When are you too old to look after a child?

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too old to look after a child, too old to look after a toddler, should I ask my parents to look after my child

The other day, we went to soft play with Amy and while we were there, a little girl and her grandparents got me thinking. I assume they were her grandparents. They could have easily been her great-grandparents as they looked about the same age as my nan and granddad. Anyway, I found it lovely that the old couple were taking their granddaughter to soft play and tried to keep up with activities the little girl’s parents do with her, but when the girl threw a tantrum, ran off and her grandparents couldn’t cope, I felt nothing but sorry for them.

I tried to think what my grandparents would have done in a situation like that and then I thought that really, I wouldn’t have put them in a situation like this. My grandparents are 78 and 82 and although they look younger than they are and are still really active for their age, I would not ask them to look after Amy for me or take them up on offers of taking her to soft play. It think it just would not be fair on them. It is so much pressure to look after a child that isn’t yours when you are young and able to run after them, so I don’t want to know how stressed the grandparents of the little girl must have felt when she started getting grumpy and ran off. Her granddad tried “running” after her, begging her to come back and put her shoes on, but she was having none of it and climbed onto the second floor of the soft play area with her granddad standing at the bottom hoping she’d finally come down without him having to climb up a set of wobbly soft play stairs.

I just felt so sorry for the old man. He looked so helpless and vulnerable and I just wanted to go an help him. It’s a difficult situation though. I know that a lot of parents rely on their parents for child-care while they are at work and I know that a lot of grandparents want to spend quality time with their grandchildren, spoil them and take them to fun places. So where do you draw the limit?

I don’t want to be controversial or hurtful here, but I think that from a certain age onward, grandparents are unfit to look after young children. My parents are only in their late forties, so I wouldn’t be worried about leaving Amy with them, but I just wouldn’t feel confident leaving Amy with my grandparents. I love them to pieces, they are wonderful people and they absolutely adore her, but I would hate to leave Amy with them knowing what a whirlwind she can be. I would be worried that she’d run off during a walk and seriously hurt herself and I would be worried that my grandparents could risk their health by trying to chase after her. I would never forgive myself, if something happened to either of them.

So I am wondering, should parents find other arrangement for child-care, if their parents reach a certain age? When do you think, is someone too old to properly look after a child? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Amy’s first trip to the theater: Justin & Friends Tour at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

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Checking out the Justin & Friends flyer in Cardiff

On Sunday, we were invited to watch the Justin & Friends tour at Cardiff Motorpoint Arena and without taking the excitement away: It was amazing. Amy’s face lit up as soon as she saw the flyers in the foyer (someone is easily pleased) and by the time Justin and his friends stepped onto the stage, she was squealing with delight. She absolutely loves Justin Fletcher be it as Justin in Justin’s House, Mr Tumble or his many alter-egos, so I knew she would have the time of her life.

Justin Fletcher as Justin for Justin's House and Katy Ashworth from I Can Cook at Justin and Friends Tour in Cardiff

The CBeeBies show saw Justin and his friends prepare a spectacular rock and roly-poly show for a very special visitor, who was revealed to the audience in the grand finale.

Nina from Nina and the Neurons Katrina Bryan at Justin and Friends tour in Cardiff

The stars of the show were Nina (Kathrina Bryan) from Nina and The Neurons.

Andy CBeeBies at Justin and Friends tour in Cardiff

Andy (Andy Day) from Andy’s Wild Adventures, who got caught out miming “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.

Robert Justins House and Nina from Nina and the Neurons Katrina Bryan and Steve Kynman

Robert – The Robot (Steve Kynman) from Justin’s House, who nearly ruined the show with his obsession for tidying up.

Justin Fletcher as Nana Justin and Friends tour in Cardiff

Nana Knickerbocker, who came on stage with four daddies from the audience and showed them how to dance Nana Knickerbocker Style.

