Tag Archives: Children

Review: Grimm Tales, Chichester

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Grimm Tales – For Young and Old
Adapted by Philip Wilson
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre at the Cass Sculpture Foundation, Goodwood
Until 19 August

Photo credit: Johan Persson

If you go down to the woods today… Just when it seems impossible for Chichester Festival Youth Theatre (CFYT) to achieve any greater heights they come along and smash it of the park. The sculpture park, in this instance.

The Cass Sculpture Foundation is the perfect setting for Grimm Tales. Woodland paths, tree-lined hollows and sheltered clearings provide a series of glorious natural stages. Greeted by a raggle-taggle band of minstrels beckoning us into the woods, the music throughout is evocative, catchy and haunting. All members of the Youth Theatre, these young troubadours are exceptional and add greatly to both the charm and continuity of the production.

Starting with Little Red Riding Hood and followed at different locations by Hansel and Gretel, Hans My Hedgehog, The Goose Girl at the Spring, The Three Snake Leaves, Rapunzel and The Juniper Tree, these yarns are grim indeed. Adultery, murder, child abduction, cannibalism – Mr Disney may have prettied some of them up for the big screen, but in their original form these fairy tales offer no trace of saccharine sparkle or Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. Marvellously dark, but not without humour, Philip Wilson’s adaptations are magical, mysterious and utterly spellbinding.

Under the skilful direction of Dale Rooks the acting is uniformly superb. Remaining totally in character even when leading the audience from location to location, even those in minor roles demonstrate the discipline and focus of seasoned professionals. It would be grossly unfair (and almost impossible) to single out any one performance.

Testament to the excitement and enrichment of the experience, the smiles of the cast at the curtain call are wider than that of Grandma’s wolf. With satellite groups across the county, West Sussex children are so lucky to have CFYT available to them. Especially at a time when funding cuts threaten to hack drama and the arts down to almost nothing in some schools.

Ably supported by members of the Technical Youth Theatre, as darkness fell there wasn’t a star in the sky to outshine this supremely talented company.

Tickets: 01243 781312 www.cft.org.uk
There is no parking at the sculpture park, but a highly efficient system of park-and ride coach transport is in operation from Chichester College.

Hape Discovery Spaceship Review

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Hape’s Discovery Spaceship review Hape’s Discovery SpaceshipMy son has far too many toys so I try to resist doing reviews. Unfortunately I am a soft touch and when I see something amazing that I know he will love I cannot help myself. Which is how we came to review the Hape Discovery Spaceship. First of all, it has everything you expect from Hape: it is beautifully crafted from birch wood, is environmentally friendly, and it is high quality. It is not only hours of fun, but develops hand-eye coordination at the same time.

The spaceship has great detail, and lots of it. It has four different stages of creative play, as well as a lift-off rocket for endless, imaginative fun.

hapediscoveryspacecentrereview hapetoy hapespaceshipreview

The spaceship also comes with lots of great figures and objects. There is 2 astronauts, an alien, a working treadmill, a bed, and a flag among other details. Everything is crafted with excellence.

This is a brilliant and educational toy that will fire up any imagination. It gives hours of fun play. Both my son and I are huge fans. We love it.

 

Minimal assembly is needed to build this masterpiece, it contain only 3 upright panels, 4 shelves and 1 rocket module to build. It is not hard at all, but lots of fun. Designed just like a real space shuttle children can prepare, launch and arrive at any destination.

This otherworldly set even includes characters to play along and share the experience with. Your child can engage with a robot, make friends with an alien or explore alongside the 2 astronaut figures. With a range of friendly characters, your child’s fun will never end. To make the Discovery Spaceship even more realistic, Hape have paid attention to detail, adding elements such as a: treadmill, bed, working elevator, flag and multiple pieces of laboratory equipment. There’s even a fold out solar panel to play on, alongside a moon crater and vehicle carrying oxygen tanks, elevating your child’s imagination.

This 37-piece set is a must have for any aspiring astronaut or adventurer. Children 3 years upwards can enjoy the Discovery Spaceship while parents can be assured it complies with international safety and quality standards, making sure your children have only the best.

Prepare your child for blast off and introduce them to the Discovery Spaceship, for endless out of this world play.

The Hape Discovery Spaceship measures 74 x 47.8 x 47.8cm and is £86.99 from Argos.

