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Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep Sat 16th May 2020 Sat 10th October 2020
‘A great place to grow’ for children aged 2 to 11 years
register online at: www.junior-kings.co.uk
OPEN MORNINGS Scholarships available for September 2020 entry
13+ Entry Sat 7th March 2020 Sat 13th June 2020
Open Morning Saturday 7 March 2020 9.30am-12pm
Sixth Form Sat 20th June 2020 Sat 19th September 2020
or to book a personal visit call 01233 812337 / email admissions@springgroveschool.co.uk
register online at: www.kings-school.co.uk
www.springgroveschool.co.uk · Wye, near Ashford, Kent
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Co-educational, Day & Boarding School for 3-18 years situated in South-East England
With small class sizes and exceptional facilities, St Lawrence College is Kent's only High Performance Learning World Class School, providing outstanding opportunities for all pupils academically, in sport, and in the arts. Find out more about life and learning at St Lawrence College - www.slcuk.com Junior School T: 01843 572912 Senior School T: 01843 572931
@slcuckofficial
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East Kent Managing Editor Rebecca Carr editor@familieseastkent.co.uk 07789 882 467 Advertising Amanda Biggs amanda@familiespublishing.co.uk 07835 848066 What’s On Guide Laura Vass assistant@familieseastkent.co.uk Next issue March/April 2020 Booking deadline 7 February 2020 Printed By Holbrooks Printers Ltd Cover image: Depositphotos Distributing 19,000 copies to: Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Broadstairs, Margate, Ramsgate, Deal, Dover, Folkestone and all the areas in between. Facebook “f” Logo
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Stay in touch Families east kent magazine
Contents 4. News & views 6. Education news 7. 2020 Play predictions 8. Using baby science to soothe your newborn 9. Practical strategies for supporting anxious children 10. Eating disorders; a father’s struggle
© Families East Kent 2020 Families East Kent is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families East Kent are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families East Kent. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families East Kent ; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
11. Top eco resolutions for 2020 12. UK Short break ideas 13. What’s on in January and February Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news and events happening in East Kent and look out for some great competitions, giveaways and special reader offers. Facebook/familieseastkentmagazine
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News & views
Reading resolutions for 2020 Start the New Year with good reading habits to get children ‘reading fit.’ Helping your children learn to read is the most important activity you can do to help with their education. Follow Reading Chest’s New Year’s reading resolutions to get on the right track: 1.
2.
3.
Read aloud to your children as often as possible. Children will see that reading is enjoyable and exciting, rather than just another piece of homework to be ticked off. Reading to children opens up a world of books that they might not choose to read themselves and really helps to maintain struggling readers’ interest in books. List to your children read every day. Just ten minutes a day will make a huge difference. Establish a good reading routine and let your children read good quality, inspiring books. They will lose interest with books that are too challenging and will not make progress if books are too easy. Make time for reading yourself - and let your children see you. Research shows that the impact of parents’ reading, has a huge positive impact on children’s reading. If children never see their parents reading, they are much less likely to pick up a book themselves. Boys are more likely to pick up a book if they see their Dad reading.
For more reading advice and easy access to a wide range of books suited to your child’s ability, visit www.readingchest.co.uk, the book rental service for children learning to read. Families East Kent readers can join Reading Chest with £5 off their first months membership using the discount code FAM20.
Reader Offer £5 Off
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£40 Intro Discount Quote EK140220
Perform is celebrating its 20th anniversary Families recently chatted to founder, Lucy Quick.
How did Perform start? I was a musical theatre actress in Oliver! at the London Palladium and I loved working with children. I had a vision for a drama school that wasn’t about talent or auditions; where performing arts would be used to develop what we now call the 4 Cs: confidence, communication, coordination and concentration. Where is Perform at now? Starting with two classes in 2000, we now run 472 schools across the South East and West, employ over 250 teachers and have almost 8000 children attending weekly. What’s the secret of Perform’s success? We put child development at the heart of everything we do. What does the future hold? Opening more Perform schools across the country - we’re just launching in Nottingham and continuing our confidence crusade to help children fulfil their potential through drama, dance and singing. What are you most proud of? My teachers. They are the most inspirational bunch of talented and enthusiastic people you’ll ever meet. Try a FREE no-obligation dance or drama class in Ashford,
Faversham or Folkestone, visit www.perform.org.uk/try and don’t forget to use code EK140220 to receive a £40 introductory discount when you book.
Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes in East Kent Confidence building fun for 4 -12s. A unique mix of drama games, dance and singing specially developed to bring out every child’s true potential. Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention. St Mary’s Community Centre Ashford, TN24 9LH Drama 4-7’s, Tues 4pm, 7-12’s, Tues 5pm West Faversham Community Centre Faversham, ME13 7RH Drama 4-7’s, Fri 4pm, 7-12’s, Fri 5pm
www.readingchest.co.uk Book Rental for Children Learning to Read 4 Families East Kent
St George’s Church Folkestone, CT20 3QA Drama 4-7’s, Fri 4pm, 7-12’s, Fri 5pm. www.perform.org.uk/try
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National Storytelling week National Storytelling Week takes place from 1 to 8 February and is a chance to reflect on one of the oldest art forms in the world. We are all immersed in stories from conversations during which we re-tell events in our lives, to watching our favourite television shows. Speech and language therapists believe that storytelling is vital for children’s academic success as it promotes narrative skills and strengthens the ability of children to correctly sequence ideas. To be a good reader and writer a child needs firstly to be a good speaker and listener. Above all though, storytelling is fun. Whether we are listening to someone else’s story or telling our own, inventing and adapting narratives can open doors to exciting new worlds - both real and imaginary. National Storytelling Week takes place in storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, schools, hospitals, spoken word venues, and care homes. To find a local event or to look through its extensive archive, visit www.sfs.org.uk
Would you rent baby clothes? Babies can get through an alarming number of outfits in a day, so there’s no getting away from the fact that you will need plenty of sleepsuits in different sizes, each of which will only fit for a matter of months or weeks. So how to you avoid ending up with piles of clothes your baby has outgrown? For more and more new parents, the answer is simple: rent. Two UK companies have introduced an alternative which they believe solves this problem as well as being affordable and environmentally sustainable by reducing waste. The alternative also reduces time spent by parents constantly re-selling and purchasing clothes. Families pay a monthly subscription, return outgrown clothes and then receive the next size up, in line with their baby’s growth and the changing seasons. Clothes are professionally cleaned and must pass quality control before being sent to the next renting family. For more info, visit bundlee.co.uk or www.bellesandbabes.co.uk
Sleep lessons for school children School children across Britain may be offered sleep lessons to help tackle the problem of insomnia in young people.
News & Views
Beyond birth: a mindful guide for early parenting Starting or growing a family is a milestone in many people’s lives, but it can also be a stressful time and many parents can experience mental ill health, which can have a negative impact on the development of their children. According to the Mental Health Foundation: •
Approximately 68% of women and 57% of men with mental health problems are parents.
•
The most common mental health problems experienced during pregnancy and after birth are anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
•
A 2013-2014 study found that 38% of first-time fathers are concerned about their mental health.
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Around 10% of all new fathers worldwide experience postnatal depression.
