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Have a child related question but are struggling to find an answer?

Simply email your question to letstalk@frombumptogrump.co.uk and we will do our very best to find an answer.

The best question each month will win three items from the Zak Pak range including a pack of tumblers, snack containers and bowls with lids featuring characters from either: Thomas the Tank Engine, Bratz, Spiderman, Disney Cars or Disney Princess.

FUN FOOD STORAGE ON THE MOVE WITH ZAK! DESIGNS

Zak! Designs, leading innovators in the market for children’s mealtime products, has launched two new practical, innovative and creative food storage solutions: EZ-Freeze and Zak!paks, that are sure to be a hit with children and parents alike.

With the lovely warm weather at the moment, Zak Designs new EZ-Freeze range of food and drink containers offer the perfect solution for keeping food and drink cool and fresh when kids are on the go. Each of the cleverly designed products feature a unique gel element that once frozen can keep food and drink cold and fresh for up to four hours making this the perfect food storage solution for busy families on days out or when travelling in the car or a picnic in the park. This unique range includes a sports bottle, sandwich container, snack container, snack & sip and snack & dip container– all of which have been designed with healthy eating in mind and make wholesome food options a hit with children.

Zak!paks, a range of creatively designed tumblers, snack containers, bowls with lids, sandwich containers and cutlery, offer highly attractive yet practical food and drink storage solutions that are ideal for children’s lunchboxes - whether they are at school or out and about during the Easter holidays. Available in handy multi-packs, Zak!paks can be washed and re-used – they are microwave and dishwasher safe, and with such an affordable price tag they are replaceable too.

Not only well designed Zak!paks and EZ-Freeze containers feature a selection of the latest children’s characters as a result of the partnerships Zak! Designs has with many leading licensors. These ranges include Disney favourites, High School Musical, Cars and Princess as well as the ever popular Thomas & Friends and The Amazing Spiderman, keeping pace with the fashion trends and ever changing interests of children.

Q. How much pocket money is appropiate for a 10 year old and should they be made to 'earn' it ?

The average amount for a 10 year old is approximately £7.50. However, we believe that if your child gets this amount, they must certainly be doing something in return. It is very individual to the child and your home circumstances what is deemed to be suitable. Encouraging your child to tidy their room, put their dinner plate away and being in general polite and respectful is enough in our books in a lot of cases. However, for budding entrepeneurs, washing the car, weeding etc can give your child a sense of achievement and is a good lesson in what being an earning adult is about. We would certainly encourage your child to save a good portion of his pocket money also.

Q. My daughter is a very fussy eater, how do I encourage a more varied diet?
A. If you have the time, making food fun can help a fussy eater, it's pretty easy to arrange the food on the plate like a face, eg. a mashed potato face with a sausage mouth and brocolli hair! Then being told to 'Eat the hair' becomes more fun that 'eat the brocolli' I also think it's important not to make a big deal of the fussy eating, so the child doesn't become nervous of meal times. If you're worried she's not getting enough nutrients then fruit and vegetable smoothies between meals or as a dessert might be a good idea.

Q: How old do my children have to be before I can legally leave them on their own?

A: Whilst there is no actual legal minimum age, if anything happened to your child in your absence, you could be prosecuted for endangering their lives. Children mature at varying rates so it is very dependent on the child, but age 13 seems to be a responsible starting point.

Q: At what age should my daughter be responsible for brushing her own teeth?

A: Each child varies in what they are capable of doing as well as what they want to do! Children tend to start independently brushing their teeth at about six or seven years of age, but I would continue to supervise them doing so until you have every confidence they are doing a great job.

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