Tag Archives: Children

Domination of Screens Taking Its Toll On Children’s Reading, Learning And Behaviour

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At Frost we are great believers in the value of reading, as you will have notices from the number of books we review.

So, it’s no surprise to know that new research has revealed that a book at bedtime can boost a child’s brain power, accelerate academic achievement and reduce the risk of behavioural problems.

 

MRI scans show that reading to children from an early age actually increases activity in parts of the brain involved with language, particularly those regions which are critical for spoken language and reading.

 

Better understanding of the neurobiology of the brain has also shown how diet and digital technology can influence reading and cognition.

 

But the latest research, underlining the importance of reading, points to problems ahead. Research from Equazen, suggests that a worrying number of British children are turning their backs on books. 

 

Leading neuroscientists believe that our reading is more superficial when we use a screen, but a survey of parents has shown nine out of ten children have access to a tablet or Kindle.

 

I endorse this. As an author I write more succinctly, and superficially for screen than for print. A new report, SOMETHING FISHY ABOUT READING, authored by Philip Calder, Professor of Nutritional Immunology at the University of Southampton and an advisor to Equazen and independent dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton examines the very latest data and explores new research into literacy and brain function. And it reveals a complex interplay between reading, cognition, behaviour, diet and lifestyles.

 

It seems reading alters the way we think, and interestingly improves blood flow to the brain though, but e- devices may lead to ‘digital brain’ and reduced concentration. The report supports the benefit of omega-3 fatty acids, which I take. . 

 

Might be wroth trying some omega-3 for the kids, and ourselves. Equazen do a range which is suitable for pregnancy, babies from six months to three years, a liquid for children who don’t like pills, and a chew .

 

You can find these Equazen products at pharmacies, Amazon.co.uk and health food shops.

 

 

The London Fire Brigade has appointed their first-ever Young Fire Safety Officer

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Such a great story has reached Frost Magazine:


The London Fire Brigade has appointed their first-ever Young Fire Safety Officer, 7 year old Archie Cosaitis, to head up the PLAYMOBIL 150th anniversary firefighter crew

The London Fire Brigade has appointed their first-ever Young Fire Safety Officer

Archie is a lifelong fan of the Fire Brigade, and will be launching 65 collaborative open days across the capital throughout this 150th anniversary year, to get the essential message across about fire safety in the home.

The London Fire Brigade has appointed their first-ever Young Fire Safety

Limited-edition London Fire Brigade versions of popular PLAYMOBIL Fire Brigade sets have also been created for little ones to learn through play at home. 10% of proceeds will be donated to the Brigade’s charities of choice, with toys available from April to purchase at the open days and from PLAYMOBILE customer services.

Archie was inspired by the PLAYMOBIL crew’s catchy sing-a-long video already being used by London Firefighters and the Brigade’s Education team as part of their fire prevention outreach work. It shows children how London Fire Brigade fights more than just house fires and highlights how much they do for the community.

Duties in his new role include blowing out the candles of a birthday cake made by Great British Bake Off star Firefighter Mat Riley, giving fire safety advice to his classmates and testing out PLAYMOBIL’s latest Fire Brigade vehicles.

The anniversary open days will be perfect for anyone who’s ever fancied playing firefighter for a day. These will take place across London from April through to December. Children big and small can meet real firefighters and life-sized PLAYMOBIL ones, plus enjoy toys and activities galore.

The London Fire Brigade has appointed their first-ever

Jamie Dickinson, Marketing Manager of PLAYMOBIL UK, commented, “Archie is doing a sterling job so far in bringing the fun factor to learning about fire safety. He’ll have me out of a job if I’m not careful!”

London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson said, “The 65 open days across the capital are a great opportunity for people to celebrate our birthday and interact with firefighters who do so much work protecting London every day. Our Education Team does a great job instilling fun into our fire safety advice and Archie is an important ambassador for the work we do.”

 

Click here to see all 65 anniversary open day dates and locations: http://bit.ly/PLAYMOBIL_LondonFireBrigade

Watch the all-singing, all-dancing video here:

http://bit.ly/PLAYMOBIL_LondonFireBrigade_Video

 

 

Gardening Fun for the Kids

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The Children's Garden

The Children’s Garden

There are two ways of getting your children into the garden and away from their Xboxes and Playstations. Either you can lock them outside and ignore their frenzied screams, or you can buy them a book like this.

The Children’s Garden is written with parents in mind. it has lots of great ideas and projects, so that youngsters can actually enjoy their time in the great oudoors. You can have a lot of great fun, with very little money if you do simple things such as pond-dipping or going on bug hunts to uncover beetles and woodlice and other creepy crawlies

The book has chapters devoted to simple things such as growing vegetables, including potatoes and spring onions, which can all be done in just about any container. And it makes the very valid point that children are more likely to eat things that they’ve grown themselves. And they can have lots of fun growing flowers from seed such as nasturtiums and sunflowers – which are really great because they are completely edible so even if the seeds end up in a toddler’s mouth, they won’t do any harm.

