Families Herts Nov/Dec 2020

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Everything Christmas! Win Toys for Christmas! Micro Scooter + LOTS MORE!

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November/December 2020

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Familiesonline.co.uk November/December 1


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28/10/2020

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CELEBRATING COMMUNITY this Christmas

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CONTENTS

Contact Us

Welcome

Tel: 07958284983

It’s not long until Christmas, and, whilst it will feel different to usual, there will still be plenty to organise.

Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk

So we’ve got every angle covered – gifts, cooking, decoration and card-making, ideas for a cheaper and more eco-friendly season, opportunities for giving to others – right through to the best family films and ideas for Christmas Eve traditions. So save our link and keep it handy!

Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk Editor: Dale Harry

Marking our 30 year anniversary, we are also delighted to bring you the Great Families® Toy Giveaway – check out the opportunity to win toys from our Gift Guide.

/FamiliesHerts /FamiliesHerts

In This Issue 4

News

8

Seasonal Acts of Kindness

10

Christmas Gift Guide

11

Great Families® Toy Giveaway

13

Christmas (part 1)

16

Early Years

18

Family Life

21

Christmas (part 2)

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from everybody at Families® Magazine.

Dale and Baby Harry Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

RECRUITING NOW

Text foster to 85222 to find out more familiesonline.co.uk

Start your new career as a Foster Carer with Hertfordshire County Council You’ll receive: • up to £446 per week • full training • excellent local support

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In partnership with

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November/December 3


NEWS

Stay Healthy During the Winter By Claire Winter

It’s tough getting you and your family through a long British winter without succumbing to illness somewhere along the way. Here are our top tips for making it through to spring. Eat for Immunity Eat food that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods high in zinc, like lean meats, poultry, and baked beans can help balance your immune response. Green leafy vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts are high in Vitamin C, which will also keep you healthier. Supplement The NHS recommends that all children from the age of 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements with A, C and D in them every day. Please note if your baby/child is having 500ml of formula or more, do not give them vitamin D, as formula milk is fortified with it. It’s also a good idea for adults and children over 5 years to supplement with Vitamin D during the winter. It’s vital to keep our muscles and bones healthy. Get Outdoors Make sure you and the family get outside. It’s thought that at least 2 million people in the UK suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which is caused by lack of sunlight and it’s recommended that you should try getting out for at least an hour a day in natural daylight. Sleep Well Make sure adults in your family are getting 8 hours of sleep every night. If you are run down through lack of sleep, you are more susceptible to illness. Getting enough sleep will boost your immune system and help you fend off any nasty colds and illnesses. De-Stress Being stressed can make you more likely to catch a cold or illness because it reduces the body’s ability to fight off infection. Regular exercise helps you de-stress and get fitter, whilst meditation can also help you unwind. Wash your Hands Around 80% of infectious diseases are spread by touch. Teach children to use hot water, anti-bacterial soap and to wash hands thoroughly (including their thumbs!) for 45 seconds or longer.

Bop like Beyonce with Street Dance Academy St Albans Ever wished you could dance like Jason Derulo, bop like Beyonce or groove to the beat like Bruno Mars? Well your wish may have just come true with the arrival of Street Dance Academy in St Albans. This popular dance school offers children aged 5-18 the opportunity to learn new dance skills and routines to music from well-known artists. ‘Our classes are fun and taught by qualified dance teachers with years of experience in the industry,’ says Street Dance Academy’s owner Grant Felix. ‘Maddy (pictured), who heads our St Albans classes, has previously worked as a professional dancer, performing at gigs, events and tours, including Dior, Boohoo and In the Style, as well as being a Fire Girl for Monster Energy. ‘Classes are suitable for the complete novice to the more established dancer, and we’re really excited to bring street dance to St Albans,’ he adds.

Body THERAPY

‘Children can join at any point during the term and there is a twoweek paid trial option so participants can give it a try before fully committing.’

& Drug-Free Healing Ltd.

For more information on times and fees visit website or call 0800 0236 236.

HYPERBA RIC OXYGEN HYP HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment which enhances the body’s natural healing process by inhalation of 100% oxygen in a total body chamber, where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled. Positive effects of application: Helps boost immune system - Helps reduce inflammation - Positive impact to mental & physical wellbeing - Supports the body to detoxify - Enhances sport performance. Some conditions supported are: ADD/ADHD, Alzheimer/Dementia, Anxiety/Depression, Helps healing process, Injury recovery, Pre/post-surgery recovery, Eczema/Psoriasis, Eye sight, Stroke, Heart attack, boost immune system, Lung conditions, Support cancer therapy and many more.....

