Puddle Magazine Essex | May 2026 | issue 13

Your guide to family life and local adventures Essex

Issue 13 • May 2026 • puddlemagazine.co.uk • FREE

Helping children learn tech safely

Seasonal craft ideas

Why slower childhood moments matter

A summer of creativity comes to Brentwood

Dear readers,

04 From coding to AI: helping children learn safely

May always feels like the point where family life starts shifting outdoors again — longer evenings, more trips out, and the challenge of keeping little ones entertained without relying too heavily on screens.

In this issue, we’re taking a thoughtful look at technology and AI, with practical advice on how children can learn about tech safely and confidently as they grow up in an increasingly digital world. On the flip side, we’re also exploring why boredom might not be such a bad thing after all — and how those slower moments can actually help children become more creative, independent and curious.

You’ll also find details on the Brentwood Connected Summer Art Trail, which looks set to be a brilliant family-friendly event this year, plus information about a new BBC series looking for children aged 5–8 who may be finding friendships a little difficult. Alongside that, there are simple seasonal crafts (including a Father’s Day make), a few Things We Love picks, and plenty of ideas for making the most of the weeks ahead.

Thanks, as always, for picking up a copy and supporting us. We hope you enjoy this issue.

Team Puddle x Editorial Team Editor - Sarah Measom Creative - Jack Neale Front Cover - Green Earth Learning Faye Bradshaw - Copy Editor

A summer of creativity comes to Brentwood

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18 Why slower childhood moments matter

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Crafty Corner

Craft ideas to try at home

Mini monsters school meets 10

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14

18

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Facing the reality of starting school and why School Meets made such a difference

Community News

News bites from across the county

What's on

Family-friendly events happening across Cambridgeshire

Friendships

New BBC Series looking for children to participate

Tried and loved

Products we're loving now

Printed on recyclable paper 3

Technology

From coding to AI: how parents can help children learn about technology without worry As conversations continue around children’s access to social media — including recent moves in Australia to ban social media for under-16s, and similar discussions here in the UK — many parents are asking the same question: how do we help children learn about technology without exposing them to the risks that can come with being online too early?

Technology isn’t going away. Artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digital tools are already shaping the world our children are growing up in — and the jobs they may one day have. For families, the challenge isn’t whether children should learn about technology, but how they can do so safely, confidently and in ways that feel right for their age.

Here, Ed Kim, VP of Education at Code Ninjas, shares some practical, parentfriendly tips for helping children build future 4

tech skills while keeping wellbeing front of mind.

From consuming to creating A lot of the worries parents have about technology come from passive use — endless scrolling, short-form videos and apps designed to keep children watching for as long as possible. It’s easy for screen time to start feeling like something that “just happens”, rather than something children are actively choosing.

“One simple way to change that is to encourage children to create with technology,” says Ed. “That could mean building a basic game, designing something on a screen or trying a simple coding activity at home.”

When children learn how technology is made, they begin to see it differently. Instead

also include gentle conversations about why computers can sometimes get things wrong, and why it’s important to use technology thoughtfully.”

Done in the right way, early AI education can help children become more curious and questioning. Instead of seeing technology as something to accept automatically, children start to understand how it works and think about it more critically.

As AI becomes a bigger part of everyday life, helping children understand the basics in a safe and structured way may also help families feel more confident about the future.

Why structured environments matter of technology being something purely for entertainment, it becomes a creative tool they can use to build, experiment and problem-solve.

For many families, this shift in mindset can completely change the way children interact with screens. Rather than simply watching content or scrolling through apps, children become active participants in what they are doing.

Introducing AI in an ageappropriate way AI can sound intimidating, especially when headlines often focus on risks or uncertainty.

But according to Ed, learning about AI doesn’t have to mean giving children access to open-ended tools designed for adults.

“At a child-friendly level, AI learning is often about simple concepts like patterns, logic and decision-making,” he explains. “It can

Another big concern for parents is children being exposed to online spaces that weren’t built with kids in mind — whether that’s inappropriate content, advertising or interactions that feel too grown-up too soon.

“That’s why structured learning environments can be such a helpful option,”

Progress comes from practice, and mistakes are part of learning rather than something to fear.

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says Ed. “They provide clear boundaries, supervision and child-friendly tools that keep the focus on learning rather than distraction.”

