Nature fun for half-term
Toddlers, Kids+, Fun & activities
It's nearly half-term! Just one more week then we can flop around the house in our pyjamas... No! No! No! If you're anything like me and looking forward to seven days of being a bit lazy let's just stop right there.The season is on the cusp of turning so let's get out there and shake things up a bit. I'm starting to feel it's not just my house that needs a jolly old spring clean but my energy levels too.
I love half-term; it's just long enough for a break but not too long to induce panic and bankruptcy. Anyway, I'm on a mission to prove to my children that entertainment doesn't have to involve money or a screen so here's an activity I've got planned.
Have recent weather conditions led to a summer baby boom?
In the last few months, many areas of the UK have been carpeted in a thick layer of snow. A large part of the population found themselves stranded at home, unable to make it into school or work. Although it's been bad news for employers, and has been difficult for parents doing the school run, it's also resulted in an interesting side effect. The enforced stay at home for a lot of couples has seen an increase in births expected in the summer.
The maternity services of the NHS Dumfries and Galloway are reporting an expected 426 babies to be born, much higher than the 387 babies born last year. The pattern looks set to be repeated across the UK, with an extra 450 babies expected to be born this summer.
A long way away
Monday
My uncle is visiting us at the moment. He lives in Australia which is right on the other side of the world. It's miles and miles and miles away but not as far as The Moon. Or New Zealand. He says it's very hot and you hardly ever have to wear a coat or gloves or scarves but they wear hats with corks hanging off them to keep the sun and flies away. I think it sounds brilliant but dad says Australia is full of dangerous animals and insects. Insects are like animals but smaller and not usually cute or furry. My uncle said he found a fifteen foot snake in his garden shed once so the snakes in Australia must be really dangerous if they have feet! They have spiders with hairy legs that jump too. How cool is that?
Ask Joanne: My two-year-old has terrible tantrums
Toddlers, Behaviour, Ask Joanne
What's your question about any aspect of life as a parent? Our experienced life coach Joanne Mallon is here to help. Send your questions in here and say if you'd like your name to be changed.
Sarah writes with a question about her toddler:
My two-year-old is having terrible tantrums. If I say no to him, he bangs his head in temper. He will not concentrate or listen to me at all. He will repeatedly do things over and over knowing that it is wrong. It's so frustrating as I also have a four-year-old and an 11-month old. I am finding it really hard to cope with him. Help!
Here's life coach Joanne's reply:
Husband leaves his wife in labour - to queue for football tickets...
Babies, Pregnancy & birth, Latest news
A football fan almost missed the birth of his first child - because he wanted to make sure he got tickets to see his team in the FA Cup.
Vince Reeves, 32, a Southampton fan, was queuing up with his wife Rebecca, 26, to get tickets for the clash with Portsmouth.
But when his missis went into labour he got a mate to take her home - while he stayed in line to collect the tickets.
Rebecca's waters broke 90 minutes later while she was in the bath, but Vince stayed in the queue as he was only 50 places from the front.
Fortunately he managed to get the tickets and make it to his wife's side before she actually gave birth.
Even more fortunately, his wife appears to have been very understanding about the whole episode.
Maclaren launches their first lightweight buggy for newborns
Despite the recent recall, Maclaren has a huge fanbase of parents. The classic, lightweight design has led to both celebrities and the general public rushing out to purchase the latest styles.Maclaren have recently announced a brand new buggy, and happily this one caters for newborn babies too. The majority of lightweight buggies don't offer the support for a newborn, so this could prove to be a positive move for the manufacturer.
The Grand Tour LX (or the GT LX for short) offers the option of forward and rearwards facing seat, three seat options, a removable carry cot and the function to secure an infant car seat in a safe manner. The buggy is designed to be an all-in-one solution for any new parent.
N: What is nappy rash?
Nappy rash is a skin condition that affects most babies at some point during their time in nappies. It develops when a baby's skin comes into contact with the urine and faeces that fill the nappy. The skin begins to look red and sore, and it may also appear blotchy or spotty.
Nappy rash won't always develop and your baby may go days or even weeks without a nappy rash. However, when it does start to appear, the best course of action is to treat it quickly using one of the many creams available from chemist and supermarket shelves. There are also an increasing number of herbal-based nappy rash creams available.
Achtung Baby or Today's babyccino tomorrow's alcopop?
They may not be as world renowned for culinary prowess as, say, the French or the Italians, but I love eating out in Germany. All those carbohydrates appeal to my British taste buds and as for Apfelstrudel....stodge heaven! The main reason being though that most restaurants, even the more rather up-market eateries, are generally very child-friendly.You are unlikely to be met with that "polite" grimace often offered as they spot your miniature appendage and attempt to look as though there's nothing they enjoy more than serving ungrateful kids who would probably rather be in MacDonald's. Indeed, after having been offered a booster seat your child will more often than not find itself the recipient of enough drawing materials to outfit W.H Smiths, and occasionally even a play area totally devoted to their entertainment.
They're not daft of course. They don't delight in the idea of some bored, unruly nipper, ruffling the feathers of their more ripened customers. Be that as it may, it's an attitude that usually succeeds in keeping all parties contented and I am a grateful fan.
Valentine's treats: Maternity lingerie
- Satin Maternity Bra in Slate, top left, Mamas & Papas, £36
- Cake Lingerie Choc Chip Microfibre Polka, top middle, ASOS.com, £38
- Emily English Garden underwire nursing bra, top right, Figleaves.com, £35
- HOTmilk Cherry Bomb Chic Nursing Bra, bottom left, bras4mums.co.uk, £24.74
- Bravado Sublime Nursery Nursing Bra Black Cherry, bottom middle, Yummy Mummy Maternity, £39
- Cake Lingerie Raspberry Ripple Satin and Lace Nursing Bra, bottom right, ASOS.com, £42
Five craft kits for creative children
From a young age, children tend to take an interest in crafting of some sort. Whether they're getting messy at school with finger paints or creating their own greetings cards, learning a craft can help children bond with others and learn a new skill.
A great way of encouraging their creative tendencies is by buying a craft kit, specifically aimed at children, for them to complete.
Here are five kits which should keep your kids occupied through half term and beyond.
This Mini flower and butterfly cushion sewing kit (£6.96 from Baker Ross) on the right will teach your child the basics of sewing, allowing them to create their own flower or butterfly cushion.
The needle is plastic and the shapes are pre-cut, so the set is safe for little hands too.
Find more below:
