FromBumptoGrump:ChildrenFeatures

GET KIDS COOKING!
- Flora launches new school initiative to encourage healthy eating -

Flora has created ten new recipes as part of a programme designed to help primary school children learn to cook. Michelin-starred chef Gary Rhodes has also come on board to get kids cooking at school and put healthy eating at the heart of the classroom.

From quick fruity scones to a vegetable stir-fry delight, to 5-a-day fruit sticks, kids can learn those valuable life skills whilst having fun rustling up their very own tasty treats! All of the recipes are designed with kids in mind, in line with school food trust guidelines, and are the perfect tool for lessons in healthy eating

The recipes are part of Flora’s ‘Cooking With Schools’ initiative which is giving primary schools the opportunity to receive tokens to exchange for free cooking equipment.

A recent survey by the Flora team has revealed that a third of primary schools have fewer than five wooden spoons per class, and 34% of primary schools have cookery lessons once a term or less. But cookery lessons shouldn’t be a thing of the past, after all, 99% of teachers think it is essential children learn how to cook healthy meals in order to become healthy adults.

Gary Rhodes explains why he is supporting Cooking with Schools: “It’s imperative that children learn how to cook healthy balanced meals and these recipes are inspiring and interesting - a perfect starting point for your young ones.”
Flora spreads can help keep your heart healthy as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. They are lower in saturated fats than butter and are made from a blend of seed oils rich in heart healthy Omega 3 & 6.
And the lessons needn’t stay in the classroom, get cooking with your little one using the following recipes:

Seeds’ Quick Fruity Scones
This will make approximately 24 scones if using a two inch cutter.

You will need:
- 450g (1lb) Self Raising Flour
- 110g (4oz) Flora Original
- 175-200ML Semi Skimmed Milk
- 110g (4oz) Sultanas
- 50g (2oz) Sugar
- ½ tsp Bicarbonate of Soda
Start Cooking!
1) Before you start preheat the oven to 190°C: 375°F: Gas 5.
2) Weigh out all the ingredients.
3) Rub the Flora Original lightly into flour and lift the mixture to add air. This will make your scones mixture nice and light. Continue until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.
4) Now add the sugar, salt, bicarbonate of soda and fruity sultanas.
5) Mix in just enough milk to make a soft dough.
6) Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until about 1.5cm (½ inch) thick. Use a pastry cutter to cut the scones into shape.
7) Bake for 12 - 15 minutes.
8) Carefully take out of the oven when golden. Leave to cool then enjoy!

Seeds’ Vegetable Stir-Fry Delight
You will need:
- 25g Flora Buttery
- 2 small courgettes, sliced
- 115g (4oz) baby sweetcorn
- 2.5cm (1 inch) piece root ginger, grated
- 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 115g (4oz) mange tout
- 115g (4 oz) Bean sprouts
- 400g can beans, drained e.g. kidney, chickpeas
- 1 tbsp sodium reduced soy sauce
- 1 tsp clear honey
- Juice of ½ lemon

Start cooking!
1) Carefully prepare all ingredients.
2) Carefully heat the Flora Buttery in a large wok or frying pan.
3) Add the courgettes and sweetcorn and stir fry for 3-4 minutes.
4) Add the ginger, pepper, bean sprouts and mange tout and stir fry for a further 3 minutes. Mix in the beans.
5) Stir in the soy sauce, honey and lemon and heat through.
6) Serve immediately and enjoy!

You will need:
- 350g (12 oz) pasta shapes
- 1 medium onion diced
- 25g Flora Buttery
- 2 cloves of garlic crushed
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 courgette, diced
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- Black pepper

Start cooking!
1) Carefully prepare all ingredients.
2) Carefully heat the Flora Buttery in a large sauce pan.
3) Add the onions, crushed garlic, red pepper and courgette and sauté (quickly fry) until soft. Stir occasionally so they do not stick to the pan. This will take about 3 minutes.
4) Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan.
5) Add the basil and black pepper and stir.
6) Bring to the boil then reduce the heat so the sauce can simmer for 15 – 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
7) The sauce will reduce and thicken.
8) Whilst the sauce is reducing boil a pan of water for the pasta.
9) With about 10 – 12 minutes to go add the pasta to the simmering water.
10) Drain the pasta and return to the pan.
11) Add in the sauce and stir so all the pasta is covered in the juicy tomato sauce.
12) Serve immediately for and enjoy!