Katy Ashworth from I can Cook and Andy Day from Andy's Wild Adventures at Justin and Friends tour in Cardiff

Katy (Katy Ashworth) from I Can Cook and Andy (Andy Day) from Andy’s Big Adventure, who danced with pirates and ruined their pyramid.

Andy, Little Monster, Nina and the Neurons, Katy Ashworth at Justin and Friends tour in Cardiff

And of course, Little Monster, who kept everyone on their toes when she was racing through the arena.

Justin Fletcher as Mr Tumble at Justin and Friends Show in Cardiff

Mr Tumble (Justin Fletcher) was my personal highlight of the show. He got the whole arena singing and it was a bit of a goose bump moment for me, if I am honest.

Kathrina Bryan from Nina and the Neurons and Justin Fletcher from Mr Tumble at Justin and Friends tour in Cardiff

But it wasn’t only Mr Tumble, who stormed the stage and won over the hearts of the audience: Nana Knickerbocker, Lost Pirate, Arthur Sleep and Keith Fit all joined in the fun and provided laughs and smiles all around.

The songs were all well-known CBeeBies songs or from Justin’s CDs, so little ones could easily relate to them and sing along. Amy doesn’t speak or sing yet, but she loved dancing around with the other children and thoroughly enjoyed herself. Ben was a little worried that she’d be a little too young for a show lasting 1.5 hours (with a 20 minute interval), but this wasn’t the case at all. She was fascinated seeing her favourite CBeeBies characters live on stage and was clapping and cheering along. I would thoroughly recommend taking your little one along, if they like Justin’s House or Mr Tumble as much as Amy.

Justin & Friends was a fun filled and entertaining show for all the family. It was a bit tricky taking  photos from where we sat, because of the darkness, light effects and movement on the stage, but otherwise our seats were perfect. We could see the entire stage and when Justin changed into the costume of Nana Knickerbocker, he walked right past us on his way to the stage. Whenever do kids get that close to their idols?

Our ticket was complimentary, but I think the regular price of around £50 for a family ticket is very reasonable for the memories you get to make with your little ones on a day like this. I know that I will never forget Amy’s little face when she realised that she was seeing Justin & Co right in front of her and not in the telly. It was amazing!

I was not that impressed by the prices for merchandising products such as spinning lights and the show’s booklet though. Ben bought both items for Amy, because he thought they are a must-have and a great reminder of the fun we had at the show, but I have to say that I wouldn’t have paid £15.50 as I think that’s way too much for a little plastic light that spins around and a little booklet featuring the stars of the show. Amy was lucky that her daddy felt generous on the day!

All in all, the show was a great experience for us all. Amy had an absolute blast and Ben and I loved seeing her that happy and excited. We will definitely take her to any follow ups, because we now know that you aren’t ever to young for your favourite characters on stage!

Disclosure: We were provided with a complimentary family ticket, but this does not affect our opinion on the show.

Busy breaks in Benidorm: a guide for active holidaymakers

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Benidorm, Sierra Helada Mountain, things to do in Benidorm, coast of Albir, Placa Del Castell

If you’re looking for a holiday with more to it than sunbathing and drinking cocktails, then you might think Benidorm is out of the question. Think again! Benidorm has loads more to offer than just sun, sea and sand and, in reality, holidays in Benidormhave the potential to be fun, exciting and action-packed, you just need to know where to look.

For gorgeous local wildlife above and beyond the Spanish waiters, Sierra Helada Mountain and National Park is well worth a visit when you come to Benidorm. It sits between Benidorm and the neighbouring seaside town of Albir and has some stunning views once you start making your way up the mountain; on a clear day you can see all the way to Ibiza. You can walk up as much of it as you like and you won’t need specialist walking gear, just some decent shoes and plenty of water as you won’t find shops at the top due to it being a protected natural park.

