Monday, July 25, 2016

'Sleepy-time' Yoga Poses - Plenty of sleep can reduce obesity.

By Sue Heron Senior Chartered Physiotherapist and Head of Training at Tatty Bumpkin

It's hot, it's light, it's HARD to get to sleep ... this week I explore several Yoga moves which help your child establish a bedtime routine.. 

Sleep and Obesity 

Recent US research has found a possible link between an early bedtime (before 8pm) when younger and achieving a healthy weight as a teenager i.e. Later bedtimes, after 9pm, in early childhood appeared to double a child’s chances of suffering from obesity later in life - http://bit.ly/2a8m1c9

The study looked at the data from nearly 1000 school children. The researchers found a striking difference:
  • 10% of the children with the earliest bedtimes became obese teenagers
  • 23% of children who went to bed latest became obese teenagers.
Of course putting you child to bed early does not mean they will fall asleep any sooner - but establishing a consistent routine around bedtime can help your child to get the sleep they need. 
But as a result of this study, the lead researcher (Assoc. Professor Sarah Anderson) suggested that early bedtimes for young children may help to prevent obesity. 


So here are Tatty Bumpkin's ideas! 



Tatty Bumpkin's Sleepy-Time Yoga Routine

Bedtime can be a difficult time for young children, as they can find it hard to move from a high level of alertness i.e. how they feel when they are running around, to a lower level of alertness which is needed fro sleep.  

As we get older we naturally learn ways to help us lower our alertness levels ready for sleep: we may take a bath, read a book or listen to soft music. 
Children have yet to establish their own habits so, a bedtime routine can help them, and calming Yoga poses can be a really effective as part of this routine. 

Getting Started 

1. Begin this 'sleepy time' routine about 30 mins before bedtime. It’s nice for your child to be largely ready for bed  i.e. Pyjamas on and teeth brushed. Ideally, your child should do the poses barefoot as this will help with relaxation and slippers can slip!  
2. Try to do these activities with your child, or encourage brothers and sisters to join in, as: 
a. Children learn new movements best by copying others
b. Research is showing that toddlers and young children bond with their parents and ‘key people’ not only through touch but also by moving with them
c. The poses give you a chance to wind down and relax. Remember if you have health concerns, especially back issues, do check with a health professional before doing any of the poses suggested. 
3. To get the full benefit - think about your child's general bedtime environment: 
  • Make sure you can see! But turn the lights down a little, if you can, or just put on the bedside light. Your child will be looking up as they do some of the poses and bright ceiling lights can overstimulate. 
  • Carpet is fine, but a non-slip fabric mat, can be both soothing and safer. I think rubber mats can be a bit stimulating and often encourage rough play! If your child is able to use the same mat each night they will start to associate it with becoming calm and ‘getting ready for bed’. 
  • Keep you voice soft and low.
4. Remember to do the poses slowly and repeat them maybe 2-3 times. 
5. Avoid sugary drinks or TV after the session. 
6. For the last, tummy breathing pose, a non-squeaky, rubber duck is ideal. Alternatively,  your child could use a favourite soft toy. 

Pose 1 - Bridge of Dreams 

  • Lie down on your back with you child. Bend your knees up so your feet are flat on the floor. 
  • Together with your child, gently push up through the soles of your feet to lift your hips and bottom off the floor. Be careful your child does not lift their bottom up too high as this will cause then to over-arch their back. 
  • Encourage your child to be 'firm, solid bridge' - staying still for a few seconds, they may be able to work up to 10 secs. Then slowly lower your hips and bottoms back down to floor.
  • Have a rest for a few seconds and repeat the pose again - aim for about 3 repetitions. 
  • If your child is younger you may have to guide them more, you can encourage them to join in by passing their favourite soft toy under their bottom - but remember to keep it calm. 

Why Bridge Pose Helps to Calm 

Bridge pose acts as a bridge between being feeling alert to starting to feel more relaxed - it can really help your child to feel calmer.
As they do the pose your child will be using their muscles to lift their hips and bottom off the floor. This ‘hard work’ stimulates your child's ‘proprioceptive’ sense - which can help them to feel more grounded - especially if they have been over excited.



