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ISSUE 105 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 www.familieswest.co.uk

The BEST start for families in West London in 2016! • How to choose a nursery for your child • The power of playtime • What is Montessori? • Creating confident children • What’s On at museums, galleries, theatres and family days out

Families West · PO Box 32231 · London W5 1JR · Tel: 020 8930 4707 · Email: familieswest@yahoo.co.uk

news & views Happy 10th birthday to The West London Dance Academy

In this issue: A very warm welcome to the first issue of 2016. New beginnings for all of us, and a chance to change some things that are not working in our family life. One of the great things about having children is that we are forced to adapt to the needs of growing children. You can’t ever stay still with young kids around. It can make life really interesting and keep you on your toes. Plenty to pour over as usual; our next two issues which focus on childcare - where to go, how to choose and what to do to make it as easy as possible for you and your child. January and February may be cocooning months elsewhere but in West London, we still have lots going on. See the What;s On pages stacked with listings. Please do get in touch with us if you are holding a local event - we want to know and we will let our readers know. The email address is: editor@familieswest.co.uk We will be back at the beginning of March when (hopefully) we will be seeing a little more of the sun!

In this issue News & Views

The West London Dance Academy will be celebrating 10 years of dynamic and enjoyable classes in February 2016. Since opening its doors to 15 pupils in 2006, the school is now based in Chiswick Monday - Friday and Ealing on Saturday. Offering a free trial class to start, the school teaches Ballet and Tap dance to children of all ages. The main objective is to inspire good technique and progression within a lively and fun setting. “We have celebrated outstanding IDTA exam results with a 100% pass rate, which we believe comes from our ability to encourage pupils to realise their potential within a nurturing environment. Our July 2015 results were amazing when 20 pupils (45%) achieved Distinction with marks of 85-100% and 24 pupils (55%) achieved Merit with marks of 7584%.” Contact them now to book your free trial class. www.westlondondanceacademy.com

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New Year, New YOU! Childcare/Nursery News What’s On in West London Classified Section

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Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open 7 days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life. As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. Book your free trial at: www.explorelearning.co.uk

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January/February 2016

news & views nurturing every step

Baby Massage: From 6 weeks to crawling Children’s Yoga Adventures: For ages 2+

Call Clare on 07528 688 734 www.milestonesbabymassage.com

Magical Lantern Festival comes to Chiswick House London’s first Chinese Lantern Festival will transform Chiswick House Gardens into a dazzling extravaganza of lights, culture, art and cuisine from 3 Feb until 6 March. It will celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Monkey with more than 50 giant, hand-sculptured lanterns in a garden trail through corridors of light and into vividly themed zones such as the Animal Kingdom and the Enchanted Forest. The centrepiece will feature at 66-metre long dragon stretching out across a lake with its scales glittering in the water, a 10 metre tall recreation of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, an 8 metre porcelain Imperial Palace Lantern and even a lantern Terracotta Army. To mark the Year of the Monkey, a Mount Huaguo lantern with an illuminated waterfall will provide the fairytale setting for the recreation of the popular Chinese fable - The Monkey King. The festival is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 5-8.45pm. It will be a spectacular family day out! Tickets can be booked via Ticketmaster on: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/magicallantern or by calling 0844 844 044 www.magicallantern.uk

Why not promote YOUR news in our News & Views section? please contact us at: editor@ familieswest.co.uk

Arabic for Women and Children Families welcome – Goal Oriented • Dynamic • Innovative • Effective • Native Female Teacher (& mother of 3!)

Call Reem on

07956 845 053 January/February 2016

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New Year, New YOU! How to start a new exercise regime when you’re a busy mum... By Sally J. Hall It seems as soon as Christmas Day is over, two types of advertisement start to appear on the Television; the first are for holidays for the following summer, showing gorgeous people in tiny bikinis and trunks, cavorting across golden sands. The others - yes, you’ve guessed it. WEIGHT LOSS! It’s no surprise that the fitness industry targets us just as we throw ourselves, groaning with overeating, onto the sofa for a few hours of feel-good films. Their research shows that most people start a new exercise regime in January, with a huge boost in gym memberships around that time. It seems there is something motivational in having a whole new year to look ahead to and many of us start of with great new resolutions - even if they fall by the wayside by March. Add to this the complication of being a busy mum - and when, for goodness; sake, are you going to find the time for a new fitness regime to shift those few pounds you put on over the Winter or to get the baby weight off? Don’t despair, we have a few great ideas.

Preparation is KEY... Before you start any kind of exercise routine, check with your doctor (or midwife if you’re pregnant) that it’s OK. If you’re recently given birth, wait until after your six week check-up. If you had a Csection or other complications, you might want to wait a while longer. Always start with stretches to warm your muscles and don’t overdo anything. If you start to hurt, it’s your body’s way of telling you to stop. Start with a small, short routine and gradually increase the time you spend and the intensity of your work-out.

Let’s SWAP... Chances are your nearest and dearest may also be feeling the belt pinch. So talk through your desires for a little time to yourself to get a little fitter and suggest you swap. He has the kids while you go to the gym, for a swim, for a long walk in the woods - whichever you feel you like the most. Then do the same for him another day. If you’re single, could you and a friend swap exercise times?

Do what you LIKE... It may sound obvious but choose an activity you actually enjoy. If you join a spinning class, can’t keep up, end up red in the face and aching all over and dread going back, it’s not the right exercise for you. Try out a few different classes everything from kick boxing to zumba is available these days, in gyms and church halls - and then pick the one you like the most. If you have joined a gym, you might find it works better to do a different thing each time. Try to include something that gets your heart racing, something stretchy and something that involves weights.

Kids come TOO... Can’t palm the kids off onto a relative? Want to get a few more steps done this week? Take the kids with you. Go to a local park with scooters and bikes and baby in a pushchair and walk around the outside of the park, encouraging the kids to race you. Not only will you all get an oxygen boost, they will sleep really well that night.

Using BABY... If you are stuck at home quite a lot with a very young baby and don’t yet feel ready for the communal changing rooms, try some exercises at home. There are quite a few post-natal exercise DVDs now that start you off gently and most importantly, know how to support and strengthen your body as it returns to your pre-pregnancy shape. Pop in the DVD, do a few exercises and have your baby on a play mat next to you so that you’re still close. You can even use your baby to strengthen your arms by lifting her over and over - and she’ll love it too!

QUICK bursts... The time when your baby naps can be great for a quick burst - one of the hottest new fitness trends right now. Do push-ups against the wall or on your knees, use small weights to tighten arms (tins of beans work just as well), do squats and a few yoga poses for flexibility and strength in your core.