Sophie Burch, The Mamma Coach, has created a guide that tackles the emotional and psychological aspects of parenting and is designed is to help with the mental wellbeing of all new parents. Sophie believes preparation should be an essential part of pregnancy birth and baby planning and as necessary as an antenatal course. The physical elements of birth play a momentary part of birth; the psychological aspects last a lifetime. This virtual guide is specifically designed to offer parents simple, effective skills and information to build resilience, help reduce the risk of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, maintain their mental wellbeing and nurture relationships as they transition into and move through the first year of parenting. The guide includes simple mindfulness, relaxation, regular discussion, Q&A, self care techniques, an online community, worksheets, resources, experts tips, online mini classes and free downloads, partners tips and signposting. The themes covered include: relationships, healing, emotions and transformation. Anyone signing up will access the guide online and via a private Facebook group. The pilot starts on 20 January and is free for the first six weeks. It will then continue to roll out throughout the year and anyone signing up after 3 March will pay £35 for full access for life. In addition, Sophie is starting a local mindful mini course for new parents in Ramsgate, based on the online guide, with six weekly sessions being rolled out throughout the year from 9 January. This is suitable for babies up to six months old. The course is £50 for six sessions or £10 per session. To register, visit www.themammacoach.com or email sophie@ themammacoach.com and don’t forget to mention Families East Kent Magazine when booking.
Children and young people’s sleep is being seen as an increasingly important issue. According to the British Medical Journal, there is increasing evidence emerging that lack of sleep has a major impact on children’s mental and physical health, as well as learning. A recent study by the BMJ suggests that sleep has a greater impact on an adolescent’s mental wellbeing than bullying, physical activity and screen time. The sleep lessons are aimed at children ages 7 to 16 years and are available as part of the PSHE curriculum. The lessons focus on giving children strategies for falling asleep and raising awareness of how sleep needs change in adolescence. Experts say the increase in sleep problems is down to a combination of higher obesity levels, excessive use of social media before bedtime and a mental health crisis among young people.
Parenting life can be hard at times can’t it? Are you feeling Anxious, Stressed, Fearful or Over-worried? I can help pop you back into balance. 1:1 online therapy sessions to suit you. Check out my website and take the first step to feeling better. sophie@themammacoach.com www.themammacoach.com www.burchtherapy.com
More info: www.thechildrenssleepcharity.org.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Families East Kent 5
Education news
Joanna Lumley recently opened The Malthouse Theatre for The King’s School, Canterbury In November, actress Joanna Lumley OBE, FRGS cut the ribbon on the spectacular new Malthouse Theatre at the King’s School, Canterbury. The 334-seat theatre, converted from a disused Victorian industrial building, is now home to the vibrant Dance and Drama department, as well as hosting productions from visiting theatre groups.
Dover College - a co-educational school for pupils aged 3 – 18, located in a beautiful, historic site hidden in the heart of Dover With just over 300 pupils, the warm environment at Dover college encourages high academic achievement, builds confidence and prepares pupils for adult life. The Early Years pupils enjoy the freedom to explore and discover with being encouraged to develop their skills of enquiry, critical thinking and problem solving through a creative curriculum which continues throughout the Junior and Senior School.
Joanna, whose conductor husband Stephen Barlow is a former pupil of the School, entertained the audience in the theatre by quoting words written by the King’s-educated 16th Century Author Christopher Marlowe, “Now is the time for me to play my part”.
Through their Connected Curriculum in Years 1 to 8, they believe equipping children with the curriculum skills - alongside providing exciting opportunities for them to apply their learning in a range of ways, they are able to cater to their distinct and unique learning styles.
Praising the “quite superb” facilities, Joanna urged pupils and visitors alike to “haunt the Malthouse and other theatres across the land” to support the Arts.
The GCSE+ programme sees pupils study up to 10 GCSE subjects over three academic years from Year 9. Pupils follow a programmed pathway incorporating core subjects of English, Maths and Science, as well as academic options, together with additional elements such LAMDA qualifications or peripatetic music lessons or their Thinking Differently Course.
The theatre opening formed part of a wider celebration to mark the formal opening of the Malthouse site, which includes a new residential International College for King’s, and a new sports hall which is home to the UK’s largest school fencing salle. Headmaster Peter Roberts said, “The Malthouse Theatre, the King’s School International College and the Malthouse Sports Hall will transform teaching and skills for our staff and pupils as well as the wider community. We are thrilled to see this landmark development officially open.” Both schools are steeped in history with teaching methodologies that are advanced, innovative and modern. Open Days are an ideal occasion to explore the opportunities on offer at Junior King’s and The King’s School for your son or daughter. The schools offer natural entry points at Pre-Prep, and Years 3, 5, 7 at Junior King’s and Years 9 & 12 at King’s and welcome enquiries for both day and boarding pupils. The next open day for 13+ Entry at The King’s School is Saturday 7 March. To find out more or to book visit www.kings-school.co.uk
Ofsted ratings driving up house prices Families in England are paying a house price premium of as much as £100,000 to make sure their children live within the catchment of schools rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, new analysis suggests. Researchers analysed the Ofsted ratings of 20,545 secondary and primary schools in England and found that average house prices often reflect the quality of the local school. The average price of a house in England with top-rated schools nearby stands at £331,605, according to research by comparison website Confused.com. This is about £38,600 more than the average price of homes with schools rated ‘good’ by Ofsted nearby, about £78,000 more than in areas with schools that ‘require improvement’ and nearly £100,000 more than in postcodes with schools rated ‘inadequate’. A similar study by the Department of Education found that house prices are 8% higher near the best performing primary schools. To view the report, visit www.confused.com 6 Families East Kent
At 16, pupils choose one of two pathways - the A-Level+ focusing on highly academic subjects or the BTEC driven Careers Programme offering more vocational subjects. Both pathways introduce pupils to sector leading enrichment programmes in the form of a Thinking Differently Programme and Leadership and Service Programme. To find out more about Dover College visit their website or come along to an open day. www.dovercollege.org.uk
Spring Grove School - A great place to go! Spring Grove School in Wye, Kent, is well known for its award-winning Forest School and its eco and recycling projects. When the school recently received the runnerup prize and a cheque for £250 at Total’s Better Energy School Awards the question was how to use the money? A top-quality Forest School needs top-quality facilities. The £250 was enough to buy a small shed and urine separator to form the centerpiece of a water-free and ecologically friendly composting toilet for the use of all of the school’s Forest School participants. Thanks to kind donations this new piece of key infrastructure has now been completed and was opened on World Toilet Day. Aside from the obvious ‘convenience’, the unit will teach children about natural ecological processes and help them to appreciate that, across the world, one in three people lack access to this most basic and necessary of facilities. To find out more about Spring Grove School, visit their website www.springgroveschool.co.uk or come along to their open morning on Saturday 7 March, 9.30am-12pm.
To feature your school or nursery in our next issue call Amanda on 07835 848066 familiesonline.co.uk
Early Years
2020 Play Predictions Early Years Specialist, Claire Russell, predicts the top five children’s play trends for the year to come. 1.
Versatile toys and play resources - As awareness steadily grows around sustainability, parents will start thinking more about how many toys their children have and how much they actually need, steering their little ones towards those resources which offer greater potential for play i.e. the more ways something can be played with the better!
2.
Making memories - Leading on from the first point, 2020 will see a greater emphasis on making those precious moments together count. Instead of buying more toys or giving actual tangible gifts, we’ll put a higher priority on spending our time and money-making magical memories.
3.
