familiesonline.co.uk HalfAutumnEducationfuntermINTHISISSUE: Issue 71 September/October 2022familiesonline.co.uk Birmingham
Can you believe the kids are back at school already? It seems like just a moment since they were breaking up! We hope you had a fantastic summer. No doubt, some of you will be reluctant to get back to routine, whilst others will welcome it; either way, getting some hours back in your day is a great opportunity to make some plans and set goals for the coming months.
Starting or going back to school can be challenging for children (and parents) so check out our Education section for some great articles that will help, including what to do if your child hates school and the mysteries of phonics explained. We also have some advice for any parents who have a child suffering from panic attacks.
May/June competition winners
Finally, in this issue, we have tonnes of Action Heroes Sets to giveaway! Apply for these loveable mini toy sets for your child at familiesmag.co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.
Families Birmingham Magazine 3familiesonline.co.uk Editor: Suzanne Brown Email: editor@familiesbirmingham.co.uk Tel: 07807 352087 Contact us In this issue Birmingham Welcome
Autumn can be a beautiful season for spending time outdoors so look for inspiration in our What’s On guide, and in @girlaboutbirmingham’s article on days out on the train. And, if you want to keep your kids off screens as the nights draw in, check out our half term screen-free kids activities too.
Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at https://bit.ly/MJrecipients
CONTENTS 4. Clubs, classes and activities 5. Education 9. Early years 10. Train adventures 11. Health 12. Holidays 13. Work 14. Half term 15. What’s On
Pyjama Drama have been delivering drama and imaginative play classes and interactive shows for children aged 0 to 7 years since 2005. We can visit your nursery or school or find us at public sessions locally. We harness the power of the imagination to develop key skills such as communication, confidence, cooperation and problem solving. Our incredibly talented teachers deliver child-led sessions that take children on magical adventures where they make new friends, explore new worlds and ‘trial’ situations before they happen. Whether it’s swimming with mermaids or going to the dentist – Pyjama Drama nurtures happy, confident and curious children. carolinef@pyjamadrama.com Kate fun, structured play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging coaches teaching them how to catch, pass, kick and run with the ball, and play as part of a team. Our motto is simple; "make it more fun". We do this by delivering our specifically designed programme for each age group with energy, enthusiasm and excitement creating an atmosphere that is engaging for parents and children alike. Classes are split into 3 age groups; 2-3.5yrs, 3.5-5yrs and 5-7yrs. DISCOUNT CODE: FAMILIES
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Singing Community of Choirs prides itself in being a family of active choirsstarting from age 4 through to our adult community choir. Through its weekly rehearsals every Wednesday, and within the community, we inspire a love of music through singing. Our choir programme ensures we provide fun, inclusive and lively rehearsals which strive for vocal excellence, musicianship and progression. We promote a sense of self-worth, self-esteem, accomplishment and pride through our outstanding choral programme. Come and join us! Contact us on enquiry@scchoirs.org.uk or visit www.scchoirs.org.uk for more information! Language with your Little One! Spanish & French Classes in Harborne, Bearwood and Bournville. develop your little one’s early communication skills, build their confidence, and enhance their physical and emotional development with our multi-award-winning music, language and sensory classes. Early exposure to a second language is fantastic for your little one’s brain development and learning Classesskills. for babies (from 4 weeks), crawlers and toddlers to pre-schoolers! don't need to know any languages to join in - you’ll be singing along in no time! out more at: lucy@bilinguasing.com
Themed chocolate making parties and workshops for chocoholics of all ages. All of our holiday workshops and children's parties are run by our fabulous team of local chocolatiers who are looking forward to guiding you through the process of crafting your chocolatey creations. Every workshop is unique and we offer a range of different options which will be tailored to the needs of you and your party. Your chocolate masterpieces will be made using real, sustainable and locally sourced ingredients where possible and every workshop involves a lot of sticky-fingered fun and tasting! W: www.thechocolateshed.com E: info@thechocolateshed.com Would you like to be seen by our readers online and in print? Contact the editor today on 07807 352087
https://www.rugbytots.co.uk/Class/FindFind0345matthew@rugbytots.co.ukContact3130803yournearestvenueat
4 Families Birmingham Magazine familiesonline.co.uk News
SINGING COMMUNITY OF CHOIRS
Tel:class/birmingham-southhttps://bilinguasing.com/find-a-07539863024 Email:
S4 SWIM SCHOOL S4 Swim Intensive - School holiday swim courses designed to give your child a real boost with their swimming development! A typical Swim Intensive course would involve four experienced swim instructors and four different level groups. These courses are on offer for Non-Swimmers, Beginners, Improvers and Advanced •children.Maxof 5 swimmers per group • On-going swimmer assessment • Taught the S4 way, producing swimmers with a high degree of skill & technical •abilityAconsistent professional approach at all venues (group structure, teaching standards) Find swimming lessons near you at s4swimschool.uk Ballet classes from age 2 ½ and Tap classes from the age of 4. On Saturday mornings from 09:00am at St Helens Church. For more details, please call
Jemma Zoe Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).