“These are the kinds of skills that matter in every part of life,” Ed explains, “and they’re especially valuable in a world where technology is changing quickly.”

For parents, this can offer reassurance that children are exploring technology in a way that feels safe, steady and age-appropriate.

It also helps remove some of the pressure families can feel when trying to navigate technology on their own at home.

Over time, children learn something bigger than simply “how to code”. They begin to understand that progress comes from practice, and that mistakes are part of learning rather than something to fear. For many parents, this can be just as valuable as the technical skills themselves.

Many structured programmes are designed to gradually build skills and confidence over time, allowing children to learn at their own pace while still feeling supported.

Building resilience through technology One of the biggest benefits of coding, robotics and game design is that they naturally teach children how to handle challenge. Things do not always work first time — and that’s completely normal.

As children test, tweak and try again, they build persistence, logical thinking and creativity without even realising it.

Keeping conversations around online safety open Even if children are not using social media, technology learning can open the door to simple, everyday conversations about online safety.

This might include discussions around privacy, personal information and what it means to leave a digital footprint. The goal is not to alarm children, but to help them understand that being online comes with responsibilities — and that it’s always okay to ask questions if something doesn’t feel right.

“When children learn how technology works, they’re often more open to these conversations,” says Ed, “because they can see the ‘why’ behind the rules.”

By introducing these ideas gradually and naturally, parents can help children develop healthy digital habits from an early age.

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Learning that grows with children Children’s interests can change quickly, and what excites them at seven may look very different by the time they are 12. The best technology learning experiences are often the ones that grow alongside them.

“That might mean starting with simple, creative coding and gradually moving towards more advanced areas like game development, robotics or AI,” Ed explains.

When learning is built step by step, children can build confidence over time rather than feeling overwhelmed or left behind. It also helps children see technology as something they can continue developing and exploring as they grow older.

Supporting children to explore technology safely

As governments continue to rethink children’s access to social media, many families are looking for new ways to support digital learning without the downsides often associated with being online too early.

Many parents choose to complement learning at home with structured extracurricular programmes designed specifically for children. Programmes like those offered by Code Ninjas focus on helping children learn how technology works — including coding, robotics and age-appropriate AI concepts — in supervised environments that prioritise creativity, confidence and safety.

The goal is simple: to help children understand technology in a safe, balanced and age-appropriate way, without rushing them into online spaces before they are ready.

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Crafty corner

Father's Day secret photo card Surprise your dad with a unique twist on Father’s Day greetings using this secret photo reveal card.

It combines your heartfelt message with a hidden photo, making the celebration even more memorable and personal.

You'll need: Gold & silver A4 metallic card, Kaleidoscope of colours A4 paper, Bumper self-adhesive glitter foam letters, Black outline deco paint pens

6. Stick a silver button underneath the dungarees strap.

Steps

8. Outline the dungarees, pockets and belt loops in black pen and add stitching on the left side of the pocket.

1. Place orange card landscape and find the middle of the card using a ruler and make a faint mark with a pencil.

2. Use this mark as a guide to fold both sides of the card inwards, creating the opening of the card.

3. Using the template draw and cut out the photo frame from yellow card, the dungarees from blue card, the pocket and belt loops from light blue paper and the buttons from silver metallic card.

4. Using the template draw and cut-out the reveal panels from green paper. Card will not work for this.

5. Cut the dungarees and pocket in half and stick them on both sides of the opening of the card.

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Scan for more

7. Create two black lines by the belt area and then stick the belt loops on top.

9. Position the photo frame in the centre of the inside of the card. Then stick the flaps to the back of the card.

10. Stick a photo behind the circle hole of the photo frame, the photo should be slightly bigger than the circle (approximately 8.5cm by 8.5cm). You can also do this step before sticking down the photo frame.

11. Using double-sided tape, stick the flap of the reveal panel to the left side of the card. Repeat this for the right reveal panel.

12. Tuck the reveal panels behind the photo frame but, in front of the photo.

13. Using glitter foam letters, spell out ‘Happy Father’s Day’ around the circle cut-out.

Flower shadow art Have fun outside in the sunshine this summer by making your own shadow art pictures! You can create any shapes or letters you want, with a little help from an adult, by using scissors to cut out designs to create endless colourful projections.

