Here’s how to check your child’s Halloween costume is safe

The Burton Mail – Paige Oldfield

For both children and adults, Halloween can be one of the most exciting occasions of the year. Leading high street shops have stocked costumes since the beginning of September as eager fans prepare for the upcoming fright night on Tuesday, October 31. Whether you opt for Pennywise the Dancing Clown or The Joker, how do you know the Halloween costume you are buying is safe? (more)

7 times you need to say no to your kids

Femina – Staff Writer

While being a parent comes with its own set of responsibilities, having to say ‘no’ to your child is probably one of the toughest parts of the job. But sometimes you need to fight off all temptation to cave into their little demands for candy before dinner or some extra video game time, and be firm while laying down the law especially in matters concerning their general health and wellbeing. Here are a few situations where saying ‘no’ can boost their immunity: (more)

One fizzy drink ‘puts children over daily sugar limit’

The Independent – Eilish O’Regan

A child can end up exceeding their recommended daily intake of sugar by consuming just one fizzy drink, new research claims. The warning is highlighted in a report that reveals that one in three people aged 15-24 are consuming sugar-laden drinks either daily or most days of the week. The stark findings will be presented in a report by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) at its annual conference in Belfast tomorrow, World Obesity Day. It comes as the Government signals its intention to announce a sugar tax on fizzy drinks – but not to introduce it until 2018. (more)

Here’s how much sugar the average kid consumes on Halloween — and it’s way more than you’d think

This Insider – Leah Rocketto

Halloween — a day devoted to costumes, tricks, and treats. And with those treats comes a lot of sugar. Whether it’s baked goods served at a party or candy collected while trick-or-treating, Americans eat an extra large dose of the sweet stuff on October 31. But just how much sugar does the average person — specifically, the average child — consume on Halloween? It’s a lot more than you’d expect. (more)

Grow. Share. Prepare.: Get kids gardening at home, at school

The Statesman – Nicole Villalpando

Gardens are a great educational tool at home and school. The tactile and experiential learning experience children get from a garden wonderfully complements the classroom. The opportunity to get dirty, smell fresh herbs and compost, and taste new flavors teaches students to be active and inquisitive participants of the world in which they live. (more)