Roughly translated, Sierra Helada means Ice Mountain or Frozen Mountain, and is sometimes referred to by these names. Have a look at the mountain from the right angle at night and you’ll see why; it looks like a huge iceberg sticking up out of the sea.

The park is home to plenty of local wildlife, so remember to take you camera and get some snaps of the plant life, insects, birds and even dolphins. To spot the dolphins, head towards the side of the park that’s just off the coast of Albir, where you’ll find a large fish farm that regularly attracts groups of dolphins.

For a bit of history and culture, visit Placa Del Castell between the two main beaches in Benidorm (Poniente beach and Levante beach). A castle and fort stood in this area until 1812 when British and Spanish troops blew it up in their efforts to drive out the French. There’s now a balcony and viewpoint from which you can take in gorgeous views all across Benidorm, as well as old cannons from the area’s fort days.

Benidorm old town is also worth visiting if you’re the type of person who gets restless sitting on the beach all day. There are plenty of lovely little plazas, narrow streets and quirky Spanish shops here and you can choose from numerous authentic Spanish eateries to stop and refuel at.

Once you discover just what Benidorm has to offer, you’ll never look at it in the same light again!

Have you ever been to Benidorm? What can you recommend and what shouldn’t we waste our time with?

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Jet 2 Holidays. Image Credit: gaelx

Body Image and Cosmetic Surgery

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body image and cosmetic surgery clothes to suit your body shape

Cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly common for women in the UK, with a whopping 39,070 surgeries performed just last year. Unsurprisingly, women are most likely to seek procedures that will get their bodies back to their pre-baby form—breast augmentations, rhinoplasty, abdominoplasty, fat transfers, and liposuction—but brow lifts and face/neck lifts have been on the rise in recent years as well. Let’s take a closer look at how cosmetic can help improve body image—and a few alternatives that you can try before you go under the knife.

Cosmetic Surgery: Is It Worth It?

There’s no denying that cosmetic surgery can help you feel more confident about the way you look, especially if you’ve been struggling with diet and exercise since the birth of your kids. As well as fixing your perceived problem areas, cosmetic procedures like breast lifts, eyebrow lifts, and face lifts can help you appear more youthful—no more baggy eyes or saggy breasts!

But cosmetic surgeries come with a high price tag, and it’s worth noting here that these types of procedures are not covered by the NHS. As with any operation, there is risk of complications such as blood loss, scarring, nerve damage, and allergic reactions. Remember that while you may be able to make clinical negligence claims to help you recover some of the expenses of a botched operation, the physical and psychological damage done may be irreparable. Hire an experienced medical negligence solicitors if you feel you have a strong case for making a claim.

Boosting Body Image the Natural Way

If the cost, risks or complications of cosmetic surgery have discouraged you from going under the knife, there are other ways to boost your body image the natural way. First and foremost, instead of trying to fit into your old clothes, look for pieces that flatter your beautiful new figure. Dresses, shorts and skirts with an elastic waistbands, and oversized tops with leggings are all classic pieces that will help you look and feel great whenever you step out of the house.

Diet is key to shedding those unwanted pounds. Power foods like leafy green vegetables, oatmeal, beans, legumes, and fat-free dairy products should be the staple foods in your daily diet if you want to reduce stomach fat. If you’re looking to lift your breasts or shape up flabby arms, resistance weight training might do just the trick. Basic pilates and yoga poses aid in the metabolic process and help to tone up muscles as well.

Recent advances in technology have made it possible for women to remove fat without going under the knife. The non-invasive procedure known as cryolipolysis freezes the lipid in fat cells to slowly dissolve fat deposits, while liposculpture uses lasers to liquefy fat. No matter what you choose, make sure you review all information to make sure you’re making the right choice for you.