The Wiggles are children's entertainers that have rewritten the book about how children can be entertained with song and dance.

Sam (Yellow), Murray (Red), Jeff (Purple) and Anthony (Blue) and the characters they have created are now a part of the lives of so many children.

The names Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and Captain Feathersword the friendly Pirate are as recognised by children as The Wiggles themselves. Fashion or fad does not drive the pre-school entertainment scene; it is an area of entertainment where integrity and longevity are the treasured hallmarks of success.
So were we nervous at interviewing such superstars of the children's world? You betcha, but luckily Murray is one of those genuine good guys, and answered our questions with good humour and an enviable positive vibe...

We were studying early years education at University, and got together with the belief that song was a great way to get through to kids. It grew from there. Dorothy the Dinosaur was the first character as all kids love dinosaurs. Captain Feathersword came about after we did the entertainment at a kids pirate themed party, which we did a lot in the early days.
2. Kids love your songs, as do the parents! How does the song writing process work?

We started writing alone, but it's very much become a team effort. We get together with other people, including Anthony's brother John, and have a brainstorming session.

3. You are trained in early years education, and also have had a love of entertaining from a young age. When you dreamt of a career, was it stage or school assemblies that you had the greater passion for?

Entertaining. I was always playing music and was in a band but it didn't lead to anything big. That's how I then came to start University at the age of 28.

4. How do you keep up to date, and do you still keep in touch with educational trends?

Kids always seem to like the same and it doesn't change much, but as we're around them all the time anyway, we are very tuned in to what's happening. We still have contact with our lecturers from University and they let us know of any current issues.

5. You obviously take your responsibility towards children seriously. Do you have a say regards merchandise?

We've always had a very large part to play in any marketing and would never endorse anything that gave the wrong message. Obviously, we can't do it all ourselves so we have a team around us who understand what we're about and work on our behalf. Everything is under our control ultimately.

7. And when you are in the UK, is there anything you stock up on that you can't get back home?

8. You have a geat passion for music - what artists/genres do you like?
The Beatles are big in Australia and I like Elvis Costello, jazz, classical, rock 'n' roll and more..

9. You are global superstars, adored by kids worldwide. Did your own children ever get jealous of the attention you get?
They were pretty good about it on the whole, although I do remember my Son getting a bit annoyed about people approaching me in the street. Probably a boy thing!

10. Will your own children follow in your footsteps, and what happens when you are too old to 'Wiggle' anymore?
My daughter is very academic and I can see her going into something like law. My Son plays the guitar but at this stage has no definite career plans. I don't know what will happen in the future, but would love The Wiggles to just carry on and on.

Buying shoes for children is never the easiest task for a parent, but Hush Puppies take their responsibility to the consumer very seriously indeed. We have all experienced a nightmare trip to the shoe shop, only to find the shoes that took you hours of stress and waiting around to buy, are rubbing within a couple of hours. So with this in mind, we put Hush Puppies to the test.

With an estimated four out of five children in the UK wearing the wrong shoe size*, Hush Puppies have devised a unique measuring system Fit Left, Fit Right which treats their feet as individuals as well. A trained Hush Puppy specialist not only measures the length and width of each foot but also the depth as well - giving a completely all round personalised fit. A tailored combination of five foot beds (ie.D,E,F,G), makes sure each foot is properly cushioned, ensuring the optimum in comfort and customised fitting. So even if each foot has a different requirement, the shoes should fit perfectly.

Enter our reviewer, a 5 year old shoeaholic who likes the items, but hates the process of obtaining them. Would Hush Puppies pass the test?

Where the fitting process differs from the norm is that our fitter used different foot beds to achieve the exact fit. The whole process engaged our reviewer as it was a new experience that was very well explained throughout, a first in our book! So with an assured fitting, would style match up?

