Families SE March 2012 issue 137

FR

MARCH 2012 ISSUE NO. 137

EE

ESTABLISHED 1996

®

www.familiesse.co.uk

south east london

online edition

with working website links

Confidence, Communication and Concentration Book your FREE Drama Class today Watch your child’s self-esteem soar with Perform’s unique drama, dance and singing classes. Our Classes for weekly workshops will do wonders for their 4 – 8s and 8 – social, linguistic and physical development as Visit perform 12s. .org.uk well as being the best fun they’ll have all week. to find your nearest venue.

Book now fo r our

w

Alice in Wond onderful erland three day sp ring holid

ay courses!

perform.org.uk

0845 400 1277

YES, I can touch-type Touch-typing taught in just 10 hours Book now for Easter Courses With proper tuition children can learn to touch-type surprisingly quickly and, what’s more, enjoy the whole experience.

■ Improved speed and effectiveness in study.

■ Well presented work increases self-esteem.

■ There are particular benefits for those with dyslexia or dyspraxia.

Also booking Saturday classes.

To find out more call:

020 8858 9180 YES Tuition and Training, The Station Building, 187 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich SE10 8JA. www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk

Family Legal Services To arrange an initial free consultation please ring

020 8858 6971 Friendly, professional legal advice Email family@grantsaw.co.uk Visit www.grantsaw.com Norman House, 110-114 Norman Road, Greenwich, SE10 9EH Find us just around the corner from Greenwich train & DLR stations

The original and largest network of part-time performing arts schools in the world.

r e t g s n i l a l EEnrofosrhthoe p WnnSooopwwrrikbnogo1kTi2encgrhmin 20 i Dulw

For 4-16 year olds, after school and at weekends.

Nurturing and developing young people’s potential through dance, drama and singing.

C your local Stagecoach: Call B Blackheath 020 8417 0010 B Beckenham 020 3394 0810 Dulwich 0845 055 63 68 D Sydenham 020 8949 1116 S www.stagecoach.co.uk w agecoach.co.uk g

CT A !

E C N A D !

G N SI

2

families south east - march

NOW!

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

I’LL BE so pleased to see the back of this winter - it’s never easy typing with cold fingers and while it’s great that vitamin D is available in capsules, I’m looking forward to the big shiny thing returning to the skies. In the meantime, I’ll just have to sulk in a bath of hinted-for Mother’s Day bubbles.

We’ll be back for Easter. Chocolate time - things are looking up already!

Robina Cowan, editor

IN THIS ISSUE

3-5 Local News and Views Clubs and classes for children, fitness classes for adults, a new Montessori primary school, making a difference

6-8 Education News Proven ways to help your child lean to read, Lewisham primary school children launch a healthy tuck shop, news from two girls’ schools

9 The Book Page Justine takes a fresh look at London through new books for children

10-11 What’s New Support for sleeless children, slow toys arrive in southeast London, cooking with children, Montessori takes a fresh look at family life

12 Mothers Mean Business Yummy Mummy Tuesday helps local parents find deals at child-friendly places

13 Family Health How to keep away those cold-like symptoms during seasonal temperature changes; and helping children relax after a long, hard day at school

14-18 What’s On Five pages of family fun, plus Easter Holiday workshops and daycamps now booking

19 Tackling Tantrums Helena Foss on setting ground rules and reclaiming her sense of self

20 The Back Page Local business contacts to make your life easier

Front cover: All childrenswear from the Marie Chantal Autumn/ Winter 2011 collection, www.mariechantal.com Easter issue out: 23 March, copy deadline

end of February Families South East PO Box 11591, London SE26 6WB 020 8699 7240 www.familiesse.co.uk editor@familiesse.co.uk

© Families South East. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Families South East is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence.

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

LocalNews email your news to editor@familiesse.co.uk

ses Clubs & Clasn for childre 25 years of Tumble Tots Julia Forrest is celebrating 25 years of running Tumble Tots in the south London area.

Having started out very small initially, the classes have steadily grown over the years to be the leading active physical activity in the area; and have been the springboard to developing children’s skills for life.

Julia told us: “Tumble Tots has always been great fun to run, not only because of the wonderful children who have attended over the years, but also because of the fantastic staff we have - many of whom have been with me for eight years plus, and have a wealth of experience and expertise in our field.

“We have been fortunate enough to have to have taught well over 25,000 children in the past 25 years - some of whom now bring their own children along which is great news; and we are now looking forward to many more rewarding and fun years!”

Tumble Tots’ action-packed classes are for children aged six months to five years. If you would like to take yours along and join in the fun, call Julia on 020 8464 4433 or email julia.forrest1@ntlworld.com. There is more information at www.tumbletots.com.

More tennis for kids Tennis-4-kids is bringing new classes to Herne Hill on Wednesdays, and is offering a free trial session to new players.

Tennis-4-kids provides fun filled tennis games and activities designed for the younger player in which all the skills, drills and tactics of the real game are learned and used. The coaching takes place indoors with sponge balls and mini tennis rackets specifically designed for 2-8 year-olds, and played on a badminton court. Classes also run in East Dulwich, Forest Hill and Bromley.

To take up the free trial offer or for more information, call Gordon on 07877 391005, email gordon@tennis-4-kids.com, or see www.tennis-4-kids.com.

Big lottery funding for Lewisham Youth Theatre Lewisham Youth Theatre (LYT) has been awarded over £100,000 over the next five years as part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities programme. With so many recent cuts in youth arts funding, the award is welcome news for younger Lewisham residents.

Since 1989, LYT has run free theatre projects for some of the most needy and hard to reach young people in the borough. Each year, the charity works with over a hundred 8-21 year-olds on full-scale theatre performances at the Broadway Theatre in Catford, and reaches hundreds more through outreach projects. Many members go on to train as actors and backstage technicians, and everyone leaves with valuable life skills including commitment, team work, enthusiasm and a passion for everything they do.

