The Dos and Don’ts of Autumn Colds

| realfamilieschannel
Sick little girl with cold and flu standing outdoors. Source: iStockphoto

Some things are inevitable about parenting….the late nights, the love, the audience on the loo. But when they get to school age, another inevitable thing enters the equation…the back-to-school lurgy. It marks the official start of snot-season (sorry, Autumn). That time of year when everybody knows it’s the end of summer because… we are all ill. 

One reason that Autumn is the perfect cold season is the change in the weather. Cold viruses love cool dry air to spread through, cold surfaces to linger on, and chilly noses to sneak into. 

The autumnal classroom reunion is also an ideal chance to share new germs. Not only do kids love to get up close and personal with each other (as an adult, I don’t tend to climb on anyone and wipe my nose on their face…unless I’m having a really bad day), but their snot is also officially more lurgy concentrated than ours. Weird but true.

The upshot of all of this is that our kids will get around 5-6 colds per year compared to roughly 2 for us grown-ups. So if it feels like they’re ill more often than you, it’s true. They really are! And it’s hard! Especially if we have to juggle work, home and other kids all at the same time. 

Source: iStockphoto

So what can we do when the lurgy strikes this autumn?

The Dos and Don’ts of autumn colds:

  • Firstly, sit down serenely with a cup of tea and say to yourself: ‘this too shall pass’. Most colds are thankfully short-lived (although coughs can last a good couple of weeks, as they are a part of the body’s clear-up operation after the cold).
  • Don’t fear the fever – it’s a great weapon. It’s ok to let the fever do its job if your kids are ok in themselves and playing normally. If they are feeling sorry for themselves, then it’s probably a good idea to get the Calpol out. Don’t forget to tell them it will make them feel better – it’s chemically more effective when they believe it will work!
  • Don’t hold out hope for an antibiotic cure. Nearly all colds are caused by viruses, which are too small to be destroyed by antibiotics. People mainly get bad side effects (like diarrhoea, and thrush..!) without getting any benefit…annoyingly.
  • Don’t worry too much about what they eat, if one day it’s only three yoghurts and a slice of cake, it won’t be for long. Focus on keeping them hydrated instead.
  • Do help them rest. Now is not the moment to share some quality time over craft. Get the duvet downstairs and get their favourite films on. 

Finally, cut yourself some slack. Managing sick kids is physically and emotionally draining, especially if you are losing sleep. For those 5 or six times a year, don’t be afraid to let a few balls drop. Get that takeaway, ask the neighbours to take your other kids to school, cancel all the clubs and social stuff. You are going to need a break just as much as your poorly one! 

And remember, it could be worse…at least they don’t have nits right?….right?!

For more infor­ma­tion and great tips about med­i­cine, health and related sub­jects follow @wellyandbloom

Top 3 reasons to consider being a stay at home dad

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What’s It Really like For Stay At Home Dads?

Being a new parent is undoubtedly a wonderful but stressful experience, in this video we explore the challenges faced by stay-at-home dads. Our top five tips try to focus on what it is like to challenge the traditional stereotype that the parent who stays at home to look after the child more permanently is often the mother. There are so many reasons that new dads should consider taking the step towards being a stay-at-home parent. Have a read of our top three tips below!

Shared parental leave can relieve stress from both parents.

 ‘what I would love is that shared paternity together, so that no one misses out’

Post birth, often all too soon, it is time for parents to begin to consider a return to work. Being a stay at home dad offers up the opportunity to spend more time with your wife in the initial stages after child birth. It can be a daunting time when either parent is left with the responsibility of looking after the baby for extended periods of time by themselves. Spend more time at home together as a family, share the tasks and the nappy changing! Working together will not only create a calmer atmosphere but a more enjoyable household to bring up your baby.

Stay at home dads have access to the same support groups as mums.

‘people appreciate that I have made the choice (to be a stay-at-home dad)’

While It might appear daunting as there still exists a disproportionate number of stay-at-home mothers, many mothers among the support groups that exist recognise your decision to stay at home and bring up a baby as a respectable choice. Toddler groups are there for the purpose of inter-parental bonding, as a chance to spend time with people who are in the same boat that you are in. There will always be certain people who wish to cast judgment but the overwhelming feeling towards stay-at-home dads is that of friendliness and respect.

Dads being the breadwinner is not the be all and end all.

‘It’s expected that the mum does it so it’s the opposite to the norm that the dad does it’

It is only by challenging the status-quo of how the typical stay-at-home dad is perceived that stereotyping can be overcome. Here are Real Families, we are always encouraging families to set their own course and be courageous.

Lego Biscuits Recipe – @baking_with_kids

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If you’re anything like me, you probably have a love-hate relationship with Lego blocks. I love the way they keep the kids occupied and encourage creative play. I hate picking them up (accidentally  vacuuming them up) and of course, stepping on them barefoot- Ouch!

Luckily with these Lego biscuits you get all the benefits of keeping kids occupied and creative play and none of the down sides (apart for a bit of washing up!).

You will need 2x baking sheets lined with baking paper or well greased.

