Families Upon Thames January/February 22 Digital

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Upon Thames

IN THIS ISSUE

What’s on Education New Year, New You

January/February 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk January/February 1

Danceforce School of Dancing, Kingston RAD BALLET

Free trial class

ISTD TAP, MODERN & JAZZ CONTEMPORARY PRE SCHOOL, MINIS, JUNIORS, SENIORS & ADULTS

0208 088 0117

www.danceforceschoolofdancing.com

Venue: Christs School, Queens Road, TW10 6HW (Every Tuesday)

office@danceforceschoolofdancing.com

• • • • • Fun & engaging NEW ballet classes for girls and boys age 4+ held Wednesdays & Saturdays in Weybridge

MUSICAL THEATRE DRAMA • PIANO SINGING • PLAYWRITING YOUTH THEATRE LAMDA, TRINITY AND ABRSM EXAMINATIONS

Classes in Hampton Hill & Twickenham Please call 07973 900196 or e: info@steponstageacademy.co.uk

www.steponstageacademy.co.uk

PT

BO

SE

W

O

N

FREE TRIAL classes available

F G R IN BE EM

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O

Call: 07455 336032

R O !

office@releveschoolofballet.co.uk www.releveschoolofballet.co.uk

Danny Clarke

Dame Sheila Hancock DBE

Caprice Bourret

Sarah Beeny

www.wearahatday.org MARCH 2022

2 January/February

#WearAHatDay

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland)

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CONTENTS

In this issue

Welcome

4 6 14 19 22 24 25 28 30

Happy New Year everyone! Let’s hope 2022 is an easier year for everybody.

Activities Education Classes & clubs What’s on Tween Winter warmers New Year, New You Early years Family life

If you’ve made a resolution to prioritise your health this year, then plan to change ‘just one thing.’ Find inspiration in our New Year, New You feature.

Get in touch Competition winners from our September/October issue Sally Garbutt, Joanne Banks, Petra Dias, Frankie Salter, Nichola Woad, Cindy Baldwin, Alina Ali, Cherelle St Hilaire, Gemma Lovegrove and Farrah Orr who received a Tales of Me book and to Hina Wajahat, Claire Goodfellow and Fran Dobbins who received an Art Lab Pouring Studio.

And, for the recipients of plasticine gifts or Equazen family packs, click here.

In Education, discover how children learn to write and download our free practice sheets. Concerned your child may not be ready for SATs? Find out how to help.

And cheer up the dull winter months with some great activity and entertainment options.

Finally, with our children’s mental health always at the top of our priority list, we have Happiness is…Mental Health Activity Packs for kids to give away. So don’t forget to apply! And sign up HERE to receive every issue of this magazine free to your inbox.

A happy, nurturing and inspiring environment for boys aged 4 to 11 in Twickenham

OPENING

SEPTEMBER 2022

New day nursery for boys and girls aged from 0-4 “Our son is thriving. The progress he has made both academically and pastorally has been magical.” Current parent

Extended day 51 weeks a year Large outdoor area

185 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5NQ • 020 8614 1082 admissions@themallschool.org.uk • www.themallschool.org.uk

84 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5QS • 020 8898 3528 info@themallnursery.org.uk

Bringing out the best in every child Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 3

ACTIVITIES

Wild winter activities Playing outside is important for kids, even in winter. Here are some great outdoor activity ideas to keep them busy.

Build teeny tiny twig rafts

Rain paint

Make a muddy water filter

Make a mini pond in a pot

Do some wild weaving

Make a magic potion

Make a wormery

Create frozen sun catchers

Build a bird box

4 January/February

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ACTIVITIES

Chinese New Year crafts Chinese New Year falls on 1 February this year and offers the perfect inspiration for kids to get crafty!

Year of the Tiger paper bag puppet

Chinese lantern

Chinese New Year candle holders

Tangram puzzle

Mr Panda craft

Fortune Cookies

Chinese New Year’s pinwheel

Rattle drum

Paper plate Chinese dragon

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 5

Ground, Grass and Sky Handwriting Guide Help your child practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size with this activity from PlanBee. Download the instructions and practice sheets to get started.

Handwriting practice sheets Use the example on the previous page to show your child how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky.

Get your child to write the letters of the alphabet using the dots below.

Handwriting practice sheets Use these sheets for your child to practise their handwriting and learn to make their letters the correct size.

Below you can see an example of how each letter should look in relation to the ground, the grass and the sky.

Handwriting practice sheets Once your child has joined the dotted letters on the previous sheet, let them have a go at writing their own on the ground, grass and sky lines below. Give them the example letters on the first sheet to help.

Using this example as a guide, get your child to trace the dotted letters on the next sheet and then move on to writing the letters themselves on the final sheet.

DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE!

6 January/February

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EDUCATION

Show your child how to hold a pencil Watch video!

Handwriting Tutor ✓ Achieve clear and confident handwriting ✓ Neat handwriting is important in Exams ✓ Don’t lose marks unnecessarily!

NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL Independent Nurseery & Preparatory Day School for Girls and Boys from 3 to 13 Years

Mrs Cutler: 07521 554188 e: Info@handwritingsupport.co.uk BA(Hons) Languages . Professional Handwriting Analysis/Graphology Member of the National Handwriting Association . DAB checked

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25 February

18 March

Newland House School Magazine

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Waldegrave Park, Twickenham, TW1 4TQ T. 020 8865 1305 E. admissions@newlandhouse.net www.newlandhouse.net

January/February 7

EDUCATION

Meet the Head

Meet the Head

Special feature

Families chats with Samantha Sawyer, Head of Staines Prep School.

You’ve been Head of Staines Prep for 7 years now. In three words, how do you think the pupils here would describe you?

Fair, kind and fun.

pupils every step of the way as they learn and grow. As a nonacademically selective school, our dynamic teaching, individualised The Staines Prep Way values, which learning and excellent facilities resonate with my own family values. provide the backdrop for our pupils’ academic success. Being shortlisted built upon the Excellent we received After fifteen years overseas, I was in all areas of the ISI inspection in looking for a school that was rich 2019. in cultural diversity. I also felt that Staines Prep was the right fit for my own son and would encourage him What does Staines Prep do to educate children for a future to be the best he could be. that will look very different to the present?

Staines Prep has been shortlisted for the Independent School of the By introducing growth mindset, Year in both 2020 and 2021. What pupils are given the skills/tools do you think makes it stand out? they need to adapt and overcome obstacles, the confidence to learn Our commitment to support the from mistakes and overcome challenges. This, alongside our mindfulness, prepares our pupils for the future.

What was it about Staines Prep that attracted you to apply for the position of Head?

Our strong digital learning programme ensures pupils keep up with new technologies and have future-ready skills.

READ MORE 8 January/February

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Join us for our Open Days Thursday 17th March 2022 5 to 7pm Saturday 19th March 2022 10am to 12 noon Staines Preparatory School, 3 Gresham Road, Staines-Upon-Thames, TW18 2BT

Every Step of the Way www.stainesprep.co.uk

admissions@stainesprep.co.uk

A GREAT PLACE TO COME TO SCHOOL

Open Morning - Friday 25 February 2022 9:30am: Headmaster’s Welcome at the Prep School, Gloucester Road 9:45 – 11.00am: Tours of the Pre-Prep & Prep

Register here: www.hamptonprep.org.uk T 020 8979 1844 E admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 9

Happiness is…..a happy child!

Receive a FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child*

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One of the big gest challen teachers and ges faced by carers is hel parents, and deal wit ping childre h their feeling n to talk abo ut s. That is wh activity pac y we create k! We recom d this me nd that you then share the read it first, ideas and act and ivities in it wit h your kids.

Be cool.

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Inside this pack:

Recognising Emoti ons .............................

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10 30 Things You Can Do to Feel Good! ...

11 Awesome You! ........... ............................... 13 Your Jar of Happiness ............................. 14 How to Use This Pack.. . for Grown-Ups! ........... ............................... 15

On page 17-20, there is a special section about how you can help your kids build resilience and get comfortable with their emotions!

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An independent day preparatory school for boys aged 3-13 and girls aged 3-4

“THE BOYS SOLD THE SCHOOL FOR US. THEY WERE EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED MY SON TO BE LIKE IN A FEW YEARS: ARTICULATE AND THOUGHTFUL ABOUT THE WORLD.” CURRENT PARENT

To arrange a visit or sign up to an upcoming Open Morning, please contact Sally Bass at bass.s@kingshouseschool.org or call 020 8940 1878 kingshouseschool.org 68 King’s Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6ES

Creating inquisitive minds.

Developing character and confidence

Book your personal tour at www.surbitonhigh.com Registration for 2023 entry closes February 2022 Boys 4 – 11 | Girls 4 - 18 | Part of the Surbiton High School family | Tel: 020 8439 1309 | Part of United Learning Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 11

EDUCATION

New children’s books for 2022 Winter’s a great time of year to enjoy some fantastic children’s fiction.

Here are our recommendations.

