FREE 速
ISSUE 70 January February 2012
The popular football programme for children Ages 6 months - 5 years Venues in Edinburgh and East Lothian. Book your free trial and/or block booking now! SOCATOTS BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR AGES 1-5
www.mothercare.com
call Socatots on 07923 005534 or www.socatots.com/edinburgh&elothian j.smith@socatots.com
www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk
Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk
Tel. 0131 622 0405
y p p a H r a e Y New
What’sInside...
3–5 6–7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 – 26 27 – 31
News and Views Clubs and Classes News Are We There Yet? Ben Hatch travelled round the UK with kids Away with the Kids holiday competition How to make resolutions that work By Anna Pearson Get fit in 2012 By Phil Calvert, Fitness and Wellbeing Training Ways to cut your food shopping bill By Menus for Mums Smart Money Tips By Nicole Diamond, Jack and Jill Market The Last Word By Frances Byatt-Smith Children’s Health By Caroline Sherry Parent to Parent Bright Birthday Ideas By Robina Cowan It’s the Great Big 2012 Birthday Guide! Out & About
Next issue – March/April 2012 Easter Activities, Pregnancy and Baby Feature and much more! Bookings taken until January 31st Contact Information: Editor: Sarah Adair 0131 622 0405 editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @familiesedinbur Designer: Kenny Dickson kennydickson7@gmail.com
Cover Information: Mothercare Bear hood cardigan - £28/£30, Red check blouse and tights set - £14-£16 www.mothercare.com
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news&views
New, Improved Duncan Place Nappuccinos
Following feedback from our service users we are delighted to announce that The Real Nappy Project will be able to offer a ‘one stop’ event to meet all your real nappy needs. In partnership with ‘Little Froggies’ (an independent nappy retailer run by Ingrid Leloup), the Real Nappy Project will now be able to offer parents the opportunity to place orders and buy new nappies from the following manufactures: Lollipop; Little Lambs; Tots Bots; Blueberry; Nature Babies; Bright Bots; Wonderoos and GenY. Great value second hand nappies will also be available to buy, in addition to nappy accessories such as liners, nappy nippas and meshes. A proportion of sales generated from all items will create income for The Real Nappy Project, to help to continue with the services provided. The new, improved Nappuccino will continue to offer parents free advice and information from parents who have experience of using real nappies. Different types of nappies are available to see and parents can apply for, and collect, trial packs and lending kits. Tea and coffee will be provided and donations for this would be welcome. www.changeworks.org.uk
Relove
Donaldson’s School
Relove on St Stephen Street, has quietly been trading for over eighteen months and has become a bit of a hidden gem. The little family run shop has been steadily building up a loyal customer base, who like to buy, sell and exchange, baby and toddler goods. They stock good selection of quality baby and toddler clothes, from the likes of Boden, The Little White Co, John Lewis, Jo Jo Maman Bebe, Monsoon, etc... If you are after some baby equipment at a fraction of the high street price, they have cots, cribs, buggies, slings, bouncers, playpens and a lots more. Relove is now open Sundays, being next to the new and very successful, Stockbridge Sunday Market. You can keep an eye on what's new with their Facebook page. 17 St Stephen St, Edinburgh. EH3 5AN. Facebook / Relove Edinburgh. 0131 226 4141.
When your child is diagnosed with communication difficulties or a syndrome that will affect their learning, finding the right nursery or school is essential. Donaldson’s School in Linlithgow educates and cares for children who are deaf or have communication difficulties, including many who have a diagnosed syndrome or condition. As the school is a Grant Aided Special School, pupils are referred by their local authority, funded jointly with the Scottish Government. The school offers full support and guidance throughout the application process. Many of the pupils have a diagnosed syndrome (including Waardenburg, Feingold) but Donaldson’s also caters for children who have Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties. This includes children with a range of conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Smith Magenis Syndrome (SMS), Angelman Syndrome (AS), Severe Language Difficulties, Social and Communication Difficulties and Verbal Dyspraxia. Ensuring the right education for each child is important and the school carries out assessments to provide an individual programme tailored for each pupil by our interdisciplinary team of expert staff. Donaldson’s School is holding an Information Day for Parents and Professionals on Saturday 25 February from 9.30am – 1.30pm, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and have a tour of the school. www.donaldsons.org.uk
Doodles Valentines day offer 2 for 1 on all Mugs, cereal bowls and side plates painted on the 14.02.12. offer runs from 12pm -9pm. So come and treat a loved one to some creative fun that won't break the bank! 29 Marchmont Crescent 0131 229 1399
New town stone & ceramic New town stone & ceramic have now made it even easier to get that new bathroom by offering their all-inclusive price for a fully installed and tiled bath or shower room. Choose from a wide range of suites and tiles to get that personal and unique finish. They are professionally trained to produce a luxury end result that will last a lifetime. For prices and more details just visit their website at www.newtownstone.co.uk. As usual, they’re also available for all other tile work. If you’re going to get it done, why not get it done beautifully?”
Inclusion for Autism As a mother of an eight year old boy with autism Natascha Ziemons-McLean knows how difficult it can be to help children with autism to understand the world around them and express their needs. “I have been fortunate in terms of my background when working with my son as I already had over ten years of teaching experience before he was diagnosed. I also have a Post Graduate Certificate in Autism and experience of working with other children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I set up Inclusion For Autism (Scotland) with a view to helping other parents who are faced with the issues that arise from having a child with autism" Inclusion for Autism offers a service which includes assessing children’s strengths and weaknesses through observing them at home and speaking to their parents. Following this assessment a programme is written up covering communication, behavioural and learning targets that are important for that particular child. Parents are then given training and resources to help them to teach their child. The emphasis is on building skills that will help the child to be included more in family life and in society in general. The Inclusion for Autism web site provides information on the various services for children with autism available within Edinburgh as well as general hints and tips, supporting video clips and recommended places to go for everyday activities and shopping. Natascha Ziemons McLean, Telephone : 0772 3476844
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news&views realRAWsnacks
Scholarships and Bursaries At Fettes we seek bright, motivated students who are going to get the most out of all that a boarding school education has to offer; excellent academic tuition, superb sporting facilities and a huge range of extra-curricular activities. We also believe that a Fettes education should be available to all no matter what the financial background of the child. That is why we offer a range of scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+. So whether you child is academically gifted, a star on the sports field, a musical talent or simply a good all-rounder, we have a range of specific scholarships to suit. Each scholarship accounts for up to 10% of the fees and a scholarship holder can then apply for a means-tested bursary which can cover up to 105% of the fees. For further information about Scholarships and Bursaries at Fettes visit our website www.fettes.com or call our Registrar, Mrs Harriet Marshall on 0131 311 6744 and she will be happy to help.
BabyCalm Antenatal Workshop Sunday 29th January 10am until 1pm at 25 Inverleith Row, Edinburgh – cost £30 per couple Sunday 19th February 10am until 1pm at 25 Inverleith Row, Edinburgh – cost £30 per couple. BabyCalm Parenting Classes – Thursday 26th January 11am – 4 week block, 2hours each week at 25 Inverleith Row, Edinburgh – cost £65 per mum and baby BabyCalm Colic and Crying Workshops are arrange by request (one-to-one). Contact anne@babycalm.co.uk www.scents-of-wellbeing.co.uk
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Low energy? Low mood? Supercharge yourself with a RealRaw snack from Real Foods from just £1.99. Choose from 3 delicious RealRaw mixes, Mood Boost, Energy and Power. Each is jampacked with superfood ingredients including Goji berries, raw Cacao nibs, Yacon root and Mulberries. These ultra low glycaemic snacks will keep sweet cravings away without raising blood sugar levels. RealRaw mixes are the perfect healthy snack to fill the gap at school, work or the gym. Buy RealRaw snacks from Real Foods at 37 Broughton St EH1 3JU and 8 Brougham St, Tollcross EH3 9JH or order online at www.realfoods.co.uk (free UK delivery on orders over £10)
La Garenne The kids have fun and Parents can relax and enjoy the peace. This is what La Garenne is all about , specialising in family holidays in the Charente Maritime region of France. There are 6 stylish gites fully equipped for a fantastic family holiday. What makes this place so special is the setup of all the gites and the safety with in the walled garden. Each of the gites have a patio facing the communal walled garden with toys, fully fenced swimming pool, climbing tree, tree swings, slides, wooden play house and trampoline. There is also a small heated toddler and baby pool. The children have freedom to run around and have fun while parents have a chance to relax and enjoy the sun, a book, good food etc. There are lots of activities at La Garenne such as kids club for the over 3’s, pottery painting classes and welcome BBQ. You can also book babysitting if you want to go out. Arrivals meal can be ordered making your travel much easier and during the week you can order and treat yourself to a delicious 3 course meal at your gite. The weather is warm through out May – October as this region is the second sunniest in France. If you don’t fancy driving airports near by are Poitiers, La Rochelle, Cognac and Bordeaux. Airlines such as easyjet, flybe, BA and ryanair all fly to these destinations. Change over days are Friday or Saturday. Discounts are available on some weeks in May, June and September. Please quote Families Edinburgh when requesting. For more details contact Dorte on dorte@triliving.co.uk or visit www.livingfrance.org
Clothes Plasters Sometimes we stumble across something and it makes us happy! These fab clothes plasters® are beautifully embroidered iron-on fabric patches. Available as sets in delightful tins and also in individual packets. The timeless and charming designs make these a great clothing accessory, jazzing up plain clothes, bags and even shoes. A perfect ‘make do & mend’ product. Very easy to iron-on and resilient to washing. www.jenniemaizels.com
news&views Strawberry Hill Day Nursery
Leckie and Leckie We’ve just gone through the joys of exams and revision in our home and having come out the other side in one piece I cannot praise the Leckie and Leckie study guides enough! They have recently bought out practical learning guides for ages 9 – 12 too. Help Your Child with Maths and Help Your Child with English are designed for you and your child to work together to grow your child’s literacy and numeracy skills. Each book comprehensively covers Second Level Curriculum for Excellence – ensuring your child is learning exactly the right level at the right time. There is clear guidance to help children of all abilities practise and learn and the highly creative activities will make learning fun. These books will provide invaluable help for children during the transition from primary to secondary school – when children can struggle to keep up. Available now from www.leckieandleckie.co.ukand all good bookshops priced at £8.99 each.
Greenhill Montessori Nursery Greenhill Montessori Nursery are proud to announce that they are the first Nursery providing a bilingual programme (offering Spanish) in Edinburgh! The nursery is based in the former premises of Morningside Montessori Nursery (who have now become Edinburgh Montessori Arts School and moved to new premises in Liberton) By learning a new language, a new area of the brain develops, encouraging higher concentration and listening skills. Sounds are offered to children during their critical period of linguistic development. Skills acquired will also facilitate introduction of more languages. Children become aware of other cultures and are able to adapt better to new situations and discoveries. When learning a new language, understanding comes first and then spoken expressions. The early years are an ideal time to learn new languages as children go through a special sensitivity for linguistic development, as well as having an absorbent mind. The environment however needs to be prepared accordingly in order to fulfill their natural fascination of languages. …and more than 417 million people speak Spanish worldwide highlighting the benefits of learning the language from a young age! Please visit our webpage or contact us to arrange a meeting. 01316290787. www.greenhillmontessori.co.uk
Work, Sleep & Play Parent Network Events Toxic Childhood. Saturday 21st January 2012 10am-11.30am. Cowgate Nursery Edinburgh. Welcomes our special guest author and teacher Sue Palmer, to share her findings following her book Toxic Childhood on how modern day world is affecting our children and what we can do about it. Detoxing Childhood Workshops. Saturday 25th February, 24th March & 21st April 10am-11.30pm. Edinburgh Montessori Arts School Liberton. Following on from Sue Palmers talk this facilitated workshop provides the space to reflect and learn from one another. It will cover the 5 key areas from the book Detoxing Childhood (Language, Love, Play, Discipline & Education). £5 or affordable donation. In support of Edinburgh NCT. To book your place contact sam@beeleafcoaching.co.uk or 07954433659
Not to be outdone by the arrival of two new Panda’s at Edinburgh Zoo the children in the Pre School room at Strawberry Hill Day Nursery have been awaiting the arrival of two Guinea Pigs and have been busy researching how they should look after them. Following at trip to the library to borrow some books the children were ready to take action. A further trip to the local pet shop to buy sawdust, hay, guinea pig food and water bottles followed by a session setting up the hutch and cage and the new home was ready. The day of the arrival had great excitement and the children were keen to welcome the Guinea Pigs with lots of cuddles and strokes. The nursery manager Caroline explained that ‘The children have learnt so much through the preparation and arrival of the animals into the preschool room and it has provided some great learning opportunities’. ‘ We have also been teaching the children about the preparations that Edinburgh Zoo have been making on preparation for the arrival of the Panda’s and hope to visit the Zoo to see the Pandas in their new home. The Guinea pig’s cage is situated in the pre-school playroom and the children look after their new pets on a daily basis, making sure they have lots of food, water and attention. For more information about Strawberry Hill Day Nursery please call Caroline on 0131 668 3300 or visit www.strawberryhillnursery.co.uk.
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clubs&classesnews Music Bugs
Doodles
To celebrate our 1st year of delivering music and singing classes to babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers in the East Edinburgh area, Music Bugs will be hosting a 1st birthday party for local parents and their children in January. We will confirm venue and date details shortly, but we have a fantastic line up of treats for you and your children and hope you will come and join us in our celebration. Our party activities include: Music Bugs sessions, a competition to win a free term of Music Bugs classes, face painting, and much, much more. Further details will be made available very soon, but to register your interest, please contact Hilary Crothers on 0844-8221156 or email hilary@musicbugs.co.uk
Children's Half Term Art Club at Doodles Mon - Friday 10.30 -12pm. £12.50 per session or £50 for the week. Mon 13th play with clay: Make and paint some garden cane toppers Tues 14th heart heaven: make your own heart plaque or heart trinket box Wed 15th Bubbletastic fun: paint a mug by blowing bubbles! Thurs 16th crazy crystals: Desing a Dinasaur or Daisy plate using exotic crystal paints! Fri 1 17th play with clay: Make and paint your own mobile. 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 1HQ. 0131 229 1399
New Tumble Tots Classes in South Queensferry Great news for children and parents in South Queensferry and the surrounding area! New Tumble Tots classes have started at Queensferry Parish Church on a Thursday afternoon. We have classes there for children from when they start walking all the way up through the pre-school years. Our classes have been proven over the years and have been specially designed by physical education specialists to build confidence and improve co-ordination while providing fitness and fun. Parents from South Queensferry, West Lothian and Fife have signed up at this newest centre so far and we have had great feedback. Come along and join the fun! Please contact April for more information or to book: april.wallace@tumbletots.com or 0131 336 1234
Doodle and Splat Doodle and Splat are starting additional classes at Craiglockhart Church on a Thursday morning from January. Visit the website to find out more www.doodleandsplat.co.uk
Explore Learning
Clarinet Lessons 1st lesson free Individual tuition from age 10 upwards. Adult beginners and returners also welcome. Friendly, experienced teacher.
