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You are here: Kidszine parenting website featuring advice, news and tips
By Alan, on January 27th, 2012
 If you look at today’s world it is possible to see how the family units might be undervalued. The role of the father in the family is often something that is missing as they are mostly spending time at work. In some countries this becomes completely the norm and in Japan father’s only generally spend much time with their children on a Sunday.
This is because they spend the other days commuting to work and when combined with the intense work schedule they don’t have much time to spend with their children during the week. In the worlds view it is generally accepted that work comes before being a father for men.
It might not be the quite the same in the UK as men generally don’t work the same intense schedule but it can still be a struggle to fit your children in when you have to spend a lot of time working. This is a flawed structure and people should focus on having a job that allows them the free time they need to spend with their family and build a quality relationship with their children.
Consumerism is a misdirected lifestyle and the poor food choices that people are making in the modern world, especially in the United States, is leading to an increased amount of obesity and diabetes in both adults and children. Religion is something that is on the decline and while it is flawed in many ways, a general positive message that can be taken away from it is can be the roots of family values.
Matthew Kelly, who is an author writing about how to build a better family, has said that it is very important to think outside the box when you are trying to build a stronger family unit. He says that people should look outside their normal behaviour and see how they could bring a focus back to building bonds with their family.
He also says that some of the best ways to do this is to start working from home more if possible and start questioning a traditional lifestyle and find a way to live a healthier and happier life.
Working from home can be something that is challenging but it is also way that many people find happiness. Not having to work typical office hours means that you can choose when you work and make the hours better suited to your family life. This is likely to improve your happiness significantly as you’re going to be able to forget about the stresses of work more easily and spend more time with your family.
Many people also find working from home gives them more time to eat healthier and exercise more. This in turn leads to a happier state of being, not just for the person who’s working from home but also for their family who are going to benefit from more nutritious and healthy meals that the person can prepare.
By admin, on January 27th, 2012
Your child being involved in an accident, such as a road traffic accident, is a horrible, scary and traumatic experience for both your child and yourself. Within the turmoil of emotions of fear, relief and anger, and the information from your GP that your child has suffered a serious head injury, eventually the thought ‘What do I do now?’ will crop up. And it’s a horrible feeling when you don’t know the answer.
First things first, let yourself feel whatever emotions you are dealing with. Until you have taken some time to grief you won’t be able to access the situation and work out what to do. Then consider seeking legal advice, as you and your child are entitled to compensation.
Head injuries are very complicated injuries. They often have immediate effects to memory or movability, just to mention some examples, but symptoms of a head injury can also emerge long after the injury was sustained. There are many such factors influencing a legal case, and although a free advisory service such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau offer guidance, and your local solicitor may be able to advise you on general aspects of personal injury claims, where a head or brain injury is involved, it is recommended to seek out a specialist lawyer.
The following shows the other factors that need to be considered during the legal case:
First, the accident itself. A lawyer specialising in this kind of personal injury will present the accident to court in the manner that best illustrates the case. They will be experienced with using reconstructions or expert evidence in this area, and familiar with the kind of medical evidence courts will require.
Second, the severity of the consequences. Head injuries can result in significant alterations to the victim’s daily life, and may impact significantly on their school career and employment future. Lawyers with detailed knowledge of this area frequently have established connections with experts in areas such as physiotherapists, neurologists or other medical practitioners. Their professional opinions will show the court the seriousness of the injury, and the continuous support, both financially and emotionally, which the family and victim will need.
Third, and most importantly, damages. A specialist lawyer is best suited to calculate the correct level of damages that deserve to be claimed. They will also be able to advise on claiming ‘interim’ payments. These are damages that are paid to the person claiming compensation where their claim looks likely to succeed, and permit them to put certain arrangements in place before the case has concluded. Such arrangements can include adjustments to your home to facilitate for your child’s new needs or the costs of rehabilitation courses and support programmes.
Fourth, timing. As mentioned above, not all consequences of a head or brain injury are immediately apparent. In cases where the symptoms take time to fully develop, a specialist solicitor is able to advise on how and when to commence a claim.
Finally, living arrangements. A specialist will be able to assist in arranging affairs, such as living facilities and school needs, so that the consequences of the injury are anticipated and provided for. They will be able to help with matters like power of attorney, dealing with third parties, and putting you in touch with specialists who are equipped to assist your child manage their altered daily life.
