Families Hampshire West July/Aug DIGITAL issue

FR EE

IN THIS ISSUE

Summer activities Places to go Holidays July/August 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

DIGITAL ISSUE

It’s full of g r interactiveat e content July/August 1 Familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

Welcome

In this issue

The long summer holiday is nearly here, bringing with it both the prospect of holidays and fun with the family – and the challenge of keeping the kids entertained for six weeks!

4

Places to go

8

Summer activities

14

Holidays

Well, Families has you covered. We have plenty of low-cost summer entertainment ideas and screen-free projects for the kids in this issue.

20 Summer food

We hate to mention the word ‘school’ at this time of year so all we will say is – September is (unfortunately) closer than you think so keep the necessary preparations in mind. Check out our recommendations for school bags and pencil cases for the new school year.

Finally, in this issue, we have loads of giveaways including cool kids’ backpacks and copies of the book Helping your Child Cope with Change. By applying, you’ll also ensure you continue to receive this wonderful magazine!

21

Screen-free kids’ fun

23 Back to school 27

Toys

28 Crafts

Get in touch Competition winners from our March/April issue Congratulations to all our winners.

You can find a list here.

Step out of the day-to-day and into a family adventure.

Offer valid until 17/07/22. T’s & C’s apply. Visit pgl.co.uk/familymag for details.

2 July/August

Familiesonline.co.uk

Saturday 30 July 2022 10am-5pm

Tudor House & Garden Summer Fete Celebrating 110 years since Tudor House opened as a museum with an entry fee of 6p.

Entry £2.50 per person, the equivalent of 6p today.

• Old Town Tours (pre-book) • Wand Making Workshops (pre-book) • Spot the Fairy Trail • Face-painting* • Archery* • BBQ in the garden 12 - 2pm, please pay in the cafe. (*small charges apply on the day, get tickets for pre-bookable activities via www.wegottickets.com/SouthamptonCulture)

tudorhouseandgarden.com Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 3

PLACES TO GO

Places to go this summer

There is so much to see and do in Hampshire this summer, you’ll find something for all the family to enjoy. Here’s our top recommendations.

The New Forest Heritage Centre

The New Forest & Hampshire County Show

The New Forest Heritage Centre is the perfect place to begin your adventure this summer. With a fun, free and interactive museum, a gallery and reference library there’s something for everyone.

Free drop-in craft activities and self-guided trail available.

The New Forest & Hampshire County Show returns on 26, 27 & 28 July at The Showground, Brockenhurst. Throughout the show there will be interactive activities alongside the wonderful variety of show sections and attractions.

FIND OUT MORE

FIND OUT MORE

The Race Centre, Chandler’s Ford

New Forest Wildlife Park

This summer, The Race Centre is holding their ever-popular School Holiday Specials. These events are half-price for groups with ‘drivers’ aged 8 to 17. Mum, Dad, and Guardian adults are also welcome to join in at the discounted rate.

Enjoy a unique day out for the whole family in the beautiful ancient woodlands of the New Forest Wildlife Park. You will find over 260 animals from 40 species including many native species both past and present.

Plus, meet the friendly keepers as they feed the animals FIND OUT MORE

FIND OUT MORE 4 July/August

Familiesonline.co.uk

PLACES TO GO

KIDS UNDER 5 GO FREE KIDS UNDER 5 GO FRE E

Award-Winning

Registered charity 274737

- 2021 WIN

AR

YE

GA R

H DEN OF T

E

14

R NE

GE HERITA

Home to over 600 Champion Trees and one of the longest double mixed borders in the UK.

20

Gardens and Arboretum

Explore our gardens and discover another world

• 14 National Plant Collections • Pond and bog gardens • Children’s play areas including tree house • Events and exhibitions

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 0QA Open daily from 10am except Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Book online /HillierGardens

www.exbury.co.uk

@HillierGardens

hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens Familiesonline.co.uk

There is something for everyone at Exbury NOW OPEN Exbury Gardens, New Forest, Hampshire, SO45 1AZ info@exbury.co.uk | 023 8089 1203 July/August 5

PLACES TO GO

Places to go this summer

There is so much to see and do in Hampshire this summer, you’ll find something for all the family to enjoy. Here’s our top recommendations.

