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A special present for our very own young flower.

15 comments


My husband was asked to build a platform which would allow under fives helping mum in the kitchen to reach the work surface. This is what he developed from the idea given to him by my younger daughter. She was very pregnant at the time and less able to cope with a fast moving toddler. Granny was allowed some imput re using castors with brakes on them to get it around the kitchen and to make sure it did not move while the child was embarking or disembarking from what has been a rocket, a submarine, a place for the child to shut out the world so they can have a bit of “me” time. A dolls house, a garage and lots more. At first it was just a “jack in the box” box from which our grandchildren could emerge to surprise us. The piano hinges were used to prevent the early amputation of little fingers. The children can operate the top door closer but the other two can be used by mummy when there is danger eg when hot dishes are being removed from the oven.
The first three photos were taken of our 2 year old granddaughter using her new Bar – Linnie so called because it would enable mum to keep her confined when necessary. Barlinnie being a prison in Glasgow.
The 4th photograph shows her aged 3 having relinquished the Bar L to her younger brother. She is concentrating very hard on making fairy cakes and explaining to me that it is very easy if you follow the instructions.

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Comments

 

I love the platforms to allow for growth!

8 Jan, 2011

 

Love the facial expression in the last pic :D lol

8 Jan, 2011

 

Thank you both. It was made to grow with the children Lulu. I think this one could earn an equity card quite easily Hywel. Her facial expressions are totally elastic. She always concentrated very hard on whatever she was doing. We were quite shocked when she started school. She was id'd as having a severe sight problem and needed glasses. Apparently optitians are quite happy to test children under five because if they can detect problems early enough they can often be corrected. It is all free too. When I was small I had to wear an eye patch to strengthen the muscles in a weak eye. So did her father. You rarely see children with patches nowadays because of this early intervention. We were worried that she would be teased at school but on the contrary she is the envy of most of her class mates because they all want to wear them. How things change.

8 Jan, 2011

 

That's very inventive and naming it Bar-Linnie made me smile! I had to wear one of those NHS pink plastic eye patches as a child, hated the thing. I had an eye op. when I was about 4 years old and was bandaged over for 2 weeks, just wouldn't happen now, would it? The Sputnik space satellite was the topic at the time, and I remember all the nursing staff talking about it.

8 Jan, 2011

 

what an excellent idea ~ i think you could market that! ive seen a similar idea called a 'cubbie' it was a place children could hide in and make their own space ~ but it didnt help them join in and reach the work top or move as easily as yours.
children love to hide ~ just like cats in boxes!
as to the eye patch thing ~ my youngest had one of those and hated it but he wore it, i think it did its work, things have moved on cos now the patches have nice pictures on them!

8 Jan, 2011

 

One for the Dragons Den do you think Sticki ? LOL. My husband enjoyed making this but it would drive him crazy to have to go back to work. He is far too busy. He will be 82 in October, so no time to devote to business. His pet love is building aeriels for his ham shack. I think children have moved on too Shirley.They would probably enjoy wearing eye patches with pictures on them.What a great idea. Children glasses frames are briliant and they get them all free which is just as well because at first they might need their prescription changed every three months.

8 Jan, 2011

 

you have a very clever husband! dont blame him for not wanting to go back to work ~ sounds like he has worked/is working hard enough!!!
oldest son and my brother both did things with ham radio but i dont understand it ~ i will stick to my mobile!!

8 Jan, 2011

 

He is out shovelling that white stuff off the drive again. We had four inches overnight. It does seem to be melting but the forecast is for more later today. Yuck!

8 Jan, 2011

 

brilliant idea, love the look of her little face, serious buisness this cooking lark.

8 Jan, 2011

 

The cakes were delicious and she was concentrating on making glace icing at this point.

8 Jan, 2011

 

didnt realise you had more snow!
i think you should keep that photo for when she is older ~ my youngest has a photo of him as a little boy ~ covered in flour ~ its up in his kitchen!!

8 Jan, 2011

 

Good idea. I'm afraid we are going to get more and soon.In some places it was up to six inches deep but down the drive it was at least 4". Edinburgh Airport was closed again this am. I find it very wearying. Thank goodness we can look through GOY and see a glimpse of what will soon be back again.

8 Jan, 2011

 

its so pretty for a short while but then its just a struggle. if only they would sort out the roads it wouldnt be half as bad.

8 Jan, 2011

 

What a lovely blog Scotsgran,and a lovely little girl.The idea is brilliant,and I am going to put it on my favourites,in case my daughter want to use your idea for Thomas...Grandad would make one,no problem,he likes woodwork..a new hobby for him in retirement maybe..:o))

8 Jan, 2011

 

The novelty soon wears off Sticki. I can remember one time driving down from Inverness the police were shutting the gates on the road to Perth. I was driving a Saab and they let me through but they told me not to stop for anything. Thank you Bloomer. I'm glad to be of help.I can let you know where we bought the elements if necessary. Grandads are treasures aren't they.

8 Jan, 2011

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