Learning about the natural world - We will continue to seek out activities that teach our children about, and encourage their curiosity in nature, giving them a greater appreciation and understanding of the world around them and an increased motivation to better look after it as they get older. Are you spotting a theme here yet?
4.
Expressing our feelings and emotions - This was one I made last year and with mental health being talked about more and more, we will in turn seek to give our children the space, tools and language required to better express their feelings and emotions.
5.
More coding and ICT - As artificial intelligence continues to gather pace with a fifth of our workforce estimated to be automated by 2030, (McKinsey Global Institute) we will be investing more in the kind of play which will help our children learn and develop the skills which will become essential components of the future workplace.
As we seek to live more responsibly, parents and carers will be enlisting the help of toys and resources which support this ethos, encouraging sustainability and helping raise ethically minded children. Future proofing our children, both emotionally and from a practical point of view, will become more important - building their resilience and preparing them for an ever-changing professional landscape which continues to be influenced by the growth of technology. We are starting to see a backlash to consumerism, partly in line with the rise in sustainable living, and people are beginning to place more value in experiences over things. We are becoming increasingly aware that we not only need to educate our children about the importance of protecting our planet for future generations but also, ensuring our children are prepared for what the world might look like in another 10-20 years. Claire Russell is the founder of playHOORAY! She is passionate about play and keeping kids playing for longer. After having her son in 2014 she decided to use her teaching experience to create and share activities online inspiring other parents and practitioners working with young children. www.playhooray.co.uk
Mud , h t r i M and Magic... Places available for children aged 3+
Weekly Forest School sessions in our dedicated Discovery Garden. Phonics and numeracy taught from age 3. Weekly PE and Sport, Music and Languages. Funded places for Children age 3 and 4 from eligible families To find out more telephone 01304 244535 or email admissions@dovercollege.org.uk Dovercollege.org.uk
Think Differently. Think Dover College
Muddy Knees 1/2 page (185 mm x 130 mm)_v3.indd 1
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05/12/2019 15:01 Families East Kent 7
Early Years
Using baby science to soothe your newborn By Vanessa LoBue
One example is touch. In the third trimester, fetuses have typically grown so much that they fill up all the space that their mothers can provide for them, likely resulting in the sensation of being compressed, or tightly bound by the walls of the uterus. The familiarity of this sensation could make swaddling—or being compressed tightly with blankets - calming, mimicking the feeling of being inside the womb. Consistent with this idea, research suggests that babies who are swaddled sleep longer and cry less than other babies. In the same way, skin-to-skin contact might be particularly soothing as well, as babies are used to being surrounded by the warm pressure of the sides of the womb. Like swaddling, research suggests that skin-to-skin contact is related to better sleep and reduced crying, as well as a variety of other benefits including lower stress responses, and better established breast-feeding routines. In fact, because of the benefits of skin-toskin contact - especially for premature babies who don’t typically get held as much after birth compared to babies who are born at term - many hospitals are now
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8 Families East Kent
By Christabel Majendie Here are six tips to help you create the perfect, happy place for your little one.
promoting as much skin-to-skin contact as possible starting from birth.
Babies start learning before they’re born. In the third trimester, they begin to learn about what’s most familiar to them, and develop preferences for these things, perhaps because they are comforting. For example, they develop a preference for familiar tastes and smells, like the smell of their own amniotic fluid, or flavours from their mothers’ food. Most importantly, there’s evidence that we can promote a soothing and sleep in the short-term and emotional development and even literacy skills in the long-term by leveraging the science of newborns’ love of the familiar.
Designing and furnishing your baby’s nursery
Besides touch, newborns also become accustomed to rocking and swaying in the third trimester, moving with their mothers’ bodies, swaying back and forth as she walks around during the day. In fact, babies are often born with day and night mixed up, since they are used to being rocked all day long as mum walks around, and still during the night. This can mean they wake up at night when she lies down to go to sleep! The familiarity of the motion of walking could make both carrying and rocking soothing for a newborn as well. Research has shown that infants who are carried more cry substantially less than infants who are placed in front of a mobile. And although people might tell you that too much carrying will spoil your babies, there is no evidence to support this idea. In fact, research suggests that carrying has long-term benefits for emotional health, as well as short-term benefits for sleep and reduced crying. Indeed, infants who are held and cuddled as babies are the most likely to be healthy and welladjusted as adults; the more they are held as babies, the better they function later on. One last preference that parents can use to soothe babies is familiar sounds. By the time babies are born, most will prefer the sound of their mother’s voice to all other voices, and there is evidence that they can even learn to prefer the familiar rhythm of stories that they’ve heard over and over again while in the womb. This could make their mother’s voice, and perhaps even familiar stories or songs particularly soothing to a newborn. In fact, even though you might be embarrassed to use your best “baby talk” voice out loud, research suggests that babies love the drawn out, high pitched nature of baby-talk or what researchers call “motherese”. The use of “motherese” has even been suggested to help babies parse their first words from a long stream of speech. Talking to babies in general can promote language development and literacy, so talking to your baby as much as possible might not only help with soothing, but also with later communication. Vanessa LoBue is the author of 9 Months In, 9 Months Out: A Scientist’s Tale of Pregnancy and Parenthood, recently published by Oxford University Press. She is an expert in the field of child development, particularly in infancy and she writes a monthly column for Psychology Today called The Baby Scientist.
The Cot - The cot is the focal point of the room and probably the most important piece of furniture you will buy, so take your time and choose wisely. Try to avoid cots with drop down sides which may act as a safety risk for infants. If you can, buy a model which has at least two mattress heights. When at its highest position, it’s easier to lay a sleeping baby down in this type of cot, without hurting your back or waking your baby! Textiles before paint - If you paint the nursery first and then choose your textiles, you run the risk of discovering that the colours clash with the paint you’ve already splashed on the walls. Instead, choose your textiles first as paint colour technology will ensure you can match the walls to the colour of your textiles later on. Decorate your ceiling - As babies spend much of their time on their back, it is important to give them something transfixing to look at. Shapes, colours and animals can work well on the nursery ceiling. As a baby’s sight improves, they will be able to see consistently more of the ceiling. Choosing bright colours with powerful contrasts will help the development of your baby’s brain and vision. Create a sanitation station - A germ-free nursery is a must! On your changing table, set up a tray equipped with antibacterial gel and tissues to prevent any contamination of surfaces. This will enable you to give the hotspot areas a good clean with anti-bacterial gel every day. For best hygiene, invest in a nappy disposal system or at least a separate hamper or bin for nappies which is emptied regularly. Pick the right colour for the room - When it comes to choosing your paint palette, it is important to take pointers from the space you are working with. Even if you like rich colours, dark hues can be too overwhelming for a small room, whereas light colours make a room appear bigger and brighter. Consider adding a bold accent wall. This can add depth to the room and make the space appear larger. Go green - You can design an eco-friendly nursery that is not only beneficial for the planet but for your baby too! A good way to begin is to purchase as many organic items as possible. You may want to choose naturally hypoallergenic, organic bedding and even an organic mattress which will be preferable should your baby happen to suffer from allergies. The materials used at Natural Mat (www.naturalmat.co.uk) are 100% natural and from sustainable Fair-Trade sources. Dim the lights - It is a good idea to install a dimmer on any overhead lighting fixtures, especially if they hang directly over the cot. This way the light won’t be intense during night time wakings or when you are preparing your baby for sleep. It’s always handy to purchase a small night light or lamp for a cosy atmosphere as soft lighting can reduce the contrast between light and dark, prevent overstimulation and give your baby’s undeveloped eyes a much-needed rest. For more from sleep expert and therapist Christabel Majende, visit www.naturalmat.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
Parenting
Practical strategies for supporting an anxious child
Find a box. It can be an old shoebox, or a small, attractively decorated one so long as it has a lid and can be closed easily. Explain to your child that this is going to be their personal Worry Box.