Three of the best post-baby fitness DVD’s... Baby2body Pre and Postnatal Workout DVD £15.99 Melinda Nicci

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Best for: those who are quite serious about their fitness routine This video has two workouts that take 45 minutes - one for when you’re pregnant and one for afterwards. Though you may find it hard to find the energy and the time to do the whole thing, choose the parts that you can do and start to increase as you get used to it. There’s a warm up section, a cardiovascular work out and toning and floor exercises. You’ll need some hand weights too. My Pre & Post Natal Workouts £34.99 Davina McCall You name the reason for exercise, Davina has made a DVD for it. But she really does know quite a bit about fitness during pregnancy and afterwards. In this DVD, Davina and her personal trainer Jackie Wren show you how to do a workout in two sections for before and after you have your baby. Well thought out and well presented. Post Natal Pilates £9.99 Caroline Sandry Pilates is a very powerful form of exercise that gives you great strength in your core, abdominal muscles and also has the muscle lengthening effects of yoga. This DVD offers safe and effective exercises designed to be used at different stages, from right after birth or as soon as you feel able. Stage one works on your pelvic floor and the muscles of the pelvis and abdomen. Stage two checks that those muscles are getting back to normal and then moves on to improving their strength and tone. There are also two workouts to get you breathing hard and that oxygen coursing around your body to help with the healing process.

FIT KIT... Dumbbells £5.05 · Reebok Weighing from one to five kilos, these weights are ideal for banishing the bingo wings. Get pumping! They come in five colours - one colour for each weight. Rowing Action Exerciser £12 · Pineapple This little gadget will help you get fitter at home and will tuck away under the bed when not in use. It can be used in a rowing motion to help tone your thighs, bottom, abdominal muscles and back. Pilates Stretch Bands £8.10 · Calmia Use this oversized stretch bands to give you resistance to help tighten abdominals, tone your arms and back and shoulders and slim your legs and behind. In three colours.

January/February 2016

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childcare - choosing a nursery What you need to know when choosing a nursery or playgroup... Many mums return to work after their maternity leave finishes and choose to leave their baby in a nursery. Even if you are a stay-at-home mum or dad, it’s likely that when your child is between the ages of two and three years old you will want her to start at a playgroup or nursery school for both her benefit and yours. But how do you choose the right nursery for your baby? You can usually get a list of local nurseries and playgroups from your local council, from your health visitor, local library, GP surgery or on the internet. Speak with other mums about the nursery or playgroup you are most interested in, and go along and spend a morning at each group, together with your child. Gut instinct can be invaluable in these situations. 10 things to consider when choosing a nursery: 1. Are you and your child made to feel welcome and introduced to the nursery staff, helpers and perhaps to other children? Are you allowed to stay and watch at a time to suit you - not them? 2. Check out the space itself. The room may be a bleak church hall but have the staff made it look lively and interesting?

3. Does the nursery seem too crowded? Numbers are controlled by local authority regulations, and insurance policies, but some playgroups squeeze in extra children. 4. Is there somewhere for outdoors play on fine days? Are there books in a quiet corner where children can go and sit? Is there an interactive area, such as a nature table? 5. Check out the toys, equipment and art materials on offer. Are the same toys put out in the same area every day? (this is why it’s a good idea to visit more than once on random, different days). 6. Are there varied activities on offer (painting, sandpits, water play areas, Wendy house, play dough, building bricks, puzzles, a dressing up box). Are these accessible all the time? 7. Do the children look excited and interested in the toys available? 8. Does the climbing equipment look well-maintained and is there a soft landing area?

children and get them to join in constructively? Do they spend more time chatting with each other than with the children? 10. Talk to the staff to find out their views on discipline, dealing with anxious children and free and structured play to see if their ideas are the same as yours. The ideal atmosphere at a nursery group should be busy and buzzing, but never out of control. Noisy children racing around or charging up and down on bikes and cars shows a clear lack of organisation.

Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. Working in partnership with The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new parents with the very best medical and practical information. To find out more visit: www.emmasdiary.co.uk

Top tips to settle your child into nursery Sophie Malik from Playdays Nurseries

9. What about the staff? Are they listening and talking to the children? Are they calmly in control? Do they seem to be caring with the children? Do they notice aggressive or painfully shy

Sophie has years of experience with small children. Here are her pointers for that all important settling in periods. 1. Bring in a familiar toy/comforter from home. 2. Bring in photos which we can display on the child’s ‘board.’ 3. Talk to your child about nursery prior to them starting so that s/he knows what to expect. 4. Be aware and prepare themselves that even with settling-in sessions, it may take a while for your child to be completely settled, and this is completely normal due to it being a new environment for them, just like an adult starting a new job... 5. Ask as many questions as you wish - it is important that you feel completely at ease and are sure that you are aware of everything of importance to you. 6. Encourage the child to explore their new environment - make it as positive as possible. 7. Sometimes it is harder for parents than it is for their child. Don’t worry - that’s completely normal and it WILL get easier. Playdays Nurseries have branches in London at Chiswick W4 and Barons Court W14 www.playdaysnurseries.co.uk

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January/February 2016

The Power of For babies and young children, play is at the very heart of how they learn and develop. From practising new sounds, to developing gross motor skills, play is fundamental in developing the basic skills that will support children’s literacy, numeracy and understanding of the world later on. At the London Early Years Foundation, all 36 of the nurseries have a child-centred approach that puts play at the heart of children’s learning. Here, we take a look at some of the key benefits of play. Creativity and Problem Solving Giving children the freedom to play means giving them the freedom to make their own choices, allowing for imagination, exploration, discovery and expression. It is a natural way for them to piece together the world around them and in doing so they will develop their creative thinking and problem solving abilities. Social Interaction Playing with other children as well as adults helps children to develop an understanding both of themselves and others. Learning and practising things like taking turns, sharing and considering the feelings of others as they play supports emotional development and social skills. It also helps to prepare them to deal with compromise, conflict and working with others as adults. Physical Development When children play they are continuously practicing and developing their gross and fine motor skills, helping to build the

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physical skills they’ll need for life. In addition to this, play is the perfect practice in integrating these large and fine muscle movements, which will later help with writing and also language. Language and Communication Watching and listening to those around them is key to children’s language development. Play involving storytelling, role play and describing (e.g. different textures) are the perfect platforms to teach and encourage language, with children eager to copy what they are seeing and hearing. LEYF nurseries have created their own unique research-based curriculum that supports children’s natural curiosity and confidence, so they leave nursery with a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. The proven success of play has helped to influence many areas of our approach, including: Clean, uncluttered and natural environments, using the nursery space both indoors

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and out to create exciting opportunities for play. Embracing the role that practitioners play in building loving relationships between staff, children and parents. Children need to feel valued, safe and loved. Being comfortable in their surroundings is key to encouraging them to play and express themselves. A home learning programme which provides parents with ideas and resources to play with their children at home, extending and enriching their nursery experience. A multigenerational approach allowing the children to experience the community first hand and connecting all their nurseries with their local community. These real-life experiences go alongside the children’s play to help them in understanding the world around them.

