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Everything Christmas! Win Toys for Christmas! Micro Scooter + LOTS MORE!
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November/December 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
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Familiesonline.co.uk November/ December 1
Toy Giveaway! Vroom Vroom Plate
Conversation Cards
Sword & Shield Sets
Micro Scooter
Knitted Diplodocuses
Driving Experience
Space Magnetic Pack
Mermaid Tails
Robo Wunderkind
Animal Wall Prints
Germ German Attack Games
See Gift Guide for details
2 November/December
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CONTENTS
In This Issue
Welcome
4
Education
8
Christmas Gifts for All
It’s not long until Christmas, and, whilst it will feel different to usual, there will still be plenty to organise and look forward to.
10 Treasures Gift Guide 13 Where’s Santa? 16 Seasonal Acts of Kindness
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!
32 Christmas Fun
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. You can also win your own private compartment on Christmas Eve with North Yorkshire Moors Railway!
Get in touch
If you can, support local this Christmas – check out our toy gift guide from Treasures of Wetherby and Upside Down Design’s gift guide for the home.
24 Early Years 26 Family Life
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.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas from everybody at Families North Yorkshire Magazine.
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Magazine November/ December 3
EDUCATION
Choosing a Tutor for your Child
Primary School League Tables Explained
By Kate Hilpern
By Annabel Gray
In the past, parents might employ a tutor, discreetly, to help their child keep up at school. Now tutoring is higher profile and focuses on making students more academically competitive – getting ahead, not just keeping up. So if your child needs a tutor, how do you choose one? READ MORE
There are many factors to consider when choosing a school for your child – often including how well the school is performing. A useful tool to reference is the school annual league tables. Unfortunately though, these can sometimes seem a little complicated. READ MORE
New Nursery opens at Barlow Primary School Barlow Primary School are opening a brand-new nursery with places currently available for a January or an Easter start. The ten-place nursery offers provision for 3 and 4-years olds from 8.00am to 3.15pm each day within the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) class. There are a range of learning areas in the classroom including a reading pod, a home corner, construction and crafts areas and access to iPads and beebot robots. Outdoor play is central to the school’s learning vision and children have access to a fantastic outdoor area featuring a 4 November/December
water feature, mud kitchen, stage, bikes and trikes and den-building materials. Skilled practitioners offer opportunities to take part in Forest School activities, gardening, cooking and the school therapy dog, Twig, visits every three weeks to meet the children. READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Anti-Bullying Week 16-20 November
Protecting your Child from Cyberbullying
Should you Defer your Child’s School Start?
By Shelley Goffe-Caldeira
By Claire Winter
It’s been reported that 82% of parents said that their children’s screen time increased during lockdown, with some having an extra four hours or more of non-school related screen time per day. Given this increase, there is no question that cases of bullying will have increased. READ MORE
Are summer-born children disadvantaged? If so, should you consider deferring your child’s school start if they are summerborn? This topic has been hotly debated for years. Certainly, there are pros and cons, but generally no one-size-fits-all solution. READ MORE
Recognising a Subtle Type of Bullying
By Tanith Carey Imagine this. Annabel spots classmate, Lisa, whispering to her best friend, Eve. Later, Eve informs Annabel that she only wants to play with Lisa today – and the two girls don’t save Annabel a seat at lunch. Tearful and confused, Annabel wonders what she has done wrong…. READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 5
AD
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6 November/December
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EDUCATION
Adapting to school life with Covid-19 Like many people across the world, The Mount School community is adapting to a new normal – a new way of working and living with the Covid-19 pandemic. The Mount School York, a leading day and boarding school for girls in the heart of York, benefits from a spacious campus with large classrooms, dedicated play areas and ample outdoor space. This provides girls at The Mount with a safe and secure environment for them to continue their education with very little disruption. Teachers at The Mount continue to teach a full bespoke curriculum, from Early Years to Sixth Form. All year groups are taught by a team of specialist teachers in music and drama lessons, sport and games, extracurricular activities, and their unique Global Thinking programme. Through these opportunities’ girls continue their personal development, learn new skills, challenge themselves, build confidence and have fun! READ MORE The
Mount School York
SPACE TO LEARN SPACE TO THRIVE SPACE TO BE OW WE KN N CA GIRLS
At The Mount campus providing
School we benefit girls with a safe
“The care my daughter received during lockdown and since returning to school is just amazing.” Current parent
from a spacious and secure place
16 acre to learn.