Libby is a very pretty adjustable T-bar style with contrast stitch detail with a lovely multi coloured embroidered flower on the side. Available in different colours as well as leather or suede, the light pink was a great hit with our reviewer. Being in suede was quite a novelty after years of leather, and even meant that she enjoyed stroking the shoes! The Wolverine Suede is actually stain free - spill a drink on to them and it will run straight off without leaving a mark! Libby were tops for comfort and the subtle colourway meant the shoes fitted any outfit. RRP £28.00

Juice is a stylish, velcro sandal with overlaid, floral detail. Every girl should have a pair of these! Easy to use, we were impressed by the heel, which gave support where other sandals often don't and meant they stayed in place on the foot. This was helped by a higher strap - running in sandals isn't always the easiest but with these there was no problem! Available in pink too RRP £27.00

Note is a pretty, velcro T bar shoe with floral embroidery and applique detail, available in pink or white leather. These made our reviewer squeal with delight, being very high fashion, but yet again with Hush Puppies comfort in wearing in mind. These are real head turners, with a sole designed to take a lot of wear and tear. RRP £26.00

Smoothie is a light weight and very pretty but functional Back to School shoe. These are great value for money and as stylish as school shoes can be. If course, as they need to take daily use and abuse, comfort and wear are well catered for, and our reviewer found these her most comfortable school shoes yet, as well as loving the slightly raised heel. RRP £30.00

Hush Puppies is dedicated to the ongoing development of children’s feet, so rather than leaving parents up to their own devices after the initial consultation, the Fit Left, Left Right system has implemented an continual re-assessment program whereby reminders are sent to parents, informing of them of the recommended re-assessment, free of charge every 3 months. As children’s feet continue to grow until approximately the age of 18yrs old, it is imperative to continue to re-assess the child’s fitting needs.

In the first episode of Life with the Large Family on DVD, Laura Large needs flour for her school cooking project, but baby sister Lucy has managed to tip the bag all over herself. The shop is closed, and the car’s broken down. Flour Power is a fun and adventurous story all about helping, sharing and working together.

Inspired by this episode, celebrity teenage chef Sam Stern has created a special cake recipe for children to make with their parents, but assures us nothing can go wrong!.

Sam says…
“Some kids can’t eat stuff made with wheat flour or gluten as they’re allergic. But why should they miss out? Make this really cool fruity birthday cake. Get rice flour & gum from your local health food shop and enjoy!”

150g/5oz caster sugar
6 medium eggs
2 drops natural vanilla extract
150g/5oz rice flour
1 teaspoon xanthum gum

For the filling you will need:
Raspberry or strawberry jam (reduced sugar is healthier!)
Fresh raspberries/strawberries

o 20 cm/8in loose bottomed spring-form cake tin
o Greaseproof paper
o Kitchen scales
o 1 large mixing bowl
o A sieve for sifting
o Electric whisk
o A large metal spoon
o A spatula
o 2 cooling racks
o Candles
What to do:

1. Get the family into the kitchen. Find your ingredients and equipment. Wash your hands and put your aprons on.

4. Line the base and sides of the tin with greaseproof paper. Coat the base of the tin with a little rice flour.

5. Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl with an electric whisk till the mixture is pale, very thick with a mousse texture.

7. Fold the flour in very gently using a large metal spoon with large, light movements until there are no white bits left.

9. Bake for 20-30 minutes. When done it should be golden on top and firm to touch. Stick a cocktail stick in, it should come out clean.

10. Ask an adult to take the cake out of the oven and put it onto a cooling rack (wearing oven gloves). Carefully remove the cake from tin and peel off the greaseproof paper.

11. Place another cooling rack on top and turn the cake upside down. Remove the base of the tin and paper.

12. When the cake has cooled, ask an adult to slice across with a long, sharp knife to make equal halves.

• Life with the Large Family is released on DVD on 28th April 2008, priced at £12.99.
• Sam Stern’s book, Cooking Up a Storm, is out now, priced at £9.99.

