Does your local school have a Lollipopper?

The Churchill Lollipopper Fund - Providing a safeguard around our schools.

Thankfully, there are more than 20,000 lollipop men and women who help keep our kids safe across Great Britain.  However, the number of these amazing ‘Lollipoppers’ on our roads is dwindling. 

Road safety is paramount for our children.

Churchill Insurance's research, recently published here, show that according to parents there are 32% less Lollipoppers since they were no longer deemed a legal requirement in 2002.  Did you also know that 61% of that number of parents revealed that they had no alternative crossing made available to them either?

When I was a little girl, I remember our lollipop man knowing every single one of our names, no matter what the class or year. Saying that, we were lucky enough to have 2 very near to our primary school, a rare thing these days. I've since discovered that my old primary school is one of those to have their lollipopper disappear, although they do have a crossing alternative.

Meet Sue, Carson's lollipop lady...

Sue is loved by every child in Carson's school. Rightly so, she's brilliant!

Sue has been a 'Lollipopper' for coming up to 15 years now and let me tell you she's a natural. Just like when I was young, she knows all the children's names,  and is never without her huge smile and friendly "Good Morning's".  I hope and pray that Sue will still be gracing our roads and school gates when Finley is old enough to go to school too. We love her!

I hope Finley can also benefit from a local 'Lollipopper' in years to come.

Every school needs a Sue. Does your child's school have one? 

"With the highest rates of child pedestrian casualties in the UK occurring during the school run, the provision of a safe road crossing at schools plays a key part in our work. With a decreasing number of lollipop men and women on the roads, the safety and lives of children are being put at risk as other school crossing alternatives don't offer the same level of vigilance and care." Michael Bristow, from road safety charity, Brake.

Churchill want to help redress the balance and make this safeguard around our nation’s schools stronger than ever by giving funding to 50 schools to have their own Lollipopper.  

With 95% of parents (myself included) and 88% of children aged between 5 and 11 years feeling safer knowing there is a Lollipopper present on their route to school, you'd be nuts not to nominate your local school for funding.  

Simply head on over to the fund nomination page HERE and make your vote count. With 50 schools set to benefit, you've got a good chance of making it happen.

Discalimer: I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to highlight causes for Mumsnet. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity. Get in on the school-gate discussion over on Mumsnet here, or chat more Churchill here

18 comments Tags: lollipooper, road safety, school run

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Four Ways To Get Involved With Your Children's School

As a mother, you most certainly desire the best experiences for your children as they grow up. This could range from attending the top schools and camps, to nurturing growth and healthy maturing amongst a diverse peer group in order to learn about different cultures respectfully.

Photo by Caleb Oquendo

It's not uncommon for mothers to volunteer at their children's schools throughout their tenure. Afterall, there will be many years of seeing the same faces and you'll gradually get to know, or at least become familiar, with other parents, teachers and the Head Teacher.

It may be that now, you're wondering what you can do as a mother to support your child's growth and environment simultaneously while they are enrolled, especially if you have grown to know some of the other people in charge. Here are a few suggestions.

Organise A Bake Sale

Ahh cake! A traditional, and tasty, approach for mothers and parents in general to aid the school where their child is educated is through a bake sale. Because many schools these days don't have a lot of money or resources, a bake sale could be both socially and financially beneficial to the school.

Now is the moment to put your organised abilities to use. If you are a member of the PTA, you can involve them in this as well, so that you have as much support and resources as possible.

Make sure to also donate a bake sale item or several. Now is the time to show off your famous family recipe for citrus squares or peanut butter chocolate chip brownies.

Join The PTA

If your child's school has a parent-teacher association, which most do, you should join it if you value the school and what it does for your child. As a parent, you can frequently make the largest difference by joining the PTA.

You can do this for the benefit of the school, but you can also do it for selfish reasons. Assuming you're not too busy at work, the PTA might be a nice way to meet other mums and possibly make some adult friends. You can get together to chat about fundraisers and such, but there is also no harm in having friends with whom you can go out to lunch or anything.

Organise School Trips 

Another wonderful thing you can do for your child's school is to arrange for class field trips. Schools frequently look for parents who want to get involved in this way. Residential trips for primary schools are a great way for you to get involved and volunteer. You can get to know some of your child's classmates while also ensuring that the youngsters are eating the healthy elements of their meals.

Find Sponsors For The School

If your school has a number of upcoming events, you can ask smaller local businesses or bigger companies to sponsor them. This works better with larger corporations because they usually money set aside for such things.

The more sponsorship you can obtain for these activities, the better for the school and the children. Even if a company is unwilling to donate money, it may be able to assist in other ways.

The more you contribute to your child's school, the better you'll feel. So, go for it!

This is a collaborative post

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Buying School Uniforms: A Trutex Review

It's that time of the year again. Buying school uniforms. Don't you just love it when your little dude (or, indeed, dudette) is excitedly starting the new school year with all their friends? Their sleeves slightly too long and the hems of trousers taken up with magic-web. Afterall, they've gotta have room to grow haven't they? I say that, but what's the point if their uniforms aren't going to last long enough for them to grow into? 