Seeking the help of a specialist lawyer is daunting, as their price is higher than that of a non-specialised solicitor. Yet they have the skills to gain the right amount of damages for your child’s current and future needs. When looking for a lawyer, be sure that you take the time to get to know them. A court case of this topic can be a long and emotional journey, so you need someone by your side who you trust, who knows what they are doing, and who is willingly to talk you through the procedure in an understanding and patient manner.
Article of Courtesy of Pannone.com
By Alan, on January 19th, 2012
 The economic downturn is having a serious effect on many people and it is causing a financial drain that parents have never seen before. If you are raising children, suffering from financial problems can be particularly challenging as you have to support others as well as yourself. The feeling of letting your family down financially can be overwhelming and is something that many people are struggling with.
Children are a very expensive part of life as they need feeding as well as clothing. It is not just this which costs parents money as they often want to treat their children to special things. Unemployment in the UK has risen to a very high level and for those who have not lost their jobs the chances are they are going to be earning less money, as the amount of money they are earning has not risen in line with inflation.
Supporting children when you have suddenly lost your income can be very challenging and it can be very hard to find new work once you’ve lost it. Those who have been working in the manufacturing sector have suffered particularly badly and those with manufacturing skills have found it very hard to find equivalent work in the industry.
The number of outgoings that the average household faces can become extraordinary and as soon as you lose your income you realise how unaffordable they are. The recession has caused more people to miss their mortgage payments and many others have lost their homes. Losing a home can be a particularly challenging process for children as moves are unsettling, especially when they are unexpected.
Single parents can suffer particularly badly as not only do they not have the benefit of two incomes coming in, which can also reduce hardship if one party loses their job, but they also have to consider the cost of childcare while they are working.
The law dictates that a parent has a financial responsibility to their children, even if there has been a divorce. However, with the economy in the state that it is, even the absent party might be struggling to make full maintenance payments.This can have a serious effect on the parents who spends the majority of time with the children.
The sad fact of the situation is that many parents do want to pay the other party in order to take care of their children but sometimes they simply do not have the money to do this.
The lack of money that many households have encourages people to take on more debt and this can increase the problem further. Taking on debt, especially irresponsible debt, such as a credit card, can mean that the amount you are having to spend on repayments is very high and this can make your financial situation even worse.
Many people have found themselves in a spiral of debt that they cannot control and they are still having to take on more debt in order to meet their basic living needs.
By Alan, on January 19th, 2012
According to a recent poll that was held by one of the leading independent online travel agencies in the UK, the place that most British children want to visit is the Moon. This is, as yet, slightly out of reach, and the only feasible places to feature on their list were Australia, Lapland and Disney World.
While their parents are tending to be dreaming about exotic holidays in places such as the Caribbean, it’s a very different story for their kids, with the majority preferring a trip to the moon than anywhere terrestrial.
www.sunshine.co.uk polled 2,105 British parents, each with children aged between 3 and 8, and asked them to talk to their children about their ideal holiday destinations.
Respondents were given a list to show to their children, with a mixture of fictional and real-life destinations, as well as more unrealistic settings for holidays, and their youngsters were required to pick the 3 places they would most like to visit on holiday.
According to the poll by sunshine.co.uk, the top 10 places British children would most like to visit on their next holiday are;
1. The Moon – 47%
2. Disney World – 41%
3. Narnia – 39%
4. Hogsmead – 26%
5. Lapland – 25%
6. Hundred Acre Wood – 17%
7. Hogwarts – 14%
8. Pride Rock (Lion King) – 9%
9. Australia – 4%
10. Bikini Bottom (SpongeBob SquarePants) – 2%
As well as the list that sunshine.co.uk provided, parents were also allowed to give their child the option of selecting ‘other’ after which they were required to specify the place their youngster had chosen. One of the parents’ children claimed she would like to go on holiday to her ‘Granny’s house’.
Of the top 10 destinations named by children, 6 were fictional places from various kid’s television shows and films, whilst the top answer, the Moon, was perhaps just as unrealistic.
