I’ve now had three sessions and next week will be going to two sessions a week which I’m actually looking forward to – can’t believe I’m saying that! So far the sessions have been surprisingly enjoyable – Zoe mixes them up a bit each week so although we have a few exercises that we do each time, it stays interesting and there’s also something new each week. It’s hard work but is actually really fun too.

I’m still enjoying the boxing exercises and the kettlebell and still loathing the plank, though last week I actually managed to increase the time I could hold it threefold, so something must be working. I even ran to collect my daughter from nursery the other day – who is this person I’ve become!

It’s really nice having someone who can point out when you need to push something a bit harder, or when you’re doing it wrong and wouldn’t realise if you were alone. For example, I’ve always hated sit ups as they make me feel sick and unpleasant beyond the normal ‘urgh, exercise’ feeling. I assumed this was just down to having rubbish stomach muscles but it looks like it’s actually because I strain my neck when doing them and this seems to be what’s making me feel bad. I wouldn’t have known that’s what it was myself, but Zoe was able to watch what I was doing and tell me a different exercise to do that would work the same muscles without pulling on my neck.

I’m achier than I have been so far today – the fronts of my thighs in particular are killing me. But it’s all good!

For more information about Zoë and what she does, check out her website Fitbugs.net or come and ask her a question in the Ask the Trainer section of the forum

There has also been widespread discussion following the release of the recent report by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner issued on 19^th March 2012. This report is the first of its kind in which certain schools have admitted to unlawfully excluding pupils. It is never appropriate, or indeed lawful, to exclude a pupil from school because of issues relating to school uniform or to “cool off” following an incident of bad behaviour.  An exclusion of a pupil should only take place as a last resort and after a thorough investigation has been undertaken. This must involve a scrutiny of the facts, the evidence, allowing the pupil in question to give his/her version of events and to make a statement. It is then for the head teacher to make a reasoned decision based on the evidence collated and having regard to the standard of proof, the balance of probabilities, to determine whether the pupil is guilty of the offence. The decision must not be taken in the heat of the moment. This level of scrutiny is important because an exclusion is a serious blot on a pupil’s record. Schools must ensure that they do not discriminate against pupils and comply with the principles of the Equality Act 2010. They must also have regard to any special educational needs the pupil may have.

A pupil cannot be told to leave the school lawfully by a head teacher unless the formal procedures of exclusion are followed. From September 2012, it will be even more important for head teachers to carry out a full investigation because pupils, following an appeal, cannot be reinstated by an Independent Review Panel and its decision will not be binding. It can merely give recommendations. The Independent Review Panel can uphold the decision to exclude, recommend that the decision is reconsidered by the Responsible Body (the Governing Body) or if the Independent Review Panel takes the view that the Responsible Body’s decision was flawed in light of the principles applicable for judicial review (fairness, procedural irregularity, reasonableness, proportionality) then it can quash the decision and direct that the matter be reconsidered. There is of course a risk that the Responsible Body will reach the same decision, even after reconsideration of the matter. In the event that the pupil is not reinstated in these circumstances, the Independent Review Panel has the power to direct that the local authority makes a financial readjustment to the school’s budget to reduce it by a sum of £4,000.

There is speculation by lawyers as to whether the remit of the Independent Review Panel will give rise to more challenges in the courts (by way of judicial review) against unfair and unlawful exclusions by parents. Further, it is yet to be determined whether Independent Review Panels will be in a position to truly understand the principles of judicial review given that these are complex in law. Once a matter is remitted to the Responsible Body for reconsideration in light of judicial review principles, is it likely to be the case that it will overturn its previous decision and render a new one in favour of the pupil. Surely, in those circumstances schools will want to avoid any financial penalty being imposed to its budget. These are all questions and issues that are yet to be resolved.

It is important that schools and parents are educated about this issue so that schools are protected from legal action by parents.

Anita Chopra is a Director at Match Solicitors

Anita Chopra is a Director at leading education law firm Match Solicitors.  Her specialisations include appeals against the contents of a Statement of SEN, admissions, exclusions, private schools, teacher regulation, as well as other related issues.

Match Solicitors is a leading education law practice, specialising in matters relating to higher education, further education and schools, including admissions appeals, non-payment of fees and bullying, plagiarism and cheating; fitness to practice hearings; PhD issues including supervision and progress; teacher employment issues, disability discrimination; complaints; OIA complaints; breach of contract and negligence.

www.matchsolicitors.com

I had my first training session with Zoe yesterday and it was actually a lot of fun! Hard work but fun, and in all seriousness I actually feel pretty good. I’m a little stiff and sore, but I feel like my whole body has done some good, hard work.

