Issuu

Edition 27 • Jan/Feb 2014

The local magazine for families with children 0-12 years www.familiescheshire.co.uk

@FamCheshMag facebook.com/familiescheshire

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In this issue > Coping with Colic > Choosing your child’s nursery > Flexible working

Covering: Poynton, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Knutsford, Prestbury, Macclesfield, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Sandbach, Northwich, Winsford, Crewe, Nantwich, Tarporley, Waverton, Chester and surrounding areas

Welcome/News In this issue 02: Welcome/News 04: Education 10: Babies & nurseries 13: Parents’ place 18: What’s on

Get Ready....It’s Razz’s Got Talent Time!

Hello! For us, 2014 is going to be “The Year of the Friend”. With family life that’s bursting at the seams and workloads that show no sign of easing, it’s so easy to lose touch with our friends – even though we know they’ll be there if we could just find the time to pick up the phone. Social media often pressurises our children to strive to have as many “friends” as possible, and there’s a real danger that some will grow up without fully realising the value of a true friendship. So this year we’ll be leading by example, taking time to develop our own friendships and hopefully having a few girly nights out (and in) with some very special people (you know who you are)! So cheers to all our friends, old and new and to those we have still to meet. And a very happy 2014 to you all.

Caryl Hall

Jayne Keep

Next issue: March/April 2014

Design: Paul Wilson Graphic Design, Congleton. Tel: 07743 111 694, www.withpaul.co.uk

Circulation: 26,000 copies of Families Cheshire are available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout Cheshire. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please let us know. Contact details: Families Cheshire, 3 Hall Hill, Bollington SK10 5ED Tel: 01625 801 801 www.familiescheshire.co.uk Editorial: editor@familiescheshire.co.uk Advertising/artwork: advertising@familiescheshire.co.uk Events, diary dates, what’s on: events@familiescheshire.co.uk Cover photograph by: teneight studios, Macclesfield 01625 500 488 / www.teneightstudios.co.uk

Print: Bishops Printers, Walton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 1TR Tel: 023 9233 4900 www.bishops.co.uk Families Cheshire is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing the magazine, but the publishers and distributors can’t be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. @FamCheshMag facebook.com/familiescheshire

Previous ‘Stage Scholarship’ Winner Bethan Rhoden with School Principal Claire Larkin

Your local Razzamataz Theatre School Chester is giving away a Scholarship place for 12 months absolutely FREE! Razzamataz is one of the fastest growing theatre schools in the UK, having shot to prominence on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2007. Along with providing the students with great opportunities, the theatre school is committed to improving the health and prospects of children across Chester. “I am delighted to be able to reward young talent across Chester and be able to provide them with an opportunity to focus

their skills with professional tutors whilst having fun!” says Claire Larkin, Principal of Razzamataz Chester. “We appreciate that the cost of bringing up children today is immense,” says Claire. “By offering these scholarships we hope to give children the chance to benefit from so many positive aspects of the performing arts - physical fitness levels are increased, positive mental attitudes are enhanced, along with confidence and self-esteem”. Auditions will be held in front of a panel of judges on Saturday 8 February 2014 and are open to ages 9 – 17. Please get in touch with Razzamataz for more information on what to prepare. Entrants must apply for a time slot (which are subject to availability) by 3 February 2014. To find out more information about Razzamataz Chester, reserve an audition time slot or to reserve a place at their next free taster session on Saturday 11 January 2014, call 07979 158416, email chester@razzamataz.co.uk or visit the website www.razzamataz.co.uk.

Mid Cheshire Puddle Ducks make a great big splash for The Children’s Trust Every year, Puddle Ducks all over Cheshire jump into swimming pools in their pyjama’s to learn vital personal survival skills, have loads of fun and raise money for The Children’s Trust, the leading charity looking after children with brain injuries and their families. It’s a partnership that has worked exceptionally well and this year, customers and staff raised over £2,400 – the most of any of the Puddle Ducks Franchises nationally. The countrywide total was a staggering £23,327.96. Children were sponsored for wearing pyjamas to their class; cakes were purchased and raffle tickets sold. Amber (6 months) and her Mum won the raffle prize of free classes in Spring 2014. They have been enjoying classes since Amber was a couple of months old and love every minute. Teacher Luisa and her boys Alexander (8) and Nicolas (5½) pulled out all the stops and raised a combined £900, winning a special prize from The Children’s Trust. There’s good reason for going in the pool with pyjamas on – it’s a great way of getting children used to how different the water feels with clothes on. They experience how heavy they feel and how hard it is to swim. In the UK, drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death in children. At Puddle Ducks, water safety is part of every weekly class, so that fun games can become personal survival techniques. To introduce your baby, toddler or child to the water in fun classes with highly trained teachers call 01477 410080 for Puddle Ducks classes in Warrington, Runcorn, Beechwood, Macclesfield, Handforth, Delamere Forest, Weaverham, Alsager and Sandbach. www.puddleducks.com

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News National Storytelling Week

This February brings seven days of reading, sharing and listening with the 14th Annual National Storytelling Week. From 1 – 8 February, schools, drama clubs and performance groups across the country will hold events to celebrate the joy of storytelling. Over the past decade National Storytelling Week has gone from strength to strength, with all areas of the community taking part in creating and enjoying storytelling – in fact, Storytelling Week is estimated to reach an audience of 17,000 this year! Storytelling enriches lives everywhere, in nurseries and schools as well as community centres and theatres, and during Storytelling Week there will be a whole host of storytelling events near you, so why not join in? www.sfs.org.uk/ national-storytelling-week

Jonny expands Tennis Tykes franchise

Tennis Tykes, the innovative tennis coaching and play programme (for ages 2+) has been operating its successful South Manchester & Cheshire classes since May 2011; all taught by experienced LTA level 2 coach, Jonny Healey. Owner, Caroline Buncall is delighted to announce that Jonny has now also taken

on the South Manchester & Cheshire Tennis Tykes franchise and has recently extended the classes to include lessons at West Heaton Tennis Club. Jonny says, “Tennis Tykes is a fantastic programme for getting young children into sport. It not only lays a brilliant foundation for learning how to play tennis but it’s also a great way for children to socialise with others in a fun atmosphere. I love to see children’s confidence develop as they begin to learn the basics of tennis. Tennis was a large part of my upbringing and it’s brilliant to be able to pass on my passion to the next generation of players.” The programme has a great following; not only helping parents achieve the

government’s recommended target of 3 hours physical activity a day for the under 5’s but also achieving the Early Years Foundation Stage learning goals. Why not try a FREE TASTER LESSON at one of the classes? For further information on all the class times and venues please contact Jonny Healey on 07760 254118 / jonny.healey@ tennistykes.co.uk or log onto www.tennistykes.co.uk

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Education 7 steps to a smarter child

School is about to get tougher, but there are many ways you can help boost your child’s brain power. Education Secretary Michael Gove’s plans for a more rigorous school curriculum introduces fractions for fiveyear-olds, a complete sweep of British history and a comprehensive survey of Shakespeare. But don’t despair - there is plenty you can do to help your children meet these tougher standards. 1. Give them a good breakfast A high-protein diet can feed those little grey cells, increasing the size of the brain’s caudate nucleus, associated with higher intelligence. Add nuts to cereal to boost protein content of their cereals. If your child refuses to eat much, make a high-protein smoothie with yoghurt or tofu. 2. Make sure they eat their greens (and yellows, reds and oranges) Children who eat a diet high in fruit and veg have higher IQs than those who subsist on processed and sugary foods. Start early if you want maximum benefits, although it’s never too late to turn a bad diet around. 3. Ditch dental fluorides Fluoride is a neurotoxin accumulating in brain tissue and affecting brain

development. Yet on average we ingest up to 1,000 times more fluoride than any other heavy metal through fluoridated water, food and dental products. Choose toothpastes free of fluoride and if you’re worried about your child’s teeth, get an electric toothbrush and teach them how to floss properly. 4. Feed them the good fats Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) in fish oils can dramatically accelerate learning, as well as protecting the brains of your children from the worst effects of junk food. Don’t shy away from fish. Although concerns have been raised about mercury levels and other pollutants, the goodness in fish outweighs any dangers. Don’t overlook saturated fats Although received wisdom has it that saturated fats are bad for children and contribute to ADHD, they actually assist in the conversion of EFAs into the long-chain forms the body needs. Always choose butter over margarine and full-fat milk over skimmed. 5. Chuck them outside Children stay indoors so much these days that many of them are low in vitamin D, which can lead to high blood pressure, rickets and unhealthy

bones. Vitamin D is also crucial for the development of the nervous system, including the brain. Make sure children are outside for at least 15 minutes a day, and unless they burn easily, don’t put sunscreen on them until they’ve been out in the sun for at least 10 minutes. 6. Keep metal out of their mouths (and everywhere else) Don’t allow your children to have ‘silver’ fillings - ever. Research has found a direct link between levels of mercury in the mother’s hair at the time of birth and the likelihood of the child developing ADHD. Like fluoride, the aluminium sulphate present in our water supply has also been found to cause brain damage. Besides aluminium, children with developmental and behavioural problems may have high blood concentrations of lead. Never cook with aluminium utensils and opt for an under-sink filtration system that removes all heavy metals like lead from the water supply. If your house is old, check what your pipes are made of. 7. Encourage them to meditate Meditation appears to permanently enhance brain receptivity. Besides increasing mental ability, meditation also seems to integrate emotional and cognitive processes, so aiding intuitive learning. 8. Kiddy Brain Killers Junk food A diet heavy on fish fingers and fast-food burgers prevents the brain from generating new nerve cells. Aside from lowering your child’s IQ, fast food increases the risk of severe asthma by a whopping 39 per cent in teens and 27 per cent in younger children. Researchers have found a clear association between eating fast food and immune-related diseases like asthma and eczema.