For fun, and/or exams. Home visits arranged. Music theory tuition also available.
Fulfil your musical potential! Karen Mitchell MA, ALCM, LLCM(TD) 0131 555 0467 07932 094768
Explore Learning is a network of learning centres for children aged 4-14, where children become members and attend regularly once or twice a week. Explore tutors create individual courses to inspire children to develop into confident, successful individuals with the knowledge and skills to succeed in life. Over 500 children regularly attend our Edinburgh centres to gain knowledge and enthusiasm from our team of fantastic tutors. Explore Learning regularly work with schools in the local community. The courses children complete in the centres support them with their work at school and complement the Curriculum for Excellence. As well as offering families a free trial session at one of our centres, children are also invited to attend free workshops in January and February at local libraries and community groups. To find out more about these events and to book your place, please contact your local centre or find more details on our website. Explore Learning Blackhall Tel: 0131 332 3300 Explore Learning Murrayfield 0131 337 7401 www.explorelearning.co.uk
Waterbabies Waterbabies next term begins in early February 2012. We are hoping to run some free beginners taster sessions in January (for babies under 12 months) and also launch a ‘mini course’ for toddlers up to the age of 3 who have missed out on the beginners course (due to the 12 month old age cut-off). The mini course is designed to assess and prepare for possible introduction to Water Babies toddler classes. To register for beginners classes, free taster sessions or the toddler mini course, contact Water Babies on 0131 554 6682 or email us woggle@waterbabies.co.uk
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SwimEasy SwimEasy is owned, directed and supported by professional swimming personnel who are involved in swimming at the highest levels. Our expertise guarantees that world class teaching methods are used in all of our lessons. We constantly invest time and money into improving the levels of excellence for everyone who participates in our lessons no matter which programme you decide to choose. We offer specialist One-to-One, One-to-Two and Small Group Classes for children of all abilities at venues throughout Edinburgh and Forth Valley. RapidTrack Holiday Courses: February and Easter Holiday 2012 SwimEasy’s Holiday “RapidTrack” Lessons will run in Edinburgh during the Spring midterm break in the week commencing 13th February at Merchiston Castle School, and for two weeks of the Easter holidays from the 2nd and 9th of April at Craigroyston High School. RapidTrack Lessons will also be available at Donaldson’s School in Linlithgow during the week commencing 2nd of April. Our specialist classes for children or adults, can be booked a week at a time, from Monday to Friday. Five consecutive lessons can improve any weakness rapidly and any technical correction, or specific area of improvement required, can be dealt with much more easily. The confidence gained from individual attention significantly speeds up the learning process and develops better self-assurance. These smaller classes are especially useful when an individual has a particular fear of the water. Parents who wish to give their child the best opportunity to develop their swimming for safety, fitness and fun should contact us now on 0131 466 0764 or 01506 205778 to discuss their child’s needs. www.swimeasy.co.uk
Dance For All Dance For All (Scotland) Ltd, established in 1985, continues to nurture pupils to achieve above and beyond their potential with accredited dance classes: RAD Ballet, SDS Flamenco, ISTD Tap & Modern, Jazz & Street and Contemporary (Teens), plus regular performance opportunities and dance clubs in the school holidays. Spring Term runs from 9th January to 30th March. Dance For All has become known as Scotland's premier dance college, offering a diverse range of Child, Teen & Adult classes alongside their full-time Professional Stage Dance & Teacher Training Course. Their website has testimonials, timetables, picture galleries and much more: www.danceforall.co.uk or give them a call to register on 0131 226 5533.
clubs&classesnews Edinburgh Young Musicians Edinburgh Young Musicians’ fourth 3-day recorder course takes place from April 2nd to 4th at St. George’s School for Girls. It will cater for players aged 8 to 18 at a level from grade 1 to grade 8, who want to develop their recorder playing and their general musicianship in an enjoyable and challenging way. “This year’s course certainly didn’t fail compared to the quality of previous courses – what with excellent tutors, great tunes and a superb concert (and not forgetting the wonderful baking!!). It was all top-notch quality and everyone – tutors and participants alike – was very, very friendly” said Elisabeth, aged 15, after EYM’s most recent recorder course. www.e-y-m.org.uk
Little Ninjas Little Ninjas (ages 4-8) and Kids Kickboxing (ages 9-14) classes are leading the way in children’s martial arts. With 3 Little Ninjas classes running weekly in our martial arts gym and another new class planned to open in late January there is no better time to get your child started in the martial arts. The classes are fun and fill a much needed gap for children aged 4+. The classes concentrate on building skills, which children need in every area of life. The difference can be seen in just a few weeks. Discipline and attention spans quickly increases along with the ability to perform martial arts techniques. The sessions are game based so all games played relate to a particular skill we are working on. If you want to see your child excel then enroll them today. For older children there is Kids Kickboxing, which is a fantastic way for your child to get fit and learn to stay fit whilst studying a variety of martial arts in the classes. First two classes are free. Check out what one student had to say - "Mostly I go to classes for about a few weeks then get bored, but so far I'm not bored even slightly, and I've been going for about six months or so. I really like GIANT dodge ball which we play at the start and the end, but my favorite part is the pad work, which includes working on our kicks and punches, really amazing classes!" 0800 028 9320 www.little-ninjas.co.uk
Edinburgh Science Tutors Edinburgh Science Tutors is an innovative tutoring agency, which has launched in Edinburgh this January. Basing on over 4 years of experience in provision of one to one home tuition with invariably excellent results and recommendations from the parents and students alike, Maggie Frej decided to open the first tutoring agency in Scotland focusing just on the science subjects. Ms Frej says: “Tutoring in science requires not only the ability to communicate complex ideas in simple terms, but also understanding the pupil’s views of how science works in real life, engaging with those ideas and inspiring curiosity. This is what we emphasize in our tutor training programme, which covers communication skills, workshops on the theories of learning and the application of discussion and Socratic dialogue in the teaching process”. We ensure that our tutors are equipped to facilitate learning to provide pupil-centered environment which brings enjoyment, satisfaction and desired results for the tutees.” We provide personal home tuition in Edinburgh area in all science subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and also Maths. Our mission is to provide private science tuition of the highest standards, delivered by trained and trusted tutors, who are truly passionate about science. Contact us today to discuss your requirements or to request a tutor: 0131 564 0980. All levels from Standard Grade/GCSE to Undergraduate. No introductory fees or travel costs. We charge a flat fee of £25 per hour. Website: www.EdinburghScienceTutors.co.uk. Email: info@EdinburghScienceTutors.co.uk
Enjoy-a-Ball Enjoy-a-Ball has been coaching children across Scotland for 13 years now. Since starting in Edinburgh, many thousands of children have enjoyed the benefits of the fun filled classes. "Gregor loves Enjoy-a-Ball, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for him – he’s a different boy. Thanks for all your efforts." This is just one of the comments from a parent that makes them proud of what they do. Of course this is only possible through committed parents who understand the need to get their children active and enjoying sports at a young age. Warwick Dredge, the founder is very passionate about the development of children. "Not only the physical development, but the development of important life skills such as confidence, concentration, leadership, and many more" says Warwick. "We use the medium of fun to bring out the best in children during our classes" he went on to say. Enjoy-a-Ball want to help parents get their children's 2012 off to a fun-filled, fit start by offering four lessons for free up to the end of February (this offer is for children joining in the new year) www.enjoy-a-ball.com
Helen O’Grady Helen O’Grady drama classes help students enjoy the ability to communicate verbally. A well thought out, structured drama programme allows each student to be involved in something positive and successful. The varied curriculum, which includes speech, movement, script work, improvisations and studio productions, is constantly revised and updated. Classes are great fun and non-competitive ensuring each child is a ‘star’. Email midscot@helenogrady.co.uk www.helenogrady.co.uk or call 0131 667 0939
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Are We Nearly There Yet? Ben Hatch, author of Are We nearly There Yet?, his wife Dinah and their two children Phoebe (3) and Charlie (1) spent 5 months touring Britain’s family - friendly attractions. In the course of 8000 miles they reviewed 900 attractions, slept in tents, mobile homes, castles, hotels, and, once, in their car. They were attacked by bats, had confrontations with puff adders, Nazis and Billie Piper's pyjamas. Here, Ben highlights 10 things he now knows:
Edinburgh/Lothians 0131 441 3603
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HQ Fife 01383 62 45 99
1 Not owning a sat-nav today is like being a 14th century sailor and trying to round the Cape without a nautical chart. We bought one halfway through our trip. Put it this way, if I’d a choice – brakes or sat-nav? - I’d gladly drill a hole in the driver’s footwell and use my feet to slow down. 2 At the Jorvik Viking Centre in York it’s possible, through responding to a series of questions about your hair colour, and also, somewhat baffling, your sandwich filling of choice, to see how much Viking blood you possess. 3 It’s easy stealing lunch from hotel breakfast buffets. Secretive initially we’d pilfer odd rolls when waitresses backs were turned. A few weeks in, feral, we were snatching camembert triangles, bacon, sausages and yoghurts then asking for napkins to wrap it all up in. 4 You can impersonate David Blaine on the A719 between Dunure and Croy in Scotland. Here there’s an optical illusion created by the surrounding landscape which means that if you put your car in neutral and release the brake it appears to slowly roll up hill. Known as the Electric Brae (brae meaning slope), the spot is marked by a stone cairn inscribed with an explanation that you needn’t trouble your awe-struck family with. 5 On long journeys don’t oversell destinations as we did visiting the Wensleydale Cheese Visitor Centre. On the strength of a Yorkshire Tourist Board leaflet featuring Wallace and Gromit sticking their thumbs up, we rashly promised life-size models of the cartoon characters wandering around. However, the only thing Wallace and Gromit related was a chalk outline of them on the café’s specials board. We’d driven two hours to a working cheese factory to show the kids the processes milling and tipping and for them to learn how Wensleydale cheese did in the last Nantwich International Cheese festival. 6 At the The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden, we learned that the great children’s writer kept on his writing desk a model of a hurricane plane in recognition of the one he flew in World War 2, a paperknife of his father’s and the thighbone he had removed by a surgeon who later remarked it was the biggest he’d ever seen, it all helpfully making the loose orange peel, crumpet crumbs and broken monkey nut casing on my desk at home seem mildly more excusable to my wife. 7 Cheap in-car dvd players are inadvisable. Ours kept disconnecting from the cigarette lighter and returning the film to the beginning every time my wife scratched her leg in the passenger seat. Consequently despite watching Finding Nemo 10 times our kids are still unaware Nemo was eventually reunited with his father. 8 Mother Shipton's Cave in North Yorkshire, is where a 17th century prophetess lived, predicted both the Great Fire of London and the advent of email. 9 At Shakespeare’s Birthplace Museum in Stratford-upon-Avon we learnt that when period costumed performers suddenly jump out of nowhere and start launching into performances of Shakespeare plays, these actors will happily pose for snaps and also pretend not to mind having their tights wiped with the luminous orange residue from your son’s Hip Organic spaghetti bolognaise. 10You can have fun in the Scottish Central Highlands at Doune Castle, used in the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, shouting from the ramparts on our best John Cleese voices: “I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and you father smelled of elderberries.” Are We Nearly There Yet? 8000 Misguided Miles Round Britain is available from all good bookshops and from Amazon
Family holidays that genuinely welcome all of your tribe Family holidays that genuinely welcome all of your tribe - that's what the Away with the Kids web-site is about. Launched by Jo and Helen, two Mums with three children each, Away with the Kids highlights a select and diverse range of truly child and parent friendly holidays, visited and approved so that you may be assured that the description that you read matches your destination. Be that for a camping or cottage holiday, a hotel or hostel break, a yurt, tree-house or castle adventure – we aim to provide something to suit all budgets and all preferences. “Gary, our regional manager in Scotland, is busy visiting our owners and writing reviews - if you have any recommendations please do let him know - gary@awaywiththekids.co.uk Meanwhile we'll be looking for more gorgeous places for you to take the kids on holiday - unless of course you fancy a weekend away, just the two of you, in which case take a look at Away without the Kids!!! In either case Happy Holidays.”
For more information and special offers go to www.awaywiththekids.co.uk
Competition
We are delighted to be able to offer you this fantastic competition arranged by
exclusively for Families Edinburgh
A 2 night break for a family of four at Auchrannie on the Isle of Arran. Auchrannie has grown from a 16 bedroom guest house in 1988 to a resort now comprising two 4 star hotels with 64 rooms, thirty 5 star self-catering luxury lodges, three iconic restaurants, a shop, two leisure clubs with pools and a childrens 'Playbarn' .
In 2011 Auchrannie won the following Family Awards: • Scottish Licensed Trade News Awards Family Outlet of the Year - winner • Auchrannie Resort - Scottish Hotel Awards - Child Friendly Hotel -winner
The prize is on their Kids Stay, Play and Eat for Free package (valid until 20th December 2012) and includes: • accommodation in a spa resort family room for up to 2 adults and 2 children • daily breakfast • access to leisure facilities (swimming pools etc) • daily access to the 'Play Barn' • Daily Dinner allowance in any of their three restaurants (£20 per adult) Each room has a seating areas with a large sofa, table and chairs so you can sit back and enjoy the views of either 'Glen Cloy' or Arran's highest peak 'Goatfell'. The sofa converts to two full sized single beds for children and still leaves enough space for everyone to be able to chill out and relax. Comfy beds with Egyption cotton linen that you just won't want to leave, a great seclection of 'diy' hot drinks, fluffy towels, Arran Aromatics toiletries, multi channel TV and complimentary WI-FI.
www.auchrannie.co.uk
For your chance to win this fantastic prize you can enter online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/offers Terms and conditions apply
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Let’s have a show of hands! Who has started the year with a (literal or mental) list, as long as your arm, of New Year’s resolutions? Lose a stone, get fit, stop smoking, change job…? And who, by the end of January, has forgotten the list or has pretended that it never existed in the first place?