The session was an hour long and it felt like we managed to fit so much in, it was infinitely better than trying to do a DVD or something at home, which is what I’ve done in the past. I’m a little too self-conscious of my general unfitness, lack of ability and co-ordination to attempt a class yet (plus I don’t really have the time), and the one-on-one attention was just perfect for me. I was worried I might feel a little silly but I didn’t at all (well, maybe once or twice).

We started out using a Bosu ball, which is something I’ve never used before. It was like a halved squidgy exercise ball, something last used by me when trying to get labour going with my daughter! Zoe had me stand on it and get balanced, which is easier said than done at first, then when I’d managed that (with only one ridiculous nearly-fall), started me moving my heels up and down – it sounds simple but because the ball is rather like a giant jelly, you can really feel it on the legs.

After that was one of my favourite parts of the session – putting on boxing gloves and punching things – yay! Okay, well, punching pads, but it was still fun. I’m honestly not a violent person, but I do like hitting things. Is that bad? I also quite liked using the kettlebell – it was hard work but I think I’m more of a fan of simple, strong, rhythmic exercises than anything that involves any real flair.

I found having Zoe there, with her know-how and encouragment made me work a lot harder than I would do if it was just me. Even something fairly simple like using a resistance band became a better exercise than I could do on my own – she was able to correct any mistakes I didn’t know I was making, push me that but further than I might normally go, but also keep it within a level that is attainable by me, thus avoiding me feeling like I was failing. She’s encouraging in a nice, honest-sounding way not in a clapping and jumping ‘woo, go you’ sense, which would probably drive me mad.

We also did various stretches and talked a lot about how I felt about each exercise, before moving on to the part I was dreading: core exercises. Since my first pregnancy, my stomach muscles are dreadfully weak and I find core exercises really hard. We tried a fairly simple (and I imagine easy for most) plank, and I did really struggle – it was probably the hardest part of the session for me, but by doing it in shorter intervals I managed a minute or so. Probably doesn’t sound like much, but it was a lot for me.

Following a good stretch (so much nicer when someone else is stretching you and pushing you that bit further than you could do yourself!) we finished for the day and I did feel pretty shattered, though half an hour later I walked to collect my son from school and really did feel good. I also talked endlessly to anyone who would listen about it too, which I think must be a good sign!

Now I’m looking forward to next Wednesday (no session on Monday because of the bank holiday) and feeling more motivated than I have in a long time. I even skipped having a glass of wine last night despite a dreadful bedtime strop from my son. I did have a curry though… but it had lentils in it, which is good, right? Right? Ah well, one step at a time!

For more information about Zoë and what she does, check out her website Fitbugs.net or come and ask her a question in the Ask the Trainer section of the forum

I decided to concentrate on this issue this month because realistic and positive self-esteem is crucial throughout one’s life to maintain a healthy lifestyle, to get on well with others, to have self-confidence, to be happy in life and to feel physically well.   But for some the task is easier said than done.  So here are 10 steps to help you on your way to building your child’s self-esteem:

1. Active Listening is fundamental for fostering positive self-esteem in children.  So it is imperative that you show your child that you are really listening to what they are telling you or saying to you and not just paying lip service to them.
2. Good discipline is basic otherwise your kid(s) will constantly be making you feel overwhelmed with anger and resentment.
3. But don’t use your parenting skills negatively, when you are tired or fed up, otherwise this will crush your child’s self-esteem.
4. Remember that most parents tend to stew about the things that got messed up rather than focus on the things that went right.
5. Kids need positive supportive comments from their parents on a regular continuous basis. Sometimes this is not so easy for some parents particularly if they have not experienced it themselves.
6. Similarly, verbal and non-verbal expression of affection is essential to helping a child feel good about themselves.
7. Shared fun on a regular basis is imperative to good parent/child relationship.  This may mean playing snakes and ladders or going for a walk in the park and playing on the swings together – whatever it is, it’s important that it is done on a regular basis and that is something that is regarded as fun by the child and parent alike.
8. Helping your child find something that they excel at and nurturing this interest is excellent for building self-esteem.
9. If you have been worrying about something related to your child’s behaviour for a year and you have not sorted it out, may be now is the time to do so – instead of complaining or feeling frustrated about it!
10. Remember it is important to get real about what you expect from your children as well as yourself, as a parent, or you will run the risk of putting pressure on everyone and crushing your child’s self-esteem in the process.

