NHM Readers - NorthHantsMum

NHM Readers: “After school” activities for pre-schoolers

Posted by juliet on 10th July 2018 in After School Clubs, Classes, NHM Readers, Pre School, Things to Do 0 Comment

As part of “North Hants Mum Question Time”, I was asked by Andrea “Is there any “after school” activity available for pre-schoolers? As a mum who works school hours but has a 2 year old, I would love to do a class or something with both of them after 3pm, but all classes for under 5s seem to be during the day.”

My response, as well as those received from the community, are below in no particular order.

NHM Readers: “After school” activities for pre-schoolers

Louise NHM replied: “Oooh, great question Andrea! These might help:
Tuesday: Fun Tots (PM)
2pm – 4pm – 1 year to 7 years
Basingstoke Sports Centre
Thursday: Fun Tots again and Emboite Ballet (PM)
4.15pm – 4.45pm – from 3 years to 5 years
Sherfield Park Community Centre, Sunwood Drive, Sherfield on Loddon, RG27 0FP
http://www.northhantsmum.co.uk/activities/”

Nikki said “Andrea, we don’t offer after school, but do offer Sunday classes for 0-5s to cater for parents who work in the week. www.facebook.com/dinkydiscobasingstoke www.dinkydisco.co.uk”

Rebecca said “I don’t know if it would interest you Andrea but something that I take both of mine to is Messy Church – they can play games for a bit, then there’s about 45 mins of crafts, a short talk and song, then dinner. At Christ Church Chineham it’s on a Monday (once a month) from 3:45-5:45, but there are loads around Basingstoke on different days.”

Louise said “Messy Monsters Basingstoke offer various single Sunday events which is very popular for working families. Messy Monsters Basingstoke”

Karen said “Wessex Kids Club officially we start at 3 years but if parents stay we take at 2. Friday nights at Wessex Christian Fellowship. Free play, story, songs & crafts 6.30-7.30pm”

Sarah said “UCD runs on a Tuesday at Cranbourne College and Thursday at Oakridge Hall for All 4.45 all ages welcome”

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NHM Readers: Getting Pictures Printed

Posted by juliet on 10th July 2018 in Cheap, NHM Readers, Organising 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook where is the best and cheapest place/way to get pictures printed?

Thank you for your replies, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers recommend where to get pictures printed

Charlotte said “Free prints app”

Gemma said “Free prints, download the app and you get so many free a month, just pay for postage”

Jo said “Snapfish”

Debbie said “Costco”

Sue said “I vary between Boots, Snapfish and photobox”

Shima said “Costco is very reasonable but more than that the quality is excellent”

Jade said “Jessops”

NHM Readers: Walking as a family, within 30 minutes drive of Basingstoke

Posted by juliet on 9th July 2018 in Basingstoke, Exercise, Family, Health, NHM Readers, Things to Do, Walks 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook: we do a lot of walking as a family but always seem to end up in the same places. Where would you recommend for walking as a family, within 30 minutes drive of Basingstoke?

Thank you for your responses, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers recommend places to walk as a family, within 30 minutes drive of Basingstoke

Jason said “www.walkswithbuggies.com”

Chloe said “All around Winchester is nice. I take my son round the cathedral and grounds.”

Amber said “Greenham Common is interesting, there’s cows and ponies to see year round, awesome blackberries in the autumn and the tracks are all weather. Can get a bit windswept but I like it!”

Emma said “Water Meadows in Winchester. Kids can paddle in the streams. Lots of places around Stockbridge.”

Sharon said “Micheldever woods, the gorgeous bluebells are still out if you are quick”

Cat said “White Hill Kingsclere, along the canal at Newbury, Bowdon Woods to the north of Greenham Common (great bluebell loop did this morning). All have bits which are off road buggy accessible tho easier without (bumpy). White Hill approx RG20 5PY. Bowdown RG19 8DB. Also the Chase in Woolton Hill, off road buggy friendly paths RG20 9TN”

Natasha said “Micheldever Woods was gorgeous today. The bluebells are still out too”

Becky said “This has been recommended to me, it’s on my list of places to go so can’t comment on suitability yet – http://www.hiwwt.org.uk/reserves/winnall-moors. Also along the river at Alresford and Fleet Pond.”

Marie said “We are National Trust members and use The Vyne in Basingstoke a lot. If you want to go further afield, there are plenty of places within an hour’s drive, all with good pushchair access, cafés and changing facilities”

Liane said “Look up Bowdown Woods at the back of Greenham Common. Stunningly beautiful ancient woodland surrounding a reclaimed munitions store that’s been totally swallowed up by the woods. The old tarmac path is still there making it excellent for buggies, scooters and bikes. You can then go off road on some of the most gorgeous walks we know of http://www.bbowt.org.uk/reserves/bowdown-woods”

Hayley said “Watership Down! Went yesterday and it’s beautiful. Walk is 12.5 miles to the beacon but you can just pick how far to walk along it then walk back like we did. It’s a bridleway. (Also known as White Hill)”

Caroline said “Alice Holt”

NHM Readers: When a child hates school

Posted by juliet on 9th July 2018 in Children, NHM Readers, School 0 Comment

In response to a question from a NHM Reader, I asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook “My 7 year old daughter really hates school. Every morning, for nearly an hour, she screams and shouts about how much she hates school and it’s too hard. This has been going on for about 4 months. If she hates it so much, should I be considering changing schools for her? I’m worried she might be the same wherever she goes though. We’ve talked to her about it in depth and tried everything but kind of at our wits end”.

Thank you for all of your very supportive responses, which I have listed below:

NHM Readers advise on when a child hates school

Claire said “Sounds awful for you both. No real advice, but speak to the school, perhaps get the teachers to try and find out what’s wrong if she won’t speak to you? I’m sure you will find a way to make her happy again”

Louise said “Talk to the school, they should take this seriously and offer practical assistance. Ultimately, changing school may help. Forcing attendance may not. You (and they) don’t want this to escalate into full refusal and school phobia. This website may be of help and there is a Facebook support group: http://www.schoolrefusal.co.uk/

Larissa said “Unfortunately not all schools are good at supporting parents and children with this sort of problem … I learned the hard way!”

Louise said “Absolutely, I’ve read some very difficult stories and it’s been a real eye-opener, I think this would be a very good reason to look for a new school. I’m sorry for you and your child’s struggles and am glad to read things are improving”.

Larissa said “My 7 year old daughter was the same for around a year. Last term it got so bad she was school refusing. My advice .. is there a reason for her not liking school? Bullying? Learning issues that the school haven’t picked up on? Talk to the school. We exhausted all avenues and were not getting anywhere so we removed our daughter. She was so unhappy and her self esteem was suffering. She is now going to a new school and her behaviour has got so much better. Sometimes one school’s environment just isn’t right for your child. Listen to your child and do what’s best for them. There is always a reason for this kind of behaviour.”

Marie said “Changing schools for my daughter when she had this problem was the best thing I ever did for her. Something is wrong, you need to show her you are on her side.”

Larissa said “Yes!! Totally agree.. I have moved both my children at different times .. my eldest having special needs it was the best decision I made. Always listen .. often challenging behaviour is a child trying to tell you something is not right”

Fiona said “Go and see the school ask for an appointment, write down what’s going on they may be able to give you support also other agencies may be offered for support”

Mary said “There is something schools can offer called ELSA so speak to the school, get some advice and see if they have noticed anything, ELSA is emotional literacy so it may help her to articulate her problem.”

Larissa said “My daughter’s old school told me there was no space to offer her Elsa!! But I agree Elsa is a great thing if the schools do it properly.”

NHM Readers: Recommended books for a nearly 7 year old

Posted by juliet on 9th July 2018 in Books, NHM Readers, Older Children 0 Comment

I recently asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook “I’m looking for some more books to read Miss NHM (nearly 7) at bedtime, especially some book boxsets, and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations?”

Many thanks for your responses, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers recommend books for a nearly 7 year old

“The Indian in the Cupboard, Lynne Reid Banks“

Ruth said “The Wishing Tree? There are two more books with it in a set, it’s Enid Blighton if i recall…”

Susie said “We’ve struggled with these. Although I loved the books, it’s very old fashioned & my 7 year old questions a lot about what different things mean. Shall try again when she’s older.”

Katie said “The Works had some really good book sets the other day. I got my son 1.”

Eleanor said “My 7yo is loving the Worst Witch box set.”

Yvette said “Anthony My 5 year old loves Roald Dahl”

Rebecca said “Narnia!”

Kelly said “My son is 7 just read Nania and loved every minute of it.”

Elizabeth said “Charlotte loved The Worst Witch.”

Charlotte said “Wishing Tree and Faraway Tree. Famous 5, Some of the younger Roald Dahl’s”

Emily said “I’ve just got an Enid Blyton box set for my niece for Xmas, it’s got the Faraway Tree etc in it, they were my absolute fave when I was that age”

Claire said “Clarice Bean are good and they move onto the Ruby Redfort series”

Yvette said “My 6 year old loves Roald Dahl. The Book People online is so cheap for boxsets”

Marie said “Anything by Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl, Terry Pratchett”

Lisa said “David Walliams books and the Mr Gum series – they always make us laugh”

Melody said “The Chronicles of Narnia are a firm favourite, and for some non fiction, Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls”

Helen said “Zoe’s Rescue Zoo”

Sarah said “Cressida Cowell’s How to Train your Dragon series are fantastic. I think David Tennant reads the audio books and they are fab!”

Fiona said “The Magic Faraway Tree. The Famous Five.”

Fiona said “https://bookloverjo.wordpress.com Jo is brilliant at recommending books”

Sue said “Magic Faraway Tree”

Amanda said “If you haven’t read the Christmasaurus or the Creakers I would recommend them”

Natalie said “Holly Webb is a fav in my house all animal based adventures (also often on sale in The Works) also can’t beat the classics Roald Dahl or Enid Blyton!”

Fiona said “Gangster Granny”

Heather said “The Witch Wars series are popular with my 7 year old and all the Lauren Child books (Clarice Bean particularly)”

Hannah said “Roald Dahl had been a bedtime favourite in this house. That and the Faraway Tree books.”

Anne said “Check out Pamela Butchart (Baby Aliens Got my Teacher), David Solomon (My Brother is a Superhero), Emma Carroll (Letters to the Lighthouse), Robin Stevens (Murder Most Unladylike), James Nicol (Apprentice Witch), Lorraine Gregory (Mold and the Poison Plot). And Kathryn Rundell (The Explorer), Matt Haig (A Boy Called Christmas), Mary Alice Evans (Who Let the Gods Out). There are loads of recent fantastic authors writing for this age at the moment!”

Wendy said “My son loved the Great Hamster Massacre, there’s a series of them if you enjoy it. Captain Underpants and anything by Dav Pilkey are also good.”

Christine said “Roald Dahl (Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are favourites), Mirabelle (the chapter books not the abridged ones) by Julia Donaldson – we read them when she was 5 but they’re a firm favourite still, Stella Batts box set was very popular, Rainbow Magic (although quite boring in my opinion but my 6 year old enjoys them). We’re going to try the Worst Witch next”

Sarah said “The Rainbow Magic Fairies are great each one has a different girls name and they are available in box sets too. Winnie & Wilbur books are quite good too.”

Kate said “Jack and the Flum Flum tree”

Helen said “Roald Dahl- anything they’re fab. The Secret Garden. The Worst Witch. A Bad Spell for the Worst Witch. Judy Blume – Fudge, Super Fudge, Sheila the Great. The Indian in the Cupboard. The Borrowers.”