Projects only run if the money is available, and each year more and more young people want to take part. The current economic climate has made providing high quality arts activities across so many ages harder and harder, so the Big Lottery funding will make a real difference to the young people at LYT, and will help ensure there are more projects for years to come.

LYT is based at the Broadway Theatre on Catford Broadway. Their senior acting company will stage ‘Metamorphoses’ onstage on 13 and 14 April.

For information about taking part in projects, or to book tickets for forthcoming productions, call 020 8690 3428 or see www.lewishamyouththeatre.com.

march 2012 - families south east

3

Easter holiday fun As well as running throughout term times, many southeast London classes also put on holiday workshops.

They are a godsend for working parents who need a few hours of safe, supervised childcare; and a great way for your child to learn a new skill or try out a new activity he might want to take up on a more regular basis.

This Easter, there are workshops for budding musicians and performers, multi-activity day camps, plus exam practice or even speedy touch-typing courses. The listings are updated throughout the year in our online What’s On guide - click on the toolbar at the top of our homepage www.familiesse.co.uk and scroll down to School Holiday Workshops.

Also see the listings in this magazine on page 14.

We will have even more in next month’s issue.

News for s grown up Rose House Montessori Rose House is the first Montessori school in southeast London, offering early years and primary school education for children aged two to eleven years across two spacious premises.

Rose House primary school fosters the child’s ability to embrace challenges with curiosity and enthusiasm, following their unique pattern and rhythm of exploring all areas of the curriculum in a beautifully-crafted environment of respect, peace, and joy.

The primary school department is located in the bright and open, beautifully converted Chapel on the Hill in Forest Hill, approximately ten minutes’ walk from the early years department. Places are available for children who are attending or who have attended a Montessori pre-school.

In full capacity, Rose House will have 110 children across the early years and primary sector.

To find out more, call 07810 015698 or go to www.rose-house-montessori.com.

Support for new parents

The Crooked Well

However much we prepare ourselves for the arrival of a new baby, the reality of changed needs and becoming a parent can present huge challenges as well as joys.

Transparent is a new service that is specifically designed to help parents and parents-to-be: • quickly improve their communication skills • recognise potential pitfalls and conflict areas • earn long-term strategies for mutual support in times of transition • discuss and negotiate changing roles and expectations • prevent conflicts or manage them in a constructive way.

Transparent is run by Irena Hill, a Dulwich-based mediator and former relationship counsellor who has over 25 years’ professional experience, and is a wife, mother and grandmother.

Parents can access ad-hoc or ongoing support and guidance in a confidential, flexible and personalised way. For more information or an appointment, call 0750 336 1546 or email irenahill.mediator@live.co.uk.

We hear good things about The Crooked Well in Camberwell. The family-friendly restaurant serves honest good food using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. In the afternoons, it’s a lovely place to drop into for an afternoon snack or proper British tea including crumpets and everything you could want on toast - Marmite, eggs, smoked salmon, cheese and even freshly made guacamole.

The restaurant is also open for lunch, and in the evenings a cosy bar atmosphere takes over, with flickering church candles and an innovative cocktail menu.

The Crooked Well is 16 Grove Lane, Camberwell SE5 8SY, 020 7252 7798, www.thecrookedwell.com.

Fit families in Crystal Palace Training Points in Crystal Palace offers one to one personal training as well as many fitness classes throughout the week including Zumba, Pilates and body conditioning. There are prenatal classes for pregnant women, and classes where new mothers take their baby along to join in the fitness fun.

For fathers, the Saturday kettlebell class is perfect for building up the stamina and strength to keep up with the children.

Training Points is in Church Road in Crystal Palace. Join in by calling Mathilde on 07986 764 553 or go to www.trainingpoints.co.uk.

DIY Dad of the Year Do you have a handyman in the family?

The Ideal Home Show have joined forces with B&Q to find the Ideal DIY Dad of the Year 2012.

Hosted

by George Clarke, star of Channel 4’s Restoration Man and B&Q’s celebrity ambassador, the contest will start with a series of rapid-fire questions in a pub style quiz, with the three highest scoring dads going through to the final with a guaranteed £250 prize.

From here they will go for gold as they battle it out in a series of practical challenges that may include flat pack furniture assembly, laying a floor, a delicate painting task, or even wiring a plug, in a bid to win the title, along with £1000 to spend in store at B&Q. The competition will take place on Thursday 29 March in the ‘How to’ theatre at this year’s Ideal Home Show in Earls Court. Willing entrants can register on the day up to 30 minutes before the contest begins. For show details, see page 14 or go to www.idealhomeshow.co.uk.

WEEKLY CLASSES

STREET DANCE EAST DULWICH/FOREST HILL

DRAMA

PERFORMING ARTS

NORTH DULWICH/HERNE HILL

EARLY YEARS

CRYSTAL PALACE/FOREST HILL

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL SESSION TODAY! TEL: 0208 244 4873 info@freedomacademy.co.uk www.freedomacademy.co.uk 4

families south east - march 2012

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

A diamond of a holiday Families who take their main break at the extended Diamond Jubilee half-term could save hundreds of pounds - and some holiday companies are wooing them with free child places, making for even better deals.

To mark the fact that the Queen has been on the throne for 60 years, the government has announced a special bank holiday on Tuesday 5 June, and moved the late May bank holiday to Monday 4 June.

In areas where half term falls the previous week, this means families can legitimately take an 11-day June holiday, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and better price deals, especially in European resorts.

For inspiration, the Recommended Family Holidays website has ideas for hotels and self catering accommodation at home and abroad, which have all been tried and tested by parents who’ve been there. Go to www.recommendedholidays.com.

nce Make a differe Race (or walk) for WWF’s Earth Hour GOSH The RBC Race for the Kids is coming 2012 up in Battersea Park on 24 June, and Saturday 31 March is WWF’s Earth Hour.

If you’ve not taken part before, now’s your chance to get involved in a global phenomenon and join hundreds of millions of people turning off their lights for one hour on the same night, all across the planet.

