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I’m the King of the Castle and you’re… not doing as you’re told.

August 23rd, 2012

I’m sure that at some point in everybody’s childhood we have all rummaged for boxes, cushions, blankets and goodness knows what else, with the intention of building a den or fortified castle of our very own.

I have fond memories of pulling the settee away from the wall and piling cushions at one end that served as a doorway or portcullis, and then requesting a password from my sister before she was allowed in. Once I had established that she was indeed an ally and not a conniving little spy, together we raided the linen closet to collect materials for the construction of the new West Wing. This was accomplished by placing two chairs back-to-back and pulling them slightly apart and then draping the largest sheet we could possibly find to form a large tent-like structure. We smuggled more pillows, food and snacks (in case of a harsh winter) and even set about kidnapping our baby brother and holding him hostage. At the very end of the West Wing we had emptied the contents of Mum’s ottoman and it served as a successful turret, where my sister was later banished for treason.

As you can see I was more Darth Vader, than King Arthur.

Now, whether it was for playtime or generally somewhere you and your minions siblings could plot against your evil parents for making you go to bed early on a school night, the thrill and excitement of building a base is a truly awesome experience for any child. For my poor brother and sister it was probably a place of tyranny and fear (although if they just did as they were told and obeyed me without question, they would have seen a lot less of the dungeon I can tell you) but for me it was a super sanctuary where we could protect ourselves from the invasion of Mother the Tyrant and Daddy the Dreadful who came armed with pyjamas, toothpaste and telling us to get ready for bed.

Luckily my brother and sister didn’t have the resources or common sense to start an uprising and revolt against me, so my reign went unchallenged until 8.30pm. It was then that I was stripped of my crown and banished to bed for crimes against humanity, my own relatives being the worst of the victims. My trial took place, they gave incriminating evidence against me and ultimately they betrayed me, their beloved Sovereign. The Democratic Republic of Mum and Dad seized my Kingdom and immediately sentenced me to an early night. Looking back its safe to say that the power went to my head and I had acted a little extreme, but I’m sure that hundreds of years ago, the Kings and Queens of old had far more dangerous threats to protect themselves against – that and most of them didn’t have any teeth to brush before bedtime anyway.

If, like my own mother, you can’t stand the mess and would absolutely flip at the idea of the kids turning your living room into a bloody battle ground that makes 1066 look like afternoon tea, then you’ll be glad to know that the British Isles are home to great number of impressive and fantastic castles. Many of these historical monuments, such as Warwick Castle, the Tower of London and Dover Castle to name but a tiny few, are fantastic days out for the whole family. Steeped with rich and sometimes bloody history there’s lots to see and do and I guarantee that these wonderful attractions will really set kids’ imaginations running wild.

Warwick Castle offers brave Knights going to head to head in sword fights, and even the traditional medieval sport of jousting contests to watch! There are also eagle and vulture falconers who provide impressive demonstrations with fantastic birds of prey. And if medieval weaponry and giant catapults are your thing then don’t miss the firing of the world’s largest Trebuchet everyday! Finally, what’s a little King (or Queen) without their sword? Don’t forget to visit Excalibur, as King Arthur’s legendary sword in the stone is available for guests to try their luck and try to remove the fabled blade from its rocky hold. Legend tells that whoever can pull the sword from the famous stone will be crowned as the rightful King or Queen of England!

On the downside, all of this historical and architectural inspiration may well encourage them even more to go home and build their own castles with your ornaments and various bits of furniture from around your house. In situations such as these I would suggest sending the kids to their grandparents’, because if they’re anything like mine, Granddad will draft plans and orchestrate the entire construction and help out so that it’s big enough for him too, and Nan will see that her royal guests are well fed!

With the amazing Kids Go Free offer throughout August, don’t miss out on this fantastic day out for the whole family at Warwick Castle this bank holiday weekend!

How To Keep Your Baby Safe In The Sun This Summer

August 16th, 2012

Babies are very susceptible to sunburn and heat stroke, but a few simple precautions go a long way to keeping your baby safe and comfortable in the sun.

