Families Hereford & Worcester May/June 2018

FR E E

TAKE

ME H

OME

Hereford & Worcester

IN THIS ISSUE

Education Leading Schools

Healthy Self Esteem

Step By Step Strategies

Children’s Parties

Latest Trends For 2018

What’s On

May Half-Term Plus Lots More

Issue 51 May/June 2018

familiesonline.co.uk

Editor’s Letter Dear Readers Self-esteem is vital for the psychological wellbeing of children. So understanding how to build self-esteem in your kids is a key job for you as a parent. We offer some useful insights and helpful advice.

Similarly, helping your children to draw useful lessons from their defeats and set- backs is a life skill that will stand them in good stead. A feature in this issue explains how you can turn their inevitable losses and mistakes into valuable learning situations.

Also, if your little one is obsessed with what type of birthday party they may be having then we have the latests trends for 2018. Enjoy.

Diane Clifford. Editor, Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine 01684 770566 - editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

Advertise with us and reach over 44,000 parents in the region.

Next issue July/August - Booking deadline is Friday 8 June.

Families Hereford & Worcester is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Hereford & Worcester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Hereford & Worcester. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Could you be the next editor of Families Hereford & Worcester?

Would you like the flexibility of working from home and never miss a school performance or sports day again?

Are you interested in running your own business and would find the support offered by a franchise helpful?

Are you self-motivated and well organised?

You now have the opportunity to buy Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine Franchise – a business which is up and running, including established client base, readership and drop points.

No previous experience needed, training is available and you will have the support of the fantastic team at Families Magazine Ltd.

To find out more about running your own business around your family call 01684 770566 or email editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Lemur Week - 26 May to 3 June During May half term Cotswold Wildlife Park will be holding its annual Lemur Week in aid of raising as much funds as possible for their Madagascan conservation projects.

There are lots of fun activities planned, such as competitions, board games, Lemur themed merchandise to purchase and two Lemur talks held within the walkthrough each day. Visit the kiosk outside of the Madagascar exhibit, where you can chat to their passionate Keepers, learn about their conservation work in Madagascar and find out how you can help to protect these charismatic primates. www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

‘Grannannying’ Is The Word The trend of grandparents providing vital, day-to- day support to their grandchildren known as ‘grannannying’ is more widespread than you may have thought according to a new YouGov poll for Age UK Two-fifths (40%) of the nation’s grandparents over the age of 50 – 5 million – have provided regular childcare for their grandchildren, according to the survey. The vast majority did so once a week but a fifth provided support 4 to 6 times a week.

But it’s not all one way. Nearly all grandparents (88%) said they enjoyed the time spent with their grandchildren and half felt it kept them physical and mentally active.

For more information about the survey, visit www.ageuk.co.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566

familiesonline.co.uk

Foster Care Fortnight - You Can Make A Difference Foster Care Fortnight™ runs from 14 to 27 May and is the UK’s biggest foster carer awareness raising campaign delivered by leading fostering charity, The Fostering Network.

The campaign showcases the commitment, passion and dedication of foster carers. It demonsrates that ‘foster care transforms lives’; - not just the lives of the young people who are fostered, but also those of foster carers and their families and friends.

Undoubtedly fostering is challenging but there are tremendous rewards

News & Views

including making a positive difference to a vulnerable child or young person, opportunities to expand skills through training courses, the chance to develop relationships that can last a lifetime and generous financial incentives.

The satisfaction and pride in helping a young person with difficulties develop into a rounded individual is the ultimate reward for the majority of foster carers.

For more information visit: www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/ couldyoufoster

Book A Dental Check-Up Before Your Baby’s First Birthday A recent analysis has found that 80% of children between the ages of 1 and 2 years had not visited an NHS dentist despite guidance saying children should start dental check-ups when they develop their first tooth. The analysis by the Faculty of Dental Surgery at The Royal College of Surgeons, also found that 60% of children aged 1 to 4 didn’t have a dental check-up in 12 months.

Official Public Health England guidance states that a child should have a check-up as soon as their teeth start to appear at around 6 months of age. NHS dental check-ups for children are free. Early dental visits enable children (as well as parents and carers) to learn about good oral health practice and prevent them from developing a fear of dentists.

A UK wide Dental Check by One #DCby1 campaign has been launched by the British Society for Paediatric Dentistry to increase the number children who access dental care aged 0 to 2 years. For more information: www.bspd.co.uk/Resources/Dental-Check-

New Times Tables Test The government has announced plans to have all Year 4 pupils sit a compulsory times table test. The test will be tried out in a sample of schools with it being made available on a voluntary basis to all schools across England from June 2019. It will become mandatory in June 2020.

The test has been described by the Government as a 5 minute “on-screen check” which is designed to help ensure children know the multiplication tables up to 12 off by heart and has been designed to avoid causing additional stress for children and teachers.

The Government has also said results from the check will not be published at school-level, and will not be used by Ofsted and others to force changes in schools. Some teachers’ unions have expressed strong concerns about the introduction of another test being an unnecessary additional burden on schools.