2. Sleepy Mouse Pose 



Mouse pose works well after doing bridge pose as it will give both you and your child a chance to move your backs ‘the other way’ i.e. in bridge pose your backs will be extended, and in mouse pose your backs will be flexed. 
  • Sit back on your heels with your child. Guide your child to bend their body forwards so they are curling up like a little mouse! 
  • If your child tends to just lie on their tummy, instead of curling up, tell them to ‘kiss their knees’! 
  • Try to hold mouse pose for 5 – 10 seconds. 
  • Encourage your child to:
    • Be a 'teeny, tiny mouse' - squeeeeezing their body tight! 
    • Keep as still as a mouse
    • Take deeper breaths and close their eyes. 

Why Mouse Pose Helps to Calm 

When your child squeezes their body in mouse pose, once again, they will be gently using their proprioceptive sense, and this will help them to calm down further. In addition, as your child curls up into a ball, they will be activating their sense of deep touch which is also calming. 

Squeeze yourself up small - to be a sleepy mouse

3. Tell a Duck about Your Day! 

  • Take your rubber duck and lie down with your child on the mat. 
  • Gently place the duck on your child’s tummy and encourage them to move it up and down by letting their tummy rise and fall – just like a duck bobbing about on the water.
  • Once you child is still, snuggle up together, and give them a short ‘recap’ of their day.
  • Focus on the positive experiences and the things they have achieved. As before aim for just a few seconds to start with – then increase the time a little. 


Tell your duck about your day :-)

Why Tummy Breathing Helps to Calm

Tummy breathing encourages your child to take deeper, slower breaths and this will automatically slow their heart rate and lower their blood pressure - aiding relaxation. 




Using Music in your Tatty Bumpkin Sleepy-time Yoga Routine

Often playing soft soothing music can help relaxation. At Tatty Bumpkin we love the Tatty Bumpkin Tatty Bumpkin ‘Relax’ or Om Mani songs. see https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/bendy-giggly-clever-strong/id376349531



Further Information

Yawning Yoga - A 'goodnight book for a good night's sleep' has further great ideas for sleepy-time Yoga routines. Although currently out of print it will be back, new and updated, from sept 2016 - watch this space! http://www.jordanyoga.com/read-me/




If your children are older - Nice bedtime routine suggested by Miriam Gates - Children's Yoga teacher in the US - http://www.yogajournal.com/slideshow/bedtime-yoga-yoga-poses-kids-sleep-better/#11

Love Tatty Bumpkin 


About the author: Sue heads up the training and support services at Tatty Bumpkin and has developed the Tatty Bumpkin programme, linking it to the English Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure children can maximise their potential. 
Sue graduated in Physiotherapy from University College London in 1996, worked with the NHS for over 12 years where she became a Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist. Sue is particularly interested in forging closer links between health and education services so that babies and children can have the best possible start for a healthy, happy and productive life. 

Note: The advice given in this blog is not to replace medical advice from a physician or your child's paediatrician. Please consult their advice if you suspect any medical or developmental issues with your child. All activities are designed for complete adult supervision. Please use your own judgement with your child and do not provide them with objects that could pose a choking hazard. Never leave your child unattended during these activities. 

Monday, July 18, 2016

Physical activity benefits the WHOLE child - Summary of The Copenhagen Consensus Conference 2016

By Sue Heron - Paediatric Physiotherapist and Programme Co-ordinator Tatty Bumpkin Ltd. 

The Copenhagen Consensus Conference 2016: children, youth, and physical activity in schools and during leisure time


In April 2016, 24 researchers from 8 countries and a variety of academic disciplines gathered in Denmark, to reach an evidence-based consensus about the impact of physical activity on children. 

The researchers defined physical activity as a general term covering structured or unstructured activities that occurred either within school or out-of-school. Types of physical activity could include: organised sport, PE, outdoor recreation, motor skill development programmes, play-time and active transport to and from school such as biking and walking. 

After deliberation the researchers reached agreement on a statement to describe the effects of physical activity on children’s:
fitness,
health, 
cognitive functioning – thinking skills
engagement
motivation,
psychological well-being and social inclusion. 

Below is a summary of the statement which focused on 4 main themes. 

THEME 1: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN CHILDREN: FITNESS AND HEALTH

  • Frequent exercise improves heart and digestive fitness in children 
  • Fitness levels in children are strong predictors of future diseases such as coronary artery disease and diabetes I.e. Good fitness levels in childhood lower the chance of children developing these conditions in later life.
  • Physical activity is important in the treatment of many childhood chronic diseases. 
  • Children participating in leisure-time sports have higher levels of fitness and overall cardio-metabolic health, and better musculoskeletal health when involved in weight-bearing sports.