Fizzy drinks Keep soft drinks out of the kitchen. A can of drink contains 10 teaspoons full of sugar! Wheat Wheat (as well as soy, barley and rye) has high levels of glutamic and aspartic acids, which can affect the brain’s neurons, causing overactivation of nerve-cell receptors. The antioxidant agents in wheat called ‘phytates’ interfere with vital minerals that are essential for the growing brain. Chinese takeaways and kiddy sweeteners The flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) and the artificial sweetener aspartame are both lethal to children’s brains and can disrupt certain brain pathways, causing memory loss. They can also cause hyperactivity, low intelligence, poor school performance and irritability. Watch out for sweetened items like kiddy vitamins, gum or juice drinks. And whenever you order a Chinese, ask them to hold the MSG. 9. Mobile phones Some 200 studies confirm the damage to the growing brain caused by mobile phones. In addition to facing a greater risk of brain tumours children who grow up using mobile phones can suffer from learning difficulties, attention deficits and sleep problems. Try to limit the use of phones and never let your child keep one next to them when they are sleeping. Inform yourselves: read our special section on the topic www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation It’s well worth reading the full-length version of this article. It can be found on www.familiesonline.co.uk This story was first published in the magazine What Doctors Don’t Tell You, available in selected retailers like WHSmith or by subscription. It is a real eye opener! See www.wddty.com

Making the most of Parents’ evenings Does your mind go blank as soon as you sit down with your child’s teacher? Parents’ evening can be a hassle; fitting it in, dealing with childcare, and then remembering that important issue you (or your other half) wanted to mention can be hard. Kip McGrath Education Centres (www.kipmcgrath.co.uk) offer a few ideas to help parents’ evening run smoothly and make this important part of home school communication more productive.

1. Ask your child if there is anything they are concerned about or want to say to the teacher. Communication is two way, and it will encourage / help the teacher to know how the children are feeling. 2. Make some notes and don’t be afraid to take them. What is the key thing you want to find out? e.g. How can I help at home? What is my child’s attitude to learning? What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses? (If

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your child is on the SEN register) Can I see the IEP (Individual Educational Plan)? How can I communicate with you more/better? 3. Talk about the child rather than the school. If you feel the school is doing something wrong or you don’t like a certain policy e.g. homework or behaviour, you need to take it up with the headteacher. 4. Don’t store up big issues: make an appointment with the teacher if there

is a big issue to discuss, or it can’t be covered there and then. Teachers need to get through a long list of appointments, so overrunning your time stresses out the teacher and makes them late for other parents. 5. Remember, parents evenings are only part of home school communication so don’t be surprised if 10 minutes is not enough. In most cases teachers are happy to talk more at a convenient time.

Education Girls and parents compete in biathlon Not to be outdone by their daughters, this year saw the introduction of a parents’ biathlon. Nearly 40 mums, dads and teachers took part to help raise money for the Fitness For All campaign. They ran 5 laps of the track and swam 10 lengths of the pool. There were 2 heats of women and a select group of dads. Well done and congratulations to everyone who took part! Parents at The Queen’s School in Chester joined their daughters at the end of last year for the school’s annual biathlon. After the success of the inaugural biathlon in 2012, this event is now firmly in the school calendar and is organised as both an individual and team competition. Despite the weather, all Key Stage 2 girls managed to complete their run and swim. Certificates were awarded to the 1st three in each class and medals were awarded to the winners of each year group.

The Senior School’s Senior School 11+ Entrance Examination (for Year 6 girls looking for September 2014 entry) is being held on Monday 13 January. The Lower School will be holding an assessment morning on the same date for girls of all ages looking at entering the Lower School from Reception through to Year 6. For more information: 01244 312078 / www.queens.cheshire.sch.uk

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Education Get them writing

Getting a taste for King’s

The King’s School in Macclesfield warmly invites you to come along and find out more about the school at one of their upcoming open events: Christmas might have passed but give the gift of reading this New Year to your sons! Broadcaster Simon Mayo, author of the Itch series, is supporting a new drive to get boys reading and writing, as National Literacy Trust research shows boys are half as likely to enjoy writing and reading than girls. The trust calls for a renewed focus both at school and at home on ways to get boys into writing. ‘It’s so important for boys to find a topic that interests them before they pick up a pen and start writing,’ says Simon

Mayo, whose protagonist is a 14-yearold boy obsessed with science. ‘I wasn’t particularly interested in writing at school but I was hampered by being fantastically slow. When I started writing the first Itch book it was as a short story for my son, but then I was completely captivated by the plot and characters, and the story took over. If you can grab a child’s imagination in the same way, getting them to write about a hobby or something they really enjoy doing then the whole story writing world is open to them.’ www.literacytrust.org.uk

Life at King’s Saturday 11 January 2014 (10am – 12 noon) Aimed at pupils who are registered to take their Senior Entrance Exam on Friday 17 January, this is a structured morning designed to give parents of Year 6/7/8 pupils more detail about their new curriculum, their pastoral structure, outstanding extra-curricular offer and school life in general. With fun activities for the children, booking is essential for this event.

Infant & Junior Taster Afternoon Thursday 13 February 2014, 1pm – 3pm All infant and junior age children and their parents are invited to spend the afternoon in school. Children will be able to join classes from Pre-School through to Year 6 and experience learning on a normal school day, whilst parents can speak to staff about their unique curriculum and the vast array of opportunities on offer, as well as look around the classrooms, extensive outdoor areas and new sports facilities. Infant & Junior Open Afternoon Friday 25 April 2014, 1pm – 3pm One of the biggest events of the year, the Open Afternoon offers you the opportunity to look round the Infant & Junior Division and learn about their full and balanced curriculum, as well as the incredible range of sports and clubs on offer. Year 6 pupils will show you around the school and there will be plenty of opportunities to meet staff and pupils and see why King’s is so passionate about what they have to offer. 01625 260000 / www.kingsmac.co.uk

Abbey Gate College – providing an education for life Abbey Gate College is a well-established, coeducational school for pupils aged 4 to 18 on the outskirts of Chester. Aldford School is home to the popular and successful Junior and Infant Department. At Aldford School, pupils develop a love of learning in a friendly and caring environment. Through beautifully maintained, extensive grounds, pupils have the opportunity to develop all areas of the curriculum inclusive of a thriving music, drama and sporting timetable. Pupils at Aldford School also make full use of the extensive facilities at the Senior School, as well as benefitting from the subject specific knowledge and expertise of the senior school staff. Both schools are housed in superb buildings and grounds and it’s strongly recommend that you arrange for a personalised guided tour in order to experience what makes an Abbey Gate College education such a special one. Both the senior and junior schools provide a stimulating experience, widening opportunities and providing

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an education for life. It’s a successful and happy school, committed to maintaining traditional standards and high educational ideals and in the most recent inspection report ISI inspectors commended the high standards of teaching, learning and especially behaviour in the college. ‘The college fully meets its aim to encourage students to achieve their personal ambitions in an atmosphere that is caring but challenging. The students’ personal qualities are outstanding and fully supported within the college by the positive family type ambience.‘ (ISI Inspection) . The school’s 11+ and Entrance Examination is being held on Friday 17 January, and Reception Class taster sessions will be held on Wednesday 29 January and Wednesday 5 March. Please book your place as early as possible as these sessions fill very quickly. Junior School: 01244 620280 / Senior School 01244 332077 www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk

Education

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Education Terra Nova’s upcoming Open Events

Make a note in your diary now for these three great opportunities to visit Terra Nova School: Thursday 27 Feb Reception Stay & Play Taster 1.30 – 3pm Saturday 8 March Open Morning 10am – 12.30pm Friday 14 March Nursery Taster Session 10am – 12 noon Nestled in 36 acres of the Cheshire countryside, Terra Nova School caters for children from Nursery through to Year 8. Children are encouraged to aim high and believe in themselves; happiness, confidence and excellent

personal achievement are top priorities, and results across all years indicate that pupils are typically working significantly higher than national levels of achievements. Their Nursery and Pre-Prep experience is unrivalled and they have the results to prove it! Facilities include a large outdoor learning environment with woodland, willow theatre, adventure play area, and multi-sensory zones giving children the freedom to explore beyond the classroom in a safe environment. In Prep School children are given opportunities to excel academically, socially and physically through their extensive sporting activities, all of