Parenting vs shopping: why we should buy less and parent more
In today’s consumer culture, a trip to the shops has become more than just a chance to buy the essentials of life. It’s become a leisure activity in itself - something to distract us from the routine of daily life. For parents in particular, advice on what to buy comes from all sides, from adverts on television, glossy catalogues, baby magazines and baby shows.
It seems that parenting has become just another excuse for buying even more. In part, it’s the consequence of a growing parental commitment to provide fun for our children. As parents, it’s hard to resist buying things that we’re convinced will keep our kids safe, happy, healthy and, above all, entertained. And there’s another reason why, as parents, we love to shop. With many parents working in isolation today - away from traditional family and community support systems - shopping is an ‘emotional prop’, to help relieve anxiety and self-doubts about our parenting skills.
Unfortunately, far from solving parental problems, consumerism can often make them worse. It can infiltrate the intimate relationship of child and parent and lead to a subtle undermining of parental authority. Above all, though, there’s a danger that by being keen consumers ourselves, we pass on our own consumption values to our children. By using shopping as a leisure activity, something to keep us occupied, we’re training our children to be ‘little shoppers’ too.
By resisting the temptation to use shopping as a distraction, you can help teach your child to resist it, too. Buy less, and you can focus on being a parent instead. You can also look forward to enjoying more time with your child - and that’s something that can’t be bought. Here are a few ideas on how parents can lead by example to encourage non-commercial values within the whole family.
Think before you shop. The claims made by baby products to make life easier may be tempting. However, a trip to the shops to buy the latest gadget will not necessarily make you a good parent. Nor will it provide the answers to your parenting dilemmas. Instead of heading to a shopping centre at the weekend, take the children for a family walk or picnic in the local park. They’ll appreciate your time far more than anything your money could buy.
Create rather than buy. Don’t rush out to buy the latest all-singing-all-dancing baby toys. Toys which are marketed as educational can often only serve to distance a parent from his or her child. Instead of visiting the toy shop, raid the recycling bin, or get out pens and paper and make something with your young child.
Keep family events simple. Christmas, Easter, holidays and family celebrations don’t have to be an excuse to spend. For example, fifty years ago, a child’s birthday party was fairly self-contained: friends were invited to enjoy homemade games and cake. By contrast, the commercial alternatives today are staggering in complexity and price.
Don’t buy if you can borrow. For children even of a very young age, a trip to the local library, or toy library is a real treat.
Christine Meadows is a highly regarded Parenting Consultant who works with families to teach the confidence and skills which are essential for raising a baby. Christine is available to give advice through individual telephone consultations and home visits. To contact Christine or to find out more about her work, telephone (01373) 451019 or visit her website at www.christinemeadows.com

Every parent understands the importance of reading to their child but exactly when should you start? According to new research more then three quarters of parents begin reading to their child before their first birthday and over a fifth introduce their kids to the world of books before they are 3 months old!

With studies showing kids who are read to at a young age do better in school it comes as no surprise that a massive two thirds of parents read to their child on a daily basis. A further 85% agree that is a great bonding activity according to research by Fairy Non Bio

To enter the Fairy Non Bio writing competition mentioned in the video and to claim free Kipper books visit www.softeningyourworld.com

You know the scenario - child comes home from party with a lot of cheap toys which inevitably break. Ggrrrr!!!!!

Isn't it time you gave something that lasts and both parent and child will thank you for?

We have come across these CDS, full of songs that they know and love (or soon will do!).

Available in pack of 10 or 20, and with an RRP of £1.00 - £1.20, the time for change has arrived.

And if you want the party to go with a swing, check out their CDs full of party music too!

This year, the government announced that it is establishing a 'Youth Culture Trust' for school pupils to attend ballet, opera and classical music concerts and broaden their musical experiences. But for children not yet old enough to attend school, what are the best ways for their parents to help develop their enjoyment of music?

The popular UK preschool TV channel, Nick Jr, has teamed up with one of the UK’s leading developmental music psychologists, Keele University’s Dr Alexandra Lamont, to come up with some top tips for parents wishing to actively encourage their under-fives’ burgeoning musical tastes.

1. Share your favourite music
Reliving your favourite musical experiences and enthusiasm with your child can go a long way. You could tell them the story behind the music, such as where you first heard it, and why you like it. Don’t be put off if your child doesn’t seem to appreciate your treasured tunes at first – even adults often don't like being exposed to new things - so try repeating unfamiliar music a few times to see if they will come to enjoy it.

