BEAR GRYLLS
Calcium & Vitamin D for Healthy Bones*
Welcome
Welcome to the summer edition of Family First. In this issue, we are gearing up for the summer holidays and hoping that the unsettled British weather will finally send us some sunshine. While our kids look forward to the school holidays, as parents, it can be a tricky time managing work and childcare – and not spending a fortune on eating out and activities. Mumsnet has answered some burning questions about how to manage the school holidays and we have also rounded up some great restuarants and cafes where your kids can eat for free or for just £1. We have also reviewed three excellent family days out: LEGOLAND in Windsor, ROARR! Dinosaur Park in Norfolk and Meadowland at Wakehurst in West Sussex, to give you the low down on how
to make the most of your trip. We caught up with survival expert and outdoor adventurer Bear Grylls to find out how his attitude to taking risks has changed since having children and what life is like living on a remote island in the heart of the wilderness. Bear also shares his passion for working with Scouts and an exciting new venue for the Gone Wild family festival.
The Wildlife Trusts talks about all things slimy... and explains why slugs and snails are so important for our gardens and outdoor spaces – plus offers top tips on how to spot the various different species. We also have articles on dealing with hay fever, child insomnia and why we need to stop telling new parents that they will “be a natural”.
Wishing you a fun-filled summer, Georgina
COVER CREDITS:
Photographer: Dave Bird
Executive Editor: Lee Gatland
Art Director: Richard Hejsak
Editor: Georgina Probert georgina@sevenstarmedia.co.uk
Sales Team: 01959 543 650 sales@sevenstarmedia.co.uk
Published by SEVEN STAR MEDIA LTD 184 Main Road, Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent Tel: 01959 543659 sevenstarmedia.co.uk
Disclaimer: Family First is published bi-annually (twice per annum) by Seven Star Media Ltd. No part of Family First may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted to any form without permission. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Seven Star Media Ltd, and are included to provide advice only. No content is a substitute for professional medical advice. During printing, images may be subject to a 15% variation. © Copyright of content belongs to individual contributors with the magazine copyright belonging to Seven Star Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Please either keep this magazine for future reference, pass it on for somebody else to read, or recycle it.
This issue we’re speaking to...
Bear Grylls about finding adventure as a family and making the most of the great outdoors
answering... your questions about surviving the summer holidays
Conte nts
to swim –
Unleash your drive – Golf Foundation
Support. It’s in your hands – Football
Karmel
Stop the sneeze
HAY-BAND
AEDITOR’S
picks
Our hand-picked selection of family-friendly items we wouldn’t be without this summer.
KEEP HUNGRY TUMMIES HAPPY STOCKED
As busy parents, we all know how hard it is to make an endless supply of quick, easy and healthy meals for our families. Enter STOCKED’s Kid Friendly Blocks. These frozen meal blocks are space-saving (perfect for small freezers!), low in salt, packed full of veggies and contain no nasties. Our kids have been testing out the Legendary Lentil Bolognese, Champions Chicken Casserole, Super Veggie Chilli and Cheeky Chicken Tikka, which went down a treat! In under 10 minutes, you can choose how many blocks you need, defrost them and pair them with a side of your choice – and you have a healthy, nutritious meal ready to go. They also offer a fantastic range of adult dishes too. STOCKED, Kid Friendly Blocks; from £44.00 for four packs of eight Blocks; Blocks are priced from as little as £1.17 when you buy a six-pack subscription, courier delivery included; stockedfood.com
re your kids affected by hay fever? Apply some pressure. The principles of ancient Chinese acupressure have been used for centuries to help treat the symptoms of allergies, including hay fever. Hay-band works by applying pressure to the acupressure point on either arm, called the LI-11 point, which helps unblock energy pathways to the nose and throat. The band is fastacting, drug-free and a natural option. There is no drowsiness or other unwanted side-effects and the band is suitable for adults and children over the age of three, but not suitable for use during pregnancy. Hay-band; £13.09 per (washable) band; hay-band. co.uk.
SAY MY NAME
RYANTOWN TOYS
We love this personalised wooden name train!
Available in natural wood and bright colours, it would make a lovely gift for a new baby and it can also be played with when your little one is a bit older (age 3 upwards). All train pieces are CE tested and UKCA compliant. Choose from trains, dinosaurs, a unicorn and fairy carriage, elephants or tractors to further personalise the set. There is also a wooden train track that is available to buy separately (from £5). Coloured Wooden Name Train Set; from £7.00; percyandnell.com
MINI MANICURES
REX LONDON
Does your little one dream of having a manicure just like a grown up?
Our daughters are constantly asking to have their nails painted, but adult nail varnish is not ideal for young fingers and toes. This Fairies in the Garden Children’s Nail Kit includes three shades of non-toxic, water-based, peel-off nail polish, temporary nail tattoos, gems and a nail file. Everything a little one needs for an at-home nail spa! Suitable for age 3+ years and adult supervision is definitely required. Fairies in the Garden Nail Kit; £8.95; tinyurl.com/4sejaskx
Colour your own
MAPED
Get children’s creative juices flowing with the Color’Peps pencil case. With a natureinspired interactive print that your kids can colour in, it ensures the most personalised pencil case!
The sturdy lining, wide opening and easy-to-use Velcro fastening mean this pencil case ensures quick access to 12 Color’Peps Strong colouring pencils and 12 Color’Peps Longlife felt-tip pens with washable ink that come with the set. The triangular barrels of the pencils provide comfort, as well as holding strong, breakresistant leads. Maped, Color’Peps Pencil Case to Colour; £8.47; Amazon.co.uk
Calcium & Vitamin D for Healthy Bones*
NATURALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS*** NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURINGS OR FLAVOURINGS** VITAMIN D FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT*
Summer
LOVING!
Keep cool this summer with style that’s sure to brighten your day – think fabulous florals, stunning stripes and awesome accessories. Freelance writer Becky Todd rounds up the latest children’s summer fashion.
H&M, £5.99 each
motif T-shirt, Butterfly and Zebra
M&S, £8
Flower Sunglasses,
Pip & Henry, £55.00
Sporty Sandal, Maman Bébé, £18
Polo Shirt , JoJo
Pineapple Embroidered
M&S, £14
Shirt & T-Shirt Set,
Pure Cotton Holiday
PO.P, £22.00
Stripe Sailor Dress, M&S, £11
Floral Sun Hat,
JoJo Maman Bébé, £19 Smocked Top Strawberry Peter Pan
Make waves this summer with our must-have poolside picks guaranteed to keep kids safe in the sun and having a great time.
LIEWOOD, £28.00
Damon Printed Bucket Hat,
Scandiborn, £24.00
Bre Beach Sandals,
£24.00
Swim Shorts,
Shark Print Kids
Scandiborn, £32.00
Shape Swim Shorts, Boys Beige Geometric
LIEWOOD, £50.00
Dove Swim Vest, H&M, £7.99
Linen-blend cap,
Rop Van Mierlo X, £26.00
The White Company,
Stripe Towelling Hoodie, Organic Cotton Blue
PO.P, £24.00
Swimsuit,
Sealife Print Kids
Image: The White Company
“I often think we are all a bit like grapes: it’s only when we are squeezed that we see what we’re really made of”
Credit: Dave Bird
CAN BE FOR EVERYONE’ ‘Adventure
Survival expert and outdoor adventurer Bear Grylls, speaks to Becky Todd about how to get outdoors and make the most of this summer with our families.
It’s impossible to think about outdoor adventure, without immediately thinking about Bear Grylls. He has worked incredibly hard to empower individuals to embark upon more outdoor adventures, as well as embrace his life motto ‘courage, kindness and never give up’. Unsurprisingly, Bear has had a number of life adventures of his own.
Trained as a British Special Forces soldier, one of the youngest climbers of Everest, as well as surviving a free-fall parachuting accident breaking his back in three places, to name a few.
Exploring the great outdoors
As one of the most recognised faces of survival and outdoor adventure, what would be your advice to parents, to encourage children to want to spend more time outdoors?
Q: A:
I think doing stuff together is key. And keeping it simple. Even a walk in the park or cycle ride can show children that there’s so much more to life than computers and TV screens. It’s so important to instil in kids from an early age that adventure can be for everyone and that you don’t need to tackle Everest to find fun and empowerment in the great outdoors. Adventure builds confidence and I see that time after time through the Scouts and through our TV
“To me there is no doubt that we are pushing wilderness to the brink... but it’s something that we can stop”
“I think doing stuff together is key. And keeping it simple”
Since then, Bear has embarked on a highly successful extreme adventure broadcasting career, with countless award nominations for his work. If that wasn’t enough, he’s written more than 90 books, with his autobiography Blood, Sweat and Tears spending 15 weeks at number 1 in The Sunday Times bestseller list.
Bear lives on a private island off the Welsh coast with his wife Shara and their three boys, Jesse, Marmaduke and Huckleberry. What a pleasure it was to find out more.
Raising three boys on a remote island must have provided some fantastic opportunities for outdoor play and learning. What have been some of your highlights of island living?
We have been so lucky to live in a pretty wild part of the world in North Wales on this little island off the coast of the UK. Life on the island is pretty simple. That’s the appeal for me. Highlights for me are barefoot walks in the rain, outdoor military-style workouts (see bemilitaryfit. com) and swims in the sea. Or maybe when we get cosy when a storm comes over and we have a movie night. Generally, life is pretty physical though on the island. Even going to the mainland to get supplies. It involves a hill, a quad bike, a row boat, a RIB (which is a rigid inflatable boat), a hike and then reverse the process. But done together it’s an adventure.
Q: Q:
Known for pushing yourself to the limit both mentally and physically, what would you say has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve accomplished and what helped you persevere through?
I think passing SAS Selection at a pretty young age was one of the biggest challenges for me looking back. It was a brutal few months, but it gave me friends for life, skills for life and confidence that I maybe didn’t have beforehand.
Q: A: A: A:
Has your approach to risk changed since becoming a parent?
There has obviously been a significant amount of risk involved in my life and in my job, and I have had quite a few close calls over the years. But those moments have taught me so much about what it really takes to stay alive in crisis times. To not be afraid of taking calculated risks. Because struggle and risk develop our strength.
“It’s so important to instil in kids from an early age that adventure can be for everyone”
One of the biggest setbacks though in my life was after I had a parachute failure when I was in the military – I had a freefall accident in southern Africa and a canopy failed. I broke my back in three places. I had to spend 12 months in and out of rehabilitation in back braces. That time in hospital taught me the simple lesson that life is fragile and that if we are lucky enough to survive and have a lucky escape, then we have a duty to try to get back up and grab life with both hands. Gratitude and humility are hard-won lessons, but the wild teaches them in spades over time.
“We can’t do this alone but we can do this together — whether it’s picking up rubbish and other things that don’t belong in a habitat”
But you’ve also got to be smart, you only get it wrong once. Since having kids I’ve grown smarter with risk taking and I have developed a good instinct of what is safe to do and what is not. I really try and listen to that voice. I also know that the wild and life rewards commitment and that once you commit to something then the way often opens before you.
Gone Wild Festival
Q:
You’ve had such amazing success with your recent arena tour ‘Never Give Up’. Would you be able to tell us more about the Gone Wild Festival taking place in Norfolk and Devon this summer and what families can expect?
A:
The live show tour was amazing to be part of and we are excited to be bringing it also to theatres across Australia in January 2025. As for the Gone Wild festivals, those have been incredible to see grow. They really are like no other festival, they are one-of-a-kind family adventure festivals designed for families and friends to spend time together in the outdoors. There are very few places where the kids can launch their mum down a 50ft mudslide, eat bugs, and light fires before a great party in the evening. Both festivals are over four days, so they really are the ultimate summer camp for families who love being active and have an appetite for adventure.
Q:
A:
For any families joining Gone Wild Festival this summer as their first family festival experience, what advice would you give?
Just put your phones down, throw yourself into it and make some incredible memories as a family. Whether it is getting wet and muddy on the assault course, abseiling, fire walking, ice baths or axe throwing, great music or inspiring talks, it’s all there. Be ready for some fun…
Scouts ambassador
As Chief Scout and first-ever Chief Ambassador of World Scouting, why do you think the Scouts have stood the test of time?
The Scouts are arguably the greatest youth movement on earth, 65 million strong, and such an inspiring force for good. Scouts continues to be such an amazing resource for so many families globally. Encouraging lifelong friendships, outdoor education and a respect for nature. It is the role I’m probably most proud of, serving as the UK Chief Scout and Chief Ambassador of World Scouting. To stand alongside so many unsung heroes, of every age, and to know that together we are part of something so incredible.
“Since having kids I’ve grown smarter with risktaking and I have developed a good instinct for what is safe to do and what is not”
As an advocate for environmentalism, conservation and sustainability, what should both we and our children be doing to look after the environment?
I’ve been fortunate over the years to see this planet from many angles, from the summits of the highest mountains to the densest jungles, and many places in between.
And it’s often a humbling experience, to see how nature exists around us, adapting to our human interactions, finding new ways to survive side by side with humanity.
But over the years, I’ve also witnessed the darker side of that environmental impact: from the very real and devastating loss of so many vast and spectacular ecosystems to ever-changing terrains and climates that stretch animals and many vulnerable human habitations to their
Credit: instagram.com/beargrylls
Bear Grylls with wife Shara and son Marmaduke
limits in the fight for survival. To me there is no doubt that we are pushing wilderness to the brink... but it’s something that we can stop. That’s why we need to invest in more educational opportunities that actually take young people outdoors. Opportunities that teach us how plants and animals live, how we can care for them, and how we can minimise our impact most effectively.
I’m so inspired every day by the environmental projects that Scouts do, to care for their surroundings – from planting mangroves in Tanzania and helping baby turtles get safely to sea in Malaysia to rehabilitating coral reefs in the Maldives. The work that young people are doing gives us all hope that we can reverse the devastating loss of ecosystems that is all too real.
We can’t do this alone but we can do this together – whether it’s picking up rubbish and other things that don’t belong in a habitat, to banding together with your peers to be a powerful voice to decision-makers around you.
Children’s author
You’ve written a number of best-selling children’s adventure books. Has writing for children been something you’ve enjoyed doing and you hope to do more of in the future?
We have lots more books for youngsters in the pipeline. Starting with You Vs the World, which comes out in paperback this month. Helping young people to tackle the tough parts of being a kid with resilience, tenacity and kindness.
Your children’s book Mind Fuel for Young Explorers, offers brilliant tips and activities to help children build mental resilience and live life with confidence. Did you try and embed some of these strategies in your own parenting?
It’s for any young person who wants to be prepared mentally for the battles of life. In a challenging world, every one of us needs to give our emotional health genuine attention. Young people, particularly, are engaged in some serious and anxiety-provoking issues, whether climate change, global conflicts or artificial intelligence. Mind Fuel is an attempt to help young people build an emotional toolkit that can help them be resilient in the face of these challenges.
With my own parenting, I try to share the reality of all my failures and struggles with my kids, as it helps them know that they are not alone in any struggle or challenging periods (we all have them). This is a book for every young person (9-14 years ish) who just needs a bit of encouragement, hope and to know that they aren’t alone in the battle.
Jack Wolfskin has recently announced a new apparel partnership with you, what was it about the Jack Wolfskin brand that got your interest?
Q: A: Q: Q: A: A: A: A: A: Q: Q: Q:
Jack Wolfskin and I try to be all about empowering people of all ages to get out there and find their adventures. Whatever that might be for them. I often think we are all a bit like grapes: it’s only when we are squeezed that we see what we’re really made of. When you find that adventure spirit in you, whether it is enduring a night out alone or climbing a mountain, the wild gives you a pride that money cannot buy. The outdoors doesn’t judge and it is always revealing – it is like a mirror to our character and has an incredible way of bringing people together and empowering us.