By Alicia Eaton
Put a supply of paper and felt-tips inside the box. Each time your child gets stuck in a cycle of worries, ask them to take a sheet of paper from the Worry Box and choose a coloured pen. Having a good selection of coloured pens is useful because you can ask your child what colour they think this particular worry is. Ask them to write down or draw a picture of the worry. Once they’ve finished, fold the piece of paper and put it into the Worry Box. Put the lid firmly on the box and put it away. Once a week, sit down with your child and take out all the pieces of paper in the box and read through the worries one by one. Encourage your child to be pleasantly surprised at just how many worries took care of themselves. Remember: most of the things we worry about never happen!
We often hear that today’s children are more anxious than previous generations. Growing up in an environment with worrying news items about climate change or terrorism, an endless stream of exams and the digital nightmare of social media competitiveness all contribute to this heightened sense of anxiety. No wonder then that many of today’s parents are finding it a struggle to deal with their children’s anxieties.
Toys and games can help children practice controlling their breathing and here are some useful ways to introduce this concept.
But there are simple things parents can do to help. Here are some simple strategies which you can incorporate into daily life to soothe anxiety and help your children feel calmer and more at ease.
Practise breathing techniques Anxiety can lead to a shortness of breath which in turn creates a pale complexion, sweaty hands and face, tightness in the chest and even giddiness or fainting. “Take a nice deep breath” is a traditional phrase that we’re all familiar with, but taking a deep inward breath is precisely what an anxious person doesn’t need to do. Anxious feelings can be caused by having too much air trapped in the lungs, which gives the sensation of not being able to breathe properly.
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a hand-held windmill toy with sails;
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blowing bubbles through a wand
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blowing up balloons;
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blowing bubbles in a drink through a straw;
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playing blow football;
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blowing a feather from one side of a table to the other;
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blowing up an imaginary paper bag through a scrunched-up hand.
Encourage an attitude of positivity Negative thinking can easily become a habit that’s hard to break. Switching your child’s thought patterns around will help to prevent this from happening. Encourage your child to keep a journal. This can be a physical notebook to record events or doodle in, or they can use any devices they may have for the same purpose. Each day, ask your child to write down three positive things that happened. These can be quite simple to begin with: we had pizza for lunch or the maths teacher forgot to set homework.
Create a worry box
If it’s easier, you can introduce this technique conversationally, either in the car or at the dinner table. Start the ball rolling by mentioning something good that happened to you that day. Too many of us fall into the trap of only talking about the problems and difficulties that we encountered during our day.
If you have a child that’s stuck in a cycle of worrying about future events and repeatedly asking “yes, but what if…..,” it will be more helpful to restrict the amount of time given over to discussion about these worries.
Alicia Eaton is a children’s emotional wellbeing specialist based in London’s Harley Street and author of First Aid for your Child’s Mind available from Amazon (£12.99). For more information, visit www.aliciaeaton.co.uk
Not only will your child feel calmer after playing these games, but they’ll get a feel for how to control their breathing more effectively when they are feeling anxious.
Advertise with us and reach 40,000+ local parents and carers Call Amanda on 07835 848066 amanda.biggs@familiespublishing.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk
Families East Kent 9
Parenting
Five things anorexia taught me about fatherhood By Mark Simmonds In the spring of 2013, Emily, my daughter, then aged 17, almost died. She was suffering from anorexia nervosa, the most lethal of all mental illnesses. Her weight had dropped to 70 pounds, and she needed a feeding tube inserted in her nose to stay alive. During the 6 year war against Ana (the name we ‘affectionately’ gave the illness), Emily had been forced to abandon her A-Levels and spent 12 months in three eating disorders clinics. She had self-harmed, become severely depressed and threatened suicide. So, what did this challenging period teach me about being a father?
Learn the Language of Irrational
When somebody experiences serious mental illness of any kind, their brain breaks. In the same way that a person with a broken leg cannot walk, a person suffering from depression or anorexia, for example, cannot think straight. The neurotransmitters are not speaking to one another. It was no different with Emily. She forgot how to be rational, logical, sensible. But she did respond well to being listened to, empathised with, encouraged and hugged.
front of her. Ana threatened to take all that away. My wife and I realised that it was up to us to take her by the hand, look into her eyes and promise her that everything was going to be alright. We told her that the ‘real’ Emily was simply in ‘hibernation,’ enjoying a little rest, but when she emerged, life would be even brighter than it had been before. Having suffered with mental illness myself, I also understood that Emily would find this hard to believe, but what she needed more than anything was hope, even if it was just a slither.
Be Decisive and Pro-Active
So, it’s April 2014; Emily has been ill for 18 months. We have just been told by a psychiatrist that she will need at least a 6 to 12 month stay in an eating disorder clinic. The problem is that there are no beds available anywhere in the country. I had to act. I could not afford to be indecisive. So, I telephoned every single NHS clinic in the country, pleading for a bed. I was fitting in my day job in between calls. I had become that rare breed, a multi-tasking male! Eventually, I struck lucky. A bed became free and we were spared watching Emily not eating, withering away in front of our eyes and on the point of collapse. The moment she was admitted to Cotswold House clinic in Oxford, we experienced an overriding sense of relief.
Divide and Conquer
the illness thoroughly. I also used my management training skills and a deep understanding of mental illness to try and guide Emily out of the dark place she was in. Emily and I would sit down in the kitchen and use post-it notes, pictures and mood boards to paint a picture of what life might look like without Ana.
Replenish your Resources
I would go for a walk with the dog, religiously, every day. I would meet my friends for a pint or two in the local pub or go on a bike ride around the neighbouring villages. These were not acts of selfindulgence but absolute necessities. Mel had her own equivalent small luxuries that kept her sane. We had to look after ourselves if we were going to be able to care for our sick daughter. Alongside Emily, we won the war against Ana. Our daughter is now 23 years old, weight restored. The neurotransmitters are talking to one another once again. She is living and working in London. We are immensely proud of her. The one silver-lining from the Anorexia Wars is that the experience has given all of us the resilience to deal with most things that are thrown our way. For that Ana, and that alone, I thank you.
If my wife and I had not worked closely as a team, I really don’t think that either of us would have survived the illness intact, let alone our daughter. We brought different strengths to the table. Mel was the practical one who got things done. Doctors’ visits. Trips to clinics. Special food shops. Planning meals. I hunted down the most qualified eating disorder specialists and researched
Mark Simmonds is the author of Breakdown and Repair, a Father’s Tale of Stress and Success (Trigger, £9.99).
