CHARLIE'S STORY

I came across this blog a few weeks ago which is written by Katy Mann and is about her 3 month old son, who sadly died of Meningitis only 8 weeks ago.

If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle please read and raise the awareness of Meningitis and how to look for the signs.

http://www.charliecheekychops.blogspot.com/

MARKETING FOR THE NEW YEAR

Hi,

Well Christmas has been and gone, we are still eating chocolates, breadsticks and dips for breakfast and the waistline is slowly expanding. I managed to give myself 4 whole days off which was difficult for a workaholic Mumpreneur but I'm glad of it and now working hard on the marketing front to get 2011 classes up to full capacity again.

I've had adverts in Raring2Go magazine and Families Cheshire Magazine contacted me 2 weeks ago asking me to do a feature about 'Mumpreneurs' so look out for that too.

The radio show is going very well, I'm meeting some very valuable contacts which is finding me more work, I certainly can't grumble at that. Tune in every Wednesday 10am till 12pm to hear me on Toddler Talk on Redshift Radio. www.redshiftradio.co.uk

The Christmas Movie Event which was held in collaberation with Redshift Radio and Malbank School was a success and we are now looking to make this a regular once a month event, the feedback was very positive so watch this space and I'll keep you posted of our first movie launch.

If you would like more information about Baby Sign classes, Toddler Dance or Parties, please do not hesitate to contact me on sharon@hullabalookids.net or call 07973 479471.

Happy New Year!!!

CHRISTMAS MOVIE FUN

Come and join myself, Redshift Radio and Children's Adventure Farm.
On Tuesday 21st December at 1.30pm till 4.pm at Malbank Community Cinema in Nantwich.

The Snowman & Mickey's Christmas Carol will be shown, in the break we will sing Christmas Carols and play some Christmas games.

Mince pie and non alchoholic mulled wine will be served and refreshments for the children.

A Lucky dip will be available to raise funds for The Children's Adventure Farm supporting disabled and disadvantaged children.

This is a free event and open to anyone so invite your friends and come along and join us for a final get together before Christmas!

Don't forget I am still doing the Toddler Talk show every Wednesday 10am till 12pm on www.redshiftradio.co.uk so listen in and keep your requests coming in for your song choices.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

Can't believe December has come round so quickly. This time last year, not only was I getting excited for Christmas but I was also preparing to go on holiday on New Years eve to Thailand.

The diary is full for Christmas parties, facepainting, birthdays and family get togethers. Last weekend was my Grandads 90th birthday and my sister flew over from Hong Kong specially with her 7 week old daughter! It has been lovely having a newborn round the house again, and 'yes' I am feeling a tad broody again!

Luke is learning his songs for the Pre-school nativity play, he is a King but his desire was to be a donkey. I will have tissues at the ready when I see him, it will be a very proud 'mummy' moment.

The Lucky boy is going to see 3 pantomimes this year too, in Crewe, Stoke and Winsford so by 25th December we will be ready for a few days off!

Look out for the Christmas edition of Raring2Go, I have a feature going in and hoping 2011 will be a prosperous year for us all!

MULTI SENSORY CLASSES FOR BABIES

Its been far too long since my last post but things are just mad at the moment. My work with the Children's centres is going strong and I am grabbing it with both hands especially as 7 of the Children's centres in Stoke are closing down.

I am starting a new class for babies this week at Shavington Children's centre. For those of you who have attended Baby Sign classes know that I include some 'play' into the each session, but this class will be totally dedicated to Multi Sensory Play. Here is more information and the benefits of playing with your baby:-

What is multi sensory play for babies?
Multi sensory play incorporates activities and games that stimulate the senses, whether it be touch or sight or sound!
It can range from brushing a newborn baby’s arm with a soft, soft feather to clapping along with an older baby as he bangs and bangs on a drum!! Babies live in a world full of new experiences which can sometimes be overwhelming (sometimes its overwhelming for adults too!), but Multi Sensory Play incorporates low key and age specific activities that babies will enjoy without being over stimulated.

Why is multi sensory play for babies important?
Babies are learning all the time – even when very young. Multi sensory play helps to stimulate their senses in a gentle way, which in turn helps them to learn. They can experience new things:- new sounds such as singing and whispering, new touches such as scarves, bubbles and fur, and new sights such as shiny balls, multi-coloured fabric and new faces! A lot of multi sensory activities incorporate touch and bonding exercises, which are, of course, invaluable for babies. They make baby feel safe, secure and relaxed, which is just what any mother wants for their child.

How can I play with my baby in a multi sensory way?
The possibilities are endless! Singing is an easy way of stimulating baby, no matter how bad your voice – your little one won’t care! Gentle movement such as rocking, swinging and lifting baby up high will not only be lots of fun for mum and dad but baby will love it too! The first time you hear those giggles will be priceless! Using Parentese is a great way to play with baby – for us regular mummies that means using a Cbeebies voice! Raise your voice up a little higher and use exaggerated facial expressions and extend your vowels – just try it! You may feel silly but the reaction you’ll get from your little one will be worth it!
However just reading to baby is a wonderful activity. It promotes bonding between you and baby, is a lovely low key activity with lots of eye to contact and hugging, and can be a regular and easy way of playing with your baby.

There is a 2 month waiting list as class sizes are much smaller than Baby Sign but if you want to put your name down on the list get in touch with Shavington Children's Centre on 01270 371225.

HALLOWEEN'S COMING!

Halloween is next week and I've been booked for a Childminding Party in Haslington on Friday and then all day Saturday too.

I imagine I will be inundated with requests for scary skeletons, green goblins, pumpkins and devils.

Nakatcha Pub/Restaurant in Welsh Row, Nantwich will be offering Free Facepainting for all children who will be dining, they are also putting on Halloween themed games.

For more details call 01270 629070

TIPPY TOES UPDATE

Earlier in the year I was booked to deliver Tippy Toes sessions at the Polish Family Support Group at Underwood West Children's centre.
The first few sessions were very difficult as most of the families did not speak English and trying to get them to join in with the Hokey Cokey was a real mean feat. However at the end of the 6 sessions, they all joined in with the songs and dances, children, parents and grandparents.
I have just had another block booking confirmed for this group, I'm delighted to be going back to teach them more of our crazy English songs.

This morning, I ran a Taster Session at Nantwich Baby Group with a view to some of the parents coming along to my Saturday class. However, I was asked if I would be starting another class in Nantwich on Tuesdays, so I spoke to Alison Bowett (who runs the group) and she agreed to let me run a Tippy Toes class every Tuesday at 10.15am before the Baby Sign at 11.00am.

If you are interested in joining class email sharon@hullabalookids.net