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15 ways to enjoy being offline

By
The Well Clinic
-

Scroll Free September?  What can you do in instead of being online?

September has been designated ‘Scroll Free September’ by the Royal Society of Public Health. Maybe it’s with good reason as the average person now spends 24 hours – that’s a whole day a week online. Ten years ago, only 17% of the population in the UK had a smartphone now it is 78% (Read more here).

Scroll Free September aims to create more balance back in our lives and to have a break from social media. Have you ever measured how long you spend on your phone? Apple have this week released their much-anticipated update IOS 12 which includes a screen time manager and it shows you exactly how you spend your time when you are on your phone. It shows you a complete breakdown and every detail of where you spend your time right down to how much time on social networks, on email and how many times you pick up your phone! You can also use it to monitor the screen time on family sharing too.

We all know the benefits of not spending so much time online it’s better for our mental health we have more time for our families and we can be more productive and more present.

So, what should we be doing instead of being online while we are having a Scroll Free September?

Fueling our own wellbeing and making time for ourselves!  It’s amazing how little time is left at the end of the day – after we have managed the children’s social diary, pick-ups, a commute, work and home responsibilities. Instead of spending that time online, think about using it in other ways to fuel your wellbeing and look after your mental health. Let’s embrace scroll free September and try and form some new habits.

So, plan some me time and think what you would like to do with it, tell a friend what you are doing as it helps to have some accountability.

What can you do in instead of being online? Here are some ideas:

  1. Pick up a real book or magazine or newspaper and really focus on reading it and not skimming through and flipping to the next article.
  2. Practice some mindfulness. Its known to have huge health benefits but primarily reduces stress can treat depression and is an overall brilliant thing for mental health.
  3. Pick up the phone to a friend that you haven’t seen from a while you know the friend you feel guilty every time you avoid her call because you think she’s annoyed with you as you haven’t phoned her back – surprise her and call!
  4. Programme in some time for an exercise class – you don’t even have to leave the house you could get a DVD or use You Tube.
  5. Take some time to reflect on your life – try journaling and writing in a notebook – lists of gratitude, plans to make, achievements, anything that’s weighing down your mind just get it all out. You’ll feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders.
  6. Take up a new skill or craft – that room in your home that needs decorating or that job that needs doing, that mirror that you plan on painting – upcycling furniture and painting is great fun and very rewarding. Why not take it on and learn a new skill and improve your home at the same time. Remember that sewing machine that’s been sat in the cupboard under the stairs…
  7. Have a look at evening classes if there is one that fits in with childcare and ask a friend if they would like to come too. Start by looking at your local learning classes.
  8. Listen to some music.
  9. Go outside, have a walk, have a run.
  10. Find all those recipes that you keep saving and make a start.
  11. Photos – release your photos from your phone! Get them printed and in an album and in frames – you’ll be amazed at how excited your kids will be when they seem them in real life rather than just seeing them on a screen!
  12. Take up a new sport, or relearn an old one…
  13. Visit a spa, or anything to do with water because unless you are really addicted to your phone you probably won’t want to take it in and get it wet…
  14. Spend more time with your partner.
  15. And the most important one of all sleep!

But possibly the ultimate way to celebrate scroll free September and fuel your wellbeing would be to arrange a meet up with your virtual friends the ones you have met on Instagram or Facebook that you have so much in common with and the same interests but for many reasons you have never actually met – now that’s a great alternative to being online and having some me time. Don’t miss our free yoga class next week with Seraphine maternity.

Right we are off to book that spa! Let us know how you get on…!

Learn to Read in 5 Weeks for FREE!

By
The Well Clinic
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Try the multi-award winning online reading programme for kids Reading Eggs makes learning to read easy and fun for children aged 2 to 13 – and it really works!

Based on solid scientific research and designed by experienced educators, the programme turns learning to read into a series of fun games and activities that are highly motivating for young children.

Register today to claim 5 WEEKS FREE ACCESS to Reading Eggs before 19th October 2018. Join more than 10 million users worldwide and see first-hand how your child’s reading ability can improve in just five weeks!