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QE Girls School - Saturday AM

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HI TEMPLE Clinic Classes for: 5-8yrs, 8-11yrs &12-18yrs C Ellen House, 63 London Road, St. Albans See w www.bdytherapy.co.uk See website for class times and to book online Hertfordshire. AL1 1L J Phone No. 07889 759677 Email. bdytherapyhbot@hotmail.com

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See 4 November/December

Cl we familiesonline.co.uk


NEWS & COMMENT

Top tips for successful co-parenting over the festive season Christmas is notoriously difficult for families who are no longer living together. Here is our list of tips to help you ensure that the holiday period is as harmonious as possible 1) Children Put your children first. Consider what is best for your children over the holiday period and focus on ensuring that they have as settled and happy a time as possible. 2) Presents Wherever possible talk with one another about Christmas presents and consider whether a joint present might be appropriate. Do not try to buy your child’s affection by attempting to outdo the other parent in the gift-giving department. Consult with them and either set budget guidelines or share the cost. This will also avoid duplicate presents. With certain events not being able to take place due to Covid 19, you may want to discuss other creative plans such as the children attending a Virtual Santa Grotto.

3) Talking Communication is the key to success. Even though it may be hard, try to keep channels of communication open with your ex-partner to ensure that everything works as smoothly as possible. 4) M anage expectations The first Christmas after a separation or divorce can be a confusing and a difficult time for everyone. Try your best to manage expectations so that everyone, particularly your children, know what to expect. 5) Agree arrangements Agree arrangements as far ahead as possible and try to be flexible for the sake of your children. Once you have agreed arrangements, try to keep to them. This is even more important in the current pandemic.

Lawyers can do a lot to help parents who cannot agree arrangements for the festive period to help to resolve these differences through mediation, negotiation or, if absolutely necessary, the court. If you would like further information in relation to children matters or family law generally, please contact one of our family solicitors at Debenhams Ottaway.

Helen Young Family Partner

To contact Debenhams Ottaway email hy@debenhamsottaway.co.uk, call 01727 738212 or visit website

Healthy living with BeeZee Bodies

An award-winning family healthy lifestyle programme in Hertfordshire is offering free online sessions. Each week the team of nutritionists at BeeZee Bodies cover topics such as healthy snacking, balanced meals, portion size and physical activity. Families can log on to weekly webinars that are fun and interactive, with games and quizzes, and prizes to be won! BeeZee Bodies, which is funded by Hertfordshire County Council, are experts at engaging children around healthy eating and fun exercise. All of BeeZee Bodies programmes are free for children aged 5-15, and their families, living in Hertfordshire (eligibility criteria applies). New courses start in January. For more information visit website or call 01707248648

Movies and more!

The Cinema at Campus West in Welwyn Garden City is open every day, showing a selection of family friendly films in a welcoming and fully covid-secure environment. Snacks and refreshments are available. For more information on The Cinema and Campus West, visit website familiesonline.co.uk

HCC recruiting foster carers Are you looking for a more fulfilling job? Has the Coronavirus pandemic left you looking for a new career or new way of life? Hertfordshire County Council foster carers say that fostering is the most rewarding thing they have ever done. Dawn and Alan have been foster carers with Hertfordshire County Council for the last ten years, fostering five children long-term as well as caring for approximately 30 short-term foster children. They are currently looking after a brother and sister aged 10 and 9. “We love fostering. It’s always chaos, there’s always someone here, but it’s good fun!” say Dawn and Alan. “People worry about the children moving on and the attachment they have to them, and I always say, don’t worry because in our experience, we still see them. They’re all grown-up now and it’s lovely when they come back.” If you are interested in fostering, Hertfordshire County Council will guide you through the process, providing 24/7 support, training and generous pay and allowances. Visit website or call 0800 917 0925 for an informal chat.

