MADE (Mums and Dads Edinburgh) - May/June 2017 by MADE (Mums and Dads Edinburgh) magazine

made MAY/JUN 2017 FREE

mums and dads edinburgh

MADE TALKS TO

FORTH ONE'S

Boogie CHILDREN CAN WEAR CONTACT LENSES

Who’s Smarter? BOYS OR GIRLS www.excel-sports.co.uk T: 07970 514 514

mpNsE a C 7 LI 201BOOK ONNOW

Father’s Day Gifts

Fountainbridge is THE family hub of Edinburgh! Dining, bonding and entertainment, all under one roof for the whole family AT THE FOUNTAIN.. Here at The Fountain Bar, we’re committed to being family friendly and all children are most He welcome. Please see our menu of activities below to see how we can help keep your little ones entertained whilst allowing you to relax, eat, drink and be merry!

Select from our’s yummy children menu and then choose their favourite entertainment…

Kids Activity Pack – drawing, puzzles, stickers and crayons in a handy themed pack! Mini DVD Player with headphones and a selection of U DVDs Toy Chest! Duplo and mini figures to stimulate their imaginations! and easy learning Wipe Clean drawingsaur s and Animals Dino a, Pepp books – Tomy Mega Sketcher

The Fountain . 131 Dundee Street . Edinburgh 0131 229 1899 . www.thefountainbar.co.uk

made

welcome

Contributors

The Edinburgh International Book Festival launches its programme on June 8th so we asked our contributors about the books they read to their children…

Andrea Zanin I love to indoctrinate my small children with story-form Shakespeare and Greek mythology (mwahahaha) and any book that allows me to render well-meaningbut-seriously-terrible accents is a winner; like The Hobbit or Matty Long’s Super Happy Magic Forest.

Michael Atkinson Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy! An entertaining read which has also instilled a love of dogs in my two boys, much to the delight of my wife, who desperately wants us to get a dog and now has two loyal supporters.

Andrea Sykes It has to be The Twits for me!

We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to options for family days out and child-friendly activities in and around Edinburgh; with new initiatives popping up all the time. The Seabird Centre in North Berwick is always a brilliant day out, and it’s now puffin season, which makes it extra fun! And if wildlife-spotting is your thing, you must try a trip on Maid of the Forth out to beautiful Inchcolm Island for a picnic and dolphin watching. Or, if it’s adrenaline you want, check out Foxlake Adventures - especially on May 20th and 21st, when they hold a fantastic festival. Or, for magic and mystery, head to the Edinburgh International Magic Festival which runs from June 30th to July 8th. So much to try! For more ideas look at pages 28-31, and check out new website kidskalendar.co.uk which is bursting with things to do!

Louise x

contact

Editor & Publisher Louise Wilson Designer

MAMi Designs

MADE, PO BOX 28825, Edinburgh, EH14 9BA T: 07738 068022 E: mademag@live.co.uk www.mademagazine.co.uk

Sales Executive

Caroline McClean

Feature Writers

Andrea Zanin, Andrea Sykes

Columnists

Kirsty Nicholls, Edinburgh for Under Fives Michael Atkinson

Agony Aunt

Jojo Sutherland

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Cover

Diana Baker Photography

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Printer

Stephens & George

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. While every care has been taken in compiling MADE magazine to ensure that it is correct at the time of going to press. MADE (Mums And Dads Edinburgh) assume no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.

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Leith

A Walk to Remember

Stockbridge

Saturday 17 June

Murrayfield

A family-friendly walking event in Edinburgh The Big Yin - 12.5 miles The Wee Yin - 7 miles New event for 2017: The Stroller - 3 miles

Free for children under age 8 Dogs on leads welcome

Currie

For details and registration: www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk or call 0131 551 1381 Registered charity number SC003634 Registered in Scotland 48700

Balerno

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Contents MAY / JUN 2017

Diaries

What to do in May & June

Summer Events & Camps

Boredom isn’t an option!

Trust Jojo

If you need advice…

Diary of a Screen Ban

By Andrea Sykes

Health

Offering a Helping Hand

24 Interview:

Shopping

MADE talks to Boogie

In The Right Garden

Mum’s New World

Readers’ Review

Turning a blind eye

Step It Up Dance

6 News 13 Competitions

Your chance to win

Who’s Smarter?

By Andrea Zanin

19 Embracing

Children’s Songs

By Michael Atkinson

Father’s Day Gifts

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news

Forget 2.4 kids - the average UK family now has 1.7 children, 1.4 parents and half a dog As Mr. Men Little Miss (www. mrmen.com) launch its new Family Portraits service with 231m different family combinations available, new research examining the make-up of modern families reveals how families have changed from the traditional, with research showing… • 46% of Edinburgh residents count on friends for advice as much as they do their families – higher than the UK figure of 42% • Edinburgh residents favour their mother in laws, with 28% saying they feel close to them, compared to the national average of just 23% • People from Edinburgh take less family photos than the average, taking a family snap only every 2.4 months (as appose to the national average of 3.5 months). Only 29% claim to have a framed family portrait in their house.

©PHIL WILKINSON

The Maid of the Forth

Season kicks off!

Blow away the cobwebs and cruise out to the stunning wildlife-inhabited Inchcolm Island on board one of the Maid of the Forth’s acclaimed sightseeing tours. Enjoy some family time with a cruise from South Queensferry to the historic island, and on Inchcolm, ramble around the monastic abbey, explore the trails, relax on the beach with a picnic, spot the seabirds and enjoy the spectacular views. Refreshments are available on board the family-run vessel, which contains two spacious decks, including the popular open-top deck which is ideal for viewing the local grey seals - keep your eyes peeled for porpoises, dolphins and even the occasional whale. Daily sailings allow passengers to spend 90 mins exploring Inchcolm Island before the boat returns to South Queensferry. A 3-hour Inchcolm Landing Trip costs: adult £20, child (5-15) £10.60, under 5s free. A family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) costs £54.50. Non-landing options also available. www.maidoftheforth.co.uk

New classes for

Step It Up Dance Step It Up Dance has launched brand new classes for children (P1-P7) in Musselburgh, at the Fisherrow Centre. The Urban Dance Allstars class will find their funky feet whilst they explore Hip Hop, Funk, Popping, Locking and Waacking. Dancers in each Academy can aim for original Achievement Awards and will be rewarded and praised every step of the way. Acro classes provide a new way for children to flip and twist all over the place in a fun and safe environment! Acro focuses on 5 key skill areas: Flexibility, Strength, Limbering, Balancing and Tumbling. www.stepitupdance.co.uk

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news Joy Tots is back

Greater Grassmarket Announces

Spring/Summer Events Programme A range of free events will run in the Greater Grassmarket from May - September, including the Vintage Weekend, Grassmarket Unplugged, Circus Weekend and the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival Mardi Gras. Two new events will also be launched - Blue Grassmarket, an Americana music festival, and Pitch, an event showcasing the talents of street performers.

Foxlake Outdoor Festival returns bigger and better in 2017, offering a world of adventures for all the family on 20 - 21 May. As well as an Industry Pro Wakeboard Tour and Decades Music Stage, featuring everyone’s favourite tribute bands, there will be a talented line-up of East Lothian’s finest musicians, and a Comedy Stage. The popular Kids’ Zone will be back, with the inflatable village filled with every bouncy castle imaginable, as well as the challenge of the climbing wall. made MAY / JUN 2017

Joy Tots is delighted to have opened its doors again, and looks forward to meeting lots of new faces! Showcasing some of the best baby classes, baby massage and firstaid courses in Edinburgh, this friendly little haven is a great escape, and promises a warm welcome. Their purpose-built space has been designed to accommodate children, and as well as excellent classes, it’s the perfect venue for birthdays and baby showers. Pop in with friends for a locally roasted coffee and freshly baked cake, meet the new owners and relax! www.joytots.com

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news The Great British Snooze

Britain is a nation of super snoozers! A study of 1,163 UK adults carried out by interiors retailer Furniture123.co.uk found 78% of Brits snooze every day, on average 4 times - a total of 36 minutes - before they actually get up. Of those surveyed who are married, 1 in 3 say they would prefer to sleep alone due to their spouse’s sleeping habits, and 9% say they currently sleep in separate rooms because of this.