THEME 2: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN CHILDREN: COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING 

  • Physical activity and fitness are beneficial to brain structure and function and support children’s thinking skills. Just a single session of moderate physical activity during the school day benefits brain function, cognition and academic performance. 
  • Physical activity before, during and after school promotes academic performance 
  • Mastery of fundamental movement skills is beneficial to a chid's thinking skills and their academic performance. 
  • Time away from academic lessons for physical activity has been shown NOT to effect academic performance. 

THEME 3: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN CHILDREN: ENGAGEMENT, MOTIVATION, PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING 

  • Engagement in physical activity can positively influence psychological and social outcomes, such as a child’s self-esteem and their relationships with friends and family. 
  • Mastery focused, caring environments which allow children to express their own ideas positively influence their motivation, physical activity behaviour and their well-being.
  • Forming close friendships, and feeling accepted by others, whilst doing a physical activity helps children to join in, feel motivated and generally feel more competent. 
  • Activity based, planned, goal orientated programmes which are appropriate to the children's level of development and are delivered by trained personnel are effective in promoting life skills e.g. interpersonal, self-regulation skills and core values such as respect and social responsibility. 

THEME 4: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN CHILDREN: SOCIAL INCLUSION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES 

  • Participation of children in physical activity and sport is influenced by socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, skill level and disabilities. 
  • Culturally and contextually relevant physical activities help to recognise and account for the diverse lives of children and help promote social inclusion. 
  • Social inclusion can be promoted by providing equal access to opportunities within physical activity and sports settings regardless of children’s social, cultural, physical and demographic characteristics. 
  • Whole school approaches and the provision of physical activity-conducive environments are effective strategies for enhancing physical activity whilst ensuring equitable access. 


Reference: Bangsbo J, et al. Br J Sports Med 2016;0:1–2. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-096325

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Octopus Pose - A different way for your child to refine their balance skills...

By Sue Heron – Training Co-ordinator Tatty Bumpkin and Paediatric Physiotherapist 

In this blog I:
  • Describe how to do a Tatty Bumpkin Yoga activity with your child 
  • Give you reasons why the Tatty Bumpkin Yoga activity is beneficial for your child 
  • Give you some ideas on progressions for the activity.

This week’s Tatty Bumpkin Yoga Activity is 'Octopus'

In all the Tatty Bumpkin Yoga poses we encourage parents and carers to do the pose along with their child. This is because children learn a great deal from watching others, especially those who are important in their life. In addition, moving together strengthens the emotional bond and, finally doing the pose gives you a chance to have a break and a stretch! Remember though, if you have any concerns whether you should do octopus pose always consult a health professional. If you feel any pain - do stop.
  • Firstly find a non-slip mat or an area of carpet where you can do Octopus pose with your child. Make sure you both have enough room around you to avoid bumps and knocks. 
  • Take off your socks and shoes, it’s far better to do Octopus pose with bare feet. Interestingly we rely on sensory information passed up through the soles of feet to balance.  


Octopus Pose Pointers! 

Waving hands and feet as octopuses!
  • Find 4 (blue/green) streamers or ribbons and sit down with your child on the floor - facing each other. Give2 streamers to your child and keep 2 for yourself. Always use common sense when using the suggested props. Supervise your child closely whilst they are playing with the prop/toy and NEVER leave them unattended, or with another child.  
  • To start, wave your own streamers in the air with your 'octopus' arms - draw big circles or 'wriggly' shapes in the air using big arm movements - then encourage your child to copy you. As they wave their streamers, support your child to reach up high above their head and to reach out wide to either side. Automatically your child will be stretching out their arm, shoulder and back muscles and developing their balance skills. 
  • Now thread one of your streamers between your toes and help your child to do the same. Encourage your child to wriggle their toes and foot to move their streamer. This activity will bring your child's awareness to their feet and toes - helping them have a clearer picture of where their body begins and ends.
  • If your child is older encourage them to thread their streamers between their toes on both feet. Then show your child how they can put their hands down on the mat/carpet behind their back, so they can lean back safely on their hands to wave their feet and streamers in the air!
Rainbow Octopus!