Ingredients

  • 300g plain flour
  • 150g caster sugar
  • 250g butter
  • 1 egg 
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • Gel or paste food colours of your choice (we used red, yellow and blue)
  • 150g Smarties or mini-smarties

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 180° C or Gas mark 4.

Mix the butter and sugar together until smooth then mix in the egg and vanilla.

Add the flour and mix well until you have fairly stiff dough. My kids like to get their hands in at this stage- If you’re feeling brave this will bring the dough together quicker.

Separate your dough into three balls and add a small amount of food colour to each ball (my tip would be to dip a toothpick in the colour to add) knead well until you have your desired colour. 

Now it’s rolling time! My kids’ favourite part! Roll each ball separately out to 1-2cm, and use a butter knife or other kid-friendly knife to cut rectangles out of your dough. If any of your doughs are a bit sticky add more flour and also use plenty of flour on the worktop and rolling pin. 

Place your rectangles on the baking sheet and top with the same colour smarties in rows of 2 or 3 depending on the size of your rectangles.

Bake for about 10 minutes or until your biscuits are just starting to turn golden on the edges.

Allow to cool before serving.

If you enjoyed this and fancy trying a few more kid-friendly recipes head over to our website baking-with-kids.com or find us on Instagram @baking_with_kids.

7 Tips For Helping Your Teething Baby

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Teething can be both an exciting and frustrating time for babies and parents. Emotions range from excitement at the appearance of the first tooth right through to the frustration and despair at sleepless nights……Some children can go through teething almost painlessly while others do not seem themselves for weeks. If you are in doubt about your child being really out of sorts or if they have a high fever, it is advisable to contact your doctor and seek medical advice.

Schedule of Baby Teeth Eruption. Baby mouth, Primary teeth, deciduous teeth. Childrens dentistry infographics Dental care thin line art icons. Vector outline elements

Baby (deciduous/primary) teeth start to come through at around 6 months of age. The first teeth to appear are usually the bottom middle teeth, followed by the top four front teeth and the second deciduous molars should erupt by your child’s third birthday. Many parents confuse minor illness with teething.

There is no evidence to tell us how to manage teething, but many parents find the tips below useful.

7 Tips for helping your teething baby include:
  • Prevent rashes by wiping your baby’s face from drool often with a clean soft cloth
  • Gently massage your baby’s gum with a clean finger – Watch out for biting though!
  • Clean rubber teething aids can be useful but be careful with ones with liquid inside incase they break and leak – go for BPA fee solid versions, that are cooled and not frozen.
  • A wet flannel that has been in the freezer for around 30 minutes can be a useful teething aid (make sure it isn’t too hard and wash after each use)
  • Only give teething biscuits or frozen foods to children who are already on solids and avoid any sugary versions of these. Frozen pieces of fruit (eg watermelon/melon or pineapple) can also help to ease symptoms
  • You can give analgesics such as paracetamol, but be sure not to exceed the maximum recommended dose and try other methods to soothe the teething first
  • You can speak to your pharmacist about topical gels, but we would only recommend considering them as a last resort, when other non-medicinal options have not provided adequate relief

Don’t forget the power of cuddles as a comfort to your baby too!

Toddler boy with a teething toy in his house

Remember teething will end eventually….the early stages can be the worst and most babies will settle afterwards ….meaning more restful sleep for your baby…..and you!

Don’t forget to start brushing when the first teeth come through with a smear of fluoridated toothpaste containing more than 1000ppmF!

For more information and relatable tips and advice on how to look after your children’s teeth, follow my Instagram @dentalmummy

*based on current UK guidelines.

Say hello to Second-Hand September

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Stella Tennant and daughter Iris. Photo: Tom Craig as part of #SecondHandSeptember campaign by Oxfam

Since starting @mum_versus_plastic it’s made me much more aware of all the waste from our household and started looking at ways to reduce it.

So what image is conjured up when you think ‘second hand’? Washed out misshapen clothes? Battered, chewed, broken toys? Or do you do think vintage, preloved or immediately think there is a bargain to be had? My mother-in-law volunteers in a charity shop and it’s fair to say there is definitely a mixture of all this!

At this time of year, thousands of pounds will be spent on new school uniforms. But how about secondhand ones? I’m lucky that my daughter’s still fits her from last year but in a drawer I have 5 next size up shirts that my MIL got from her charity shop still with the labels on! Also a friend has given me a pinafore dress in the next size up. I’ve also given my friend with a younger daughter the summer uniforms that no longer fit ready for when she needs them! 

There still seems to be a stigma associated with second hand stuff, implying that we can’t afford to buy new. Why would you buy second hand when you can afford new? 

For me there are 2 reasons – 

  1. Saving money 
  2. Reducing waste

Instead of adding to ever accumulating landfill mountain, let’s pass on and reuse!