It’s not just to save an hour’s electricity - Earth Hour is about people coming together to celebrate the planet and focus on how we need to protect it, not just for an hour but every day. Earth Hour starts at 8.30pm. To find out more and sign up, go to www.wwf.org.uk.

‘Helping Children Speak for Themselves’ Our specialist Centre for children under 5 provides: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Speech and Language Therapy Occupational Therapy Auditory Verbal Therapy Specialist, educational Nursery Groups Multi-Disciplinary Team Assessments

and more‌ For more information please contact the Centre on: 020 7383 3834 www.speech-lang.org.uk

the organisers are looking for families to sign up and raise vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Participants are encouraged to jog, run or walk the distance and at the end, join in with lots of fun activities including stage acts, arts and crafts, face painting and bouncy castles.

You might even spot some celebrity participants too.

Money raised from the event will help fund the essential redevelopment of Great Ormond Street Hospital and make a difference to the thousands of sick children who are treated at there every year.

To sign up or find out more, visit www.raceforthekids.co.uk, call 020 7239 3164, or email raceforthekids@gosh.org

And finally...

You don’t say...

Experienced mothers won’t be surprised to hear it, but researchers were: babies understand what their mothers are saying even though they don’t know which language she is speaking, according to a study by academics at Cardiff University.

Their discovery makes clear what mums have always known - that babies pick up on the tone of a mother’s voice, and don’t have to understand precisely what is being said to have a very strong sense of what is being conveyed.

Don’t forget your toothbrush It’s looking like an interesting bunch of people choose Travelodge when they need an overnight stay.

Last year, items which were sent from across the UK to the chain’s lost and found office included: • 100 Duchess of Cambridge masks • Keys to a Ferrari 458 • A 4ft stuffed macaw parrot • A Mr Blobby costume • A mock 3ft tall Olympic torch that lights up • A magician’s magic box of tricks • A suitcase of designer dog outfits and matching collars • A watch box containing seven prestigious watches • A Roborovski hamster called Fredrick • 75,000 forgotten teddy bears Travelodge hotel staff make every effort to reunite all items left behind in their hotels with the owners. Since January 2011 all items that have not been claimed within three months have been donated to Cancer Research UK charity shops across the UK. Travelodge has 496 hotels across the country, with rooms from just £19, www.travelodge.co.uk.

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

0XVLF FODVVHV IRU EDELHV DQG \RXQJ FKLOGUHQ ÂŽ

WLPH RI PXVLF 1XU WXULQJ D OLIH 7R ERRN \RXU FRPSOLPHQWDU\ FODVV LQ %ODFNKHDWK DQG *UHHQZLFK 'XOZLFK DQG +HUQH +LOO SOHDVH FDOO )RU FODVVHV LQ )RUHVW +LOO 6\GHQKDP 3HQJH &U\VWDO 3DODFH DQG *LSV\ +LOO SOHDVH FDOO

PRQNH\PXVLF FRP

$FWLRQ VRQJV DQG UK\PHV 0XVLF DQG PRYHPHQW )XQ ZLWK SHUFXVVLRQ 0XVLFDO JDPHV Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.

5RFN œQ¡ UROO IURP PRQWKV +HLJK KR ² IURP PRQWKV -LJJHW\ MLJ ² \HDU ROGV 'LQJ GRQJ ² \HDU ROGV :LQQHU RI WKH %HVW 1DWLRQDO 3UH 6FKRRO $FWLYLW\ $ZDUG

march 2012 - families south east

5

Give your child a head start at school!

The online reading program for children 5 Years 3-4 Years

First Steps The playroom section ection is designed especially for 3 and 4 year olds.

Completing the activities with your child is a great shared activity that will help develop positive attitudes towards reading and learning.

Ready for School Your child can build on the reading skills they have been introduced to at school.

The team behind Reading Eggs has been creating successful reading materials for schools for the last 12 years, and this experience has resulted in the best online reading program.

6-7 Years

Fun Practice Makes Perfect Your child can take a placement test to ensure they are working at a level that matches their ability.

The program is excellent for older children who need more practice to increase their reading speed and comprehension.

Reading Eggs also develops key skills in spelling, vocabulary and grammar.

7-13 Years

Continuing the Reading Journey Journey Packed full of hundreds of great online activities and games, Reading Eggspress is a great way for your child to continue developing their reading g skills.

GET YOUR FREE 5 WEEK TRIAL! Register your child h ld at www.readingeggs.co.uk di k and d use this h code: d UKM23LSE RE1255 BTS2012 UKM23LSE

Registration is quick, easy and FREE! But hurry, this great trial offer ends on 30th April 2012

Wh W Where h children hild hi ld b become greatt read readers! aders! d ! www.readingeggs.co.uk dii d k 6

families south east - march 2012

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

education news

New head teacher at Bromley High

School News Primary school entrepreneurs launch healthy tuck shop business At the beginning of February, Year 5 entrepreneurs at Coopers Lane primary school launched a ‘Fruitilicious’ healthy tuck shop, headed up by nine year-old directors Rahul and Charlie. The tuck shop was launched after a team of pupils had spent a day with fruit to suit, learning business skills and putting a business plan together to present to their head teacher. They plan to donate a portion of their profits to Cancer Research UK charity and to keep some for the school.

Thirty four south London Primary schools have set up healthy tuck shop businesses using a fruit to suit training programme, and Coopers Lane are the first Lewisham school to do this.The training dovetails into the curriculum and gives a practical application to many aspects of it from maths to art; children design advertising posters, learn to control their stock using Excel spreadsheets, develop their selling skills and set their pricing structure.The tasty selection of snacks are delivered to the school and include plain popcorn, apple crisps and naturally flavoured raisins, all falling within the School Food Trust guidelines.

“The children gain employability and life skills and grow in confidence and enthusiasm towards the workplace, whilst promoting healthy eating throughout their school. It’s a very worthwhile project” says Elizabeth Gimblett of fruit to suit.

Prices start at £350 for a group. The Coopers Lane training was partially funded by Sage Educational Trust as part of the irresistible learning initiative in Lewisham.