Bakers Arcade, 52 High Street, Pershore WR10 1DP 01386 304128 www.rochellemorfill.co.uk

Rochelle has a keen interest in treating babies and children. She is about to complete her paediatric osteopathy diploma. Kerri has an interest in the performing arts, women’s wellbeing and pregnancy. The Clinic is now based in Bakers Arcade, Pershore. Call 01386 304128 if you would like to discuss how osteopathy could help your family. familiesonline.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education

School Open Days Abberley Hall School, Worcestershire Board and day co-ed ages 2 – 13 years Saturday 12 May, 10.30am Contact 01299 891814 www.abberleyhall.co.uk Bredon School, Tewkesbury Board and day co-ed ages 3 – 18 years Saturday 19 May, 10am-1pm Wednesday 20th June, 10am-12noon Contact 01684 293156 www.bredonschool.org Dodderhill, Droitwich Spa Day all girls ages 4 - 16 years Thursday 11 January, 10am-3.00pm Contact 01905 778290 www.dodderhill.co.uk

The Downs, Malvern Board and co-ed ages 3 – 13 years Monday 7 May, 9.30am-4.30pm Contact 01684 544108 www.thedownsmalvern.org.uk Hereford Cathedral School, Hereford Day co-ed ages 3 – 18 years Friday 11 May, 9.45am (Junior) Tuesday 15 May, 6.30pm (Senior) Contact 01432 363511/ 01432 363506 www.herefordcs.com

Ed’s Reading Room

Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Summer book selection for you to enjoy. Have fun reading! www.EdontheWeb.com

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

The Case of the Missing Hippo by Laura James (Bloomsbury £5.99)

ED SAYS: ‘‘Fabio is the world’s smartest flamingo detective.

He lives on the banks of Lake Laloozee and he loves going to the Hotel Royale and drinking pink lemonade on the veranda with his friend Gilbert the giraffe. When he is asked to judge the hotel’s talent contest, he is less than enthusiastic. However when the jazz-singing hippo suddenly disappears, Fabio knows he has a mystery on his hands and it is time to discover not the greatest talent but the truth.”

The Hounds of Penhallow Hall: The Hidden Staircase by Holly Webb (Stripes £5.99) ED SAYS: “Polly has recently moved to Penhallow Hall. She loves certain things about it such as the Chinese garden and the rather unusual dogs but she is anxious about starting her new school. However she gets along really well with Lucy who also loves animals. When Polly invites Lucy to Penhallow Hall and shows her around, Lucy seems to like the same things as Polly. And she is drawn to the toy dog that Polly had already found in the nursery. What is the magic that surrounds the hounds of Penhallow Hall?”

FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS

The Dundoodle Mysteries: The Chocolate Factory Ghost by David O’Connell (Bloomsbury £5.99)

ED SAYS: “Archie McBudge is amazed to discover he has inherited the world-renowned McBudge’s Fudge and Confectionery Company from his Great-Uncle Archibald.

He didn’t even know he had a Great-Uncle Archibald – but everyone knows McBudge’s Fudge! Free sweets for ever! But before he secures his inheritance, Archie has to follow the Quest with its magical clues and puzzles to prove he is worthy of Malvern St James, Malvern being the heir. Is he up to the task and will he find the Board All Girls ages 4 - 18 years treasure awaiting him?”

Tuesday 8 May, 9.30am Contact 01684 892288 The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day by www.malvernstjames.co.uk Christopher Edge (Nosy Crow £6.99) ED SAYS: “It’s Saturday and it’s Maisie’s birthday. She is sure it is going to be the best day ever. Maisie wants to build her RGS, Worcester own nuclear reactor so she is hoping to receive the things Day co-ed ages 2 – 18 years she needs as birthday presents. But she wakes to an empty Saturday 12 May, (The Grange house and she begins to be alarmed as she searches the ages 2-11) 9am-12.30pm house surrounded by a creepy silence. When she opens the Contact 01905 613391 front door she is met by a frightening darkness that seems www.rgsw.org.uk to go on forever. And this is only the start of an ever-shifting reality. Can Maisie discover what is really happening?”

The River School, Worcester Day co-ed ages 3 – 16 years Ed’s Reading Room is part of www.edontheweb.com, a DTI award-winning website. It was Thursday 10 May, 10am-12noon created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together and also 6pm-8pm are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. You can contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com. See Maggie’s latest ebooks at www.

Contact 01905 457047 WalkWalk.co.uk. www.riverschool.co.uk 4

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

To advertise call: 01684 770566

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

RGS The Grange

A Junior school should be a wonderful experience for any child. I spend many hours telling prospective parents about the many advantages of considering sending their children to a wider family such as RGS. Many parents are concerned about the academic standards that their current school may provide. Sometimes this displays itself through worries over class sizes, differentiation for individual students – including supporting those with difficulties or pushing the more able and gifted. At RGS The Grange, these potential strains of anxiety should be washed away the moment that you walk through the door. Class sizes are small (averaging 14 per class), the needs of the individual learners are met, behaviour is exceptional, facilities are outstanding and children are taught by subject specialists from a young age.

RGS The Grange is a Junior School (2-11 years old) full of opportunities. In addition to academic rigour within a nurturing environment, the end of the day sees a cocurricular programme second to none. As well as homework club, there is a rich and varied range of clubs and societies on offer - clubs such as fencing, sailing, golf, coding and chess are just a few of the popular and oversubscribed choices. A provision that also proves most popular with our parent body is the daily wraparound care (7.45am-6.00pm), which is inclusive in the school fees. We run a holiday club provision for fifty-one weeks a year. Every holiday break has an exciting programme that suits the needs of children between the ages of 2 to 13 across the three RGS schools. And of course, one cannot forget the 50-acre site in which we sit – a wonderful setting to start your formal education.

These should be the elements that a Junior school delivers and why the investment in education should be made sooner rather than later. No matter how good the exterior looks like, a house will not stand for long without strong foundations that are laid on day one – education is generally the same and good habits from a young age are immeasurably important.