I’ll admit that when I had my daughter, I bought everything new, it seems a rite of passage for your first born, but when I had my second, I accepted everything that was going! Having a boy I didn’t have anything, but I had kept a lot of my daughters stuff and as soon as I knew I was having a boy I bundled it all up and distributed between friends and the charity shops. And that has continued. There is a constant stream of clothes/toys/books/baby equipment going between families and getting full use out of it all. My best friend has 2 sons, mine gets the clothes after the first has worn it then it goes back for her second son! It fills us with joy to see our boys wearing each other’s clothes! My daughter has a friend the same age but 2 sizes bigger so although she usually has to wait a year for them to fit her she gets lovely stuff that no other girl is wearing!

Secondhand September is Oxfam’s campaign challenging people to not buy new for a whole month. Surely this is a doddle? Not only are our high streets full of charity shops, with online selling sites like eBay not only can we get a bargain but even make some pennies selling our preloved stuff.

If buying second hand is not for you there are still ways you can take part

  1. Make do with what you have!
  2. Borrow from friends for special occasion one off outfits
  3. Donate to charity shops or friends.
  4. Sell on clothes that you no longer wear

My kids love wearing their friends clothes, my son asks me when he gets dressed “who’s was this mummy?” And then proudly tells anyone who will listen! 

So who’s up for the challenge? #SecondHandSeptember

For more information and relatable tips and advice follow @mum_versus_plastic on Instagram.

LIMITLESS.

| realfamilieschannel

Being a parent is tough with normal day to day routines, but what if you are then diagnosed with an illness? Deborah James, aka Bowel Babe hosts this Mothership and will be discussing the torment she faced with Emma Campbell who also was diagnosed with cancer.

Emma was also a new mum to triplets, so juggling treatment and parenting became her life. Out the other side she can reflect on the good and the bad times and offer some support to you if you are also going through something like this. Check out her insights in the video below and also in the touching article she wrote exclusively for our blog:

How To Cope Being A Parent With Cancer

LIMITLESS. It’s a word I keep toying with, in fact I recently changed my Instagram handle to include it (@limitless_em). As a mum with secondary breast cancer and coming to terms with an uncertain future I feel a raging fire in my belly when it comes to living the biggest, boldest and most expansive life I can, for however long I can. 

It’s taken me comfortably into my forties and three ‘yes, it’s cancer’ bombshells to find a level of confidence that finally has me saying ‘yes’ more than ‘no’ to life and all the wonders it has to offer. Having spent what feels like a lifetime shying away from opportunities and feeling almost afraid of being happy, I feel liberated and incredibly excited by the knowledge that I can now, despite less than ideal circumstances, do my best to shape my life in a direction that works for me. 

But what about my kids? I’m having a shift around them as well and it’s probably long overdue. I’m a mum of nine year old triplets and a teenager. I’ve spent considerable chunks of the last decade being a ‘mum with cancer’. Add in the fact that for the first five years of the triplets life I was a single mum and you might understand why my approach to parenting has been strongly shaped and defined by my own experiences. My own struggle to survive. I’m the first to admit that I’ve spent most of the last decade winging it, stumbling through. My delicious trio and their big brother have been fed, clothed, cherished and adored but often left to their own devices. 

Long, boring rainy Sundays with no satisfactory answer to the dreaded “what are we doing today, Mum?’ question because I was simply physically not up to it or emotionally too drained, depressed and depleted to do the ‘right’ thing and get them all outside for brisk walks, muddy puddles and FUN. Oh, the pressure, the immense pressure to create magical memories, the kind we see as we scroll endlessly on our phones. It was and still is, at times, exhausting. 

It goes without saying that I want my four to feel that the world is their oyster, that they can create for themselves happy and fulfilling lives. I want them to connect with their own individuality and blossom in ways that are unique to them. Academically? To be honest, that’s not my main focus. I’m never going to be the Tiger Mum. Financing more than the occasional after school club or ‘must-do’ activity has never really been an option and although I worry that Ella hasn’t had the chance to find out if her destiny is to be the next Darcy Bussell or whether Theo really is the next big thing in Tai-Kwon-Do, somewhere, I trust that they’ll find their way and their natural talents and abilities and passions will emerge. 

‘What’s for you won’t pass you by’ they say and hopefully, that’s true. But, what I do feel passionately and Tiger Mum-ish about is that they absolutely believe in their own capabilities. That they feel powerful and strong. That they step into adulthood unafraid to take up their own space with a rooted knowledge that life is theirs for the taking and that their potential is, yep, you’ve guessed it – limitless. They’ve had life experiences that I wish I could have protected them from. Their mum is sick and I can’t even begin to imagine how that must feel for them at such a tender age. Their biological dad is absent and although they now have a wonderful step father and home life is stable, it’s still not a set of circumstances I imagined for us all. 

As I write these last few lines (a good few weeks later than when I started) I’m recovering from lung surgery. A partial lobectomy to be precise. Physically, I’m bouncing back pretty damn well – my body, once more, rising to the challenge of major surgery, morphine and the like. Emotionally? If you really want to know, I’m a bit knocked for six. Feeling less Limitless and more Limited than I care to admit. I’m pretty sure it’s only temporary but I’ve currently forgotten that feeling of ‘YES’! and am floundering around somewhere in the middle of ‘Ugh’ and ‘Meh’ with quite a few blubbery tears thrown in. 