Dinosaurs at St Barbe Museum

An action-packed summer of fun at WSC

Journey back to Jurassic times to find out about the reptiles that once dominated our planet at St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery from 23 July to 10 Sep. This family-friendly exhibition, introduces visitors to magnificent carnivores, herbivores, marine and flying reptiles and much more FIND OUT MORE

From 9 July to 11 Sep, get set for electrifying science, out-of-thisworld space journeys and outdoor nature explorations at Winchester Science Centre. Plug in and power up for a brand new exciting free live science show, Sparks, all about electricity. Plus lots of other activities and hands-on fun.

FIND OUT MORE

Summer fun at Exbury Gardens

Tudor House & Garden Summer Fete

Visit Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway. There will be something for everyone from glorious seasonal colour and wild exploration in the Gardens, to a range of events including donkey days, wildlife walks, falconry displays, live music and outdoor shows.

FIND OUT MORE

Enjoy a family fun day celebrating 110 years since Tudor House opened as a museum on Saturday 30 July. Enjoy hunting for hidden fairies in the garden, try your hand at archery, make a wand, face painting and tour the old town.

Entry is £2.50, the equivalent of £6p today!

FIND OUT MORE

6 July/August

Familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Where your New Forest s! adventure begin Explore the fascinating history of the New Forest in our free museum.

Visit our website for details about family events running during the summer.

newforestheritage.org.uk nfheritage

newforestheritage

newforestheritage

The New Forest Heritage Centre, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, S043 7NY

10 STUNNING PROFESSIONAL

REGISTERED CHARIT Y NUMBER: 1186656

RACECAR SIMULATORS

Dinosaurs

on your Doorstep

New Systems I New Cars New Tracks I Stunning New Visuals

Family-friendly

Summer Holiday Specials 2022

- Discounted Daily Sessions Monday-Friday - For Under 18’s and accompanying adults - Book online for just £15 per driver

summer exhibition, including free

Junior Birthday Parties

children’s activities

- Exclusive venue hire from £185 - Catering options available - Try-before-you-buy (call to book)

23 July 10 September

Book online at www.theracecentre.co.uk

www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk

Tel: Chandler’s Ford 023 8026 9927

registered charity no. 1018779

BU YT ICK ETS

26 TH CO , 27 TH ME & 28 T AN C H J DREGATI UL ENGTME Y 2 MO 022 IN VRIO ES SIN LVCEE19 D20

Familiesonline.co.uk

ON LIN E&

SAV E

July/August 7

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Free printable activities for all ages

Solve the “I’m bored!” problem - remember to take a stash of these with you when your family is out and about!

Seaside Holiday Activities

Stargazing Live Activity Pack

The Usborne Unworry Pack

Including word searches, I Spy Seaside and more.

Activities to explore the night sky from the BBC Stargazing LIVE team.

Collection of fun, mindful activities to help children calm their minds.

Road Trip Games

There Once is a Queen Jubilee Activity Pack

My Holiday Book

Fun-packed games including bingo, word search and maze.

Reading Reward Chart

Encourage the kids to keep reading during the holidays with this chart.

8 July/August

Celebrate Jubilee year with this activity pack.

Ladybird Activity Pack

Bumper activity pack with over thirty pages of fun.

Fun games and activities to entertain kids ages 3-5 on holiday.

Puffin Activity Pack

Word searches, activities, experiments and more.

Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Join the Summer Reading Challenge with Hampshire Libraries Every year, thousands of Hampshire children take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. It’s fun and totally free! This year’s science-themed challenge called ‘Gadgeteers’ will inspire children to discover the amazing science and innovation behind the world around you.

Sign up for the Challenge at your local library. Your child will be given a collector’s card to keep track of their reading and gain stickers along the way.

Everyone who reads six books gets an eco-friendly sustainable medal and certificate when they finish.

Children's reading can decline during the holidays if they don't have regular access to books or encouragement to read. The Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to keep up their reading skills and confidence during the holidays.

