Addictions & Aspergers

Little man didn’t go to school last week hardly at all! He has a toothache which is probably down to the fizzy drinks he drinks. The thing is Aspergers Syndrome and toothache doesn’t always result in a trip to the dentist. Yep, his refusing, despite the pain his in. His made it pretty clear he isn’t stepping foot in the dentist and I’m losing the will to live as a result!

Firstly, it isn’t like I can just drag his backside there kicking and screaming! Why not? Because little mans kicking and screaming involves hitting, swearing and screaming so loud that in the past passers by have called the police thinking I’m some kind of child abductor. Believe me, this situation isn’t easy!

Shockingly, in between the tears of pain little man made a request… “Can I have a can off Coke please mum?”… Shocking… I know! I’m really having difficulty getting him to associate the cause of the pain with that of the fizzy pop. He waited till i was out of sight and went straight for the fridge. Lets just say that he finally realised that the fizz and the pain go hand in hand!

Yes, the fizzy drink as predicted, set of his toothache and did so in style. Little man rocked and cried as he experienced such intense discomfort. I tried to once again explain that this was a direct result of drinking fizzy drinks due to there high sugar content. I guess I expected some kind of big reaction, maybe a promise that he’ll never go near the stuff again! Shockingly little man made the suggestion of using a straw in the future instead.

The thing is, when younger, little man loved the dentist. He had a filling when he was around 6 years old! Myself and the dentist were sure he’d freak out and were all geared up ready for the explosion! Well, you can just imagine how shocked we both were when discovering he actually enjoyed the sensations of the drill during a small filling (mainly the vibrations he felt within his numb mouth).

He tells me he doesn’t remember this, which seems odd as he remembers almost everything (past events). He has no reasons to block such memories out.

I myself have a real dentist phobia and as a result, I’m registered under a clinic especially for those diagnosed with such fears. Note, that despite the amount of drugs they pumped in me, ones designed to relax me in order to receive the treatment I so badly needed, I still went ballistic and as a result, not one wisdom tooth was remove and not one filling applied… I left with worse toothache than when I had arrived! It is said that I had to be carried out from the treatment room as I was throwing punches at both the dentist and his assistant. I don’t remember becoming violent… I’m not that kind of person! This was down to the cocktail of drugs pumped into me for sure. I’ve now been told that the only way forward for me is to be put to sleep during treatment and I don’t want this to have to be the case for my 12 year old son. Its important that I point out that despite this somewhat intense fear, I’ve never displayed it in the presence of any of my children. If mums scared shitless then its simply a job for daddy! Oh Yes… I just ensure its him who makes the dentist trips. Though this brings me to my second reason on why dragging him kicking and screaming wont work! Dad isn’t used to public meltdowns, the type displayed by our little man. When outside, whenever such meltdowns have surfaced he’ll just run off the other way having been highly embarrassed by the situation! Sometimes I wish I had such an option as running! Sadly I don’t!

You see… In life some of the most “normal” everyday tasks that are usually completed with ease, are often more trying for those on the spectrum. I personally think, that those who don’t get to witness such struggles first hand, will never truly “get” it! I mean, I’ve been given some awful advice at times! Popular ones being… “Don’t take no for an answer… You’re the adult not him!” or another… “His being over the top and throwing a tantrum in the hope you’ll give up and give in!!” … Come on People, do you not think I haven’t already thought such “possibilities” over in my head? I’ve stood my ground and not taken no for an answer (and often still will) however, its all down to the situation at hand and how difficult little man is coping with the task or activity… Something’s are easier said than done and although their are times when his just plain not behaving, there are also situations such as the one we are in, where little man has little control over it! Trust me I’m his mother… I know!