Reading Eggs is proven to help children aged 2–13 develop the skills they need for a lifetime of reading success. Created by experienced primary educators and aligned to the National Curriculum, you can feel confident knowing your child is learning essential phonics, sight words and literacy skills while they play. Your child will feel motivated to learn with exciting rewards and enjoy over 2500 beautifully illustrated e‑books

Why you and your child will love Reading Eggs

  • Over 91% of parents see an improvement in just weeks
  • Covers the five components of reading success: phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency
  • One-on-one lessons, interactive activities and exciting rewards motivate your child to keep learning
  • Matches your child’s ability so lessons are never too easy or too hard
  • Regular progress reports make it easy to see how your child’s skills are improving.

Trusted by UK teachers

  • Designed by experienced primary teachers, educational writers and developers
  • Used in over 16,000 primary schools (and counting!)
  • Aligned to the National Curriculum, so you can feel confident knowing that your child is learning the skills they need for school success
  • Based on solid scientific research, making it the best choice against other children’s apps.

And it really works! Reading Eggs covers the five components of reading which all children need to become confident readers: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension and fluency.

What parents have to say:

“My son has struggled with reading and it has been difficult to keep him interested in reading. Since he has started using Reading Eggs, he is gaining more confidence and wanting to learn to read. We have used many other programmes in the past that did not keep his interest. Reading Eggs works!”– Melissa T.

“AMAZING! We continue to be surprised by how quickly and how enthusiastically all of our children are taking to reading, all thanks to Reading Eggs.”– Fiona

Join over 10 million users and give your child the best start in reading with Reading Eggs. Claim your special 5 WEEKS FREE ACCESS today – no obligations or credit card required. But hurry, this limited-time offer must end 19th October 2018.

Please note: This offer is only available to new UK and European customers and is not applicable to schools.

This is a sponsored post by Reading Eggs, get your 5 weeks free access today.

 

 

Maggie and Rose Pop up

By
The Well Clinic
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MAGGIE & ROSE and harvey nichols launch POP-UP- Shopping with your little ONE has never been EASIER – OR MORE FUN!

Maggie & Rose – the UK’s leading family members clubs have teamed up with Harvey Nichols to create a pop-up for all the family to enjoy. Parents can drop their kids off in a safe, fun environment and fall in love with shopping all over again!

WHEN:

Available for an exclusive two-week period from Monday 10th – Sunday 23rd September, 10-6pm, CANVAS, Fifth Floor, Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge

Booking:

Book your free of charge two-hour slots for little one’s activities and childcare during the duration of the pop-up at events.RSVP@harveynichols.com

What’s On:

There will be a crèche and fun space for children, and a lounge area for adults, complete with snacks and a bar menu. Throughout the pop-up, Harvey Nichols and Maggie & Rose will also be hosting events and exclusive offers, including:

For the Kids:

  • Splat Art Workshops
  • Become a noble Knight or perfect Princess in the Dress Up Area
  • Make your own Fairy Hat Craft Corner
  • Reading Corner
  • Play-Doh Mania
  • Bubble Disco

For the Parents:

  • Styling Sessions with Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey – Thursday 13 September, 11am, 2pm and 5pm
  • Denim Workshop with J Brand – Wednesday 19 September, 11am and 2pm
  • Trunk Show with ELLE – Thursday 20 September, 12pm-2pm
  • Beyond Medi Spa Wellness Inside Out – Friday 21 September, 11am and 2pm
  • Designer for a Day with Sophia Webster – Saturday 22 September, 1.30-3pm

Full details of all events and how to book can be found at: http://maggieandrose.com/whats-on/ 

Carrot, Cheese and Tomato Muffins

By
The Well Clinic
-

 

Kids won’t often turn down a muffin so they are a great way to experiment with different foods and flavours. This adventurous little number features carrot, sun-dried tomato and spring onion to liven up little ones’ lunchtimes. We love this recipe shared by Annabel Karmel.

Makes 10 muffins

175g/6oz self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 eggs, beaten

2 tbsp maple syrup

6 tbsp milk

50g/2oz parmesan cheese,grated

3 spring onions, chopped

75g/3oz carrot, grated

pinch of salt

8 sun-dried tomatoes in oil,

chopped

Method

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4 and line a 12-hole muffin tin with 10 paper cases.

Mix the flour and baking powder in a large bowl then add all of the remaining ingredients and stir until just combined (avoid over-mixing it).

Spoon the mixture into the muffin cases and bake in the oven for 18–20 minutes until well risen and lightly golden.

Remove from the oven, remove the muffins from the tin (still in their cases) and leave to cool on a wire rack.

