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. 

Baby Sensory Review - Teletubbies Week!

Do you ever wonder where Baby Sensory all started? Do you ever think to yourself ‘whose idea was it to create a class especially designed for babies?’ I wonder if it would surprise you to learn that the first ever educational class for little ones was delivered right here in Hampshire! Just down the road in Romsey, the wonderful Dr Lin Day launched the first Baby Sensory class in 2006. Her passion for her work has inspired an internationally renowned education programme for little ones, and it all started right here.

 This week, we attended a very special Baby Sensory class; a collaboration with DHX Brands, with the Teletubbies offering parents an exciting experience highlighting the developmental benefits of play. The incredibly special lesson had been planned and created by Dr Lin Day, founder of Baby Sensory, and it was an honour to be able to see the results of her hard work first hand.

The Teletubbies appeal to young children in a variety of ways and for multiple reasons which are all linked to preschool development. We arrived at our Baby Sensory class, greeted by our class leader Claire, dressed as Laa Laa, and bright colours and magical sounds adorned the room. 

I had mixed feelings about the fact that my 7 week old was asleep.  With sleep not being his strong point I was reluctant to wake him, equally I didn’t want him to miss out! But realistically how much can he really get out of the experience at 7 weeks... well as it turns out - quite a lot! I was readily informed that infants who are sleeping can still process 60% of the experience! No more worrying about babies sleeping through classes! He was still having his own dreamy experience. 

 

One of the key elements on the Baby Sensory journey is learning routine to encourage the feelings of safety and confidence, knowing what to expect through repetitive experiences. We started with the weekly welcome song ‘Say Hello to the Sun’ which is accompanied with the appropriate signs (don’t worry parents, you’ll get there with the singing and signing combo!) then we were off and on our way. 

So there I am watching a fabulously energetic Claire launch into the session, with her four bright cuddly companions Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po. I’ll be honest, I was quite jealous of those new mums who seemed concerned that they hadn’t learnt the Teletubbies names yet...(can you believe the Teletubbies are 21?! They’re looking good for their age) my age, combined with an 8 year old step daughter means the names and theme tune has been ingrained for some years now!! 

Off we go, bouncing our babies on bright yellow inflatable ‘tubby custard’ and I think to myself... if anyone walked in now what would they think we were doing?! But that’s what I love about Baby Sensory, we know what we are doing, and we know why we are doing it. We are developing their balancing skills and aiding their understanding of posture, we are encouraging trust, both in themselves and in us, we are inspiring a sense and understanding of rhythm and we are helping to develop their brain cell connections... when you’re a baby, it’s never just bouncing. Everything has a purpose, every moment has been carefully crafted, responding to the two million neural connections they are making each second. Babies are amazing! 

Transported to Teletubby land, the room was quickly turned into a delight of colour and textures, flowers, trees, hills, falling leaves and garlands. Babies were being visually stimulated, strengthening their eye tracking and their senses through texture. Claire’s explanation of the purpose of each activity lit the teacher spark in me; I was enjoying learning just as much as my baby, and I was so grateful that I was being given the confidence in the purpose of the activities at every step. 

 

Being a drama teacher, people expect you to want to get up, join in and be centre of attention, or at least be confident joining in, throwing yourself into it without being self conscious. Well let me tell you there’s nothing quite like having a baby to zap your self-esteem. In classes like this it can be hard to put yourself out there, to sing, to dance, to embrace the activities. Having lived a life immersed in the performing arts I think nothing of singing to little ones, singing itself brings me so much joy I never considered not singing to my children. However I’ve come to realise it’s not second nature to everyone, I remember vividly one person asking in a class why it was important and if it was necessary to sing as they didn’t think they could. For some, this whole new area and skill set is daunting but songs and rhymes help develop early speech and language skills so you just have to go for it!

Child development researchers suggest if a child knows 8 nursery rhymes by the age of 4 they will develop a wider vocabulary and be better readers by the time they’re 8 - another gem I picked up from a Baby Sensory class leader!  All this knowledge from one Baby Sensory class, and all that encouragement to join in and carry on at home is necessary for your little ones intellectual and sensory stimulation. Who cares what you sound like, have a little sing! It’s especially good during that tricky time of day, before your partner gets home, when they just wont settle… don’t be embarrassed, no one can hear you but your baby.

