Latest news with #Monopoly
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
What age can a child legally babysit another in England over the school summer holidays?
WITH the school holidays here, many parents are wondering: What age can your child legally babysit another in England? The long school summer holiday is here - and with it comes the juggle to find childcare while you're at work or out for the evening. Advertisement 4 In the UK, there isn't a legal minimum age for a child to babysit Credit: PA 4 But NSPCC warns that under-16s shouldn't be left in charge of younger kids Credit: Getty Formal childcare options such as childminders, holiday clubs and play schemes can prove pricey - especially over six long weeks. That's why many parents turn to older siblings or trusted teens to step in - but knowing where the law stands on it can be a grey area. And while leaving a 14-year-old in charge might seem convenient - experts warn it's not always safe or sensible. What are the laws? In the UK, there isn't a legal minimum age for a child to babysit. Advertisement However, the That's because they're unlikely to have the maturity, experience or legal responsibility to cope in an emergency. Every child matures differently, so it would be almost impossible to have a "one size fits all" law. Leaving a child with someone who isn't able to care for them properly could be classed as Advertisement Most read in The Sun So, while teens might be keen to earn pocket money or help with siblings this summer, it's up to parents to judge whether they're truly ready. At what age can a child be left home alone? Infants and young children aged 0-3 years old should never be left alone - even for 15 minutes while you pop down the road. Three new family-friendly summer events that kids will love from Disney hunt to walking tour This applies not just to leaving them home alone - but also in your car while you run into the shops. For primary school children, the NSPCC wouldn't recommend leaving a child under 12 years old for long periods. Advertisement And children aged 6-12 years old are usually too young to walk home from school alone, babysit, or cook for themselves without adult supervision. Once your child reaches Free summer holiday activites You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer... Museums - Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids. Parks - Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy. Beach - It doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland. Library - If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds. Cooking - Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge. Playdates - Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising. Boardgames - Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble. Whether they are 12 or 18 years old, there might be reasons that they don't feel safe in the house alone. Some might not be ready to look after themselves or know what to do in an emergency. Advertisement You should never leave a child home alone if they don't feel ready, or if you don't feel they are ready. Sometimes it's better to leave them with someone - particularly if they are nervous or have complex needs. Top Tips for finding the right babysitter "It might be that you leave them with your child for 30 minutes in the house while you're in another room to make sure you feel confident and comfortable, and your child feels confident and comfortable. Advertisement "As a parent, you'll know if something doesn't feel quite right, so trust your gut and don't go along with an arrangement if it doesn't feel right." Helen also advised leaving clear, written instructions so the babysitter knows exactly what's expected. That includes what time the kids should go to bed, what their routine looks like, whether there are any She also stressed the importance of leaving your contact details and at least one other emergency number in case something goes wrong. Advertisement If your child has any allergies, medical issues or complex needs, the babysitter should be fully briefed - including where to find any medication and what to do in an emergency. It's also a good idea to set some ground rules before you head out. Be clear about whether the babysitter can have friends over, or if your children are allowed to invite anyone round while you're gone. Read more on the Irish Sun And if you're leaving your child with a teenage babysitter, Helen suggested letting a neighbour or friend know your plans. Advertisement That way, if there's a problem and you can't get home quickly, someone nearby might be able to step in. Tips for keeping organised during the summer holidays IF you aren't sure how to keep organised during the summer holidays, then you've come to the right place. Senior Fabulous Writer, Sarah Bull, has shared her top tips... FOOD: One thing I find difficult is keeping on top of my kids' constant requests for snacks. Despite the fact they have one break time at school and then lunch, their demands for food during school holidays seem to be 24/7. To make things easier, I've decided to bring in snack baskets for them. They each have a certain amount of food (the same so that there's no arguments) and once it's gone, it's gone. Not only does it make my life easier, it teaches them that they have to spread things out - and to maybe see if the 'hunger signals' are actually ones of hunger or thirst. ACTIVITIES: It can be hard to keep your kids entertained - and six weeks can feel like an awfully long time. One thing to take advantage of is having an outside space. If you have a garden, you can put bikes or scooters in there, or even a trampoline. It keeps them entertained and also makes sure they're doing some kind of physical activity every day. If you don't have the space for a climbing frame or added activities, why not give the kids a bucket of chalk and get them to draw on the paving slabs? Or another one I did was to give the kids a 'magic solution' I needed painted on the wall (it was just water and washing up liquid) to protect it. They spent a good hour doing that! CLOTHES: One thing I've used from when my daughter, now six, started school is to use clothing drawers for her and my son, who's 10. On a Sunday, I put all of their clothes, underwear, socks etc in the corresponding drawer for the week. Usually it's uniform, but I still use the drawers during the holiday too. It just makes things easier, more organised and less stressful - for all of us. 4 Helen also advised leaving clear, written instructions so the babysitter knows exactly what's expected Credit: Getty 4 Once your child reaches secondary school age, you should talk to them about how they would feel if they were left alone at home Credit: Getty
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
What age can a child legally babysit another in England over the school summer holidays?