The muffins can be frozen (once cooled) for up to 2 months. Defrost then reheat in the oven at 180°C/350°F/Gas 4 for 8–10 minutes until heated through.

Real Food Kids Will Love by Annabel Karmel is out now (Bluebird, £16.99/ £14.99 eBook)

Birthday Guide 2018

By
The Well Clinic
-

We all like to celebrate our children’s birthday, whether a small party or big one. Check out Kensington Mums 2018 Birthday Guide below for fun birthday party ideas and inspiration for kids of all ages.

Gambado Chelsea

Amazing parties they will always remember! Something for everyone – giant play frame, dodgems and carousel rides plus laser tag, foam dart and Tiger parties for every age from 1 to 10 years. Be the talk of your children’s friends and throw a party at Gambado! Special offers on our website including FREE MONTH OF PLAY for every birthday child.
TIGER TOTS PACKAGE – Our new sensory areas and role play village mean the little ones have a whole world of fun to theirselves. Call our party team for more info on 0330 555 1415 for details and t&cs.

 

Spun Candy, is Party Heaven for Kids (and you)!

Consistently rated 5-star on TripAdvisor, a visit to our candy making store in Spitalfields is candy bliss. Give your kids the party of a lifetime. Our magical children’s parties, for birthdays (or just because) are designed to be fun, educational, interactive and entertaining. Lead by our watchful and entertaining Master Candy Makers, we give kids the opportunity to design, mix, add flavours, roll and hand make their very own candy! And at the end they get to take everything they’ve made! We can also provide a selection of party food and drink, as well as cake and candles of course. Photo booths and candy floss carts are also available on request.We also do classes for mums on ‘we-time’… with and without wine. ‘I took my 12 year old daughter and nine friends to Spun Candy for her birthday. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to a friend.’ Harriet, London Mummy. Let us put a smile on your, and your kid’s, face.
For more information email ikky@spun-candy.com or call us on 020 7377 2419

ParentVille, Big Parties for Tiny People

Looking for guidance while planning a child’s party? Your search is over! This small team of London mums are actively helping other parents do this… Browse the ParentVille ‘shop’ for inspiration, bespoke product and choice. Educational entertainers, check. Free-from baking, check. Handmade party swag-bags, check. Party styling & concierge service, check! Choose a theme & ParentVille have it covered…  Each supplier will engage directly with a client via the handy ‘chat with me’ button and all bookings/payments are made securely through ParentVille. Product can be sent directly to a venue, home address or even to the office. ‘Chat and Book’ while commuting, completing a supermarket shop or in the bath.ParentVille’s tribe of makers, bakers and creators are hand picked by us, joining the community by invitation. Our mission is to create a platform for small businesses, entrepreneurs, the cottage industries of London & beyond.ParentVille currently supply party items and packages to Central London based clients, have expanded to the home counties and are happy to announce that many gifting options plus smaller items can be shipped UK wide. Contact them on team@parentville.co.uk

birthday guidePenny the Bee

Cristina from Penny the Bee specialises in magical showstopper cakes and sweet treats. Each cake is completely unique and tailored to the client’s needs and dreams, made with the finest ingredients and with exquisitely detailed hand-crafted decorations.  Cristina holds a PME Masters Certificate from the prestigious Knightsbridge PME School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Arts, so rest assure that your cake will be treated with love and expertise. Moreover, she constantly endeavors to improve her skills in the pastry and decorating field by attending several professional courses. Her mission is not just to make a stunning cake for your very special event, but also to create memories that will last a lifetime. Cristina is a member of The British Sugarcraft Guild, has obtained the Level 2 award in Food Safety in Catering, and has been awarded 5 star food hygiene rating. Check her website for more information: www.pennythebee.com

My Gym Battersea

We are so excited to announce that a brand new Party Venue; is opening in Battersea this Autumn! My Gym parties are simply the BEST! My Gym Battersea will be the 4th My Gym in the UK, and will join over 500 My Gym’s around the world! My Gym is widely considered the number 1 Party choice for kids aged 1 to 9 everywhere! Birthdays are special, and we know it!  Each Party is perfectly planned, and individually tailored to suit the Birthday Child. At My Gym Battersea our complete facility is dedicated solely to your family and guests.  Our custom-made, state-of-the-art equipment offers a captivating setting for a truly unique event.  2 dedicated party specialists will plan and lead your child’s birthday from start to finish with exhilarating, age-appropriate games and original activities, relays, rides, gymnastics, puppets and more! Our indoor Our Zip Wire ride, Indoor Swings and special Birthday March make it clear that this is no ordinary celebration!
We pride ourselves in promising that parties at My Gym are totally hassle free, so pick a date, invite your friends and we can do all the rest!  We are now taking booking for Parties from November 2018. My Gym Battersea, is located on 140 Battersea Park Road, SW11 4NB

