Families Cambridgeshire November December 2023

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A BR A N D N EW SHOW FOR 202 3 W I TH SANTA & FRI ENDS

8th – 24th December 2023 Ben’s Yard Pop-Up Theatre Ben’s Yard, Stuntney Estate, Ely CB7 5TR Book your tickets now!

01353 725 026 | www.kdtheatre.co.uk

Issue 79 November/December 2023

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Contents & Competitions

Dear Reader,

What's in this issue?

Though the December calendar always seems to magically fill up on its own with holiday parties, school productions, and family gatherings, this is also the time of year when you may start seeking out Christmas activities to add to your holiday traditions and keep the little ones busy in the excitement and build up to Christmas. Whether you’re a little bored and in search of fun, lighthearted Christmas activities to do with friends, craft fairs, pantomimes, Christmas light switch on’s and holiday clubs to keep them busy while you get on with Christmas shopping you will find it all here to save you Wise wor scrolling endlessly on the web! Our roundup of the best ds!

“The bas ic Christmas activities features fun, festive ideas for all a Merry C ingredients to hri gifts of ti stmas are the ages and group sizes. me and lo ve.”

Unk Merry Christmas

4.

News & Views

7.

Baby News

8.

What's On

11. Christmas Lights 12. Developing your child's social skills

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13. Gift Guide 15. Clubs & Classes

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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.

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

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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.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Amanda Dawson, admin@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk DESIGN: Caroline Thompson-Heap, info@cheekymonkeydesigns.net

A FAMILY TICKET* TO THE NUTCRACKER AT CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE

An annual festive treat, The Nutcracker returns to the Corn Exchange this December, a spectacular family favourite and the perfect introduction to classical ballet. Tchaikovsky’s delightful score, performed by a live orchestra, completes this magical experience.

The Nutcracker is a feast for the senses; the enchanting tale of Clara’s adventures with her Nutcracker Prince is full of magic and wonder for audiences of all ages.

The ballet is presented by the International Classic Ballet Theatre. This company of international dancers made its UK debut in 2022/23 to great acclaim. Each dancer is carefully selected for their grace, skill and athleticism, essential for the classical style of ballet presented.

Performances of The Nutcracker are from Wednesday 27th-Saturday 30th December.

We’re offering the chance for one lucky reader to win a family ticket (four seats, valued at £170) to The Nutcracker on Wednesday 27th December at 7.30pm.

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 3

News & Views

Avery Row’s Christmas Collection Get to know the exclusive range of unique pieces designed to bring some extra special hygge into your home. Discover the most delightful Stockings, Advent Calendars, Tree Decorations, Garlands, Festive Dolls, Sleepsuits and Pyjamas at Avery Row this Christmas. We fell in love with the softest 100% organic cotton flannel Nutcracker pyjamas that bring to life beloved characters from the Nation's favourite Christmas ballet: Rocking horses, drums, candy canes

Less play linked to rise in mental health problems

Fewer opportunities to play and roam free has led to a decline in mental health among adolescents, new research suggests.

The team behind the findings say the reduction in play stems from parents’ ‘good intentions carried too far’ as families are subject to more messages about keeping children safe and more emphasis on school achievement.

The research was carried out by three prominent specialists in child development at the University of Florida, who say that children’s worsening mental health has ‘crept up on us gradually, over decades.’

Taking part in ‘risky’ play, such as climbing high in trees and activities which encourage personal responsibility, can help to develop self-confidence and reduce the risk of future anxiety, say the study authors, but children are being given fewer opportunities to engage in these sorts of activities. More info: www.bit.ly/FloridaUni

and gifts dance across this enchanting scene. If only they made them for adults too! £36.00 www.avery-row.com

Aged between 40 & 74: Book a free health check now

An NHS Health Check is a free checkup delivered by health professionals for adults aged 40 to 74 to help lower the risk of serious health conditions. They are designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.

Even if you feel perfectly well, as you get older your chances of developing the health conditions above increase. Having an NHS Health Check can help you to spot signs of health conditions early and find ways to lower their risk, where they can help you to get specialist support if needed.

