Glasgow Issue 61 Jan/Feb 2017
Win Mugdock tickets! Party activities Is your child ready for school?
BELMONT HOUSE SCHOOL
INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS Sandringham Ave, Newton Mearns, Glasgow G77 5DU
T: 0141 639 2922 | www.belmontschool.co.uk CHARITY NO.SCO16822
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Jan/Feb 2017
Families Glasgow
In this issue... 2-7
News & Views
8-9
Competitions
10-12 Creating Family Memories 13-15 Ready for Change? 16-19 What’s On Highlights
Community Corner Babes in the Wood We stock a wide range of preloved and sometimes new children's items, including toys & clothes at low cost from birth to 5years. We're not for profit and rely on your donations, using them to make up starter packs for local families in need which are delivered by the local health visitors for free throughout East Dunbartonshire. We also have a community room onsite where we welcome local classes and feature a wide range of different activities for young children and their carers. More information can be found on our website www.babesinthewoodbishopbriggs. com 30 Wellington Rd Bishopbriggs G64 2SA Mon-Sat 10-4pm 0141 258 7500 (behind retail park in low moss industrial estate) To nominate a charity, social enterprise or voluntary community organisation to for our next edition please e-mail editor@familiesglasgow. co.uk with subject “community corner” and include up-to-date contact details – don’t forget to include your reason for nominating this organisation!
Get in touch Editor: Susanne Hein editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk, 01355 459 314 Keep up to date at www.familiesonline.co.uk
Adults & Children
@FamiliesGlasgow Next issue: March/April Tell us about any events or classes that you want to publicise. Please get in touch Booking deadline: Fenruary 10th Special ad rates and offers available, call or email to find out more. Designed by kris@grafikfabrik.co.uk. Printed By J Thomson Colour Printers. Copyright: Families Glasgow Magazine January 2017. Families Glasgow is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Glasgow are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.
From 6th February
Welcome to issue 61! I’ve been told it’s time to introduce myself, so here I am with my mini-me, on our way to a wedding last summer – just after I had been told my application to take over Families Glasgow Magazine had been successful! This is only my third issue, so if you have any feedback at all to give, please send me a message via e-mail or Facebook, or fill in our anonymous survey on www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/DF3QLHX. In this issue I wanted to focus on new beginnings – lots of parents are thinking about their children transitioning into nursery, or to primary or secondary school. No matter how many times you have been through a change like that, it’s still daunting. I also wanted to look at fun things to look forward to: creating lifelong memories for our children, whether through an imaginative party plan or an unusual travel experience. And of course, this time of year has its own perks – winter festivals, Celtic Connections, Burns Night and Valentine’s. Check out our fun graphic of Robert Burns connections, courtesy of Visit Scotland. Why not invite some friends around for a Christmas afterparty? It doesn’t have to be extravagant – getting together with like-minded friends is a perfect way to beat the winter blues. And don’t forget to share your piñata make with us on our Facebook page! Best wishes,
Baby Sensory
Suitable for all levels
0141 331 4080 3 Park Circus, G3 6AX admin@afglasgow.org.uk afglasgow.org.uk Free assessments Enrolling now! Hair by Jade Hayter 145 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4SQ
0141 250 7233 Haircut and Finish with Jade from £40. Save 10% with this advert! Phone to book or visit treatwell.co.uk
class introduces your baby to a world of rich and varied sensory experiences in a creative and enjoyable environment to encourage learning and development. Precious Early Learning
Toddler Sense
class introduces children to a magical, multisensory interactive experience that will keep them busy and stimulated. Great brain food! Life's An Adventure
Call Gail on 07702 806640 Email glasgownorth@babysensory.co.uk Classes at Soccerworld/Kidzworld, Ruchazie www.babysensory.com We've done the research so you can enjoy the fun...
Families Glasgow
Jan/Feb 2017
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The study was commissioned to mark the launch of the new Samsung Family Hub™ Refrigerator, which provides new ways to shop for, cook and manage food as well as helping to plan family life with its unique HD exterior screen, designed to act as a family’s digital command centre. Simple recipes for the top 25 dishes listed all feature in a free recipe book, which has been specially created with MasterChef finalist Emma Spitzer to aid and promote cooking with children (free to download at Samsung.com/uk/easykidsrecipes).
Macaroni Cheese
Can kids cook? Spaghetti bolognese, scrambled eggs on toast and pancakes are named among the dishes that children should be able to cook by the age of 11, in a new study released today. The research suggests that teaching kids to cook could help solve the food wastage issue and highlights that children’s culinary skills are in sharp decline due to the rise of ready meals. The research found that children being fussy eaters and leaving food on their plate is among the top five causes of food wastage for UK households. Moreover, the findings reveal that families throw away an average of £676 of food every year, equating to over a fifth (22%) of their total average food bill. Across a lifetime, this is over £18,000 per person lost on wasted food, or over £51,000 for the average UK household. The Samsung Family Hub™ Study surveyed 2,000 British parents – asking them to name the dishes they believed children should be able to cook by the age of 11, which were compiled from a longlist assembled by a panel of leading food, consumer and family lifestyle experts.
Ingredients - Serves 6 - 2tbsp butter - 350g penne pasta - 1 garlic clove, finely chopped - 1 tsp English mustard powder - 3 tbsp plain flour - 500ml whole milk - 250g cheddar, grated - 50g parmesan, grated
Method
1 Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. 2 Boil the pasta for 2 mins less than stated on the pack. 3 Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the garlic and mustard, cook for 1 min, then stir in the flour. Cook for 1 min more, then gradually whisk in the milk until you have a lumpfree sauce. Simmer for 5 mins, whisking constantly until thickened. 4 Take the white sauce off the heat, then stir in all the cheddar and half the parmesan. 5 Stir the pasta and some seasoning into the cheesy white sauce, then tip into a large ovenproof dish, or 4 individual dishes. Scatter over the remaining parmesan, then bake for 20 mins in the oven until crisp and golden.
Belmont House School At Belmont House School every child is valued for the individual that they are! This is done through the small school roll of just 300 and average class sizes of 12-15 pupils. Every child receives the personal attention they need to grow, not just academically, but in sports, music and the arts, and ultimately as a well-rounded, confident individual. The safe, accessible location enables the school to deliver a high quality independent education in Newton Mearns, with the convenience of short journey times from around the south-side of Glasgow. To arrange your visit, call them today on 0141 639 2922.
Why guess... when you can test? Baby charity Group B Strep Support has launched a national campaign to ensure that the gold-standard test for a potentially deadly newborn infection is used on the NHS. The campaign wants the test for the group B Strep bacteria to be available to all maternity units in the UK. The current test routinely used in hospitals misses up to half those carrying group B Strep, making the result no more accurate than flipping a coin, or simply guessing. Group B Strep is the UK’s most common cause of lifethreatening infection in newborn babies and of meningitis in babies under age 3 months. Carried naturally by 20-30% of pregnant women, GBS is rarely dangerous to the mother but can have potentially devastating consequences if the bacteria is passed to her baby around labour and birth. For more information go to gbss.org.uk
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Jan/Feb 2017
Families Glasgow
Save the date... Pencil Friday 31st March 2017 in your diary in big, bold writing because Wear A Hat Day is back for the eighth time and it will be EVEN HATTIER than ever before. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Brain Tumour Research is the only national UK charity that funds sustainable research into finding a cure. Wear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event, and is a great way to show your support and raise money for brain tumour research during a day of hat-filled fun and games. Buy a hat, make a hat, take a photo and share it online #HATTASTIC Register now and start planning your event. You’ll receive an exclusive pack of fundraising goodies – including leaflets, posters and balloons – in plenty of time for your Wear A Hat Day. Stuck for ideas? The Hatter’s Workshop online at www. wearahatday.org is brim-ming with inspiration including Top 10 Event Ideas, quizzes and fundraising tips! So get those thinking caps on, and start counting down to 31st March. Together we will find a cure.
