Pennines
IN THIS ISSUE
Party Time! Benefits of Summer camps What's On over MAY and JUNE
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News, Education and Classes
Issue 44 May/June 2018
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Let’s party! It’s our party issue again! This time we’ve packed it full of trends for 2018, top tips for a budget party, what’s hot in party giveaways, as well as listings for venues and party providers across the region.
In the rest of the magazine, learn more about common sleep issues in children and how you can deal with them. We also share five reasons kids find it hard to make friends, as well as touch upon how much does gender matter. We have our usual news pages and clubs and classes and discuss the benefits of Summer camps and workshops, and don’t forget to check out what’s happening during the Spring Bank holiday in our What’s On section. If you want to feature your business in the magazine, get in touch at editor@familiespennines.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you! Enjoy!
WELCOME
IN THIS
ISSUE
04 NEWS
06 FAMILY LIFE
07 EDUCATION
11 PARTY FEATURE
15 WHAT’S ON
FAMILIES PENNINES Editor: Emily Raleigh 07974 401663 editor@familiespennines.co.uk www.familiesonline.co.uk @FamiliesPenMag
Emily Raleigh Editor, Families Pennines
/FamiliesPenninesMag
CIRCULATION 20,000 DEADLINE Early June 2018 FRONT COVER Depositphotos IMAGES istock, Shutterstock and Depositphotos DESIGNED BY Theresa McDermott, 07462 961793, www.designedbytree.com PRINTED BY Warwick Printing, 01926 883335, www.warwickprinting.co.uk Copyright Families Pennines May/ June 2018
Families Pennines is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Pennines are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Pennines. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
WORK OPPORTUNITY WITH
We are looking for responsible people with a cheerful, polite manner to deliver Families Pennines magazines in the Huddersfield and Bradford areas. If you would like to earn a little extra cash and can spare a day every two months to distribute Families Pennines magazine to local schools, nurseries, activity groups, etc, please contact us today. A car is essential.
please contact Emily on 07974 401663 or e-mail editor@familiespennines.co.uk
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Families Pennines 3
s
New
‘Grannannying’
is the Word
On Wednesday 13 June, thousands of children across the country will put their best feet forward to take part in Brake’s Kids Walk. The walk, co-ordinated by Brake, the road safety charity and sponsored by Coop Insurance, promotes road safety and the health and planet-saving benefits of walking whilst getting the children to raise awareness of important road safety messages in their community: 1
FOOT PATHS
3
SAFE PLACES TO CROSS THE ROAD
4
SLOW TRAFFIC
2
CYCLE PATHS 5
CLEAN AIR
Educators can register to receive their free action pack full of posters, lesson plans and activities to help their school get involved. For more information visit brake.org.uk/kidswalk or email kidswalk@brake.org.uk
The trend of grandparents providing vital, day-to-day support to their grandchildren known as ‘grannannying’ is more widespread than you may have thought according to a new YouGov poll for Age UK. Two-fifths (40%) of the nation’s grandparents over the age of 50 – 5 million – have provided regular childcare for their grandchildren, according to the survey. The vast majority did so once a week but a fifth provided support 4 to 6 times a week. Revealing the pivotal role that many grandparents play in reducing the financial burden of childcare, over half of grandparents said their help had enabled their own child/children to work more to support their family. But it’s not all one way. Nearly all grandparents (88%) said they enjoyed the time spent with their grandchildren and half felt it kept them physical and mentally active. For more information about the survey, visit www.ageuk.co.uk
Mum’s Enterprise Roadshow NEW TIMES TABLE TEST FOR YEAR 4 PUPILS The government has announced plans to have all Year 4 pupils sit a compulsory times table test. The test will be tried out in a sample of schools with it being made available on a voluntary basis to all schools across England from June 2019. It will become mandatory in June 2020. The test has been described by the Government as a 5 minute “on-screen check” which is designed to help ensure children know the multiplication tables up to 12 off by heart and has been designed to avoid causing additional stress for children and teachers. The Government has also said results from the check will not be published at school-level, and will not be used by Ofsted and others to force changes in schools. Some teachers’ unions have expressed strong concerns about the introduction of another test being an unnecessary additional burden on schools.
4 Families Pennines
Manchester born Lindsey Fish, Founder & CEO of Mums Enterprise Roadshow is bringing the highly successful, child-friendly Flexible Work & Business Show to Manchester for the very first time this June. This event aims to improve the work and business lives of mums by helping them retrain, find more family friendly jobs, and start or grow a business. Inspired by Lindsey’s own experience of facing the conundrum of what to do about work after maternity leave, Mums Enterprise Roadshow has welcomed over 4000 people to its events to date. If you are currently wondering what to do with your skills and talents after starting a family, are in work but want to make a change, have a business idea or already run a business, then don’t miss out! Register free today to attend the Manchester event at EventCity on 20 June. Come and go as you please in this child/baby-friendly environment; participate in workshops, talk to exhibitors, receive 1 to 1 advice, and experience an inspirational story stage. What have you got to lose? Register online at www.mumsenterprise.events/manchester familiesonline.co.uk
Ed’s Reading Room Hi! I’m Ed and here is my early Summer book selection for you to enjoy. See reviews, download the specially written reading activities and buy the books online at www.EdontheWeb.com.
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES STARTING EARLY One in 10 children aged five to 16 – or three in every classroom – have a diagnosable mental health problem and 75% of mental illness starts before the age of 18 according to statistics. Place2Be, a national charity providing emotional support to children, advises that it's never too early or too late to start thinking about your child's mental health. Some simple actions you can take at any age to help promote positive mental health include: • Carving out time to be with your child one-to-one. Put other worries to one side and actively listen to them and their feelings. • Enjoying a quiet activity together can make it easier to talk to your child and can encourage your child to open up naturally.
