Tot Cross Buns - Cooking with little people

In my opinion it’s important to teach our children a range of life skills. We are lucky here in Winchester to be surrounded by a plethora of opportunities for parents and their little ones and it’s great to have the option of taking part in such a range of different experiences.

Last week we were lucky enough to join Ali in her fabulous class, Tot Cross Buns. A cookery class for parents and they’re little ones which gives everyone the opportunity to learn about food, flavours and cooking nutritious snacks.

We arrived at Hyde Parish Hall to find a fabulous space which was bright and welcoming. Ali was busy setting up the table on which there were an array of inviting items. Bright coloured plastic bowls, spoons, knives, a rolling pin, all neatly organised around the table. We were first to arrive and Boo wanted to get stuck in! She enjoyed picking up the items and showing them to me, naming them as we went and she was clearly excited when we were ready to begin.

Choosing an apron was a fun task at start of the class, closely followed by washing hands and choosing where to sit. When we had decided on our places the investigation of the items became more intense and everything was picked up, tried out and talked about.

The question most people have asked when I’ve talked about the class is ‘yes but how much of it did they actually get to do themselves?’ The answer - all of it! Don’t under estimate these little people, they are capable of quite a lot and even I was impressed by how much Boo could do on her own.

We were making cheese and tomato twists, and my first thought was ‘oh dear, Boo doesn’t like cheese or tomato’ which she eagerly declared! Never mind... The ingredients were already weighed out for us, and we started with rubbing the butter into the flour to make ‘breadcrumbs’ a technique used in many recipes and one which is incredibly messy. The children are encouraged to complete the steps themselves but you sit with them and help, guide, encourage and take over as and when you need to. As with many things, my instinct was to jump in and correct what she was doing, help her, speed it up, keep her work area neat and tidy, and I was conscious not to do these things, to let her explore herself, make a mess, get stuck in and enjoy herself - and she did! Mixing in the egg and the cheese she could do easily with just a tiny bit of assistance, then the moment she’d been waiting for, time to use that rolling pin!!

It was great to watch her learning new skills and hear the praise offered from Ali to all the children in the class as they were preparing their food. Even though we do a lot of cooking at home, there’s not always time to let Boo do it all herself, or I’m so worried about the mess I just jump in and take over, or there are steps I don’t think she can do as she’s too young, this class was proof that toddlers and cooking are far more compatible than you think. We all dream about the day when our little ones can finally make that cup of tea for us, and why not a cake to go with it too?

The sundried tomato paste and more cheese were the next steps, then to twist them. I’ll admit, I did the twisting, partly because Boo had decided she didn’t want to sit still any more and had started charging around the open space - I must remember she is only two!

Whilst our delicacies were cooking I was pleased to find that we were continuing our food journey for the day and there was to be a tasting session. Snacks! Well that got Boo back to her seat . We ate our way through the colours of the fruit and vegetable rainbow, tomato, carrot, banana, kiwi berries, blueberries and pink grapefruit. Each child was given a bowl to try and were encouraged to explore new flavours. There’s me thinking she only likes two or three of those, and Boo sits there and munches her way through everything apart from the tomato - I was very glad I didn’t do the ‘Mum’ thing of saying ‘you don’t like that’ and reminding her. It’s really hard with a toddler and food but the language you use can both encourage and discourage exploration of flavour and texture in an instant. It is said that children have to try food between 10 and 15 times before they know if they like it, and as adults we know our tastes change. I bet we can all name at least two things we eat now that we would refuse to eat as children! Mashed potato for me! So be careful next time you go to say ‘you don’t like that do you?’ which I’m definitely guilty of doing. they might surprise you... it was incredible to see Boo munching on a segment of pink grapefruit.

A knowing ‘ping’ from the oven meant our twists were ready! Out they came and each child’s creations were popped into a bag to ‘take home’. We had made five twists, one for all the family to try and two for Daddy... well that was not to be, three had been demolished by Boo before we’d got back to the car!

Helping to clear away was next, much to my delight, more important skills being encouraged! We very much enjoyed our time in the class together, the little one slept (again) and I was able to enjoy some quality time with Boo.