RESOLUTIONS
So, how do you feel by mid March? Probably fairly low in energy, lacking in drive to make any of the changes, in short, a failure! But why do we go back to our old habits and old ways of thinking? It’s because we are most comfortable when we are in our ‘comfort zone’. We make excuses for ourselves: I don’t have time, it’s not the right timing, I’ll do it next year. Sound familiar? All getting a bit depressing? Time to get positive.
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So, how can we be more resolute with our resolutions? Try these four simple golden rules and kick-start 2012 as you mean to go on: Rule no. 1: Delete the word resolution from your vocabulary and replace it with PROMISE. It is easy to break or not commit to a resolution but it is hard to break a promise, especially to yourself. Rule no. 2: Make a promise to yourself but only one! If you limit yourself to one promise, it will soon become apparent what your priority is and what will have the greatest impact on your life.
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Rule no. 3: Challenge yourself. Whatever your promise, there will be times when you feel daunted, perhaps even overwhelmed, but if it is too easy and you don’t challenge yourself then it is unlikely that you will make the changes you have promised yourself. Rule no. 4: Believe in yourself. The power of intention is powerful. Try this exercise: visualise the change (your promise), now feel it and, finally, verbalise it; say it out loud! Your intention to change has now been set, but you must believe that you can fulfill your promise to yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, you won’t make the change, you will not fulfill the promise to yourself and you will go back into your ‘comfort zone’. When you look back at 2012, you will feel a great sense of achievement, proud that you chose to believe in yourself and fulfilled by the promise you made to yourself. Anna Pearson is a life and business coach with over 15 years experience in the field of Human Resources. She is also a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development and a member of the British Psychological Society. If you would like to explore your potential through life coaching further please contact Anna on anna.pearson@btinternet.com or 07711 613 360 for a free consultation. She will provide independent, unbiased and detached support and will focus solely on you and what you to achieve in your life.
Greenhill Montessori Nursery • Bilingual - Spanish • Full Sessions, AM or PM • Parents and Toddlers Groups • Gardening, Movement, Music • Extracurricular Spanish Lessons
0131 629 0787 www.greenhillmontessori.co.uk 10 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 70
New Year, New Job Is it time to find your dream job? If “Yes” is your answer, then where do you start? We have never seen such a long period of turbulent times in the job market. This has meant that for organisations who would like to take on a new recruit and for candidate’s considering a move or career change, a number of new challenges need to be faced. When companies take on a new recruit or promote from within, this gives greater confidence to both the person involved and generally within the organisation. A new job or promotion usually means an increase in disposable income to those who have been successful, which leads to other decisions such as moving or buying a house, the purchase of luxury items or going on holiday. It is no surprise then that the recruitment industry is a great indication of how the economy is improving and how important it is for everyone, both employers and recruits alike, to encourage as much of this movement as possible. With this in mind, the sooner our confidence has been raised to put our head above the parapet and seek new opportunities, the sooner these wheels can start turning. The past few years have seen a dramatic change in how we look for work and how employers recruit. One of the main changes has been the use of job boards i.e. S1 jobs, Total Jobs etc. They are relatively easy to use and as we live in an age of technology, it means that submitting a CV is literally a 2-click process. This has therefore resulted in a very high number of applications per vacancy that can often only be managed by recruitment companies that are equipped to handle this volume of responses. So what should you do? • Start looking and understanding your market. • Network - Make contact with people in your market that may have opportunities or let your boss know you are looking for promotion. • Register with a recruitment agency that understands your market, ideally a specialist. • Spend time on your CV and if you need to, get professional advice. • Commit to doing something for your job search every week – you will be surprised how many opportunities you uncover. • Stay positive. Pauline Dickson is Managing Director of Dickson Lewis, a specialist Accountancy Recruitment company, and the Director for Scotland of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (IRP). Pauline also has a proven track record of career coaching through regular workshops and one to one coaching. Dickson Lewis is based at Wemyss House, 45 Frederick Street, Edinburgh Tel: 0131 225 2000 e-mail: pauline@dicksonlewis.com
Undoubtedly the most common of all resolutions will be ‘to get fit and lose weight’. But how do we achieve this regurgitated resolution? What are the things that are going to keep us on track and reach our goals? Read on and you’ll be on your way. Gym memberships are often taken up in the first flush of New Year good intentions. It’s not always easy to keep up regular gym attendance – especially as a parent with restrictions on your time. With consistency and commitment to working out soon falling by the wayside and the dreams of losing weight and getting fitter starting to fade. The most effective way to stay on track is to employ the services of a personal trainer. A personal trainer will keep you motivated, educated on your goals, consistently focused with their in-depth exercise knowledge will accelerate your exercise results and get you beyond your goals. Harmonious to the exercises the personal trainer will show you, steps forward the dreaded word - DIET. Nobody really likes to cut things out, feel like they are starving themselves to save calories and lose weight. That’s why the word diet should be scrapped from the start and instead a healthy nutritional lifestyle approach embraced instead. We don’t need to starve and constantly count calories to lose fat. We instead need to be prepared for family dinners and packed lunches. We need to cut down on lazy sugary convenience foods and instead move towards more natural healthy whole foods. A little organisation and a mindset move towards whole foods will make a dramatic difference on your energy levels, physical glow and appearance. Try eating more of these foods: Nuts and seeds, green vegetables, oily fish, white meat, quinoa . Again the personal trainers will guide you through this. Wrap up the two previous paragraphs into a bundle and incorporate them into your life and you will be a huge step closer to achieving your health and fitness goals. Fitness and Wellbeing Training have put together some simple exercises to get your body moving and that metabolism burning. • Side Lunge • Prisoner Squat • Alternate Split Squat Jump • Hip Flexors Stretch
• • • •
Overhead Squat Plie Squat Jump Bycicle Crunch Piriformis Stretch
To download these exercise and stretches in a PDF format go to: http://www.fwtltd.com/home/familyedinburgh-january-work-out Fitness and Wellbeing Training will bring you the Work Out at Home concept. You will get a level 3 Advanced Personal Trainer to come to you home and train you there. Have you ever felt uncomfortable working out in front of other people, conscious of your shape or if you are a new mum. Let’s go, no more excuses. Have a look at our ‘Push-it Group’, Post - Natal group exercise classes. You have no excuses anymore! We will come to your house and you will work out just as hard as being in a gym without the monthly gym fees. With all the skill in Motivation, Nutrition to keep your resolutions alive through the year your personal trainer will help you ‘to get fit and lose weight’. Achieve your New Year’s resolution goal. For more information and Motivation please visit our website WWW.FWTLTD.COM or email enquiries@fwtltd.com Start your email with code: EF01
Artistic Director Julie Mitchell, LRAD, ARAD, AISTD Examiner of The Royal Academy of Dance
EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Branches throughout Edinburgh and East Lothian
EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Edinburgh's Premier Dance School * Ballet * Jazz * Modern * Tap * Drama * Singing A caring environment where pupils achieve their highest potential. See us in the Pantomime at The Kings Theatre.
EXAM RESULTS 100% PASS RATE
0131 337 3402 www.edinburghdanceacademy.co.uk 4-6 Coltbridge Ave, Edinburgh, EH12 6AH
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10 TOP TIPS
TO CUT YOUR FOOD BILL!
Professional Tiling • Wall & Floor Tiling • Underfloor Heating • Wet Rooms • Mosaic • Natural Stone • Bathroom Installation • Tanking Systems Contact Philip Anderson t: 0131 225 1425 m: 0776 894 9977 e: newtownstone@me.com www.newtownstone.co.uk
Overcoming anxieties, behaviour& nurturing self resilience. Individual sessions & workshops 07837930714 www.Kidsnlpscotland.co.uk
With food costs rising by 20%, are you wondering how to make ends meet at the supermarket checkout? Menus4Mums, the online family meal planners, have given us these tips to help get your grocery costs down but keep the quality high. Tip 1: Plan your meals. Look online at supermarket offers (or look at the Menus4Mums Bargain Spotting page) and build meals around these ingredients. Plan a suitable meal for each day with a good balance of protein (eg meats, pulses), carbohydrates (eg potatoes, rice, pasta), and vegetables. See what needs using up in your freezer or fridge. Think about using up leftovers too. And try to include an interesting variety of tastes and textures. Then write your shopping list. Tip 2: Cook one main meal for the whole family. You can take out portions for small children before adding salt and strong spices, and you’ll be getting them used to eating the same as the rest of the family. You’ll also be saving on gas/electricity, not to mention your precious time. Tip 3: Batch cook. This saves both time and money, so must be good! So next time you are making Spaghetti Bolognese, make at least twice the amount and freeze what you don’t need immediately (labeled, of course!). That way, you can take advantage of the frequent supermarket offers on multiple packs of mince, plus save on fuel costs. And another day you’ll hardly need to cook! Tip 4: Write a shopping list. Now you know what you’ll be cooking next week, it’s easy to write down the ingredients you’ll need. Check the outer reaches of your store cupboard and freezer for items you already have – no point buying them twice! Don’t be too frugal when drawing up your list. If it’s unrealistic, chances are you’ll ignore it when you get to the shops and just pile treats into your trolley. Tip 5: Never shop on an empty stomach. If you do, you just know you’ll end up at the checkout with a trolley brimming with cake, crisps, and chocolate - and a huge grocery bill to boot! Instead, if you are feeling peckish before hitting the shops, have a banana or a quick snack. It could save you a lot of money. Tip 6: Don’t use a basket for small shops. If you pop in the supermarket mid-week to top up on fruit or milk yet come out with a £30 bill each time, try not using a basket. Chances are you’ll just buy what you went in for! Tip 7: Buy Seasonally. If we want strawberries all year round, we can have them, but they will cost more out of season- both environmentally and in our wallets. Not only that, but they don’t taste as nice! Out of season, try buying frozen fruit and vegetables which will have been frozen within hours of being harvested and before losing much of their nutritional value. Tip 8: Beware of BOGOF and Buy 2, Get 1 Free deals. They’re great if you will use double the amount, but you might find it is still cheaper to buy an own brand product. Be particularly wary of deals on perishable foods – will you really eat it all? Finally, many of the deals are offered on foods which are high in salt, sugar and fat, so beware. Tip 9: Taste test lower range products. We don’t mean suddenly going from premium brands to the most basic products. But if you give some of the middle range brands a try, the chances are you won’t notice a difference. Look at the health data on the packaging too – some lower range foods are actually healthier than the premium varieties. Tip 10: Give the supermarket a miss sometimes. Try buying your meat at your local butcher – you’re likely to be impressed by the quality. Plus if you want just 3 chicken breasts, you don’t have to fork out for a pack of 4 so you only end up paying for what you need. Seasonal fruit and veg is often cheaper at your local market or farmer’s market, and you could turn it into a trip out with the family. Or check out your local farm shop for quality, local, seasonal produce. Menus4Mums is a fabulous online family meal planning service for busy parents. Members get a new meal plan each week for dinners the whole family will enjoy, with recipe cards and a super-handy shopping list broken down into supermarket aisles. The meals take advantage of supermarket special offers to keep grocery bills down. All this from £6.95 for four weeks. Visit www.menus4mums.co.uk for more information and to download a FREE one week sample menu plan.
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Smart Money
Mum A New Year Budget
– A New You! It’s 2012 and the year of the Olympics. Will you win the gold medal for being a champion savvy saver this year? Here are 6 New Years tips to help you cross the finishing line first. 1. TAKE A NOTE. Make a resolution to always ask for a receipt and to write down everything you spend. Whether you’re more comfortable with a notebook and pen or a computer spreadsheet, detailing all of your spending allows you to look back at the end of each month and see where the money went, a crucial first step if you want to work out where to make savings – you might be surprised at how much money was wasted! 2. BOOK NOW. If you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip abroad in the summer, book as far ahead as you can for up to 70% flight and rail savings. And, to ease the pocket-money blow when you get there, start a family savings jar now just for holiday spending. 30 weeks until your holiday, at £10 per week that’s £300 in the jar. 3. WOOLLY SAVINGS. The ever-climbing price of fuel means it could be cheaper to buy good quality 100% wool thermals which trap a layer of heat to the body, allowing you to turn your radiators down now and completely off my mid-march, late Arctic blasts permitting. 4. LOSE WEIGHT. If slimming is on your list of New Years’ Resolutions, then it could come with a cash bonus. Spending just £5 a day on lunch while at work, or out and about, adds up to a whopping £1715 per working year. Make your own sandwiches for pennies, guaranteeing a healthy choice and big savings on ready-made sandwiches full of mayonnaise that sell for £3 or more. 5. STOP SMOKING. The ultimate New Year’s resolution is also the biggest money saver. At £7 a pack, quitting a 20-a-day habit will put an amazing £4000 back in your pocket over the course of 2012. 6. PLAN AHEAD. How often do you get to the weekends with nothing scheduled and end up spending far too much on pricey days out with hardto-please youngsters? Set aside time during the week to browse what’s-on listings and find plenty of fab FREE events. Pack a lunch and you could be enjoying family days out during the year for virtually nothing!
Wishing you a super-saver year. Nicole Diamond is founder of The Jack & Jill Market where Smart Mums Sell and Save. The next market in Edinburgh is Sunday 19th February 10.30am – 1.30pm 50 stalls bursting with quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs). Meadowbank Leisure Centre, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 7AE
www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk
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• Acupuncture • Baby massage • Baby and child shiatsu • Cognitive hypnotherapy • Craniosacral • Fertility therapy • Homoeopathy • HypnoBirthing • Oriental herbs • Parenting classes • Pregnancy pilates • Pregnancy shiatsu •Sing and Sign
Healthy Conception Healthy Pregnancy Healthy Birth Healthy Baby and Child
www.thehealthylifecentre.com
0131 229 0724
Enhance your child’s reading, spelling & language skills Fast ForWord – programmes developing cognitive skills and reading skills simultaneously From 6- adult /English as 1st or Kb-Insights 2nd language Watch the video clip and find out about the science Contact Karen 07837930714 to get link to demos & find out more. behind the learning. http://alturl.com/j4na www.Kb-Insights.co.uk
Bal-A-Vis-X Rhythmic Balance/ Auditory/Vision/ eXercises Bal-A-Vis-X is a FUN based brain exercise/education programme for children with learning differences, that has been used very successfully in other countries and for the first time it will be available in Scotland in 2012. It was developed by writer and teacher of 30 years Bill Hubert. As a teacher much of Bill’s time was spent in trial and error search for answers to two questions: Why do so many students struggle to learn? What might enable them to function at their best rather than compensatorily? The Bal-A-Vis-X training programme answers both questions. What is Bal-A-Vis-X?