Interested schools can find out more about fruit to suit’s training programmes from Elizabeth. Call 07767 313394, email Elizabeth@fruittosuit.co.uk or see www.fruittosuit.co.uk.

Sydenham High is ‘outstanding’ “Dynamic, risk-taking, excellent” are just some of the words used to describe Sydenham High School and its students in their recently published inspection results.

The school received an excellent report, with a quiverful of outstandings for both the junior and senior schools. The inspection by the ISI was compiled by six inspectors who spent five days in the school over a month as well as surveying both parents and students.

The inspection ringingly endorsed the school’s contemporary approach to education combined with traditional values. It judged that the school was highly successful in its aim of providing a first-class education for its pupils and fulfils its aim for each pupil to achieve her academic potential. It praised Sydenham High’s ‘excellent teaching’ and its curriculum that enables pupils to be intellectually fulfilled. As well as praise for the teachers and school leadership, it had lots of praise for the girls as well, commenting that they were ‘friendly, polite and welcoming’, commending their ‘willingness to take risks and work independently’ and the fact that they were ‘pupils who were enthusiastic learners with an excellent work ethic’.

ISI also acknowledged the success the school enjoys across a broad range of art and science competitions as well as in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and music and drama exams, praising the clubs programme for offering ‘lively and intellectually stimulating enrichment beyond the classroom’.

Commenting on the report, headteacher Kathryn Pullen said, ‘Sydenham High girls leave school educated not simply examined and we are delighted that the inspection team highlighted the range of the girls’ achievements and their refusal to accept limitations to their horizons. We translate our school motto “nyle ye drede” as ‘go for it girls’ and this reports highlights a community of girls, staff and parents doing just that’.

Sydenham High School is an independent school for 4 to 18 year-olds, and is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust. The school, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, offers an academic education that prepares girls for university and for a future built on each girl’s abilities and interests.

For more information, call 020 8577 7000 or go to www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net.

Herne Hill School

for love, care and an excellent education

Independent Co-ed Pre-Prep & Nursery, 3-7 Years, Founded 1976, Member ISA

Open Morning: Morning: Open Saturday 10th March Saturday 6th March 10am -- 12.30pm 12.30pm 10am

We look forward to meeting you!

We look forward to meeting you!

The Old Vicarage, 127 Herne Hill, London SE24 9LY

Tel: 020 7274 6336

www.hernehillschool.co.uk w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

Mrs Penny Jones is the new head of Bromley High Junior School. We caught up with her at the beginning of February: “I came to this school in... January 2012 My background is... My first headship was in 2008 where I opened the new primary of an all- through academy, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College.

It was a wonderful opportunity to create a new kind of school in a vibrant setting.

Why I chose Bromley High Junior School...

The atmosphere of busy, curious, and creative girls makes this a very special place to be. There are not many people lucky enough to work with so many talented young people.

A typical day for me is... unusual indeed every day it’s the same thing, variety!

What makes us different is... our determination that the girls lead the learning. From our very youngest to our sixth form girls, all are leaders.

It is our job as skilled educationalists to channel the girls’ enthusiasm in directions that extend and enrich their learning, knowledge and skills. We are experts in educating girls and know what inspires them to achieve greatness. At Bromley High, girls come first.

We try to instil in our girls... our unique blend of traditional values and innovation: this is the key to enabling girls to thrive. Our strong ethos of care and kindness is shown in our girls’ excellent manners and their compassion for each other and the wider world.”

Bromley High School is an independent school for 4 to 18 year-olds, and is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust. Registrations are being taken now for 4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+ entry for 2013. The next open afternoon for the Junior and Senior departments is on 14 May. For information, call 020 8781 7001 or go to www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net.

SCHOOL APPEALS YOUR SCHOOL YOUR CHOICE If you have been unsuccessful with your child’s application to the school of your choice then contact SCHOOL APPEALS for all you need to know about winning your appeal.

www.schoolappeals.org.uk E-mail: schoolappeals@yahoo.com Tel: 01903 718741 Please quote ref: FSE/2012 in all communications

march 2012 - families south east

7

education news

News for Parents What should I do if my school application is not successful?

In March, parents whose children are moving on will learn which school they have been allocated. If you don’t receive an offer of your first choice school, you have the option of accepting the place you’ve been given, or appealing against the decision.

School Appeals help parents through the process - we asked for their advice: 1. Make sure that your appeal is submitted in time. You can submit additional information at any time up to the appeal.

2. Put forward the strongest possible case. Explain why you want a place at your preferred school and back up what you say with third party evidence. If there are medical reasons, submit a letter of support from your doctor or consultant; if there are friendship issues, name the children and try and get their parents to support your appeal.

3. Do your research. Check government and local authority web sites to support your case. Ask the admission authority for information about the numbers in each of the year groups and how many appeals were successful in the last five years 4. Challenge the admission authority’s case. Look at the performance figures and Ofsted reports for the school to see if they support your case. Look for mistakes and errors in the admission authority’s case.

If you can undermine their case then this may help your case.

5. Knowledge breeds confidence and so preparation is essential. Before the appeal consider the questions that you want to ask the admissions authority.

To help yourself, get a copy of “Your School Your Choice” published by Lawpack or for a range of support services contact School Appeals on 01903 718741, or email schoolappeals@yahoo.com, quoting reference FSE/2012.

FunMats raise funds With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games coming up, it’s an ideal time to get children creating a drawing that can be turned into commemorative gifts.

FunMats helps school PTAs raise funds by creating placemats and coasters from children’s designs that families can buy as affordable gifts.

Parents can also make their own Family FunMats (or bags, T-shirts, prints or mugs etc). For more information, go to www.funmats.co.uk.

Learning to read is childsplay: FREE trial

Reading miles challenge

Reading Eggs is a highly successful reading programme where children progress and learn more at their own pace. Using interactive animations, games and songs, the learning is always fun; and as they progress, children collect golden eggs and other rewards to mark their progress and keep them motivated.

