News

Pre-schoolers across the UK get ready to jump up, dance and sing, as global TV phenomenon Hi-5 launches with an all new series, on pre-school channel Cartoonito on Monday 3 November 2008.

The  Toy Retailers Association have predicted that these 12 toys and games will be the most sought after this Christmas!

Book now to see Catherine Wheels' award-winning production of Hansel and Gretel at the Barbican Theatre in London.

Donate shoes your children have grown out of and Kiwi will smarten them up and make sure that a needy child in Africa will benefit from them as part of the Shoe Aid for Africa campaign running from 13 to 17 October.

Children's Laureate Michael Rosen hosted a trip on the London Eye for local school children to launch Children's Book Week.

Competition winners often write to thank Parenting Without Tears for their prizes. But this time Alex Bell wrote enclosing a photograph of Toby wearing his new Tshirt that we just couldn't resist sharing!

Starting on Monday 6 October and transmitted every day for ten weeks, Big and Small was a great hit with Toby and his cousin Lily who watched the preview copy, writes Alex Bell.

According to the most recent figures 41 per cent of primary school kids are now driven to school. To improve their chances of more exercise and better health, leave the car at home and get the kids walking during Walk to School month - afterwards!

Have you returned to work from maternity leave in the last 12 months? If so you could take part in this UK-wide survey and get a ten per cent discount on baby and toddler toys, clothes and equipment at NCT shop.

Booktrust winners of the 2008 Early Years Awards all exemplify the remarkable creativity in words, design and illustration necessary to encourage young children to read. 

RSPB Minsmere is hosting a free event - an impressive wildlife spectacle to impress the kids with at half-term: rutting red deer.

Half-term Canary Islands accommodation from www.holidaylets.net features a vast selection of private holiday homes in destinations well served by the budget airlines.

If you are seeking inspiration for what to put in the kids lunchbox sandwiches for a nutritionally balanced meal contact the Marmite email hotline and be inspired!

PMS charity the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS) announces new findings after years of research - changes to diet and lifestyle can help lessen the PMS symptoms. NAPS has produced the unique PMS Seven Day Nutrition Plan, providing advice, meal plans and recipes together with dietician, author and broadcaster Nigel Denby.

The national vaccination programme against cervical cancer, officially launched  by Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo, will offer protection to about 300,000 12 to 13 year-old girls each year.

Whether you are intending to holiday in the UK or live here and just what a change of scene, Travelodge is offering an amazing deal on rooms. A family of four or three adults can share for just £9 per night.

The NHS has for the first time released an online maternity service guide for expectant parents, giving the latest and most comprehensive advice on all aspects of pregnancy, from getting pregnant, early pregnancy, the scans, to the birth, and the most up to date comparative guides to what’s on offer at local maternity units.

Now in its second year, National Lunchbox Week was set up by  healthy snack manufacturer Sun Valley to support parents, and offer advice and ideas to help them move away from fried and fatty snacks such as crisps and chocolate and find healthy and tasty products for adults and children.