EDUCATION Apply for our great FREE giveaways! SneezySneezyPandagamePandagame Simply pop your favourite fruity drinks into the moulds and shape trays and place them in the freezer. Put the frozen shapes under Mr Frosty’s hat and turn his handle to create tasty, crushed ice treats! Ages 3+ MrMrFrostyFrosty The Crunchy Ice Maker 10 available The game with flowers and leaves which make little panda, Sam, sneeze! Suitable for two to four players. Ages 4+ Apply www.familiesmag.co.uk/goatMarlo&Colekids’t-shirtsMarlo&Colekids’t-shirts Cool UK made t-shirts from ethical babywear brand, Marlo & Cole, created to inspire the next generation’s love of music through unique, vibrant and fun illustrated designs. Printed with child-friendly inks on Oeko-Tex cotton. T-shirts for ages 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5. av10ailable available5 T&C’s apply
Families Birmingham Magazine 5familiesonline.co.uk News Oh dear! I can’t help my child with this
As children settle back in at school for a new academic year, parents also settle back into the routine of being called upon by their children to help them with homework. But what if you have very limited time, you are not across the school’s expectations or you simply aren’t familiar with the topic?
At the end of each session, write down what you have covered in three bullet points. That way if your child gets another homework on the same topic, you can remember what you covered. These will also come in handy if you have a younger child or for end of year tests.
As a busy parent, you may only have a short amount of time in which to work with your child. Make sure that you both have clear expectations about what you will be able to achieve. If you only have twenty minutes, you may not be able to finish their homework together but you may be able to tackle a few key problems before they complete the rest themselves. So that your time with them is productive, set goals and a timer. Goals help you prioritise and the timer prevents you from watching the clock. Your child will also have your undivided attention during this time.
If the methods that your child uses are not familiar to you, don’t worry. YouTube, BBC Bitesize, Oak Academy and IXL are your friends. Simply type in your child’s year and the topic that they are studying (often found at the top of the worksheet) and the subject e.g. Year 4 - bus stop method, maths, into Google.
If your child is struggling with something specific, reach out to the school and ask them if they can point you in the direction of some practice that you can do with your child. Remember you are all on the same team. Use parents evening to ask what topics are coming up and to find out when exams are. Forewarned is forearmed.
This year I supported two students with exam preparation and covered over fifteen different subjects with them - only three of those subjects are my specialism. So here is what I have learnt about supporting children in subjects in which you are not confident yourself.
By Jemma Zoe Smith
It can be useful to start a session by running through a video with your child. Depending on their age, you may want to run through the video first before looking over it with them. This also really helps you focus and ensures you have your head around the topic sufficiently to be able to help explain it further to your child or answer their questions.
Phonics is one of those things that feels like a secret clubsome people understand it and to others it’s gobbledegook! If you have a child at school, they’re part of ‘the club’ and they may look askance at you when you ask what a digraph or blending is. For you and anyone who has a child due to start school, here are some tips to get you both closer to full admittance of the phonics club! What is phonics?
By Emma Lewry
6 Families Birmingham Magazine familiesonline.co.uk News
• Read, read, read!
English is a tricky language and sometimes the same letters make different sounds.
Phonics is a way of teaching children to read and later write. It is based on the fact that letters and groups of letters make sounds and when we put those sounds together they make words.
For example, ‘i’ can sound short as in ‘fish’ or have a longer sound like ‘eye’ in ‘find’. There are different groups of letters that make sounds: a digraph is two letters that go together to make one sound e.g. ‘ch’ in Achop.trigraph is three letters together making one sound e.g. ‘ear’ in develop their knowledge, they build up and put together all of the sounds they recognise in order to read and write.
• If you’re stuck or worried, ask your child’s school for help. Supporting children learning to read can be as frustrating as it is magical.
I hope these tips help you joining the Phonics Club!
• Your child will be taught phonics in a specific way at school so ask them to teach you. It’s a great way for them to test their understanding.
Top Tips • Practise recognising the sounds.