Not having the children sit down at the table for snacks fits in with the relaxed approach to child rearing that we have taken so far, but has resulted in some very colourful stains all over the house.  Stains seem to always go brown in the end so I am anticipating a completely brown house by the time the kids grow up and leave home.  The sofa and chairs come in for the most amount of food-abuse as they are favourite spots for watching baby-voiced psychedelic cartoons and canned laughter tv shows.  As I’m not a fan of doilies on the sofas like my friend’s mum had in the 70’s (she had a plastic hall runner as well), we found ourselves with a multi-coloured sofa that bears no resemblance to the lovely piece of furniture which, some years ago, we bought intending it to last.  Here is how I restored it to somewhere near its former glory:

1 – The sofa needs to be dust and dirt free before you can start on the stains.  Use the vacuum cleaner with the nozzle rather than brush, which will just rub the dirt deeper in to the fabric, and remove all crumbs and dust particles.   Dust particles can cause damage to upholstery so this is a once a month job for everyone, but a minimum of once per week if you, like me, allow your children to eat snacks on the sofa.  Loose dirt, hair and food crumbs could also be removed with sellotape or a lint roller.

2 – Patch test an unseen area of the sofa with your choice of cleaner to make sure that there will be no visible damage to the fabric.

3 – Sticky stains need to be treated with a soft but abrasive sponge. Use a foamy-type of cleaner – it is important not to wet the sofa too much and to ruin the upholstery foam – and with gentle circular motions apply to the sticky patch.  If it is only a spot, then baby-wipes might do the trick if caught immediately.

4 – Dried in liquids such as milk or yoghurt are best caught earlier as both can smell as they sour.  These will require a slightly more liquid solution – you can use watered down carpet cleaner – and a sponge or soft cloth.  Avoid soaking through the fabric.

5 – Both ‘3’ and ‘4’ type stains, after cleaning, need to be wiped over with a sponge dampened with water to remove residues of cleaner.

6 – Allow to dry naturally.  You can use a fan, but I don’t advise a hair-dryer as you could end up with a stiffened patch of fabric.

7 – If all else fails and it’s necessary to reupholster your sofa, you can find other – cheaper – options than getting your sofa reupholstered by professionals.  Companies like www.upholsteryfoam.co.uk offer foam cut to size that can be covered with fabric to match your sofa – perhaps you could just choose brown!  You can decide to recover the whole piece of furniture in order for the fabric to match perfectly, or go for a contrasting colour or a pattern with some complimentary colours in it.

8 – Impose a ban on snacks on the sofa!

It was working well but when I hit a stone, I just started to lose motivation. I considered joining a gym but really don’t have the time as I normally have my daughter with me. She goes to nursery three mornings a week, but on Mondays I help out at my son’s school and on Wednesdays and Fridays I work. My husband doesn’t get home until 7.30-8 most nights and I just don’t feel like driving over to a gym at that time of night. Well, certainly not enough to make the cost of membership worthwhile. Also, I do actually want to spend some time with him and generally get some work done in the evening hours too. With exercise at home, I could squeeze it in, but have been finding I just don’t feel like it. As the exercise slipped, so did the eating habits, and while I haven’t put any of it back on, I’ve been eating a bit too much cake and some rather large portions of pasta recently. Basically, I need a kick up the backside.

So, hopefully this is where the lovely Zoë Randall will come in. Zoë is a personal trainer, ante/post-natal/group exercise instructor/running group leader and sports massage therapist, so basically she wears a lot of very healthy hats. She focuses on positive change rather than extreme exercise and dieting, which sounds great to me as the word diet sends me running for the closest cheese mountain (what do you mean they don’t exist?). Hopefully she will be able to help me get back on track, and beyond, with twice-weekly training sessions, and I plan to detail it all for anyone who is interested in reading.

Today we started off with a very low-impact consultation. I was afraid it might involved being weighed but thankfully not. Instead it was a very informal chat about lifestyle, changes I could make myself, what I hope to get out of the sessions etc. It was actually really helpful to sit down and discuss everything honestly, the good and the bad, and I realised that I had actually been doing quite well, I just needed the motivation to get back on track. Zoë is extremely friendly and easy to chat to (and we discovered we share a birthday – yay!) and clearly knows her stuff. She is also very enthusiastic,but not in an annoying cheerleader way, you just get the feeling that she takes a lot of pride in her work and genuinely wants to help people feel better about themselves.

We start our first proper session on Monday and whilst I’m quite nervous about what it will entail, I’m also feeling really optimistic about it all, and am actually looking forward to it! I’m sure this time next week I will be eating my words (served on a bed of lentils, of course).