At the beginning, there’s a placement test to make sure your child starts at the right level for them. Once they’re up and running, there’s an impressive 120 lessons for 3-7 year-olds to work through to help them improve all the time.

The older 8-13 year-olds have their own Reading Eggspress stage with more advanced lessons, games and activities to improve their comprehension and grammar skills.

The programme has been developed by a highly experience team of educational teachers, writers and developers. It focuses on a core reading curriculum of phonics and sight words, using skills and strategies essential for sustained reading success. It completely supports what children learn at school and helps improve their progress.

Over a million children across the world have already had the Reading Eggs experience and the programme is used by many teachers who incorporate the programme into their daily lessons. 90% of parents who signed up reported a noticeable improvement in their child’s reading skills.

READER OFFER: Families readers can sign up for a FREE five week trial. To activate the offer, go to www.readingeggs.co.uk and use the promotional code UKM23LSE before 30 April 2012.

The National Literacy Trust has launched a new campaign to help parents and schools encourage children to read.

The Reading Miles Global Challenge rewards pupils with 500 reading miles for every 10 minutes they spend reading. Collected miles are recorded in a personal reading passport, and on a printed wall map which is available for schools that run the challenge. Every pupil who completes their reading journey around the world will be entered into a prize draw to win fantastic prizes for themselves and their school.

Challenge support material is free to schools; and members of the NLT schools network can access further resources including cross-curricular links and ideas for engaging families, at www.literacytrust.org.uk.

Parents who are keen to help their child enjoy books can find ideas at www.wordsforlife.org.uk.

The Education Centre TEC A vibrant tuition establishment • 11+ & 12+ entrance preparation for Grammar schools

Equipping pupils for a changing world

• Common entrance preparation for Independent schools

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

• Maths & English for KS1, KS2 & KS3 • GCSE Maths, English & Science • AS and A2 Level for all Sciences, Mathematics & English • Individual Tuition

We are now enrolling Year 5 pupils for Year 7 entry into Grammar and Independent schools 020 8318 2106 • enquiries@theedcentre.co.uk

www.theedcentre.co.uk 23 Lewisham High Street, SE13 5AF 1 min walk from Lewisham DLR and bus garage 8

families south east - march 2012

Exceptional independent secondary school for boys & girls For enrolment and all inclusive fee details call 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

The Bookseller Crow

is a fantastic, volume stuffed shop run by some of the most knowledgeable bookworms in the business.

Call in for the feel of a real bookshop, or if you’re too busy, pick up the phone or point your mouse at their website for a fast mailorder service. Justine Crow recommends this month’s best titles.

IF THE PAGE seems a bit Londony this time, that’s because I feel that way thanks to the capital’s diary being stuffed with pavement flavoured events from Dickens celebrations through dear HRH’s diamond jubilee to the Olympics and Paralympics. Now’s not the moment to stick your hand up and ask who’s paying for all this? The moolah has been spent. There’s no un-spending. So you might just as well get on and enjoy the spectacle. Personally, I’m looking forward to all the fun without accusations of being London-centric - anywhere else in the entire universe, I am considered an outsider, for once I’m allowed home turf. My kids identify themselves even more with the city and if I ever refer to my dream pink weatherbeaten cottage on a beach back-dropped by glorious sunsets, a sailor to share my bath and a cellar full of gin, they stick their fingers down their throats and making gagging noises. London it is then..

AN ALPHABET OF LONDON by Christopher Brown Merrell rrp £12.95. With a little biography and notes about his influences and method, this is a children’s book to keep, a grown-up book to admire and the artist author references much of the main attraction with his deceptively simple lino cuts (my sister, the indomitable Aunt Snappy, cuts prints – witness our shop badge - and you wouldn’t want to get in her way when she’s waggling the scalpel). There’s the Fabs on Abbey Road and Boudicca on a Boris bike. That’s one of the few things I can’t stand about the place - not the bike, the BoJo. His insufferable insouciance. Makes me want to dangle him from the twenty-second floor of a council flat by his nonchalance. Chippy? Me? Where was I? Oh, the alphabet.

There’s the cenotaph for the C and Eliza Doolittle for the D, the Electric cinema for the E and so on. You get the picture.

And the pictures are wonderful.

THE LADYBIRD BOOK OF LONDON - Ladybird rrp 2/6.

I mean, rrp £4.99. Continuing with the indulgent theme, this facsimile of the book that has its fiftieth birthday this year will have some of you gurgling deliriously with wistful recognition.

Ladybirds do that to people. Everyone can remember their favourite and why. Mine? The Party - because of her yellow dress and - swoon - matching yellow shoes. This doesn’t disappoint with its quaintly pastoral ‘London’ airport, the pagoda in Battersea Park (Christopher Brown above has it as P), a bucolic Buck House and a spruce Cutty Sark. Pass the roast chicken flavoured crisps and the flask of PG with the gold top milk mother, I feel a picnic coming on.

TIRED OF LONDON, TIRED OF LIFE by Tom Jones Virgin rrp £12.99. There you have it. And tempting as it is to make a facile quip about how much fun the city would be if it was THE Tom Jones taking you round, I can guarantee there’ll be picnics galore if you follow these daily suggestions and visit Europe’s first ever Thai temple in Wimbledon on 2nd April or get a snack at Blackheath Tea Hut on 4th May. Or go sailing at the Docklands Sailing Watersports Centre on 8th June or spend an evening with a ghostly grenadier in Belgravia on 13th Sept. Second thoughts, you might want to shuffle the dates. Afterall, if we all go for a drink at the pretty Royal Oak, Columbia Road on 18th November, to hell with the picnic, it’ll be that charming London refrain instead: Oi, did you spill my pint?

The new AA GREAT DAYS OUT, 2012 rrp £9.99 while not having the quirky inventiveness of the above be-trousered Welshman’s guide (oh go on, let it be by him), it does have a hefty London section and, should you tiresomely insist on stepping out of the city boundaries, there’s a stackload of things to do in Kent and Sussex and Surrey and even, whispers, “up North”.