The Pantry

arrives in Colinton! It is with much excitement The Pantry arrives in Colinton in May 2017, offering its superb range of brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks menus - and yes, a play area for kids, too! Already a firm favourite in Stockbridge, The Pantry will bring all the tried-and-tested favourites to Colinton village; including fresh in-house baking, Johan and Nystrom Coffee, Eteaket Teas and locally pressed juices; an amazing wine list from VINO (with two Proseccos!), Scottish Gin bar and all-Scottish craft beers and ales. Their dinner menu will have three-course options as well as nibbles and casual dining; with larger table and private dining available too. www.thepantryedinburgh.co.uk

Due to increased demand Talking Tots has added new classes on Fridays. Classes now run every weekday across the city, for children aged 12 months to 5 years. Designed to encourage listening and attention skills, turn-taking and group participation, language development, phonological awareness and confident communication, Talking Tots classes give every child the skills they need to thrive when they move into a classroom environment!

©JOHN FRANCIS

More Talking Please

Contact Zoё on 07595 002278 or visit www.talkingtots.info/Edinburgh

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n o t in l o C g in iv Arr May 2017

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news

Free Trial Monkey Music is delighted to say it’s not too late to book a free trial in one of their classes! Monkey Music is a great way to spend truly magical time with your child so why not come and experience the wonder of the 4 age curricula and enter the world of music, beautiful visual props, sounds and instruments. Morning and afternoon classes available – contact comelybank.contact comelybank.corstorphine@ monkeymusic.co.uk and morningside.pentland@ monkeymusic.co.uk to book your trial and for further information go to www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Razzamataz Edinburgh Teams up with The Stage newspaper Love performing arts but never had any formal training in dance, drama or singing? There is a wonderful opportunity for aspiring performing artists with The Stage newspaper to win a year’s scholarship at Razzamataz Edinburgh. It doesn’t matter whether you have been attending Razzamataz for years or if you have never tried performing arts classes before, the scholarships are open to all children from the ages of 8 to 16. The scholarship prize is worth up to £800 and the boost of confidence it will give to a youngster is immeasurable. For more information contact Razzamataz Edinburgh on 07946 405788 or email edinburgh@razzamataz.co.uk

Bearfoot Comedy Club Barefoot Comedy Club’s mission is to bring a monthly live comedy extravaganza to Morningside. Their launch show, featuring MADE’s very own Agony Aunt and Comedy Queen, Jojo Sutherland, sold out within a couple of weeks and was a resounding success. The Club has been supported by the local community and businesses, and there’s a

buzz in the playgroup at South Morningside Primary School from parents who’ve loved escaping the kids for an evening of laughter! This gender-balanced show is packed with standup, sketch and musical comedy upstairs at The Merlin, Morningside Road, on the last Thurs of the month. See Facebook and Twitter for updates.

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Crafty Cooking Fiona, mum to Lewis (7) and Iona (4), now runs Crafty Cooks Edinburgh, offering friendly welcoming cooking classes for children aged 2 to 11. The sessions are held in her home so kids are very relaxed and settle in quickly. Typically you do a recipe and a tasting activity in every class, which is especially good for getting kids to try new things. Fiona runs sessions during term time for preschoolers and school-age children, as well as holiday workshops, nursery sessions and birthday parties. To find a session that suits you, call Fiona on 07900093946 or email Fiona@ craftycooks.co.uk or look up Facebook Crafty Cooks Edinburgh.

Dads Rock Dads Rock and Friends are taking over the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to celebrate Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. On 18 June, get hands-on with lots of exciting activities, arts and crafts, dancing, drawing, hairstyle workshops, planting, songs, storytelling, yoga and rocking out! The fun starts at 11am and goes on until 3pm. For more info visit www.dadsrock.org.

The Moon Walk On Sat 10th June, thousands of women, men and children, wearing brightly decorated bras, will walk through the streets of Edinburgh at midnight, raising money and awareness for breast cancer. Ten year olds and above can take on the New Moon challenge (6.55 miles) and for those wanting a longer challenge, try the Half Moon (13.1 miles) or Full Moon (26.2 miles) for ages 13 and over.Â www.walkthewalk.org made MAY / JUN 2017

Must be booked online

worldofbowling.com 11

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new products Play with it, collect it, why not wear it? The Shopkins Skater Dress is a must for any Shopkins fanatic! The design is jam packed with everything you love about these adorable little characters. Available from www.noisysauce.com for £14.99.

NEW First Words books Say “hola” to First Words, the latest series of books from Lonely Planet Kids. Simple, striking and beautifully illustrated, these new books are the perfect introduction to new languages for the whole family. £8.99 each from lonelyplanet kids.com

Brand New Super Sour Yoyos

BEAR Alphabites

new look By turning the whole BEAR Alphabites box into the bear character, breakfast time is brought to life. Complete with actual popped up ears, arms on the side and a pom pom tail design on the back (not to mention a friendly face) - cubs won’t be able to keep their paws off!

The family’s favourite on-the-go snack - BEAR Yoyos - are back with a TWIST, or should that be a ZING…? The BRAND NEW 100% pure fruit & veg snacks have been been given a super twist with the tantalising ting of lemon - and still absolutely no added nonsense!

Get Up and Glow! The Flexible 3D Maker Toy

With the ultimate easy-to-put-together design, Magic Tracks enables children to confidently create exciting tracks with ease; obstacles, ‘hamster wheels’ or 3D sections - the possibilities are endless. When the fun is over, simply roll up the track in one piece! Magic Tracks also glow in the dark. Available from Smyths Toy Stores, for ages 3+.

Stems is the new 3D maker toy, designed in Edinburgh, and offering a level of creative freedom other toys don’t. Fairy wings, spiderman masks, wheels and balls….the list of things to make is endless! Stems launched at this year’s Edinburgh International Science Festival where visitors discovered what could be made with 5000 Stems! Go to www.stems. shop to see the weird and wonderful ideas that were created and to buy your own.

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competition

WIN To win competitions A or B simply email your name, contact details and answer to competitions@mademagazine.co.uk or enter via www.mademagazine.co.uk before June 16th.

•

• competition •

To win a family pass for MagicFair, just answer this question: What time does MagicFair - Family Mornings start?

For more infö and to book your tickets go to www.magicfest.co.uk. Kids four and under go FREE!

For more information, please go to www.lbwithlovegifts.com T&Cs. The winners will be picked at random by MADE magazine on 16 June 2017. Competition entries are restricted to Edinburgh, Lothians and surrounding areas only. Editor’s decision is final. No cash alternative is available and prizes are nontransferrable. Please indicate on your entry if you would prefer not to receive information from MADE and any of its partners.

made MAY / JUN 2017

competition

For a chance to win a £50 LB With Love gift voucher, just let us know which gift you would most like to receive from the LB With Love website.

competition •

At LB With Love you can find gifts for all the ladies in your life, both young and old; bags, scarves, jewellery, homeware and all sorts of pretty bits and pieces. Nothing is over £20, so you might be able to treat yourself too! You can buy online at www.lbwithlovegifts.com, or perhaps host a party where you get 50% off everything you buy on the night.

competition

The Edinburgh International Magic Festival is back for its 8th year this summer, running from 30th June – 8th July. MagicFair runs across the opening weekend (July 1st and 2nd) at Summerhall - a magic theme-park experience, where the rides are live shows! The sell-out four-hour family morning sessions feature six liveshows, magic workshops, brilliant beasts and wand-making classes. The afternoon sessions will keep bigger kids and adults entranced with close-up magic, illusionists, mind readers and jawdropping stunts. The late evening sessions cater for the partygoers with street food and pop-up bars in the courtyard and magic and comedy into the wee witching hours.

A watery world of confidence, skill and fun! The highest trained baby swimming instructors An award-winning programme for babies from birth Saving lives through water confidence and safety skills Classes 7 days-a-week

classes held... Corstorphine, Newington, Oxgangs, Crewe Toll, Dalmahoy & Dalkeith.

Private warm-water pools Have fun and bond with your baby

Enjoy Giggles at Wiggles! Wiggles is the multi-level adventure soft play at the Loch Centre, Tranent. Suitable for children 6mths - 8 years, Wiggles has 3 levels of adventure soft play full of obstacles and hidden surprises. There’s a dedicated play zone for under 2s, cafe facility and party area. Come and join the fun, 7 days a week. You’re guaranteed Giggles at Wiggles!