We've all done it. Fell in to that 'false economy' trap. I'm especially guilt of that. Carson went through tens of polo tops last school year - each term! Get it slightly dirty once and that's your lot - no stain remover I've ever used got them white again. Then there's the stretching after them having been washed a few times. I don't own a dryer so resort to radiator, airer and washing-line drying you see. The jumpers tend to fray around the wrists and the trousers will scuff and bobble with one or two tumbles to the ground. 

When Trutex called for bloggers, I was right up there offering my services. Or should I say Carson's! I remember in secondary school our blazer had to be Trutex so it lasted more than one school year, lack of major growth spurts permitting! Carson has only just turned 7 years old last week. We normally buy age 6-7yr but decided to opt for age 7-8yr clothing to review, with the intention of making it last. 

Sweatshirt

(around £8.00 depending on stockist)

First Impressions:  

Thick, bold emerald coloured sweatshirt with a soft interior. Strong seams, cuffs and hem.

 

Wear/fit: 

I was surprised at just how well this size fits. Age 7-8 normally swim off of him so dare I say that Trutex uniforms come up a little small for their size? Whilst it fits him beautifully, I fear the sweatshirt may not last until Christmas though. Perhaps opt for a size larger than you would expect to buy. There are no bobbles either around the rib/underarm area either which is something I find always happens with supermarket sweatshirts.

After Washing: 

Thankfully, Trutex offer a non-iron range so there's no rushing on a Sunday evening over here anymore! As for washing, I see no colour run, no signs of stretching and the best thing about it is that there are no bobbles! Tumble dry-able.

Shirts

(around £12 twin-pack depending on stockist)

First Impressions: 

Bright white. Not thin, flimsy or see through - but a thick sturdy polycotton shirt. Strongly attached buttons (so many budget shirts have loose buttons that will fall off within the first few wears!) Elasticated extension attached to the top button so account for varying sized necks amongst the age range it's suitable for.

Wear/Fit.

Being such a thick shirt, I wondered about Carson's movement - could jumping around be restrictive or cause a rip? My worries were unfounded... he's been flailing around for hours in his uniform and he looks as flexible as ever! Again, age 7-8 fits him beautifully across the chest and it's a tad long in the body which is perfect for him to grow in to.  I especially love the shirt's elasticated extension on the top button, which really will help it to last and grow with him. It also makes it easier for him to button and unbutton.

After Washing:

Colour held well. Shape remains strong and stiff. The shirts are advertised as non-iron, which is true (yippee!). However, it would be better if tumble dried so the heat can pull out the creases. If you're like me, without a dryer, make sure it's dried on a hanger on an airer. Folded over the radiator does lead to a few wrinkles and ultimately needing ironed.

Trousers 

(around £11 depending on stockist)

First Impressions:

Stiff, thick and sturdy. Charcoal colour is a nice deep, dark grey. Close to black. Elasticated waist - good for those growth spurts we were talking about! A good long length - 22.5 inch inside leg for age 8 trousers.

Wear/fit:

I did think they may be a little too stiff for Carson but, again, his flailing around for the last few hours in them have posed no issue at all. If anything, Carson has commented on how comfortable and warm they are. I've taken the trousers up by 3 inches as Carson only has little legs but I can reverse that process at any time, and with the elasticated waist they should last for ages. I'm confident about these pants!

After washing:

Oh yes! It doesn't matter how these were dried, they didn't need ironing at all. The centre pleat holds fantastically well. Tumble dry-able  No bobble or fluffy surface frays.

Find your nearest Trutex school uniform stockist and take a look at the huge range available.

I have to say, I'm suitably impressed. 

The general quality of all 3 items I received are leagues above the usual suspects at supermarkets. Yes they're a little more expensive but the quality really does speak for themselves. They're built to last, particularly with the button extension on the shirts and the elasticated waist on the pants. 

I love that they're non iron and washing them doesn't seem to have any effect on their feel or appearance either. Carson feels comfortable and confident in his uniform. Something that is really important for kids in my opinion. How are they to concentrate, or even socialise properly, when they're feeling fidgety and uncomfortable?

Where are you buying from this year and what's your pet-hate about school uniforms?!

I was sent the above items FOC for the purposes of review. All opinions are my own.

27 comments Tags: review, school, school uniform, trutex

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How To Keep The Kids Occupied During The School Holidays

If you have children and the school holidays are coming up, you are probably panicking. Trying to keep them entertained can be a tough challenge, especially if you have things to get on with yourself. You might worry that you cannot juggle everything and make your child as happy as possible during their time off.

That being said, there are various ways to help kids stay active and satisfied during the summer.

Here are various alternative activities that help kids stay entertained during the school holidays.

Photo by Rosemary Ketchum

Inside fun

If the summer weather does not happen some days, you might be stuck indoors with the children. Seeing as children prefer spending time outside, it can be difficult when you know there isn’t anything you can do. 