5-7 YEARS The Case of the Missing Hippo by Laura James (Bloomsbury £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Fabio is the world’s smartest flamingo detective. When he is asked to judge the hotel’s talent contest, he is less than enthusiastic. However when the jazz-singing hippo suddenly disappears, Fabio knows he has a mystery. 'The story is complemented by delightful and amusing illustrations.’ The Hounds of Penhallow Hall: The Hidden Staircase by Holly Webb (Stripes £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Polly has recently moved to Penhallow Hall. When Polly invites her new friend Lucy to Penhallow Hall and shows her around, Lucy seems to like the same things as Polly. And she is drawn to the toy dog that Polly had already found in the nursery. What is the magic that surrounds the hounds of Penhallow Hall?
• Taking a step back from today's busy lives and enjoy some dedicated time listening and playing with your child.
'If you enjoy this book then look out for more super adventures in the series.’
• Creative activities such as art and craft can encourage bonding with your child.
7 YEARS PLUS
• Providing a stable and consistent environment with clear boundaries helps children feel secure and better able to learn about and cope with the world around them. • Be kind to yourself and look after your own mental health. This will have the most beneficial impact of all on the wellbeing of your child. For more information and advice, visit www.place2be.org.uk
The Dundoodle Mysteries: The Chocolate Factory Ghost by David O’Connell (Bloomsbury £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘Archie McBudge is amazed to discover he has inherited the world-renowned McBudge’s Fudge and Confectionery Company from his Great-Uncle Archibald. But before he secures his inheritance, Archie has to follow the Quest with its magical clues and puzzles to prove he is worthy of being the heir. 'It is a real page-turner and will delight sweet-lovers young and old.’ The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day by Christopher Edge (Nosy Crow £6.99)
Pennines
FOR SALE
Would you like the flexibility of working from home?
Would you like to work around the needs of your family? Are you interested in running your own business? Are you self-motivated and well organised? Then why not get in touch about owning Families Pennines. For more information, contact Emily Raleigh on 07974 401663 or drop her a line at editor@familiespennines.co.uk
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ED SAYS: ‘It’s Saturday and it’s Maisie’s birthday. But she wakes to an empty house and she begins to be alarmed as she searches the house surrounded by a creepy silence. When she opens the front door she is met by a frightening darkness that seems to go on forever. Can Maisie discover what is really happening? 'Its plot with its twists and turns will have you on the edge of your seat.' Ed’s Reading Room is at www.EdontheWeb.com, a DTI awardwinning website. It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. Contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or email maggiehumphreys@aol.com. Families Pennines 5
FAMILY LIFE
Whether you have a newborn, toddler or older child, sleep is vitally important for them. According to the National Sleep Foundation, lack of sleep can have an impact on a child’s mental and physical development. Claire Winter takes a look at some common sleep issues and how you can deal with them.
Night waking
Routine is key
Night waking is one of the most common sleep issues with which parents struggle from birth right the way through childhood, according to Sarah Ockwell-Smith, mother of four and author of the bestselling 'The Gentle Sleep Book' (Piatkus, 2015, £13.99). “Night waking, however, is normal and natural, not just for babies, toddlers and older children, but for adults too. Nobody 'sleeps through the night,' we all sleep in several cycles (90 minutes for adults and 45 minutes for babies). Night waking tends to occur in the transition between one sleep cycle and the next. As adults, we can 'self-soothe' any problems that wake us when transitioning (e.g. if we're uncomfortable, in pain, cold, hot, thirsty or are struggling with anxiety or fear from a nightmare, we can fix the problem alone). Babies and toddlers are physiologically and psychologically incapable of self-soothing (you can't teach them to self-settle – you can only train them to not call out for you when they're in need), and so they wake fully much more frequently while transitioning between sleep cycles. The other big difference here is that as their sleep cycles are roughly half the length of ours, they wake a lot more frequently – up to 15 times every night!”
How to help Providing a good sleep environment is the best thing parents can do to aid their child's sleep, no matter the age of the child. Sarah says it is incredibly important to understand how the sleep environment impacts on their child's sleep physiology. “For the best sleep, we need to sleep in a cool room (15-18 degrees centigrade), but be warm enough in that room with appropriate bedding. For little ones, I always recommend special sleeping bags with fitted legs and open feet in 2.5 or 3 togs, like the ones made by Slumbersac. Next, you need a good level of humidity or moisture in the air. If the room is too dry (usually because of central heating), your child will wake with a dry throat and need to drink in the night. I always recommend a nightlight is kept on all night. However, any light that is blue, white, green, purple or pink inhibits the secretion of melatonin – the hormone of sleep. The only colour light that doesn't do this is red. So get hold of a red nightlight or a special 'low blue light' nightlight like the Lumie Bedbug. These tips aren't magic – babies and toddlers are meant to wake in the night and night-waking protects them from SIDS (cot death). However, they may help you to get a few extra hours sleep!” 6 Families Pennines
Former health visitor, parenting expert and author of ‘Happy Baby, Happy Family,’ Sarah Beeson, says establishing a bedtime routine is very important too. “A key part of an evening routine is a milky supper or snack before bed. Do the same thing every night, a warm bath, a milky supper and try and avoid rough and tumble and playing, if mum or dad comes home at bedtime. Keep it calm and boring.” Sarah also has lots of great practical advice on her website www.sarahbeeson. co.uk to help you get your baby to sleep.