Love your Library this year If you haven’t made your 2017 New Year’s resolution, why not start with a visit to your local library? If it’s been a while since you set foot inside one of Glasgow’s 33 libraries, you might be surprised to discover that libraries are now home to bright, colourful children’s areas stocked with a fantastic selection of books and magazines for the youngest Glaswegians. Plus, regular Bounce & Rhyme sessions, offered in all Glasgow Libraries, enable parents and carers to engage with babies through action songs, rhymes and stories that help develop speech, language and communication, and they are also a great place to meet other parents and carers. Your under-five’s can sign up for their very own My First Library Card giving them access to thousands of free books and e-books. And older siblings aren’t left out of the fun either, with a Glasgow Kidz Card available for 5-12 year olds, offering a range of discounts city-wide alongside the fun of library membership. We know that reading to infants not only encourages speech and language development, and a lifelong love of books, reading is also a fantastic way for families to enjoy some quality time together. So, if you’re keen to read more as a family in 2017 sign up for your free library card today at www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries or ask a member of staff at your local library. And don’t forget to follow us on social media to find out about special events and activities city-wide: Facebook.com/GlasgowLibraries Twitter: @GlasgowLib
Should you let your child use a tablet? A newly-launched research project aims to discover the influence technology has on children's learning, social interactions and play, from birth to 47 months - and parents are invited to join in. Dr Elena Hoicka and PhD students from the University of Sheffield's Department of Psychology are looking to discover whether technology, such as tablets, is good for children's development, bad, or a bit of both. The survey asks questions about how long children use different types of technology - such as a tablet or a television the previous day. It also asks questions about how children prefer to learn, what children understand about other people, and whether and how children engage in pretend play. Parents of children with low activities levels, such as newborns, are also invited to participate, as the researchers are interested in how technology impacts children right from the beginning. All participants will then be invited to repeat the survey six months later, which allows researchers to determine whether or not technology has had an impact. At the end of the survey, parents will receive a summary of their child's learning style, social understanding, and play. For every parent who completes the survey twice, six months apart, £2 will be donated to UNICEF. It only takes around 20-30 minutes to register and complete the survey. To sign up or read more, go to www.babylovesscience.com.
Heading down to London town? Get Into London Theatre is back, and running until 10 February. With over 50 participating productions ranging from plays and musicals to dance and opera, the scheme covers the full range of extraordinary shows on London's stages, with tickets from just £10. For the full list and ticket bookings, go to www.getintolondontheatre.co.uk. Families Glasgow
Jan/Feb 2017
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Author Joanne Harris speaks to Families 5 ways to exercise when you have kids It’s really not easy to find the time or energy to exercise when you have children. It’s amazing how attractive that pile of laundry becomes when the alternative is getting sweaty! However, there are countless benefits to regular physical activity, and I personally have found that “me time” has moved to the top of the list. So how can it be squeezed into an already bursting calendar?
1. Jogging – yes, that old chestnut.
Believe me, I am not a runner. More of a stumbler. With the benefit of the NHS Couch to 5k Programme, that is. If getting out of the door is a problem, just keep telling yourself “I’ll just change my top”. And then “I’ll just put on my leggings”. Before you know it you’ll be back through that door huffing and panting and feeling immensely proud.
2. For anyone who needs someone else’s watchful eye I thoroughly recommend Buggyfit. You can take your young and not so young child(ren) with you in their pram and get on with some serotonin-inducing aerobic exercise, coupled with strength training designed to help you build your core muscles back to what they once were and carry your growing progeny without doing your back in. 3. Mother and baby yoga: this, like Buggyfit, is aimed at
mothers of very young children, and will help strengthen your core and share some bonding time with your child. There are several providers in Glasgow, so a quick internet search should throw up a result near you.
4. The gym: the slightly more expensive option, but definitely
the luxury all-rounder. There are several gyms around Glasgow that provide a crèche for younger children and activities for older children, so all you need to do is drop them off while you head for your body blitz and then unwind in the spa or sauna, relaxed in the knowledge that your offspring is well cared for and/or getting some all important exercise themselves.
5. Women and Girls: some local authorities now run weekly
sessions aimed at instilling joint love of physical activity by encouraging mothers, daughters, aunts and sisters to participate in sport together. Check with your council’s leisure department, and if they don’t offer these classes, suggest them!
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Families Glasgow
To mark National Storytelling Week (30 January – 6 February), international best-selling author Joanne Harris spoke to Families about how storytelling has evolved through social media, and gives her advice for those with a passion for writing stories.
The success of Chocolat kick-started your career as an author - was it an easy decision to retire from teaching?
Writing is generally a job that doesn’t make a lot of money, and nearly all writers have another job. For my first three published books I was a teacher and if one of my books hadn’t been unexpectedly successful I would have stayed a teacher. When you reach a certain level of success it’s very difficult to do the two things at once, so I gave up teaching. I thought then temporarily, and it turned out to be permanent. But it could have been different.
You’re very active on social media, do you think this new digital age we’re living has changed the way people tell stories?
I think it’s had an impact on the whole of the book business in a lot of ways, some good, some bad. What it has done is given us more access to each other and provides a much more interactive side to telling stories. I tell my #Storytime stories on Twitter, and you really feel as if you’re talking to people, because it’s a very conversational medium, which is its charm.
What advice would you give to children or adults if they have a passion for writing and want to take it to the next level?
To be a professional writer you have to write, a lot, and understand that a lot of it will be bad but practice makes you better. So start writing, and don’t worry too much about where you are heading. Also read a lot, because the more you read the more you realise how writing works and why it’s good and why it fails, and just keep improving all the time.
Have you faced any challenges when writing books, and what did you learn from them?
Learn to live with criticism even if you think it is unfair and still do what you are doing. If you are absolutely convinced that your book is a masterpiece, but people read it and think it’s rubbish, then there’s probably some truth in it. However, keep believing you can do it, and learn from mistakes, acknowledge them and move on.
Do you have any new projects that our readers can look out for?
I’ve got an illustrated book of the Storytime stories coming out, hopefully next year, called Honeycomb. I’m also working on a sequel to The Gospel of Loki, which hopefully will come out the year after next. For more information on Joanne Harris and her work, go to www.joanne-harris.co.uk
Favourite shop
Locavore - a lovely social enterprise looking at issues around food production and where food comes from. We get a veg box delivered from them and they do most other groceries too.
Favourite Park
Queen’s Park. I’m very lazy and the park is very close, but there are better reasons: the park has play areas, duck ponds, a free bowling green, an amphitheatre, a skate park and a reptile house and the flagpole has amazing views.
Favourite children’s club/class
Big Noise is perfect for Otie. It’s run by Sistema - the idea is to use musical instruments to give kids confidence, teamwork and pride in their own abilities. He just loves making a din.
Favourite day out
Parent 2 Parent
Abandoned Scotland www.abandonedscotland.com
I’m Pete. Recently my partner Catrin and I had a wee baby called Otis. Catrin has a theatre company called A Moment’s Peace and has just started a PhD. I manage a European project on space debris and asteroids. And I’m in a band called First Tiger - we recently released our first album called “Dedicated”.
A big walk, the park, a coffee (any day I get to finish a coffee before it goes cold is a winner), visit friends and then home for dinner and enough playing to knacker him out and hopefully get a full night’s sleep… Full night’s sleep indeed! Ha!
Favourite child friendly restaurant
We had a really nice Sunday lunch with pals in The Butterfly and The Pig. It’s big enough that if your wee one does go radjie, it doesn’t feel like they are screaming in a stranger’s face.
Favourite night out with the kids
We’re looking forward to being able to eat out occasionally as a family. I can’t wait for him to huffily reject the food he insisted we order for him and demand to eat what I have on my plate.
No parent should be without Friends
Parenting pet hates
Well-meaning advice: “My baby always likes it when I blahblahblah” or “I always find blahblahblah helps”. Cheers, it absolutely never occurred to me to try that obvious thing that every parent on earth does that you think you invented.
Most embarrassing moment
Early days yet … I’ve no doubt there will be toe-curling times ahead.
