MADE magazine (Mums & Dads Edinburgh) Sep/Oct 2014

mums and dads edinburghmade

free September/October 2014

pluS advice, news, competitions, reviews, events, shopping, health, hobbies and lots more…

Secretsfor stress-free homework

5

Post-Natal DepressionFinding the Light

family focus Life in the Army

WIN!Dinner for 2 atThe Stockbridge

Restaurant

made SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 3

Happy 3rd Birthday to MADE Magazine! We’re very excited to be three years old and extend a huge thank-you to all our writers, advertisers, stockists, distributors and our wonderful designer, MamiDesigns; MADE wouldn’t exist without your help and support so big love to you all! Extra special thanks to all the readers who loyally pick up the magazine at record speed each edition and keep us on our toes topping up the stands!

Recently we’ve been looking back at those early sleep-deprived days with a baby, and the silly things it can result in parents doing. We’ve printed some readers’ antics on pages 48 & 49, as well as some confessions from the MADE team on this page. I’m sure I’ll be just the same in a couple of weeks when our new arrival joins us, so please forgive me if the next issue of MADE is printed upside down and back to front!

We asked some of the MADE team if they’ve ever done anything a little bit silly when sleep-deprived…

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. While every care has been taken in compiling MADE magazine to ensure that it is correct at the time of going to press. MADE (Mums And Dads Edinburgh) assume no responsibility for any effects from errors or omissions.

Louise x

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MADE, PO BOX 28825, Edinburgh, EH14 9BA T: 07738 068022 • E: [email protected]

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contact

made

Editor & Publisher Louise WilsonSales Executive Caroline McCleanWriters Heidi Scrimgeour, Katrina Drew

Nichola Hunter, Gavin OattesColumnists Triplet Dad, Under-Fives MumAgony Aunt Jojo Sutherland Designer MAMi Designs

[email protected]

Cover © Dasha Petrenko - Fotolia.comPrinter Stephens & George

welcome

Heidi Scrimgeour (pages 19-22)

Fresh coffee made in a stove-top pot was my saving grace for coping with sleep deprivation - until the day I forgot to actually add the coffee - was so bemused when I poured myself a cup of brown hot water!

Nichola Hunter (pages 40-42)

I once put a dirty nappy in the fridge instead of the bucket and didn’t realise until I opened the fridge again!

Marie Irvine (MADE designer)

After my second son was born I went to work one morning and realised I had put my 6-year-old’s ‘Thomas’ socks on instead of my own!

Contributors

Sunday 21 September 2014 10am until 4pm

Corn Exchange, New Market Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RJ

Sign up on the day for our FREE tasters run by:Monkey Music, Step It Up Dance, Disco Duck, Gymboree,

messy play by Honey Pot Arts and Crafts Studio, Baby Ballet and Baby Sensory

First 100 visitors will receive a FREE goodie bag!

Edinburghbump baby toddler

f a i r

In association with: Nurture Me, AC Maternity Serivces, and MADE Magazine

Endorsed by

Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew

The Neckerchew - the World’s fi rst chewy dribble bib for teething tots. As seen on ‘Dragon’s Den.

www.cheekychompers.com

General Admission - £3.00 per adult

Babies and Toddlers - FREE

Tickets available online at:

http://kaywa.me/3L1vd

or on the day

Tickets

A percentage of ticket sales will go to charity

Sponsored by:


www.mademagazine.co.uk

50 Family Health What is Chiropractic?

52 Starting School By Gavin Oattes

54 Shopping Wet, Wet, Wet

56 Hobbies Dancing for everyone

58 Hobbies Why kids climb

60 Finance Little people, big questions

62 Out & About

64 Directory Ads

66 Tried & Tested Sparkle Arts on trial…

8 News

16 Competitions

19 Stress-free Homework 5 secrets to help

25 Trust Jojo! If you need advice…

26 post-Natal Depression Finding the Light

33 under Fives Mum Great Expectations

34 Dates for your Diary Best events in Sept & Oct

39 Triplet Dad All about the music

40 Family Focus Life in the Army

44 lucky Ducks A review of East Lothian

48 (Sleep Deprived) parents Do the silliest things

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Contents september / october

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www.mademagazine.co.uk6

The Pauline Quirke Academy is a weekend performing arts school for 4-18 year olds – and the two newest branches are opening in Edinburgh on Saturday 20th September. Actress Pauline Quirke told us, “When we opened our first academy in 2007 our mission was simply to provide the very best performing arts education. We’ve grown a lot since then, but that mission hasn’t changed. By working with people we believe are outstanding in their field, we aim to bring the widest, most exciting experience to our students in an environment that is both friendly and rewarding.”

PQA’s core modules in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television teach a comprehensive range of skills, which are useful for everyday life, not just a career in the performing arts, whilst masterclasses allow students to expe-rience more specialist lessons in areas like stage combat, beat boxing, street dance and magic.

PQA believe in rewarding and inspiring their students, so along with regular reports to moni-tor their progress, all students are offered group exams through Trinity College London - at no ad-ditional charge to parents. These exams fit in per-fectly with work the students are doing anyway, present a very enjoyable challenge and are the perfect way to celebrate all their hard work.

As well as many in-house productions and showcases there are two stand-out highlights for all PQA students. The first is the chance to see their short film projects on the big screen of their local cinema, where they get to walk down the red-carpet just like the Hollywood stars. Some of these films even get selected for the Empire Cinemas / PQA Film Festival, where winning films are shown on the huge screen at the Empire Leicester Square in glamorous event students and parents will never forget! The second is the chance to take part in a PQA show. Where differ-ent academies join forces to create a spectacular performance at a prestigious venue.

For those students who want the chance to work

Thrills and Skills For Life at The Pauline Quirke Academy

advERTORial

professionally there is the opportunity to join Quirky Kidz Creative Management (QK) – an agency that exclusively represents PQA students. QK clients have won parts in many high profile projects in-cluding Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (West End); Peaky Blinders (BBC); EastEnders (BBC); and the smash-hit feature film Les Miserables.

The main Academy is for 6-18 years olds (split into appropriate age groups) and runs for 3 hours, with 4 & 5 year olds invited to join Poppets – a 90 minute session which combines the best of movement, dance, singing, acting, expression and imagination.

Principal Leonna McGilligan-Dix said “Me and the team are so excited to bring this wonderful opportunity to the children and young people of Edinburgh. Do get in touch and try us out – and I look forward to welcoming you into the PQA family soon!” n

PQa Edinburgh West will run on a Saturday from 9:15 until 12:30 and PQa Edinburgh North from 13:45 – 17:00.

• PQAEdinburghNorth Broughton High School• PQAEdinburghWest Craigmount High School

More info…

2 Academies are opening in the Edinburgh area

THE PAULINE QUIRKEACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTSIS ENROLLING NOW!

Visit www.pqacademy.comor call 084567 32022

Edinburgh Northruns on Saturdays

Starts 1.45pm Ends 5pmFind us at

Broughton High School, 29 E Fettes Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 1EG.

Edinburgh Westruns on Saturdays

Starts 9.15am Ends 12.30pmFind us at

Craigmount High School, Craigs Road, Edinburgh, EH12 8NH.

FREEOPEN DAY SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER


news

Share an adventure with your family travelling by steam train, explore Scotland’s largest railway museum and experience the sights, sounds and smells of old fashioned train travel. The Guard will clip your ticket as your journey begins. Buy a snack from the buffet car then sit back and wave to the people you pass as the train travels through the Scottish countryside. Back at Bo’ness, visit the Museum of Scottish Railways via a new Visitor Trail, learn why the Fish Van has a sloping floor, come face-to-face with a mechanical horse and much more. For ideas on planning your day go to www.bkrailway.co.uk

Full Steam Ahead!

Edinburgh bump baby toddler

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Edinburgh Bump Baby Toddler Fair is the must-visit event for anyone planning a pregnancy, expecting a new arrival or who already has a bouncing baby or terrific toddler! Go to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Sept 21st (10am – 4pm) and meet lots of local exhibitors and sign up for some fantastic free taster sessions.

Tickets are £3 per adult (with a percentage going to charity), and babies and tod-dlers go FREE.

Get tickets at Eventbrite http://kaywa.me/3L1vd or pay on the door. First 100 visitors get a goody bag!

Pout, the ladies lifestyle show at Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Sept 27th & 28th, features fashion, beauty and leisure for aspirational women. You can shop, test products and buy treatments with its Pop-Up Shops, The Market Place, Hair Ups, Nail and Brow Bars, Treatment areas, Demonstrations, Champagne and Cocktail Bars, Win your Wish List Competition, a chance to be the ‘Pout of the Weekend’ and much, much more.

For half-price tickets go to www.poutevent.com and use promo code MADE50.

Pout



Kids are in for a treat this year with the new children’s LEGO watches available from WatchShop.com. There’s LEGO Movie Wyldstyle, City Fireman, Star Wars R2-D2, Batman and the Classic LEGO Minifigure. See the whole range at WatchShop.com

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Love

Dads Rock Academy (DRA) is Scotland’s only affordable rock academy for kids (aged 7-16) and their parents. Started by local dads, David Marshall and Thomas Lynch, DRA helps kids and their parents access music by learning a rock band instrument together - bass guitar, drums, keyboard, guitar or vocals. DRA offers weekly music tuition (Tues or Thurs night) and the loan of an instrument, and takes place at Edinburgh Colleges, Sighthill Campus.

The second year launches in October and spaces are limited so apply today at www.dadsrockacademy.org.uk or phone David on 07511 533 432.

rock for all Ages

Aqua Sensory classes with Little Splashers can give babies and children a head start for school, as well as a healthy foundation of water confidence and attitude towards exercise. Swimming provides an environment where a baby has complete freedom of movement long before they can crawl or walk. Combine this movement in water with sensory development and play, and the swimming pool becomes the perfect environment for early learning.