 

Humanitas Announces A New Season Of Diddy Rascals Fun

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Humanitas Announces A New Season Of Diddy Rascals FunThe Family Friendly Raves Return To Raise the Roof AND Raise Money for Family, Healthcare and Education

 

Big beats for tiny feet are back, as a new season of Diddy Rascals events are launched for 2017, with the exciting addition of Diddy Rascals Movies, and a festival.

Launched in 2016 by former Ministry of Sound alumni and now part of the charity Humanitas all Diddy Rascals events are not for profit, helping Humanitas provide long-term, professional support to individuals in areas of devastating poverty around the world.  Three basic human rights are family, healthcare and education and this small but mighty charity has been on the ground providing real relief since its inception in 2001.

Diddy Rascals Raves:  live DJs play a soundtrack of classic house pitched perfectly to both parents and kids, while inflatables, face painting, horns and glow sticks give it an authentically ‘old-skool’, playful vibe.   A chill-out room gives younger kids the chance to hang out in the ball pool, enjoy the lights and soak up the ambience.  Ideal for 2 to 8 year old mini-ravers, younger or older siblings are welcome.

 

EVENT LISTINGS

Saturday 20th May, 1-3pm, Half Moon, Putney, London

Sunday 28th May, 2-4pm, Harpenden Halls, Harpenden, Herts

Sunday 11th June, 1-3pm  Hitchin Town Hall, Hitchin, Herts

Saturday 1st July, 1-3pm Half Moon, Putney, London

Sunday 30th July: 2-4pm Harpenden Halls – Harpenden, Herts

 

Diddy Rascals Movies

A rolling programme of enjoyable movies for mums and dads, screened in an entertaining, safe environment that allows mini wanderers the chance to roam and play without fear of being ‘shushed’.   Kicking off with a screening of la La Land on 16th May.

 

MOVIE LISTINGS

Tuesday 16th May Harpenden Halls – La La land (12A, 2016)

Tuesday 20th June: Harpenden Halls – Clueless (12, 1995)

Tuesday 18th July: Harpenden Halls – Pitch Perfect (12A, 2012)

Tuesday 6th May: Hitchin Town Hall – La La land (12A, 2016)

Diddy Festival

Lets pump it up and get raving in our special inflatable fun factory out in a field. Expect all the wild antics from our raves but in our inflatable room, plus face painting, messy play and much more family fun.

 

FESTIVAL LISITNGS

Sunday 16th July, 12-6pm, The Priory, Hitchin, Herts

 

Prices

  • £5 Entrance fee / under 18 months go free.

 

Diddy Rascals Dates & Venues – check website for latest updates

 

Tickets available at www.diddy-rascals.com

www.facebook.com/diddyrascal

https://twitter.com/familyraves

https://www.instagram.com/diddyrascalsevents/

 

 

 

Easter Gift Idea For Little Ones: Gifts Hub’s Personalised Books

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We were bowled over by Gifts Hub’s Personalised Books for little ones. They come in a gorgeous presentation box, and the books are stunning. The book is personalised on the front and throughout. You can also include a personal message in the opening page.

Journey into the World with “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Book

veryhungrycaterpillarpersonalisedbook veryhungrycaterpillarpersonalisedbook1 veryhungrycaterpillarpersonalisedbook2

Gifts Hub Launches New, Personalised Journey into the World with “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Book1 Gifts Hub Launches New, Personalised Journey into the World with “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Book

Personalised gifting group, Gifts Hub, make these books. We really loved the children’s classic, Journey with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Book. The children’s book is available to purchase on the group’s UK websites, I Just Love It and Historic Newspapers

This new edition stars international-bestselling and award-winning author Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, bringing the iconic caterpillar into the 21st Century for a new generation to enjoy.

Once the book has been personalised, The Very Hungry Caterpillar takes on the chosen name, resulting in the recipient becoming the star of the book. This creates a unique and personalised story for any child, as they embark on a special journey into the world.

Each page has been illustrated and written in homage to author Eric Carle, and his unique drawing and writing style can be seen on every page. Colourful, bold illustrations are teamed with large text to engage and entertain any reader.

The new book can be personalised with a child’s name, which features on the front cover and throughout the copy, and a message, which features on the title page of the book.

A bespoke, embossed pastel gift box has also been produced as a luxury presentation option which is included in the price with any purchase of the new book. The presentation box really takes the gift to another level.

The Personalised Journey with the Very Hungry Caterpillar (I Just Love It) and Personalised Journey with the Hungry Little Caterpillar (Historic Newspapers) books are available to purchase now for £24.99.