For more information about Zoë and what she does, check out her website Fitbugs.net

Keeping sane and healthy in today’s fast-paced world is quite a feat.  For some it is not a problem but, for many people, the way we cope with the pressures of modern life has unhealthy physical or mental consequences.  Our physical and mental wellbeing are of course interrelated but our coping strategies have a wide range of negative effects.

Some people react to stress by overeating, this leads to weight gain of varying degrees and to a loss of self-esteem.  Those who are in this situation often try a variety of diets, often with the well-documented pendulum effect.  Diets do not deal with the underlying issues, which generate the desire to overeat in the first place.

The torment surrounding depression and anxiety and the subconscious search for ways of relieving them can be incredibly destructive.  Medication can provide some relief but it is not a permanent solution to these conditions.   Of concern these days is that children are now presented with these symptoms, they too are subject to the same life stresses as adults.

The internet can be a terrific tool in the search for strategies to deal with these problems, if used sensibly and questioningly.  Amongst the alternative therapies on offer, weight loss hypnosis seems to provide an approach to weight loss and dealing with conditions like depression and anxiety which is safe and avoids the negative consequences of crash diets or the use medication.  The Therapy Lounge hypnotherapy is suitable for treatment of a range of conditions and there is plenty of information about therapists and the treatments on offer in and around London,  often including a free initial consultation.  Other approaches, such as cognitive or behavioural therapies or self-help type therapies, might be the perfect solution for some people but they require a lot of time and commitment.  The hypnotherapy process, from the first session, addresses the unconscious with the objective of altering behaviour.

In our quest for wellbeing, the first step to addressing a troubled situation is to acknowledge that there is a problem.  The search for a solution should include examining a range of solutions which are safe, effective and which suit the personality and have a convincing body of evidence supporting any claims made.

When you look at your home, do you see a heap of clutter or a gold mine full of valuable belongings? You should see both because your next moneymaking project could come to you without ever having to crank up the car. If you want to learn how to turn your chaos into cash, here are five great tips.

Bookshelves are meant to be cleared from time to time to make room for your next great read. The magic of a great novel is in being able to share it with someone who hasn’t read it before, so gather up your favourites and take them to a used bookshop. And while you’re trading mystery novels and romance stories, try to think of a way to get rid of your old periodicals as well. You may be able to donate them to a local library or a non-profit organisation, for example. They make great materials for English as a Second Language classes.

While you’re taking the time to clean, don’t forget your home office space! You can sort through old billing statements and hard copies of memos to see which ones are rubbish and which ones are worth keeping. Then you can get rid of all those paper documents by scanning them and creating your own digital archives. If you scavenge the computer desk and find old discs, you may be able to sell games online for a profit.

Common areas and recreational rooms are also great places to find items to sell. Take a survey of your furniture first, since those items bring in the most cash. If your living room is too cluttered or full of sofas, end tables, or chairs that don’t fit with your home decor, now is the perfect time to simplify your life and put some money in your pocket by selling them online. The same goes for the entertainment centre, where you can find even more discs full of movies and music. Along with the computer games that you find in the office, you can make this a one-stop selling opportunity with MusicMagpie, a site where you can sell unwanted DVDs, games, and music all at once.

The garage is a great place to tidy up as well, especially since it is probably home to some abandoned workout equipment that is still perfectly good to use. While you’re posting that treadmill on web sites like Gumtree and Craigslist, make sure you don’t miss any other miscellaneous items sentenced to a lifetime of dust cover in storage, such as musical instruments and household tools.

These areas are just the beginning of your quest for cash. There are bound to be other areas of your home where you can find valuables just waiting to be put to good use, and selling is easy to do both online and in person. If you make it a personal challenge, you can relish in your hard work once you have your cash in hand.

Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or just an ordinary day, nothing is more exciting than getting a thoughtful reminder from the person that you love. However, you don’t have to go too far to find the perfect way to communicate your thanks, appreciation, or affection. Greeting cards are the best way to surprise someone special to you because they say everything that you feel on a daily basis but probably don’t express too often. What are the best ways to send your greeting cards to family and friends? Read on to find out.

One of the most memorable ways to reach out to loved ones is to send a card that no one else will have. Personalised cards are easy to make, as long as you have a little inspiration and a little time on your hands. You can get any kind of paper, including card stock, recycled paper, or poster board, and then cut it into custom shapes to make one-of-a-kind cards. Add ribbon, paints, and personal photos to make your friends and family feel extra special. And don’t forget to write a heartfelt message.

But what if you don’t have the time or money to gather all of these materials and make them into something great? You can always order personalised cards by choosing from the dozens of templates offered by a greeting card company like Hallmark. These cards are like a blank slate for you, allowing you to choose images that will perfectly match the message that you want to write inside. You can even get them delivered directly to the doorstep of the person whom you want to cheer up.