At the heart of the Challenge is children choosing and sharing books such as novels, fact books, joke books, e-books and audio books. Hampshire library staff and volunteers can help your child to choose books they will really enjoy FIND OUT MORE HERE

Summer Reading

Illustrations by Julian Beresford and © The Reading Agency 2022

Challenge 2O22

16 July - 17 September

Everyone who reads six books gets an eco friendly sustainable medal & certificate Finish the challenge for a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet!

Join free at your local library!

Sign up for free in a library or online Find out more by scanning the QR code

Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 9

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Low-cost summer fun Something different

Out and about

Enjoy a wild swim When it warms up, take a dip at your local wild swimming spot.

Let’s fish!

The Canal and River Trust is running free fishing expert guided taster sessions.

Borrow a doggy Join Borrow My Doggy to bond with a dog in need of love while their owners are at work.

Free tennis coaching and court usage The LTA is running free tennis sessions or coaching at venues across Britain.

Cinema deals Odeon and Cineworld will be running kids’ screenings with tickets priced from £3.25.

Hop on board the train. Have a rail adventure. Visit somewhere new on the cheap using a Family and Friends Railcard.

Visit a pet store Kids will enjoy checking out the pets for sale. Some stores run animal handling sessions and other activities.

Pick your own berries Gather a heap of juicy strawberries, raspberries or other summer fruit.

Fresh air

Have you got the Parenthood App?

Join in National Play Day Join in one of hundreds of community events that celebrate the importance of play.

Go fly a kite!

Cheap and easy to buy or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them.

Find the Gruffalo There are themed walks based on the books up and down the country.

Woodland adventure Explore your nearest woodland, enjoy adventure play, off-road cycling and create a den.

10 July/August

Parenthood App is a supportive, non-judgemental community for parents and grandparents. Read blogs from other parents, watch videos, check out local parenting businesses and make some friends, join neighbourhoods with local parents, or parents with similar interests and similar aged children. Download for free from the app store.

FIND OUT MORE HERE Familiesonline.co.uk

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Save money with My VIP Rewards The rising cost of living shouldn’t mean we can’t treat our kids over the summer holidays. My VIP Rewards can help!

Save money over the summer on things to do with the kids such as local soft play centres, trampoline parks, role play centres, Go Ape, theme parks, The National Trust, cinemas and more. PLUS save on your supermarket shopping, online shopping, holidays whilst supporting local businesses in and around Hampshire.

Members can save anything from £10 to £50 a month. So why not give it a try? You can cancel at anytime.

Sign up for just £1 a month for your first 3 months using code SUMMERSAVER HERE

Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 11

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Best holiday activity books for kids Want something to occupy the kids on the plane, train, in a café or restaurant or if they just need a quiet ten minutes? You can’t go past these brilliant activity and sticker books.

What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday Sticker Book

Dinosaurium Activity Book

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Nature Sticker and Colouring Book

Find Tom in Time

Never Get Bored Activity Book

Little Sticker Dolly Dressing Unicorns

Ages 7-9. £9.29

Ages 2-3. £5.57

Age 6+. £7.43

12 July/August

Ages 6-10. £9.28

100 Things for Little Children to Do on a Journey Age 3+. £6.50

Age 3-5. £6.73

Age 6+. £9.29

Sticker by Letter: In the Wild Activity Book

Age 4+. £5.57

Holiday Puzzles and Games Age 7+. £6.50

Familiesonline.co.uk

GIVEAWAYS

.50 £25

EACH WAY*

with a car + up to 7 people

Sail away to the Isle of Wight this summer and create memories you’ll never forget.

With over 50 top attractions and outdoor activities, plus 25 amazing beaches and miles of countryside to explore, there’s so much to see and do for all the family.

Familiesonline.co.uk

redfunnel.co.uk

023 8001 9192

July/August 13

HOLIDAYS

Unforgettable summer adventures on the Isle of Wight Sail away to the Isle of Wight this summer and create memories you’ll never forget.

With top attractions, outdoor activities, amazing beaches and miles of countryside to explore, there’s so much to see and do for all the family.

