EPIC tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good who keep the natural world alive and the forces of evil who wish to destroy it. When a teen age girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters in order to save their world…and ours.

With the voice talents of Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Christoph Waltz, Pitbull, Jason Sudeikis, Steven Tyler, Aziz Ansari, Chris O’Dowd and Beyoncé Knowles.

To enter, simply answer the question below:

Which EPIC voice talent is also the lead singer of Aerosmith?

1. Colin Farrell
2. Chris O’Dowd
3. Steven Tyler

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All correct entries will be put into a draw.  All entrants will receive our free newsletter

EPIC is in cinemas now.

Discover more about this EPIC adventure by watching the official trailer here and like on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EpicTheMovie

Terms and Conditions

• Competition will close on 8.07.13 and entries sent after the closing date will not be considered
• Entrants must be over the age of 13  
• Competition is open to UK residents only  
• Prize for x5 winners is x1 set of Epic goodies each which includes x1 card puzzle, x1 holographic magnets, x1 stationery set, x1 paint your own mug, x1 lunch bag, x1 garden set, x1 adventure set and x1 green t-shirt
• Winners will be picked at random and contacted by the site. The prize will be delivered to the winners within 28 days of confirmation of delivery address
• Winners will be notified via email or phone  
• In the unlikely event the prize style has discontinued a similar model to the same value will be provided
• There is no cash or other alternative to the prize stated and the prize is not transferable and no part or parts of the prize may be substituted for other benefits, items or additions  
• Winner’s name, address and contact details will be requested for prize fulfillment  
• Winner’s name, address and contact details may be passed to a third party provider for prize fulfillment  
• The Editor’s decision is final and binding on the entrants – no correspondence will be entered into

Competition: familyrapp is giving you the chance to win a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) to a show of your choice. Simply answer the following question:

Which character in Wind in the Willows buys a shiny new motorcar?

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All correct entries will be put into a draw.  All entrants will receive our free newsletter

Open-air Garden Theatre 2013

Pride and Prejudice

Take a step back in time with Chapterhouse Theatre Company to meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters. Whilst her mother tries determinedly to pair her off with the detestable Mr Collins, Elizabeth meets by the rude and abrupt Mr Darcy. Is there more to him than meets the eye? Join family and friends for what promises to be the most splendid evening of the summer as you picnic under a beautiful summer sky and revel in this most renowned of love stories. After all, it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

Sense and Sensibility

Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for an evening of Regency wonderment as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the exquisite world of eighteenth-century society. Bring a picnic along with family and friends and follow the sisters as they find their path and lose their hearts under a beautiful summer sky in their quest to find the perfect balance of sense and sensibility.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedy. Let yourself be whisked away on a thrilling journey to the most magical of forests and meet star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and raucous travelling players. Picnic with family and friends in the magical surroundings of some of the UK and Ireland’s most stunning open-air venues for the perfect evening of theatre under the stars.

Twelfth Night

Ahoy there to a brand new production of Shakespeare’s comic tale of shipwrecks, sea storms and mistaken identity. Unforgettably larger than life characters, a whole host of playful pranks and the sound of enchanting music come together to create the perfect evening of romance and laughter. Join family and friends for this magical love story performed under a beautiful starry sky at some of the most beautiful gardens in the UK and Ireland.

Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles

On the lonely wasteland of the desolate Devon moors, something evil is afoot. When death stalks the Baskerville family, legend and superstition collide with the most heinous of crimes. On the moor nobody is safe, not even the bravest of men. Join Chapterhouse to meet the world’s most famous of detectives, Sherlock Holmes himself, as he is called upon to solve the greatest mystery of all time…that of the Hound of the Baskervilles. Bring a picnic and your best detective skills for an unforgettable evening of theatre, mystery and suspense under the stars.

The Wind in the Willows

Join Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad for a perfect summer of adventure. What starts as a search for the best picnic spot rapidly turns into the most hilarious of escapades. With the bumptious Toad’s heart set on a shiny new motorcar and his very liberty soon at stake, will his faithful friends come to his rescue – and will he let them? Alive with music, song and dance, this magical family show is presented in beautiful traditional costume and features a woodland parade during the interval for everyone to join in with! Fun and frolics aplenty with this glorious new adaptation of the classic novel loved by children and adults alike, performed in the grounds of some of the UK and Ireland’s most beautiful open-air venues.