As‘near’.children
• Help children to spot when two or three letters work together to make one sound e.g ‘ai’ in ‘rain’ and ‘igh’ in ‘light’.
• Practise blending - this can be the key to unlock entry to ‘the club!’
Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, headteacher and mother of two. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk) which guides families through starting school with courses, groups and a school starters planner.
EDUCATION LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL SCHOOL Pre-School 21/2 to 4 | Juniors 4 to 11 | Seniors 11 to 16 | Sixth Form 16 to 18 Open Mornings 30Pre-School&Juniors9amto11amSeptember18November Championing glorious individuals since the 14th century Admissions 01543 Greenadmissions@lichfieldcathedralschool.com306168Gables,LongdonWS154PT|ThePalace,TheClose, Lichfield WS13 7LH
phonicsUnderstanding
of all the songs you still remember the words to! In BilinguaSing classes you’ll sing in English, then Spanish or French so you and your little one will gradually make connections between the two. You don’t need to know any languages to join us - you’ll soon be singing along!
“Both of my children completed this course in Easter. They have returned to swimming weekly after Easter and have both improved so much and have now progressed into a new swimming group”. Thanks S4 (Facebook) www.s4swimschool.uk
Bullying. If your child seems quiet and anxious, has few school friends or suddenly shows a drop in self-esteem, bullying may be a factor. Ask your child’s school to keep an eye out. If bullying is happening, the school will need to put strategies in place to support your child.
Tel:/birmingham-southhttps://bilinguasing.com/find-a-class07539863024|Email:lucy@bilinguasing.com
School can be a source of support and community as much as learning. It provides new experiences, exposure to different opinions, a sense of achievement, peer friendships and relationships with trusted adults. However, it can also be a lot to cope with, particularly when starting a new academic year. Children usually settle in. But what do you do if this doesn’t happen and if your child says they ‘hate’ school?
From September, we will be bringing our
Each BilinguaSing session is a fun-filled sensory adventure, combining our original songs and bilingual nursery rhymes with fantastic puppets, lighting, bubbles, and props. BilinguaSing classes also offer the grown-ups some mental stimulation, helping to stave off ‘baby brain’ (and are near to somewhere for coffee or lunch afterwards!).
Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with insights, skills and tools to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.
S4 Swim School
We also offer sessions for nurseries and primary school clubs!
Poor chemistry with a teacher. Your child may complain that a particular teacher is ‘unfair’ or ‘mean.’ Remember, children know how to play a parent against a teacher. While acknowledging your child’s feelings, don’t automatically assume you’re getting the whole picture. Talk with the school to find out what’s really going Ratheron.than dismissing children’s worries, let them know they are heard. If they are struggling with a certain class, help them find ways to overcome their struggles.
Trouble learning. For some children, the jump to higher academic levels and the sheer volume of information they need to digest can be overwhelming.
Anxiety. This most frequently occurs during times of family stress such as a change in the family situation or when a child is about to enter a new school or phase. It can manifest as separation anxiety.
If they have fallen out with their friends, listen to them and talk about what they are going through. Helping them to find their own solutions will build resilience and restore positive feelings about school.
What to do if your child ‘hates’ school
By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble
BirminghamBilinguaSing South
easierlanguageSingingBournville!BearwoodHarborne,toddler&song-filledwinningmulti-award-sensory,SpanishFrenchbabyandclassestoANDinaforeignmakesittolearn-think
S4 Swim School have been providing swimming lessons to thousands of children for over a decade. Hundreds of S4 swimmers have progressed to County, Regional and National level competitions and beyond, thanks to the excellent pathways between S4 and other aquatic organisations. Member reviews: “My daughters took part in the intensive course and absolutely loved it. Was really pleased at the progress they made in such a short time, we have now signed up to regular classes and can't wait to see the progress they will make”. (Facebook)
Families Birmingham Magazine 7familiesonline.co.uk News EDUCATION
“Fantastic swimming school, the instructors are brilliant with young children, very positive and encouraging. Would definitely recommend”. (Facebook)
It’s important to recognise the problem and provide the right support. School ‘hatred’ can arise for various reasons:
Loneliness. Making new friends can be difficult and children often fall out for no obvious reason. This can have a direct effect on self-esteem and turn into a dislike of school. Children who always feel alone will often feign illness to avoid school and school-related activities.
EDUCATION
With a reputation for being ‘experts in educating girls’, at Edgbaston we acknowledge that a good education incorporates achieving excellent academic qualifications. However, an outstanding education goes far beyond this; it is about inspiring others to aspire and achieve in multiple areas, and to enjoy the process of this as much as the end result.
