Latest news with #Liat
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
12 ways to get your kids to unplug from screens and save money this summer
One of the tips involves playing the "What's Missing" game SCREEN SWAP 12 ways to get your kids to unplug from screens and save money this summer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE summer holidays can be long and expensive – and finding extra money for days out is often tough for families. Occupying children with screen time may feel like the easy option but there are better solutions, as new book How To Unplug Your Child reveals. 1 We reveal tips for keeping the kids occupied without screens this summer Credit: Getty The guide, by parenting expert Liat Joshi, is full of cheap and easy ways to keep kids amused without them getting square eyes. Liat said: 'All the activities are free or require fairly minimal equipment. "Some activities will be one-offs, but hopefully others become firm favourites." Have a bath at the wrong time Having a bath at completely the wrong time of day, with no rush to get to bed afterwards, keeps small children content when it's chucking it down outside and they've already watched quite enough TV. Part of the appeal is that it's completely free — aside from the bath water — and can be done any time, but you can add variety and extra interest by buying some cheap, non-toxic bath goo, crayons or special mouldable foam soap. What you'll need: A bath Some waterproof toys and containers Create a time capsule Give your child a box file to decorate and fill it with lists of their dreams and goals to open 10 years later. They can also add photos and mementos of their life. It must then be well sealed and hidden away by a parent ready to be opened in the future. Freebies for parents worth £2,900 What you'll need: Pens and paper A box Sticky tape Some photos Photoshoot with friends Stage a themed photoshoot where kids have to gather props and costumes, and make a temporary backdrop on a wall or booth. This requires plenty of preparation, and you can theme the shoot around vintage, grunge, silly hats, clashing clothing or maybe a favourite book or film. What you'll need: A white bed sheet, or large roll of paper for the backdrops Fabric/marker pens to make scenes Masks, specs, interesting tops – try raiding the charity shop or their grandparents' attics For a simple alternative, everyone draws a face/shoulders self-portrait on A4 paper then positions it in front of their face for a snap Power off for a night As a one-off, powering down gadgets , lights and the TV can tick boxes for its novelty factor. Allow only wind-up torches and candles (supervised for younger ones), then grab a pack of cards or some board games and tell spooky stories. If the budget allows, have a takeaway dinner — after all, the oven will be out of bounds, too. What you'll need: Candles and torches Games that don't require mains electricity - a lesson for kids on how reliant we have become on it Film your own music video Putting together a music video lets kids explore their style while they rock on. They can choose outfits, come up with a dance routine, mime a favourite soundtrack or sing or play instruments if they have them. Alternatively, they could make their own cardboard instruments or fire up the 'air guitar'. What you'll need: Instruments and soundtracks, if appropriate Outfits and accessories Materials and props to make a set A camera for filming Garden camping Enjoy all the upsides of camping (the fresh air and the novelty!) minus the communal bathrooms and forgetting to take the tent pegs. An evening toasting marshmallows on a campfire or barbecue and telling stories by torchlight has a fighting chance of getting kids to leave those screens inside (hide them and turn your router off if necessary). What you'll need: A garden or, if you don't have one, persuade the grandparents or some friends to host Typical camping gear - buy second-hand or borrow to cut costs Water fun Grab some water pistols, soak a few kitchen sponges in a bucket, make water balloons, turn that garden sprinkler on (provided there isn't a hosepipe ban), then chuck the kids outside in their swimwear on a hot day and await the soggy mayhem. What you'll need: Water pistols, balloons, sponges, hosepipe and sprinkler Towels for afterwards For more fun, see how many times each water balloon can be thrown before it bursts The 'What's Missing' game Collect at least 10 random, small objects on a tray, ask one player to study them, then remove one item when they aren't looking and ask them to identify what has disappeared. Encourage children to find several similar, but slightly different, items to add to the challenge. What you'll need: A tray and some objects You can also do this on a whole room scale – ask a player to step outside then move or hide an item. Trail about town Write clues and riddles about the local area which lead players to a mystery destination, such as a cafe or ice cream parlour. What you'll need: Imagination to write the clues An accompanying adult for each team of younger children This can also liven up sightseeing on holidays or days out Head off on a night hike a forest A forest or woodland comes alive in a different way after sunset. Creep around by torchlight and see if there are nocturnal creatures about. Look at how very different things seem by moonlight and marvel at the starry sky. This is better suited for older children as little ones might be too weary by bedtime. What you'll need: Torches A suitable location The opportunity to sleep later Whatever the season and weather, there are different sights and sounds to be seen and heard after dark compared to day. Geocaching This modern take on a treasure hunt is a popular way to liven up hiking, as you search for a "cache" hidden by others. When you find it, sign the logbook, take an item and replace it with one you have brought along. There are lots of caches around and each has information online, often with details of whether it's child-friendly and the difficulty of finding it. Although geocaching requires the use of a gadget, it helps the user get out in the real world. It's a wonderful family activity, but older teens can do it, too. What you'll need: A geocache app and GPS facility on a smartphone A 'cache' item, such as a small pack of cards or toy, to replace the one you take (or you can just leave the original behind) Visit a 'Pick your own' Farm Treat kids to some fresh air and a reminder that food doesn't magically appear on supermarket shelves, all in one package. "Pick your own' fruit and veg farms are at their best in summer and early autumn, and most provide information on what's available for harvesting. Even better, the produce is fresh. What you'll need: Some money to pay for produce – most farms provide bags or containers containers Suggest older offspring research dishes they can cook with the fruit or veg they picked. This is an edited extra taken from How To Unplug Your Child: 101 Ways To Help Kids Turn Off Their Gadgets And Enjoy Real Life, by Liat Joshi (Vie, £7.99). Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
12 ways to get your kids to unplug from screens and save money this summer
THE summer holidays can be long and expensive – and finding extra money for days out is often tough for families. Occupying children with screen time may feel like the easy option but there are better solutions, as new book How To Unplug Your Child reveals. 1 The guide, by parenting expert Liat Joshi, is full of cheap and easy ways to keep kids amused without them getting square eyes. Liat said: 'All the activities are free or require fairly minimal equipment. "Some activities will be one-offs, but hopefully others become firm favourites." Have a bath at the wrong time Having a bath at completely the wrong time of day, with no rush to get to bed afterwards, keeps small children content when it's chucking it down outside and they've already watched quite enough TV. Part of the appeal is that it's completely free — aside from the bath water — and can be done any time, but you can add variety and extra interest by buying some cheap, non-toxic bath goo, crayons or special mouldable foam soap. What you'll need: A bath Some waterproof toys and containers Create a time capsule Give your child a box file to decorate and fill it with lists of their dreams and goals to open 10 years later. They can also add photos and mementos of their life. It must then be well sealed and hidden away by a parent ready to be opened in the future. Freebies for parents worth £2,900 What you'll need: Pens and paper A box Sticky tape Some photos Photoshoot with friends Stage a themed photoshoot where kids have to gather props and costumes, and make a temporary backdrop on a wall or booth. This requires plenty of preparation, and you can theme the shoot around vintage, grunge, silly hats, clashing clothing or maybe a favourite book or film. What you'll need: A white bed sheet, or large roll of paper for the backdrops Fabric/marker pens to make scenes Masks, specs, interesting tops – try raiding the charity shop or their grandparents' attics For a simple alternative, everyone draws a face/shoulders self-portrait on A4 paper then positions it in front of their face for a snap Power off for a night As a one-off, powering down gadgets , lights and the TV can tick boxes for its novelty factor. Allow only wind-up torches and candles (supervised for younger ones), then grab a pack of cards or some board games and tell spooky stories. If the budget allows, have a takeaway dinner — after all, the oven will be out of bounds, too. What you'll need: Candles and torches Games that don't require mains electricity - a lesson for kids on how reliant we have become on it Film your own music video Putting together a music video lets kids explore their style while they rock on. They can choose outfits, come up with a dance routine, mime a favourite soundtrack or sing or play instruments if they have them. Alternatively, they could make their own cardboard instruments or fire up the 'air guitar'. What you'll need: Instruments and soundtracks, if appropriate Outfits and accessories Materials and props to make a set A camera for filming Garden camping Enjoy all the upsides of camping (the fresh air and the novelty!) minus the communal bathrooms and forgetting to take the tent pegs. An evening toasting marshmallows on a campfire or barbecue and telling stories by torchlight has a fighting chance of getting kids to leave those