For full programme details and dates visit www.chapterhouse.org.

To celebrate the launch of their new northern summer flight schedule, which can shorten the time it takes to travel down under, Singapore Airlines has put together some advice on how to remove the fuss from flying long haul this half term. The changes to the timetable mean improved flight frequency and connection times from Singapore to onward destinations across Australasia, including additional flights to Melbourne and Adelaide and quicker connection times to destinations including Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane, Perth and Christchurch. With four daily nonstop services from London Heathrow to Singapore, it is now quicker than ever to reach Australia and New Zealand via Singapore.

Whilst flying can be the part of a trip which holidaymakers least look forward to, smart planning means it doesn’t have to be this way. By using the following tips from Singapore Airlines as a guide, the journey can become an integral part of the pleasurable holiday experience, helping travellers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and ready to hit the ground running.

Before you travel…

Tip: Flying long haul will usually require a stopover and where you change is an important factor to consider when booking flights. From the timings of a flight and the effect this will have on your body clock, to the total journey length and the opportunity to experience an additional stopover destination, where you choose to transit can add another layer of adventure to a trip.

Tip: Careful planning around the timing of an outbound flight can help make the best use of time away, as planning for a flight to arrive in the morning at your stopover destination will provide a full day in which to explore before flying on to your final location.

• With four daily services from London Heathrow to Singapore, Singapore Airlines offers a choice of flight times, including two morning arrivals in Singapore, allowing passengers to spend the day discovering the city before taking an onwards connecting flight later the same afternoon or evening

Tip: Taking a stopover flight provides the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of another city before reaching your ultimate destination – essentially a holiday within a holiday.

• Singapore Airlines offers its customers the chance to book a Singapore Stopover Holiday from just £11 per person per night, helping travellers to make the most of their trip via the city state, for minimal additional expenditure^[i]. Including accommodation, transfers and an optional extra bundle of activities throughout Singapore, the packages offer the chances to visit attractions such as the Singapore Flyer, Sentosa Island, the National Orchid Garden, Singapore Zoo and many more.
• For those with just a few hours to spare, Singapore Airlines also offers free city tours – the perfect way to take in the sights at speed^[ii]

Tip: On the day of travel, before flying, avoid alcohol as this has dehydrating qualities and also interrupts the quality of sleep; something which becomes important when flying long haul in order to adjust to the new time zone of your destination.

In the Air….

Tip: Research has shown that eating the right kinds of food can leave people up to 16 times less likely to suffer^[iii] from jet lag. Meals act as ‘time cues’ for your body, so adjusting the amount and type of food you eat can make a big difference.

• When flying Singapore Airlines, the menu is designed to complement the departure time and length of flight. Each serving on board will offer a balanced meal being sure that there is no repetition in  protein and carbohydrate types in a single flight to aid digestion. Meals are served at a time that will help passenger body clocks adjust to the time zone of their destination

Tip: When flying, opt for a light meal that is relatively easy to digest as it’s best to arrive feeling slightly hungry. Eating a high protein meal once you land means you’ll be able to keep as active as possible in a bid to switch to the new time zone.

Tip: Staying well hydrated is of equal importance when flying long haul.

• One way of achieving this is to drink herbal drinks, such as the chamomile or lemon ginger herbal tea options available on board. These, along with many of the cabin crew designed and refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail options can help to re-hydrate you more effectively. Singapore Airlines’ cabin crew regularly pass through the cabin with water and juice to assist passengers in keeping hydrated, with additional drinks also available when required.

Tip: Long haul travel can be unsettling on the body. Ensuring that you have the right balance of uninterrupted sleep on outbound and connecting flights can be integral to beating jet lag.

• Transiting via Singapore means that passengers are able to get up to five full sleep cycles (each sleep cycle being 90 minutes), before coming into land 

Smarter Stopovers

Tip: Gone are the days of dull airport stopovers and many passengers will be amazed at the amenities of airports today

• All of Singapore Airlines’ flights arrive at Changi, the world’s most awarded  Airport, in the Singapore city state

• Features such as the butterfly gardens and rooftop swimming pool at Changi Airport are guaranteed to entertain those who have only a small amount of a time to spend before their onward journey and ensure that every element of the trip creates special and memorable moments

• For those who struggle to sleep on a plane, there is the option to book into Changi Airport’s Transit Hotel, without having to clear customs. Book rooms by the hour^[iv] and make use of the wake-up call service at a requested time, so there is no need to worry about missing your flight.