A challenging academic curriculum featuring interesting subjects, the arts and drama, and a wide range of sports, combined with a vertical House system in a supportive and caring community, means that pupils expand their horizons and realise their potential. All pupils in Year 7 enjoy unrivalled academic opportunities, for example, having the chance to study French, Spanish, German and Latin in the first year. An expansive co-curricular programme means pupils develop new skills, test their initiative and discover new passions choosing from over 50 co-curricular lunchtime and after-school clubs that include an exciting range of interests from Anime to Classics and Dance Club to Mandarin.
HighEdgbastonSchool
An independent day school, the school focuses on providing a broad, modern and inspiring education. The school has a track record of delivering excellent academic results at GCSE and A Level alongside a character education that ensures EHS girls have the confidence, independence, motivation and ambition to succeed within and beyond the school.
An extensive network of local and private transport means pupils travel from across the wider West Midlands area to attend the school. Families are invited to visit the 14-acre site in Birmingham to discover EHS for themselves. Visit the website to book for open day registrationhttps://edgbastonhigh.co.uk/open-dayor to arrange an individual visit on a school day contact the Admissions Team telephone 0121 454 5831 or email admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.uk
‘Outstanding’ and ‘Excellent’ - ISI Inspection Experts in educating girls An independent school for girls aged 2½-18 years Transport from Sutton Coldfield, Streetly, Solihull, Stourbridge 0121 454 5831 www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk #WeAreEHS Westbourne • Preparatory • Senior • Sixth Form Discover EHS MORNINGSCHOOLWHOLEOPENSaturday24thSeptember2022,9.30am-11.30am admissions@edgbastonhigh.co.ukEmail:toregisteryourplace. ESSENTIALBOOKING
Our friendly and supportive school is renowned for its unique system of pastoral care and with an excellent team of committed and experienced staff new pupils soon settle in its warm and inclusive environment. Applications to join Year 7 in September 2023 are now open, closing date 24.09.2022. We are delighted to be able to offer scholarships and means-tested bursaries to Year 7 pupils joining the school in September 2023.
8 Families Birmingham Magazine familiesonline.co.uk
Founded in 1876, Edgbaston High is an ambitious and thriving school for girls that attracts pupils from across the West Midlands.
EARLY YEARS
Charlotte Stirling-Reed is the Baby and Child Nutritionist. Her new book How to Feed your Toddler: Everything You Need to Know to Raise Happy, Independent Little Eaters is published by Ebury Press. The book includes step by step guides, tips and advice on tricky eating, as well as fifty delicious and easy recipes.
My main tips: Start by pretending you simply don’t care if they eat or not Research shows that the more PRESSURE we put on toddlers to ‘eat up’ the more likely it is to have the opposite So,effect.ifyou want to help your toddlers to enjoy more foods, try to fight your natural instincts and be nonchalant at mealtimes.
We’re not talking about turning your table into a racing track but simply making it enjoyable for them, engaging them and allowing them to explore the foods on offer without too much restriction, pressure or ‘mealtime rules.’
These are common phrases heard by those of us who have toddlers around the table and it’s pretty common for parents to express concern to me about this. The toddler years are often about independence and our little ones trying to seek some autonomy in their day to day lives, and that includes their food choices too.
Tricky toddler eating tips
By Charlotte Stirling-Reed
Highfield Day Nursery and Preschool, 3-4 Highfield Road, B15 3ED www.childbasepartnership.com
Employ the line ‘That’s okay, you don’t have to eat it’ and stick to it. Again, taking the pressure off and putting the ball in their court at mealtimes, helps them to have a sense of autonomy and feel like they have some control. In time, this can often help encourage them to WANT to eat a little more.
registrationstakingNow
Fun is an essential ingredient in all our nurseries where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.
Make it a mealtime they WANT to be part of. If you think about it, toddlers are all about fun and exploring. That’s simply the aim of their day. So, try and make mealtimes a part of the fun journey too.
Families Birmingham Magazine 9familiesonline.co.uk
FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM
Crescent Day Nursery and Preschool, 21-22 Calthorpe Road, B15 1RP T: 0121 454 1170 E: highfield.nursery@childbase.com
If you speak to the parents of most toddlers, they’ll probably tell you that life is somewhat turbulent! Toddlers are at this lovely, exciting age where they are really exploring the world and figuring things out and their brains are firing and learning new things every day. This exploration can come with its challenges though and a BIG one is often seen at mealtimes with food refusal!
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU
T: 0121 752 9750 E: crescent@childbase.com
“I don’t like it”, “yukky”, “I hate broccoli”…sound familiar?