To give your baby a splashing start call

0131 554 6682

woggle@waterbabies.co.uk

Loch Centre, Well Wynd, Tranent, East Lothian, EH33 2JX

Let’s teach your baby to swim! www.waterbabies.co.uk

01875 824140 | www.enjoyleisure.com | z a g Delivering services for East Lothian Council. Registered Scottish Charity: SC040527

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er t ar m s s ’ o Wh – boys or girls? Andrea Zanin pits the sexes against one another and learns an invaluable lesson along the way

isney’s live action Beauty and the Beast remake might sport a feminist who dishes out Maya Angelou books on the underground but in spite of Emma Watson, the film is nonetheless a fairytale with a protagonist named Beauty who sells relationships as happily ever after. Translation: life’s a dream and women should be named after their appearance – even if they read books and rescue their fathers from furry fiends. Feminism has come a long way in the fight for women’s rights but has not yet won the day. We can get jobs, wear pants and have hairy armpits if we so choose and yet still; equal pay’s a no-go and those hairy armpits come with a whole heap of judgment on the side. Plus, Trump is president. Oh – and gender stereotype is entrenched by the age of 6! (Dare we go on?) In an effort to determine how children in primary schools view intelligence between the sexes, a team of researchers put together a bunch of psychological experiments aimed at children aged 5 to 7. They found out that 5-yearolds seemed not to differentiate between boys and girls in expectations of “really, really smart” made MAY / JUN 2017

– childhood’s version of ‘cleverness’. But by age 6, girls were prepared to lump more boys into the “really, really smart” category, steering themselves away from games intended for the “really, really smart” in favour of games that require one to “try really, really hard”. The research showed that children aged 5 associated brilliance with their own gender but among those aged 6 or 7, only the boys still clung to this view. To test this theory, I decided to ask my two daughters, aged 5 and 7 (fortuitous, I know), who they thought was smarter; boys or girls, and (perhaps unsurprisingly) their answers conformed to research. My 7-year-old said, “Boys [are smarter]. Girls just play and don’t do their homework that much”. Mum kudos right there (facepalm). My 5-year-old answered a categorical “Girls!” and when prompted for an explanation offered, “Girls are cool”, to which I responded “well, duh!” in my best Rainbow-Dashmeets-Pinkie-Pie voice. And then facepalmed again because I just promoted supremacy over equality. I find it really easily slip into ‘girl power’ mode at home (anywhere, really) – because I

WHO’S SMARTER?

have three daughters and women had to (and still have to) fight harder for a chance at most things. Now, not all women are feminists; not all mums are feminists but what we want for our daughters transcends the prescriptions of the label, and was beautifully expressed by Hillary Clinton who said in her concession speech, “To all the little girls watching this; never doubt that you are powerful and valuable and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams”. And yet in spite of my best efforts – to affirm my daughters, as individuals and as females – my 7-year-old thinks boys are smarter. A tad concerned, I suggested the ‘who’s smarter’ question to a forum of mums and dads in an effort to see where other kids (and parents) are at on the whole gender identity thing and, as well as garner some inestimable insight, I managed to start a war! Don’t panic – there’s no need to build a bomb shelter or anything. I’m talking ideology. As it turns out, many parents were entirely averse to posing my question to their children! I was met with a vitriol so violent that if this cold war had turned hot, I’d have been nuked on the spot. Because what I had done by asking ‘who’s better’ was pit the sexes against one another and in so doing, open children up

to the idea that there is a superior gender. Oops. Insert scream emoji right here – times one hundred. And then facepalm again. Although many parents weren’t willing to risk the implantation of alien ideas into the minds of their kin, there was a parenting contingent that was willing to risk the question, and luckily (for my face and my palm) one little boy and his mum saved my professional reputation! This particular 5-year-old believes that boys are “… more clever because they sit at the front and get more stickers” except, according to his mum, said boys push forward to get to the front and because they are more disruptive than their feminine counterparts are likely to get more stickers (and praise) for good behaviour. She went on to say; “I’m glad I asked [who’s smarter] because [my son] was observing something and making his own assumptions about sex and cleverness. If I hadn’t asked I couldn’t have had the conversation and would have never known what he was thinking.” Whew! Like this mum, I, too, used the answers my girls gave me as a catalyst for discussion. Encouraging them to think critically about their opinions, we talked about the fact that people are ‘clever’ at different things and that labeling individuals according to their intellect (as I had pretty much asked them to

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WHO’S SMARTER?

do) undermines character and personality. So, of the 5-year-olds asked ‘who’s smarter?’ most children did choose their own gender. One little guy said that boys are smarter because “…they’re very creative. Girls just think random things and make things up” – possibly a knee jerk reaction to his best friend, a girl, deciding she wants to be BFF with the new girl in class (according to his mum) but still a ‘hurrah’ for boys, right? Tayla said “Girls are smarter because boys are stronger than girls and girls need a chance to be good at something” and offering a more balanced view, Dakota reckons, “Both, because sometimes they get the answers right and sometimes they get the answers wrong.” Interestingly, more of the 7-year-olds asked ‘who’s smarter’ articulated their own sex – contrary to the research (from a girl’s perspective, at least). It was either a case of children bigging up their own respective genders or resorting to predictable arguments, like; girls are smarter because boys mess around in class or boys are smarter because girls talk too much. There were a few children, boys and girls, who rated intelligence according to mathematical ability, which is, apparently, more proficient in boys. Although one boy observed, “Sylvia, in my class, is best at maths and Joe is best at English; made MAY / JUN 2017

everyone’s different” – which raises the point; much more interesting than asking children to chose ‘this or that’ is to ask open questions like, what makes someone clever? Or, how can you tell if someone is clever? The parents had a point. Had I, by asking my girls the question, destroyed the proverbial blank slate – the treasured tabula rasa? I’ve always assumed that in spite of my best efforts and motherly lessons on life love and everything else, The World offers its own conscripted teachings that contribute to (if not overtake) the formulation of my children’s thoughts and opinions. One 5-year-old boy summed it up perfectly: when presented the ‘who’s smarter’ question, he answered that “[Boys and girls] are both the same. No one is better or smarter, they are just different and better at different things”, to which his mum replied “That’s what I’ve told you before, but what do you actually think?” He said “Boys are smarter because they make Lego and girls don’t make much”. There was a correct answer (the one his mum wanted to hear) and then there was his answer, whereby the measure of intelligence is calculated by an aptitude for Lego. Of course it is because ‘politically correct’ has no street cred on the playground – Lego, on the other hand… n

Embracing children’s songs WRITTEN BY Michael

Atkinson

‘T

here are seven days, there are You should be able to pick seven days, there are seven days up the rest of the lyrics pretty in every week. Sunday Monday, Tuesday quickly. Wednesday, Thursday Friday, I’ve also written another song. Saturday.’ This one keeps children entertained This may seem strikingly obvious for longer than the first example and to most people and whilst clearly a for less time than the latter song statement of fact, it is also the words that I created. to a children’s song with a basic ‘There are twelve months, there melody that even a tone deaf indiare twelve months, there are twelve vidual can sing. months in every year. January, Despite the absurd simplicity of the February, March, April, May, June, song’s lyrics, I find myself singing it one afJuly, August, September, October, ternoon on repeat. This is not because November and December’. A muI have trouble remembering the seven sical interlude follows with guitar days of the week and constantly repeat and piano and then starts verse two. them to keep them in my memory - in ‘There are twelve months, there are fact, I have two small children and this is twelve months . . . ‘ You get the gist. It’s a the song that appears to be keeping them tear jerker, an emotional roller-coaster of entertained during another inane car joura song. It took me a long time to craft, but ney. once started, the words flowed. Each time the song finishes, they shriek Now last Saturday was a bad day. The ‘again Daddy’ and I am forced for the sake electrics in my car went haywire and you of the avoidance of tears, to could no longer turn off the sound strike up yet another rendition of system. This would normally be this ingenious number. fine if stuck on a radio channel, Who exactly was the writer but before the issue arose, we It’s a tear jerker, who came up with this tune? I were listening to a children’s CD hope they didn’t earn much from of songs and this was therefore an emotional its creation. If it led to a millionthe only thing that we were able roller-coaster aire lifestyle, reeling in royalties to listen to on every car journey. from every time it is played, then I now find myself singing these of a song I too have become a song writer. songs time and time again, lost in My first release (when a record a world of ‘head, shoulders, knees company embraces it) beats the and toes’,. . . only to discover that aforementioned one as it can keep children enI am no longer with my children . . . indeed I’m tertained for much longer. not even in the car. n This is how it goes. ‘There are sixty minutes, there are sixty minutes, there are sixty minutes in every hour. One Michael Atkinson is a dad to two young sons, minute two minutes, three minutes, four minutes, but occasionally finds the time to write on golf, five minutes six minutes, seven minutes eight whisky, fatherhood and politics. minutes, nine minutes, ten minutes . . . ‘

“

Find out more...