During the 20-30 min session, they will check your blood pressure, height, weight, BMI (a measure of whether you are a healthy weight), cholesterol and hbA1C (diabetes).

Call 0333 005 0093 or text healthyu

Make Noise About Bullying - Anti-Bullying Week 2023 Anti-Bullying Week runs from Monday 13th to Friday 17th November this year, with the theme ‘Make a Noise About Bullying’.

The week will kick off with Odd Socks Day on Monday 13th November, during which adults and children wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.

The theme of Make A Noise About Bullying came about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the AntiBullying Alliance which coordinates Anti-Bullying Week. Teachers and children wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes.

In 2022, eighty percent of schools marked the week, reaching over 7.5 million children. More info:www.antibullyingalliance.org.uk

Please mention Families Cambridgeshire Magazine when replying to adverts 4 Families Cambridgeshire

familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views

Magical events this Christmas at Ferry Meadows

As visitors arrive at the Winter Festival, they will take a stroll through a beautifully lit woodland, with illuminated willow creatures at every twist and turn, created by Dragon Willow. This will lead onto the enchanted forest where visitors will encounter performers from Eastern School of Performing Arts and an audio visual installation

by Syntax Poetry Collective members featuring brand-new poems inspired by their favourite forest creatures. Plenty of secrets and magical moments will be woven into the journey, to surprise and delight visitors of all ages.

The trail will lead to a unique travelling cinema showing the muchloved Christmas classic ‘The Snowman (U)’. Traditional fairground stalls and festive food and drink by Meadow Brown will add to the experience, along with a pop-up Christmas shop, perfect for finding unique gifts and treats.

The Winter Festival will be running in Ferry Meadows every day from the 1st to 24th December, with tickets priced at just £9.50 each (free for carers and under 3’s) with free parking included. Sessions start at 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm, with all ticket proceeds going straight towards the upkeep of the beautiful Park, making this event the largest fundraiser of the year!

Book your tickets now at www.nenepark.org.uk/winter-festival

Reading to infants daily can improve language development A recent study has found that daily reading can improve language development in infants 12 months and younger.

The study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine in December analysed the development of language in toddlers and found that infants who read at least one book a day demonstrated improved language scores at as early as 9 months of age.

Parents were given a set of twenty interactive children's books specifically chosen by researchers to support early language development in toddlers. Families agreed to read to their infants at least once per day and have their children regularly tested.

‘One book each day is an easy goal for new families to try. To see that there is a measurable improvement in speaking and understanding before one year old is very exciting’ said the authors.

More info: www.bit.ly/BabyReading

Pre-school play with friends lowers risk of mental health problems

Children who learn to play well with their peers by age 3 are likely to enjoy better mental health later in childhood, according to research from the University of Cambridge.

The study is said to be the first to establish a connection between ‘peer play ability’ before children go to school and improved mental health at age 7. Researchers say it is the quality – rather than quantity – of play that matters.

Researchers analysed data from almost one thousand seven hundred children in Australia, taken at ages 3 and 7 and found those with better peer play ability when younger showed fewer signs of poor mental health four years later.

These children tended to have lower hyperactivity, fewer conduct and emotional problems and were less likely to get into fights or disagreements with other children. More info: www.bit.ly/PeerPlay

Cambridge Kids Clubs team are OSCA winners Staff at a Cambridgeshire wraparound childcare provider are celebrating after winning a national award for the quality of their out-ofschool club provision.

Cambridge Kids Club was named Play Setting of the Year at this year’s OSCAs - the Out of School Club Awards - held as part of Club Central, the national conference for out-of-school club providers.

Panash Shah, director of Cambridge Kids Club, said: “We’re delighted and proud to have won this particular award because it embodies our ethos of using play as the starting point for developing young minds.

“Our breakfast, after-school and holiday clubs are built around the idea of learning and developing through play, and this award is recognition of the way our staff have embraced this philosophy to create fun, educational environments for our children.

“Encouraging children to guide their own play is at the heart of what we do, and we achieve that by offering a vast choice from games and activities to arts and crafts and cookery. Ultimately it’s about using play and fun to help children to achieve their potential.” www.cambridgekidsclub.com familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 5

The

Nutcracker Music: Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Wed 27 Dec - 7.30pm Thu 28 - Sat 30 Dec - 2.30pm & 7.30pm cornex.co.uk Box Office 01223 357851

Families Baby News

The Sleep Fairy

EXC

LUSIVE Calling upon fairies as children go to sleep at night is 1 5 % d iscount a psychologist endorsed method to help them relax into a good night of sleep. Children can talk about their worries as you settle them into bed at night and you can ask a fairy to come and watch over them while they sleep.

The Sleep Fairy is a magical fairy who rewards children for sleeping in their beds all night.

Like the tooth fairy, the sleep fairy rewards children in the morning for staying in bed and falling asleep on their own.

Place your little belle fairy house next to the bedside as you tuck your child into bed. Make a magic call out to the fairies to come and give them good dreams and watch over them during the night.

Let them know if they sleep all night that the sleep fairy might visit and leave a reward for them. Small gifts that only a fairy can hold: such as a sticker.

Younger children need frequent rewards; older children can wait longer for their reward and after a while the Fairy leaves less and less gifts and the child is used to going to sleep alone.

This may not work instantly, but it's a great method for the imaginative child and a lovely way to bring a bit of magic to your bedtime routine.

For further reading on the Sleep Fairy sleep training method visit: www.apa.org/monitor/2020/07/ce-corner-sleep www.apa.org/pubs/books/supplemental/pediatric-sleep-problems/The_Sleep_Fairy.pdf See the full range of little belle fairy houses at www.little-belle.com and for an exclusive 15% discount quote code ‘Familiescambridgeshire’.

NHS England drops limit on Caesarean births

The NHS in England will no longer limit the number of Caesarean sections it performs, under plans to improve care for mothers and babies.

Maternity units were previously encouraged to promote natural births and keep the Caesarean rate to about twenty percent.

There were concerns these targets led to women pursuing natural births when a C-section would have been more appropriate, jeopardising their safety. Pregnant women will now be able to choose a Caesarean section, even if this is not for medical reasons, in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

Most Caesareans are carried out under spinal or epidural anaesthetic and Caesareans account for around twenty five per cent of births in the UK. More info: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng192

Nearly a third of fathers take no parental leave Almost a third of fathers took no paternity leave after the birth of their child because they cannot afford to reduce their income, according to research.

Two decades after paternity leave rights were established, research suggests that the UK has fallen behind and now has the least generous entitlements in Europe.

Only eighteen percent of the British public think that two weeks paternity leave is long enough, according to a YouGov survey commissioned for a report by the campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed, the Centre for Progressive Policy thinktank (CPP) and Women in Data. The majority, sixty five percent, would support an increase beyond the current statutory provision of two weeks.

Of the fathers surveyed, sixty two percent said they would take more leave if the rate of statutory paternity pay (SPP) increased.

More info:www.bit.ly/FatherLeave familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 7

What’s On

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

Cambridgeshir

Neon Sun Roller Circus WHERE: Cambridge Junction WHEN: 19th November,

e

Little Gargoyles

WHERE: Lady Chapel, Ely

Cathedral WHEN: 13th November Have fun and be silly! Little Gargoyles always starts with a story, followed by some songs and games, making something to take home and the youngest members can explore the sensory table. All the activities and crafts are themed around the story that they have read that morning.

FREE although donations welcome www.elycathedral.org/events

Wild Home Educator Group

WHERE: Nene Park –

Peterborough WHEN: 13th & 27th November and 11th December,13.15 – 15.15 Monthly outdoor learning sessions for home schooled children with curriculum and nature focused activities, and different themes.

Suitable for ages 5-11. £7 / child. www.nenepark.org.uk/events

11.30 and 14.30 Neon Sun Roller Circus is the UK’s only family friendly circus and cabaret show – on wheels!