What’s interpreted as ‘fun’ will vary from family to family but you could start with some calming music, a funky table cloth or kicking off with some silly faces, whatever helps to bring some joy to the table. However, if you keep offering rejected foods (without any actual pressure to eat them), they start to become ‘familiar’ and this has been shown to help toddlers to be more willing to try them.
It’s actually pretty normal for toddlers to be picky with their food, partly due to developing independence, partly due to ‘neophobia’ (reluctance to try new foods) which generally kicks in during the toddler years and partly because growth rates start to slow around this age which can result in their appetites simply taking a bit of a dip.
What a delightful miniature railway this is! Running through the scenic Kingsbury Water Park, the railway operates on scheduled days from March - December and puts on a ‘Bright Lights for Winter Nights’ event near Christmas (tbc).
Have you got any Thomas fans in the family? Well, if so, then the Trainmaster events are for you! Trainmaster events have recently sprung up in the West Midlands and are currently taking place at Bentley Heath Community Centre, Solihull and Hagley Community Association, Stourbridge. The dates for September have not been released at the time of writing but keep checking back to make sure you get booked on!
familiesonline.co.uk
trainmaster.co.uk
A final tip from me- for a cheap and cheerful day out – why not ride the mini land train at Cannon Hill Park? You can do a 15minute lap of the park and even get an ice cream afterwards!
‘Highlights’ to see my full article on top train tips!
10 Families Birmingham Magazine
This miniature railway is operated by volunteers and therefore runs most Sundays, weather depending. The train usually runs from 1pm – 4pm. I’ve also noticed a Cradley Heath Model Railway Club Show on 8th October! If this one is local to you, I’d definitely check it out for some low-cost family fun.
Arley Station, Severn Valley Railway
Echillssvr.co.uk/family-ticketsWoodMiniature Railway at Kingsbury Water Park, Sutton Coldfield
Trainmasterwolverhampton-dmes.co.ukUK
Transport Museum, Wythall
Is there anything that evokes a better sense of freedom than steaming through the countryside on an old-fashioned locomotive, gazing out of the window watching the rolling hills whizz by? Like most children, my three boys are fascinated by different forms of transport, and we always have a great day when two or more wheels are involved.
This lovely little museum in Wythall is kid heaven. We’ve visited more than once and also attended children’s parties there. The children absolutely love riding around on the miniature steam train, going through the tunnel and waving to everyone they pass. Not only this, but the museum is also jam packed with an incredible collection of old vehicles – some that you can even climb aboard!
The Severn Valley Railway is one of the most well-known steam railways in the country! Only a short 40-minute drive from Birmingham, the train runs from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth. You can choose to travel the whole way or just a part of the way as we did, stopping off at the beautiful and quaint Arley for a pub lunch and to explore the nearby TheArboretum.Severn Valley Santa Train (Nov and Dec) is not cheap, but it is an authentic and special experience so book early if you fancy it.
Baggeridgechasewaterrailway.co.ukCountryPark
Gobirmingham.gov.uktofamiliesbirmingham.co.uk
Mini Land Train, Cannon Hill Park
DAYS OUT Training days!
Vintageewr.org.ukTrains, Tyseley Vintage Trains run steam trains on Britain’s mainline railway. The trains begin at Tyseley Locomotive Works and pick passengers up at Birmingham New Street or Snow Hill. There are many routes to choose from during September and October. It is a full day out and therefore important to be aware of this when taking smaller children. I particularly like the sound of the Liverpool route as this one has family tickets available.
vintagetrains.co.uk
Chasewaterwythall.org.uk/train.aspRailway
By @girlaboutbirmingham
The ideas I’ve suggested below are fantastic fun for Autumn, but some are also good to keep an early eye on for their Christmas offerings too.
Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster
The Chasewater Railway is located in Chasewater Country Park in Brownhills, Staffordshire. The website describes the attraction as follows: The Railway is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the major visitor attractions within the Walsall, Lichfield & Cannock areas. With its policy of low-cost fares and membership fees, it offers excellent value for money for railway enthusiasts and other visitors alike. Well, that sounds good to me! I am tempted by the Halloween night train on 28 - 29 October. Plus, Santa specials commence on 27th November.
If your child gets panicky in public, you start with simply discussing a trip to the park. Later this technique could involve taking increasingly longer trips outside into incrementally busier environments. This should help your child to gradually come to realise that their fears are irrational.