Also

Little Horror

Crocodile Hungry

Invented by Animals

Big Wig

Atlas of Amazing Migrations

by E B Goodale Ages: 4-7

by Christiane Dorion Ages: 7-12

Rita Wants a Ninja

by Maire Zepf Ages: 3+

12 January/February

by Daniel Peak Ages: 8-12

by Jonathan Hillman Ages: 4-8

The Smeds and the Smoos Board Book

by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Ages: 0-2

by Eija Sumner Ages: 3-7

by Matt Sewell Ages: 7-10

Aaron Slater, Illustrator

by Andrea Beaty Ages: 5-7

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Is your child ready for SATs?

By Jemma Zoe Smith SATs have been cancelled for the last two years but this year they’ll be going ahead.

If you’re a parent of a child who will be sitting SATs this year or even next, you might be concerned about how the disruption to their education during the pandemic may affect their exam performance - a worry which is doubled for those If the situation is causing you stress, parents whose children are also it’s important not to transmit that sitting the 11+. to your child, whose performance won’t be improved by exam nerves.

The good news is that if you’re addressing these concerns now, So what are the next steps? you’re doing so in good time.

There’s plenty of opportunity for READ MORE your child to make up any gaps in their learning before the exams roll around.

The first thing to do as a parent is not to worry too much! While your child’s schooling has been disrupted, so has that of all their peers.

It’s likely results will be poorer across the board, which is reassuring if you’re considering a selective school for your child’s secondary education.

What’s more, any teacher looking at your child’s exam results in the future will consider the extraordinary situation in which their studies took place.

Win a Gingersnap Balance Bike Ages worth 2 to 4 years £119!

Perfect to get little adventurers started!

APPLY HERE

Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

T&Cs apply

January/February 13

CLUBS & CLASSES

Classes directory Danceforce School of Dancing FREE Kingston TRIAL RAD BALLET, ISTD TAP, MODERN, JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY PRE-SCHOOL, MINIS, JUNIORS, SENIORS AND ADULTS www.danceforceschoolofdancing.com

Fun NEW ballet classes ages 4+ Weybridge FREE TRIAL

SINGING, DANCING AND ACTING CLASSES FOR 4 TO 18 YEAR OLDS

Classes for ages 4-13 in Richmond 020 8088 0117 swl@littlevoices.org.uk www.littlevoices.org.uk

Chertsey, Hinchley Wood & Esher, New Malden, Richmond, Staines, Teddington, Twickenham, Weybridge

FREE TRIAL

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Fun football classes

CONFIDENCE BUILDING FUN

Ages 18mths to 7 years Elmbridge & Spelthorne

Try a FREE drama, dance and singing class

Call: 07455 336032

office@releveschoolofballet.co.uk www.releveschoolofballet.co.uk

Book at www.perform.org.uk/try

northsurrey@littlekickers.co.uk

Book Your 2 Week Trial Now!

STREET DANCE IS HERE! Ever wish you could DANCE like Jason Derulo, BOP like Beyoncé or GROOVE like Bruno Mars?

Well your wish may have just come true!

Age’s 5-18

0800 0236 236 streetdanceacademy.co.uk ENROLLING NOW

Where children become everything they can be Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

Book Your 2 Week Trial Now!

SPORTS ACADEMY Sports Academy UK coach a multi sports program that promotes athleticism, balance,

CHERTSEY 0772 517 6102

RICHMOND 020 8332 6741

speed and agility. With less opportunity for

HINCHLEY WOOD & ESHER 01372 238238

TEDDINGTON & TWICKENHAM 0208 979 5276

variety of sports which enables them to also

NEW MALDEN 0208 540 7791

WEYBRIDGE 07939 208234

Age’s 4-16 All equipment supplied

STAINES 07802 800633 Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

14 January/February

emotional burn out, the children focus on a improve their skill development.

0800 0248 842 SPORTSACADEMYUK.COM

18 sports a year!

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Little Kickers teaches the FUNdamentals of football “Can I just say that we absolutely love the classes you organise.

We are in awe of the standard of all staff members and the overall service!” North Surrey Parent Taking place in Addlestone, Claygate, Cobham, Weybridge, Shepperton, Epsom, Ewell and Woking, these friendly, low-pressure and boundless energy of this age classes take place from Friday to group. Games are fast-paced and Monday, in four age groups: increasingly football-focused.

Little Kicks - 18 mths-2½ years Mega Kickers – 5-7½ years The perfect introduction to the fun Children hone their football skills world of Little Kickers. Children learn the basics of football in a play- and develop their social and cognitive skills, culminating in a oriented, yet structured format. friendly match in each session.

Junior Kickers - 2½-3½ years To register, click here. Call Structured learning through play 07880 633885 or email for more remains the focus as children information. gradually gain independence.