Well, we have since had half term (which is a few days from ending) and little man still has an on/off toothache but still refuses to let a dentist work their magic. I’ve done my upmost best to keep any fizzy pop locked up and haven’t given him spends for the shop as I just know what he’ll buy. Sadly, I read an article in the paper just this week, about that of a young man age 30 who was diagnosed as having Aspergers Syndrome, was addicted to Coke (not the drug but the type supplied in a can and found usually in a refrigerator). Sadly this addiction took his life, it actually killed him. It was reported that the young man drunk an excessive amount of coke on a daily basis which has been reported to be behaviour motivated by his Aspergers. The young man had been drinking Coke -Cola since the age of 10 and his mother commented that it was as if her son had a self distract button (read report Here).

Its sad to think that the thing he loved was to be his killer! The 30 year old was reported to have died in his sleep and the cause of death recorded as excess liquid consumption.

Of course the above story scares the crap out of me! I just wish it would do the same for little man! So far no luck! Its dead frustrating and some days I just feel like I need to take ahold of him and shake the sense into him. Somehow maybe then the importance of what I’ve just told him would actually take some positive effect. Right now he just can’t relate his own actions with that of the young man who unfortunately lost his life at the hands of a Coke can.

Its my experience as a mother to a child diagnosed as having Aspergers Syndrome, that children on the autism spectrum seem to have rather addictive personalities! Of course not everyone! But for little man, I think this may well be the case! He so easily attaches himself to something in which he loves and like many diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, he will then over indulge. Both interests and habits almost always become obsessional and then indulged to an excessive level.

Well, its teacher training day this coming Monday so little man’s return will be on the Tuesday. He really needs to go in as the continued time off will just land me in trouble with the school/LEA. I could even be taken to court due to the lack of medical evidence I’ve obtained. Such evidence would usually be needed to authorise such absences. But I can’t possibly produce it, as little man won’t step foot in the dentist meaning I can’t request such written evidence. This is a fact but regardless of this, I know the court would not understand such a situation, therefore brand me an irresponsible parent before throwing me in jail, giving me a huge fine that I just can’t afford to pay, or even worse… Both!

Well, that’s about it for now! Just a quick thank you to all my lovely readers and fellow bloggers for your support and well wishes. Admitting to the world that depression has taken ahold off you, isn’t at all easy… But the response you all gave and tweets you sent just proves its worth speaking out and that no one is going to think any less of because your depressed. As you can see I’m slowly getting back to grips with blogging once more, though its taking long than expected I’m still here! Its a tad strange as I’ve always thrown myself into my writing when depression hits me! However, this time things were very different indeed.

Onwards and upwards from here on now!

Hope your all bright and well.

Bye, bye for now.

#silentsunday – Butlins Style

A Quick Hello From Sunny Bognor

As a Butlins Ambassador I’m currently enjoying an Easter Half Term mid-week break at their Bognor Regis Resort. Myself, the three children, my mum and a friend are staying in the lovely new hotel the “Wave” and are really enjoying our experience so far.

When I come back I’m planning to write up a review in which I will share our thoughts on all aspects of our break. I will also be sure to share my thoughts on the services offered for those families off a child with a disability such as autism or Aspergers.

What I will say now is that Little Man is coping with the changes reasonably well and we are managing to have a good time despite the odd mini meltdown.

I’ll leave you with a few pictures for now… Enjoy!

#Silent Sunday – Happy Easter

Our Half Term

The half term hasn’t been to hectic but despite this making me sound a terrible person, I am kind of looking forward to next weeks return to school.

The toddler just becomes a monster with his siblings in the home. Little man is starting to lose his grip on routine and my daughter… Well, she seems to have developed a taste for attitude.

What’s more I just want to get stuff done and its not easy when your needing to break up your children when they are screaming in one another’s face.

Its been a long week…

I’ve also had the pending announcement of the “Uk Smartest Shopper on my mind” its seems like ages since my interview on Saturday and the suspense has been mounting. Nonetheless the children being home has more than kept the mind occupied

The day was great if not nerve wracking and this week Savoo sent me a little reminder of the day.