November/December 5


EDUCATION

Choosing a Tutor for Your Child By Kate Hilpern In the past, parents might employ a tutor, discreetly, to help their child keep up at school. Now tutoring is much more high profile and focuses on making students more academically competitive – getting ahead, not just keeping up. The upside is that parents have a greater choice of highly professional and specialist tutors. However, because employing a tutor is regarded by some as the mark of ‘good’ parenting, parents may waste their money when it isn’t necessary, with little or no benefit to their child. If you are considering tuition, have a clear objective such as helping your child to prepare for an exam, offering support after an extended absence from school or addressing a particular problem area. A vague feeling of unease because every other pupil in the class seems to have a tutor probably isn’t sufficient reason!

How do you go about finding a tutor? Word-of-mouth can be very effective. Talk to friends and parents at the school gates, even ask your child’s teachers for tutors in your area who are reliable, friendly and get results. Bear in mind though, that the fantastic tutor who worked wonders with your neighbour’s child may not develop the same rapport with your own. Tutoring websites, which act rather like newsagents’ advertising boards, are a useful starting point. These are little more than a collection of small ads but tuition offered here will be relatively affordable, though the onus is on parents to interview potential

tutors. Or you may want to consider local tuition companies that feature in magazines like Families. Another option is a tutor agency. These range from small, local concerns to national or even international companies. All provide a personal service and offer a choice of highly experienced, hand-picked and expert tutors, custom-built to meet your child’s needs. You’ll end up paying more but the best agencies take immense care vetting, training and matching their tutors and conducting careful follow-ups. With costs ranging from £25 to £150+ an hour, depending on the subject and your location, tuition is an investment. There’s no iron-clad guarantee that it will transform your child’s school grades so, if you proceed, then taking care how and who you choose is definitely the first step in the right direction. Kate Hilpern is from the Good Schools Guide, UK’s leading independent source of school reviews, education information and advice. The Good Schools Guide reviews over 50 tutor agencies, having visited each and talked to staff and former clients. For more info, visit www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk

SPECIALIST TUTORING ENGLISH AND MATHS

Primary - Secondary Qualified Teachers Personalised Learning Programmes

Why Hire a Tutor? At age 7, to ensure a child is up to speed for independent prep school entry. In year 5 (ages 9/10) to prepare a child for entry to the local grammar school or selective independent school. Most grammar schools (and some independents) test verbal and non-verbal reasoning as well as maths and English. In year 6 (aged 10/11) to bolster basic maths or English competence ahead of KS2 examinations.

Market your business with Families Herts • Print and digital options • Tailored and bespoke packages • Ad design service • We have a high repeat booking rate, so advertising with us works

trusted, influential, visible 07958284983 6 November/December

To assist with Common Entrance/PSB subjects - perhaps to ease the anguish of algebra or Latin. To improve schoolwork following a dip in grades on a school report. To put a youngster back on track after a dodgy exam result. Following a bout of illness or unexpected family set-back. When a specific learning difficulty is suspected or diagnosed. familiesonline.co.uk


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November/December 7


CHRISTMAS

Seasonal Acts of Kindness

It’s a tough time for everybody, so here are some different ways to support those in need.

Centrepoint More Than a Christmas Dinner

NSPCC Letter from Santa

#FoodBankAdvent Reverse Calendar

RSPCA Christmas Appeal

Action for Children: Be a Secret Santa

BookTrust Give a Festive Book Parcel

Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day

Age UK Say Hello to an Older Neighbour

Wear a Christmas Hat Day Support this vital research on 18 December for Brain Tumour Research.

Donate when you order Help a homeless young a letter from Santa for your child. person this Christmas.

Help rescue an Support your local food bank. Collect a Reverse abandoned/neglected animal. Advent Calendar.

Help a vulnerable child have a happier Christmas.

Brighten a vulnerable Ideas for supporting an child’s Christmas with a Get your silliest jumper older neighbour with special gift book parcel. small acts of kindness. out on 11 December and donate £2. 8 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk


CHRISTMAS

Seasonal Acts of Kindness

You may want to consider how you can be especially kind to those closer to you too.

Acts of Kindness to Family at Home

Community Acts of Kindness

Exchange hugs often. Affection makes everyone happier and healthier. Happy Hour. Spend time telling jokes, funny stories and smiling at each other! Do a chore without being asked. Help out in the kitchen even if it’s not your job/turn. Leave a loving note for another family member. Compliment each other. Say thank you – every time!

Make a Reverse Advent Calendar. Choose something to donate each day and drop all the items to a local charity in time for Christmas. Give blood. Make “thank you” window posters for key workers. Donate to an animal shelter blankets/treats/toys. Let someone go ahead of you in a queue. Pick up litter. Volunteer with a charity.

