Life & Soul of The Party - Meet the Party Entertainer

This interview is sponsored by ZooBooKoo Educational Toys and Games

We talk to Rabbie – the children’s entertainer. He shares his experiences and tips for a successful party your children will really enjoy.

How did you become a children’s entertainer?
I fell into it, while I was a Film Producer, starting off as a face painter, then added balloon modelling, then magic then an alround children's entertainer.

How long have you been an entertainer?
4+ years now as an actual children's entertainer.

What sort of entertainment do you provide?
Fast face painting, balloon modelling, children's magic, and clown entertainment.

Do you need any special certification or qualifications to become a children’s entertainer?
No, but you need to have an enjoyment of entertaining children, being charismatic, not being afraid of tell jokes of being silly (similar to the actor Jim Carrey). Much of it is practice, and trial and error. So anybody can get into it, but it could mean the wrong person gets hired for a party, so parents/organisers should ask many questions before hiring someone.

Does an entertainer need a CRB check?
It certainly is needed for working in schools, councils and other public events. Otherwise it's rarely asked for kids birthday parties.

How long would you usually entertain the children at a party?
Most of my parties are just an hour (up to 15 kids, or toddlers party), but I base it on 1 hour for every 10 kids (that are 4+ years old) to fit in all the activities I have for them.

On average, how much would it cost to hire a party entertainer?
For one hour it can be from £80-£200. For me I provide a up to a 40% discount on weekdays, and on weekend mornings/evenings. But you have to know exactly what your paying for, and why each entertainer is diffferent.

In your opinion what’s the best way to go about finding an entertainer?As author Malcolm Gladwell wrote in The Tipping Point, word of mouth is the most powerful way. There are online forums where you can ask for recommendations from other parents.

It’s a big responsibility keeping all the children absorbed and happy at a party. What is your secret?
I have 6 ways to entertain children, to suit all personalities & attention spans. I also don't try to control them, and have things for the kids to play with, so it becomes more of a fun workshop.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you when you were entertaining at a party?
Usually encouraging the children to chase me around with balloons around the hall. They get all excited trying to chase the clown.

And what has been your worst moment when entertaining?
Mis-understood parents thinking you can control kids all the time. But out of 700+ events, only a few times has this happened, so I make sure to communicate exactly what I do and don't do.

What is the best advice you can give parents looking to arrange a memorable party for their children with a great entertainer?
Check references, insurance, CRB checked. Can the entertainer work for the age group at your party, and will they try to 'control' them? And what does the entertainer sound like? Are they friendly, charismatic, energetic, passionate? My clients can tell I have a passion for what I do which which is why I get booked a lot.

www.party--entertainers.co.uk

www.twitter.com/Clown_London

www.facebook.com/kids.entertainer

This interview is sponsored by ZooBooKoo Children's Educational Toys and Games

Thanks to Colin Firth

Despite the awful weather we enjoyed half-term. Thanks to Colin Firth, we got to grips with some historical facts. There was a lot of sighing, eyeball rolling and 'Oh, Mum-ing' when I suggested a quick look at King George VI on Wikipedia prior to our visit to the cinema. But it was useful and put things in perspective. Though the boys, not unnaturally are more into fast-paced, comedy and action movies, they did enjoy the 'King's Speech' though B said, 'Not trying to be mean, Mum, but Big Momma's House was better!' Just goes to show - you can take them to water, but you can't make them drink! The reality of it was that Colin Firth was great and we just love Helena (nothing to do with the fact that she bought ZooBooKoo cubes!). Our day out was topped off nicely with a fun meal at Ask where we used our 2 for 1 on main meals vouchers - that is such a great deal. D loved his smilely-face Calzone which was beautifully presented. Roll on the next school holiday!

Dino Dice win an award

Congratulations to Hugo, Sarah and Rex for winning the Bizziebaby Bronze Award 2010/11. And many thanks to Caroline Coelle and her son Jacob - a couple of the 'testers'. Here is Caroline's review of the Dino Dice:

"Ideal for Travelling. Great clear informative packaging. Game is Very easy for a grown up to understand. My son has just turned 4 and does not really yet understand the concept, however, he really enjoys throwing the dice and counting the dots and enjoys ‘always’ winning the dinosaurs! He will understand with time. I had no concerns about my child playing with this toy ideal for his age. It does not hold my Childs attention for long, although it does hold his attention when he first ‘plays’ with it and likes counting the dice and especially winning the dinosaurs. He plays separately with the dinosaurs and this has proved to be good on long car journeys. Yes it does encourage my child to count, in fact they had been counting with dice at nursery and he was excited at the prospect, it also encourages him to take turns as he is not very good at this. This game is not easy for my child to understand at 4 years of age. However, I can see how some 4 year olds may get it and play for while. Given time though I can see our son playing with the game as it is intended. He plays games with the dinosaurs and uses them on his fortress!! Excellent quality. Definitely value for money, great price. I love; that there are dinosaurs that made Jacob excited from the start; that it is small and comes in a little bag ideal for taking away on trips; that it encourages counting; that it is flexible enough to play with, even though son does not yet get the game he can still play with it. I think the design of this toy is just great. I would consider buying it as a present for a friend’s child. I would recommend this without hesitation. A great game for travelling with that stimulates the imagination and encourages learning." Caroline Coello – Jacob 4 Years

The 'Helping You' Interview - Choosing A Childminder

This interview is sponsored by ZooBooKoo - Educational Toys and Games.

Meet Susanna Dawson, the Chair of the National Childminding Association, who also works part time as a childminder. Susanna talks candidly about how to find the right childminder, the pitfalls to avoid, dealing with difficult situations and how to go about becoming a childminder.

Profile:

Susanna Dawson has been Chair of NCMA for almost six years, and has been a childminder for nearly 16 years. Susanna trained as an Orthoptist at Moorfields Eye Hospital in 1985-1988 and worked at an optician’s following this. In 1995, she registered as a childminder in Hexham, Northumberland and by 1996, she was elected as Chair of West Tynedale Childminding Association. Delivering training and being a key member of regional committees has meant Susanna has a real grass-roots knowledge that makes her an excellent Chair for the national charity. She still provides childminding services part-time alongside her duties for NCMA.

How did you come to be a childminder?
As a family we moved to Hexham with my husband’s work, when our children were three and almost one. I needed to find some part time work. I knew I loved children and was keen to get to know some other people, so I decided to register as a childminder. That was almost 16 years ago and was one of the best decisions I ever made, I would recommend this career choice to anyone, its so rewarding and you get to make a real difference to children's lives.

There are some upsetting stories about incompetent childminders. How can parents avoid the pitfall of leaving their child with an inept childminder?
Scare stories about bad practice are very rare and parents can be reassured in many ways. First, ask around other parents and get recommendations - childminders rely on their good reputation to keep their business successful. Visit the childminder yourself and go with your child to see how they interact with your child and the other children they care for. Go with your instincts, and visit at least three childminders before settling on one. Also ask for their Ofsted registration number. You can check online for their latest Ofsted inspection report, which can tell you a bit more about the setting. Most childminders will be able to supply you with references from both current parents and those they have childminded for in the past.

How can you really know if a young child is being well treated behind closed doors?
Registered childminders must provide a standard of care in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements, the same as other childcare settings. They are subject to registration and regular inspections at short notice by Ofsted in England and CSSIW in Wales.

In every relationship there is an element of trust, and you will know if things are going well. Your child will appear happy and relaxed when you pick them up and will settle quickly when you leave them. If you have any concerns, please talk to your childminder, as they can often allay your fears or come to an arrangement where they send you texts or pictures of your child throughout the day so you can see how happy they are. Childminders are well aware of parents’ anxiety when leaving their child and will be sympathetic to phone calls to check their child is okay. I am always happy when parents arrive early unexpectedly, or drop by on a different day to check some arrangement, collect a forgotten toy or to pay me. That way I know the parents know that the care their child gets is consistently good, not just when parents are expected!

Parents worry that their children won’t like the childminder. How do you create empathy with the children you childmind?
I treat every child as if they were my own. Registered childminders will usually be in the profession because they love children and want to make a difference to their lives. I also ask parents about their child’s usual routine and try to incorporate that into our day, including their favourite foods and activities. Some children like to bring something from home to help the transition, like a teddy or favourite blanket. Very soon a child will settle in and bond with the other children in the setting, rather like a big family.

What activities do you find particularly useful in occupying the children?
This varies from day to day and from child to child. Children can find all kinds of activities interesting as long as they are geared to their age and stage of development. Children love to try knew things, especially with the right amount of support, and they also love to do things that they may not get to do at home. We love to paint, build dens, dress up, play with duplo and brio as well as read stories and go out to toddler groups and the park. Variety is key, as well as moving on to a new activity before a child is bored.