Want to Make it Harder? 

  • This is a great game - be a giant octopus! You can do this game with your child or they can do it with a friend - this might be easier as they are likely to be of similar heights. 
  • Start the pose by guiding your child to sit with their back towards you (or their friend). Make sure you are not not sitting too close together as you need to lean back against each other for support. 
  • Then see if you and your child can lift one, or both, of your feet off the floor and wave them in the air. Can you wave your arms and legs in turn to count out 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 Octopus tentacles! 
Be a 'giant octopus' with a friend!

If your Child is Younger...

  • Find a wall space which you can safely lean against with your child. Guide your child to sit with their back to the wall and their legs stretched out in front. Together, thread your ribbons/streamers between your toes. 
  • Show your child how they can shuffle their bottom a little way from the wall and lean back against it for support. In this position they may be able to wave one or both of their feet in the air- waving their steamer as they do so!  
  • Once your child has the idea of balancing on their bottom – you can progress them onto the activity described above - where they are using their hands to support themselves as they wave their foot, or feet, in the air. Take this slowly though – young children find it hard to get the idea of bracing their shoulders and elbows so they can support themselves through their arms – especially in this position. Once mastered though this is a really good activity for young children as often children lack good strength in their shoulders and arms and this can effect their fine motor (hand) skills. 

Why Octopus Pose is Good for Your Child

As your child does Octopus pose with you they will be:

1. Progressing their balance skills 
As your child does Octopus pose they will be refining their automatic ‘postural reactions’ which form part of our 'balance mechanism'.  Balance is a complex process. Researchers believe that a child's balance is not fully mature until they are about 7-8 years old. Children refine their balancing skills by moving in and out of a wide variety of positions - its NOT just about practicing standing on one leg! The swaying and leaning movements of Octopus pose challenge the child to:
  • Anticipate the change of position and possible loss of balance. When your child places their hands down on the mat - so they can use them for support when they wriggle, move or lift their feet in the air - they are preparing their body for the possible loss of balance. This ability to prepare for, or to anticipate, a loss of balance is a critical skill - which, once learnt, will protect your child throughout their life.  
  • Keep their balance as they do Octopus pose, waving their hands or feet in the air. Your child will be able to keep their balance in Octopus pose by refining their automatic 'righting' and 'equilibrium' reactions (both postural reactons). These reactions enable your child to move their head, body and limbs freely and independently. 

2. Stretching and strengthening their hamstring and thigh (quadricep) muscles
As your child bends and straightens their legs in Octopus pose they will be stretching and strengthening both their hamstring and quadracep muscles. The hamstring muscles run down the back of the thigh whilst the quadricep muscles run down the front. If these muscles are strong and supple your child will find walking, running, going up/down hills and steps much easier and will be able to keep going for longer! 

3. Activating their tummy muscles
As your child waves their legs and arms in the air they will be working their tummy muscles hard. Encourage your child to keep their arms and legs well forward, in front of them, this will help them to find their balance and ‘wake up’ their tummy muscles. 

4. Developing their social skills
To be a giant octopus your child will have to work with a partner: trusting them, talking to them and feeling for their movements. Once they can do the pose with their friend they will then share the joy of achievement - and - as they count their tentacles - they will improve their maths skills!

How many tentacles do I have? 

The Tatty Bumpkin Multi-sensory Yoga Adventure This Week ..

Our qualified Tatty Bumpkin Teachers are fully trained in aspects of child development and Yoga and are kept up-to-date by our professional team of paediatric physiotherapists, Yoga teachers and musicians. All the Tatty Bumpkin stories are aligned to the Early Years Foundation Stage 2014 (England) and the Curriculum for Excellence (Scotland) this means the sessions not only enhance your child’s physical skills they also develop their communication, social and thinking skills.

This week Tatty Bumpkin finds herself on the beach – Yippee! But all is not well – mermaid is crying as she thinks everyone has forgotten her birthday. Tatty Bumpkin (of course) comes to the rescue – but she will need some help. In this week’s story your child will have the chance: 

1. To improve their physical skills as they wriggle and wave in octopus pose and stretch out wide in starfish pose.

2. To use gestures or words to express their thoughts: Feeling ‘happy’ with Tatty Bumpkin on the beach, ‘caring’ for mermaid and feeling ‘curious’ and ‘brave’ as they explore the ocean. 