Arrange a visit to come and explore mountschoolyork.co.uk An exceptional education for girls *The Mount School York judged excellent in ISI Inspection. familiesonline.co.uk
www.mountschoolyork.co.uk November/ December 7
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
Our Guide to Finding Gifts for Those Loved Ones Who Seem to Have Everything Already! You know the problem; it happens every year. That one person who you leave until the very last minute to buy for because you can never come up with something unique and special for them which they don’t already have. Well, do not fear! Families North Yorkshire have found some distinctively delightful gifts for adults and kids this Christmas to help you out.
RaceInk These unique and personalised prints are the absolute perfect gift for the runner or cyclist in your life. There are a selection of sizes and colour of frames to choose from. If you prefer, you can also purchase a gift voucher so that it can be used in the future for an event or just simply cashed in on a previous achievement which your loved one chooses for themselves. Prices start at £25 for an A4 print. www.raceink.co.uk
The Little Gym Maybe you are a little tired of always giving a new toy. Why not get a voucher instead for the Little Gym so that they can enjoy a wonderful experience at a class, camp or party? Vouchers can be purchased for any value. www.harrogate.thelittlegym.eu
Pepper Pot Studios Beautifully modern illustrated maps of all your favourite places! You can even add your own location to a Pepperpot Studios map for an extra cost. Prices start from £12.95 for an A4 print. www.pepperpot-studios.co.uk 8 November/December
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CHRISTMAS
Yorkshire Dog Photographer Beautiful photography for people who love dogs just as much as owner Kathryn does. You can get that special person in your life a photoshoot with options to choose in the home or in the great outdoors, there’s something for all dog owners. A special time with just you, your dog and the family captured in timeless images to be treasured forever. Collections from £100. www.theyorkshiredogphotographer.com
Marvin’s Treasured Magic Tricks Introducing a wonderful wooden magic set that is perfect for any budding magician. Presented in a durable wooden box for easy storage and includes the incredible escaping coloured blocks, the vanishing rabbit illusion, the amazing rising cards and much much more! £25 from Marvin’s Magic www.marvinsmagic.com
Kikkerland Toys Huckleberry Fishing Kit This fish-shaped holder is equipped with fishing line (250in/635cm), floater (1g/0.04oz) weight and hook. CAUTION: Sharp Hook! £8.99 from Standfords www.stanfords.co.uk 3D Wooden Puzzle T-Rex Have a roarsomely challenging time being creative with this great wooden puzzle. £9.99 from Trouva www.trouva.com Make your Own Ukelele Say ‘Aloha’ to your very own Ukelele! This DIY kit contains all the pieces for your instrument and features smooth, unfinished wood to paint and decorate as you like! £29.99 from Waterstones www.waterstones.com familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 9
CHRISTMAS
Treasures of Wetherby Gift Guide This year has been a year like no other with so much uncertainty in our daily lives the certainty that Christmas will happen is comforting so with the excitement of our favourite time of the year, we have started our planning early! Our customers have started early too, and it seems there is a determination to make this an extra special Christmas this year. It is really encouraging to see how we all adapt to changes so quickly, customers automatically use our hand sanitisers and are patient while others finish their shopping. We are offering shopping appointments outside of our normal hours too, so if you would like to have Treasures to yourself just, get in touch to book your appointment. We have some fantastic new toys to choose from at Treasures and our autumn catalogue is packed with great offers. Here are some of our favourite picks –
Family Games – The Genius Square 6+ £16.99 Really hard to just choose one as we have added so many fantastic games however, our most requested game this year is “The Genius Square” from The Happy Puzzle Company. It has won many awards and is suitable from 6 years. We also have the “The Genius Star” launched in May, reviews are great here too. 10 November/December
Cocomelon Big Yellow Musical Bus 2 + - £19.99 years Cocomelon has been a big success on YouTube and when we reopened following lockdown it was our most requested pre-school toy; this little boy is much loved and I suspect the toy range will be a big success this Christmas.