Don't ignore crying Once you have implemented a calm sleep routine and environment, Sarah says it is important to make sure you have emotional empathy for your baby when it comes to bedtime. “Recognise that your baby is an independent human being that has rights. Sleep is part of that. Many people use the cry-it-out method. A baby has equal rights to you and everyone else. You wouldn’t let an adult cry for hours and ignore their needs. Crying is the way the baby lets you know that it isn’t happy in some way. Use your own judgement. If all their needs have been met, let them have a grumble/cry for five minutes or so, but persistent crying should be attended to.”
Trust your instincts In an age where there is so much parenting information, Sarah believes that mums and dads should trust their intuition more. “My key bit of advice around sleep is for parents to trust themselves and follow their hearts. There is so much advice out there that you feel you have to follow. But no one knows your baby better than you. Do what works for you and your child.” If you have persistent sleep issues with your baby or child, please seek advice from your doctor or health visitor.
familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE
5 Reasons Kids Find It Hard to Make Friends As the song says ‘I get by with a little help from my friends’, but what happens if you don’t have any friends? Is your child a bit of a loner? Do they never get any birthday invites? Here are some reasons why your child might find it hard to make friends. avoid making friends. The truth is that the more they use these as an excuse the more they will be treated like an outsider and the worse it will get. Tackle these issues early on by finding groups or clubs that your child can join where they can build on common interests.
They have been bullied in the past and have trust issues. This can be the toughest one to deal with. If you know your child has been bullied then you have a head start because you can talk to them about it and coach them through any worries they have about being bullied again. You can build their resilience by praising how they overcame the bullies before. It may be that your child has hidden the fact they’ve been bullied from you. This is harder to deal with but if you are aware of your child’s moods then you will be able to spot changes in moods which may indicate bullying is taking/has taken place.
They have a fear of rejection so it’s easier not to try to make friends. It may be that in the past your child has reached out to another child to make friends with them and for whatever reason the other child has not wanted to make friends with your child. It could be that the fear of rejection is totally unfounded – most people experience fear of rejection at some point in their lives. Talk to your child about their fear of rejection and make sure that you make time for them. All children value quality time with their parents even if they don’t show it!
They are very shy and don’t know what to say to open the conversation. You will know yourself if your child is very shy. If I said, ‘Help them by giving them some conversation starters to use, tell them when and how to use them and then rehearse the opening conversations with them’ that would sound rather dull wouldn’t it? However, if you make it into a game where you play different characters in different settings then it becomes fun and your child will find it easier to remember! Make it a family game and include their favourite characters from books or TV to make it even more fun.
Start small and focus on a friendship that you know works for your child and boost that friendship as much as you can. You can enlist the help of that friend to help your child to make more friends. Childhood friendships come and go – some last a lifetime and some only for a short while. Building the skills to make friends as children makes it easier to make friends as an adult. Remind your children that you are also their friend and are there for them. Soo Matthews is Head of Therapeutic and Alternative Programs at The Pivot Academy in Huddersfield. For more information go to www.pivot-group.uk.
YOUR CHILDREN ARE AMAZING ALREADY. WE JUST HELP THEM PROVE IT.
They think they are ‘boring’ and that others are more ‘exciting’ than them. Everyone else’s life seems more exciting than yours when you are a child. Children compare themselves and their lives to others and often find themselves coming up short. In reality they are not but believe that they are. Help them to see that others are feeling the same way they do about them by finding all the unique things your child has that others don’t. You can always find something unusual that your child enjoys doing that makes their life seem more exciting to others.
They feel like an outsider and think that they don’t fit in.
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EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE
How Much Does Gender Matter? By Dr Lucy Maddox We are expert at training our children to be boys and girls. In fact, we’d have to work hard to get better at this! From the moment a baby is conceived, its sex is determined and it will be exposed to an entirely different menu of hormonal influences, both in utero and beyond. It’s the balance of different hormones – androgens (male hormones) and oestrogens and progesterones (female hormones) – which result in the differentiation of physical characteristics and genitalia between boys and girls.
Importantly, society tends to train children from a very early age to behave in different ways depending on their biological sex. Some people also use these sex differences to explain differences in behaviour. However, research suggests that the impact of sex differences on behaviour is massively exaggerated. Whilst it is tempting to attribute differences in behaviour between girls and boys to their biology, there is not good evidence to back this up. Christia Spears Brown, Professor at the University of Kentucky, studies sex differences. She says “Of course, behavioural differences do exist. Boys, as infants, are a little more active and a little more impulsive than girls and throw a ball with greater velocity and power. In childhood, boys have better body image than girls, and more confidence in their maths ability (although they don’t differ in actual maths ability). However, these differences may well be due to socialisation – to boys being encouraged to practise ball-throwing more and to girls picking up a message that “girls aren’t good at maths.” If there aren’t major behavioural differences between boys and girls, then why do we think there are? We all have a natural tendency to see things that back up our existing beliefs: a confirmation bias. This makes it easy for us to see differences as related to biological sex, when they might just be individual differences in personality.