Encouraging a positive body image in children
By Gabrielle Nash
Provide a Picture of Hope
Emily was a kind and considerate daughter, level-headed and talented in many walks of life. She had just secured an excellent set of GCSE results and she had everything in
We live in a society dominated by images of perfected bodies, styled hair and flawless skin. It’s hard to ignore the endless stream of these on social media, television and magazines and our young children are even more vulnerable. As they learn all about the world, they’re at risk of developing a negative body image. What might be startling is how early it can begin to develop. Between the ages of 3 and 4 a child begins forming important relationships which start influencing their image of themselves. Constant negative messages about body ideals (weight/hair/skin) can result in negative health outcomes in a child; weight gain, binge eating and poor self-esteem, all of which can have a lasting impact. A positive body image enhances a child’s self-acceptance and self-compassion, as well as good physical health.
Signs of negative body image •
Refusing foods because “it makes me fat”
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Regularly commenting on body size or shape of others
to eat more fruit and vegetables because they’re good for me.”
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Feeling self-conscious in certain items of clothing
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Feeling self-conscious in PE
Intuitive eating. Katie Mcghee, a children’s nurse, recommends a promising new approach to healthy eating focussed on eating to appetite: “Intuitive eating can be an empowering strategy for children to develop trust in their bodies resulting in positive psychological outcomes including a good body image.”
If your child is showing signs of a poor body image, Dr Esther Burkitt, a developmental psychologist at the University of Chichester recommends you: “engage your child in a conversation about uniqueness and valuing difference rather than dismissing it if a child declares body dissatisfaction.”
Tips for encouraging a positive body image It is never too early or too late to start. Remember children learn their behaviours from you so where possible adopt a positive body image towards yourself. Model good eating behaviour. Enjoy your meals and eat a variety of food. If you’re trying to eat well, tell your child “I am trying
Be kind. Dr Victoria Cann, an expert in youth and gender from the University of East Anglia, believes we should “encourage kindness in children and to have an open heart, and to extend this kindness to themselves as well as others.” Be media savvy. When you can, engage with your children about images or statements you know to be negative and encourage them to challenge them. e.g. complain about an advert they feel is negative. More from Gabrielle Nash @TheLondonishmum familiesonline.co.uk
Top
Eco Resolutions for 2020
Family Life By Claire Winter
Resolutions are on everyone’s mind at this time of year. Whether you love or loathe them, there’s no avoiding the fact that they can be a great way to kickstart the new year. 2019 was a turbulent year, which saw a significant rise in eco-activism. Greta Thunberg has inspired school strikes and protests around the world. Concentrating on consuming less and being more environmentally aware has never felt more urgent. So why not make your sure your list of resolutions is focused on sustainability for this year? Take a No-Waste Pack Encourage the whole family to be prepared and to take a refillable water bottle, coffee cup, and canvas bag with them when they go out. Cutting down on disposable coffee cups, plastic water bottles and bags will dramatically reduce the amount you add to landfill each week.
Skip Meat One Day a Week Research shows the drastic effects of raising cattle and other livestock on the environment. Raising meat consumes both water and land. Why not start dropping meat from your family’s diet one day each week? Start with a meat-free Monday and remember every meatless meal you consume helps the environment.
Avoid Plastic Plastic is terrible for our environment as it needs a huge amount of petroleum to produce it. It also never breaks down and adds to the water problem the world is currently facing. Set a goal to avoid plastic as much as possible. Buy your food in glass jars and investigate local shops that offer refill services for your shopping basics. You can also try to buy from companies that use environmentallyfriendly packaging. Ask for change, call out shops and restaurants that use too much plastic on social media by tagging Greenpeace and use the hashtag #pointlessplastic.
Install Rain Barrels Rain barrels are an easy way to save water. Head to a local home improvement store or surf online stores for a rain diverter. Install to gather the rainwater from your gutter system. You can use this water during the summer for your lawns, gardens or animals; it will also help reduce your water bill.
Start a Compost Bin Composting is a great way to reduce the amount you throw away. Composters work better in the sun as they yield the best results at high temperatures. Ensure that the compost receives heat and water and make sure to rotate the contents in familiesonline.co.uk
the compost bin occasionally. You can fill your compost bin with lawn clippings, brown paper bags, and organic food scraps. This will help you to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil that you can use in your garden.
Avoid Wet Wipes Wipes that are flushed away are responsible for clogging up our sewers. Even if you don’t flush them, they are another singular-use disposable that is filling up our landfills every day. If you use them to take makeup off, could you make reusable wipes from soft cotton squares that you simply wash and reuse?
Avoid Fast Fashion Fast fashion is killing the planet. The resources needed to produce and dispose of all the clothing produced globally earns the fashion industry the title of the world’s number one pollutant. Start thinking about what you purchase. Can you buy second hand clothes or reduce the amount you are buying? Think about investing in a smaller capsule wardrobe, which contains interchangeable pieces instead of buying throwaway high fashion clothes.
Buy Seasonal and Local Foods Consider your purchasing decisions around the food you buy for the family. Make it your new year’s resolution to only buy seasonal and local foods. If you can afford it, buy organic because fewer pollutants and pesticides are used in the production of organic food. Visit your local farmer’s market to buy soap, honey, and jewellery from the stallholders. Investigate the journey each food makes and buy goods with the shortest travel time. Do you really need asparagus or green beans from another continent? If one girl protesting outside the Swedish parliament can start a global protest movement against climate change, we can all do our bit. Small actions undertaken by large numbers of people really can make a big difference.
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Holidays 2020
UK short break ideas for 2020 Short breaks are becoming increasingly popular with families in the UK. Budget airlines, busier lives, and the desire to see lots of different places in a shorter amount of time are just some of the reasons why families are opting for them. Apparently short breaks are also good for your mental health. Psychologists claim that people who take them are much happier than people who take long holidays. This is because people’s enjoyment and enthusiasm for their destination may start to wane after more than a week away.
Adventure Awaits Taking a break to try a new sport or have an outdoor adventure will be popular in 2020. Whether it’s spending the weekend in a cosy cottage in North Wales to go on the world’s fastest zip wire (www.zipworld.co.uk) or exploring the stunning scenery of the Pyrenees. The Adventure Creators (www.adventurecreators.co.uk) are a small, friendly tour operator that specialises in multi-activity holidays in this mountainous area. Activities include canyoning, rock climbing, mountain biking, river rafting, and high rope adventures. An in-situ holiday manager is on hand throughout your stay to answer any questions and ensure everything runs smoothly, as well as to give you recommendations for the best family-friendly restaurants in the area. Holidays are available May-September.
Unusual European City Breaks Reykjavik is a perfect place to visit with a family because it is small in size and easy to explore, with plenty of colourful buildings, interesting food and cosy cafes in which to enjoy coffee and cake. You can take day trips to explore the stunning waterfalls and hot springs of the Icelandic landscape. Or why not visit Bari in Italy? With its host of historic buildings and winding streets, it’s fun, noisy and perfect for families that like to wander and soak up the sunshine. There are lovely beaches nearby and you can also enjoy the regular opera and ballet performances at the recently restored Teatro Petruzzelli.
Eco-Friendly Stays With awareness growing of the effect of travel on the environment, think about travelling by train, which is much greener. Amsterdam, Bruges, Bordeaux, Lyon, Strasbourg and Cologne can all be reached by rail in under 6 hours from London. Then there are eco-friendly destinations such as Slovenia (www.slovenia.info/en) where 54% of the land is under protection. It also has beautiful coastal towns to explore and activities like white water rafting and hiking to try. Half of the country is covered in forest, so it is really one of the greenest countries in the world.