MY FIRST LONDON BUS; MY FIRST LONDON TAXI by Marion Billet - Campbell rrp £5.99 each. One thing I agree with Boris over is the tyranny of the bendy bus. Why it was decided that a brand as perfect as the red double-decker should be replaced with an unyielding bully that does rubbish left hand turns sending all the grannies inside flying before the engine spontaneously combusts bringing whole boroughs to a standstill, is a mystery. And did you ever hear a small child ask

for a toy bendy bus to play with?

Mindyou, don’t get me started on black cabs and their god-given right to travel in bus lanes with their precious cargo of ONE vast carbon-footprinted customer who is wealthy enough to be able to avoid the traffic jams. Instead, stick to these jolly board books for all the fun of whizzing round London beeping at the sights without an ounce of road rage.

BABY SEES, A VERY FIRST BOOK - Picthall & Gunzi, rrp £5.99. Nothing themed about this, it is designed to be fascinating to young babies before the delights of the city distracts them (first park, first pub etc).

SOCKS by Nick Sharratt & Elizabeth Lindsay - David Fickling Books rrp £10.99. There’s no funnier item of clothing.

Except perhaps when you work in Foundation Stage and you have to wait forever after PE for the last few boys (always boys) who insist that they cannot possibly put on their socks without help. I’m all for anything to get the beggars interested in doing it for themselves.

UNPOPPABLE by Tim Hopgood - Macmillan rrp £5.99.

A gorgeous picture book this, with landscapes I can’t quite put my finger on as I follow the fortunes of a jammy inflatable through thickets of telly aerials, chimneys and spires to finally expire in a brilliant firework display. Then I realise the action takes place, whispers, “up North”. Well that popped my soft Southern balloon, eh!

WHO LIVES HERE? by Michael Terry - Bloomsbury rrp £6.99.

Can’t get more iconic than London Zoo whose badge this book bears. This is a decent sized board book full of animals and birds, with robust flaps revealing yet more beasts that share the same habitats. I’m going to the zoo this very week as it happens. Not a good idea to lift the flap there though.

But afterwards, I will definitely lift a sandwich and a cup of tea.

LITTLE MOUSE by Alison Murphy - Orchard rrp £10.99. The illustrations here are faintly nostalgic, not unlike the zoo days of old, and the message is about being bold and assertive.

I have never had to persuade my children to be brave (defiant is Trasha’s middle name) but in the bookshop we die a little every time a whimpering child is prodded to the counter and made to hand over a quaking fist of coins. Parents? Want to make owning a book intolerable? Force the kid to go pay for it themselves.

THE GREAT & DANGEROUS by Chris Westwood - Frances Lincoln rrp £6.99. At the shop we are often asked for novels for accomplished readers that take place in London. This is the second to feature the Ministry of Pandemonium, a devilish creepy institution that’ll ensure you get the collies should you be daft enough pick it up instead of that book group choice you have been putting off for weeks.

AGATHA PARROT & THE MUSHROOM BOY by Kjartan Poskitt, Egmont rrp £5.99 is also a follow-up and taps into the bonkers Mr Gum type mayhem for the impressionable seven plus bunch.

THE PARENTS’ TOOLKIT by Naomi Richards - Vermillion rrp £12.99. Like I said, my lot don’t need help in the confidence dept so what use is ‘Ask your child, don’t give orders’ (yeah, right), and ‘Who is to blame for your child’s lack of self confidence’ (I wish)? Or, ‘Overcoming challenging situations’, ‘How to help your child get on better with their siblings’, ‘Accusations of favouritism’ and ‘How to motivate them to cooperate’... Err. Hang on.

Meanwhile, as I write I get a volley of texts from Trasha demanding collection from her friend’s house precisely forty minutes after I’ve dropped a football team of boys off and an hour since I caved and agreed to pick up her big sister from the station. Evidently her broomstick has broken down. No wonder I feel a bit bleedin’ Londony, I spend most of my waking hours driving all over it. On the otherhand, I could just run away and hide. All of a sudden it is tempting to disappear somewhere unexpected like, whispers, “up North”...

The Bookseller Crow, 50 Westow St. Crystal Palace, London SE19 3AF Telephone: 020 8771 8831 email: info@booksellercrow.co.uk www.booksellercrow.co.uk w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

march 2012 - families south east

9

Imagination for the Everyday Early years Drama www.theatretots.com

+ Weekly classes in Lee, Blackheath and Hither Green

+ Schools, nurseries and parties too!

What’sNew Baby r u o Y d n a u Yo

info@theatretots.com - 07801072776

Fourway Pharmacy 12 Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill, London SE24 9HU • Moltex, Nature, Bambo and Tushies eco-friendly nappies • Buggiboards • Baby passport photos • Green toiletries, homeopathy, aromatherapy • Friendly and free health advice

Special offer!

Free pack of eco-friendly nappies when renting a TENS machine for labour!

Mamma feels good MamaFeelsGood is the brainchild of artistic mother of two, Liz Jeans. Inspired by vibrant street graffiti and frustrated by the lack of colourful clothing for breastfeeding mothers, Liz decided to whip up some pieces that she knew she’d enjoy wearing.

Her friends and neighbours soon noticed the eye-catching tops when she was out and about, requested a few of their own, and a brand was born.

The new range of striking long and short sleeve t-shirts are simply gorgeous. With a selection of beautiful designs, bright colours and high quality fabrics, the complete range is set to be a big hit.

Each top is innovatively designed to offer easy access for comfortable breastfeeding, while simultaneously keeping the post-natal tummy covered. The secret is that the t-shirts are actually 2 in 1; the top layer shirt looks like a simple, stylish T-shirt, which can then be pulled up to breastfeed, leaving the under layer (and mummy’s modesty) in place.

Prices start at £23.99 from www.mamafeelsgood.com.

Roger Humbles MRPharmS

020 7924 9344 e mail: fourway@npanet.co.uk

wwww.fourwaypharmacy.co.uk

From daylight to dark The clocks go forward on 24 March - hurrah! One downside is that more daylight means less sleep for some young children.