Baby Sensory Classes
Light shows Brain games
Award winning Baby Development classes for babies from birth to 13 months
Classes in Ratho, Cramond, Corstorphine, Blackhall, Fettes, Haymarket & Meadowbank
Puppet shows Bonding/Massage To find out more visit our website www.babysensory.co.uk Contact: Emma-Louise Beeson Tel: 0781 886 3334 Twitter: @Edincentral Email: edinburghcentral@babysensory.co.uk
Bal-A-Vis-X a series of simple to complex exercises deeply rooted in rhythm which improves full body coordination and focuses attention. The programme promotes cooperation, self-challenge, and fosters peer teaching. Originally developed to address the needs of students with reading difficulties, Bal-A-Vis-X benefits all students.
How does it help? Bal-A-Vis-X helps communication across the key regions of the brain such as the visual, the motor and the auditory. In the early childhood years, these links between the key regions of the brain start forming when the child is developing co-ordination skills. If these links are not fully developed by the time the child starts school then they may have difficulties with everyday school work. Some difficulties are fairly apparent, such as when a child has difficulties holding a pen or is constantly bumping into things. There can also be less obvious problems with foundation skills such as visual tracking, sequencing, or processing speed which play a key role in comprehending aural information.
Why is it effective? Bal-A-Vis-X is an engaging programme of purposeful movement and addresses the building blocks of learning. It is a physical programme that uses beanbags and racquet balls and incorporates rhythmical throwing/catching. The exercises vary in complexity from one ball bounce to six ball bounce and can be done in a group or single setting. It is school friendly. The exercises are challenging, brain-based and just plain FUN.
What are the Benefits to students? • • • • • • • • •
Confidence and self-discipline grow – impulsiveness decreases Attention span increases Physical co-ordination and body rhythm are enhanced Cognitive skills improve – information integration increases Academic success improves yet requires less effort Auditory skills are enhanced – rhythmic patterns stimulate a new awareness of the nuances of sound. Listening and communication skills improve Visual fitness improves – eye tracking, visual form perception and focused attention improve, which accelerate classroom study, homework and test taking performance Stress is more easily self-managed
First Scotland Training Bill Hubert has been invited by Ravivworks Edinburgh & Borders to come and train parents, teachers and therapists in this invigorating, life enhancing programme. Bill Hubert and his team of assistant instructors have trained more than 11,000 individuals worldwide, from parents, teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists and counsellors. Bal-A-Vis –X training is suitable for anyone who has children, works with children and would like to utilize this programme at home, school, in a group or one to one situation. Bill will be in Melrose, Scottish Borders on the 22nd to 24th June 2012 to host the first Bal-A-Vis-X training in Scotland. To find out more and reserve a place, please go to www.ravivworks.co.uk where you can make a booking on line and download training information.
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The Last Word How can a parent respond to a child who “answers back?” Answering back can turn the home into a battleground leaving parents feeling angry and embarrassed. It’s difficult to know exactly why children do this but one possibility is that they are trying to get some control over what happens in their lives. There will always be disagreements within families, it is impossible to avoid them completely but handling them in a balanced and fair manner can help to reduce the answering back. Parents can handle this more effectively if they document the behaviour over a few days. Noticing and making notes on what the child says, what the situation was at the time and how the parent responded. There is always something going on underneath behaviour such as hunger, tiredness, an illness or when the child is going through the various transitional developmental stages. Parents can help their children express their emotion-led behaviour in more constructive ways by being able to see if there are any patterns to the behaviour and then using the following structure to correct the behaviour. •
Start by giving an “I message” this means saying how you feel personally about the behaviour starting your sentence with the word “I”. This way you are concentrating on the behaviour not the child.
•
Ask the child to tell you how they are feeling when they answer you back.
•
Then decide together what is causing the behaviour.
•
Decide on what parent & child can do to improve the behaviour and then work out what can be done to prevent it in the future.
Preschool Children Children in this age group usually answer back by saying “No” or asking “Why” The parent can respond by staying calm, not shouting and saying something like “It would be nice if we did not have to do things we don’t like to do. I know you don’t want to do this but I need some help and I would appreciate it if you could help me now”. If the answering back continues it may be best to wait and sit down with the child when everyone is calm and follow the structure for giving corrections involving the child in the plan to improve the behaviour and in how to prevent it in the future.
Primary School Children In this age group children use phrases such as “It’s not fair” and “You don’t understand” This is the time when children begin to develop a sense of self, a separate being, and what their peers think becomes increasingly more important than what their parents think. By the age of eight or nine they begin to realise that parents and adults are not perfect and can make mistakes. They tend to be critical of adults, their parents, and have ideas and interests independent from parents. Friendships become increasingly important and they want to talk, dress and act like friends or their television idols.
Parents can help their children take ownership of their problems by saying something like “You don’t think I know or understand what’s going on with you right now and that makes you feel frustrated and disrespectful to me. I want you to calm down and we can talk about it then.” When you get together again to talk things out, follow the structure for giving corrections. Sitting down with a child and listening to why they think “it’s not fair” or “why you don’t understand” is the most effective way of resolving problems. Setting aside some time during these years for discussions about when they are ready to cross the road or stay up later etc. helps to decide and agree on the rules and stick to them. There will be some important rules that are not up for negotiation and children need to know what these are and why. Setting limits helps children to develop control.
Teenagers Teenagers use phrases like “You don’t have to go on about it”, “Go away and leave me alone” and “It’s your fault.” Beneath the arguing, annoying habits and swinging moods lies insecurity, fears and peer pressure. Connecting better with teenagers involves showing an interest in their lives by getting to know more about their interests, who their friends are, who their teachers are and remembering to ask specific questions about what’s going on in their lives. Spending time listening, talking, playing computer games, watching their favourite TV programmes with them or reading articles in their magazines to discuss with them later will improve the parent/teenager relationship during these years. A parent can try backing off when tempers are high and talking about how they felt later once everyone has cooled down. It is also important to set limits and to use the structure for giving corrections when necessary. This will reduce the answering back and help teenagers learn better ways of dealing with their frustrations and anger, learn to respect others and take responsibility for their own actions. Frances Byatt-Smith BA (Hons) Psychology Runs age specific child relationship courses for parents of children 0 - teenagers www.edinburghparentcentre.com
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Teaching Children to look after their bodies by Caroline Sherry
Motivating children to exercise is all very easy if you have a child who is keen and up for anything. But what about those that need lots of encouragement to be more active and who will opt out of school sport given half a chance? Childhood obesity is a growing problem Following a host of national studies and surveys over the past few years it has been shown that children’s waistlines measure up to 3 inches larger than those 30 years ago and that childhood obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and many other health problems as they grow into teenagers and adults and this can also cause psychological effects leading to low self-esteem.
What can we do? If you're worried your child is overweight, first seek advice from your GP and follow up with advice from a dietician if necessary. Try not to start fad diets or an aggressive reduction in food. Look into making long–term changes to healthy eating by increasing your child's intake of fresh fruit and vegetables and reducing their fat intake.
Do it together Getting the whole family involved makes it less directed at one or two individuals – and it’s good for everyone to learn how to eat well. Sitting down together at mealtimes allows your children to see you eating the same things plus giving them an opportunity to discuss the food they want to eat. Try giving them options to pick from for tomorrow’s meals or let them help you cook. This should help to reduce resistance to new/healthier options as they have been able to pick and prepare for themselves. If your child is not keen to join in with school sports, clubs and classes get them to exercise with you - work out an exercise plan together, set goals and monitor them. It’s easy to introduce activities without necessarily labeling it as “exercise” such as: • • • • • •
Walk/jog to the park and back? Time it and see if you can do it faster next time. Walking to school Riding scooters – great fun and use lots of energy Swimming once a week. Dancing – close the curtains and have a family disco Even computer games can be active. There’s a great selection available including yoga, zumba and aerobic games – remember you can rent them you don’t need to buy them.
Keep in mind it is recommended that children aged 5 – 17 should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Making good Choices Even if you’re not worried about your children being or becoming overweight, educating them on how to eat a balanced healthy diet (which includes snacks and treats) as well as the importance of exercise and rest will enable them to make good choices for their own bodies.
Ideas to encourage children to eat healthily: • Give them more of the veggies and fruit they do like rather than buying and throwing away food they won’t eat. • Remember it’s better to grill and bake rather than fry or microwave - and limit portions • Keep your cupboards stocked with healthy snacks and drinks instead of less healthy alternatives to children get used to eating them • Breakfast is important in helping kids focus better at school. Check the sugar and salt content on cereal packets – it can make for scary reading! • Add more veggies to favourite meals – hide them if necessary in a sauce. A regular favourite in our house is the Veggie Draw Sauce. At the end of the week, I usually have a selection of odd vegetables left over which are still good to eat. I steam the veggies. Heat up a large tin of tomatoes. When it’s all cooked, mix it together. Add seasoning for taste if needed. Puree and freeze in batches. I usually add this to wholemeal pasta twice a week for a good dose of veggies!!
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Parent
2
Parent
Mary Ross is a mother of three aged 8, 6 and 3, and a member of the committee for Edinburgh for Under Fives – the handy guide for parents and carers in Edinburgh.
Where do you live: The Grange, just south of the Meadows. Why do you like living where you do: The local amenities are great, good local shops and schools, and the Meadows are on our doorstep, yet you can walk into town too, which is especially great during the Festival. Favourite shop: John Lewis. It sells everything, and my 2 year old is happy if he gets a play with the toys in the toy department and a snack in the café! I also love Earthy in Newington just for a pleasurable experience; it sells local and organic produce, all beautifully presented. Favourite park: It has to be the big play park on the Meadows as we pass it every day on our way to nursery and it’s got so many things to play on for all ages. Favourite children’s club/class: They’ve all enjoyed Jack and Jill’s music classes in Marchmont at preschool age and now my 5 year old loves a Saturday morning Musical Workshop class at Edinburgh Young Musicians. My eldest son really enjoys his school football club too. Favourite day out: One of our favourite trips is just heading down to Blackford Hill. We can spend ages there, enjoying the wildlife at the pond (fantastic in the spring with the families of ducklings and goslings), climbing the hill for great views of Edinburgh and beyond, making dens in the woods and paddling in the stream through the Hermitage. Favourite child friendly restaurant: Our local Italian Sambuca on Causewayside. Pizza and pasta always keep the children happy, and if you eat early it’s usually quiet. Staff are friendly. Proudest eco-friendly moment: I transport my children by bike or on foot whenever I can and use a bike trailer to carry my youngest two; it’s a really great way to get around, often just as quick as using the car, though the hills are quite a challenge! Best planet saving tip: I have a bag that folds into a little pouch which I keep in my buggy so I’m never caught short without a bag for my shopping. No parent should be without: Edinburgh for Under Fives – the family friendly guide by parents and carers! Parenting pet hates: Getting everyone ready and out of the house on a school morning – will it ever get any easier? Parenting high points (what makes it all worthwhile): A hug and a kiss at the end of the day, however ratty I’ve been with them during the day!
Most embarrassing moment (with child): When they point to the tampon dispenser in the ladies toilets and ask what it is in a loud voice, and although I basically try to be as open as I can with my children I still feel embarrassed as the queue of sniggering ladies wait for me to come up with my explanation! Funniest comment (from child): It amuses me that my boys still can’t imagine leaving home so they describe living with us even when they have a family of their own! Favourite family holiday spot: Northumberland – easily accessible from Edinburgh, great beaches and castles, and pretty uncrowded. Best children’s book: We’ve really enjoyed ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ by Roald Dahl, a fantastic story but written in easy language for young children. Best children DVD or video: Postman Pat is still a big favourite, and apparently very funny! Most played with toys: Lego (and the junior version Duplo) – our house is full of it but I don’t mind as it has given my boys literally hours and hours of play value. If we’ve been out somewhere interesting, the first thing they do when we return home is to create it out of Lego. Biggest waste of money: A wooden folding booster seat that was supposed to attach onto any seat but never did. Most successful recipe/food: Tuna pasta bake (tin of condensed mushroom soup, milk, tuna, sweetcorn and pasta). It’s so easy to make but they all eat it with such relish. Edinburgh for Under Fives is available in all good bookshops and from www.efuf.co.uk, price £7.95. Now in its 12th edition, it has been running for an amazing 25 years. It contains over 1000 reviews of places to go and things to do with your under 5, from parks to days out, activities to shopping, cafes to festivals. It also contains lots of useful information about healthcare, childcare and getting around in Edinburgh – in fact, everything you need to survive and thrive with an under 5!
If you want to win a copy Edinburgh for Under Fives and shopping bag, just answer this question: For how many years has Edinburgh for Under Fives been running? Go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk to enter
As parents in Edinburgh you have so much fantastic local knowledge – if you would like to share your favourite bits of being a parent and living in our fantastic city then please email: editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk
HOST FAMILIES WANTED We are looking for caring, responsible families, living in central, south or west Edinburgh to host young international teenagers ( 12 - 17 years ) for 2-3 weeks July/Aug 2012 also September - June Programmes Generous numeration. Please call Christine Ptolomey for more information : 0131 440 3301. email : info@hamiltonschool.co.uk
Anne Young BSc RN CBMI MIFPA Mobile: 07811 073 202 Email: anne@babycalm.co.uk www.scents-of-wellbeing.co.uk 25 Inverleith Row, Edinburgh. EH3 5QH
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0131 662 9834 ailie@jetsam.wanadoo.co.uk
Beano the Clown Magic, Balloons, Songs & Games -5s & +5s, 1hr & 2 hr,
Tel: 07948-070 569 Web: Beano.theclown.free.fr
LittlePrincessParties A Fun Party for your Little Princess
rt Nail A Glitter Tattoos
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For more information and to book call 0131 226 2754 or visit www.rbfy.co.uk
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contact: Aileen Finlay
Bright Ideas For Birthdays
by Robina Cowan DID SOMEONE SAY
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Planning your party Crowd control: entertainers
Yes, I’m afraid so. It’s Families to the rescue - we’ve put on our party hats to find the best suppliers around to ensure your ‘do’ is one they’ll talk about, until at least next year...