• Customers transiting through Singapore Changi Airport with Singapore Airlines can currently claim a complimentary S$40 transit voucher to spend on retail outlets or even the Ambassador Transit Lounge. For more details, visit www.singaporeair.com

For the latest fare offers and to book travel with Singapore Airlines to a range of SE Asian or Australasian destinations, please visit www.singaporeair.com. 

31st May – 2nd June 2013, Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire

www.wychwoodfestival.com

Wychwood Festival, which takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse from 31^st May to 2^nd June, has cemented its reputation as Britain’s best and original family festival by once again revealing an unrivaled children’s program across the weekend. Much more than just a music festival Wychwood leads the field when it comes to delivering entertainment that can be enjoyed by each member of the family, young or old. It is the only festival in the UK to have a dedicated Children’s Literature Festival in association with Waterstones, the UK’s largest book retailer, which hosts some of the biggest and best children’s authors the UK has to offer for a series of readings and activities. Not only this but the team from the ever-popular Roald Dahl Museum & Story Telling Centre will be returning this year to help children delve into the world of the classic author and for the first time this year Wychwood will welcome the Booktrust to the festival to educate children and parents alike in ways to make literacy fun. Finally, with over 70 workshops on offer, from musical theatre to Ukulele playing to clay modeling, there really is something for everyone at Wychwood Festival. For detailed information and tickets please visit the Wychwood Festival website.

The Wychwood Children’s Literature Festival brings together the most exciting talent in this imaginative world, giving youngsters the chance to meet their literature heroes as well as hearing stories told direct from their creators. This year Wychwood has unsurpassed itself with a number of aspiring children’s authors on the bill, including writer of the Henry’s House and Eddie Dicken’s Adventures series Philip ‘Beardy’ Ardagh. The award-winning author and Guardian critic will be reading from his popular Grunt series at the festival. In addition, Prague-born Petr Horacek who’s fine art training has translated into stunning picture and pop-out books such as Strawberries are red, will be attending Wychwood accompanied by a special friend, the Walker bear! Meanwhile rising talent Jo Empson responsible for the 2012 bestseller Rabbityness and Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlist will be on-hand to make musical instruments from recycled materials with the kids, echoing the character from her picture book. Other highlights include Horrible Sciences illustrator Tony De Saulles, Zeus on the Loose author John Dougherty who’s poems, songs and silliness are extremely popular at Wychwood, as well as Shoo Rayner who’s infectious characters such as The Ginger Ninja are a huge hit amongst children.  A full list of authors confirmed to appear at the festival can be found here.

Wychwood Festival also welcomes back the team from the popular Roald Dahl Museum & Story Telling Centre, bringing with them their swashboggling storytelling and messy crafts complete with their very own Oompa Loompas. Children will be invited to participate in noisy storytelling from Roald Dahl’s classic  Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts or become the characters themselves through mask making.

If that wasn’t enough to keep the brood entertained, this year at Wychwood there are over 70 workshops catered to all ages, in fields spanning arts, history and culture. For instance, Cheltenham musical theatre company CAMEO Kids will inspire children to get involved with popular stage shows including Mamma Mia and Les Miserables, created using music, funky dance and quick-witted improvisation. Additionally the world’s most famous bubble man, SamSam the Bubbleman, will bring his internationally renowned bubble show to Wychwood for the first time. Experimenting with mixes, learning techniques and collecting toys has made SamSam a nine-time, Guinness World Record holder and a favourite at celebrity events. Lastly, for youngsters that like to get their hands dirty, Jon Mackey’s ‘Far Out’ workshop is just the activity, with a different theme every day to make models to. Build up a collection over the weekend and take away your favourites.

However Wychwood is not just for children, there is plenty on offer for adults to from Zumba to Yoga, belly dancing to African Drums, there is even a chance to be part of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain for a day with a dedicated Ukulele workshop suitable for complete beginners to strumming experts.