Gareth Hughes Headmaster of RGS The Grange, Worcester

RGS Worcester 01905 613391 RGS Springfield 01905 24999 RGS The Grange 01905 451205

familiesonline.co.uk

www.rgsw.org.uk To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education Under Fives

Pre-school Daily sessions for children aged 2-4 years

STEM: The Fundamentals Of A Child’s Education

Baby & Toddler Play & Stay

Tuesday 10:00-11.30am Warm welcoming pre-school, £3 per family with an emphasis on outdoor Singing, music and movement learning and natural activities resources Sensory play activities

Encouraging creativity, curiosity and thinking skills as children explore our ever-changing activities

Light refreshments for adults and children

Forest School

Forest Tots

Tuesday morning 9am-12pm for children aged 3-4 years

Friday 10.00-11.30am £5 per family

Tree climbing, cooking on camp fires, den building, ropes and pulleys, natural craft activities, using tools and more!

A weekly Forest School for toddlers and carers Craft, cooking, tools and exploring

ATIONAL LEARNING THROUGH P INSPIR LAY Please call 07582 452024

or email underfives24@outlook.com for more info Registered charity number: 700305

The Recreation Centre, Pershore Road, Eckington, WR10 3AJ

It’s not easy being a parent. You want to do the best for your children, but sometimes it’s hard to work out what the best actually is. Education is one of those areas where advice is constantly changing.

By Christopher Cederskog If you are interested in helping your kids with the fundamentals of education there is an acronym which you should become aware of: STEM. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and it is fast becoming the core of the British and global education system. There is hardly a career which does not involve some element of STEM, from farming to neurosurgery, and it also plays a part in a many everyday activities. This is why it’s important our children can understand its key tenets.

As a parent, then, what can you do to help form the STEM of your child’s tree of knowledge? I have always believed that learning should be fun and the popular perception is that the subjects of STEM are anything but. However, science, engineering and technology are particularly well-suited to play and mathematics can be applied to virtually any day-to-day situation. It’s just a matter of identifying the right opportunities.

Where learning goes hand in hand with discovery Worcester, WR6 6DD T: 01299 896275 abberleyhall.co.uk

Co-education Boarding & Day Prep School for 2-13 year olds, based in 90 acres of Worcestershire countryside. Two hours from London, an hour from the Cotswolds and Birmingham Airport.

Open Morning Saturday 12th May 2018 6

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

The next time you’re baking pastry together, let your child measure out the ingredients and ask them questions. Talk about the ingredients, what they are and where they’ve come from.

The next time your child falls, take the chance to talk to them about gravity and discuss why they fell downwards rather than upwards! If they’ve grazed their knees, once the tears have stopped, chat a bit about biology.

When you’re out with your children, encourage scientific observations: when walking to the park, talk about why the leaves are green or why they fall in autumn. And when at home, help bring out your child’s inner-engineer by encouraging them to put those endless MegaBlocks and LEGO bricks to work. If you can make your lessons fun, informal and an integral part of everyday life, then your little ones will learn by osmosis and you can sit back in the happy glow of a good job, well done.

Christopher Cederskog is MD of Wonder Workshop which teaches children coding through robotics and enables them to master critical thinking, problem solving, cause and effect, communication, and collaboration. For more information, visit www.makewonder.com.

To advertise call: 01684 770566

familiesonline.co.uk

Education

A Happy School Brings Out The Best In Every Girl Dodderhill Independent Girls, in Droitwich Spa, provides a happy and stimulating environment for girls aged 4 – 16. We pride ourselves on measuring individual success and rewarding each personal achievement. Happy children succeed, enjoy coming to school each day and will leave at 16 with firm life-long friends.

The Dodderhill Difference

Each individual girl really matters at Dodderhill. This is a school where everyone will know your daughter’s name and our small classes mean she will have access to individual attention tailored to her needs. Girls describe Dodderhill as a ‘home from home’ and parents too become part of our extended family.

A bright future The smallest of girls are encouraged to discover their strengths, with support from teachers who are passionate about their work and will focus on each girl as an individual. With acres of space to play and a Forest School on site, each day at Dodderhill is filled with new and exciting experiences.

Finding your own voice With an outstanding music provision, there Dodderhill: home from home was little doubt that the recent Choir Tour to Italy would reach the high notes! Twenty seven girls enjoyed a week-long tour, including three wonderful Royal Wedding Children’s Garden Party performances, which were very well received by our Italian hosts.

We would be delighted if you could join us on this special day for a morning of activities and celebration on Saturday 19 May, Girls can take part in numerous music groups and ensembles at from 9-11am. Children aged 3 - 6 are very welcome to come Dodderhill, as well as benefitting from individual lessons on and take part in the fun. Please contact us to book a place. instruments ranging from the more traditional violin and piano Tel. 01905 778290.

to drums and electric guitar! www.dodderhill.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Parenting

Are you an Building Healthy Self-Esteem LAT parent?

You have probably heard of Blended Families but have you heard of Living Apart Together (LAT)?

This is a term used to describe an emerging form of family structure, where couples, with and without children, are in an intimate relationship but do not live together for some or all of the time.

Around 10% of adults in Britain, a quarter of all those not married or cohabiting, are in a steady relationship but do not live with their partner.

Research suggests that there are many reasons why partners may be LAT. Researchers found that around a third of LATs live apart because they feel they are not yet ready to live together, although many hope to do so in the future.

A further third choose to live apart because they view it as emotionally safer, or a better way to manage other commitments, such as those to children, family and friends or work.

Some may see it as a ‘last chance saloon’ to preserve a faltering relationship.

The remaining third are not able to live together due to circumstances outside the relationship itself – including financial reasons or working or studying in different places.

