Natural Living

Your family: with holistic supermum Janey Lee Grace

The latest news and holistic views to keep your clan in tip-top shape

Did You Know?

If you’re an anxious new mum, don’t panic. It can take up to four months for you to get used to being a parent according to a recent study!

Don’t Be A Dummy?

Current studies have found that children past the age of three who suck their fingers, use a bottle or a dummy are more likely to struggle with verbal communication.The scientists, from the University of Washington,also found that toddlers who were breast-fed until nine months – and therefore didn’t use an aid– were less likely to develop speech defects.

Fact file

“If you can get away from work early, make sure you do. According to a survey, parents regret not spending time with their sprogs when they were young”

A must read

If you’re pregnant or thinking about starting a family and want to become au fait with all things baby-related,renowned fertility expert Zita West’s comprehensive new book The Pregnancy Companion, (£25, Ebury Publishing) is definitely worth a read. It will guide you through pregnancy,birth and the first few weeks of parenthood,covering everything from your changing body to postnatal depression.

There’s even a foreword by Kate Winslet! For more information visit zitawest.com

Quality time

Teens are often thought of as superficial and selfish but according to a new study from the University of Essex, simply ensuring you spend time with them can increase their sense of wellbeing. The research, focusing on 10-15 year-olds found having friends for tea, going swimming and a secure family home rated far more important than money.

Amazing Grace

Janey shares her fantastic cost-cutting gift ideas for a frugal Christmas

As conversations turn to present wish lists, I reminded my kids that my highlight as a child was a satsuma lovingly placed in Santa’s stocking. They looked at me aghast as they were each banking on an iPod. But, it’s true, m ymemories of celebrations weren’t about the quality of the presents. I vaguely remember getting a Spirograph or Barbie that I had wished for, but mostly I reminisce about carol singing,decorating the tree or if we were lucky and its nowed (didn’t it always snow at Christmas when we were young?) I remember steaming mugs of hot chocolate after sledging.

Add to those romantic memories that we are in an economic downturn and as a nation send enough rubbish to landfill to cover the whole of Guernsey – it seems ridiculous to spend small fortunes on unnecessary gifts. I love encouraging my brood to give gifts of time, perhaps in the form of a hand-drawn ‘voucher’ offering the recipient a promise of breakfast in bed, lots of hugs, or a promise to clean the car or wash up.Homemade gifts are always appreciated too, ify ou’re crafty there are endless gifts you can knit or sew. Of course,anything foodie is welcome,encourage your kids to mak ecupcakes or homemade sweets and then present them in a painted glass jar. Why not omit wrapping paper this year? Presents look so much nicer wrapped in brown paper,colour-washed newspaper or hessian, tied with a big ribbon.

Everyone loves chocolate and some is really actually healthy. I’ve just discovered the fabulous Choc Chicos dairy-free chocolate making kits for kids. You can all get messy together while creating fabulous gifts –with any luck you’ll get a sneaky taste too! Visit chocchick.com for more information.

Article by

Janey Lee Grace

is a holistic lifestyle expert. She is the author of Look Great Naturally – Without Ditching the Lipstick (£8.99, Hay House)

Discover more

Article by

Janey Lee Grace

is a holistic lifestyle expert. She is the author of Look Great Naturally – Without Ditching the Lipstick (£8.99, Hay House)

Discover more