Titbits to make parenthood a little easier.
Hot Topic: Summertime Kids!

Keeping the kids occupied and healthy for the entire summer can put the fear of the Lord into almost any parent. But do not despair: we’ve discovered what’s hot and happening in kiddie-land during the summer months, whether you’re indoors or out. Stacked with all this info, the kids should never find themselves twiddling their thumbs.

Indoor things to do
• Your Home Cinema: Set a start time, make big tubs of popcorn and ice cream, then set up your comfy “cinema” seating in rows and give out “tickets” for the show. Lower the lights and put in a movie guaranteed to grab the children’s attention: Ratatouille, The Lion King, and Shrek are all great ideas for a rainy-day movie.

• Dance Mania: One of the main things that young girls and the Bratz themselves have in common is the love of dance and strutting their stuff. So get the kids boogying to moves on the Bratz Stylin’ Dance Mat – a great way of teaching coordination and good exercise. Available from all major toy retailers.

Outdoor things to do
• A Visit to London Zoo: Check out the unique and exotic animals by riding the Jumbo Express, one of two impressive steam engines at London Zoo. As they magically weave their way through some of the world’s most incredible animals, the children will be mesmerized by the exceptional journey that will take them on an unforgettable, safari adventure. For ticket information, visit www.zsl.org

• Theatrics: Get the kids involved in drama as youth theatre goes guerrilla-style, exploring the world of performance beyond the bounds of theatre. They’ll learn all about the secrets of hidden performance as they take their acting out of the rehearsal room and into the world. This special project will end with a very unusual “show” for an unsuspecting audience – there’s nothing like the element of surprise to keep the kids occupied. Visit www.artsdepot.co.uk

By Afua Korang