Little man’s new IEP has been delivered in the post accompanied with a new timetable. This means I’ve had to prepare him for the pending changes such as the new addition to Fridays routine which is swimming. He seems really excited about this though and we are going out tomorrow so he can choose some new swimming trunks.

Last night was Halloween. Little man decided that his heighten senses would not allow for dressing up especially in a latex mask and costume that he reported made him feel fuzzy. This meant I needed to be creative and out came the face-paints. Its strange as little man used to hate the sensation of face-paint but now he loves having his face painted and yesterday I painted it as Saw (not that he knows who saw is but he liked it all the same). This also meant that he was pretty much able to wear whatever he wanted so of course it was comfortable jogging bottoms and a hoody.

Alice, however wore a handmade creation. I love how my little girl likes to be different and having failed at making her a monsters high outfit she instead became this funky Character ….

I love how it turned out. She wore a tutu I made with funky spiderweb material that we got from the pound shop. She teamed with a vintage scarf I picked up from a charity shop and her beloved H&M hat. I also painted her face taking inspiration from a design I saw on pinterest.

Harley the youngest of the three looked adorable dressed as Scooby Doo. This was a fantastic costume that I brought in the sale at Sainsbury’s. well worth the tenner as he can wear it for parties and other occasions. I brought it in a 3-4 years so he will get plenty of wear from it.

Yesterday was also a fun crafting day. We made everything from tissue paper wreaths to spooky batty bats that glow in the dark. Little man has never been much of a crafter but surprisingly gave a couple of the activities a go. He also helped with the decorating afterwards.

This year all except two spooky window lights were homemade.

The toddler and Alice also had great fun making spooky finger puppets for Halloween. These were sent to us from our favourite craft supplier ‘Baker Ross‘.

You can see how we made some of the items by visiting my sister site (mummy of many talents).

So… With Halloween now over and the kids back at school next week I’m planing on catching up with some of the other stuff I’ve got to do like the food shop and ironing… Yer life is a joy isn’t it!

Top New DVD Titles To Entertain The Kids This Half-Term

A Couple of DVDs to keep the kids entertain this October Half Term… Well, for an hour or so anyway!

Monsuno The Battle Begins

Monsuno, the international hit animated show which airs on CiTV and Nick Toons in the UK wasn’t a children’s production I was familiar with before we were sent a copy. This meant I had no expectations and not a clue to whether or not any of the three children would enjoy it!

Here’s what it’s all about…

“Sixty five million years ago meteors fell to the planet containing life in the form of a powerful, genetic material – Monsuno. For centuries this essence lay dormant, until now… When Chase’s dad, scientist Jeredy Suno, discovers the source, he thinks it could be the solution to the world’s energy crisis, but what he actually uncovers are huge creatures with unbelievable powers. Working to control the monster’s powers for good, Suno is forced underground leaving Chase, Bren and Jinja to defeat the dark powers trying to harness the Monsuno for themselves, in what turns out to be a real battle of the beasts.”

The DVD features seven high-octane episodes.

Now Little man pulled some strange face when I suggested we watch it together. He then informed me he had no interest in it whatsoever. Once I’d asked him to give it a chance, after a bit of moaning he settled down next to the toddler to watch it.

Well… For something he had no interest in, it didn’t do to bad to hold his attention! He did find himself quite into it after all.

Admittedly he didn’t watch the DVD till the end as its quite a long one but he did return to watch it at a later time.

The toddler however wondered off within a minute or two of it coming on, but that didn’t matter as I had something for him to watch that was far more to his liking… Yes Mike the Knight!

Monsuno The Battle Begins was released by FremantleMedia Enterprises on Monday 15th October, RRP £9.99. So, its available to buy now!

Thirteen epic episodes of Monsuno are also available to download from iTunes at £0.99 each.

Admittedly I had forgotten that the guys at HIT Entertainment had sent us “Mike the Knight Galahad the Great” to review… How, I will never know as his always watching it.