QUICKFIRE Q&A
Hosting a number of action-packed awardwinning television series, you’ve embarked on adventures with a number of celebrity guests. If you had to have a meal with one of your guests and their family, who would you choose and why?
Probably Roger Federer – we had such a fun trip together and whenever we meet up with the families we always have a good laugh together.
What does a perfect weekend look like for Bear Grylls?
I think it is always about who you are with, isn’t it? A good day for me is probably in the mountains and with family as well. We own a little cabin up in the Swiss mountains where we spend a lot of time. In the summer, it’s the hiking and the climbing. In the winter, we ski and paraglide together. That is a happy place for me – doing the adventure stuff together.
What has having children taught you about yourself and what would be your best piece of parenting advice?
Example, example, example. That’s it.
GONE WILD FESTIVAL WITH BEAR GRYLLS
Family First has teamed up with Gone Wild Festival to offer one lucky family the chance to win a family weekend ticket plus four VIP passes for either Devon or Norfolk.
TV adventurer Bear Grylls has announced that the UK’s ultimate family adventure festival, Gone Wild, will be coming to Holkham in Norfolk from 8th-11th August 2024. Recognised as the UK’s fasted growing family festival, Gone Wild will see its Norfolk event take place two weeks before Gone Wild Devon, which will be held at Powderham Castle over the Bank Holiday weekend, 22th25th August 2024.
The two four-day festivals will both feature big name acts. Eurovision legend Sam Ryder, The Cuban Brothers, Example, and McFly will headline at Gone Wild Norfolk. Gone Wild Devon’s headline acts will be Dick & Dom DJ set, Sam Ryder, james, and Ocean Colour Scene.
Co-founded by Bear Grylls and former Royal Marine Officer Oli Mason, the festivals will provide action-packed adventure, rewilding and live music over four days, delivering incredible experiences. These range from archery, abseiling, survival skills, axe and spear throwing, to tree climbing, break dance workshops, foraging walks, shelter construction, raft building, rock climbing, wild swimming and SUP experiences.
Providing an unforgettable and affordable escape, the festivals are a place where families can spend time together in the great outdoors. With a focus on camping, getting back to nature, participating in wild adventures and challenges, including conquering the legendary Gone Wild commando course, the festivals promise action-packed activities from day one.
Commenting on the launch of Gone Wild Norfolk, Bear Grylls, said: “It’s always been our ambition to open a second UK site and I’m so excited to announce that Holkham Park will become our East of England home. Just like Powderham Castle in Devon, it’s set in thousands of acres of parkland close to the coast, with deer, mighty oaks, a walled garden, and stunning views. It’s a perfect formula that allows us to provide amazing experiences on land and on water.”
To appeal to a broad range of festival goers, Gone Wild Norfolk will be offering pre-pitched bell tents, tipis and luxury yurts, as well as pre-pitched tents so that visitors can travel light and enjoy the camping experience without the worry of space in the car. A range of pitches will also be available for motorhomes, and caravans, plus park and pitch options for campers.
HOWENTERTO
Want to win a family weekend ticket, plus four VIP passes, for either Gone Wild Devon or Norfolk? Visit tinyurl.com/59x4yeyd to enter.
The festival’s co-founder, Oli Mason, added: “When we started Gone Wild, we never expected it to grow so quickly. It’s such a unique concept that families love!”
KIDS GO FREE OFFER
If you are not lucky enough to win free tickets, Gone Wild Festival is offering readers of Family First a special offer, too! When you purchase any adult ticket to Gone Wild Festival, you get a children’s ticket for free. To redeem the offer visit: for Devon for Norfolk
Mumsnet Q&A
With the summer holidays fast approaching, Mumsnet answers parents’ queries on childcare, holiday FOMO, keeping your kids entertained and the realities of travelling with children.
Juggling childcare and work in the summer holidays is always a nightmare. Have you got any tips for how to make it easier?
QThere’s no doubt that the long summer holidays present childcare challenges, with many working parents using up the majority of their annual leave covering them or choosing to work part-time to accommodate school breaks. Mumsnetters’ top tip is to plan ahead as much as possible. Summer camps and holiday clubs are increasingly popular with a wide variety of providers springing up –check local social media groups and community notice boards, as some of them don’t advertise very widely, or ask other parents at the school gates. For many families, they are a really viable childcare solution with lots of different activities, a chance for kids to spend time with their friends and welltrained, enthusiastic staff. Lots of parents, though, are put off by the prices, which can be eye-wateringly expensive. For a cheaper option, most Mumsnet users also call in help from relatives where possible. You can also try teaming up with other families, swapping play dates and sharing the load. Remember, if you’re ever really stuck that most parents will have been in the same situation at one point or another, so don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help when you need it – you’ll almost certainly be able to repay the favour one day!
QI can’t be the only one dreading the summer holidays? I find them stressful and expensive and I end up scrolling enviously through other people’s idyllic holiday snaps on social media and wondering where I’ve gone wrong. How can I get over the pressure to have a great summer holiday and keep the kids entertained without spending a fortune?
For every Mumsnetter excited about a summer with their family, whether at home or abroad, there are others bracing themselves for weeks of arguments, stress and sky-high expenses. Insta-worthy snaps
way to truly enjoy holidays with young children is to be realistic about what’s likely to make them
of other families posing by palm trees or sunning themselves by the pool can certainly add to feelings of inadequacy and stress, but it’s worth bearing in mind that people only tend to share the stuff that casts their lives in the best light. So rather than de-friending everyone you know, the advice on Mumsnet is to take social media boasting with a large dollop of suncream.
If you’re staying at home, don’t feel the need to fill every day with purse-busting trips out. The golden rule is to keep it simple. Sometimes, the best days boil down to outdoor space and dry weather, or, if we’re realistic, outdoor space and wet weather. For younger children, it’s worth stuffing your bag full of snacks, baby wipes and a packed lunch, and jumping on a bus to try out a different playground across town rather than your usual trip to the swings. Annual membership to a local farm or adventure playground means you can save money long-term by making multiple trips to a favourite venue. And if you’ve really exhausted your options, sit the kids down with scissors, tape, glue, etc (age-appropriate of course) and let them get to work on the contents of the recycling box. You rarely need to suggest what they might make, but you do have to be prepared for a bit of mess afterwards! Above all it’s worth reminding yourself that six weeks doesn’t last forever and you’ll miss them when they’re back at school. Eventually.
I love travelling, but since having kids have started to find the whole process so stressful. Is it possible to have a relaxing holiday with young children or is that just wishful thinking?
QHolidays with children are not the same as romantic couples getaways or trips with friends. Gone are the days when you could just stick a pin in a world map, shrug on a rucksack and head to the airport. Now you are travelling with children, your choice of holiday destination largely depends on how long a journey you can survive without a tantrum or breakdown (and that’s just the parents!) – and remember that jetlag in small children can ruin the first few days of a break.
The best way to truly enjoy holidays with young children is to be realistic about what’s likely to make them reasonably content. For all but the most adventurous, this involves food your children will eat, a temperate climate, comfortable sleeping arrangements, a reasonable travel time and plenty of outdoorsy possibilities – in the hope that an early night for them means a couple of hours off for you.
QWe’re holidaying with my inlaws this year and I’m worried that we’ll rub each other up the wrong way. Any tips?
When it comes to spending long periods together, a lot depends on the personalities involved. If you’ve agreed to go on holiday together then hopefully you know you’re a reasonably harmonious combination (if you’re not, you might want to reconsider before you get to the departure lounge!).
The best approach is to be crystal clear about everyone’s expectations. Our users suggest that before you jet off, you discuss with your in-laws how much time they’ll want to spend with the children. Some will be expecting wall-to-wall time with the kids; others will be expecting a relaxing break with occasional meetups. And if disagreements arise once you’re at your destination, the crowd wisdom is to try to see things from their point of view, keep schtum if you can, and if you have to mention something, do so when you’ve had a chance to calm down. Speak to your in-laws with your partner present so that you’re presenting a united front. If all else fails, head to Mumsnet to see if everyone agrees they are being totally unreasonable.
Mumsnet (mumsnet. com) is the UK’s biggest network for parents, with 8 million users per month and a mission to make parents’ lives easier.
What could your kids achieve with £250k?
With a £250k Life Insurance payout starting from just £6.07 a month, you can still help to set them up for life. Even if the worst happens.
We also offer cover for dads…
KIDS EAT FOR FREE THIS SUMMER
Family First rounds up the best places in the UK that you can
take your kids for a meal out –and they eat for free or £1.
It’s hard to believe the school summer holidays are just around the corner. And although the thought of lazy lie-ins, family fun and awesome activities are always appealing, there is one part that families probably do not give such a warm welcome... the cost that goes with it!
With the summer holidays being an expensive time for all and with some schools having up to eight weeks off, it’s imperative families get savvy to make the most of their savings. One fantastic option for families looking to save some pennies while enjoying the summer holidays is to take advantage of the many restaurants and coffee shops offering ‘kids-eat-free’ deals. From classic pub grub to international cuisine, there are plenty of options to cater to every taste bud and budget. We’ve put together our round up of some of the best meal deals this summer. So enjoy eating out together without worrying about the bothersome bill and make this summer one to remember.
Angus Steakhouse - Kids (under 8) eat free with a full paying adult dining on a main course, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Find out more: angussteakhouse.co.uk/kidseat-free
Beefeater Grill Restaurant
- Two kids (under 16) get a free unlimited breakfast with every adult breakfast purchased. Find out more: beefeater.co.uk/en-gb/ school-holidays
Bella Italia - Kids can enjoy a free meal, all day, every Thursday and for just £1 on Sunday to Wednesday between 4pm-6pm when an adult meal is purchased. Find out more: bellaitalia.co.uk/kids
Bills - Up to two kids can eat free all day, (excluding Saturday and Sunday), if one adult orders any main dish (breakfast, lunch or dinner). Find out more: bills-website.co.uk
Brewers Fayre - Up to two kids (under 16) can eat a free breakfast with any purchase of a £10.99 adult unlimited breakfast. Find out more: brewersfayre.co.uk/en-gb/ school-holidays
Dobbies Garden Centres -
Enjoy a free children’s breakfast with any adult traditional or full breakfast or a free child’s hot meal or pick n mix lunch box with any adult main course. This offer is available every day and also includes a free child’s drink. Find out more: dobbies.com/restaurants/offers
English Heritage Sites - Kids under 18 eat free with up to two free children’s lunch boxes which include a sandwich, snack, sweet treat, juice box and fruit when £10 is spent in the café. Find out more: englishheritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/travelguides/top-tearooms/
Future Inns - In the Bristol, Cardiff and Plymouth restaurants, kids (under 5) eat for free with any adult meal (including breakfast, lunch and dinner). Find out more: futureinns.co.uk/ special-offers/kids-eat-free-at-future-inns/
Gordon RestaurantRamsay - Kids (under 8) eat free all day, every day at selected restaurants with a purchase of an adult meal from the a la carte menu. Find out more: gordonramsayrestaurants.com/whats-on/ kids-eat-free-at-gordon-ramsay-restaurants/
M&S Café - Kids eat a free lunch with a minimum purchase of £5 in the café. The kid’s lunch menu includes a main, snack and a drink. Find out more: marksandspencer.com/c/ food-to-order/not-just-any-food/mandsbrands/cafe
Morrisons Cafés - Kids (under 16) eat free all day, every day when an adult buys a meal over £4.50. Find out more: my.morrisons. com/kids-eat-free---tscs/
Pausa Cafés at Dunelm - All day, every day, for every £4 spent by an adult in the cafe, kids can enjoy a free mini meal deal (includes a main, two snacks and a drink). Find out more: dunelm.com/info/about/pausacoffee-shops
Premier Inn - Two kids (under 16) can eat breakfast for free with every adult purchase of a full breakfast or meal deal. Find out more: premierinn.com/gb/en/why/food/ breakfast.html
Preto - Kids (under 10) can eat for free all day at the weekend, from midday during the school holidays and from 4pm on weekdays with a paying adult. Find out more: preto. co.uk/offers/children-eat-free
Purezza - Children (under 10) get a free mini pizza with every adult meal purchased – all day, every day. Find out more: purezza.co.uk/ kids-eat-free/
Table Table - Two children (under 16) can get a free breakfast every day when one adult purchases an unlimited breakfast for £10.99. Find out more: tabletable.co.uk/engb/breakfast
Tesco Cafés - Choose a kid’s sandwich, piece of fruit, two snacks and a drink for free with any adult purchase in a Tesco Café during the school holidays, Monday to Friday. Find out more: tesco.com/zones/tesco-cafe/kidsmenu
TGI Fridays - If you are a Stripes Rewards Member, kids can eat free all day every day when a full-priced adult main meal is purchased. Find out more: tgifridays.co.uk/ offers/kids-eat-free
Travelodge - Two kids (age 15 or under) can eat breakfast for free when an adult purchases an unlimited breakfast for £8.99. Find out more: travelodge.co.uk/about/ breakfast/
The Real Greek - Kids (under 12) eat free every Sunday when an adult spends £10. Find out more: therealgreek.com/offers/
Whitbread Inns - Up to two kids (under 16) eat free with one full paying adult breakfast (£20.99). Find out more: whitbreadinns.co.uk/en-gb/school-holidays
KIDS EAT FOR £1
Sankeys - Kids eat free for every adult meal purchased over £15, all day every day throughout the holidays. Find out more: sankeys.co.uk/seafood-kitchen-and-bar
The Shuffle House - Kids eat free with every paying adult all day on Sundays and from 4-5.30pm, Tuesday to Friday. Find out more: theshufflehouse.com/
Hungry Horse - Kids eat for £1.00 every Monday with every full paying adult meal. Find out more: hungryhorse.co.uk/deals/ kids-eat-for-1
IKEA - Kids can enjoy Mac N Cheese, a soft drink and a piece of fruit for 95p or any other kids meal for £1.50, available from 11am excluding Fridays. Find out more: ikea.com/ gb/en/stores/restaurant/#3df03080-2e8611ed-a867-d5dc921e45dd
Sizzling Pubs - Kids eat for £1.00 Monday to Friday from 12pm when you buy one adult main meal. Find out more: sizzlingpubs. co.uk/offers/kids-eat-for-1pound#/
CLIMATE change CHALLENGES
Sergei Urban, founder of TheDadLab and father of two boys, explains how we can use hands-on science to teach kids about climate change.
Climate change is one of the biggest problems facing the world at the moment and it’s the generations that come after us that will have to deal with the consequences. But understanding such a big issue can be difficult for some children. Enter Sergei Urban, who is here to help demonstrate what is happening and how we can help.
Sergei has been creating science experiments in his kitchen and sharing them with the world since 2015. Helped by his sons Alex and Max, his YouTube channel is bursting with fun and educational science videos, and unlike a lot of other channels, he encourages you to recreate his experiments at home!
Here are three quick experiments that you can try that show some of the problems that climate change is causing in our world.
EXPERIMENT 1 MELTING ICE CAPS
The Earth’s temperature is rising because of a phenomenon known as global warming. This means some pretty dramatic changes for the environment, especially at the North and South poles. The ice caps are huge sheets of ice that froze millions of years ago, but warmer temperatures mean they are starting to melt. This experiment shows how their melting affects the rest of the world.
What you need:
Two matching see-through plastic tubs Two matching cups White stickers Ice cubes Water Food colouring Pebbles Arctic decorations (optional)
Step by step: STEP 1
Fill the two cups with water and stir in a little food colouring to make it easier to see.
STEP 2
Use the plastic tubs to create your own simulated polar landscape. Place some pebbles in each container. These represent the land masses and islands like Iceland and Greenland that are near the polar ice caps. Pour in the water –this is now the ocean.
STEP 3
Get your ice cubes ready. In your first tub, place the ice cubes on top of the pebbles. These will be your ice caps.
In the second tub, place the ice cubes in the water. These are floating icebergs.
