Category Archives: Parenting

Parenting is Not a Spectator Sport

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Dear readers: rant alert.

Sitting in a cafe I am trying to relax but I cannot. There is a group of older women staring and talking about me and my two young children. Occasionally they point or make a gesture. I am fuming. Who the hell do they think they are? A few weeks later the same thing happens. And then again, and again. You see, there are people who think that a women (or even a man, I am sure) taking care of her children, or, God Forbid, relaxing while they play with a toy or colour in, is a spectator sport. Some kind of zoo animals to watch and make comments about. If it has been an isolated incident it would have been fine. Just a table full of rude women who think they can loudly talk about us and stare. The entertainment of the afternoon. Do not get me wrong. People are not always being insulting. They are mentioning how cute the children are, talking about what they are doing. Asking questions or talking about their own experiences. But that does not make it okay. We are taught at a young age that staring is rude, because it is. We are taught at a young age that talking about people is rude. As is pointing at people. So why do people think they have carte blanch when it comes to little children and their parents?

I remember being on holiday once when the two women at the next table made nasty comments all through our meal that our baby son should be in bed. It was 7pm and the first day of our holiday. When they had finished their food they came over and cooed over my infant son. Making nice comments and saying he was gorgeous. This after bitching for hours and ruining our meal. Once in the Waitrose Cafe I had two women turn their chairs around to stare at us. I was enjoying myself and my children were behaving. A rare moment of peace. I gave them an evil look, downed my drink and left. Full of rage. Being a parent is hard. Any downtime that is taken from you feels like a theft.

We seem to live in a world where it is becoming harder for people to mind their own business. The truth is: I am sick of being nice to these people. I have been so British about it and just ignored it. Occasionally I have given a look at the very rude people. The ones who do not get the message. Being the bigger person is emotionally and physically draining. So I think that the next people who want to stare at my family and/or make comments will be told where to go. Only when people get called out on their behaviour do they think about what they are doing. Hell, they may even change and become more polite. It is worth a chance.

Has this ever happened to you?

How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results Esther Wojcicki

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Being a parent is complicated – but the trick to succeed is simpler than you think.

It would be an understatement to say that parenting is hard. It is, by far, the hardest thing I have ever done. It is also the most wonderful and rewarding. But that is another story. I was interested when How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results by Esther Wojcicki arrived at Frost HQ. I do not tend to read parenting books. This one comes with some good credentials. Esther Wojcicki- known as Woj- has three wildly successful daughters: YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, 23andMe Co-Founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki and Fulbright Scholar and professor of Paediatrics at UCSF Janet Wojcicki. So far so impressive. Woj is a teacher and has taught many children to reach their full potential. She is certainly well-connected and a lot of what she says is spot on. Woj says that we tend to parent the way we were parented. Making the same mistakes as our parents is damaging to our children. We need to learn how to break the cycles of negativity and bad parenting. How To Raise Successful People is a brilliant book. It should be on the bookshelf of every parent. That does not mean I agree with it all. Woj thinks it is easy to put children to sleep. It is not, and if she disagrees she can come and take care of my daughter for a couple of nights. She also says people should stay married. Even forgiving infidelity. I think staying in a bad marriage is more harmful to children than getting divorced. We have come a long way from women having to stay in bad marriages because they have no rights and no freedom. That said, I did find so much excellent stuff in this book that I do not mind the occasional disagreement. Such is life, after all.

There are no Nobel Prizes for parenting or education, but if there were, Esther Wojcicki would be the bookies’ favourite. Known as the Godmother of Silicon Valley – or simply Woj – Esther’s three daughters have all gone on to huge success in their professional fields and, more importantly, their personal lives. What’s her secret?

As we face an epidemic of parental and childhood anxiety, Woj has the advice every parent wants to hear: climb out of that helicopter and relax.

Her tried and tested TRICK system will help you:

· Let your child discover their own passions
· Move on from past parenting mistakes
· Build rock-solid foundations for a lifelong relationship
· Be brave enough to give your child freedom
· Work with your children, not against them
· Set healthy relationships with technology

Your children are the future. If you change your parenting, you can change the world.

How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results by Esther Wojcicki is available here.

Frost Loves Grin & Bear Queenie Bear

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Nothing beats a cuddly bear. London company Grin & Bear creates the ultimate cuddly accessory with a stunning variety of patterns and materials. The bears ooze flair and originality and are now stocked in Liberty and selling all over the world. 
We love Queenie. A gorgeous 100% cotton bear covered in red love hearts. Queenie costs £69.00 and is handmade in England. 

The name Queenie is an affectionate use of the term queen – and is thought to have derived from the Old English word ‘cwen’, meaning ‘woman’

www.grinandbearlondon.com

Skinny Legs Toss by Hape

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I must admit that when I received this game I didn’t think my little testers would be occupied for long. How wrong could I be!

They absolutely loved it – all four of them, aged from 2 – 6. The play value was enormous and totally unexpected – on my part anyway. As with all Hape toys it is beautifully made and simple to assemble. The two roller feet quickly snap into the circle of the web. A quick share out the twelve brightly coloured spiders among the four players and you’re ready to play.