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which take place in stunning grounds. They are also introduced to the flexibility of boarding or ‘staying the night’, with flexible boarding options from Year 3. The Year 7 & 8 experience gives pupils great preparation for life at senior day or boarding school, as well as an extra two years in which to develop academically at a crucial time in their emotional and social development. In 2013, Year 8 pupils moved on to some of the UK’s leading independent day and boarding schools, with a record-matching 12 scholarships. Pupils were awarded scholarships for Harrow, Concord, Uppingham, Sedbergh, Oakham, Repton, Stonyhurst, and Denstone. Year 8 pupils also gained places at Manchester Grammar School, King’s Macclesfield, Rugby, Shrewsbury, Ellesmere, Abbotsholme, and North Cestrian. For more information about the school and the Open Events, call Melanie Machin on 01477 572261. www.terranovaschool.co.uk

Lostock Hall’s Kenyan partnership In November last year, two teachers from Lostock Hall in Poynton travelled to the Nakura region of Kenya to visit their partner school Sinendet Primary. Travelling as part of a large group of teachers from Cheshire working on a Global Citizenship Project overseen by the British Council, this is the school’s 2nd trip to the Kenyan school and the partnership is moving from strength to strength. Mrs Topliss and Mrs Cooper spent time working with children in classrooms alongside their Kenyan colleagues and attended joint workshops run by the British Council intended to enhance their understanding of Global Citizenship and the issues involved. There has already been an impact on the pupils at Lostock Hall who have now met and worked with teachers at Sinendet school twice and were very excited to hear the latest updates from this recent trip. 01625 383838 / www.lostockhallprimary.co.uk

Education

What’s the right age to start school?

A fierce battle has broken out between the Department of Education and a group of campaigners who say British children are being disadvantaged by going to school aged four. Joanna Moorhead investigates. What is it that children start much too early at four, that stems their creativity and reduces their chance of good exam results further down the line? According to a growing group of educationalists, thinkers, teachers and parents, the blight on the lives of young children is...school. Or at least, it’s too much school too soon – and that, according to the backers of a new campaign, is exactly what’s happening to thousands of British four-year-olds each year.

The argument put forward by the Save Childhood Movement, which is running the ‘Too Much, Too Soon’ campaign in favour of waiting until children are six before they go to school, is that young children need the chance to play, and should not be shoehorned into ‘learning’ too early. The campaigners say that in other parts of the world, early childhood is recognised as a valuable phase of development in its own right – whereas in Britain, it’s seen solely as preparation for school. Misconceptions There’s a misconception in Britain, say the campaigners, that starting early with school means settling down to learn more quickly, and achieving more in the long term. But, they say, that’s not borne out by what happens in other countries. “Children who enter school at six or seven – after several years of high quality nursery education – consistently achieve better educational results as well as higher levels of wellbeing,” said 127 senior educational figures in a letter to the Daily Telegraph in September. “The success of the Scandinavian system suggests that many problems in English education – such as the widening gap in

achievement between rich and poor, problems with boys’ literacy, and the ‘summerborns’ issue – could be addressed by fundamentally re-thinking our early years policies.” Link with mental health For the Too Much Too Soon lobby, the emphasis on formal education from a young age is part of a mindset that sees testing and academic pressure as good for young people – whereas they believe it’s harmful rather than helpful. They point out, for example, that the now-implemented Year One Phonics Screening Check in English primary schools is unnecessary and say there’s little correlation between the results of the phonics check and a child’s reading achievements at the end of Year 2. They point out, too, that prescriptions of Ritalin for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, have quadrupled in the last ten years, and many believe the drug is being used to ‘normalise’ behaviour that may partly have come from having too many expectations heaped on them at too young an age. Mental health disorders among children and young people are also on the rise – again, the question

the campaigners ask is whether that could be linked with early pressure at school. The Department for Education has hit back at the Too Much Too Soon campaign, saying it amounts to a call for dumbing down. Those behind it were a “powerful and badly misguided lobby who are responsible for the devaluation of exams and the culture of low expectations in state schools,” according to a DoE spokesman. “We need a system that aims to prepare pupils to solve hard problems in calculus or be a poet or engineer – a system freed from the grip of those who bleat bogus pop-psychology about ‘self image’, which is an excuse for not teaching poor children how to add up.” Specifically, the Too Much Too Soon campaign is calling for: • the early years to be re-established as a unique development stage in its own right • protection for the rights of young children to develop naturally • an end to baseline testing • a new emphasis on the importance of play

Open All Hours

The Ryleys School in Alderley Edge is opening its doors on 2 consecutive days, providing plenty of opportunity for busy parents to see what the school has to offer, Following the success of its previous Open Afternoon, the school is again allowing parents to see the school in action,when lessons are in progress. In addition to this, the school will also be welcoming visitors on Saturday morning. The Ryleys provides the highest standard of education in a warm,

friendly, safe environment. Children can start in the popular Nursery from age 3 and continue to 11 or 13. Parents (and children) are welcome to come and visit and see what the school has to offer; what makes The Ryleys stand out from the rest. The Open Events take place on Friday 28 February, between 2 and 4pm and on Saturday 1 March, between 10am and 12pm. For more information, visit www.theryleys.com or call 01625 583241.

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Babies & nurseries Baby Science - Improving learning and wellbeing through understanding development

The Babylab at Birkbeck is always welcoming new recruits and is now specially inviting all those babies who have an older brother or sister with ADHD and/or autism. Harry is 14 months old and, like many babies of his age, he’s busy toddling around, rolling cars down a chute and smiling towards mum and dad in excitement every time the cars reach the floor. But how did he learn to recognize mum and dad, and to correctly say the word “car”? Why did it take him 12 months to attempt to say this word, while Ella took 14 months? Harry and Ella are helping to answer questions like these during their visit to the Babylab. Harry is taking part in an eye-tracking study. We can see what grabs his attention when watching short movies or cartoons, because his gaze is “tracked” continuously by sensors that capture the light reflected by his eyes. Meanwhile, in a different room, we can see Ella’s brain activity while she is enthusiastically communicating with a researcher. Centrally located in London, the Babylab is part of Birkbeck College and has, for the past 15 years, been busy figuring out how babies talk and walk and, more importantly, why some babies and children struggle with reaching these milestones. Researchers at the Babylab have shown that even at 6 months of age, infants that later develop symptoms of autism have difficulties interpreting another person’s gaze direction. This may explain why they later struggle with language, as gaze direction often tells infants what it is that we are talking about. For more

information on this research see www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16740758 In the New Year, the Babylab is launching a new study! STAARS (Studying Autism and ADHD Risk in Siblings) will follow the development of children that are at genetic risk for two common developmental disorders – autism and ADHD. Families from all over the country that have an older child with autism AND/OR ADHD and a new baby are welcome to join this study at any point between finding out they are pregnant and until their baby is 14 months of age. The babies will visit the Babylab a few times until their 3rd birthday. At every visit they will take part in a variety of studies very similar to the ones Harry and Ella have done. If they are tired they can have a nap while their parents fill in questionnaires or discuss their child’s development with the team of researchers. At the end of each visit children will receive a Babylab participation diploma and a very fashionable t-shirt (like the one Harry is wearing in the photo)! The Babylab reimburses all travel costs. By studying these babies’ development early in life we will better understand how autism and ADHD develop, and this will help to diagnose these disorders earlier, and provide earlier and more effective interventions. Researchers at the Babylab work hard to design clever and fun studies but, ultimately, it is the babies that are of most help! If you are expecting a baby or have just given birth please do not hesitate to contact the Babylab about the STAARS Study if you have an older child with autism and/or ADHD. 0207 079 0761 / www.staars.org

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How to potty train without going potty by Judith Hough and Diane Titterton Potty training can be one of the most stressful stages of being a parent but a new, beautifully illustrated and easy to use book, ‘How to Potty Train’, by Judith Hough and Diane Titterton, aims to make it simple and even enjoyable for parents and children. Here they offer some helpful advice for parents embarking on training their child. When to begin? Parents are often blamed for potty training happening later and lasting longer. But we, and many health professionals, believe that one of the main reasons this is happening is because of the over-use of disposable nappies. While they are great, they are so absorbent and dry that they mask the signs that children are ready to start potty training. This means that children wear them beyond the age of two, which is the best time to potty train. In fact, if potty training is started much later, it can be more difficult and take longer because children find it more convenient to let a parent clear up the mess than have their play disrupted to go to the toilet. Potty training isn’t something children will do by themselves; it has to be taught, like brushing teeth and preparing for potty training is an important first stage. Parents can start preparation from when the child is around 18 months. There are a number of ways to do this, including starting to change the nappy in the bathroom as this is where grown-ups go, and saying when a nappy is wet and when it is dry to help them learn. Is my child ready? The question we get asked most is ‘how do I know when my child is ready to start?’ There are a number of things to look out for, including the child doing fewer larger wees, rather than lots of little ones, as this is a sign they are learning to hold on. Being able to follow simple instructions and ask for things, like a drink, is a good sign. Many children also show signs that they know they are doing a wee or a poo – look out for the ‘potty dance’! These, combined with being around the age of two, usually mean children are ready to start. Go for it! When parents decide to go for it, they need to take the nappy off and not be tempted to put it back on during the day. It can confuse children when they are just starting out, and it can also make them believe that they have a choice. If the leap is too great, use Dry Like Me pads in ordinary pants to help to capture the mess and remove the temptation to put the nappy back on. It’s extremely difficult to potty train in a nappy, so parents must make the leap into own pants.