And which activities have not been so successful when it comes to busying the children? I don’t find any of the activities I do unsuccessful as I managed to keep the children engaged by interacting with them. I rarely have only one activity on offer at a time so the children always have choice about what they do, particularly when we are at home.

What frustrates you most about being a childminder?
As I’m the sole carer in my setting, at times it can be difficult to balance the paperwork required by Ofsted with my need to constantly engage with and care for the children. For example, Ofsted requires us to do written observations of the children and carry out risk assessments. I do risk assessments all the time in my head as the children participate in different activities throughout the day.

How do you deal with inappropriate behaviour by the children you childmind?
Positive behaviour is rewarded, and I tend to ignore inappropriate behaviours, unless it has upset the other children. Children quickly learn what is expected of them. Sometimes a child benefits from a short period of time out, as it helps them to calm down quickly and then rejoin the play. If a child carries on behaving in a less positive way, I take them to one side and explain why we don’t do this. Childminders will never punish a child or use physical deterrent, as this is against the law. I also work closely with parents, particularly if there is a pattern of unwanted behaviour occurring so that we can approach the behaviour management consistently. I believe that it is always important that I am consistent in what I expect from the children and that I am fair.

What to date was your most rewarding moment as a childminder?
I particularly enjoy it each time a new child settles with me and becomes part of my childminding “family”. I also love seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they come to me having not been for a while, and when older children still want to come even when they are 10, 11 and 12. I really value the appreciation the children’s parents show me.

And what has been your worst moment as a childminder?
Occasionally I have a momentary feeling of panic when a parent arrives to collect their child, only for them to remember that I wasn’t looking after them that day! (phew!)

What would be your top tip to parents looking at alternative types of childcare?
Get recommendations from other parents, and people who may know local childminders. You can also contact your local Families Information Service to find out who has vacancies in your area, and discuss the type of childcare that will fit with your family needs.

It’s all about what’s right for your child and family. When considering different types of childcare you may like to think about the size of the setting, whether you would prefer your child to be in a home-based environment, and whether you want your child to be cared for by one person you can build a relationship with, or several different people. You should also think about opening hours and flexibility, and whether these will fit in with your work and family demands. Many childminders are willing to offer flexible hours, as well as weekend and overnight care. They can also look after a range of different ages, so siblings can stay together, and many are trained in caring for disabled children.

How can parents find reputable childminders in their area?
Once again, do ask around. Often new parents start attending toddler groups and meet local childminders or parents who can make recommendations.

What advice can you give to a mum thinking about a becoming a childminder? What is the first step?
Contact your Families Information Service or local council early years team, which will hold briefing sessions that can give you all the information you need to start up a childminding business. Think seriously about why you want to be a childminder before committing to the training and registration process, and be prepared for it to take up to six months before you’re ready to take children on. Joining NCMA will give you access to dedicated support, business advice, legal advice, public liability insurance and much more.

And finally, what do you enjoy most when you are not being a childminder - other than the peace and quiet?

I love to read, go to the cinema and have friends over for a meal.

Useful links:

National Childminding Association - for information on becoming a childminder or nanny. Or choosing home-based childcare.

http://www.ncma.org.uk/

To watch a free online film and download a list of questions to use when interviewing a potential childcarer, visit:

http://www.ncma.org.uk/for_parents/choosing_a_childminder.aspx

Visit Ofsted's website in England to obtain inspection reports for registered childcare providers

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Forms-and-guidance/Browse-all-by/Other/General/Information-for-parents-and-carers-using-childcare-services

To find childcare, visit the National Families Information Service website for a list of FIS's in your area, they hold a list of all registered childcare providers in your area.

http://www.familyinformationservices.org.uk/

This interview is sponsored by ZooBooKoo - Educational Toys and Games.

10 Quick Tips for Healthy Eating

This interview is sponsored by ZooBooKoo at www.zoobookoo.com for Educational Toys and Games

Includes free 5-a-day chart download and useful links about portions sizes

1. Be a good role model – eat healthily
2. Limit snacking and choose healthy snacks
3. Water with meals and always carry a water bottle
4. Portion control
5. 'Five-a-day’ for all the family
6. Avoid the ‘bad’ stuff – saturated fats and additives
7. Encourage children to cook with you
8. ‘Food is Fuel’
9. Treats in moderation
10. Make meal times an event

1. Be a good role model – your children copy you so eat healthily.

2. Limit snacking and choose healthy snacks such as raisins,
fruit, yogurt or cereal bars and try to limit snacks to one in between
meals.