Acts of Kindness to Friends/Neighbours Sing Christmas carols outside someone’s house – remember to socially distance! Give a Christmas plant to someone who doesn’t get outside much. Call a friend you haven’t seen for a long time. Text someone and wish them well. Send an elderly neighbour a Christmas card. Give a book that has inspired you. Do some shopping for a neighbour/friend who needs help. familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 9


CHRISTMAS

The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!

Wooden Shield/ Sword Set

Perfectly designed for little hands and big adventures. Ages 4+. £15.

PomPom Climbing Triangle

Munchy Play Plate

Fun dining as little ones whizz toy cars/trains around meals. Ages 6mths+. £14.50.

Space Magnetic Pack

An affordable Christmas gift with an intergalactic theme. Ages 5+. £25.

First-of-its-kind climbing triangle which can be folded away at night. Ages 3+. £325.

Young Driver Drive-tastic

Get behind the wheel for a memorable driving experience! Ages 5+ £32.99.

Christmas Cracker Puzzles

Best Years Dino Love

Together Equal Conversation Cards

Gruffalo Micro Scooter

Bright, knitted diplodocus dinosaur – sturdy but soft too! Age 0+. £14.99. 10 November/December

Great stocking filler. Thought-provoking conversation starters. Ages 7+. £7.99.

Premium wooden puzzles in cracker packaging. Ages 3-8. £9.95.

Exclusive for 2020. Range of prints and colours. Ages 1-5. From £95.95. familiesonline.co.uk


CHRISTMAS

The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!

Horrible Science Germ Attack

Planet Mermaid Tails

Smart Counting Football

Junko Zoomer Kits

Follow Me Ball

Penguins On Ice

Robo Wunderkind

Engenius Contraptions Marble Run

Animal Wall Prints

Imagination-stimulating Beautifully designed board game with a and created mermaid topical subject! Ages tails. 100% swimmable! 8+. £19.99. Ages 3+. From £33.99.

Counts up to 100 keepy-uppies with lights and sounds. Ages 6+. £20.

Make junk into working A colour changing Unique, award-winning toys using problemmotorised ball for baby puzzle game with solving skills. Ages to follow. Ages: 6mths+ multi-level challenges. 6-10. From £9.99. £16.99. Ages 6+ £19.99.

Award-winning robotics kits that teach coding through the joy of play. Ages 4-10. From £199. familiesonline.co.uk

Wooden perpetual motion marble run. Ages 10+. £28.99.

Bespoke, personalised animal wall or shelf prints. Ages 0+. From £10. November/December 11


CHRISTMAS

The Great Families® Toy Giveaway! WIN! 1 of 3

Mermaid Tails from Planet Mermaid

WIN!

WIN! 1 of 3

Gruffalo Micro Scooter from Micro Scooter

Germ Attack Game from Horrible Science

Select 3 in 1 (12mths5yrs) or Mini (2-5 yrs).

WIN!

WIN! 1 of 2

WIN! 1 of 5

Sword & Shield Sets from Green Owl Toys

Conversation Cards from Together Equal

WIN! 1 of 2

Child’s Animal Print from Lauren May Illustrates

Knitted Diplodocus from Best Years

Vroom Vroom Plate from Munchy Play

WIN!

WIN!

WIN!

1 of 2 Young Driver Driving Experience (10-17yrs)

Space Magnetic Set from Time Flies for Kids WIN!

Explorer Lite from Robo Wunderkind

Good Luck!

ENTER HERE

T&Cs apply

12 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk


CHRISTMAS

Are You Dreaming of a Green Christmas? Here are some of our ideas for an eco-friendly Christmas.

Buy a Living Christmas Tree

Keep it outside and bring in every year.

Free Christmas Gift Cheques

Avoid unnecessary gift giving and waste. Pledge to do something instead.

Buy Reusable Crackers

Fill with your own special gifts and surprises. familiesonline.co.uk

Invest in a Reusable Advent Calendar Fill with your own treats each year.

Dedicate a Tree

Give a gift that keeps on growing.

Use Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper

Make sure it is recyclable and, if possible, made from recycled paper.

Introduce Some Vegan Food

Reduce your carbon footprint by trying some vegan food.

Charity Christmas E-cards

Help a charity at same time as helping the planet.

Switch to LED Christmas Lights

Use up to 80% less energy than standard lights. November/December 13


CHRISTMAS

DIY Christmas Cards Kids love to make or colour their own and they are so much more special than bought cards!