The best thing you can do is make the inside of your home fun. For instance, you could make a movie den and keep them entertained with snacks and movies on a rainy day. Plus, you could introduce toys and games to ensure they have something to keep them occupied. A Kidaroos police car and a board game could be enough to keep them entertained all day.

Cameras

Another smart way to allow your children to stay occupied during the school holidays, without them spending time on screens, is to give them cameras. Whether you want to keep your child occupied on vacation or at home, a camera is a great form of entertainment for them. 

They can spend hours capturing images of next to nothing. They will find such fun and joy in taking photos and then showing them to the family. 

Arts and crafts

If your child is into arts and crafts, this is an easy way to pass the time and keep them entertained when they are off from school.

You could allow them to paint pictures outside in the garden, create their own piece of art, or create party guest invites for their upcoming garden tea party. There are many art activities you can get your child to do so ensure they are occupied. 

Invite their friends over

To keep your child happy, and away from screens, it is a good idea to invite their friends over when everyone has time off school.

During the holidays, the children can play in the garden, bake cakes together, play board games, and more. Although you will want to spend quality time with them, you might have other things to get on with. Hence, ensuring they have someone there to occupy them will guarantee they stay entertained all day. 

You could even off for their friends to stay so they can enjoy a sleepover. This will cause lots of excitement and ensure to make your child and their friend extremely happy. 

As a result of your invitation, the other parent might do the same for your child. Your child might be able to stay with their friends for one night, which will take a load off of your plate and ensure they are happy, safe, and occupied during their time off. 

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Tattooed Teachers... What I think.

It's been in the press recently about a teacher on placement at a school who has tattoos. It is alleged that she was told to go home and cover up, be it with clothes, bandages or plasters. There's been a major split in opinions from what I've seen. The most posing question of all is should she have to cover up?

My answer in this particular case... yes. *awaits backlash*

Tattoos in general, including 'sleeves', are very common these days and are not so shocking to anyone. This, I have no problem with at all. After all, diversity in life is something that children have to accept. There's nothing wrong with being different! General tattoos and sleeves can be covered up very easily and not on permanent show. Having a huge, colourfully decorative symbol tattooed on one's neck, however, is not easy to cover up and would be a distraction to me, let alone a child. The teacher in question has just this kind of tattoo. 

Distraction and impressionability. 

I'd be intrigued and ask about it's origin and wonder why they'd made the decision to have it placed in such a position. Me. I would want to know, as a genuinely interested person. I would happily accept their answer too - whatever that answer might be. But a child? They would ask question, after question. A class full of children? There'd be tens of questions, after questions. A school full of children? Look... it's an awful lot of little inquisitive people to answer. It becomes a distraction in the classroom and a talking point on the playground "Have you seen Mr/s Such'n'Such's tattoo's?"

THEN comes the Oooh's and Ahhh's. When something is different, it stands out, and more often than not it stands out as 'cool'. Children are impressionable at any age, there's no denying that. Teachers are there to teach my children the necessities to get by in life, not to influence their thoughts on lifestyle choices - be it positively or negatively. Children should be able to make those decisions themselves using their own independent judgement based on the pro's and con's based around them at the relevant time. Personal taste and opinion should not be portrayed to children at school by their teacher.

Have as many tattoos as you like - in any profession. I don't judge you by your cover, nor do I lower my expectations of your ability in your job. Just don't thrust it into the face of my young, naive, impressionable child. It's not fair. 

Rules.

Aside from the distraction and impressionability though, what about dress code and decorum in a job role? I'm pretty certain if I went to work in a belly top and flip flops I'd be told to go home and change. Is it because I'm showing something off in an environment where it is seen as inappropriate? Possibly. But first and foremost, it's because I'm failing to follow the code of conduct set by my employers. If Carson went to school in tracksuit bottoms instead of grey trousers, he would be sent home too. Because it is breaking the rules of the school. The teacher in this case was advised that her tattoos needed to be covered, prior to her starting, as other teachers do with no complaints. The majority were covered, except the neck-eating one. *Pssst... never heard of a scarf, dude?*

The minute someone is allowed to do something outside of the code of conduct is the minute where others think it's OK to do so as well. Then all 'discipline' is out of the window. 

Why does it matter what someone looks like? They could be the best teacher in the world. 

It doesn't matter! If you're still thinking the above then you're missing my point entirely. Why would someone be asked to tuck their shirt in or take their sunglasses off of their head before a sales meeting - what does it matter? It doesn't! It's just what's expected of them by their employers. 

The teacher in this case said that she 'looked ridiculous' with plasters on her finger tattoos. I didn't think so? Just proves the point that what one person thinks looks ridiculous, another sees no problem. This is why codes of conduct are in place. If you don't like this code of conduct, move on and find somewhere that suits you better. If you're unable to do that, you bend over backwards to ensure you keep the job you have if you want it so badly. If that means wearing a scarf then so what? We all have things we wish we didn't have to do at work, but that's life. 