Gifthub also have:

Thomas The Tank Engine. A personalised edition of a classic railway series story. 

thomasthetankpersonalisedbookthomasthetankpersonalisedbook1thomastankbookforchildrenpersonalised thomasthetankengine

Another beautiful book. Personalised on the front and throughout. This is a great story with wonderful illustrations by C. Reginald Dalby.

We can highly recommend these gorgeous books which are published by Signature Books. They are classic books with beautiful illustrations, all personalised to your child. Frost loves. 

 

The Average Mum Falls Ill 324 Times Over Their Youngster’s Childhood

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baby,nappies, nappy, save, cheap, budget, working mothers, overwork, stress

The average mum will fall ill 324 times over their youngster’s childhood – with colds and bugs passed on to them by their offspring, a study has found.

 

An endless cycle of sore throats, runny noses, migraines and sickness bugs means the average mum will be left feeling under the weather 18 times a year.

 

The study of 2,000 parents, found that over the 18 years of their youngster’s childhood, mums will suffer from 54 colds, as well as a total of 108 sore throats or runny noses.

 

There will also be 36 sickness bugs – two every year – and an annual bout of flu.

 

On top of that, they can also expect to endure one bout of headlice a year after the critters come home from school on their children’s hair.

 

And eight in ten of those polled by supplements firm Healthspan say the germs and bugs can usually be traced back to the kids, leaving them suffering days after nursing their children back to health.

 

Dr Sarah Brewer, GP and Medical Director at Healthspan said: “Mums are often on the front line when it comes to the family’s illnesses and, due to time pressures and putting others first, are often poor at looking after themselves.

 

“Prevention is key and it’s important for mums to look after themselves by boosting their immunity to help prevent common illnesses as much as possible, and to shrug off respiratory infections quickly with go-to products they can trust to banish colds, such as Healthspan Pelargonium – a traditional herbal medicine that will tackle a cold in 24 hours.”

 

Sixty-eight per cent of mums said they had been more prone to falling ill since having children, with 39 per cent saying they now constantly feel under the weather in some way.

 

In fact, the average mum has just 13 days a month where they feel completely fit and healthy.

 

But 84 per cent of mums feel they are unable to sit back and relax when they are ill, instead having to battle on through, compared to just seven in ten dads.

 

And 72 per cent of women reckon they cope better than their partner when they are ill.

 

Mums’ illnesses – per year

Sore throats – 3

Runny stuffed nose – 3

Cold – 3

Flu – 1

Sickness bug – 2

Rash/skin complaint – 2

Migraine – 3

Conjunctivitis – 1

 

Total – 18

 

 

Are We Overworking Our Children?

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children, parenting, exhausted, children working too hard, studyShattered kids are ‘working’ for over 46 hours a week, according to a new survey.

The shock research shows that parents are over-timetabling their children with extra-curricular activities in addition to their school commitments.

This means exhausted children are actually working harder than the average parent who only completes a 37.5 hour week at work.

The average child already completes 30 hours and 50 minutes a week at school Monday to Friday, as well as seven hours and 51 minutes of clubs and homework each week.

Actively reading with parents daily accounts for a further five hours and 49 minutes a week.

And finally, the Center Parcs study of 2,000 parents found the average child also helps with housework for up to an hour and 37 minutes each week.

 

In response to the findings, Center Parcs has commissioned Channel 4 child psychologist Dr Sam Wass to develop a Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Free Time – which equates to three hours and 51 minutes every day.

The RDA, which was inspired by the government guidelines we use for fruit and vegetables, is based on three hours on a week day and six hours a day at the weekend, calculated using time needed for a variety of free-time activities which will allow children to use their imagination and develop their creative thinking.

Dr Sam Wass said: “Many parents are desperate to do the right thing for their children – we shuttle them back and forth from school, to football, to an after-school club, and then get them home and sit and ensure they do their homework.

“But in fact, research suggests that it’s much more beneficial for children if their time is not always so structured. It’s the down-time, when there is not such much going on and the child has to entertain themselves, when they do their best learning.

There is a huge amount of research that suggests that this child-led, unstructured free play is vital for stimulating imagination and creativity, as well as helping the child to become more self-sufficient.”

The poll reveals 54 per cent of parents feel it is important to encourage children to participate in as many clubs as possible to give them the opportunity to excel at what they like.