Mighty Kickers - 3½- 5 years Lessons cater for the confidence

FootballFootball fun for children aged fun 18 months - 7 years.

for children Classes available in Ages 18mths to 7 yearsmultiple venues across Classes available acrossElmbridge/Spelthorne Elmbridge & Spelthorne Get in Touch: Find out more! northsurrey@littlekickers.co.uk northsurrey@littlekickers.co.uk 07880 633 885 07880 633885 Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

www.LittleKickers.co.uk LKFCNorthSurrey Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

facebook.com/LKFCNorthSurrey

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January/February 15

CLUBS & CLASSES

Happy, Confident New Year from Perform Perform, the UK’s biggest centrally run drama school, is getting 2022 off to a flying start with a new term of classes focusing on building confidence and social skills.

Many children have struggled to reconnect the pandemic and reestablish their old friendships and confidence. Child psychologist and author, Linda Blair, says that classes like these: ‘can help children recover from social isolation as they encourage communication and effective social interactions. Drama helps a child’s ability to understand and interpret things like eye contact and can help in countless other ways both socially and cognitively.’

Venues:

Brentford: St Paul Church of England Primary School Cobham: St Andrew’s Church Hall Esher: Church of the Holy Name Isleworth: St John’s and St Mary’s Church Hall Kew: Kew Community Centre Fortunately, Perform classes are Kingston: Alexandra Infants School packed with confidence-boosting & The Parish of St John the Baptist drama-based games and activities, Richmond: Vineyard Life Church, allowing every child to shine.

The Russell Primary School & Holy Trinity Church Centre Children ages 4 to 7 will trek off Teddington: Teddington Methodist on a jungle adventure this term Church while ages 7 to 12 enjoy a thrilling adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.

Twickenham: The Crossway Centre What’s more, Perform’s jungle theme & Twickenham United Reform becomes a West End musical Church during February half-term, featuring Walton: St Andrews Urc a professional adult cast, stunning Weybridge: St James’ Parish Centre costumes and fabulous music. Visit junglerumble.show To book a no-obligation FREE trial at Richmond, Twickenham, More about Perform’s weekly Teddington, Kew, Brentford, drama, dance and singing classes Isleworth, Esher, Cobham, Walton, Weybridge and Kingston, Confidence building drama classes visit the website, email or call 020 for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix 7255 9120. Use code LUT70222 of fun drama games, dance and for a £40 discount when you book singing specially designed to by 7 February. boost confidence, communication, concentration and co-ordination.

16 January/February

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ACTIVITIES

Winter boredom busters Virtual fun

Take a ride on a virtual roller coaster. Check out 10 of the best virtual rides.

Go on a virtual tour of a zoo, aquarium or science centre.

Here’s some of the world’s best.

Explore breath-taking scenery with a virtual visit to America’s greatest national parks.

Drop in on London - visit a museum, Brick Lane, Houses of Parliament and more.

Take a plunge and swim with wild dolphins.

Marvel at the magic of nature’s beauty by gazing at the Northern Lights.

Kitchen capers

Try a new cookie recipe, suggestions here. Bonus idea: Set up a camera or smart phone and film a cooking show!

Make ice cream in a bag, recipe here. No need for a fancy ice cream maker!

Make slime, instructions here.

Make some DIY play-dough, recipe here.

Have a pizza party, DIY pizza recipes here.

Throw an afternoon tea party for the family, see children’s tea party ideas.

Game time

Educational

Learn and play a new card game, here are 12 classic card games.

Conduct a science experiment, find 31 easy science experiments using common household items.

Play family charades. Choose from 100s of ideas with this online random charade’s generator.

Put on a family magic show, here are 13 easy tricks to learn.

Dice games teach maths and other skills. Here are some great options.

Two truths and a lie. Play two truths and a lie, See some childfriendly examples.

Have a bingo tournament. Try this online Bingo Card Generator.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Check out the National Literacy Trust’s list of podcasts here.

Have an extra Amazon box laying around? 32 fun, creative, and educational things to do with a cardboard box.

Create a message for the present and the future with a Sustainable Development Time Capsule.

Practise a new life skill with your kids, here are 19 life skills you can teach your child at home.

January/February 17

ACTIVITIES

DIY board games from overseas Fed up with the board games in the cupboard? Make and try these fascinating alternatives curated from overseas by www.whatdowedoallday.com

Watermelon Chess Country of origin: China

Kaooa Country of origin: India

Nine holes Country of origin: England

Fighting Serpents Country of origin: New Mexico

Lu Lu Dice Country of origin: Hawaii

Picaria

Country of origin: American South West

Fox & Geese Country of origin: Scandinavia

Shisima Country of origin: Kenya

Tapatan Country of origin: Philippines

18 January/February

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WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Every Sun Junior Parkrun Free 2k event for ages 4 to 14 years at local parks.