Players take it in turns to throw the spiders and try and keep them on the web. This is not as easy as it sounds. Some drop to the floor, others cascade down string by string, others dangle precariously – will they fall or won’t they? The whole thing caused great excitement and lots of squeals as yet another spider bit the dust.

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The little one enjoyed stacking the spiders on top of each other. All the children soon discovered that if they took their time the spiders could be balanced on all four feet and set in patterns around the table. It was played outside and inside, on the table and on the floor. An unexpected but delightful thumbs up for this one.

 

Skinny Legs Toss is £21.99 from Amazon

Ergobaby Introduces New Omni 360, The Ultimate, All-In-One Baby Carrier

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baby sling, baby carrier, ergo, Ergo, floral, limited edition

I love baby carriers. I do not know how I would have got through parenting without one. The comfort and closeness it gives you with your baby is amazing. It is also perfect for convenience. Put a grumpy or crying baby in a sling and you can do what needs done. Ergobaby have the new Omni 360 and I could not be more of a fan. You can carry baby in any position. It is comfortable and easier on your back and hips than other baby carriers I have used. It is well designed and looks great too. To top it off, Ergobaby have a new limited-edition print range Flores, in collaboration with established designers French Bull NYC. It is so stylish and gorgeous. I am now a huge fan of Ergobaby and their baby carrier. So much so that it is the first product to receive the new Frost Magazine Gold Standard. The highest recommendation we can give. High praise indeed. NEWBORN TO TODDLER. ALL CARRY POSITIONS. Award-winning baby carrier brand Ergobaby, designer of premium ergonomic baby carriers, is launching its newest innovation, the OMNI 360 Baby Carrier!

Ergobaby has listened to parents from all over the world, and worked with babywearing educators and doctors to develop the new OMNI 360. TheErgobaby OMNI 360 is an all-in-one baby carrier, designed for the ultimate baby and parent comfort, as well as ease of use.

As Ergobaby’s most versatile carrier yet, it offers four carry positions and enables parents to quickly and easily switch baby to face out, or in while on the move. The OMNI 360 Baby Carrier adjusts from newborn to toddler (7-33lbs), without the need for an infant insert.

Like each product in the Ergobaby range, the new Ergobaby OMNI 360 supports baby in a hip-healthy “M” shape position, at all stages and in all positions including outward-facing. Additional features include lumbar support waistbelt, extra cushioned, crossable shoulder straps, and a large, detachable storage pouch.

Key features of the Ergobaby OMNI 360 Carrier:
• Flexibility: Accommodates all carry positions: front facing parent, front facing out, hip, and back
• Adapts to baby’s growth: Newborn to toddler (7-45 lbs / 3.2-20 kg), no infant insert needed

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  • Exceptional comfort: Longwear comfort with lumbar support waistbelt and extra cushioned shoulder straps, crossable for a snugger fit and easy adjustability. Cushioned, adjustable head and neck support for baby
  • Ease of use: Easily switch baby to face out or face parent
  • Ergonomic design: Supports baby in a hip-healthy “M” shape position at allstages and in all positions. Acknowledged as a “hip healthy” product by theInternational Hip Dysplasia Institute
  • Everyday convenience: Includes a new large detachable pouch forstorage, and a tuck-away baby hood for sun protection (UPF 50+) andprivacy, e.g. for easy and discreet breastfeeding
  • Premium quality: 100% Premium Cotton and machine washableThe new collection is available available in four colors: Pure Black, Pearl Grey, Midnight Blue and Khaki Green from July 2017 from www.ergobaby.co.uk: RRP £154.90

Why Choose Babywearing?

Allowing parents to keep babies safe, comfortable and happily in close contact, babywearing has numerous physical and emotional benefits for babies’ development.

Babies are carried for nine months when parents are pregnant but when baby is born, it’s a whole new world for them. Luckily babywearing reinstates that closeness again, while also providing numerous benefits to development, both physically and emotionally. The first few months after birth is called the ‘fourth trimester’ – and for good reason, as little ones need parents more than ever as they make the transition into the world.

Babywearing allows parents to build a stronger bond between child and parent. The closeness stimulates a beneficial hormone production (Oxytocin), which results in a more intimate parental bond.

Babywearing also adds a whole new level of convenience – parents simply need place their little one in the carrier and go! This means parents can boost bonding anywhere, at anytime.

The Top 8 Benefits of Babywearing:

• Strengthens the bond between parent and baby, as you maintain a closeness throughout your day, especially during the ‘4th trimester’.