Accidents are key to learning Parents shouldn’t see accidents as a sign of failure. They are a key part of learning as children may not have felt the difference between wet and dry in their nappy. In fact, young children can only feel that they need the toilet when their bladder is about ¾ full, and so accidents are likely to be large and there will be less time to react. Children get better at predicting and holding on as their bladder and their brains connect and mature. Although potty training can be stressful, it’s important to try not to get frustrated. If the child doesn’t appear to be succeeding, focus praise on effort in trying - and the parts of potty training that are going well, such as washing hands. A good tip is to aim any frustration at the naughty wee or poo, and get the child to join in. We also recommend instant rewards that are small and inexpensive, like stickers, for maximum impact. After a week or two focusing on potty training children are likely to be making progress but it’s after this time, when life gets back to normal and there are more trips out that parents can start to think things are not working, and be tempted to put the nappy back on. Keep going There are lots of ways to help with this ‘keeping going’ stage. For example, on first trips out, be prepared - take changes of clothes, a potty in a carrier bag, and make first trips short and achievable Expect accidents with play dates, or at school. Children are learning an additional skill – to listen to their bodies while they are busy and distracted. Try to keep positive as children can get frustrated and frightened of failure at this stage, especially after doing so well earlier on. Night-time Once children have mastered day time potty training, they are ready to tackle night time potty training and there are simple steps to take to make this more successful, including limiting drinks in the early evening and making sure the potty is by the bed or easily accessible and well lit as some children are frightened to get up go to the toilet at night. With all potty training, it is a case of following a common sense approach and sticking with it. But we know it’s not always easy to find all the advice you need in one simple guide and that’s what we hope we have achieved with ‘How to Potty Train’. How to Potty Train is published by Brewin Books and costs around £8.95. It is available from a range of retailers including Amazon and from the Dry Like Me website www.drylikeme.com.

Babies & nurseries How to choose your child’s nursery

It’s one of the most important decisions you’ve made for your child in his or her life so far. So which nursery is the right one – and how do you know? Joanna Moorhead shares some tips. There are all sorts of different nurseries out there. Big ones, small ones; ones run by the local council, and ones run by independent companies. There are nurseries attached to primary schools, and there are stand-alone nurseries. When you start out looking for one, the plethora of what’s out there can make it all seem very daunting. But here’s the first, the most important, and possibly even the only thing you need to know about how to make your choice. Listen to the voice inside your head, heed your instinct about what’s right for your child, and you’ll almost certainly make the ‘correct’ choice. Because the truth, of course, is that there isn’t a ‘right’ nursery or a ‘wrong’ one; there is, however, a nursery that will suit your child best, because it will mesh in with your own and your partner’s ideas about how to raise a child, and what matters most in his or her life. All of which is why what you feel inside you about a nursery will give you the biggest guide as to what to go on. Looking round To kick the process off, you’ll need to put together a list of nurseries in your area (or perhaps in the area where you work, if you’re thinking your child can be cared for at nursery while you work nearby). Comb through the nurseries in your area online; look at the Ofsted reports for any you think sound promising. Think about what factors matter most to you in a nursery (see our checklist) and then make appointments to look around a selection of those that have, or might have, vacancies. When you look round, don’t be too anxious about all the questions you need

to ask or whether you’re going to miss something vital. Instead, switch on all your ‘vibes’ and take in the holistic sense of the place. Does it feel friendly, and welcoming, and a fun place to be, from what you can see of it? Do staff treat you warmly – are you convinced by what they’re telling you? Do you, in a nutshell, feel a sense of confidence about the place; would you feel confident about leaving the most important person in your life, your child, here in the care of the people you’ve met? If the answer is yes, the nursery you’ve just seen is a possible one for you; if you have any doubts whatsoever about this most crucial thing, whether you’re confident about leaving your baby there, cross it off your list at once.

Nursery inspections get tough

Ofsted are to toughen up their inspections of nurseries, day-care facilities and pre-schools, as figures show that over 150,000 children are enrolled in substandard settings. In future, all nurseries will be expected to achieve an outstanding or good rating, while those with lower ratings will potentially face closure. Nurseries will now be in line with schools, in that there will no longer be a ‘satisfactory’ category. Instead, nurseries considered to be under-performing must improve dramatically within two years, while those rated as inadequate will be re-inspected in a matter of weeks, with the prospect of being de-registered and ultimately closed.

‘I wouldn’t have wanted my child to go to an inadequate nursery and I don’t believe that any other parent would either,’ said Sir Michael Wilshaw, chief executive of Ofsted. ‘So we’re going to be less tolerant. When we go back to re-inspect an inadequate setting and it hasn’t improved, it’s likely that we may take steps to cancel the registration.’ This is all part of Ofsted’s overhaul of the early years inspection system, amid fears that too many young children are languishing in inadequate and substandard care. But is this move as positive as it sounds? Davina Ludlow, director of daynurseries.co.uk, said, ‘While we believe that every child deserves the very best education, we are concerned about the impact this ‘downgrade’ could have on nurseries and hard-working staff members. The change being brought in by Ofsted risks adversely impacting staff motivation, resulting in more harm than good.’

Your nursery checklist What are the most important things you’re looking for in a nursery? Here are some things you need to think about: • Food: how important is it to you that food is organic? Do you like the idea of nursery children eating alongside staff – ie, the family model – which some nurseries practice? • Outdoor play space: this varies hugely from nursery to nursery. Think about how important outdoor play is to your child, and decide how much importance you’re going to attach to whether the nursery has a garden, how big it is, and how many activities take place in it • Wifi: do you have worries about wifi and its potential impact on young children? If so, make sure you ask about whether there’s a wifi network at the nursery, and how extensive it is. See www.familiesonline.co.uk/ radiation For more stories on choosing a nursery see www.familiesonline.co.uk

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Babies & nurseries Coping with Colic By Dr Adam Simon, GP Extra

(tummy) and bottom to ensure there are no signs of a twisted bowel (volvulus), a strangulated hernia, an anal fissure (tear in the skin) or a twisted testicle. • examine your baby’s skin to see if there is any nappy rash or eczema as this can also cause distress. • ask about your and your partner’s health and wellbeing, as it is known that Colic can be worse if there is family stress and post-natal depression. Treating Colic As I said earlier, unfortunately there is no single treatment that cures Colic, although there are a variety that have been noted to help some babies. It’s sensible to try these for at least 2 – 4 weeks to see if they have been successful:

If your baby suffers with Colic, you’ll know that there are few diseases that are so frustrating for all involved. With babies sounding as if they are in extreme pain and distress, parents often feel that something must be dreadfully wrong and feel helpless to ease the discomfort. While I am happy to reassure you that Colic WILL NOT HARM your baby and that it will eventually stop by itself, I’m afraid there is no single treatment that guarantees a magical cure The word “Colic” is derived from the Greek word for intestine. It’s used to describe excessive frequent and inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy and well fed baby. Colic affects 20% - 30% of all babies, no matter if they’re boys or girls, breast or formula fed. Only one in 20 babies with Colic have any underlying condition that may be causing this. Starting in the first weeks of life, it is usually gone after 3 months (although it may sometimes last until 6 months). Despite nearly half a century of research into this topic, no cause has been found.

Diagnosing Colic Colic bouts will often occur in the late afternoon. A baby with Colic will often clench his fists, pull up his legs, cry far more loudly than normal and is unable to be consoled. However in between these bouts, the baby is completely well, happy, bright and cheerful. When examining your baby in attempt to diagnose Colic, you can expect your GP to: • ask questions about your child, your pregnancy, labour, birth and current health, as well as about the baby’s current feed regime and their bowels. • want to know if there have been any recent infections, especially any diarrhoea and vomiting (this is because after a bout of gastroenteritis (tummy bug) , your baby may have temporary milk protein intolerance which can produce similar symptoms. • want to know if your baby is having repeated hiccups or vomiting up milk which can suggest acid reflux causing intermittent pain. • examine your baby’s abdomen

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• Medication - Simeticone-containing medications such as Infacol can help. - Lactase drops such as Colief can help the small number of babies that have short term (after a tummy bug) or long term (lactose intolerance) problems digesting milk protein. - Casein hydrolysate formula milk (such as Nutramigen or Pregestimil) in formula fed babies can sometimes help. • Ensure your baby is upright during feeds to avoid swallowing air which can cause wind. • Give your baby a warm bath or a gentle stomach massage in a clockwise direction. • Go for a walk or a drive with your baby. • Carry your baby in a sling. In developing countries (where babies are commonly carried in a sling adjacent to their mothers) babies seem to suffer less colic. • White noise – some babies are soothed by background noise, such as the sound of the vacuum cleaner or washing machine. This may be why they are often soothed by a car journey. • Avoid overstimulation – some babies get worse if they are constantly picked up and put down. Some child care professionals advise that as long as you are certain that your baby is not hungry, tired, too hot or cold, needs a nappy change or is unwell, that it may be safe to leave them in their cot for a short time (no more than 5-10 minutes). This is understandably very hard to do and many parents who try this will linger just out of sight to ensure their baby is not in any danger.