Susan said “James started with Harry Potter at age 6. We read them together…”

Liane said “How to Train your Dragon, anything by David Walliams, Enid Blyton’s Famous 5, Worst Witch, all really great box sets.”

Leah said “Rainbow Fairies series. Animal Rescue series. Wishing Chair & Faraway Tree series. The Works is great. And also the Book People. And Waterstones – you get discount too online/card”

Fiona said “http://www.worldbookday.com”

Rebekah said “David Walliams books are all firm favourites in our house.”

Susan said “Just William went down well, but some of the language, and the concept of having a cook as well as a mother, might need explaining!”

Susan said “Naughtiest Girl in the School. Alex Ryder for action/spy stuff. Mrs. Wildings book corner is the answer, I think! She has a Facebook page. Young James Bond by Charlie Higson. Excellent series.”

NHM Readers: Games and activities for a baby shower

Posted by juliet on 9th July 2018 in Babies, New Parents, NHM Readers, Pregnancy 0 Comment

In response to a question from a NHM Reader, I asked the Friends of my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook “Any ideas for fun games or activities for an afternoon tea baby shower?”

Many thanks for your responses, listed below:

NHM Readers advise games and activities for a baby shower

Sara said “Guess the weight of the baby. Alphabet quiz with every letter starting with baby related things. Google baby showers and I’m sure many printable things will pop up. Pass the dummy using drinking straws only using your mouth!”

Shona said “We had cards at mine and everyone wrote what day, time and weight they thought baby would be born. We also played a game with nappies and tried to guess what was in them (piccalilli, marmite, chocolate spread). Anagrams of popular baby names.”

Rebekah said “Ask the mums of the parents to be for stories of when they were babies. Then mix the true stories with lies and get the party to guess the true ones.”

Fiona said “Guess the body part on scan pictures game. It can be really difficult to guess and is great for Mums, grannies that missed out on scans.”

Gemma said “At mine we did a guess the size of the bump with everyone cutting ribbon that they thought would be the closest in size to go round me lol. Another was ‘beer belly or bump’ using close up Google images – it was great”

Rachel said “I printed out and photocopied pics of mine and my other half’s faces and then cut out features and mixed them up; guests then made a pic of what they thought our baby would look like, it was hilarious (and thankfully he doesn’t look like any of them!)”

Rachel said “Naming as many songs as you can that have the word ‘baby’ in the title”

Deborah said “Penny in the jar. Hold a 2p between your knees and get it in the jar at the end of the room. It is a very funny game. Also my sister printed pin the sperm on the egg. Hope this helps”

Nikki said “Decorating plain white vests for the baby (fabric pens, embroidery etc)”

Laura said “Bit unpleasant but guess the baby food flavour – lots of baby food jars but hide the labels and ask your guests to guess, it’s very tricky as they basically all taste the same! Provide wine to wash away the taste!”

NHM Reader Recommendations: Places to go with an 8 month old and no transport

Posted by juliet on 9th July 2018 in Babies, Basingstoke, Children, Family, New Parents, NHM Readers, North Hampshire, Outings, Picnic's, Summer, Things to Do, Wellbeing 0 Comment

An NHM Reader asked “I was wondering if you could help me out. I live in Basingstoke and have an 8-month-old son. I would love for us to be able to go out for the day somewhere, but I’m not sure where is good for babies. I don’t drive either, so it would have to be accessible by public transport or walking distance. I do have a railcard though. Do you have any ideas?”

Thank you to the NHM Readers for the below replies. Thank you also to Juliet for putting this post together!

NHM Reader Recommendations: Places to go with an 8 month old and no transport

Lottie says “There’s a bus to Marwell Zoo which I think you can pick up in Winchester so you could get the train there”

Hannah says “Beale Park is a short train ride away. Also Millers Ark on the way to Hook…. has a bus stop not far from its entrance.”