As part of its research into the changing dynamic of British family structures, The Birbeck London University is currently inviting parents who may be living apart together to take part in an online survey, Family Life You. To find out more: visit www.familylifeyou.co.uk or email smanna01@mail.bbk.ac.uk

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Respect and approval, or ‘esteem’ for all aspects of the self are key to: psychological wellbeing; good relationship building; feeling a sense of belonging; and having the ability to be compassionate towards all living things. Healthy self-esteem allows people to face challenges in life and grow whilst people with low self-esteem tend to avoid the challenges for fear of failure or being overwhelmed.

By Dr Elise Kearney, Whilst self-esteem tends to remain stable through childhood and equal for boys and girls, there is a marked decrease in selfesteem as children enter adolescence.

This decline is particularly significant for teenage girls. We know that the overall decline is due to the big developmental leap at this time. Young people are spending less time with their families and it’s a time when the approval of peers becomes a more important determinant of self-esteem than parenting.

The dramatic drop in self-esteem for girls at this time is linked to puberty and body image. Teenage girls with lower selfesteem are more vulnerable to perceptions of ideal body images To advertise call: 01684 770566

particularly those portrayed in social and general media.

Children build self-esteem in their families. Research has shown that ‘happy parents’ or ‘care-givers’ make for ‘happy children’. There are a number of strategies we can use to build healthy self-esteem in our children and families.

Show Acceptance Showing acceptance of all family members as unique individuals supports children in listening to and being able to trust their own voice.

In Practice: Encourage children to express their own opinions and feelings about their lives. Help your child to learn that having a different opinion or feeling about something is okay. Mealtimes can be a great opportunity for this, aim to eat together as often as possible. Research shows that children who eat regular family meals together have higher vocabulary, higher self-esteem, higher academic performance and a lower risk of substance misuse.

Allow Independence Encourage all family members, regardless of age, to accomplish age appropriate tasks independently. Children and familiesonline.co.uk

Parenting

For You, Your Child And Your Whole Family In Practice: Take 10 to 15 minutes a day with your children doing what they would like to do (within reason!). See if you can be entirely led by them for that short space of time and give your undivided attention. It doesn’t sound like long but it can be a challenge to work this into your day – have a go!

Remember to also make time for your significant other and yourself. Research shows that a happy parental relationship is strongly linked to healthy self-esteem in children.

Provide Emotional Education Support children in understanding and making space for emotions (for example ‘I wonder if that film made you feel sad?’).

This gives children a good command of emotions rather than feeling overwhelmed by them. Helping children to recognise, understand and manage feelings from an early age significantly reduces instances of depression and anxiety through the rest of adolescence.

teenagers can develop a ‘have a go attitude’ and reduce avoidance due to fear of failure.

In Practice: Involve children in household tasks even when it might mean that they take a little longer with little or nervous hands! Use this time to promote positive can do attitudes.

Create Special Time Make time for one another and demonstrate how special each family member is by listening without any distraction. Approving, responsive and nurturing parents are more likely to build high levels of self-esteem in children and in each other.

In Practice: Have a go at developing an emotional vocabulary for your family and practice commenting on feelings. Be brave, have a go and watch the positive effect it has on family members.

Remember to give lots of verbal praise for behaviour you would like to see again.

Tell them what you are happy about.

In Practice: Teach children about healthy eating and exercise and involve them in cooking and meal planning.

Planting vegetables with children (in pots if space is limited) can be a great joint activity. Put a high value on sleep in your family. Research shows that children who get enough sleep have better brain function, better focus at school, greater creativity, reduced risk of obesity and are better able to manage emotions. Explore and understand the way the media portrays body image with children, particularly girls as they approach adolescence. Remember everyone enjoys physical praise even teenagers can still enjoy a cuddle!

Make Time to Play!

Making time and space for play and having fun together boosts the whole familys self-esteem and is also key to child development.

In Practice: Take a trip to the local park together and jump on a swing. It’s easy to forget what fun that can be when you haven’t done it for a while. Take an hour after dinner to bring out a board game that the whole family can play or play hide and seek together. These things don’t have to happen every day but maybe once or twice a week would be fun.

Remember that special circumstances Love your Body (parental separation, adopted and Teach children to respect and love their fostered children, a school or house physical body from a young age. Learning move, death in the family, illness in the to be in tune with the ‘messages’ that family, learning difficulties, physical their bodies give them will empower disability etc.) make these strategies even them, particularly in a western culture more key to the healthy development of which does not always ‘esteem’ the body. self-esteem.

Dr Elise Kearney, mother of four and Chartered Consultant Child and Family Psychologist trained as a Clinical Psychologist in Glasgow. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and families in the NHS and privately. Dr Kearney offers 1:1 assessment and treatment sessions for a variety of difficulties including; difficulties stemming from family separation, bedtime or sleep problems, feeding difficulties or “fussy eating”, dealing with anger or “temper tantrums” and separation anxiety, difficulties around potty training, sibling rivalry or difficulties with sharing, starting nursery/school and transition to high school or College/University, anxiety, panic, phobias, low self-esteem, attachment difficulties, low mood and depression, behavioural problems, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bereavement (this list is not exclusive).

Dr Kearney runs a clinic at The Therapies Centre, The Fold, Bransford, Worcester and can be contacted on elisekearney@btinternet.com, 07713755224 or find out more about the service she offers at www.thefold.org.uk/naturaltherapy-centre/consultant-child-family-psychology/ familiesonline.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Teaching Children That Losing Is An Opportunity I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.

I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed – Michael Jordan.