I’ll get my mojo back though. I’m going to make sure of it. For me and for my four. To show them that Mum can keep rising up despite the knocks and that they certainly can too. That whatever life throws at them, they’ll not only survive, but thrive and that wobbles here and then are absolutely, most definitely allowed. 

If you’d like to read more about Emma’s inspiring journey here’s a link to her book ‘‘All That Followed – a story of cancer, kids and the fear of leaving too soon’

How to Do Your Weekly Grocery Shop Plastic / Waste Free

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Dorset’s Best New Business of The Year 2018, ‘The Green Weigh’ have given us some very useful tips to stop plastic waste in your home you can read below:

We would advise people to firstly, sit down and write a “traffic lights” list of the products in their home. 

  • GREEN, are the products that you know you could switch to a plastic free alternative, tomorrow.
  • AMBER, are products which you feel could be swapped with some research and preparation. 
  • RED, are products which you draw a line under and can’t foresee a plastic free swap. 

Start with the green products on your list and work through them. As you begin your journey, you’ll notice your mindset begins to change. You’ll begin to notice more and more plastic around you and begin to apply mindfulness to what you purchase. “Does it come in plastic? Yes, so can I do without it? Or find an alternative?” 

 You’ll find that you’ll need to start to change your shopping habits and approach your shopping trips in a more organised way. Making several shopping lists is key, as different shops will sell different products free from plastic. You’ll then need to plan your week in a way to suit visiting these shops.

When you’ve successfully swapped out all the products on your green list, then begin on the amber. Every product that you swap, will need some thought. “Where can I buy it without plastic, what will I need to take to bring it home?”

Create a shopping bag for each shopping destination, with a container/ cloth bag for every item. Writing or labelling the container with the name of the item which goes inside, can help. 

Compared to last year, there are more facilities than ever to assist you in your journey to reduce plastic. The grocers, butchers, the bakers and the zero waste shops are your friends!  You can even find certain products in supermarkets now too, which are in glass, such as yogurt and ketchup and items in cardboard boxes such as dishwasher tabs (with dissolvable wrappers) and fish fingers. 

Above all, don’t rush it, but persevere, it can be done! You will feel liberated and less guilty and your house will be less cluttered. There are many wonderful, rewarding things that come from reducing plastic, including more family time and the most important being a better and cleaner future for our children. 

The Green Weigh is a mobile zero waste shop founded by three working Mums, with a mission to be affordable and accessible. Details of their mobile locations can be found on their website www.thegreenweigh.co.uk 

For more information on follow @thegreenweigh on Instagram.

10 Tips To Keep Teeth Healthy During Summer Holidays

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It’s school holiday time and children are out of their normal routine, which can be tough for parents…. Summer Holidays are a time for family time and having fun and days out, including treats… Here are my top tips for helping to keep teeth healthy this summer holiday

  • SET BOUNDARIES of acceptable behaviour in general but also regarding snacks and treats from the beginning of the holidays.
  • Fill your children up on a healthy and nutritious BREAKFAST. With all the summer fruits available it’s a perfect opportunity to add these to bulk breakfasts out!
  • For warmer days, try putting water bottles in the freezer-this can make it more appealing for littler ones! Make sure the bottle isn’t too cold for the little ones.
  • For days out, pack things like bananas, apples, (low salt) pre-packed cheese portions and baked crisps for SNACKS when your child asks.
  • Make it clear when things are a one off treat so your child doesn’t ask for it every day or every time – for example an ice cream at the beach.
  • Keep treats and goodies out of sight at home – if they spot them they are going to wear you down for them until you cave!
  • Keep your children busy! Days out can be expensive but there are plenty of things to do like go to a local park for free or even just getting them to help you with some chores around the house! Colouring in and crafts can be enjoyable too!
  • Wisely choose what ice cream and ice lolly selections you have in your freezer at home-go for lower sugar version ones, or even better home made ones.
  • Make some swaps on treats that you have in-check sugar content and go for low sugar versions. Summer fruits are in season so there are some tasty healthy choices around! 
  • Summer holidays are a time for fun, but we also see a lot of dental trauma from collisions and falls on bouncy castles, trampolines, at swimming pools and parks- still have fun but just be aware! If your child has a dental trauma be sure to contact your dental practice or call NHS 111

For more information and relatable tips and advice on how to look after your children’s teeth, follow my Instagram @dentalmummy

10 Tips To Reduce Single Use Plastic

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When I started a family I knew there would be battles. Little did I know that one would be with Single use plastics (SUP)! After watching the BBC program “War on Plastic” I decided it was time I did something.

As a busy mum of 2 (5 & 3yrs), working part time and running a local Rainbows unit, not to mention wife to someone who works away sometimes, I needed a plan of action to make this work. 50% reduction in SUP was my goal. I’d already stopped using plastic sandwich bags a while ago but my first swap would be milk. We got a milk man! 3 times a week my kids race to be dressed first so they can get the milk in! The milk I have isn’t available in glass bottle but the kids – Milk SUP 50% less.