3. Drink water with meals and always carry a water bottle. Some
sensibly diluted squash drinks are fine (read the label) but fizzy drinks
are only a treat (see point 10).

4. Encourage portion control. Some children eat more food and some children eat less. Encourage simple wholesome foods and understanding when you are hungry and when you are full. Consult your doctor if you are concerned. Ideas on achieving the correct portion are in the links below.

5. Promote ‘five-a-day’ for all the family – Run a 'five-a-day' chart for all the family.

6. Avoid the ‘bad’ stuff – saturated fats and additives. Swap saturated fats for unsaturated fats wherever possible. A 230g portion of fries contains around 20g of ‘bad’ saturated fats but the same portion of potato wedges baked in olive oil has around 7g of ‘good’ unsaturated fat (thanks to She Magazine). Be wary of foods with hyper-activity inducing additives or excessive salt (recommended salt intake for children is around 4-5g per day - Food Standards Agency). Some fizzy drinks can bring on hyper-activity in some children.

7. Encourage children to cook with you – teaching them simple new dishes, perhaps with eggs, pasta... Try to give them responsibility but teach about dangers in the kitchen such as knives, boiling water and hot hobs. Perhaps try holiday cooking courses for children. Look online for your local area.

8. Promote concept of ‘Food is Fuel’. In addition to the usual mix of protein, carbs, fats and fibre, growing children need adequate minerals and vitamins and especially calcium for growing bones. Encourage exercise in line with healthy eating. Exercise create healthy hunger levels and a positive appreciation of food as fuel not for gorging or comfort.

9. Allow treats in moderation. Allow treats – a little bit of what you like is good for you but in moderation and cherish the taste. Banning everything may result in a backlash later. For example, you may choose to allow a little sweetie or chocolate bar after dinner and a couple of fizzy drinks at the weekends.

10. Make meal times an event. Make meals an enjoyable event. Encourage a build up perhaps by asking the children about what they would like for dinner, ask them to help with food preparation, laying the table and make mealtime discussions fun.

Useful Links:

Portion sizes for children:
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/agesandstages/children/yrchild/
http://www.ehow.com/how_2308711_set-food-portion-sizes-young.html
http://www.kidsandnutrition.co.uk/correct-food-portion-sizes-for-kids.html

Five-a-day chart:
http://www.nhs.uk/change4life/Documents/pdf/292140_C4L_wallchart_acc.pdf

Saturated versus unsaturated fats:
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/agesandstages/teens/goodfatsbad/

Hyperactivity inducing additives:
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthissues/foodintolerance/foodintolerancetypes/foodadditiv/#cat520810

FAQs regarding salt, fizzy drinks, lactose etc:
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/asksam/agesandstages/childrenandbabies/

Teaching The Art Of Conversation

This interview is sponsored by ZooBooKoo at www.zoobookoo.com for Educational Toys and Games

Paediatric speech and language therapist, Lisa Houghton, talks about ‘talking’ and teaching toddlers the art of communication.

Profile:
Tracey Park & I had been working together in the NHS as paediatric speech & language therapists for many years and had become friends as well as colleagues. For several years we talked about setting up Talking Tots. In 2006 we decided to trial Talking Tots classes whilst still working part time. The classes proved so popular that we branched out and in 2007 launched our first 2 franchises in the North West.

Why did you start your business?
When we were delivering speech & language therapy programmes in schools for children with specific speech & language difficulties, we were increasingly alarmed by the poor listening & attention skills of the general population of children who wouldn’t necessarily fall under the care of the speech & language therapist. Good listening & attention is the foundation for all learning.

What is the secret to your success?
Hard work & passion for what we do.

What annoys you most when you listen to parents talking with their young children?
We get very frustrated when we see parents who don’t listen to their children. Of course it’s not always possible to stop what you’re doing to listen to you child’s long winding story, but we’d suggest that if you can’t listen at the time, let your child know that you’d love to hear what they have to say and make time for the interaction later.

What is one of the most common mistakes that we parents all make regarding talking with our children?

There are two extremes really. There are those parents who don’t talk to their children enough and that can have a major impact on a child’s communicative development. There are also those parents who talk too much! A child needs time to respond and if as a parent you’re giving a constant voiceover throughout the day, your child will have little opportunity to take their turn. Pause and give your child time to respond.

What is your best tip for parents to help nurture their children’s communication skills?
Listen to & accept all of your child’s attempts to communicate. Shape and add to your child’s language If your child attempts a word, repeat it back to them and add to it. For example, if your child says “ba” for ‘ball”. Repeat back to them “ Yes, Ball … let’s roll the ball.” Also make time to talk. Turn off the TV and get down to your child’s level and have fun!