Many of us may already cook with our little ones at home, and as adults we may enjoy cooking - when we have time! But some of us may dread the thought, it might not be our thing, cooking with a toddler might fill us with fear, Ali’s class is a safe, fun way to explore food, learn new recipes, learn skills and enjoy an activity with your little one that prepares them for life. Who knows, in 20 years time it might be their turn to host Christmas lunch and if it is, you’ll be thankful of their knowledge of food and cookery! 

If you are interested in joining Ali’s classes please check out their Facebook page or contact her on: https://www.facebook.com/totcrossbuns/

Classes take place on Monday in Winnal and Hyde on Fridays. 

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Have you heard of the Mummy MOT?

Just as they say that every pregnancy is different, and every labour is different, it’s also true that every post-natal journey is different. So why is it then, in my experience, that we are happy to spend hours in workshops and on courses when we are pregnant that are all focused on birth, that we invest time in the self care of ourselves with a massage or pedicure or Pilates class as a reward for growing a small person, yet after they’ve arrived... our health and general well-being is all too often ignored or disregarded.

For those of you that know me, you’ll be aware of my tricky post-natal journey after baby number one. I won’t go into details (mainly because I’m not sure I’m ready to open up about it yet) but if I say that between pregnancy, labour and the first two years of Boo’s life that labour was the easiest part, even with complications, then hopefully that allows for some understanding of my journey. It sucked.

Last week I was invited to undergo a Mummy MOT here in Winchester with Liz Knowles. I discovered this great service after having Boo but continually put off booking an appointment for fear of what they might uncover about my failing body. Having now been through it myself, I thoroughly urge everyone to book theirs. Liz’s sessions succeed where all other areas of post natal care for Mums fails - in my experience.

At my six week check with Boo I was apprehensive about what to expect. Having had stitches and other complications I had no idea what they might need to look at so I made the appropriate preparations before attending. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The Dr's first words to me were ‘ I’ve never actually done one of these tests before’ which she stated as she gingerly handled my newborn. Great! I thought, I’ve never had a baby before so I was really hoping you’d share your inexperience with me! She left the room 3 times to ‘check’ things with other Dr’s... a great way to make me feel like everything’s ok! My check consisted of one question ‘how are you feeling?’ Which I had no idea how to answer... fine? A bit tired? I’ve no idea now what I actually said but it was then job done, form ticked, off you go, be a parent, deal with post natal bleeding, do your pelvic floor exercises, be traumatised by your labour, be unaware of the state of your body after everything it’s been through but don’t talk to me about any of it, there isn’t time. 

My time with Liz was quite different. Welcomed by a hot cup of tea (I know!!) in the beautiful surroundings of New Energy Fitness, Liz quickly made me feel at ease. Liz has trained in Women’s Health and has a number of years experience, you quickly know you’re in good hands. She knows her stuff and she wants to help.

I unloaded my post-natal story, the highlights being not being able to breast feed, significant weight gain, excruciating aches and pains, illness after illness, lethargy, sleepless nights, leaking when I coughed, basically two years of feeling like birth had left me totally out of control of my own body and feeling like nobody was listening. Nobody believed me and nobody wanted to help. We talked through all those things that we don’t really like to talk about... you know the things I mean... and Liz listened. She really listened. Not like the GP who just told me to take anti depressants, not like the GP who told me I was probably just eating too many chocolate biscuits, she listened like a woman who understood how incredible the human body is, and at the same time, how traumatic the experience must have been. Why hadn’t I come sooner?!

Through answering a detailed questionnaire in advance of your appointment, Liz already has a good indication of your problem areas. Prolapse, pelvic girdle pain, stretch marks, bladder urgency, there are a long list of areas for you to explore and Liz spends time working through the ones which are most relevant to you. At this point it is worth mentioning that each session is tailored to you and your body, my experience will be different to yours and that is the beauty of the session - it is about YOU. We had a great discussion about the pelvic floor, how it works, why it’s there, the function of it and how to engage it...it's not easy. A bit different to previous discussions in which I always felt I should just be knowing what I was doing, as a woman, so never actually asked how to do it. There is also an option of a pelvic floor examination should you wish for it to be checked out by a qualified professional.