Why do you like living where you do?
Govanhill is full of lovely people and we have great neighbours. There are fantastic cafes, restaurants and bars. Now I’m a parent I get to walk by the pub and look in at the unencumbered people having boozey fun and remember how pints used to taste. I jest of course. I’ve got a living virus incubator who sneezes into my mouth and kicks jobbied nappies against me - what do I need beer for!?
Favourite family holiday spot
We’ve only been on one holiday with him so far and it was in the Pyrenees. We had a fab time.
Most successful recipe/food
Avocado and/or banana. He can hoover them down at an alarming rate. Anything that is bread-like in nature is fine by him too. We tried him out on wee bits of croissant in France and we opened a Pandora’s box of bread desires.
Boredom Busters Play Scotland is the National organisation for Play, committed to ensuring that all children have a wide range of opportunities to Play. Boredom Busters is a brand new, fun app for 8-12 year olds, designed to get children actively playing more in a variety of different ways. The app is packed full of inspirational ideas for ways to play in and around the home and allows children to share their play ideas with others. The app helps parents promote healthy, active play via an intuitive online environment. The fully moderated online space created by the app is designed to empower parents to encourage their children to use the app with confidence. Boredom Busters is absolutely FREE and has no in-app purchases! www.playscotland.org
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Families Glasgow
Families Glasgow
Jan/Feb 2017
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Mini piñata This mini piñata is made from a cardboard tube and is perfect for a party with friends. You could make a heap of them and add different treats inside each one!
You will need
• Small cardboard tube • A4 coloured card sheet • Pen or pencil • Scissors • Masking tape • A4 coloured paper sheet • Glue stick • Coloured tissue paper • String or thread
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Glue the strips around the tube, starting at the closed end. Overlap each strip as you work towards the open end.
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Place the tube upright on the card and draw round the end. Draw a second circle, roughly 1cm (1/2 inch) larger, around the first circle. You can do this freehand as it doesn't need to be too neat! Cut out the outer circle, then snip inwards all the way around it.
The Finished Article
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Tape a loop of string inside the open end of the tube. Fill it with goodies such as small toys, stickers, raisins or a few sweets and hang it up. Then use a wooden spoon or piece of dowel to whack it until it bursts! This activity is one of 100 contained in the book “The Big Book of 100 Little Activities” by Laura Minter and Tia Williams of littlebuttondiaries.com, RRP 14.99, GMC Publications.
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Fold up the little tabs and fit the circle over the end of the tube. Wrap masking tape round to secure it.
Cut out a rectangle of coloured paper large enough to fit around the tube with a little overlap. Cover the tube with glue and stick the paper in place.
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Cut strips of coloured tissue paper 1in (2.5cm) wide and long enough to wrap around the tube. Snip fringing along the length of the strips.
Share your Make!
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Have you had a go at making a mini piñata? Share your make with us on our Facebook Page and be in with a chance to win a copy of the book! Take a photo of your mini piñata and either send it to competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk or share it directly on our Facebook page @FamiliesGlasgow. Then get your family and friends to vote for your piñata – the photo with the most votes wins a copy of The Big Book of 100 Little Activities!
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Jan/Feb 2017
Families Glasgow
Remember your favourite play memories – the fun, the thrills, the skint knees, the everyday adventures – let’s give our children and young people these opportunities. Delivering the Child’s Right to Play in Scotland is everyone’s responsibility and child friendly policies can unlock the opportunities for children that will support them to develop into confident, healthy adults. FREE APP – Try out Boredom Busters, Play Scotland’s new app, for 8-12 year olds, designed to get children actively playing more and in a variety of different ways. Play Scotland Level 1, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ Tel: 0131 313 8859 Email: info@playscotland.org Web: www.playscotland.org
Company Number 017885 Scottish Charity No SC029167 Registered at the above address.
n Wi n i W Bring Frozen to Life!
S is for…
Sound the Alarm! The Sirens are coming!! Something really exciting is happening in the world of Scottish sport - the New Year will see world class sporting Superstars touch down in Glasgow to join Scotland’s brand new professional women’s sports team…the Sirens. The Sirens will be competing in the new look 10 team Vitality Netball Superleague which kicks off in February 2017. With some of the best players in the world battling it out each week in this UK wide Super Club competition, Scotland can now take a slice of the action with its new national team. There’ll be some well-known faces in the line-up, including Scotland Captain Claire Brownie and fan favourite Rachel Forbes, who returns from Australia to take her place in the inaugural squad. Joining them will also be some big names from the International world of netball, including Silver Fern Ellen Halpenny, who was last in Glasgow in 2014, when her team took home the Silver at the Commonwealth Games, and the 6’4’’ Jamaican-Australian super-shooter Carla Borrego who has spent the last 8 years playing at the highest level in the top League in the world! The Sirens is part of a long term partnership between Netball Scotland and the University of the West of Scotland who are both committed to #ChangingTheGame for female sports in Scotland. Claire Nelson, CEO of Netball Scotland said: “Females make up over 50% of the population, yet the opportunities around, and participation in, sport do not reflect this. It’s time for change, and the Sirens are here to lead the way!” Home games will be played in the £113m Emirates Arena, Glasgow, and fans are being promised a fantastic day out whether you’re a netball fan or not! Their opening game is against other new Superleague Club, Wasps, from Coventry, on 21st February 2017 and tickets for this first match are on sale now at SirensNetball.com. We’ve been told to expect some really big things for this event…and we can’t wait! Sirens player Claire Brownie says: “We are so excited to be a part of the Sirens and we cannot wait to take to the court together as a team for that first match. The best thing about Scotland is the fans so we want everyone to come out in force to show their ‘S for Support’ and help us to start off our Superleague season with a bang!” What better role models for our young children to admire than our very own Sirens players. The Sirens are changing the game for women in sport with the aim to empower females, promote equality and they provide a clear reminder that us girls certainly can! #WeAreSirens and we’re #ChangingTheGame Facebook: SirensNSL Twitter: @SirensNetball To WIN a family ticket (2adults, 2children) to watch the the Sirens compete against the Wasps on the 21st February 2017 at the Emirates Arena , please e-mail Families at competitions@ familiesglasgow.co.uk (subject: “Sirens”) with your name and address by February 15th. Standard terms and Conditions apply.
The wonderful films of Walt Disney appeal to young and old alike. Komar wall murals bring the protagonists direct from the big screen into kids' rooms. Life is never boring with heroes like Lightning McQueen from Cars, Dusty from Planes or Marvel's Spider-Man, while Cinderella, Tinkerbell and Winnie The Pooh inhabit the dream world of fairies and princesses. Komar is the leading supplier of wall murals, using the most amazing and inspirational National Geographic photography, beautiful contemporary designs, and with licence for Marvel, Star Wars and Disney designs. Their photomurals have been captivating customers for nearly 50 years. They are as easy to apply as wallpaper, and you can win a beautiful 3.68*2.54m photomural of the popular Frozen film! Photomural on paper, 368x254cm, RRP €96.76, www.komar.de To WIN a photomural of “Elsa and the funny snowman Olaf are dancing happily through the wonderful winter wonderland of Arendelle”, please e-mail the answer to Families at competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk (subject: “Frozen”) with your name and address by February 15th. Standard terms and Conditions apply.