WITH the school holidays here, many parents are wondering: What age can your child legally babysit another in England? The long school summer holiday is here - and with it comes the juggle to find childcare while you're at work or out for the evening. 4 4 Formal childcare options such as childminders, holiday clubs and play schemes can prove pricey - especially over six long weeks. That's why many parents turn to older siblings or trusted teens to step in - but knowing where the law stands on it can be a grey area. And while leaving a 14-year-old in charge might seem convenient - experts warn it's not always safe or sensible. What are the laws? In the UK, there isn't a legal minimum age for a child to babysit. However, the NSPCC warns that under-16s shouldn't be left in charge of younger kids - especially for long periods or overnight. That's because they're unlikely to have the maturity, experience or legal responsibility to cope in an emergency. Every child matures differently, so it would be almost impossible to have a "one size fits all" law. Leaving a child with someone who isn't able to care for them properly could be classed as neglect - meaning the blame will fall back on the parent. So, while teens might be keen to earn pocket money or help with siblings this summer, it's up to parents to judge whether they're truly ready. At what age can a child be left home alone? Infants and young children aged 0-3 years old should never be left alone - even for 15 minutes while you pop down the road. Three new family-friendly summer events that kids will love from Disney hunt to walking tour This applies not just to leaving them home alone - but also in your car while you run into the shops. For primary school children, the NSPCC wouldn't recommend leaving a child under 12 years old for long periods. And children aged 6-12 years old are usually too young to walk home from school alone, babysit, or cook for themselves without adult supervision. Once your child reaches secondary school age, you should talk to them about how they would feel if they were left alone at home. Free summer holiday activites You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer... Museums - Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids. Parks - Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy. Beach - It doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland. Library - If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds. Cooking - Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge. Playdates - Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising. Boardgames - Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble. Whether they are 12 or 18 years old, there might be reasons that they don't feel safe in the house alone. Some might not be ready to look after themselves or know what to do in an emergency. You should never leave a child home alone if they don't feel ready, or if you don't feel they are ready. Sometimes it's better to leave them with someone - particularly if they are nervous or have complex needs. Top Tips for finding the right babysitter Helen Westerman, the NSPCC's strategic campaigns boss, said: 'Introduce your child or children to that person, and maybe have a little trial run. "It might be that you leave them with your child for 30 minutes in the house while you're in another room to make sure you feel confident and comfortable, and your child feels confident and comfortable. "As a parent, you'll know if something doesn't feel quite right, so trust your gut and don't go along with an arrangement if it doesn't feel right." Helen also advised leaving clear, written instructions so the babysitter knows exactly what's expected. That includes what time the kids should go to bed, what their routine looks like, whether there are any screen-time rules, and how to comfort them if they get upset - for example, with a favourite toy or blanket. She also stressed the importance of leaving your contact details and at least one other emergency number in case something goes wrong. If your child has any allergies, medical issues or complex needs, the babysitter should be fully briefed - including where to find any medication and what to do in an emergency. It's also a good idea to set some ground rules before you head out. Be clear about whether the babysitter can have friends over, or if your children are allowed to invite anyone round while you're gone. And if you're leaving your child with a teenage babysitter, Helen suggested letting a neighbour or friend know your plans. That way, if there's a problem and you can't get home quickly, someone nearby might be able to step in. Tips for keeping organised during the summer holidays IF you aren't sure how to keep organised during the summer holidays, then you've come to the right place. Senior Fabulous Writer, Sarah Bull, has shared her top tips... FOOD: One thing I find difficult is keeping on top of my kids' constant requests for snacks. Despite the fact they have one break time at school and then lunch, their demands for food during school holidays seem to be 24/7. To make things easier, I've decided to bring in snack baskets for them. They each have a certain amount of food (the same so that there's no arguments) and once it's gone, it's gone. Not only does it make my life easier, it teaches them that they