Sunburn can cause severe pain, dehydration and fever, and just one instance in childhood raises the risk of melanoma (the most lethal form of skin cancer) and wrinkles in later life. Heat stroke is also a danger, so it’s vital to know how to keep your baby cool, hydrated and happy when you’re on holiday or out in the sun.

Protecting your baby from the sun’s rays

  • Try to keep your baby out of the sun as much as you can during the first six months, when they’re most vulnerable.
  • Remember that ultraviolet rays can harm your baby’s skin all year round, and at all times of the day. Clouds do not prevent sunburn because UV rays penetrate the cloud.
  • The sun’s rays are strongest between 11am and 3pm, so avoid sun exposure during those hours and play outdoors earlier or later on in the day, if you can.
  • Use the sunshade on your baby’s pram or pushchair, and try to stay in the shade under a sun umbrella or tree, which provide partial (but not full) protection against UV rays.
  • A sun tent incorporating UV protection is ideal for days on the beach – some offer UPF50+ protection and are big enough to shelter the whole family.
  • Cover up your baby’s arms and legs in lightweight, light-coloured clothing with a tight weave (fabric that shows less light through it than a loose weave). Light colours reflect heat and help to keep the skin cooler than dark colours, which absorb heat. Clothing with built-in UV protection is ideal, including full body swimsuits, and a baby sun hat is essential.
  • Invest in a good pair of UV-protective sunglasses for your baby or child with special ‘Melanine’ lenses from SelectSpecs.com. Babies and children’s eyes are still developing up until the age of 14 and are extremely sensitive to UV radiation and blue light – the most harmful of the sun’s rays. Extended exposure can lead to retinal damage causing premature aging and problems with eyesight later in life.
  • Apply a good layer of “broad spectrum” sunscreen (which protects against both UVA and UVB damage) with a high sun protection factor (SPF) at least 15-30 minutes before you go outdoors. Reapply it as recommended on the bottle, and don’t forget to put it on easy-to-miss extremities such as the tip of your baby’s ears and their feet.

    • Keeping your baby cool and well-hydrated

    Dehydration and heat stroke can also make you and your baby ill.

  • Make sure your car is cooled off before you drive anywhere.
  • If you’re breastfeeding, your baby may want to breastfeed a little more than usual in hot weather in order to stay hydrated. If you’re bottle-feeding, alongside the usual milk feeds you can give your baby cooled boiled water to drink throughout the day. If your baby is more than six months old and they get bored with drinking plain water, introduce some variety to encourage them to stay well-hydrated – very diluted fruit juices are ideal, or home-made fruit juice ice lollies.
  • Playing in a paddling pool or cool swimming pool will help to keep babies comfortable in the heat.
  • Keep the baby’s bedroom cool by keeping blinds or curtains closed during the day, and use a fan to get the air in the room circulating.

    • Armed with all of these tips, you can relax on holiday, safe in the knowledge that you’re doing everything to keep your baby happy and healthy in the short and long-term.

    This article was written by Becky Burns, a travel writer, mother, and collector of designer sunglasses.

    REVIEW: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and Coach – The Making of Harry Potter

    May 1st, 2012

    Harry Potter fans the world over have been grieving for the lack of new boy-wizard stories since those Deathly Hallows sealed the deal, leaving them clutching boxsets and rereading J. K. Rowling’s timeless tales in consolation.

    Enter the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, an utterly unmissable opportunity for Harry-starved fans to get closer to the world of Hagrid, Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic than they ever thought possible …

    You’ll begin your day in central London, approaching the double-decker Harry Potter bus along a Victoria Coach Station walkway. Vibrant purple and flaunting the iconic logo, the waiting vehicle is only one deck and a sprinkle of magic away from the haphazard Knight Bus. Despite an absence of supernatural speed, the tour bus saves you the hassle of negotiating twisty Tubes and train changes, crawling through M25 traffic or enduring an extortionate taxi ride. The Harry Potter theming is sure to get your toes tingling before you even set foot inside, and then it’s simply a convenient and relaxing drive out to the Studios near Leavesden, where the wonder really kicks in.