For 2-4 year olds Funded places available Weekdays 9.15-12.15am
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8 Families Pennines
Importantly, society tends to train children from a very early age to behave in different ways depending on their biological sex. From birth, children are surrounded by messages from advertising, film and television and clothes and toys. There may well be differences in the way boys and girls behave, but they are often very likely to be influenced by what they have experienced as they grow. Recognition of biological sex happens early. Even by the age of 1 year, children begin to
WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP FREE CHILDREN FROM GENDER CONSTRAINTS? Professor Spears Brown thinks that there are three main things: Make gender less relevant to everyday life, (e.g. no need to say “hello boys and girls” – just say “hello everyone”). Correct children and other adults when they fall into the trap of gender stereotypes, (e.g. how often do we praise girls for looking nice and praise boys for being strong?) Focus on buying children toys that foster the traits we want to encourage, rather than buying toys that are supposed to be for a particular sex. It’s well worth thinking about our own ideas about gender, the scripts we have been given by our families and by society around us about what is “boy behaviour” and “girl behaviour.” If we can hold up our inherited beliefs to the light then there is some hope of us being able to challenge or champion them, to allow for curiosity about other cultures, families and ways of being. This might also create more space for our children to be able to do, say, feel and be what they are, whatever their biology. have the ability to distinguish between male and female faces if there are gender-related cues. By age 3, girls and boys have a sense of their own gender identity. Between 3 and 6 years old, children develop the idea of gender constancy – the idea that someone’s biological sex doesn’t change and that you can’t be both a girl and a boy. Stereotypes about gender also form early: ideas about expected clothes, play and behaviour are already around before children reach age 6 years. One study showed boys tending to prefer assertive character traits and girls tending to value affiliative traits which enhance the ability to get on with others. The effects of these roots, laid down so very early on, probably in the messages boys and girls have been given, arguably manifest in typical adult male and female styles of interaction at work and in relationships. For more on gender and other child development topics, Dr Lucy Maddox’s book “Blueprint: How Our Childhood Makes Us Who We Are” is available from Amazon at £14.99.
familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
The Benefits of Summer Camps and Workshops By Andrew Campbell
The long summer holiday break is a great opportunity for children to take part in organised activities, play schemes, workshops or day camps either within their local area on a daily or weekly basis or, increasingly, attend an American-style residential summer Camp. Here are some great reasons to get your child more involved in activities during the holidays.
Physical Activity
Leaving Technology Behind
Much of a child’s time at school is spent sitting behind a desk so spending the day running around, swimming, hiking, or playing sport gives children a great chance to get moving.
As fantastic as it is that we live in a world filled with TVs, mobile phones, laptops and other devices, it is always great to encourage children to get outside for a good old-fashioned kick about and run around.
Develop Talents and Skills
Enjoying the Outdoors
At some camps, children may be given the opportunity to learn skills and take part in activities they have not encountered before. Learning archery, painting or lacrosse may help children discover talents and interests they didn’t know they had.
Climbing trees, changing a bike wheel, or building an outdoor camp can help ensure your child does not miss out on the learning benefits to be gained from the great outdoors and enjoy adventures they would not otherwise experience.
Building Confidence Discovering these new talents and developing new skills will, in turn, help children to grow in confidence and self-esteem.
Offering Role Models
Engaging with children from different schools, different areas and ultimately different backgrounds, is a great way to build social skills and to make new friends.
Often the instructors on summer camps provide a rare opportunity for a child to interact with an adult who is not part of the family unit or teacher. Their leader should be trained to care for them, offer them support and advice when needed, and always be there for them throughout their attendance.
Developing Independence
Playing!
Learning Social Skills
Sometimes giving children the freedom to make decisions and plan their own time is a fantastic way for them to learn to be independent.
familiesonline.co.uk
At summer camps children have the chance to just be children, away from the pressures of school, social media and the commercial world.
Families Pennines 9
CLUBS & CLASSES
How safe will your child be? Most summer camps and courses are regulated by various independent bodies, or in some instances by government inspectorates such as Ofsted which monitors safety standards. Levels of inspection vary according to the type of course or camp. Day camps and play schemes offering full day care programmes for children under the age of 8 are legally required to register with their local authority. Registered providers are subject to inspection by government inspectorates such as Ofsted. Sports/activity courses will not generally be registered with the local authority unless they provide tuition for under 8s. Horse riding centres are legally required to register with their local authority though. Adventure activities run by any commercial organisation providing specific adventure activities (certain watersports, climbing, trekking and caving activities) are legally required to obtain a licence from the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). This body inspects and monitors safety standards. Information on these inspections is available to the public from the AALA – www.hse.gov.uk/aala Residential Camps are not subject to legal registration unless they operate specific adventure activities or provide courses for under 8's. Providers who are members of the British Activity Providers Association (BAPA) are subject to an independent inspection scheme covering site safety, activity standards, staff qualifications and training, health and safety and emergency procedures. For more information, visit www.thebapa.org.uk
Police Checks All registered day camps and plays schemes are required to get checks on specific staff. In England and Wales this is done via the Disclosure and Barring Service, and in Scotland via Disclosure Scotland. It is worth checking with the provider to see what their policy is in this area.
Staff Qualifications You may also want to check on staff qualifications. Most sports governing bodies have an official coaching scheme for instructors or leaders at various levels. It is a good idea to ask for further information on staff qualifications if the organisation does not explain its policy in its promotional material or on its website.
Will I be able to use Childcare Vouchers or claim Tax Credits? You may be able to claim tax credits to help pay for your child's summer activities. If you pay for them to attend and if the activity provider is registered and regulated then you can claim as you would for an after-school club or childminder. Parents enrolled in the Childcare Voucher scheme can also use their vouchers to subsidise the cost of summer childcare options including camps and courses. However, the provider must be registered and be prepared to accept vouchers. To check what help you could get with childcare costs, visit www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator
Diddi dance are looking to expand Diddi dance have been offering funky dance sessions that increase confidence, coordination & creativity in pre-school children for over 15 years. They are now looking for motivated individuals to come on-board and help the company to expand into Huddersfield and Halifax. Diddi dance started in 2003 when founder Anne-Marie noticed a lack of preschool dance classes for children aged 16 months upward that allowed them to freely explore movement in a fun yet structured environment. The award-winning dance provider covers 16 different dance styles with lesson plans that enhance & compliment the EYFS framework. With a proven franchise system that has been running for over 10 years, more than 40 franchises in the UK and over 10 franchise industry awards, they have found their franchise opportunity works perfectly for individuals who want to be in business for themselves, not by themselves. Visit www.diddidance.com/franchise for more information today.