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By Claire Winter
Waterside Breaks Beautiful Scotland is a fantastic destination all year round. The country is celebrating a year of Coasts & Waters in 2020 so there’s never been a better time to explore its beautiful rivers, lochs and coastline. You can also enjoy fantastic events as part of the celebrations, such as the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival and Scotland’s Shores at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, which will feature classic film screenings and a special outdoor coastal experience. More information at www.visitscotland.com/about/themedyears/coasts-waters. Also check out www.watersidebreaks. com which has a wealth of waterside accommodation options from riverside cottages in the Norfolk Broads, to luxury lakeside lodges in the Cotswolds to lovely seaside holiday homes.
Theme Park Fun Copenhagen has loads of fun things to do for families and is just a two-hour flight away. It’s also home to not one, but two amusement parks. Bakken, with its 82 year old wooden rollercoaster, is just ten minutes’ drive north of the city and is the world’s oldest amusement park, dating back to 1583. Tivoli Gardens consists of 15 acres packed with pagodas, roller coasters, and fairground rides, including the world’s tallest carousel. You could also check out Efteling: World of Wonders in Holland (www.efteling.com/en). It’s about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam and has a fun, fantasy, storybook setting and a variety of novel accommodation options. You can immerse yourself in the enchanted forest, where there are carousels and fun rides for the younger children, while thrill seekers can battle dragons on the rollercoasters.
Let’s Rock Kent comes to Maidstone in August Let’s Rock (the UK’s biggest one-day retro festival series) is coming to Kent for the very first time this summer with the launch of Let’s Rock Kent, which will take place on August 29 at Mote Park in Maidstone with a stellar line-up of iconic artists including a headline set from Wet Wet Wet plus performers including Bananarama, ABC, Howard Jones, Sister Sledge, Nik Kershaw, Go West, Midge Ure’s Electronica, Heaven 17, The Real Thing and Hue & Cry. A celebration of all things pop and 80s, Let’s Rock offers gloriously unpretentious non-stop fun, with legendary artists performing hit after hit to a crowd of all ages. Let’s Rock is a family-friendly festival; children can enjoy complimentary activities within the Kids’ Kingdom. Tickets for Let’s Rock Kent 2020 are now on sale. To book and for more details visit www.letsrockkent.com familiesonline.co.uk
What’s on
What’s on in January & February
Your essential guide to family events compiled by Laura Vass. We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.
WEEKLY EVENTS Every Monday Parent and Baby Hideout
free play, crafts, singing, stories and snacks. First visit is free and £1 per family after this. 10-11.30am.
5 January & 2 February Ashford Farmer’s Market
High St, Ashford, TN24 8TD Each month the market changes with the seasons, offering a fresh selection of home-made and home-grown produce. The market also has guest traders, plus live entertainment and musical acts, who visit throughout the year. You can find the market on the lower high street next to the fountain between 10am and 2pm. Free parking is available to market visitors in the Edinburgh Road car park above Wilko.
Daisy Elephant Memory Quilts and Craft Den, 12 Norwood Street, Ashford TN23 1QU Available every Monday 9.30-11.30am. The group costs just £1 to sit and relax, chat and watch the babies interact. There is a large space with a comfy sofa, rocking chair, baby mats, a baby changing table and will also have some basic crafts and sticking set up at the table for the toddlers.
Every Saturday and Sunday Family Workshop: Art Rebels
Every Monday, Tuesday & Friday (term time only) Pre-School Trampoline Sessions
Until 12 January The True Meaning of Christmas
Aire Trampoline Club Canterbury CT1 3RB This is a hugely popular drop in session for toddlers & parent and is for preschool children only.
The Front Room, The Beaney Canterbury CT1 2RA A group exhibition featuring high quality and engaging artwork by selected Kent artists. All artwork on show will be for sale.
Every Tuesday Waddles
Until 12 January Mother Goose
Repton Connect Community Centre Ashford TN23 3RX Waddles is a baby and toddler group that meets every Tuesday at Repton Connect. 0-4 years old welcome. £2 for your first child then 50p for additional children.
Every Friday (term time only) Crafty Kids
Espression Arts Café Canterbury CT1 2DZ A creative, messy play and sensory club for toddlers from walking to preschool. The Crafty Kids Messy Rabbit introduces the session and there are snacks and drinks for the children at the end! £5 per child per session Booking required. 10-11.30am.
Every Friday (term time) An Invitation to Play
The Grand, The Leas, Folkestone CT20 2XL An invitation to Play will keep your young ones occupied with craft, play, stories and songs. Each session is themed and offers a variety of activities. £6 per child with discounts available for siblings or child minding groups. Contact sarahjudgeplay@gmail.com for more info or to book. Ages 0-5. 10am.
Every Friday (term time only) Coffee & Chaos
Canterbury Baptist Church. CT1 1UT A group open to all parents with children below school age. Includes
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The Turner Contemporary Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG Every weekend the Navigators will be leading free, creative workshops for families and young people. From model-making to protesting, families can explore a range of themes seen in this year’s Turner Prize exhibition. 1-4pm.
Marlowe Theatre Canterbury CT1 2AS Don’t miss this fun-filled family pantomime. With hilarious comedy, beautiful sets and costumes, and fantastic music, Mother Goose will be the Marlowe’s funniest and most spectacular pantomime ever! Box Office: 01227 787787.
5 January Tour of Fort Burgoyne
Entrance to former Connaught Barracks, Dover, CT15 5LP Starting at 10:30am, this is an introductory tour of Fort Burgoyne, hidden in the hillside to the North of Dover Castle. Children can also get an activity booklet to complete to gain a certificate. Please wear stout footwear and bring a torch. Booking essential. This is a free event but donations are appreciated. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
5 January Trainmaster Thanet
Kearns Hall, Grenham Bay Avenue, Birchington CT7 9NN The Trainmaster team are pulling into Thanet with their giant train track, trains, fancy dress, crafts, ride on train and more. Babes in arms and grown-ups are free! Sibling and multiple session discounts are applied automatically at the checkout.
DIARY DATES 1 – 31 January Exhibition: Where do the wild things go in winter?
8 January Power of Children
The Turner Contemporary Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG Visitors are invited to join in family workshops that will be based on the same ideas explored in the schools involved in the project. Through creative and playful dance theatre activities the participants will discover the Power of Children and will then be invited to stay for the afternoon performance.
9 – 12 January Sleeping Beauty
The King’s Hall Herne Bay CT6 6BA Theatrecraft Herne Bay return to The King’s Hall with their spectacular family pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. Telling the story of the ill-fated princess who is cursed by a wicked fairy. With an astonishing talking dragon, show-stopping songs and routines, larger-than-life characters and lots of audience participation, this year’s production is guaranteed to enchant everyone. Tickets £8 - £10. Box Office: 01227 374188.
11 January Save a Child’s Life Workshop
Barham Village Hall, Barham CT4 6NX Would you know what to do if your child stopped breathing? The RLSS are hosting this free workshop to give you peace of mind, reassurance and some hands-on skills. All training is done using mannequins. Free. Booking required, call 01227 830860. 10.30am.
Samphire Hoe Education Shelter Off A20 CY17 9FL An exhibition at the Samphire Hoe Education Shelter. During the summer the countryside here can be heaving with insects and wildflowers. However, during Autumn it slowly disappears to emerge again in spring. Head along and discover more.