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By Maryanne McGregor, Deputy Manager at Townmead Community Nursery (Fulham) and Sue Morro, Manager at Soho Family Centre Nursery.

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childcare - nursery news Clifton Lodge School - from 3 years. Inspiring young minds in a nurturing, caring environment Early Years at Clifton Lodge has been transformed, with a huge investment to ensure the best facilities possible to support early learning and development. Based in a new, light and airy building there is a dedicated playground full of stimulating equipment to safely explore. Many girls and boys start their Clifton Lodge journey in Lower Reception at 3 years old. Here a love of learning and exploration is instilled with dedicated, caring staff. With a maximum class size of 14, children are taught at the appropriate level for their ability. Pupils are introduced to learning through English, Mathematics and topic work with a focus on reading. Children also start French lessons, with songs and activities. Naturally there is plenty of play, P.E, art and music to develop happy, confident children.

Pangbourne House Montessori is now into its second term since opening their doors in September. Their third classroom is now up and running filled with all new Montessori materials. This term they are concentrating on the environment and on the small things that make a difference to the world as a whole. They will be studying plants and animals and at the end of the term will be hatching hens’ eggs and taking care of the chicks before they go to the farm (“we're not sure what the school dog Liffey might think of this!”) On Mother’s day children will invite their mothers to breakfast and present them with cards and presents made by the children as well as a concert. Two new clubs are starting this term; ‘Drama Queens’ where the children will put on a performance at the end of term based on the theme ‘fairy stories’ and Baby Bop class where toddlers are invited to dance away in the hall on Tuesday mornings. Find out more at: www.pangbournehouse.com The Governing Body at St Benedict’s School has approved the next building project as part of the ongoing School Development Plan. This will be the long-awaited extension to the Junior School, which will replace the current Ark building and will house the Nursery and Pre-Preps. Work is scheduled to start in March 2016 and the project should be completed by August 2017. The architects are van Heyningen and Haward. Rob Simmons, Junior School Headmaster, said: “This is a very exciting project and will certainly further enhance the provision that we are currently able to offer our children. I am really grateful to the Governors for their commitment to the future development of the Junior School and Nursery. It will be fantastic to have the Nursery located on the main school site.” St Benedict’s Nursery is at 5 Montpelier Avenue, Ealing, London W5 2XP. www.stbenedicts.org.uk

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January/February 2016

Harvington Prep School is a private school situated near to Ealing Broadway Station, which is on Haven Green and is one of the key stations for the forthcoming Cross Rail; Heathrow airport and Paddington main line station and tube links. The school is just a couple of hundred metres from Haven Green and situated in three Victorian houses. The school is celebrating its 125th year in education and is known locally as Ealing’s best kept secret. It provides Nursery care for boys and girls who then feed on to the school’s Transition class and the rest of the main school, which is for girls only but boys mostly go on to the boy’s school, Durston House, next door. The Nursery operates in term time only but there is the facility to have wrap around care with clubs, school care and OFSTED registered holiday facilities. Several outdoor areas are available including a large playground and secure front garden mainly laid to grass. Investment in wooden, strongly built resources and equipment together with scooters, double bikes and trundlers to encourages co-operation in play with others. Education is play based and child centred with a few focused teaching periods during the day. A hot cooked lunch mid-day which is prepared and served from their own kitchen. The setting is well staffed with several early years specialist, teachers and assistants who have individual children’s interests and needs at the heart of what they do. Call 020 8997 1583 or email: admin@harvingtonschool.com to find out more. Rated Outstanding in 2012, the Pre-Preps (Nursery) at St Augustine’s Priory is a popular entry point for pupils. The focus throughout the year is building relationships, growing in independence and becoming independent learners. In Pre-Preps the foundations are laid for automatic transition into Prep I (Reception) in a fun, safe and exciting learning environment. Outdoor and physical education is embedded in daily activity. The outdoor environment provides a rich, natural space for learning and developing young minds. “ Our Forest School and Physical Education sessions are part of our learning resources. In P.E sessions we encourage children to explore a variety of movements whilst our Forest School sessions allow children to explore their natural surroundings using their senses.” Morning, afternoon or full day sessions are available. School lunches are prepared and freshly cooked on the premises and offer a range of meals including a vegetarian option, salads, sandwiches, as well as desserts and fresh fruit. In addition, there is a Breakfast Club serving breakfast from 8 am and an Ofsted registered After-School Club offering extended care for children until 6 pm. http://sapriory.com

Maria Montessori in Ealing was established in 1976 with a mission to ‘Explore, Enrich, Educate.’ Now, they plan to open a 'Forest School' for children The concept of Forest Schools was made popular in Scandinavia in the 1950s as a way of promoting learning about nature, water, mountains and pollution, while also focusing on measurable learning outcomes. The young pupils are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards their environment and taught the importance of sustainability. They are also given tasks designed to build confidence, resilience and teamwork. In addition, they will be using “My Montessori Child” - pioneering new software that helps Montessori settings to deliver the best possible educational experience for young children. The software, developed in collaboration with over 100 nursery schools across England is now being implemented in stages by the Maria Montessori Nursery School. www.mariamontessori.co.uk January/February 2016

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childcare

Learning through play the Little Stars way… Little day nursery providing Stars is a new independent childcare that meets the need of each individual child and their family. We understand that the importance of the early years in a child’s general development cannot be over-emphasised. Little Stars Nursery opened on 7th September 2015, providing childcare for olds between to 6pm Monday 2-5 year 8am to Friday. For more information please feel free to contact us at: littlestarsnurseryw3@gmail.com Tel: 020 8896 9500 Holy Family Parish Hall · Vale Lane · London W3 0DY www.littlestarsealing.co.uk

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January/February 2016

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childcare - What IS Montessori? •

A place designed for children - everything in a Montessori ‘nursery’ is designed to allow children to do things by themselves, all the equipment is child-sized and the activities are laid out on low shelves that are easily accessible. The environment is aesthetically pleasing and is meticulously cared for which encourages the children to take care of it too. Mixed ages - children between the ages of 2 ½ and 6 are grouped together in one class. The younger children learn from watching the older children and the older ones benefiting by helping the younger children allowing children to develop socially, intellectually and emotionally. Independence - children choose their activities independently and move from one activity to the next, returning things to the shelf after they have used them. There is an atmosphere of calm and young children concentrate for surprising periods of time and work individually, in groups or with a friend. Unfettered time - there is no fixed ‘timetable’. Children come together for group activities as the need and desire arises and at other times do their chosen activities for as long as they like. A specially trained adult - the teacher is trained in child development, the Montessori approach and observation. She observes the capacities and needs of each child and makes sure that each is given new and appropriate challenges as and when they are ready for them. When a difficulty arises she will step in and give just enough help to guide the child. Children work at their own individual pace - the teacher will show children things to do when they are ready developmentally so that each child moves at his own pace, developing skills effortlessly. Find out more about Montessori education for your child, or about becoming a Montessori teacher at:

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www.mariamontessori.org Article by: Louise Livingston AMI Trainer, Maria Montessori Institute, London The Maria Montessori School Holland Park is at: Kenley Walk Hall, 10 Nottingdale Square, Holland Park W11 4BA. Call 020 7435 3646 or email: schools@mariamontessori.org www.mariamontessori.org

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January/February 2016

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education Teaching Your Child to Love Reading Alone By Justine Crow We all have that exquisite oft-repeated childhood memory, don’t we? Nose in a book, legs dangling, miles from those meddling adults - metaphorically at any rate - so why is it so impossible for our own children to achieve literary independence, that feeling of wanting neither the chapter nor the afternoon to end? Instead, when your child proclaims that they are bored and you suggest they read a book, their sceptical facial expression says it all. But it is hardly surprising that there’s a difference in our experience we grew up without mobile phones, tablets, X-Boxes, YouTube, or the lure of Minecraft. It was even customary then to have the telly rationed. Now, it would be a miracle if they could concentrate long enough to watch a whole CBBC programme undisturbed. Here are my top ten tips for ensuring the book is as much of a distraction as its digital competition. 1 Start them young. Board books, cloth books, lift the tab. Show them how it works and then let them do it themselves. Don’t be precious. Let them bite and chew and tear. Keep the delicate pop-ups out of reach. 2 Encourage growing babes to turn the pages themselves. Not only will they get an idea of how a book functions very quickly, it will also help develop the fine motor skills that are essential for learning. 3 When choosing books for toddlers, consider their complexity. Hardbacks are desirable but they are heavy for little hands. With siblings around, especially newborns, have a box of books the first child can escape to. Tell them it is theirs and nobody else’s. They can choose to share with the new baby or enjoy by themselves. 4 When they are tiddlers, keep tablets and phones solely for

games - preferably educational ones. Small children need the magic of a physical book to encourage their love of reading. As they grow older, e-readers have their place, such as on long journeys but don’t forget, not only do children spend a lot of leisure time online, their schools increasingly use technology in the classroom. For them, screens are the norm, not a refuge. 5 The switch from picture books to chapters is an exciting rite of passage. Now that they can actually read words, celebrate by going to the library or bookshop and allowing them to choose stories to try. It’s okay for them to discover they don’t like something they’ve picked out - they will find their preference in time. Don’t put them off ‘big’ books - most modern kids manage to get through the Harry Potters without a problem. The arcane language of many children’s classics is tough to make sense of, even

for a seasoned adult reader but let them have a go. 6 Get them to make a bookmark and feel proud of how many pages they clock up without interruption. 7 Tintin is the perfect type of leave-alone-reading. Just because graphic novels are illustrated doesn’t mean they lack in quality; just listen to the giggles when they get an Asterix book to themselves. Many favourite authors are available in accessible comic book form, especially the classics. Short story anthologies are less daunting and juicy fact books are often hard to put down. 8 Lead by example - if your children sees you gaining pleasure from the simple act of finding a corner and a book to retreat with, even for a mere five minutes, they will follow. Inevitably into the same corner as you! 9 Don’t push them to read at bedtime when eyes and minds may be tired. Offer to finish a chapter aloud for them instead. It will keep them wanting more. And if they turn the light back on after you’ve closed the door to continue the adventure, is it really such a crime? 10 Don’t force them, EVER. Reverse psychology is such a wonderful device. A child can't have too much to read and it is never too early to get them interested, so allow them to engage with the concept of picture books, not only as something to share but also as an object of comfort and ownership. Books are

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different to any other form of entertainment; they can be bitten, dropped and bashed but they require a physical and intellectual participation that will be carried through a whole life of learning. Keep screens for the mundane, for emergencies and homework, as it is pretty hard to ‘love’ an e-reader, to ‘treasure’ a download how can a beloved library be built out of something that cannot be ‘seen?’ And you can enhance the magic by taking the family to choose stories themselves - but don’t limit them; novels, comics, nonfiction, these all count as reading and encourage them to feel proud of how much they achieve themselves. In the meantime, if you show your children how much you appreciate the luxury of reading alone, they will emulate you. Leave them to it but accept that kids love a bedtime story whatever their age - I know a woman who still reads to her teenagers. As an adult, there is nothing quite like the sheer heavenliness of being left in private with something thrilling and absorbing. Get it right and they’ll long for that sensation all their lives. However, nagging your offspring to read will have the opposite effect - this is one of the proven laws of parenting, after all. Now do you mind, I’ve got a chapter to finish…

Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury. Parent of three, she owns her own bookshop with her partner, The Bookseller Crow on Hill, and is a qualified swimming teacher. And in what little spare time she has, she also runs gastronomic writing retreat courses in France and is the food critic of The Transmitter.

January/February 2016

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January/February 2016

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

what’s on MUSEUMS & GALLERIES BRITISH MUSEUM WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org Until 31 Jan CELTS-ART AND IDENTITY A vast collection of objects that provide clues to and raise questions about Celtic identity. DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and school holidays on a variety of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, for ages 7+ (unless stated). See the Families West What’s on widget online for details. FOUNDLING MUSEUM WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 17 Jan OOH LA LA: AN AFTERNOON OF FRENCH SONGS Bea Leclere Weiss performs a selection of French mélodie and cabaret songs in this family-friendly concert. 3pm. 21 Jan, 11 Feb BACH TO BABY An innovative classical babies’ concert created by mum and pianist, Miaomiao Yu, inspired by Handel. 10.30-11.30am, adults £10, children free. 23 Jan FAMILY WORKSHOP: TANGLEFIELDS CIRCUS FEATURING HETTY FEATHER Artist Shelly Wain leads this hands-on family workshop to create Tanglefields circus. 10.30am-4.30pm for age 5+ 7 Feb FOUNDLING SUNDAY A screening of four short animations inc. Cinderella (1922) and Hansel and Gretel (1954). 16 Feb FAMILY WORKSHOP: TREASURE BOXES Led by artist Isobel Manning, explore the tokens left by mothers when their babies were admitted to the Foundling Hospital. Create your own special token to share with a loved one, and make a keepsake treasure box in which to hide it. 10.30am-4.30pm for age 5+ 27 Feb FAMILY WORKSHOP: PETER PAN SHADOW PUPPET THEATRE Make your own shadow puppet theatre to take home in this family workshop led by artist Davina Drummond. 10.30am-4.30pm for age 5+ IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk EXHIBITIONS: HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a large number of rare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and other groups before and during the Second World War. For ages 14+