• ‘A burden shared’… if you have a partner, take turns to do the ‘crying shift’ or the night shift. Many mothers do this alone, even those with a partner, and it becomes quite exhausting. Exhausted mums are more likely to be stressed and we know that stress in the mother worsens the baby’s crying. If you haven’t got a partner, see if you can get a family member or a friend to help so you get a bit of ‘time -out’. • Your diet. If you are breast feeding, removing certain food items from your diet may help. Some mothers who have removed dairy products, shellfish, soy, caffeine, eggs, wheat and nuts have found that the crying reduces. However there is little scientific proof that this helps. It would seem sensible to remove items from your diet one at a time and if you notice no improvement after a week reintroduce them. The most important points to remember about Colic are: • It is extremely unlikely that there is anything seriously wrong with your baby, but do get your GP to check your baby for reassurance • Colic will go away by itself but may last until your baby is 3 – 4 months of age. It will not cause any permanent harm to your baby. • Make sure you look after your own physical and psychological health

Dr Adam Simon is a GP with over 20 years’ experience, providing quality private GP services in established private hospitals. His private GP appointments are ideal if you are unable to see your NHS GP, would like more time to discuss your health concerns or are in need of a second opinion. With no registration fee, appointments can be quickly scheduled for weekday evenings and Saturday mornings. Clinics are available at The Alexandra Hospital, Cheadle, The Highfield Hospital, Rochdale and The Beardwood Hospital, Blackburn.

Parents’ place Aiming to work flexibly? Think carefully before you ask your employer. By Mandy Garner, editor of Workingmums.co.uk

This year the right to request flexible working, which has previously only applied to parents and carers, will extend to all employees. Employers can turn down a request on any of eight grounds so it pays to think carefully before you lodge a request. Below are some tips which might get you the flexibility you need. 1. Check out what your company’s policy is on flexible working. All companies are obliged to consider flexible working, but they are not obliged to agree to every request. However, some companies are more innovative in their policy on flexible working and may already have trialled different forms of flexible working from the usual ones of working different shift patterns or cutting your hours. For instance, they might offer term-time only working or working from home or annualised hours. 2. Be clear about the hours you want to work and how you want to work them, for instance, could you do some of your work at home in order to cut down on travelling time? Look at your childcare options too and ensure they fit with your working hours. Can you afford to work part time? Or does working full-time and paying full-time childcare work out to be uneconomical? Can your partner also go part time so you can split the childcare or picking up times?

6. Your employer then has 28 days to arrange a meeting with you to discuss your request. Be calm and business-like in your negotiations. Don’t lose your calm if they turn you down flat (this is actually proof that they are not abiding by the legislation as they should at least consider your case properly and give you reasonable grounds for turning you down). Similarly if they do not reply to your request, this goes against the legislation. Try to pre-empt any concerns they have and suggest ways that you would address them. This is where a compromise suggestion may come in handy or you could propose that you work the new pattern for a trial period, subject to review. Your employer should reply in writing within 14 days of the meeting.

7. If you suspect your manager has not followed procedures properly or has not given due attention to your case, make an appeal to his or her line manager within 14 days of receipt of their decision. Reasonable grounds for dismissing requests for flexible working include that it would have a detrimental effect on other staff or on the company’s ability to meet customer need, but these need to be fleshed out. 8. If this appeal is not successful, you could lodge a claim with an employment tribunal on the grounds of sex discrimination, particularly if the decision forces you to leave your job. Mandy Garner is editor of Workingmums.co.uk, jobsite and community for working mums. Visit the site to search for flexible jobs, or to find advice on flexible working or starting your own business.

3. Once you know the hours you want to work and how, make a business plan which emphasises the advantages for both you and the company of working this way. For example, you could say there are aspects of your job – research, reading, data input – that could be done better at home with no other distractions around. Think through the logistics from both your and your employer’s perspective and prepare a compromise solution. Give yourself plenty of time for negotiations. It is best, for instance, to at least open conversations on flexible working before you go on maternity leave rather than a week before you return, even if your situation or ideas about working patterns might alter after the birth. 4. Talk to other people in your company and elsewhere who have negotiated flexible working and ask them about their experiences and tips. 5. Put your request in writing to your line manager and sign and date the letter.

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Parents’ place Banishing the wet monster: How to help your child overcome wetting the bed By Elisabeth Dolton

Wetting the bed has been the hardest childhood ailment for my children to grow out of. Banishing that wet monster did not come easy and we are not alone. Although all children eventually gain bladder control at night, they do so at different ages, and many children over the age of five still frequently wet the bed. In fact, around 1 in 7 children aged five, and 1 in 20 children aged ten, are frequent bedwetters. Why children wet the bed is hotly debated. The majority of bedwetting is inherited. For three out of four kids, either a parent or close relative also wet the bed in childhood. Other causes are overactive bladder syndrome (involuntary passing of urine), or not enough hormone that regulates urine production. Researchers have found that deep sleepers are more likely to wet the bed, as the brain doesn’t get the signal that the bladder is full. Children sometimes don’t go to the toilet due to fears such as being scared of the dark. Starting to wet the bed especially after being dry can be due to emotional problems such as stress and anxiety. Although rare, constipation, diabetes, or an infection can cause bedwetting. Experts agree there is no one single cause of bed-wetting, and there are a number of methods that can help. Drinking and eating “Avoid or limit foods that that are spicy,

or high in sugar or fat, including fizzy drinks,” says Alyson Carter, a Registered Nutritional Therapy Council Practitioner. “These foods can irritate or inflame the bladder, loosening the muscles, making it harder for a child to keep control.” Fresh foods, and calming foods such as oats, are recommended. Alyson also advises restricting fluids from around 1½ hours before bedtime. Support Parents may be embarrassed to broach the subject, but your GP can take blood and urine tests to rule out any illness or infection, or refer you to a clinic. “We went to see our child’s teacher,” said Sarah, with 7 year old Isabella “and discussed how children asked and went to the toilet. We asked her to help ensure our daughter went to the toilet regularly.” Exercises There are specific exercises that can strengthen or expand a child’s bladder. “Our doctor suggested that when my son needed to toilet, I make him wait at least 10–20 minutes longer. This helped his bladder expand,” said Lisa, mum to three boys. Another exercise is when they are on the toilet have them go, then stop for a few seconds, then go again, so that they are strengthening the muscles. Lifting and night pants Waking your child to go to the toilet, and wearing night pants can increase confidence and help for sleepovers. However some believe these should be avoided because

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they interfere with the child’s individual motivation to wake up and use the toilet. Medical treatment In persistent cases, desmopressin, a manufactured form of the hormone that decreases urine production, can be prescribed. The effects are short term and the problem likely to reoccur when treatment is stopped. Complementary and alternative therapies Several complementary and alternative therapies have been tried including acupuncture, chiropractic care, and hypnosis. While some parents have reported great improvements it is not a fix all. Behaviour therapy For younger children motivating them with a sticker chart and rewards is effective. Self-awakening therapy helps older kids recognise when their bladder is full. A simple self-awakening routine may be just before they go to the toilet during the daytime, they lie down in their bedroom, pretend to sleep and think about their full bladder and needing to go. Re-training Bedwetting alarms specifically help train your child to wake when they have a full bladder. The alarm’s sensor detects dampness and eventually, the child’s brain learns to pay attention to bladder signals and wakes up naturally before wetting the bed. “They have been so easy to use, the girls had no problem with them and the message really got through,” said Kim, mum of two daughters. “The results were amazing. Not every child will react so quickly, but I would highly recommend giving it a try.” There is no doubt bedwetting feels embarrassing to talk about and it can be stressful, but every year 15 percent of children who wet the bed, become dry, with no intervention. They will all outgrow it eventually, but if you and your child are motivated to get dry, choose your method and stay positive. It worked for us. Thanks to Alyson Carter, Registered Nutritional Therapy Council Practitioner, www.nut4life.com You can contact her on 07816 981858.