Come for a day visit or stay a while and play. Plan your perfect Island adventure from dusk ‘til dawn or find your perfect home from home with great family holiday parks, camping, holiday cottages and more. The ideal destination for families, from tiny tots to teens, there really is something for everyone – even the dog!

Sail with Red Funnel from just £25.50 each way, for a car and up to seven people. Find out more and book tickets HERE

Safer sleeping outside for little ones!

APPLY HERE for your FREE Snoozeshade

Worth £29.99 each

5

14 July/August

available

Apply for your FREE book

Written

by Liat Joshi Hughes

available T&Cs apply

Magazine

Help your child navigate difficult times!

75

Magazine

T&Cs apply

Familiesonline.co.uk

HOLIDAYS

Perfect eco-friendly swimwear for summer This summer, Grass&Air is coming with you and your kids on every single adventure.

Its new Sun+Swim collection for kids ages 1 to 10 is bursting with clever ideas. Made using recycled plastic bottles and fabric offcuts, each piece has been designed for maximum enjoyment, whether kids are splashing in the paddling pool or doing karate kicks at big waves in Whatever your summer vibe, the sea.

Grass&Air has got your family covered. Just add water.

Mix tops and bottoms to suit the occasion. Protect your child’s More info HERE. precious skin in a shortie suit or watch them cartwheel in a cossie!

If we had to pick one ‘can’t live without’ item, it would be the Power Poncho with its fast-drying fabric and hidden game on the inside.

Cool backpacks for cool kids!

Get your FREE Grass & Air backpack NOW* Perfect for little treasures Fully lined, pockets, adjustable straps & handle. *while stocks last T&Cs apply

Magazine Familiesonline.co.uk

APPLY HERE

*while stocks last T&Cs apply

July/August 15

HOLIDAYS

How to holiday responsibly We all need to do our bit for the planet so we asked our friends at Tested by Tots for their ideas for some eco-friendly holiday products that can easily be substituted for traditional alternatives.

Beeswax wraps

Washable & reusable for up to six years.

15% discount - TOTS15

Reef-friendly sunscreen

Switch to biodegradable spray from Nivea, freefrom ingredients that damage ocean life.

Beachwear

Frugi clothing uses GOTS certified organic cotton or recycled materials.

16 July/August

Reusable BBQs

Shampoo bars

Sustainable toys

Bamboo nappies and wipes

Saves space and is as The Landmann Piccolino effective as the runny BBQ comes in two stuff. Trial sizes available. colours for under £70.

These use recycled materials and are vigorously safety tested.

10% discount -10GREENTOYS22

Sustainable teethers

Decompose much more quickly than regular products.

50% off newborn starter kit - NBTOT50

Eco sunglasses

Made from sustainable wheat straw.

Made from natural, plantBiodegradeable. Four based rubber. colours for kids ages 5-9.

Familiesonline.co.uk

HOLIDAYS

Days out – put the kids in charge!

There are so many advantages to this including increased confidence for your kids and less brain work for you!

Benefits

Tips

Builds confidence that can then be applied in other areas eg school morning routines.

Set a budget and be clear what it covers eg entry fees, travel costs and food.

Provides valuable source of additional thinking and planning for you!

Spell everything out. Make sure they understand exactly what they are being asked to do.

Research and planning

On the day

Ensure they gather all relevant information eg opening times, entry fees, travelling times etc.

Let them navigate, whether that’s using a phone, map, tube map or street directory.

Suggest they plan the day including time for departure, arrival, journey and food breaks.

Be tolerant; making mistakes is all part of the learning.

Allows kids to exercise independence and test their abilities.

Offer incentives such as bonus spending money for any savings they achieve.

Put ONE child in charge. Others will get their turn IF they cooperate with their sibling.

Try to back off and not interfere too much but be there in case guidance or intervention is needed.

Keep it up

Trail

m Join Superwor w ne dan br a on ail at interactive tr st re Alice Holt Fo

At home activities

Superh

headquarero ters Make a superhero headquarters the creatures for in your garden

Forestry England

forestryengland.uk/ superworm

A stick Tape

oes!

rher

st supe

and all forepower ! mask a super your Pick it to stick

How to make

Super er burrow

1.