Here’s a little about this DVD…

“Mike the Knight’s best friend and trusty steed Galahad comes to the fore in this latest set of adventures from the pre-school favourite. Mike is determined to be the best horse trainer in all of Glendragon and he wants Galahad to look perfect – really knightly! Mike gives Galahad sparkling bells on his hooves and a brand new saddle, but when things start to go wrong the knight-in-training soon realises that Galahad is perfect just the way he is. Determined to help others and aided by his rallying cry ‘Be a knight, do it right’, Mike soon learns the power of responsibility as he embarks on five fun-filled missions in this brand new DVD.”

As a missive fan of this cute little knight we knew Harley would love the DVD. He watches it almost as much as his favourite Thomas and that’s got to say something.

“Mike the Knight Galahad the Great” is available now from all good DVD stockist, RRP £12.99

We’ve Booked Our Holiday

Do, I feel organised? Hell yes.

It’s very rare that I’m able to be so prepared. Although booking holidays in advance when your child is on the autism spectrum is really an absolute must, things almost certainly never work out as planned for me.

Some may remember a few months back when I excitedly announced that we were chosen as one of 40 family’s to become a Butlins Ambassador. Well, I’ve been thinking about booking our break for a while but wanted to ensure I made the right resort, accommodation, and catering choices before doing so.

I’ve been given the opportunity to really plan this holiday around the whole families needs and this has allowed me to really step back and think things through when deciding on the best options for little man in particular.

Although we experienced quite a few hiccups during the Tots 100 Christmas party break at Butlins. I do put the majority of this down to the fact we got tickets so late on in the day. This combined with the fact that we wasn’t able to take the children to the actual bloggers meal and party was a bit stressful for little man and me having to dash away caused him some anxiety.

This break is a true family occasion and I won’t be doing any dashing of any sort whatsoever.

The fact that Butlins have a really scheduled time table that little man can follow is absolutely perfect. We found that just having the iPhone App that displayed the daily listings of what was happening at what times made organising what to do really easy. We actually got the app at least a week before leaving so had plenty of time to create little man his very own schedule.

I’m pleased that this year my mum and good family friend Donna will be joining us. This means that all the children can enjoy all aspects of the holiday and I won’t feel like I need to rip myself in half to please them all.

So, our break is booked for the Easter Holidays (1st-5th April 2013). We will be staying 4 nights and coming back home the day before my birthday. This should give me plenty of time to fully organise the trip and prepare the little man.

We are staying in the new Wave hotel at Bognor which is recommend more towards older children of both Alice’s and little man’s age. I’m hoping this will really suit him (they have ps3 in the games room so that should be a winner). Another great aspect is that they both each get their own TV at the end of their bunk (not that we are planning on watching a lot of tv) but what a way to avoid arguments.

I do feel really excited about our next break and have made it my mission to be as prepared as possible.

Here’s a couple of tips if your planning on taking a child away with autism or Aspergers during any of the pending half terms.

1) Book in advance to enable yourself time to plan efficiently.

2) Make sure the child on the spectrum knows when and where you are going.

3) Make an events board. I have done this simply by making a timeline that shows where we are going and in how many days. I do this with all events and occasions that little man needs to prepare for, not just holidays.

4) Try to use real life visuals for your events board. Take these from pictures or Brochures.

5) Let your child explore the designation online. Little man will be checking out the new Butlins website this evening.

6) if you have any worries or concerns make sure these have been discussed with the booking team or those taking care of your accommodation. This could be anything from the request of a room with a shower ( little man prefers to shower and its less of a battle for me to get him to use it) it may be something as simple as avoiding a certain room number (little for us massive to the child with autism).

7) Make sure you have brought and packed everything you need and well within time.

8) Importantly don’t forget any medications. Little man’s melatonin was something we took up again just before going away last time then we forgot to take it. Not great as it can’t be brought over the counter.