You'll need: Coloured A4 cellophane sheets, Super tacky glue, Coloured wooden craft sticks

3. Glue each of these petals onto different colour sheets or cellophane. Make sure you keep two of the leaves green.

4. Once dry, cut out the petals.

5. Stick together to create a flower.

6. Take two wooden craft sticks and stick them together to make one long one. Stick the stem to the flower in between petals.

Stick on two leaves. Once dry, take outside and enjoy your shadow art.

Steps 1. To make the petals, take a cardboard tube and squash it flat.

2. Next, cut slices about 1 cm wide so you have roughly 12/13 petals. One of these will be the centre of the flower, so reshape it into a circle.

Crafts spomsored by

Shop for your craft supplies, kits and more at bakerross.co.uk 9

Mini Monsters School Meets Sponsored

Facing the reality of starting school and why the School Meets made such a difference As September approaches, I’ve found myself caught between pride and a quiet sense of apprehension. My child is about to start school, a milestone that once felt far away but is now suddenly right on our doorstep.

It’s an exciting time, of course, but like many parents, I’ve realised it also comes with a fair share of uncertainty.

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into a completely new community, without knowing anyone in it yet.

That’s why discovering the Mini Monster School Meets at Little Monsters House of Fun felt like such a turning point for us.

In our house, the topic of school brings out a mixture of curiosity and nerves. My child asks questions about what their classroom will look like, who they’ll sit next to, and whether I’ll be there to pick them up.

Beneath those questions, I can sense the bigger feelings, worry about new routines, unfamiliar faces, and spending time away from home. It’s a lot for a young child to process.

These sessions are designed specifically for children who will be starting reception at the same school, and that simple idea makes a powerful difference. Instead of waiting until the first day to meet their classmates, children get the chance to connect in a relaxed, play-based environment. There’s no pressure just the natural, easy interactions that happen when children explore and have fun together.

As a parent, those feelings are mirrored in a different way. I’ve wondered whether they’ll settle in easily, if they’ll make friends, and whether they’re ready for the independence that school life requires.

There’s also been a surprising sense of isolation, starting school feels like stepping

When we attended our first session, I noticed the change almost immediately.

What started as a slightly shy arrival quickly turned into confident play. My child began interacting with others, sharing equipment, and even calling a few children “friends” by the end. It was a small moment, but it

an unknown place filled with strangers it’s somewhere familiar, where friendly faces will be waiting.

Sometimes, the smallest steps make the biggest difference carried huge reassurance. These were the same children they would soon see every day at school.

The benefits go beyond friendship. Through play, children are gently developing the skills they’ll need in the classroom, listening, taking turns, following simple instructions, and building independence. It’s a subtle but effective way of preparing them for what’s ahead, without it ever feeling like a lesson.

For me, the experience was just as valuable.

While the children played, I had the chance to talk with other parents who were navigating the same emotions and questions. There was an immediate sense of understanding, we were all in the same boat.

By the end of the session, I no longer felt like I was facing this transition alone.

Starting school will always be a big step, and there will no doubt still be a few nerves on that first morning. But thanks to experiences like the Mini Monster School Meets, it no longer feels overwhelming. Instead, it feels like a natural progression one that both my child and I feel ready to take.

Sometimes, the smallest steps make the biggest difference.

There are over 40 Mini Monster School Meets held throughout June & July.

For more information and to find out your school date/time please visit www.littlemonstersoftplay.co.uk Cost £9 for one Reception-age child and one adult​(siblings welcome) Booking Pre-registration is required.

Location Little Monsters House of Fun, Braintree Road, Great Dunmow, CM6 1HU

After attending a Mini Monster School Meet, I noticed a real shift in how my child talks about school. There’s less hesitation and more excitement. School is no longer 11

In the community

Colchester Stampede 10K returns to Colchester Zoo The Colchester Stampede 10K is set to return to Colchester Zoo on Sunday 17 May 2026, with organisers describing it as one of the UK’s most unusual running events.

The race begins inside the zoo, with runners passing animal enclosures including rhinos, giraffes and elephants before heading out onto closed roads around the surrounding area and finishing back inside the zoo grounds.