MugStock: A Festival of Music & Merriment With a beautiful natural setting and an unparalleled friendly atmosphere MugStock: A Festival of Music & Merriment takes place just north of Glasgow in Mugdock Country Park from 28th - 31st July 2017. Billed as a festival for all ages, MugStock boasts that a remarkable 29% of their 2000 or so revellers are aged 12 or under. The fact that kids get in free, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and fantastic family area in the park’s Victorian Walled Garden combine to make this festival very popular with families looking for something for everyone. Teenagers and Over 60s go half priced, encouraging many families to take the old yin’ and the young ‘uns. Expect 6 stages, roaming performers, hidden artwork in the woods, willow workshops, tie dye t-shirts and a selection of tasty and reasonably priced food and drink, along with home comforts including on site cafes where you can get a proper cup of coffee, or a bacon butty. Ran as a non-profit venture, tickets are surprisingly affordable, and are on sale now at www.mugstock.org
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To win 2 adult tickets for MugStock 2017 (face value £160), answer this question:
What percentage of MugStock’s visitors are aged 12 or under? a) 10% b) 29% c) 78% E-mail your answer to Families at... competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk (subject: “Mugstock”) with your name and address by February 15th. Standard terms and Conditions apply. Families Glasgow
Jan/Feb 2017
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A Birthday to Remember
D
IY or the full shebang? Leisure centre package, experience day or all round to yours? When you're planning your child's celebration, factors to take into consideration include your child's age and interests, the size of your house, your credit card limit and your stamina levels. Here are some pros and cons to help you work out what type of party would suit you best.
Home party
Pros: the DIY approach is great for babies and toddlers - adults usually outnumber the children. There’s no carting around of cakes and bin bags full of presents. Cons: You need plenty of room, tables and chairs. It takes at least a day to buy and make the food and lots of organisation if you provide all the entertainment. And then there's clearing up afterwards. Tips: Home parties don’t have to mean crowds – a few select friends can make parties more memorable, with home-made adventure trails (e.g. fairy, pirate), picnics (indoor or outdoor) and crafting being popular activities for lots of ages. Underthrees are too young for games or magic shows, but if you want to push the boat out, music and face painting go down well.
Activity party – younger children
Pros: like the indoor playzone option, the entertainment, sometimes venue and often food is included. Cons: Some children struggle with concentration and sitting still, so choose the activity carefully. Rugbytots and Enjoy-a-ball have active games to work off the sugar rush, whereas The Language Hub, Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre and Bricks4Kidz are probably more suited to children who like to concentrate and create.
Activity party – older children
(eg bowling, makeover, drama, pottery) Pros: popular with 7-10s, who are too cool for puppets but still need to be entertained. The activity can create the going home present. Cons: when you write the invitations, remember not everyone shares your child's passions. She may adore streetdance but will some friends mob it up?
Pros: inexpensive and hugely popular, especially with those into double figures. Cons: ration sweets and veto violent video games or you'll have tantrums and tiaras all night long. Keep an eye on the action: I have lost my nerve since a seven-year old and his friends decided to pee into balloons and make 'water bombs'. Perhaps you should dig out that old baby monitor? Tip: don't forget the golden rule: invite more than four children and at least one will be sick. Jan/Feb 2017
Pros: the mess is not at home! You could invite the whole class and have a magician or a dance party (check the venue’s rules on noise), a bouncy castle or soft play equipment. Many halls are used by playgroups during the week. You can often hire the toys and equipment for a small fee. Cons: large parties and big rooms can be overwhelming for very little people. Do hire some professional entertainment. You start out grumbling about the cost; by the end of the party, you’re kissing their feet. Someone like Franc Karpo from amazingkidsmagic.co.uk has years of experience of keeping kids entertained, and rave reviews, so you can concentrate on catching up with the other parents. Tip: if you’re short on helpers, visit www.familiesonline.co.uk to find manpower. Childminders, au pairs or nursery nurses are often willing to help out at babysitting rates. Do not ask your child’s teacher!
Leisure centre or indoor playzone package
Pros: a really cost-effective, stress-free way to put on a party. Some deals include venue, entertainment, food and party bags all-in. There’s no clearing up, just pick up your over-excited child and the presents, and head home. Cons: some offer such a good deal that the whole class is there every weekend - sometimes twice in one day!
Experience days
Pros: a brilliant solution when they have outgrown parties and you have outgrown sleepovers, but you still want a special celebration with lasting memories. Cons: cost means this will probably be a solo event, or a day shared with just one friend. Ooh, the politics! Tips: Into the Blue offers a good range of children's activities including flying lessons, falconry and zorbing www.intotheblue.co.uk.
Franc’s Top Tips when hiring an entertainer: • Check that they have genuine references/testimonials • Make sure you hire a full-time professional
Sleepovers
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Party in a hall
Families Glasgow
• Do not base your decision primarily on price - generally speaking in the Scotland birthday party market most birthday party performers will be in the £125.00 to $225.00 range for an hour package and £200.00 to £300.00 for 2 hours. • Check that the performer is age appropriate for the target audience! • Get a money-back guarantee – it proves they really believe in the quality of their work.
Bricks 4 Kidz Birthday Parties A Bricks 4 Kidz birthday party builds on the universal appeal of LEGO® Bricks, combined with our awesome exclusive models and our exceptional and entertaining party hosts, we create an unforgettable birthday party experience that will inspire your child & their friends and encourage them to tap into their potential by sparking their curiosity and creativity. All while having a great time! www.bricks4kidz/glasgow
Book a Rugbytots Party Now! Looking for a high-energy party? Give Rugbytots a try! Their parties are focused on games and having fun! They are not skill specific, so can be enjoyed by everyone, boys and girls from age 4 -7. The coaches are enthusiastic and well trained to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. Feedback from a recent party - ‘“Thanks for a great party on Sunday. The whole family enjoyed it!! The games were fantastic and kept all the children very well entertained, I think you will have a few new Rugbytots!” For further details contact sandra@rugbytots.co.uk or 0345 313 3252
Amazing Kids Magic Having performed and booked over 5,000 Amazing Kids Magic events in the past 25 years, Franc Karpo knows that it can be a real hassle to plan and organise for kids entertainment. Don’t you agree? It doesn’t matter what event you’re planning. Whether it’s a child’s birthday party, family celebration, primary school, nursery, corporate event or Christmas party, finding a quality, affordable entertainer is almost an impossible task. Franc can absolutely help you have a fantastic kids event, with exciting kids magic so amazing, so much fun that children of all ages will rave about for months to come and at a price that won't blow a hole in your entertainment budget! Check out his special offer at franckarpo.com/bday Amazing Kids Magic - providing children and family entertainment in Scotland and the UK. Call Franc Karpo 0141 404 6157 or visit www.amazing-kids-magic.co.uk
Make Your Child’s Party Absolutely Amazing! Special Offer: £25.00 discount on all birthday party packages!
Go to: franckarpo.com/bday
Party with the Puppets! Don’t be at a loss for something to do with the kids - with Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre’s exciting new Children and Families Programme, Jan 21 – Jun 2017, all tickets £5.95. Don’t miss our Mother’s Day celebrations, Sun 26 Mar with The Emperor’s New Clothes by Banyan, part of Glasgow’s International Comedy Festival. Watch out for Could it be Magic by Alex the Magician on Sat 11 Mar and a must see comic performance of One Man Shoe by Jango Starr on Sat 18 Mar. All guaranteed to make you laugh, join in and have some fun. Visit www.maskandpuppet.co.uk for full details, including Easter Weekend, West End Festival dates and most weekends in between! Why not come to us for a Show or Make a Puppet Workshop Birthday Party. All you have to do is bring the kids and the cake! They do the rest, including the show games.
Party at The Hub! Looking for a new birthday party idea? If so, why not have one at The Language Hub? They offer small parties for up to 12 children best suited for ages 4-8, tailored to individual ideas and interests. You can choose a party with traditional games or go for a language and/or country themed party instead, led by one of their native speaking teachers; either way it will be lots of fun. Food and party bags can be provided if you wish, then all you need to bring is the cake! Prices start from £85,-/party contact them for more details. The Language Hub, 52 Keith Street, Partick, Glasgow G11 6QW. 0141 258 2700 or 07505144476 www.thelanguagehub.co.uk
Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre Year Round Children & Families Programme
Shows, Workshops, Birthday Parties info@maskandpuppet.co.uk www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Tel: 0141 339 6185
8-10 Balcarres Ave, Kelvindale Glasgow G12 0QF
AS SEEN ON
TRY RUGBYTOTS
s 4 Kidz Brick Pick yourr
Our dynamic weekly play sessions enable boys and girls aged 2–7 to develop their social and physical skills in a fun, positive environment.