This book is a handy size – not too big – and has lots of great pictures. And if you want to inspire your child with a lifelong love of gardens and gardening, this is a great place to start.

The Children’s Garden by Matthew Appleby is published by Frances Lincoln, £14.99

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Does Your Child Need Urgent Medical Attention? By Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Healthy children, who have died following a short but severe infection have hit the news recently.

The problem is that young children can become sick within hours. Most recover equally quickly—but, despite best care, some don’t, particularly if they have meningitis or other overwhelming infection.

One year-old William Mead died of sepsis, apparently after ‘111’ staff didn’t appreciate how ill he had become. I won’t comment without knowing all the facts, except to say it can be difficult, sometimes even for experts, to assess whether a small child is seriously ill.

However, as an ex-paediatrician, I do have concerns about telephone diagnosis, whether the 111 service, swine-flu helplines, or GPs asking parents to hold the telephone over a child’s chest so they can hear their breathing (yes I have known this to happen). Professor Neena Modi, a senior paediatrician, has also publically voiced similar concerns recently.

Small children have an immature immune system, and consequently don’t react to, or show signs of, illness in the same way as adults. Whenever I was asked to see a sick child, my first concern was whether they needed immediate emergency treatment, or whether I could take my time, asking more questions and making a detailed examination. The signs in the Table would help me decide, and sometimes I just knew from experience.  I remember assessing a new-born baby, who simply wouldn’t stop crying. Something wasn’t right. We did some tests on the special baby unit—he had meningitis and needed urgent antibiotics. Happily he made a full recovery.

I am not suggesting that every crying child needs an urgent medical assessment—just that signs of illness in babies and toddlers can be subtle, and experience helps.

So how does a parent know whether to seek urgent medical help?

Does Your Child Need Urgent Medical Attention? signsofillnessinbabiesandchildren

The Table provides pointers, however, you know your child, and, even if they don’t shown any of these signs, if you are worried, you must insist they are seen by a doctor—better to ‘waste someone’s time’ than miss a serious infection. As a personal example, I was convinced one night that my young son had meningitis. I rushed him to A&E department, where he made a miraculous recovery, just before my colleague came in to examine him. Embarrassing, but I would do it again.

So if you are worried, what should you do?

Options include:

  • Phone your GP
  • Phone 111 and ask to see a doctor that day (or within the hour if you are really worried)
  • Go to your local A&E department (check first that it is open).

If all else fails, and your child is getting worse, dial 999 for an ambulance.

Although it is important that you are aware of these signs and what to do, please do remember, though, that overwhelming childhood infections are relatively rare. Most infections are not serious, and most times your child will be dancing around the next day.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q

Further information:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/spotting-signs-serious-illness.aspx

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120704/Signs-that-a-child-is-seriously-ill-Interview-with-Professor-Middleton.aspx

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

 

 

From a Mother to Another: 66,000 items of baby clothing saved from landfill & sent to those in need

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donation example

A small boy in the refugee camp in the Bekka Valley.

A small boy in the refugee camp in the Bekka Valley.

66,000 shoes, boots & items of baby clothing saved from landfill & sent to those in need.

From a Mother to Another, the initiative from JoJo Maman Bébé, starts collecting again on 1st Feb 2016. The aim; to reduce the shocking levels of clothing waste that end up in a landfill whilst helping those in need in the UK with distribution via food banks plus helping thousands of Syrian refugees living in Lebanon.

JoJo will be collecting good quality outgrown or unwanted baby and children’s clothes in, sizes 0-6 years, at their 72 stores across the UK and Ireland. Customers are requested to make up complete outfits to give something worthwhile this mother’s day.

Nearly a third of the UK’s clothing ends up in landfill, equating to 350,000 tonnes a year. By extending the life of clothes by just three months of active use, carbon and water waste could be reduced by up to 5-10% a year. Sending good quality, little worn hand-me-downs to those in need could mean they are worn by many more children.

From a Mother to Another

The emergency clothing packs will be distributed by some of the Trussell Trust’s 420 Foodbanks across the UK and by a number of partner charities on the ground in Lebanon. Helen Frank’s from Trussell Trust explains why she jumped at the chance to get involved;  “I am delighted Trussell Trust Foodbanks will be participating in the From A Mother To Another campaign with JoJo, it is a natural fit to The Trussell Trust’s ‘More Than Food’ approach, which offers additional services to help alleviate poverty in the UK. Over a third of three day emergency food supplies provided by Trussell Trust foodbanks go to children in crisis. From a Mother to Another is a perfect way for one mum to bring a little light and a lot of comfort to another.”