A few words from the much anticipated Wychwood authors…
“I really enjoyed being part of the Wychwood Children’s Literature Festival last year and was thrilled to learn that I had been the best selling author. I had a great fun meeting the children and signing books. This year I will be doing a workshop as well as a signing so I look forward to seeing lots of children at that.” Karen Langtree

“I’m really looking forward to taking part in this year’s festival. Meeting children and getting them involved in books and reading for pleasure is something I love to do. Hopefully we’ll have lots of fun with stories and messy activities!”  Julie Fulton

“I’m very excited to be drawing at The Wychwood Festival again this year. The Children’s Literature Festival at Wychwood offers a fantastic opportunity for parents and children to immerse themselves in the world of books for an hour or two before returning to the music. The atmosphere last year was incredibly friendly and relaxed, the ideal conditions for encouraging reluctant readers. I can’t wait – let’s hope the sun is shining on our book tent!”  Tony De Sualles

“I am delighted to be taking a break from my normal activities (eating cheese and brown sauce sandwiches, midnight trampolining and popping bubble wrap) to visit the Wychwood Festival this year. If anyone age 7+ is interested in mischief, general naughtiness, pant-waving and strawberry jelly, come along and join in the mayhem at the Waterstone’s tent at 4.30 on Saturday! I’m reading from my new series ‘The Abominators’ for children who like pranks, and there will be a fun guessing game at the end where children will have the chance to win copies of the latest book in the series: ‘The Abominators in the Wild’.”  J.L.Smith

Wychwood Festival boasts an eclectic and innovative programme that includes indie, folk, rock and world music with some of the most talented emerging artists on the UK’s music scene appearing alongside industry veterans and cult classics across an exceptional weekend of entertainment. This year’s ninth successive year will see revelers flock to the stunning Gloucestershire countryside to experience an utterly delightful atmosphere enjoyed by all the family, whether a toddler, a teenager, a parent or a festival reveler there truly is something for the whole family. Much more than just a music festival, Wychwood prides itself on its breadth of on site activities and with today’s announcement further solidifies its position as the UK’s leading family festival providing a unique experience for family members of all ages.  Weekend and day tickets are on sale now from the festival  website .

Ticket Information

Weekend Festival Tickets

Weekend Adult: £120 | Weekend Disabled 2 for 1: £120 | Weekend Youth/Concession: £55 | Weekend 5-9 Year Old: £15 | Under 10: FREE

Day Festival Tickets
Friday Adult: £37 | Friday Youth/Concession: £24 | Friday 10 -15 Year Old: £20 | Under 10: FREE
Saturday Adult: £53 | Saturday Youth/Concession: £40 | Saturday 10 -15 Year Old: £20 | Under 10: FREE
Sunday Adult: £43 | Sunday Youth/Concession: £30 | Sunday 10 -15 Year Old: £20 | Under 10: FREE

Booking Fees
Credit/Debit Card (per paid ticket): £2 | Cheque/PO: FREE | Postage & Recorded Delivery: £3
Tickets bought directly through the website have no booking fee attached.

Camping Passes (Day)
Adult Day: £10 | Adult Day in Live in Vehicle: £15 | Youth/Concession Day: £5 | Under 16 Day: FREE

Camping Passes (Weekend)                                                                                  
Adult Weekend: £20 | Adult Weekend in Campervan/Caravan/Live in Vehicle: £35 | Weekend Youth/Concession Weekend: £16 | Under 16 Weekend: FREE

Please Note: Customers should indicate if they intend to bring under 10s as they will need to be issued with a wristband.

BOX OFFICE INFORMATION:
To purchase tickets call 01993 772 580 or visit the official festival website. Tickets bought directly through the website have no booking fee attached.

Start your day with a gourmet coffee and “The Western” Omelette with roasted vegetables and manchego cheese) or grab a super healthy Granola Breakfast Sundae washed down with aSunrise smoothie. For lunch or dinner, meat-free mains include a Falafel “Deluxe” Burger; Roasted Vegetable and Black Bean Burrito, Super Healthy Salad and delicious risotto.

All you need to do to indulge in this vast variety of veggie treats is print off the voucher from the website  www.giraffe.net/classic/promotions, order two meat-free mains and the least expensive dish will be absolutely free – an offer to make people ‘green’ with envy!