The new Magic Blackout Blind allows you to blackout windows anywhere, in seconds, so everyone can get a good night’s sleep, or just a nap.

It comes on a convenient, lightweight roll which is handy at home, when travelling and on holiday. Each roll contains 10 perforated black sheets that can easily be cut to size with scissors. The black sheets cling to windows using static so leave no marks on glass. You can quickly and easily remove it when not required, and also reuse it.

A roll of 10 sheets costs £35.99 from www.magicblackoutblind.co.uk, 01905 451552.

Family Health Millpond children’s sleep clinic

We are looking for babies and children between the ages of 0 and 12 years to assist us in a range of fun activities investigating how children see.

The Child Vision Lab is based at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology in Central London.

We will refund any travelling costs up to £20.

020 7608 6819 www.childvisionlab.org

10

families south east - march 2012

As many as one in ten children are now estimated to have an additional need, with autism affecting 1 in 150 children. Of these children, research has shown up to 83% of children with ASD will have sleep difficulties.

These sleep problems are common at all levels of cognitive functioning, and include problems such as falling asleep, staying asleep, sleeping alone and waking in the night.

Sleep problems can cause enormous family distress and could have significant effects on daytime functioning and quality of life for children with ASDs. In some cases, there can be underlying medical issues that need to be addressed, however research has shown behavioural interventions can be highly effective in treating sleep problems.

Parents play a key role in managing their child’s sleep and often express sleep issues as being the biggest stress in their lives. For this reason Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic have launched a new sleep advisory service to help support and guide the parents of children with ASD to improve their child’s sleep and in doing so, their own.

Millpond’s specialist sleep therapist Vicki Dawson is a qualified teacher, and has specialised in working with children with special educational needs for the last 13 years. She has a postgraduate diploma in special and inclusive education and written a number of books around the subject, such as Special Educational Needs a Parent’s Guide.

Vicki has a specialist interest in sleep and has been trained by both Sleep Scotland and Southampton Children’s Sleep Service. Vicki regularly trains professionals and parents across the country in behaviour management and sleep hygiene.

All Millpond’s sleep therapists are highly experienced health professionals with many years working in the NHS helping exhausted parents.

Getting your child or baby’s sleep back on track can cost as little as £1.50 per minute with free email support. Find out more at www.mill-pond.co.uk or call 020 8444 0040.

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

Learning Together

s New Product

What Montessor i can offer your fam ily

Newly established

Montessori: building strong foundations MONTESSOR

Better parenting starts from birth and is central to the life chances of every child. A new book, Building Strong Foundations: What Montessori Can Offer Your Family takes a fresh look at family life to help parents put the child at the heart of the home and unlock their amazing potential.

The book starts out exploring the first year of a baby’s life as a time of extraordinary growth and development. It stresses the key roles played by attachment, movement and communication.

It explains what the Montessori philosophy of ‘follow the child’ means and discusses key elements of the approach which embraces child-led, natural and favourable home environments.

There are lovely personal insights from parents on how to promote a child’s independence through the

I

daily routines of everyday family life: from getting dressed, personal hygiene, eating, and packing a bag to ideas on how to adapt a living space around the needs of the child.

Author Kathi Hughes says: “Montessori encouraged us to help the child help herself. This not only leads to an independent child in practical terms but also one who learns to believe in her own capability to do things. This sense of success feeds into positive self-esteem and a sense of achievement and to a deeper appreciation of what they can do.

I hope parents will enjoy reading this as much as I have writing it.”

Building Strong Foundations is out this month, priced £6.99. For a copy or more information, go to www.montessori.org.uk or call 020 7493 8300.

P’kolino comes to southeast London We’ve had the slow food movement, now there are slow toys. These have been defined as • ethically sourced • fun to play with • without batteries • sold in independent toy shops • durable • without thousands of different functions Greenwich-based Gander Kids have brought the award winning P’kolino to the UK. The quirky wooden puzzles and arts and crafts include crayons and pencils which are coloured with food dye and angular shaped so they won’t roll away; a stylish wall mounted Safari elephant easel, which releases the valuable floor space taken up by traditional easels; and Silly Soft modular toddler seating that’s part furniture, part toy.

Local stockists include Green Baby in Greenwich, Ottie and the Bea in Blackheath, selected JoJo Maman Bebe branches, and John Lewis. www.ganderkids.co.uk.

Kids in the kitchen Inspired by the CBeebies show, I Can Cook, Lakeland have created a new range of kitchenware pieces designed especially for little hands to get to grips with. There are whisks, a rotary grater with measuring jug, spatulas, bowls and baking mats, all available in a range of bright colours.

To compliment the range, the I Can Cook book, published by Hamlyn, is packed with recipes from the TV series for young chefs to try. I Can Cook serves up a selection of simple recipes and top cookery tips for the under sixes. Presenter Katy Ashworth welcomes children into the kitchen, and together they pop peppers, sprinkle seasoning and squish squash as they explore where ingredients come from and how foods are made, as well as learning some simple kitchen and cookery skills.

The new range is available in store, online and in Lakeland catalogues. www.lakeland.co.uk/icancook.

Bambino beads make mother’s day There’s a trend among some celebrity mothers to have their children’s names tattooed on their wrists. Not everybody likes or wants to have a tattoo so Bambino Beads have launched their new product, the Mummy Bracelet - just in time for Mother’s Day. This beautiful bracelet is made to order and carries the names of your children in silver lettering, along with some Swarovski sparkle, a small butterfly charm and a strong magnetic clasp, similar to those already used for the Bambino Beads children’s jewellery.

For more information or to order, go to www.bambinobeads.co.uk or call Helen Keightley on 0776 3341849.

Eating the alphabet These ABC trays by Bébélephant will add to the fun of getting creative in the kitchen.

The high-gloss, colourful ABC moulds can be used as baking or ice cube trays. They are cool to the touch just minutes after being removed from the oven, BPA free, non-stick and dishwasher safe. Buy yours for £8.99 from Maison Bébé under ‘toys and gifts’ at www.maison-bebe.com.