Which side do you fall on - teaching children to win at all costs or giving every child a ‘Participation Medal’? The age-old debate will never go away. Having coached children for over 10 years, I have heard arguments on both sides. Some adults think it’s more important to teach children to win at all costs and that anything short is a failure. I remember receiving an email from one parent incredulous that I rotated positions at 5-0 up in a game. His opinion was that we should be teaching 9-year-olds to “crush” the opposition!

Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, the ex-England Cricket captain, talked on his podcast about how at the Olympics there should not be medals for 2nd or 3rd place as he does not agree with anything less than a prize for the winner. Then on the other hand we have the side that believes we should simply play for fun and that everyone should receive an award for trying. As coaches, even though we want children to try their best, receiving a medal for this doesn’t quite seem right.

Should we teach our children to win or take part?

Or both? I think there is another side that is just as important, if not more - teaching the children to learn how to cope with a loss. I can already hear the gasps out there. I am not talking about teaching children to lose. A will to win is a skill which should be cultivated and encouraged. However, the benefits of how to cope with a loss should not be underestimated.

We have all seen young players burst into tears after losing. I know I did many a time when I was growing up. Being weak, slow and made fun of by my peers, it’s no surprise. Parental and coach pressure can also cause this behavior. I was never good enough to be called up for a team when I was a kid. As a result, I was never coached to learn how to lose that would benefit me.

I never asked the questions “why did they beat me?” “What do I need to do better next time?” “What can I improve on?” As adults, we can help children ask these questions. I use an app 10

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

that allows the players that I coach to evaluate themselves after every game they play. It asks them to rate their performance, work rate and team work, as well as having them describe what they did well and what they need to improve on. Win, lose or draw, this mental switch has seen the players I have worked move on to a higher level of performance and competition.

This mentality doesn’t just apply to sport. Empathy and coping with negative experiences are direct traits that come with learning how to lose well. Realising that not winning is no great shame is also something that cannot be underestimated. Some people go through their whole life so scared to lose, that when it finally happens (and it does to everyone, in one form or another) they don’t know how to react. Former UFC Champion Ronda Rousey became a virtual recluse after losing her undefeated record. Even now, her demeanor becomes extremely defensive when interviewed about that defeat.

Take this common situation. A child takes a shot in a game of football and blazes it over the bar. We hear it all the time with children in sessions, ‘I’m rubbish’, ‘I can’t shoot with my left foot’, ‘I’m not very good at that shot’, ‘I can’t do this’ – all empty statements that don’t help with the big question: Why? What we try to do is teach the children to take the defeat/ mistake/loss as a learning possibility – Why did you lose? Why did that person beat you? Why did you miss that shot? Our aim is to allow the child to see the mistake/loss as an opportunity rather than a failure. Though it takes a lot of repetition, questioning why things happened rather than saying “well done for taking part” or “if you’re not first you’re last” sees a huge change in a child’s behavior during activities. You can almost guarantee then next time they shoot they will try and correct their technique for a better outcome.

All parents want their children to learn how to work both hard and smart to be successful in their lives. Learning defeat allows for children to understand the importance of those traits. Sport is the clearest way to highlight this.

Andy Beeston is from Football Fun Camps. He runs football and multi-sports camps during the school holidays. For more info: www.footballfuncamps.com or email: footballfuncamps@gmail.com

To advertise call: 01684 770566

familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs and Classes An Hour Of Moderate Exercise Every Day For Children The number of children meeting the recommended 60 minutes a day of physical activity for healthy development and to maintain a healthy weight drops by 40% as they move through primary school.

By Andrew Campbell A new survey from Public Health England (PHE) and Disney looking at the effects of physical activity on children’s emotional wellbeing, found: • being active made the majority of 5 to 11 year olds feel happier, more confident and more sociable, according to their parents • nearly all children said they liked being active • the main motivations for kids to be more active were having friends to join in and having more sports or activities they liked to choose from • children’s overall happiness declines with age; 64% of 5 and 6 year olds said they always feel happy, compared to just 48% of 11 year olds Currently, just under a quarter of boys and fewer girls meet the national recommended level of activity. Furthermore, 1 in 5 children start primary school overweight or obese, rising to more than a third by the time they leave. The survey identified the main barriers to physical activity and reveals that the worry of ‘not being very good’ was one of the most common. This increases with age.

Parents are being urged to try new sports and physical activities locally, whether at their local park leisure centre or via a popular sport in an effort to help children get more of the 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity they need each day for healthy development and to maintain a healthy weight.

As part of its campaign to assist children to engage in enough physical activity, a national 10 Minute Shake Ups programme run by the PHE offers fun, 10-minute activities for kids, featuring their favourite Disney characters and shows as inspiration. For more information visit www.nhs.uk/10-minute- shake-up

Classes in the performing arts Drama, Dance & Singing Saturdays, Droitwich Term Time For Children aged 4 to 18

Principal; Lizzie McCabe 07787 346633 info@mtexperience.co.uk

Established 1992 Fully Qualified Instructors Specialised Classes 4 – 16 years Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced

Train with Sensei Jags Shoker, 3rd Dan

Monday: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Droitwich Spa 5.00 – 6.00pm Wed & Fri: The Parish Centre, Barnt Green 5.30 – 6.30pm Friday: Parkside Middle School, Bromsgrove 3.40 – 4.40pm Saturday: St Peters RC First School, Bromsgrove 9.15–10.15 am Special offer 5 FREE www.kombatkids.com lessons

Call: 07730 899722 register@kombatkids.com

Join Us For Our Active Camp Open Day This Whitsun holiday!