STEP 4
Add a white sticker to each tub and draw a line on it to show where the water level is. Now leave your tubs and let the ice cubes melt. What do you notice?
Fun fact
The Greenland Ice Sheet covers about 80% of the world’s largest island
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
You should see that the water level in the first tub is now higher than the line you drew at the start. This shows that, when the land ice melts, it adds more water to the oceans. The pebbles and decorations in the tub are now lower in the water than they used to be. If this happens with the real oceans, beaches and coastal areas will be flooded and disappear under the water forever.
Why didn’t the water level in the other tub rise? The ice cubes were floating in the water, meaning they were already counting towards the water volume. It doesn’t matter if they’re taking up space as water or ice, it won’t make enough of a difference to cause problems.
Fun fact
Every 40,000 years, the Earth changes positions and this causes climate change. The Earth is still in an Ice Age which started 2.5 million years ago!
EXPERIMENT 2 CARBON DIOXIDE CATASTROPHE
Carbon dioxide is the gas that we breathe out, but it’s also emitted by a lot of other things like cars and factories. It has a useful job, which is to absorb and release heat back to the Earth’s surface. Without it, our planet wouldn’t be warm enough to live on. However, as we produce more and more carbon dioxide, it’s changing the mixture of gases in the atmosphere, and this can have some strange effects.
What you need:
Two glasses Baking soda White vinegar Candles
Step by step: STEP 1
Light your candles. Adult supervision is required.
STEP 2
Put a couple of teaspoons of baking soda at the bottom of a tall glass. Pour in some vinegar and watch as they react together and make some new chemicals. Those bubbles are filled with carbon dioxide gas, and when they pop it is released into the glass.
STEP 3
Carefully pour the carbon dioxide into another glass. This is tricky because you can’t see it! Make sure you don’t accidentally pour any of the liquid in too. You can trap the gas in the glass by putting your hand over the top if you’re worried about it escaping.
STEP 4
Tip the glass over the top of your lit candle. As if by magic, an invisible force should extinguish the flame!
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Carbon dioxide is denser than air, so instead of floating up when the baking soda and vinegar react, it just
sits on top of them. When you tip the glass, the carbon dioxide pours out, and if you pour it onto a candle, it pushes all the oxygen out of the way. Without oxygen, a flame can’t burn, so the candle blows out.
In the real world, carbon dioxide mixes with the other gases in the atmosphere and they all float around together. But when the levels of carbon dioxide increase, the values in the mixture change, and because carbon dioxide is heavy, you’re more likely to find higher concentrations of it closer to the earth’s surface. In turn, this will push the oxygen and other gases higher, permanently changing the mix of air we breathe.
EXPERIMENT 3 OIL SPILL OCEAN CLEAN UP
We still rely on fossil fuels for most of our energy and that means huge tankers full of oil are always crossing the ocean to deliver it to countries that don’t have their own. Sometimes these ships have an accident and tonnes of oil ends up dumped into our oceans. This pollution can be deadly for the fish and plants that live there, so how can companies help to clear it up?
What you need:
Large plastic tub Water
Vegetable oil Food colouring
Pebbles and sea creature toys
Absorbent paper towels
Step by step: STEP 1
Prepare your ocean by filling the tub most of the way to the top with water and stirring in the food colouring.
STEP 2
Fill your ocean habitat with pebbles and wildlife. This will help to show how the oil in the water can affect the things that live there.
Didknow?you
An oil spill can cause air, water and soil contamination that requires extensive cleanup and remediation
STEP 3
Pour some of the oil onto the water. You should be able to see it floating in little blobs. Some of it might stick to the pebbles and toys.
STEP 4
Loosely scrunch up your paper towel and dab at the little blobs of oil. You should see that the towel sucks them up quickly.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
The paper towels are made of plant material. Inside the paper fibres are tiny little tunnels that are similar to the ones used to carry water to the top of plants from their roots. Now they help the paper towels suck up spillages instead. The oil and the water don’t mix, which is why you can see it floating separately, instead of mixing together like the water and food colouring did. Also, oil is less dense than water, which means it will always float on top. This makes it easy to suck up the oil.
When oil spills in the ocean, you can’t just use a giant paper towel to soak it up. However, because we know that the oil floats, there are other ways of collecting it from the surface. Sometimes it is scooped or mopped up, other times scientists use chemicals to burn it away. None of these would work if the oil mixed with the water.
We hope these experiments have sparked your curiosity and inspired you to delve deeper into handson learning. For more exciting and educational science projects like these, visit TheDadLab (thedadlab.com). You can watch these experiments and more on TheDadLab YouTube channel ( youtube.com/c/thedadlab).
THE POWER OF PREPARATION
Siobhan Miller, founder of the Positive Birth Company, explains why telling new parents
that they will be ‘a natural’ is not enough to prepare them for the trials and tribulations of parenthood.
YIt takes a ‘village’
If you look back in time, or indeed to other cultures, things have been done very differently. We used to live in small communities, surrounded by family who would be there for us during pregnancy, birth and parenting. Older generations would pass on their wisdom to younger generations, who would then feel prepared for parenthood and wellsupported.
ou’ll be a natural” – a nice platitude perhaps, but is this something we should really rely on when having a baby? Having worked with new parents for the last 10 years, I would say for the vast majority of people, becoming a parent does not come naturally. Navigating pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period can be exceptionally hard and adjusting to life with a newborn and all the responsibilities that come with it, is an extremely challenging time. There is a real risk that the expectation that things will come naturally is setting new parents up to feel like they’ve failed before they’ve even begun. When it comes to newborn babies, there is so much to learn. You have to do the learning ‘on the job’, the job is 24/7/365 and you don’t get much sleep, let alone a holiday allowance. Oh, and you have to do it all while recovering from birth (which sometimes means major abdominal surgery). Becoming a parent is probably the most wonderful thing you will ever do in your life, but also the hardest. With so much at stake, ‘winging it’ doesn’t seem like a sensible strategy. In fact, it’s a recipe for a disaster. There’s no doubt in my mind that the whole journey could be made a lot easier if people had access to better education and support.
Now, I’m not saying you should immediately look to move in with your mother-in-law (!), but you know that phrase ‘it takes a village’? It’s true (we aren’t meant to do this alone) and back then, people had a real village around them. Nowadays, we lead much
“If you know what to expect, what your options are and have the confidence to advocate for yourself, things are going to feel a lot less scary”
more independent lives, leaving home to study and even relocating to pursue careers. The world is our oyster. But the flipside of this is that, for most people, we no longer have that tight-knit community around us, or an older generation on hand to mentor and support us as we become parents. Nor do we learn this stuff in school. We might learn how to avoid getting pregnant, but never how to start a family, give birth or how to achieve the ever-elusive work/life balance. And if we go as far as asking? We’re told it will just come ‘naturally’.
When the going gets tough
Anyone who has been through the process of trying to conceive, growing and birthing a baby or parenting a small child will tell you that it’s tough going at times. You are constantly facing new challenges and having to learn new things. And just when you think you’ve got somewhere, along comes baby number two and reminds you that every baby is different. As a result, a modern-day parent spends an awful lot of time searching the Internet for answers and trying to decide which of the conflicting advice available they should trust or follow. It can feel like a big social experiment, a constant state of trial and error. But I don’t think it has to be like this. What if you could have ondemand access to world-leading experts? At any time of day or night, from anywhere in the world? Imagine how much easier it would be if we knew what to expect and had the knowledge, tools and support to be able to navigate each stage with confidence. Imagine if this sort of support was affordable, accessible and inclusive.
“Knowledge really is power”
I had my first baby at 21 while still a student and my fourth baby at 36 as a qualified hypnobirthing instructor and mum of four. With my first baby, I was totally unprepared, felt absolutely terrified giving birth and, as a result, suffered from pretty severe anxiety for the first year of my baby’s life.
With my subsequent babies, having discovered hypnobirthing, I had three amazing and truly empowering birth experiences (at home, in a birth centre and at hospital), that left me feeling invincible and like I could do anything! Things haven’t always gone to plan, but there’s been a big difference in how I’ve felt… because knowledge really is power. If you know what to expect, what your options are and have the confidence to advocate for yourself, things are going to feel a lot less scary.
So, my plea is this; please don’t ‘wing it’ when it comes to giving birth or bank on parenting
coming naturally. If I’ve learned anything over the last 17 years of being a parent, it’s that babies should come with a manual and education and support are essential for a positive experience. And for the record, positive does not mean perfect. It means being properly informed, feeling calm and in control and empowered to make the right decisions for you and your family. Everyone deserves this.
ADVICE AND SUPPORT YOU CAN TRUST
Here at the Positive Birth Company, our mission is to make education and support more accessible for everyone. We offer online courses for every stage of the parenting journey, from trying to conceive to the early years. Our courses are affordable, accessible and include ‘digital packs’ that offer ondemand access to expert-led workshops, helpful downloads and community groups for ongoing support. The Positive Birth Company is offering readers of Family First 25% off any of their online courses. Simply use the code FF25 at the checkout. For more information and to view the available courses, visit: thepositivebirthcompany.com
Dubai A MAGICAL HOLIDAY TO
Rebecca, her husband Lee and three children spent 10 days exploring Dubai. Here, she shares some of their experiences, from fantastic flights and food to familyfriendly activities and accommodation.
We flew to Dubai with Emirates (emirates. com) with our three children: Isla (aged 6), Ara (aged 3) and Marley (7 months). Flying with young children is always a little daunting, however preparation is key and we made sure we packed plenty of snacks and the girls had their iPads and colouring etc, to help keep them entertained throughout the duration of the flight (which is around 7 hours).
“The cabin crew on board were so helpful, giving us a hand with our overflowing changing bag”
The cabin crew on board were so helpful, giving us a hand with our overflowing changing bag and providing the children with their own in-flight entertainment packs, which they absolutely loved! They also came around with a camera, taking Polaroids of the kids as a little keepsake, which made them feel very special and excited for the flight ahead.
I also found the onboard entertainment great for kids, as it had all their favourite cartoons and movies and even games for the older ones to play. I pre-booked kids meals for the girls, which meant that I didn’t have to worry about them missing a hot meal when onboard and they were pleased when they received their chicken nuggets and mash! Emirates also allowed us to store our cabinapproved stroller in the overhead locker, which was
invaluable as it meant we didn’t have to struggle with holding a baby when we reached Dubai and could just pop him in the stroller and head straight for passport control and baggage reclaim.
Marriot Palm Jumeirah
For our first four nights in Dubai, we stayed at the Marriot Palm Jumeirah (marriott.com). We arrived late, so headed straight to our room to get the kids settled after a long flight. We booked a family room, which was two interconnecting rooms. They were very modern and spacious and the cot that was provided for Marley was large and comfortable. The girls even had a double bed each and their own bathroom, which they were very happy about! Having the interconnecting room meant that my husband and I could enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony without disturbing the kids, which was a huge bonus and meant we didn’t have to share an early bedtime.
“Our room very modern and spacious and the cot that was provided for Marley was large and comfortable”
Breakfast was included at the Marriot and I must admit, the choice of food and drinks was outstanding. You had the choice to sit inside or outside, which I liked, and high chairs were provided on request.
“The girls even had a double bed each and their own bathroom, which they were very happy about!”
After breakfast, we headed straight to the pool where we spent every day for the next three days. It was perfect for the girls and there were two shallow pools at one end, which meant they would play happily without going out of their depth. I made sure I got up early to secure the perfect spot, as it did get very busy as the morning went on. However, early mornings aren’t a problem for us as the kids are up early anyway, excited and ready for the day ahead.
We opted for a double bed sun lounger right next to the shallow end of the pool – perfect for Marley to be able to lay on comfortably in the shade while the girls swam. The beach was also a great option, with big cabana beds (or single sun loungers closer to the sea) and beautiful views of West Beach and the Dubai Skyline.
For lunch on one of our days here, we chose to eat at Senior Pico, a Mexican restaurant right on the beach. The food was delicious and being right on the beach meant that the girls could play in the sand once they had finished eating and we could enjoy a few moments of quiet time after our meal.
Sonara Camp
We booked Sonara Camp (nara.ae/sonara/ ) for our second night and it did not disappoint. We chose to take a taxi there, which took around 45 minutes, but there is an option for a pick-up (at an extra cost). We were collected from our taxi and driven in a 4x4 across the sand dunes, which the kids loved. Food and soft drinks were included in the price and on arrival we were given a delicious selection of small bites to whet our appetite for the meal that evening. The girls were hungry, so
“The evening meal under the stars was spectacular”
they even cooked them a margarita pizza, which went down a treat!
Before the meal and evening entertainment, there was plenty of time for the kids to enjoy all that Sonara Camp had to offer; camel rides, falconry displays, archery and sandboarding were all a huge hit.
The evening meal under the stars was spectacular. We were given a huge selection of starters to try; all of which were delicious and our main course was meat cooked on the barbeque. Our children are very fussy eaters, so I was concerned about what they might eat here. However, after their pizza, they were also given the choice of chicken nuggets, chips, pasta and burgers; all of which were very tasty and exactly the sort of food our children enjoy eating.
Throughout the meal, we were all mesmerised
by the entertainment; the children especially enjoyed the fire eaters and the circus acts and it kept them amused and happy throughout the entire meal. We made memories that will last us a lifetime at Sonara Camp and we would highly recommend visiting… we will definitely return one day in the future.
Seafire Steakhouse and Bar
Our third night in Dubai was spent at Seafire Steakhouse and Bar at Atlantis, The Palm (atlantis.com/dubai/dining/seafire-steakhouse). I was a little apprehensive about taking the kids to such a high-end restaurant, but I needn’t have worried. From the moment we sat down, the children were treated like superstars, even being given their own chef’s hats and a tour of the kitchen! The staff were so accommodating and did everything they could to make us all feel welcome and comfortable. I can honestly say that this is the best restaurant I have ever been to. From start to finish, the food and the service were exquisite. I opted for the oysters and the fillet steak and it blew me away! I consider myself a bit of a food snob, but the food we were served here was like nothing I’d ever eaten before.
“From the moment we sat down, the children were treated like superstars”
The girls chose their standard chicken nuggets and chips, however even this ’simple’ choice was amazing and they thoroughly enjoyed their meals too. The attention to detail at Seafire Steakhouse was exceptional. From the menu choice to the waiter providing us with a brief history of different steak knives and then allowing us to choose which one we wanted to use for our meal, everything felt personal and luxurious. This was a real treat and definitely worth a visit when staying in Dubai.
“A huge tripleaspect room with three balconies that had views of the Burj al Arab and the Dubai skyline”
Rixos The Palm Hotel and Suites
Our final six days in Dubai were spent at Rixos The Palm Hotel and Suites (rixos.com/ en/hotel-resort/rixos-palmhotel-suites) – an all-inclusive hotel situated at the very end of The Palm. On arrival, we immediately felt at peace, as it’s very quiet compared to other areas of Dubai with no traffic noise and a palm-treelined private beach. This was perfect for Marley to have an afternoon snooze in the shade while we enjoyed the sunshine.
We were provided with a contact number should we need any assistance during our stay, which was fantastic and meant we had a point of contact should we need anything at all. We were walked to our room (a very personal touch) and made to feel so welcome from that moment on.
As for the room; there are no words to describe it other than spectacular. A huge triple-aspect room with three balconies that had views of the Burj al Arab and the Dubai skyline, two separate sleeping areas, a walk-through wardrobe and a HUGE bathroom with free-standing bath (perfect for all three kids to enjoy bath time) – we felt very spoilt indeed. They even provided us with a huge selection of welcome treats and a bottle of bubbly, which was very well received! The girls got to work immediately, devouring the Minions cakes and the personalised cake they had made just for us, which was such a thoughtful gesture and made us feel very special.