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Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.
10 Families Pennines familiesonline.co.uk
PARTIES
Be on Trend with Your Child’s Party in 2018! Children’s parties are always a hot topic of conversation in most households across the country. Who to invite? What theme? Which location? We’ve talked to party specialists and planners to find out the top party ideas for 2018, so you don’t have to.
www.belltentexperience.com
Parties!
By Claire Winter in-hand with the mythical creature." A kitsch, rainbow unicorn party sounds like just the ticket!
Unusual Themes Think of a party with a twist. Top party organiser Fable & Moon (www.fableandmoon.com) says “Children’s parties are becoming even more sophisticated in 2018! Unicorns and Mermaids are still going strong but expect a fresh twist on the theme. Also expect to see wedding trends making their way into children’s parties, particularly celestial (moons and stars) and all things holographic. Think, oversized disco balls and lots and lots of sparkle!”
Glamping
Chocolate Parties Most kids love chocolate; it’s messy, fun and creative. What’s not to love? Hire a chocolatier to come to your house and teach your children to make some fantastic chocs. Alternatively hire some moulds and melt dark, milk and white chocolate so they can make their own. The chocolate is hot so this option is probably not suitable for very small children. The Chocolate Party People (www.thechocolatepartypeople. co.uk) offers a Build a Bar, Chocolate Pizzeria and Truffle Making package for kids. An extra bonus is they get to take away their C chocolates instead of a party bag.
Unicorns are Still Cool
M
Y
Kids are still going unicorn crazy. Harriet Jones, founder of online boutique store Rockahula Kids (www.rockahulakids.com) CM says “2018 has to be the year that the unicorn trend and theme MY takes centre stage at children's birthday parties. Over the last CY few months, we have seen an incredible increase in demand for unicorn-themed accessories for party favours, whether it be hair CMY clips, charms, necklaces or hairbands. Coupled with unicorns, K we have noticed more interest in our rainbow themed accessories for party bags such as clips, rings, and bracelets which go hand-
familiesonline.co.uk
Belltent and glamping parties are going to be really popular especially during the summer months. Set up tents with themes like cowboys, intergalactic, or botanical. You can hire companies to put them up in the garden and if you haven’t got a garden – set up the tents in the house. Older children can have a sleepover whilst the youngsters can go home. Andrew Pearce, co-owner of the belltentexperience.com says “we have seen a huge increase in bookings for children’s parties. Bell tents are fun and versatile. You can set them up indoors, or outside and kids love them. Sleeping in a tent is magical whatever age you are!”
Get Me Out of Here Escape rooms are a great choice for older children. You get locked in a room and have to work out how to get out. It’s a great teambuilding experience and no mess in your house! Many escape rooms have themes – you could even get guests to dress up to match it! You need to check what the range is and whether you fampenadvert2018.pdf 1 age 05/04/2018 15:39 need adult supervision.
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Families Pennines 11
PARTIES
Do your kids a favour! Party Bags! The cost of your average party bag in 2018 is effectively one week's pocket money – pocket money that you are shelling out to each one of your child's friends. You owe it to yourself to make all of those pennies count, so ask yourself this: if your child could spend their pocket money precisely how they chose, how would they spend their precious pennies? The answer would probably surprise you... In the early days nursing my fledgling business from the first buds of an idea, I took my range of products to the road and stood beside table-tops at events up and down the land, hawking my products to dewy-eyed eager young children, all of them clutching a precious pound to spend. And let me tell you, even the youngest of them are surprisingly discerning, knowing the value of what they are gripping in their fingers; and all of them with a steely determination to buy the one thing that is truly worth relinquishing that shiny golden coin. Imagine my dismay to see them turning away from my carefully chosen 'budget' items.
Top tips for a budget party Timing If you hold a party between 3pm and 5pm, you can provide party snacks or treats instead of a meal. Try fruit kebabs that you dip in melted chocolate for a fun treat. Hiring a chocolate fountain could also be a fun way to end the party. Just warn the parents not to dress their kids in their best party clothes! Older children would probably prefer a pizza delivery.
Try E-invites Create your own digital invitations to email to guests. You can also use the free option at www.paperlesspost.com and pay a small amount using various other websites, like www.mini-epic.com. Founder of the business Jonathan says, “Our digital invitations can be created and sent in just a few minutes, with no paper or postage involved, which not only saves you time and money but also saves some trees! But what's proving really popular is the ability to download your Mini-Epic invitation to share via WhatsApp."
Look for Bargains Your pound shop can be a treasure trove of party napkins and decorations. Buy plain paper bags and get the children to personalise them. You could also make cupcakes and get the kids to decorate them. Party favours and entertainment all at the same time!
Themed Parties Choose a theme like pirates, Alice in Wonderland or teddies for the younger kids and base all the games make all the games centred on your chosen theme. Decorations can be homemade – get the whole family involved. Pinterest is a great place to get inspiration.
Share Split the cost by sharing the party with a classmate whose birthday is at a similar time. Just make sure you agree who is doing what!
Don’t Forget to Say Thanks Take a group photo of all the kids at the party and print it off at Boots or use an online site. Get your kids to write a thank you note on the back with a Sharpie or gold pen. A great momento and thank you all at once!
The truth is, these value items that as adults we are drawn to, because they keep our costs down, are just not what our children genuinely want. There is a growing trend in 2018 for the one gift party favour and it’s one that we at Party Bag Kids have happily and heartily embraced. Sometimes less really is more. So why not wrap rattle magnets, construction kits, glitter tattoos, yo-yos, skipping ropes, cookery sets or pamper packages in cellophane with a little curling ribbon and, for a finishing flourish, add a personalised party thank you seal. Before you know it, you have a great set of party favours that your child cannot wait to hand out at the end of their special day. Tracy Angus owns Party Bag Kids, an online resource for all your party needs. She has recently moved to Milnsbridge, Huddersfield. Head to www.partybagkids.co.uk for more information.