    From the moment you’re ushered through the rope queue and into the holding chamber, you know this is a world absolutely designed for hardcore Potterites. The lights cut out and videos flash up of the stars, producers, designers – every facet of the team who helped bring J. K. Rowling’s beloved series to life. Then the focus shifts to devoted fans queuing for premieres, squeezing up to railings to nab a signature, clamouring for a touch of Emma Watson’s arm, and it’s not long before the ultimate fan’s paradise opens up before you for a majestic welcome to the Great Hall.

    Walking past the tables where Gryffindor and Slytherin ate and chatted and feuded throughout the franchise is an awe-inspiring experience, and that’s just the beginning – after soaking up the Hall’s grand architecture you’re let loose on the main section of the walking tour, featuring uncountable authentic props, models, costumes and breathtaking sets used in the films. Wander up Diagon Alley’s cobbled street, where you’ll spot Ollivander’s wand shop, the safe-haven of Gringotts Wizarding Bank and even the Weasleys’ gleefully prankish joke shop. Witness the gigantic Magic is Might monument, held aloft by pained stone Muggles, then minutes later stare goggle-eyed at the ceiling where overgrown spider Aragog stares from the rafters. You’ll see special vehicles, from swooping bikes and brooms to the Knight Bus itself, plus meet a wealth of furry friends in Hagrid’s disheveled hut and stand just inches from He Who Shall Not Be Named’s infamous Horcruxes.

    Got a question? Don’t hesitate to ask the chirpy ‘interactors’ scattered about the tour, armed with Potter lore and always eager to share a fact or ten to ensure you get the most from your experience. For instance, while admiring Dumbledore’s office with its helical design spiraling up and away, portraits lining the upper walls and cabinets of vials and potions nestling beneath them, I was advised to crouch behind the back wall of the set and peer through the glass for an unbeatably filmic view of the wise professor’s office.

    Before long you’ll be exhausted from repeatedly picking your jaw up off the floor, but save some amazement for the make-up and special effects exhibits: from goblin-face prosthetics to animatronic Buckbeak the Hippogriff, the diligent detail and incredible workmanship poured into each part of the Potter puzzle is on display and truly astounding. You’ll spy a moving electronic Hagrid-head worn by Robbie Coltrane’s taller double, the Weasleys’ self-washing frying pan, and even the terrifying, squirming Inferi – corpses reanimated to do the Dark Wizard’s bidding.

    Wherever you turn there are multiple treats to discover, and it’s no exaggeration to say your gaze will often be drawn to several spots at once – that sky-high leaning tower of books; those gorgeous cakes from the Yule Ball – which makes the tour’s three-hour running time ideal for exploring at your leisure. Cameras are permitted throughout, so take plenty of souvenir snaps of your one-off journey to the world beyond Platform 9 ¾. Plus there’s extra dollops of fun on-hand as you keep your eyes peeled for hidden Golden Snitches and fly a broom via the movie-magic of green screen. All this and a taste of the famous Butterbeer, a sickly favourite of our Hogwarts heroes available midway through the tour.

    The unforgettable walkthrough is capped by a stunning 50ft 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts used for aerial photography, viewable from every imaginable angle as its 2,500 lights twinkle through a beautiful day-to-night cycle every four minutes. It’s the perfect end to a magical day, guaranteed to get you gasping in awe at the art, talent and dedication behind such spectacular sights onscreen.

    With a real behind-the-scenes vibe, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London offers rare firsthand insights into the making of Harry Potter that could never be gleaned from even twenty hours of DVD extras. Fans are spoiled rotten as the most iconic sets and phenomenal props are unveiled before their eyes, while even Potter newcomers will enjoy the fascinating filmmaking facts, and with so much to see, everyone is sure to have their own favourite sights and exhibits to share with friends and family.