The event is being organised by RunThrough in partnership with Colchester Zoo and will again support Mid and North East Essex Mind alongside wildlife conservation projects linked to Colchester Zoological Society. Entry includes zoo admission on race day, a themed medal and chip-timed results.

Find out more: colchesterstampede.com

Reading competition for Essex Schools Primary school children across Essex are being encouraged to enter a new national reading competition launched

by TGJones as part of the National Year of Reading 2026 campaign.

The “Bitesize Bookworms” competition asks children to describe their favourite book in 25 words or fewer, with winning schools receiving up to £4,000 worth of books and stationery. Organisers say the competition is designed to encourage more children to read for pleasure and celebrate creativity through reading.

Entries are open until 5 June 2026 and are split into three primary school age categories.

Visit: tgjonesonline.co.uk for more info.

New indoor family attraction now open in Basildon A huge new indoor entertainment venue has officially opened inside Eastgate Shopping Centre. FunParx Basildon features inflatable zones, ninja courses, soft play, retro arcade games and giant slides. The attraction has taken over part of the former Debenhams site and is designed as a major new family leisure destination for the town centre.

Find out more: funparx.co.uk 12

HALF TERM ADVENTURE Join the History Heroes this May half term and travel through the ages.

Create your own comic book, design superhero accessories, and join the squad!

Find out more

£5

members

£6 non-members

chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/whats-on

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What’s on Open Farm Sunday at Hadleigh Farm Estate • 7th June Hadleigh • All day • FREE • Small animal handling, crafts, tractor and classic car display, animal talks and more • hadleighfarm.org.uk Bank Holiday Bonanza at Hopefield Animal sanctuary • 23rd - 24th May Brentwood • 10am - 4pm • Adults £10, Children £8 • Soft Play Bus, inflatables, animal talks & feeds, plus more! • hopefield.org.uk Brentwood Art Trail Event Day (Brentwood) • Saturday 6th June Brentwood • 10am - 4pm • FREE • Live artists, music and family chalk drawing in Crown Street • brentwoodarttrail.co.uk Brentwood Art Trail Event Day (Shenfield) • Saturday 13th June Shenfield • 10am - 4pm • FREE • Live art, performances and family chalk drawing at Shenfield Library • brentwoodarttrail.co.uk Brentwood Art Trail Event Day (Ingatestone) • Saturday 20th June Ingatestone • 10am - 4pm • FREE • Live artists, music and interactive family activities in Ingatestone • brentwoodarttrail.co.uk Mini Monster Baby & Toddler Classes at Little Monsters • Monday - Fridays Great Dunmow • 9:30am - 2pm • Play themed classes to let your Mini Monster grow. Each class includes soft play entry • minimonsterclasses.co.uk High Street Football Fiesta • 20th & 27th June / 11th & 18th July Brentwood, Shenfield • 12pm - 3pm • FREE • Join Brentwood Connected to celebrate World Cup fever! • brentwoodconnected.co.uk Knights of Royal England Joust at Hedingham Castle • 24th - 25th May Halstead • 10am - 4pm • Adults £24, Children £17.50, Under 4's Free • Knights of Royal England return to Hedingham Castle • hedinghamcastle.co.uk

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Details are accurate at the time of publishing. Please verify event information with organisers directly.

Little & Local Magazine are not responsible for any changes, cancellations, or inaccuracies.

Brentwood Art Trail Sponsored

A summer of creativity comes to Brentwood This year’s annual Brentwood Art Trail from Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID), is set to be the biggest ever, and will take place from Saturday 30 May to Sunday 28 June, bringing a whole month of creativity to Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone. The annual art event, funded

by Brentwood Connected, has attracted more than 100 creatives to take part this year and will feature over 70 business locations displaying artwork for the duration of the Trail. This is the highest number of artists and venues to ever take

Artist in action

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Fun for all ages

part. The event is delivered across all three town centres with Brentwood Art Trail Event Days at weekends featuring live art creation, performances and interactive activities.

Schools are currently signing up for the opportunity to take part in a free Brentwood Art Trail online art lesson, sponsored by Chicken and Frog Bookshop, Guided Learning and Key Tuition, and delivered by Sue Mills of Curly Cloud Art. Some of these creations will then be displayed as part of the Brentwood Art Trail, along with artwork created for the event by children at Mini Moments Nursery and Shenfield Day Nursery. It is estimated that more than 3,000 local school children took part in online art lesson in 2025. This year’s Trail will be full of activities for families, with chalk drawing in Crown Street, Brentwood, on Saturday 6 June and outside Shenfield Library on Saturday 13 June.