Next I concentrated on the big 3 – plastic bags, coffee cups and plastic drinks bottles. I have a lot of reusable bags but I needed to make sure they were there when I needed them so 2 went under the buggy and one is always in my handbag, as well as a bag full in the boot of the car.

I bought a reusable coffee cup ages ago so dug that out along with my reusable water bottle and put them in a reusable bag just in case I needed them.

Then I saw an add for #PlasticFreeJuly, what an incentive! So I started documenting my quest on Instagram to help me stick at it even if only my friends followed me, I had someone to answer to if I didn’t. It really has got people talking and has spurred me on.

So many people want to change but don’t know where to start, so here’s my top ten tips to give it a go:

  1. HAVE A GOAL – know your restrictions and what you want to achieve
  2. START SMALL – one change at a time is much more sustainable in the long run
  3. MAKE NEW HABITS – when you get the kids school bag/lunch ready pack yourself a reusable bag with another in it, a keep cup and reusable water bottle.
  4. SEPARATE AREAS – kitchen/bathroom etc when one product runs out look for a SUP alternative.
  5. CHANGE THE EASY THINGS FIRST – eg liquid soap to bars, bamboo toothbrushes
  6. GET STUFF YOU LIKE USING this way you will use it! Obvious I know, when I wanted to drink more water I bought a glass I loved and it was so much easier to drink more!
  7. Be prepared to SPEND A LITTLE MORE – in the long run I am sure we will save money, just initial outlay is a bit more.
  8. FOLLOW RELEVANT SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS, so when you’re ‘taking a break’ on the loo you’re getting tips!
  9. WASH LESS – “Gross” I hear! But I’m talking hair and clothes! Only wash when they are dirty, sounds simple but we are all guilty of washing out of habit.
  10. And finally, GET THE KIDS INVOLVED, my 5yr old understands and is telling everyone why she has a paper bag for her lunch. There’s nothing like a 5yr old as your conscience!

For more information and relatable tips and advice on how to reduce SUP, follow @mum_versus_plastic on Instagram.

A C-Section Birth Story

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A Cesarean birth – or C-section – is sometimes needed because of medical problems that may endanger the mother or the baby, or both.

1.What is the difference between NORMAL delivery and CESAREAN?

For me the difference is choice. I didn’t choose my delivery because of how it was progressing so having an emergency section was completely out of my hands. I now also know there is no such thing as a ‘normal’ delivery, there’s ‘vaginal’ and then c section (or sunroof as my surgeon put it!)

2. How long does the pain last after C section?

My baby is 12 + 3 (12 weeks, 3 days) and I still have pain and numbness on my lower belly all at the same time. I’ve found I can’t sleep comfortably on my side anymore – I guess everything is just healing. 

3. What are the side effects of cesarean delivery?

Some people have a very smooth c section delivery. For me it wasn’t the case, so there have been a few side effects – I lost 1.2 l of blood during delivery and because of this and because it was a traumatic delivery, my milk production was affected. I don’t make enough milk for my baby (😭), unbeknownst to me she actually became dehydrated and wasn’t gaining weight because I couldn’t feed her enough. Who knew that blood loss and stress would do this?! (I now topping up with formula and she is very happy and thriving!!)

Also you are not as mobile after having a c section, I honestly didn’t feel like I could even walk up hills until week 5. Recovery is definitely longer.  

4. How long does it take to recover from a cesarean section?

They say 6 weeks, but everyone is different. I still don’t feel 100% myself. 

5. How do you find “me time”?

I am so lucky that I have my partner Paul, he is such a great team mate and will often insist I go get my nails done, or he’ll take our baby out for a walk while I have some ‘’me” time. Without him and my mum and sisters I doubt I would get any time alone! But actually that’s not a bad thing as my baby rocks!! I love spending time with her

6. What’s the most useful baby product you have?

Ooh good question. I love her bath bean bag which makes bath time a lot easier! And Shame on me but her dummy…She loves it! She doesn’t need it all the time but my goodness does it come in hand sometimes! 

5 Tips To Promote Healthy Eating in Children

| realfamilieschannel

‘Infancy and early childhood is perhaps the most critical time for establishing food preferences and dietary patterns’– (Public Health England)

Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of our children forming healthy
habits for life, but why is this important when it comes to choices in food and drinks?

As parents, we purchase our children’s foods and drinks, and when selecting and
choosing between products, we base our choices on the types of products available,
marketing and messages on packaging in addition to their nutrient composition.
Some of the messaging and marketing is conflicting with national recommendations,
resulting in confusion amongst parents. So what do you need to know and look for?

Here are my top tips –

  1. SUGAR
  • Avoid adding sugar, fruit juices, honey and fruit purée to baby food and recipes to reduce sugar content and sweetness, also do not add salt to foods.
  • Sugary foods (including dried fruit) should not be provided between meals.
  • Look out on labels for fructose, glucose, added fruit concentrate and added fruit purée. If these are higher on the ingredients list then the product is likely to be high in sugar.