    Experience the magic with an enchanting break from Play and Stay, including return travel to the Tour, the unmissable Studio Tour itself and a convenient overnight hotel stay in London.

    Top 10 Ways to Spoil Dad This Sunday

    June 15th, 2011

    Deciding how to treat your dad on Father’s day can be tricky. Younger children may need a helping hand with a buying or making a gift, putting extra pressure on you to think of something great. But don’t worry.

    Here are 10 ideas suitable for every dad, of every age and covering every budget. So spoil him rotten and show your dad just how special he is this Sunday.

    1. Get Personal
    There is nothing nicer than a gift which has had time and thought put into it and a perosnailsed gift is a great way to do that. Do some research online, there are loads of sites which will add a personal photograph onto a mug or engrave a message into a photo frame. Prices vary so shop around for the best deal.

    2. Photo Frame
    Even though we are living in an age of the digital camera, there’s something special about finding an old photo which brings back happy memories. Dig out one of your kids and put it in a nice frame. You can spend as little or as much as you like on a frame and it can take pride of place on his desk at work or on his bedside table.

    3. Breakfast in Bed
    Really spoil him and treat him to his favorite breakfast in bed. Cereal, toast and pancakes all washed down with a coffee will make sure he has a great start to the day. Why not take him up a few of the Sunday newspapers too so he can really enjoy a lazy morning.

    4. Make a Homemade Card
    This is a great idea if you have young children. Sit them down with a selection of coloured card and felt tip pens and let them create their very own father’s day card. It is sure to be a winner when he opens it on Sunday!

    5. Take a Break
    If you really want to splash out, book a break away for the whole family this weekend. Warwick Castle have a special father’s day event, ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ so why not treat him to a day exploring this exciting event at the castle and spend a night in a nearby hotel?

    6. Bake a Cake
    We all know that the way to a mans heart is through his tummy, so bake him something extra special this weekend. Get the kids to help bake something chocolately and yummy for their dad. He will love the effort put it!

    7. DVD-a-Thon
    Grab a selection of his favorite DVD’s, a blanket, snacks and settle down for the afternoon. Apollo 13, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Back to the Future are all classic films he’s sure to love chilling out to.

    8. Play a Round of Golf
    Many of you out there will have dads who are golf fanatics. Take him for a quick round of golf or an hour on the driving range this Sunday.

    9. Make a Splash
    If you want something a little more energetic, pack up your towels and swimming costumes and have a family trip to your local pool. Splash, swim and dive the afternoon away for some fun family time together.

    10. Get Walking
    When was the last time you went for a walk in the park with your partner and kids? Put on your wellies or walking boots, brave the great British weather and go for a walk. Best of all, it wont cost you a penny!

    Last Minute Halloween Costumes

    October 30th, 2009

    Hubble, double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble, the chilly winds are blowing Halloween our way. The witching hour countdown is on and if you still have no fancy dress costumes to put the kids in, do not fear. Here are some simple, quick and cost-effective Halloween fancy dress ideas sure to scare even the most terrifying ghouls and gremlins.

    1) Ghost

    To create an effective ghost costume all you need is an old sheet that you don’t mind cutting a hole in, some black face paint and talcum powder. It take minutes to create and is perfect if time has really got the best of you this year.

    All you have to do is cut a hole in the middle of the sheet big enough for your little one’s head to fit through and paint black circles around their eyes. Finish off the ghoulish look by putting talcum powder on their face and in their hair.

    2) Black Cat

    A black cat is a really cool yet simple costume kids will love. Firstly, rummage through your child’s wardrobe to find some black clothing. Next, pop down to a fancy dress shop and buy a pair of cat ears and some black face paint (should cost under £5). You can make a really impressive tail by stuffing an old pair of tights with odd socks or cotton wool. Costume preparation complete.