A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war. SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage, covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces. FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story of the war - Over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and souvenirs, will be on display as well as a recreated trench with periscopes and a dug-out, along with a soundscape and projection will evoke what daily life was like for the troops. Every Sat and Sun OBJECT CONVERSATIONS New immersive object handling sessions where families can explore objects from the collections- feel the weight of a shrapnel piece from the First World War and come to grips with real objects. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am - 12.30pm and 2 – 4pm. Every Sun in Jan, 7, 28 Feb CREATIVE RESPONSE Art activities based on themes featured in atrium and galleries. Drop-in, free, for all ages. 11am - 12.30pm and 2 4pm. 23, 24 Jan INTRODUCTION TO THE HOLOCAUST This free discussion and replica object handling session is a useful starting point for families with children aged 11+ who wish to learn about the Holocaust. 11.30am and 2.30pm. 13-21 Feb FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: PROTEST & SURVIVE Join celebrated political artist Peter Kennard and develop your own Unofficial War Art collages and drawings on the subject of protest, linked to the current retrospective of his work at IWM London. Peter Kennard will be on hand to talk about his work and provide tips on creating collages and drawings during this free, dropin workshop. All materials are provided and no previous art experience is required. 2-4pm. NATIONAL GALLERY WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm. MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING For children aged 25. Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am - 12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day. DRAWING SUNDAY Explore gallery paintings as inspiration for your art. For ages 5-11. Sundays 11am and 2pm. Drop-in. 17 Jan, 21 Feb THE TONE ZONE Discover how tonal drawings help artists to paint their wonderful paintings.

‘Dino Snores’ AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

7 Feb FRAMED Make a personal frame with predella scenes all about your life and the journeys you have made. STUDIO SUNDAYS are hands-on workshops that start in the Gallery, followed by a studio session (11am and 2pm). 10 Jan, 14 Feb CAPTURE A CREATURE Find your favourite creature in the gallery and turn it into a colourful print. 24 Jan FIGURING FORM Explore examples of movement and musculature in paintings, and transform the painted image into a 3D object using wire, wax and modroc. 31 Jan, 28 Feb FAMILY TRAIL DAY 7 Feb FEAST AND FAMINE: 13, 20, 27 Jan, 10 Feb WELCOME WEDNESDAYS Early years activities and bring paintings to life through interactive music, storytelling, art and messy play activities. Every Wednesday, 10.30 and 11.30am for walkers under age five, 1pm for sitting babies to walkers. SPECIAL EVENTS: 6 Feb CHINESE NEW YEAR FAMILY FESTIVAL DAY Events include a printed trail, stories and sound workshops, magic monkey carpet, nursery rhymes in Mandarin, and mask making. Most events taking place between 10am-12noon. See details on the Families West What’s On widget online. HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 15 Feb MESSY MONDAYS: EXPLORING THE STUDIO Drop-in session for children under 5 years. Become a mini artist by exploring materials and mark making in a tactile environment inspired by a painting. 10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3pm. 15-17 Feb INSIDE OUT SCULPTURE MAKING Drop-in workshop. Create a small scale sculpture inspired by the Gallery’s marvellous horses. 11am and 2pm. 16 Feb TALKING TUESDAYS - INVESTIGATING PAINTINGS Bringing a painting to life through singing, talking and playing. For under 5s. 10.30am-1pm and 1.30-3pm. 16, 17 Feb ARTIST APPRENTICE WORKSHOP Create a replica of the National Gallery with marble columns, domes and patterned floors. For ages 7-12, 11am-3.30pm. £10. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk Every weekend INVESTIGATE FOR FAMILIES Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Come and explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence Museum scientists use in their daily work. Drop-in, 11am-5pm. 8 Jan, 19 Feb DINO SNORES Ever wondered what goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7 - 11

Creative Response AT THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January/February 2016

years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live animal shows and more. For ages 7-11. 16 Jan, 15, 20 Feb ANIMAL VISION A show which features live animals, reveals a world only visible to certain reptiles and invertebrates. See how adaptations allow them to escape predators and locate prey. 10.30am for age 7+ 23 Jan, 13 Feb CHARLES DARWIN Meet Charles Darwin, he will share his collection of beetles and tell you his famous theory of evolution. 31 Jan, 28 Feb PUPPETS-THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF AND JACK AND THE BEANSTALK A lively and popular puppet storytelling workshop based on amazing insights into the natural world. For under 7s. 7 Feb MARY ANNING Meet Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter from 19th century. 11.30am and 2pm. SCIENCE MUSEUM SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk 6 Feb SCIENCE NIGHT A special overnight event for 7-13 year olds featuring exciting hands-on workshops, science shows, and a sleepover at the museum. VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk Every Sat POP UP PERFORMANCES Storytelling, interactive plays and dance. For all ages at 11am, 1 and 3pm. Free, drop in Every Sun DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design challenge, hunt for ideas in the galleries, then create your own. 10.30am5pm, for age 5+ 13-21 Feb IMAGINATION STATION Be inspired by a painting of an incredible procession, The Ommegang from 1615. See the amazing colours, curious costumes and create your own design. 10.30am5pm for ages 3+ Free, drop in.

18 Feb POP UP PERFORMANCES Experience a riot of colour, noise and people in The Ommegang procession with an interactive performance. See the spectacle and play your part in the procession. Free, drop-in, for all the family at 11am, 1 and 3pm. FREE ART FUN-BACK-PACKS, ACTIVITY CART AND ANIMAL BAGS Families can pick up an activity Back-Pack, get creative at Drop-in-Design or go on a gallery adventure trail. Free, drop-in. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 Activity Cart: Fantastic hands-on art fun for children to create collages and pictures to take home. Agent Animal bag: A sensory activity bag that has been developed especially for under 5s. Each bag contains an audio map and fabric cubes.

DAYS OUT CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDENS W4 2QN www.chgt.org.uk 3 Feb-16 Mar MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL Experience amazing illuminations of art and light through giant

sculpted lanterns in a variety of forms and structures. Soak up the buzzing carnival atmosphere with live cultural staged performances, tease your taste buds with a range of international cuisines and

Days Out listings continue on page 18

WALLACE COLLECTION W1U 3BN www.wallacecollection.org 7 Feb THE LITTLE DRAW Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities with artist Millie Nice. 1:30 - 4:30pm, all ages. 15 Feb DROP-IN ART WORKSHOP: SNAKES GALORE Come and visit the three bronze snakes that have just come out of hiding. Scour the collection for slippery serpents. On your way sketch patterns to use when you help create a giant 3d snake. Make a mini one to take home too. Free, drop-in for age 5+ 11am-1pm. 19 Feb POP-OUT FURNITURE To celebrate Open Furniture month work with artist Jenny Parker to explore the furniture collection, inside and out. Draw your favourite patterns and designs before decorating your own suite of miniature pop-out laser cut furniture. 10.30am12.30pm for age 5+ and 2-4pm for age 6+ Price ÂŁ7, booking essential.