2. BABY FOODS – including pouches

  • Try to offer vegetables as first foods as opposed to fruits otherwise their palate gets used to sweet tastes and they may reject the ‘bitterness’ of some vegetables.
  • Home made is always best and ideal. If you have a child with allergens, you know exactly what’s in the food BUT (some) prepackaged baby foods and pouches are ok in moderation too.
  • Pouches are great for convenience. I have used them myself in the past on occasion -The issue arises if parents are giving what they think is vegetable based products which are in fact fruit based ones as their children’s meals 3x daily. 

3. SNACKS

  • Dentists advise a maximum of two low sugar snacks in between meals to reduce the frequency of sugar consumption.
  • Opt for whole fruit as a snack when your child is old enough – fibre and pulp of fruit contains the sugar so it isn’t a free sugar, and doesn’t count towards your child’s maximum daily sugar allowance  and the sugars are less available to teeth.
  • Try steaming fruits rather than purée and try and offer fruit as finger food to keep sugar in its natural state. 
  • Snacks contribute to excess energy intake. Half the sugar consumed by 4-10 year olds are coming from snacks.
  • Dried fruit should be consumed as part of a meal and not as a snack. 

4. DRINKS

  • Breast milk, infant formula and water should be the only drinks offered to children between 6 and 12 months of age.
  • Drinks other than milk, water or diluted fruit juice (1-part juice to 10 parts water) are not recommended for children aged under 5 years. Only milk and plain water should be offered between meals.

5. TEXTURES

  • If you are blending foods, go for purées initially, gradually increasing the texture and then moving onto mashed, lumpy or finger foods as soon as children can manage them. – This is important developmentally and in terms of sugar intake too.
  • Variety is key and go for a well balanced and varied offering for your children from all food groups.

by the @dentalmummy

What To Look For On Food Labels

| realfamilieschannel

Food labels should be used to help you choose between products and restrict the products that are high in added sugars, fat and salt. Some foods can appear healthy but you need to take a closer look at food labels-claims on packaging can be misleading, check the ingredients too.

The nutrition label is usually in the back of products and will include information on energy (kJ/kcal), fat, saturates (saturated fat), carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt, the information is per 100 grams and sometimes per portion.

In an attempt to make things simpler, colour-coded nutritional information tell you at a glance if the food has high, medium or low amounts of fat, saturated fat, sugars and salt:

  • Red means high (so try and not eat too much of that, having as occasional treats only)
  • Amber means medium (which is generally fine as part of a balanced diet)
  • Green means low (this is the healthiest choice)
 *recommended intakes for adults-portion sizes and %RI should be adjusted for children depending on child’s age as per current recommended guidelines*

4 Tips On Food Labelling:

  1. Go for foods that have all or mostly green on the label so you know straight away that it’s a healthier choice. Be aware that the manufacturer’s idea of a portion may be different from yours.
  2. Children should get most of their calories from their breakfast, lunch and evening meals.
  3. If children are snacking regularly or are hungry between meals and are looking for a packaged snack, remember to stick to 100 calorie snacks, two a day max.
  4. Aim to include foods from the 4 main food groups across your children’s meals and snacks, ensuring you are providing enough energy, vitamins and minerals. (see The Eatwell Guide www.NHS.uk)

To work out how much sugar is in products, divide the amount of ‘carbohydrates of which sugars’ by 4, this will give you the amount in sugar cubes, which I find much easier to count and keep track of, plus it’s easier for children to add up if you are getting them involved in keeping track. Don’t forget to do this on the portion or serving size, rather than the per 100g, as sometimes a portion can be more or less.

There are 56 different names for sugar, common examples include fructose, glucose, maltose, dextrose, sucrose and syrups. Generally, the higher up on the nutrition list (or food label) the ingredient is, the more likely the product is high in sugar, as they are listed in order of weight.

There is presently no official maximum intake for sugar consumption for under 4s, but food and drink with added sugars should be restricted as much as possible

Regularly consuming foods and drinks high in free sugars increases the risk of obesity and tooth decay. Ideally, no more than 5% of the energy we consume should come from free sugars. Currently, children (and adults!) across the UK are consuming 2 to 3 times that amount….this equates to an excess of around 8 cubes DAILY .

According to Public Health England, the average UK 10 year old has consumed the recommended sugar intake for an 18 year old by their 10th birthday.

For further information and tips on sugar swaps, see the Change4life campaign, which supports families to cut back on sugar.

by  @dentalmummy

*based on current UK guidelines.

Cheese Scones And Fairy Cakes – Recipes To Bake With Toddlers

| realfamilieschannel

In an attempt to keep the kids happy and quiet I’ve found we spend at least an hour a day in the kitchen. If it’s not baking its another form of messy play or splashing about with the sink.

Here are a couple of easy and messy recipes to bake with toddlers. Baking with kids is a stimulating and diverting screen free activity which encourages sensory development and aids knowledge of cause and effect, increases curiosity and is an all round brilliant way to enhance cognitive skills. At worst its a really messy way to enjoy something yummy- so its win win

CHEESE SCONES

I really got into this as a messy play activity that would encourage my eldest daughter to eat something savoury as she wasn’t great with the whole weaning thing. The thing is these are really tasty and you may end up consuming half a batch by the 8th episode of Peppa you’ve watched that day.

ingredients
  • 200g Self raising Flour
  • 50g butter
  • 50g mature cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 120ml Milk
  • You will need a round cutter (we used 7cm for 12 scones)
method

1) Preheat oven to 200 C or gas mark 5 and line 2 baking trays with greaseproof paper

2) Rub the butter and flour together until crumbly (and your toddler has asked for sufficient juice, having eaten a lot of dry flour).