Stagecoach Kensington Parties

Our Themed Parties for 4-10 year olds combine drama, dance and singing with a wide range of party games and storytelling all based around your chosen theme.  From flittering fairies to noble knights, fearless super heroes to mermaid princesses and everything in between, we’ll make sure your children have a party they’ll remember forever.  Our Party Hosts arrive in colourful, themed costumes, loaded with props, balloons, prizes and stickers all you need to do is provide the venue and the food. For older children try a Murder Mystery Party for 10 years plus. The party is in full swing, guests are chatting and having fun. Suddenly there is a knock on the door. A Police Detective arrives. A scream… There are many different Murder Mystery Parties to choose from, set in a number of places including a cursed Caribbean island, a freezing Scottish lodge or a fashion party in Paris… Your detective host will take care of all the entertainment.  The parties last for two and a half hours and are set around a three course meal.  This can be in your home,  a venue or even a local restaurant. Check their website for more information, or contact them on 020 8398 8106, email kensington@stagecoach.co.uk. 

Mirna Cakes

Mirna Cakes provides excellent party styling, desserts tables and all your yummy treats for all your special occasions.  She can help with cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, Krispy treat, bespoke themes and personalonisation. Mirna Cakes also helps with flowers and balloon decoration and works with the best suppliers. Most of all, Mirna Cakes accommodates all budgets. For enquiries, please call 07823336168 quoting Kensington Mums.

birthdayYour Fairy Godmother… For Parties and More!

It’s a crazy time of year for parents! Children are back to school, the daily routine has kicked in after a full-on summer and the next thing you know, you have a birthday party to plan. As a mother, you have a lot on your plate, where do you turn for support?
Equatelier is an all-encompassing PA and lifestyle management service that fits in with your lifestyle and enables you to access your own personal assistant on a flexible basis to help you with your day to day tasks. Our goal is to help our clients save time, make life easier for them and encourage a balanced lifestyle. If you are trying to plan a party for your child, let us help you! Not only can we can support you with the party planning; finding caterers, arranging the invites, gift and decoration sourcing. We can also help you relax and unwind, by booking you in for spa treatments, finding a wellness programme, finding you an at-home yoga instructor, arranging afternoon tea for you and your friends or a weekend getaway for you and your husband! As a Kensington Mums reader, we are offering you one hour complimentary on your first enquiry. Contact Equatelier on: enquiries@equatelier.com, or call them on 07787 816941.

Cakes in Kensington

Beespoke cakes & gift cakes made to order for all special occasions. Beautifully designed and bespoke for weddings, birthdays, baby shower, christenings, conformation. Available in gluten free, dairy free and lactose free. Cakes in Kensington pride themselves not only on the cake looking nice but also tasting great. They are always happy to help. Get in touch with them via email on  cakesinkensington@gmail.com  or visit their Facebook/Instagram.

Nutty Parties Production.

Stressed about throwing a party? I am sure that we are all too familiar with that last-minute rush, kids running wild whilst you try to track down that cake you ordered several weeks ago, whilst simultaneously calling the bouncy castle company to see why they haven’t arrived yet. If only you could just relax… that’s what parties are for, right? Never fear…. Nutty Parties Production are here!! We transform your day into a fabulous and explosively fun experience for the kids, and a simple, relaxed experience for the parents, unless of course you love to boogie! If so then boogie away with our many characters from pirates to princesses, clowns, superheroes & fairies; from funky dancing with prizes, parachute games, a mind-boggling magic show, puppets, beautiful bubbles, limbo dancing, and balloon-modelling. We cater for all Parties; Birthdays, Weddings, Eid, & other Events, & offer face painting and pass the parcel on request! Our experience gives us a unique awareness of the energy & diverse abilities of the children that we work with, allowing us to respond quickly with appropriate activities to ensure that there is never a dull moment. Email: Angielouisenut@gmail.com, or call on 07751 317 933.

A Birthday Ed-venture!