Swimming pools galore
We spent our days between the pool and the beach, both of which the children thoroughly enjoyed. There was a choice of three pools; an adult-only activity pool, a lively pool with a pool bar serving alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, and a quieter pool with a bar that served healthy options such as juices, coffees, smoothies and mocktails.
We opted to spend most of our time at the quieter pool, as there was more space for the sun loungers and lots of shaded and grass areas for Marley to play on safely. The pool was also a gradual entry, which meant that Ara, who is a non-swimmer, could play safely in the water without having to immediately get into deep water. The lifeguards at this pool were exceptional and did not take their eyes off the children for a second. They also made sure that any child who was a non-swimmer was wearing armbands and they provided life vests should anyone need them.
Child-friendly activities
There was an excellent kids club on site, which the girls enjoyed visiting throughout our stay. Under 4’s could not be left unsupervised, however Isla, being 5, was able to go on her own and get a break from her little sister for an hour or so and spend some time with children of her own age, which she really enjoyed. The kids club offered a range of daily activities for the children, from archery and art classes to yoga, cooking and cinema time;
“The lifeguards at this pool were exceptional and did not take their eyes off the children for a second”
I felt very comfortable leaving Isla there as the staff were all extremely friendly and contacted me via WhatsApp the moment she wanted to leave. There was also an amazing kids’ pool next to the kids’ club with water slides and shallow water for the younger ones to enjoy and plenty of space and sun loungers for parents to sit and watch them while they played. A children’s disco was also on the schedule at 8:30pm every night; something that Ara particularly enjoyed going to.
A weekly carnival afternoon is also held here, where the children can enjoy bouncy castles, candy floss and sweet treats etc., we even had a visit from Peppa Pig herself! The girls are still talking about this, so it was obviously something they absolutely loved. They really did go above and beyond to ensure that all the children were having the best time possible.
Fabulous food and entertainment
I am often a little sceptical about how good the food and drinks will be at an all-inclusive hotel, however at Rixos, both were exceptional. We ate at both the buffet restaurants and the a la carte and all were superb. Lots of choices for adults and children alike, the biggest hit being the absolutely delicious ice cream they served in the evenings at the buffet restaurant. The nightly entertainment was great and meant that after a long day at the pool or the beach, we could take a moment to relax and enjoy a cocktail from the huge cocktail menu. Be sure to ask one of the bar staff to make you one of their specials, as every single one I tried was incredible. It was nice to have entertainment on site, as it meant we didn’t have to venture out every evening and could just enjoy some downtime and the girls were happy as they felt comfortable and safe in the familiar surroundings.
If you are seeking an all-inclusive, luxury family holiday in Dubai, look no further. Rixos Hotel & Suites is exceptional in every aspect. The location, level of service, quality of food and beverages, amazing children’s entertainment, fantastic rooms and amenities, and a stunning beach meant that in our experience, it is as good as it gets.
Enjoy a stress-free family holiday
With Post Office Travel Insurance
Heading abroad as a parent can be stressful. There are outfits to be planned and suitcases to be dug out of the loft, not to mention all the other holiday admin like finding passports and collecting currency.
But one thing you should be thinking about before you head for the sun is travel insurance. Because, as you know, travelling with little ones can bring up plenty of unexpected twists.
From sudden illnesses that mean cancelled plans to lost luggage, it can all add up – especially if you’re not covered. But don’t let any of these worries spoil your family’s escape plans. †Under-18s
You get 10% off ** all online policies
You can enjoy 10% off all online Post Office Travel Insurance policies using code ‘FamilyFirst10’, whether you decide to take the kids or not.
5 reasons to protect your family abroad with Post Office Travel Insurance
Your kids go free† on family policies
Kids need looking after even more away from home; it’s why we cover kids on the same policy as you, for free.
Add optional extras like gadget insurance
We all know what kids are like with gadgets… you can protect them all by adding gadget cover.^ You can also add trip disruption cover^, cruise cover^ and more.
Kick back with Medical Assistance
Plus* as standard
Powered by Air Doctor, you’ll get 24/7 access to medical support while you’re abroad. It’s included on all our policies and means medical help is just a click away.
Choose from 3 levels of cover
Economy cover offers great value for cost-conscious families. And for those wanting more peace of mind, our Premier protection comes with a 5-star Defaqto rating.
A Luxury Escape Awaits with RIXOS THE PALM DUBAI HOTEL & SUITES’ ULTRA
ALL-INCLUSIVE
CONCEPT
Boasting everything guests could need for an unforgettable stay, including 12 dining venues, superb accommodations, and a host of recreational facilities, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites is where luxury and relaxation seamlessly intertwine
Nestled on the breathtaking eastern crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest artificial island, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites is the perfect place to discover a new sense of freedom. This stunning retreat beckons travellers to immerse themselves in a world of unrivalled opulence and limitless possibilities. With its commitment to Turkish hospitality and innovative AllInclusive, All-Exclusive concept, the property redefines the traditional notion of a hotel stay, elevating it to a transformative journey of indulgence and excitement.
“Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites offers an unparalleled luxury experience that transcends the ordinary”
unwind on the soft sand and bask in the gentle glow of the sun throughout their stay. One of the key pillars of Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites is its pioneering AllInclusive concept, making it the premier choice for families seeking a luxurious retreat in Dubai. From the moment you enter, leave your wallets behind and focus on spending quality time with your loved ones, as all your needs will be
With its unique location, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites enjoys a privileged position overlooking Dubai’s glittering skyline. This iconic landmark offers guests a modern sanctuary while also embracing the vibrant life Dubai is known for. Sweeping views of the city and the Arabian Gulf are available from the floor-to-ceiling windows in every room. Boasting one of the longest private beaches in the city, guests can
catered to. Boasting a range of sumptuous dining experiences, thrilling recreational activities, and everything in between, every aspect of the stay is meticulously curated to ensure maximum enjoyment and relaxation for guests of all ages.
The gastronomic experience at Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites is exceptional. It features multiple award-winning restaurants that cater to every discerning palate. Diners are spoiled for choice with 12 distinct dining destinations. Guests seeking to delight in international all-time favourites can indulge in the fine taste of Italy at L’Olivo or savour succulent cuts of meat freshly prepared at the Toro Loco steakhouse. Dubai’s lively nightlife also has a place at the recently opened Bar1 at this magnificent resort.
“Staying true to its ethos of “happy kids make happy parents”, this 5-star destination is a paradise for the young at heart, providing unbeatable entertainment at the Rixy Kids Club and a range of invigorating activities at the Exclusive Sports Club”
Open exclusively to in-house guests, Bar1 offers a welcoming ambience and chic setting, where everyone can stay refreshed with a wide array of signature cocktails and enticing beverages all night long.
A family-friendly destination at its heart and named one of the top kid-friendly resorts in the region, guests at Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites will find no shortage of excitement and entertainment throughout their stay. The Rixy Kids Club, a unique space designed to cater to the needs of the little ones, is one of the most loved aspects of this award-winning destination. With a plethora of daily activities such as art classes and kids’ sports, along with amenities like a kids’ pool with colourful slides, exciting water features and an indoor cinema, the club’s professional team will ensure the younger guests are well engaged during every moment of their vacation.
For those seeking a more active and adventurous holiday experience, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites offers the exclusive Sports Club, where guests, both adults and teenagers, can partake in a variety of land and water-based activities. Whether it’s aqua jumping by the pool, practising antigravity yoga on the pristine beach, energetic Total Resistance Exercises, or embarking on a stand-up paddleboarding adventure, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Guests searching for a more tranquil affair can simply unwind and soak up the sun near the multiple pools and by the beach, providing the perfect setting for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites offers an unparalleled luxury experience that transcends the ordinary and transports guests to a realm of indulgence and bliss. With its idyllic location, innovative All-Inclusive
concept, and commitment to excellence in hospitality, the resort creates the perfect escape for guests to enjoy all that Dubai offers.
To experience pure bliss and the ultimate peace of mind, to learn more, or to book your All-Inclusive stay at Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites, please call +971 (4) 457 5555 or email reservation.dubai@rixos.com.
THOUGHTFUL HOSPITALITY IS TIMELESS
RATES STARTING FROM AED 799++* PER NIGHT FOR TWO ADULTS AND TWO CHILDREN CALL +971 4 666 1111 FOR RESERVATIONS, OR VISIT MARRIOTTRESORTPALMJUMEIRAH.COM
Business and leisure collide in every enriching experience at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Work and relax in the M Club or the modern, versatile Greatroom. Head out and enjoy new experiences across the vibrant city, then relax in the comfort of the oh- so- familiar at Marriott Hotels. Meet up for a social hour in our modern bar, catch up over coffee, relax by the pool, and explore the best local recommendations. Whatever your speed, we’re here to make the trip wonderful, always.
GO WILD AT WAKEHURST!
Struggling to think of something different outdoors to entertain this summer? Kew Gardens’ Wakehurst in West Sussex has come to the rescue with a threedimensional immersive experience for families like no other!
With an important environmental message for our children embedded throughout, Wakehurst’s ‘Meadowland’ addresses the topic of threatened habitats in a dynamic and engaging way, celebrating all things meadow through four exciting, innovative installations!
Wade through wonderful wildflowers, gigantic grasses and experience wildlife in the beauty of its natural habitat as you make your way around the magnificent ‘Meadowland’. Is bigger really better? Well, it certainly is here! Meander through meadowlands past a gigantic steel gramophone that’s over 3 metres in height and weighing over a tonne. This gargantuan gramophone gives voice to the wonderful wildlife hiding far and wide –expect to hear murmuring moths, grinding grasshoppers and blaring bees!
Next, make way to the gigantic gateways. Over 3.5 metres in height, these gateways celebrate the array of colours displayed on the wings of butterflies, moths and the beautiful flowers they pollinate. These ginormous gateways are carefully decorated with 700 hand-sewn multicoloured prayer flags, paying tribute to the vibrant colours displayed in our meadows.
Ever wondered what life might look like as a bee… well wonder no more,
with ‘beeline’ transporting children into these clever creatures. With a giant shipping container overlooking the Millennium Seed Bank as base, drone footage and state of the art imaging methods invite children to explore and appreciate their surroundings from a bee’s perspective.
Tired of flying? No problem! Take refuge in ‘The Meadow Shadow’, a circle of brightly coloured chairs handmade in Dakar, encouraging children to take comfort in! Designed for dwelling, the chairs offer a place to slow down and enjoy a deeper connection with nature. The perfect spot to nestle down in and truly appreciate the natural beauty of their mammoth meadowland surroundings. If four bespoke installations weren’t enough to keep everyone occupied, Wakehurst has gone that extra mile to ensure our families are fully entertained all season. A maze through Wakehurst’s Coronation Meadow ripe with wildflowers, wildlife and breath-taking views is sure to impress.
For the first time in history, Wakehurst is also opening ‘South Park’, 40 acres of ancient parkland for families
“For the first time in history, Wakehurst is also opening ‘South Park’, 40 acres of ancient parkland for families to explore”
to explore, which will be enhanced with even more wonderful wildflower species planted especially to fully celebrate ‘Meadowland’. And if that’s not quite enough to entertain, Wakehurst really does have something for everyone with ticketed events running throughout ‘Meadowland’. Wakehurst’s ‘Wanderwild’, a child-friendly evening event offers music, fire dancing, aerial performances all rounded off with some of the most sumptuous freshly made food, set against an outdoor botanical back drop like no other.
‘Natures Heroes-Flower Power’ is another ticketed event – calling all super heroes ready for action. With a unique trail designed through the ancient parkland of ‘South Park’, the path invites children to find out more about wonderful wildflowers and the important role they play for our planet. Not forgetting the all-important super hero badge to collect once complete.
William Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ has even been given a remarkable revival to be entirely family friendly. Think face-painting fairies ready to transform families, set on the most magical meadowland stage.
With Wakehurst offering so much this summer, ‘Meadowland’ truly is the botanical beauty that will keep us coming back for more.
For more information about Wakehurst’s ‘Meadowland’ and ticketed events running throughout, visit: kew.org/wakehurst
Why not treat the whole family to a break with Daish’s Holidays
You’ve got the choice of driving yourselves, or hopping aboard one of our comfortable coaches from a variety of pick up points around England. Our 12 hotels mean we’re sure to have destination that’s right for you and the family. All our holidays include clean and comfortable accommodation, half board including cooked breakfast and three-course evening meal, live nightly entertainment and great customer service. Plus with our great Kids Stay Free offer, you’ll be able to make your budget go even further.
Kids stay free*
All children aged five and under STAY FOR FREE when sharing a room with two paying adults. For children aged 6-12 the first one STAYS FREE while the second and third pay 50% of the adult price.
Every break includes:
LEGO LOVE WE
Georgina Probert visited the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort with her family to bring you the low-down on the best rides and attractions, as well as top tips on how to make the most of your day out.
If you are looking for a fun-filled day out for the whole family, LEGOLAND in Windsor is a great option. With more than 55 rides, live shows, playgrounds galore and so much more, LEGOLAND is great for kids of all ages. We visited with four children, aged 8, 4.5, 3.5 and 3 years old – and there was plenty to keep all ages entertained.
LEGOLAND has a free mobile app that we recommend you download before your visit. On the day, this tells you where each ride is found within the park on an interactive map and also shows you how long the queues are for each ride. To get the most out of your visit, planning ahead is essential. The app allows you to choose the activities you want to do on the day and sort them by height and age. There are plenty of rides with no height restriction, but for many you have to be 0.9m or 1m to ride and for a couple you need to be 1.1m or 1.2m. Children under 0.9m get free entry to LEGOLAND as they are limited on which rides they can go on.
Reserve & Ride
We all know that the biggest bain of theme parks is having to wait in long queues.
LEGOLAND offers a service called Reserve & Ride, which is an online booking system that queues for you, leaving you more time to explore the park.
young children (who we all know do not like queuing with zero patience) and it meant that we were able to go on a lot more rides and see much more of the park, than if we had spent all that time queuing.
LEGOLAND Adventure Golf
Newly opened in October 2023, LEGOLAND’s indoor golf experience is a must-visit. It has four LEGO-themed nine-hole courses, which include Space, LEGO City, a Medieval village and Pirates. What’s great is that the courses are suitable for kids aged three years and over. Each course is designed for a group of six people to play and takes about an hour – just the right amount of time for younger kids. Plus, three out of the four courses are wheelchair accessible.
“To get the most out of your visit, planning ahead is essential”
Using your mobile phone, Reserve & Ride enables you to virtually wait a ride’s queue time, freeing you up to visit other attractions, shops and restaurants in the park while you are waiting your turn. The higher the level, the less time you wait between making your reservation and being able to ride.
When your virtual wait is over, you simply go to the ride’s Reserve & Ride Entrance. For us, this meant that we didn’t have long waits with
“There are some great rides for older kids and adults too, such as the Fire & Ice Freefall and Jolly Rocker”
When you enter the building, guests are greeted by a brand new LEGO Minifigure and Adventure Golf mascot named Birdie. There’s also a new cafe serving a range of light snacks for after the family has worked up an appetite playing mini golf. Adventure Golf is based in a building that is separate from the main LEGOLAND park, meaning it can be enjoyed in addition to a day at the theme park or bought as a separate ticket. You could easily spend a whole day at LEGOLAND and not get onto every ride, so we would recommend visiting Adventure Golf separately or as part of a weekend break at LEGOLAND.
Our top ride picks
As we were a group of four adults and four children, this enabled us to split up and take our eldest daughter (age 8) on some of the rides that the younger ones were too short for. Her favourite rides were Autum’s Riding Adventure, The Dragon and Flight of the Sky Lion.
Autum’s Riding Adventure is an equestrian-themed ride where you sit on a horse that is attached to a spinning disk that travels backwards and forwards whilst launching you into the air. This ride is not for the faint-hearted and those with a weak stomach!