From Baby to Ballerina

Classes for Boys and Girls aged 21/2 to 16 years old Ballet, Pointe Work, Jazz, Tap, Annual Performances

Classes held in: Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street, Shepherds Bush and South Kensington

January/February 2016

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

what’s on CONTINUED meander through the market and take home a beautiful lantern of your choice to adorn your home. A family festival to celebrate Chinese New Year. CUTTY SARK SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Every weekend CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master; Jock Willis, the man who built Cutty Sark; Nannie, the ship’s figurehead; or the ship’s cook, James Robson, who all have an extraordinary story to tell. Suitable for ages 3+ Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 2-4pm for ages 4 and under. 31 Jan THE QUEEN OF TEA AND OTHER STORIES Join the storyteller for tales of tea as part of National Storytelling Week. 11.30am, 12.30 and 2pm. 6 Feb TEA TASTING Sample some fine blends of teas and discover the story of the ancient Chinese drink. 11am and 2pm for all ages. 7 Feb STORYTELLING: THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH Join Sailor Sam on a journey across the seas with a precious cargo of tea and a tale about magic. 11am, 12, 1.30 and 2.30pm for age 3+ 6, 7 Feb FAMILY FUN WEEKEND: MISCHIEVOUS MONKEYS Which Chinese zodiac animal are you? To celebrate Chinese New Year, make an animal mask or a mischievous paper monkey and see if you can spot any monkeys on board the ship. 11am and 2pm for all ages. 13 Feb SEA SIGNS a day of programmed events for deaf and hearing families, including crafts and storytelling. Events are led by deaf presenters using BSL and accompanied by voice-over interpreters, or delivered by spoken facilitators and supported by BSL interpreters. 11am-3pm for all ages. 15, 16, 19 Feb FOLD IT Put your origami skills to the test and make a mini ship to sail home with you. 11am and 2pm for all ages. 17, 18 Feb YOU’VE GOT MAIL Take inspiration from the letter of a real sailor to write and decorate your own letter home. 11.30am and 2pm for all ages.

Selected Thurs and Sats (starts 11 Feb) TINY EXPLORERS Discover the fascinating stories of Hampton Court Palace in a multi-sensory workshop which includes music, movement and messy play for 0-4yrs. Booking essential. 13, 20 Feb FAMILY GHOST TOURS Join the State Apartment Warders for an early evening walking tour and discover the stories of ghostly apparitions, paranormal activity and all manner of spooky happenings from the palace’s history. For 8– 14 year olds. HMS BELFAST SE1 2JH www.iwm.org.uk ONGOING: GUN TURRET EXPERIENCE A chance to see what fighting at sea would have really been like. Lights, audio, projections and movement will recreate the experience, highlighting the hectic and cramped conditions that would have seen twenty-six men in this confined space at any one time. INTERACTIVE OPERATIONS ROOM the nerve centre and brain of the entire ship which now has exciting interactives. FREE FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES: 9, 10 Jan CRACKING CODES Intercept messages, map hazards on our sea chart and even make up your own secret code. Learn about the skills intelligence officers had to have as well as some of the dangers that surrounded HMS Belfast at sea. 11am and 2pm, all ages. 13-21 Feb DARNING AND YARNING All sailors past and present have needed to know how to sew, from repairing sails to their own socks. Create a new sailors’ cross stitch work. While you sew find out more about the Royal Navy and life on board HMS Belfast. 11am and 2pm, all ages. KENSINGTON PALACE W8 4PX www.hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace Weds and Sats (starts 11 Feb) TINY EXPLORERS Discover fascinating stories about Kensington Palace in these multi-sensory workshops. Music, movement, messy play and more for 0-4yrs. To book, call 020 3166 6646.

Fun on THE CUTTY SARK

ODDS FARM PARK HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk A fabulous day out at the farm. Meet the farmers and get close to the animals in the hands-on area and in the large undercover animal barns. There is a massive adventure play area with a four lane astra slide, two drop slides, a netted area with zig zag chicanes and tunnels, swinging ropes and much more. Also a special Toddler and Under 5’s areas. Weekends and holidays CRAZY ENTERTAINERS Join in with the madness and mayhem of Odds Farm Park’s Crazy Entertainers. With several shows daily, all the extra fun is included in entry.

FULHAM PALACE SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org Every Mon and Tues THE PALACE EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. £3 per child, which includes a drink and healthy snack. 5, 26 Jan, 2, 23 Feb PALACE STORIES History of the palace brought to life in these tales of the characters who lived there. Free, no booking necessary. 31 Jan MUSEUM DROP-IN During this Stone Age themed family drop-in, try on period costume, handle artefacts and learn about the history of Fulham Palace. 2-3.30pm, free. 4 Feb NATIONAL STORYTELLING WEEK: PALACE STORIES WITH OLIVIA ARMSTRONG An exciting afternoon full of traditional folktales, legends and myths. £2 per child, no booking necessary. 2-4pm. HAMPTON COURT PALACE KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk 6, 7 Feb LIVE HISTORIC COOKERY The Tudor kitchens at Hampton Court Palace are famous throughout the world for being those of King Henry VIII. See food archaeologists bring the kitchens to life experimenting with traditional recipes, ingredients and cooking methods to prepare feasts fit for a king!

The Crazy Entertainers AT ODD’S FRM

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

January/February 2016

George and the Dragon AT THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH

Rumpelstiltskin AT THE LYRIC HAMMERSMITH

FAMILY THEATRE AND CONCERTS BECK THEATRE UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk 23, 24 Jan THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should Ever set foot in the deep dark wood... One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel to life in this magical, musical stage adaptation. For age 3+ 26-30 Jan GANGSTA GRANNY It’s Friday night and that means only one thing - staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and - it’s going to be sooooooooo boring! But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret - and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine. For age 5+ 20 Feb MILKSHAKE LIVE! A brand-new stage show for 2016! Join the Milkshake Presenters and loads more of your Milkshake friends for an all singing, all dancing journey through Milkshake’s magical bookcase as they explore some of the world’s favourite fairy tales!

January/February 2016

CAMBRIDGE THEATRE WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com Booking until May 16 MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers. CHELSEA THEATRE SW10 0DR www.chelseatheatre.org.uk 24 Jan THE TOWN & THE COUNTRY MOUSE Join two friends as they embark on an amazing journey and discover that sometimes new can be exciting and different can be good, but the most important thing is friendship. A heart-warming telling of Aesop’s classic fable, packed full of fun, music and song. Suitable for ages 3 - 8 years. LYRIC HAMMERSMITH W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 23 Jan GEORGE AND THE DRAGON Beware! In a cave under the castle lurks a fiery dragon waiting to devour monks, knights, sheep and, princesses! Will George be bold enough to challenge it - or will he run away? For age 5+ 30 Jan FREYA- A VIKING SAGE Freya, a Viking girl, is about to become a giant's dinner. She must use all her

wits to escape and prove human friendship is stronger than the strength of a giant and more powerful than the magic of the gods. For ages 4-8. 6 Feb TADPOLES A tadpole catching competition challenges a superhero duo to overcome rivalry and harness their strengths. Working as team, can they save the world... together? For age 5+ 13 Feb RUMPELSTILTSKIN Auntie spins as hard as she can to make the wool for the King’s special jumper. But the royals are out of cash, the girl who is helping is useless at spinning and the Prince just wants to be a shepherd. Everyone gets their threads in a twist and then Rumpel... you-know-who steps in. Spinning, weaving, lively puppetry, music and storytelling for ages 3-8. 16-20 Feb THE SORCEROR’S APPRENTICE Charlie Hubble wishes for the Big Book of Spells for Trainee Magicians. Then one day, there’s a knock at the door. It’s a real life sorcerer! And he has a very special job for Charlie... A magical blend of music, puppetry and highenergy storytelling for ages 3-7.