Final thought.

It's not about adversely affecting the kids or that tattoos are wrong because it doesn't and they aren't. I have tattoos, my husband has tattoos, both my family and his family also have tattoos. I'm not against them, nor am I against Carson asking questions about them. But a school is all about discipline and following rules. If the teacher can't do that themselves, then it's not a great start is it?

What are your thoughts?

Jo x

12 comments Tags: controversy, tattooed teacher., tattoos

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Schools and 'Lost Property'

I got sick to the back teeth of the number of jumpers Carson was losing at school (I'm talking double figures between Sept and October half term - honest to goodness, I was raging!!) that one day I went straight to the main office at the end of the day and demanded I look in lost property myself for them because they can't just 'vanish'.

In the case of me searching for Carson's stuff, they weren't there. Not one single jumper that belonged to him. Well, his lost clothing did have his name in so I guess it's no wonder they weren't there, right?

Well, what appalled and shocked me MORE than not finding his entire wardrobe conveniently sat there washed, ironed and folded was that around half of the great big wooden chest, stuffed with hardly worn items varying from polo tops and coats (that look like they cost a fair bit of dollar by the way), to a school shoe (who loses a single shoe?) actually had names in. 

Surely when they're in lost property it's because they CANNOT trace locate the owner? 

Now, Carson's school has a yard sale at the end of term with the lost property. Anything not claimed is laid out on the ground and available to buy if you fancy a little bargain. 

Having never been to or bought anything from these yard sales, I can't say whether the labels are still in tact when available to buy but how convenient that not a lot of items are claimed? (ahem, #moneyspinner much?) 

Like I said earlier in this post, if your child's items have names stitched/ironed/written in then you wouldn't expect it to wind up in lost property would you? It's not lost, it j ust needs returning to the classroom it was found in!  I guess what I'm saying is go take a look - just in case!

Why teachers can't say to their classes at the end of the day "Do you have what you came in with?" I just don't know. I can't afford 8-10 jumpers every half term, even George's £4-a-pop ones. That's 40 quid every 6 weeks! I'm debating on having a uniform surgically attached this next term. Wonder how much that would be...

In all seriousness though - have you had much of a loss this school year so far? How do you find the "lost property" these days?

4 comments Tags: lost property, moneyspinner, school uniform

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Ace Ultra for Whites - The Review #AceIt

I've been testing the new Ace Ultra for Whites AND I have to be honest, I didn't actually have much faith that it could clean a mucky, smelly 12yr old boy's school shirt (soz Carson!) nor a messy-play covered 6yr old's SEN school polo shirt.  Yeah, sure, brightening up my work blouses or the husbands plain t-shirts but school clothes were a whole new dilemma. 

How to use.

I poured this into the fabric softener drawer instead of softener, as per the instructions. If you are wanting to use softener as well, make sure this goes into the pre-wash area rather than in the detergent compartment. For major stains, you can pre-treat if required which is handy to know.

The Before.

The less said about this mess the better ha!

Finley's polo shirt has felt tip marks, paint, bits of food, you name it. Carson's, I mean really... what on earth is with those cuffs? And it honks! 

The 12 year old boy's shirt 

The 6 year old boy's polo

The Claims.

It promises to be gentle on delicate clothes and is formulated to help brighten dull whites, whilst treating stains. It does contain bleach so literally only use this on whites. You can't say I've not warned you! Containing bleach though also means that your clothes don't only just smell clean, but they actually are clean as bacteria and viruses are specifically targeted.

Initial Reaction

Speaking of smelling clean, I didn't like how it made my house smell when the clothes were drying on the radiators. I couldn't smell the floral scent it claimed to have, rather just bleach. Granted, most people have airers or tumble driers but we don't, and needs must when it comes to getting 4-5 washes worth of clothes and bedding dry quickly in any one given day! So, you might not get that bleach smell when drying your own clothes after being washed in Ace Ultra for Whites. I couldn't not comment on it though considering this is a completely honest review. 

HOWEVER, when my whites had completely dried all I could smell was that fresh crisp clean cotton smell which was such a relief and a real pleasant surprise. To be absolutely honest, considering Finley's ASD and sensory processing disorder along with Carson's new-found obsession with aftershave, we preferred Ace's clean fresh smelling results. It is actually better than clothes being perfumed with softeners for these 2 lads. Winner!  

The Results.

Finley's polo is like new.  I mean literally. It's the brightest its been since taking the labels off in September and where those felt tip and paint marks have gone. Blown away by that result. Remarkable. 

Before and after on a polo top

Carson's no longer smells of BO, old deodorant or aftershave... and check out those cuffs. I would say 95% of that gross grime has been completely eradicated. Seriously like, just look.  And this is after just one, quick, 28 minute wash on a 30C wash. 

Before and after on a shirt

Where to buy.

Morrisons 

Summary.

I give this a 4.5 / 5. The only thing I can find to mark this down on is my inability to fit a dryer in my kitchen, meaning radiator drying have a bleach smell in the house. I'm not even sure if that's fair to mark down on! 

