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IN THIS ISSUE
Everything Christmas! Win Toys for Christmas! Micro Scooter + LOTS MORE!
Magazine
See inside
November/December 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
T&Cs apply
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
familiesonline.co.uk
CONTENTS
Welcome
In This Issue 4
Education
8
Christmas Gift Guide
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. 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!
13 Seasonal Acts of Kindness 17 Great Families® Toy Giveaway 21 Early Years
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. If you can, support local this Christmas – check out our directory of local shops and online stores where you can pick up all that you need for the perfect family Christmas.
23 Family Life 26 Christmas Crafts & More
Wishing you a Merry Christmas from everybody at Families Newcastle Gateshead Magazine.
Get in touch 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.
Editors, Families Newcastle Gateshead Magazine E – sales@familiesnewcastle.co.uk T – 07734 690020 FB @FamiliesNGMag Twitter @FamiliesNGMag
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IN THIS ISSUE
Easter activities & What’s Ons for * Win chocolates Mother’s Day & family day out tickets * Play café guide * School open days * Reader offers
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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
Personalised Christmas Gifts from ASDA
Be the favourite this Christmas and give a personalised gift straight from the heart. Check out ASDA photo’s range of photo gifts, guaranteed to draw a smile this Christmas. We particularly love the jigsaw – surely the perfect gift for any child or adult with a photo memory to treasure. What’s even better is the great prices! 4 November/December
Calendars from £8.50 Cushions from £14.00 Slate Photo Panels from £11.00 Photo Books from £6.00 Jigsaws from £10.00 Mugs from £7.00 Tea Towels from £13.50 Canvas Prints from £12.00 Magnets from £1.00 Blankets from £28.00 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
EDUCATION
Excellence starts at Dame Allan’s Junior School & Nursery At Dame Allan’s Junior School and Nursery, we pride ourselves on providing a holistic curriculum which enables children to develop socially, emotionally and intellectually. At the heart of our teaching is the belief that learning should be fun and that pupils should be engaged with the learning process. We encourage active learning, which sees our pupils take part in meaningful learning activities and think about what they are doing and why. We believe this is the best way to encourage children to stretch their imaginations and reach their full potential.
Developing strong partnerships with parents, guardians and carers is essential in this process. Parents are kept fully up to date and well informed of their child’s learning and our open door policy allows parents to get a better understanding of how their child learns at school. From Nursery to Year 6, we encourage our pupils to aim high and achieve their goals. During their time in the Junior School, they are taught not only the core skills of numeracy, literacy and science, but to enjoy the creative arts, sports and computing amongst many READ MORE
Excellence starts here. *
*Rated Excellent by the Independent Schools Inspectorate
Book your Virtual Visit at dameallans.co.uk
For any further information please contact the Head of Admissions on 0191 275 0608. www.dameallans.co.uk
6 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
Clubs & Classes
CLUBS & CLASSES
Reading Chest FIND OUT MORE Some recent research by the National Literacy Trust and Puffin discovered that overall children’s enjoyment of reading increased during lockdown. However, this was heavily swayed towards girls. Now that children are back in schools, with possible restrictions on library access, it is more important than ever to keep encouraging reading at home – especially the boys! Be confident supporting your child at home. Familiarise yourself with the way phonics is taught in schools. There are lots of useful sites to help with phonics such as www.OxfordOwl.co.uk. Get dads involved! Lots of families have had the advantage of dads being around more and hopefully getting involved with reading. Dads helping with reading and being reading role models can have a huge positive effect - particularly with boys. Read together at bedtime. The key to being a good reader in the long run is to develop a love of reading. Keep bedtime reading a fun and special time when you can share a book of choice together. For more reading advice and access to a huge range of clean and quarantined books, visit www.readingchest.co.uk. Reading Chest is offering Families readers £5.00 off their first month’s membership with the code NEW.
Wild Thing Yoga FIND OUT MORE Do you want to feel energised, invigorated and relaxed? Uplifting, soulful yoga live online for all levels, including beginners. Enjoy expert tuition to help get the most out of your yoga practice, leaving you with that glow that only yoga gives you. Treat yourself or a loved one and feel wonderful! Yoga strengthens the body and increases flexibility, helping melt away tension and niggles and improving your posture. Vinyasa Flow, Prenatal/Pregnancy Yoga, Postnatal Yoga, Yoga For Back Pain, Yoga For Runners & Sports-Specific, 1 To 1 Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Meditation. Can’t touch your toes? That’s why we do yoga. familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 7
CLUBS & CLASSES
Hartbeeps FIND OUT MORE Hartbeeps and Hartbeeps@Home offers contemporary classes for babies and young children using over 300 original songs (including great reworks of classic nursery rhymes), lighting, puppets, sensory materials, and a huge range of props. These are currently being offered online. All our well researched, bespoke programmes are led by specialist trained session leaders we refer to as ‘Imaginators’ and delivered with love to the little folk that we refer to as ‘Little Hartbeepers’. Classes are suitable from birth and include: baby massage, baby calming, parentese, baby move & baby yoga, baby signing, puppetry, dress-up, dramatic play, musical storytelling, sensory and unusual props and lighting effects, happy claps, rhymes, raps and body percussion along with our very own soundplay™ systems supporting early developing speech and language. Hartbeeps runs across the North East, but for the following areas: Alnwick, Morpeth, Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth, Jesmond, Heaton, Benton, Forest Hall and Killingworth please contact cristina@hartbeeps.com
Dance City FIND OUT MORE Kids Classes are back at Dance City! Be in the room or join via Zoom. Established for over 30 years Dance City is the North East’s leading development organisation for dance, which exists to lead and support a thriving dance ecology in the region. We present a regular programme of dance performances from contemporary to ballet, world to breakdance bringing leading North East, British and International dance to Newcastle. We also commission original new works, which premiere in our theatre.