Djeco Craft Paper Toys 6+ £5.99 Another fantastic range with plenty of appeal, Dinosaurs are always a favourite and at £5.99 what a great stocking filler. The animals have that cute Disney look Djeco Bracelets and can be enjoyed 7+ – £14.99 while making and Plenty of designs to suit again admiring when your child’s taste and age, decorating a desk or bookshelf. all beautifully made and will make a lovely gift to create together. familiesonline.co.uk
Playmobil T-Rex Attack 4+ - £19.99 Dinosaurs are always popular and this set has been selling very well. Brio World Farm Railway Set 3+ - £39.99 Classic wooden toy train set, one you are likely to keep passing on and guaranteed to provide many hours of fun play time. Plenty of additions New Super Mario available too, making it easy Lego Starter Set 6+ for grandparents to find a new - £49.99 train to add to this lovely set. Lego and Super Mario combined is impressive. You need to begin with the starter set which includes the Lego Mario figure, he has lots of features and expressive responses from his eyes, mouth, and l.e.d screen on Sylvanian Families Family his belly. Play the Campervan 3+ – £26.99 game going through adventures with Mario Perfect to take your Sylvanian Family on holiday with plenty collecting coins on of accessories even a pink the way. We have a range of set additions bicycle and fishing rod. If you available too. Expect are new to Sylvanian this is a to find this on the top lovely set to start with, you will just need to pick your favourite of many Christmas lists and one I predict family to add. parents will enjoy too. familiesonline.co.uk
Barbie Cake Decorating Playset 4+ – £19.99 Barbie continues to be a muchloved doll and we have had plenty of great new additions. The Career Dolls and Barbie Princess Adventure are a hit and are expected to be Christmas favourites. We also have some great accessories to add to your Barbie, perfect for stocking fillers from £6.99.
November/ December 11
CHRISTMAS
Best gifts for home
This Christmas is for most of us, set to be different in lots of ways, we are all likely to be spending more time at home, so we have teamed up with Upside Down Design, the beautiful interiors shop and design space located on Bootham, York to bring you a very stylish Christmas gift guide for the home.
Selection of Vases from £4.95 - £39.95
The luxurious ‘Elise’ Eiderdown is available in 9 colours and different sizes from £199
Stylish splatter range, from £7.95
We love these Udupi lamps! Perfect lighting for a cosy Christmas at home, available in two sizes £110 & £159
Pretty Marco Polo glasses in a range of rainbow colours, £6.95 each
Velvet Monkey cushion in a range of colours £35.95 In store there is a range of candelsticks and rainbow of candles available. These brass candles are £25.95 each
Oak lamp bases £195 and shades £64.95 - £78.95 12 November/December
Olive wood utensils and bowls. £4.99 - £19.95 familiesonline.co.uk
Where’s Santa?
CHRISTMAS
Well, 2020 has not been the year any of us expected and I’m certain Christmas is going to be a bit different to how it is usually for most of us. With that in mind, I wanted to try to keep Christmas as ‘normal’ as possible and so here is our Families North Yorkshire round up of where you can see Santa this year. #happychristmas #familyfun
Lotherton’s Christmas Experience One of our absolute favourite places to visit and Christmas time is always magical at Lotherton. Steeped in traditional Christmas magic and excitement, Lotherton is pleased to host the Christmas Experience once again this year for families to enjoy a safe and festive trip out! Book your day out now at:
Harewood House Upon a Christmas Wish…delve into a voyage of the imagination this festive season, as Harewood recounts a Christmas tale and the House reveals its magic to all those in need of whimsical wonder. Book your day out at: www.harewood.org/ whats-on/christmasat-harewood-2020
Stockeld Park Join them for some festive fun with various events and watch the Enchanted Forest come alive after dusk with our famous winter illuminations! www.stockeldpark. co.uk/events/season/ christmas
Lightwater Valley The park will be bursting at the seams with holiday spirit, packed full of family entertainment and Yorkshire Wildlife Park seasonal fun. www. lightwatervalley.co.uk/ Brand new in 2020! A www. thechristmasexperience. magical and immersive events/christmas-atfestival of light. Tickets lightwater-valley co.uk on sale now! www. Castle Howard North Yorkshire yorkshirewildlifepark. Moors Railway Join them for com/events/wintersomething truly illuminations Join the NYMR this magical in the Gardens December and help Piglets of Castle Howard this them save Christmas. Jump aboard the winter. Come and Celebrate the most Magical Sleigh experience a magical wonderful time of storytelling event in the Ride to Santa’s the year with your Woodland Village for historic Courtyard of family as you travel a truly unforgettable Castle Howard. to Levisham Station, Christmas www. www.castlehoward. return. www.nymr. pigletsadventurefarm. co.uk/whats-on/ co.uk/Event/santacom/event/magicalchristmas reimagined sleigh-rides familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 13
CHRISTMAS
Crafty Christmas Gifts for Teachers Make a homemade gift to say thank you to your teacher for their support this year.