4 January Kids Fun Cupcake Workshop
Hothfield Village Hall, Hothfield, Ashford TN26 1EG This workshop might be just what you are looking for. Each child gets their own box of four cupcakes which they can decorate how they want. Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, call 07768 642811. £15 per child. Adults must accompany child.
FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER – explore the colourful world of a symphony orchestra in our friendly afternoon show for all the family! Join us for an exciting concert celebrating Olympic spirit ahead of Tokyo 2020, with classics including Chariots of Fire and Flight of the Bumblebee.. • Recommended age 5+ • Running Time: 1 hr, no interval • Adults £16.50; £13.50; £9.50 • U-18s £8.25; £6.25; £4.75 TICKET INFO: philharmonia.co.uk Families East Kent 13
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What’s on 11 January Ashford Sling Meet and Library
Dobbies Garden World, Ashford TN25 4BN These sessions are for parents of babies and young children who are interested in receiving advice on sling choices and baby wearing.
12 January Indoor Table Top Sale
Co-Innovation, Stembrook Lane Shopping Arcade. Dover CT16 1PF Everything from clothing to cakes, tools to tambourines, bric-a-brac to bananas and everything in between can be bought and sold here. Open 9am-2pm.
16 – 18 January Aladdin
Dover Town Hall, Biggin Street, Dover CT16 1DL A family-friendly pantomime. Tickets £5 - £10. Box Office: 01843 296111.
16 – 26 January Panto at the Playhouse: The Stolen Princess
Playhouse Theatre Whitstable CT5 1AZ There’s evil afoot in Pantoland as characters are mysteriously vanishing from all the pantos. Tickets £10. Box Office: 01227 272042.
17 January Co-Parenting Success Workshop Repton Connect Community Centre Ashford TN23 3RX A three-hour workshop, running from 6-9pm, for separating or separated parents to help understand the challenges of moving from an intimate relationship to a working relationship and strategies, tips, and practical tools to build a framework for successful, positive co-parenting.
17 – 18 January Jane Eyre
Theatre Royal Margate, CT9 1PW A gothic masterpiece of tempestuous passions and dark secrets, £8 - £17. Age 11+. Box Office: 01843 292795.
17 – 19 January Broadstairs Winter Folk Festival
Various locations in Broadstairs There will be food and a licences bar available, mostly with donated items from local businesses. Events include a barn dance on the Friday with afternoon and evening concerts on the Saturday and Sunday.
17 - 25 January Snow White
Christ Church Community Hall Ashford TN23 7SR A magical show for all the family, Snow White, promises to bring more magic, more laughs and more fun than ever before.
18 January, 1 & 15 February Sandgate Farmers and Makers Market
Chichester Hall. Sandgate, Folkestone CT20 3AR The Market is open from 10am -12.30pm on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month and is free. Stalls include local bread, savouries, meat, veg, fruit and cakes.
18 January Trainmaster Ashford
Singleton Village Hall Ashford TN23 5LB The Trainmaster team are pulling into Ashford with their giant train track, trains, fancy dress, crafts, ride on train and more.
19 January Winter Wildlife Hunt and Hungry Birds
Samphire Hoe, off the A20 CT17 9FL Starting at 10am, join a walk to look for winter wildlife at Samphire Hoe and make a bird feeder to take home for the hungry birds in your garden. Free event but donations are appreciated.
22 – 26 January All Wrapped Up
The Gulbenkian, University of Kent Canterbury CT2 7NB Magical characters, hilarious creatures and hidden lands are brought to life through light, shadow and music. Tickets £8 - £9. Box Office: 01227 769075.
23 January Singleton Sling Meet and Library The Grapevine, Singleton Village Hall Ashford TN23 5LB These sessions are for parents of babies and young children who are interested in receiving advice on sling choices and baby wearing.
26 January The Addams Family
Theatre Royal Margate, CT9 1PW Get ready for a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family. Tickets £12 - £13.50. Box Office: 01843 292795.
26 January & 23 February Cliftonville Farmers Market
Oval Lawns, Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville CT9 2HL Open from 10am-1pm, award-winning Farmers Market. There will be producers selling bread, cheese, honey, fruit, vegetables, wild game, fruit juices, fresh meat and much more.
26 January Make a Devil’s Coach Horse
Hibernation Home Samphire Hoe, off the A20 CT17 9FL Starting at 2pm, you can join in with making some colourful winter houses for the fiercest looking creature at Samphire Hoe. Suggested donation £2.
Museum of the Moon coming to Rochester Cathedral this February Museum of the Moon is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram which has been presented in a number of locations across the world. As ©James Billings it travels from place to place, it gathers new musical compositions and an ongoing collection of personal responses, stories and mythologies, as well as highlighting the latest moon science. A full programme of lunar inspired events will take place at the Cathedral alongside the artwork including family activities for February Half Term. The Museum of the Moon is on display from the 13 February - 4 March. To find out more visit www.rochestercathedral.org 14 Families East Kent
29 January – 8 February The Royal Shakespeare Company
The Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS The Royal Shakespeare Company present a season of fierce and energetic Shakespeare plays, bursting with contemporary resonance. Afterperformance talks are also available as well as workshops for students. Tickets £15 - £49. Box Office: 01227 787787
1 February Folkestone Sugarcraft Cygnets
St Andrew’s Hall, Cheriton, Folkestone CT19 4DY Sugarcraft workshops for children aged 7-16 years. This monthly group is very popular, but they currently have a few spaces left in their cygnet group. Please contact British SuagrCraft UK Folkestone to book your child in for a free trial session.
2 February The Wizard of Oz
Theatre Royal Margate, CT9 1PW Enjoy Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion, (and Toto too) as they seek the Wonderful Wizard to find that there’s no place like home! Start time 3pm, performance is 2 hours. Tickets £10 - £17. Box Office: 01843 292795.
6 February Heist
The Gulbenkian, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NB An unlikely band of brothers embark on a heist to reclaim what’s dear to them. When the adrenaline and excitement take over, their high-stakes mission pushes them to the edge, where they walk the fine line between trust and betrayal, isolation and belonging. Ages 11+. Tickets £5 - £13. Box Office: 01227 769075.
7 February Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Regulation
Whitfield and Aspen School Dover CT16 3LJ This workshop is designed for parents of school aged children with difficulties tolerating and expressing their feelings, leading to outbursts and other displays of overwhelming emotion. Tickets £10.
7 February Go Stargazing
Langton Grammar School for Boys Canterbury CT4 7AR Away from the worst of the light pollution the city of Canterbury offers this is a good spot for stargazing and observing through members telescopes. The event starts at 7pm.
8 February Mum2Mum Market
Spires Academy, Bredlands Lane Canterbury CT2 0HD Buy nearly new baby, children’s and maternity clothes, used toys and baby
equipment at bargain prices, direct from the previous owner. £2 entry per adult, Children are free.
From 8 February Snowdrop Walk
Hever Castle & Garden Edenbridge TN8 7NG A heavenly carpet of snowdrops will provide a magical trail for visitors to follow at Hever Castle. Around 80,000 snowdrop bulbs have been planted in the Gardens over the past few years including a mix of single and double snowdrops, interspersed with some unusual varieties. Runs to 8 March.
12 February Sounds Beaney
The Beaney, Canterbury CT1 2RA From 11am-12pm, the Explorers and Collectors Gallery will become a performance space, as it hosts the monthly Sounds Beaney event. Open to everyone, this free performance will be a delight for your ears. Limited seating available.