Terms & Conditions

• Two for one on all vegetarian mains Monday 20th – Friday 24th May 2013.
• One voucher per couple. The least expensive dish will be free.
• Offer excludes Giraffe Stop King’s Cross, Giraffe Burgers & Cocktails James Street and Castleford, airport locations and Giraffe Southbank.
• Offer includes only main dishes marked as vegetarian, no modifications accepted, no extras included. Excludes dishes from set menus.
• Offer not valid with Burger Tuesdays, or in conjunction with another offer or promotion.
• Voucher must be presented on ordering and will be retained by Giraffe.
• Offer not transferable and there is no cash alternative.
• Giraffe Manager’s decision is final.
• Giraffe reserve the right to pull the offer at any time.

www.giraffe.net

www.twitter.com/giraffetweet

www.facebook.com/girafferestaurants

If you are a person who is trying to deal with substance addiction, it is very important that you get help. Depending on what substance you are addicted to, it is extremely possible that you will not be able to battle it on your own. Substance addiction is much more strong that non-addicts realize. Sometimes the abuser will have an extreme desire to want to quit, but for many reasons they may not ask for help. These reasons could include such things as hurting their pride, by having to realize and admit that they need help, or possibly the fear of failure. But, the absolute most important thing to do is to try to battle it, and the majority of the time if you are to be successful, you are going to have to seek out help.

Another very important thing to know is that, when you have become addicted to any type of substance, it is likely that you have surrounded yourself with other abusers (this may have been intentional or inadvertent, but either way it is very likely the case), and this will have to change. If you are ever to be able to withstand the addiction, and continue to stay clean, you cannot just stop doing it and continue on with normal life. You must change your entire lifestyle. This often means ditching those friends you would normally do these drugs with, moving, or some other way of starting over. It is this very reason that live-in rehabs (rehabilitation centers) exist-most people have to completely get away from their life for a little while, even if only for a few months. This can make all the difference in an addict’s rehabilitation process. Another very important factor is that the addicted person surround himself with as many supportive people as possible. This cannot be supportive people who are still doing the drugs, and this cannot be supportive people who look down on what you have done. If you are always worried about what your support system is thinking of you, and likely being right when you feel they are thinking badly of you, then it is extremely hard, if not impossible, to confide in them. You will have bad days, you will have horrible days, you will have hellish days. If you can’t confide that to someone, how will you ever make it through them? Then, once you make it through those days, they will get better. And, eventually you will have good days, and even excellent days again, but this time you will be sober. And it’s a whole lot easier to reach these days if you have the proper support system.

If you are the family member or close friend of a person who is battling with substance addiction, it can sometimes seem overwhelming. There are so many heartbreaks along the road to recovery for this person, and for anyone who cares for them. First, you must know that if an addict is not really ready to quit, it will not matter what you say or do to try to persuade them, it will not work. You must also know, and keep in mind, that just because someone has gotten back into the drugs does not mean that they haven’t tried, or that they will not be able to eventually succeed. All it means is that it is an extremely hard road that your loved one is going down, and there are, and always will be, potholes along the way. Anyone who has been a substance addict, a true addict, not someone who just tried drugs or had wild days in college, will fight it for the rest of their lives. Many people unfortunately do not realize this. Just because they managed to overcome it and cut it out of their life completely doesn’t mean that it will never be an issue again. This is a hard concept for anyone who has never been addicted, and an even harder concept for someone who has managed to do drugs and put them down to never return again. Not everyone has the capability of doing this, and that doesn’t imply anything bad, it only implies that different people have different ways of dealing with their situations.

The more you know and learn about substance addiction, the easier it will be for you to help your loved one. You cannot offer them the best assistance on something you know very little, or nothing, about. It’s just not practical. Do your resarch. You can go to many different websites for more information, including Alcohol and Drug Treatment Referrals. This website offers much information about addictions, and includes a survey to help determine an addict’s recommended treatment plan.

Written by Jakalyn Mitchell - For more information please visit Substance Abuse – A Quick Overview

Something Wet
Juice mixed with water is far cheaper then sodas. There are ways to make juice attractive to soda addicts. Mix red or green juice in a punch bowl. The kids will enjoy serving the juice with a ladle. For added fun place different colored ice cubes in the bowl. Make the cubes the day before by putting a few drops of different colored food coloring in each ice tray segment. Use outlandish colors like black, blue or purple. Add a bottle of soda water to the juice just before serving, to give the illusion of bubbles.

Something Savory
Make popcorn. It’s the cheapest and most filling snack available. Sprinkle with a mixture of sugar and salt or cheese flavored powder. Place the popcorn and inexpensive potato chips in large bowls on low tables. This way little guests can help themselves.

Something Sweet
Buy or bake inexpensive plain biscuits. Mix three or four different colors of icing sugar in separate bowls. Let each child decorate their own biscuits with M&Ms, colored sprinkles or other inexpensive sweets and toppings.