Laura Tenison, founder & CEO of JoJo, visited refugee camps in the Bekaa Valley on the Lebanese Syrian border late last year. As a result JoJo launched an urgent appeal to collect winter shoes and boots for the children living in tents, now under snow. Customers reacted with empathy and the thousands collected are currently being distributed on the ground to refugees with so little.  Laura explained what she found when visiting the camps; “The situation is dire and the millions of women and children living in makeshift tents are in urgent need of emergency humanitarian aid to help until it is safe to travel home – just a few miles across the border. They left Syria with whatever they could carry. Their children have outgrown their clothes long ago and are often in rags. The gift of a FAMTA pack brings tears of gratitude. Children are dying from the cold, we just had to help.”

JoJo Maman Bébé will cover the extensive costs of checking, sorting, shipping, customs clearance and managing the logistics of delivering the parcels to the partner charities in Lebanon and to the Trussell Trust’s Foodbanks across the UK.

 

 

Christmas Gift List For Children

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Children, they know what they want and buying for them can be hard. Here are some toys that have been approved by our little ones.

Little Tikes Creatures Stacker, £10.00

seacreaturestacker Little Tikes Creatures Stacker,

Soft and adorably cute. These were a big hit with the babies.

Soft feel for cuddling. Can be stacked one by one. The 3 small ones can be packed inside the biggest one. They can be hung beside bed or on pram for baby to watch. From asda.com

LeapFrog My Pal Scout, £19.97

LeapFrog My Pal Scout, £19.97 scout mypalscout

My Pal Scout is an adorable, cuddly pup that introduces children to words, counting and feelings through 14 activities. This has been a huge hit in the office and now a few babies have one. It is easy to personalise and is fun and educational in equal measures. The perfect present for 6-36 months old.

Scout is the perfect friend who can be personalised to magically learn your child’s name and favourite things! He has super-soft fur and five touch points that respond when pressed, encouraging children to interact as he talks to them and leads them in learning and nurturing activities.

Comes with 5 songs or a choice of 30+, and two modes of play: daytime fun or night-time lullabies. For ages 6+ months.

All LeapFrog toys are educator-approved, child-tested, follow national standards and feature British spellings, phonics and pronunciations. From asda.com

The Irish Fairy Door Company Handmade Fairy Door.

fairydoor

These high quality, handmade fairy doors are perfect to spark your childs imagination. These doors help fairies locate to human home, classrooms, gardens and woods. They can be installed anywhere and the creative team at Fairy HQ ensures direct access to Fairy Valley. 160,000 fairies have already found a home in two years. www.theirishfairydoorcompany.co.uk

Hape Take-Along Activity Box 10m +

activity boxhape.

This Hape Take-Along Activity Box is suitable for 10 months +. Fun from all sides. This great, portable, activity box was another hit with the kids.

Hape Take Along Activity Box is available here.

www.marbel.co.uk

Star Wars Where’s The Wookie? 

where'swookiestarwars

Star Wars Where’s The Wookie? is an interactive search and find activity book. For ages 7+ but also for adults. The new Star Wars film comes out in December 2015, directed by J.J Abrams. An excellent book for any Star Wars fan, big or small.

Star Wars Where’s the Wookiee Search and Find Book is available here.

 Bizzy Bitz Construction Kits

bizzybitz

This is a great creative gift for children. A colourful construction kit. Boys and girls can build anything they want and let their imagination run wild, the pieces simply lock into place. Bizzy Bitz Construction Set is available here.

 

Amanda Holden Struggles With Nerves on First Day of Shoot

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Amanda Holden struggles with nerves on first day of shootHaving last appeared on stage in the nationally acclaimed ‘Shrek the Musical’ back in 2011, Amanda Holden made her long awaited return to the stage in what could prove to be her toughest role yet.

 

In a behind the scenes video documenting her latest acting role, Holden is seen to struggle with nerves and even forget her lines on two occasions in front of impatient directors.

 

But as is always the case in show business, all is not as it first seems.

 

Holden, a mother of two children herself, was actually filming a spoof advert in her latest role as the face of Pebli Town, a revolutionary new pre-school toy that fuses traditional play with the latest technology.

 

With Holden reciting her lines to a team of directors made up of three children, Pebli Town is designed to give youngsters full control of four traditional play pieces and a physical play board that in turn interacts with a tablet to bring the toy to life.

 

“As an actor, it’s not often you’re asked to perform poorly in front of directors that are a similar age to your own children,” said Holden.

 

“What has impressed me most about Pebli Town is that children are really the directors of their own show. It’s also a toy that allows parents to be more involved whilst accommodating for all key developmental and educational needs a parent would want for their child.”

 

With four exciting interactive game modes, Pebli Town is designed to help develop children’s problem solving skills and hand eye coordination whilst sparking creativity, imagination and self-expression.