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WE SELL

FANTASTIC

Family Homes

The puffins are here! Hurrah! On camera now at the Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick.

www.seabird.org 01620 890202 Image Â© Laurie Campbell

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father’s day

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shopping

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father’s day

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shopping

Daddy, Daddy Cool! The Ultimate Father’s Day Gifts for June 18th 1

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MENS MOROCCAN LEATHER BABOUCHE SLIPPERS (available black or grey) £26, bohemiadesign.co.uk ‘TOUCH WOOD’ CUFFLINKS & KEYRING, £14.95 & £10.95, Pippin, Haymarket, pippingifts.com

JIGSAW PUZZLE 250 piece jigsaw presented in a quirky tin. (Perfect for screws, batteries and other manly stuff in once the puzzle is complete!) £10.75, gibsonsgames.co.uk FERM LIVING ESPRESSO CUPS £32 (set of 4), Spektakular, Holy Corner, spektakular.co.uk

5. SANDRA ISAKSSON FAMILY SIDE PLATE £12, Spektakular, Holy Corner, spektakular.co.uk

SAGAFORM BEER GLASSES £12, Spektakular, Holy Corner, spektakular.co.uk

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7. 8.

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ZUMBA® FITNESS WITH NADIA All classes taught by trained dancer and ﬁtness professional Nadia Alkoc.

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Father’s Day Sunday 18th June

Choose something different for Dad this Father's Day.We've plenty of inspiration from stylish t-shirts,simple skincare and smart cufflinks,all designed and created in Scotland.

193 Whitehouse Rd, Barnton, EH4 6BU 0131 538 0168 5 Seaforth Terrace, Blackhall, EH4 2BS 0131 467 2878

Boogie in the morning

NAME: Boogie

For years, morning-radio presenter, Boogie, has entertained us while we get JOB: Radio the kids ready for school. Now a dad Presenter himself, he talks to MADE about how he got DAD TO: Emilia (1) into radio, the best bits of being a dad, and how heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be spoiled on Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. AGE:

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BOOGIE IN THE MORNING

How did you get into radio? When I was a student one of my lecturers was working part-time at the local station Galashiels (Radio Borders) and I got chatting to him, told him I was interested so he invited me along to help out behind the scenes. Once I had access to the studio I was able to make a demo tape and then when the station were looking for some extra presenters I was in the right place at the right time. A few years later the boss of Radio Borders moved to Northsound Radio in Aberdeen and asked me to go and work for him full time there. Three years later I was approached by Radio Forth and moved to Edinburgh. What other job might you like to do? A pilot. I love travelling and I am a bit of a geek when it comes to airplanes. Who has been your best guest to interview? Robbie Williams. I was in his dressing room at the Etihad stadium in Machester about 2 hours before he performed to 60,000 fans. It was really interesting to see what goes on with such a big artist. And the worst? Mick Hucknall from Simply Red. It was actually my first interview when I started on Forth 1. I was trying to be upbeat and have a bit of fun but he was having none of it. We ended up not using the interview on air.

What have been your career highlights? Too many to mention! I have been on the main stage at T in the Park when Paolo Nutini was on. We host sell-out shows at the Playhouse. We take 750 listeners to Amsterdam for a party once a year, and we have had success at the National Radio Awards a couple of times. You and Arlene seem to get on really well? Arlene is great. I suppose we are a bit like a married couple – we spend more time talking to each other than we do with our partners. We do fall out occasionally but never over anything serious. I know how valuable an asset she is to our show and would say that she is very close to being irreplaceable. made MAY / JUN 2017

What do you do when you’re not working? We have two sausage dogs so we enjoy taking them for a walk. What’s your favourite thing about Edinburgh? The fringe. It’s a three-week party! How do you keep the balance between parenting and career? It’s actually easier for us than many other couples. I work early so I am always finished at lunchtime which means I get every afternoon with Emilia. What is the best and worst part of being a dad? The best bit is just the laughs we have together. Emilia is getting to the stage where she is much more able to interact and do funny things. We love that. Worst bit is the constant worry – especially if they have an illness or a rash or the like. You never know what it is and there’s some scary stuff on the internet if you google their symptoms. Has being a dad changed you? It has changed my priorities. Everything is centred around Emilia. How will you handle boyfriends when your daughter is older? She won’t have any. Ever. Will you get spoiled on Father’s Day? I will probably get a bottle of wine/Jack – although how she gets it without ID I’m not so sure… Lastly, something we ask everyone….what is your ‘sanity saver’. What gets you through the trickiest of parenting days? Let the house be a bit of a mess. If the baby is sleeping try and get a bit of rest too. The housework can wait.

Listen to Boogie & Arlene breakfast time on weekdays 6-10am on Forth 1, and on Saturdays 9-12noon.

Mum’s New World

WRITTEN BY Kirsty

Nicholls

EDITOR OF EDINBURGH FOR UNDER FIVES - WWW.EFUF.CO.UK

friend once told me that she’d ignored the fact that her son had eaten the dog’s biscuits. I was absolutely horrified. That was before I was a parent, of course. Once she’d realised her toddler had been snaffling canine sweet treats, it was too late. They’d been gobbled. I didn’t understand her decision to pretend it hadn’t happened. She couldn’t press the rewind button, so she would put it to the back of the mind to preserve her positive mental attitude for the rest of the day. But now I’m a mum, I totally, onehundred-percent get it. For the first few weeks of Tom’s life, he had endless snuffles. Heck, who am I kidding, they’re still with us seven months later. During one particularly bad cold he stopped feeding. One morning we were all going stir-crazy at home, so I decided to take two-year-old Jack to a play café. Suddenly, baby Tom became really interested in his bottle and started taking huge gulps. Hallelujah! This happened at the exact moment that Jack decided to get into a toddler tussle over a toy train. I was torn. Risk missing this golden opportunity to feed my ailing newborn or play UN peacekeeper? I decided to let the squabble burn itself out, give Tom his milk and for my own sanity, pretend not to have seen the drama across the room. Bad mum? Your guess is as good as mine. These episodes of amnesia can happen completely subconsciously. I forget about the food on my boys’ clothes, unless we have a major spillage. Clean clothes become immediately grubby. I’m so accustomed to it that I’ve become oblivious. I also frequently forget that I need the toilet, because I can’t see a way of actually getting to one. I’ve left the house needing a wee, gone to Gymboree, done a week’s grocery shop

“

and arrived home before realising I still haven’t been. I’ve shared the “turning a blind eye” love with other mums. We were at a children’s party and I happened to glance into the empty dining room. Empty that is, apart from one little boy. The table was resplendent with cupcakes and sandwiches, with a huge professionally baked and decorated birthday cake at its centre. It was truly a work of art. But the child was knelt on a chair, licking the beautiful icing like a cat with a saucer of blue top. My first thought was, “Thank goodness it isn’t Jack”, closely followed by, “But it so easily could have been.” I coughed to let the child know he was being observed, which prompted his sharp exit out of the room. And I didn’t tell a soul. It would definitely have been in everyone’s interest for me to do so, but I wanted that boy’s mum to keep the smile on her lovely face. Because parenting is hard, and sometimes you just need someone to cut you some slack. I even ate the cake. Solidarity, sisters. n

Parenting is hard, and sometimes you just need someone to cut you some slack

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”

CRAFT

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Baby & Pre-school classes age 0-4

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s l

Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

2 7.30pm Pinocchio @ Festival Theatre. Based on the original book, Pinocchio embarks on a fantastic journey to become a human boy. For ages 7+

7.30pm Running Wild @ King’s Theatre. An emotional and moving story of love, loss, loyalty and of living for the moment. Runs 2 - 6 May

PINOCCHIO @ FESTIVAL THEATRE 2 MAY

STARCATCHERS AND CURIOUS SEED: MAMABABAME @ BRUNTON THEATRE 15 MAY

RUNNING WILD @ KING’S THEATRE 2-6 MAY

Dates for your diary

PINOCCHIO @ FESTIVAL THEATRE 2 MAY

Have you picked up your free loyalty card from Turtle Dove playcafe yet?