Goals Bradford party special Give someone a special day to remember with a Goals Premiership Party. Kick off the fun with the birthday child going FREE. Parties cater for all your needs and are packaged so you can put your feet up while they take care of the rest! Medals, Goodie Bags and Birthday Cake are all taken care of while the Birthday child takes home a Captain's Armband, Trophy and Football! Worried the kids might be a handful? Don’t worry their Qualified Host will take care of the party for the 2 hour booking. All this from as little as £130, please call 01274 610061 for more details or email: bradford@goalsfootball.co.uk
12 Families Pennines familiesonline.co.uk
Mind map a children's party!
PARTIES
By Tony Buzan
Who doesn’t enjoy a good party? Planning the party, however, can be quite another matter – especially a children’s party, for which expectations have rocketed in recent years. Here’s a suggestion for approaching party planning in a completely different way. I’ve created a Mind Map to show how to plan a children’s birthday party with a superhero theme, but you can, of course, use any theme you like – or, alternatively, leave out the children, if you wish!
What is a Mind Map? A Mind Map is a powerful thinking and planning tool that can help you get to grips with any topic. At its simplest, it is a diagram with branches radiating out from a central image, each branch carrying a single word or a picture that summarises an aspect of the topic. The branches then expand into sub-branches, as you delve further into each aspect. Mind Maps have symbols, images and colours and can be really bold, bright and inspiring. The branches of a kids’ party Mind Map could explore the same core logistics as an adult party: once you’ve set the date, you need to choose a theme (if you want one) and a venue, setting considerations such as cost, space and transport against each other. Then draw up your guest list and plan the entertainment, the food and drinks and the decorations, exploring these on the main branches and sub-branches of your Mind Map. If the party is going to include any special features, such as games, swimming or a magician, include these in your Mind Map too. You could also use one of the branches to explore how your party will reflect the theme, perhaps through costumes, decorations and the small gifts that the children get to take home.
You will need: A large sheet of plain white paper A selection of coloured pens or pencils A brain | An open mind | Imagination
Step 1 Place the sheet of paper in front of you in landscape format (i.e. horizontally). Next, use at least three different colours to draw an image in the very centre of the paper that represents the party (in this example, it’s a superhero figure). This central image will activate your imagination and trigger associations in your thoughts, so make sure it’s positive and inspiring. You can also have a word at the centre; if so, make it multi-dimensional and brightly coloured. familiesonline.co.uk
Step 2 Now choose the first aspect to explore. Pick a colour and draw a thick branch coming away from the central image, like the bough of a tree. Let the branch curve organically, as this will be visually engaging and therefore more interesting to the brain, making you more likely to memorise the information on the branch. Shade in the branch. Label the branch with a single word in capital letters. For a kids’ party Mind Map, you might label this first branch VENUE or FOOD or DECORATIONS. Alternatively, instead of writing a word, you might decide just to draw a powerful image. Step 3 Send out secondary-level shoots from the main branch. Then draw third-level branches that spread out from these secondary-level shoots. Write keywords on all the branches or draw symbols, or a combination of both. Give each symbol its own branch. There’s no need to rush: leave some of the branches empty at first, as this will naturally inspire your brain to fill them in. Step 4 Pick another colour and create your next main branch, working around the central image. (Many beginners find it easiest to work clockwise around the centre, but do whatever suits you best.) As before, draw secondary and third-level branches from this new branch and label them. Keep adding main branches until you have about five or six of them to work with. Step 5 Now you have your main branches, move freely around your Mind Map, leaping from branch to branch, filling in any gaps and adding new sub-branches as ideas and associations occur to you.
Step 6 If you wish, add arrows, curving lines and links between your main branches to reinforce the connections you have found between them. When you have completed your Mind Map, you can use it as a list ticking off each of the branches once you’ve completed the task. When the party’s over, it’s useful to keep it to refer back to in future years! Tony Buzan’s is the writer of Tony Buzan’s Mind Map Mastery: The Complete Guide to Learning and Using the Most Powerful Thinking Tool in the Universe, available from most bookstores priced £14.99. Families Pennines 13
some Here are ourite of our fav ues and party ven from providers e across th region... Big Blue Frog, Halifax, HX1 5AN, 01422 363878, www.bigbluefrog.co.uk Diddy Middy’s, Cleckheaton, BD19 5LY, 01274 865495, www.diddymiddys.co.uk Fun House, Halifax, HX1 1QR, 01422 383131, www.funhousehalifax.co.uk Play Palace, Halifax, HX1 2TE, 01422 353700, www.play-palace.co.uk Safari Sam’s, Honley, HD9 6QB, 01484 667383, www.safarisamsplaygym. co.uk
PARTIES Play gyms are
Something a little different? Kids are different,
great places for birthday parties. They do all the hard work for you, and you can sit back and relax. Below are some of the region’s play gyms that offer fantastic party packages.
so why would they all want the same party theme? If you’re looking for something alternative for your child’s next party, check out what’s on offer across the region:
Tumbles Play gym, Cleckheaton, BD19 3AF, 01274 852542, www.tumblesplaygym.com The Edge Play Gym, Brighouse, HD6 1AT, 01484 400447, www.edgeplaygym.com The Fun Factory, Huddersfield, HD7 5QG, 01484 845711, @thefunfactoryhuddersfield The Magical Forest, Huddersfield, HD1 4QA, 01484 537799, www.themagicalforest.co.uk The Zone, Huddersfield, HD1 6PT, 01484 484134, www.huddersfieldcommunity trust.co.uk
PLAY PALACE Halifax, 01422 353700, www.play-palace.co.uk Our range of party packages start from £7.50, add in party bags, host, piñata or theme for an extra cost. Or try something really different! For an extra cost we can add a 1hour session in the Dragon Room – choose from: BilinguaSing; Bricks4Kids; Cooking with Chris; Groovy Movers; JED Juniors; Jo Jingles; Jumping Clay; Little Strikers; Top2Toe Beauty and Zumba Kids.