How comforting to know that it’s normal, to sing to your baby, to make faces, dance around, and encourage imaginative play and interaction with your baby – not only is it normal it’s pretty vital to their development. With the aid of fabulous class leaders like Claire, slowly but surely you will develop the confidence in yourself in this very important aspect of parenting - sensory development.

The class is split into three sections which reflects the idea of ‘play, rest, play’ and allows babies time to be stimulated as well as respecting their shorter attention span, the free play aspect of the class also allows you to have a chat, or a rant, a giggle or a cry with other parents - making mummy friends is another vital part of the journey!

We enjoyed a puppet show and a light show to finish our session with the Teletubbies ensuring the full range of senses were fully covered. We’re not just looking at pretty lights and playing with LEDs, it’s not just a great photo opportunity, we are building nerve connections in the brain’s pathways, we are truly awakening their senses.

Every moment of a Baby Sensory class has been thoughtfully constructed and appropriately planned to respond to the developmental needs of your baby. Simply put, it’s so much more than just a singing and movement session. Engaging your children in sensory play encourages them to explore the world through their own senses. The explanation of the purpose of the activities very much appeals to the teacher in me, I love knowing why we are doing what we are doing and in what way it is aiding development. Whether through creative play, singing and rhyme, storytelling, massage, Baby Sensory classes are completely unique in the way they offer you a connection to your babies journey as they grow. 

Our time with the Teletubbies may have drawn to a close, but what we take away from the class will impact us forever. Imagine all the brain cells that have been created with the aid of Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po!

Of all the classes I attended with Boo when she was little had content which resonated with me and songs which we still sing and sign together now. Say Hello to the Sun will always work at calming her when nothing else does and like a trusty old school hymn, the words will somehow remain with you. I’m sure the lady next to me wondered how, in my first session, I knew all the words!

Teletubbies week may be over but every week is a new week in Baby Sensory, a new theme awaits and a new adventure for you and your little one. Never has life long learning been better understood than by the Baby Sensory team. It’s not just singing and dancing and having a jolly nice time, it’s a sensory package which develops the platform for your babies intellectual future.

HexNex Teething Jewellery - Review!

So you’ve had a baby. As well as all of the fabulous feelings that follow bringing a baby into the world there are a whole range of other emotions on that roller coaster into motherhood. Personally I struggled with the change in identity, trying simultaneously to try and embrace the new role of ‘mummy’ but stay connected with who I’d always been and known. Without time for yourself and dealing with your new post partum ‘look’, it’s a time where you’ll possibly feel a lot less glamorous than before, a lot less ‘you’. 

 So what simple ways are there to give yourself a little boost? What is out there which offers a ‘one size fits all’ solution - let’s face it, no one wants to be thinking about clothes sizes right now! -  and instantly makes you feel human and stylish? 

Enter Laura with her fabulous range from HexNex jewellery! A huge part of our identity, yet a tempting item to chew, pull or break, putting on a necklace is probably a bit far down the list of vitals when we’re getting ready in the morning. HexNex offers a fabulous range of silicone jewellery for Mum and baby (and Dad!) to both enjoy. 

As a busy Mum of two, Laura has invested hours of her precious time in creating an amazing range of teething necklaces and bangles allowing you to add a pop of colour to any outfit whilst giving your little one a fabulous teething aid to chew or play with in a safe, stylish way. 

Having been gifted two fabulous necklaces when Boo was born, I would say I couldn’t wait to get them out again now our new arrival is here but in all honesty, I never put them away! They’ve been a staple part of my wardrobe, even without a teething bubba attached to them, and I can’t wait to treat myself to a new design, or two, to add to my collection. 

All of their necklaces have been independently tested by a UK lab to ensure they meet all relevant parts of European Safety Standard EN71 parts 1-3, so you can be sure you're buying only the best for your little ones.

There are a range of different beads to choose if you opt to design your own necklace, or you can pick from one of the many ready made pieces. There are birthstone options, autumnal tones, rainbow fun, spring vibes, festive feels the possibilities are endless - and the names are fabulous, who wouldn’t want a Mermaid Teething Necklace!