9) Pack essentials for travel. We normally go by car and a good supply of snacks and drink is a must.

10) Don’t just leave everything to the last minute! The child on the spectrum can become very anxious when this happens. Believe me… I know.

Heres a few images from our last trip away.

Little man Butlins

Alice and little man

Alice and the toddler

Save Your Pennies This Half Term

Can you believe it? The next school half term is already upon us!

Its my experience that half term can lead to expense, the type we parents just cannot afford. This post offers some inexpensive ideas designed to help you keep the kids happy this coming Half Term.

Firstly, be creative! Creativity cost nothing, yet it comes in endless supply. Think up some fun and engaging activities for inside the home. Get the children making Halloween decorations then together decorate the house in your spooky creations. You can bake cupcakes, even the none baking parent can pick up a packet of cheap cake mix at their local supermarket. There are endless things you can do to keep the kids happy without leaving the house. Board games and craft projects are just a handful.

If the thought of staying indoors drives you mad, head to your local park to collect acorns, pine cones and conkers. All can be found on the ground this time of the year and each will provide hours of crafty fun. Why not keep yourself and the kids active with a game of football or for those with dogs, take a nice stroll along the green chain walk. Bike & scooter rides in the woods have always been a favourite with my children.

Always check your local papers for events taking place in your local area. Most Local authorities lay on free or cheap family activities during school breaks.

Those living in the city can visit one of the many city farms. These are usually really inexpensive and in many cases completely free to visit. They also offer numerous activities specially programmed for the holidays.

Lastly, entertain the kids and have a good old sort out at the same time? Get the kids sorting out all the things they no longer need, clothes, toys etc… With the Incentive that they can sell the items at a local bootfair. My kids love doing bootfairs, especially when selling their own things as they get to earn some money. Most bootfairs run all year round and only charge a small fee to sell. So, not only are you entertaining the kids in an inexpensive way, but you may also earn a little cash too… Bonus!

Partying with the children at the Lollibop Mini Disco – Ministry of Sound

The 12th February 2012, I finally get my foot in a nightclub for the first time in what feels like forever. Once inside, its fair to say, that, yes, I did swing my pants on the dance floor… Ministry Style! So, I’m officially back on the club scene, only, not in the way one would think … it’s in the company of my children… all three of them!

Who, would believe it if I told them I’d been clubbing it up at London’s Ministry of Sound, Living it up on the dance floor, beside none other than my 11, 9 and 2-year-old? Well, I’m guessing you’d think I was either one crazy lady who sneaks her children out in her handbag at the weekend, or maybe I’m just a delusional mess!

Actually, this mum is none of the above, in fact, this was an occasion for the children. As mentioned on the blog early last month, Lollibop, (the guys behind the “Must attend” festival of the year, designed solely for teeny boppers) would be bringing children a half term treat in way of the Lollibop Mini Disco, and of course this mum was heading straight for it!

There were no hundreds of sweaty ravers, waving lighters in the air, while downing vodka chasers, instead I danced amongst hundreds of tiny feet and waving hands, while drinking Ribina from a straw…. and loved it!

The Mini Disco had been created around children between the ages of 3-10 and although only one of my children fits the bill (Alice-Sara is nine) I decided to take Harley 2 and after much deliberation, Little man (aka a boy with aspergers) aged 11, along for the ride too.

I really wasn’t sure if it would appeal to the Little man and more importantly, how he would deal with the sensory input, example being, the crowds, noise, lack of light etc… Although Little man does have a degree of sensory sensitivities, that have at times caused a degree of distress, Little man is a huge fan of music and the louder the better! He also loves the sensations created by the vibrations of loud music and is crazy for disco lighting and special effects (meaning the smoke machine went down a treat)! I was hoping his sensory seeking ways would drown out any sensitivities, which, largely, they did! Then there is the fact that I want to be able to do things as a family, especially when time is against us, what with the half term lasting just one week and all that!  (see below Harley holding Scooby-Doo’s hand)

I wasn’t to concerned about the toddler, the fact Scooby Doo would be making an appearance, kinda sealed the deal for me!