Got kids?  Get this. 

Make-up on your work shirt? Get this. 

Deodorant stains? Get this. 

Dull or greying sheets or delicates? Seriously, get this. 

Big hit for us! 

This post is an entry for the #Aceit Challenge, sponsored by Ace. Get ideas in how to wash whites, treat stains and laundry like a boss with tips from the ACE site

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Starting to use PECS

Fin has been at school now for coming up to 6 months already. His complex needs meant we weren't expecting too much in the name of progress, however being at a specialist school it wouldn't have been too surprising had he actually have managed to come on in some way - we just didn't want to have our hopes up to be honest.

Well we had parents' evening the other day and we were very pleased to see that Finley has moved from 0-6m or 6-12m in the EYFS charts to 8-20m in most areas. Wahoo!! It's all the teeny tiny things that happen which are so insignificant in the grand scheme of things, yet they're the mortar to his brick building progress. 

Coming up to 5 years old now we remain non-verbal however school reported that he is very strong on his use of PECS (Picture Exchange Cards). In particularly with his choice of juice. He has a choice of blackcurrant or orange (in a green cup) and if he wants one or the other more you will know about it and he'll not give in with his whacking you on the head with his card of choice ha! 

This is just fantastic. He knows what he wants and can finally express it to adults... even if it is a little forceful at times. Well done Finley!! Currently we have food cards but that's purely down to what motivates him. He's not really very requesting of toys or anything like that, and he won't eat biscuits or chocolate;  but apples and raisins etc... he loves. We don't limit him when it comes to snacks and even though we know he won't opt for sweet things, the cards are always available should he change his mind.

Do any of my readers use PECS with their children? Any hints or tips? 

My one tip is to keep them low, almost at head height, and freely available. Fin normally goes to the kitchen if and when he wants something. He would usually drag one of us in and throw our arms in the rough direction of where his desired item lives. So we chose to pop them on the fridge with magnets and it seems to be working well at home. Not all the time though, but hey what else is new with autistic children. All on their terms isn't it! 

Fingers crossed he can start using makaton soon as well. We've been trying with 'again' and 'more' for approx 18 months and it now, very occasionally, is used. To nail makaton would be the icing on the cake for me but for now, PECS does us just fine. I'm just so pleased that he is now able to have a form of communication with people, regardless of it's limitations!! 

Rock on Fin.

Have you entered our most recent giveaway? If not... Get me entered!

Leave a Comment Tags: #asd, #nonverbal, #pecs

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Open Letter: Dear Dog Owners...

Let me set the scene... it's a sunny Thursday morning, the day before the kids break up for Easter and we're off to school at 8.40am.

Me: "Carson, mind the poo"
Carson: "Why do you always say that?"

Great point, son. Why the hell do I? I shouldn't have to! I live a 3-5 minute walk away from the school yet we dodge sh*t more than we blink.

*****************************************************************************************************************************
Dear Dog Owners,

The majority of you are entirely responsible for your actions, care for your dog in the right manner and are a credit to pet owners in general. Hoorah! However, I must direct this toward the non-responsible owners....

It is utterly horrendous how some of you think it's perfectly OK to leave your animals faeces, steaming away, on the pavement. And I don't just mean near a school, I mean anywhere. 

I note that blind corners are right up their in the hilarity of it all. You know the ones, you've already turned and stepped before you saw what was coming. Oh you scamps! You got us! 

You also succeed in smearing your tag animal's crap over a larger area, even further down the road, as children or prams etc try to walk/wheel it off, leaving a smushy trail behind them for others to enjoy.

If your animal walked on broken glass, you'd be fuming at the irresponsible creatures that had left the glass there - guaranteed! 

I witnessed a toddler walking in reigns with his Nan the other day, missed his footing and clambered forward to the ground in typical toddler fashion. His hands landed about half a foot away from a dollop of shit. 

If the poor mite had have landed in it, toddlers don't know any better than to lick their hands or play with the gooey fascination they've just discovered. 
You, however, Mr & Mrs Irresponsible... well you do know better. CLEAR IT UP.

When this baby is born, I will constantly have nappy bags on me and I cannot wait!! 

When I catch one of you minger's letting your dog defecate on the pavement and go to walk off without a care in the world, I will make a holy show of you. 

I will personally ensure that everyone around knows exactly what you're up to and, being the generous soul I am, I will supply you with a bag to pick it up yourself. Can't say fairer than that.

You knock me sick...

Sincerely. 

*****************************************************************************************************************************

Things will never change and councils cannot afford to have an army of shit searchers on patrol (oh we dream ha!) But I needed to get this rant off my chest. I am FUMING this morning lol!

#HormonalMuch?

12 comments Tags: dog fouling, dog poo, open letter

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Sadly saying no to a Haven holiday...