Helen says “I second the Beale Park suggestion. As well as animals and the train they have a big sand pit and paddling pool. Go during the term time and it’ll be quiet.”

Vicky says “I downloaded this app it’s really good tells you what’s going on groups etc in your area for the age group you are looking for” https://hoop.co.uk

Wendy says “A walk by the Thames at Reading (there’s a park by Reading bridge and lots of swans). The New Forest has tourist buses in the summer. Paultons Park has a bus from Southampton station. The number 11 bus stops outside Manydown. Bus to Shakespeare Road (Popley East) for the Splash Park.

Jason says “The New Forest also has a train station”

Cathy says “Lots of free events coming up around town http://www.basingstokefestival.co.uk/…/cate…/free-events”

NHM Reader Recommendations: Entertainment for a First Birthday Party

Posted by juliet on 9th July 2018 in Babies, Basingstoke, Birthday Parties, Local Mum Businesses, Newborn, NHM Readers, North Hampshire 0 Comment

An NHM Reader asked “I am looking for entertainment for my daughter’s first birthday party. So something like Baby Sensory or Caterpillar Music. I am currently checking their availability but need to look for back up in case neither can accommodate me. Would appreciate any suggestions.”

Many thanks for the responses from the NHM community, listed below in no particular order:

Tots Play

Tots Play Basingstoke & Hook

Michelle said “Hi, I run Tots Play classes in the area and also do birthday parties, get in touch for more info www.totsplay.co.uk/basingstoke”

Jiggly Wrigglers

Jiggy Wrigglers Andover & surrounding villages

Gemma said “I run Jiggy Wrigglers, we are very well established in Andover and heading to Basingstoke so would be happy to come and entertain. If you’d like to know more here’s our page and just pm me.

Dinky Disco

Tanya said “Dinky Disco’s”

Cesca said “Dinky disco are fab”

Victoria said “Defo Dinky Discos! Nikki is AMAZING”

Nikki said “Thanks so much for the recommendations Tanya, Cesca and Victoria. Take a peep at our FB page and full party details on our website. Don’t hesitate to drop me a line if you have any questions”

Lucy said “Dinky Disco! I’ve had compliments for months following our 1 year olds birthday party.”

Pop Tots

Alison said “Pop Tots”

Jollypop Entertainment

Grace said “Jollypop Entertainment run ‘jollypoppets’ parties for little ones. Rhythm and Rhyme time type fun!”

Gym Minis

Emma said “Gym Minis would have a good selection for you and they do parties”

Caterpillar Music

Jaz said “Nicky does an awesome job at Caterpillar Music”

Hartbeeps

Hartbeeps Farnham, Hook and Godalming

Sarah said “I do multi-sensory 1st birthday parties/ I am a franchisee of Hartbeeps. If you look on our website you can see what we are all about”

Baby Sensory

Claire said “I’m Claire from Baby Sensory. Please feel free to pm me and I can check dates for you”

NHM Reader Recommendations: Paediatric First Aid Courses

Posted by juliet on 9th July 2018 in Basingstoke, Children, Education, Family, Health, NHM Readers, North Hampshire, Safety 0 Comment

An NHM Reader asked “Any idea how I could get on to/ find info on how to get on a children’s first aid course? Got a 3 year old and a 1 year old, and when my little one choked on a grape a few weeks ago I had no idea what to do!!! Luckily she was fine but would like to be more informed, just not sure where to start!?”

Many thanks to the NHM Reader recommendations below, which are in no particular order.

NHM Readers Recommend Children’s First Aid Courses

St John Ambulance

Samantha said “St John’s”

First Aid Angels Limited

Marie B said “First aid angels”

Marie R said “I’d recommend Vicky at First aid angels too. We did a group class with her at my friends house when the kids were small.”