Tue 14-Thu 16 Feb Perform Hansel Sun 6 Feb & Gretel Half Let’s Get Term Workshop Creative at Sat 12-Sun 20 Join Perform for Fri 7 Jan Orleans House Feb an unforgettable Museum Gallery Bubbles at three days in a Monkeys at Join in a festive London Museum fairytale forest Chertsey art activity of Water & Steam enjoying sweet Museum delivered by Join in bubblesongs and Join Charlie the artist in tastic fun each delicious dance the Chimp for residence. weekday with routines. Ages singing, stories Wet and Bubbly 4-10 yrs. 10am and crafts for FEBRUARY Science Show to 3pm daily Under 5s.

HALF TERM and Musical Mark at Holy Trinity on Sundays.

Church Centre, Sat 15 Jan Fri 11 Feb-13 Mar Richmond.

Young Sensory Trail Archaeology Club at Morden Hall A group for 8-16s Park to learn and get Explore the park, hands on with the experiencing past. nature using your senses Sat & Sun 22-23 Jan Fri 11 Feb–Sun Big Wetland 20 Feb BO OK YO UR Birdwatch at Come Rain or TI CK E TS NO W Morden HallwPark Shine Bingo Trail Join guided walks at Claremont on the wetland Landscape boardwalk to look Garden for birds.

Explore the park whilst trying you Fri 4 Feb luck on this trail.

Museum Monkeys at From Sat 12 Feb Chertsey Beatrix Potter: Fri 4 - Sat 5 Feb Museum Drawn to Nature 0844 871 7615* Join Charlie at V&A London ATGTICKETS/Richmond* the Chimp for Playful and www.peppapiglive.com #peppapiglive singing, stories interactive and crafts for Under 5s.

exhibition telling the complete story of Beatrix Potter.

*Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per min, plus your phone company’s access charge.

Peppa Pig © [2021] ABD Ltd/Ent. One UK Ltd

Familiesonline.co.uk

January/February 19

WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Sat 19 Feb Young Archaeology Club A group for 8-16s to learn and get hands on with the past.

Sun 6 Mar Let’s Get Creative at Orleans House Gallery Join in an art activity delivered by the artist in residence.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE DORKING HALLS 15-16 Jan The Smeds And The Smoos Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone age 3+.

26-27 Feb The Tiger Who Came to Tea Join the teaguzzling tiger in this delightful family show for ages 3+.

20 January/February

simplest of dialogue. Ages 3+.

The Smeds And The Smoos at Dorking Halls

G LIVE, GUILDFORD 22 Jan Oldilocks and the Three Bears Live show packed full of songs, games and laughter.

17 Feb Justin Live See CBeebies superstar and children’s favourite Justin Fletcher live on stage.

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE 2-5 Mar Baby Bear An uplifting, beautiful and comical theatre production for 0-18mths.

29-30 Jan Josephine The extraordinary story of performer, spy and civil rights activist Josephine Baker Ages 7+.

5 Feb Butterflies An uplifting tale of friendship, told using innovative staging, physicality, humour and an original musical score. Ages 3-8.

LITTLE LYRIC, HAMMERSMITH 12 Feb Plundered A swashbuckling 15 Jan adventure in the Dustbin Doris An amazing trove Amazon. Can you help defeat the of wondrous tales recycle their pirate? Ages 5+.

26 Feb way out of the The BIG rubbish. Ages 5+. 14-19 Feb Robin’s Winter Birthday Show Adventure Family magic 22 Jan Uplifting tale show full of tricks, The Elves and of change, balloons, games the Shoemaker bravery and and nonsense.

Classic fable friendship told using magical puppets, intricate with puppetry, poetry, music and design, original magical design music and the Ages 4+.

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

What’s on

All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES

THE FORTUNE THEATRE, COVENT GARDEN

14-20 Feb Jungle Rumble An original family musical 27 Feb from Perform Under the UK. Jungle 5 Mar Frozen Moon Rumble brings Messy Heart-warming the jungle to Magical visual puppet show of a life with thrilling story with original young girl’s quest choreography, music, puppets, to confront a uplifting tap dancing and dragon. songs and an even a trip to the inspirational message about working together Share Peppa Pig’s Best to protect the Day Ever at Richmond Earth.

On 4 to 5 February, Peppa Pig is live on stage in Richmond! Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and icecreams to muddy puddles – there is something for all the family and friends to enjoy.

26 Jan The Hare and the Tortoise An interactive storytelling performance for 0–5s.

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10-19 Feb Zog and the Flying Doctors Brand new

22-22 Jan Robin’s Winter Adventure An uplifting tale of change, bravery and friendship told with puppetry, poetry, music and magical design.

Pr

Tickets and more information HERE.