have to spread things out - and to maybe see if the 'hunger signals' are actually ones of hunger or thirst. ACTIVITIES: It can be hard to keep your kids entertained - and six weeks can feel like an awfully long time. One thing to take advantage of is having an outside space. If you have a garden, you can put bikes or scooters in there, or even a trampoline. It keeps them entertained and also makes sure they're doing some kind of physical activity every day. If you don't have the space for a climbing frame or added activities, why not give the kids a bucket of chalk and get them to draw on the paving slabs? Or another one I did was to give the kids a 'magic solution' I needed painted on the wall (it was just water and washing up liquid) to protect it. They spent a good hour doing that! CLOTHES: One thing I've used from when my daughter, now six, started school is to use clothing drawers for her and my son, who's 10. On a Sunday, I put all of their clothes, underwear, socks etc in the corresponding drawer for the week. Usually it's uniform, but I still use the drawers during the holiday too. It just makes things easier, more organised and less stressful - for all of us. 4 4
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Monopoly Megaways slot review: Features, top sites, and gameplay breakdown
THERE are thousands of online slots today, and it's easy to see why. The excitement of spinning reels keeps players coming back for more. Monopoly Megaways takes that thrill up a notch by blending the classic board game with Big Time Gaming's Megaways engine. Players will get cascading reels, a colourful board-map adventure, and the chance to potentially win. This review explores the slot's features, how to play, and where to try it in the United Kingdom (UK). Monopoly Megaways slot quick overview Here's a quick summary of what Monopoly Megaways offers: 👨💻 Software Provider Big Time Gaming 🎰 Slot Type Video slot with Megaways mechanic 💫 Reels 6 💰 Paylines Up to 117,649 ways 💸 RTP 96.5% 🔥 Volatility High 🤑 Max Win Potential 14,700x your stake 🎞️ Theme Classic Monopoly board game 🎉 Bonus Features Cascading reels, Reel Adventure board, free spins, multipliers, wilds, and scatters 📉 Min Bet £0.20 📈 Max Bet £40 📅 Release Date December 2019 Monopoly Megaways slot features overview 4 Monopoly Megaways stands out as one of the best online slots for its thousands of ways to win on every spin. When symbols match, they vanish and new ones drop in, creating cascade wins. A board map called Reel Adventure adds extra thrills: Mr. Monopoly moves around, landing on spots that award extra spins, multipliers, or full-reel upgrades. The free spins round has an unlimited multiplier that grows with each cascade, so winnings climb fast. Players who love big swings and strategic extras will enjoy this slot. That said, the game may feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you prefer slower, simpler slots. But once you understand its features, it can be an interesting and potentially rewarding gaming experience. 👍 Pros Cascading reels keep the action rolling. Free spins with increasing multiplier (unlimited). Above-average RTP of 96.5%. Maximum win of up to 14,700x your stake. 👎 Cons: Monopoly Megaways slot graphics, sound & gameplay mechanics 4 At first glance, Monopoly Megaways looks bright and polished. The slot features iconic Monopoly tokens like the dog, top hat, and race car, popped against a sleek, dark background. Animations here are smooth, and cascades feel satisfying. Furthermore, a jazz-style soundtrack with horns and piano keeps the mood upbeat without feeling repetitive. Sound effects hit the right notes when multipliers stack or a bonus round begins. The game runs smoothly on desktop and mobile, adapting nicely to portrait and landscape screens. We didn't notice any glitches during our testing. How to play Monopoly Megaways slot Open the slot at one of the best online casinos licensed in the UK. Set your stake (from £0.20 up to £40). Press 'Spin' or enable Autoplay if you prefer it. Look for winning combos and cascading reels. Collect houses on the board to earn free spins. Watch your balance and always play responsibly. Monopoly Megaways slot symbols There's a clear symbol structure to Monopoly Megaways: Low-value symbols - They appear on all reels and pay smaller amounts. The icons include the standard cards and royals: 9, 10, J, Q, K, and A. High-value symbols - These symbols pay more and appear less frequently. They are Monopoly-themed tokens: the car, dog, ship, and top hat. Special symbols - A colourful 'M' symbol acts as the wild. It substitutes for other symbols and can pay up to 50x your stake. Scatter symbols only appear on the middle four reels. They help place houses on the board and trigger Reel Adventure. Each win clears matching symbols, and new ones drop down, leading to several potential wins from a single spin. 4 Monopoly Megaways slot RTP, payout, and volatility Monopoly Megaways boasts an RTP of 96.5%, which means it returns £96.50 for every £100 wagered, on average. However, this figure is over the long term and doesn't reflect what you'll win in a single session. As a high volatility slot, wins land less frequently but can be large when they do. The top prize is a hefty 14,700x your stake. It's vital to note that each spin is random, and past outcomes