13 February Sleeping Beauty
The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury CT1 2AS Every child’s favourite fairy tale, this is the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score. This ballet will be performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia who have built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth. Tickets £15 - £49.
15 February The Nutcracker
The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury CT1 2AS This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family. This ballet will be performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia who have built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth. Tickets £15 - £49.
15 February Build a Bird Box
Burgoyne Heights Preschool Dover, CT15 5LY Go along to build your bird box from the kits supplied. Helpers will guide you through the process and when complete you can take them home (materials supplied by the Land Trust at Fort Burgoyne). Booking essential.
29 February Baby and Children’s Market
Swalecliffe Community Hall Whitstable CT5 2QU Over 30 stalls bursting with top quality baby and children’s items from birth to 12yrs. Plus a small selection of unique businesses showcasing and selling their products and services all under one roof! £1 entry per adult, with children under 16 free. 10am-12pm.
Living with Nature at Hever Castle Get back in touch with the great outdoors this February half term at Hever Castle from 15 - 23 February and discover more about wildlife and nature. Come and watch the falconry displays and learn about the work of different wildlife charities as well as take part in children’s activities. Follow the nature trail in the grounds to investigate animal footprints and tracks, create a ladybug or bumble bee in a free craft workshop or transform into an animal with our fabulous face painter*. (*small additional charge.) Visit www.hevercastle.co.uk for full details. familiesonline.co.uk
HALF TERM 15 – 23 February Get Hands on With History: WWII Dover Castle, Dover CT16 1HU Calling all super sleuths, secret agents and investigators: sharpen your detective skills with hands-on training in disguise, code cracking and clues.
The world of our native animals is fascinating and this fun and exciting day is full of wonderful discoveries and explorations into their natural world. 10am- 3pm,
16 February Miss Dover Town Selection 2020
15 – 23 February Half Term Explorers
Leeds Castle, Maidstone ME17 1RG Become a first-class junior explorer this half term on the grounds of the castle. Families can throw on their wellies and thinking caps as they venture through the Leeds Castle estate on a special trail.
15 – 23 February Living with Nature
Hever Castle & Garden Edenbridge TN8 7NG Get back in touch with great outdoors this February half term at Hever Castle to discover more about the wildlife and nature that surround the historic castle.
15 – 23 February February Fun and Frolics
Kent Life Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU Kent Life have a packed programme of activities for Half Term. You can meet plenty of animals, join in with feeding sessions and even get up close to some smaller furry friends in the cuddle corner. If you are really lucky, you might even get to witness some early lambing.
16 February Skulls, Scats and Tracks Family Day
Natural Pathways Bushcraft Walder Chain Woods CT4 6NS Ever wondered as you are walking in the countryside…. what was it that left that track beside a muddy puddle?
Dover Town Hall, Maison Dieu, Dover CT16 1DL Miss Dover Town Selection 2020 will be held at Dover Town Hall from 2pm. Junior entries must be aged 8-12. Senior entries must be aged 13-21. This is a wonderful experience for all girls who would like to make new friends and memories. It is free to enter.
18 February Cooking Holiday Club
Chequers Kitchen Cookery School Deal CT14 6RG Running from 10am until 3pm, this is an opportunity for children aged 8 to 14 to spend the day cooking. They will have fun and learn skills for life. Booking required.
19 February Family Pasta-Making Workshop
Chequers Kitchen Cookery School Deal CT14 6RG Learn to make pasta from scratch and a delicious homemade pesto in this 1.5hour workshop. Great fun and a handy skill. The workshop begins at 10am and places must be booked in advance.
19 – 20 February Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever
The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury CT1 2AS Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig – it’s going to be her best day ever! Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures. Tickets £12.50 £22.50 with three performances each day. Box Office: 01227 787787.
The Kit (part of The Marlowe) Canterbury CT1 2NZ Award winning, Knuckle and Joint and Churchill Theatre have teamed up to bring you a brand new and magical adaptation of well-loved nursery rhyme, Little Bo Peep, to The Cockpit. Show times 11am and 2pm. Tickets £10.50.
The King’s Hall, Herne Bay CT6 6BA The perfect party for your young ones, Total Pop Party is a brand new event for 2020! These girls celebrate a full range of modern pop legends, entertaining the whole family with incredible choreography and singing. Tickets £10 £15. Box Office: 01227 374188.
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S O S O L E T R C E U D
C U S N O W M A N L D E
A H M G C U K T I O D L
R O A H A N O G L T L S
F H R O E M E R M S E N
O Y W Z M E P I T O T T
R E O L E O E O B H H E
familiesonline.co.uk
The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, CT1 2NZ Faster, higher, stronger – explore the colourful world of a symphony orchestra in our friendly afternoon show that welcomes all the family be a part of the Philharmonia’s jam-packed season in the heart of Canterbury.
The Studio, The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury CT1 2AS Gulp! is a moving, magical story and interactive story dripping with fun, unexpected twists and turns, and watery surprises.
Natural Pathways Bushcraft, Walder Chain Woods CT4 6NS Get the children outdoors learning fun things about nature. Run by experienced Bushcraft Instructors, this fun adventure is an in-depth workshop covering all the necessary skills to create shelters and fires.
An exciting concert celebrating the Olympic spirit – the perfect way to get inspired for Tokyo 2020. Cheer for the underdog, feel the thrill of a race, and share in the joy of triumph over adversity as you hear musical favourites from film and television, as well as timeless classics for symphony orchestra. Highlights include Chariots of Fire, The Flight of the Bumblebee, In the Hall of the Mountain King, and many more.
23 February Open Day – National Garden Scheme
Plus, stay on at the end and you’ll get to meet the musicians, conductor and presenter.
22 February Family Bushcraft Day – Survival in the Woods
Goodnestone Park Gardens Goodnestone CT3 1PL Open exclusively on selected days to the public during the winter months,
Adults: £16.50, £13.50, £9.50. Under 18s: £8.50, £5.50. www.philharmonia.co.uk
PICTURE CROSSWORD
I R A U L A B C P F A R
F K V S K I R S I F I W
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ice sled robin scarf frozen snowman hot chocolate
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Can you solve the picture clues and put them in the crossword? 1
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8 March Philharmonia Family Concert: Olympic Spirit
21 – 22 February Gulp!
Find these winter words in the grid. Then read the remaining unused letters on the bottom three lines from left to right to find a secret message!
C L N E F E B A K H U S
this walk will reveal those first signs of spring, including beautiful snowdrops.
20 February Total Pop Party!
WINTER FUN
E T A L O C O H C T O H
What’s on
20 February The Adventures of Bo Peep
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Families East Kent 15
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Issue 4 July/August 2018 familiesonline.co.uk
Lose weight for summer!
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The benefits of Forest School Fruity summer snacks ideas
As seen on TV ‘The Crash Diet Experiment’
familiesonline.co.uk Families East Kent
Families East Kent is a premium free magazine for parents with childen 0 - 12 in East Kent and it’s now looking for a new owner. The East Kent franchise area covers Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Faversham, Folkestone, Margate, Ramsgate and all areas inbetween. Families East Kent Magazine is part of the brand-leading Families Magazine franchise group, which was established in 1990 and has 40 local titles around the UK. If you are interested in: •
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