 

“As a performer myself, I think it’s really important that children are given the opportunity to express themselves and show their creative side at play time,” admitted Holden, who is mother to nine-year-old Alexa and three-year-old Hollie.

 

“I know from my experiences that children can be incredibly creative if encouraged in a fun way.”

 

As an established actress, singer, presenter and judge, the daily juggle between career and family life remains an admittedly challenging one for Holden.

 

“Like every mother, sometimes it feels a little like the time you have to spend with your children is going, it’s slipping away. It’s about finding a balance and making sure you get to spend the right amount of time with your family and my current workload absolutely allows me to do this.”

 

“It’s scary how quickly your children grow up so its important parents spend as much time with them as possible.”

 

“Even physically, Lexie went from a size two to a three in two months and she has gone to school with a sort of side, low ponytail and there’s no Alice T-bar shoes anymore, she has got slip on shoes. Because Holly is three and a half and looks up to her big sister, she tries to dress the same and appears more mature than an actual three and a half year old. You can even have a full conversation with her.”

 

With Pebli Town representing a new age of toys being brought to life through technology, the current trend of parents allowing their children to have unfettered access to their own tablets and mobile devices is growing, with children now spending an average of two hours 56 minutes in front of a screen every day.

 

According to a recent survey by ComRes, 84 per cent of parents believe there are educational benefits in their children having access to tablets and smartphones, a statistic Holden supports.

 

“It can only be a positive thing introducing children to technology in a way that is safe, controlled and benefits their educational development,” said the 44-year-old.

 

“Pebli Town has got the balance right as 99% of all game play is still done on the board so you avoid having your children glued to a tablet.”

 

As for Holden’s future career ventures for the rest of 2015, her relentless workload doesn’t look as though it will ease up just yet.

 

“I am filming something for the BBC now and doing a load of stuff for Text Santa. As for acting, there is a possible musical in the running but I can’t tell you too much at this stage. Watch this space!”

 

 

Communication And Safety Tips For Parents

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keeping children entertained on car journeysAs a parent, you already understand that good communication is a necessary skill whether you are talking to a toddler or a teen. If your children are little, you can use communication as a way to teach them how to be safe around cars. This is an invaluable lesson you can teach them when they are out in the garden or when they are with you on the street.

You may also want to teach them that not all strangers are to be trusted. This is particularly useful when they first go to school. If your child is older, then good communication with your child will be instrumental in building up a sense of self-esteem and develop a feeling of mutual respect.

10 Tips to Build Rapport 

1. If your child wants to play, let your child know that you are interested in the things that interest them. Agree to help them with their game if they need it.

2. If your child has something they feel important, let him or her know that they are more interesting to you than some form of media entertainment. For instance, if your child is talking to you while you are watching television, pause to. If they have something that they urgently want to say, then turn off the television and give them your full attention

3. If your child is chatting with you when they are sharing something with you, let him or her know that they are more important than a casual telephone call. Rather than excuse yourself when your friend calls, let the answering machine pick up the message.

4. If you get to spend some personal time with your child, let your child know how much you enjoy your private chats with them.

5. If your child does something foolish when you have company, don’t rebuke them in front of everyone. Scolding them in front of others can be embarrassing for them. Public humiliation only leads to a feeling of resentment.

6. If your child has to constantly look up to talk to you, occasionally drop down to their level when you talk.

7. If you are really angry about your child’s behavior, give yourself time to cool down so that you can have an objective talk.

8. If your child is telling a story, don’t correct their grammar or how they narrate the story. Instead, show an interest in the story rather than how it could have been told better.

9. If you get a negative report about your child from another parent or a teacher, don’t simply launch into a tirade. First, listen to your child’s side of the story. They may have behaved badly because they misunderstood the situation and did not know that their behavior would upset others.

10. Be open and receptive to your child’s attempts to communicate and explain their point of view. Encourage your child to communicate by asking leading questions.

5 Ways to Make the House Safe for Kids

While safety in the home can be improved through communicating about dangerous things—like not jumping on the bed, climbing on the pipes, or touching hot plates—safety can also be ensured by taking proactive measures.

Here are some common household dangers that you should either warn your child about or use safety measures to protect them.

1. The danger of scalding when turning on a tap. Teach your child the difference between the hot and cold taps.

2. The danger of falling out of an upper story window. One solution is to install window guards.

3. The danger of falling down stairs. This can happen if your child is learning to crawl or it can happen if your child is rushing around the house. It’s only too easy for a child to roll down a flight of stairs.

4. The danger of leaving your house unprotected. One ADT security company discusses the need for extra precautions for your family. “The list of potential threats that could affect their safety includes burglary, fire, carbon monoxide and flooding.”

5. The danger of medications or poisons. Your curious toddler likes to taste all sorts of things. Make sure that you don’t leave your medications lying around and that you have locked all detergents and garden supplies in a safe place.

From our contributor Jenna.