Fun signs and games, taught in a visual format with ‘swim and activity cards’, are used in the pool to build their language and vocabulary skills and develop fine motor skills. For more info call 07474888237 or go to www.littlesplashers.webs.com

little Splashers

Water Babies had a fantastic summer, which peaked with winning Best National Baby & Toddler Development Activity, Best National Pre-schooler Development Activity and a Highly Commended for Scottish Water Babies instruc-tor, Wendy Lambie, at the 2014 ‘What’s on 4 Little Ones’ awards. Another highlight was seeing Water Babies on ITV’s ‘Secret Life of Babies’ – an emotional watch for everyone involved and incredible to know the footage was filmed at a normal Water Babies class.

The autumn term is kicking off now so call 0131 554 6682 to find your nearest class.


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The Post-it brand from 3M has announced a new range of study aids to keep your child’s school-work covered. Colourful, fun and functional, these products will add personality to learning. For younger pupils, Post-it Animal Notes (£2.99), with four different animals, are perfect for engaging children in learning. And avail-able in a range of bright colours, the practical Post-it Super Sticky Notes Neon Lined Pad (£3.26) is ideal for making more detailed notes. www.post-it.com

Captain Tortue, French fashion company, sells beautifully designed women’s and children’s clothes direct to custom-ers in their homes. Collections are refreshingly different from the high street and are sold by consultants who love fashion, socialising and working from home. Consultants join with no prior experience as the company provides free training, the initial investment is low and it is possible to earn a full or part-time income.

If you have a passion for fashion and want to find out more contact [email protected], call 01403 754040 or go to www.captaintortuegroup.com

Ahoy Captain Tortue!

TV Water Babies

Homework Help



news

‘Jo Jingles is a happy little fellow, all dressed in red and yellow!’ Or so the song goes! Joanne Goodall has been running the music and movement classes in West Edinburgh and West Lothian since 2002, and in that time thousands of under-fives have come to love Jo. Weekly classes are educational but the em-phasis is on fun for both parents and children. Joanne says “This year we said goodbye to two mums who have been coming to classes for

Jo Jingles over ten years with their children!’

All new customers get a free trial session, and Jo Jingles offers up to four free classes for babies under 6 months, ensuring that all babies can get the musical start experts say is so important.

Joanne is now moving on to new ventures so the franchise in West

Edinburgh and West Lothian is for sale, contact her on 0131 4434196 or email [email protected] for more information.

Fashion for children 2 to 16 years

Spring Summer 2014

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The Spring Summer Collections will be here on

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From ............................................................................................................Until ..................................................................................................................................................

Visit us in ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Need a parent friendly career?Love beautiful children’s clothes?

Want to work with lovely people?

Designer French clothes with a twist!

By using your current network of friends, playgroups and kids clubs you can quickly build a successful business and enjoy the benefits of Tortue.

We are looking for self-employed consultants in Scotland now. No experience necessary.Call 01403 754040 to find out more

www.captaintortuegroup.com

Meet Captain Tortue!!!


news

Good 2 Give On Sun Oct 5th (2pm-4pm) Edinburgh charity, It’s Good 2 Give, will host a fashion show at Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools. It’s Good 2 Give supports local young people with cancer and their families and has raised over £650K since it was founded just over 4 years ago.

On the catwalk young cancer patients, their siblings and parents along with bereaved parents and staff from Sick Kids and Western General hospitals will strut their stuff. For more info www.itsgood2give.co.uk

New Principal, Melvyn Roffe, will receive a warm welcome when he starts in August, as George Watson’s College, a close-knit community for girls and boys, is renowned for a warmth often associated with smaller schools.

The range of opportunities available there is exceptional; the only Scottish school to offer the IB as a choice alongside SQA qualifications, it offers unparalleled extra-curricular choice and the George Watson’s Centre for Sport provides pupils with excellent sporting facilities on campus. Go to their Open Morning on October 4th to see what it means to be part of the Watson’s family.

Steiner Schools differ from other independent schools in both curriculum and approach. From age 3 - 18 years, subject matter is linked to the developmental stage and age of the pupil and all subjects are linked together interweaving academic, artistic and practical subjects. Excellent exam results, small class sizes and the introduction of modern language education from Kindergarten are all underpinned by outstanding pastoral care.

The Edinburgh Steiner School is experienced when it comes to settling in new pupils at any stage, with children being reassured by the warmth and openness of the welcome from their peer group and carefully structured academic support enabling them to catch up. School tours are available on Oct 3rd and Nov 7th. For more info go to www.edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk

Edinburgh Steiner School

New Era for Watson’s

Fashion Show hosted by It’s Good To Give Patron, Grant Stott



MADe Recommends…

Every birthday I like to treat myself to a little pampering session, so, in July I decided to combine relaxation with health, and booked a Jikiden Reiki session with the lovely Sylvia who runs ‘What is the Alternative’ from The Fountain Spa in Joppa.

Having experienced Reiki before I knew to expect full relaxation and a deep sense of calm; but I was unsure about the benefits to my unborn baby (I’m currently 8 months pregnant). Sylvia explained Reiki is actually fantastic for babies and children and can be used to treat many common problems such as colic, disturbed sleep patterns, teething issues, ADHD, growing pains, eczema and asthma. It’s such a gentle, non-intrusive treatment but offers extremely powerful and positive results. The practitioner simply lays their hands on the (fully clothed) client and the Reiki energy flows to where it is needed. My husband is somewhat sceptical but I’m going to book a session for him soon too – he doesn’t need to believe for it to work, and it could massively help with his football injuries and back pain. As for me, I’m just grateful for the fantastic sense of well-being and revitalization I have just now, and for the best night’s sleep I’ve had in weeks!

For more information and 20% off your first treatment call Fountain Spa on 0131 468 8001 to book your session with Sylvia www.whatisthealternative.co.uk/ jikiden-reiki

by What is the Alternative with Sylvia

Jikiden Reiki

Speech Support

Do you worry your child is struggling to comprehend what you are saying, isn’t talking yet or is difficult to understand? Are you concerned but unsure as to what is ‘normal’? Edinburgh Speech Therapy has years of experience working with children with speech and language difficulties including delays, speech sound problems, Autism, genetic disorders and many more. They support parents and carers of children with communication needs, and advise parents how to enhance communication abilities in a fun and exciting way.

Assessment of children of any age is offered and an initial phone consultation is free of charge on 07967815246. For more info go to www.edinburghspeechtherapy.co.uk


Monkey Music Edinburgh South is excited to be launching afternoon classes for babies and children (3 mo - 4 yrs) in the brand new Tigerlilys jungle themed cafe in Morningside, and 30 minutes free play before or after classes will be included in the class price. A great fun filled way to spend an afternoon with your little monkey!

Monkey Music Edinburgh South offer great fun classes in Balerno, Colinton, Fairmilehead, Marchmont, Morningside and Newington 6 days a week. Each class is packed full of movement, actions songs, sensory props and of course the all-important instruments! For more info and to book a complimentary class call Lisa on 0131 441 4581 or email [email protected]

Gymboree Edinburgh is delighted to announce its new Art Classes and Music Classes to inspire your child’s imagination and self-expression. Through painting, printing, sculpting, drawing, collage and dramatic play Gymboree’s Art Classes encourage confidence and support artistic potential.

Gymboree’s Music Classes are high energy and full of life to enhance your child’s development and love of music through song, dance, movement games and instruments. New musical styles are explored, from African to Classical, Jazz to Disco; introducing new sounds and rhythms from past to present! Discount for multiple classes apply. For more info email [email protected]

NEW Afternoon Adventures with Monkey

Friday 19th September is International ‘Talk like a Pirate Day’! It is also Doodles 15th Birthday so pop along to help them celebrate. There’ll be 15% off all pottery on the day, and cakes and chocolate coins galore if you can find all the clues on their treasure hunt. Go dressed as a pirate and receive 20% oFF all pottery! There will be prizes for the best costume and pirate themed pottery.

Official party 3-7pm but they’ll be in a party mood all day! For more info and to book your space call 0131 229 1399.

news

Doodle’s Pirate Party

Calling little Artists and Musicians



news

Local charity running free playgroups for dads has won twice at the international ‘What’s On 4 Junior’ Awards; Most Outstanding Baby & Toddler Group, and Steve Leslie won Most Outstanding Volunteer.

Dads Rock is based in Granton and Westerhailes and offers a fun, positive and rocking place for dads and children. Co-founder, Thomas Lynch said ‘It’s amazing to have won against such tough competition and is a real boost to us’.

Dads Rock has recently expanded their weekly playgroups and is now running groups Mon and Wed, 10am-11am. David Marshall, co-founder said ‘We’re looking forward to giving dads and kids more chances to come together and have some fun.’ www.dadsrock.org.uk

Dads Rock the Awards

No one loves your kids like you do. But it can be hard to know how to help when they’re dealing with bullying, low confidence, phobias or big changes like divorce and other modern day pressures. It’s just as hard when you’re struggling with challenging behaviour, bedtime tantrums or their exam stress.

But help is at hand. Orielle Taylor is an experienced and qualified professional who uses hypnotherapy, mindfulness and neuro linguistic programming to help kids and parents improve their communication and wellbeing.

With classes running from Edinburgh city centre, and the option to have bespoke 1:1 sessions, it’s easy to get the extra support and care your family needs.

Call 07980 659 148 or email [email protected] to find out more or to book. www.orielle-taylor.co.uk

Caring Coaching

Keeping Up With kids growing up so quickly, it’s understandable they want to change their room around frequently. Command Products from 3M are a range of ingenious adhesive strips and hooks which allow you to hang decorations, pictures and much more without the hassle of nails, screws or tacks; so you can keep up with their ever-changing taste without damaging your decor.

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Monkey Music’s award winning classes offer a musical experience for very young babies and children in a way that they understand in classes full of live singing, dancing, brightly coloured sensory props and of course live music with your very own instruments! Their progressive and educational four stage curricula are designed to nurture a lifetime of music with classes perfect for each separate age group. By the time little monkeys ‘graduate’, they have a sound base from which to build a musical future. With classes held six days a week all over Edinburgh what better way than to experience a Monkey Music class than by winning a free term of classes.

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To win a free term of Monkey Music classes just answer this question:

How many days a week are Monkey Music classes available?

16 www.mademagazine.co.uk

For more info go to www.monkeymusic.co.uk or email Edinburgh North: [email protected]

Edinburgh South: [email protected]

Laser Pegs are the amazing construction toys that light up in all the colours of the rainbow! Laser Pegs, 57 in 1 Dragon Kit (£69.99) has an incredible assortment of models to build including a Dragon, Sea Monster, Moon Capsule, Giant Robot, Rhino, and many others. The 3D Lite Board power base even doubles as an exclusive Laser Pegs storage box!

Or explore the land and skies with the exciting 8 in 1 Helicopter Kit (£24.99) to build a Speedster, Sand Rover or the Medic Space Cruiser just to name a few.

We have FIVE prizes containing two Laser Pegs toys sets worth £95 each to give away.

To win one of five prizes just answer this question:

How many models can you build with the Laser Peg Dragon Kit?

Laser Pegs Kits are available from Smyths and Toys R Us and are compatible with virtually all other constructions sets.

To win any of these prizes simply email your name, address, phone number and answer to [email protected] or enter via www.mademagazine.co.uk

before October 17th Please mark your entry Competition A, B or C as the subject.

T&Cs: Stockbridge Restaurant: Available Tues – Fri, 3 course set menu, subject to availability

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17made SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

The Stockbridge Restaurant, situated on St Stephen Street, is a family-run eatery which has been serving up their informal take on fine dining for ten years. Award winning Head Chef Jason Gallagher is well known for his classical cooking with a modern twist so you can be sure of mouth-watering meals. An excellent bespoke wine list has been sourced from boutique wineries to ensure the perfect bouquet for each dish. With a roaring welcoming fireplace and outstanding food and service, this is the perfect place to enjoy an evening of fine-dining in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.

To celebrate The Stockbridge Restaurant’s 10th Birthday we’re offering one lucky reader the chance to win a delicious three course dinner for two with a bottle of Prosecco.

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To find out more call 0131 226 6766 or visit www.thestockbridgerestaurant.co.uk

WIN

To win dinner and Prosecco just answer this question:

What street is The Stockbridge Restaurant situated on?

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OPEN DAY IN TIGERLILYS PLAY CENTRE, 1A NILE GROVE MORNINGSIDEWednesday 27th AugustT: 0131 441 4581 E: [email protected]

Exclusive membership discounts if you book today!

SCHOOL TOURS: 3rd OCT & 7th NOV 2014

89% (2013)


Ah, homework. If you thought it was bad enough when you were school, just wait until you’re responsible for getting your own kids to knuckle down to it. Few things are quite as headache-inducing, but fear not - here are MADE’s top tips for keeping homework stress-free…

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Homework

SWRITTEN BY Heidi Scrimgeour

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STRESS-fREE HOMEWORk

GEttinG to grips with helping your kids with their homework is one of those aspects of par-enthood that people forget to warn you about. It’s as if we’re expected to just know how to do it once our kids hit that stage, but it can actually be pretty difficult to work out how much help to offer, particularly if you struggled with homework when you were at school. Offer too much support and you risk doing most of the work for years to come. Equally if you step back and leave the kids to it entirely, they might take that as a license to do the bare minimum.

The secret, I have learned, is to turn homework into something that your kids actually enjoy. I rea-lise that sounds preposterous but trust me; we’re five years into homework in our house and we’ve finally learned how to get through it without tears of tantrums - from me or the kids! Here’s how:

Fuel them firstThe only thing worse than trying to coax a child into doing their homework is trying to coax a hungry child into doing their homework when they’re way past the point of being able to communicate that they simply need to be refuelled first.

A good indicator of whether your child is in this predicament is if they burst into stroppy tears at the mere mention of the ‘h’ word, lie on the floor sobbing in protest, or slide into the chair so mournfully that their body language practically screams FEED ME. Some children just don’t ‘read’ their own hunger signals very well, so don’t expect them to be able to say that their reluc-tance to knuckle down to do homework is in fact due to a major dip in their energy level; just take it as a given.

© JENNER - FOTOLIA.COM



Dehydration can also contribute to homework reluctance. It’s well documented that even mod-erate dehydration can significantly impact brain function, so re-fuelling your kids with a healthy snack and a drink of water is a must before men-tioning homework.

I have taken to handing my kids a bottle of water at the school gates and when they hand it back empty they get a chocolate biscuit. Yes, it’s bribery and yes, it could be a healthier form but it works, so don’t knock it. The difference between asking a well-hydrated child to start on home-work and suggesting that to a thirsty one is really remarkable. Try it!

Agree on your strategyIt’s pretty critical that anyone who cares for your child (and thus who might have some responsi-bility for overseeing homework) knows exactly what strategy you employ, so they can stick to it. This really matters when mum says one thing and dad says another.

We learned this the hard way in our house. I tend to insist that my lads do their homework the moment they set foot through the door after school. That leaves them free to enjoy the rest of their evening without homework hanging over their heads, and also means we don’t have to

add over-tiredness into the mix when we eventu-ally get round to forcing ourselves to look at the day’s homework after dinner.

But my husband adopts a much more laissez-faire approach, and thus my kids quickly learned to play us off against one another. Thankfully we’ve sussed this now, and my husband is happy to concede that Mum’s Rules apply on this one, since I’m the one who generally helps with homework the most, and so I get to say how we tackle it.

Kids can spot a loophole a mile off and are hard-wired to exploit it. To avoid this over home-work set your rules, communicate them clearly to everyone who helps with homework, and then stick to them like glue.

I’m not usually one to bang on about the im-portance of consistency as a parent - some of our most fun moments of family life have come from being able to cope with a touch of incon-sistency now and again - but when it comes to homework, being consistent really matters - and can really pay off. For years my kids resisted my insistence that they do homework immediately after getting home from school, but these days they head straight for the kitchen table and get started without me even having to utter a word. Job done.

Talk to the school if homework is causing problems Don’t delay in talking to your child’s teacher if homework is causing real upset at home - some-thing’s wrong if so, and is probably easily fixed.

Most children love to please their teachers, and thus hate the thought of admitting to struggling with their homework, which can make it tricky to address the issue.

But handled sensitively, a quiet word in the shell-like of your child’s teacher can do wonders for sorting out any homework issues. (Or try a phone call so that the child isn’t party to the con-versation, or even an email if your school has provision for that.)

Even more of a challenge is what to do when homework is too easy. Most kids love being able to whizz through their homework in a matter of minutes without having to put much effort in, but

Play ‘coffee shops’ - serve them

milkshakes while they work and

they’ll be finished their homework

in no time

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this can be as detrimental to their progress as homework that is too difficult.

Make it funOn days when my kids can barely muster the energy to drag themselves from the school gate to the car, I have a fail-safe tactic for persuading them to crack on with their homework. We head straight for our favourite cafe. Something about the novelty of the experience (perhaps the hot chocolate with marshmallows has something to do with it…) revives their spirits just enough to get them through their homework. And I get to drink a latte while it’s hot without anyone even really noticing.

Of course this is a rare treat - it would be a pricy way to tackle homework 24/7 - but keep it up your sleeve as a strategy for those days when you can just see trouble brewing before you’ve

even dared glance in the direction of the home-work diary.

It also works to play ‘coffee shops’ - serve them milkshakes while they work and they’ll be finished their homework in no time.

Get creativeI have no idea how our parents’ generation man-aged to raise us without the wonders of the in-ternet but when it comes to homework, Google really comes into its own. Struggling with frac-tions? Do an internet search for ‘creative ways to teach fractions with lego’ and you’ll be amazed by what you find. Or use Pinterest to look up what-ever topic your child is working on, and you’ll be instantly armed with loads of good resources, ideas and activities that can turn homework from a hellish experience into one that your kids actu-ally relish. n

Use Pinterest to look up whatever topic your child is working on, and you’ll be instantly armed with loads

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Dear Jojo What age is too old for a child to be sleeping with mum and dad? Laura, Silverknowes

Dear LauraAny age! They may be sleeping but I bet you’re not! Most children do wonderful impressions of starfish and leave parents clinging to the edge of a bed by their fingernails so discourag-ing them EVER to sleep in your bed is the best plan; especially at that ‘just starting to go dry through the nights phase’ because you can guarantee that they will always have an accident in your bed – AVOID, AVOID, AVOID

Is everybody alright? Those summer holidays get longer every year and I for one was ready for a ner-vous breakdown. Not only did I have three bored daughters to contend with but a wayward son decided to return home for a visit – I’m considering putting a no vacancies sign on the front door!

There is hope on the horizon as I’ve been offered the chance of going to Australia at the beginning of 2015 for Perth and Adelaide festivals, but it means being away for six weeks, which will be the longest I’ve ever been away. Naturally I wondered how my family would cope without me, especially the young-est, so I started my negotiations with her first. It was a very short conversation: Me: ‘What would you think about me going to Australia for 6 weeks?’ Daughter: ‘As long as you don’t take the iPad then fine’. Me: ‘Oh, right’. Isn’t it delightful to know that the love and support of a mother can be instantly replaced, clearly there’s an app for that!

Jojo!Trust

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Got a child related problem and need some advice? Look no further! Comedian, JoJo Sutherland, is on hand to help. Send your problems to [email protected]

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Jojo




tHErE are few things in life that bring that same level of overwhelm-ing love. The birth of your child, your bundle of joy. Nothing really compares to the unwavering adoration felt after nine months of tentatively waiting for your little one to arrive.

If we’re honest, this intense happiness can occasionally be overshadowed by the baby blues. Feeling weepy, exhausted, mood swings; most new mums would admit to feeling under the cosh at times. But for around one in 10 women in the UK, these feelings don’t subside and can develop into postnatal depression.

