th April 2017 along with your name, surname and contact number.

Winner will get a Hamper full of Plasmons New products.

Each SMS costs 28c

competition

Word Search

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Y H I P S G B C P J H M B M R I

L U A R L K O V E M T J O Y S Y

E B V O S A I D G O T S J T B B

D U U T U T Z L D K Q V E S D Q

26 • VIVIAN BABY • june 2017

A X D E N T A D L U Y B G E H J

N T V C C N L G I S A B N M Q D

K F G T A E D T N H I N I A K R

L L G I R S O G P A M C N G Z Q

K X S O E E L L N S N G R Q I A

O A N N S X A O T I C T A M A I

C H I C C O U Z O M L D E S Z U

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V K K Y F Q D T D R G L L K O F

W G N I H T E E T F D P E I D W

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aComplete by rnin F finding the following words: g Made

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G M I C C O U N T I N G N P I P

C B V L T P F D T H M F O Y S A

H V U D T L T U M X S D S M U G

ALPHABET ASIAN CHICCO COUNTING DROOL GAMES GUMS LEARNING

MOSQUITOES PROTECTION SKILLS SPELLING STAGNANT SUNCARE TEETHING TODDLER

Send your Word Search to: Chicco Word Search, Vivian Corporation 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street, Msida MSD 1824 by not later than 30th July 2017, along with your name, surname and contact number.

We will have 3 winners and each will receive a Chicco Sun Spray SPF50.

competition

Colour in Competition Send an SMS with your answers to 50619615 by not later than 30th July 2017, along with your name, surname and contact number.

Win €30 Hamper full of Annabel Karmel products and Recipe Book. The Most creative pouch will be selected.

competition

What is the grand prize for the SMA PRO Progress Kids Collection Scheme?

Send an SMS with your answer to 50619615 by not later than 30th July 2017, along with your name, surname and contact number.

Winner will win 5 Tins SMA PRO Progress Kids Each SMS costs 28c

iss ue

36

Chicco Competition: Alexia Borg, Nathan Azzopardi, Rachel Spiteri, Annemarie Sammut, Rosette Farrugia Plasmon Mummy’s Competition: Silvana Zerafa, Jennifer Ciantar Annabel Karmel Competition: Stephanie Cassar SMA Competition: Graziella Vella Googly Competition: Melanie Debono, Mariah Farrugia, Amanda Grech VIVIAN BABY • june 2017 • 27

ToY

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