The Dragon was the most popular ride for the whole family. The first part takes you through the castle to meet lots of LEGO characters (and a dragon!) and then outside to a rollercoaster through the trees. It has lots of twists and turns and is fast enough to give you a thrill, but not too hair-raising for the little ones.
Flight of the Sky Lion is a virtual ride where you sit on a gondola that tilts and then watch an adventure with Maximus the Sky Lion. While the gondola doesn’t actually move that much, the experience of flying through the sky, added with puffs of air and squirts of water, makes you feel like you are on a moving ride. Hard to describe, but amazing to experience. You meet a few scary LEGO MYTHICA creatures along the way (smaller kids might be a bit scared) and the overall experience is exhilarating.
There are some great rides for older kids and adults too, such as the Fire & Ice Freefall and Jolly Rocker. We visited in spring, but when the warmer weather comes there are some great water rides –but be prepared to get soaking wet! Often at theme parks, we find there aren’t as many rides for children shorter than 1.2m, but there was so much for the younger ones to do. The favourites of the day with our preschoolers were L-Drivers, Aero Nomad and the Duplo Dino Coaster.
Book online in advance to save money at LEGOLAND, with tickets from £29pp (tickets bought on the day are £68pp). For more information, visit: legoland.co.uk/ticketspasses/day-tickets/
SUCCESS! A ROARR-ing
Mum of two, Fiona Patrick, spent the day discovering activities for all the family at ROARR! dinosaur-themed adventure park in Norfolk.
As we set off for ROARR!, the UK’s largest dinosaur-themed adventure park – I am nervous. My five-year-old is super keen, but my eight-year-old has recently declared that he is too grown-up for playgrounds and I’m not sure how this particular adventure will land with him. It is also spitting with rain, guaranteed to dampen his enthusiasm.
Turning off the road down the ROARR! park driveway, we spot some large dinosaur figures appearing from the bushes and I watch my firstborn closely for signs of disinterest, but to my surprise, his eyes sparkle a little. He trudges out of the car (the car park is right next to the entrance, which has me delighted at least) and his sister spots an enormous T-Rex. Before I can blink, the two of them are charging over to look at it, demanding a photo. Through the barrier ahead is another mechanised dinosaur roaring in our direction, and by the time we get to the ticket booth, my son is skipping. We’re off to a good start.
Jurassic
Putt crazy golf
After reading the interesting facts, or “Ranger’s Notes”,
“ROARR! has a fantastic and well-caredfor range of facilities”
about the dinosaur ahead of us (an Allosaurus, it turns out), we look around at the spotlessly clean outdoor adventure play area. It has a variety of climbing frames, including a massive dinosaur you can slide down, more complex net structures for older children and an enclosed area for “Tiny Terrosaurs”. Set on well-kept grass in amongst oak trees, this would be a great spot for a picnic.
My daughter darts over to a Triceratops where she finds a stamp to fill in her scavenger hunt sheet given to us at the ticket booth, while my son has spotted the entrance to the crazy golf and we are soon all trying to negotiate our golf balls around “Jurassic Putt”, where we contend (quite badly) with volcanoes, fossils, dinosaurs and tunnels. My son emerges victorious (with some creative scoring!) and is grinning from ear to ear.
The Valley of the Dinosaurs
Next to this is a smooth, buggy-friendly, tarmacked walkway, which lies through an archway announcing “The Valley of the Dinosaurs”. The sun is now peeping through the clouds, and despite visiting during the school holidays, it feels peaceful and like we have plenty of our own space. Set amongst the tall trees, the kids walk confidently along (the path is clearly marked and there is no danger of getting lost!), speeding up as they spot another dinosaur around every corner. The figures are sizeable and wellmade; some are mechanised and make noise while others can be touched and climbed on.
The family favourite is the incredible Diplodocus model, which towers above us, neck reaching higher than the tree tops. Even my husband is impressed. As we reach the bottom of the valley, (steering clear of some velociraptors attacking a jeep), the fresh air has definitely swept away some cobwebs and our minds turn to the next important thing, lunch.
“The family favourite is the incredible Diplodocus model, which towers above us, neck reaching higher than the tree tops”
Discovery Land
The path opens out into Discovery Land and a sign for the “Explorers Burger Bar” lies ahead. We can’t actually see a burger menu, but order some excellent fish and chips and perfectly crunchy scampi (also available to take away from “Nautilus” next door). We then opt for an ice cream in the sun as we watch kids and grownups tackling the Predator High Ropes course, crossing swinging bridges, traversing narrow balance beams and launching along zip wires. This is open to children over 1.0m accompanied by an adult, or unaccompanied over 1.2m. You can choose your own route around the course, with the higher of the two levels for the ultrabrave only!
“Despite visiting during the holidays, it feels like we have plenty of our own space”
We then head for the Secret Animal Garden, an area of outdoor enclosures housing goats, pigs, turkeys and chickens, as well as a life-size pretend cow that the children enjoy “milking”. The Animal Encounters Barn has a good collection of creepy-crawlies and my daughter seems as happy seeing tarantulas and cockroaches as she does seeing guinea pigs and ducklings – I can’t say the same for me! She then spots the “Swing-O-Saurus”, a giant, mechanised swing, which my tummy full of scampi endures, with her squealing delightedly next to me, while the boys set off back up the hill in search of more stamps for my son’s scavenger hunt. We skip the “Raptor Contraptor”, a type of helicopter carousel that looks like it would be a blast for smaller ones.
Dippy’s Land
Back up the hill we go (NB: little legs may require carrying!) via the “Neanderthal
Walk”, where we spot a woolly mammoth, sabre-toothed cats and cave people. On a wetter day, we might have tried the X-traction Fossil Dig, an undercover area where you can brush for fossils buried in sand pits, but my daughter has spied Dippy’s Raceway, where she can drive her own electric jeep around a small track and get her Dippy’s Raceway “driver’s licence”. We have to wait 10 minutes for our turn, but it’s worth it, especially when one of the other mini drivers bumps her car, which she finds hilarious. Good thing she won’t be allowed on the real roads any time soon! Meanwhile, my husband and son have found the Lost World A-Mazing Adventure, a woodland path maze with more dinosaurs, the odd rope bridge and lots of wrong turns! My son is thrilled to have found his last stamp, as it means he will get a medal when we exit.
Excellent value
By this time we have been in the park for nearly four hours and I can’t believe how many areas are left to explore on another visit. There is an outdoor theatre with regular live shows and “Dippy’s Splash Zone”, a water park area with fountains, slides and a giant bucket threatening to spill over at any moment, so remember swimsuits and suncream on sunny days. There is also “Dinomite Indoor Play”, a big soft play area complete with ball pits and giant slides for when the rain does make an appearance.
Overall, ROARR! has a fantastic and well-cared-for range of facilities to fit any version of British weather. It is also refreshing that every ride and attraction is included in the ticket, but for me, finding somewhere that the whole family could enjoy was the priceless part.
ROARR! is located between Norwich and Fakenham. Prices range from £9.95 to £19.95pp depending on the time of year, children under 90cm go free. For more information go to: roarr.co.uk
WHAT’S HOT FOR SUMMER 2024
Check out our latest travel supplements for summer 2024.
As parents, the team at Family First know just how difficult & frustrating it can be to continuously keep your children busy and entertained during the school holidays and keeping them of their iPads & consoles. In this edition, you will find some of the UK’s best days out, attractions & holiday destinations for families with young children.
CHECK OUT THE
ENJOY A SUMMER OF SPARKLING REFRESHMENTS
with Sodastream
Keeping children entertained during the summer holidays can be a daunting task. That’s six whole weeks of entertainment to cover, especially with the long, sunny days ahead.
With school officially over, parents across the country start looking for activities to keep the whole house busy to avoid the infamous “I’m boooored” line.
Amidst the excitement, one essential aspect that’s often forgotten about is staying hydrated. In the summer heat, it becomes even more important to keep the whole family watered, but it’s often something that’s forgotten about. In the UK alone, statistics reveal that a whopping 53% of people fail to meet their daily water intake requirements1 , which is a figure that only grows as the days get warmer, and the need to stay hydrated increases.
But there is an easy fix to all of these problems. Sodastream offers the perfect solution to make the task of staying hydrated fun and exciting for the whole family. At a pull of a lever, it transforms
plain old tap water into sparkling water in seconds, and with it, comes endless possibilities of sparkling refreshments.
The Sodastream Art machine allows for a completely personalised water experience. By pulling on the carbonation lever, users have the power to create a drink that perfectly suits their tastes, experimenting with levels of fizz and flavouring, making it the perfect addition to the kitchen this summer.
“Set your children tasks to become the resident house mixologist this summer, challenge them to come up with their own ideas for drinks”
You can set your children tasks to become the resident house mixologist this summer, challenge them to come up with their own ideas for drinks, go wild with designing drink menus, and play dress up as they serve their creations as waiters and waitresses. They’ll love being in the driving seat and making their own drinks, and you’ll be sure to hear them say “Can we do bubbles, please?”. Find more mocktail ideas on sodastream. co.uk
What’s more, with Sodastream’s My Only Bottle, children can take their creations on the go, so whether they have a playdate in the park, or off on their next adventure, kids can stay hydrated while showing off their latest concoctions.
“There are tonnes of flavours to choose from too! Little ones can enjoy sparkling water infused with whatever fruits they like”
You may remember how fun it was to use your parents or grandparents Sodastream when you were a kid yourself? Well, now you can bring back that love and enjoy a Sodastream machine all over again. You can make the most of the light, sunny evenings by taking your drinking game to a whole new level. Whether that’s by adding a touch of sparkle to al fresco gatherings or simply taking a moment for yourself as the children are finally quiet, Sodastream is the perfect addition to the summer holidays. From sparkling water, cocktails, and everything in between, whatever your and your loved ones’ tastes and preferences are, a Sodastream machine ensures that every sip is a celebration of summer’s best moments.
There are tonnes of flavours to choose from too! Little ones can enjoy sparkling water infused with whatever fruits they like, teens can make household favourites such as Pepsi MAX and 7UP Free, and parents can kick back, relax, and choose from an array of mocktails and cocktails, all from the comfort of their homes. If you’d like some inspiration, you can look at https:// sodastream.co.uk/blogs/sodastreamuk-official-recipe-book/.
Each Sodastream machine also helps families be greener by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. Families can say goodbye to countless plastic bottles in the kitchen, and hello to just one sleek and compact Sodastream machine that fits perfectly with all kitchen designs.
Once you and the family have bubbled
away to your heart’s content, you can exchange your empty cylinder and save £10 on the cost of a new one from retailers including Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Argos, or exchange online on sodastream.co.uk to get your CO2 delivered to your door.
For those looking for a Summer of fun, The Art is available for £139.99 RRP from major retailers including John Lewis, Argos, Sainsbury’s, Curry’s, Lakeland, and The Range as well as from the Sodastream websitesodastream.co.uk.
Source:
1 https://www.kinetico.co.uk/blog/post/howmuch-water-should-you-drink-a-day-in-the-uk
“Hay fever symptoms can lead to tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion”
to keep hay fever at bay Toptips
With the warmer weather welcoming the change of the seasons, it’s the perfect time for families to get outdoors. However, if you or one of your family experiences hay fever, perhaps less so. Airborne allergens expert, Max Wiseberg, has rounded up some of the best remedies to stop hay fever spoiling those sublime sunny spells this summer.
With hay fever thought to affect over half of the UK population, it’s no surprise there are so many different solutions on the market to make it more manageable. Hay fever symptoms can lead to tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion. Symptoms can in turn zap energy levels leaving you feeling low and sluggish. With a wide range of remedies on offer, there is no reason why everyone can’t enjoy the great outdoors this season.
Natural remedies
With an increasing number of families turning to more natural and drug-free products, it’s easy to see why there has been such an increase in the market. Barrier balms have been proven to trap 1/3 of pollen before it gets into the body. Apply around the rim of the nostrils and bones of the eyes to help prevent pollen and other airborne allergens from causing irritation. Immune-boosting wellness formulas are another way to
support the body when suffering from hay fever. Full of all-natural ingredients, they help to support the immune system when hay fever hits. There’s a history of benefits and clinically researched actions, which help support immunity when under attack.
Acupressure is another noninvasive way to treat hay fever. Relief from symptoms is achieved by a hay fever band, placed on specific acupuncture points that help free the pathways to the nose and throat and, as a result, reduce breathing problems.
Drug-based remedies
in our homes, with some models even coming with a specific ‘hay fever’ filter. Air purifiers work by sucking air in, removing any floating particles and circulating the clean air back out.
With so many remedies coming to the rescue, there’s no reason why all the family can’t enjoy the great outdoors this summer. Disclaimer: when using natural or drug-based hay fever remedies, be sure to check the label to ensure the product is suitable for the age of your child.
Max Wiseberg (haymax.biz/max-wiseberg/ ) is a lifelong hay fever sufferer and airborne allergens expert. He is a trusted practitioner who has extensive knowledge of both conventional and complementary forms of treatment, practical lifestyle advice, as well as information and facts surrounding airborne allergens.
“Eye drops can offer relief to itchy eyes and help stop watering or streaming”
Antihistamines offer the perfect partner to be taken alongside more natural remedies. The body’s reaction to too much pollen is to produce ‘histamines’, which is why antihistamine tablets are a popular choice for hay fever sufferers.
Nasal sprays can be highly effective in combating the symptoms of hay fever. The spray nozzle ensures the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, where the vast majority of allergens enter the body. An additional benefit is that very little of the active ingredients get any further than the nose, considerably reducing the chance of experiencing side effects.
Eye drops can offer relief to itchy eyes and help stop watering or streaming. Usually used once allergy symptoms begin, eye drops can offer immediate relief from the irritated eyes often experienced with hay fever.
Environmental remedies
With hay fever affecting such a high population of the nation, even home gadgets have come to the rescue to help alleviate those nasty symptoms. Air filters and purifiers claim to filter out toxins including pollen from the air
FOR FAMILY SKIN HEALTH KEY ADVICE
James
Davidson,
managing director
of
Skin Salve – which manufactures soap and laundry products formulated for sensitive skin – explains how you can keep your skin in tip-top condition.
The largest organ of our body, our skin, is soft and flexible, but at the same time acts as the tough first line of defence against bacteria and other organisms. It gives us vital information such as pain, temperature and pressure, also helping us cool down or stay warm.
The BNF also highlights the role of vitamin C in healthy body tissues, including the skin. Include vitamin C in your diet with foods such as citrus fruits, blackcurrants, strawberries, papaya, kiwi, green vegetables, peppers and tomatoes.
Some research indicates that having enough vitamin D, which our bodies create from direct sunlight on the skin, can help improve eczema, as well as help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. NHS guidelines recommend that everyone in the UK considers taking a vitamin D supplement from October to April and that those at high risk of not getting enough, including all children aged 0-4 (except for babies drinking more than 500ml of formula milk every day) should take it every day, year-round.
“A healthy, balanced diet can help keep our skin healthy”
We ask a lot of our skin, but there are ways we can help take good care of it. We recommend speaking with your GP or dermatologist if you have specific concerns, but here are some general top tips for family skin health.
Nutrition to support healthy skin
A healthy, balanced diet can help keep our skin healthy. The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) emphasises the importance of vitamin A for healthy skin and eyes. Good foods for vitamin A include milk, yoghurt, fortified fat spreads, cheese, eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, red peppers and spinach. Supplements are available, but too much vitamin A can be harmful, so consult a health professional before taking any supplements.
Staying well hydrated
Like the rest of our body, healthy skin needs good hydration to help with strength and elasticity. NHS guidelines recommend most of us need 1.5 to 2.5 litres of fluid a day, which is around six to eight cups a day. As well as drinking plenty of water, milk and sugar-free drinks, choosing water-rich foods (such as cucumber, tomato, spinach, broccoli and berries), can also help to keep your body and skin hydrated.