don't affect future ones. So, don't expect a win on any given spin, and always gamble responsibly. Monopoly Megaways bonus features and free spins 4 Monopoly Megaways stands out for its bonus features. In the base game, each cascade can drop a house onto one of three streets: Brown, Light Blue, or Pink. Complete all three houses on the street and earn eight free spins. Every house or train station adds three more spins. An unlimited multiplier appears during the free spins round and starts at 1x, increasing by one every cascade. Then, the Reel Adventure board comes to life. Mr Monopoly moves several spaces, equal to the number of scatters that triggered the bonus round. Several ways to win now appear: Landing on green properties upgrades reels to full Megaways. Yellow spaces give mystery multipliers up to 10x. Brown spaces add extra wilds. Blue stations grant extra spins. Some spots even let you pick tickets for random cash prizes. This bonus round can feel like a special game within the main game: immersive, fast, and full of winning chances. However, building a decent multiplier can take many cascades, so you need patience (or a larger bankroll) to earn the biggest prizes. Where to play Monopoly Megaways slot in the UK Monopoly Megaways is available at the best online slot sites that feature Big Time Gaming titles. Midnite and talkSPORT BET are perfect examples. They are regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) and provide secure payment options as well as responsible gambling tools. Key takeaway Overall, this video slot blends classic board game charm with modern Megaways action. Its cascading reels, dynamic board adventure, and bonus round (with rising multipliers) deliver thrills and potential for huge wins. Monopoly Megaways Slot is a solid pick for those who enjoy strategic layers in their spins. Try it out at a trusted, UK-licensed online casino. 🔎 More slot reviews Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – GambleAware – Read our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What is Riyadh Monopoly? How Saudi Arabia made the classic board game uniquely its own
Riyadh Monopoly will be available in September 2025 at Sultan Center, select local toy shops, and KEAD Entertainment's official online store/ Image: FIle TL;DR Riyadh Monopoly swaps Boardwalk for Kingdom Tower and dollars for Saudi Riyals. Chance cards now include Eid dinners, speeding fines on Dammam Road, and Fitrana. Major Riyadh roads like Olaya and King Abdullah replace railroads on the board. Localized and bilingual, Riyadh Monopoly launches September 2025 with real city landmarks. Imagine a game night where the familiar roll of dice transports you to the bustling streets of Riyadh, where Kingdom Tower stands tall like Boardwalk, and King Fahd Road becomes a prized property. This is not just a simple rebranding of Monopoly; it's a vivid retelling of Riyadh's story through one of the world's most beloved board games. Created by KEAD Entertainment, the exclusive license holder for Hasbro games in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Monopoly captures the city's vibrant culture, history, and transformation in a way no other edition has before. What Makes Riyadh Monopoly Different From the Classic Game? Unlike the original Monopoly that features Atlantic City's streets, railroads, and utilities, Riyadh Monopoly is deeply rooted in the Saudi capital's unique landscape and lifestyle. The game replaces traditional elements with familiar local equivalents: Property Spaces : Instead of Boardwalk or Park Place, players buy iconic locations such as Kingdom Tower, King Abdullah Financial District ( KAFD ), and Olaya Road. These places are not mere landmarks; they reflect Riyadh's economic growth, urban development, and cultural heartbeat. Railroads Turned Major Roads : Rather than railroads, the game features major Riyadh roads like Olaya and Dammam Road, making travel on the board a truly local experience. Utilities with a Local Twist : The classic Water Works is replaced by a nod to Saudi Arabia's saline water treatment, highlighting the country's infrastructure challenges and environmental concerns. Currency and Fines in Saudi Riyals (SAR) : All transactions, including property purchases, rent, and taxes, are conducted in SAR, grounding the game firmly in the Saudi economic context. Fines like speeding tickets are realistic, reflecting actual local laws. Community Chest & Chance Cards : These cards incorporate everyday life and culture in Riyadh, replacing generic tasks with scenarios such as 'You hosted a beautiful Eid dinner—collect 200 SAR,' 'You forgot to renew your Istimara—pay a 100 SAR fine,' or 'Speeding on Dammam Road—pay 150 SAR.' Such details create moments of recognition and humor for players familiar with Saudi life. A Board Rich in Riyadh's Landmarks and Life The Riyadh Monopoly board is a curated map of the city's past and present, capturing the essence of its diverse districts: Kingdom Tower : The game's most valuable property, symbolizing the city's modern skyline and prestige. King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) : Known as Riyadh's business and financial hub, it's home to 95 interconnected buildings and over 20,000 workers daily. Mazroua Al-Mazroua, KAFD's chief marketing officer, described the district as 'Saudi