Not been on holiday in 2 years, when we last went to Haven Hafan Y'Mor in late April 2012, we managed to get a 3 bed Deluxe for circa £160 for 4 nights. It was the second time we'd visited that park and we'd also previously visited Presthaven Sands. Each and every time, Carson had the TIME. OF. HIS. LIFE!! Our holidays had all been before he started school so we didn't have to think about when we were going, we just did.

We haven't been on holiday since due to an array of reasons such as family problems, work commitments, school terms and then, of course, falling pregnant and the dreaded SPD. Maternity pay is also a mega bummer. So difficult to get by on a fraction of your normal wage! It's not like your bills let you take a maternity break too! So this was to be the 3rd consecutive year without our beloved Haven holiday.

Well... an amazing thing has happened. We have been gifted a holiday from a family member! WOW!  *twirls around in thankful glee, squealing* We are so incredibly lucky and Carson is absolutely thrilled beyond belief (almost as much as me)

However, that said, we jumped straight on to the Haven website to get booking again and was absolutely mortified to see that a bog standard 10ft, 2-bed 'van, during the summer holidays, self catering, sets you back £670 for 4 nights. As we don't drive, so will have zero additional storage space, we will have the pram and suitcases for 4 people's worth of towels and clothes plus a shed load of nappies etc so realistically we would have needed a 3 bed to dump stuff in... PLUS we would have to upgrade to a superior to ensure bed linen is included as we couldn't possibly carry that as well! So in realistic terms, a 4 night stay would cost us £777 for the week we want.

Sorry Haven. Not happening.

So... we decided to save HUNDREDS of pounds, and opt for The Village Hotel in Blackpool for 4 nights instead (which also includes breakfast and a fruit bowl in our room!). There'll be no cabin fever as we're going to visit Blackpool Zoo, Nickolodeon Land & Pleasure Beach and Sealife Centre & Madame Tussauds. There'll be time for plenty more too! We still get to go swimming as the hotel features both an indoor and outdoor heated pool too. There's a bar, restaurant, massive grounds to walk around/picnic in and I even received a tweet the other day to say that there'd be a children's entertainer on site during the summer!

I can't wait to write all about it and share some new memories with you - I'm gunna have sooo many pictures (Instagram followers - I apologise in advance LOL)

Sad to think that without this awesome gift from incredibly generous family members we just couldn't afford a holiday full stop during the summer holidays any more. It is extortionate before you've even left the house, and I was totally floored by the HUGE increase in costs compared to non-school holidays. I appreciate that an increase is necessary during peak times but wowzers... how can the average family afford to holiday when 4 nights, plus travel costs and food, (never mind any spends!) will set you back at least ONE THOUSAND POUNDS. It's no wonder most people go abroad these days and it's an incredible shame.

Let's see if our Blackpool holiday will prove successful and I will report back late August after we return!!

6 comments Tags: blackpool, haven holiday, summer holiday extortion, village hotel

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How my year's goal are going so far...

You may remember back in January, I blogged about giving myself 4 goals for the year. Four major things that I will do before I turn 34 next February.

Driving was one of my "defo will do's". In fact it was top of my list. Having never had a lesson in my life, I took the plunge in late March and started the lessons. I've not been behind a wheel since the middle of May due to a few bouts of Instructor illness and his holiday, and my dear Grandad passing away. But, I can tell you all that my practical test is now booked! Even if I have to push it back due to the break in lessons, I will do this, this year.  I told you I'd do it and I meant it. I've never been more determined in all my life to achieve something. 

Finley got his spot at a fantastic special needs school and starts in September so there will likely be days when he'll need picking up mid-way through the day. Having some wheels means I won't have to rely on public transport schedules or do an hour's journey on the bus from work to go and get him. I'm also 3 month's into a different role at work, which invariably means travel. Again, how cool to not have to rely on trains etc?

So that's goal number one almost achieved!

The rest, um, I'm working on! Growing strawberries may well be something I've missed out on this year but to be fair, I barely keep a border grass alive, never mind strawbs in this very very dry summer that we're having. Getting a passport is all very well and good but I doubt there'll be any jollies this year due to work commitments and Finley starting his new school soon but hey ho, what I've never known won't be missed as far as I look at it. Making bread made an appearance on the list and nope, I've not tried this either. I'm saving this for autumn Sunday's though, to go with a big bowl of Scouse. 

I cannot wait for Scouse season again... I'm so over this lettuce and lollyice diet this heat is bringing us ha! 

How are your year's goals coming along?

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Week 2: Weigh in!

Not gunna lie, I was expecting a bad number today.  This week I attended a 30th birthday that consisted of red wine, very naughty buffet foods and cake, and I also met with my sisters for lunch (involving cake again!) and then a get together at mine with the 'rents... consisting of several cans of Carling.

I seem to have turned into a beer and cake monster!!!

Fast days are still pretty "easy" in terms of managing hunger by carefully timing my LighterLife FASTpacks. I find having coffee first thing followed by breakfast after Carson has gone to school means I can get through the morning relatively quickly. I then have lunch just before Carson comes home from school which helps the urge to snack when Carson wants his tea. Have tea quite late in the evening, around 8pm and that always includes 2 FAST packs so it feela like a meal with a pudding!