1

ing

Toad

fast

Call

pe

feet

Su

Com mo n

r strong

ly rs

2.

2

to

3.

3

Trail

m

the headquar

Use your scissors to cut a creature headquartersout sign from your coloured paper, and your pens decorate it using or pencils.

Tape your headquarters sign to your stick.

Find a sheltered spot in your garden natural itemsand place your pile or house in either a shape.

orm Superw activities ©2012 & TM

el

Supe

Start a fun day out ideas jar that everyone contributes to. Pull one out every weekend or holidays.

Share

your photos

#SuperwormTrail

You will need: Natural items such as stones, wood, grass, leaves Coloured paper Pens/colouring pencils Scissors

ad

Get them to plan the weekly dinner menu or help draw up the shopping list.

Super worm

Super

Build on the confidence your child has gained by introducing new family responsibilities.

Julia Donaldson/

4.

4

5 5.

ters

Stick your sign in the ground next headquarters,to your inviting the creatures to come inside.

Come back see if any later to creatures have moved in!

Welcom superhe e roes!

Axel Scheffl er.

Creature fact cards

Key facts

Please ©2012

& TM

recycle Julia

Axel

er. Licensed Scheffl

by Magic

Type of creature: Amphibian. both on land They live and in water Diet: Slugs, snails, spiders, worms, ants Lifespan: Ltd 10-12 years Pictures Light Please recycle

Donaldson/

Listen out

©2012 &

TM Julia

Donaldson/

Axel Scheffl er.

Toads make a high-pitched “qwark-qwark” are particularly sound. They noisy in spring when they return to ponds to find a mate.

and.uk

forestryengl

With fun trail pack

Find out more at:

forestryengland.uk/superworm © 2012 & TM Julia Donaldson / Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 17

HOLIDAYS

Save 50% on a PGL family adventure holiday!

Step out of the day-to-day and into a family adventure on an all-inclusive holiday with PGL. Let loose and get lost together on an exciting, action-packed adventure that turns the family back into a team.

Whether you’re conquering the kayaks, hanging out on the high ropes or zooming down zipwires, there are plenty of goose-pimpling adventures to dive into whilst your family enjoys a PGL holiday. You’ll be amazed by what you can all achieve when you tackle the fun challenges on offer.

Don’t miss out on PGL’s final summer sale and the chance to give your family the break they will always remember! What’s more, you can save up to 50% off when you book a family adventure holiday or kids adventure camp this summer!

Find out more and book HERE.

18 July/August

Familiesonline.co.uk

Calling parents living in Hampshire!

Would you like to try your hand at magazine publishing?

Do you think you can grow a business?

Are you interested in media and marketing?

We are looking for a new owner for Families Hampshire West Magazine.

Work part time from home around your family and do something you love.

Capital is required.

FIND OUT MORE HERE EMAIL US

Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 19

SUMMER FOOD

Summer lunch and picnic ideas

Whip up these delicious dishes with the kids, courtesy of Neha @squashedpickle Click on the images to watch her helpful videos!

Egg & Pea Cheesy Waffles

Sweet Pea Pasta Muffins

This three-ingredient recipe couldn’t be any easier, making it perfect for little hands! You can switch up the vegetables or even use a frozen veg mix if you prefer. The waffles are a great alternative to the usual picnic food or lunch at home.

READ RECIPE

Zac loves pasta. I used to make these a lot when he was young.

They are light on mess, freezable and make a perfect on-thego snack. Kids can learn basic kitchen techniques while they experiment with different sauces and build their own muffins.

READ RECIPE

Pesto Cheese Twists

Pizza Croissants

These twists are super-easy to prepare and so delicious. If you are looking for a kitchen-based activity to do with the kids during the summer, this recipe is great for teaching basic cutting and pastry twists. And you’ll end up with a fabulous snack or lunch option at the end!

READ RECIPE

This is a fun way to use ready prepared croissant dough which is absolutely delicious. You can stuff the croissants with all your favourite pizza toppings.

If you have a child who is fussy with vegetables, try including them in the stuffing. We’ve used mushrooms in this example.