3) Add in your grated cheddar and slowly add the milk until you have a sticky dough.

4) Get plenty of flour on your worktop and roll out to about an inch thickness (add more flour if it’s too sticky). Use your cutter to get as many circles as possible. If your kids are like mine you won’t have any involvement in this bit so enjoy a rare moment of peace and let them crack on.

5) Pop your scones into the oven for 10-12 minutes or until well risen and golden.

6) Enjoy when still a bit warm with plenty of butter.

Kids love cupcakes and they are our go-to recipe whenever we fancy a bit of baking. Here’s what you need to bake some delicious Fairy Cakes:

FAIRY CAKES

Ingredients 
  • 100g Caster Sugar
  • 100g butter
  • 100g Self Raising Flour
  • 2 Eggs 
  • You will need cupcake cases and a 12 cup muffin tray
Method

1) Preheat your oven to 180C or gas mark 4

2) Beat the butter and sugar together until it’s all mixed (very technical of course). Beat in the 2 eggs.

3) Add the flour and mix in until it’s all combined into a nice beige batter.

4) Pop the cases in the muffin tray and spoon in the mix.

5) Bake in the oven for 12- 15 minutes or until lovely and golden.

If you’ve enjoyed these there are more recipes over on our blog at baking-with-kids.com or on our Instagram page @bakingwithkids

Easy and Messy Recipes to Bake with Toddlers – Ginger Bread People

| realfamilieschannel

Do you ever feel like since becoming a parent of small people there’s just not enough mess? Do you look for opportunities to scrape partially dried dough off your kitchen units? Ok, Possibly not…

So, I’m going to be honest from the get-go, if you have rose tinted memories of big wooden spoons and licking the bowl from when you baked with your grown-ups as a kid, just set those aside for a minute. There is no bigger mess than baking with little ones – It is however well worth the clean-up. The kids will have a good hour of screen free fun and get to eat some pure sugar. While they’re getting messy you can have a hot coffee on the go and probably even get to drink a few mouthfuls!

Plus, when it’s done you can enjoy eating something freshly baked and maybe even grab a few photos for Instagram, #SoBlessed

If you’re ready to embrace the mess, here are a few of my favourite easy recipes to bake with little ones.

Gingerbread people

Always a family favourite this is a great rainy-day activity as between the mixing, cutting and then decorating; you can make the mess last all afternoon!

We used a standard cutter from hobby craft (5″ approx.) and got over 30 gingerbread people.

ingredients

  • 350g plain flour
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 100g butter
  • 180g soft Brown sugar
  • 2 large tablespoons golden syrup 
  • 1 egg
  • Icing tubes, sweets etc. to decorate

method

1. Preheat oven to 190c or gas mark 5 and grease 2/3 Baking trays or line with baking paper.

2. Mix flour and ginger together. If your toddler is like mine they’ll already been shovelling this into their gob. It’s hilarious and horrific in equal parts as they end up with an incredible dry mouth.

3. Rub in the butter until it’s nice and crumbly, and then add the sugar. Commence further eating of mixture by kids.

4. Next add your egg in and mix to form a stiff dough. If it’s not completely coming together, add a teaspoon of water.

5. You should get a nice ball of dough now. Cover the workshop with a good sprinkle of flour and get rolling and cutting. You often see the term ‘roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness’, which is meaningless to me so a toddler finger width is just fine!

6. Pop the cut shapes onto the baking trays and cook for about 10 minutes until they’re golden and smelling lush.

7. Once cool, ice with funny faces using your icing pens and whatever sweeties you haven’t already eaten

If you’ve enjoyed these there are more recipes over on our blog at baking-with-kids.com or on our Instagram page @bakingwithkids

Five Important Postnatal Depression Warning Signs

| realfamilieschannel
source: iStockphoto

“Dark, horrific, suffocating, lonely, confusing, debilitating.”

When asked in an interview for our Nurture YouTube channel to describe what postnatal depression feels like, this is what 4 women answered. It’s an honest and shocking insight into a condition that 10-20% of new mothers will experience, and that can also affect fathers. Yet according to Mum’s Enterprise Ltd, up to a quarter of women who suffer from PND will remain undiagnosed. For a variety of reasons, including the societal pressure of experiencing ‘ideal motherhood’ that is perpetrated by the media, as well as the stigma related to mental health, too many women do not receive the help and treatment they need.

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, we have researched important warning signs that might encourage you to reach out to a friend, family member or health professional.