Surprise Christmas Cracker Card

Tinsel Tree Card

Sesame Street Christmas Card

Hand-Stitched Christmas Cards

Confetti Christmas Card

Layered Christmas Tree Card

Snow Surprise Christmas Card

Reindeer Christmas Card

Fingerprint Light Cards

14 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk


CHRISTMAS

Christmas Eve Traditions

Mix and match ideas for different parts of the day and create family traditions that your children will treasure.

Morning

Afternoon

Posh breakfast. Enjoy pancakes and bacon using festive plates and cups. Feed the birds. Hang edible treats or a feeder so the birds can have Christmas dinner! Make reindeer food. Mix edible glitter and oats to sprinkle outside for Rudolph and friends. Write a thank you letter to Santa. Encourage your kids to leave thank you notes for Santa. Create a Santa sack for others. Get your children to select unwanted toys for Santa to pick up and take to other children.

Bake something Christmassy. Gingerbread, shortbread, cookies or a cake. Exercise. A family walk or cycle will help your children settle to sleep on the big night. Set up a treasure hunt. Leave clues around the house for kids to find a special Christmas Eve present like a tree decoration. Family photoshoot. Take a family selfie. Compare with Christmas photos from previous years. Play a game. Introduce a new card game or play a board game.

Evening Snuggle up and watch a film, read a Christmas story or watch a panto. Leave food out for Santa. Don’t forget a carrot for Rudolph! Enjoy virtual Christmas carols. This year many organisations will be having carolling events online. Go on a family Christmas light walk. Get some fresh air and check out the neighbourhood Christmas lights. Carol singing. Wrap up warm and treat neighbours and friends to your angelic voices – at a safe distance! Hang up the stockings. Remember the most important tradition of all (as if you’d forget)! familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 15


EARLY YEARS

Best Sing-Alongs for Learning Songs can help children learn and remember. Check out these great singalongs for under 5s.

Days of the Week Song

Counting to Ten in Four Languages There’s English, German, Portuguese and Indonesian.

Great for co-ordination and includes signing.

Shapes Song

Shape up with The Hippie Hippie Shapes in the CBeebies house.

Alphabet Song

Bring the alphabet to life with this memorable song and movement routine.

Months of the Year

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

12 Days of Christmas

So Many Colours to See

Learn the days of the week with Buzz the Bandleader.

Teaches co-ordination and body parts.

16 November/December

Sing and count with this popular Christmas song.

The Wheels on the Bus

Learn the months by singing along with Marvie from Sesame Street.

Learn about colours with The Wiggles.

familiesonline.co.uk


EARLY YEARS

The Importance of Toddler Play By Dr Sarah Mundy

Play is an enjoyable part of childhood, and an important one for the developing brain. Through play, children develop physically, emotionally, cognitively and creatively. It allows them to engage in the world in a way that feels safe, explore different roles, address fears, and develop confidence. Children who have parents who actively play with them, learn about sharing, problem solving and decision-making more quickly than those who don’t. Playing with your child also helps you understand their world and shows them you are interested in them, both important aspects of a secure attachment relationship, which is seen as the cornerstone of a child’s development. So playing with our children is very important, even though prioritising this can be difficult. But how do we initiate play? And what do we do? READ MORE

Unlock Your Child’s Inner Superpowers

Children’s charity Barnardo’s has launched the Super Seekers activity packs for children aimed at helping to develop life skills such as kindness, creativity and resilience. The packs are designed to help children ages 3 to 5 years develop important life skills through fun and imaginative play. FIND PACKS familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 17


FAMILY LIFE

Storytelling Ideas for Parents By Becky Cranham www.planbee.com

Voice and Intonation Your tone of voice is crucial in engaging your children and helping them understand the story. Convey emotions by: Slowing or quickening your voice Changing the volume of your voice Making your voice higher/lower Use different voices for different characters.

Questions

Asking your child questions about what is happening and how they feel about it can help keep them engaged and following the plot.

Repeated Phrases Help Kids Join In

Think, the Three Little Pigs - “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down!” Try books like Not Now, Bernard Green Eggs and Ham We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Use Story Tools

Tired brain? Use tools like Roll and Write Story Ideas Generator to come up with basic plots.