THE ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Fa

Theatre

adventure with a modern take on a classic fairy tale.

Ages 3+.

t

moon. For ages 3+.

in

26 Feb Little Red Riding Hood Be taken down the path into the snowy wild wood, hear catchy songs and spot hilarious puppets.

Ages 3-8.

r to be P

May/June 2021 familiesonline.c o.uk

January/February 21

TWEEN

Best skincare products for tweens We asked our friends at wearetwixt for their round up of some of the best, tween-friendly zit-zapping cleansers that avoid chemicals that can be abrasive on young, delicate skin.

TROPIC Pure Lagoon Blemish Prevention Serum (£42) A gentle serum with pre-biotics builds the skin’s defences and fights acne.

Olivia (12) says: ‘I put this on twice a day. It cleared my spots completely.

Absolutely amazing!’

Olivia’s mum says: ‘Pricey but a little goes a long way.’

Pixi Glow Tonic (£10) Lightweight, gentle exfoliating serum which hydrates and boosts radiance. 100% chemical-free and beautifully gentle for young skin.

Olivia (12) says: ‘I use this every evening and it makes my skin feel completely clean.’

Olivia’s mum says: ‘‘This has been brilliant for Olivia’s skin.’

22 January/February

LUSH Tea Tree Water (£6) and LUSH Grease Lightning (£8) Tea tree water cleanses and helps banish spots.

Grease Lightning cleanses and helps combat infection and further redness.

Olivia (12) says: ‘I love how fresh these products are and how clean they feel.’

TROPIC Clear Skin BlemishFighting Mask (£20)

Designed to control the levels of sebum in the skin, preventing spots forming. Kills bacteria, draws out toxins, closes pores and soothes sore skin.

Olivia (12) says: ‘My skin is sensitive and can get dry and this is so gentle and soothing. It lasts for ages too.’

Familiesonline.co.uk

TWEEN

Why Aiyven and Kirsten are Happier Every Chapter Sisters Aiyven (12) and Kirsten (13) love writing stories and both published debut novels in 2020.

Families talks to them to find out more.

What made you start writing stories?

Our parents read stories to us every night when we were young, which opened up whole new worlds to us. From around the age of 4 or 5, we were folding pieces of paper into cards and writing stories inside them - and just never stopped!

What do you like best about writing stories?

The best thing is how in a few hours, a new universe can sprout out of thin air.

How many stories have you written?

Many of our early stories were on laptops we don’t have any more but every month we write short stories for our book subscription box, Happier Every Chapter. Over time, we’ve written at least thirty stories each. That’s excluding our books.

Do you make a plan for your stories?

When we were younger, we often just typed whatever came to mind, which can result in an unusual plot and a storyline that doesn’t flow very well. Now, we plan Familiesonline.co.uk

the beginning, build-up, climax, resolution and ending. Once you have those five factors planned, it’s just a matter of connecting the dots.

Interested in Aiyven and Kirsten’s advice on story-writing?

READ MORE

FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child* 14 pages of fun activities

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cial a spe p re is hel can 0, the e 17-2 how you and get ce With On pag about otions! resilien section build their em kids e with your fortabl m 2021 com agazine.co storytimem © www.

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January/February 23

FOOD

Winter warmers Get your big bowls and mugs out and make some of these fabulous, hearty seasonal soups and hot drinks with the kids.

Real tomato soup

Hot butter beer (no alcohol!)

Alphabet soup

Green pea and ham soup

Mini cob loaf sweet potato soup

White hot chocolate

Hot chocolate snowmen

Kids’ minestrone soup

Child-friendly hot toddy

24 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Just one healthy thing

At this time of the year, we are bombarded with unrealistic health advice. So how about setting yourself an easy target of changing just one thing this New Year? © Bruce Mars from Unsplash

Consider cold water swimming

Get a fitness buddy

Take time to meditate

Start with cold water showers and build up with the Wim Hof method.

Accountability works.

Find out more.

10 minutes a day can make a huge difference.

Find hundreds of free meditations.

Take Vitamin D

Try forest bathing

Get quality sleep

10mg daily for adults in autumn and winter compensate for lack of UK sunshine.

Time in forest/woodland boosts your mood, health and wellbeing. Find options here.

Photo: Spirited Euphoria

If your nights are disrupted, try going to bed earlier. Discover the benefits.

Photo: Gabrielle Henderson from Unsplash

Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels

Go veggie

For one day a week, skip meat. Follow MeatFreeMondays.

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Give up alcohol

Practise gratitude

Try mindful drinking with Keeping a daily gratitude Spirited Euphoria! 100% diary can make you feel more optimistic. natural, non-alcoholic, endorphin-releasing alternative.