Birthday Party Birthd
For more details, just call or email:
0345 313 3252
T Theme!
www.bricks4kidz.co.uk/glasgow LEGO® is a registered trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse these programs. Creative Learning Corporation common shares are listed on OTCBB under the ticker symbol CLCN. © 2013 Bricks 4 Kidz
MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!
kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk
rugbytots.co.uk
The world’s favourite rugby play programme
Families Glasgow
Jan/Feb 2017
11
Is my child ready for school? By Vari McDonald At this time of year, for most families the idea of their child moving to Primary School post summer seems a natural progression from home and nursery life. For other families, those whose child is due to start school before their 5th Birthday, the decision to wait another year (or not) has to be made and can be all consuming. Should you send your child to school at four and a half or wait until they are nearer six? Do you take the risk that your child will struggle with school life or worry about them being bored with another year spent between nursery and home? When it comes to making the decision for your child it is important to remember that school readiness is not just about your child’s academic ability and achievements; their ability to count, to know their shapes and colours and to recognise letters and sounds. School readiness should most importantly be based upon your child’s emotional wellbeing and social competence. How well does your child get on with other children? Can they share and wait their turn? Can they make independent choices and follow through with them? Can they compromise? Before you make a decision about your child’s school entry date please be assured that you are not expected to reach this decision on your own. If your child is at nursery school, talk with their key worker or the nursery head and consider the advice they give. Nursery practitioners are trained in Early Learning and Childhood Development and many have classroom experience. Your child’s nursery is very much in the best position to comment on your child’s level of independence, their relationships and their progress in learning and will help guide you in making a decision. Try also to arrange a visit to your chosen Primary School to find out if they are ‘ready’ for your child. Are they able to guide, instruct, support and nurture your child regardless of their age and ability, their social skills and their knowledge? Does the school have additional support systems in place to either aid your younger child or perhaps challenge your older one? It is also important to consider not only the age at which your child starts school, but also the age they will transition onto high school, take a gap year, enter further education and ‘join’ the workplace. Being that little bit ‘older’ at key transition points may be a huge advantage to your child. Finally, as more and more families are choosing to delay their child’s entry to school, it is vital to listen to the advice given. Remember that, ultimately, we all want our children to thrive and flourish in all aspects of their development.
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Vari McDonald B.Ed (Hons) co-owns Acorn Park Nursery & Kindergarten and has many years’ experience discussing child development with apprehensive parents.
What’s The Rush? By Hilary Long Most European countries have a compulsory school starting age of 6. 6 is the most common school starting age worldwide. The UK has a younger school starting age of 5 and many children start at 4. In Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland its 7. Those in favour of retaining the current early start age argue that children as young as 4 and 5 are capable of learning the more formal skills of a school curriculum and that an early start gives children a head start. They also maintain that an early start particularly benefits children from disadvantaged backgrounds by allowing them to make up the deficit in their academic skills. On the other hand concerns have been raised about the appropriateness of a school environment for young children. The evidence available suggests that teaching more formal skills (in school) gives children an initial academic advantage, but that this advantage is not sustained in the longer term. Many parents and educationalists are worried about the impact of an early start in relation to children’s mental and emotional health and the increase in the numbers of children particularly boys being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other developmental disorders. There is far more required than the current narrow definition of “school readiness” to enable children to thrive in a school environment. It was the Education Act (1870) that determined the school start age and it was an economic decision to get women back to work, rather than an educational one. All children develop differently so determining the age at which children start school purely by their date of manufacture seems a bit crude. A four year old whose birthday is in January/February can be particularly disadvantaged in a school environment with classmates who may be as much as a year older. They may simply be not ready for the school curriculum as well as the social and emotional adjustments required. Ages 3-6 are considered to be a recognisable developmental stage during which children require a developmentally appropriate curriculum that delivers rich, stimulating play experiences within a nurturing social context. Play has a unique relationship with intellectual achievement and emotional well-being for young children. A holistic play based approach embraces the belief that there are many things children need to learn before they begin to read and write such as speech and listening skills, social and emotional skills, empathy, self regulation skills, curiosity and creativity and these take time to develop. By the age of 7 most children will have developed their self-confidence and emotional resilience to enable them to embrace the rigours of more formal learning rather than just cope at age 4 or 5. There is a campaign in Scotland to introduce a play based Kindergarten Stage for children aged 3-7 called Upstart. It supports delaying the start of formal education and believes that a statutory kindergarten stage based on the Nordic model would change the ethos of Scottish education in the early years.
Hilary Long is a retired early years professional with 40 years of experience in a variety of educational roles. Her most recent post was manager of Woodland Outdoor Kindergartens in Glasgow. She is voluntary co coordinator of Upstart Glasgow Network. Upstart is a Scotland wide campaign to introduce a developmentally appropriate play based kindergarten stage for children aged 3-7 years. Find out more at www.upstart.scot
A fearless start to the year
Why fearless you might ask? And what does this even mean? For Explore Learning, a child’s educational journey goes beyond acing a quick spelling test or getting to the top of the class for a term. It is about building long-lasting confidence that takes them through their entire life, whether it is through developing a ‘have a go attitude’, or knowing it’s ok to put their hand up without fear of a ‘silly’ question being mocked, or simply feeling excited about their next step. It’s about nurturing a sense of pride, and a fearless attitude to learning, so that every child can become their version of amazing. Their incredible tutors are there to support every step of the way. Rather than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’, they will ask: “are you sure?” or “can you convince me of your answer?”, allowing children to explore and push the boundaries of their thinking each day. To celebrate the new year and all of the potential it brings, Explore Learning would like to offer you a little something to help your child along their fearless learner journey. From the 16th January until the 28th February, you’ll save £50 when you join any one of their maths and English tuition centres. To find out which one is closest to you and to book your free trial, check out their website: explorelearning.co.uk/offer.
YES. A 30% IMPROVEMENT IN MATHS. SHALL I EXPLAIN THE FIGURES? Our maths and English tutors are here to build confidence, and we’ve got independent research to prove the difference we make. Explore fearless learning today by calling 030 3003 4006 to book your free trial. explorelearning.co.uk /explorelearning @exploretutors Families Glasgow
Jan/Feb 2017
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Creating Confident Children Take small steps to encourage confidence
By Liat Hughes-Joshi Confidence is just as important in life – if not more so - than a brace of A grades or endless extra-curricular skills. It’s vital to emotional wellbeing and something most of us hope our children will develop. Confidence is about being comfortable with who you are, willing to give things a go - even if you’re not sure you’ll succeed - and trusting your own abilities and judgement. But how can we instil this feeling in our children, particularly if it doesn’t come naturally to them?
Accept your child’s starting point
Not all children – or adults - are confident by nature (wouldn’t life be boring if we were all the same?) and whilst we can encourage self-belief, transforming a shy or anxious child into a ‘life and soul of the party’ type, is probably an unrealistic aim. Try to avoid making comments to your child such as how you wish they were more confident, or less shy because, in effect, you’re saying you don’t value them as they are - a real confidence crusher. Accept your child’s personality and ‘starting point’; it might be different to yours, their sibling’s, friends’ or classmates’ and that’s absolutely fine.
Don’t force them into situations they aren’t comfortable with
In most scenarios, one of the worst things you can do for a young child who’s unsure is to push them in at the deep end with something when they aren’t ready. They need to trust you when taking on new experiences and doing this damages that trust.
Work out what their fear is
Often a child will have niggling worries holding them back in a specific situation. So perhaps “If I put my hand up in class, I might get the answer wrong and the other children will laugh at me”. Pin down their concern – although preschool children might struggle to articulate their fear. Address their concern and provide plenty of reassurance that they will be okay, that what others think doesn’t really matter and that you’re there for them. Talk about similar situations you experienced as a child, when you were afraid of something, and how it worked out for you.
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Find opportunities to stretch just a bit beyond what your son or daughter is comfortable with at a time. So that could be going to their friend’s house with them initially, then you just staying for a little while at the start, then next time, they might be happy to go alone.
Keep praise special
These days, there’s a tendency to be super-positive and heap on the ‘fabulous, you’re the best child ever!’ comments every other second – sometimes it feels like we should be praising our kids simply for breathing. But if you tell them everything they do is wonderful all the time, positivity loses power. Keep praise for when it’s truly warranted and focus on effort rather than just results. This way, when they do do something amazing, your comments will have more impact.
Find their forte and allow it to flourish
If your child doesn’t do so well in academic work, or the usual extra-curricular activities at school, this can make their selfesteem fragile. Seek opportunities for them to try other, more unusual activities out of school and highlight positive personality traits such as being especially kind or a good organiser.
Step back sometimes and let them ‘have a go’ – land that helicopter!
Helicopter parenting – hovering over your child, stepping in to resolve the slightest issue or preventing them from failing – is a barrier to building confidence. Children need to find their own solutions, attempt things their way sometimes and take sensible risks. Sure, you can guide and advise but try not to jump in and take over too quickly. Whether it’s allowing your three-year-old to choose her own outfit or your ten-year-old to walk to the post box alone, letting go is a crucial confidence builder.
Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Old-fashioned Parenting' and 'How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).
Photo by Paul Wojnicki
Cutting the Cost of Family Holidays By Paul Wojnicki Family holidays cost a lot of money. With the falling value of the pound against the Euro they are becoming even more expensive, but there are still bargains to be had - even in the school holidays. You just need to know where to look! Here are three tips on saving money on your next family holiday:
Bargain ferry crossings
Ferries are a great way of reaching the continent and kids love exploring them. Especially the larger, overnight ones, which have facilities that can make the voyage one of the highlights of the holiday, rather than just a means of arriving. Just like flights ‘though, prices can rocket during the school holidays. DFDS Seaways seem to keep their prices at a reasonably steady level, even during peak periods. Easter sailings in April between Newcastle and Amsterdam could be found at the time of writing for a very reasonable £280 return for a family of four (children aged 5 and 2) in a four-berth cabin (3/4-8/4); around 30% cheaper than rival ferries running a similar route. Upgrades to luxury Commodore Class cabins with complimentary mini-bar and breakfast buffet included still weigh in around the same price as the rival's most basic cabins at around £100 more. The DFDS service has the best facilities for children of all the ferry companies that I've used, with a proper soft play area, ball pool, face painting, activities for older children and night time entertainment. What’s more, the ferry drops you within 40 minutes of Amsterdam, as opposed to other services that arrive in the middle of Rotterdam Europoort and require a long transfer to the capital. So even ‘though the ferry crossing is a few hours longer, you save this time on the transfer. And if it’s a choice of spending two hours on a bus with children or two hours on a ship...well, I know which I’d take.
So you've found a bargain ferry deal to Holland - where to now?
How about Center Parcs? "Wait a minute," I hear you cry. "We've got Center Parcs in Britain. Why should I travel all the way to Holland for one?" Well, for starters there's the price difference: four nights in Whinfell Forest's cheapest accommodation at Easter cost an eye watering £829 for a family of four (kids aged 5 and 2). Four nights in Center Parcs De Eemhof (close to Amsterdam) on the other hand cost €441 – yes, that's Euros not pounds. Center Parcs European sites also offer more flexibility than the UK sites (except in high summer), so you can stay any length between 2 and 7 nights. Facilities vary by site but all have the trademark tropical pools and activities galore. Many of the European sites also have activities that are far more interesting than the UK ones- such as tropical fish to snorkel with, surf lessons and indoor ski lessons. The accommodation has interesting differences too with the jungle cabanas, treehouses and houseboats probably being the most fun for kids. Prices for these come at a premium, but are still less than four nights at Whinfell’s basic cottages at Easter.
But we wanted to fly somewhere this year…
High flight prices in school holidays are virtually unavoidable, even with budget airlines. For instance, flights from Glasgow to Alicante at Easter cost around £700 for a family of four with Ryanair. But if you're willing to be adventurous then it's possible to save hundreds of pounds by being creative about where and when you fly from; you even get a mini break in a famous European city for the same price. Use the ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam (see above) then fly from Maastricht or Eindhoven to Alicante for around £400 for a family of four. Even with the price of the ferry included you've still saved around £200 and you've had a free mini cruise and visit to Holland in the bargain. Similar savings can be found from Eindhoven to Portugal and Italy, indeed last year we saved around £1000 by flying from Holland on two holidays, to the Algarve and to Pisa. It's important to note that the savings were not as dramatic in the colder holidays of February and March so you might also want to save the money by flying from the UK during these holidays instead.
Practicalities DFDS Seaways
DFDS Seaways sail daily between Newcastle and Amsterdam. The ships (either King Seaways and Princess Seaways) depart North Shields at 5pm arriving at Ijmuiden near Amsterdam at 9:30am the next morning. The return legs depart Ijmuiden at 5:30pm, arriving in North Shields at 9am the following morning. The ferries include a mix of accommodation including four bed and two bed en-suite cabins. Passengers can travel either with a car or as a foot passenger (with transfers to Amsterdam included), there are no baggage restrictions. The cruise-ferry style ships include a range of restaurants, including the gourmet Blue Riband, a mix of entertainment including free live performances, cinema, casino and children’s play areas. The ORCA Wildlife Centre onboard provides information on conservation in the North Sea and the chance to spot wildlife with the resident ORCA Wildlife Officers. Prices start from £38pp based on four people sharing a cabin and travelling by car. To book visit www.dfds.co.uk or call 0871 522 99 55
Center Parcs Europe
Center Parcs Europe have 21 parks dotted across France, Germany, Holland and Belgium. The parcs are less homogenous than the UK parks, though all have the same core facilities and accommodation. Premium accommodations vary by park with treehouses being found in two parks, houseboats in three and jungle cabanas in one in Holland. The cottages often have a mini play park with slide and swing in your own private garden. To book visit www.centerparcs.com or call +31 10 498 97 54 Paul Wojnicki is a freelance journalist who now specialises in family and overland travel. Families Glasgow
Jan/Feb 2017
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What’s On
Regular events Wee Weans Workshop
Various locations and times| pre 5yrs | £5/£3(sibling) Dennistoun Armadale Churchevery Monday, 1-2pm Sandyhills Parish Churchevery Tuesday, 1-2pm St Margaret's Church, Newlands-every Saturday, 2-3pm Messy play involving a variety of multi-sensory play activities, which provides an opportunity to play and bond with your wee one in a creative and friendly environment. Book via Facebook or drop in.
Family Resources
Every Saturday to 19 Feb | 10am – 4pm | FREE Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G5 8QB, 0141 287 0500 www.glasgowlife.org.uk/ museums/scotland-street Have fun exploring the venue with our self-led trails while testing your knowledge about Charles Rennie Mackintosh and this fabulous school. Ask a member of our team at the enquiry desk for help and to point you in the right direction!
Film Time at Scotland Street School Museum
Every Sunday to 26 Feb | 11.30am and 2pm | FREE Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G5 8QB, 0141 287 0500 www.glasgowlife.org.uk/ museums/scotland-street Join us for a very special season of films from the world's best know Anime studio.
Imagine Lab
Every Tuesday | 10-11am | pre5s | FREE The Village Storytelling Centre, 183 Meiklerig Crescent, Glasgow, G53 5NA, 0141 8823025 www.villagestorytelling.org.uk Through interactive storytelling and play, pre-5s and their adults can cook up fantastic fictions and discover new worlds together. These sessions are informal and friendly and a great environment for little ones developing early speaking and listening skills.
Wee Kidders
Every Monday during term | 5-6.30pm | S1-S3 | FREE Every Monday during term | 3.30-5pm | P4-P7 | FREE Every Monday during term | 3.30-4.30pm | P1-P3 | FREE Every Tuesday during term | 3.30-4.30pm | P1-P3 | FREE The Village Storytelling Centre, 183 Meiklerig Crescent, Glasgow, G53 5NA, 0141 8823025 www.villagestorytelling.org.uk Hold on to your hats everybody because The Village's young people's storytelling group is back! Free to local children. Spaces are limited, please contact us to book.
Saturday Art Club
Every Saturday | 10.30 – 12.30pm | 3-12yrs | FREE Gallery of Modern Art, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G1 3AH, 0141 229 1996 Get creative and messy at these popular art sessions. If you’re waiting to participate, visit our CREATE Space, full of inspiring art activities and trails.
Saturday Song and Story Circle
Family Workshop
Every Saturday from 14 Jan to 25 Feb | 13.30-16.00 | FREE Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G5 8QB, 0141 287 0500 Using card and tissue paper, create a faux stained glass window, why not give your window some festive frost too! Every Sunday from 15 Jan to 26 Feb | 13.00-14.45 | FREE Scotland Street School Museum, 225 Scotland Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G5 8QB, 0141 287 0500 Come on this fun, fear filled and informative tour of Scotland Street School Museum. Do not be late or you will face the wrath of the heedie!
Tweeting Toddlers with the RSPB
Every Tuesday | 11.30am – 12pm | FREE Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G3 8AG, 0141 276 9500 Join the RSPB's exciting group for toddlers and carers with animal-themed songs, stories and activities! Meet on the Glasgow Map in Scotland’s Wildlife Gallery, although we may explore outside!
Toddler Time
Every Friday | 11.30am – 12.30pm | 1-3yrs | FREE Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G3 8AG, 0141 276 9500 Join us for fun in the galleries with songs, rhymes and stories. Sessions take inspiration from artworks and animals on display.
From 2 Jan to 15 Jan Elfie’s Magical Adventure! 11.30, 13.30, 14.00, 18.30, 19.30 | £14 - £23.50 Pavilion Theatre, 121 Renfield Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G2 3AX, 01413321846 www.paviliontheatre.co.uk Following on from the huge success of last year’s production, Christmas starts early again this year at the Pavilion Theatre Glasgow with this Brand New pantomime production, Elfie’s Magical Adventure. Full of Slapstick fun and sing-along Christmas Songs, it is sure to be the Funniest Show in Town! From 2 Jan to 15 Jan Irn Bru Carnival SECC www.irn-bru-carnival.com Various times | £13pp, Family of 4 £50, 3yrs and under free Europe’s largest indoor funfair returns to the SECC 5 Jan to 28 Feb Toucans and Lollipops - Road Safety at Riverside Every day | Various times | FREE Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G3 8RS, 0141 287 4350 www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/riverside A display which celebrates today's School Crossing patrol workers, also known as Lollipop People. Featured objects reveal changes in road safety education across 80 years. The display is brought right up to date with a current Lollipop Lady's uniform, a Ziggy road safety mascot, and fully-operational traffic lights which visitors can interact with on the miniature road crossing.
Every other Saturday and Sunday from 14 Jan to 11 Feb | 11.45-12.30 | 3-6yrs | FREE Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G3 8AG, 0141 276 9500 Songs and stories for 3-6 year olds but all the family are welcome.
Remember to mention you found it in Families! 16
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What’s On From 5 Jan to 17 Jan Scottish Ballet Hansel & Gretel Various times | £10-£37 Theatre Royal Glasgow, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3QA, 08448717627 www.atgtickets.com Unwrap a tasty new Christmas treat with the world premiere of Christopher Hampson's fantastical Hansel & Gretel! Scrumptiously surreal and with more than a sprinkle of festive magic - take an enchanting journey with Scotland's national dance company this winter - the evocative score is performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. 7 Jan to 8 Jan Make Your Own Totem Pole 13.30-16.00 | FREE Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G3 8AG, 0141 276 9500 Get creative and make your own totem pole of the animals in the Life Gallery. Sat 14 Jan Blast Off! 11-12pm & 2-3pm | 2-5yrs | FREE Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road,South Nitshill Industrial Estate, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G53 7NN, 0141 276 9300 Join us for an interactive adventure - young space explorers will take part in an interactive museums tour and then make their own space rocket. Sat 14 Jan The Monster Energy Arenacross Tour 2017 7.30pm | £28.40 - £49.95 The SSE Hydro, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW, 0141 2483000 www.thesehydro.com Full throttle Arenacross action returns to Glasgow! AX throws together an intoxicating mix of world-class indoor Motocross Racing, high-flying Freestyle Motocross and a show to rival any music festival including lights, lasers, pyro and a pumping soundtrack. Young racing warriors from the age of seven will take to the track, too!
14 Jan to 15 Jan Little Explorer Days – Dino Dig 10.30 – 15.30 | 3-5s | Adult £11, child FREE Glasgow Science Centre - Parties, 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G51 1EA, 0141 420 5000 www.glasgowsciencecentre.org Little Explorer Days are special days for 3-5 year olds. Each day has its own theme and includes a mix of workshops, drop ins, make and take activities. Take a journey back in time to find out about the dinosaurs that used to rule our planet. 14 to 25 Jan PlayTalkRead Roadshow – Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire Various locations and times | pre 5s | FREE www.facebook.com/playtalkread or www.playtalkread. scot/bus Our play buses Benji and Bessie are on the move – and they're coming your way. Perfect for pre-school children, our free play buses make a lovely day out for you and your child. Downstairs, kids love the games and activities. On the top deck, there's a special Bookbug story time to give your child the giggles or take them on a little adventure. It's a great way to help your child grow up smart, happy and at ease with the world. Please check Facebook @ playtalkread or the website for details 16 to 21 Jan Mother Goose 7.30pm, 2pm and 6pm | £10/8 Lenzie Academy, 8 Myrtle Avenue, Lenzie, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow G66 4HR www.kirkintillochplayers.co.uk Blow away those January blues and join Priscilla the Goose and her pals on an EGGciting and EGGxhilerating adventure in Gooseland in this year's panto EGGstravaganza - Mother Goose!
19 to 21 Jan
Jan 21 – Jan 22
The Glasgow Tattoo 18.30 | £39.75 - £51.10 The SSE Hydro, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW, 0141 2483000 www.thesehydro.com This historic event will showcase some of the finest musicians and dancers from Scotland, Ulster, and across Europe, in a three hour show. The Glasgow Tattoo will allow the bands and performers to showcase their talents for the first time on a large scale in an indoor Arena. The net has been cast far and wide to bring together bands and dancers of the highest standard. Sat 21 Jan Brier Rose 2pm | £5.95 Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G12 0QF, 0141 3396185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Based upon the Brothers Grimm version of Sleeping Beauty, Folding Theatre bring this fairy tale humorously to life. When the King and Queen are blessed with a beautiful baby girl they throw a big celebration, but they forget to invite one of the fairies...! Sat 21 Jan Natures Nasties 1-3pm | FREE Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road,South Nitshill Industrial Estate, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G53 7NN 0141 276 9300 Many creatures use poison as an attack of defence - come along for a close look at some of them. Participants will be taken on a tour around our natural history pod to look at and learn about various poisonous creatures, then move onto the learning room for a chance to handle some specimens.
Truck Art 11am-12.30pm | FREE Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G3 8RS 0141 287 4350 Get inspired by the South Asian truck painting and build and decorate your own truck. Sun 22 Jan Stand Kids Comedy Club: Storytelling Special! 3pm | 8-12yrs | £4 The Stand, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6NG 0141 212 3389 www.thestand.co.uk A very special version of the stand comedy clubs hit Kids Comedy club putting a spin on some classic kids books and stories - and making up a couple of new ones - in a show mixing stand up, improv & storytelling. Best suited for 8-12's. Sorry, no under 5’s and all young comedy fans must be accompanied by an adult. The Stand, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6NG, 0141 212 3389 24 Jan to 29 Jan Cirque Berserk! 7.30pm | Tickets £15.00 £28.00 Kings Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JN, 0844 871 7627 www.atgtickets.com/venues-kings-theatre/ Showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills, Cirque Berserk! brings this treasured form of live entertainment bang up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular, created especially for the theatre. Don’t miss it! Wed 25 Jan Monte Carlo Classic Car Rally 2017 6pm | FREE Paisley Abbey, Paisley The town of Paisley has once again been confirmed as the sole UK start point for the 2017 historic rally run to Monte Carlo. Close to a hundred cars in three separate categories are expected to leave the start ramp outside Paisley Abbey.