“Infants and young children are more likely to get dehydrated than adults”
Reducing exposure to chemicals
There can be many different triggers for flare-ups of dry and sensitive skin conditions, such as eczema and irritant contact dermatitis. Identifying an individual’s flare-up triggers can be a slow and tricky process, which dermatology clinics can support with patch testing procedures. A common trigger is exposure to chemicals that can irritate the skin in household products such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrances and propylene glycol. Choosing soaps and laundry products that have been specially formulated for sensitive skin and which do not have these irritants mentioned in their ingredients list, may automatically eliminate a potential trigger.
Infants and young children are more likely to get dehydrated than adults, and they are more sensitive to even small amounts of fluid loss. It’s a good idea to ensure that children have a drink before school, that they take a water bottle when heading off to school or activities, and that they have a drink of water easily available during the night – especially in warm weather.
Reaction to allergens
Skin conditions such as contact dermatitis can also be triggered by allergens causing the body’s immune system to respond in a way that affects the skin. Pollen from grasses, weeds and trees can be especially problematic in the spring and summer, and these airborne allergens can easily find their way indoors too. The National Eczema Society recommends that if your eczema gets worse in the pollen season, try to keep doors and windows closed on days when the pollen count is high, avoid hanging clothes and bed linen outside to dry, and vacuum and damp dust regularly.
“Children’s skin can easily be
Safety and the sun
Being active outside when it is sunny feels good and, in moderation, sunlight can be good for your skin. For example, many people with psoriasis find their condition can improve after being in the sun. However, it is important to avoid you or your family getting sunburnt, as this is painful and dangerous and has risks for your skin both now and when you are older. Children’s skin is more delicate than an adult’s and can easily be damaged by the sun even when it doesn’t seem strong.
The British Skin Foundation recommends using sunscreen with a minimum SPF 50 and at least 4 stars for UVA protection, reapplying every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating, and wearing sunglasses that carry CE and British Standard marks. Cover up with suitable clothing and a hat, and seek shade between 11am-3pm when the sun is at its strongest. Always keep babies and toddlers in the shade if you can.
When to see your GP or dermatologist
Staying active
Exercise improves blood flow to all the body’s organs, helping provide oxygen and nutrients to skin cells. The results of a recent study in Japan suggest that exercise can also prevent dry skin. Wider benefits of exercise, such as reducing stress and promoting clean sleep, can also help healthy skin too.
A good exercise routine should include regular activity that raises the heart rate, which gives great scope for playing games together in gardens or parks, riding bikes, playing football, dancing, running and swimming. Loose-fitting clothes can prevent clothing from rubbing against and irritating your skin, and having shoes that fit well can reduce the chance of blisters. Don’t forget sun protection when you are outside.
Often, changes in our skin are manageable with no or light intervention, but at other times, skin issues can need treatment to relieve the problem or stop it from worsening. If you notice a change in your or your family’s skin or if you need help managing an existing skin condition, it may be a good idea to check with your GP or a dermatologist.
Skin Salve is a leading British manufacturer and retailer of soaps and laundry powders formulated for people with sensitive skin. Find out more at: skinsalve.co.uk
Nielsen Adult Wipes, Total Coverage, Value Sales, 52 wks to 23/04/2024
9.9% ERIA
Our favourite
summer reads
Our roundup of the latest fun, fascinating and educational children’s books that are out this summer.
UH OH, NIKO! BEDTIME
By Chris Chatterton
Age 0+ | RRP £7.99 | Available from Waterstones (waterstones.com)
With charming, brightly coloured illustrations and bursting with sliders and flaps on each page to encourage little ones to truly interact with the story, Uh Oh, Niko! Bedtime is perfect to help toddlers with their nighttime routine. The fun-filled rhyming text, which will inspire imaginative play within the story, takes little ones on an adventure with Niko as he brushes his teeth, changes into his pyjamas and looks for his favourite toy to take to bed. Not without a few fun mishaps along the way, Niko is a little bear who sometimes gets things a bit wrong, but he always tries again and learns new skills along the way.
THE GIRL AND THE MERMAID
By Hollie Hughes, illustrated by Sarah Massini
Age 0-5 | RRP £12.99 | Available from Bloomsbury ( bloomsbury.com)
From the creators of The Girl and the Dinosaur comes a stunning story about a girl, her grandmother, and a magical underwater adventure. Alina and her Granny live in a lighthouse by the sea: a home filled with the warmth of Granny’s magical stories. But Alina is worried. Granny’s memories and stories are starting to fade away, and she doesn’t know how to bring them back. Then one day, she meets a mermaid on the rocks near the lighthouse – and she’s swept into a magical deep-sea adventure that will change everything.
WE ARE THE WIBBLY!
By Sarah Tagholm, illustrated by Jane McGuiness
Age 0-5 | RRP £7.99 | Available from Bloomsbury ( bloomsbury.com)
The funny, heartfelt and irresistible story of one small creature’s epic journey from frogspawn to frog. Doesn’t life move fast? One moment you’re in the Wibbly, relaxing with your Wibbly friends. The next, they’ve all grown tails and turned into tadpoles! And what’s more, they are bursting out of the Wibbly... and you’ve got to keep up. Some tadpoles don’t feel ready to become frogs. And some never wanted to become tadpoles in the first place. This heartwarming, hilarious story speaks perfectly to the anxiety that children can feel about keeping up with those around them.
BUD: THE STORY OF HOW A PLANT GROWS ... UP!
By Laura Hambleton
Age 3+ | RRP £7.99 | Available from Bloomsbury ( bloomsbury.com)
THE SECRET LIFE OF BUGS
By Moira Butterfield & Vivian Mineker
Age 7-11 | RRP £12.99 | Available from Blackwells ( blackwells.com)
Discover the secret life of bugs with Luna the friendly ladybird. Learn about bug habitats – who lives where, from teeny tiny bugs (featherwing beetles) to the largest of critters (giant stick insects and goliath beetles). Find out the amazing things that bugs can do, like flying high or disguising themselves. Plus, read magical
This bright, fun and friendly picture book about what happens when one plant grows (up) is a gentle introduction to plant life cycles for little ones. Meet Bud, a tiny rosebud on a big adventure. Sitting in a cosy greenhouse, in an even cosier red pot is Bud. Every day, Bud is warmed by Sun and told stories about the big outside by Moon. Bud is happy and content until... pop! Bud is planted beside looming trees and wiggly worms. The big outside is scary – but new adventures can be, and there’s no bigger adventure than growing up. A reassuring growing-up story with facts about plants, this book will inspire green fingers in little ones while preparing them for their own growingup journey.
TERRA ELECTRICA: THE GUARDIANS OF THE NORTH
By Antonia Maxwell
Age 9-14 | RRP £8.99 | Coming out on 4th July | Available from Neem Tree Press (neemtreepress.com)
An action-packed dystopian adventure series set in the near-future and post-melt Arctic, by debut author Antonia Maxwell. The story follows 12-year-old Mani who has lost her family and community to the Terra Electrica – a deadly force that was unleashed when the last ice cap melted and feeds on electricity. Armed only with ancestral wisdom and a powerful, ancient wooden mask, Mani suddenly finds herself responsible for the fate of the world.
SIZZLERS SUMMER
Kickstart your summer with five delicious family recipes from children’s food expert Annabel Karmel.
Wave bye-bye to soups, pies and casseroles; it’s time to step into supper (come rain or shine) with some fresh, colourful summer recipes. Whether you are dusting off the BBQ, dining al fresco or planning picnics in the park, summer brings plenty of opportunities for the whole family to eat delicious and healthy meals together.
Family life is busy, which is why, for me, coming together for mealtimes – even if it’s a few days a week – is extra special. I am a firm believer that healthy eating habits begin at the dinner table; children learn through observation and exploration, and family meals are an ideal opportunity to model healthy eating and try new foods together.
Quality family time
In the school holidays, it’s easy for the family routine to fall slightly by the wayside. With endless play dates, summer clubs, days out
and the work juggle, it can be tricky to find time for the whole family to eat together.
My advice is to simply make the most of the time that you do have. Whether it’s a speedy breakfast, a quick afternoon snack break, or a celebration with the extended family, every food moment is an opportunity to connect with your little ones.
“Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complex or timeconsuming”
It’s also important to note that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complex or timeconsuming. In summer, lots of fruits and vegetables are at their best (and cheapest!), so it’s easy to make healthy swaps, particularly when it comes to snacking.
Save time, batch cook!
Serve chopped veggies with houmous, apple slices with peanut butter, or mixed berries and yoghurt for a healthy snack that will fuel action-packed days. And if you have a busy week ahead, the freezer is your friend! Family favourites like my Hidden Vegetable Bolognese (see page 82) are perfect for cooking in advance and freezing. Make a big batch at the weekend and freeze in ready-to-go portions, which can be defrosted and reheated in a flash, making family dinnertimes easy.
On days that are less jam-packed, cooking together is a great way to keep little hands busy at home, and an opportunity for children to master new skills. Having a fussy eater or vegetable dodger can be incredibly frustrating, I can vouch for that firsthand! Yet, cooking together can work wonders to encourage them to try out a variety of new foods. It’s amazing how being involved in the planning and preparation of a meal can capture their interest! Children will love bashing up the cornflakes for the crispy coating on my Glazed Crispy Chicken & Rice (see page 87) or rolling up the meatballs for my mighty Meatballs with Orzo recipe (see page 83).
We all know the importance of giving little ones a variety-packed balanced diet, but delicious treats can be healthy too. No summer holiday would be complete without a tasty ice cream or refreshing ice lolly. My Summer Fruit Ice Lolly recipe (see page 86), with just two fruity ingredients, is a simple and tasty way towards their five-a-day!
Looking for mealtime inspiration for your baby or toddler? Annabel Karmel’s award-winning recipe app is home to over 1000 simple and delicious ideas, PLUS new recipes every week. With expert weaning support, including Annabel’s #1 listenalong guide, it’s a kitchen essential for happy, healthy mealtimes. Visit the App Store or Google Play and start your FREE trial today!
CHICKEN, HALLOUMI & RED PEPPER HOT DOGS
MAKES 6 HOT DOGS
INGREDIENTS
For the marinade
- 1 tbsp miso paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 ½ tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- ½ tsp fresh ginger, grated
For the skewers
- 250g chicken thigh, diced
- ½ red pepper, diced
- 1 bunch spring onions, sliced
- 200g halloumi cheese, diced
- 6 wooden skewers
To serve
- 6 hot dog rolls
- Lettuce
- Mayonnaise
METHOD
1
Preheat the grill to high, and soak the skewers in cold water.
2 Mix the marinade ingredients together in a bowl. Add the chicken, pepper, spring onion and halloumi. Stir and marinate for 30 minutes or longer.
3
Thread the chicken, red pepper, halloumi and spring onions onto the skewers. Place on a baking sheet lined with foil.
Enjoy
4
Grill for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
5 Fill the hot dog rolls with lettuce, remove the chicken and vegetables from the skewers and serve on top of the lettuce with a little mayonnaise.
VEGETABLE HIDDEN BOLOGNESE
MAKES 6 PORTIONS
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small leek, thinly sliced
- 1/2 stick celery, diced
- 1/4 small red pepper, diced
- 1 small carrot, peeled and grated
- 50g button mushrooms, diced
- 1/2 eating apple, peeled and grated
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 450g minced beef
- 4 tbsp tomato purée
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 250ml beef stock
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
METHOD
1
2
Heat the oil in a large frying pan and sauté the vegetables, apple and garlic for 10 minutes until soft. Transfer to a blender and add the tomatoes, then whiz until smooth.
Wipe out the pan with a piece of kitchen paper, then add the mince and fry over a mediumhigh heat, breaking the mince up with a wooden spoon, until browned (you may need to do this in two batches). If your child likes a finer texture you can transfer the browned mince to the food processor and whiz for a few seconds.
3 Add the tomato and vegetable sauce to the mince and stir in the tomato purée, ketchup, stock, and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook for 40–45 minutes until the sauce is thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
WITH ORZO MEATBALLS
MAKES 6 PORTIONS
INGREDIENTS
For the meatballs
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1/2 apple, grated
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 25g panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 25g Parmesan, grated
- 200g minced beef
- 2 tsp thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the orzo
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 200g chopped tinned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 600ml beef stock
- 200g orzo pasta
- 25g Parmesan, grated
- 2 tbsp basil, chopped
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
METHOD
1
2
3
4
5
6
To make the meatballs, put the onion, carrot and apple into a processor and whiz until finely chopped. Add the garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan, mince, egg and thyme. Whiz again until well mixed.
Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls.
Heat the oil in a frying pan. Add the meatballs and fry until golden brown and cooked through.
To make the orzo, heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes.
Add the cherry tomatoes, tinned tomatoes and tomato purée and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the stock and orzo, bring up to the boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the pasta is cooked.
Stir in the Parmesan, vinegar and basil, then add the meatballs.
We get life.
FRUIT ICE SUMMER LOLLIES
Watermelon & Kiwi
MAKES 6 LOLLIES
INGREDIENTS
- 275g watermelon, peeled and deseeded
- 2 ripe kiwis, peeled and cut into chunks
METHOD
1
Place the watermelon in a jug and blend until smooth using a stick blender.
2 Pour the puree into 6 ice lolly moulds, insert lolly sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours.
3 Meanwhile, blend the kiwis until smooth using a stick blender.
4
Remove the lollies from the freezer and pour the kiwi puree on top of the watermelon. Freeze again for 2 to 3 hours.
Pineapple & Strawberry
MAKES 6 LOLLIES
INGREDIENTS
- 100ml pineapple juice
- 100g strawberries, sliced
METHOD
1 Pour the pineapple juice into the base of 6 ice lolly moulds, insert the lolly sticks and freeze for 3 to 4 hours.
2 Remove the lollies from the freezer and place two slices of strawberries into each mould.
3 Place the remaining strawberries into a jug and blend until smooth using a stick blender.
4
Pour the puree on top of the strawberry slices and freeze for 2 hours or until completely frozen.
CHICKEN AND RICE
MAKES 2 ADULT PORTIONS
INGREDIENTS
- 50g cornflakes
- 20g plain flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 raw chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
METHOD
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Put the cornflakes into a bag and bash using a rolling pin until finely crushed. Pour into a shallow bowl.
Put the flour on a plate and beat the eggs in a bowl.
Put the chicken on a board and cover with cling film. Bash out the chicken to a thin thickness.
Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip into the egg, then coat in crushed cornflakes.
Heat a little oil in a frying pan. Add the chicken and fry for 4 minutes on both sides until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Mix the soy sauce, honey and garlic in a bowl. Pour into the pan and stir for 10 seconds. Return the chicken breasts to the pan and coat on both sides until glazed.
Serve with sticky rice and edamame beans.
Recipes supplied by Annabel Karmel. For more recipe inspiration, advice and nutrition information, visit: annabelkarmel.com
THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Sleep problems are very common in young children and it’s estimated that 27% of children are not getting enough sleep. Sleep and Health Advisor, Mirianna Kilburn, explains how you can help your children to go to bed at the right time and get a good night’s sleep.
Can children get insomnia?
Approximately 25% of children will experience insomnia, or more specifically, behavioural insomnia, a form of insomnia that is associated with difficulty falling and staying asleep. Behavioural insomnia is closely related to sleep hygiene practices. In the case of children, Sleep Onset Association and Limit Setting are both conditions that can derive from behavioural insomnia, affecting how your child perceives bedtime and prompting them to challenge any set routine you may try to enforce.
“If your child is sleep deprived, you may notice certain behavioural changes”
This can be a problem as children rely on sleep to develop their brains and ensure healthy growth. On average, between the ages of 3-11, your child should be getting around 9-13 hours of sleep, with older children, such as teenagers, needing around 8-10 hours.
If your child is sleep deprived, you may notice certain behavioural changes, perhaps they are less able to focus at school and more prone to outbursts during class time.