January/February 25

NEWS

Help fund vital brain tumour research Join Wear A Hat Day! Did you know brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer?

This is an unacceptable fact which leading charity, Brain Tumour Research is determined to change.

Join thousands of children, parents and teachers on Friday 25 March for Wear A Hat Day – a great way to bring people together and raise vital funds Brain Tumour Research.

Funds raised from Wear A Hat Day will help towards establishing a new Register your school, community or Research Centre of Excellence. family event today HERE and you’ll receive a free fundraising pack.

Find out more about the research and fund-raising activities of Brain March sees the arrival of Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Coming Tumour Research by visiting its website. towards the end of the month, several celebrities will be lending their support to the incredible hattastic Wear a Hat Day campaign.

The latest set of collectable Wear A Hat Day pin badges have a regal theme in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. Order your box of badges to sell when you register!

Protect your child online!

Get a free and complete guide to parental controls*

APPLY HERE * while stocks last T&Cs apply

26 January/February

Magazine

Familiesonline.co.uk

HEALTH

How CBT can help children with anxiety

By Lilly Sabir As both a clinical therapist and a mother, I know from personal and professional experience how important it is to help our children understand, identify and support their own mental wellbeing.

Studies suggest that the earlier children are empowered with the resources needed to improve the way they think, the earlier positive foundations are laid that they can build on throughout their lives.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is identified as the most effective therapeutic intervention in managing anxiety.

When your child expresses feeling tiredness or pain, this can be one of the most demonstrative signs they are anxious - somebody or something has triggered an emotional response within them.

Children don’t know how to express and articulate emotional language in the early years but this improves with age.

Tummy aches, headaches and ‘something is hurting’ is often a child’s way of saying whatever is going on around them has caused them stress.

They need to calmly be helped to cope with that pain, using fun ways that can help them tap into the sensations occurring in their bodies and minds.

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It’s important to recognise when a child needs therapeutic intervention, rather than masking their emotional problems and hoping they will grow out of them; the earlier the intervention, the more effectively treatments can work.

If you have a child who is suffering with anxiety-related issues, find out more about some child-friendly CBT techniques that you can use to help them.

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January/February 27

EARLY YEARS

Sensible safety supplies It’s a great time of year to check that you have all the right protection to keep your children safe at home.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Essential if you use gas, LPG, oil or wood at home. £14

Cable Tidy Unit

The easiest way to keep cables away from children. Click-lock lid. £17.90

Bath & Room Thermometer

Flashes/beeps when water is too hot/cold for your child. Floats in bath. £11.49 28 January/February

St John Ambulance Travel First Aid Kit Important at home and when away. £18.60

Stove & Hob Guard

Protects from stove-top dangers. Adjustable.

Suitable for gas and electric. £37.99

Magnetic Child Locks

Corner Protectors

Oven Door Guard

Door Slam Protector

No DIY skills required.

Fit lock and catch simultaneously. £19.95

Prevents little hands from opening the oven and getting injured or burned. £6.49

Easy to install. Larger than others. Soft protection from sharp corners. £6.99

Protects fingers from door slamming and children from getting locked in. From £6.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

Getting more involved with your child’s development Volunteering at your child’s childcare setting is a great way to become more involved with your child’s learning and development.

If you’ve previously worked with children or in childcare, that’s invaluable but you don’t actually need any experience.

You may be interested in formal roles like a nursery assistant where you will receive lots of support including an induction or special training. Other roles may be more informal with flexible arrangements such as joining outings to the park, helping with a fundraising activity or running a toy library. Your child’s setting is likely to be open to ideas.

Children learn a huge amount while in quality childcare but parents remain their most important educators.

Find out how to continue developing your child’s learning at home.

READ MORE

Volunteering at your child’s setting can help you: Increase your enjoyment and understanding of the way your child learns; Learn new skills, gain confidence and practical experience; Make new friends and meet other parents; Develop and become part of a parent forum; Take up free training opportunities to help you progress into paid work; Get to know your child’s friends better; Explore new career opportunities in childcare; Give something back to your local community.

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Small and caring pre-school in Hampton Ages 2 to 5 Teaches Early Years Foundation Stage.

Curriculum and Montessori Method.

For a prospectus or to visit, call Julia on 020 8335 0666 / 07939 838 991 or email juliasmontessori@aol.com January/February 29

FAMILY LIFE

Top car seat suggestions Need a new car seat this year? Kickstart your research with these nine top ADAC safety-approved models.

Joie Spin 360 Group 0+1

Cosy N Safe Merlin 360 Group 0+/1 0 to 18kg. Birth to 4yrs. £200

Up to 18kg. 3mths to 4yrs. £325

Maxi Cosi Axiss Swivelling

Graco Milestone All-in-One Group 0+/1/2/3

Nuna Myti Group 1/2/3

Cosatto Judo Group 1/2/3

Halfords Essential Group 1/2/3

Birth to 18kg. Birth to 4yrs. From £199.