11.30am & 2.30pm Starcatchers and Curious Seed: MamaBabaMe @ Brunton Theatre. An exciting new dance, theatre and live music experience especially for infants 18months - 3 years.

Fantastic Mr Fox @ King’s Theatre. Mr Fox is smart, clever and rather fantastic. Can he hatch a plan to save his family and friends? For ages 5+. Runs 15 - 20 May

FANTASTIC MR FOX @ KING’S THEATRE 15-20 MAY

Book a fantastic family day out on Maid of The Forth. Go to maidoftheforth.co.uk for details.

25 7.30pm (for 8pm start) Barefoot Comedy Night @ The Merlin, Morningside. A comedy extravaganza on the last Thursday of each month. Tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk

29 30 31 10.30am - 11.10am Recitals for Wrigglers concert @ Palace of Holyroodhouse. A spring themed recital with sensory play, stories and activities for children 4 and under

For more information about what’s on log onto 28

www.mademagazine mademagazine.co.uk .co.uk www.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

May 2017 Spotlight on... 5 6 Jupiter Artland re-opens for summer season

12 13 Gung Ho! @ The Meadows. Do the 5K and take on ten of the greatest inflatable obstacles on the planet! Money goes towards BBC Children in Need.

19 20 Foxlake Outdoor Festival 2017! Also on 21 May. www.foxlakefestival.co.uk

26 27 12pm - 6pm Canteen @ Archerfield Walled Garden. East Lothian’s street food market featuring ten acclaimed street food traders, residents DJs Four Corners and an open-air bar. www.roguevillage.com

1.30pm - 3.30pm Make Mess Matter @ Ikea. Drop-in event, for ages 6 months+ Free for Ikea Family card holders. Bring spare clothes!

Friday Saturday Sunday 7 10am - 4pm Sunday Funday @ The Yard. Open to the public every Sunday, everyone can come along to get messy and have fun! £5 per child for two hours. theyardscotland.org.uk

14 Take a trip to the Seabird Centre, North Berwick to see the puffins! See spotlight for more info…

10.30am - 12pm Positive Birth Movement meeting @ Babies & Bumps Café, Morningside. Covering topics based on needs of those attending. Free. www. positivebirthedinburgh.com

28 27 & 28 May: opening weekend of Edinburgh International Children’s Festival @ National Museum of Scotland. Free drop-in events activities and more. Festival runs until 4 June.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL @ NATIONAL MUSUEM OF SCOTLAND 27 & 28 MAY

Puffins! Puffin season has begun at the Scottish Seabird Centre. Visitors to the 5-star Centre have the opportunity to control the interactive cameras to zoom in on the live puffin action on the islands of Craigleith, Fidra and the Isle of May National Nature Reserve. It’s also possible to see the amazing ‘clowns of the sea’ with a range of boat trips that take in the local islands. Younger visitors to the Seabird Centre have the chance to visit for free: those who present a ‘puffin portrait’ in May, June and July at the admissions desk will be awarded with a Discovery Centre ticket for their artistic efforts. Each ‘puffin portrait’ should feature a drawing of the child with a puffin, articulated in any artistic medium. www.seabird.org

Kids Kalendar at www.kidskalendar.co.uk made MAY JAN // FEB JUN2017 2017

Dates for your diary Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

GERMAN VILLAGE AND BIERFEST 1-4 JUNE

Enter MADE’s competitions at mademagazine.co.uk before June 16th

German Village and Bierfest @ Princes Street Gardens. An open-air family-friendly festival with an activity area with games for children. Runs 1 - 4 June.

8 The Edinburgh International Book Festival programme launches. Go to www.edbookfest.co.uk for more info.

Remember to visit Cloudberry for stylish Father’s Day gifts and cards for June 18th.

THE EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

15 Borders Book Festival @ Harmony Garden in Melrose in the Scottish Borders. Books, music, theatre and kids craft activities. Runs 15 - 18 June.

Tickets go on sale for The Edinburgh International Book Festival. Go to www.edbookfest.co.uk for more info.

22 Royal Highland Show is on June 22nd - 25th

26 27 28 29

Don’t forget to book your kids’ summer camps! See pages 32-37 for ideas.

2.30pm & 7.30pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream @ King’s Theatre. Five Edinburgh High Schools collaborate to bring you one of Shakespeare’s most fun plays.

For more information about what’s on log onto 30

www.mademagazine mademagazine.co.uk .co.uk www.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

June 2017 Spotlight on...

Friday Saturday Sunday 2 3

Gardening Scotland @ the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. The national gardening and outdoor living Show and Scotland’s gardening festival. Runs 2 - 4 June.

Stand-Up Comedy Course @ Monkey Barrel Comedy Club, Blair St. Two day workshop on June 3rd & 4th, with showcase performance on Sunday evening. www.monkeybarrelcomedy. com

1pm - 4pm Family Fun Day @ The Queen’s Gallery. An afternoon inspired by exhibition, Maria Merian’s Butterflies. Enjoy arts & crafts, facepainting and meet the expert, George McGavin.

9 10 11 The Moon Walk Scotland 2017! Every mile you walk makes a difference to breast cancer.

THE QUEEN’S GALLERY 3 JUNE

16 17 The Awfey Huge Variety Show 2 @ Festival Theatre. A night when the children of the city’s special schools have the stage to themselves. For ages 4+.

A Walk to Remember. Walk from Balerno to The Shore and raise money for St Columba’s Hospice. For more info see the spotlight…

23 24 THE AWFEY HUGE VARIETY SHOW 2 - 16 JUNE

10am - 4pm Sunday Funday @ The Yard. Open to the public every Sunday, everyone can come along to get messy and have fun! £5 per child for two hours. theyardscotland.org.uk

Father’s Day!

See lots of gift ideas on pages 21 and 22.

25 7.30pm (for 8pm start) Barefoot Comedy Night @ The Merlin, Morningside. A comedy extravaganza on the last Thursday of each month. Tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk

Edinburgh International Magic Festival runs June 30th - July 8th. www.magicfest.co.uk

A Walk to Remember

for St Columba’s Hospice

June 17th A fantastic day out for families, walking through the hidden heart of Edinburgh along the picturesque Water of Leith walkway. Walk from Balerno, on the 12.5 mile route, or join in part way along the route at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre and walk the remaining seven miles to the finish line at The Shore. Children’s activity packs will be provided, and dogs on leads are welcome too. Refreshments are provided along the route, with cakes and medals waiting for all participants at the end of the walk. A Walk to Remember is a fun way for the whole family to raise funds for the Hospice. Find out more and register online at www.stcolumbas hospice.org.uk

Kids Kalendar at www.kidskalendar.co.uk made MAY JAN // FEB JUN2017 2017

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer

CAMPS

GET YOUR SUMMER SORTED! BEING BORED IS NOT AN OPTION . EXCEL SPORTS AC ADEMY St Georges School, Murrayfield Summer Camps: Mon 3rd July - Fri 11th Aug

OI MUSIC A’S SUMMER SC HOOL Edinburgh College Milton Rd Mon 31 July - Fri 4 Aug

Excel Sports Academy run 6 weeks of holiday camps in July and August for children aged 5 -15. Led by friendly and experienced staff and sports coaches, the children follow a structured timetable each day. The Excel+ camps include art, tennis, ComputerXplorers, canoeing, rockschool, swimming and diving and lots more. Their final week of football will allow children to work through different levels towards achieving a qualification – reach level 15 and they can trial for a local football club. The camp is open from 8am - 6pm each day, with a packed day of activities 9am - 5pm. Excel accept childcare vouchers. Go to www.excel-sports.co.uk and book online.