HEALTH Families Birmingham Magazine 11familiesonline.co.uk
By Dr Sohom Das
During a panic attack, your child will feel like they are losing control. It’s imperative to maintain equanimity and fight our impulses to show our own distress and anxiety. We need to model calmness by taking charge of the situation and not dramatising or over-medicalising it. Talk to your child in a gentle and reassuring voice and remind them that the panic attack will be over soon. This will make them feel safer and they might model your behaviour, which could quickly pull them out of the sinking quicksand of panic.
Like all parents, I don’t like to see my own children suffering and, as a psychiatrist, my heart goes out to youngsters who come to me for help with panic attacks. However, there are proven strategies that can be used to help support loved ones in this situation. Here are five of my top tips. Educate your child
Helping your child with panic attacks
You can help to shift your child’s focus from anxiety and fear to something more comforting. You can even create a safety blanket in their minds. This helps to pull them out of their temporary intense and frightening experience and back into the familiar world around them.
Or you could engage your child in a favourite childhood memory or recite silly tongue-twisters together.
Panic attacks can cause hyperventilation, resulting in lightheadedness, fainting and even chest pains. In turn, this triggers the downward spiral of further anxiety. Encouraging your child to slow their breathing should relieve the physical symptoms and interrupt the cycle. Ask your child to breathe in through their nose for three seconds, hold their breath for three seconds, then exhale completely and fully for three seconds. This assists physiologically and can also act as a distraction. Once they become proficient at this, they can add it to their toolbox for the next time they are having a panic attack, even if you aren’t there.
It’s possible to use a watered-down version of this at home with your child. Here is an example Here is an example.
Panic attacks can be crippling but knowledge is power. Young people can be anxious about a range of issues at once, some of which may not seem logical. For instance, many children feel self-conscious and believe that people are judging or laughing at them, despite having no evidence of this. When they have a panic attack, some children may even believe that they are dying. Tell them they are not alone. Clarifying that panic attacks are common and normalising them can help children feel less isolated, abnormal or damaged. Teach your child that despite how it feels, these episodes aren’t dangerous or life-threatening. Reassure them that panic attacks are finite; they will always end. Take charge of the situation
A very effective therapy for full blown phobias is ‘systematic desensitisation with relaxation and graded exposure.’ This involves gradual and controlled exposure to fearful elements, alongside relaxation strategies.
Breathe!
Dr Sohom Das is a forensic psychiatrist and author of In Two Minds: Stories of Murder, Justice and Recovery from a Forensic Psychiatrist. He is also host of the YouTube channel A Psych for Sore Minds.
Distract your childConfront their fears
The distraction you create could be in the form of a favourite toy or game which you engage your child with, a photograph of a happy event and a chat about this event or even petting their hamster or another beloved pet. Equally, a distraction could be a song that they are familiar with, which you can encourage them to join in. The breathing technique described above may also act as a distraction.
With time and practice (and a sprinkling of patience), you can make a positive psychological connection to this distraction, which is further embedded every time it is used and helps shift your child’s focus from their anxiety.
If your child suffers panic attacks in specific scenarios or situations, it is very tempting to try to avoid or remove these from their lives. Although this is an effective short-term fix, there is a risk that this may develop into a phobia over time. It’s unrealistic to assume that they can avoid these triggers forever and you might not be around the next time they face this fear. Sometimes, it is better to nip these issues in the bud.
12 Families Birmingham Magazine familiesonline.co.uk HOLIDAYS s . Chri i ywh thAA...wi llms a a st t Resortst yv-31B Decov4 N0 o allsdyySand ghhtt,f Liest oFor gh v 31 v - 3Noo04 N TaatteershaTtefeertinWiWf 03333r callo y aodayk tBoo a geetaFamil 1 Decesll Lak y g ect aorr. Cembere in DecVillag omts in Cnighn 2-sed oae b*Pric st, 634189 awayyresorts.co.ukaat m £66*oys frwaya ntt.f pe ot tim rin olidayys Hally Bdt Sann accommodatiort afo a Welcome to the world of Away Resorts! 21 beautiful holiday resorts, each in outstanding UK locations, with their own style and personality. Whether you desire coastal or country, each resort is alive with character, surrounded by awesome local attractions and perfect for full on family fun. Many of our parks are jam-packed with fantastic facilities, from arcades to swimming pools, and everything in between. As for entertainment, activities and events – well, there is something to keep every member of the family grinning from ear to ear. So, are you ready to fall in love with a holiday where new experiences await at every turn? www.awayresorts.co.uk | 03333 634189
SpookyfamilyHalloweenfun Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Halloween Nights, 26 – 29 Oct Fun for grown-up ghouls and tiny terrors! bclm.com Dudley Canals and Caverns Ahoy There Matey- Halloween, 28 – 31 Oct Swashbuckling Halloween fun. dudleycanaltrust.org.uk Hatton Adventure World Pumpkin Spooktacular, 22 - 30 Oct Take a Bewitching Ride on Hatton’s trailer. adventure.hattonworld.com
National Sealife Centre, Birmingham Tricks & Treats, 15 – 31 Oct Discover the spooky seas at Sealife. visitsealife.com Severn Valley Rail Ghost Train, 27 – 29 Oct Tricks, treats and fun for the whole family. svr.co.uk West Midlands Safari Park Spooky Spectacular, 22 – 30 Oct Watch Patch and his magical pals put on a fun, spooky show. wmsp.co.uk
In another study, researchers in Finland found that urban dwellers who strolled for as little as twenty minutes through an urban park or woodland reported significantly more stress relief than those who strolled in a city centre.