2. Use music from their daily routines
Take note of your child's routines outside the home, for example when they’re at day-care, nursery or being looked after by relatives, and incorporate them into your shared activities. Many young children experience a great deal of music at nursery, listening to different kinds of music or singing along to songs. Why not make the most of this by singing the same songs on car journeys or playing similar music at home. Young children love repetition!
3. Notice their musical tastes
Be attentive when your child expresses an opinion about music, see how they respond to different tunes - in and outside of the home - and share those situations with them. You could use their favourite nursery rhyme to play a game together or settle down and sing along to their favourite television theme songs.
4. Try lots of different musical genres
Test out lots of different styles of music until you discover one that your child really responds to. This could mean that they move around a lot to the music or stop moving and listen intently; young children are more likely to stop moving if they experience a new style they haven't heard before which interests them. Don’t feel that you should only play them music aimed at young children – children can enjoy all kinds of music.
5. Get physical with music
Actively enjoying music means getting active! Try playing different musical games involving clapping, dancing, swaying, rocking and changing your actions (and those of your child) when the music changes its mood or speed. Sing and dance together to music on the radio, or hold your child on your lap and listen to some soothing music together.
6. Make the most of their favourite tunes
Start with the familiar as a way of introducing your child to new genres of music. When you know what they like, you can broaden their musical taste by trying things that are closely related. For example, if your child enjoys the theme song to their favourite television programme, listen to the instruments that are used and try to find other kinds of music that also use those instruments.
7. Keep going and keep it fun!
These are just a few ideas to get you started. All children respond well to music, so keep going until you find a particular kind of music that will get them going or, alternatively, calm them down. Do remember that music is something to be enjoyed, so having fun is the most important thing!

Joanna O’Connell, mum to four-year old Jack and Charlie, aged three, from Gerrards Cross in Bucks, says, “My sons absolutely love music and they enjoy singing and dancing along. Jack loves the theme tunes to his favourite shows, Roary the Racing Car and Fifi and the Flowertots, whereas Charlie prefers the more traditional songs such as ‘The Wheels on the Bus’. Both boys also enjoy singing along to my CDs in the car. I'm really keen to encourage their interest in music as I think it benefits their development, and I particularly like the idea of listening to which instruments are used in their favourite music.”

“Music is something to be shared at all ages,” says Dr Lamont. “It really doesn’t matter what kind of music it is, but getting to know music together is a great way of connecting with your children. As well as loving the repetition of their favourite songs and programmes, young children have amazingly diverse musical tastes which you can nurture and encourage”.

Nick Jr is an award-winning dedicated preschool TV channel available on Sky TV (channel 615) and Virgin TV (channel 715). Join in with songs, stories and exclusive clips of Nick Jr shows online at www.nickjr.co.uk/video.

We all know Sesame Street - but did you know that this year it's 30 years since Elmo was created? FromBumptoGrump have been lucky enough to chat to Kevin Clash, the voice behind the big red furry monster....
1. Did you realise at the beginning just how big Sesame Street would become?

I wasn’t actually there in the beginning. I was just a kid like everyone else watching and loving it from home.
2. And now, how does it feel to have had such an impact on a generation?

I’m totally overwhelmed by it. When you work on something this good, you always hope that it will see success, but Sesame Street’s impact around the world has gone above and beyond anything I could have dreamed of.
3. The content has a perfect balance of fun and education - how do you keep up to date with the latest trends and thinking on childhood?

We have a fantastic Education and Research department and for all of us, every season is an experimental one. Before we begin production for each new year, we find out what issues are affecting children and we find creative ways to address that on television.
4. Do you often get asked to do on the spot Elmo voices?

More often I get asked to call or leave a message for someone. It’s never a problem. If I can bring a little joy to someone with a call, I’m there!
5. I would imagine you have a deep affection for Elmo - if we looked around your house, would we be able to guess what your career was?

Probably not. Since I spend most of my time in the office or set, that’s where I keep my fun Sesame Street stuff.
6. Are you aware of just how popular Sesame Street is outside of the US and what does that popularity mean to you? Having had the chance to travel the world for Sesame Street, I’ve seen first hand just how much both kids and adults love the show. It’s incredibly humbling to know that hundreds of thousands of children are learning to read, to count and to share everyday through Sesame Street.
7. There can't be many children who have never owned Sesame Street merchandise - are you made aware of every item that is released?

I see most of the products that come out and sometimes I even get to keep some! It’s great to know that Sesame Street’s educational messages extend beyond television.
8. The DVD is the first to be released in the UK - why do you think it has taken such a long time?

The UK has a wealth of great children’s programs. They’re engaging. They’re educational. And they’re just plain fun to watch. The fact that Elmo’s World DVDs are now among them is great.
9. Elmo is a very unique character - was he based on anybody?