Chris Brown, co-founder of sunshine.co.uk, commented on the findings;
“Having four kids of my own, I know that mine would pick Disney over any destination, but it’s incredibly cute to see that so many selected fictional destinations and the Moon! I know if I was young, there’d be nothing more exciting that the idea of going somewhere like the Moon or Tracy Narnia; as far as the kids are concerned, they are all very magical places that are still seemingly within their reach.
“A family holiday is, in most cases, all about the kids, so it’s always worth trying to remember that when booking. Whilst Mum and Dad might want to sit back on the beach and relax, it’s obviously vital that there are plentiful kid’s clubs and activities about the resort to keep them happy.”
LINK http://www.sunshine.co.uk
By Alan, on January 19th, 2012
 Worlds biggest wildlife survey will need childrens help The biggest ever survey of wildlife amongst schools in the UK has now started. Thousands of schoolchildren will be taking part, watching and waiting excitedly to see which creatures and birds stray into their playgrounds. Classrooms are to be turned into hides, binoculars will be fixed firmly to eager eyes and noses pressed against windows, and all in the name of science.
The annual Big Schools Birdwatch from the RSPB is taking place from 16-30 January, and the survey is encouraging both teachers and children to look for, and count, the different birds that are sharing their environment. A record breaking number participated in 2011, with almost 3000 being involved, and 88,500 teachers and children.
Wildlife is an unbeatable teaching resource. Colourful, attractive and abundant it can enthuse and inspire children – connecting them with the nature that lives alongside them everyday.
Simple to set up, fun for children to do and offering a host of curriculum linked learning opportunities across all age ranges – Big Schools’ Birdwatch is something every school should participate in [note 3]
Some schools make the activity the centrepiece of a whole week devoted to learning about wild birds. Other schools hold birdwatch breakfasts and after school wildlife clubs.
Faye Mackender, RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch project manager, said: “This activity provides an opportunity for thousands of children to join in and discover the wildlife within their local environment. However teachers want to do it, and wherever the school is located, it’s easy to encourage some life and colour to winter classroom windows with the Big Schools’ Birdwatch.”
Experiencing nature first hand is a vital part of a child’s education, and offers many varied benefits to them, not least developing a sense of wonder and curiosity for the world around them. [note 4]
Faye added: “All you need to do is watch and count the birds in your school grounds for one hour, then submit your results to the RSPB, detailing what you see. Whether you see several exotic species or just a few of the commonest birds, it doesn’t matter – all sightings are useful to us!
We put together the data from the schools about the birds that they see. We then create an overview of which birds are making the most of school grounds across the UK.”
The survey helps to paint a picture of how our birds are faring. Since its launch in 2002, more than 70 different species have been recorded in school grounds, ranging from house sparrows to kestrels and even pheasants. [note 5]
No birdwatching expertise is necessary for teachers, helpers or children and the RSPB has produced a free schools pack containing everything a teacher will need. The emphasis is on having fun and joining in. The pack includes guidance notes, a full colour bird identification poster, counting charts and survey form.
For further information about Big Schools’ Birdwatch, and to register for a free teachers pack, visit the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch or ring 0300 456 8340 (calls charged at standard rate). The hotline number will be operational until 30 January 2012.
By Alan, on January 17th, 2012
My Child Won’t Eat by Carlos González
It is a universal worry of parents that their baby or toddler is eating enough, as they all have an idea of how much their child should be putting away. Carlos González, who is both a paediatrician and a father, has set out to allay those fears as he explores why children often refuse to eat, how growth charts are full of pitfalls, and the different ways in with a child’s calorific needs are determined by activity and growth.
 How to enjoy mealtimes your children and without worry In ‘My Child Won’t Eat’, Carlos discusses how eating problems first start and how best to avoid them, as well as using true stories from real mothers who describe the torment and the anguish they have gone through in their ongoing battle to get their kids to eat.
Carlos González reassures parents that children know how much they need to eat and explains why a parent’s only involvement should be in providing healthy food choices. Forcing a child to eat more than he needs can only lead to tears, tantrums and, eventually, possibly even obesity.
Questions Carlos González answers include:
• Why won’t my child eat?
• How much does a child need to eat?
• Why don’t children like vegetables?
• What does it mean to breastfeed on demand?
• When should my baby start to eat solid foods?