Top Tips • Make the bed in several layers, alternating a fitted sheet with a waterproof pad. This allows you to quickly and easily remove the wet items and avoids the need to re-make the bed • Leave dry pyjamas and towels out, so that a child can find them easily • Make sure there are no hidden fears or problems about getting up at night. For example, fear of the dark or spiders, getting up from a top bunk, etc. Try leaving the bathroom light on and keep a clear path to the bathroom. • Protection. Use waterproof covers for the mattress and duvet, and use absorbent quilted sheets. A moisturiser cream is useful to rub on the skin that is likely to become wet, to prevent chaffing and soreness. • Set a reward for your child of getting up at night to use the toilet. Instead of focusing on making it through the night dry, help your child understand that it is just as important to wake up in the night to use the toilet. • Bedwetting can damage the child’s self-image and confidence. Prevent this by being supportive and reassure them that bedwetting is common and that they will overcome it • Try to be sensitive to any family or school disruption that might be stressful to your child. Do not tease or allow siblings to tease a child who has wet the bed. • Encourage your child’s co-operation to be dry at night. Give simple explanations about what is happening and how the bladder works. Go to the toilet before going to bed. • Encourage your child to help change any wet sheets. This will increase their awareness and may give them extra motivation for them to get out of bed and go to the toilet to avoid the chore of changing the sheets. For further information and help: ERIC - Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence: www.eric.org.uk www.uofmhealth.org/health-library www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Bedwetting www.webmd.com/features/bedwetting

Parents’ place Friday 28 March 2014 Wear A Hat Day

Please join other families and schools (as well as companies, groups, shops and associations across the country) in supporting #WearAHatDay on Friday 28 March 2014 - it’s going to be bigger, hattier and more fun than ever! #WearAHatDay is the UK’s premier brain tumour awareness event, taking place every March during national Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Thousands of families and children in homes and schools across the land take part every year – wearing hats of all shapes, sizes and colours, getting involved in an amazing array of fun and inventive events, making and collecting donations from everyone around, all helping to raise awareness and funds for vital research.

Brain tumours are scary – this disease is the biggest cancer killer of both children and adults under 40 yet the science is woefully underfunded, receiving less than 1% of national cancer research spend. Stand out from the crowd and wear a hat for Brain Tumour Research on Friday 28 March. Register today for your #WearAHatDay event: Hat-phone: 01296 733011 Hat-mail wearahatday@ braintumourresearch.org Hat-web www.wearahatday.org PS Don’t forget to share your photos on Facebook & Twitter and let’s celebrate #WearAHatDay together!

Smart Meters – Not So Smart By Patty Hemingway Has your energy company approached you yet about installing a smart meter? Long before 2020, the date scheduled for completion of the roll out of smart meters, at a cost of billions, you can expect the knock on the door; and the additional cost to the customer may not be the only thing you have to worry about. This next generation of power meters pose a threat to our health, and security. A film released in September 2013, in the US where the smart meter grid technology is widely used, documents the issues resulting from this wireless technology which is used to send information about energy consumption back to the provider. • Data about your household is useful to the energy companies, who can choose to switch off or ration your supply remotely.

• Wireless transmission is vulnerable to disruption or hacking. • Faults in the system have already generated bills of thousands of pounds which cannot be verified, and caused some meters to burst into flames. • Families report multiple health problems as soon as the meter begins transmitting: headaches, joint pains, heart arrhythmias and insomnia are just some of the symptoms. Find out more about the effects of smart meters and wireless radiation, and watch the film trailer at www.stopsmartmeters.org.uk To find out more about wireless radiation and how to protect your family go to www.familiesonline.co.uk/radiation

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Parents’ place New Outdoor Adventure Parties

My Little Pony Parties at Dandy Farm in Adlington has made lots of little girls and boys happy since they launched – starting off with birthday parties, following on with outdoor riding lessons, and then the very successful Mini Pony Club during school holidays.

Now, for spring 2014 they’re introducing outdoor adventure parties – which will include cooking pancakes by the river, Scramble nets, and an assault course. All safe, supervised fun with food and a birthday cake thrown in too! The miniature ponies range from just 29 – 33.5 inches high, so are perfect for smaller children. Their two riding ponies (Rosa and Whitney) are perfect, gentle ponies for novices riders and are ideal for mum and daughter rides. See www.mylittleponyparties.com for all event details and contact Sarah-Jane on 01625 569004 / dandyfarm@gmail.com for more information.

The personal cost of serious burns and scalds

CAPT (Child Accident Protection Trust) has recently launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of burns and scalds among families with young children. Six toddlers every day are admitted to hospital in the UK because they’ve been badly burned or scalded. The damage caused by a scald from a hot drink or bathwater or a burn from a hob or hair straighteners can happen instantaneously and the effects can last a lifetime. As a toddler, Lizzie was badly scalded by bathwater. The injuries have affected her throughout her young life. Now a teenager, she is still receiving hospital treatment. But the impact is not just physical - Lizzie is finding it difficult to come to terms with her scars and struggles with her confidence and self-esteem. CAPT is indebted to Lizzie for having the courage to share her story and help others understand how quickly such accidents can happen and the simple steps to preventing them. Lizzie has kindly given permission for her story to be shared to bring the issue to life for parents. You can read her story online at www.capt.org.uk (search for latest news).

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Parents’ place New Year Changes at Bollington Health & Leisure

The start of the year often means that people are putting changes in place – get fitter, eat healthier, spend more time doing new things. Bollington Health & Leisure is also making a few changes, namely to their exercise class timetable (so that’ll fit in nicely with all those exercise resolutions!). From Monday 6 January there will be an all new timetable in full flow, with new classes including FitSteps, high energy circuits, pre & post natal exercise, body conditioning and more of old favourites like spinning, zumba and pilates. There is also a new class aimed at getting fit before the afternoon school

run each week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 1.30pm so you can pick up your fitness before you pick up the kids. What’s great is that you don’t need to be a member to go to any classes, you can just book up to a week in advance and pay on the day, with class prices ranging from £2.60 to £6.20, depending on the type and length. An even better New Year change is a new price for class membership: 12 month’s membership for classes, swimming and spa (no gym!) is now £270 instead of £300, that’s £23.50 per month instead of £26. In 2013 this membership was only available for 12 months but the minimum term has now been reduced to 3 months! So with new classes, new instructors, a new price and a new length of membership make a change and try a class now. 01625 574774 / www.bollingtonleisure.co.uk

Family Fun and UK Baby & Toddler Show in Liverpool

The first ever Family Fun Weekend is coming to the BT Convention Centre Liverpool on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February. The world class venue will play host to an array of exciting entertainment such as fun fair rides, interactive activities, wandering clowns and character mascots roaming about the site. There will also be bouncy castles and other inflatables, as well as storytelling and a disco, and creative types can try their hand at crafts, face painting and cupcake decorating. Also included in the ticket price is a free visit for all the family to enter the UK Baby & Toddler Show being held at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on the same weekend. The two days will include demonstrations, competitions, chances for parents, expectant mothers and families to get involved and try products whilst gaining valuable advice and support. The show will also provide extensive shopping opportunities with up to 200 local, regional and national exhibitors

across the whole baby and toddler market. The focal point is on providing high quality guidance and information for parents and parents-to-be at what is a wonderful but often challenging time. Attend seminars with guest speakers and let your toddlers enjoy fun entertainment, including the Milkshake! Bop Box Live Show in association with Channel 5’s Milkshake. This popular annual event will be offering Bop Box live performances throughout the two days, carrying out special dance routines with the original show characters for all to enjoy. Families readers can take advantage of an exclusive 20% discount on ticket prices for both these events. Just enter the code ‘FamiliesMagazine’ when you book your tickets at either www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/ family-fun-weekend or www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/ uk-baby-and-toddler-show-2014

New Year’s Resolutions for all the family The secret behind keeping your New Year’s resolutions is not to aim too high – the more realistic and do-able the resolution, the easier it’ll be to keep it. This year, resolve to make one or more small change that will bring your family together and give you a stronger, more positive outlook as a group. Here are a few of our favourites: Eat together There are so many proven benefits of eating a regular family meal together, from better manners to happier kids. Turn off the TV and mobile phones and concentrate on talking, laughing and sharing – even if it’s only once a week, for Sunday lunch. Make one night of the week Family Games Night The humble board game has many benefits – it brings the family together, it teaches sharing, counting and turn-taking, and most of all it’s fun! Wean the children off their screens for one night and get them around a table, and you should soon see an improvement in everyone’s mood. Stop shouting! No-one likes to be shouted at, and no-one likes to live in an angry atmosphere, so make the change yourself. Resolve to keep your cool and talk out any problems. Anger only breeds resentment, which can lead to long-term family rifts – talking, in contrast, leads to better understanding and closer families.

Focus on the positive Resolve to look on the bright side in 2014 – it’s better for you and sets a great example. Seeing the silver lining to every cloud helps people cope and doesn’t need to be unrealistic. Get out in nature It’s been proven that playing and learning outdoors has profound benefits for children, but most of them don’t have the freedom that was taken for granted just a generation ago. Get outdoors as much as you can (why not join the National Trust and take advantage of their gorgeous grounds?), and improve your family’s health and wellbeing. You could even take a leaf out of the book of Tim and Kerry Meek, from Nottingham, who set their two daughters (aged 8 and 10) 100 challenges, such as canoeing down a river and sleeping under the stars. Their inspirational blog is at dotrythisathome.com. Take on a charity challenge Give any fitness goals a boost by getting the family involved in a team challenge for charity. Not sure what to do or who to support? Try www.charitychallenge.com or www.timeoutdoors.com/ challenges/UK-challenges. The idea of raising money for a worthy cause will help you all pull together through the tough bits.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 17

What’s on Daily until Sun 26 Jan

Delamere Forest Stick Man Trail A self led Stick Man trail for all the family but designed to help children find out more about forests and the importance of wood and trees to their daily lives. Activity Leaflet available from the Cafe at the Forest Centre for 50p (while stocks last), to give you additional ideas and challenges to complete while you are enjoying your visit. www.forestry.gov.uk

Daily until 31 Fri Jan

The Imperial War Museum, North Timestack Handling Sessions Age 6+. 12.30pm, Free. Get hands-on with objects from IWM’s collection and discover the stories behind the artefacts, in these themed 20-minute object-handling sessions in the main exhibition space. www.iwm.org.uk

Daily from Thurs 2 Jan

The Manchester Museum In Touch 11am – 3pm, Free, drop in. Get hands-on with objects from the collection, such as an armadillo shell, an Alexander the Great coin, a whale’s tooth and ancient Egyptian objects. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Every weekend from Sat 4 Jan

The Manchester Museum Discovery Centre 11am – 4pm, Free, drop in Drop in for drawing and other art activities inspired by the Museum’s collection and pick up one of our free Museum activity sheets. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Sat 4 & 11 and Sun 5 & 12 Jan

The Imperial War Museum, North Story Time: Animals and War 10.30am, Free. Meet underneath the Harrier Jump Jet for heroic and heart-warming tales of wartime animal bravery from a host of puppet characters including Bonfire the horse, owned by poet John McCrae. Story Time: Time for Truce 1.30pm, Free. Meet underneath the Harrier Jump Jet and discover a tale of truce. Find out what united the slugs and snails in this funny and inspiring story time session. www.iwm.org.uk

Tues 7 & Tues 21 Jan

The Manchester Museum Coral Baby Explorers 10.30-11.15am, 11.30-12.15am, 1- 1.45 pm, Free (booking essential 1 week in advance). Under the sea inspired interactive story and sensory play sessions. For babies who aren’t walking yet. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Sat 11 Jan

The John Rylands Library Manchester Enchanting tales 11am – 12pm, Age under 7s, Free. Join the Library’s storyteller in one of our beautiful book-lined rooms, for tales of magic, mystery, mayhem and more! 0161 306 0555 / www.library.manchester.ac.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk

The Manchester Art Gallery Family Art Club 1 – 3pm, Ages 5 – 11, Free. Create together in our special artist led workshops Limited places. 0161 235 8888 / www.manchestergalleries.org The John Rylands Library Here be dragons! 12 – 1pm, Ages 5 – 10, Free. The walls and ceilings of the Library are full of strange and mysterious creatures – join our tour to seek them out! 0161 306 0555 / www.library.manchester.ac.uk

Sat 11 & Sun 12 Jan

The Imperial War Museum, North Open Studio: Pop Up Animals 11am – 12.30pm and 2 – 3.30pm, Free. Find out more about the roles of some amazing animals and their wartime antics and make your own pop-up puppet. A free, drop-in craft activities session for the whole family. Under 12s must be accompanied. www.iwm.org.uk Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Stargazing LIVE family event 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, Shows are free, but normal admission applies. If you look up into the night sky, you’ll see a whole world of beautiful stars above us. Learn more them in our star themed science show. Discover how stars are formed, what they’re made from and watch some explosive live demonstrations to amaze and inspire you! Booking recommended due to high demand. 01477 571 766 / www.jodrellbank.net

Sat 18 & Sun 19 Jan

The Imperial War Museum, North Open Studio: Kitted Out 11am – 12.30pm and 2 – 3.30pm, Free Fond of ‘40’s fashion or curious about camouflage? Grab a giant paper dummy and kit it out to your own design. A free, drop-in craft activities session for the whole family. Under 12s must be accompanied. www.iwm.org.uk

Sat 18 & 25 and Sun 19 & 16 Jan

The Imperial War Museum, North Story Time: Peace in the Playground 10.30am, Free. This special storytelling session follows the tale of a group of shapes who discover how much better things can be when we all get along. Meet underneath the Harrier Jump Jet. Story Time: A Sailor’s Story 1.30pm, Free. What do a parrot, a coconut and a motorbike have in common? Follow the adventures of Able Seaman Wally Tobin discover how people from different cultures and countries work together in times of hardship and war. Meet underneath the Harrier Jump Jet. www.iwm.org.uk

Sat 18 Jan

People’s History Museum The Little PHM - Mr Ordinary’s Prize 11am – 12pm, Under 5s, £1 per child, adults free, Booking advised. Discover our story of Manchester’s Coat of Arms. Someone has stolen Mr Ordinary’s Thinking and Doing! What will he do without them? Join in the adventure as Mr Ordinary and his friends try to get them back. Fun interactive story session with puppets, song, dance and a craft activity. 0161 838 9190 / www.phm.org.uk

18 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Sat 25 Jan

The Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Under the Sea 11am – 4pm, Free, drop in. A day bursting with hands-on craft and art activities for all the family. Meet experts, come along and hear under the sea stories, find out more about the importance of coral and the magnificent creatures that live under the sea. Get creative and make under the sea creatures. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Nantwich Town Centre The Battle of Nantwich The annual re-enactment of the Battle of Nantwich 1644. Admission to Mill Island for those that want to get even closer to the action will be Adults £2, Children (under 15) £1, Family Ticket £5 (2 adults, 2 children). www.battleofnantwich.co.uk

Sat 25 & Sun 26 Jan

The Imperial War Museum, North Open Studio: Sailor’s Ditty Box 11am – 12.30pm and 2 – 3.30pm, Free Decorate your own sailor shaped ditty box to safely stash your favourite things. Then visit the War at Sea 1939-1945 display in our Main Exhibition Space and find Petty Officer William Batters’ ditty box, issued to him as a member of the Royal Navy before the Second World War. A free, drop-in craft activities session for the whole family. Under 12s must be accompanied. www.iwm.org.uk

Sun 26 Jan

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Big Garden Birdwatch with RSPB 10am – 12pm, Free but normal admission applies. Macclesfield RSPB Wildlife Explorers and the Macclesfield RSPB Local Group will be coming to Jodrell Bank for the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch. There will be advice on using binoculars and telescopes and help with identifying common garden birds as well as lots of helpful hints on completing your own survey at home. Children must be accompanied. 01477 571 766 / www.jodrellbank.net Delamere Forest Forest Explorers 1st Birthday Party 11am – 3pm, £2 per person with all proceeds being split equally between the Alzheimer’s Society and The Retired Greyhound Trust. A great family day out, plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy and happy! No booking necessary. 07808 506 308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Fri 31 Jan

The Manchester Museum Magic Carpet: Under the Sea 10.30 – 11.30am & 11.30am – 12.30pm, under 5s, Free, booking essential (from 1 week before) Come along and see the newly opened Coral: Something Rich and Strange exhibition, enjoy under the sea sensory play and activities and be inspired by related objects to make some under the sea stories of your own. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Sat 1 Feb & Sat 1 Mar

The Manchester Art Gallery Baby Saturday 1 – 3pm, Free, drop in. Use all your senses to explore our artist’s space. For babies who aren’t walking yet, with an adult carer. 0161 235 8888 / www.manchestergalleries.org

Fri 7 Feb

The Manchester Art Gallery Baby Art Club 10.15 – 11am, 11.30 – 12.15pm, 1.15 – 2pm, 2.30 – 3.15pm, Free with limited space, please book a week in advance. Use all your senses to explore our artist’s space. For babies who aren’t walking yet, with an adult carer. 0161 235 8888 / www.manchestergalleries.org

Sat 8 Feb

The Manchester Art Gallery Family Art Club 1 – 3pm, Age 5 – 11, Free, but limited places. Create together in our special artist led workshops. 0161 235 8888 / www.manchestergalleries.org

Sat 15 Feb

The Manchester Museum Big Saturday: Birds and Flight 11am – 4pm, Free, drop in. Be amazed by the variety of birds and flying animals on display in the Museum. Find out more about birds from around the world, where they live and what they eat. Discover other gliding animals from butterflies to bats, and create paper birds of your own to take home. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Sat 15 & 22 and Sun 16 & 23 Feb

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton, Cheshire Doors Open! 11am – 5pm, Free but normal admission applies. Find out what’s happening in 2014. Join an introductory talk, enjoy Tudor games in the Great Hall and learn all about Candlemas. The Hall is still quite cold at this time of year so make sure you wrap up warm! 01260 272018 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall

Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb

Chatsworth House, Bakewell Half term opening of farmyard and adventure playground. 10.30am – 4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm), £6 per person. To give your young ones a fun place to spend their half term, our farmyard and adventure playground will be open for the school holidays. 01246 565300 / www.chatsworth.org

Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb (closed Mon)

Tatton Park Scarecrow Festival Normal admission applies. Visit the Scarecrow Festival in the gardens and at the Farm this spring half-term. Over 30 scarecrows will be resident in the gardens. Find the farmyard scarecrows and have a go at making your own. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sat 15 Feb – Sun 2 Mar

The People’s History Museum Time Travelling Glasses Craft Table 11am – 5pm, Free, drop in (donations welcome) Create your own time travelling glasses! 0161 838 9190 / www.phm.org.uk

Mon 17 Feb

Delamere Forest Winter Survival 10am – 12pm or 1 – 3pm, Age 6+, £9 per child Forest Explorers and Delamere Outdoor Fitness will be joining together for this one off event learning how to survive, keep warm and fit in the winter! Lots of active fun outdoors. 07808 506 308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Remember to check our fabulous new What’s On Calendar on www.familiescheshire.co.uk regularly, as not all event information is available at the time of going to print.

Mon 17 – Fri 21 Feb

Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4LA Become a ‘Styalist’ 12pm – 4pm, Free, but normal admission applies. 50p for the Fashion Trail. Design a ‘Styalish’ outfit for your own cut-out puppet. Follow the fashion trail around the Mill. 01625 527468 / www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank-mill The Manchester Museum February Half Term 11am – 4pm, Free, drop in. Create under the sea creatures and mythical monsters inspired by the Coral exhibition. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Science Quiz Show - Kids v Grown ups 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm, Age 5+, booking recommended. Do you know your planets from your comets? 01477 571 766 / www.jodrellbank.net/families

Tues 18 Feb

The Manchester Museum Baby Explorers 11am – 2.30pm, Free, drop in. Drop in sensory play session for babies who aren’t walking yet. 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk Tatton Park Bake with Bradshaw! 10am – 12pm, £15. Join Bradshaw, Tatton’s Kitchenmaid in the cosy Mansion kitchens for a morning of traditional country house baking activities. Finish with a tea party as you sample some of your creations and take the rest home to enjoy. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk Delamere Forest Bird Feeders 10am – 4pm, Age 2+, £3. Make 2 easy-peasy bird feeders for the birds this winter. Mix together the birds favourite foods and use pine cones and used yoghurt pots to hang them up. Your garden birds will love you forever! 07808 506 308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk People’s History Museum The Little PHM – Under The Rainbow 11am – 12pm, under 5s, £1 per child, adults free. Fun interactive story session with puppets, song, dance and a craft activity. Booking advised. Meet Matilda, a little girl who is given a magic rainbow bag. Help Matilda solve clues to get to the end of the rainbow and find what she’s looking for. 0161 838 9190 / www.phm.org.uk

Tues 18 & Wed 19 Feb

Tatton Park Deer Feed and Trailer Ride 9.30am – 10.30am, £6 per Adult, £4 per Child, normal admission applies. Take a trailer ride with the Rangers to watch the winter deer feed. Get a close look at hundreds of deer feeding in their beautiful natural setting. 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk

Tues 18 Feb – Sun 16 Mar (closed Mon)

Rode Hall, Scholar Green Snowdrop Walks 12 – 4pm / Adults £4 / Children under 16 Free 01270 873237 / www.rodehall.co.uk

Thurs 20 & Fri 21 February

The Macclesfield Silk Museum Children’s Craft Club: Magical Mythological Animals 10am – 12pm , Age 6 – 12 years. Booking essential. Create Dragons, unicorns or make a new animal from parts of your favourite animals, from card and paper to make a 3D mobile to take home. 01625 612045 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Bramall Hall Half Term at Bramall Hall 1.15 – 3pm, All ages, 50p per person for the activity. Normal entry fee for visiting the rest of the Hall. Come and make a different thing every day. 0161 474 2020 / www.stockport.gov.uk/bramallhall

What’s on Fri 28 Feb

The Manchester Museum Magic Carpet 10.30 – 11.30am & 11.30am – 12.30pm, Under 5s, Free, booking essential (from 1 week before). Storymaking and activity session 0161 275 2648 / www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Thurs 20 Feb

Tatton Park Feed the birds! 10am – 12pm, Age 8+, £9. Calling all young ornithologists! Help our feathered friends during the winter months. Make some natural bird-feeders with pine cones, apples and dried berries to take home. Bring your binoculars as you explore the woodland and see what birdlife you can spot! 01625 374400 / www.tattonpark.org.uk The Macclesfield Silk Museum Teenage Art Class: Self Hardening Clay 12.30pm – 3.30pm, Ages 12 – 16. Booking essential. Teenagers will learn how to use self hardening clay and create a piece to take home. 01625 612045 / www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

Fri 21 & Sat 22 Feb

Delamere Forest Bird Boxes 10am – 11.30am or 1 – 2.30pm, Age 5+, £6 It’s National Nest Box week so join Forest Explorers to construct your very own bird box. Take it home to encourage our beautiful garden birds to nest in this Spring. 07808 506 308 / www.forest-explorers.co.uk

Sat 22 – Fri 28 Feb

Hatworks, Stockport Children’s Tours 2.30pm – 3.30pm , Ages 5 – 11, 2.50 per child, accompanying adults £1.50, Booking essential. Step back in time as the story of ‘Nat the Hatter’ unfolds. Discover how hats were made, experience the noisy machinery floor and learn what it was like to be a hatter’s apprentice! 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Sat 22 & Sun 23 Feb

Hatworks, Stockport Drop in Paper Hat Making Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm, All ages, Free, drop in. Visit Hat Works this Bank Holiday and get the chance to decorate your very own hat. Pick up your pack of craft materials from reception, then make and decorate your paper hat on the gallery floor! 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Tues 25 – Thurs 27 Feb

Hatworks, Stockport Fridge Magnet Craft 10.30am – 12 noon & 1pm – 2.30pm, Ages 5 – 11, £3.50, Leisure Key £3, Booking essential Make a set of fridge magnets that will brighten anyone’s day! 0161 474 2399 / www.stockport.gov.uk/hatworks

Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk 19

What’s on THEATRE SHOWS Fri 10 – Sun 19 Jan

The Waterside Arts Centre, Sale Dick Whittington Fun for all the family with this classic tale presented by Sale Nomads Theatre Club! 0161 912 5616 / www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

Fri 10 – Sat 18 Jan

The Carver Theatre, Marple Sleeping Beauty At the christening of the Princess Aurora an uninvited evil fairy, Carabosse, places a wicked curse on the young Princess. On her 16th birthday she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and sleep for 100 years. Can the Prince save the day? Will the Dame get her man? Find out all the answers in this year’s traditional family pantomime. www.carvertheatre.co.uk

Fri 10 & Sat 11 Jan

The Dancehouse Theatre Manchester The Magic Of Pinocchio Including songs, magic and an amazing cast featuring Andi Mac from ITV’s Penn & Teller, “The Magic Of Pinocchio” is an enchanting tale for all the family and a show all children will love. 0161 237 9753 / www.thedancehouse.co.uk

These listings are for guidance only – please check before you go To include your upcoming event in our listings, email events@familiescheshire.co.uk

Sat 11 – Sat 18 Jan

The Daneside Theatre Congleton Puss In Boots Join everyone’s favourite feline in this classic panto, presented by Congleton Pantomime. 01260 271095 / www.danesidetheatre.co.uk

Wed 22 Jan

The Lowry Shakespeare 4 Kidz : Macbeth 10.30am & 1.30pm. Watch out as something wicked this way comes! A thrilling musical version of the Bard’s Macbeth. 0843 2086000 / www.thelowry.com

Thurs 23 – Sat 25 January

The Lowry Cirque Berserk Cirque style skills and artistry meet the thrills and spills of the big top as Cirque Beserk comes to town. 0843 2086000 / www.thelowry.com

Sun 26 & Mon 27 Jan

The Lowry Billy, The Monster and ME! 11am (also 2pm on Sunday), Age 3+. Join Billy on his adventure of a lifetime! Find out what happens when a monster appears in Billy’s bedroom on the very day that his family are just too busy to play. Be part of Team Billy and help him to save his family from meeting a very sticky end! 0843 2086000 / www.thelowry.com

20 Families Cheshire | www.familiescheshire.co.uk

Sat 1, Sat 22 – Mon 24 Feb

The Stockport Plaza Chinese New Year 2014 The celebration showcases amazing acrobatics from China, including the ever popular magic of “changing faces”, arduous & elegant contortion acts, breathtaking balancing on the “tower of chairs” and many more. 0161 477 7779 / www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Sun 2 Feb

The Lowry A Roo In My Suitcase 1pm & 3pm. When Rosie arrives in the UK from Down Under, she feels all alone. But when she opens her suitcase, she discovers more than she bargained for - it’s full of stowaways! 0843 2086000 / www.thelowry.com

Sun 9 Feb

Buxton Opera House Postman Pat Live See Pat and his friends live on stage in an exciting new story – ‘It’s Showtime!’ 0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Fri 21 Feb

The Stockport Plaza Banana’s in Pyjamas 1pm & 3.30pm. It’s Banana-riffic! It’s Partytime in Cuddlestown Park, but wait... the guest of honour’s gone missing!...It’s a Banana emergency!...fantastic fun for all the family with plenty of audience participation and slapstick fun! 0161 477 7779 / www.stockportplaza.co.uk

Sun 23 Feb

The Lowry Just So Stories 1pm & 3pm Everyday items transmogrify into fantastical creatures in four of Rudyard Kipling’s best-beloved tales, brought to life in this highly-acclaimed production. 0843 2086000 / www.thelowry.com

Fri 28 Feb – Sun 2 Mar

Buxton Opera House Moscow State Circus presents Park Gorkogo An awe inspiring new show from the World’s most famous circus. A place where dreams become reality… 0845 127 2190 / www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Remember to check our fabulous new What’s On Calendar on www.familiescheshire.co.uk regularly, as not all event information is available at the time of going to print.