 A Birthday Ed-venture! The Ed-ventures Kit for Early School Success makes a wonderful gift for any child from 0-4 years old. Together parent and child can embark on an exciting Ed-venture, involving everyday and fantastical themes, as you play your way through our collection of essential games and activities. All our activities complement the EYFS and Montessori curricula and therefore make way for a smooth progression into Reception. This kit is also the perfect choice for 3+ and 4+ assessment preparation. Develop a solid foundation for early numeracy, early literacy, fine motor skills and creativity! What makes our kit so special? Everything you need to complete each activity is included inside the box, plus helpful tips and clear instructions. Bring the whole box or just one activity to any situation; whether you are going out for a meal or travelling, we can turn it into an Ed-venture! Each activity is highly versatile and can be played many times in several different ways. The nifty little booklet of ‘5 minute fillers’ are an easy way to occupy the little one while on the go. No activity requires more than 15 minutes, which makes it easy to fit into your hectic lifestyle! Email them today: info@learnwithojo.com

Sousette Birthday Parties

Sousette can organise your child’s birthday party from A-Z. The list of our party themes is endless, with over 50 themes so far nothing is impossible! Each party is tailored to the birthday child’s specific interests and age group. From music to cooking or art to sports Sousette can provide you with extraordinary party entertainment. Using our musical instruments, themed props and prizes our qualified and experienced entertainers will be sure to guarantee endless fun and giggles. No party is too small for our creative team to sprinkle their magic. From our themed scene setters to our elaborate table centrepieces and balloon decoration we ensure to create a memorable day for you and your family. Sometimes you would like to give your party the little extra it deserves. The team at Sousette can provide you with some extra special touches to complete this memorable day. This can include anything from piñatas, photographic and video services, furniture hire, sweetie tables, dessert tables, popcorn carts and tiered chocolate fountains. These are only some of the extras we can offer, do contact us to discuss in more detail.  T: 07907523679 E: info@sousette.com

Angels & Cookies

Our Free From 2018 Bronze Award Winning cookie dough was born a labour of love. Our cookie dough is a healthier treat, and the fun part is you get to be the baker of homemade cookies and create memories! There is nothing to add, just shape it and it’s baked in minutes! It couldn’t be simpler and what a GREAT IDEA for KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTIES! Not only do kids love baking, but rolling, poking, squishing and shaping our yummy cookie dough helps develop fine motor skills and creativity! Kids can bake our cookie dough as a fun birthday activity where all children get to participate or why not buy our mini tubs for birthday goodie bags! Being a mom with many friends whose children suffer with food allergies I wanted to create a treat that is a safe choice for kids who suffer from Coeliac Disease, food allergies and intolerances, enabling them to indulge without sacrificing their health. Our cookie dough is 14 Allergen Free and Vegan Certified. Available in tubs of 350 grams of cookie dough happiness in 3 flavours: Chunky Chocolate Chip, Fantastic Fudge, and Ginger & Spice and for purchase online at www.angelsandcookies.co.uk. Call them today on  0207 8560 455.

Zach Gerard Photography

Zach was born in South Africa and raised on a farm where his family still live. This is the place, still to this very day, that inspire him to visualise beauty within simplicity. Whether it’s still or motion projects. England has been home to him for many years now.
Our production company is specialising in event filming and photography. For the past 6 years, we’ve produced promo films and pictures for numerous individuals, businesses and events not just in the UK but also South Africa, Spain, Italy, Turkey and Poland. We offer bespoke packages for all budgets. Whether it’s a full scale production for your event or a last minute photographer for your private party… we’d love to help.
Check their website for more information www.zachgerard.com

 

Bakealicious

Do you need a bespoke birthday cake or some personalised cake pops? Do you want to send someone an edible gift of cookies with some fun messages on them? Look no further! Bakealicious is your go-to bakery. Bakealicious is a boutique bakery based in Notting Hill, specialising in tailor-made cake pops, personalisable cookies and unique cakes.
Cakes can be customised in all sorts of ways, from unique edible images printed to your specification to hand-made sugarpaste figures and tiers of buttercream or sugarpaste covered deliciousness. If you prefer a less messy option, especially for celebrating a birthday at school for example, then cake pops are the perfect solution. These range from popular themes such as Star Wars to one-off creations like your child’s school uniform. Children love these bite-sized treats! Cookies are also a great idea if you are looking for something to send home as a thank you gift or if you want to surprise someone with a special birthday, or baby shower, or holiday themed gift-set. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Email me at ​francesca@bakealiciouscakes.com​ or call on 07957 162345.