Often the signs of PND develop in the first six weeks, but for some it’s not apparent until many months later. And sadly diagnosis can take even longer. With wide ranging symptoms, not to mention the distractions of parenting, many women find it difficult to recognise patterns themselves before even seeking professional help.

For Sally Tyrrell, diagnosis came relatively quickly but help took far longer to arrive. The warning bells came just ten days after the birth when Sally began to suffer from extreme anxiety. Her state deteriorated over the following few days, and after a terrifying panic attack Sally’s husband sought medical help.

Therein began a distressing period during which Sally was shuttled between psychiatrists, doctors, and mental health teams with the prospect of 21 weeks wait before counseling might be available. With muddled diagnoses and no clear route to help, Sally fell into a deep, fraught depression that went as far as suicidal thoughts. Anti-depressants and sleeping pills were prescribed but still there was an interminable wait for dedicated support.

“I believe it is a bit of a postcode lottery with regards to what help you receive. I found it extremely difficult to find the right help ... trailing the internet in the middle of the night! If you are experiencing PND you are not in the right frame of mind to be finding the help. You should have someone you can go to who will do this for you.”

Luckily Sally did, and within days her parents had identified private sector support from Blubell PND Counselling, part of CrossReach. Being lucky enough to have financial assistance from her family Sally

fiNdiNg THE

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© K

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AYA

- FO

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OM


fiNdiNg THE ligHT

was able to see a counselor relatively quickly and so began her route to recovery.

Reflecting on her experience Sally credits her treatment at CrossReach as what got her through, what kept her alive. “It is not an overnight fix and things were extremely hard … I went for counselling once a week then after a couple of months that was reduced to once a fortnight. Each week I grew a little stronger. I acknowledged that the road to recovery would probably be longer than I would have liked but I could see light at the end of the tunnel.”

What was most evident in Sally’s particular experience was the lack of help that went beyond a prescription: “Medication serves its purpose but sometimes you need to get to the root of the problem and medication alone will not do this. There needs to be better local community support services…there needs to be a ‘voice’ for PND sufferers, maybe someone at government level.”

Spurred on by her experience, Sally is now volunteering with the NHS and is in talks to propose a new support role is introduced for PND mothers and their families – in a similar vein to the ‘Community Mothers’ breastfeeding programme. Sally is not alone in her determination to help those going through what she did; Tricia Murray has also turned a truly harrowing experience into one she can build on to assistance mums affected by PND in the future.

With two 22-month old twins and a newborn baby, Tricia had more than her hands full. The twins arrived after Tricia and her husband undertook fertility treatment, having been desperate for a baby for over four years. When the two little boys arrived, there was much admiration for the way in which Tricia quickly took to life with two newborns: “people used to look at me and say, “how will you manage”… I used to reply, “I’ve been so desperate … I can’t complain”. And complain I really didn’t.”

Despite a difficult birth and health complications that affected Tricia for many months, she took to motherhood with great gumption. Juggling the needs of two tiny babies, she coped with all that was thrown at her and by six months, amidst the chaos of weaning, Tricia’s health and sleep began to improve.

“By the time the twins were a year old, I was loving being a mum and life was good. Did I ever think for a second there would be another one – well maybe one day with the assistance

of the fertility clinic but never for a second did I think I would fall pregnant naturally. But I did.”

Whilst the second birth had been easy and complication free, there was little break for being a full-time mum to three. Just two days after the birth Tricia was back in the routine – an endless conveyor belt of feeding, changing, potty training,

bathing, entertaining babies. Fast forward nine months, and the pressure of looking after three young children became insurmountable; Tricia broke down and was diagnosed with PND.

Where Sally had struggled, Tricia was luckier. A tremendously supportive health visitor offered her a lifeline, giving Tricia the confidence to seek help from both her GP and CrossReach Counselling. The next few months were a slow restorative process that eventually led to a new lease of life for Tricia: “I’ve decided to set up my own company to help parents struggling with looking after twins or triplets and/or PND – I really feel having someone who understands by having lived through the experience themselves this can help to take a bit of pressure off.

“There’s research to show that parents of multiples often experience PND in toddlerhood rather than as babies and this is definitely where I feel I fall. Having another baby into the mix of course, for me, made life slightly more complicated. I am really passionate about speaking up about PND as I want others to know that it happens, I am living proof of it, but you can survive.”

There needs to be better local community

support services… there needs to be a

‘voice’ for PNd sufferers

“

”

CR0053

[email protected] 657 2000

www.crossreach.org.uk

‘Hush little baby

Please text: PNDS22 £5 to 70070to donate £5 to CrossReach’s Postnatal Depression Services

Hush Littel Baby.indd 1 05/08/2014 12:15:32

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From both Tricia and Sally’s stories it is clear that support from others - whether from family, friends or professionals – was the key factor in their recovery, something Helen Cook of Baby Matters believes is vital. As a trained maternity nurse and qualified PND carer, Helen is well versed in recognising the symptoms but acknowledges that often it can take mum far longer: “I tend to notice very quickly, but it can take time. It’s our job to be aware and provide support without making a formal diagnosis, it’s important for mum to understand the patterns herself.

“There are numerous symptoms and it’s not always crying; sometimes mum can come across as coping too well which only adds more pressure. A veneer of calm and control is often just a mechanism for mums who feel they are treading water and are afraid everything will fall apart if they don’t keep this appearance up.”

For partners, family or friends worried about how a new mum is coping, their role is not dissimilar to that Helen adopts: “It’s all about listening and offering reassurance. Don’t question, just be there and offer practical help. Mum has to come to terms with how she feels, be able to verbalise

her feelings and not feel judged – particularly when they might be feeling vulnerable and open to criticism.

“If mum isn’t responding we try to suggest she takes a little time out for herself. It can often be as simple as asking her what she enjoyed before the baby – maybe it’s a round of golf or swimming – and we encourage them to enjoy that once again.”

Helen works with new mums, providing them with a diverse support service that includes care for those suffering from PND. Once a diagnosis has been made, Helen sees the steps beyond medication and formal counseling as key to recovery; “Mums shouldn’t be afraid to get practical help. Take all the offers of support you need and most of all get some rest!

“Try to eat healthily. When you are worrying about breast or bottle feeds it’s easy to forget, but maintaining your blood sugar levels help lift your mood. There are lots of what we call happy foods – turkey, cheese, spinach, pineapple, eggs – produce that all contains serotonin. We recommend reading material that offers stories that will help mum see the light, and encourage an active lifestyle – any exercise is just perfect. Even simple things like a long bath with a good book can work wonders!”

For Sally and Tricia, the journey through PND was a dark and difficult time but one that bore great change and learning. Both now in recovery – and with beautiful families bringing them much happiness – their experiences have given them the will to help others who may be affected by PND. With services like Crossreach, Baby Matters and nuture Me there is growing help out there, and the work of mums like Tricia and Sally will only help to lift any remaining stigma around PND so mums need not suffer alone in the future. n

For help and advice...CrossReach - crossreach.org.uk Nuture Me - nurturemeedinburgh.com Baby Matters - baby-matters.co.uk Birth and Beyond - birthandbeyond.org.uk

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i LovE it when friends announce they’re preg-nant for the first time. It makes you think back wistfully to when it was you – and about the gap between your expectations of parent-hood and how it actually is.

I had visions of myself taking coffee in chic cafes on autumn days, pram by my side, or cooking and knitting cosily at home. But in reality, children want interacted with. You pop away to chop some veg and they crawl or walk into the kitchen after you. They don’t sit for long in a highchair unless they have a good reason to be there. Who’d have thought?

You can’t predict exactly how parenthood will affect you. After my first child was born I was shocked by how my imagination conjured up the most terrifying possibilities for the little bundle in my arms, making me scared to let her out of my sight. If a family member took her out in the pram, rather than having a snooze or a bath I’d be pacing the floor until she returned safe. And that more unpleasant stuff in your per-sonality that you could disguise when you were a single gadabout all comes out when dealing with toddlers – impatience, control-freakery, your own childishness in fact. But then you make them laugh with a stupid song or a funny face which you never thought you had in your armoury.

As a parent I feel more worried than before by what goes on in the news. And as for TV dramas, Midsomer Murders is about as gritty as we can manage these days. My dad used to say “There’s enough misery in the world without making up stories about it.” Now I know what he meant. I’m no island any more – but life’s better, and more real, for that. And whereas I used to go around minding my own business, with a child all sorts of people will strike up conversation with me.

Cathy Tingle is editor of Edinburgh for Under fives, the family-friendly guide to Edinburgh www.efuf.co.uk

ILLUSTRATION: SAM MILLER www.sammiller.co.uk

Great expectations

“He’s a smiler! How old?” I find myself doing the same with other parents too.

Having been there since the very beginning of their existence, sometimes you look at your children charg-ing around or simply bending their wee heads over their toys and this scary and awe-inspiring thought hits you – “You might so easily never have happened.” When our first child was tiny, my hus-

band used to walk around shaking his head, saying, “We’ve made a person.” I’m not sure you ever really lose that sense of wonder, and the depth of it isn’t something I anticipated.

And then comes the day when your daughter, newly toilet trained, marches into her toddler group, pees all over the floor and proceeds to jump around gleefully in the resulting puddle. Of all the experiences I thought parenthood might bring, I certainly didn’t see that one coming. n

My husband used to walk around shaking his head, saying, “We’ve made a person”

“

”

By Under-fives Mum

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Dates for your diary

Forth Road Bridges Festival (until 13th) forthbridgesfestival.com

11am-6pm Me to You Markets @ Lister Square, Quartermile. Street food, local designers, makers and artists. FREE

10.30am – 1pm Jack & Jill Market @ Dalkeith Campus

Mini French classes resume this week. Check minifrench.co.uk for more info

10am & 11.30am (40mins) Tiny Tales: Into the Woods @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. Join storyteller, Tim Porteous for a trip into the woods. Ages 1-3 years, £5 per child

7.30pm FREE ‘Bumps to School’ Networking Event @ The Priory Bar & Kitchen. Contact MADE for more info.