Featuring internationally acclaimed performers, this fast-paced show will reach into your soul and pluck out your-walkman-wearing-bubble-gum chewing-inner-80’s-child. Age 6+ £13.50 adult • £9.50 child Group of 4: Save 15% (max. 2 adults) www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511

Winter Festival

WHERE: Nene Park –

Father Christmas at Church Farm Christmas Gift & Food Fair

WHERE: Ely Cathedral

WHEN: 16th - 18th November

Luminate Live

WHERE: Sandringham – Norfolk WHEN: 11th November to

24th December Enjoy making special festive memories and stroll under the stars beneath illuminated historic trees, then warm and toast marshmallows by fire pits or indulge in festive food and drinks from Sandringham Courtyard.

Prices from £16.75 www.luminate.live/ sandringham-estate

Nature Tots Group WHERE: Nene Park –

Peterborough WHEN: 13th & 27th November and 11th December,10.00 – 11.30 A fun monthly outdoor parent and toddler group with a nature theme. Each session will include a messy craft activity and fun activities exploring the beautiful outdoors. Suitable for pre-school children. £5 per child www.nenepark.org.uk/events 8 Families Cambridgeshire

Discover perfect presents from over a hundred boutique stalls and designers all located in the Cathedral's magnificent nave and Lady Chapel. The grounds surrounding the Cathedral will once again be incorporated into the Christmas Fair experience. £5 (under 5 free when accompanied by an adult) www.elycathedral.org/events

Great Fen Little Bugs – Trees in winter WHERE: Great Fen Centre,

Ramsey, Cambridgeshire WHEN: 29th November 10:30 – 12:00 A fun and sociable morning of exploration and discovery for pre-school children and their guardians. www.wildlifebcn.org/events

WHERE: Stow Bardolph, Nr

Downham Market WHEN: 1st to 23rd December All Father Christmas tickets include entrance to the Farm as well as visiting Father Christmas, so you can stay all day and enjoy the play areas, animal encounters, undercover petting pens, Christmas shopping and market and lots more. www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk 01366 382162

Cambourne Christmas Fair

WHERE: The Wildlife Trust BCN

HQ, Great Cambourne WHEN: 1st December, 15.00 – 19.00 CHRISTMAS FAIR 2023 - YES, It's the return of the Christmas Fair at the Manor House, Cambourne.

Head along and enjoy a festive afternoon! www.wildlifebcn.org/events

Peterborough WHEN: 1st to 24th December 16:00, 17:30, 19:00 Take a stroll through beautifully lit woodland, with illuminated willow creatures (created by Dragon Willow) at every twist and turn, until you reach the Enchanted Forest where plenty of secrets and magical moments will be woven into the journey, to surprise and delight visitors of all ages.

From £9.50 Free for under 3’s www.nenepark.org.uk/winterfestival

Christmas Craft

WHERE: Cambridge University

Botanic Garden WHEN: 2nd December, 10.00 – 13.00 Get festive at this drop-in activity where you can learn all about the history of the Christmas tree and make some Christmas craft to take home with you. Ages 3+ Children under 16 years free. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

Christmas Illuminations WHERE: Wimpole Estate

WHEN: 24th November - 31st December

By day, Christmas decorations deck the halls in the house and the estate is filled with the sounds, sights and smells of the festive season. By night, lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate familiesonline.co.uk

Families What's on Dick Whittington

WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn

The Ho Ho Ho Santa Train

WHERE: Nene Valley – Peterborough

Exchange WHEN: 8th - 31st December From the bustling streets of London to an epic voyage across the seven seas, Dick Whittington and his cat, along with a whole host of fabulous characters, are inviting you to embark on an unforgettable adventure!

From £18.00 www.kingslynncornexchange.co.uk/

WHEN: 7th,8th,14th & 15th December

Departing from Nene Valley Station where you will be greeted by festive characters, you will then enjoy a buffet car on board the train and a gift from Santa. £20 per person www.nvr.org.uk

Hansel &longest Gretel Peterborough’s WHERE: Cambridge Junction running panto!

Take a magic carpet6th ride to–the31st Key December WHEN: Theatre for Christmas 2023 with the high-flying adventure NIE return to for Cambridge all the family!