Free Yoga Class at Seraphine Maternity

By
The Well Clinic
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yoga

Calling all Yogi Mamas.

You are invited to come to Seraphine Maternity’s Free Yoga class on Tuesday 25th September at their Kensington store.

This will be a Pregnancy Yoga Event. During this 2 hour event, we will do yoga to strengthen your body for giving birth. We will also learn breathing techniques and yoga poses that can help you in the birthing room.

During this yoga event, you will learn breathing techniques and yoga poses that will strengthen you and that you can use:

* during pregnancy

* when giving birth

* throughout the “fourth trimester”: the first 3 months after you have had a baby.

But this event is more than just a yoga class.  During this event, we will engage in group discussions and experiential activities that will allow you to explore your feelings and your emotions surrounding your pregnancy and impending motherhood. Be prepared to share your experience and to learn from the experiences of others. As such, the event will be a safe space to explore and discuss these experiences in confidentiality. This is not therapy but a place to better understand yourself at this transitional time of your life. The event is also an opportunity for you to meet mums-to-be in the area of Kensington.

The event is also an opportunity for you to meet mums-to-be in the area of Kensington.

So come along. Do yoga, discover yourself and make a new friend.

Namaste.

*Changing rooms are available *

* Yoga mats will be provided*

 


Special offer for all Kensington Mums attending.

You will received an exclusive 15% off your purchase during the event*.

This is a free event but you must sign up:  

Address: 179 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6SH – meet you there!
Date: 25th September 2018 from 6.30-7.30pm

*T&Cs, offer valid on full priced items only, excluded promotions, Luxe, babywear & gift cards. No minimum spend.

By RSVP you are giving consent to be added to Kensington Mums mailing list. You may wish to unsubscribe at any time.

London Walkabout 2018

By
The Well Clinic
-

 

Kensington Mums supporting London Walkabout 2018.

Save the Date for Walkabout Foundation’s upcoming London Walkabout 2018 event on the 29th of September.

Become a #WalkaboutHero and join us for Walkabout’s flagship family 5km fun walk flagship 5k family fun walk, generously sponsored by KX, Chucs and Oakley Capital, around the Serpentine in Hyde Park with friends, families and even pets! The walk will be followed by a deliciously healthy picnic lunch sponsored by The Good Life Eatery,  refreshments, live music, and fun and games sponsored by Tarka, Purple Dragon and Little Foxes entertainment.

You will be joining hundreds of people walking for those who can’t in superhero capes. As a well-known superhero once said: 

With great power comes great responsibility,

So save the date and get ready to put on your walking shoes to walk for those who can’t!

Superhero check-in opens at 10am, with the walk starting at 11am, and you can enjoy fun-filled activities until 2pm!

For any event related questions, please contact +44 (0) 207 581 36 80 or events@walkaboutfoundation.org

#LondonWalkabout2018 #WalkaboutHero

https://www.walkaboutfoundation.org/events/lw18/

How to choose a ballet class

By
The Well Clinic
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ballet

When it comes to their children, parents want them to have the best. Exposure to sports and the arts help children to develop into well rounded young men and women. Have you thought about ballet?

Dancing is a great activity for girls and boys. A lot of research is bringing stunning results. Scientists can now affirm that ballet increases the development of children’s bodies by 40%, and slows down the ageing of the body by 40% after age 50. “Silver Swans” are starting everywhere; Angela Rippon has been promoting this new RAD venture with great success.

Ballet, Blandine Lamaison, www.lasylvaine.co.uk

Ballet dancers make it look effortless as they move across the stage, from lifts to pointe work. Your child can also be a part of this through the practice of classical ballet.  

Ballet for Boys was also rediscovered partly thanks to the immense success of Billy Elliot. Did you know that it is becoming “a must” for football and rugby teams who are now learning the benefits of controlled movement to lengthen or strengthen muscles? Ballet will help children who start young with all sports. Skills and coordination acquired during childhood and adolescence remain in our physical memory throughout our lifetime. In ballet classes, your child’s co-ordination lateralisation and balance will develop. Group discipline will gently be established as your child learns to share and take turns.

In an environment where creativity is favoured, your child will enjoy mimed songs, free dance, improvisation and childhood stories. Through playful exercises using percussions, a child will gradually feel and understand musical time and rhythms.