As someone who has a hate hate relationship with their body, having someone else scrutinise it isn’t an activity which fills me with joy, more like apprehension, but Liz was incredibly sensitive to my feelings. No mirrors, no undressing, and nothing but positivity about what it could still achieve.

Standing on both feet Liz checked my instep, asked me to stand on one leg at a time, checked my hip alignment, my spine, it was fascinating what she could tell me about it just by looking. Laying down on the bed I was asked to raise my legs to 90 degree angles one at a time, engage my core muscles, a whole range of simple, achievable activities to see how my body was faring having given birth twice. She checked for muscle separation and various other tummy issues and she was thoroughly engaged in looking and listening to what my body was telling her. From this assessment she was able to create a range of personalised exercises for me to do to strengthen areas of weakness and reawaken my muscles in an appropriate way. We talked through exercise I enjoy, walking, swimming, aerobics and dancing and she talked about the danger of returning to high impact exercise too soon and doing the wrong exercises post-natally and the damaging effect it can have. I was so desperate to lose weight after baby number one I was out walking as soon as I could, back to swimming, Body Jam, Legs, Bums and Tums and it was exhausting - on top of sleep deprivation too much exercise can have a negative impact post-natally and it’s incredibly important to work with a trained post natal instructor to make sure you are treating your body correctly.

I came away from my time with Liz feeling ever so slightly more positive about my body than I had done in a while. It wasn’t a failure. It has done a magical thing bringing two children into the world and whilst it may not resemble my pre-natal body in any way, it still deserves to be loved and care for and I need to understand how it functions in its new state. I now know how to do my pelvic floor exercises and why they need to be done, I know how to approach exercise and why it is important to continue to nurture myself post-birth, I know that my experience after labour number one is not the same as what I am experiencing now, 9 weeks post birth number two, I know that every woman should undergo the Mummy MOT with Liz to create a targeted, personalised assessment of all aspects of your health after having a baby. It’s a physical trauma and we’d be mad to think that we’d got away without it having an impact on our bodies. Physical health and mental health go hand in hand and we should pay equal attention to both as mothers.

In a world where we we are incredibly hard on ourselves, berate ourselves and our bodies, have to be reminded about self care and as mothers, push ourselves to the bottom of the priority list, this is something we can do to truly invest in ourselves.

I would highly recommend you find out more about Liz and the Mummy MOT. Her passion for her work is clear and her drive to help woman understand themselves and their bodies is commendable. Qualified to assess and diagnose, Liz provides hands on treatment, expertise and practical advice. Book today.

https://www.lizknowles.co.uk/the-mummy-mot/

ABC Concerts Hampshire

One thing I learnt very quickly after having my first child is how much of what you love doing has to be sacrificed in the short term. Outings you maybe took for granted that were so easy before children became totally impossible overnight. An evening meal out, a trip to the theatre, going out for a run, whatever your passion or hobby it has to be put on hold for a short while while you focus - rightly so - on the new life you have welcomed into the world. 

It’s a tough, steep learning curve and at times it can be frustrating that we can’t freely enjoy and experience everything as we used to. So when you discover something that brings together your little people with something you love and turns it into an experience for you both to enjoy, quite simply put - it’s magical. 

ABC Concerts do just that. When I say to my friends and family I’m taking the little ones to a concert a look of instant panic crosses their faces. I’m not sure what they are imagining, my 2 year old being forced to sit still on a red velvet seat in the stalls? My newborn being whisked outside into the foyer if he makes the slightest of sounds? Surely, some say, that’s quite a grown up experience for them. Yes, indeed it is, and they love it. 

Neil’s concept for the ABC Concerts is that they provide unique experience for the entire family - music for all. As soon as you walk into the performance space at the Winchester Discovery Centre you know you are in for a treat. There is a large area at the front where you can sit comfortably with your little ones, and rows of chairs in semi circles behind with plenty of space for everyone. Carefully thought out, there is a buggy park and a changing station meaning everything you need is right there with you in the room. As Neil announces, we want to teach our children to be respectful music lovers so he asks that adult conversation is kept to a minimum. Children, however, are welcome to sing, dance, move around the space, eat, feed, interact with each other and respond to the music however they wish. True freedom. 