  • Aids in baby’s development, both physically and emotionally – a carried baby is generally calmer thanks to all of her primal/survival needs being met.
  • Allows breastfeeding to be done on the go, and discreetly too, if you want to be covered up. As an added bonus, breastmilk production is also boosted with close contact with baby.
  • Allows parents or caregivers to be ‘hands-free’ while baby is in the carrier and promotes exploring, discovering and navigating safely and easily, without having to maneuver a stroller. Parents are able to #CarryOn exploring life’s adventures – big and small.
  • Promotes early language development. Babies learn by watching faces and babywearing puts little one at conversational height.
  • Allows parents to see more of the world through baby’s eyes. And babies get to discover their new world from the safety and comfort of their parents’ body.
  • Fosters a closeness through toddlerhood. Toddlers can be worn too, reminding them of their ‘home base’, and allowing that bond to continue as they grow.
  • Babywearing takes babies back to their safe place and reminds them that we are ‘home’. With babywearing, love carries on.

The Ergobaby Omni 360 Flores is available here.

Frost Loves: Baby Shark Plush Toys

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baby shark, baby shark toys, baby shark songWe love these Baby Shark plush toys. They are cute and play the song. Children love them. Get some quick!

The new Pinkfong Baby Shark toys from WowWee are extremely popular and brilliant gifts for fans! A top 10 hit song in the UK, Baby Shark’s popularity has reached new heights with Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott celebrating Stormi’s first birthday with a lavish party and a live performance by Baby Shark. See Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott dancing with Stormi to Pinkfong Baby Shark 
PINKFONG BABY SHARK, DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO DOO PLAY WITH ME! 
The Pinkfong Baby Shark song is the global sensation with over 2 Billion views and a top 10 charts hit in the UK!.Eagerly awaited by young children across the nation, WowWee’s new toy range brings the Pinkfong Baby Shark family into the home in a super soft and cuddly way.

The stackable, collectible Pinkfong Baby Shark Family song cubes, iconic Baby Shark song dolls and Baby Shark Fingerlings are bound to be a hit with fans! Squeeze them to hear the Pinkfong Baby Shark song and squeeze again to silence or play with them for fun reactions.

Baby Shark Singing Plush – £15
Cuddle up with Pinkfong’s Baby Shark Talking 25cm Plush! Baby Shark sings an extract from the hit YouTube sensation, the Baby Shark song!
Sing along and move to the music! Squeeze once to play the music and squeeze again to silence. Choose from Baby Shark, Mummy Shark and Daddy Shark. A great gift for ages 2 and up.

Baby Shark Family Sound Cubes – £7
Sing along with Baby Shark Family Sound Cubes. Sing along and move to the music! Squeeze once to play the Baby Shark song and squeeze again to silence. Complete the set with Baby Shark, Mummy Shark and Pinkfong. A great gift for ages 2 and up.

Available at thetoyshop.com

 

 

The Hape Robot Factory Domino Set Review

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My children loved this interactive domino set. It is unique and gives hours of fun. Smart and original, it builds lots of different skills.  We highly recommend it. A brilliant toy. 

 

Sure to be a big hit amongst both parent and child, take the domino phenomenon that one step further with this thrilling Domino Robot Factory from Hape, suitable for 4 Years +. Jam packed with a series of additional fun and interactive elements including; tipper car, crazy ball track, tipper arm and ramps help form an exciting robot themed production line to add plenty of drama and spectacle.

With the Robot Factory Domino Set use stored energy to catapult the wooden ball into the air, motor along the double sided track before momentum travels through the spinning arm. With the end in sight watch as the finishing flag begins to fly, that’s just one suggestion of ways to play. With no instructions or rule book to follow the build is in your hands, with each creation is sure to result in a different outcome.

 

Surprise awaits round every corner with this fantastic Domino set. As momentum builds through the course helps to introduce children to the concept of potential energy, momentum and gravity, as well as understanding the principles of (STEM) Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics learning.

 

Beautifully crafted from the highest quality natural materials Hape are proud to use only water based paints, tested rigorously to ensure that customers get the best value for money and quality in their toys. So what better example than Hape’s very own Domino set.

The Robot Factory Domino Set is available to buy online for £49.95 from Wicked Uncle.

 

KEEPING IT PIN-TASTIC WITH LITTLE ONES

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It’s a fine line –  bulking out your home with toys that keep the little ones thriving without completely destroying that minimalist, Scandi styled space. We’ve pulled together our top three places to buy brilliantly inspired yet beautiful toys for little ones – meaning your house is still perfectly Instagrammable and you have a happy camper in the mix!

 

Hape

The selection of wooden toys from Hape are a firm Frost favourite. Retro in appearance but advanced in stimulation for little ones, you get the best of both for a modest price. Our personal favourites are the gorgeous pound and tap bench, the rotating music box and most of all… the SOLAR SYSTEM JIGSAW. A jigsaw of beautiful colours that will, when done right, look like a purpose built mosaic in your living room. Check out the Hape site for more details.

       

After Noah

This family run business is cuteness to the core. Packed with traditional looking toys, its box of ABC building blocks and wooden jungle animals will help with your little one’s learning AND your house still looking like a Pinterest board – winner!

 

Mulberry Bush

Dancing alligators, Mr Mushroom hammer pegs and Bernie’s Ride On Bus are three of our favourites from Mulberry Bush. The site features tonnes of brands which are playing in this space and is dedicated to retro looking wooden toy which are BEAUTIFULLY crafted.