Are your children good communicators?
They are generally … but as with most children they can have selective hearing when it suits them!

What is your greatest achievement in your business?
Helping women to develop their own business & seeing them grow in confidence and skill.

And what has been the worst moment, professionally?
Starting your own business/franchise is always a rollercoaster ride at first and we share the highs but also the lows with our franchisees and that can be hard.

And finally, what do you enjoy most when you are not teaching toddlers to talk?
Spending time with our children.

You can contact Talking Tots through their website: http://www.talkingtots.info/ on Twitter: @LisaTalkingTots @TJPTalkingTots or on FaceBook: LisaTalkingTots

This interview is sponsored by ZooBooKoo at www.zoobookoo.com

for Educational Toys and Games

Does your child need coloured lenses?

This interview is

sponsored by
ZooBooKoo
educational toys and games.

Helen Irlen, the Executive Director of the Irlen Institute International Head Quarters – the coloured lenses expert. Helen talks about what coloured lenses can do for your child, her new book, and her own challenges.

Profile:
Helen L. Irlen, MA, BCPC, MFT is a credentialed School Psychologist; Educational Therapist; Adult Learning Disability Specialist; Professional Counsellor. She is also the author of Reading by the Colors: A Piece of the Puzzle and The Irlen Revolution: A Guide to Changing Your Perception and Your Life. As an internationally recognized educator, researcher, and therapist, Helen has featured on BBC Specials and numerous TV news shows around the world. There are today over 140 affiliated Irlen Centres worldwide.

How do coloured lenses help with reading?

Reading involves both the eyes and the brain. The eyes are the camera that sends the message to the brain where it is processed. The information is sent to the brain in the form of wavelengths of light which are colours. For some, black print on white is difficult for the brain to process accurately, creating distorted print and physical symptoms. When we use coloured lenses, we are filtering out the offending colours so that words, letters, numbers, and musical notes are clear, stable, and comfortable to read. Now students can read with comprehension.

It all sounds so incredible. What statistics are there to demonstrate the effectiveness of coloured lenses?
It sounded incredible 30 years ago, but presently there are over 100 published researched studies showing the Irlen Method improves reading fluency, comprehension, speed/rate, and comfort. Students can read without losing their place, misreading letters and words, being distracted, and with comprehension.

What percentage of the UK population is likely to be affected?
The percentage of the population who can be helped is the same for countries such as the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the USA. 46% of individuals with reading problems, dyslexia, specific learning differences, and ADD or ADHD are either being misdiagnosed and can be helped, or Irlen is a part of their difficulties.

What can a concerned parent do to establish if their child needs coloured lenses?
Help is around the corner. There are many Irlen testers in the UK who can determine if this is the problem. For a list of testing sites, visit http://www.irlen.com/ or http://www.irlenuk.com/ .

Please, tell us about your new book.
The Irlen Revolution: A Guide to Changing Your Perception and Your Life was written for the many people who were good readers but were struggling with other academic problems, light sensitivity, headaches, migraines, or poor depth perception. I wanted people to understand that perception affects every aspect of your life. If your eyes are open, your brain is processing visual information. Individuals with autism, TBI, concussions, head injuries, anxiety, panic disorders, and other medical and visual conditions may find that the root cause for some of their symptoms is light. The book provides self-tests so that an individual can find out if this is his/her problem and, if so, know that there is a solution using colour.

What is your greatest achievement to date in the field of visual perception?
There are so many…a 35 year old woman who couldn’t read and didn’t know that she saw ants running around the page instead of letters. Her Irlen Spectral Filters turned the ants into letters and words. Helping a Vet returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with many concussions be able to read again and eliminate his constant headaches. Eliminating the constant headaches and migraines for a 15 year old girl who had been so distressed that she tried to commit suicide.

And what has been the worst moment, professionally?
Having other professionals try to duplicate my technology without the knowledge and background of how it works. There are so many optical shops and opticians selling coloured lenses which do not help and often make the problem worse.

And finally, what do you enjoy most when you are not working?
I enjoy being with my family and especially my 2 year old granddaughter who is headstrong and goofy. I enjoy scuba diving, white water river rafting, kayaking, repelling, hiking, and biking. I also enjoy visiting primitive cultures and living with the people.

Please contact http://www.irlenuk.com/ or http://www.irlen.com/ for more information.
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