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

Family Theatre listings continue on page 20

what’s on CONTINUED 27 Feb WHERE CATERPILLARS GO A thoughtful look at the cycle of life, explored within a garden where almost everything is made from paper. Watch seeds fly, fall and sprout, and shoots spiral and uncurl in this lively garden that pops up before your eyes. For under-fives. PEACOCK THEATRE WC2A 2HT www.sadlerswells.com 8-24 Jan ZIPPOS PRESENT CIRQUE BESERK Combining contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers, death-defying stunt men and of course the award-winning clown, Tweedy. PUPPET THEATRE BARGE W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 16 Jan- 13 Mar FIREWORKS A marionette spectacle presented in two acts ACT 1 in which Joey visits Mr and Mrs Punch and Punch visits Big Ben and loses the laundry and ACT 2 in which Mr Punch is chased by the Beadle. SOUTHBANK CENTRE SE1 8PX www.southbankcentre.co.uk Until 17 Jan BUMP ROLLERDISCO A mobile rollerdisco under Hungerford Bridge for the whole family. 11am-11pm, skates available for hire. Every Fri RUG RHYMES FOR THE UNDER FIVES A short session of nursery rhymes, poems and rhyming stories, and the opportunity to look at and borrow books. Free but booking essential. Every Mon DRAGON BABIES Bring your little ones to shake, rattle and gong. Gamelan for ages 3-5. 25 Jan OVERTURE TO THE OLIVIERS IN CONCERT Sing or play musical theatre favourites with the BBC Concert Orchestra and Singers. Families are invited to join in with rehearsals culminating in a special performance. For ages 8+ 10-12 Feb SHH... BANG! A delicate dance-theatre performance playfully exploring sound and silence. Two characters set out on a journey through a world filled with Boings, Whooshes, Tick-Tocks and Cacophony For ages 3-5 10 Feb MESS AROUND Multi-sensory tactile play experiences for children aged from six months (or sitting unaided) to five years old. Older siblings can participate in the Big Kids Create & Make Corner.10.30am, 12.30 and 2pm 10 Feb–3 Jul THE WONDERCRUMP WORLD OF ROALD DAHL A magical and interactive journey through The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl to discover the secrets of the writer with interactive installations to spark the imagination. 11-12 Feb UNDER FOOT Children are invited to travel through three different zones, each with a different floor surface and texture. Interact with performers, dance and play. For ages 1-5. 10.30am, 12.30 and 2.30pm 13-21 Feb THE GIANT STORYTELLING BED Listen to a story on the enormous bed. 10.30am, 1 and 3pm for ages 5-8. Also children’s book swap and book crafts on 13 Feb in the foyer for ages 8-12 from 12-6pm. 13-21 Feb STORYTIME Join a special guest in The Clore Ballroom as they read aloud their favourite bedtime story. Each afternoon features a new guest reading a different story. For ages 5-8. 13-20 Feb FAMILY GAMELAN TASTER SESSION Introduction to the Javanese percussion orchestra called the gamelan. For ages 6+ 18-21 Feb THE SECRET LIFE OF SUITCASES Join Larry in The Secret Life of Suitcases as his world gets

turned upside down by a fantastical flying suitcase that takes him further than he ever thought possible. For age 3+ 19 Feb MRS H’S SINGALONG EXTRAVAGANZA Family entertainment with an extra sprinkling of tomfoolery and theatrical antics 11am and 1pm. Free for all ages.

the instruments close up and talk to the musicians about how the music is put together.10.30am and 1.30pm. 19 Feb ALBERT’S BAND PRESENTS: WILD WILD WEST A musical adventure on an action packed trip to the Wild Wild West. 11.30am and 1.45pm.

ST JAMES’ THEATRE SW1E 5JA www.stjamestheatre.co.uk Until 17 Jan AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Join Phileas Fogg and his loyal valet Passepartout, on the adventure of a lifetime to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. A cast of eight play over 100 characters in this imaginative, high-spirited escapade for all the family; including six trains, five boats, four fights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant! THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE WC2B 5JF www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/theatre-royal-drury-lane Ongoing CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka in a musical directed by Sam Mendes. 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

FEBRUARY HALF TERM WORKSHOPS PERFORM DRAMA (W8 AND SW7) 15-17 Feb Drama, dance and singing workshop for ages 4-7, from 10am-3pm. A trip to Narnia is in store this half term, with magical creatures, snowy landscapes and a triumphant royal victory combining live music, dance and improvisation and culminating in a mini-performance on the last day. Takes place at Kensington URC in W8 and Baden Powell House in SW7. … 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/narnia

UNICORN THEATRE SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 15-31 Jan GRASS A dance show exploring the ground and its wriggling inhabitants. Performance, puppetry and projection for age 4+ 24 Jan-2 Apr MINOTAUR An impossible labyrinth with a fearsome and lonely beast. Only his sister cares for him and dreams of setting them both free. But she makes a terrible pact with the enemy’s son that changes everything. For ages 8+

CONCERTS AND MUSIC WORKSHOPS BACH TO BABY www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth All concerts at 10.30am. 20 Jan, 24 Feb in Kensington (Christ Church, Victoria Road, W8) 26 Jan, 16 Feb in Notting Hill (St. John's Church, Lansdowne Crescent, London W11) 22 Jan, 19 Feb in Hammersmith (St. Andrew's Church, Greyhound Road, W14) 29 Jan, 26 Feb in Chiswick (St. Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4) THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com 16 Feb BACH TO BABY - THE GOLDEN HORN Little ones can listen, dance, roam about, and feed while you take a moment to enjoy an exhilarating performance by outstanding horn player Martin Lawrence and pianist Miaomiao Yu. 11am. 17 Feb NICK COPE’S FAMILY SONGBOOK Monkeys, bears, socks and mud, this man sings about everything children are really interested in. An interactive family concert for children up to 8 years old. 11am. 18 Feb JAZZ FOR KIDS - JUMPIN’ AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL A special jazz session for children aged 4-9 with a chance for the kids to come and get a look at