9 to 18kg. 9mths to 4yrs. £139

Joie Baby Bold Group 1/2/3 9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12yrs. £179.99

30 January/February

Birth to 36kg. Birth to 12 yrs. £210

9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12 yrs. £180

Britax Romer Dualfix M i-Size

9 to 36kg. 15mths to 12 yrs. £325

9 to 36kg. 9mths to 12yrs. £40 Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Family tech ideas The latest in technological innovation – maybe you can find a bargain in the January sales?

Symfonisk Picture Frame with WiFi Speaker Your favourite sounds from your favourite picture! £179

Bonaok Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone Enjoy family karaoke at home. £29.99

Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset

Use headset and app to jump into VR. £299.

Facebook Portal - da Vinci miniMaker Illuminator Light Up Smart Video Calling Drone 3D Printer Video call others on their devices with WhatsApp/ Messenger, even if they don’t have Portal. £60.

First-time users 3D printer. Great for young minds and STEM learning. £284.40

Philips NeoPix Easy Heated Throw Perfect for snuggling up Home Projector

For cosy winter nights in. £99.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

with the family. £53

Delivers an amazing light show. USB and batteryoperated remote control. £29.99

Nanit Smart Baby Monitor

Peace of mind. A crystalclear overhead view of your baby’s cot. From £199 January/February 31

FAMILY LIFE

Protect your child online

Try Storytime, the world’s best story magazine!

The internet is a fantastic place to learn, play and contact friends and family. However, just like the real world, it’s not safe for children to navigate alone.

Special Full of fairy tales, adventures, myths Reader Offer and legends, tales from other cultures, real life stories and awesome animals, Storytime is the world’s best story magazine.

Save 15% on complete guide to parental controls (E-book/PB) Welcome to the new book, which aims to make it easier to protect our children online!

Leading children’s charities and parent groups agree that parents need more help to understand potential online dangers and understand how best to react when our children are upset or disturbed by something they have seen online.

Protecting children of the digital age contains over 130 pages of information, advice, tips and step by step guides to setting parental controls on the most popular devices, Apps, platforms and games.

Use code FAM15 at check out here to obtain the e-book for Special just £5.94 or the Reader paperback for just Offer £13.59.

Save 50% off your first 4 issues - just £9.99!

It’s packed with wonderful stories for children and parents to read, love and share, as well as puzzles, activities and games.

All 52 pages are beautifully illustrated and printed on quality paper so they can be treasured, read and re-read.

No adverts, plastic toys or packaging and each copy arrives in a specially illustrated envelope, so your child has all the excitement of receiving their own mail.

Plus, each month, there are free home learning resources and fun activities to bring the stories to life.

More info and apply for offer.

Follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

32 January/February

Familiesonline.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Moving on after separation and divorce

By Adele Ballantyne At Only Mums and Only Dads, we get many emails expressing concern at the way an ex-partner has introduced their new partner to the children. Often these emails report that the children have become upset as a result. So we asked Adele Ballantyne for her advice on getting this right.

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Many parents use the time whilst their children are with their other parent to start socialising, keeping it separate from their parenting role initially. Of course, it’s okay to tell your children, especially older ones, offering reassurance if you meet resistance.

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But, of course, you will want to socialise.

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Before dating, I would say that it’s important to take time to heal, to reflect and think about who you are and what you want going forward.

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So, what happens when you want to start socialising and even dating again?

definitely worth discussing and agreeing a plan with your ex-partner about how you would manage the introduction of any new, long-term partner to your children.

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Separating when you have children isn’t easy but as a new ‘normal’ begins to emerge, you may find yourself or your ex-partner starting to think about moving on with the ‘adult’ part of life.

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1 July/August 202

Magazine January/February 33

GIVEAWAYS

Win a Gingersnap Balance Bike Ages worth 2 to 4 years £119!

Perfect to get little adventurers started!

FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child* 14 pages of fun activities

ESS is...

HAPPIN Y PACK! ACTIVIT

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Be kind Be you!

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Reco .............

Like Rain s Are ..............

6 Feeling .........

Box ....... e Tool .............. .7 ..............

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Framing! ..............

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Fun with .......... ness Diar akes .............. .. 9 Grateful of Mist .............. cake s! .......

10 The Pan Emotion ............. ve with .............. lings Get Acti d! ... 11 ut Fee l Goo Fee Abo to Talking ....... 13 Can Do .............. gs You ..............

30 Thin ........ 14 ....... ....... e You! ..............

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