Anxiety, irritation, unpredictable and unprovoked mood swings are all symptoms of what is known as ‘The Baby Blues’. Every childbirth-expert refers to this phenomenon as ‘common’, with up to 80% of women experiencing at least 2 weeks of this intense emotional distress. Yet if these symptoms last longer, or develop later, they may indicate a more serious problem…

5 WARNING SINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR

“I would have very disproportionate reactions to very little stress.”

@fnorbyn – Robyn Wilder Heritage

1. easily irritated

  • A constant feeling of sadness, guilt, restlessness, hopelessness
  • Irritation, agitation and excessive anxiety
  •  Paranoia and self-loathing    
  • Frequently bursting into tears for no obvious reason

“I didn’t think I had postnatal depression, I just thought I was tired… I slept a lot, I didn’t really want to be around people”

Cookie Turner

2. Tired and lack of energy

  • Persistent trouble sleeping at night
  • Extreme lack of energy during the day
  • Panic attacks
  • Self-neglect (not sleeping/washing/eating enough to maintain health)

“I didn’t bond that quickly with my baby.”

@clemmie_telford – Clemmie Telford

3. trouble bonding with baby

  • A loss of interest in, or trouble bonding with your baby
  • No sense of pleasure in the baby’s company
  • Taking care of the baby only out of a sense of ‘duty’
  • General apathy and indifference

“I just didn’t have the resources to function in a way I was used to.”

@annamathur – Anna Mathur

4. no longer enjoying former pleasures

  • Sudden, self-imposed isolation
  • Ignoring all reassurance and rejecting comfort from friends and family
  • Loss of appetite
  • Problems concentrating, and making decisions, losing all sense of time
  • Unable to enjoy the world around you, and no longer enjoying former pleasures

“The overwhelming feeling of being an absolute failure. That I was failing my children…”

@annamathur – Anna Mathur

5. having INAPPROPRIATE thoughts

  • Frightening, aggressive or inappropriate thoughts
  • Suicidal ideation or self-harm
  • In the most extreme cases, entertaining thoughts even about hurting your baby
  • source: iStockphoto

Postnatal depression reveals itself in different ways. As a result, many women don’t realise until years after that the torment they suffered through was more than merely the emotional toll of childbirth, especially as PND can develop gradually, and start anytime in the first year after childbirth.

You may not feel the way you think you should about the “wonder of childbirth”. You may feel that the fear and distress that follows childbirth is something you have to brave through, alone and in silence. But if you feel the symptoms listed above apply to you, the most important thing you can do is seek the support and treatment you need.

source: iStockphoto

But if you feel that the symptoms listed above apply to you, the most important thing you can do is seek the treatment you need. Remember not to blame yourself, that your depression is not your fault, that it doesn’t make you a bad parent, and that a range of effective help and support is available.

4 WAYS THE NHS SUGGESTS TO OVERCOME PND:

  • Self-help
    • Exercising regularly, a healthy diet, sleeping as much as possible
    • Talking to your loved ones about what you’re experiencing
    • Making time for yourself to do something enjoyable
    • Dietary supplements
  • Speaking to your GP or health visitor
    • Honest and open communication with trained public health nurses or midwives is one of the most recognized and effective intervention methods 
    • They may helpful techniques and can offer advice as to more treatment methods 
  • Psychological therapy
    • Cognitive behavioural therapy, talk therapy, interpersonal or group therapy
  • Referring to local andnational organisations for advice
  • Antidepressants

Scarily Simple Ghost Lollies – @BAKING_WITH_KIDS

| realfamilieschannel

Its frightfully close to Halloween and let’s creep it real, all the little monsters are after on the day is sweet treats by the bucket load! If you’re looking for an alternative to heading out in the cold on Halloween night, why not trick or treat yourself to these scarily simple ghost lollies.

A perfect rainy day activity for kids and a fantastic addition to a Halloween party.

Ingredients:

  • 250g White chocolate
  • 75g Dark or Milk Chocolate
  •  2 piping bags (available from all major supermarkets)
  •  12 Lollypop sticks (available at larger supermarkets, Hobbycraft and online)
  •  Greaseproof/Baking paper

METHOD:

These lollies really are as simple as they look. Younger kids may need a bit of help to keep the top of the piping bag twisted closed, but older kids will be able to complete this independently.

Cover 2 baking trays with a sheet of greaseproof or baking paper and have your lolly pop sticks close to hand.

Break up the white chocolate and place into a microwave safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of 10 seconds on full heat in the microwave, stirring well in between until the chocolate is completely melted.

Repeat the above with the milk or dark chocolate.

Pour each colour chocolate into a separate piping bag and snip the end of the bag to make a small hole for piping.

Pipe wobbly ghost shapes with the white chocolate and gently place the lolly stick into the centre.

Using the milk/dark chocolate, add loose circles for eyes and mouths on top of the white chocolate shapes.

If your kids are anything like mine, you may not get the full 12 lollies due to some chocolate being piped directly into their mouths…if not continue until you have 12 creepy ghost lollies.

Place into the fridge to set. Once cool the lollies should easily lift from the paper.

If you enjoyed this and fancy trying a few more kid-friendly recipes head over to our website baking-with-kids.com or find us on Instagram @baking_with_kids.