An exciting and fun week for young people aged 10+ exploring the music of Carnival in Brazil and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. All abilities are welcome from total beginners to experienced players of brass, woodwind, drums & percussion. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop street drumming skills, learn to play in a parading horn section and put together a show with opportunities to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe! Oi Musica is run by musicians from Orkestra del Sol – this will book up fast! Details & early bird offers at www.oimusica.co.uk

www.mademagazine.co.uk

SUMMER CAMPS

S TEP IT UP DANCE

FOR HEALTHY, HA

Broughton High School • • • •

Week 1: Mon 17th - Fri 21st July Week 2: Mon 24th - Fri 28th July Week 3: Mon 31st July - Fri 4th August Week 4 : Mon 7th - Fri 11th August

A fun-filled holiday camp with lots of dancing, team games, creative tasks and active fun. Expect lots of smiling faces at pick-up time (and lots of early bedtimes!) Each camp runs from 9.30am - 3.30pm and is suitable for children currently in P1 - 7. The cost per child is £95 for the full week, or £25 per day. Each child will receive their own exclusive SIUD summer camp t-shirt to take away Email hello@stepitupdance. co.uk if you would be interested in an early drop off option. ** Plus Step It Up Dance will be running Portobello Summer Camps weeks commencing 24th & 31st July, venue tbc - email hello@stepitupdance. co.uk to register your interest now! **

SU MM ER CA MP

MORE CAMPS! AND MORE FUN Featuring hip hop, breakdance, team games, face painting, graffiti & more! Camps running in July and August, full week and single day options.

stepitupdance.co.uk /StepItUpDance

07428 110 135 @StepItUpDanceUK

OLIVER & HAIRSPRAY! StudioD, Hutchison Terrace, EH14 1QB. OLIVER! Mon 31st July - Fri 4th August HAIRSPRAY! Mon 7th August - Fri 11th August

made MAY / JUN 2017

Throughout the week, summer school students will be split into 3 age groups and participate in singing, acting and dance classes, as well as chorus classes and set and prop making. They will develop one musical each week, producing their very own show for you to enjoy on the Friday afternoon at 3.30pm! Each year students develop in confidence, meet new friends and have an absolute ball bringing their favourite stage shows to life. Dropoff each day is between 8.30am - 9.30am and pick-up between 4pm - 5pm. Classes are for ages 5-13 and cost £145 per child/week (10% sibling discount applies). To book contact Nicky on 07545551261 or email nicky@dndance.co.uk

RAPHY

SUMMER CAMPS

perform your own show with the help of your expert tutors. 3Theatre aims to build confidence, encourage communication, creativity and provide an inspirational, fun environment where imaginations can soar! Be part of the story. Each ‘Smile!’ themed workshop donates part of the proceeds to a charity of their choice. Sessions run from 9.30am - 3.30pm for ages 5+, with a showcase on Friday 4th at 2pm. For more information and to book visit: www.3Theatre.com

HAIRSPRAY JR! Stagecoach Edinburgh @ Dance Base & Music Box Theatre • Workshop 1: Mon 3rd - Fri 7th July, Dance Base, EH1 2JU • Workshop 2: Mon 17th - 21st July, Music Box Theatre, EH11 4DE Is your child the next Tracy Turnblad or Corny Collins? Join in and sing, dance and act your way through this energetic musical - rehearsing all your favourite songs and dances and creating a fantastic show, complete with lights and costumes. Working with a talented team of teachers, your child will make new friends, learn new skills and have the opportunity to shine! Main School Workshops (for ages 6-18) Time: 9am - 4pm Cost: £150 (£125 siblings) Early Stages Workshops (for ages 4 - 6) Time: 9am - 12pm Cost: £110 (£95 for siblings) Visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/edinburgh to book your child’s place.

SMILE! 5 S TAR RATED WORKSHOPS Bruntsfield Primary School Summer Workshops: Mon 31st July - Fri 4th Aug Turn a blank page into a story on stage at 3Theatre’s Summer ‘Smile!’ Project. Create and

TURTLE TOTS If you want to keep splashing all summer, Turtle Tots runs summer camps in July across Edinburgh. Turtle Tots offers flexible classes for existing swimmers, as well as new level one baby classes which are perfect for those wanting to dip their toe in the water with their little ones. The classes are a great way to get babies used to the water before their summer holidays. For class dates and venues visit www.turtletots.com/ en/edinburghandeastlothian

MONTESSORI PARENT & C HILD GROUP Edinburgh Montessori Arts School Come and relax with your little one in the beautifully designed Infant Community environment. Play together, let them explore, and watch

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SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOP Workshop 1 - 3rd - 7th July 2017 Dance Base, Grassmarket, EH1 2JU

Workshop 2 - 17th - 21st July 2017 Music Box Theatre, Edinburgh College, EH11 4DE

H A I R S P R A JYr By arrangement with Joseph Weinberger Limited SENIOR WORKSHOP

L I G H T S C A M E R A A C T I O N JUNIOR WORKSHOP 4-6 years - 9am-12pm

6-18 years - 9am-4pm (Show at 3.30pm on the Friday)

(Show at 12pm on the Friday)

COST: £150 per week (£125 for siblings)

COST: £110 per week (£95 for siblings)

Stagecoach Edinburgh are thrilled to be able to present Hairspray Jr. Join us as we sing, dance and act our way through this energetic musical - with all your favourite songs and dances, creating a show, complete with lights and costumes for friends and family. Working with our talented team of teachers, your child will have the opportunity to shine.

Lights Camera Action! Join us as we go behind the scenes at some of Hollywood’s biggest movies. Singing, dancing, acting (and filming) our way through films such as Beauty and the Beast, Trolls, Moanna, Zootopia and the Lego Movie, we will create a show for family and friends in just a week!

Creative Courage For Life ®

SUMMER CAMPS

their development unfold. Learn more about the Montessori approach and meet other likeminded families. Sessions run Mon - Thurs, 9.30am - 11.30am for babies and toddlers under 3 throughout the summer. Sessions are £5, and discounts are available for second/third child and block bookings. Due to popularity of these sessions advance booking is essential. Call 0131 672 3851 or email office@emaschool.co.uk

dodgeball, football, handball, hockey, rounders, rugby, tennis and volleyball. Sessions run Mon Thurs, 9am - 4pm. www.a-starsports.co.uk

CRAZY C ACTUS FUN

Enjoy lots of messy creative fun with clay and glaze, all with a funky cactus desert theme! Workshops run 10.30am - 12pm and are best for children aged 7+. The cost is £55 per week and includes a mid-morning snack and drink. Call 0131 229 1399 to book your child’s place.

A -S TAR SPORTS Various venues • Week 1: Mon 17th - Thurs 20th July, Colinton Church hall • Week 2: Mon 24th - Thurs 27th July, Reid Memorial Church • Week 3: Mon 31st July - Thurs 3rd Aug, Inverleith Scout Hall • Week 4: Mon 7th - Thurs 10th Aug, St Matthews Church, Rosewell • Week 5: Mon 14th - Thurs 17th Aug, Colinton Church Hall A-Star Sports holiday clubs focus on a highenergy combination of games, sports and allround active entertainment for children aged 3+. Building on a fun ABC-based programme (agility, balance and co-ordination), your child will be introduced to and develop the skills for a broad range of sports, including basketball, cricket,

©GILLIAN WHISK

Doodles Ceramic Workshop, Marchmont • Week 1: Mon 17th - Fri 21st July • Week 2: Mon 31st July - Fri 4th Aug

RASPBERRY PI, SCRATC H, OCR ITQ & LOADS MORE! Whizzkids, Morningside Whizzkids is offering a range of summer computer courses for children aged 5+. In the ever-popular Raspberry Pi course children can learn the basics of the pocket-sized computer including Minecraft coding, setting up LEDs and buzzers and creating fun games. Those new to coding might prefer the Scratch course, where children can make fun games and animations with the easy-to-use Scratch programming language. If coding’s not for you then there’s desktop publishing, project creation, PowerPoint, touch-typing, computer art, educational games and a general computer skills course. For the more advanced there’s the OCR ITQ course which leads to a computing qualification. For further details or bookings e-mail gillian@whizzkids.uk.com, see the website at www.whizzkids.uk.com or call 0131 447 5893.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Whizzkids

Computer Learning Centre Summer holiday computer courses for children

Touch-typing Computer Art Educational Games PowerPoint Desktop Publishing Scratch Raspberry Pi Project Creation ITQ

Term-time classes and adult lessons are also available 19 Morningside Drive Edinburgh 0131 447 5893 www.whizzkids.uk.com gillian@whizzkids.uk.com

k ee ed nt w d u r pe nclu isco 5 i d 4 ÂŁ1 hirt ing s T- sibl % 10 ly 31st Ju t gus 5th Au

7th Au g 11th A ust ugust

Summer Schools Dancing, Singing, Acting, Prop making. Plus end of week performance!