READ RECIPE

20 July/August

Familiesonline.co.uk

SCREEN FREE

No-screen kids’ summer projects

Desperate for ideas to get your kids away from screens and exploring something in the real world? Check out our top recommendations.

Garage sales

Toy purge

A great way to declutter, reuse unwanted household items and make some money. Help the kids choose a date, decide what to sell, organise the items for easy browsing and label and price everything. You can then get them drawing posters to advertise the event. You can help by posting on social media.

TIPS

Disposing of old toys can be challenging but is worthwhile for children and parents alike. If your child is resistant to parting with old favourites, challenge them to play with them for an appropriate amount of time or donate them to charity. Involve your child in taking their toys to the local charity shop.

TIPS

Put on a show

Retro games day

Challenge your kids to put on a mini-play or concert or re-enact a favourite book or movie scene.

You may have a budding standup comic, magician or storyteller in the family! An old sheet can be a backdrop or curtain; reading lamps can be spotlights.

Get them making tickets and setting up seating.

TIPS

Make a list of your favourite games from your own childhood such as hopscotch, marbles, elastics, Grandmother’s Footsteps, long rope skipping, Oranges and Lemons and spend a fun filled day reminiscing with your kids. For extra nostalgia, provide some of your favourite childhood snacks and sweets.

TIPS

Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 21

SCREEN FREE

No-screen kids’ summer projects

Desperate for ideas to get your kids away from screens and exploring something in the real world? Check out our top recommendations.

Water wars

Make a movie

When temperatures rise and tempers start to fray, encourage the kids to have an old-fashioned water fight. Use buckets, sponges, watering cans or fill up some balloons (purchase refillable water balloons). You could invest in fancy water pistols or a novelty sprinkler, water play mat or water slide.

TIPS

If you are prepared to lend your phone for filming, this is a great creative holiday project for older children. A short film is ideally three to five minutes long and it can be factual or story based.

Neighbourhood Scavenger Hunt

Family Mini-Olympic Games

Create a list of landmarks for the kids to find in your street or the local park eg a distinctive house or a large tree. Write clues that help them find these landmarks.

This gets the kids active and requires little equipment. They can make a torch and have an opening ceremony. Races can include a sack race with pillowcases, a tug of war with a dressing gown belt, discus with a frisbee, shot put using bean bags or tennis balls.

TIPS

Go along with them or clearly outline the area of the hunt so they don’t wander too far.

TIPS 22 July/August

Advise your child to keep it simple and start with a plan or better still a script.

TIPS

Familiesonline.co.uk

BACK TO SCHOOL

Starting school VERY soon?

Want to get organised and prepare your child socially and emotionally?

Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day

WOOLSTON PRESCHOOLS

Where adventures begin…

A great way to explore, socialise, develop and grow!

Give your preschooler the best start in prepara3on for ‘Big School’. Places filling fast for September - enrol your child today!

Fully funded children welcome.

Flexible sessions for 2-5 year olds.

A choice of two settings www.woolstonpreschool.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

July/August 23

BACK TO SCHOOL

School bags for the new school year Children really love to choose a new school bag at the start of the school year. Here are some of our top suggestions.

Frugi Adventurers Backpack Good quality bag uses recycled and organic materials. £28

M&S Minecraft™ Water Repellent School Backpack

Large, light and great for Minecraft fans. Machine washable. £24

Novelty Rocket Backpack

Eye-catching but practical. Mesh pockets, adjustable straps. £30 24 July/August

LittleLife Big HiVis Dinosaur Kids ActionPak

Eastpak Padded Backpack

Liewood Allan Backpack

Nobodinoz Sunshine Kids Backpack

Babymel Zip and Zoe Colour and Wash Backpack

Adidas Class Backpack

Suits Reception-aged kids. High vis material. £19.99

Sturdy backpack for A4-sized books. Front pockets for smaller items. £47

Stylish, durable but comfortable with padded Made from organic shoulder and chest cotton with water straps. £47 repellent coating. £39.95

Colour your own with washable felt pens. £14

Great for sporty, older kids. Plenty of room for laptop/books. £21.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

BACK TO SCHOOL

Getting the right school shoes Children spend around eight hours a day in their school shoes, so it is important that they fit correctly and are comfortable. Good quality school shoes are designed to last longer, are made from better materials, and have good shock absorbency and structure.