Anyway, stepping on the scales I was, today, faced with this....

BOOM!! I thank you very much LighterLifeFAST!!

Start weight: 17st 5.8lb
Current weight: 16st 13.8lb
Weekly Loss: -2lb
Total Loss: 6lb

Cannot be more pleased this week because I genuinely thought my socialising would have made a dent in my progress but nope, a nice six pounds in two weeks and I am MORE than happy!

Hoping for at least a 1 pound loss this week to hit my half stone. Aside from the planned family BBQ (booze and burgers...but no cake!!) I have a non social week ahead so fingers crossed!

How've you been this week?

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Join the #ACEForSchool Challenge!

So it's just over a month since the kids have returned to school...

Ahhh back to school new-ness!

Gone are the scuff-less shoes; early morning eagerness to get up and head off has been replaced with "oh do I have to?"; wardrobes contain 2 less jumpers & 1 randomly gained cardigan that happens to be 2 sizes too small; and the colourful lunchboxes are already fading and dinted. The joys of motherhood huh?

One thing that is different this year though, is the number of crisp white polo tops binned by now thanks to chocolate mousse stains, paint, or... if you're my child... muddy footprints from treating clothes like a rug after outdoor p.e lessons. 

Seriously, just because these supermarket polo tops are pennies to buy it doesn't mean they are disposable and that's something I've genuinely come to believe in, by utilising a simple product that will give the washer a helping hand. That product range is Ace. What's even better is, I spotted these in Poundland the other day as well so it's completely relative to the cost of the tops themselves.

No soaking, no scrubbing, no effing and jeffing about the number of times I've told Carson NOT to trample on his uniform! Simply spray the Stain Remover directly on to the marks, load in to the machine and pop it on to do it's thang. 

With Finley's autism being so severe, I was in two minds as to whether I should show this image but I just have to. Other parents in the same situation need to hear that i actually vouch for this stuff in genuinely removing stains and definitely eliminating odours!! You see Finley has an issue with sensory processing and will smear his nappy contents for the smell, feel and taste.

So in situations like this you want a fresh smelling wash without the perfumed softener. We chuck in a cap of the Ace for Colours. It genuinely eliminates odours. Again, not expensive and not hard for even the less-domesticated to use! Because, you know, we're too busy cleaning the rest of the house after this!

Crack on kids. Make a mess, explore and enjoy your childhood. Grow, develop and thrive! That's why I've taken part in the #AceForSchool campaign. Because it's all too easy to think of mess made by kids is the same as mess by adults. It's not!! It's crucial that they take part!

What I'd give to be daring enough to go jumping in muddy puddles, or hill rolling myself. When did I become such an unimaginative being?

Anyway, I digress... Not once have I had to throw a top away yet. As Carson just said before... "you Ace-d it mum!"

I did son, I sure did.

With very little effort, but I'm taking allllll the credit. 

What's he laughing at?!

This post is an entry for the BritMums #ACEforSchool Challenge, sponsored by ACE. Get help for all kinds of stains with the ACE Stain Helper http://www.acecleanuk.co.uk/ or to buy head to your local Tesco’s, Morrison’s, Waitrose or Sainsbury’s

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3 Alternative Activities That Help Kids With Autism

As a parent, you need to know that dealing with a child with ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder – can be challenging. There will be good days and bad days as you learn to understand each other and overcome the challenges. As a result, you need to be emotionally strong to be the best parent you can to support your child. But, contrary to the common belief, having a child with autism doesn’t have to be a lonely and painful experience. 

You can find support at the school and with your GP, as well as dedicated groups and communities who are ready to help when you need it. We rely a lot on the members of M.A.C.S (Merseyside Autistic Children's Society), whether it be for advice, tips and tricks in dealing with certain situations, or even just sounding off after a particularly challenging day. It helps to talk things out with those who really understand, in our experience.

More importantly, you can help your child to thrive by providing them with stress-releasing activities. Being a neurological disorder, autism isn’t a condition your child will ever grow out of. But it doesn’t mean it isn’t manageable. On the contrary, you can use hobby and playful activities to encourage positive behaviour. In fact, the Hanen More Than Words course we took part in as part of speech and language late last year, really instilled this exact point.  

Of course not everything works for every child, however three examples are... 

Image source

Being part of a sport team

Don’t let other parents or teachers convince your child can’t interact in a social environment. In fact, you can encourage your child to take part in sports activities. If they are unsure of what they would like to do, participation in the sports day at school inspires children to discover new activities and develop new skills. Additionally, it’s a safe environment, where your child can find reassurance in your presence. You can even show the example by volunteering to parents’ sports, from racing to football. This will nudge your child in the right direction. And who knows? You might have a football champion or a fantastic racer in the family! As they find their interest, you can gradually help them to meet their local sports team and make new friends.