The colourful beads are mounted on soft satin cord with a breakaway clasp so if little ones tug to hard your neck is protected. Teething aids, sensory playthings, or even just a fab addition to your outfit, we guarantee the comments will come pouring in if you arrive at next weeks baby and toddler group sporting one of these gorgeous items.

Prices start at just £6.50 making these accessories fabulously affordable and are available through the HexNex website https://www.hexnex.co.uk/

They arrive stylishy packaged with fabulous finishing touches and thoughtful wishes from Laura to aid you on your journey into motherhood. A fellow Mum and small business owner, Laura has been on a amazing journey and her passion and belief in her product shines through at every opportunity. 

Give the Facebook page a like https://www.facebook.com/hexnexjewellery/, check out the fabulous products on Etsy, treat yourself or a fellow new Mum to one of the necklaces, follow them on Instagram @hexnex_jewellery. I promise you, if you buy something Laura will do an actual happy dance! Arthur the Avo is on our Christmas list... check him out too.

Laura will be bringing her HexNex Jewellery to the next Bump & Boo event on Sunday 27th January at The Guildhall Winchester. 

Caterpillar Music!

Caterpillar Music!

Last week we were lucky enough to visit Caterpillar Music for their launch in Winchester!

Founded in 2001, Caterpillar Music classes use themes, colourful instruments and baby safe puppets to facilitate learning in a fun, friendly environment.

We arrived at Littleton Memorial and were met by Nicky who greeted and welcomed us in. Bright mats adorned the floor and I loved the alphabet carpet squares! A nice touch for little ones leaning their letters, we opted to sit on C for car . We were surrounded puppets, instruments and a colourful display of exciting props awaited us. It was our first newborn + toddler + mummy - daddy trip and fingers and toes were firmly crossed that the littlest would sleep through so I could enjoy the class with Boo!

We started with a hello song which is repeated each week, the use of songs as signals in this way allows babies and children to become comfortable and relaxed in the class surroundings and remember what to expect from each week. Lots of smiles and waving greeted everyone as we began!

The first props to appear to aid our singing adventures were the animal puppets, one for each child, carefully given out the animals were named and cuddled. Parents and children enjoyed the puppets as both were encouraged to interact and play with the aid of song. Next to jump out and play were the adorable bouncing monkeys. Who knew a cuddly monkey with a piece of elastic attached to it could be the course of such jumpy, bouncy joy!

There were singing, jumping monkeys all over the place and lots of squeals of delight as the monkeys were made to spring all over the place.

Props were handed out and collected in swiftly and the older children were encouraged to help. Boo loves tidying and enjoyed collecting all the props and helping.. including trying to prise cuddly toys out of the little ones hands... she takes tidying up very seriously...

We were introduced to 'Cuddles' the Caterpillar and other furry friends as we rowed our boat, had our toes tickled and popped numerous bubbles - the full sensory experience! My particular favourite was our journey under the sea... a fabulous world created within seconds transforming the entire room by taking us below the surface of a blue lagoon and into a world of colourful textures, sparkly ribbons and fishes including ‘Nemo mummy! It’s Nemo!’. It needs to be experienced to be believed.


Nicky’s enthusiasm and bubbly personality meant the little ones were engaged from start to finish. There was a good pace to the session and great opportunities for the children to make their own decisions, I’m pretty sure Boo sampled the entire range of percussion instruments! 

Care was taken to include all members of the class - even the sleeping bubbas! And Nicky was respectful of the feelings of each individual when it came to participation as she moved around the room interacting and getting to know the children during and in between the songs.



We very much enjoyed our Caterpillar Music class and would highly recommend you get in touch with Nicky so you can book a trial and see for yourself! Classes take place at Littleton Memorial Hall on Friday’s at 10.15am or 11.05am or if you fancy travelling a bit further afield there are classes at Eddie Katz soft play in Newbury on a Monday which includes free unlimited soft play!

If you have any questions about Caterpillar Music please do contact them for more information. https://www.facebook.com/CaterpillarMusicNewburyandWinchester/

A final thanks to Nicky for my first baby shark experience... I’d been actively trying to avoid it but I can safely say Boo & Mummy have now fully embraced it ‘do do do do do do....’ it’s a great one to get stuck in your head during night feeds 

Oh and in case you were wondering... the littlest slept allllllll the way through the class