Scottish Independence Referendum

Eat Drink Discover Scotland @ the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston. Over 100 food & drink companies, celebrity chefs, activities. (Until 14th)

Rapunzel @ Festival Theatre. A new take on the traditional fairytale, Rapunzel is as much for adults as it is for children. (On 20th too)

11.15am & 1pm (45mins) Knights & Princesses by It’s In The Bag @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. A magical adventure for ages 3-6. £6 per child

The Pauline Quirke Academy launches two new branches in Edinburgh. See pages 6 & 7 for more information.

Day Out With Thomas @ Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. For tickets and info go to www.bkrailway.co.uk (On 13th too)

10am – 4pm Edinburgh Bump, Baby & Toddler Fair @ Corn Exchange. Must-visit event for anyone expecting a new arrival or already with a bouncing baby or terrific toddler

10.30am & 11.30am Magic Carpet @ The National Museum of Scotland. Stories and activities for ages 2-4 (+ their adult) Wednesdays term time.

Pout @ Corn Exchange. Ladies lifestyle show - perfect for Edinburgh mums! For half-price tickets go to www.poutevent.com, use promo code MADE50. (on 28th too)

Royal Regiment of Scotland Family Day @ Musselburgh Racecourse

Girlguiding Volunteer Welcome Week Sept 29th - Oct 4th. For info and to book a place call Alison on 07542 767891

Keep up-to-date with all the latest events by logging onto

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

26 27 28 29 30

29 30

made SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 35 www.mademagazine.co.uk34

MADE “Exclusive Offer* Bring a friend absolutely FREE to any Creative Dance class at Dance Base in the autumn term (Sept 5th – Dec 6th). See dancebase.co.uk or call 0131 225 5525.

A !fresh approach to exploring language! !!Fun French sessions - babies to Primary 1 ! Give your wee one a head-start in languages! ! Improve your own French along the way! ! French families welcome

[email protected] • 07800554328

www.minifrench.co.uk

"

!!

Come & join us!

Classes Tuesday

to Saturday at

locations across

Edinburgh !

!

!

MINI FRENCH™

september 2014


Forth Road Bridges Festival (until 13th) forthbridgesfestival.com

11am-6pm Me to You Markets @ Lister Square, Quartermile. Street food, local designers, makers and artists. FREE

10.30am – 1pm Jack & Jill Market @ Dalkeith Campus

Mini French classes resume this week. Check minifrench.co.uk for more info

10am & 11.30am (40mins) Tiny Tales: Into the Woods @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. Join storyteller, Tim Porteous for a trip into the woods. Ages 1-3 years, £5 per child

7.30pm FREE ‘Bumps to School’ Networking Event @ The Priory Bar & Kitchen. Contact MADE for more info.

Scottish Independence Referendum

Eat Drink Discover Scotland @ the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston. Over 100 food & drink companies, celebrity chefs, activities. (Until 14th)

Rapunzel @ Festival Theatre. A new take on the traditional fairytale, Rapunzel is as much for adults as it is for children. (On 20th too)

11.15am & 1pm (45mins) Knights & Princesses by It’s In The Bag @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. A magical adventure for ages 3-6. £6 per child

The Pauline Quirke Academy launches two new branches in Edinburgh. See pages 6 & 7 for more information.

Day Out With Thomas @ Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. For tickets and info go to www.bkrailway.co.uk (On 13th too)

10am – 4pm Edinburgh Bump, Baby & Toddler Fair @ Corn Exchange. Must-visit event for anyone expecting a new arrival or already with a bouncing baby or terrific toddler

10.30am & 11.30am Magic Carpet @ The National Museum of Scotland. Stories and activities for ages 2-4 (+ their adult) Wednesdays term time.

Pout @ Corn Exchange. Ladies lifestyle show - perfect for Edinburgh mums! For half-price tickets go to www.poutevent.com, use promo code MADE50. (on 28th too)

Royal Regiment of Scotland Family Day @ Musselburgh Racecourse

Girlguiding Volunteer Welcome Week Sept 29th - Oct 4th. For info and to book a place call Alison on 07542 767891

www.mademagazine.co.uk/whats-on.html

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

26 27 28 29 30

29 30

Edinburgh Bumps, Babies & Toddler FairEdinburgh Corn ExchangeSept 21st10am – 4pm

FREE taster sessions:Baby Ballet, Baby SensoryDisco Duck, GymboreeHoney Pot Arts and Crafts Studio, Monkey MusicStep It Up Dance

Exhibitors include:• AC Maternity Services• Arbonne• Baby Ballet• Baby Sensory• Back to Birth• Beautiful Bairns Photography• Closer to You• Disco Duck• Edinburgh for Under Fives• Gymboree• Honey Pot Arts and Crafts Studio• Katia Crolla Photography• Lazy Daisy• Little Splashers• Monkey Music• Nurture Me• PookeyBean• Rachel Hein Photography• Step it Up Dance• Turtle Tots• YogaBellies

made SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 35 www.mademagazine.co.uk34

Spotlight on...

Edinburgh bump baby toddler

f a i r

made MARCH / APRIL 2014 37 www.mademagazine.co.uk36 www.mademagazine.co.uk36


Dates for your diary

School Tours of Edinburgh Steiner School. Book with the school office on 0131 337 3410 www.edinburghsteiner school.org.uk

George Watson’s Open Morning. www.gwc.org.uk

2pm – 4pm It’s Good 2 Give Fashion Show @ Tom Fleming Centre for Performing Arts at Erskine Stewart’s Melville School, Queensferry Rd. Tickets from www.brownpapertickets.com/event/610795

10am & 11.30am (40mins) Tiny Tales @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. An opportunity for toddlers to get interactive with tales. £5 per child, 1-3yrs

Visit Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Kids go FREE until Oct 26th. See bkrailway.co.uk for T&Cs

2pm The People’s Theatre Company: Old Macdonald Had A Farm @ Brunton Theatre. Charming tale told with a combination of live action, puppetry and animation. Tickets £7, £26 family of 4

10.30am – 12pm Children’s Half-Term Workshops @ Doodles. Clay modelling a range of Autumn & Halloween projects. Includes juice & snack. Book your space on Tues 14th, Wed 15th or Thurs 16th

11am, 1.30am, 4pm Charlie & Lola’s Extremely New Play @ King’s Theatre. Charlie and Lola are completely excited to be coming to Edinburgh! For ages 3+. (On 19th too)

10.30am – 1pm Jack & Jill Market @ Meadowbank

Visit The Enchanted Forest near Pitlochry from Oct 3rd - Oct 26th. enchantedforest.org.uk

Start of Scottish International Storytelling Festival @ Storytelling Centre (until Nov 2nd)

Steam ‘n’ Scream Halloween event @ Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. For tickets and info go to www.bkrailway.co.uk

Tales of a Grandson @ The Studio at Festival Theatre. A time travelling adventure through Scotland’s past to piece together our nation’s story. Family friendly.

10.30am – 4pm The Education Day: Place Based Learning @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. Workshops and discussion. For teachers, educators and artists.

4pm-7pm A gentle introduction to Halloween @ Almond Valley. Ghostly games, tales of terror, dressing up and silly surprises.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest events by logging onto

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

Don’t forget to enter this issue’s competitions before

Oct 17th. Go to mademagazine.co.uk

to enter

made MARCH / APRIL 2014 37 www.mademagazine.co.uk36 made SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 37


School Tours of Edinburgh Steiner School. Book with the school office on 0131 337 3410 www.edinburghsteiner school.org.uk

George Watson’s Open Morning. www.gwc.org.uk

2pm – 4pm It’s Good 2 Give Fashion Show @ Tom Fleming Centre for Performing Arts at Erskine Stewart’s Melville School, Queensferry Rd. Tickets from www.brownpapertickets.com/event/610795

10am & 11.30am (40mins) Tiny Tales @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. An opportunity for toddlers to get interactive with tales. £5 per child, 1-3yrs

Visit Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Kids go FREE until Oct 26th. See bkrailway.co.uk for T&Cs

2pm The People’s Theatre Company: Old Macdonald Had A Farm @ Brunton Theatre. Charming tale told with a combination of live action, puppetry and animation. Tickets £7, £26 family of 4

10.30am – 12pm Children’s Half-Term Workshops @ Doodles. Clay modelling a range of Autumn & Halloween projects. Includes juice & snack. Book your space on Tues 14th, Wed 15th or Thurs 16th

11am, 1.30am, 4pm Charlie & Lola’s Extremely New Play @ King’s Theatre. Charlie and Lola are completely excited to be coming to Edinburgh! For ages 3+. (On 19th too)

10.30am – 1pm Jack & Jill Market @ Meadowbank

Visit The Enchanted Forest near Pitlochry from Oct 3rd - Oct 26th. enchantedforest.org.uk

Start of Scottish International Storytelling Festival @ Storytelling Centre (until Nov 2nd)

Steam ‘n’ Scream Halloween event @ Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway. For tickets and info go to www.bkrailway.co.uk

Tales of a Grandson @ The Studio at Festival Theatre. A time travelling adventure through Scotland’s past to piece together our nation’s story. Family friendly.

10.30am – 4pm The Education Day: Place Based Learning @ Scottish Storytelling Centre. Workshops and discussion. For teachers, educators and artists.

4pm-7pm A gentle introduction to Halloween @ Almond Valley. Ghostly games, tales of terror, dressing up and silly surprises.

www.mademagazine.co.uk/whats-on.html

Charlie & Lola’s Extremely New Play

King’s Theatre

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th October 2014

Prices From: £12

Charlie and Lola are completely excited to be coming to Edinburgh with their Extremely New Play – and this time they’re bringing along Sizzles the Dog! This magical mix of puppets, live action and music is based on the much-loved books by Lauren Child and the ever popular BBC TV Series.

http://www.edtheatres.com/charlieandlola

october 2014

Spotlight on...