Bath Fizzy cupcake making classes Scented Events, Huddersfield, HD1 3EE, www.scentedevents.co.uk, 07980 586813 Drama parties Stagecoach Huddersfield, Huddersfield, www.stagecoach.co.uk/ huddersfield
Lego parties Bricks 4 Kidz, Brighouse, HD6 4FW, www.brickparties.co.uk Football parties Goals Bradford, Bradford, BD2 1NR, www.goalsfootball.co.uk/ clubs/yorkshire/bradford/ Train fun Kirklees Light Railway, Huddersfield, HD8 9XJ, www.kirkleeslightrailway.co.uk
LEGO PARTIES WITH BRICKS4KIDZ Kirklees/Calderdale, 07774 400404, www.bricks4kidz.co.uk/calderdale Bricks4Kidz activities provide an extraordinary atmosphere for children, where we learn, we build, we play... with LEGO® Bricks. Using a wide range of model plans, and exclusive Technic LEGO kits, children can explore many themes such as pirates, animals, space, construction, and amusement parks. Ideal for ages 5+. For party packages visit www.brickparties.co.uk
KIDS FIZZY PARTIES BY SCENTED EVENTS Huddersfield, 07980 586813, www.scentedevents.co.uk Creative and fun parties where the children get to make their own set of gorgeous Bath Fizzy Cupcakes to take home with them! Lots of colours, fragrances, decorations and of course glitter! The parties are perfect for children ages 6+ and last about an hour. Visit the Facebook page @bathfizzyparties or get in touch with Jo.
And those little extras…. A party isn’t a party without the cake, party bags, presents and outfit. Check out our selection of providers that can help you put the cherry on top of your party! Design 24, Cleckheaton, BD19 3JD, 01274 851371, www.design-24.co.uk
Book your party today
Millie and Bertie’s, Mirfield, WF14, 8AB, 01904 848510, Facebook/Millie & Bertie’s Party Bag Kids, Huddersfield, HD4 5NX, www.partybagkids.co.uk
email bradford@goalsfootball.co.uk or call 01274 610061 for further information
Peppermint Pig, Cleckheaton, BD19 3JD, 01274 878592
Shoely Scrumptious, Mirfield, WF14 8AT, 01924 503825, www. shoelyscrumptious.co.uk The Lollipop Tree, Almondbury, HD5 8US, 01484 533660, www. lollipoptreesweets.co.uk The Magic Box Toy Shop, Marsden, 01484 841365, www.magicboxtoys.co.uk Wagstaff Shoes, Huddersfield, 01484 683233, Facebook/WagstaffShoes
14 Families Pennines familiesonline.co.uk
WHATS ON THIS MAY / JUNE
SPRING EVENTS
THEATRE
22 May
TIDDLER AND OTHER TERRIFIC TALES King's Hall Ilkley, Town Hall Station Road, Ilkley LS29 8HB, 01274 432000 bradford-theatres.co.uk
Live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved titles: Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze. Suitable for all ages. 1.30pm & 4pm 29 May
UGLY DUCKLING The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP, 01484 430528 thelbt.org
Northern Ballet retells the famous Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Perfect opportunity for your little ones to enjoy live ballet, music and theatre for the first time. As seen on CBeebies. 2-10 years. 40mins. 2pm, 4pm & 6pm. 2 June
CHRISTOPHER NIBBLE Theatre Royal Wakefield, Drury Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TE, 01924 211311 theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk
With handmade puppets, original music and stunning scenery, Christopher Nibble is an uplifting story of one guinea pig’s selfless undertaking to help halt the disappearance of the delicious dandelion forever! £12. 11am, 2pm. Age 2-7. 20 & 21 June
PEPPA PIG'S ADVENTURE The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax, HX1 1BP, 01422 351158 victoriatheatre.co.uk
Join Peppa as she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends. 1pm/4pm (20th), 10am/1pm (21st). £16.75-£18.75.
familiesonline.co.uk
12-13 May
DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Kirklees Light Railway, Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 9XJ, 0843 208 0500 kirkleeslightrailway.com
Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends Percy, Toby, Emily and Mavis, visit the Kirklees Light Railway from the Island of Sodor! 12 May & 9 June
SATURDAY SCRAPTASTIC Huddersfield Art Gallery, Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield, HD1 2SU, 01484 221964 kirklees.gov.uk/museums
Join fairandfunky for its monthly SCRAPtastic session. For children aged 3-12 years. Parents stay with their children. £3.50 per child. 11am-1pm
Discover the people who once lived and worked here. Tours last 40 minutes and are family friendly. Free. Book on the day at reception. 1pm and 2.30pm 31 May
MYSTERY OBJECT HANDLING Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, Huddersfield HD5 8DJ, 01484 223240 kirklees.gov.uk/museums
Discover curious and quirky objects from the handling collection. Can you be a detective and guess what they were used for? Suitable for all ages. Free. 1pm-3pm 9 & 10 June
KNIGHTS & PRINCESSES WEEKEND Kirklees Light Railway, Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD8 9XJ, 0843 208 0500 kirkleeslightrailway.com
Meet King Olly and the Princess & Knight of the Court, and enjoy craft activities in the Royal Marquee, as well as other fun medieval-themed activities. The final train of the day will depart at 3.40pm. Booking advised.