What causes child insomnia?
In young children, Sleep Onset Association is the most common form of behavioural insomnia and can occur when your child starts to form negative associations with sleep and cannot drift off without needing comfort. This often means that you may have to sit with your child until they fall asleep. Your child may even try to resist their bedtime and will find excuses to leave the bed after you have said goodnight.
“Behavioural insomnia is closely related to sleep hygiene practices”
Another major cause of child insomnia is diet. Fizzy drinks, refined sugar, caffeine and processed foods can have an impact on your child’s central nervous system, making them feel far more awake at night than they should. Almost 99% of children who take packed lunchboxes to school, in England and Wales, aren’t reaching the nutritional requirements.
Diet is very important, but so is creating an environment that your child will wish to sleep in. Allowing your child access to devices before bedtime can cause them to experience problems falling asleep. This is because the blue light radiation from such devices can inhibit their production of melatonin, a sleep hormone.
Finally, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea or OSA, can interrupt your child’s sleep. This condition can be caused by nasal congestion or enlarged adenoids. These factors can block your child’s airway, causing snoring, sleep disruption and other issues such as hyperactivity and behavioural problems.
Didknow?you Inactivity can make it more difficult for your child to fall asleep
How you can treat child insomnia:
1
Establish a routine and stick to it.
Your child may try various tactics to get you to alter their bedtime or may even make excuses to stay awake beyond their established bedtime. It’s important that once you decide upon a bedtime that you stick to it, especially on school nights. Once you have tucked your child into bed, there should be no conceivable excuse for them to leave the room until morning.
2
Get your child to sleep independently.
If your child has become dependent on your presence, it’s important that you try and break this cycle. The longer you feed the cycle, the harder it will become to escape. You could start by sitting with your child for the first few evenings, but try to leave the room before they sleep. If they start to protest, reassure them that you will be nearby if they need you. Alternatively, you could start by sitting on your child’s bed, gradually moving away a little at a time each night until you’re standing next to the door.
3 Ban all devices.
It is advised to ban your child from using electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. Mobile phones, televisions and tablets all emit blue light that can inhibit your child’s melatonin production. Instead, try reading your child a book before bedtime and focus on games that will help your child to relax.
5
Try to get them exercising.
Research has revealed that exercise can have a direct effect on your child’s sleep patterns. One study published by the Archives of Disease in Childhood stated that ‘inactivity can make it more difficult for your child to fall asleep.’ Unfortunately, child obesity is also a factor, which has really elevated exercise to the forefront in recent years. Now it is recommended that children get at least one hour of physical exercise a day.
Didknow?you Research has revealed that exercise can have a direct effect on your child’s sleep patterns
If your child is used to sleeping with the light on, again try to curb this habit. Bright lights can disrupt your child’s sleep and may cause them to wake in the middle of the night. Try using a night light, but a better longterm plan might be to get your child more comfortable with the dark by playing games during the day or practising certain aspects of mindfulness with them, generating positive thoughts before bedtime.
4
Make sure they’re eating sensibly.
Your child’s diet can have a huge impact on their sleep patterns. Chocolate and fizzy drinks are fine as the occasional treat, but your child shouldn’t be consuming them daily. Ultimately, they will disturb your child’s central nervous system and make them more hyperactive during the day. It’s not always easy to prepare meals from scratch, especially during the working week, however, there are options such as stir-fry or soups that are relatively quick to make.
It is crucial that you try and focus on making sure they’re getting enough fruit and veg. Let them help you cook dinner and make packed lunchboxes – this gives them an appreciation of food and may open a dialogue, allowing you to determine what compromises you can make.
Group sports are excellent for encouraging social development; other activities such as swimming, karate or horse riding are also beneficial. Surprisingly, yoga may be another great choice to consider – it may help to teach your child breathing techniques, flexibility and mindfulness!
Mirianna Kilburn is an experienced life coach, as well as a sleep and health advisor for health brand A.Vogel. A.Vogel advocates a natural approach to health including plant-based remedies, nutritional ingredients, as well nutritional supplements.
A.Vogel’s Sleep Well dissolvable granules (£11.99) are suitable for long-term use in children aged 12 years upwards and are vegan. Simply pour one Sleep Well sachet into your mouth at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Granules dissolve in the mouth, perfect for taking during the night if you wake and can’t get back to sleep or can be swallowed with a little water. Find out more at: revital.co.uk
ALL-SINGING, ALL-DANCING.
Not to mention all the film, TV, comedy and drama.
We’re a dab hand at bringing out the best in children. Through our creative projects, performance opportunities and our diverse lessons in musical theatre, film and tv, comedy and drama, we give your child the confidence to be themselves.
OVER 200 ACADEMIES NATIONWIDE!
SCAN THE QR CODE TO BOOK YOUR FIRST SESSION FOR FREE
WIN
FUN FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE!
A YEAR OF WATER
Make a splash by entering our fantastic prize draw!
You could win a year of swimming lessons worth £350 for your child with Better Swim School.
We’ve got two grand prizes to give away, and we’ll even throw in a year’s supply of Matey products! Five lucky runners-up will also win a year’s supply of bubbly fun with the Matey Crew.
How to enter
Scan the QR code below
Follow @matey_adventures on Instagram
Tag a friend or parent who’d like to join in the Matey fun
Let’s help children have fun and feel safe in the water
Swim
LEARN TO SWIM
Swim England, the national governing body for aquatic sports in England, looksc at the multiple benefits that swimming can offer all children – and explains how to get your kids happy and confident in the water.
There are so many reasons why children should learn to swim – not least because it could save their life.
Unfortunately, research shows that drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental death in children, so being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill.
Swimming is lots of fun for people of all ages and children especially love getting in the water and enjoying themselves. In fact, research by Swim England revealed that 96% of preschool parents agree that taking a dip in the pool is what makes their child happy. It also provides a whole host of health benefits that can help keep children healthy and happy at the same time.
Regular swimming keeps a child’s heart
and lungs in good condition, improves strength and flexibility, increases stamina and even improves balance and posture. Another great thing about swimming is that children of any age or ability can take part and it is more accessible for children with additional needs than almost any other sport.
What’s more, swimming provides challenges and rewards accomplishments, which helps children to become selfconfident and believe in their abilities. They will also have plenty of opportunities to make friends and grow in confidence.
Skills for life
But health, fun, and confidence are not the only reasons why children should learn to swim. Learning to swim also opens up the door to a range of other activities. There are
a number of sports children can only do if they can swim, including kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, surfing, triathlon and yachting. Learning to swim is a skill that once learned is rarely forgotten and it is open to people of all ages. There are even swimming events for people aged over 100, with a few Masters swimmers who are still swimming past this age. To find your local swimming lesson provider, visit: swimming.org/poolfinder
Check out Swim Safe
If you are interested in ensuring your child is safe around water this summer check out Swim Safe, a free programme of outdoor swimming and water safety lessons for 7-14 year olds held every summer across England. In 2013 Swim England joined forces with the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, to launch Swim Safe with the aim of teaching children how to stay safe in and around open water before they might need to be rescued. Open to children who can already swim 25m, participants get to enjoy
a fun, structured swimming session at a choice of open water locations – and learn all about how to stay safe.
The 60-minute session is run by qualified lifeguards and instructors, and includes:
Water safety advice provided by qualified lifeguards on land.
Up to 30 minutes in-water tuition with qualified instructors.
All the right kit for swimming outdoors (including swimming hats, wetsuits, and swimming aids).
Since launching with a single site 11 years ago, Swim Safe has grown to include more than 30 sites across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. To learn more about Swim Safe, visit: swimsafe.org.uk/about
Previously working in an occupation that led to high stress and a lack of everyday enjoyment, Sola explains: “I worked for Transport for London as a revenue inspector – there was always conflict, aggression and altercations, but with teaching, I am always smiling. It is a really nice community feel, switching from my old job is the best thing that ever happened to me.
“It was in my old job that I became ill, I started swimming for health reasons and that is how I found my love for it. The thing I love most about being a swim teacher now is the fact that I am able to give back and teach a life skill. For me, teaching is everything.
“Becoming a swimming teacher gives you so much flexibility, you can do it in the evening or the morning and even if you have a job already, you can swim teach alongside it. I would definitely recommend anyone to become a swim teacher, your age does not matter, it really is the best job in the world.”
“Learning to swim also opens up the door to a range of other activities”
Considering a career change? Become a swim teacher
Swim England is leading a campaign to persuade more people to become swim teachers. In collaboration with a number of their leisure partners, the governing body is calling on people to consider the benefits of switching career paths and taking on a more fulfilling profession.
Swim teachers like Sola Alegbe play a vital role in ensuring people who learn to swim find confidence in the water – those with a career in swim teaching themselves also reporting high levels of satisfaction, flexibility and fulfilment.
“Swimming is lots of fun for people of all ages”
Previous Swim England research has shown that 96% of swimming teachers in the UK love their job and love giving back to the community to support children in developing an essential life skill.
Swim England business engagement director, Rebecca Cox, adds: “This is a hugely important campaign for us and a chance to celebrate the incredible work swimming teachers across the nation do. Being able to swim safely at the beach with your family and friends, or confidently take your children to the local pool is only possible thanks to the amazing support from teachers.
“Our research has shown the need for more swim teachers to ensure everyone has access to lessons, and we can keep everyone safe to enjoy being in the water. We all know that swimming is an essential life skill – but for so many across the nation it is the gateway to creating amazing memories with your family, becoming healthier and happier, and achieving full confidence in the water.
“Our research has also shown this is a really fulfilling career option, with those who teach reporting a higher level of happiness compared to other careers. If you love making a positive difference in your community, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.”
For more information on Swim England, visit: swimming.org/swimengland/
Acer CB314 Celeron Chromebook &Mouse Bundle 3636141
ASUS CX1500 Pentium Chromebook 5646380
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i i3
Chromebook & Case Bundle 5028159
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 MediaTek Chromebook 3288599
HP 15a-na0007na Celeron Chromebook 4708119
ASUS CX34 i3 Chromebook Plus 3288458
ASUS E210 Celeron Cloudbook 3930823
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i i5 2-in-1 Laptop 4849621
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED i5 Laptop 4638382
HP 11-ak0027na Celeron Cloudbook 9626306
Samsung Galaxy Book4 i3 Laptop 4359575
HP Envy 17-cw0003na i5 Laptop 3412523
UNLEASH YOUR DRIVE
We find out about the Golf Foundation’s mental toughness programme for primary-school-aged children that helps them to learn a new sport and improve their mental health.
The Golf Foundation has launched a mental toughness programme called Unleash Your Drive in Schools, which seeks to change the face of mental wellbeing among young people via their introduction to the game, with nine mental toughness tools embedded across six weeks of fun golf games.
The Golf Foundation is looking to provide fully funded kit and resources to primary schools in areas of high deprivation, to help them deliver the programme.
Five years in the making, this mental wellbeing initiative is already creating exciting results since its launch, with more than 500 schools having signed up to deliver sessions so far.
Early results have indicated a 20% increase in mental toughness among pupils on the programme.
Nick Dougherty, Sky Sports presenter and president of the Golf Foundation, is spearheading the campaign. He says: “Mental toughness is important because all of the research tells us that mentally tough youngsters do better academically, career wise and perhaps most importantly in terms of their overall life happiness and resilience.”
“Help prepare children for all the challenges that life throws their way”
Children’s mental health
The benefits of golf to mental health and wellbeing are known by everyone who plays the game and backed by extensive research and evidence. However, in working with schools, youth clubs, golf clubs and youth-centred organisations, the Golf Foundation became increasingly concerned about the decline in young people’s mental health, particularly since the Covid lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. This trend is reflected by the headline findings of a number of high profile reports in recent years:
1 in 6 children aged 7 to 16 years has a probable mental health disorder (NHS Digital, November 2022 –The Mental Health of Children and YP in England Survey)
Nick Dougherty, Sky Sports presenter and president of the Golf Foundation, is spearheading the campaign
Suicide is the largest cause of mortality for young people under 35. Suicide rates have been increasing in recent years (Office for National Statistics, 2020)
Girls are twice as likely to experience poor mental health than boys by the age of 18 (Steer Education: The Impact of the pandemic on students’ mental health)
“96% of young people reported that their mental health had affected their schoolwork at some point”
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are two to three times more likely to develop mental health problems than their peers who are more socioeconomically advantaged (Commission on Young Lives, November 2022).
96% of young people reported that their mental health had affected their schoolwork at some point. They explained that the lack of support they received for their mental health prevented them from fully taking part in and enjoying secondary school. They described how low mood, fatigue, depression and difficulty concentrating meant they had little energy or motivation to complete schoolwork. This was strongly supported by school staff, who nearly all agreed (95%) that a lot of students or some students had their schoolwork or learning affected by mental health problems (MIND: Not making the grade).
Why mental toughness?
Since 2017, the Golf Foundation has been specifically interested in the strong body of evidence that supports the value of teaching mental toughness to young people through sport:
Mental toughness is significantly associated with academic attainment, school attendance, classroom behaviour and peer relationships in secondary school students (St Clair Thompson at al, Educational Psychology, 2015)
Mentally tough adolescents are associated with better physical and psychological health (Gerber et al, Stress and Health, 2013).
Working with mental toughness experts, Yeast Ltd, the Golf Foundation has devised a proven
method of teaching mental toughness skills to young people using golf and measuring its impact. The initial pilot project, developed and tested over a period of 18 months with golf coaches and young golfers across clubs in the SE of England, demonstrated a 20% increase in confidence, commitment and overall mental toughness in the juniors involved. Similar findings have since been replicated with non-golfing pupils in secondary schools and with county girls squads in Lincolnshire and Essex. At Baysgarth Secondary School in Lincolnshire, the Unleash Your Drive mental toughness programme was delivered to all 600 pupils using golf over the summer term in 2023.
How does it work?
Unleash Your Drive in Schools is a comprehensive programme that can be delivered over six weeks by any primary school teacher or coach thanks to easy-to-follow printed and digital resources, specially adapted Golfway kit and a built-in evaluation. Nine mental toughness tools are embedded within the programme, which will help prepare children for all the challenges that life throws their way.
What’s in it for your school?
The chance to help change the mental wellbeing of your children and the chance for them to try a different sport. Your school’s monitoring also allows the Golf Foundation to create bespoke case studies, which helps with Ofsted and governmental reporting, as well as producing child-specific numbers to show progress on a mental wellbeing journey.
The Golf Foundation is a registered charity that introduces children to golf, from all
“Mentally tough youngsters do better academically”
HOW A PERFORMING ARTS CLASS CAN PERFORMANCE BOOST YOUR CHILD’S ACADEMIC
The three key performing arts disciplines of singing, dancing and acting require children to build their cognitive thinking and memory to recall their lines and routines. They must also learn when to pay attention and when to speak to bring together a performance piece with their peers. This means, even from an early age, performing arts classes and performance opportunities are teaching children to shift their focus when necessary, how to control their impulses and work as a team.
When brought into a school setting, children with strong executive functioning and self-regulation skills will know how to listen and retain what they’re taught.
Another key benefit of an extra-curricular performing arts experience is creating a growth mindset in children.
The concept of the ‘growth mindset’ comes from leading psychologist Carol Dweck and is defined by having a mindset where you can see your abilities improving through hard work.
In performing arts classes like Stagecoach, children are praised for their efforts and encouraged to work hard and develop their skills over time. Children are given opportunities to challenge themselves in a safe environment and have regular performance opportunities so they can showcase what they’ve learned. Each performance also comes with rehearsal time where children can learn that you don’t have to get everything perfect right away.
A highlight in any parent’s calendar is when they get to see their child perform. Whether it’s a school production or an after-school club performance, it’s a beautiful moment for both parent and child.
But, did you know these opportunities have deeprooted benefits both in and outside of the classroom?