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6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

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27 28 29 30 31

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CONvErSaTiONS about music in our house usually start like this.

“Daddy, see that new song by One Direction. Who sang the old version?” “Blondie”, I tell them, and they look blankly at me so we go on YouTube and we look at old videos from the 70’s of a young Debbie Harry singing “One Way or Another”.

Music of all flavours is a big part of our house and our kids have heard a wide variety of music since they were born, and even before they were born in fact. We went for a private scan to find out if we going to have boys or girls as the NHS wouldn’t tell us. As they started the scan they put on some relaxing music, “An Eternal Flame” by The Bangles came on and I knew instantly that fate was telling us that an all-girl band would result in us having three daughters.

We encourage the girls to listen to the current chart music, even though most of it passes us parents by. I love watching them singing along to “their” music and replicating the dance moves they see in the videos. I don’t pretend to get half of it, and a lot of today’s music sounds the same to me but I think that’s a good thing.

I believe that music is generational and there comes a time when you grow past the current charts, and while you may still like some of the music out there, it’s time to let go and realise that as a forty something bloke with kids I’m no longer the target audience for these songs. There’s plenty of good quality non-chart music out there for me to listen to, even if it’s just on my laptop with headphones on so I don’t inflict it on anyone else.

I remember having arguments with my Dad around the music I was listening to growing up.

Read more from Triplet Dad at tripletdadedinburgh.blogspot.co.uk@TripletDadMJ

All about the MusicBy the Triplet Dad

He was The Rolling Stones, I was The Boomtown Rats, and my hero Geldof was just a sub-par Jagger in his eyes but to me he was special. I haven’t had any real arguments with the girls over music just yet, although if I hear the “Frozen” soundtrack in the car one more time I may go mad.

My girls have their musical heroes already and as they

grow into teenagers and adults this will strengthen and they will hold onto these songs and artists for the rest of their lives. Music is hugely important in creating a sense of time and place and it will become a bond that they can share with others with similar musical tastes as they go out into the world on their own.

I look forward to the time in the future when they get asked by their kids who sang the old version of their current favourite song and they say “It was an old band called One Direction, you wouldn’t remember them”. n

If I hear the “Frozen” soundtrack in the car one more time

I may go mad

“

”

ILLUSTRATION: SAM MILLER www.sammiller.co.uk

In our conflicted world the military is a familiar presence in the news. Military wives found their voice quite literally with Gareth Malone, but what about the ones here in Edinburgh? Journalist, Nichola Hunter, didn’t realise quite how big a military presence our community had until her daughter started nursery and it wasn’t long before she realised there was a bit of a divide.



iNiTiaLLy I put it down to the usual politics that form around school gates, but as the school year progressed and my daughter had lost and gained friends due to parents being posted away, I discovered that the military presence in Edinburgh has more impact on our lives than I thought.

Becoming friends with two military mums I started to get snippets of life in the army. Just how difficult is it building a life when you don’t know how long you’re going to be staying in one particular place? These two friends inspired me to write this article but it also gave me licence to ask lots of questions, the answers of which they assumed I already knew!

Helen and James Mitchell met through friends and actually knew each other for ten years before they started seeing each other. “Mitch was posted in Germany which was good because we built up a really strong friendship. While he was there we explored all over Europe and he would book surprises. That was when we had no children, both of us were working and we had money!

“People do say they wouldn’t ever choose to date someone who was in the army, but I didn’t actively track him down! If you asked me if I wanted to go out with someone in the military I would have said no - it’s not the easiest life to choose. After I had my 12 week scan for my daughter, he was posted to Iraq. He was away for the entire pregnancy and came back four days before she was born. It was just luck – it was the end of his tour and she wasn’t early.”

The couple married after Sophie was born and Mitch was posted to Germany. “I found the commute from Tetbury to Germany a bit much,” says Helen laughing. “He proposed in the July, we got married in October and we moved to Germany a week later. You’re not entitled to accommodation if you’re not married and whilst you can rent easily enough in the UK when you’re overseas you do want to be with people who are in the same situation.”

The family which now consists of Sophie (5) and Harry (2) moved to Edinburgh last year. “We approach all our postings as if we’re on holiday. Obviously not financially, but we always think we don’t know how long we’re going to be here so we want to be tourists. When we were in

Germany we drove to Copenhagen. Even in Aldershot which hasn’t got quite the same tourist appeal we made a real effort to see as much of the area as possible. As for Edinburgh, there’s so much to do, the transport system is amazing as I don’t drive and everyone wants to visit us because it’s Edinburgh!”

When it comes to friends, Helen is approachable and chatty – after all that’s how we met but she does approach the army topic with a little wariness. “I like to have a balance of civvy friends and army friends, and I try not to say too quickly that I’m a military wife as some people can make judgements that you’re going to be a certain type of person. Some people, when they find out you’re in the military, decide you’re not worth making a friend of and that’s quite hard. I can understand it but you never know what’s going to happen in anyone’s lives.”

Sarah Thomas agrees. She met Mal in 2000 and like Helen wasn’t looking for a soldier. “You can’t help who you fall in love with and initially he was based only half an hour away which was fine. We rented a house together but then he got posted to Canterbury for nine months, and after that to Inverness which suddenly wasn’t really a commute.”

Sarah gave up everything and moved to Inverness. “I lived there for about a year and then he proposed and we moved into married quarters. In a normal situation you’d probably live together for a bit to see if things worked out, the army definitely speeds things up which doesn’t work out for everyone.

“We didn’t really consider Mal being away when we started a family. We were in Serbia

UNITED FORCES

Some people, when they find out you’re in the military, decide you’re not worth making a friend of and that’s quite hard

“

”


UNITED FORCES

when I became pregnant with Alex. However, I had to travel to Germany to give birth and as it’s a really complex procedure in Germany, I was in hospital for five days. I didn’t really know what was going on. I was induced and although I’d taken a German class, the nurse was Polish and didn’t speak any English, it was all a bit surreal.”

Whilst Sarah had enjoyed her experience in Serbia immersing herself in the culture she readily admits that every posting is different and finding work isn’t easy. “In Serbia I worked in the Embassy part time doing PA work for the ambassador which was really interesting. However, unless you’re a teacher or can work on the base it’s really difficult to get a job. The company I worked for in Inverness still pass me

bits of work but having two children (Alex, 5 and Archie, 2) I think I’m just getting ready to get back into it again.

However, even applying for jobs as a military wife has an added difficulty. “Always at the back of your mind is you could get posted somewhere else at any time and when you get asked that at interview it’s really difficult. Whilst I’ve got some great experience, my CV is all over the place. There is an organisation Recruit for Spouses which does help and people do find ways around it – like being self-employed or doing things like Neal’s Yard which I do. However, it’s a bit like graduates – a pool of skilled people downsizing their jobs because they can only get a job stacking shelves.”

Sarah and Mal also moved to Edinburgh last year and Sarah agrees that Edinburgh is one of their better postings and like Helen she has a

formula for fitting in. “The first few weeks I do a lot of research and find out what’s on and try and establish a routine. The first time anywhere is always difficult but if you didn’t do anything you’d have no life. This is my 8th posting so I just get on and do it. My thing is I always join a hockey club which can be difficult but worth it.”

Whilst I know that Helen and Sarah both have it licked when it comes to establishing a life for themselves wherever they land I have to ask how they can bear to see their husband flying off to a war zone? “You have your own survival tactics,” says Helen. “I don’t watch the news but people will text and ask if I’ve heard from Mitch today? You know then things have kicked off. Luckily most sensible husbands don’t tell you the

half of it and I think that’s preferable most of the time. If we knew all the details we’d be screaming at the airports for them not to go.”

Sarah continues: “What’s most bizarre is that you have a husband at home for months and then suddenly you don’t and he’s not available at all. You just get on with it. I’m just always relieved when it’s not Afghanistan.”

So, there it is, a very brief insight into the life of two military wives – so what’s the verdict? I say I couldn’t do it but then again neither of these women actively chose to fall in love with a soldier. What I would say is that while they’re in Edinburgh I’m enjoying the impact they have on my life – they’ve joined the toddler group committee, we’ve started a Book Group and I have another two people on my emergency and babysitting speed dial. Friends forever? We’ll take it as it comes. n

If we knew all the details we’d be screaming at the airports for them not to go

“

”


Would you like to be part of the Girlguiding experience? By volunteering with us you can help us create lots of great opportunities for girls in Edinburgh. There are lots of ways you can volunteer - it’s flexible and can be arranged to fit around a busy lifestyle with full support and training given. We need volunteers throughout Edinburgh for:

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To book a place or for further information contact Alison Tel: 07542 767891 or email [email protected]. If you are unable to attend one of our information evenings but are still interested visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested

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ThE fantastic run of hot July sunshine certainly cheered everyone up this summer. Our family was no exception, so we took full advantage and headed straight to our favourite summer spot – Gullane Beach, East Lothian. We turned up (along with about 1000 others) to soak up the sun, paddle in the sea and feel like we were a million miles from home. It was ideal. Although at 8 months pregnant I refrained from the sun bit, sat in the shade and got Luke to bury my feet in the sand to keep me cool!

Lucky Ducks


ABERlADy

I’m sure most Edinburgh families did exactly the same at some point. The East Lothian coast offers a tremendous amount of inspiration for days out and activities to keep everyone amused; fabulous beaches, beautiful countryside, historic buildings, farm shops and delis, world famous golf courses – it’s the perfect place to be when the sun has got its hat on! But even on wet days there’s still lots on offer with the Seabird Centre in North Berwick and The Museum of Flight at East Fortune offering rainy day solutions.

Rain was one thing we did not need to worry about that day, it was simply glorious. We whiled away a few hours building castles, picnicking and treasure hunting along the shore.

The forecast was still good for the next day, so we decided to stay in the area for a night so we could make the most of tomorrow too. We went into Aberlady, where we have frequently driven passed Ducks Kilspindie House to see if they had a room for the night. Unfortunately their family room (double bed and bunk beds) was already booked but they were very accommodating and were able to put a Z-Bed in the room for Luke

which was perfect.True to its name, Ducks featured a lot of ducks!