Age 5 - 12 years. Doors open 8.30am - 5pm. Classes 9.30am - 4pm

DNDance Studios, The Basement, 4 Hutchison Terrace. EH14 1QB

07545 551271 nicky@dndance.co.uk

HEALTH

Help the next generation

avoid long-term eye damage

orryingly the rate of myopia (shortsightedness) in the UK is increasing dramatically. With higher levels of myopia, comes greater long-term risk of developing other serious eye conditions in later life so it is an issue that needs addressed. Having family members who are short-sighted is a strong risk factor. While we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do anything about our genetics, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the chance of your child becoming myopic. Increase the amount of time spent outside each day. The brightness of natural light is thought to limit the rate of myopia progression. At least two hours a day is a good target. The chances of becoming myopic are reduced by about a third when time spent outdoors is increased from less than five hours to over14 hours a week.

Try to limit the amount of time spent focussing on things close to our eyes (over and above school work) to two hours per day. This includes computers, tablets, smart phones, hand-held computer games, as well as drawing and reading.

Take vitamin D. There is some evidence that taking a vitamin D supplement can slow the establishment of myopia. Regular eye examinations. All children should have their eyes examined every two years from pre-school, however if you notice any changes in your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision, make an appointment as soon as possible. Signs that they need to see an optometrist include

noticing them squinting at the TV, complaining of headaches, difficulty reading, falling behind at school or problems with coordination or concentration. Start early. The earlier in life these steps are taken, the best chance they have of making a difference. Take these steps from the outset and you are reducing your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chance of becoming short-sighted.

Myopia Management. If your child is shortsighted, or at risk of becoming short sighted then Myopia Management contact lenses would be worth considering. The lenses slow the progression of short-sightedness, meaning when they reach adulthood they will have a lower a prescription than without the lenses, reducing the chances of serious eye disease in later life. n

Find out more...

Gillian Bruce is an optometrist at Cameron Optometry with a specialist interest in Myopia Management. If you could like to get in touch with her please email myopia@cameronoptom.com

www.mademagazine.co.uk

Can we slow the

progression of myopia

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AGONY AUNT

Jojo! Trust

You can always trust comedian, JoJo Sutherland, for her interesting childcare advice! For more laughs follow her @jojosutherland and go to www.jojosutherland.co.uk to keep up-to-date with her Edinburgh gigs. If you would like to try stand-up yourself, Jojo is running a 2-day workshop on June 3rd and 4th, with a showcase performance on the Sunday evening. For more info go to www.monkeybarrelcomedy.com How quickly you forget! My own children are growing up and the days of nappy changing, breast feeding and cooking all at the same time are long since passed, but I had the “pleasure” recently of looking after my godson for the day. Well, when I say day, I mean an afternoon, and by afternoon I mean two hours, but oh boy, it felt like a fortnight! I’d completely forgotten that food tastes much better if you squeeze it between your fingers and smear it all over yourself, and my memory had erased the fact that you can read a story 19 times and still want to hear

it again. And oh the nostalgia that having a quick pee cannot be done on your own but must be done with an audience! Toddler mums and dads – I salute you! They really are a marvel though. My little two year old ward had decided that talking was not his thing, so he substituted speech for mime and managed very successfully to get me to play, paint, read, dance and juggle. After two hours he was still full of beans, covered from head-to-toe in food, the house was a tip and I was exhausted– yay, still got it!

Dear Jojo We have just moved house and now only have a shower rather than a bath but my 6 year old refuses to go in it – how can I persuade her? Louise, Edinburgh Dear Louise Who needs a shower? You’ll only just get dirty again! You could try taking the shower head out of the holder to avoid it going on her head until she gets used to it. Alternatively start bulk-buying baby wipes and looking for another house. Good luck!

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Edinburgh North E: comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0131 260 9667

Edinburgh South E: morningside.pentland@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 0131 229 4480

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n a B n e Scre y’s venture THE

il One fam tal detox into digi

me nervous. It was the effect of my eldest turning four and receiving an iPad that made me think we might need a bit of a detox. Think back to your best memory of play from your first seven years on the planet. I’d put good money on the fact that for most of you it was outside and required no adult intervention. When you have kids you can’t help but compare your own childhood to theirs. For better or worse, most of us want to replicate the good bits and improve on the bad bits. I remember being bored A LOT but at the end of a long day, if I could prise the hallowed remote from my brother’s claws, Andy Crane/Peters in the broom cupboard and a bit of Pat Sharp’s funhouse sorted that right out. I don’t remember learning much from TV, and I would have chosen the garden and surrounding fields over it most days. I’d watch my favourite program when it was on, and then wait a week

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t’s the last thing I look at at night and the first thing I check in the morning. It helps me to feel connected to the world in the long hours I spend winding the bobbin up and recounting Insy Winsey’s perilous trip up the drainpipe. It’s there when I’m cutting grapes into quarters, rocking the baby to sleep under the kitchen fan and trying to sound super enthusiastic about the request to dress up and play ‘sparkle unicorns’ on 5 hours broken sleep. It gives me news, opinions that reinforce or challenge my own and it delivers reassuring advice in a world where most of us are winging this parenting thing. It’s a camera, map, timetable, encyclopaedia, alarm, my whole music collection and a marketplace. It educates me, entertains me and helps me socialise with loved ones many miles away. In short, I love my phone, my iPad, my laptop. But the realisation of the centrality of screens in our family life made

THE SCREEN BAN

until the next instalment. If I missed it or wanted to watch it again, well that would mean having to work out how to program the video player, which in our household nobody ever did. Conversely nowadays, thanks to iPlayer, my daughter can watch as many episodes of Octonauts as she wants, and better still, each episode runs gloriously into the next episode into wee seacreature laden perpetuity. Because we only let her watch catch-up there’s no sitting through the adverts (small blessing) but there’s no novelty either. It’s a preschool version of the echo chamber. You know you’re having a bad mummy day when Netflix asks your toddler if they’re still watching (and they are). Our four year old can tell me what an sea anemone is but she can’t yet ride a bike or climb a tree and this doesn’t sit well with me. The arrival of little brother last year gave screens a special sort of status they’d never held before. Now they were a holding activity, a huge help in the newborn days. “Mummy, can we play sparkle unicorns?” “Yep, just let me feed/change/ get the baby to sleep and I’ll be right there.” And out of guilt I’d suggest she watch an episode of her favourite program or play a game because quite honestly I couldn’t think of anything else a lot of the time. Because we’d been gifted a horrendous sleeper, I was a zombie. Before we knew it 45 minutes had elapsed and she was still going. It was an easy cycle to fall into. I just needed to keep everyone happy and I wasn’t too discerning about how. A typical morning in our household pre-ban: The alarm goes, someone goes and gets the teas, the four year old comes bounding in with iPad and the baby has a boob. Mum and dad gaze at their phones in the precious half hour before anyone has to shower and the four year old deftly swipes away at her tablet, being taught how to count to 100 by an animated caterpillar called Jerry. It wasn’t like this every morning (it was)…but it increasingly became the way things were. Once the kids had gone to bed we’d catch up on replying to emails and messages; both of us putting connecting with the other to the bottom of our lists. One of us would watch a program, the other would be on their phone. All of a sudden I realised the screens weren’t filling time, but taking it from us. Giving us more made MAY / JUN 2017