There are many ways a stage experience can make children excel at school and boost their academic performance.
Stagecoach Performing Arts, the UK’s leading extra-curricular performing arts provider, report that the biggest reason why parents and guardians are signing up their children is to build their confidence. Simple things like raising their hand in class can be intimidating to children of any age so building the confidence to ask for help
“Stagecoach Performing Arts is the UK’s leading extra-curricular performing arts provider”
when needed is key in the school environment. That’s far from the only benefit to be gained from performing arts classes though.
The performing arts can improve executive functioning and selfregulation skills which are key to children’s development. Harvard University defines the three skills in this area to be*:
Working memory Mental flexibility Self-control
Getting familiar with learning in this way is invaluable in their mainstream education. Going to performing arts classes can lead to children being less daunted be new tasks and having a positive outlook on learning, understanding that it’s fine to have a go and try again if something doesn’t work the first time.
With fewer performing arts opportunities in mainstream schools, finding an extra-curricular option can be the ideal choice to improve your child’s academic performance through an activity that is engaging, inspiring and most of all, fun. Stagecoach Performing Arts operates schools across the UK and you can search your postcode at stagecoach.co.uk to find your local school.
*References: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/keyconcepts/executive-function/
In today’s connected world, you need more than just antivirus.
Norton 360 Deluxe
Norton 360 Deluxe provides powerful layers of protection for your devices and online privacy against cyberthreats - all in a single solution.
Plus, we scan the Dark Web for your personal information and notify you if it’s found.
When connecting to Wi-Fi your online privacy has protection with bank-grade encryption from our Secure VPN.
Real-time Threat Protection
Advanced security with antivirus helps protect against existing and emerging online threats to your device, and helps protect your private and financial information when you go online.
Secure VPN
Browse anonymously and more securely with a no-log Virtual Private Network (VPN). Add bank-grade encryption to help ensure the information you send and receive is secure and private.
Parental Control‡
Manage your children’s activities online. Help them explore, learn, and enjoy their connected world more safely on their PCs or smartphones.
Password Manager
Tools to easily generate, store, and manage your passwords, credit card information and other credentials online – more securely.
PC Cloud Backup1,2
Store important files and documents as a preventive measure against data loss due to hard drive failures, stolen devices and even ransomware.
Dark Web Monitoring§
We monitor and notify you if we find your personal information on the Dark Web.
SafeCam for PC2
Alerts you to attempts to access your webcam and helps you block unauthorized access to it.
Smart Firewall for PC or Firewall for Mac
Monitors communications between your computer and other computers and helps block unauthorized traffic.
Support.
HANDS IT’S IN YOUR
EE has teamed up with football stars to help the nation learn British sign language –Family First finds out more.
EE has teamed up with a host of footballing stars from the four Home Nations, including Declan Rice, Rachel Corsie, Bukayo Saka, Ella Toone, Harry Kane, Lisa Evans, Dion Charles and Mary Earps, to upskill the nation in British Sign Language (BSL) and help everyone feel a part of the football conversation.
“We are committed to ensuring football is a sport for all”
While an estimated 1.2 million adults in the UK have hearing loss severe enough to impede most conversational speech, there are approximately only 150,000 BSL users (87,000 of whom are deaf). ‘Support. It’s in Your Hands’ endeavours to change this by celebrating BSL, using sport as a catalyst to encourage the use of sign language in both deaf and non-deaf communities.
Inclusivity for all
Created by EE with support from the Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD) and the Home Nations Football Associations, the campaign encapsulates the shared vision of
creating an inclusive world that works for all. Pete Jeavons, marketing communications director at BT & EE explains: “We are committed to ensuring football is a sport for all. As the lead partner of the Home Nations Football Associations, we are proud to drive positive transformation and make the game more accessible for everyone. ‘Support. It’s In Your Hands’ aims to bring about tangible change and increase awareness of BSL. We want to encourage everyone to play their part and make a difference to the shared enjoyment of the beautiful game.”
BSL was officially recognised as a language of England, Wales and Scotland in 2002, and it was recently announced that it will be offered as a GCSE subject from 2025. However, with the number of people with hearing loss projected to increase in coming years (an estimated 14.2 million people in the UK will experience hearing loss by 2035), EE aims to ensure no one feels isolated by leveraging its lead partnership of the four Home Nations Football Associations to encourage the nation to learn some BSL and sign their support.
Learning BSL
“Everyone deserves to have a say in the football conversation”
International footballers from the four Home Nations will teach BSL phrases in the form of easily digestible bitesize content, which will be available on EE LearnSmart. The EE LearnSmart hub will provide resources to support the learning of football-themed BSL, including “goal”, “shoot”, “great defending” or “great tackle”, so everyone can actively participate in the conversation surrounding the game.
Stephen Hutchinson, head of commercial partnerships at the FA, says: “Making football a more inclusive ecosystem is hugely important and we are delighted to be working hand in hand with EE to empower all football fans to support people who are deaf or have hearing loss. It’s a sport we all love and everyone deserves to have a say in the football conversation. As part of their sponsorship of Wembley Stadium, we will be working with EE and RAD people to upskill event staff to provide better support on match days and at concerts.”
The campaign launches with a film that shows all the ways – knowingly and unknowingly – BSL is incorporated in football, from the grassroots game to the international stage. The film has been created using a combination of archive footage, fan user-generated content and original content, capturing players and fans across different levels of the game.
Sharing the message
The film was played at England’s sold-out friendly against Brazil at Wembley Stadium connected by EE and allocated two of its mascot spaces to deaf children who signed the National Anthem with guidance from RAD’s accredited BSL performer.
Harnessing FA partner channels to distribute content to promote the use of and learning of BSL. The highlight of these is the ‘EE BSL challenge’, which sees three male England players take on three Lionesses in an obstacle course that requires them to complete sign-based challenges with the help of four England Deaf squad players.
Assembling a squad of five content creators to spread the message of inclusivity far and wide: the squad will consist of Shiona McClafferty, Jazzy Whipps, India Morse, Leon Walker Dobson and Ray Bradshaw, who
will produce engaging content that helps teach the basics of BSL through the football lens.
Facilitating training for its colleagues in Deaf Awareness courses, which include some BSL basics. By encouraging greater Deaf Awareness internally, EE will also contribute to further Deaf Awareness and BSL learning across BT Group, alongside an accessibility audit for consumer-facing webpages.
Julie Ratcliffe, chief operating officer at RAD says: “RAD people proudly supports this campaign, dedicated to empowering football fans across the UK and championing inclusivity for deaf and hard of hearing communities. As one of the oldest charities supporting deaf people in the UK, RAD is delighted to offer our expertise and support to this initiative, which promises to upskill the nation in the basics of football-themed BSL.”
The ‘Support. It’s In Your Hands’ campaign is part of EE’s ongoing and longstanding commitment to supporting the para and disability community in football and beyond. Last season, this came to life through ‘New Signing’, a campaign that saw the world’s first BSL pundits on televised sport. This is just the start for EE, with many more activations planned for the coming year that reinforce EE’s commitment in supporting the Deaf community and people with hearing loss.
For more information on how to learn BSL and sign
“BSL is incorporated in football, from the grassroots game to the international stage”
Feeling
slu gg ish?
Let’s shell-ebrate our garden slugs and snails! Tom Hibbert from The Wildlife Trusts explains why these slimy visitors are so important to nature and looks at how you can identify different species at home.
When you think of exciting wildlife, slugs and snails might not be the first creatures that come to mind. They aren’t always the most colourful or the most active animals. They like to do things at their own pace, slowly sliding around on a trail of slime. They also often go unnoticed as they love to be out when it’s dark and wet, when we’d prefer to be warm and cosy indoors. But slugs and snails are fascinating, and some of the most wonderfully weird wildlife you’ll find in your garden.
For example, did you know that most slugs and snails poop and breathe from an opening on the righthand side of their head?
“When it’s really damp, slugs and snails can be obvious, oozing across paths and climbing plants”
Or that they have poor eyesight and find food, water and potential mates by smelling and tasting using their tentacles, lips and the sole of their long, slimy foot? You don’t get much weirder than that!
While it’s true that some slugs and snails have a taste for our vegetables (who can blame them!), they also carry out lots of important jobs. They are nature’s clean-up crew, eating rotting plants and poo, recycling nutrients into the soil. They’re also an important food source for lots of different animals – but we’ll talk more about that a little while later.
“Making your garden wilder can be fun for the whole family”
Large black slug
Didknow?you
Most slugs and snails poop and breathe from an opening on the right-hand side of their head?
You’ve probably seen a large black slug before, as they’re often found in gardens and wooded areas. But it’s hard to know for sure as they’re almost identical to several other slugs. They aren’t always black either – sometimes they can be brown, red, orange, grey or green. One hint towards their identity is that they rock from side to side when they feel threatened.
You’ve probably seen plenty of slugs and snails, but did you know there are around 150 different species found in the UK? That doesn’t even include the ones that live in our seas! Here are a few different species you might find in a garden, park or nature reserve…
SLUGS TO SPOT
Leopard slug
This is one of our largest slugs, with a distinctive spattering of spots across its body – a bit like a leopard. It’s a common sight in gardens and woodlands. Pairs can sometimes be found hanging from a string of mucous – how romantic!
Hedgehog slug
Another slug that’s named after an animal. The hedgehog slug is covered in bobbly tubercules that end in points, giving it the prickly appearance of a hedgehog. You’re more likely to spot this small slug in a meadow or grassy area than in a garden.
Hedgehog slug © Brian Eversham
Leopard slug © Vaughn Matthews
TO SOME SAY SHELLO SNAILS
Garden snail - The common garden snail prefers to be active at night, but rainy weather will encourage them out during daylight. You have to watch your step when walking in the rain as they often appear on paths! They have beautifully patterned shells with a rough surface.
Round snail - This small snail has an unusually flattened shell, shaped a bit like a discus. On close inspection, it has a beautiful chequerboard pattern, with red patches on a yellowishgrey background. The round snail likes to shelter under logs, stones, leaf litter and in other nooks and crannies.
Garlic snail - Garlic snails can be hard to recognise by sight alone, but when they feel disturbed they give off a strong smell of garlic. They can be found in wooded places and occasionally gardens. Look for them in leaf litter, moss and other damp, sheltered spots.
Take a slug and snail safari
Now you know just how many different slugs and snails live around us, why not head out and see how many you can spot? You don’t need much preparation for this safari – just warm, waterproof clothing and a torch. You might want a magnifying
glass or hand lens for a closer look, and maybe a pot to put slugs in while you study them. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your slug and snail safari:
Time it right - Pick a mild day when it’s rainy or damp – slugs and snails hate drying out! The best time is an hour or two after sunset, or early in the morning when it’s still dark. But don’t worry if you like your sleep, you can still find them during the day in damp weather.
Slide and seek - When it’s really damp, slugs and snails can be obvious, oozing across paths and climbing plants. To find even more, search in sheltered spots that are cool and damp. Look under logs and pots or in compost bins and curled-up leaves.
Snail fail - Don’t worry if you can’t identify many of the slugs and snails you find – even experts struggle with a lot of them. Just enjoy looking for different varieties or seeing how many individuals you can spot. Sometimes the colour of the slime can help identify tricky slug species. You can gently dab the back of your slug with some white tissue to see what colour the slime is.
Slug safety - If you put a slug or snail in a pot to get a better look, remember to gently place it back where you found it. You should also wash your hands after handling any slugs or snails.
• Round snail
© Brian Eversham
Garlic snail
© Brian Eversham
on slugs and snails and help keep them at healthy levels. You’ll also have lots of other exciting creatures to discover!
The easiest thing you can do for nature is nothing. Put away the lawnmower and shears and just let part of your garden grow wild, with long grass, fallen leaves and standing seedheads. But if you want to get more hands-on, making your garden wilder can be fun for the whole family. You can build bug hotels and bird boxes, stack log piles or even dig a pond. Here are a few activities to try:
Woodwork - It’s amazing how much life can thrive in a pile of logs! If you’ve not trimmed any trees in your own garden, you can get logs from a tree surgeon. Remember not to take them from the woods or other wild places, as these logs will already be a home for wildlife. You can stack them neatly or create a haphazard pile. For the biggest impact, sink a few logs into the soil so that some of the wood is buried. Log piles are popular with beetles, which often hunt slugs and snails. Some beetles can follow slime trails to track the slug that left them, while others paralyze snails with a single bite and poke their head into the shell to feed.
High-rise home - If you want to get a bit more creative, you could construct your own minibeast mansion. Stack a short tower of recycled wooden pallets and fill the gaps with stones, dead wood, hollow stems, twigs and leaves. Build your tower partly in the shade, to cater for sun-loving insects as well as those that like it cooler and damper. New tenants could include solitary bees, beetles, bugs and more.
Water can attract so much wildlife to your garden. You could meet dragonflies, frogs or even newts. Amphibians often snack on slugs! If you’ve not got the space for a big pond, you could create a mini container pond – the wildlife will still love it. However big or small your pond is, make sure you give creatures a way to climb out if they fall in. Use a log or stones to make an exit ramp.
Native trees and bushes provide wildlife with food and shelter throughout the year, attracting many insects and birds. The right choices will provide pollen and nectar in spring, leaves for caterpillars in summer, and berries in autumn and winter. If you can, swap out a garden fence for a hedge so that hedgehogs, frogs and other animals get an easy access route to your garden and all of its wonderful wildlife-friendly features. Get guides to these activities and more at: wildlifetrusts.org/actions
Celebrating slugs and snails
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a little bit more about slugs and snails. These poor animals have a bad reputation that they don’t really deserve. The world would be a much worse place without our slimy neighbours, which is why we’re giving them a reputation makeover. We want to celebrate slugs and snails and we need your help!
Getting to know your garden slugs and snails is the perfect place to start. Try out our tips for a garden safari, share your slug and snail photos on social media, and spread the word that we need them in our gardens and wild spaces. You can learn even more about slugs and snails at wildaboutgardens.org.uk
For more information about The Wildlife Trusts, visit: wildlifetrusts.org
Brown-lipped snail © Niall Benvie/ 2020VISION
Black snail beetle ©John Bridges
SUN’S OUT BRIOCHE OUT!
Good food is a good mood.
Steak & Chimmichurrii
Pesto & Mozzarella
Classic Hot Dogs
Chorizo Rocket Rolls
BAKING LIFE’S SPECIAL MOMENTS
Summer is about happiness, relishing every moment and eating food with friends! Make this summer one to remember with our tasty treats, perfect for every occasion, on-the-go and as a quick snack.
For more information, please visit our website:
www.briochepasquier.com
DISCOVER MORE
Explore our unique recipe ideas using our delicious Brioche Pasquier products to create meals, snacks, canapes and desserts with ease.
discover
•Develop healthy habits
•Know screen limits
•Stay safe and savvy on the internet
•Combat comparison culture
•Nurture friendships and family relationships
•Build resilience and self-confidence
SIMPLY SPRAY AND SMOOTH AWAY CREASES
Invigorate and infuse your fabrics with a luxurious and fresh scent of fruits, florals, jasmine and freesia, filling your world with flamboyance and a lust for life.
•
•
•
•
•
Have you had a baby born in the last 12 months?
Do you feel low, stressed out, have no energy, or don‘t enjoy things anymore? We are testing a new online support package for young parents who are feeling low, stressed out or miserable
Could you help us by taking part? Find out about getting involved
AADAPT
Love every bit
WHAT’S HOT FOR SUMMER 2024
Check out our latest travel supplements for summer 2024.
As parents, the team at Family First know just how difficult & frustrating it can be to continuously keep your children busy and entertained during the school holidays and keeping them of their iPads & consoles. In this edition, you will find some of the UK’s best days out, attractions & holiday destinations for families with young children.
CHECK OUT THE
The UK’s Number 1 Brand for Follow On Milks
ENRICHED WITH VITAMIN D