Something which amused Luke no end, so our whole stay involved counting up how many we could find dotted around our room and the hotel. We soon lost count.

The fresh sea air had boosted our appetite so we popped downstairs to Donald’s Bistro, the relaxed and inviting bar area, to see what was on offer. A children’s menu was provided but Luke already had his heart set on Fish & Chips. The menu sounded delicious – a mix of traditional Scottish and international favourites. Dad ordered Haggis Parcels to start (which he loved and scoffed at top speed) and we both fancied the 10z Rib Eye Steak which was served with onion rings, vine-ripened tomatoes, chips, side salad and a choice of sauce. Our meals were delicious! The steak was succulent and juicy, the chips were cooked just the way I like them with the skins on and were seasoned beautifully, the Peppercorn sauce had a cheeky kick to it which we both loved and the vine-tomatoes were incredibly sweet. It really was a fantastic meal


For more information...Ducks Kilspindie House

www.ducks.co.uk 01875 870 682

ABERlADy

and would have us driving back to Ducks for dinner never mind the sunshine! Luke’s fish was delicious too and he managed most of the meal before his ‘dinner tummy’ was full, although he still had room in his ‘pudding tummy’.

He and dad decided to share Donald’s Malteser Ice-Cream, which they both raved over. I ordered the Brandy Snap Mille-Feuille, which was served with raspberries, cream and sorbet and tasted divine! Light and crunchy and creamy and smooth and delicious! I could have eaten that all night!

It was with full tums and tired legs we went upstairs to our room and got some much needed sleep to prepare ourselves for the next day. And, in the morning (after counting the ducks on the shower curtain) we kick-started the day with a full hearty breakfast back in Donald’s. It was a full Scottish fry for dad, light and fluffy pancakes and fruit for Luke and a mixture of both for me. I’m pregnant – don’t judge me! Breakfast again was of a really high standard and set us up perfectly for another day of sunny sightseeing fun. We’ll be sure to come back to Ducks for food again – with or without the hot weather. n

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(Sleep-Deprived) Parents Do the silliest things…

zz z

z

I attempted and failed to wash

an item of clothing for four

washes! I kept remembering

about it after the door was

closed and water was running.

I have been known

to pick up the mouse

instead of the phone

when it rings.

I was in the middle of an important

work meeting when I realised I was

wearing two different shoes! Not

sure the other delegates would

have noticed but I was mortified –

and bemused because they had

heels of different heights!

I changed a nappy right before I left for work. When I got to my office, I kept

smelling baby poop. It took me an hour and a half to realise that it was on my jacket -- and I have to wear a jacket

at work. I tried to wash it off but ended up sitting in my office wearing a damp,

poopy suit coat all day.

I once put the same

kettle on the hob and

proceeded to light it. It was electric.

I once put a boiling hot kettle into the fridge.


I turned up early for a lunch meeting at The Witchery with a cheery “Hello, I’m a little bit early” (meaning 15 minutes) to receive the charming reply “My Dear, you are 24 hours

and 15 minutes early…”

I accidentally walked

outside with one of my

boobs hanging out quite

regularly! My teenage

neighbours are going

to be sad when my son weans.

I once tried to make

a cup of tea but

poured the water

into the tea-caddy

instead of the teapot.

I was walking up the street with rubbish for the bin in one hand and a letter (containing a cheque) in the other; I got to the post box and only had rubbish in my hand.

I once ordered the same book from amazon three times, forgetting I had it already.

My wife trapped her keys in the car, with the new baby inside! Thankfully she was lucky enough to be parked outside a fire station. Cue Firefighters to smash the glass, rescue bambino and call ambulance to check her over. (I tease her it was an excuse to say hello to firemen).

I once nipped outside when baby was sleeping to put a nappy in the outside bin, when the door slammed shut behind me and I had no keys to get back inside! Thankfully our neighbour was

home and could buzz me in the communal entrance.


Why would i have my child checked by a Chiropractor?You and your child live your lives through your nervous systems. The growth that occurs within the first 5 years of life primes the nervous system to create a blueprint for future health and development in the years to come. That being said, this is a timeframe where an optimal brain-body connection is vital to promote proper neurological communication. Our kids are growing up in a time where the world around them is stressful—the foods we eat are

not as pure as they once were, there is a high pressure to succeed, we are more medicated, less physically active, and our families are just plain busy! These stressors (along with many others) could be causing interferences (subluxations) in their nervous system, potentially reducing their innate or inborn ability to heal and function. These adaptations may or may not cause your child to express symptoms, but could cause imbalances in their body. A chiropractor is the only healthcare professional trained to detect and correct the subluxation, thus helping to restore optimal nervous system function. A chiropractor assesses your child in a holistic manner and focuses on promoting their natural ability to thrive! n

ChirOPraCTiC is a natural form of healthcare based on the premise that the body is a self-healing and self-regulating organism. The ability to function, adapt and heal is controlled by the nervous system, made up of the brain, spinal cord and the many nerves that branch out to supply every cell, tissue, and organ of the body. This vital system is housed and protected within the skull and spine, and any improper motion within these moving bones can interfere with the nervous system’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body. Chiropractors work to detect and correct these interferences and spinal dysfunctions (called subluxations) to help restore proper nerve function, thus promoting optimal healing and health throughout the entire body.

What causes Subluxations?There are three main causes of subluxations which may cause interference in the nervous system - PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, and EMOTIONAL STRESS. Examples of these stressors can include, but are not limited to:

PhySiCaL:• Falls, trips, accidents • Traumatic birth • Sporting injuries • Postural stresses at work

and school • Repetitive motions

ChEmiCaL:• Processed foods • Medications• Toxins in the air and water• Smoking • Pesticides

EmOTiONaL:• Financial stress • Family life• Relationships • School • Anger • Grief

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For more information...Contact Discover Chiropractic and ask for a complimentary spinal [email protected]

240 Queensferry Road, Edinburgh EH4 2BP 0131 332 0063

By Anna Winner, Registered Chiropractor

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Creativ

ity

Science

OutdoorsMovem

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Spanis

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Music

Drama

Greenhill Montessori Nursery

3 Greenhill Park, Morningside, Edinburgh EH10 4DW

Tel: 01316290787info@greenhillmontessori.co.ukwww.greenhillmontessori.co.uk

Let your child’s adventure begin!

Our ValuesHere at Greenhill Montessori Nursery we are committed to providing a safe, loving and nurturing environment for each child who joins us. We engage your child socially, emotionally and educationally to ensure their success in the future. Their happiness, security and self confidence are our main goals.

Children from 18 months to Primary Age Hours from 9.00 to 16.00 (Care 8.15 to 17.30) Billingual, with Native speaking teachers in both English and Spanish Online progress tracking system for each child We accept Childcare Vouchers In Partnership with Edinburgh Council Follows the Curriculum for Excellence

Starting

WRITTEN BY Gavin Oattes


STARTING SCHOOl

i havE a five year old son called Kian, and he started school in August. It truly was one of those proud life moments when your wee boy is now old enough to go to school but of course you are left feeling ancient…at thirty-four years of age!!

His first day was a Friday and it was just a morning visit as it always is on your first day of Primary One. However on the Monday of that week I awoke at six o’clock in the morning to discover Kian standing beside me in his full school uniform. I reminded him he wasn’t starting school until Friday at which point he screwed up his face and told me in no uncertain terms, “Yes, I know that Dad”. I asked him what he was doing then to which he replied, “Practising”.

Tuesday morning he practised, Wednesday morning he practiced, Thursday morning he practiced and on Friday morning he completely forgot he was going to school and remained fast asleep until I woke him up. Ten minutes

later he thundered through into our room, skipping and jumping with a great big smile on his face. I asked him if he was excited. “Dad”, he said firmly. “I have never been this excited in all my life. And I’ve been alive for five years you know!” I asked him to show me how excited he was. He put one hand out as far to the side as he could and then the other hand went the other way. He stretched his arms a wide as he could and told me “I’m this much excited Dad.” Of course when a child of five tells you that they are “this much excited”, I firmly believe you don’t actually get much more excited than that. This was a big day, not just for us as parents, but for Kian. He was heading into – what was for him – the

unknown journey of education.Later that morning I was speaking at a school in a different local authority. I

was speaking to the entire staff, teaching and non-teaching. I had shared the story of earlier that morning, recounting the excitement that lit up our house as Kian got ready for school. I quickly realised how happy and positive the “starting school” experience had been for us.

I jokingly asked the audience how many of them had woken up that morning feeling excited after a six week holiday, raring to go and run into someone else’s room and telling them that they were “this much excited”? Not one hand when up. None. Why would they not be excited? They work in a school!!

At this moment I stood in front of about 150 people thinking, what if Kian was coming to this school this morning? What would happen to his enthusiasm?

Those of us who work in schools have a huge responsibility. Not just to teach but to inspire, enthuse, motivate, encourage, care, and to ignite the fire in each and every young learner that walks in through the door ensuring it never goes out.

Imagine doing that for a living? n

Follow Gavin on Twitter @gavinoattes

“I have never been this excited in all my life. And I’ve been alive for five years you know!”

“

”


© C

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-PIC

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made SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 55 www.mademagazine.co.uk54 made SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 55 www.mademagazine.co.uk54

Wet, Wet‘Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass.

It’s about learning to dance in the rain’. - Vivian Greene

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hobbies

daNCE BaSE is nestled underneath Edinburgh’s iconic castle, right in the heart of the city. It’s a place renowned for its wide-range of classes, and each week over 1000 people flood through its doors to spin, tap, pirouette and dance their hearts out.