First Aid Angels Limited said “thank you for your support Ladies. We offer a 2 hour parents first aid course in your own home or venue Usually on a weekday evening. We are a Qualsafe approved centre and offer accredited Paediatric and adult first aid courses too.”

Tigerlily Training

Kay said “We use Tiger Lily for our paediatric courses at Spotlight Centre.”

Kelly said “I have done the Tigerlilys 12hr paediatric course which is really good or they do a shorter 6hr course and a reasonable price.”

RCS Services

Bethan said “Speak to RCS. They run safe and healthy baby courses which incorporate a paediatric first aid training session”

NCT Basingstoke

Cerys said “NCT run baby & child first aid courses in association with Red Cross.”

Lizzie said “I did the NCT Red Cross one which was really good.”

Baby Resuscitation

Louise said “highly recommend this company Baby Resuscitation”

Keepabeat

KeepaBeat Basingstoke

Juliet said “KeepaBeat run Paediatric First Aid classes in the area”

Basingstoke Discovery Centre

Lucy said “I did mine at the library in basingstoke festival place… It was at a huge discount too so worth asking incase they are doing more (as this was a year and a half ago now)”

Lizzy said “We did ours at Basingstoke discovery centre & was very cheap. So definitely worth checking if they still do it.”

Viables Community Centre

Luan said “Viables have some emergency aid courses coming up and they deal with various things including choking for infants and adults. Free too! Next is Sep 20th at 2pm”

Gail said “viables community centre are doing free first aid courses presently!!”

Birth to Beyond – Viables Community Centre

Viables Community Centre

Luan said “Our new Birth to Beyond course starts on Monday and a first aider will be attending to cover choking, febrile convulsions etc. The course is £20 for five weeks and we will be covering all sorts of other things too. First aid for infants is in the first week. 01256 473634 Viables Community Centre or office@viables.org.uk”

British Red Cross

British Red Cross First Aid Training

Susan said “We did ours through the Red Cross but I don’t remember any booking details.”

Heartstart Tadley Triangle Scheme

Madeleine said “Tadley Triangle Heartstart did free courses a few years ago”

First Aid For Life

First Aid for Life

Peta said “First aid for life. Owner is london based but she has health care gurus all over. NCT use her (very adaptable/personalised) courses regularly.”

Other Suggestions

Karen said “St John Ambulance – Get your FREE pocket Baby First Aid guide”

Sarah said “you could try contacting local community centres or nurseries or play groups? sometimes they book a course for staff and have spaces left?”

Kelsey said “We went on a free one that the children’s centres were doing. Not sure if they still are.”

NHM Readers Recommend after school football sessions for 5+ years

Posted by juliet on 9th July 2018 in After School Clubs, Basingstoke, Children, Classes, Exercise, NHM Readers, North Hampshire, Older Children, Sport, Things to Do 0 Comment

An NHM Reader recently asked “I’m looking for a football after school session if possible for 5 years +… starting in September. Would you be able to put a shout out for me? I know there was one done on pre-schoolers….”

Thank you to all those who replied. The responses are below and in no particular order.

NHM Readers Recommend after school football sessions for 5+ years

Sarah said “Hatch Warren Phoenix are after children in Year R and 1. Runs on Saturday mornings though very professional group and coaches are fabulous”

Evi said “Brighton Hill school power league, https://www.facebook.com/GolElite/ Thu 5-6”

Wendy said “There’s one at Everest on a Wed but the FA website doesn’t have the details. Give the community centre a call for info.”

For a Sat session, Lods Tods is training for 4 to year 1. 10 – 12 on Sherfield village green. £2 pay as you go.”

Candice said “These guys run during term time at Sherfield Park Community Centre on Mondays 5-6pm. They also run coaching workshops over the summer holidays (all 5 weeks here M-F 9am – 3pm or half days) so a great opportunity to maybe have a few trial sessions in advance of September Challenger Sports“

Jo said “Tuesdays 6-7 at Richard Aldworth school with these guys…Pro-Skills Coaching Basingstoke“