Make a Pebble Teacher Paper Weight
Decorate a Plant Pot
Make a Jar of Chocolate Brownie Mix
Bake Flowerpot Bread
Knit an Apple
Make a DIY Pencil Holder
Put Together a Tea Wreath
Create a Cactus Pet Rock
Make Hot Chocolate Stirrers
14 November/December
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Free £5 bonus e k a m u o y n e h w your first purchase!
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November/ December 15
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. 16 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 17
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. 18 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 19
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
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20 November/December
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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 21
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
22 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.
A Shoot with The Yorkshire Dog Photographer It is certainly true that a dog is man’s best friend…oh and a woman’s and a child’s too. Yep, you guessed it, we are a family made up of Mum, Dad, 2 kids and our gorgeous dog Lottie. Lottie is a huge part of our family, and the mild regrets that I had initially about having a dog when Lottie was a puppy, (when it felt like I’d had another baby in terms of the love and care needed), are no longer there, and instead have been replaced by thoughts of how I can’t live without her! Sound familiar? Then you have a family dog yourself or maybe you grew up with a family dog and wish that you READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 23
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.
24 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 familiesonline.co.uk
CLASSES, PARTIES & CAMPS for children 4 months to 12 years For every stage of your child's development, the little gym offers a diverse range of of classes, camps and parties filled with FUN, music, movement and laughter. All in our own purpose built facilities.
Call us to book your first class NOW THE LITTLE GYM LEEDS 0113 3359915 leeds@thelittlegym.eu www.leeds.thelittlegym.eu
THE LITTLE GYM HARROGATE 01423 701560 harrogate@thelittlegym.eu www.harrogate.thelittlegym.eu
November/ December 25
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. 26 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 27
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 28 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
FAMILY LIFE
Redundancy – what is it? By Georgina Thomas into a number of stages: Firstly, they must decide on the “pools” for selection. They do this by looking at where the need for less employees is, and who that affects, and deciding which employees should be included in the “pool” or group, from which they Employees will obtain the right to redundancy after they are employed will select the actual redundancies. for over two full calendar years. a) The employer should consult with This gives some rights: the employees throughout. The first consultation should be on the actual 1. There must be a need for less need for the redundancies, and the employees. proposals for pools and selection criteria, which should be fair and 2. The right to a redundancy objective and not discriminatory. payment calculated partly on your age, and partly on length of service. READ MORE 3. A fair procedure, which is split Redundancy is a legal term which applies when an employer needs less employees which can be because there is less work, or simply because the employer can’t afford to pay the existing workforce.
Christmas at Harewood
Escape to our beautiful Festive House and Grounds this Christmas
Registered charity in England no 517753
familiesonline.co.uk
Online booking essential harewood.org/christmas November/ December 29
FAMILY LIFE
New organisation in North Yorkshire supporting families raising disabled children, & those with special educational needs. and share information. Our vision is to inform, empower and represent the collective voice of families with SEND children across the region. Parent Carer Voice (PCV) is the parent carer forum for North Yorkshire. The forum supports families with children and young people aged up to 25 years old who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). We know how isolating and confusing it can be to navigate services and family life with SEND, so we organise events, workshops and training,
30 November/December
PCV is made up of members who are parent carers living in North Yorkshire. We are a community, connecting families through shared information, experiences and mutual support. We work together, using our collective voice, working closely and co-productively with our strategic partners and service providers such as the local voices READ MORE
familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
Home from home with Chilli Powder Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps‌ or both? Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities, with unrivalled For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit in-house childcare facilities. For www.chillypowder.com many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home. www.chillypowder.com
For all ages 0-Adult
Swim shop selling baby wet suits, re-usable swim nappys & nappy covers NEW inclusive classes for all abilities 1:1, 2:1 or group at Cawood & Bubwith
Cawood Park, Ryther Road, Cawood, Selby YO8 3TT Willow Lodge, Brighton Road, Bubwith Yo8 6DQ Weighton Wold pool, Beverley Road, Market Weighton, YO43 4NE
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 31
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
32 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
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
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 33
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! 34 November/December
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! familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
27 Nov 2020 –3 Jan 2021 Advance booking essential
Lotherton's magical family Christmas returns with changes for your safety
thechristmasexperience.co.uk
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24/09/2020 17:31
Treasures Toys celebrating 10 years in Wetherby
Christmas Catalogue out now packed with great offers
Exclusive Treasures Shopping Appointments available Contact us to book yours on 01937 589187 Open Sundays 11am – 4pm in December
www.treasurestoys.co.uk No.8 High Street Wetherby LS22 6LT
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 35
36 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk