Families Cambridgeshire May June 24

The Perse Prep School are proud sponsors of

Will you be taking part in the giraffe trail?

Look out for our ‘Find a New Perspective’ giraffe in Market Square, Cambridge from 22 March – 2 June. When you find it, click on the QR code nearby to take part in our special Genius Giraffe quiz, where you can also download a special certificate.

Look out for Persey!

While you’re exploring Cambridge, why not stick your neck out and look for Persey our younger (calf) giraffe?

The designs on Persey were inspired by Prep art lessons about the Brazilian artist Beatriz Milhazes.

Persey would love to meet you, so please go and say hello inside Heffers Bookshop in Trinity Street, Cambridge.

Dear Reader,

With children’s mental health reaching crisis point, in this issue we have included features to help us, as parents and carers, to form good relationships with our children in the hope that this will help with any mental health struggles they may have. Longer days and sunny weekends make it easier to get outside as a family. Latest statistics show that family time is key to a healthy mind, so why not plan a day out; with plenty of inspiration in our ‘What’s On’ pages.

facebook.com/famcambsmag

Wise words!

A child is like a butterfly in the wind. Some can fly higher than others, but each one flies the best it can. Why compare one against the other? Each one is different, each one is special, each one is beautiful. Unknown

DON’T MISS A COPY! Receive Families Cambridgeshire by post for just £9.30 for 6 issues (1 year) or £18 for 12 issues (2 years). Call or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk for a subscription form.

A FAMILY TICKET TO AUDLEY END MINIATURE RAILWAY FOR A

TALE FANTASY THIS MAY HALF TERM (25TH MAY – 2ND JUNE).

Looking for a family adventure with the children this half term? Join Audley End Miniature Railway for an enchanting train journey into the forest. Encounter charming displays featuring beloved fairy tales from Saturday 25th May to Sunday 2nd

Children can get creative by crafting a nature crown and their very own wand to cast spells and add a touch of magic to their day. Families can explore the Fairy

Elf Walk, where children can spot tiny fairies living happily in nature. These

creatures also tend to the sensory nature corner, ensuring the wellbeing of the wildlife. Children can let off steam at the adventure playground and enjoy the ever-popular bubble time!

To enter please visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag and like and share our competition post and follow our page. Good luck. Please see the Facebook page for T&C’s.

What's in this issue?

15. Clubs & Classes

EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk

DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, caroline@thompson-heap.com

Families Cambridgeshire reaches over 40,000 readers and is available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.

Families Cambridgeshire is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cambridgeshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Cambridgeshire its distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

Wear it Green Day for Mental Health

Organise a Wear it Green Day in your school, workplace or community and help to raise vital funds and awareness for mental health.

By going green, you can support us in carrying out vital research and delivering programmes for different communities. We have all the resources you'll need to run your event, whether you’re holding a quiz at work, baking some treats for your family or holding a scavenger hunt at your school.

Join us for Wear It Green Day on Thursday 16th May during Mental Health Awareness Week (13th-19th May) – and let’s turn the world green for good mental health! If you can’t take part on this day, don’t worry, you can hold your Wear it Green Day at any time of the year. www.mentalhealth.org.uk

NAVIGATING THE 'BIG LITTLE LEAP' TO SCHOOL

No matter how well children are prepared for school, their transition to the classroom during the first few months plays a key role in their success, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that children who made a more successful transition in the first ten to fourteen weeks of school scored higher than others on tests of academic and socialbehavioural skills at the end of the school year.

Important parts of the transition -- what the researchers called a ‘big little leap’ -included making new friends, learning to work with others and adapting to new academic demands.

And a crucial finding was that this transition was important for all children.

‘Transition difficulties hurt children's development, regardless of the initial readiness skills that they entered with,’ said Jing Sun, lead author of the study from Ohio State University.

More info: www.bit.ly/BigLittleLeap

Join in during Walk to School Week

A generation ago, seventy percent of us walked to school – now it’s less than half. So Walk to School Week was started to encourage more kids to get out of the car and walk to school.

Walk to School Week is held from 20th to 24th May and is organised by the UK charity Living Streets to celebrate the health and wellbeing benefits of walking.

Families will be encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or Park and Stride to see the big differences that can come from small steps - from healthier and happier children who arrive refreshed, fit and ready to learn - to less congestion and fewer cars outside the school gates.

Download the Family Walk to School Kit, designed to help parents, carers and children make the walk to school work for them, by visiting www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school

Family fun with National Children’s Gardening Week

This summer, why not get involved in National Children’s Gardening week?

Taking place from 25th May to 2nd June, in the 'warm' half term at the end of May, means that pretty much throughout the UK children can plant all their favourite plants with less fear of weather damage or the need for complicated protective growing.

As well as simply good outdoor fun, gardening has been shown to have many benefits to health and wellbeing including being more physically active and feeling happier and more connected with the natural world.

There are many ways to get involved with National Children’s Gardening Week from DIY activities at home, to attending an event at a local garden centre.

More info: www.childrensgardeningweek. co.uk

Open Farm Sunday

Open Farm Sunday on 9th June provides a unique opportunity for families to explore real working farms and learn more about the countryside.

Managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), this annual event allows families and individuals to witness daily farm activities, engage with passionate farmers and learn about sustainable practices. Visitors can enjoy tractor-trailer rides, farm tours, nature trails, bug hunts, and even shop at farmers’ markets. The event bridges the gap between consumers and farmers, emphasising the importance of British agriculture.

It’s an educational, community-focused day that celebrates the hard work behind our food production and offers free access to farm experiences.

To find a farm opening their gates near you, visit www.farmsunday.org

NHS to open new specialist clinics for obese children

Thousands more children and young people who are severely obese will receive intensive support from the NHS, with ten new specialist clinics set to open across England.

The new services will launch this year, bringing the total to thirty clinics able to provide expert help to children and their families which can prevent long term conditions including Type 2 diabetes.

Around three thousand obese children and young people aged between 2 and 18, will receive help to lose weight, treatment for complications as well as tailored care packages developed with their family, which could include diet plans, mental health care and coaching.

‘Obesity can lead to a string of serious illnesses such as cancer and diabetes – bringing a terrible human cost, and also a real pressure on the NHS’ according to NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard. More info: www.england.nhs.uk

RISE IN MEASLES CASES PROMPTS VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

A national campaign to boost uptake of a vaccine that protects against measles has been launched in England after a rise in cases of the potentially deadly disease.

Measles outbreaks have occurred around the country, including in London, with the West Midlands experiencing cases at their highest level since the mid-1990s.

The situation has led the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to declare a national incident, with health experts warning further outbreaks could occur in other towns and cities unless uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine increases.

Figures from NHS England suggest more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 years are unprotected against this trio of serious and preventable diseases.

The new campaign will encourage children who have not had MMR vaccinations to receive their missed doses.

More info: https://bit.ly/ NHSMeasles

Clean Air Day

Participating in National Clean Air Day on 20th June allows your family to contribute to the collective effort of improving air quality and creating a healthier environment. Here are some impactful ways to get involved:

Reduce Vehicle Emissions: Choose alternative modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, or using public transport whenever possible.

Support Clean Energy: Advocate for and support the transition to cleaner energy sources. Use energy-efficient appliances, promote renewable energy options and explore opportunities to reduce energy consumption in your home.

Plant Trees and Green Spaces: Participate in tree-planting initiatives or support organisations that focus on creating and maintaining green spaces in urban areas. Trees act as natural filters, absorbing pollutants and improving air quality.

Raise Awareness: Spread the word about National Clean Air Day through social media, local community groups and schools. For free resources to help you get involved at www.bit.ly/ CleanAirDayUK

WhatsApp campaign to ban smartphones goes viral

More than four thousand parents have joined a group committed to barring pre-teen children from having smartphones, as concerns grow about online safety and the harmful impact of social media on mental health.

The WhatsApp group Smartphone Free Childhood was created by the former school friends Clare Fernyhough and Daisy Greenwell in response to their fears around children’s smartphone use and the ‘norm’ of giving children smart devices when they go to secondary school.

Ofcom research found that ninety one percent of children in the UK own a smartphone by age 11 and forty four percent by age 9.

What they expected to be a small group of friends who help ‘empower each other’ has turned into a nationwide campaign after the group reached the 1,000-person capacity within twenty four hours. It has now been converted into a community and has over 4,500 members. More info: www.smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk

Boost garden butterfly numbers by up to 93%

Letting parts of your garden grow wild with long grass can increase butterfly numbers by up to 93% and attract a wider range of species, according to new research from leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation.

Undertaken by Butterfly Conservation scientists Dr Lisbeth Hordley and Dr Richard Fox, the research analysed butterfly sightings from more than 600 gardens across the UK, collected by members of the public over six years through the charity's Garden Butterfly Survey. The results show that gardens with long grass had a significantly higher number of butterflies recorded, with a greater variety of species, than those without. To create your own Wild Space visit www.wild-spaces.co.uk

New parent meal bundle

When you have your hands full – literally – planning your supper can be the last thing on your mind, let alone finding the time to cook it. Committed to convenience without compromise, awardwinning pre-prepared frozen meal brand, FieldGoods, is launching a brand-new gifting bundle designed for new parents, packed with nourishing dishes for two that can be cooked and on the dinner table in as little as ten minutes.

The new parent gift bundle makes an ideal present to gift new sleep-deprived, frazzled parents, allowing them to unwind and enjoy nutritious, handcrafted meals with no prep required. In support of Tommy’s, the UK’s leading charity funding research into pregnancy complications and baby loss, FieldGoods will be donating 10% of each new parent gift bundle sale to aid researchers, doctors and midwives dedicated to saving babies lives.

Each new parent bundle will contain six twoperson portions. Expect comforting classic dishes such as a slow-cooked Pork and Fennel Ragu with juicy Italian tomatoes, red wine and a hint of chilli; Chicken and Leek Pie with buttery sautéed leeks and creamy mushroom and tarragon sauce; and a tender Lamb and Apricot Tagine, cooked with juicy apricots, plum tomatoes and a heady mix of spices. Want to add a little extra? Add on side dishes and desserts such as Miso Butter Hispi Cabbage and Sticky Toffee Pudding at check out.

The perfect practical present for parents navigating the trials and tribulations of a new-born, the gift bundle retails at £72 or gift cards are available to purchase at any value. Order online for free next day delivery throughout mainland Britain from www.fieldgoods.co.uk.

The Montessori inspired playshelf

Transform your home with The Playshelf by Lovevery. Crafted from sleek birchwood, this 2-in-1 storage solution eliminates clutter and promotes a curated, Montessori-inspired play experience.

With the Playshelf, you can effortlessly rotate toys to create a serene environment where your child can focus and explore. The Playshelf has a soft-close technology to protect your child’s fingers so they can take charge of their learning journey and thrive in a space that fosters curiosity and respect. Wooden Trays & Felt Baskets (£45) are sold separately as an add-on to The Playshelf. Playshelf RRP £390, www.lovevery.co.uk

Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreamers, the multi-award-winning brand behind Ewan the Dream Sheep, is thrilled to be unveiling a wider size range into its ever growing collection of sleep essentials.

Ideal for babies from birth up to the age of 2 years; The Sweet Dreamers Sleeping Bag has plenty of room for growth with popper openings at the sleeve and a clever two-way zip, to limit any disturbances during any night-time nappy changes.

Made from a super soft fabric, the sleeping bags are ideal for delicate skin, keeping things breathable and comfortable too. Coming in two colour options, Grey and Pink, the sleeping bag also takes little ones through each season, with a 1.0 tog soft stretchy bamboo fabric for the upcoming summer months, and 2.5 tog organic cotton for use all year round.

RRP: From £34.99 | Stockist: Sweet Dreamers

What’s On

Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in

Cambridgeshire

Summer Gardens

WHEN: Until 9th June, 10.00 – 16.00

WHERE: Chippenham Park Gardens

Chippenham Park Gardens are absolutely thriving during these months and they can’t wait for you to see the picturesque views! Acres of gardens and woodland walks, large borders and a multitude of roses and rare and unusual plants.

Adult £7; Children £3 (Under 5’s Free) (Cash only) www.chippenhamparkgardens. info/opening-dates

Great Fen Little Bugs

WHEN: 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd May, 10.30 – 12.00

WHERE: Wildlife Countryside Centre, Ramsey Heights

A fun and sociable morning of exploration and discovery for pre-school children and their guardians. From £2.00 www.wildlifebcn.org

Leaf Boggarts

WHEN: 4th May, 10.00 – 13.00

WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Bring your imagination along to this session where you will be making boggarts, pixies and all kinds of magical creatures out of sticks, clay and leaves. Age 3+ Free. Booking essential. Adult garden entry payable. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/

BLUEY

WHEN: 16th – 19th May

WHERE: New Theatre, Peterborough

Bluey’s Big PlayPlay is a brandnew theatrical adaptation of The Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.

Wildlife Watch –Pond Dipping

WHEN: 18th May, 14.00 – 16.00

WHERE: Trumpington Meadows

Join the Wildlife Watch at Trumpington Meadows nature reserve for family fun - find out what lives in their pond! Finish off with a fun craft to take home! Ages 5 – 11. From £5.00 www.wildlifebcn.org

East Coast Giants

WHEN: 25th - 27th May

WHERE: Nene Valley Railway

Join the NVR to celebrate the Giants of the East Coast with 60163 Tornado and Deltic 55013 Black Watch www.nvr.org.uk

Fairy Tale

May

Half Term

WHEN: 25th May – 2nd June

WHERE: Audley End Railway

Take an enchanting journey into the forest, where you’ll encounter charming displays featuring beloved fairy tales. Craft a nature

crown using natural materials

sourced from the forest, explore the Fairy and Elf Walk and let off steam at the adventure playground. From £7.25 www. audley-end-railway.co.uk/whatson 01799 510726

Awful Auntie

WHEN: 29th May – 2nd June

WHERE: Cambridge Arts Theatre

Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life in this UK premiere. www.newtheatre-peterborough.com 01733 852992

Comedy Club 4 Kids

WHEN: 26th May, 14.00

WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange

Comedy Club 4 Kids has the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit doing their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude bits! From £8.50 www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk/theatre 01553 764864

IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE

WHEN: Tue 28th – Wed 29th May

WHERE: New Theatre, Peterborough

Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their fun-filled live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny sounds until he finds them all! www.newtheatrepeterborough.com 01733 852992

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

WHEN: 25th May – 2nd June (Thursdays – Sundays), 10.00 – 16.00

WHERE: Royston Museum

Start your engine, blow your whistle and chocks away for transport fun this half term. Design a vehicle for Royston Museum’s community art project, see how far you can fly your plane and more, there’s something for everyone.

£3 per child

www.roystonmuseum.org.uk/

events

01763 242 587

A fabulous new production of David Walliams’ amazing adventure, featuring a small ghost, a huge owl and a very awful Auntie! Age 5+

From £20.00

www.cambridgeartstheatre.com 01223 503333

Top Secret –The Magic of Science

WHEN: 30th May, 14.00

WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange

Experience non-stop actionpacked interactive magical science experiments that will capture the imagination. A fast-moving and colourful magical science show, packed with mystery, suspense, and heaps of mess! From £11.00

www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk/theatre 01553 764864

Pop Divas Live!

WHEN: 31st May, 15.00

WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange

Your little divas and their friends will have the best time of their lives at Pop Divas Live! Featuring all their favourite female stars including Little Mix, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande and many more, the hits just keep on coming. £17.00

www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk/theatre 01553 764864

Please mention Families Cambridgeshire when replying to events

Herb Planting

WHEN: 1st June, 10.00 – 13.00

WHERE: Cambridge University

Botanic Garden

Join this event as part of National Children’s Gardening week where you will be decorating planters to grow your own herbs. Age 3+ Free. Booking essential. Adult garden entry payable. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/

Mail by Rail

WHEN: 1st - 2nd June

WHERE: Nene Valley Railway

Join us at the Nene Valley Railway to explore how mail has been moved around the country for over a hundred years. On the Travelling Post Office train you can test your mail sorting speed, a hands-on activity for young and old. www.nvr.org.uk

THE LION INSIDE

WHEN: 11th – 12th Jun

Outdoor Theatre – The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle

WHEN: 7th June, 18.00 WHERE: Skylark Garden Centre, Wimblington

Hugh Lofting’s timeless classic celebrates the power of empathy and inspires audiences young and old to see the world through the eyes of animals. This funny, exciting new family musical is performed with flair and wit by Illyria in the great outdoors. From £10.00 www.skylark-events.co.uk 01354 741212

Outdoor Cinema –3 Viewings

WHEN: 14th – 16th June

WHERE: Skylark Garden Centre, Wimblington

Smash-hit classics for all ages to enjoy! On show is The Greatest Showman, Barbie and Dirty Dancing – there’s something for everyone. From £9.00 www.skylark-events.co.uk 01354 741212

WHERE: New Theatre, Peterborough

‘No matter your size, we all have a mouse and a lion inside.’ A heart-warming tale about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar. www.newtheatre-peterborough.com 01733 852992

Thomas Branch Line

WHEN: 22nd - 23rd June

WHERE: Nene Valley Railway

Ride behind Thomas as he steams along his Branch Line from Wansford to Yarwell www.nvr.org.uk

Outdoor Theatre

Romeo & Juliet

WHEN: 27th June, 19.00

WHERE: Skylark Garden Centre, Wimblington

The Montagues and the Capulets are at war with one another, but when Montague’s son gatecrashes Capulet’s party in disguise and falls in love with Capulet’s daughter a chain-reaction of events is set in motion which has a devastating conclusion. From £10.00, 01354 741212 www.skylark-events.co.uk

Summer FayreFolkish

WHEN: 6th July, 10.00 – 16.00

WHERE: Royston Museum

Celebrate the summer at Royston Museum. With hands on activities and traditional garden games, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. www.roystonmuseum.org.uk/ events 01763 242 587

The Raptor Foundation

WHEN: May and June

WHERE: Woodhurst, Huntingdon

A great family day out. Get up close to the birds and have them fly over your heads with 3 daily flying displays, Keeper talks taking you around the centre, Tearoom and Gift Shop. Book one of their Experience days. Lots of activities for the children to do. Follow them on Instagram and X. From £4.50 www.raptorfoundation.org.uk

Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre

WHEN: May and June, 10.00 – 17.00

WHERE: Stow Bardolph

Make friends with a wide variety of tame animals and experience all their young at close quarters throughout the season as well as enjoying their adventure playground. www. churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk 01366 382162

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

WHEN: 3rd and 4th July, 13.30

WHERE: Key Theatre, Peterborough

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised! Age 3+ From £17.00 www.keytheatre-peterborough.com 01733 852992

BECOME A

FOSTER

CARER AND MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF LOCAL CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

If you’ve thought about fostering, you may have moved on from the idea thinking you don’t fit the criteria you imagine is required. The reality is there’s no such thing as a typical child and no such thing as a typical carer - our foster carers come from all walks of life. If you have a caring nature and the dedication to help transform a child or young person’s life, then you could be the ideal person to step up and make a difference.

To apply you must be a British Citizen or have indefinite leave to remain, hold no criminal convictions for violence against children or a sexual offence, be over 21 years old, and have a spare bedroom in a safe, secure, and loving home.

Why do we need foster carers so urgently?

Locally we have a shortage of foster carers which means that many children are having to move out of Cambridgeshire. When you foster for us, you will be helping children to stay in the local area, and to maintain their school, friendship, and community connections.

How long does it take to become a foster carer?

On average, it takes four to six months from getting in touch and acceptance to becoming an approved foster carer.

The myths...

Don’t rule yourself out or let ‘myths’ stop you from making an enquiry. This could be your opportunity to do something amazing by helping a child or young person to reach their potential.

Foster for us!

You can make a real difference to the lives of children or young people as a foster carer for your local authority.

SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE’RE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED INCLUDE:

Can I foster if I identify as LGBTQIA+?

Yes – we welcome foster carers from all backgrounds and people of any gender or sexual orientation.

I’m single – can I foster?

Yes – you can be single, in a relationship or married and still foster with us if you can provide a stable, loving home.

I work full time, am I able to foster?

Yes – we offer different types of fostering which can fit around your work commitments. Being a full-time worker will not necessarily prevent you from becoming a foster carer.

Can I foster a child from a different ethnic background or religion?

Yes – you can be from a different ethnic background to the child(ren) you foster and can be of any or no religious faith. We offer additional courses to help educate you about how best to support a child or young person from a different ethnic background.

For more information visit www. cambridgeshire.gov.uk/fostering. Call our friendly recruitment officers, who will support you every step of the way during your enquiry, on 0800 052 0078 or email fostering@cambrigdeshire.gov.uk

Generous pay and benefits 24/7 support Local training and development Local support groups and networking opportunities

If you are over 21, have a spare bedroom, and are willing and able to provide a stable and loving environment for children, then we want to hear from you.

0800 052 0078

Text FOSTERING to 60777

Email fostering@cambridgeshire gov uk Visit cambridgeshire gov uk/fostering

Parenting for your Children’s Mental Health

There is no way to guarantee perfect mental health for your children. But there’s a lot you can do, and be, to help.

Firstly, parents need to show warmth, acceptance and understanding. They need to be available physically and emotionally. They must be able to love, trust, respect and they need to know how to soothe, play and be generous with their attention and time. They need to love and to have boundaries.

By Philippa Perry

Mental AwarenessHealthWeek 13th-19th May 2024

We have these qualities already: the trouble is, other things can get in the way. Things like childcare, money, school, work, tiredness, lack of time and busy-ness … and this is not an exhaustive list. But what gets in the way more than any of this is what was given to us when we were babies and children. If we don’t look at how we were brought up and the affect it has had on us, it can come back to bite us. Remember when you last remarked something along the lines of: “I opened my mouth and my mother’s words came out?”

Think back to your childhood: were you ever made to feel ‘bad,’ in the wrong, or even responsible for your parents’ bad moods? If this happened to you, it is all too easy to try to repair your feeling of being wrong by making someone else feel wrong. The victims of this can be our children. So, we also need to be humble, flexible and admit to our kids when we’ve slipped up. We want them to know how and when to apologise, and not to hold on to being right when they have been mistaken. The only way to really teach our children this, is to show it.

Luckily, we make mistakes ourselves, so all have plenty of opportunities to model this. I never realised I was modelling every time I said ‘sorry’ to my daughter. I didn’t realise she was learning to do this herself until one day, aged about 4, she said to me: “Sorry I was grumpy in the car, I was hungry, I’m alright now.”’ I said something like: “That’s okay.” But inside I was: ‘Wow!’

Another quality we need is optimism. Optimism that our children will pick up all the skills we model that everyone needs to get along: flexibility, problemsolving skills, tolerance for frustration and empathy. We all do better when someone we respect believes in us.

Good relationships with our children depend so much on being a good listener and observer. So often we only see and hear what we want to. Or sometimes we think we’ve heard but immediately interpret what they’ve said as an attack. For example, your child might say to you: “We never go out” when just last week you’ve taken them to a theme park. You might want to explode with: “How can you say that, we went to Legoland last week?” This would probably lead to an argument. If instead you listened to the feelings under those words and said: “You sound bored and fed up. What would you like to do?” and then they’d say something like: “I want to go back to Legoland again.” You could then have a moment of connection and say: “Yeah that was fun”.

When we really listen to our children, we will hear that for a lot of the time, they don’t want us to fix them, they want us to understand them. They want to be felt with, not dealt with. If our children can feel heard, understood and seen, and especially if parents can help them put their feelings into words, they will be able to confide in you rather than hide from you.

More than anything what our children need from us is our loving attention; to be taken seriously and understood. Being seen is a good defence against being driven crazy. More than anything we need to remember that children are not projects - something we get right or ruin, or chores to get through, but people to relate to.

“It is a joy to be hidden, and disaster not to be found.”

Donald Winnacott

Philippa Perry is the author of The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did), published by Penguin Life.

SUMMER 2024 TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Your child’s mental health: spotting the signs

Would you recognise the signs? It’s Mental Health Awareness Week

between 13th and 19th May and Families has teamed up with Fegans, a children’s mental health charity, to give you some more information about recognising and supporting your child if they are facing challenges with their mental health.

If your child is exhibiting any of the following behaviours, it may indicate that they are struggling:

• becoming withdrawn

• isolating themselves from friends and family

• having mood changes

• school attendance or grades dropping

• loss of interest in hobbies or activities that they used to enjoy

• more time spent texting or online (gaming, websites)

• secrecy around online habits

• loss of appetite/weight, increased appetite/weight gain

How can you get support for your child?

Try to keep the lines of communication open with your child and be available to talk to them when they are ready. Children often prefer to talk about difficult things when they are doing another activity, so the conversation doesn’t feel like an interrogation.

When your child does open up, do your best to see things from their point of view and discuss with them what help they would like. Try to be supportive, and non-judgemental if the child ‘owns up’ to something you do not approve of as a parent.

Children’s counselling can be accessed through charities like Fegans and other counselling agencies. It is important to ensure that any counsellor you choose is fully qualified and has appropriate experience in working with children. Your GP may be able to make recommendations or make a referral for your child. A register of private qualified counsellors can be found at www.bacp.co.uk

Your child’s school will also work with you to help support your child in class and during non-teaching times too. If your child wants someone impartial to talk to, schools often have counsellors in place.

What happens in counselling?

When parents give consent for their child to have counselling, the counsellor will explain confidentiality and its limits to both you and your child at the start. Younger children naturally communicate through play. So a counsellor will use toys, games and creative materials to

help a child express their feelings and emotions in a safe therapeutic environment. Counselling for older children or teenagers is based on the more adult form of talk therapy.

The counselling sessions for a child are confidential in the same way as they would be for an adult, so you will not be getting regular updates from the counsellor, although your child can, of course, discuss anything about the counselling with you. The exception to this (which the child is made aware of at the start) is if any safeguarding issues arise which need discussion with other adults to ensure the child’s safety.

How to know when to end counselling?

Fegans works to an open-ended model, which means that the counsellor and child decide together when to end. In schools there will usually be liaison between the counsellor, SENCO (or whoever makes the referrals) and the parent on this decision.

Often you and your child’s school will already have noticed that your child is managing better and this is often an indicator that the child is ready to end their counselling sessions.

Fegans provides professional counselling for children and also coaches parents in need of emotional support and practical techniques to parent with confidence. For more information, visit www.fegans.org.uk

AND WHAT ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

Be honest with yourself about how you are coping. Being a parent is one of the most difficult jobs in the world and it is OK to ask for help. Talk to your friends and family, and if you really are struggling to cope, make an appointment with your GP. Try to take some time out for yourself every day doing something that you enjoy or find relaxing. Have a hobby or interest that is just for you. Do not feel guilty about looking after your own wellbeing. It enables you to be the best support you can for your child because you cannot pour from an empty cup. And by showing children what good selfcare looks like, you are equipping them with the skills they need to thrive.

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VERSATILE: Equipped with spacious, customizable storage compartments, accommodating everything from nappy bags and school backpacks to furry companions and weekly groceries. With options for child seats, pet carriers, and cargo racks, you can tailor your cargo bike to suit your family's needs.

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What’s On

Things to do this Summer - drama, music & sport something for everyone in Cambridgeshire

Wiggle and Giggle

WHEN: Fridays during term time, 10.30 – 11.00

WHERE: Whittlesey Library

Singing nursery rhymes has been proven to help children develop their language and pre-literacy skills. By using rhythmic language and repetition children learn how words are formed, supporting the early stages of language development. Using actions with songs improves hand-eye coordination. FREE

Razzamataz Cambridge

WHERE: Impington Village College, Impington

Performing arts training for Razz Tots (2-3yrs), Minis (4-5yrs), Juniors (6-8), Inters (9-11yrs) to Razz Seniors (12-18yrs) along with Street Dance (7-18yrs) and Acro Arts (7-18yrs), with access to talented performers through specialist workshops and classes. Small classes to nurture a child’s confidence and self-esteem, all while making sure they are having a lot of fun.

From £72 for 12 weeks. Free taster session available. www.cambridge.razzamataz.

co.uk

01223 755113 or 07895 347239

SAILING COURSE

WHERE: Paxton Lakes, Little Paxton

WHEN: May Half Term, 9.30 – 12.30 or 13.30 – 16.30

Official RYA training centre that welcomes people 8 years +, with large selection of boats and equipment available. Tuition in 4 lessons, either mornings or afternoons on 4 consecutive days.

Adult £130.00 Child (minimum age 8) £110.00 www.paxtonlakes.org.uk/index.php/sailing-school 07736 670570 (evenings only)

Stagecoach Performing Arts Classes

WHERE: Chesterton Community College; Coleridge Campus, Cambridge; and Cambourne Village College, Cambourne Stagecoach aims to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes, stretching young imaginations and helping them to develop confidence, physical awareness, communication and articulation. Classes start with Early Stages for children aged 4 – 6 years, moving on to Main Stages for 6 – 18 years(children split by age into smaller groups) and Further Stages for children aged 16+.

From £25.00 for two-week trial www.stagecoach.co.uk 01223 359974

West Anglian Orienteering Club

WHERE: Milton, Trumpington, Ferry Meadows

Hold regular events with courses suitable for children and newcomers, many events have training sessions for club juniors. Also provide two junior training nights each term. www.waoc.org.uk/juniors

Storytime for Under 5’s

WHERE: Libraries around Cambridgeshire

Take your child to the library and listen to lovely stories read by the staff and volunteers and find out what the library has to offer! Cambridgeshire Libraries deliver regular Storytimes across the whole of the county. Free but donations welcome. www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/ directory/

All Stars Cricket

WHERE: Venues around Cambridgeshire

The All Stars Cricket programme is designed to introduce children to the sport, teaching them new skills, helping them make new friends and have a great time doing so. Every child that registers will receive a personalised t-shirt with their name on it. Ages 5 – 8 years. From £30.00 (8 week programme)

www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars

Confidence Building Fun with Perform

WHERE & WHEN: Mondays at St Andrew's Church Hall, CB4 1DH; Wednesdays at Hills Road

Sports &Tennis Centre, CB2 8PF; Thursdays at St John's Church Hall, CB2 8RN; Saturdays at Newnham Croft Primary, CB3 9JF

Perform drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4 to 7 and 7 to 12 will boost your child’s confidence and give them a creative outlet to make friends and have fun. Every child is welcome to try a free class to see if they like it. Just visit www.perform.org.uk/try 0207 255 9120

Girlguiding - Rainbows (4-7), Brownies (7-10), Guides (10-14) or Rangers (14-18)

WHERE: Locations around Cambridgeshire

Girlguiding offers a safespace in which your child can build confidence, learn new skills and discover who they want to be through an action-packed programme with something for every girl.

www.girlguiding-anglia.org.uk

Scouts –ages 4 to 25 Locations around Cambridgeshire

As a Scout you can learn survival skills, first aid, computer programming, or even how to fly a plane. It’s a great way to have fun, make friends, get outdoors, express your creativity and experience the wider world. www.cambridgeshirescouts. org.uk

Dynamos Cricket

WHERE: Venues around Cambridgeshire

Dynamos Cricket focuses on developing the fundamental skills required to play cricket. Every child who registers will receive their very own Dynamos Cricket New Balance t-shirt, personalised with their name and number. Age 8 – 11 years. From £40.00 (8 week programme) www.ecb.co.uk/play/dynamoscricket

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 2024 Cambridge

22nd - 28th July

Summer week 1 - 7 - 15 years old

29 th July - 4th August

Summer week 2 - 7 - 15 years old

5th August - 9 th August

Summer week 3 - 7 - 15 years old

12th August - 16th August

Summer week 3 - 7 - 15 years old