screens inside (hide them and turn your router off if necessary). What you'll need: A garden or, if you don't have one, persuade the grandparents or some friends to host Typical camping gear - buy second-hand or borrow to cut costs Water fun Grab some water pistols, soak a few kitchen sponges in a bucket, make water balloons, turn that garden sprinkler on (provided there isn't a hosepipe ban), then chuck the kids outside in their swimwear on a hot day and await the soggy mayhem. What you'll need: Water pistols, balloons, sponges, hosepipe and sprinkler Towels for afterwards For more fun, see how many times each water balloon can be thrown before it bursts The 'What's Missing' game Collect at least 10 random, small objects on a tray, ask one player to study them, then remove one item when they aren't looking and ask them to identify what has disappeared. Encourage children to find several similar, but slightly different, items to add to the challenge. What you'll need: A tray and some objects You can also do this on a whole room scale – ask a player to step outside then move or hide an item. Trail about town Write clues and riddles about the local area which lead players to a mystery destination, such as a cafe or ice cream parlour. What you'll need: Imagination to write the clues An accompanying adult for each team of younger children This can also liven up sightseeing on holidays or days out Head off on a night hike a forest A forest or woodland comes alive in a different way after sunset. Creep around by torchlight and see if there are nocturnal creatures about. Look at how very different things seem by moonlight and marvel at the starry sky. This is better suited for older children as little ones might be too weary by bedtime. What you'll need: Torches A suitable location The opportunity to sleep later Whatever the season and weather, there are different sights and sounds to be seen and heard after dark compared to day. Geocaching This modern take on a treasure hunt is a popular way to liven up hiking, as you search for a "cache" hidden by others. When you find it, sign the logbook, take an item and replace it with one you have brought along. There are lots of caches around and each has information online, often with details of whether it's child-friendly and the difficulty of finding it. Although geocaching requires the use of a gadget, it helps the user get out in the real world. It's a wonderful family activity, but older teens can do it, too. What you'll need: A geocache app and GPS facility on a smartphone A 'cache' item, such as a small pack of cards or toy, to replace the one you take (or you can just leave the original behind) Visit a 'Pick your own' Farm Treat kids to some fresh air and a reminder that food doesn't magically appear on supermarket shelves, all in one package. "Pick your own' fruit and veg farms are at their best in summer and early autumn, and most provide information on what's available for harvesting. Even better, the produce is fresh. What you'll need: Some money to pay for produce – most farms provide bags or containers Suggest older offspring research dishes they can cook with the fruit or veg they picked. This is an edited extra taken from How To Unplug Your Child: 101 Ways To Help Kids Turn Off Their Gadgets And Enjoy Real Life, by Liat Joshi (Vie, £7.99).
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cockapoo Can't Contain Her Joy When Reuniting With Her College ‘Roommates'
Cockapoo Can't Contain Her Joy When Reuniting With Her College 'Roommates' originally appeared on PetHelpful. It's reunion time! No, we aren't talking about your typical college reunion, we're talking about one Cockapoo reuniting with her college besties. Seeing the group meet up for the first time in so long is so heartwarming! Dog mom Liat was so happy with the reaction her Cockapoo had to her old 'roommates.' The dog was so excited to see them! No matter how much time had passed, the dog didn't forget them one bit. There's nothing like being loved by a dog. It's simply the best. Just take a look at the way the Cockapoo carried on when she realized that all her besties were back. The gang was together once again! We can only imagine the ensuing gossip sesh that happened after the video ended. There was so much to catch up on!'When the dog you got in college reunites with her college roommates,' the video's text overlay reads. 'The band is back together,' Liat joked in the caption. Commenters were totally loving this little get together. There's nothing like getting a group of your girls together — absolutely nothing! 'She's like 'MOTHERS I HAVE SO MUCH TO CATCH YOU ALL UP ON,'' joked one person in the comments section. 'Stop, I'm gonna cry. All her girls are together again,' someone else added. 'So obviously y'all have to live together again now,' teased another commenter. 'I just know she was there holding a paw out through every heartbreak,' quipped one person. Deciding to get a dog can be a personal decision, but there are some important things to consider if you want to get a dog in college. First, consider how much time and financial resources you have. Dogs require time and attention, which you may not be able to give them if you're in school. There are some real positives, however. Dogs are a huge source of stress relief and can be a good way to get some exercise during your study breaks. Again, it's personal. But your pup could totally end up like this happy Cockapoo right here. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Cockapoo Can't Contain Her Joy When Reuniting With Her College 'Roommates' first appeared on PetHelpful on Jul 3, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Guardian