Both activities will be led by artists and

run from 12-3pm. creativity in the There will be an High Streets is an official Brentwood absolute dream Art Trail Pop-Up for us. We’re Gallery located looking forward at The Baytree to welcoming Shopping Centre, people to Figo open daily from to eat, drink and 10am to 4pm, see the amazing with different work of Nicola artists in residence Osborne, the each day. The artist displaying Pop-Up Gallery work here during officially opens this year’s Trail.” on Saturday 30 Brentwood The Pop-Up Gallery in the Baytree Shopping Centre May, and members Connected of the public are Business encouraged to attend and join a series of Improvement District (BID) Manager Sarah guided tours hosted by artist Lucia Hardy to Walmsley said, “The number of businesses enjoy artwork and discover businesses. taking part in our Brentwood Art Trail this year is phenomenal and we are always Free Brentwood Art Trail Event Days grateful to them for giving up precious will take place from 10am to 4pm on space in their windows, and elsewhere in Saturday 6 June (Brentwood), Saturday their businesses, to display artwork for the 13 June (Shenfield) and Saturday 20 June month. The fact that the number of artists (Ingatestone) with artists live in action, wishing to take part increases year after more guided tours, musical performances, year is a testament to the success of our and interactive activities for all ages. Some event, and we look forward to an exciting of the creatives taking part in this year’s Summer of art in Brentwood, Shenfield and activities include Alison Cook, Amelia Hart, Ingatestone.”

Create Yourself Calm, Dani Davison, James Fraser, Lejla Kevrić, Lucia Hardy, Nancy The Brentwood Art Trail is an event from Walker, Nicola Osborne, and Peque Artists.

Brentwood Connected, the unique Business Michael Young will be back with his Scribble Improvement District (BID) supporting the Board Art Jam, which will be inspired by borough’s three high streets and funded Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone by town centre businesses to improve the landmarks, history and heritage this year. experience of residents, visitors, employees and businesses in Brentwood, Shenfield Debbie Butcher, Events Manager at Figo, a and Ingatestone. For information about Brentwood business taking part in the event Brentwood Connected, visit for the first time, said, “We are so excited brentwoodconnected.co.uk to be a venue on this year’s Brentwood Art Trail. We love getting involved in community events and being a hub for 17

Friendships

New BBC series explores the challenge of childhood friendships Making friends can be one of the most joyful parts of childhood — but for some children, it can also feel incredibly difficult. Whether they’re naturally shy, lacking confidence, or simply struggling to find children they connect with, many parents quietly worry about how their child is getting on socially.

child from their local area for a playdate, giving them the opportunity to form new connections naturally and without pressure.

Now, a new BBC series is hoping to offer some gentle support.

For many families, the idea behind the show may feel especially relatable. While childhood friendships have always had their ups and downs, recent years have highlighted just how important social confidence and connection can be for children’s wellbeing.

Will You Be My Friend? is a brand-new six-part programme from the team behind The Dog House and the BAFTA-winning First Dates. The series is currently looking for children aged 5–8 who may be finding friendships a challenge.

The programme introduces viewers to “The Friendship Centre”, where psychologists work with children to help build confidence and support social skills in a calm, encouraging environment. Children are then thoughtfully matched with another 18

Six weeks later, the programme revisits the children to see how things have progressed both at home and at school.

Research referenced by the programme suggests that: 42% of young people say friendships and social life are a daily worry 47% of parents have noticed a decline in their child’s social and emotional skills since the pandemic

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More than half of parents say low confidence makes it harder for their child to make friends Those statistics may sound worrying, but the tone of the series is said to be warm, reassuring and positive. Rather than focusing on problems, the programme aims to celebrate the small moments that help friendships grow — sharing a joke, playing together, or simply having the confidence to say hello.

Emma Loach, Interim Head of Commissioning for Documentaries at the BBC, described the show as exploring something “universal”, explaining that the desire to connect and belong is something people of all ages can relate to.

Filming is expected to take place during July and August 2026, and families interested in taking part can apply online through the production team.