Dance Base’s young danc-ers programme is thriving, as more and more children are discovering what fun dance can be. The success of the Aer-ial classes for adults sparked an interest for children, too, so in the autumn term (that runs from Sept 5th to Dec 6th) boys and girls aged 8-10 and 11-16 will get their chance too! All or Noth-ing, an established company that run all of Dance Base’s aerial classes, will teach youngsters techniques like hanging, swinging and climbing

on aerial kit that includes silks, rope, hoop and trapeze. Over the course of the term they will work towards developing sequences, tricks and

choreography linking the air to the floor.

Dance Base’s friends at Ac-cess Parkour, who run regu-lar Parkour sessions with young people in Edinburgh, are coming in to start Parkour for P7+ children from September. It is taking the world by storm, and every year more and more children are joining the move-ment. This exciting, brand

new course will introduce the basics of the dis-cipline and will teach children to move freely and safely in the space, but with a fun and fitness fo-cus too! They will also be taken outside, around the Dance Base building and be given the chance


JUMPING AHEAD

More and more children are discovering what fun dance can be

“

”

Flying forward


to practice in the open air. Not wanting to move too far from the dance world, the Creative

Dance strand at Dance Base is relatively new, but gathering mo-mentum all the time. A perfect chance for the young dancer who isn’t entirely set on one style of dance; Creative Dance encour-ages freedom of movement, use of imagination and storytelling in dance, and is given in a relaxed and friendly environment. If your son or daughter is between 3–5 years old, it’s a great way to have fun together and make friends (parents attend with chil-dren). The Creative Dance strand goes all the way from Pre-school to P6, so if they really love it, they can just keep going and going. For autumn 2014, Dance Base has offered MADE readers an exclusive special offer, where you get to bring a friend absolutely FREE. See details below…

Dance Base offers a comprehensive adult courses programme too – from ballet, jazz, tap to fun favourites 80s Icons, Dance Jukebox and Dance Workout, there’s something for everyone. For the over 60s, there’s no shortage of choice either (Ballet Vin-tage, over 60s tap, Latin and many more) so the whole family can get involved and dance together! n


Dance for the whole family, from 0 to 80!

Autumn term at Dance Base

5 Sep - 6 Dec 2014Courses, drop-ins and workshops for everyone!

0131 225 5525

Get

toGether!

dancebase.co.uk

Bring a friend absolutely FREE to any Creative Dance class at Dance Base in the autumn term (Sept 5th – Dec 6th). Creative Dance classes are for 3-5 year olds (preschool); P1 – P3; and P4 – P6. For dates and times, please see dancebase.co.uk or call 0131 225 5525.

T&Cs. Offer only applies to autumn 2014, with only one friend going free. If 4 children would like to attend together, then 2 spaces will be offered free etc. Value of this offer is £54, and only applies to the course option. Please quote MADE OFFER when booking through box office on 0131 225 5525.

MADEExClUSIvE

AUTUMN offEr!


WE’rE bombarded with information about how much time kids spend on devices, the dangers of being sedentary and the fact that we don’t let them take risks like they did in ‘the good old days’.

Like most parents, even those with kids enter-ing the tricky teenage years, I am always trying to find something that is their ‘thing’. You know, the activity that will make them want to spend more time in the real world instead of the virtual – and maybe even some time with me!

The really tricky bit is finding that elusive ‘thing’.

Parents also know that every child is a natural born climber – whether it’s onto the kitchen worktop as a toddler or climbing frames at school. And all too often we worry and tell them to be careful - or just to get down.

However, children’s bodies and minds crave the challenge and the chance to push those boundaries.

Experts consistently try and persuade us it’s healthy for kids to take risks and challenges, so as they grow they can develop the skills and per-severance they need for the bigger challenges that life will present.

Climbing at Edinburgh International Climbing


hobbies

By Julie rollo, Edinburgh Leisure Marketing Officer

and mum of two

Children’s bodies and minds crave the challenge and the chance to push those boundaries

“

”

WHy KIDSClimb

PHOTOGRAPH: © MIKE MULLINS



For further information visit www.eica-ratho.co.uk or call 0131 333 6333.

Find out more…

Arena (EICA): Ratho has been described as playing chess on an 80ft vertical board. Kids get a huge amount of confidence and self-reliance by learning how to climb themselves, and with others. They get the feeling of taking risks, whilst actually being in a completely safe environment. The challenges change all the time, so they never get bored and it’s one of the most social – and coolest – activities I’ve come across.

It’s also something you can enjoy with your child, either by just being at the end of their rope for them, or by climbing with them. It’s never too late to start.

Climbing is not just for the elite and the super-fit. It’s for your child – and you if you’re feeling brave.

The instructors at EICA: Ratho love to see complete begin-ners. They run lots of taster sessions for children from the age of eight and for families who would like try climbing together. n

livelife’sADVENTURE!In so many ways at EICA:Ratho

eica-ratho.co.uk0131 333 6333

eica-ratho.co.uk0131 333 6333

PHOTOGRAPH: © MIKE MULLINS


finance


little people,BIG QUESTIONS

WhiLE most of the children had no idea what a pension was, Libby (8) ventured that it was “a long pencil” while Frankie (8), thought it was “something to do with science”.

When it came to where money comes from, Harley (7) was confident that it came from “my Dad’s wallet” but Sammy (6) said that “when you work harder and harder you get more money and the money goes into the bank.”

Most of the children thought that by age 68 they’d be “taking it easy”, with Rose (7) “reading newspapers all the time” and Sammy (6) “doing things that grandpas do – sitting down watching TV.” Whereas Iona (8) stated “I think I’ll be working when I’m 68. I just don’t think it’s very

good to sit down in front of the TV and spend the rest of your life like that.”

Given a million pounds, George (6) said he would buy his friend Archie a motorbike, while Archie said he’d buy George a hockey stick. Harley (7) said she’d play it safe and keep it “under my bed with a lock on it so no one can get it.”

amy mankelow from NOW: Pensions commented: “Many of the children showed wisdom beyond their years with some really inspiring and touching thoughts on money matters. Saving needn’t be complicated and although the term pension proved baffling, most understood the importance of saving and were proud of their piggy bank!’’

With personal finance education being introduced to the school curriculum, workplace pension provider, NOW: Pensions, conducted an experiment by quizzing children (aged 6-9) on money matters. The results were enlightening, amusing and sometimes touching.


1) Talk to your children about money!It sounds simple, but this is the most effective way to help your children understand personal finance. Explain how you arrive at financial decisions, what’s in your budget and how different aspects of dealing with money make you feel.

2) Teach them where money comes fromWe’re an increasingly cashless society, and thanks to the invention of cashback it’s easy for children to assume that the supermarket is the source of all of your funds. Showing your child your payslip and explaining what you had to do to find employment are good ways of building financial understanding.

3) Set savings challengesIf you give your child pocket money, talk to them about setting a savings target and encourage them to adopt good habits early. This is a good opportunity to introduce ideas around keeping your money safe and planning for the future.

4) Explain the difference between needs and wantsContrast examples of goods they need every day, such as food and clothing, and items or toys they might want, but don’t need. This is a great way of introducing the concept of saving and the need to exercise restraint in their spending.

5) Involve them in the weekly shopAs you go around the supermarket, ask your children to choose the best-value combinations of set products and get them to do the adding up as you go from aisle to aisle. As well as learning valuable lessons, your new helpers can make your job easier at the same time. n

Watch the kids being quizzed by NOW: Pensions at www.nowpensions.com/big-questions-for-little-people

Find out more…


JOIN THE CREDIT UNION REVOLUTION.

capitalcreditunion.com

SAVE SECURELY.

BORROW ETHICALLY.

www.mademagazine.co.uk62 www.mademagazine.co.uk62

Have you got great photos

from an event you’d like

to share with MADE readers?

If so, email them to us at

[email protected]

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1 & 2. 2014 Subway Helping Hearts Family 5k Run, which took place in Holyrood Park on Sun 6th July.

3. Grant Stott admirer Kelley was delighted to meet the local hero himself as she finished her 10K run for Sick Kids3

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4. Angus Blacklock and friends raised over £6,000 in sponsorship by cycling all the way from Aberlady to the Sick Kids Hospital!

5. Boys and girls from Mother Goose Nursery, Liberton raised over £1000 for their chosen charity this year, Children 1st.

6. Mikel (3) was well impressed when his mum Amanda jumped from a plane 10,000 feet in the air for Sick Kids.

7 & 8. The Edinburgh for Under Fives team launch the 14th edition of the guide at Ocean Terminal.

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Their creative approach to learning helps children (1-12 yrs) develop through a fun mix of music, dance & drama. They use imaginative props and bring 40 fascinating educational topics to life, facilitating the development of knowledge in a fun, playful, interactive way. Classes meet the four main aims of the Curriculum for Excellence and are taught by professionally trained, highly experienced teachers.

As a mother of four year old boy/girl twins, I was delighted to discover Sparkle Arts classes in my local area, as they cater for all toddler demands! Every week they cover a different educational theme and use songs, actions and props to illustrate the topic. My daughter Isla loved the butterflies, dogs and spring time classes, whereas her twin brother, Duncan loved kicking balls in the net for the sport class and dressing up as a fireman for the ‘What do you want to be when you grow up’ class. The Sparkle Arts teachers really capture the children’s imagination and make full use of the large hall to warm up and run around, with dancing in the bubbles a favourite highlight to finish with! I love the fact that the classes are educational but fun and being able to book individual classes rather than a whole term online via their website is quick and cost effective.

My twins started Sparkle Arts classes when they turned two and they still love them two years on. They turn four at the end of this month and are counting the number of sleeps until their Sparkle Arts birthday party which will have a Princess, Knights and Dragons theme!

For more information and to book a class or party go to www.sparklearts.co.uk

Busy children don’t have time to try all the available classes to determine which one best suits their needs, so MADE does it for them! In this issue Edinburgh mum of twins, Rhona McGrath gives us the lowdown on music, drama and dance experts, Sparkle Arts.

ON TriaL... Sparkle arts

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Rhona says:

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MADE magazine (Mums & Dads Edinburgh) Sep/Oct 2014