A further 44 per cent think it is important to further their children’s learning, while 53 per cent say clubs give their kids essential social skills.

A quarter of parents questioned simply like their children to be busy – and as such the average child will have experienced swimming lessons, football, gymnastics and either brownies or cubs.

Researchers for Center Parcs also polled 1,000 children aged six to 11, to find out their views on how much they have to do in a day – it shows 44 per cent of kids reckon they do more in a day than their own parents.

And a quarter of kids questioned admitted they only take part in after school activities because their parents tell them to.

In particular, children most dislike swimming lessons, followed by football and foreign language lessons.

Colin Whaley, Marketing Director for Center Parcs continues: “This report shows that parents are really going above and beyond to do what they think is best for their child. As a parent myself, I was initially taken aback by the suggested recommended daily allowance, but it gave me food for thought about whether or not my own children currently achieve it.

“Clubs and sport play an important role for their development and life skills but creating a balance with some more simple time out together is clearly very important.”

 

AVERAGE CHILD’S WEEKLY TIMETABLE

Activity

Time/week

School

30 hours 50 minutes

Clubs & Homework

7 hours 51 minutes

Reading

5 hours 49 minutes

Housework

1 hour 37 minutes

TOTAL

46 hours 7 minutes

 

 

Frost Loves Tiny Trolls of Norway | Perfect For Christmas

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tiny-trolls tinytrollsofnorwayreview tiny-trolls-of-norway tinytrolls

Tiny Trolls of Norway immediately caught my eye. The outfits were so cute, but they also looked functional. The right outdoor clothes are important for children, it is a must that they are dry and warm. My expectations were not dashed when the cute onesie and hat arrived at Frost HQ. I could tell immediately that they were well made and warm. When I put them on my son not only did he look super cute- but I could tell he liked them too. In fact, the hat is the only hat he has ever worn which he has never tried to pull off. High praise indeed. People also commented on his outfit a lot. Always a good sign. We are huge fans of Tiny Trolls of Norway.

 

Tiny Trolls of Norway create functional and attractive outdoor wear for children aged 1-8. All items are made to the highest specifications and feature beautiful detail. The Tiny Trolls of Norway range is created with children and parents in mind. Clothes can be washed again and again without losing any quality, and rainsuits are 100% waterproof. From beautifully subtle pastel colours to the vivid Get Urban fuschia and turquoise, there is an outfit here for every child. Parents will love the durability and practical designs while kids will just adore the colours and cute embroidered troll logos. Ideal as a Christmas Gift, and essential for every child’s winter wardrobe – these are clothes kids really want to wear.

On Becoming a Mother When Your Own Mother Lives Far Away

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pregnancyWhile becoming a mother brings on a tsunami of new emotions, becoming a mother when your own mother lives in another country (or kingdom in my case, I live in London, my mother lives in Scotland), adds a tornado to the mix. I remember walking around The Baby Show while heavily pregnant, trying to bury down the melancholy because it seemed that every other woman was there with her mother.

My mother was there for the birth of my son. Not in the room, but she came down for the week. Unfortunately I was in labour for five of those days and she barely got to see her grandson before she had to head back up to Scotland. He was born in April and she didn’t get to see him again until January and is only seeing him again now, in October. It is slim pickings indeed. It hurts as she misses the milestones. It hurts that she doesn’t see him on a regular basis, get to cuddle him and breathe him in. We FaceTime and that makes a difference, but as the months go by it just isn’t enough.

It has been hard being without my family a lot in my life, but it is so much worse after you have a child. My brother has childcare whenever he needs it, day or night. My mother saw my nephew grow and become the 5-year-old he is today. I missed seeing my nephew grow up. When I saw him after a 6-months or 12-months gap I would not recognise him at first. Such was the incredulousness of this little boy being the baby that was my nephew. My mother even missed my son’t birthday weekend. We both felt that.

I only saw my mother once when I was pregnant and by that time I was six months gone. I had an awful pregnancy and missed having my family around me. I wish I could take my mother to the park with my son, have lunch with her, see him cuddle her and take her by the hand. It has been almost ten years since I moved to London. I always knew the move was permanent, but I was so young getting married and having children didn’t enter my head. Raising your own family so far away from your own can feel like a stake to the heart. I miss my family everyday, but more than that; I miss them seeing my son grow up. I guess the upside is that when we are with them we make the most of it. It is all the sweeter for being rare. It is a small consolation.