ALADDIN

Junction with an enchanting show transforming the theatre into a magical winter woodland.

Adapting the classic fairytale with their blend of live music, clowning book your tickets now!NIE bring you a and storytelling, SAT 2 – SUN DEC for all the family to beautiful 31 show keytheatre-peterborough.com enjoy.

01733£20 852 992• £13.50 concession Ages 5+ www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511

WHERE: Key Theatre -

Peterborough WHEN: 2nd to 31st December, various times Aladdin Twankey dreams of a better life and fabulous riches.

When a mysterious Wizard offers him the chance of the adventure of a lifetime, Aladdin jumps at the chance to prove his worth.

Will he survive the journey and return a rich man? And will Widow Twankey ever shift those stubborn stains? www.keytheatre-peterborough. com

The Santa Show

WHERE: Bens Yard Ely WHEN: 8th – 24th December

Rudolph the Rapping Reindeer and Frosty the Singing Snowman, have got a very important job to do; sorting out all of the presents for Christmas Day! What could possibly go wrong? Age 2-6 www.kdtheatre.co.uk/ the-santa-show

When making a booking please mention Families Cambridgeshire Magazine familiesonline.co.uk

A Christmas Carol WHERE: Ely Cathedral

WHEN: 8th & 9th December Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and

redemption, this Christmas. A Christmas Carol follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future, learning along the way to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. Prices from £12 under 5’s FREE www.elycathedral.org/events

Robin Hood

WHERE: The Maltings, Ely

WHEN: 9th December - 2nd

January Join the arrow-shooting heroic outlaw, Robin Hood, as he tries to win the heart of the beautiful Maid Marion while he and his band of Merry Folk try to save the local townsfolk and defeat the wicked Sheriff of Rottingham.

From £15.00 kdtheatre.co.uk/

Big Fish Little Fish WHERE:

Cambridge Junction WHEN: 10th December 12:00 & 14:00 The original family rave crew Big Fish Little Fish return.

Expect DJ sets and live percussion as well as a snow machine, giant balloons, glitter cannons, bubbles, lights, giant mural, face painting, and the BFLF famous parachute dance. Suitable for all ages. £12.50 adult • £11 child www.junction.co.uk 01223 511511

THE NUTCRACKER

WHERE: Cambridge Corn Exchange WHEN: 27th – 30th December

The timeless story of Clara, who is whisked away on an enchanting adventure by her Nutcracker Prince, is the perfect introduction to Russian classical ballet. Full of magical effects, the ballet is set to the captivating and instantly recognisable Tchaikovsky score.

From £20.00 www.cambridgelive.org.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 9

TRADITIONAL FAIRGROUND STALLS WILLOW LIGHT TRAIL THE SNOWMAN FILM

Peterborough’s longest running panto!

Take a magic carpet ride to the Key Theatre for Christmas 2023 with the high-flying adventure for all the family!

book your tickets now!

SAT 2 – SUN 31 DEC keytheatre-peterborough.com 01733 852 992

Find the Lights in Cambridge this Christmas NATURE BY LIGHT

WHERE: Anglesey Abbey Cambridge

WHEN: 17th November to 10th December

An alternative to traditional Christmas experiences ‘Nature by Night, Nature by Light’ is a beautiful, sensory after-dark journey that brings the gardens of Anglesey Abbey to life in all their wonder. The trail is approximately one and a half miles long and we recommend allowing between one and two hours for your visit.

Botanic Lights

WHERE: Botanic Gardens Cambridge WHEN: 1st to 22nd December

Bringing the Garden to life after dark with stunning displays and artistic interventions, the lights will highlight some of the Garden’s most beloved features (such as the Fountain, Lake and Glasshouse Range) and create beautiful experiences around the rest of the landscape.

Visitors will take a stroll around an enchanted Garden, through magical scenes that enhance the natural landscape.

Market Square WHERE: Cambridge

WHEN: Sunday 19th November

The annual Big Switch On kicks off Christmas season this year with Star Radio taking control of stage, promising to entertain the crowds from midday. There will be a lively line up from local performing arts clubs and choirs including: The All Star Performing Arts, Razzamataz, Stagecoach and many more live acts to entertain and celebrate.