Build on Familiar Stories…

Use Wordless Picture Books

…and change the setting, characters or details. Turn Snow White into a cat who runs away from the evil cat queen and lives with a group of seven friendly squirrels!

Describe the setting, characters, and what they say. Encourage your children to join in. Do they agree with your version? Can they make up their own? Try: Flotsam Flora and the Flamingo The Snowman Owl Bat Bat Owl Clown Mirror Journey Once Upon a Snowstorm

Or add your child as a character in stories like The Little Mermaid or modern classics like Bob the Builder.

Draw on Life Experiences You may, of course, embellish/ leave out certain details! Tell your children funny stories about when they were younger. 18 November/December

Tell Stories Anytime, Anywhere…. …not just at bedtime!

familiesonline.co.uk


FAMILY LIFE

How to Have a Thrifty Christmas

How Many Toys Does a Child Need?

The pandemic, lockdown, a slowdown in the economy, and job losses have affected many people’s finances across the UK, meaning less money to spend on Christmas. So here are some great festive money-saving tips from our Families® experts, to help you enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank. READ MORE

Toys have a way of taking over. Before you know it, you are knee-deep in discarded Lego and naked Barbie dolls. The children are bored, the house is a mess and no one is happy. Most families have too many toys and more toys actually equals less play. Why is this? READ MORE

Christmas if You’re Separated

By Rebecca Giraud and Bob Greig

All separated parents have a puzzle to solve at Christmas. How are you going to create a Christmas that is affordable, achievable, pleases the kids and works for your child’s other parent? None of this is easy… READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 19


FAMILY LIFE

WIN International Elf Service Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters Story Bundle!

T&Cs apply

ENTER HERE BY 24 NOVEMBER This is your chance to win 25 Personalised Christmas Elf Letters from the North Pole, worth £38.50. Hide these hand-crafted, ecofriendly letters around your home for your children to find each day in December and discover what the Elves are up to in the North Pole! The winner will also receive a letter from Father Christmas. Runners up will receive one of 5 sets of 7 Personalised Christmas Elf Letter NEWS or ACTIVITY Bundles. 20% off when you order HERE using FAMILYMAGIC20 at checkout.

Top Self-Care Tips for Working Parents

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a huge test of parents’ resilience and adaptability. So how can you last the distance? Mental well-being is crucial for the long haul - and because your mental health effects that of your children. Our friends at Working Mums have 8 top tips for looking after yourself if you’re a working parent. READ MORE 20 November/December

Letter from Santa

What could be more special than a letter in the post from Santa? Children can receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail if they post their letter to him by 11 December. Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. Letters must include your child’s full name and address. Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation. Order online by 9 December. familiesonline.co.uk


CHRISTMAS

Christmas Decorations to Make with the Kids

Tree House Decoration

Paper Plate Christmas Tree Twirler

DIY Wrapping Paper

Snowman Lantern

Paper Angel Garlands

Pine Cone Mouse

Paper Ball Reindeer

3D Christmas Tree

Paper Plate Santa

familiesonline.co.uk

November/December 21


CHRISTMAS

Christmas Cooking with the Kids Get the whole family busy in the kitchen with these exciting seasonal recipe ideas.

Mini Gingerbread Houses

Christmas Yoghurt Bark Slices

Rudolph Shortbread

Rudolph Pancakes

Santa Brownie Hats

Sweet Snowballs

Christmas Pudding Rice Krispie Cakes

Melted Snowmen Cookies

Kid’s Christmas Trifles

22 November/December

familiesonline.co.uk


CHRISTMAS

Best Family Christmas Movies Snuggle up on the sofa with your family and some Quality Street or mince pies to watch a classic Christmas movie!

Home Alone

Elf

The Holiday

An 8 year old boy protects his house from burglars when he is left home alone.

A man-sized Elf (Will Ferrell) wreaks havoc on the elf community.

Cheesy rom-com. Kate Winslett/Cameron Diaz find romance on a home swap.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

It’s a Wonderful Life

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Love Actually

Miracle on 34th Street

Jim Carrey is the perfect Grinch in this memorable festive flick.

Great British actors, a brilliant soundtrack, a festive classic that can be watched every year! familiesonline.co.uk

Beautiful black and white classic for the whole family.

A Christmas remake that’s as charming as the 1947 original.

Loveable remake of Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, with Michael Caine.

Nativity

Fondly remember the chaotic nativity plays you’ve all endured/ enjoyed! November/December 23


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