Arabia's first vertical urban city and a dynamic lifestyle destination,' emphasizing its strategic fit within Monopoly's real estate theme. Olaya and King Abdullah Roads : Vital arteries in Riyadh, these roads give players mid-game leverage and a chance to strategize around property development. Quieter Neighborhoods : The game doesn't just highlight the glamorous but also includes the city's more tranquil areas, reflecting the authentic rhythm of life in Riyadh after evening prayers. This mix makes the board both a cultural artefact and an educational tool, offering a snapshot of the city's growth from its historic roots to its futuristic ambitions. The Cultural and Social Impact of Riyadh Monopoly Riyadh Monopoly is more than entertainment; it's a bridge across generations and communities. With over 50% of Riyadh's population under 20, the game serves as an engaging way for young Saudis and expatriates alike to connect with the city's evolving narrative. Sharif Hamad bin Majed Alowaishiq, Founder and Chairman of the Saudi Youth Society, praised the game as 'a brilliant way for young Saudis to engage with their culture, take pride in their city, and dream big. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Sukolilo Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo It captures the Kingdom's progress—balancing urban development with cultural preservation.' The bilingual design, featuring both Arabic and English on cards and the board, reflects Riyadh's diverse population, making it accessible to families across language divides. Even the iconic 'GO' space is translated to 'Joum'ah,' linking the game to Saudi Arabia's weekend and spiritual rhythm. Hosting a Riyadh Monopoly game night becomes a cultural experience itself—playing to Arabic music, serving traditional dates and qahwa, and sparking conversations that link generations. Grandparents share stories about old city roads, while younger players dream of owning landmarks like Kingdom Tower. Launch, Availability, and Future Prospects Riyadh Monopoly was officially unveiled on June 26, 2025, at the King Abdullah Financial District's state-of-the-art conference center. The launch event brought together leaders from government, tourism, media, education, and culture, highlighting the game's role as a 'storytelling platform' that entertains and educates simultaneously. Produced by KEAD Entertainment under Hasbro's license, the game is scheduled for a wide release in September 2025. It will be available through KEAD's official Saudi e-store, Sultan Center branches, and selected toy shops. Limited editions are expected to sell quickly. Though there are no official customizable versions or digital apps yet, KEAD has hinted at potential future expansions and digital adaptations. Enthusiasts have already begun crafting their own unofficial add-ons online, suggesting new properties like Wadi Hanifah and Future Downtown. Currently, Riyadh Monopoly is the only officially released Saudi city edition, but rumors circulate about forthcoming versions for cities like Jeddah or the futuristic NEOM, depending on this edition's success. FAQs Q: Is Riyadh Monopoly available now? No, it will be released in September 2025. Q: Is it in Arabic or English? It's fully bilingual, Arabic and English. Q: Where can I buy it? Through KEAD's e-store, Sultan Center branches, and select toy shops. Q: Are other Saudi city editions planned? Not officially, but Jeddah and NEOM versions are rumored.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Nelson Tasman Monopoly Sales To Support Flood-Hit Small Businesses
Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce commits profits from regional board game to Mayoral Fund for small business recovery The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce will donate profits from Nelson Tasman Monopoly game sales to the Tasman Mayoral Fund to support small businesses affected by recent flooding. The month-long fundraising campaign launches on 25th July and aims to raise money to assist the recovery efforts. "As a not-for-profit organisation, our ability to raise funds is limited, but the Nelson Tasman Monopoly game gives us a unique opportunity to turn our most accessible product into meaningful community support," said Ali Boswijk, CEO of Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce. "This regional Monopoly game has wide public appeal and represents our local community perfectly – making it an ideal vehicle to help our fellow businesses get back on their feet after the floods." The Nelson Tasman Monopoly game features local landmark and businesses making it both a popular gift and a celebration of the region. Profits from games sold through the Chamber website during the campaign period will go directly to the Mayoral Fund's small business recovery initiatives. The Chamber chose to focus specifically on small business support as these enterprises often face the greatest challenges in recovering from natural disasters, yet form the backbone of the local economy. "Small businesses are the heart of our community' Boswijk added. "We're calling on our community to support this campaign – every game purchased is a direct investment in our region's economic recovery." The Nelson Tasman Monopoly game can be purchased online at throughout the campaign period, which runs until 24 August 2025.