20 June
MUM’S ENTERPRISE ROADSHOW Manchester, EventCity, M41 7TB mumsenterprise.events/manchester
Want to retrain or find a more family friendly job? Want to start or grow a business or even just explore what options are out there for you as a woman with skills, talents and experience? Don't miss your chance to discover support, expertise and genuine opportunities for FREE at the Mums Enterprise Roadshow. Come and go as you please in this child/baby friendly environment. Register online today. 10am-6pm. 24 June
RUN FOR JO AND FAMILY FUN DAY Oakwell Hall Country Park, Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG runforjo2018@gmail.com
All money raised will go to the Jo Cox Foundation. Includes an afternoon full of music, food and festivities. 9.30am 2.5K family fun run (£12), 11am 6.5K cross country challenge (£20), 1pm Mascots’ Race.
13 May
NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE, 01422 330069 eureka.org.uk
There will be lots of fun activities and Ben Gates will be running his sound sculpture sessions. Standard entry or free with your Annual Pass. 18 & 19 May
PLAYGROUND ON TOUR Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA, 0113 247 8256 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays
Multisensory events for under5s inspired by a different artwork each month, designed to help build children’s confidence as learners, explorers, discoverers, imaginative and creative thinkers. 10am-12noon (18th) 1.30 (19th). 20 May, 17 June
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE MUSEUM – GUIDED TOURS Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Wakefield Road, Huddersfield HD5 8DJ, 01484 223240 kirklees.gov.uk/museums
Families Pennines 15
WHATS ON THIS MAY / JUNE 26 May – 3 June
MAY HALF TERM: TRADITIONAL TALES
HALF TERM
26 May – 3 Jun
SUPERHERO TALES Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Discovery Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2NE, 01422 330069 eureka.org.uk
Head to Eureka! this half term for some Superhero action. Standard entry or free with your Annual Pass. 26 May – 3 Jun
EGYPTOLOGY HOLIDAYS Leeds City Museum, Millennium Square, Leeds, LS2 8BH, 0113 224 3732 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays
Visit the gory Mummification Station and have a go at the free craft activities to learn more about Nesyamun the mummy and treasures of the tomb (29 May – 1 June). 10am-12pm & 1-3pm.
Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB, 0113 378 2959 leeds.gov.uk/lotherton
Dress up like your favourite fairy tale character or have a go at magical crafts in the House and Wildlife World! On 31 May there will be a Fairy tale Picnic and a visit from a fairy! 26 May – 3 June
ODD ONE OUT Oakwell Hall Country Park, Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG, 01924 324761 kirklees.gov.uk/museums
Fun quiz in the Hall. Can you find the household items in the rooms that would not have been there in the 17th century? Free quiz but normal Hall admission charges apply. 28 May – 3 June
MAY HALF TERM Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Abbey Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH, 0113 230 5492 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays
Enjoy different fantastical fairy tale activities, from fairy tale
HARD HATS AT THE READY! Standedge Tunnel is Britain's longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel, one of the seven wonders of our waterways, hidden deep beneath the beautiful Pennine countryside. A great day out for all the family, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Step on board for a 30-minute boat trip through the 200-year-old tunnel where you will hear all its secrets and fascinating tales.
trails, crafts inspired by fairy tale villains, silly science foamy fun, a fairy tale inspired murder mystery or the chance to make a unicorn or dragon. 10am-12pm & 2-4pm
(29th), Learn about the coiners and make your own clipped coins (30th). Enjoy a Tudor tour and investigate Tudor costume, then make your own Tudor ruff. 11am-12pm, 1-2pm, 2-3pm.
29 May
29 May – 2 June
ADVENTURE OAKWELL – FAMILY FORESTCRAFT
ARTSPACE: SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Oakwell Hall Country Park, Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG, 01924 324761 kirklees.gov.uk/museums
Leeds Art Gallery, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 3AA, 0113 247 8256 leeds.gov.uk/schoolholidays
Outdoor family activity days. Children must be 5 and over and be accompanied by an adult. 10.30am
Pop in to see the Natural Selection exhibition, then head to Artspace for some artist-led fun, messing about with different materials to make 3D things. 11am-4pm
29 May
ADVENTURE OAKWELL – BUSH BABIES Oakwell Hall Country Park, Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley WF17 9LG, 01924 324761 kirklees.gov.uk/museums
Fun environmental themed activities for the under 5s including storytelling, crafts and games. Children must be accompanied. £5 per child, including juice drink. Prebooking essential. 10-11.30am 29, 30, 31 May
30 May
FAMILY DROP-IN Bradford Industrial Museum, Moorside Mills, Moorside Road, Eccleshill, Bradford, BD2 3HP bradfordmuseums.org
Free holiday family craft activities. Drop-in sessions 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm. Donations are always welcome. Ring on the day to confirm times.
SPARKS! HALF TERM FUN
Discover the history of Standedge in the visitor centre which is FREE to enter! Learn the stories of the folk that built and navigated this tremendous tunnel. Meanwhile, the kids will be kept occupied in the indoor soft play area AND outdoor adventure play area! Feeling peckish? You’ll find the wonderful Watersedge Café in the old Tunnel End cottages. Enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake or head down for lunch on a lovely summer’s day by the canal.
Bankfield Museum, Boothtown Road, Halifax, HX3 6HG, 01422 352334 http://museums.calderdale.gov.uk
Find out about the Crimea War and meet Florence Nightingale. Make a soldier or nurse puppet Please be aware that things change so check details and suitability for your family with the provider before setting out as Families Pennines cannot be held responsible for the events we list.
16 Families Pennines familiesonline.co.uk