Book details
Categories: health & nutrition
ISBN: 978-1-780660-05-9
Price: £10.99
Format: paperback
Size: 135 x 216mm
Page Count: 192pp
Publication Date: 14 February 2012
My Child Won’t Eat! is available from all good bookshops, internet retailers and direct from the publishers at www.pinterandmartin.com
By admin, on January 17th, 2012
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If you are looking to take a trip to a true winter wonderland that has jaw dropping landscapes and is in tune with nature like nowhere else, Finland in the place for you. This gem of Northern Europe and the contrasts between freezing winters, golden summers, endless countryside and buzzing cosmopolitan cities is truly something to behold.
Tourism to Finland is booming, and millions of travellers have now discovered for themselves the magic this country emanates. The extraordinary natural beauty of Finland can be enjoyed in many ways, but undoubtedly one of the most exciting is to take a Husky sled ride. Imagine being whisked across the snow and ice, wrapped up against the elements, and taking in the full grandeur of the landscape.
This same landscape invariably lends itself to a plethora of winter sports including cross country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, sledging, ice skating and many more. The resorts that cater to these sports are compact, comfortable and have much to appeal to travellers of all ages, whether you want to participate in a winter sport or simply relax and have a coffee while admiring the view.
One of nature’s most colourful spectacles can be seen from Finland, the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. Experiencing the best that mother nature has to offer first hand is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Cosy up and watch the most phenomenal light show on earth in all its spectacular glory.
Every year in Finnish Lapland, a thousand truckloads of snow are used to create the world’s only ice village. Snuggle up in a sleeping bag within an ice hotel, and eat in the ice restaurant and bar. This village is lovingly created from scratch and is truly one of those extraordinary places that you have to see to believe.
There is a new video online that is a veritable montage of everything that this magical wonderland has to offer. It can be seen on the visit Finland website and gives the prospective visitor a taste of everything that there is on offer for the tourist. You see snowmobiles speeding across the glistening ground, the husky rides, a taste of the wildlife, and all under the banner of ‘take me to wonderland’.
There is so much to see and do in Finland that once you have been, you will want to return time and time again. A trip to Finland will create those memories that last a lifetime, so make sure you make the effort to visit this northern Europe wonderland.
By admin, on January 17th, 2012
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One of the hardest questions a parent is likely to be confronted with is when your child asks for a taste of your wine or beer. All their lives you have led by example, eating or drinking things first to show them its okay, now, to them, you are committing the ultimate act of hypocrisy, in their eyes at least, for sitting supping this fascinating liquid without letting them have a taste.
For obvious reasons, kids and alcohol don’t go together, their bodies are still developing to start with, and their tolerance will be a lot lower than an adults. This means nothing to them however; they just see you as mean for not letting them drink ‘like all their friends do’. A do as I say and not as I do attitude can cause a lot of problems, and result in quite a stand off if you don’t keep the conversation flowing.
A clever and unique video has been released by drinkaware.co.uk to highlight the importance of keeping the conversation going with a child when they ask about alcohol. It begins with a young girl sitting eating her dinner at the table, there is a bottle of wine clearly visible, and the girl is fidgeting and keeps looking at the wine as she pushes he food around the player.
She finally asks is she can have some, and the scene pauses, and three options appear along the bottom of the screen. What you select determines how the next bit of the video plays out, and how she reacts to your answers. Every set of options includes an end of conversation box, click this, and a warning appears that tells you the worst thing a parent can say about alcohol is nothing at all, the issue needs addressing not ignoring.
By clicking on the all the no options, the girls invariable storms off in a huff, if you answer yes to the first question she asks how much she can have. This is effectively a conversation carried out through interaction that could be happening in thousands of homes around the country.
This video leads you down various avenues according to your responses, such as how much will it take her to get drunk, and her friends say hangovers aren’t that bad. No parent will ever stop their kids from experimenting, it’s all part of growing up, but by treating them as adults and taking to them reasonably, you can avoid any serious incidents.
By admin, on January 17th, 2012
Taking your children on a family holiday can sometimes seem like quite a daunting task but being simply being prepared and spending a little bit of time looking around your accommodation there are a number of ways in which you can protect your holiday from bumps, scratches or general accidents while on holiday.