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Irwin Mitchell. Image Credit: LauraLewis23

Malta Getaway

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malta the mediterranean island for families, malta holiday for families

While the beautiful Mediterranean island of Malta is perhaps best known for its beaches and historical attractions, the island also offers plenty of activities to help keep the kids entertained. From high-thrill water sports to close encounters with sea creatures and wildlife, a holiday in Malta should be on every family’s travel list. Here are just a few sights and attractions you won’t want to miss this year:

Wildlife Parks, Waterparks, Marine Parks

Want a safe and friendly environment where your kids can interact with marine life? Set your sights on the Mediterraneo Marine Park. There, you’ll have the opportunity to watch spectacular dolphin, sea lion, and parrot presentations, or even have the little ones participate in an interactive program where they can feed and touch these amazing creatures. The LWS Animal Park is also a good choice for encounters with wildlife. The kids will meet emus, llamas, and monkeys, as well as a variety of bird species. You could also take a spin on the go-kart track, located in the centre of the park.

If your kids want to spend a day in the water, take them to the Splash and Fun Water Park. They’ll enjoy wading through the high tide wave pool or sliding down the “Black Hole” or “Side Winder.” Want something more relaxing? Try the “Lazy River.” Look for cheap holiday deals to make the most of the family budget.

Beautiful Beaches and Bays

The shores of Malta and its sister isles are the perfect place to spend the day relaxing in the sunshine or trying a high-thrill water activity. Ghadira Bay is Malta’s largest sandy beach and has plenty of facilities for tourists; there, you can also hire a pedalo or spend the day parasailing. The shallow waters of Gneja Bay are a great place for the little ones to swim, while Pretty Bay also includes a playground and a football pitch. If you have older children, take a ferry to Gozo or Comino and go diving at the famous Blue Hole or Blue Lagoon dive sites to help you make the most of your Malta holidays.

sweethaven popeye village malta

Sweethaven – Popeye Village

One of Malta’s most unique attractions is Popeye Village, which is located at Anchor Bay. This fun park was originally the set of the 1980 musical production of “Popeye” and has since become a year-round tourist attraction. The summer months of June through September are perhaps the best time to visit, as your admission ticket not only allows you entrance to Popeye Village, but access to a number of other fun-filled activities as well. Kids will enjoy the live animation show, silversmith demonstration, puppet shows, and splash pools. For the adults, a free glass of wine is included with your admission ticket.

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by icelolly.com. Image Credits: Shepard4711 and njaminjami.

Summer holiday options – decisions, decisions!

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summer holiday, summer holiday for families, beach holidays, city breaks, sightseeingResearching places to go for a summer getaway as a family can be fun when you’re in the research stage of looking through catalogs or surfing the net. Finding the best deals and actually getting around to booking is another matter, with so many travel sites claiming to have the best prices. Firstly, when picking a destination, it is always a matter of if it should be within the UK or if the budget realistically stretches enough to go elsewhere? At the end of the day, it is all a matter of if we can find a good deal or package and if all family members can enjoy the trip.

Planning the perfect family holiday

It is always important to keep in mind, that any time as a family is precious and if it means spending it relaxed at home, then that is also okay. For an adventure further afield, organising prior to leaving will ensure a more relaxing holiday once you’re finally away. Thankfully we’re lucky to have so many holiday destinations that only require an hour flight. Summer holidays in some of Europe’s tourist hotspots offer plenty of activities and sightseeing opportunities while at the same time drawing you in to a different culture. If that’s already been ticked off the list, visiting more out-of-the-way and therefore less crowded destinations can be a worth considering to experience a different landscape in a more relaxed setting.

Wherever you plan to take the family this summer, do check out accommodation options and the things to do as they tend to be the biggest factors of a holiday budget. On Zoover (click here), there are numerous accommodation options to choose from for every possible destination whilst displaying a range of recommended activities. Accommodation listings and points of interest are rated by holiday makers as well, ensuring an authentic perspective. These aspects are usually harder to find in a catalog, making it much more effective to be satisfied with your destination choice in the end.

 Disclosure: This is a featured post. Image Credit: Travel Manitoba

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