Grand Arcade – Main Atrium ground floor Cambridge Train Station WHEN: Thursday 16th November

Join Star Radio Drivetime Presenter Josh Lovatt to switch on the lights and officially kick off Christmas in the CB1 area. Starting at around 4.30pm, Josh will be bringing his decks and party tunes (and maybe the odd Christmas song) to the Station and asking you to help celebrate the start of Christmas. The lights will be turned on around 6pm.

familiesonline.co.uk

WHERE: Cambridge

WHEN: Sunday 19th November

An afternoon of celebrations at the Grand Arcade from 12 until 4:30pm in the lead up to the Cambridge City Centre Christmas light switch on. With The Cambridge School of Visual Performing Arts, Vocal Remix, Stagecoach, St Mary’s School choir, Abi Dhese-Biggs, Rule Fitness and The Collaboration Choir.

This year the Grand Arcade has two amazing animatronics from 14th November, including a giant storytelling bear and Rudolph the rednosed reindeer.

Families Cambridgeshire 11

Developing your child’s social skills Some children may find socialising more difficult than others. If your little one struggles or seems reluctant to be with other people, they may need some support to learn social skills. Here are some things you can do to help.

PRACTISE TALKING Chat about what you are doing, seeing or feeling to help build your child’s vocabulary and exposure to conversations. Role play, games and storytelling are all good for developing language. Model good manners, such as saying please and thank you. This will encourage them to act this way with their peers.

LISTEN AND TAKE TURNS Children learn both verbal and non-verbal skills from the people around them. Try showing them what good listening looks like through your own behaviour and using games like ‘Simon Says.’ Find ways to make taking turns fun. Choose an object and tell your family they need to be holding it when they talk. Pass it between you. If your child is a little older, take it in turns to make up funny sounds as if you are having an alien conversation.

SHOW THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY LANGUAGE Use eye contact and body language with your child. Experiment by asking them to talk about something while you use poor body language. This could be crossed arms, looking away, fidgeting or frowning. Ask them how your actions made them feel. Then show them attentive body language. Take it in turns.

TEACH THEM ABOUT PERSONAL SPACE Consider teaching your child about personal space. Ask them to put their hands on their hips and stick their elbows out to understand their personal space. Introduce the idea of boundaries by asking first if you can come into their space for a hug.

DEVELOP THEIR EMOTIONAL SKILLS When you help your child understand, express and cope with emotions, it develops their ability to recognise the emotions of others and develop empathy. Teach them to problem-solve, guiding them with questions such as ‘What could you do?’ or ‘What could you say?’ Try to avoid answering for them.

You can also talk to your child about friendships and what it is to be a good friend. If you can, arrange and support opportunities for socialising.

12 Families Cambridgeshire

FIND MOMENTS FOR LEARNING IN PLAY It can be helpful to spot opportunities for learning social skills in your child’s play. For instance, you can ask your child to help with tasks and see if they’ll try activities with others, to learn teamwork skills. You can also teach your child positive ways of responding to winning, losing or not getting their way. Show them you understand when they’re upset but help them see what the positives could be. Might the outcome have made their friend happy? You can also show them what sharing looks like when playing at home.

If your child hits or bites, help them recognise how others feel when they’re hurt. Praise your child when you see them playing well. You can also gently encourage your child to apologise if they do hurt someone during play. If they don’t feel comfortable doing this, model apologising for them until they feel more confident. You could say something like: ‘Freddie feels sad that he’s hurt you and he wants to say he’s very sorry.’

With thanks to Action for Children (www.actionforchildren.org.uk) for this article. For further support on child development, visit its Parent Talk website at www.parents.actionforchildren.org.uk LISTEN AND LEARN Develop your child’s listening and concentration skills by engaging them with short, simple instructions and fun ‘listen and play’ games: MUSICAL STATUES The old party favourite; dance or jump around to music and when it stops, freeze! Simple and fun, especially when other children play along.