Now I’m fully aware classical music is not everyone’s cup of tea, but have you ever tried just switching over to Classic FM in the car to help sooth your little one? It’s amazing the response you might get. Any musical experience your little one has is a positive one as listening to music helps strengthen your baby’s cognitive and sensory development.  Dancing to music allows self expression whilst building motor skills. The physical, emotional, and intellectual development of babies and children is nurtured through exposure to music, any music! ABC Concerts explore a range of musical genres, folk, jazz, opera, classical, something for everyone.

It’s not just babies who benefit from music, adults do too! It can help improve your mood - great if you’re having ‘one if those days’. Studies show that listening to music can benefit overall well-being, help regulate emotions, and create happiness and relaxation in everyday life - sound like just what you need right now??

I know what you’re thinking... what if I don’t know the music? Trust me, each concert is well thought out, the programmes cleverly span an eclectic range of nursery rhymes, Disney songs, school hymns, traditional pieces, film music, opera, well known classical pieces and music from around the world. You don’t need to know all the music to be able to gain something from the experience. Singing, dancing, listening, whatever you and your little one want to do is respected during the concert at all times and you are encouraged to move around the space and see the performers close up, and from all angles. 

ABC Concerts seek to produce a varied programme of performers to provide a varied schedule of concerts throughout the year. We’ve been lucky enough to experience so many of their concerts and have seen a wide range of different instruments including the flute, oboe, saxophone, piano, recorder, clarinet and the harp, the list goes on and on! At the end of each concert is my favourite time, when the children are invited to explore the instruments! What an experience! Making sounds, feeling the vibrations of the guitar strings, exploring through touch pressing the keys on the piano, closely observing the sparkly valves on the trumpet, it’s a unique opportunity and seeing the joy on everyone’s faces at this point is heart warming. Oh yes and get ready for I’m inevitable ‘please can I learn to play the double bass’ questions from the bigger ones... time for that estate car purchase??!

I was lucky enough to be introduced to music at a young age, I learnt to play instruments in and out of school, I joined choirs, I learnt to read music, played in band and orchestra and at one point considered becoming a music teacher. I was lucky. Incredibly lucky. But I didn’t really know it then, I was young and just encouraged to enjoy a multitude of interests which I am now very grateful to have experienced. Whether music was in your childhood, or you are just starting your musical journey singing songs to your little one, if you can find a way to give your child the gift of music then I would thoroughly recommend doing so, not so they can take it up professionally, but so they can access something that surrounds us in every day life on a new level and develop an appreciation for it with a deep rooted meaning and understanding.

It’s a great way to spend an afternoon together as a family, it’s unique, fun and educational for everyone. How many children do you know who can go to school on the Monday after not only seeing a harpist perform up close, but having the opportunity to play the harp themselves?

Book your tickets now for their next concert, I promise you it is such a treat for you all, and maybe the adult in you can get a little something back from your previous life; a music concert experience where if you close your eyes just for a second, you can be transported away from nappies and teething, screaming and potty training, and remember something you love, and that it’s still important to do things for you. 

Concerts take place in Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth and full details of their upcoming performance schedule can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/ABCConcerts/ 

Photographs courtesy of Hannibal-White Photography

Monkey Music's 25th Celebration!

At just 8 weeks old our little one received his first party invitation. Monkey Music were celebrating 25 years of bringing music to little ones and we were invited to celebrate with them. Being so tiny, I wondered if it was the right sort of event for us to be attending, but as I read on through the invitation I knew I wanted us to be there, I knew I was going to love it even if he slept through it, it was to take place in Abbott’s Barton Care Home in Winchester. 

Widely known as intergenerational care, bringing together the generations at either end of the spectrum is becoming more and more popular, and when you get to experience it first hand you can see why. 