    On the night of the Halloween party or just before an evening of trick or treating, dress your child entirely in black and attach the tail with a few stitches or safety pins. Use the face paint to draw a nose and whiskers on your child’s face and pop on the ears. Your little cat is ready for a night of fun.

    3) Devil

    You can create an excellent Devil costume in a very similar way to the cat costume above. If your child has any red clothes then this is perfect, however, a red and black combination would work fine, so long as the accessories are good. I would recommend buying red devil horns and a Devil’s fork and maybe some face paint if you want to get extra creative (all available from supermarkets for very little money). Create a tail as above, however, you may wish to buy some red material to wrap around if you have time.

    4) Zombie

    A Zombie costume is a great way to use clothes that your child has grown out of, so long as you don’t mind putting them in the fancy dress box once Halloween has passed.

    Create a ragged effect by ripping/cutting holes in the clothes and these will form the main part of the costume. Get some face paint and fake blood and use creatively. Paint dark circles round the eyes, paint on a few nasty scars, drip fake blood from the mouth and there you have it. For an extra-scruffy zombie look, backcomb the hair.

    5) Mummy

    My brother once rapped himself completely in bandages cutting spaces only for the eyes. It was super. However, if you do not want to use so much bandage, cut off longish pieces and attach them to white/light coloured clothes so it looks like you are becoming unravelled. You could even go wild and stick plasters on you face and hands. For extra effect cover your hair and face with talcum powder.

    There you have it, five quick and easy last minute Halloween costumes that will keep you from pulling your hair out and your child happy. Crawl out from under your duvet and get creative if you’re brave enough. Happy Halloween.

    Is it Right that ADHD Sufferers Jump the Queue?

    September 11th, 2009

    Highlighted last week in The Times, hyperactive children are able to skip queues at major theme parks in and around the UK.

    Though it may come as welcome relief for parents whose children suffer from attention-deficit disorders, teachers have hit out at the move, saying that it undermines their efforts to teach children how to be patient.

    The question is: are teachers right to criticise the scheme?

    A difficult one, isn’t it?

    Not for Andrea Bilbow, it isn’t. The chief executive of the National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service (ADDISS for short) has clearly made up her mind on the issue. She reacted rather glibly to the teachers’ growing concern by telling The Times: “I know many primary schools let children with ADHD go ahead at dinner time and it stops scenes, what’s the problem?” She even hinted that “criticism of the tactic showed that teachers were ignorant of the condition”.

    Blimey.

    Bilbow explains: “Children with ADHD are very impulsive and just can’t cope in a queue or when there is a delay in gratification”.

    Fair enough, I suppose; I mean, when you put it like that. But then, shouldn’t kids with ADHD learn to deal with having to wait for things? When will they learn otherwise? You can’t be 36 and just barge in at the front of the queue in Homebase – someone will tip a load of compost down the back of your jumper or something.

    Now, I wouldn’t even pretend to know the complex ins and outs of dealing with a condition like ADHD, but just the teensiest bit Googling will throw up all sorts of criticisms over the stance taken by Ms Bilbow. It’s a contentious, if not rather grisly topic.

    The Disability Discrimination Act currently puts the onus on the attractions to accommodate all visitors. Theme parks around the EU are somewhat forced, therefore, to follow government orders.

    Thorpe Park are being very diplomatic about the whole affair. A spokesperson for the Surrey-based theme park told The Times: “Any guest that can provide a letter from their doctor that describes their illness or disability and states that they cannot stand in a queue is provided with a priority wristband.”

    That, I suppose, is the fairest way to broach the subject for the time being. But what about the future? Should kids with attention-deficit disorder be allowed to skip in front of everyone else just because they can’t be patient? I mean, how many six-year-olds do you know that have the patience of a saint? My mum and dad had to stop buying me advent calendars when I was about eight because I used to scoff all 24 chocolates by noon on December 3. Of course, the counter argument is just as telling: should ADHD kids be forced to wait around in line, regardless of how much torrid distress they’re put through?

    It’s a tough call, certainly. We’d love to hear what you think though.