3. Come up with their own ideas and feel confident to talk about them e.g. Wondering who is crying and deciding what they can make mermaid for her birthday. 

4. Become more aware of their breathing as they blow out softly to make a sea breeze. 

5. Learn to dance to a rhythm as they move to the Tatty Bumpkin Octopus and rhythm songs. 

6. Most important of all - to have fun with their friends as they run over the hot sand, jump in the rock pools, wriggle and wave as octopus and make a card for mermaid! 

Below are some pictures of Mermaid Birthday cards - made by everyone - using their hands and feet - in Tatty and Baby Bumpkin classes. Happy Birthday Mermaid!







Find out about your local Tatty Bumpkin class at http://www.tattybumpkin.com/classes/find-class.html. Or, ask your child’s nursery if they are doing Tatty Bumpkin Yoga activity sessions as part of their day. 

Love Tatty Bumpkin x



A New Start with Tatty Bumpkin?  

Or, maybe, you are thinking of a new career which gives you:
  • The opportunity to work with kids
  • A great sense of job satisfaction and
  • Flexible working to fit around your own family
Find out how you could be trained to deliver Baby and Tatty Bumpkin classes in your area at http://www.tattybumpkin.com/business/index.html. 

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Peacock Yoga Pose for your child - A chance to stretch tight hamstrings, activate tummy muscles and boost self-esteem

By Sue Heron – Training Co-ordinator Tatty Bumpkin and Paediatric Physiotherapist 

In this blog I:
  • Describe how to do a Tatty Bumpkin Yoga activity with your child 
  • Give you reasons why the Tatty Bumpkin Yoga activity is beneficial for your child
  • Give you some ideas on progressions for the activity and games you can play around the Yoga activity. 

This Week’s Tatty Bumpkin Yoga Activity is Peacock

We always encourage parents and carers to do Tatty Bumpkin's weekly Yoga pose with their child. This is because:
  • Your child learns a great deal from watching others - especially those they 'look up to' - remember you are your child's best playmate. 
  • You will be strengthening the emotional bond between yourself and your child as they see you moving with them. 
  • Doing the pose with your child gives you a chance to have a break and a stretch! Remember though - if you have any concerns whether you should do Peacock pose always consult a health professional first and, if you feel any pain, do stop. Peacock pose can strain your back if you do not tighten your tummy muscles so please take care. 

Peacock Pose Pointers


  • Firstly find a non-slip mat, or an area of carpet, where you can do Peacock pose together. Make sure you and your child have enough room to avoid bumps and knocks. 
  • Take off socks and shoes. It is important to do Peacock pose with bare feet so as not to strain your backs. 

Final Peacock Yoga pose is done on your back with your feet in the air above you - the basic pattern is to take your feet slowly out to the side and then back to the middle - to mimic a peacock opening and closing their tail. 
Peacock pose



However, it's important your child knows exactly what you are expecting them to do, feels confident in the pose and can do it safely - using the right muscles - so .. 

Start Slowly ....


Helping the peacock open his tail!
  • Guide your child to lie on the carpet or mat in front of you. 
  • Encourage them to bend their knees up - keeping their feet on the floor, see picture above. 
  • Then gently guide your child's knees out to the side and back to the middle. Do this slowly so your child has the chance to feel and learn the movement.
  • As you take your child's knees out to each side say 'open!' As you bring their knees together say 'close!'. This will deepen your child's understanding of these words. 
  • Once your child has the idea you can try doing Peacock pose together. 


Peacocks together!


Want to make it harder? A bigger Peacock Tail!  

Lift up your tail and open it wide!Lie on your back with your child - try to keep most of your back on the mat or the carpet and encourage your child to copy you
If your child is doing Peacock pose confidently with their knees bent - they can try the pose with their knees straight. Once again you may need to hold your child's feet at first - this will give them added support and direction. 

If you are doing Peacock pose with your child:
  • Lie down together on the mat or carpet. 
  • Start by showing your child what to do i.e. 
    • Bend your knees up and take your feet off the floor. As you do this movement tighten your tummy muscles and breathe out to protect your back. 
    • Your child will hopefully automatically use their tummy muscles to support their back as they do Peacock pose. However, if you do see their back arching off the floor - they may be putting strain on their back. If this is the case - you can hold your child's feet as they do the pose, or guide them to do the adaptation described earlier in this post - with their knees bent. 
    • Then carefully straighten your knees, as much as is comfortable, so your feet are up the air over your body. Again, as you straighten your knees, keep your tummy muscles tight and gently breathe out - so your back is kept well supported and in contact with the floor. If you feel any strain on your lower back do stop. 
    • Once your feet are up in the air take them apart a little way - then bring them back to the middle. All the time keeping your tummy muscles tight and engaged. 
  • Repeat the pose a few times -  encouraging your child to join in.