Before you leave home:
Ensure that you have valid travel insurance booked and check any exclusion such as water sports and other general activities.
Apply for and receive EHIC cards for the family. This will allow for some of your treatment to be covered should you be hospitalised while travelling in a European country. All members of your family, providing they are entitled to UK passports, will be eligible for one of these and you should carry these with you while in a European country just in case.
Once you arrive at your accommodation:
Move any furniture around to ensure that sharp edges are facing walls, that furniture is not a slip or trip hazard and that you have covered up any potentially dangerous areas or even had the furniture moved completely.
Tape up any sharp corners on furniture or perhaps ask at your hotel reception for them to do this for you or perhaps provide an alternative piece of furniture.
Move blind cords or other long wires that could be a hazard and try to think about anything that could potentially be grabbed by your child and present a choking hazard.
Use plug protectors to cover any plug sockets and you can pack some of these in your suitcase to save yourself the hassle of having to find them while in another country.
Check underneath the beds for any pieces of dirt or debris that your child could end up eating or playing with.
Pack some cable ties or something similar so that you may close any doors that do not have locks and ensure that you lock any doors that can be locked and put their keys in a designated place.
Look out for hazards or climbing items near windows and doors to ensure that your children are not able to climb up and open windows or doors by themselves.
Do not leave your child unsupervised if you would not leave them unsupervised in that room at home. Remember that bathrooms can be terribly hazardous places with hot water, razors, electrical items, heaters and other items being ways for your child to injure themselves. Also remember to keep the toilet lid closed at all times and pack a child lock for that if possible from home.
Basically you should be looking out for any of the hazards that could present themselves like they would at home. Nothing dangerous should be left within reach of your child and they should never be left alone or unsupervised regardless of the reason why. As long as you prepare in advance and use some common sense you should be able to have a wonderfully relaxing family holiday after spending just a short amount of time ensuring that your accommodation is child proof.
Article courtesy of Netflights
By Alan, on January 10th, 2012
 Too many children today are not taking enough exercise, and spending hours in their rooms playing on computer games has led to an epidemic of obesity among kids in theUK. It is important that parents don’t just tell children to get some exercise or take part in sports, but do their bit to encourage them too. Swimming is an ideal activity for families as everyone can join in and it is something that children will learn to enjoy once they get more confident around the water.
Of course, it is also important that young ones are very carefully supervised around swimming pools, which is another reason why it is a good idea for parents to join in too and not just leave them to it. If kids behave themselves then there is no reason to think that swimming pools can be dangerous, but as all parents know, children cannot always be trusted to do what they are told.
Parents not only have a responsibility to watch their children around the swimming pool but to teach them the right way to behave around any water. Many swimming pools have posters forbidding people from diving in the shallow end, running around the edge of the pool and other activities which could easily end in disaster; parents should highlight these unacceptable behaviours to their own children to make sure that they and others are kept safe.
Siblings will often fight with each other. On dry land, this is an annoyance but near a swimming pool this could end up being dangerous. Pushing and fighting could see a child who cannot swim fall into the deep end or hit their head as they tumble; make sure your children understand exactly why that kind of behaviour will not be tolerated when you go to your local pool.
Teaching a child to swim is one of the most important skills you can give to your kids, but even when young ones have moved beyond needing armbands they will still need close supervision until they are confident swimmers. It can be difficult to keep a close eye on your youngest while your older children are clamouring for your attention to, but make sure you do not take your eyes off them for a second.
There are practical things to teach your children about safety in swimming pools too. As well as basics like not running around the edge, make sure that they always shower before going into the water and keep an eye for little fingers and toes wandering into the drains at the edge. Kids are always attracted by intriguing holes, but they can easily get trapped or hurt if they play with these drains.
Swimming should always be fun otherwise children will soon get tired of going and go back to playing their computer games. However, your family’s safety is much more important than doing what the kid want so that they have a good time.If your children really enjoy their swimming sessions but you are having trouble keeping them under control, you could always try threatening to stop their pool visits to see if that makes them behave.
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If you look at today’s world it is possible to see how the family units might be undervalued. The role of the father in the family is often something that is missing as they are mostly spending time at work. In some countries this becomes completely the norm and in Japan father’s only generally spend much time with their children on a Sunday.