Bubbles, puppets, drama, music, ‘make’ party or magician? A good entertainer will bring your party to life and keep the children enthralled while you enjoy the fun from a safe distance. While there are parents who think nothing of timetabling two hours of games, entertaining Other People’s Children is not a breeze, which is where expert help is well worth the investment. TIP: Children’s entertainers generally have vast experience and contacts which you can tap into. Ask them about local venues for hire, a realistic timetable and suitable prizes as well as the entertainment itself. Find out their preferred age group, and the maximum number of children they will cope with - too many and you’ll not get the best out of them. Write down everything you’ve agreed together so there is no doubt on the day.
Take them out: venues Do you really have the time, energy and creativity to decorate your house as a fairy or superhero den, then clear it all up four hours later? Thought not. Happily there are plenty of places where all you have to do is pay the perhead charge and the guests will be entertained and fed, leaving you to return to your quiet, tidy house afterwards. See the next 8 pages for loads of inspiration. TIP: Book well ahead. There are only so many party groups venues can accommodate at any given time – to avoid any panic and disappointment get in early! Look out for special offers over the next 8 pages - they may need to be booked in the few months of the year but are valid longer
Themed parties A great idea when your child has a particular interest, themes can be explored in many different ways. How about a drama, musical, circus or magic party, a sports party; or get crafty making bags, jewellery or cookies, or print t-shirts to match the theme. TIP: Take the theme throughout the party - print off related pictures from the web as wall decorations, ask the guests to dress up with a prize for the best home-made hat.
Top Party Tips • It’s all in the timing: For little children, 11am-1pm or 12-2pm are best. Most of them have been up since six and they’re past their best by the afternoon. For older children a lunchtime slot or mid afternoon start will work • Liaise with parents whose children have birthdays around the same time. If you both book the same day for a party, the guest list will be tricky. Joining forces is a much better idea - you can share the costs and the hassle • Keep the food simple and don’t over cater. Most children are too excited to have a big appetite. Limit the junk food and remember some children may be vegetarian or have a food intolerance • Sleepovers: come midnight, you’ll be regretting it... Planning ahead is KEY. Read our ‘been there, done that’ parent’s guide: go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk and type ‘successful sleepovers’ into the search box.
Another New Year, another birthday party to arrange. Thankfully we have just what you need – our jam packed and completely up to date Birthday Party Guide! You can also see this guide and loads of successful party suggestions we’ve gathered from parents at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk.
DANCE AND DRAMA PARTIES
The Drama Studio – Themed Children’s Parties Pick a theme and a drama teacher will organise your party. We can include interactive story making, games, music, dancing, sketches quizzes and much more. Some of our most popular themes are – Medieval, Space, Pirates, Witches and Wizards, Fairies, Jungle and Pop Stars – or we are very happy to design a party around your child’s special interests. Prices start from £80 + VAT. Any numbers can be catered for, ages 3 and upwards. Call 0131 453 3284
Dynam-nic Dance Does your child LOVE to dance? Whether it’s grooving to Beyonce or moonwalking like Michael Jackson! Whatever your favourite artist or songs may be, DNDance can provide a spectacular dance party for your child's birthday. Dynam-nic will dance and entertain for 1 and a half hours at the beginning of your party. We provide a variety of dance routines, challenges and dance games to your chosen music. Using a mixture of props and costume pieces along with flashing disco lights! All you have to do is decide the date, the time and the venue. You will need an open space such as a dance studio or a church hall, DNDance will provide the entertainment, while parents sit back and relax! For theme ideas please check out our website at www.dndance.co.uk. To enquire or book a party, email Nicky at nicky@dndance.co.uk
Rocking Rascals Rocking Rascals deliver dazzling, fun-filled parties uniquely tailored for you. Our fullytrained team of highly energetic and lively entertainers manage a whirlwind of games, party-tunes and dances, ensuring even the quietest children have the best of times. Our service includes invitations, colourful table settings, premium party favours and engaging activities which sets us apart from the average children’s event. The party begins with a mini makeover just to get us all in the party mood, and then we will groove away on the dance floor and play some fun games also. When we need a break we will move to the Birthday Buffet table and get our energy back for the big finale – the fashion parade/dance show. For more details, or to book your party, call Emma on 07818 687066 or email parties@rockingrascals.co.uk. www.rockingrascals.co.uk
Shimmy 'N' Shine Shimmy 'N' Shine – Belly Dance Birthday Parties - 2 Hour Fun for girls aged 9years+ From the comfort of your own home – a Shimmy’n’Shine Belly Dance Party Package includes two hours of fun with two short breaks, a performance by Zena herself to get the girls in the mood and, of course, a choreographed belly dance routine. Girls will dress up in vibrant colour coin belts, sparking bangles, stunning body gems and each girl will receive her own dazzling Glitter Tattoo. This is a fun and energetic party that will leave your girls shimmying all the way home!!! You supply the girls and I will provide an unforgettable party!!! To make this party a memorable one, the Birthday Girl receives her very own Belly Dance Performance DVD with a photo of all her friends to keep as a memento of her spectacular party!!! If you would like a Shimmy 'N' Shine party please contact Zena on 0774 626 0326 or email zena@shimmynshine.co.uk, Website: www.shimmynshine.co.uk
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Birthday Party Guide
Cramond Kirk Hall Rooms All Sizes for Parties & Events
Call 0131 312 6911 or 07979 795331 avennelle@hotmail.com
Why not pop in to paint some ceramics and let the children burn off energy in our soft play. We are the perfect venue for birthday parties, school outings, Cubs, Brownies and Hen parties. We have hundreds of ceramics to choose from for some painting fun and there is no need to book.
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Birthday Come and try your hand at jewellery, glass and clay making, general crafts and pottery painting Bring your imagination and we’ll have the rest! Available for parties, schools, playgroups and after school clubs See website for details on clubs & classes
Tel: 01506 238961 Email: chat@potteraround.co.uk or visit www.potteraround.co.uk
www.stinasparkles.net 07724814117
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ACTIVE/SPORTS PARTIES
Corn Exchange Kids love parties and there’s nowhere better than the Corn Exchange. No wonder we’re Edinburgh’s liveliest children’s party idea! Our bowling parties start with a full hour of bowling. All our lanes have retractable bumpers to stop the ball shooting down the gutter (max 6 children per lane). Then it’s either a choice of delicious stone baked pizza and chips or a succulent buffet feast. The Birthday child will receive a Birthday certificate and each child will receive a special goody bag to take home with them. Football Parties - every unique party kicks off with a full hour of football action on an indoor 3G pitch, at Edinburgh’s most state of the art soccer centre. During the match your very own party host will ref the game, organise the warm up and arrange a penalty shootout to finish. Then it’s on to our exclusive party room for a meal (see above). Each guest will receive a mini football and free game bowling voucher to take home. World of Football & Bowling, 10 Newmarket Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RJ. 0131 443 0404
David Lloyd Leisure Newhaven Harbour – 0131 554 5000 or Glasgow Road Corstorphine – 0131 316 2300
Enjoy-a-Ball Enjoy-a-Ball has been coaching children across Scotland for 13 years now. Since starting in Edinburgh, many thousands of children have enjoyed the benefits of the fun filled classes. "Gregor loves Enjoy-a-Ball, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for him – he’s a different boy. Thanks for all your efforts." This is just one of the comments from a parent that makes them proud of what they do. Why not have an Enjoy-a-Ball party. Call for details.07921 333050. www.enjoy-a-ball.com
enjoyleisure
A birthday celebration should always be one to remember, so make it an active celebration with enjoyleisure. enjoyleisure offers a variety of energetic party options in sports facilities across East Lothian. Brand new for 2012 – kids can quite literally climb the walls with a party held at the Climbing Wall in Tranent! Want to get wet? Create a splash by having a pool party. Choose from one of the five swimming pools, including Dunbar Leisure Pool complete with flume and wave machine. Or for the ultimate pool party you can hire an aqua run (a giant inflatable island which sits on the water)! If you’d rather stay dry, opt for a bouncy castle or trampolining party. Alternatively hire out the sports hall for a variety of indoor sporting activities. For younger children we offer exclusive use of the soft play areas, including Musselburgh Sports Centre’s multi-level Jamboree. There are party options suitable for children from 2 years right up to teenagers, and with a range of catering packages available, enjoyleisure guarantees to deliver a birthday celebration packed full of active fun! For more information visit www.enjoyleisure.com.
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Pottery Painting & Craft Studio
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Party Guide Midlothian Snowsports Centre Hillend, Biggar Road – 0131 445 4433
Party time with Edinburgh Leisure For more information please visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk
Rugbytots Rugbytots offer a party experience for children aged between 4 - 7yrs. Our parties involve a range of games to ensure all children (not just those with a like for rugby), have a most enjoyable experience. We start with a very active and fun group warm up, which is followed by games and activities which have been designed to ensure mass participation and enjoyment. Our parties are approximately 45-60 minutes long, and we strive to ensure the kids leave with a smile. All Rugbytot parties will be taken by an experienced coach. Cost of a Rugbytots party start from £75. Please email carl@rugbytots.co.uk for more details. Call - 0845 3133252
Socatots Edinburgh Football Parties Socatots provide Brilliant Birthday Parties for children from 3 Years - 10 Years, We can visit you at a local sports venue, comminity centre or church hall near you. Our football parties consist of 1 hours of fun with a full qualfied coach, playing specially designed fun football party games and competitions. Our Football parties also include: A Football party bag for every child who attends, Football Tablewear (Plates,Cups,Napkins, table cover) and football decorations. All this for £5.50 per child. Contact Jamie on email: J.smith@socatots.com or phone 07923 005534 for more information.
Tumble Tots Have a Happy Birthday with Tumble Tots Edinburgh West! Are you looking for a stress-free, affordable party that your kids and their friends will love? Look no further! April and her team have the experience and equipment to give your child a party they will never forget! Our parties run smoothly from start to finish and children are entertained, happy and looked after by three trained leaders throughout. We create a plan for each party suited to the age of the children attending and have had wonderful feedback from our many parties. “Thank you so much for Sara’s Tumble Tots party. It was very well run and the children all had a wonderful time. All the parents have said how great it was.” Anna, mum of Sara (age 3). For more information or to book please contact April on april.wallace@tumbletots.com or call on 07977 235 327 or 0131 336 1234.
Birthday MUSICAL PARTIES
Jo Jingles Children’s Parties Jo Jingles offers musical fun parties for babies and children of all ages up to 5 years, held at home or a venue of your choice. These lively parties include action songs, musical instruments, songs with a parachute, bubbles and other props and of course Jo Jingles will be there! We tailor each party individually and can fit in with your theme and include your child's favourite songs and instruments. Jo Jingles parties are fun and everyone can join in our familiar songs. But don’t just take our word for it, here is what a happy mum says! “party went really well and even kids that don't normally enjoy these types of activities joined in and had a ball! Big thank you again to Joanne as it was a brilliant day” Call Joanne 0131 443 4196 (West Edinburgh and West Lothian) or Susan 0131 620 3282 (East Edinburgh and Midlothian) or Leigh 01875 616607 (East Lothian and Borders)
Monkey Music The innovative and entertaining pre-school music group in Edinburgh, offers parties for babies and children up to 4 years. Every party is individually tailored to suit each separate occasion and always includes the same magical musical ingredients such as singing, dancing and playing percussion instruments. Your Monkey Music party leader will make sure that everyone has a really special day to remember! An hour of musical fun costs £95.00. alison.rankin@monkeymusic.co.uk (Edinburgh South) 0131 669 6004 rachel.huggins@monkeymusic.co.uk (Edinburgh North/West) 0131 260 9667 www.monkeymusic.co.uk
Music Bugs Music Bugs are available for birthday parties for boys and girls aged 1 – 5 years. Our parties are great fun and we can accommodate up to 20 children. We will plan every step of your child’s birthday session with you, making sure that all their favourite Music Bugs songs are props are included. Our parties cost £90 for up to one hour and the price includes party invitations, a small gift for the birthday child and a balloon and sticker for each party guest. For further information or to discuss planning your party, please contact Hilary on 0844 822 1156 or email hilary@musicbugs.co.uk . We look forward to celebrating with you and your child
OUTDOOR, ANIMALS AND CREEPY CRAWLIES
Almond Valley Heritage Centre Acres of fun and leave the tidying up to us! The birthday package costs only £ 8.50 per child for a minimum of 10 children. This includes a supply of birthday invitations, admission to Almond Valley and Mill Farm with free admission for all adults helping at the party, exclusive use of a party room for 2 hours with tape/CD player and party CDs and a choice of traditional or healthy eating birthday tea. Also tractor and trailer ride, disposable tableware, hooters, helium balloons and a badge plus a soft play session in "Morag's Meadow". We can also supply goody boxes for the children @ £ 3.00 each and various catering options for adults too, from a flask or tea/coffee to a cold buffet. Free parking and easily accessed off M8. Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. Call – 01506 414 957
Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World now hold Children's Parties on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10.30am and 1pm (or midweek depending on availability). Parties last a maximum of 2hrs, include use of the Party Room and a private talk, tour of the attraction and animal handling session for up to 20 children. Party Invitations, Bouncy Castle, Party Lunch Boxes, Personalised Luxury Cake, Party Bags and a sign displayed in our 17ft Burmese Python's tank can all be arranged as part of your party! For further information and costs or to make a booking, please e-mail info@edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk or call 0131 663 4932.
Edinburgh Zoo Are you looking for a truly unique birthday venue that will make the kids go wild? With party packages to suit every age, interest and budget Edinburgh Zoo is the answer. Each birthday party starts with a guided walking tour of the Zoo followed by a tasty lunch at our newly refurbished Jungle Café or Grassland Restaurant. Each child receives an invitation and party bag with Zoo themed items. You also have the option for the birthday boy or girl to be surprised with a delicious animal cake. Our party packages include entrance to the Zoo so you can make your party last all day; rates start from only £4.10 more than standard Zoo entrance price. Please call 0131 314 0336 to make an enquiry or booking.