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘It's non-stop': residents of Ramat Aviv describe life amid Iranian bomb strikes
A day after Iranian missiles struck, workers were still clearing rubble from the charred remains of an apartment block in Ramat Aviv, a quiet suburb in north-west Tel Aviv. Bystanders stopped and stared at the destruction, some posing for selfies in front of the impact site, other flipping through a diary belonging to one of the building's residents, which had been thrown on the pavement. 'This feels like one long day, it's non-stop,' said Liat, the CFO of an entertainment firm in Tel Aviv, as she surveyed the destruction. 'You have to go to the shelter three or four times in a day. We want to go back to regular life, to have fun again.' The neighbourhood in Tel Aviv was one of 10 sites hit across Israel on Sunday, in the most intense Iranian barrage yet, which left 23 people injured. It came just a few hours after the US military attacked three nuclear sites in Iran, which it said 'devastated' Iran's nuclear capabilities. A day after the strike, Israelis were wondering how long the war with Iran would last, as Israeli officials issued contradictory statements. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said on Sunday night: 'Once we achieve the goals, we will not continue beyond what is necessary. But we won't end it prematurely either. We will not be drawn into a war of attrition. But nor will we end this action, this historic operation, before we achieve all its goals.' Fighting started on 13 June after Israel launched hundreds of airstrikes on Iran in what it said was a military operation designed to prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran quickly responded with a barrage of missiles and drones, kicking off a steadily escalating war now in its second week. Previously, the Israeli military said its goals were to cripple Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme, as well as stop what they said was an Iranian plan to destroy Israel. On Monday, it seemed unclear if Israel's goals had expanded, with Donald Trump floating the idea of regime change in a social media post and Israeli strikes on internal security forces' headquarters in Tehran. In Israeli media, senior defence officials were cited arguing that Israel should seize the opportunity and forge a rigid deal with Iran while it was on the back foot. To Liat, the prospect of a prolonged war was daunting. Iran, unlike Hamas or Yeman's Houthi rebels, she said, was a proper state with proper missiles. Israel is still fighting in Gaza, where nearly 60,000 people have been killed in its military campaign over the last 20 months – a war launched after the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed 1,200. Liat said: 'This war has to end. It's been almost a week and a half and its enough. When the Houthis would strike us, we would stay in bed, it wasn't scary. But buildings are collapsing, you think, 'it could be me'.' Iranian strikes have killed 24 people in Israel and wounded hundreds more. Israeli strikes have killed at least 430 and wounded more than 3,500 in Iran. Thousands have been displaced across Iran, particularly from the nation's capital, Tehran, which has experienced heavy bombing over the last 10 days. On Monday, the effects of Sunday's strikes in Israel were still plain to see, with broken glass still littering the promenade of a nearby mall. Many businesses across the country were closed as the Israeli home front limited large gatherings so as to ensure adequate space in bomb shelters distributed across the country. Life seemed to continue with some sort of normalcy. Across the street from the blast site, people sipped coffee at a cafe, stickers still affixed to the newly installed windowpanes. People jogged on the streets of Tel Aviv as the Israeli military announced that it had just completed a series of strikes in western Iran. Despite Iran launching missiles at Israel in the morning, there were no injuries from that salvo. The war with Iran has widespread support in Israel, even among the country's opposition, with Yair Lapid, Israel's opposition leader, praising Israel's strikes as 'justified and necessary'. There have been very few protests against the war within Israel, particularly as the home office's restrictions prohibited gatherings. Gil, a 32-year-old tech worker who lives near the strike site in Ramat Aviv, said: 'I think there is a broad understanding that it's absolutely necessary, I don't think any civilian is in any position to say when and how the war should end – we just don't have the data.'
Scottish Sun
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Beachfront Haven holiday park reveals plans for huge new adventure attraction and Wetherspoons pub
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'