The Disco kicked off at midday promising to provide five fun-filled hours of music, entertainment, special appearances and an array of specially designed and well thought out activities, such as Beatboxing, hula-hooping, story telling, bubble shows, magic and more besides. At set intervals throughout the day, a well-known Celebrity face graced us with his presence as he strolled onto the dance floor and when Mini boppers caught sight of him, they pelted themselves in his direction like crazed fans! Oh yes, Scooby Doo was extremely popular with all, including my “NOW” Scooby obsessed 2-year old. Seriously, at one stage, I became a tad worried he would find himself arrested for stalking this loveable dog who kindly took it in his stride, giving Little Harley lots of attention while engaging in a dance or two.

I felt that there was something for everyone, what with two main rooms, one more chilled and relaxed but just as fun in a host of ways, and the other room… this was were you came to swing your pants (your pull ups in the toddlers case)! Plus there was plenty of loud music resulting in a vibrating buzz throughout one’s body, to my Little man’s delight.

There was also a large baby changing/feeding area which if I remember rightly, is actually the clubs chill out lounge on a busy weekend. Having kicked back in it and chilled on occasions, it admittedly seemed a tad weird, seeing it filled with baby changing mats and a centre table filled to the rim with supplies (nappies, wipes…you name it)!

At 4 pm the children went dashing into the main room as TVs duo ‘Dick and Dom‘ took to the decks, doing what I can only describe as a brilliant job of engaging party goers young and old! what with there dancing games to a rather funky remix of “Postman Pat” Alice-Sara, my daughter instantly fought her way to the front, eager to be fully involved in all these guys had to offer. My youngest wasn’t to be held back either, as he jumped about energetically doing his thing and hopefully wearing himself out for the night ahead. Of course, what with the extent of tiny tots and their funky dancing, Little man my eldest stood with me on the sidelines looking in, though enjoying himself all the same.

The event was a delightful half term treat for what was very soon to become three very bored children. However, despite our enjoyment, it doesn’t have a patch on the main event… The Lollibop festival which is due to kick off this summer. I sure as hell cannot wait, maybe I  enjoyed it more than the toddler, though actually… this would be a hard task to undertake… he was bowled over by the likes of Bob the Builder, George pig, Ben & Holly and a host of others at last years event!

Let’s bring on the sunshine and get ready for the big one! Click HERE for Lollibop early bird tickets. Visit the Lollibop Facebook page for all the latest news and line up for this years event. 

Related articles

• Lollibop’s Mini Disco at the Ministry of Sound London 2012 (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)

Win a family “Big ticket” to the Blackpool Tower attractions worth over £100

Image by llamnudds via Flickr

   

Win a family Big ticket to the Blackpool Tower attractions worth over £100 

 I’ve been asked to host a fabulous competition enabling my readers the chance to get their mitts on a fantastic prize and have some fantastic days out in Blackpool.

 The Blackpool tower hosts an array of fantastic attractions and is now offering families the chance to experience them all (7 in total)! What an awesome prize! 

 The Big Ticket is valid for 1 visit to each attraction within 90 days from purchase

 Here’s a little bit about what Blackpool Tower has to offer.

 Blackpool Tower Eye: Embark on your journey to the top of The Blackpool Tower as you step into the lift. Once you’ve reached your destination, the doors open, and you are met with floor to ceiling, uninterrupted views across Blackpool and beyond. The views are said to be Breathtaking, with a view of the entire coastline, its sure to be a rememberable experience.

The Blackpool Tower Ballroom: Stepping onto The Blackpool Tower Ballroom dance floor is like stepping back in time. From the opulent balconies to the intricately painted ceiling, you’ll fall in love with this special hidden gem. Listen to the organist play the grand Wurlitzer as you enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and watch the world dance by. This is a magical place and would be a truly romantic place to be come Valentine’s Day.

