Slip Slop Slap Seek Slide - Stay safe in the sun this summer!
Remember skin can burn on overcast days and watch out for those cooling breezes!
We're hoping to bask in a gloriously sunny summer! Whether you are out enjoying Lymington's fabulous Seawater Baths, walking along the coastal path along the Solent, exploring the New Forest, or simply relaxing in the garden, it is worth reminding ourselves to be sensible with the sun. Adults and children alike enjoy spending time outdoors in the sunshine. However, it's a well-known fact that over-exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, speed up the ageing process of your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
The delicate skin of babies and children is particularly sensitive to UV rays. In fact, research indicates that sunburn in childhood may increase the risk of skin cancer in later life. So take special care to ensure that children are given the protection they deserve when out in the sun.
Slip - Slop - Slap - Seek - Slide
A good way to get children (and adults!) to remember what to do in the sun is SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK, SLIDE:
SLIP on a t-shirt
SLOP on some sunscreen
SLAP on a hat
SEEK out some shade
SLIDE on some sunglasses
Top tips for sun safe kids
SLIP on a t-shirt and SLAP on a hat
Covering the skin with cool, loose clothing is one of the safest and least expensive ways of protecting children from the sun. Long sleeve t-shirts and hats which shade the face, neck and ears are best. Clothing made from tightly woven fabrics, such as cotton, offers good protection from the sun's rays.
Look out for sunsuits with a high SPF in the fabric - most high street stores now stock these at reasonable prices. Locally, JoJo Maman Bébé in Lymington High Street is a great place to find swimwear for children with sun protection.
SEEK out some shade
Encourage children to play in the shade, particularly between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm when the sun's rays are most intense. Babies should be kept out of the sun: use sunshades on prams and never leave babies unattended outside as they are unable to move with the shade.
Plan walks or other activities to avoid the midday sun. Don't be fooled by cool breezes or cloud cover, as up to 80% of the sun's rays can penetrate through light clouds and mist. Sand, water, concrete and other light surfaces also reflect UV light on the skin, increasing the risk of sunburn.
Beach tents with a high SPF (40 or more) are also a good idea for keeping babies (and sleepy children) out of the sun.
SLOP on sufficient sunscreen...regularly
When neither shade nor protective clothing is practical, use a high-factor sunscreen on all exposed skin. However, due to the sensitive nature of their skin, children should ideally use a sunblock with a much higher sun protection factor (SPF) which blocks out as much of the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays as possible. Apply sunscreen frequently and generously (following instructions), particularly after being in the water or after towelling skin dry.
Department of Health advice is for children to always use a sunscreen of SPF40 or above, and adults (unless very fair skinned) at least SPF30. Bear in mind that most damage to your skin is done by the time you are 18. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears, and head if you have thinning or no hair, but a wide-brimmed hat is better.
Most people do not apply enough sunscreen - if sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced. As a guide, adults should aim to apply around:
- 2 teaspoons of sunscreen if you're just covering your head, arms and neck
- 2 tablespoons if you're covering your entire body while wearing a swimming costume
If you're worried you might not be applying enough SPF30, you could use sunscreen with a higher SPF and if you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice: 30 minutes before going out and just before going out.
Sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently, and according to the manufacturer's instructions. This includes applying it straight after you have been in the water, even if it's "water resistant", and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. It's also recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, as the sun can dry it off your skin.
Remember, using sunscreen does not guarantee that you will not burn. Do not use sunscreen to prolong the time children spend in the sun!
Sun lotion has a shelf life of about 2-3 years, but only if it hasn't been left in direct sunlight or stored at high temperatures.
SLIDE on some sunnies
Remember to protect your eyes in the sun. A day at the beach without proper eye protection can cause a temporary but painful burn to the surface of the eye, similar to sunburn. Reflected sunlight from snow, sand, concrete and water, and artificial light from sunbeds, is particularly dangerous. Avoid looking directly at the sun, as this can cause permanent eye damage.
Make sure that children wear proper sunglasses with wraparound lenses or wide arms that meet the CE Mark and British Standard Mark 12312-1:2013 E.
For more information, click here to visit the NHS website.
Special safety and cleaning measures in place
To coincide with the reopening of Little Beaulieu, a limited special offer ticket has been introduced on admissions at 3pm and 4pm. The discounted ticket will provide entry to all aspects of the attraction until it closes at 6pm. Perfect for families wanting an afternoon playdate, a picnic in the parkland or those wanting a shorter visit to a specific area of the attraction.
A brand new exhibition in the National Motor Museum, Motoring in Miniature – the Toys of Your Childhood, is another a great reason to visit this summer holiday. A colourful collection showcasing more than 800 toy cars and pedal cars as well as books and games celebrates the miniature motoring memories and much-loved playthings of the past. The exhibition features Lord Montagu’s own childhood pedal car, modelled on a vintage London bus, as well as his collection of pristine Matchbox vehicles displayed in Palace House.
Closer to home, take the virtual tour of St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery: 
Have a routine and structure – Having a plan and a predictable routine for the day can be very reassuring. As adults we like to know what is going to happen, and children like this too. A consistent routine lets everyone be secure about the plans for the day. It is often useful to involve children in creating this routine, so that they feel part of the plan, rather than the plan being imposed on them. You could display the routine using a timeline, or maybe pictures and visuals. Encourage children to develop independence by referring to their own routine/plan themselves.
Andrew McCleave, Headmaster at Ballard School, said: “I am very proud of all our pupils who participated in the ISA London West Athletics and National Athletics; their achievements were outstanding across the board.”
As well as winning a wide range of team competitions, the school also supports pupils in their success out of school across a wide range of sports and has strong links with local sports clubs, providing further opportunity and encouragement for those pupils who wish to develop into county, national and, potentially, international players.
Finding things for the children to do whilst you are working can be a real chore. In a bid to try and make things slightly easier for you, here is a summary of holiday children that is usually on offer in and around Lymington.
The Kitchen Cookery School
Parties for grown ups too!
In this class students will explore dance through stories, music and use of props. Ballet can help your child to grow in confidence, improve their level of focus, develop strong bodies and nurture a love of music and culture. It also gives the opportunity to make new friends and to be inspired by older ballet dancers.
Drama is so good for young children: it teaches them not only how to speak clearly, loudly and with confidence, but many other communication skills as well, such as maintaining eye contact when talking. 
Although we have the wonders of the New Forest on our doorstep, there are times when only the magic of a playground will do. Here is a guide to some of Lymington's playgrounds - by three intrepid 'experts.'
“This is really fun because there’s lots of stuff to do in all the gardens.” 
“Really good because its new.”
“A great playground for a quick play, but sometimes busy.”
“Its a bit different - we love the zipwire!”
Dogs were predators thousands of years ago when they were wolves. They are now completely domesticated and tap into their owner's needs. They have evolved to do this over thousands of years and they are now firmly ensconced in our homes. They are easily trained and their main goal in life is to be part of the family and love us!
I've learnt so much about rabbits from books, the internet and the bunny forums that I joined. But mainly from Oscar himself. Being an indoor, free roaming house bunny I have studied him at great length. He is a funny, affectionate, clever and loving little chap. He loves attention and grooms me. He has to be part of everything so follows me around the house - probably in the hope of getting a treat!
Rabbits' diets should consist mainly of hay which must be available at all times, a small amount of fresh food and an egg cup of nuggets and fresh water.
A rabbit can live up to 12 years old just like cats and dogs so a very long commitment