MARCH AND SLEEP Grab a noisy object and a quieter object; a simple wooden spoon as drumstick and rattly cereal box will do. When you use the noisy toy, get your child to march around the room. When they hear the quieter one, they lie on the floor and pretend to sleep. Swap roles so your child can make the noises, test your skills and learn about taking turns.

WHAT DID YOU HEAR? Hide a selection of noisy objects under a blanket and make a sound with one of them. Your child has to guess which one made the sound. Gradually increase the number of objects to up the challenge. Try making sounds from several toys or objects at once. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Gift Guide 1.

2.

4.

5.

3.

6.

7.

ALL I WANT FOR

8.

Stockists 1. Fairy House Porcelain Night Light £99.95 www.little-belle.com 2. The Enthusiast Play kit £120 www.lovevery.co.uk 9.

3. Dinkum Doll Pea £59.90 www.olliella.com 4. Little Dutch Coffee Machine £45 www.scandiborn.co.uk 5. Tidlo The Wooden Pirate Ship £67.00 www.scandiborn.co.uk 6. Banwood scooter £119 www.banwood.com

10.

7. Nutcracker doll £35 www.avery-row.com 8. Ballerina doll £35 www.avery-row.com 9. Stokke Mu Table £215.10 www.stokke.com 10. Building Blocks £44.95 www.letoyvan.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Families Cambridgeshire 13

Father Christmas at Church Farm, Stow Bardolph Nov 30th - Dec 17th (Thu-Sun) Dec 19th - 23rd Open Daily

Nativity Scenes with Real Animals Christmas Gift Shop & Mini Market Delicious Homemade Cakes & Lunches Indoor Treehouse Play Christmas Fun & Activities

A magical Christmas experience 10am-5pm

Tickets must be booked online www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED Do you have a couple of spare days every other month, your own car, and want to earn some extra cash? Families Magazine Cambridgeshire is looking for trustworthy, reliable and self motivated people to join their team. GOOD RATES OF PAY! Call Lisa on 07887 521978 or email editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk to find out more.

n O s ’ t a h W o

d Things to sic & mu - drama, hing for et sport som ne in everyo

eshire Cambridg

Families Clubs & Classes Rugbytots

WHERE: Various locations across

Cambridgeshire Fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination whilst teaching them how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Suitable for ages 2 – 7.

From £5.00 per session www.rugbytots.co.uk

Wiggle and Giggle

WHERE: Whittlesey Library

Scouts –ages 4 to 25

10.30 – 11.00 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

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

WHERE: Locations around Cambridgeshire

WHEN: Fridays during term time,

Cambridge Kids Club WHERE: Locations around

Cambridgeshire Cambridge Kids Club offer reliable and affordable breakfast, after school and holiday clubs for children from reception to Year 6. This Winter break they will be offering a full and varied programme of FUN activities, including a special guest appearance of Santa with his sleigh. 01223 622848 www.cambridgekidsclub.com

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

familiesonline.co.uk

Stagecoach Performing Arts Classes

WHERE: Chesterton Community

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/

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

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes WHERE: Hills Road Sports

Centre, Cambridge: Wednesdays, Newnham Croft Primary School, Newnham: Saturdays, St. Andrews Church Hall, Chesterton: Mondays St. John’s Church Hall, Cambridge: Thursdays.

WHEN: Spring Term starts January – Enrol Now! Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.

To book a FREE class visit www.perform.org.uk/try enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk 020 7255 9120

College; Coleridge Campus, Cambridge; and Cambourne Village College, Cambourne WHEN: Spring Term starts 3rd January – Enrol Now! 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

If booking any courses, please mention Families Cambridgeshire Magazine

Razzamataz Cambridge

WHERE: Impington Village College, Impington WHEN: Spring Term start January – Enrol Now!

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 Families Cambridgeshire 15

CLASSES FOR 4 - 11 YEAR OLDS Coleridge

Chesterton

Cambourne

Thursday - Sunday After school and weekends

Wednesday After school

Wednesday and Saturday After school and weekend

N.B two week trials must be the first two consecutive weeks of term