Being creatively blocked can feel incredibly frustrating, timeconsuming and ultimately, can lead to a lack of motivation.
While creative blocks can happen to everyone sometimes, there are ways to overcome them. A powerful tool to help you get creative is spending time in nature. Walk it out Simply going for a walk is surprisingly effective. A study from Stanford University found that walking boosted creativity by sixty percent, compared to subjects who were sedentary. The great German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche claimed that all great ideas came from walking. So, what is it about walking that helps our brains switch into a creative mode?
Here’s the science bit: trees release a chemical called phytoncides which have an antimicrobial effect on human bodies; this can, in turn, boost the immune system.
Mindful walking
The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other and the rhythmic cadence of your steps can get you into the magical ‘flow’ state that many artists, writers and creators talk about.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or creatively blocked, take yourself out for a mindful walk in nature and see what inspiration you can bring back to your desk.
By Claire Winter
Mindful walking in nature has taken a step further with the introduction of forest bathing workshops.
Set out with a small notebook or use voice notes on your phone to record any insights. If you have to take your phone with you, switch it to do not disturb mode and ignore the screen.
How do you spark your creativity when you are feeling uninspired or busy? For me, creativity is as essential as breathing for a happy and fulfilling life. But when and how do you get inspired?
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When you come back from your walk, stay in the refreshed zone. Write down all your creative thoughts straightaway to give yourself inspired starting points.
As we spend more time indoors and online, this is a timely reminder of the value of stopping the scroll and spending twenty minutes walking in nature.
If you are distracted, take a moment to ground yourself and connect to your environment. Stand still, root your feet into the ground and take three deep breaths.
On top of this, we also know that exercising in nature is not only good for our physical health but also our mental health. By boosting mood and energy, you are helping to improve your Letcreativity.nature nurture you! Your over-thinking mind will clear when you take a walk, consciously seeking out greenery and clouds, listening to the sounds around you and breathing fresh air.
While walking on a treadmill can work, walking in the great outdoors is more powerful to clear the mind, get inspired and come up with new creative ideas.
The Japanese government thought the benefits were so great that they introduced it as a national health programme.
Claire Winter is a journalist, ICF coach, speaker and awardwinning podcaster who loves being out in nature. She works to help women connect back to nature, ignite their creativity and share their stories. Read more at www.creatrixjourney. com or follow @thecreatrixjourney on Instagram.
Forest bathing, or ‘shirrin-yoku’, was first developed in the 1980s following studies by the Japanese government. The benefits are said to be numerous. Results showed that two hours of mindful exploration in a forest or wood could reduce blood pressure, lower cortisol levels and improve concentration and memory.
When you are in the rut of daily chores, creative inspiration can feel non-existent. Perhaps current news events or the relentlessness of family life are making you feel stuck. Creative blocks can arise for many different reasons; maybe a work issue, fear of failure or self-doubt are standing in your way.
Taking inspiration from nature
Start to notice the woodland and nature around you. Even towns have leafy gardens and birdcalls when you pay enough attention! Start tapping into all your senses. How does it sound? How does it feel? What does it smell like? What does it look like? How do you imagine things taste? What does the movement around you feel like outside your body and inside it?
Continue to notice your breathing. Is it slow or fast? How has it changed since you started the walk?