Even for children not involved in the programme, the series feels like an important reminder that friendship struggles are more common than many families realise — and that with the right support, confidence can grow in small but meaningful ways.

Want to take part?

If you think your child might benefit from taking part, you can apply here: bemyfriend.tv

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Parenting

Why slower childhood moments matter Words by Caroline Green There’s a strange pressure on modern parents to keep children constantly occupied. Somewhere along the way, boredom became something to avoid at all costs. Long car journeys now come with tablets. Waiting rooms need snacks, games and distractions. Even a quiet afternoon at home can leave parents feeling guilty if there isn’t a carefully planned activity involved.

But many child development experts now say boredom might not be something we should fear quite so much. In fact, those

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moments of “there’s nothing to do” may be more important for children than we realise.

For many adults, some of the strongest childhood memories are the simplest ones.

Building dens from sofa cushions. Making potions in the garden. Drawing for hours.

Wandering around outdoors with no real plan at all. None of it was organised or structured, yet somehow it filled entire afternoons.

Children are naturally imaginative when they’re given the space to be. The problem

is that boredom often comes with an uncomfortable transition period first. A child may complain, sigh dramatically, or insist they need entertaining. As parents, it’s tempting to immediately jump in with solutions. But if we hold our nerve for a little while, something interesting often happens.

They begin creating their own fun.

The Child Mind Institute says boredom can help children develop planning strategies, flexibility, problem-solving skills and creativity. Clinical psychologist Dr Stephanie Lee explains that while boredom “isn’t fun”, learning to manage it helps children build frustration tolerance and emotional regulation.

In other words, it’s not the boredom itself that matters most, but what children do next.

Without constant stimulation, children start inventing games, building imaginary worlds and finding new ways to entertain themselves. Educational specialists also suggest these quieter moments can help children develop independence and confidence because they learn they are capable of creating their own enjoyment.

Of course, this doesn’t mean children should be left entirely to their own devices all day. Clubs, days out and family activities all have their place. But many parents are beginning to feel exhausted by the pressure to make every moment magical. Social media certainly doesn’t help. It can often feel as though childhood should be filled with expensive experiences, educational crafts and endless outings.

In reality, children usually remember connection far more than perfection.

Sometimes they simply need more room to imagine A slow trip to the park. Watering plants together. Helping make lunch. Watching ants crawl along a path. These quieter moments often become the things children return to later, even if they seemed ordinary at the time.

Experts have also raised concerns that children today have fewer opportunities for truly unstructured play. Research and parenting organisations increasingly point to the importance of “real-world” play experiences rather than constant digital stimulation. Psychologists say these moments help children develop resilience, creativity and social confidence.

As summer approaches, many families will start feeling the familiar pressure to fill every week with activities. But perhaps there’s value in leaving some empty space too.

A blanket in the garden. A cardboard box. A walk with no destination. An afternoon that unfolds slowly instead of being scheduled down to the minute.

Children don’t always need more stimulation.

Sometimes they simply need more room to imagine.

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Tried and loved

Wooden Bug Hotel Kits PlayWorks Get Set Grow! Explore Your Own Bugs World Perfect for sunny afternoons in the garden or living room picnics on rainy days, this wooden picnic basket set encourages imaginative play without screens or noise. We love toys that slow things down and encourage children to create their own little worlds,.

A lovely hands-on activity for slower afternoons, these wooden bug hotel kits encourage children to get creative while learning more about the wildlife living right outside their door. Once painted and assembled, children can place them in the garden and quietly watch as insects begin to explore their new home — a simple way to spark curiosity, imagination and outdoor play.

Things we love

Baker Ross £9.95

George at Asda, £18

Make & Create Your Own Wooden Rainbow We love simple creative activities that children can pick up independently, and this little paintyour-own rainbow kit is a lovely low-cost boredom buster for quieter afternoons.

It’s the sort of activity that encourages children to slow down, get creative and proudly display what they’ve made afterwards too.

The Works, £2 22

5 in 1 Mechanical Coding Robot A brilliant introduction to coding without children simply sitting in front of a screen, this hands-on robot kit encourages problem-solving, creativity and curiosity through play.

Children can build and programme five different robots while learning the basics of coding and engineering in a fun, practical way Boots, £30

Why should being a parent mean hitting pause on your career?

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