For children aged 4 -14, Active Camps provides sports and activities every school holiday throughout the year. Our Open Day offers an insight into the action-packed, Ofsted registered childcare provided by Active Camps.

Our number one aim is to ensure your child has fun. Safety is paramount and we go that extra mile as an Ofsted registered provider to give you peace of mind in knowing that your child is cared for in the best environment possible. During the Open Day your child will get to try out a variety of activities from volley ball to den building, from dodgeball to archery and many more! The Open Day runs 8am – 4pm and is £10. You are also able to pay via childcare vouchers.

Our Hagley camp is based at Hagley High School and the Open Day will be on Wednesday 30 May. Our Alvechurch camp at Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School will be running its Open Day on Thursday 31 May. Running on Friday 1 June is our Worcester Camp Open Day at Nunnery Wood High School. The Open Day at St John’s C of E Middle School Academy in Bromsgrove is taking place on Tuesday 29 May. Active Camps will be running throughout the Whitsun holiday from 29 May – 1 June. If you want to join us at one of our fun filled Open Days or come along for the whole week visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1969. Book early for our Early Bird offer of £15 a day.

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11

Parties Top Tips for a Budget Party Timing If you hold a party between 3pm and 5pm, you can provide party snacks or treats instead of a meal. Try fruit kebabs that you dip in melted chocolate for a fun treat. Hiring a chocolate fountain could also be a fun way to end the party. Just warn the parents not to dress their kids in their best party clothes! Older children would probably prefer a pizza delivery.

Try E-invites Create your own digital invitations to email to guests. You can also use the free option at www.paperlesspost. com and pay a small amount using various other websites, like www. mini-epic.com. Founder of the business Jonathan says “Our digital invitations can be created and sent in Children’s parties are always a hot topic in most households across just a few minutes, with no paper or the country. Who to invite? What theme? Which location? We’ve postage involved, which not only saves talked to party specialists to find out the top party ideas. you time and money but also saves some trees! But what's proving really

By Claire Winter popular is the ability to download your Mini-Epic invitation to share via Unusual Themes WhatsApp." Think of a party with a twist. Top party organiser Fable & Moon (www.fableandmoon.com) says “Children’s parties are becoming even more sophisticated in 2018! Unicorns and Look for Bargains Mermaids are still going strong but expect a fresh twist on the theme. Also expect to Your pound shop can be a treasure see wedding trends making their way into children’s parties, particularly celestial (moons trove of party napkins and decorations. and stars) and all things holographic. Think, disco balls and lots and lots of sparkle!”

Buy plain paper bags and get the children to personalise them. You could Chocolate Parties also make cupcakes and get the kids Most kids love chocolate; it’s messy, fun and creative. What’s not to love? Hire a to decorate them. Party favours and chocolatier to come to your house and teach your children to make some fantastic entertainment all at the same time! chocs. The Chocolate Party People (www.thechocolatepartypeople.co.uk) offers a Build a Bar, Chocolate Pizzeria and Truffle Making package for kids. An extra bonus is they get Themed Parties to take away their chocolates instead of a party bag.

Choose a theme like pirates, Alice in Wonderland or teddies for the younger Unicorns are Still Cool kids and base all the games on your Kids are still going unicorn crazy. Harriet Jones, founder of online boutique store chosen theme. Decorations can be Rockahula Kids (www.rockahulakids.com) says “2018 has to be the year that the unicorn homemade – get the whole family trend and theme takes centre stage at children's birthday parties. Over the last few involved. Pinterest is a great place to months, we have seen an incredible increase in demand for unicorn-themed accessories get inspiration. for party favours, coupled with unicorns, we have noticed more interest in our rainbow themed accessories." A kitsch, rainbow unicorn party sounds like just the ticket!

Share Split the cost by sharing the party with Glamping a classmate whose birthday is at a Belltent and glamping parties are going to be really popular especially during the similar time. Just make sure you agree summer months. Set up tents with themes like cowboys, intergalactic, or botanical. who is doing what!

Andrew Pearce, co-owner of belltentexperience.com, says “we have seen a huge increase in bookings for children’s parties. Bell tents are fun and versatile. You can set them up Don’t Forget to Say Thanks indoors, or outside and kids love them.”

Take a group photo of all the kids at the party and print it off. Get your kids Get Me Out of Here to write a thank you note on the back Escape rooms are a great choice for older children. You get locked in a room and have with a Sharpie or gold pen. A great to work out how to get out. It’s a great team-building experience and no mess in your momento and thank you all at once! house! Try this exciting game challenge in Malvern at www.icequest.co.uk/escape-room.

Be on Trend with Your Child’s Party in 2018!

12

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

To advertise call: 01684 770566

familiesonline.co.uk

Local Party Directory Animals...

Animal Mania 01905 757136 www.animal-mania.org

Cookery...

Honeybourne Pottery 01386 830410 www.honeybournepots.co.uk

Crafty Cooks 01628 476670 www.craftycooks.co.uk Pizza Express

BBC Inflatables Newbridge Farm Park

www.pizzaexpress.com/parties/kidspizzamaking/ 01905 84190 www.bbcinflatables.co.uk 01531 670780 www.newbridgefarmpark.com Red Hen Cookery Parties Shooting4Fun 01905 422997 www.redhencookery.co.uk 01527 575141 www.shooting4fun.co.uk Oakerwood 01568 780111 www.oakerwoodleisure.co.uk Party Ponies provides pony rides for children at Beat Breakerz School of Dance Imagination Street 01905 29647 or 07715 638711 your party, fete and other fund raising events.

01527 892 243 www.imaginationstreet.co.uk www.beatbreakerzschoolofdance.co.uk For children aged

Stagecoach Redditch and Evesham 2yrs - 12yrs.