Image via Wikipedia

 (New for 2012 – A series of high class seasonal balls)

Blackpool Tower Circus: Built between the tower’s four legs, is The Blackpool Tower Circus – a unique setting for a unique show. Each season Blackpool’s favourite double act, Mooky the Clown and Mr Booo find new ways to give you a giggle alongside world-class acrobats performing amazing acts. The 2012 season will run from Easter until November.

New for 2012 – The main season will show with an all new cast of supporting performers

 Jungle Jims:  This is the ultimate place for fun, a massive indoor play area come adventure playground, with huge Inca Gods guarding the entrance. Inside, awaiting all your brave explorers, is a fun-tastic range of swinging, sliding and climbing contraptions plus a fabulous interactive quest to find hidden treasure! Jungle Jim’s features huge four lane slides, sports area, ballpits and slides on the lower level offering softer play for little ones. 

New for 2012 – Exclusive hire for birthday parties and children’s events

Madame Tussauds Blackpool: This is one for those  celebrity lovers as this attraction allows its visitors the chance to experience, getting you up close and personal with Britain’s best-loved celebrities (well, their wax works that is)! You can join the cast of your favourite TV shows & soaps, stand beside your favourite pop-star, meet some film stars or mingle with footballers.

 So, who do you want to meet?

New for 2012 – Look out for new celebrity figures as we add to our amazing collection

The Blackpool Tower Dungeons: Delve into Britain’s most horrible history at the Dungeons Blackpool and experience live actors, interactive shows and exciting special effects & thrilling rides. Step back into the darkest of times … are you brave enough to face Britain’s gruesome past?

 SEALIFE BLACKPOOL: Home to one of the largest collections of tropical sharks in Europe, SEA LIFE takes you on a journey from the coastline and sandy shallows to the ocean depths. You can’t miss the mighty ocean tank, teeming with tropical sharks and colourful reef fish, from the amazing underwater tunnel.

 Competition Time

So… How would you like to win a “big ticket” for a family of 4 worth over £100?

 With the Big ticket you and your children would have the chance to discover all the above for yourselves! How useful this would be come half-term and the school summer holidays! You could maybe try and fit all 7 attractions in over the course of a few days if experiencing a short break away, or simply spread them out throughout the year, therefore creating 7 eventful days out, avoiding the set in of boredom during school holidays.

 The ticket will be valid for the remainder of the year, So, there is no worries about your tickets expiring!

 To win this awesome prize you must do the compulsory actions below to validate your entries.

You must also add a contact detail within your comments, either a twitter ID or email address

Compulsory Action: Subscribe to the blog via the RSS feedburner (top right sidebar)

Comment to say you have done the required step and then state within the same comment, why you want to win the prize.

As always we are offering you some extra entries! Be sure to add an additional comment for each action taken 

1 extra entry: Subscribe to my sister blog “Mummy Of Many Talents”

1 extra entry: Subscribe to my Youtube channel, 

1 extra entry: Google + 1 using the button within this post, comment to let me know how to find it 

1 extra entry: Stumble using the button located within this post, comment to let me know how to find it.

1 extra entry: Tweet “I want to win a family big ticket 4 Blackpool tower with @clairelouise82 Adding the URL to this post” 

2 extra entries: Write a review of this blog on the Technorati directory which can be found in the sidebar on the bottom right (little green box above the, nominate a blog post link and L.A.B striped rabbit). 

Competition will close at midnight on the 17th Feb 2012 and drawn soon after!

Good Luck Everyone

T&C

Uk residents only please, winner has just 72 hours to respond by email giving their full postal address, which will then be passed to the PR. The prize is non exchangeable and is valid in-till the 31st December 2012 (some days maybe exempt check tickets or website for details). Each attraction can only be visited the once, though each can be visited on different days. A family ticket is based upon 2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children.