The beautiful room at the care home was adorned with balloons and the Monkey Music mats were laid out ready. A table full of instruments and props awaited, as did a large semi circle of chairs which were a welcome addition to the normal set up. The children arrived first, warmly greeted by Paula who knew everyone by name. The children explored the new space, played with the balloons and found their places on the mat. Donning their fabulous Monkey Music tshirts, they were clearly ready for some fun. Then in came the residents, some looking a little apprehensive, others looking keen and eager, pointing at the children as they found their seats, they could tell they were in for a different sort of Thursday afternoon! 

I have been lucky enough to attend Monkey Music classes and see Paula work on a number of occasions. Teacher to teacher, we have had numerous conversations about the vital role of music in child development and how lucky we are to have been brought up in musical environments. Having learnt to read music at an early age and having spent hours in Year 2 painstakingly learning the recorder - sorry Mum - Music was ingrained in me and my intention is to ensure my children learn about rhythm, rhyme and musical notation as soon as they can, bringing them that same gift. Paula’s classes allow an entry into that musical world in a safe, fun environment which everyone can access offering them an amazing opportunity. Music is at the heart of everything they do in the class and it’s always an honour to be a part of it. 

Each term’s curriculum is thoughtfully planned by the CEO, Angie, who I was lucky enough to meet at the care home. Her passion for what she does was clear and the warmth and creativity that filled the room immediately apparent. It was touching to see her reaction as both the young and old embarked on the musical journey she had created, together. 

The music began and the little ones were instantly captivated by Paula, saying hello, waving, dancing, singing, the familiarity of the hello song signals that the class is about to begin. I take a look around at the residents and they are absorbing every single moment, soaking up the magic, living it with the little ones and beaming with joy. 

The props and instruments were shared by the young and old, tambourines, colour scarves, autumn leaves, the residents weren’t just there to observe they were there to participate and it was thoroughly enchanting to watch them. Their reaction to the music, to the children, for some it awoke something which had been dormant in them for a time, it awoke memories of a forgotten past and brought it to them into the present. I was fascinated to learn that one of the lovely ladies used to run her own nursery and another had worked closely with children. This was, for them, an emotional journey back to a forgotten time, and they were living in the moment with such joy. Having the opportunity to have been transported back had allowed them to reconnect with themselves in a way they hadn’t for some time and from the smiles on their faces you could tell this had been a real highlight of their week. Waving their arms in the air, copying the little ones, they were having such a good time it was sad that the afternoon had to end. 

At the end of the session a beautiful cake was presented and shared with everyone and the children were given party bags and a special book, the perfect finishing touches to the celebrations. Then was the time the true magic began to unfold. Now everyone had shared the music it was time for them to meet properly. Parents guided children towards the residents, to shake hands, give hugs, give a wave or blow a kiss, to smile, laugh and interact with them, with no judgements or worries, just pure moments of getting to know one another, starting at the very beginning. The residents enjoyed talking to the little ones, meeting their cuddly toys, and in one lady’s case even reading stories together as a little boy hopped up onto her lap to show her his new music book.

It was a wonderful way for Monkey Music to celebrate and we were honoured to have been a part of it. Research shows that bringing together these two age groups can have a positive impact on both mental and physical health and well being and after spending just a couple of hours witness this union through musical celebrations I would whole heartedly agree. Everyone asked if the partnership would continue and we are hopeful that although this was the first it won’t be the last time Monkey music visits Abbott’s Barton Care Home. 

As Paula puts in herself she is an infectiously enthusiastic teacher, and this is true in every way. Successfully capturing both the young and old in her quest to bring music into everyone’s lives, offering a fabulous start to a lifetime of musical adventures and a timely reminder of music from the past. Weekly classes take place in Winchester, Eastleigh, Southampton, Whiteley and Fareham and we highly recommend you book a free trial to see first hand how fabulous her classes are and how vital early age exposure to music is for your little one. 

You may be surprised to discover that the ear is the first organ to fully develop in the womb, and at just 20 weeks the foetus can hear sounds from the outside world. Monkey Music teachers continue to expose children to sounds through songs and instruments which develops the musical ear at an early age, further supporting all aspects of early childhood development.