Something Special – The Birthday Cake
Don’t forget the cake. To every kid his/her birthday cake is something special and worth remembering. A piece of chocolate or vanilla cake goes down well with the young and old at a party. Take a look at these great cake recipes and step-by-step kid birthday cake decorating ideas.

Something to Eat
Depending on the time your party is being held, you may need to feed the guests something more substantial then snacks. Make shaped sandwiches and store in the refrigerator. Take tree slices of bread. Spread two with different spreads like jelly and peanut butter or sandwich spread and cheese. Place the three slices on top of each other. Use cookie cutters and drinking glasses to cut out fun shapes.

If your budget can stretch so far make pizzas. Two toppings are sufficient. You could also serve something like mince and noodles or spaghetti. Color the noodles red or blue for added fun. Remember, that if your are serving food like this you can cut down on the number of snacks.

Something for Big People
If there are adults attending, you will need to cater for them too. However, let you family and close friends come to the rescue. Ask them to each bring a plate of sweet and/or savory eats. They won’t mind – people like feeling helpful.

Serve tea and coffee. This is far cheaper then fruit juice or sodas. Make tea in a large tea pot rather then letting each person use a separate tea bag. Borrow one from a friend or your church if you don’t have one. Lay everything out so your guests can help themselves.

If it is warm and your budget allows, make an inexpensive ice tea punch by mixing a bottle of fruit juice, cold tea and sugar. Add a tin of mixed fruit pieces and ice cubes with mint leaves in them.

These ideas will help you throw a great party despite financial constraints.

About the author:
Tania Collins (MissTy) is mom to two wonderful redheads, Ryan and Shannon, for whom she loves throwing parties. Visit Perfect Party Ideas where we give you all the ideas to throw the perfect party. Get access to over a hundred party freebies

There are different choices of childcare out there, and the best solution for you will depend upon your lifestyle, income, flexibility and above all your children. Most first time mothers do not know that children are excluded from nursery when ill, that you need to start looking for a nanny three months before you need one and have little idea of the best interview questions to ask.  Another myth that most mothers believe is that they cannot possibly afford a nanny, which is often not the case, as a ‘nannyshare’ can cost approximately the same as a childminder, which is often though to be the most affordable childcare option. If you are dead set on a nanny, consider whether you need live-in or live-out and if you use an agency make sure they come highly recommended.  Be detailed in your interview questions (any good agency will give you a guide about what to ask, you can download this from the Tinies website too) and focus on a good personality match.  Here are some pros and cons for each:

• Nanny:  A nanny will look after your child in your own home, often the best option in terms of flexibility and one-to-one care.  Can be the most expensive, but equally if you get it right, the most rewarding.  Take time to find your nanny and make sure you either use an agency or do thorough checks yourself before hiring.  Top tip: you can reduce costs by sharing a nanny with a friend or neighbour or get in touch with a local family with a forum such as www.nannyshare.co.uk

• Nursery:  good for social interaction for your child and to prepare them for school.  Not so great if you need longer hours.   You will need a back-up plan if your child is ill.  See www.emergencychildcare.co.uk . Top tip: ask around for recommendations from friends or neighbours as Ofsted reports don’t always give a true picture

• Childminder: A childminder looks after your child in their own home, is good value for money, and also good for social interaction.  Can be flexible as well.  On the downside, if they have their own children, who gets priority of care?  Always visit a number of childminders.  Top tip: ask to see an example of a daily activity sheet of what the childminder does with the children.

• Au Pair: good for school age children and for having as an extra pair of hands in the house, and tends to be cheap.  Not recommended for younger children, and the language barrier can be a problem.  Again, make sure you do thorough checks on the au pair before she arrives.  Top tip: be strict as to when they can use the communal parts of the house, so that you and your partner have some privacy.

Are you a confused parent to a toddler? Are you constantly disappointing the small child in your life? Are you tired, stressed out and looking for relief? This book can’t help with the last one but it can help you become a better servant/parent to the toddler at the heart of your world.

You’ll learn about everything from meal preparation (hint: just put the crackers on a plate), play date etiquette (don’t touch. Just don’t!), to how time outs make you look like a fool. The Honest Toddler says a firm ‘NO’ to popular, fashionable parenting trends and instead embraces the big questions: Who Does Mommy Belong To? How Can You Prevent Siblings? And Sleep and Weaning Yourself Off it.