Nurtured by nature
WHAT’S ON Out & About Ackers BirminghamAdventure, Open daily Outdoor adventure activity centre for all the family. ackers-adventure.co.uk
Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Cinderella, 30 Nov – 10 Dec The Snow Queen, 17 – 30 Dec blueorangetheatre.co.uk
Barber Institute of Fine Art, Birmingham Open Tuesday to Sunday Explore Barber’s collection through different themes with fun and friendly Family Trails. barber.org.uk Birmingham Botanical Gardens Open daily Explore the plants, birds and mini-beasts with Family Backpacks. .org.ukbirminghambotanicalgardens
.co.ukbirminghamheritageweek
B:Music, Birmingham & CBSO Centre, Birmingham 18 Sept, 30 Oct Music Maze: Fun, creative, participatory workshops for children aged 8–11. BCMG Young Composers –Autumn: exciting music projects for budding composers aged 11-14. bcmg.org.uk
WHAT’S ON
Go Ape Cannock Chase Open daily An ideal day out in the fresh air for young thrillseekers. goape.co.uk Hoar Park, Shopping and Craft Village, Nuneaton Open Tues – Sun Children's Farm. Craft Fair Sunday 20 Sept. hoar-park.co.uk Hole Farm Trekking Centre, Birmingham Booking required Hacks, lessons and pony mornings in the school holidays. holefarmridingcentre.com Lapworth Museum of Geology, BirminghamEdgbaston, Open Tues - Sat Family activities, educational talks, tours and arts & crafts activities. pworth-museumbirmingham.ac.uk/facilities/la Martineau Edgbaston,Gardens,Birmingham Open Mon - Sat Nature trail, wildflower meadows, bird hide, ponds, and beehives. martineau-gardens.org.uk Packwood House, NT Open daily Packwood is the perfect place for a family day out whatever the weather. /packwood-housenationaltrust.org.uk
Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Open daily 26 acres to explore - this is a brilliant place to immerse yourself in history. bclm.co.uk Flash Climbing Centre, Solihull Open daily Rock climbing gym for all the family to enjoy. flashclimbingcentre.com
All events are subject to change so check online before visiting. Pre-booking often necessary.
Aston Hall, Birmingham Open Weds - Sun Visit this 17th century mansion house and its beautiful gardens. /astonbirminghammuseums.org.uk
Birmingham ConservationWildlifePark Open daily Home to a unique collection of animals from across the world. /conservationparkbirmingham.gov.uk
Rock Up, Birmingham Open daily Climbing walls for age 4+. No experience or equipment needed. rock-up.co.uk/Birmingham Rush UK, BirminghamStirchley, Open daily Trampoline park with soft play, dodgeball, foam pit, slackline and more. rushuk.com Sandwell Museum Service Opening hours on website A range of different sites across Sandwell. Mostly free to visit. Activities on offer. sandwell.gov.uk/museums Sealife Centre, Birmingham Open daily Visit the Aquarium Zones and see the marvellous creatures. Sellyvisitsealife.com/BirminghamManor,Bournville Open Tues – Sun Learn the fascinating history of Selly Manor. Family activities available. sellymanormuseum.org.uk
Winterbourne House & Garden Open daily Children’s garden with willow tunnel, interactive exhibits and activity trails. winterbourne.org.uk
Birmingham Heritage Week 9 – 18 Sept across Birmingham. Discover more about what is on your doorstep.
Birmingham Repertory Theatre Nativity! The Musical 19 Nov – 7 Jan birmingham-rep.co.uk
Baddesley Clinton, Solihull Open daily Explore the great outdoors at Baddesley, creating memories to last a lifetime. /baddesley-clintonnationaltrust.org.uk
ThinkTank, Birmingham Open Weds – Sun Award-winning science museum for fun-packed family days out. /thinktankbirminghammuseums.org.uk
The Core Theatre, Solihull Beauty and the Beast Pantomime, 9 Dec - 2 Jan thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Three Counties Showground, Malvern Malvern Autumn Show: 23 – 25 Sept Festival of gardening, food and drink. Under-16s go free! Winter Glow: 25 Nov – 2 Jan Light trail, ice skating, Santa experiences, observation wheel. threecounties.co.uk Umberslade Estate, Tanworth in Arden Opening times on website Natural play barn, forest school, pizzeria, rhythm time, and more. umberslade.com West Midlands Safari Park Open daily Safari drive-through, adventure theme park, discovery trail and more. wmsp.co.uk
Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Tales From Acorn Wood at Christmas, 15 – 31 Dec Dick Whittington, 17 Dec – 29 Jan birminghamhippodrome.com
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WHAT’S EntertainmentON Book early to get the best seats for Christmas shows!
The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Beauty and the Beast, 18 Nov - 16 Dec Suttonoldreptheatre.co.ukColdfieldTown Hall Rapunzel & the Rascal Prince, 6 – 31 Dec suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com
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