8 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
Local Shop Directory
CHRISTMAS
Sweet Snugglebug SHOP NOW
Wild Thing Yoga & Fitness SHOP NOW
Sweet Snugglebug is an online retailer of baby wear, toys and accessories. Quality, comfort and style is our focus when selecting products for your little ones. Our products include brightly coloured organic cotton ranges, luxury Spanish clothing and traditional knitwear – all at affordable prices! For customers wishing to purchase gifts we offer a gift-wrapping service, whereby items can be gift wrapped, presented in luxury gift boxes and sent to the recipient directly by us! We also offer a range of greetings cards that can be personalised if desired.
Searching for a special gift for the person who has everything? Want them to feel a million dollars? How about a “Yoga Treat”? Gift vouchers for One To One bespoke sessions or class passes will make your loved one feel nourished and revitalised in body and soul. Give the glow that only yoga can give. Uplifting & relaxing sessions (currently live on Zoom) with caring, experienced teacher Anne-Louise Russell. From beginners to experienced, seniors, runners, cyclists, pregnancy yoga, post-natal and beyond. Meditation & breath-work also offered.
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 9
CHRISTMAS
Local Shop Directory Wilde Farm SHOP NOW
Kitty Kawaii SHOP NOW
Lovely little craft boxes that will keep children busy for hours.
• Free range Norfolk Black Turkeys, Khaki Campbell ducks, rare breed chicken & guinea fowl. • Roasting joints from free range rare breed hogget sheep and pigs All the trimmings including pork stuffing, pigs in blankets & bread sauce • Christmas gift hampers • Real ale gift boxes from our own fresh green hops beer ‘Wilde North Blonde’. • Christmas trees from the exclusive delivery and collection service Order from our online farm shop or visit Wilde Farm Outdoor Christmas Markets at Ponteland Memorial Hall, Darras Rd, Ponteland, NE29 9NX
Cocoa Grace
SHOP NOW Bespoke chocolates, cupcakes and celebration cakes for any and all occasions! Gluten free and vegan options available.
The Crafty Bear
SHOP NOW A gorgeous selection of personalised gifts suitable for all the family.
Trippin Tiffin
SHOP NOW Trippin Tiffin is the home of ‘The Alternative Christmas Pud’. Traditional Tiffin with a festive twist.
• 10am-2pm Sunday 15th November (essential items only)
Mr Wolf - Traditional Toy Story SHOP NOW
• 10am-2pm Sunday 29th November (essential items only)
If you’re looking for something a little bit different for the little ones in your life then Mr Wolf is for you!
• 10am-2pm Sunday 13th December 10 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
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 Newcastle Gateshead 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
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 & 3 for 2 until Xmas with code: PP342 www.pepperpot-studios.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 11
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 12 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
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
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 13
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Make your money go even further this Black Friday, Christmas and beyond... Search for a retailer and click to Shop Shop as normal Feel great as you watch your child’s savings grow-ho-ho-ho!
Sign up now! 14 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
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. familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 15
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. 16 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
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. familiesonline.co.uk
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. November/ December 17
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. 18 November/December
Wooden perpetual motion marble run. Ages 10+. £28.99.
Bespoke, personalised animal wall or shelf prints. Ages 0+. From £10. familiesonline.co.uk
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
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 19
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. 20 November/December
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. familiesonline.co.uk
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
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 21
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)! 22 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
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.
familiesonline.co.uk
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.
November/ December 23
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 24 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
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. familiesonline.co.uk
Tell Stories Anytime, Anywhere…. …not just at bedtime!
November/ December 25
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 26 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
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 familiesonline.co.uk
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. November/ December 27
Coming soon in 2021 Families Newcastle Gateshead Awards!
Best Birthday Partie
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Best Childcare
ut
Best Days O
ses for Best Clas
Kids
Star Teacher o r Childcarer
If you are a local business and would like to be involved in our awards, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Laura: editor@familiesnewcastle.co.uk or Carla: sales@familiesnewcastle.co.uk 28 November/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 29
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
30 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 31