Gorgie City Farm – 0131 337 4202
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Party Guide
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Birthday Party Guide Angel Designs – Beading parties We offer jewellery-making parties where children are shown how to make their very own beaded jewellery such as bracelets or necklaces. Children love choosing from our range of beads of all shapes, sizes and colours. Imagine how proud they’ll be to show you what they’ve made. And they get to take their creation home in a box which they’ve decorated. Plus they leave with a party bag. Little Angels parties are perfect for birthdays. Parties are suitable for children aged 5 years plus. A minimum of 6 children is required for each party. We hold the party in your home or we can travel to a venue of your choice. Classes are adjusted according to the level of the group and their interests. Children of all ages can enjoy our jewellery making parties. So for a stress free party contact either Justine 07933764731 or Lynn 07877149487 for more details or visit us www.angeldesignsjewellery.co.uk. Email info@angeldesignsjewellery.co.uk
art room 32 Arty Parties ! Creative parties for children who fancy something just a bit different. Parties for up to 10 children can be held here in the art room or alternatively, I can bring the arty fun to a venue of your choice in Edinburgh. Activities can be tailored to suit the birthday boy or girl and although I have put down a few ideas, the possibilities are endless! We can have a themed party (favourite animals/characters/books/films etc), make jewellery, keep-sake boxes, model-making, t-shirt printing, masks, decopatch animals, paintings....anything arty or crafty is possible. Face painting also available. Forget party bags! Your children will be making their own fantastic creations to take home as a memento of a great day. With full Disclosure in place, you can rest assured your own little creation is safe, happy and maybe just a little bit messy. 32 Madeira Street, EH6 4AL. For more information please call Louise: 0131 553 6798/07931 513 815. Email: info@artroom32.co.uk or check out website: www.artroom32.co.uk
The Ceramic Experience Ocean Drive, Leith – 0131 554 4455 The ceramic experience is the perfect venue for children's birthday parties –the partygoers can burn off energy in our soft play and ball pool, before painting ceramics to take home. Adults can join in the fun or chill out in our cafe area, and glass jewellery making is an option for over 10s. Parties start at £12 a head for 1 and a half hours of fun. We have 4 party slots per day 10.00 -11.30, 12.00 -13.30, 14.00 - 15.30 and 16.00 17.30 and we can cater for parties sizes from 6 to 30. Our party buffet consists of sandwiches, sausages, cakes, fruit and juice and we do all the clearing up afterwards - what could be better! All we ask if for a £20 deposit which is redeemable on the day and you will only be charged for the number of children attending on the day. *BOOK A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR ANY TIME IN 2012 AND THE BIRTHDAY CHILD WILL GO FREE WITH PRESENTATION OF THIS VOUCHER*
Doodle & Splat Give your child a party to remember with Doodle & Splat. We combine imaginative play and organised art & craft activities allowing your child and their friends to have great fun exploring their creative side, be it painting ceramic figures, making birthday crowns or having lots of messy fun. Parties can be customised to your individual child’s needs with lots of different options to choose from. By the end of the party all the children will all be able to take home their individual masterpieces - a wonderful lasting memory of the party! Doodle & Splat parties are designed for 2-7 year olds and will last for over an hour, where all materials, floor coverings, aprons and cleanup are provided. Parties can he held at home, in the garden (weather dependent!) or at a venue of your choice! For more details on our parties contact us at doodle@doodleandsplat.co.uk or 0794 282 5114
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CREATIVE PARTIES
Doodles Doodles offers a great party package in its Marchmont studio. Acrylic painted pottery such as miniature animals, picture frames and other ornaments can be taken home the same day at a cost of £10 per head. Items which need to be food safe, such as mugs or plates cost £11 per head and will be ready for collection or postage after 3 days. Doodles provides sweets and juice and parents may bring other party food and a birthday cake. Up to 25 children can be accommodated in the studio. Doodles is really a perfect destination for children of any age to come and party (from 1 upwards) Doodles host lots of 30th, 40th, 50th and even 90th Birthday parties for adults too!! You can also customise your party to suit your budget, for example they could all paint a door plaque or hand print tile for £6 a head. We are always happy to discuss your party ideas with you. We can also offer a take home party in a box kit. All birthday party bookings made in January/ Febuary with a deposit of £25 will be free of VAT! subject to availability. 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 1HQ. 0131 229 1399
Honey Pot Ceramics – Party Packages Parties can last from 1 hour to 2 hours,options include: Pottery Painting (Age 3+), Messy Play Party (Ages 1-5), Jewellery Party ( Ages 4+) PLUS: Cosmetic Party( Age 4+) We have a range of fabulous cosmetics which can be made to take home on the same day, including: Soaps, Bath Bombs, Lip Balm, Lip Gloss, Shower Gel and Bath Muffins. Pirate Party (Age 5+) Children can let their imagination run wild and decorate their own pirate ship or treasure chest with their own swashbuckling design! Prices from £10 per head (+ supplements where appropriate) non-refundable deposit required to secure your booking. We have dedicated staff to look after your party group, to make sure they have a fabulous time. Each Birthday package includes a personalised, decorated, ceramic plate which the birthday boy or girl can take home once their friends have signed it for them. Birthday Cake and food can be provided – details on request. Telephone: 0131- 333-6348. For further details: www.honeypotceramics.com
The Imagination Workshop Fun and original craft parties for children. There’s something to suit girls and boys of all ages -create a clock, decopatch an elephant, become a princess or a pirate, make a charm bracelet and much, much more! Prices start at £11 per head. Open seven days. Have your party in the workshop or let us come to you – we cover all Edinburgh and the Lothians. nicki@theimaginationworkshop.co.uk, www.theimaginationworkshop.co.uk. 136 Marchmont Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1AQ. 0131 466 0148
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SHIMMY ‘N’ SHINE BELLY DANCE BIRTHDAY PARTIES 2 Hour fun for girls aged 9yrs+ Why not party in style with this unique experience. Bring home – a flavour of the east with the most talked about dance craze. Shimmy N Shine Belly Dance Party package includes - a choreographed dance routine to Turkish music (English songs also an option). Girls will dress up in vibrant colour coin belts, various dance accessories and each will receive a dazzling Glitter Tattoo. This party is guaranteed to leave your girls shimmying all the way home...!!!! Plus the birthday girl receives her own Belly Dance Performance DVD/Photo of all her friends.
To book please contact Zena on 0774 626 0326 Email: zena@shimmynshine.co.uk, Website: www.shimmynshine.co.uk
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Fun, funky and educational arts & crafts classes for children. Painting, drawing, sculpture, model making and much more! Arty parties and holiday workshops also available 0131 553 6798 / 07931 513 815 www.artroom32.co.uk
Birthday Kiss the Fish Come along to Kiss the Fish Studios for a truly creative birthday party which guarantees that each child goes home with their very own masterpiece. New for 2012 we have Dr Who Themed parties! Ben Morris, illustrator for Dr Who Adventures will be here to show you how to make Dr Who masks using modroc - he'll also be able to answer all your questions about Dr Who - £14 pp Other creative parties are: Decopatch, Mosaics (ages 10+), Clay Modelling (ages 7+) in conjunction with Making Pottery and Felt-making (ages 7+). Call for prices. If you have a party idea of your own just contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate you –how about a paint your own portrait party ? We can host parties for up to 16 in our sunny, spacious studio in Stockbridge. You are welcome to bring along your own music, snacks and drinks to the studio – call us on 0131 332 8912 for more details. 9 Dean Park Street, Stockbridge, EH4 1JN. 0131 332 8912 www.kissthefishstudios.com
Little Princess Parties Little girls love dressing up – and now they can do it at Edinburgh’s most luxurious beauty studio. RBFY Beauty Studio has introduced Little Princess Parties, offering girls a fun package of nail art, hair styling and glitter tattoos. Anna Brown, founder of RBFY Beauty Studio, said “Many of my clients say their daughters love seeing their mothers nails painted with patterns, or the way they have done their hair. It is natural for young girls to admire their mothers and we thought it would be nice to offer them the chance to visit the studio, in a way which is innocent, fun and age appropriate” Parties are ideal for groups of up to twelve girls. They will also be treated to juice and sweets, and generally be pampered like all RBFY clients! “The best thing for the mums is that they can relax at the studio during the party, and maybe even enjoy a manicure.” Go to www.rbfy.co.uk or call 0131 226 2754 for prices and booking. 15 Frederick Street, Edinburgh.
Potter Around Potter Around’s countryside location just on the outskirts of Edinburgh is the perfect place for a party. Why not organise a pottery painting party on a theme - fairies and mermaids, animals, pizza parties and afternoon tea parties have all proved popular. The children can paint in acrylics and take their goodies away that day or paint in underglaze and leave them to be glazed and fired. The birthday boy or girl gets a lovely plate as a memory of the day. Other party options include: Arty Parties. Painting on canvas bringing out the Picasso in the party goers. Jewellery making. Choose from elastic or jewellery wire depending on the age. Fun Fimo parties - playing with the polymer clay and taking home your creations. Lip balm and bath salts party. Get your nails done too! Whatever party you choose, we promise to make it perfect. Party packages start at £10 a head which includes juice and snacks. We can also include face painting. Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8AH. 01506 238961
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Party Guide
All of this and more online at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Visit the site regularly for up to date news, events, competitions and offers. Follow us on Twitter too!
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Party Guide
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ENTERTAINERS AND HALLS
Beano the clown In my clowning, I use magic, music, juggling and balloon modeling. My shows are in one or two hours, for the under 5s or the over 5s. Children become the magicians, everybody participates, each child gets a balloon. The birthday boy gets a motorcycle with five balloons and the birthday girl a Tweety Bird on a perch. With the under 5s, we play two songs on the guitar, do magic with a puppet and finish with the balloons. In the two hour show, we play games after the magic and balloons. I also have a show for toddlers. I also have a theatre show and a street show, which is in the Festival every year. As seen on GMTV and Nickelodeon. I am a member of Equity and Clowns International and have a CRB check. Tel: 07948-070 569 Website: Beano.theclown.free.fr (without www)
Cramond Kirk Hall Cramond Kirk Hall is an excellent venue for all sorts of functions, especially children’s parties. Rooms are available for quiet receptions or wild ceilidhs, baptismal parties or functions celebrating a retirement, formal or casual but most commonly used to celebrate a youngster’s birthday. There is loads of space to burn off energy or to erect a bouncy castle in the Main Hall or have a more formal do in the luxurious Millennium Room. A commercial kitchen is available for the catering, crockery and cutlery is on site and there are loads of tables and chairs. Cramond Kirk Hall is easily accessed by bus and has a large car park for those who drive and is beside Cramond Village, River Almond and the Firth of Forth’s foreshore. Please contact Anthony Vennelle on 312 6911, 07979 795331 or avennelle@hotmail.com to discuss your requirements.
Flotsam and Jetsam Puppeteer and storyteller Ailie Finlay will come to your party wearing her famous ‘story dress’ covered in pockets. Watch as the delightful little home-made puppets and props come tumbling out of the pockets with all their stories and songs. Meet Little Red Riding Hood, a woolly mouse, a naughty chicken and Polly putting the kettle on! Lots of joining-in and special surprises for the birthday child. Gentle, fun, cosy entertainment especially aimed at the under-5’s. Visit our website at: www.flotsamandjetsam.co.uk or call Ailie on 07813 705 840.
LifeCare Edinburgh LifeCare Edinburgh has a number of rooms available to hire for the local community at their community centre based at Stockbridge House, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh. We have rooms ranging in size from small meeting rooms to large halls suitable all types of events, from children’s birthday parties to weddings. We also have a number of classes taking place in the centre including Zumba, Swing Dance classes, Yoga, Pilates, Tia Chi and many more. If you are interested in any information about the classes in the centre or if you would like to hire a room please contact support services on 0131 3430940 or alternatively email: supportservices@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk. LifeCare Edinburgh is a charitable organisation, Charity Registration number SC 012641. LifeCare Edinburgh provides care services for the local elderly community and specialises with care for the elderly who are frail or have dementia. Income generated from community room hire is used to underpin our care services.
Raymondo Bongo Real magic, puppets and balloon modelling. raycarse@live.co.uk. Call 01501 731191
Stina Sparkles Stina Sparkles- entertainments for your parties or events. We can provide DJ and Disco with all modern hits- kids tunes and even FULL Karaoke set. Professional Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos and Balloon Modelling. Each can be booked separately or choose our special 2h package that can even include a visit from mascot Sparky the Dog!! Fully insured, police checked and recommended. Call 07724814117 or www.stinasparkles.net or Find us on Facebook!
Birthday SOFT PLAY
The Amazone Soft Play at The Kabin, Loanhead Our purpose built jungle themed soft play area houses a three level play frame and toddler area, so your child and friends can celebrate their big day with us at The Kabin’s
Amazone soft play centre, enjoying 1 hour on the soft play followed by 45 minutes for food and unlimited squash in their own private play area. * Food and drink options starting at £6.50 per child * Exclusive use of the soft play for parties of 20 or over. * £25 additional payment to ensure sole use for parties under 20. We can supply invitations, cake and party bags too! Minimum party number 10; maximum party number 32, height restrictions apply. To book a party, please contact us on 0131 440 2541. Looking for something different? Other themed parties include Recording studio, Cinema, Bouncy Castle, & Disco parties. If you’ve got an idea, we can deliver!
Clown Around – Soft Play, Trampoline & Party Centre A fantastic family run venue to hold your child’s special day. Parties are our speciality but you can also just drop in for a play session, where children can run off some excess energy on our large trampolines, have fun in our large softplay climbing frame or have a quick chill out in our new sensory room. Even the little ones have their very own softplay area complete with mini trampolines, slides and ball pit. You will then have exclusive use of our large decorated party room (complete with music and disco lights) where the birthday child is treated like royalty, sitting on a throne with a tiara/crown. Your own party co-ordinator will ensure everything runs smoothly. Hot and cold food options available. Suitable for children up to 10 years, prices from just £6.50 per child (min 10 children). Parties last 1 hour and 45 minutes. Exclusive venue hire is available - Please call Julie on 07976053690 for further details. Open 7 days 10am - 5.45pm (last entry 4.45pm) 109, Restalrig Road, Edinburgh, EH6 7NY. Call 0131 553 7676 to book your party now. www.clownaround.me.uk
Gambado Fountainpark, Dundee Street, Edinburgh Gambado Edinburgh is the perfect location for a very special birthday party. We offer a host of packages to suit all age groups. All of our party packages include 80 minutes of play and 40 minutes in our fantastic party rooms with games, tricks and a yummy party buffet. We have just reinvested in training our party host teams to ensure that your party runs smoothly for you and is fun, fun, fun for the kids. Plus, after 2 hours of fun you can relax at home whilst we tidy up the mess! All of our packages include a party buffet, party host, online invitations, balloons and blowers for all children, thank you cards, gift for the Birthday child and additional extras such as themes and adult food to make the party extra special. AND NOW LOWER PRICES FOR 2012! For more information or to book at your convenience online please visit our website www.gambado.com/ edinburgh or call our friendly party bookings team on 0844 375 9494.
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Party Guide
25 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 70
Birthday Molly’s Play Centre Molly’s Play Centre is the perfect venue for any kid’s party. The friendly team of Molly’s helpers will provide your child and their friends with a party they can remember forever! Molly’s Soft Play Parties run on the hour from 10am through to 4pm (11am Sunday), and last around 1¾ hours. Parties can be for anything from 10 to 40 kids. Molly’s also offer Exclusive Hire and Laser Storm Parties. These are available at 10am on a Sunday and 6pm and 7pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. These parties a great if you want the whole place to yourself and it even means that even the adults can join in too! Molly’s have also recently introduced an exciting new party food menu providing your party with healthy and fun options to make your day extra special! All Molly’s parties include dippy platters, popcorn, party food, soft drinks, ice cream, invites and all your table ware, not to mention a special visit from the pooch herself, Molly the Dog! Top Floor, Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh. 0131 554 0102. www.mollysplaycentre.com
TimeTwisters Play & Party Centre Edinburgh’s award winning kids birthday party specialist, offering a range of party options that will ensure all guests have the “Greatest Fun in History”. We know what it takes to make your child’s party a delightful and memorable experience for everyone and your designated party host will be on-hand throughout the party to ensure that everything goes according to plan – meaning you can relax and enjoy the party as much as the children. NEW FOR 2012: Our Mid-Week Toddler Parties are a great way for even small groups to get together and enjoy a fantastic TimeTwisters Party – in fact, they are priced so low you don’t even need to wait until it’s someone’s birthday! Ultimate Laser-Tag Party. A monster two and a half hour extravaganza of fun and excitement incorporating sessions of soft play and Laser-Tag – your group even has exclusive use of the centre during the Laser-Tag games. Full details of all party options, availability and online party booking can be found at www.timetwisters.co.uk/party Or call 0131 308 2464 and speak with our friendly staff.
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Party Guide SOMETHING ELSE TO MAKE IT EXTRA SPECIAL….. CAKES, FOOD, PARTY BAGS AND DVD’S
The Gingerbread House I have been baking and decorating bespoke cakes and cupcakes for over 10 years. Catering for any occasion, using quality ingredients and free - range eggs each cake is baked and designed to your exact requirements with great attention to detail. A favourite character or a hobby themed cake works really well as a centrepiece, or try delicious moist cupcakes ( or mini cupcakes - perfect for younger children!) decorated with a simple design or with handmade detail. Working from home allows me to offer unique, personalised cakes at competitive prices. Just choose from traditional chocolate, vanilla, carrot or coffee sponge or try one of many alternative cupcake flavours such as Banoffee, Turkish Delight, Baileys or Peanut butter and jelly! A full list of flavours and photos are available on my website - www.thegingerbreadhouse.me.uk or call Julie Brown on 0131 444 2008.
Gulliver’s Toys Gulliver’s Toys is a little treasure trove for traditional toys and gifts, nestled in busy Bruntsfield. You will find everything you need for your special children’s party in their dedicated party area. They have carefully selected a good range of party invites, tableware, party bags, party bag fillers, small gifts and thank you cards and they can even help you create a themed party. See their extensive range of party bag fillers from their pick and mixed section where they have a large number of traditional gifts from under a £1. Their friendly and helpful staff are also on hand to provide some inspiration and help you choose the right gift for any party. They have traditional and educational toys and gifts ranging from £5 to £20 for boys and girls from birth to ten years. If it’s too cold to venture out then give them a call with your order or shop on line from the comfort of your home and collect in store or have them delivered. Gulliver’s Toys and Gifts, 165b Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4DG Tel: 0131 629 9424 www.GulliversToys.co.uk
Heavenly Tiers Joanna creates hand made bespoke cakes and sugar-craft for all occasions at her home based cake decoration business in Lasswade, Midlothian. All cakes are made by hand to order and for a heavenly taste we use quality ingredients including butter and free-range eggs. Our children’s cakes can be designed based on a theme, favourite character or toy. Cup Cakes are a great favourite for parties and can be individually packaged for party bags. Combination Cakes and Cup Cake towers add wow factor to a large celebration. See our website for more information. Heavenly Tiers serves Edinburgh and the Lothians. For further information please contact Joanna on: (0131) 663 8596 or visit www.heavenlytiers.co.uk
Liquid Gold Productions – Birthday Videos We distil the joyful spirit of a child’s birthday party into a two minute video. Our aim is to capture your son or daughter’s special day so the memories are yours to keep forever. We’ll be there to catch all those wonderful moments that you may miss as you’re swept along by the party. We utilise industry standard technologies for the post production process and we also use 1080p full HD recording. Angie, who runs Liquid Gold Productions and also works as a professional fine artist, feels that creativity and a keen eye for composition are as important as the equipment used. A package which includes two hours of filming, a day’s editing and supply of the video on DVD costs £155. The video is available on blu-ray or flash memory disk for a small extra charge. For further details ring Angie on 07887 615502 or visit www.angiebee.co.uk/video
Rosie’s Kitchen Party food doesn't need to be complicated or fancy. With the simplest ingredients you and your child can have fun creating amazing, mouthwatering home made food. • Popcorn, top hats and Krispie cakes are fun and easy to make together, as are crudites and a yummy dip. • Cut your sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters • Wow friends and family with beautifully decorated cupcakes - a few sprinkles, sparkles and a bit of imagination can impress the party goers and keep your child busy while you get on with the preparations for the big event. In addition to a wide selection of delicious home-made party food, Rosie's Kitchen now offers a wide range of bespoke, hand-made cakes and cupcakes to suit any party. Have a look on Facebook or at the website (www.rosies-kitchen.co.uk) for ideas, or contact Rosie to discuss your requirements. We now cater for gluten-, dairy-, nut- and egg-free diets. www.rosies-kitchen.co.uk 07575329955
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Come and BounCe around at edinBurgh’s
neWest trampoline, aCtivity & party Centre
unit 2-3, 109 restalrig road, edinburgh eh6 7ny tel: 0131 553 7676 www.clownaround.me.uk 26 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 70
All these events and more can be found on our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk While every care has been taken to compile the OUT AND ABOUT section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks ahead of the events. PLEASE call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out. If you have any events you would like listed free in this section please email them to editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk Saturday 7 January Explore the forgotten forest For Ages 0-2 and their adults: at 10.30am and 1pm 50 mins, £3 per child. These unforgotten forests adventures are run by Starcatchers resident artists and combine creative participation and interactive performance to explore forgotten forests themes with the under fours. John Hope Gateway, ~Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. To book phone 0131 248 2981.
Until Sun 19 Feb 2012, Admiral Cochrane, The Real Master and Commander. Free. 10.00 -17.00, (drop-in). Discover the true story of one of the world’s most adventurous seafarers, who inspired classic books and films such as Master and Commander, Captain Horatio Hornblower, and Mr Midshipman Easy. The inspiration came from the extraordinary life of one Scotsman, the naval officer Lord Cochrane, whose real story, his spectacular rise and fall – and rise again – is as incredible as anything in fiction. This is a rare chance to explore the authentic evidence of Cochrane’s life and times through an extraordinary collection of awards, personal possessions, private papers and dramatic paintings never seen together before. National Museum of Scotland All Sat and Sun in Jan and Feb Airfield Explorer Tours Free with admission. Adult £9.50, concessions £7.50, child £4 (under 5 free), family (2 adults and 2 children) £24, Members free. Hop on board our Airfield Explorer and listen to our guided tour which lets you find out even more about the history of East Fortune Airfield, now home to the National Museum of Flight. What was the airfields purpose? Can you spot the airship anchor block, air-raid shelter and blast shelters? Please ask staff on arrival for more information. National Museum of Flight, East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian EH39 5LF Daily 10:30-16:30 (drop-in) Explore Time: Imagine and Adventure Planet. Get the most out of our new family galleries. Staff in Imagine and Adventure Planet will help you and your family discover even more about the stories these galleries tell. National Museum of Scotland Daily 10:00 - 17:00 (drop-in) Discovery Zones Our Discovery Zones throughout the Scotland galleries really put you in touch with history. Are you strong enough to wear a Roman mail shirt? Can you fire a medieval catapult or fit a broken pot back together? National Museum of Scotland Every Wednesday, 10.30 (30 mins) Magic Carpet Free. Our magic carpet introduces little ones to some of the fantastic things to see and do in our museum. Join us as the carpet visits a different gallery each week for fun activities, stories and songs. See www.nms.ac.uk/families for details of how to take part. National Museum of Scotland
Saturday 7 January Super Shops and Towering Townhouses Either 10.30 am-12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30 pm. Make an amazing model shop or a tiny house and fill it with furniture and a tiny family inspired by images of life in the Old Town of Edinburgh. With Artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb. Booking is essential for the workshops, contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963 margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk. Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, 142 Canongate Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 January Plastics ‘R’ Fantastic 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Free. Join the Sustainable Communities Initiative to transform your empty plastic bottles into flowers, windmills, rockets and birdfeeders. Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Sunday 8 January Art Cart (Ages 3-12) 2-4pm. Free drop-in art activities for all the family led by artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Each month, there's something new to create inspired by different works from the collection or exhibitions. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Gallery Wednesday 11 January Explore the Forgotten Forest For ages 2 – 4 and their adults: at 10.30am and 1pm (50 mins). These unforgotten forests adventures are run by Starcatchers resident artists and combine creative participation and interactive performance to explore forgotten forests themes with the under fours. John Hope Gateway, ~Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. To book phone 0131 248 2981. Saturday 14 January Explore the Forgotten Forest For ages 2 – 4 and their adults: at 10.30am and 1pm (50 mins). These unforgotten forests adventures are run by Starcatchers resident artists and combine creative participation and interactive performance to explore forgotten forests themes with the under fours. John Hope Gateway, - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. To book phone 0131 248 2981. Saturdays 14 January Fancy a
Henna Tattoo with a Celtic Twist? (Ages 6+). 2-4pm. Are you
Sun 1 Jan to Sun 15 Jan The Sleeping
brave enough to have a mythical creature creeping up your arm or the head of a fierce bird squawking on your hand? Inspired by motifs from the work of George Bain: Master of Celtic Art. Scottish National Gallery
Free. Magic meets museum as you follow this treasure trail around the galleries, seeking out special objects from the story of The Sleeping Beauty. National Museum of Scotland
Portrait Detective for the afternoon! Collect your kit, follow clues and help solve the mysteries behind our portraits. Led by artists Paula Flavell and Duncan Robertson. Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Beauty Treasure Trail Scottish Ballet : Forty Winks. 10.00 – 17.00. Sunday 15 January Portrait Detectives! (Ages 3-12) 2-4pm. Become a
Lothian Dance Academy 2 Rosefield Ave Lane, Portobello and Gracemount Leisure Centre
Pre-school Ballet & Tap Modern Jazz & Tap Boogie Kids Streetdance/Hip Hop Musical Theatre Song & Dance RAD Ballet Grades to Advanced 2YRS - ADULT
Tel: 0131 669 9073 or Email
contact@lothiandance.com 27 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 70
All these events and more can be found on our Sunday 15 January Talking Trees Storytelling 2pm to 2.30pm & 3pm to 3.30pm. Free. Patrick Geddes Room, John Hope Gateway. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Tuesday 17 January Tiny Tales 10am & 11.30am (40mins). £6 per child. Age 6mths-2yrs. Enjoy Scottish songs and stories for the small in honour of Robert Burns, but watch out for the Loch Ness monster! With storyteller Claire McNicol. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk From 17th January Free sessions at North Edinburgh Arts Lyceum Youth Theatre: Discover (Tuesdays 5 – 5.30pm) Weekly drama sessions led by the Creative learning team will teach a range of skills Age: 9 – 12 yrs Urban Arts Outreach (Tuesdays 6 – 7.30pm) Street outreach that engage young people with the arts where they are at! Age: 10+ Arts Cool (Thursdays 5.30 – 7.30pm) Creative arts sessions with Muirhouse Youth Development Group Age: 12+ Saturday Dance (Saturdays 10 – 10.45am) Cool and funky dance class that combines hip-hop, pop and contemporary dance Age: 8 – 12 yrs Wee Arts (Saturdays 10 – 10.45am) Creative arts workshops for young children where they can have fun painting, making and drawing. Age: 5 – 8 yrs Saturday Arts (Saturdays 11am – 12noon) Creative arts workshops for young people where they can have fun painting, making and drawing. Age: 8 - 12 yrs Wee Dance (Saturdays 11am – 12noon) Cool and funky dance class that combines hip-hop, pop and contemporary dance Age: 5 – 8 yrs North Edinburgh Arts 15a Pennywell Court, Edinburgh EH4 4TZ Telephone: 0131 315 2151 Wednesday 18 January Explore the forgotten forest For Ages 0-2 and their adults: at 10.30am and 1pm 50 mins, £3 per child. These unforgotten forests adventures are run by Starcatchers resident artists and combine creative participation and interactive performance to explore forgotten forests themes with the under fours. John Hope Gateway, ~Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. To book phone 0131 248 2981. Wednesdays from 18th January Zoo Arts 4 – 5.30pm (50p) Contemporary arts workshops where participants can have fun creating, making and playing with different art materials Age: 8 -14yrs. North Edinburgh Arts 15a Pennywell Court, Edinburgh EH4 4TZ. Telephone: 0131 315 2151 Thursdays & Saturdays from 19th January Create 10am – 12noon (50p) Dropin creative and messy arts sessions for under 5s their parents and carers Age: 0 – 5 yrs. North Edinburgh Arts 15a Pennywell Court, Edinburgh EH4 4TZ. Telephone: 0131 315 2151 Saturday 21 January Oor Rabbie 4pm (1hr) 6+. Join Foolish Notion for the perfect introduction (or refresher!) to the life and work of Robert Burns. With live music, lots of participation and a witty storytelling style, discover the history of Scotland's famous bard through his best-known work – including Tam O'Shanter, Tae a Mouse and Address to a Haggis. Foolish Notion is Wendy Weatherby (cello) and Andy Cannon – one of Scotland's most acclaimed folk musicians and one of Scotland's finest storytellers working together to create a unique theatrical experience. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
Saturday 21 January Fancy a Henna Tattoo with a Celtic Twist? (Ages 6+). 2-4pm. Are you brave enough to have a mythical creature creeping up your arm or the head of a fierce bird squawking on your hand? Inspired by motifs from the work of George Bain: Master of Celtic Art. Scottish National Gallery Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd January Chinese
New Year weekend The Year of the Dragon.
Join us as we celebrate our Giant Pandas and all the Chinese animals at Edinburgh Zoo. Enjoy activities for children and adults. Learn Mandarin and discover all about Chinese Culture, take a calligraphy Photographer: Rob McDougall Info@robmcdougall.com workshop and listen to Chinese 07856 222 103 music and entertainment. Even make your own dragon! We’ll also have competitions, quizzes and lots more. Admission charges apply. Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 January Stories in the forgotten forest 11.30am to 1.45pm. Age 3+ Free. Cosy up in the forgotten forest den with the Botanics’ own Talking Trees Storytellers for an informal drop-in story session. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 January Stickman and the Winter Trees Age 5+ Free. Find out how easy winter tree identification an be when you know what to look for. Come and make your own stickman. Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sunday 22 January Bags of Art (Ages 3-12) 2.4pm. Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks. Led by artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish Gallery of Modern Art Sunday 22 January Super Sundays: Use Your Words! 12:00 – 16:30 (drop-in). Free. For one Sunday every month we’re going LARGE with FREE family fun! Join us in January for an afternoon of events with writers from the 26 Treasures project. You can find out more about 26 Treasures here. National Museum of Scotland Tuesday 24 January Catherine Wheels Theatre Company in association with Brunton Theatre: White. Tickets £6, £22 family of 4. A performance for 2 - 4 year olds from our award winning, internationally acclaimed, resident children’s theatre company. Created by Andy Manley. Welcome to the beautifully strange world of White. Full of birdsong and birdhouses, it gleams and dazzles and shines in the night. Two friends look after the birdhouses and make sure the eggs stay safe. The world is bright, ordered and white. But high up in the trees, all is not white. Colour appears. First red... then yellow... then blue... White is a playful show for very young children and is a perfect first time theatre experience. www.catherinewheels.co.uk. Box Office: 0131 665 2240 www.bruntontheatre.co.uk
Dance classes for both boys and girls from 18 months upwards.
Ballet • Tap Modern • Jazz
February Holiday Club 13th - 17th
FRIDAY CLASSES now held at Craiglockhart Tennis & Leisure Centre
Contact Nicky to book your
07545 551271
nicky@dndance.co.uk www.dndance.co.uk
28 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 70
website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Thursday 26 January Nappuccino, 10am - 11.30am, Duncan Place Resource Centre, Duncan Place (just of Duke St, Leith), Edinburgh, EH6 8HW Your ‘one stop’ event to meet all your real nappy needs. Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit. Parents will also be able to: • Place orders and buy new nappies from a range of manufacturers (in partnership with ‘Little Froggies’ an independent nappy retailer) • Buy great value second hand nappies • Buy nappy accessories A proportion of sales generated from all items will create income for the Real Nappy Project, to help to continue with the services provided. Saturday 28th January The National Childbirth Trust Edinburgh South Nearly New Sale. Craiglockhart Parish Church, EH14 1HS. (Craiglockhart Drive North) 10.00am-11.45am. High quality children’s and maternity clothes, toys and equipment including moses baskets, travel cots, real nappies, toys, pushchairs, highchairs, books, games, puzzles and lots more! NCT members early entry 9.45am Become a member at www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/home. Admission by donation. Other enquires: 08442436124/ email: mhairibagnall@hotmail.com Saturday 28 January Holy Corner Community Playgroup annual Burns Ceilidh . 2pm - 4pm at Christ Church hall on Morningside Road. As well as Ceilidh Kids leading the dancing there will be refreshments, our legendary homebaking, tombola and of course a fabulous raffle. Tickets cost £4 for children (under 2s free) and £2 for adults. Everyone is welcome so come along and join in the fun! For more information please call playgroup on 228 2768. Get your dancing shoes on. Saturday 28 January Burns Family Festival Day A fun-packed day for all the family! Interactive stories, music, song and laughter all inspired by Robert Burns. For friends from Scotland and all over the world! Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Saturday 28 January Burns in the City! 10.30am (1hr). £5/£3. 5+. Kicking off our Burns Family Day with a bang, join storyteller Tim Porteus and friends for a fun-filled morning of getting to know Rabbie as he travels into Edinburgh for the first time. Plenty of stories, songs, poems and laughter for all the family. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Saturday 28 January Rabbie as a Laddie. 2pm (1hr). £5/£3. 8+. What made Rabbie the way he was? Was Rabbie an awfu’ laddie? Where did his wonderful words come from? Join storyteller and puppeteer Sylvia Troon for an interactive session of stories and fun. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Saturday 28 January Tiny Puppet People. Make your very own finger puppets, creating your own characters, then act out your play for all to see. 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Free. Suitable for ages 5+; please note that children may not be left unattended. Drop in session - booking not required. Museum of childhood Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January Big Garden Birdwatch 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Go to the Botanics and the RSPB will tell how you can be a record breaker by taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch. Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Age 5+. Free Sunday 29 January Meet the
Ancestors: Winter Stargazing
(Ages 3-12) 2pm, 2.40pm & 3.20pm. The stars are our cosmic ancestors. Join us beneath the glittering ceiling of the Great Hall and hear myths and tales inspired by the northern constellations. Scottish Portrait Gallery Tuesday 31 January – 4 February Swallows and Amazons. An action-packed musical adventure for the whole family, Swallows and Amazons is a story of an idyllic era, of endless summer evenings and the beauty of youthful imagination. Box Office: 0131 529 6000 Book Online: www.fctt.org.uk.
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All these events and more can be found on our Thursday 2 February (to15 April) Scottish Science On Your Plate Find out more about Scotland’s food science and RBGE’s Edible Gardening Project at this informative exhibition. John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh All ages. Free. Saturday 4 February Decorative Printing. Either 10.30 am-12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30 pm. Drawing inspiration from all the patterns in the collection, create your own relief prints using Styrofoam. With Artist Morag Macdonald Booking is essential for the workshops, contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963 margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk. Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, 142 Canongate Sunday 5 February Art Cart (Ages 3-12) 2-4pm. Free drop-in art activities for all the family led by artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Each month, there's something new to create inspired by different works from the collection or exhibitions. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Gallery Thursday 9 February Ballet West: Swan Lake 7.30pm. Tickets £10.75 (£8.75) £6 under 18s. Using Tchaikovsky's stirring score and a moving adaptation of the original choreography, the dancers of Ballet West tell the story of the love of a young man for the cursed Odette, who is destined to spend her life as a swan, unless true love can release her from the spell of the evil Von Rothbart. Box Office: 0131 665 2240 www.bruntontheatre.co.uk
Saturday 11 February The Story Kist: Inclusive Storytelling 11am (1hr). £5 - Family ticket £16 (4 people). All Ages. As the days get lighter join us for stories of sunshine, star-shine, moonshine and candle light. Interactive stories and games for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers. A chance to share experiences with lots of fun for everyone! With storytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February Fantastic Forests 1pm to 4pm. Age 5+. Free. Meet staff from Forest Research and Forestry Commission Scotland and enjoy lots of hands-on activities. Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sunday 12 February Portrait Detectives! (Ages 3-12) 2-4pm. Become a Portrait Detective for the afternoon! Collect your kit, follow clues and help solve the mysteries behind our portraits. Led by artists Paula Flavell and Duncan Robertson. Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Portrait Gallery 14th February Happy Valentines Day! Tuesday 14 February Free Valentine’s Fun For All The Family Fall in love with recycling at the waste education cabin! • Make Valentines cards and presents for your loved ones • Meet the bugs and beasties that love to live in the compost heap • Have a fun packed day of competitions, prizes and recycled freebies. 11 – 3pm Seafield Community Recycling Centre, Filyside Road, edinburgh EH7 6RD. 0131 469 5070 or email wasteaction@edinburgh.gov.uk Tuesday 14 February Unpacked Theatre: Robin and The Big Freeze 11am & 2.30pm. £6.50, £24 family of 4. With suitcases and sat-navs, the birds are getting ready to leave town. Robin remains; he's got lots to do like tweeting at anyone who comes near his patch and digging for worms. But the snow is on its way and lots of it... is everyone ready for the big freeze? Recommended for families and anyone aged 4+. Box Office: 0131 665 2240. www.bruntontheatre.co.uk Tuesday 14 February Tiny Tales 10am & 11.30am (40mins). £6 per child. Age 6mths-2yrs. "Love is a comforting wave or a hug. Love is a noo-noo, a sniffy, a snug. Love is memory wrapped in a jug… Time to get The Love Bug!" Bring love to share in this cosy session with storyteller Maria Cairnie for little ones to get interactive with tales. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
11 February 2012 - 27 May Fascinating Mummies Adults £9, concessions £7.50, child £6, family (2 adults and 2 children) £26. Members free. Mummies is an unmissable exhibition which will feature treasures from the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, world famous for its Egyptology collections. Displayed alongside objects from our own important collections it will provide a unique chance to explore the complex rituals surrounding death and afterlife in Ancient Egypt. This will be the only opportunity to see this intriguing exhibition in the UK. To book tickets visit www.nms.ac.uk/mummies or call 0300 123 6789. To avoid queues, tickets are available in timed slots.
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Thursday 16 & Friday 17 February Caddie Capers (Age 5+) 11am & 2pm Join Mac-A-Story and Edinburgh World Heritage for a fun-filled storytelling trip back in time to Georgian Edinburgh. Scottish Portrait Gallery Thursday 16 February Greyfriars Bobby. 11am (45mins). £6 per child. 4-8 yrs. Storyteller and puppeteer Poppy Browne takes us on a playful adventure into the times of Greyfriars Bobby, through the eyes of Nelly the Victorian maid. Puppet fun for all the family in the mid-term break! Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Friday 17 February You and Me…to the Sea…! 10.30am (40mins). £5/£3. 7+. Scottish tales and songs of the sea with Lea Taylor and Heather Yule. Meet selkies, changelings and talkative fishermen on an unforgettable voyage of adventure. Funded by Enterprise Music Scotland. www.emusicscotland.co.uk. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street. www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
Wednesday 22 February, Nappuccino, 1.00pm - 2.30pm, Blackhall Library, 56 Hillhouse Road, Edinburgh, EH4 5EG. Informal, free sessions where parents can pop in for a cuppa and a chat about real nappies and see the various nappy options on offer. Parents will be able to speak to others currently using real nappies for practical advice and information.
Saturday 18 February, Mrs Doig’s City of Genius (Age 5+) 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm. Join Mrs Doig as she reveals gossip about the characters of Enlightenment Edinburgh, and discover the essential etiquette required for mixing with the great scientists and philosophers. Supported by Edinburgh World Heritage. Scottish Portrait Gallery
Thursday 23 February, Nappuccino, 10am - 11.30am, Duncan Place Resource Centre, Duncan Place (just of Duke St, Leith), Edinburgh, EH6 8HW New, Improved Duncan Place Nappuccinos Your ‘one stop’ event to meet all your real nappy needs. Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit. Parents will also be able to: • Place orders and buy new nappies from a range of manufacturers (in partnership with ‘Little Froggies’ an independent nappy retailer) • Buy great value second hand nappies • Buy nappy accessories A proportion of sales generated from all items will create income for the Real Nappy Project, to help to continue with the services provided.
Saturday 18 February LGBT Families Day: Storytelling for Children 2pm (1hr). £5. 5-8yrs. Join the Scottish Storytelling Centre and LGBT Youth Scotland for an afternoon of storytelling, aimed at 5-8 year olds, but younger and older children are welcome. The afternoon will explore the diverse makeup of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families in a child friendly way. The storyteller facilitating these events has worked with LGBT Youth Scotland to create stories that reflect how LGBT families are created and what makes them so special. This event is open to all children, not just those from LGBT families. Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk
Saturday 25 February National Costumes from across the world Looking at the dolls in the gallery we will make a wardrobe of costumes for a special paper doll. 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Free. Suitable for ages 5+; please note that children may not be left unattended. Drop in session - booking not required. Museum of Childhood Sunday 26 February Meet the Ancestors: Rebellious Rogues and Drama Queens (Ages 3-12) 2-4pm. Jump into the world of the Stuarts using costumes, props and lots of imagination. Scottish Portrait Gallery
Sunday 19th February The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am – 1.30pm 50 stalls bursting with quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs). Meadowbank Leisure Centre, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 7AE. www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Sunday 19 February Talking Trees Storytelling 2pm to 2.30pm & 3pm to 3.30pm. Come and enjoy a storytelling session. Patrick Geddes Room, John Hope Gateway, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Age 5+. Free Sunday 19 February Bags of Art (Ages 3-12) 2.4pm. Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks. Led by artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish Gallery of Modern Art one
Book now for Thursday 15 – Saturday 17 March Beauty & the Beast. Discover the magic that can happen when you look beneath the surface with Northern Ballet’s new Beauty & the Beast at Edinburgh Festival Theatre. A handsome Prince is transformed into a Beast as punishment for his ugly arrogance. Only true love can break the spell – but who could love a monster like him? As this classic story unfolds in an enchanting world inhabited by fairies, sprites and goblins, we discover that beauty is more than skin deep. As breathtaking dancing is accompanied by an infectious score including music by SaintSäens, Bizet, Debussy and Glazunov, played live by the Northern Ballet Sinfonia Beauty & the Beast is set to delight adults and children alike as Northern Ballet brings a new magic to this timeless fairytale. Edinburgh Festival Theatre. Performances: Evenings 7:30pm, Matinee: Sat 2:30pm. Box Office: 0131 529 6000 Book Online: www.fctt.org.uk. Tickets: £12 - £32
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