Find our full listings at familiesonline.co.uk Families Glasgow
Jan/Feb 2017
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What’s On Sat 28 Jan
National Awareness Days Jan/February 2016
Big School’s Birdwatch
3rd January to 17th February www.rspb.org.uk
World Religion Day 15th January
Burns Night 25th January
Holocaust Memorial Day
Mucklemouth Meg 2pm | £5.95 Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G12 0QF, 01413396185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk A true Scottish tale of how the ugliest lassie in the Borders got to marry the best lookin’ laddie from Selkirk. The heroine of this tale was regarded as nane sae bonnie, so much so that her father thought he could not find her a husband! But looks are not everything! Sat 28 Jan
27th January www.hmd.org.uk
National Bug Busting Day 31st January www.chc.org
National Storytelling Week
24th January to 8th February www.sfs.org.uk
Chinese New Year
Food Glorious 11-12pm and 2-3pm | FREE Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road,South Nitshill Industrial Estate, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G53 7NN, 0141 276 9300 Can you spot your favourite food in our storage pods? Get inspired and then create delicacies with hand-made play-doh! Sat 4 Feb
28th January
Raynaud Awareness Month 1st to 28th February www.sruk.co.uk
Safer Internet Day
7th February www.saferinternet.org.uk
St Valentine’s Day 14th February
Fairtrade Fortnight
27th February to 12th March
Shrove Tuesday
Big Magic Wand 2pm | £5.95 Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G12 0QF, 01413396185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Magical mayhem in this colourful, fun and interactive magic show for all the family. Of course Alex the Magician will need lots of little helpers to make his magic work and have you all laughing and giggling too. Sat 4 Feb
(pancake day) 28th February
25 Jan and 22 Feb Wee Creatives Last Wed of each month 10.30-11.30am and 1.302.30pm | FREE Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road,South Nitshill Industrial Estate, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G53 7NN, 0141 276 9300 Exploring museums for the very young, through objects, singing and stories. Creative Activities, free play and time to make friends.
Jungle Boogie 11-12pm and 2-3pm | under 5s | FREE Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road,South Nitshill Industrial Estate, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G53 7NN, 0141 276 9300 Come along and get your groove with all the animals at the GMRC! Storytelling sessions for the under 5s inspired by "Giraffes Can't Dance" by Giles Andreae.
Tue 7 Feb Stars over the Botanics 19.30-21.00 | £4 adult / £2 child www.theasg.org.uk Come and join astronomers from the Astronomical Society of Glasgow (ASG) for an evening of stargazing! We'll have a number of telescopes available for you to look through, all operated by our Astronomers, so you can be sure there will be something interesting to see. On the off chance that the weather is cloudy (or even raining), we can take you on a tour of the universe using planetarium software, show you the moon in fantastic detail, or show you some of the many phenomenon of the sky and sun like noctilucent clouds. Gates open at 7.15pm. Tickets on the gate. Event is limited to 40 people 10, 13 and 14 Feb Moon Adventures 11-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm | FREE Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G3 8RS, 0141 287 4350 Design your own rocket and travel to the Moon. Tue 14 Feb Black Beauty 2pm & 7pm | from 6yrs | £10 (Family of 3: £27, Family of 4: £36) Tron Theatre , 63 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5HB, 0141 552 4267 www.tron.co.uk Saddle up, jump on and gallop headlong into a story where loneliness gives way to hope, friends become heroes, and courage saves the day. Blending storytelling, music and puppetry, this vibrant re-telling of Black Beauty offers fun and adventure for fans of the book, classic TV show and those brand new to the tale, and is sure to warm your heart during the coldest of winter nights.
17 to 18 Feb Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10am, 1pm, 4pm / Tickets £17.15 - £38.15 King's Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G2 4JN, 08448717627 www.atgtickets.com Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this exciting, enchanting and magical musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family! 17 to 18 Feb Scooby Doo Live! Musical Mysteries 1.30pm & 4.30pm | £22.70 / £19.85 / £17.05 SECC, Finnieston Quay, Glasgow, G3 8YW, 0870 0404000 www.secc.co.uk In this exciting new production, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang have been called upon to help solve an epic mystery. With crazy ghosts, perplexing puzzles, and an abundance of Scooby Snacks, it’s Scooby-Doo and friends at their best! Sat 18 Feb Little Birds Baby and Toddler Show 10am - 4.30pm Trades Hall of Glasgow, 85 Glassford Street, Glasgow, G1 1UH, This event is designed for you to experience ways to network and get the most out of your time with your children; whether you are a parent already, or are expecting. We will bring a selection of high-quality designers and makers of children's fashion, offering products you would never find on the high street, along with services such as baby exercise, reading and educational groups and creativity workshops. On hand will also be information and advisory services, such as nutrition and infant feeding, holistic therapies, bathing and sleep advice and much more.
Remember to mention you found it in Families! 18
Jan/Feb 2017
Families Glasgow
What’s On Sat 18 Feb The Three Bears 2pm | £5.95 Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G12 0QF, 01413396185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Porridge, porridge, porridge, the three bears love it! Goldilocks lives above a syrup factory and has never tasted this delicious dish - until she visits the three bears. Shopping, healthy eating, and fun are the key elements of Clydebuilt’s show. Sat 18 Feb Dedicate a Nest Box 01412878349 Brian scott 11am - 1pm | cost n/a at time of print Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G43 1AT, 0141 287 8349 An opportunity to learn more about our park dedicate A Bird Box Scheme and buy or build your own nest box and dedicate it to yourself, your family or someone else you love.
Sun 19 Feb Funbox Presents Underwater Adventure 12pm & 3.30pm | £14.50 / family £50 SECC, Finnieston Quay, Glasgow, G3 8YW, 0870 0404000 www.secc.co.uk There’s something fishy going on in this latest singalong tail - the FUNBOX is locked and the gang will have to cause a splash because their magical keys are all tucked up in the sea bed. Can they find them all in time? Both shows are being filmed for the new DVD, so the star of the show could be you!
24 to 27 Feb Model Rail Scotland 2017 10am – 5pm | £11 adult / £5 child 5+ SECC www.modelrail-scotland.co.uk Model Rail Scotland 2017 is the biggest model railway show held in Scotland. A must for the model railway enthusiast and is a great day out for kids and grown-ups. Tickets may be bought at the show or in advance by visiting the Model Rail Scotland website. Sun 26 Feb
Issue 60 Winners: Bing
Heather Mann, Lynsey O'Dwyer, GhaZala Ansar
Isadora Moon
Andrea Stewart, Libby Pugh, Yvonne Keyes
SmartMax
Mrs Marianne Simpson
Song of the Deep
Flights 1-3pm | FREE Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road,South Nitshill Industrial Estate, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G53 7NN, 0141 276 9300 Themed tour of flight from birds to a jet engine. Then build your own mini flying machine.
Joyce Bennie, Usma Ashraf
iOn Originals
Karen Brown, Janette Power, Laura Pros
Carnival
Scott Corey, Cherie Davidson, Maria Quinn, Michelle MacDonald, Lorna Ross, Brian Marshall, Margaret McComiskey, Shona Wilcock, Jack Henry, Cara Miller
Find our full listings at familiesonline.co.uk
Families Glasgow
Jan/Feb 2017
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Are you looking for a career with all the rewards of helping children achieve, the independence of running your own business, and all the training and support of the world’s largest supplementary education provider? Kumon’s Maths and English Study Centres help children across the country to realise their potential and we have a number of existing and new business opportunities in your area.
Come to our information session on Saturday 11 February in Glasgow to find out how you could be part of our growing network. Book your place before 8 February to guarantee your place.
Call 0800 988 6584 to find out more. Missed this date? Why not book onto our next information session instead.