Image source

Listening to music

Music is a powerful tool that can improve anybody’s mood. But for autistic children, music can also be part of an active therapy that helps them to develop their curiosity about the world and interact with others. Additionally, as a learning tool, music can do wonders for grasping the language and understanding new words. 

When your child feels down or stressed, playing their favourite tune can do wonders to their mood – and to yours too! Additionally, you can also use music to activate cognitive mapping. Children with non-verbal autism can understand the intention behind verbal communication through musical cues. This has happened with Finley very recently in managing to say "go" at the end of a rhythmic and melodic "ready, steady...". He also now knows that that is a cue for when we are ready to to do something. It's truly fascinating. We also get the most eye contact from Fin when we sing to him. This is a winner in our eyes!

Enhance their experience through DIY art

Finally, if music isn’t the preferred method of communication for your child, you’ll find that simple art projects can dramatically transform your relationship. Indeed, art can give children the possibility to communicate their emotions through a range of sensory activities, so that feeling that can’t be expressed verbally can be exposed. Additionally, creating something can also develop your child’s self-esteem and encourage a positive relationship. Your child may want to share their art with you, which strengthens your bond. If you plan on running a simple art project with your child, you need to define with them, their favourite medium: clay moulding, finger painting, creating a 3D canvas to hang at home, etc. Ultimately, art should be fun, so respect their wishes. Even if it means having coloured rice launched all over the kitchen floor!! 

In conclusion, children with autism can benefit from creative and sportive activities that let them expand their experience of the world and use different communication methods. This can give you the chance to establish a more profound bond. Even if it feels like it's not working at the time, take it from me, it really does work in the long run. 

This is a collaborative post

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Measles and GP's

Having already had a week of being a lot more sleepy, gooey eyes, generally worn down, great lack of appetite and very hot & sweaty nights resulting in waking and nightmares - My lovely little 4 year old Carson awoke on Bank Holiday Saturday, with a red/brown rash that wouldn't disappear with the glass test.

The scariest thing was that no-one would come to the house to check on him - I was refused by the out of hours GP (it came on, on the Saturday) and NHS Direct told me the same thing:

"GP's do not visit sick children at home any more for diagnosis. Go to the walk-in centre"

Given that I'd put together the previous week of him not being himself, and the type of rash that had appeared, I assumed measles. He had all the signs and symptoms. To make you aware, the rash comes AFTER the initial symptoms - much like chickenpox too.

I very much doubted any walk-in or A&E would thank me for taking a poorly boy with probable measles in to their facility - already filled with weak and vulnerable people (and possibly pregnant women who could be totally oblivious to the fatal dangers of contracting measles during pregnancy.) 

However, following instruction, Carson was taken to the local walk-in centre (Victoria Central Hospital) where (as we suspected) he was whisked off to an individual room upon arrival - staff terrified of creating an outbreak. 

But guess what?

No swabs here, you'll have to go to A&E at Arrow Park Hospital instead. Well, I'm sorry but Carson is in no state to be traipsing half way round the Wirral - when we don't drive either - just to have a swab to confirm it was, as suspected, the measles. When, in the grand scheme of things, they'd already said there is  nothing to treat measles with anyway. 

Simply keep an eye on him, help keep him cool, provide him with some Calpol and plenty of fluids. The other alternative was to wait until Tuesday and if he did still have the rash, which would back up the suspicion of measles, contact our own GP's surgery.

So that's what we did. 

We spent all bank holiday weekend indoors together. His mood changing at the flick of a switch. He could go from being OK to talk to and even smile or giggle with you, to very irritable and tired. It breaks my heart to see such a usually bouncing boy, just sitting there/lying there in a quiet, uninterested and sadly agitated manner.

Tuesday came and the GP surgery denied that we could take him there, as the walk-in centre had advised. They asked us to go there - without Carson - collect mouth swabs, take them home and swab Carson's mouth, then take them back. The results would be with us in a day or two.

Bit of an effort, but well worth it given that Carson was still poorly so we needed to know whether it was just a viral infection or the measles so that the school could be notified.

Well it's now a whole week later and he still has the rash but it has faded an awful lot. His appetite is back and he's himself again! However, as the GP surgery didn't bother sending the swabs until Thursday meaning the lab in Manchester hasn't tested yet - we are STILL none the wiser as to whether we can call it measles or still go by "suspected measles" #FUMING 

** For anyone local, this bad GP's surgery is the old Martin's Lane one now at Mill Lane. Every time I've ever had to provide urine at that surgery they lose it, and once the GP prescribed Carson a sedative meant for 5yrs+ at the 8yrs+ dosage -when he was just 18 months old and it was the pharmacist that refused to abide by the prescription. The"apology" received was simply that 'it's the pharmacists job to check these things over so no harm done' **

Oh but on the bright side, he can go to school on Monday as we quarantined him for 6 days as advised.

Have your children ever had the measles? What did you do, how did you cope?

Have you ever been let down by your GP either? 

Loadsa love

Jo

xxx

3 comments Tags: GP, illness, measles, mummy, NHS, poorly, son

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