Nowadays, it is considered old-fashioned by some to send cards through the mail. If you’re more likely to log onto the Facebook than to check your mailbox, that doesn’t mean that you have to give up on greeting cards. E-cards are the perfect way to add some joy to an otherwise boring day at the office or break up monotonous work on the computer for someone that you care about. They’re fast, convenient, and completely customisable, with some of them even allowing you to add music to your animated message. One other plus for sending e-cards is the fact that you’ll know the moment that your recipient opens his or her message via email, meaning that you will never have to wonder if your surprise gift made it to its destination.

However, there are other ways to make a splash with your greeting card, as well. If you feel like a card simply won’t be enough, think of creative pairings to send along with it. For example, you can send a small box of chocolates along with a Valentine’s Day message. Or you could have a custom basket full of personal care items delivered along with a birthday card. When you think about enhancing your greeting card with a unique gift, the possibilities are endless. Just make sure that they have a special meaning to the person you’re sending them to, and you’ll leave a lasting impression for years to come.

It’s easy to “follow” a friend on Twitter or to write on a loved one’s Facebook wall, but these messages can fade away just as quickly as they’re transmitted. Sending a card remains a unique and memorable sentiment that is to be cherished for much longer than it takes to click a button. Your kind words mean more when the effort is there, and a card is a great way to send them.

Popular designers were only interested in designing clothes for adults. However, the focus has expanded now and these designers are also keen on couture for kids. Kids clothing is a booming market nowadays and every other designer is trying to cash in on the trend. Each week brings news of another major launch but there are some who have established themselves in the United Kingdom market. The following are the top 10 children’s clothing designers.

Crew Clothing
Crew Clothing provides varied types of knitwear, sweatshirts and polo t-Shirts for boys and girls. They also have a “Sale” section, where they give clothes at discount rates to the buyers.

http://www.crewclothing.co.uk/Girls-Clothing-DEPTGIRLS/

http://www.crewclothing.co.uk/Boys-Clothing-DEPTBOYS/

Mush Kids

From new born babies to ten year olds, Mush Kids have couture for all. They also offer under garments, playsuits and accessories. Currently, they have a clearance sale on their website.

http://www.mushkids.co.uk/

Marie Chantal
With a special weekend wardrobe section, Marie Chantal gives a variety of clothes from her own line. Their most prominent feature is their signature one piece that is available for newborn babies. Their rompers and jackets for kids are also preferred.

http://www.mariechantal.com/

Panache
After two high street shops, Panache has started their online shopping services also. On the online platform, they specialise in baby wear and have a huge range of dresses, jackets and t-shirts.

http://www.panachekids.co.uk/

There are other Couture boutiques which have a collection of designer brands and labels. These are sold at a smaller price on these sites, making it affordable for all. Some such stores are as follows:

Kids Cavern
Kids Cavern has clothes, accessories and shoes from well known brands like Chloe, Dior, Fendi, Calvin Klein, Reebok and many more. Even newborn babies can be shopped for in this store for their choice of brands. A 23-year-old store, they offer online shopping facilities as well.

http://www.kidscavern.co.uk/

Papillon
The current top designers of Papillon are Lacoste, Diesel, Ralph Lauren and Eliane Et Lena. They include new labels in their collection and are among the preferred couture for kids in UK.

http://www.papillonkids.co.uk/

Ten Little Monkeys
An award winning, kids fashion boutique, Ten Little Monkeys provide a collection of labels and brands. They provide clothes for kids (from newborn to twelve year olds). Ten little monkeys have an exchange and refund provision on all items.

http://www.tenlittlemonkeys.co.uk/

Alex and Alexa
Providing many international brands, this online store gives wide shopping options to children from newborns to fourteen-year-olds. Their range of clothing has swimwear, sleepwear, bodysuits and many more.

http://www.alexandalexa.com/

Bibaloo
From pretty dresses for girls, jeans and cardigans for boys to sleepwear and under garments, all of these are available in Bibaloo. The highlight here is a “Gift” section; through this an individual can purchase gift cards and gift vouchers. They also have carry out sales on designer brands and labels.

http://www.bibaloo.com/

Childs Play Clothing
Childs Play Clothing has a huge selection of designer clothing available for kids. From Armani to Prada, all the leading brands and labels merge to form this wide variety that has been available for the last 20 years.

Children nowadays have a wide range to deck up their wardrobe. They are increasingly becoming fashion-conscious and are aware of the season’s trends way in advance.

http://www.childsplayclothing.co.uk/