01386 429429 www.stagecoach.co.uk/parties

Sport & Soft Play...

Dance & Drama..

Prices from £120 for 1 hour party with 2 ponies. Individual lessons also available especially for youngsters too young to attend riding schools. £10 for 1/2 hour.

Call Tracey 01527 574199 www.partyponies.co.uk Simply Alpaca Birthday Parties 07980 587562 www.simplyalpaca.co.uk

Arts & Craft...

Mosaic Parties– 01299 828374 www.mosaicparties.co.uk

Face Painting & Make-Up...

Funky Faces face painting and My Little Makeover 01905 763362/07967 483878. www.funkyfaces.biz Jenny’s Pampering 07816 484785 www.jennyspampering.co.uk The Daisy Face Company – 07886 317051 www.thedaisyfacecompany.com

Go-Karting...

Worcester Indoor Karting & Laser Combat – 01905 352200 www.kartingworcester.co.uk JDR Karting Tel 01452 311211 www.jdrkarting.co.uk

Pottery...

Eastnor Pottery 01531 633886 www.eastnorpottery.co.uk Green Frog Pottery 01684 561778 www.greenfrogpottery.co.uk

Soft Play And Bounce All In One Are you holding a party for mixed ages and cannot decide whether to have soft play or an inflatable to entertain the children? Now you don't have to.

StUnning themeD BoUnCy CAStleS AnD SoFt PlAy

Sealife

Here at BBC Inflatables we have been very busy putting together the most amazing Soft Play and Bouncer Packages.

With so many fabulous themes to choose from, you really will be spoilt for choice. Packages include Amazonian, Automobile, Blue Princess, Circus, Dinosaur, Enchanted, Fairytale, Farmyard, Jungle, Pirate, Princess, Sea Life, Superhero and finally Unicorn.

We only ever supply the very best equipment which is always spotlessly clean, sterilized and beautifully presented. You will also receive the free use of Plasma Cars for all hall bookings.

To see our full range, please visit www. bbcinflatables.co.uk - be prepared to be amazed.

urs

Dinosa

Superhero

es

Princess

Cars

Amazon

Farmyard

Unicorns

Worcestershire’s largest selection of inflatable entertainment

t: 01905 841902 m: 07765 000777 familiesonline.co.uk

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13

What’s On

Please check with the venue in case details have changed

New for 2018 Larger undercover playbarns, improved giant sandpits & outdoor play area!

Theatre...

Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Old McDonald and the Three Pigs Plus… A colourful and fun interactive show, full of props, pop-ups and audience participation! The children help identify farm produce, sing and take part as the animals on the farm. 29 May 1pm.

Doctor Dolittle A magical musical adventure.

This is a brand new show with original music, lots of audience participation and amazing puppets. 24 June 2.30pm.

Bouncing Bunnies Toddler Mornings Fri 27th April - Rhythm, Rhyme & Songtime Thu 17th May - Sing & Sign Wed 6th June - Moo Music Check our website and facebook for opening times & more details.

www.NewbridgeFarmPark.com

Little Marcle, Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG

01531 670780

Local Festivals

Malvern Theatres, Grange Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3HB. 01684 892277 www.malvern-theatres.co.uk There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly See one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes come to life in this magical show which has been written especially for grown-ups to enjoy with their children.

10-11 May 10am & 1pm.

Chocolate Cake Follow the adventures of two brothers and the night-time disappearance of Bromyard Folk Festival a chocolate cake in this scrumptious new musical 6 - 9 September adaptation of Michael Rosen’s poem Chocolate Cake. 9 June 2pm & 4pm.

www.bromyardfolkfestival.co.uk

Cheltenham Music Festival 30 June - 15 July www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music/

Norbury Theatre, Norbury House, Friar Street, Droitwich Spa, WR9 8ED 01905 770154, www.norburytheatre.co.uk

Children’s Theatre: A short play performed Lakefest 2018 by adults especially for children aged 3 years plus.

9 - 12 August They make a fun birthday treat! 9 May 2.30pm www.lakefest.co.uk Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 Nozstock High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 20 - 22 July 555488, www.number8.org

www.nozstock.com

There Was An Old Lady Who

Swallowed A Fly The People’s Theatre Sunshine Music Festival 24 - 26 August Company bring one of the world’s best loved nursery rhymes to life, complete with sing along www.uptonfestival.co.uk

Wychwood Music Festival 1 - 3 June www.wychwoodfestival.com

songs, colourful animal characters and heartwarming family fun. 29 May 2.30pm

Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

MORE

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

Redditch Has Talent We’ve once again gone out in search of local talent and this show is the culmination of that search. 28 June 7pm.

The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk Perfect The touching story of a boy meeting his disabled sister for the first time, with stunning puppetry, original live music, animation and physical theatre from the award-winning Tessa Bide. 16 June 11am Courtyard Family Saturdays: Want something different to do with your kids on a Saturday morning? Live shows, film, workshops, free activities. Every Saturday. 10.30am.

The Swan Theatre, The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED 01905 611427, www.worcesterlive.co.uk Sarah and Duck’s Big Top Birthday The enchanting world of Sarah and Duck is brought to life in a brand new stage show, featuring the wonderful characters from the BAFTA winning CBeebies show. 13 May 2pm.

Museums...

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Avoncroft Aircooled – VW Car Show Volkswagens of many shapes, sizes and colours (as long as they’re air-cooled!) will be on display in the Museum grounds. Organised by the Flat 4 VW Club 13 May Forge Mill Needle Museum, Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY, www.forgemill.org.uk Day Of The Daleks Daleks and Cybermen

It’s National Mills Weekend In May On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May, National Mills Weekend takes place across the UK, with more than 300 windmills and watermills opening their doors to the public. This annual festival of our milling heritage is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to explore their local mills. Participating mills include many not normally open to the public, with a range of special events and family-friendly activities. Until the advent of the steam engine, wind and watermills provided the only source of power for many different processes - from making flour, paper and cloth to hammering metal and extracting oils. You can explore mills that produced, or still produce these products, some restored to working order, some derelict, some still working commercially.

Locally there is a rare opportunity to see Clenchers Mill, an 18th Century timberframed mill, on the Eastnor Castle Estate. Free Entry. Also visit Avoncroft Museum’s iconic 19th century windmill in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

Visit www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk for more information.

14

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

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What’s On

Please mention you saw this event in Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine will be invading the museum!

10 June 11.00am - 4.00pm.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic If you go down to the mill today you will enjoy a Teddy bear trail in the grounds. Plus craft activitiy and songs and games. Don’t forget your teddy, and your picnic! 29 June 10.30am.

Worcestershire County Museum, Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ 01299 250416, www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk Medieval Mischief Take part in the tournament games, become a squire in the royal court, and meet the royal guests. Try out your archery and sword fighting skills, find out how to dress as a knight, learn about horrible plague cures, and get your face painted as dragon.

28 May 11am - 4pm.

Knights Tornamount Come and learn all about knights. Take part in our children’s craft activities,make a a coat of arms, sheilds and royal crowns.

29 - 31 May 10.30am - 4pm

Days Out...

Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com

ChilliFest All things Chilli to try and buy! Live music, bars, hot food, children’s cookery school, Chilli Eating Competition and cookery demonstrations. 6 - 7 May Vintage Family Fun Day A nostalgic family fun day! Line up of impressive Steam Engines, Tea Tent, Giant Garden Games, model steam engine rides, vintage carousel, chair swing and more! 27 - 28 May Family Fun Day Family fun with garden games and a zip-wire on the Valley Lawn. 3 June.

Three Counties Showground, Malvern, WR13 6NW 01684 584900, www.threecounties.co.uk Royal Three Counties Show: A great summer’s day out. Lots of activities for all the family.

15 – 17 June.

Hampton Court Castle and Gardens, Hope-under-Dinmore, Leominster, HR6 0PN 01568 797676, www.hamptoncourt.org.uk Medieval Village & Birds of Prey familiesonline.co.uk

Watch as a Knight prepares for battle, visit the Medieval Surgeon and The Royal Executioner, see the Birds of Prey.

26- 28 May Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty, near Bromyard, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB 01885 488099, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/brockhampton-estate Dambusters Trail Come and join us for a trail that will teach you about life on the homefront. Learn the tricks that were needed to maintain morale and keep the country going. 26 May – 3 June 10am – 4pm.

Croome Park, near High Green, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR8 9DW 01905 371006 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome Past Time Games Trail Have fun discovering what children’s games were popular in the past at Croome and have a go at them all.

26 May – 3 June 10am – 4pm

Visit Eastnor #EastnorChilliFest

Now in its 7th year Sun 6 & Mon 7 May #VintageEastnor

VINTAGE EASTNOR

Buy discounted

tickets online

Sun 27 & Mon 28 May eastnorcastle.com

EastnorCastle

@eastnorcastle

eastnor_castle

Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AD 01497 822 629, www.hayfestival.com Hay Days Hay Festival’s programme for children and young people. Are you curious, adventurous, dreamy, imaginative and ready to have fun? Do you like listening, talking, making and sticking, animating or cooking? And, of course, reading? The Hay Days programme is packed with events designed to make all of that happen.

24 May – 3 June Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Station, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX 01299 403816, www.svr.co.uk Half-term Family Fun! Springtime fun in the Valley. Trains are running daily together with lots of activities. 26 May - 3 June

Events...

Rock and Roll Party in the Park, Riverside, Stourport, DY13 8UJ www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk A celebration of Rock and Roll music featuring a D.J., live bands and dance throughout the day plus children’s rides. Free admission.

3 June 11.00 am – 6.00 pm.

Malvern Hills Walk Family walk across the Malvern Hills. Proceeds to St Richard’s Hospice. Register online for either a 2, 5 or 11 mile walk along the beautiful Malvern Hills (online booking fee applies. The 2 and 5 mile walk are circular and perfect for families. 10.00am start from Black Hills car park 19 May.

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ Open daily from 10am. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day

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Families Hereford & Worcester

Please mention you saw these events in Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine Worcester Locations Available

Join us for our

Open Days

Ofsted registered

this Whitsun holiday

Just

ÂŁ10

We accept Childcare Vouchers

Limited places available

Book online today!

8am - 4pm

Xtra Time availble until 6pm

Enjoy a day full of activities

Ofsted registered

Football and Multi Sports Holiday Cam ps

We accept childcare vouchers

Hagley - Wednesday 30th May Hagley High School

May Camp 20

Worcester - Friday 1st June Nunnery Wood High School

St John’s CofE Middle School Academy

Times: 9am -

Alvechurch - Thursday 31st May Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979

Families Hereford & Worcester

29th May - Fr

ps: Wednesd

Bromsgrove - Tuesday 29th May

16

18: Tuesday

Summer Cam

ay 25th July -

3pm (8am sta

rts and 3:30pm

iday 1st June

18

Friday 1st Sep

end available

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For more information please contact us on: 07482 189980 | footballfuncamps@gmail.com | footballfuncamps.com

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