Caroline French from WJFrench & Son gives her top tips for getting the keep feet dry as a child’s foot can right shoes: produce an egg cup full of sweat a day.

If your child is hard on their shoes, choose thicker soles and one with a Patent can wear better than leather and be easier to keep clean but is toe bumper. less breathable and is not so good if It’s good to compare how your child your child is prone to hot feet. walks in different brands, as some Top Tip Don’t leave school shoe will suit your child’s feet and the shopping till the last minute! You way they walk noticeably better will get a better choice of styles and than others. sizes and avoid the queues if you Try and choose a rounder shaped come before 15 August. toe that doesn’t taper off too quickly to allow for ultimate growing room.

W.J French & Son is a family You should have leather or run shoe shop in Bedford Place, breathable textile linings to help Southampton. Find out more HERE Award winning family shoe retailer

40 Bedford Place, Southampton SO15 2DG. Tel: 023 80 226542 www.wjfrenchandson.co.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

HUGE CHOICE MAXIMUM COMFORT THE BEST FIT

We are the largest independent shoe shop in Hampshire and have been providing excellent customer service for over 200 years.

Easy parking opposite the shop

July/August 25

BACK TO SCHOOL

Top pencil case picks for September Next on the list for kids, after a new school bag, is a new pencil case.

Here are our favourites for the new season.

ZIPIT Talking Monstar Large

Fun pencil case which fits up to sixty pens or pencils. £8.50

Helix Pro Athletic

Large main compartment with wide opening zip, durable material. £4.52

Rachel Ellen Girls Rule the World Stylish and colourful, made from durable neoprene. £7.99

26 July/August

Maomaoyu Large Capacity

Dinosaur Colour & Learn

Smiggle Calculator Hard Top

Narwhal Plush

Durable and super-sized Fun and practical, comes pencil case with 3 zipped with wash-out fabric compartments. £8.69 pens. £12.95

Side panels with elastic pen and pencil holders. £15.50

Easthill Big Capacity Pencil Case

Makes a perfect ‘first pencil case’ for younger children. £3

Brown Paper Personalised

Roomy enough for pens, pencils, sharpeners Great for organisation. and rubbers. Can be Holds fifty pens/pencils personalised. £9.99 with a carry handle. £7.99 Familiesonline.co.uk

TOYS

Diversify your toy box Would you like your child to have toys which reflect the world in which we live? If so, take a look at the recommendations from our friends at Sheni and Teni which offers diverse books, toys and games for kids.

Sheni & Teni card games

Very Puzzled map puzzles

Cica Toys Yorupad

Our Kids Trove

Celebrate the wonders of Feature landmarks/ Africa through four loved attractions highlighting card games. notable people of colour.

Philly n Friends doll

Five African Iconic Leaders & Queens handpainted 9cm peg dolls.

Muffin Sisters

Helping children discover language through play.

An eclectic collection of culturally diverse toys and educational resources.

African-inspired elephant plush toys that encourage tactile play.

Colour Celebrations height chart

Imagine Me Stories subscription box

Learning with Ez emotions flashcards

Track your little ones height as they grow.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Monthly subscription offering of diverse books and black history activities. Ages 0-12.

Ten double sided full colour emotion and feelings cards.

July/August 27

CRAFTS

Have a crafty summer!

Help the kids with these bright and beautiful ocean and summerthemed craft projects this holiday season.

Paper plate aquarium

Ocean dioramas

Butterfly finger puppet

Recycled plastic jelly fish mobile

Fish soap carving

Cupcake liner crabs

Egg carton bumble bee

Sea turtle

Wooden spoon mermaid

28 July/August

Familiesonline.co.uk

Cool backpacks for cool kids!

Get your FREE Grass & Air backpack NOW* Perfect for little treasures Fully lined, pockets, adjustable straps & handle. *while stocks last T&Cs apply

Magazine

Familiesonline.co.uk

APPLY HERE

*while stocks last T&Cs apply July/August 29