Why Peacock Pose is Good for Your Child

Peacock pose will give your child the opportunity to:

1. Stretch and strengthen their hip muscles
As your child takes their knees, or feet, out to each side and back to the middle they will be stretching and strengthening the muscles around their hips. 

2. Stretch their hamstring and lower back muscles muscles
If your child does the harder version of peacock pose (with their knees straight) they will be stretching their ‘hamstring’ and lower back muscles. 
The hamstrings muscles run down the back of our thighs - see picture below From the 'ischial tuberosities' in our pelvis (the bones we sit on!) to our lower leg bones - just below our knees. Hamstring muscles are prone to tightness, especially if a child is growing fast, because they cross over 2 joints - the hip and the knee. 





Tight hamstring and lower back muscles can affect your child’s overall sitting position. This is because your child may try to relieve tightness in these areas by sliding their bottom forwards in their chair - this can result in a slumped sitting posture see http://www.skillsforaction.com/tight-leg-muscles. 


Tight hamstrings and lower back muscles can cause bad posture

3. Activate their tummy muscles
Peacock pose gives your child an excellent chance to 'switch on' and strengthen their tummy muscles. As your child holds their legs in the air, and moves them out to the side and back, they will certainly be using their tummy muscles.

4. Develop their imagination 
As your child does peacock pose, encourage them to think about colours for their beautiful feathers. 

5. Develop their Self-Confidence 
The peacock's beautiful tail is usually hidden from view. If you child is older, encourage them to think of something about themselves that is 'amazing' but not immediately 'seen'. 
For example maybe they are kind to their friends or they realise quickly when others feel sad. At this time of year, it is often helpful to highlight to your child their own, inner strengths - especially if they are not winning the more obvious sports cups or form prizes. 


The Tatty Bumpkin Multi-sensory Yoga Adventure This Week ..

Our qualified Tatty Bumpkin Teachers are fully trained in aspects of child development and Yoga and are kept fully up-to-date by our professional team of paediatric physiotherapists, Yoga teachers and musicians. All the Tatty Bumpkin stories are aligned to the Early Years Foundation Stage (England) and  the Curriculum for Excellence (Scotland) this means the sessions not only enhance your child’s physical skills they also develop their communication, social and thinking skills.

This week Tatty Bumpkin finds herself in the rainforest - there, with the animals  -  she helps peacock to celebrate the differences which make us all special. 
In this week’s story your child will have the chance: 

1. To improve their physical skills as they wriggle as snakes, swing on the trees as monkeys, and open their peacock tails.

2. To use gestures or words to express their thoughts: Feeling ‘hot’ with Tatty Bumpkin in the Rainforest, caring for peacock with Tatty Bumpkin, feeling ‘confident’ with peacock as he realise he has a magnificent tail!

3. Come up with their own ideas and feel confident to talk about them - wondering which creature could make that squawking noise? Deciding which shape to wriggle their body into as a snake?

4. Become more aware of their breathing as they blow the Peacock’s feather. 

5. Learn to dance to a rhythm as they move to the Tatty Bumpkin Monkey, Snake or Frog songs. 

6. Most important of all - have fun with their friends as they: creep through the rainforest, swing with the monkeys and jump with the jumping Tree Frog! 


A peacock's feather is full of wonder! 

Find out about your local Tatty Bumpkin class at http://www.tattybumpkin.com/classes/find-class.html. Or, ask your child’s nursery if they are doing Tatty Bumpkin Yoga activity sessions as part of their day. 

Love Tatty Bumpkin x

A New Start with Tatty Bumpkin?  

Or, maybe, you are thinking of a new career which gives you:
  • The opportunity to work with kids
  • A great sense of job satisfaction and
  • Flexible working to fit around your own family

Find out how you could be trained to deliver Baby and Tatty Bumpkin classes in your area at http://www.tattybumpkin.com/business/index.html.