No, he wasn’t. Elmo started off as an “anything Muppet”—a generic character who appeared in the background of scenes. And one day, Elmo was given some lines, and as they say, the rest is history!
10. If you hadn't have been Elmo, what job would you like to have done?

I would have liked to have been an animator for Disney!

Elmo’s World – Wake up with Elmo! is released on DVD on the 25th February through Abbey Home Media.

Children's gifts with a difference

With internet shopping making gift shopping a lot easier, there are far more options to help you find that extra special something.

A popular option is personalised presents. We are talking anything from teddy bears to photo frames to clothing and more and there are a lot of players in the market.

For example, what better present for a young child than a CD of their favourite nursery rhymes and tales that actually says their name! KidsMusic Shop.co.uk will endeavour to deliver this to your within 48 hours and it will go down a real treat!

Personalised gifts are fun to give and touching to receive and make gift giving just that little bit different.

Be aware that personalisation isn't always instant - give yourself at least 2 weeks to arrange to avoid disappointment.

School Days

They spend a lot of time there, so here's a few ideas on making the most of it for you both!

Gone are the days of school uniform meaning looking a clone, as now you can choose from a wide array of bang up to date styles.

Trutex are THE name in school uniform. The quality is guaranteed, ensuring your kids look their best when they walk through the school gates, and you will be equally pleased with the prices!

With styles to suit every taste, find out your nearest supplier by logging onto www.trutex.com.

Of course, school uniform can be subjected to a multitude of stains, especially when it comes to that P.E. kit.

Designed to tackle the trickiest of stains, OxiClean is every mum’s magic cleaning formula. A versatile addition to any kitchen cupboard, OxiClean can be used as an in-wash stain remover for general laundry or as a laundry soaker to help remove really stubborn stains. Simply mix OxiClean with water and in no time that hellish stain will be a thing of the past! Alternatively to add a boost to your normal washing, why not add a scoop of OxiClean with your detergent to the drawer of your machine and really see the difference!

OxiClean is available in a 500g tub from Asda, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons, Somerfield and Wilkinsons priced at £3.49

A whole year older and a whole year wiser, but that long summer break can cause those brain cells to frazzle.

Kids can have hours of fun and improve their social and communication skills with a selection of energetic word games from Paul Lamond Toys & Games Ltd. Perfect for children aged 7+ the range includes the brain-teasing ‘Hedbanz for Kids’, a modern interpretation of the classic what’s on my head game; ‘Who’s in the Bag?’ the fast-paced celebrity guessing game and the tongue-twisting challenge ‘Last Word’. All of the games encourage children to express themselves and communicate with one another, whilst providing a refreshing antidote to computer games and TV shows.

Child Psychologist, Dr Amanda Gumner says, “Hedbanz is an engaging game with obvious educational features. Social development is becoming increasingly recognised as vital for educational success. Games such as this are valuable tools for encouraging communication, turn-taking and co-operative play. They also help children learn to cope with competition.”

Each of the games can be enjoyed as much by adults as by children. All products are available from high street stores nationwide and www.amazon.co.uk

Are they starting School?

We spend a minimum of 12 years in full time education - no wonder that first day at school is such a momentus occasion!

Even for children who have spent time in a pre-school setting, school is a very large place indeed.

Preparing them for their first steps can br of great benefit and give them confidence to meet the challenge ahead.

'My Cool School' by Fiesta Crafts is a fantastic toy that enables them to indulge in realistic role play and visualise their new surroundings.

The soft play school house comes complete with 4 soft toy pupils and teacher, classroom, dining room and playground, interchangeable lesson and menu cards, and it all folds up neatly into a stylish zippered satchel for easy storage.

Priddy Books produce a range of books designed to develop learning skills before starting school.

The 'Let's Get Ready for School' activity books introduce your child to Maths and English in a fun and encouraging way. The wipe clean pages mean the book can be used again and again to reinforce what is being learnt. Of course, it is never too early to learn, and Priddy Books also have books for the younger child also.

Are We There Yet?

At YAZOO, the UK’s favourite flavoured milk drink*, they are only too aware that traveling with kids can be stressful. ‘Are we there yet?’, ‘Muuuum, Lucy’s got my Gameboy’, ‘I need a drink’!