to do, not less. Add to that the sudden tantrums, moodiness and night wakings from four year old and we’d reached crisis point. Being whimsical all-or-nothing sort of people, over a few beers we decided to lock up the screens for a week. And of course the rules applied to us too. Phones only for phone calls. No TV, no computers. Would we survive? Better than that. Day 1 my husband wakes up and decides that if we are going to do this, we’re going full on ‘Waltons’. Breakfast round the table with Radio 4 on to keep us updated with anything interesting. Four year old and baby look groggy and bemused as we enthusiastically pass the toast round and begin to explain the rules. It strikes me how it’s not often both kids see both us parents united as opposed to swapping over so the other gets a rest. “So no phones or tablets or TV for a week and…” I think on my feet “and when I’m feeding the baby, you can ask me to tell you a sparkle unicorn story”. Her eyes light up. I feel a stab of guilt as I realise how awesome that simple thing is for her. We walk to nursery (instead of bus), we talk and I really try hard to listen properly despite being disgustingly tired. I realise suddenly that I need to up my game. The little organising voice in my head suggests a few things I need to google, check and buy and I ignore it. At home I do some serious tidying to the radio and become an expert in the challenges facing care homes in the UK and listen to a play about a robot babysitter that goes rogue. Later on there are several requests to ‘watch something’ post 3pm because she is tired. I discover some old story CDs. The effect is the same but calmer. “It’s ok mum. I made the pictures in my head”. I’ve underestimated my kid. I’m super proud. I begin to feel better about the whole thing. Three days in, after a lovely breakfast, I’m feeling pretty chuffed with myself. I excitedly tell a dad on the nursery run about our experiment. He seems really interested and tells me quietly that they use the iPad to get their two year old to eat his breakfast. We all seem calmer. Life seems less rushed. I’m feeling like there is less to do. The four year old though is positively glowing. It’s so striking that I begin to realise that the moodiness and tantrums were less about her spending too much time on her tablet, and

THE SCREEN BAN

Facebook, I picked up the phone to chat, stayed a bit longer talking to other parents after drop offs and arranged to see old friends I’d put off for weeks. I stuck to appointments - it’s harder to say ‘can we rain check because the baby is napping/ the four year old is tired and whiny?’ in person than in text. Is technology turning us into social quitters? Without our screens to distract us, at the end of the week Mr Sykes and I are also on form, with talking not only reserved for a post mortem of our respective days but the new ideas and experiences we had when not scrolling. So did we stick to it? The tablet is still in the cupboard. She doesn’t miss it or Jerry the caterpillar and nowadays we do our counting together. CBeebies is back but seriously time limited with a good few days without it. I still love my phone but I also really enjoy leaving it behind on purpose when I’m out with the sprogs. I still love Radio 4 and we still have family breakfast together every morning. Most importantly four year old and me are best mates again and I’m getting really good at sparkle unicorn stories. n

Find out more...

Andrea Sykes is a teacher living with her husband, 4 year old daughter and 6 month old son in Edinburgh.

www.mademagazine.co.uk

more about me thinking that a game or CBeebies storytime was more exciting that just sitting and chatting to her mum. This screen ban is becoming more profound as I realise that it’s helping us repair and rebuild a relationship that has taken a few hits since the arrival of her little brother a few months previously. I also realise that getting a bit bored makes you creative. In those first few days we do more drawing, tell more stories and just hang out more than we have in ages. On my part it was a sort of experiment in mindfulness, I chose my words carefully, forgot the clock, looked around myself and dug deep when all I wanted to do was switch something on and switch off. The 4 year old didn’t ask for the iPad. Not even once. Like a detox, in the quiet moments it felt like I had an itch I couldn’t scratch, or like I’d forgotten something. The fact I couldn’t instantly publish my thoughts and photos also made me consider how much we’ve come to rely on outside approval of our private lives. Does my baby stop being gorgeous because his photo doesn’t get any ‘likes’? Did I miss it? A little bit. I think sometimes being the stay-at-home parent can be a bit isolating, so for me it’s a community as well. Saying that though, social media has also been accused of creating loneliness because it gives the illusion of community minus the real contact, meaning people don’t seek out ‘real’ social encounters. In my case, with no WhatsApp or

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G N I P EL

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Working with retained reflexes to make life easier.

All are showing improvement in confidence, balance, speech and coordination. Some also show a reduction in phobic behaviours, allergies and depression; improved bowel and bladder control and improved performance in school.

What are reflexes?

Primitive Reflexes are automatic movements directed from the brainstem which require no cortical involvement. They are needed for survival and development in the womb and in the early months of life. One of their key functions is to establish, through repeated use, efficient neural pathways to and from the body and brain. If they fail to fulfil this task, the pathways carrying information to and from the brain may not achieve the efficiency required to allow learnt skills to develop from conscious to subconscious actions.

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f you or your child are not reaching their potential retained reflexes could be the key. Pauline Shannon at Helping Hand uses the INPP method of reflex integration and stimulation. This involves a simple daily exercise, done at home and taking no more than two minutes. These exercise programmes operate at an early developmental point to secure the foundations on which all other development is built. By revisiting some of the very early developmental stages, these programmes can improve neural efficiency, making life easier. Since reflex Integration works at such a fundamental level, it can help children and adults who have significantly different problems and/or diagnoses. Pauline is currently working with clients with Autism, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Asperger’s syndrome and developmental delay.

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What causes retained reflexes?

The causes of retained reflexes are numerous and there are usually several contributing factors. These can include: the health and stress levels experienced by the mother during pregnancy, a traumatic or assisted birth, falls, traumas, lack of tummy time, delayed or skipped creeping or crawling, chronic ear infections, head trauma, and restricted movement due to poor muscle development or casts.

Implications of retained reflexes

If the primitive reflexes are retained past the first year of life, they can interfere with social, academic, and motor learning. The perception of our inner and outer environment, and our response to it, may be disturbed. Children with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism, and various other neurodevelopmental disorders frequently have retained primitive reflexes.

How to start

Arrange a time to chat about your situation and early years history. If it looks like retained reflexes are contributing to you or your child’s situation, a diagnostic assessment will be arranged. The Pauline Shannon assessment consists of a number of developmental By revisiting some tests and balance exercises of the very early which show which reflexes are retained. At the end of developmental the assessment the first stages, these exercise will be given. programmes can Reviews will take place every 6 to 8 weeks to allow improve neural progress to be assessed efficiency, making and a new exercise to be life easier chosen. Programmes last from 12-18 months. n

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Find out more...

Appointments are available in Leith, Morningside and Biggar. For more information go to www.helpinghandcenter.co.uk or phone Pauline on 07516614731.

made MAY / JUN 2017

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Helping hand

Get in touch now and start making life easier We help children and adults with autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia, Asperger’s syndrome and developmental delays. “Our son was struggling with dyslexia and nothing was offered by his school. Following an INPP programme he has moved up to high school with no additional needs.” “Pauline has helped my 12-year-old daughter with her confidence and working memory issues. It has made a very positive difference in her home and school life. At last we have found someone who can really help.”

07516 614731 Leith - Morningside - Biggar

www.helpinghand center.co.uk 47

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shopping 1 2

In the Right

Garden...

OUTDOOR SUMMER LIVING KERRI LIGHTS www.lights4fun.co.uk GARDMAN METAL WATERING CAN, £14.99, Wyevale Garden Centres

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‘Open the door to the magic of herbs’ 8

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A Reader’s Review…

This letter was sent to dance experts, Step It Up Dance, by local dad Craig, to say thank you for the brilliant work the y do with children around Edinburgh.

Craig Niki Hutchison, Founder of Step It Up Dance, told MADE that she was over the moon to receive this feedback, telling us ‘Delighting our customers is a huge focus for the SIUD team, so we were very grate ful to Craig for taking the time to let us know we have achieved our miss ion! Making dance fun, educational and accessible for boys and girls is our aim. We achieve this via our awa rd-winning curriculum for children aged 18 months upwards, which is com pletely rooted in the Curriculum for Excellence, meaning that Step It Up Dance-rs of all ages are learn ing and progressing at the same time as having loads of active fun. You can book classes, summer cam ps and award-winning birthday parties with Step It Up Dance at www.stepitupdance.co.uk

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