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

CORNER 9 ART WORKSHOP (W9) 15-19 Feb Mornings - Art sessions exploring animals in 2D &3D for children age 5+, Afternoons - Circus skill sessions for children age 6+ www.corner9.com FUN WITH FIMO CLAY WORKSHOP (W3) 16 Feb Fun and creative session for age 6+ with the theme of ‘Bag full of bears’ - make a family of mini bears and sew a bag to keep them in. 10.15am - 4.15pm. … 020 8992 3767 fimofun@tiscali.co.uk www.funwithfimoclay.co.uk HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES (W8) 15-19 Feb The Ecology Service runs a scheme of environmental activities for children in the half term holiday utilising the park and our wooded Wildlife Area. The fun packed programme for 5-10 year olds is likely to include sessions on birds, orienteering, spring, creepy crawlies, animal tracks and plants. 10am - 12noon and 2-4pm for ages 5-10. www.rbkc.gov.uk/ecology KIDS COOKERY SCHOOL COOKING WORKSHOPS (W3) 15-19 Feb Morning and afternoon sessions for children aged 3-14+ in specially adapted child-sized cooking spaces. www.thekidscookeryschool.co.uk ISIS EDUCATION CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ART WORKSHOPS (W2) 16 Feb Nature’s Explorers- Winter Art. A full day (10am-3pm) of guided outdoor games and activities for children aged 8 - 12. 17, 18 Feb Discovery Day - Brilliant Birds. Make bird feeders, follow the bird discovery trail and do bird themed arts and crafts. 11am-3pm, drop-in, all ages. www.supporttheroyalparks.org

January/February 2016

By Liat Hughes-Joshi

Creating Confident children Confidence is just as important in life - if not more so - than a brace of A grades or endless extra-curricular skills. It’s vital to emotional wellbeing and something most of us hope our children will develop. Confidence is about being comfortable with who you are, willing to give things a go even if you’re not sure you’ll succeed - and trusting your own abilities and judgement. But how can we instil this feeling in our children, particularly if it doesn’t come naturally to them? Accept your child’s starting point Not all children - or adults - are confident by nature (wouldn’t life be boring if we were all the same?) and whilst we can encourage self-belief, transforming a shy or anxious child into a ‘life and soul of the party’ type, is probably an unrealistic aim. Try to avoid making comments to your child such as how you wish they were more confident, or less shy because, in effect, you’re saying you don’t value them as they are - a real confidence crusher. Accept your child’s personality and ‘starting point’; it might be different to yours, their sibling’s, friends’ or classmates’ and that’s absolutely fine. Don’t force them into situations they aren’t comfortable with In most scenarios, one of the worst things you can do for a young child who’s unsure is to push them in at the deep end with something when they aren’t ready. They need to trust you when taking on new experiences and doing this damages that trust. Take small steps to encourage confidence Find opportunities to stretch just a bit beyond what your son or daughter is comfortable with at a time. So that could be going to their friend’s house with them initially, then you just staying for a little while at the start, then next time, they might be happy to go alone.

January/February 2016

Work out what their fear is Often a child will have niggling worries holding them back in a specific situation. So perhaps “If I put my hand up in class, I might get the answer wrong and the other children will laugh at me.” Pin down their concern although preschool children might struggle to articulate their fear. Address their concern and provide plenty of reassurance that they will be okay, that what others think doesn’t really matter and that you’re there for them. Talk about similar situations you experienced as a child, when you were afraid of something, and how it worked out for you.

Helicopter parenting hovering over your child, stepping in to resolve the slightest issue or preventing them from failing - is a barrier to building confidence. Children need to find their own solutions and attempt things their way sometimes and take sensible risks. Sure, you can guide and advise but try not to jump in and take over too quickly. Whether it’s allowing your three-year-old to choose her own outfit or your ten-yearold to walk to the post box alone, letting go is a crucial confidence builder.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Oldfashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and ‘Raising Children: The Primary Years’ (Pearson).

Keep praise special These days, there’s a tendency to be super-positive and heap on the fabulous, you’re the best child ever!’ comments every other second - sometimes it feels like we should be praising our kids simply for breathing. But if you tell them everything they do is wonderful all the time, positivity loses power. Keep praise for when it’s truly warranted and focus on effort rather than just results. This way, when they DO do something amazing, your comments will have more impact. Find their forte and allow it to flourish If your child doesn’t do so well in academic work, or the usual extra-curricular activities at school, this can make their selfesteem fragile. Seek opportunities for them to try other, more unusual activities out of school and highlight positive personality traits such as being especially kind or a good organiser. Step back sometimes and let them ‘have a go’ - land that helicopter!

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

health matters - Coughs And Sneezes How to cope with winter woes

There are over 200 separate cold viruses around, so it’s no wonder that our children seem to come down with a cold almost every five minutes. And with the weather being gloomy and the days getting dark so early, we all tend to feel a little more run down than usual. We still don’t know exactly what causes the “Common Cold” but we are all familiar with the symptoms. A runny nose, sore throat, a temperature and a general feeling of poor health are only too familiar. So when do you let nature run its course, and when do you call the doctor? For very small children and babies, the worst effect may be a blocked nose that stops him being able to breath properly. This can interfere with breastfeeding, as it’s difficult to feed with a blocked nose. Clear blocked nostrils gently with a soft cloth soaked in sterile saline solution or if really blocked, a nasal aspirator.

You can try to help relieve the symptoms by using a decongestant rub on your child’s chest at night or by using a few drops of a decongestant spray or eucalyptus oil on a tissue; leave it near (though not in reach) of your baby as he sleeps. You could also use a vaporiser or humidifier in your child’s bedroom to help with breathing. Sleep may be affected, especially if your child has a cough, so try to encourage naps during the day - and you may need one yourself if your little one has kept you up half the night! If your little one has a slight fever, this can be dealt with using an infant paracetamol or ibuprofen solution but make sure you read the instructions and use the right amount for your child’s age. Never use a cough and cold remedy with children under six years old. Make sure that your child continues to get plenty of fluids, even if he is off his food. So keep breastfeeding. For older children, water should be offered frequently but try to avoid lots of sugary drinks and cordials,

Families West PO Box 32231 London W5 1JR

By Sally J. Hall

as you’ll have tooth decay to cope with later on! If your child is under three months old, it’s always worth checking the symptoms with your doctor, as very small children can become very ill very quickly. If your child is floppy and unresponsive or very fussy, call the doctor or go straight to the hospital. If you’re worried that it’s not ‘just’ a cold but something more serious, do seek medical advice. Flu is a worry during the winter months and can be serious in young children. Croup, a viral illness that causes a bark-like cough can be swiftly treated with steroids, and whooping cough, a bacterial infection, needs antibiotics (remember that your child must take the full course to avoid becoming antibiotic resistant). If you are concerned that your child may have meningitis, you must go to the hospital at once. Symptoms include a headache, sensitivity to light, a rash, seizures and listlessness but some indicators may be mistaken for a cold or flu. If in doubt, get to A&E - the staff will be only too happy to be able to set your mind at rest.

January/February 2016

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