Don’t give up – this is a battle that can be won! Arm yourself with a stash of goodies such as a bottle of YAZOO, activity books and toys… plus take a look at the top five YAZOO word games that’ll have your little one’s milking their imaginations:

YAZOO TOP FIVE TRAVEL GAMES

1. Aunty’s Shopping Basket

A memory game where you need to remember Aunties ever growing shopping list. The first person says, Aunty went to the shop and she bought some apples. Then the next person says, Aunty went to the shop and bought some apples and some milk. As the shopping list increases, it becomes harder to remember

2. Car Karaoke

Not as painful as it sounds! Someone hums a song or a theme tune from a tv programme. The first person to guess the correct song or theme tune does the next song.

3. Animal Alphabet

Going through the alphabet you have to think of an animal that begins with each letter e.g. A is for antelope, B is bear, C is for cheetah. You’ll have lots of fun listening to your kids trying to come up with an animal beginning with X!

4. Who am I?

Pick a well known person or place and the other people in the car have to ask you questions to identify who you are. Popular questions include; are you male or female, are you from the UK, are you on tv, are you a singer, are you alive? If playing with younger children it’s easier to use animals.

5. I Spy

Age old favourite where you have to see something, give the initial(s) of what you see e.g. If you saw a postbox you say, I spy with my little eye something beginning with P. Everyone has to guess what you are and the person who guesses correctly takes the next turn.

YAZOO TOP TIP: allow children to cheat and give them some help – once a child is out of the game they will instantly get bored!

YAZOO comes in 500ml, 1l, 200ml multi-pack and 200ml single serve bottles (the perfect travel size) and four flavours – Strawberry, Chocolate, Banana and Vanilla Ice Cream. It is available in all major supermarkets and independent grocery stores. Prices may vary by retailer.

Birthday Parties

Love them or hate them, a lot of us feel obliged to have them! We are talking Birthday parties!

It is very hard to deprive your child (if indeed deprive is the right word) when every other child has invited yours to their offspring's party. If you do decide to take the plunge, they are HARD work. However, with a bit of organisation and clever tactics, they can be enjoyable for all. Here's our top five tips for a relatively hassle free party.

1. Wait until they are at school! Younger children can be very clingy and not keen to join in, meaning you have to entertain the parents as well as the kids!

2. Don't be tempted to overspend on a gift. Presents are getting more expensive year by year but stick to a good value item between the value of £5-£10. Arts and crafts are a good idea as it means great fun for the child and less storage for the parent.

3. Keep food simple. Many party companies sell themed lunch boxes which means you can preare your food in advance and simply place it in front of the child. For older children, hot dogs are a good idea - easy to prepare, available in a veggie option and they love 'em!

4. Hire entertainment! Yes, it can be expensive and deemed as a little lazy, but the professionals know what they are doing. They will keep the kids transfixed and your blood pressure within normal range.

5. Don't let your child open their presents until they get home! Make sure all cards are sellotaped to the correct present and place in a bin bag. Make a list of who buys what so those thank you letters are extra special!

Sleep

After a busy day with a child, even when they have been at their most challenging, there is nothing sweeter than when they fall asleep and revert into being the apple of your eye. But how much sleep do they actually need?

Of course, all children differ just like with adults.

Up until they go to school, a good night's sleep is between ten and twelve hours but when they reach school age, ten hours should be sufficient to keep those brain cells working.

Teenagers can get by on a good nine hours sleep although they may be tempted to stay put for longer!

Establishing a good routine will help ensure that your child gets the sleep they need.

Television - a good or bad habit?

There is always debate over the amount of time children spend watching TV with it often being blamed when behaviour problems occur. But is it all bad?

When it comes to watching TV, quality over quantity is a good ideal to adhere to. You also have to ensure that there is a balance between the amount of time sat watching TV and the amount of time playing outside, for example.

Young children love to watch television and it can help them learn about the world around them, stimulate imagination as well as developing language skills. Try not to leave them permanently sat in front of the TV, however tempting it may be, and turn it over various periods in the day. If they like the sound, try music instead which can soothe them as they play.

Distract them by other activities and always try and get some fresh air and exercise into their routine.

Once you have the right balance, television can have an important role to play in their development, as well as giving you a rest too!