Ballet, Blandine Lamaison, www.lasylvaine.co.uk

British organisations such as the RAD and ISTD lead the world in terms of dance education as they have devised teaching programs for “once week amateurs” through to vocational students, as well as Teacher Training Courses.  It is most important for parents to choose a school where teachers are properly trained as teachers, fully qualified and registered with one of the main bodies in the UK. Be wary of schools where teachers are introduced as “ballerinas”. Being a professional dancer is entirely different from being a trained teacher who study physiology and child’s development to teach children safely. Lets draw a parallel: can an accomplished writer teach little children how to read and write in a classroom?

About La Syvlaine and Wendy Bell School of Dance

At La Sylvaine and Wendy Bell School of Dance, your children will be looked after and taught in a warm and caring environment, by fully qualified and very experienced teachers, all of whom are RAD registered. Our schools are part of a large international family, founded in Paris in 1930. Many students have become renowned dancers and performers but most importantly, your children will be nurtured to develop self-confidence and a love of dance for life. Most carry on dancing for 15 years and further. www.lasylvaine.co.uk in Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham, Hammersmith.

It has recently been broadly announced in newspapers and social media that Prince George will start Ballet in his school. Do not hesitate to follow his example for your children!

Children’s Fair in London

By
The Well Clinic
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children

John Parnhams children fair is arriving near you!

Children’s Fairs is open from the 12th September to Sunday 16th. They will be at Ellbrook common Fulham and from the 19th September right through to Sunday 30th they are located at Parsons Green.
This funfair is fun for all children from the ages 3 and upwards.
With all new rides for 2018 our brand new Kidz UFOS are now available at the above fairs!
Both funfairs are free entry and all token operated, which can be bought at the cash desk on the day.
Make this a fun family day out for all!

For more information, check out their website.

Pregnancy yoga: benefit for mother and child

By
The Well Clinic
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How pregnancy yoga can strengthen the bond between mother and baby.

Throughout our lives, our wellbeing depends on our ability to create and sustain relationships.

This is never more true than when a woman becomes pregnant. A life is created in the mother’s womb and the resulting fetus is thereafter dependent on the mother’s lifestyle choices until its birth.

Although it may seem that the mother and the baby in the bump are inextricably linked, the placenta provides a physical boundary between the two. The baby is encased in its own “housing” or space within the mother’s body.  Likewise, during pregnancy, mums-to-be also need an outer “placenta” of people, places and things that support and replenish them.

This is where pregnancy yoga comes in. Pregnancy yoga helps you to prepare physically and mentally for becoming a mother.

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The adapted asanas (poses) in pregnancy yoga provide you with the strength to both carry the baby to birth and to look after it after birth.

You also get to carve out time for your own selfcare. At a time in your life when most of your focus – and that of those who know you – is on the bump and the impending birth, you get to be in a space which fosters your selfcare: both physical and mental.   Pregnancy yoga allows you the opportunity to step out of your mum-to-be role and to reconnect with your inner self as a woman separate from the baby.

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In pregnancy yoga classes, you meet other mums-to-be and you become part of a circle of women who are experiencing what you are experiencing.  You get the opportunity to talk to other mums-to-be (some might already have other children) who can share their experience with you and advise you on what you can expect as a result of the pregnancy journey.

Studies have shown a direct link between the mother’s thoughts and emotions on the baby in the bump. When the mum is relaxed and happy, the blood flow from mother to the placenta is optimal. When the mum is angry or stressed, her body produces stress hormones which  affect the quality and quantity of the blood supply to the placenta.

Therefore, it is important as a mum-to-be to take care of your needs first:  through nurturing and supportive relationships, yoga and selfcare. Your health and wellbeing positively affect your baby’s health and wellbeing. By looking after yourself, your baby benefits too.  

In conclusion, through pregnancy yoga you strengthen your body in preparation for giving birth and for looking after your baby.  You also, and just as importantly, reconnect to your inner self: you find the space to remain the woman you know yourself to be.

 

Sponsored Post. Libby Stevenson is a Certified Pregnancy and Post Natal Yoga teacher, Yoga Alliance registered. She will be teaching Pregnancy and Post Natal Yoga classes at Evolve Wellness Centre starting in September. Check her website for more information and make sure you follow her on Instagram @mumaste_yoga_wellbeing.

 

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