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

Montessori Primary School In South East London For For Forchildren children children aged aged44–––111111years years yearsold. old. old.

Amazing Amazing Amazingpremises premises inin converted converted convertedchurch church churchbuilding. building. building.

Hands-on, Hands-on, Hands-on,self self selfpaced, paced, paced, collaborative, collaborative, challenging challenging&&&joyful joyful joyfullearning. learning. learning. collaborative, challenging

Spaces available in reception and year 1 for an immediate start (Spring term), with limited availability for 2012/13 start in reception, year 1 and 2 for children who are attending or have attended a Montessori Pre-school.

spectrummontessori@live.co.uk spectrummontessori@live.co.uk spectrummontessori@live.co.uk

Rose RoseHouse House HouseMontessori Montessori MontessoriSchool, School, School, Rose TheChapel Chapel Chapelon on onthe the theHill, Hill, Hill, The South SouthRoad, Road, Road,Forest Forest ForestHill, Hill, Hill, South London LondonSE23 SE23 SE232UJ, 2UJ, 2UJ, London Phone Phone07810 07810 07810015698 015698 015698 Phone

Une école francaise pour enfants francophones ou bilingues agés de 2 à 7 ans We don’t teach French as a foreign language but simply use it as a living language Herne Hill

Native teachers

Pour plus de renseignements:

www.ecolecadetrousselle.co.uk email: info@ecolecadetrousselle.co.uk Contacter Fatima Bida-Foster 07917 301550

Established

1979

The springboard to confidence for your child • Exciting physical play programme • Specially designed equipment • Supervised by trained staff • Develops a child’s confidence, balance and co-ordination • First steps to an active life • Great fun! • Parties available For more information please call Julia on: 020 8464 4433 julia.forrest@tumbletots.com Classes in: Battersea, Clapham, Dulwich, Blackheath www.tumbletots.com/dulwich

FamiliesSouthWest.co.uk FamiliesSouthEast.co.uk

Love our website but fed up with seeing info not in your area?

There is a simple solution:

Login!

Once the website knows your postcode it will always present you with your local info!

Simple but oh, so clever!

Registering is FREE

march 2012 - families south east

11

Mothers Mean Business Yummymummy Tuesday Yummymummy Tuesday is a website to help local mums find deals at child-friendly places. Mothers, fathers, even carers can discover local child-friendly businesses and take advantage of discounts too.

It is owned and run by Sabrina Ramirez, mother of two, and Sarah Williams, mother of one and one on the way.

FSE: Where did the idea come from?

YMT: Whilst on maternity leave, we realised that there is a strong need for businesses to be more child friendly, and given our current economy everyone is trying to save money and many businesses are struggling to survive.

As mums ourselves we know how little time mums have to themselves and how important it is to find child friendly businesses. Mothers often feel guilty about spending time and money on themselves, but still want, and often need a treat.

Before leaving the house, a parent has to consider: can I comfortably bring my child, is there space for my pushchair, can I feed and change my child, or will I be back in time to collect my child from nursery or school? We wanted a resource of child friendly businesses who offer discounts to parents and Yummymummy Tuesday was born.

FSE: Who is behind Yummymummy Tuesday?

YMT: Sabrina is a solicitor with a business background. She has several years of legal experience in advising businesses and in corporate social responsibility.

Sarah is an events manager with a background in marketing and communications. She worked in the events industry for nearly 10 years and brings creativity and marketing skills to the team.

FSE: When is Yummymummy Tuesday launching?

YMT: We are launching in Blackheath on Tuesday 13 March 2012, just in time for Mothers Day. We will then be extending throughout London over the coming months.

FSE: Why Tuesday?

YMT: Research has confirmed that Tuesday is the quietest day for trading for businesses and the least busy day for mothers; although some of our deals will be on other weekdays, dependent on the business.

FSE: What types of businesses are involved?

YMT: We promote all types of child friendly businesses. We have coffee shops, restaurants, hairdressers, beauty, retail and home visiting services lined up to offer deals to our subscribers.

We are very keen to hear from independent businesses, mobile businesses and mum entrepreneurs.

More information Read more and sign up for free weekly deals at www.yummymummytuesday.com.

The business is also on Facebook and Twitter @Yummymumtuesday.

Family Health FSE: How does it work?

YMT: Yummymummy Tuesday starts with the website www.yummymummytuesday.com, which promotes businesses who are child friendly and offer discounts to our parent subscribers who sign up for free. We bring local mums and businesses together; mums make new friends and save money.

Parents can view weekly deals local to them, buy the deal directly via our website and then receive a voucher to be printed and submitted to the business. Each business lists the child friendly services they offer, such as baby changing facilities, high chairs, bottle warmers and space for pushchairs. We will also have some deals exclusively for mums!

FSE: How does Yummymummy Tuesday help local businesses and the community?

YMT: The discounts offered on our website benefit mothers who are on a tight budget. Yummymummy Tuesday helps strengthen local businesses by creating a weekly event on a regularly slow business day.

We provide a risk free opportunity for small businesses to gain advertising and promotion, as we do not charge an advertising fee. A portion of our proceeds will also be donated to charities for children.

Yummymummy Tuesday will have annual events to bring local businesses and communities together, which include charity events and an annual award ceremony for Business of the Year. As a company we will provide part time employment opportunities to help parents wishing to return to flexible work.

12

families south east - march 2012

Enjoy spring Most of us look forward to saying good bye to winter and welcoming a new season. Particularly with spring, there is a sense of freshness and increased vitality. Parents are delighted that their children will have seen the last of the winter coughs and colds.

However, most Brits also know that the cold, blustery winter days can easily return - even in the middle of a perfectly warm spell in March! While this can alter our mood, it is not just our emotions that can be effected by such drastic weather changes. Temperature shifts can also disturb our physical well being, especially for babies, infants and school children.

Imagine how the body has to adjust, going from central heating and cold, icy days to warm, sunny weather, only to find the following morning that the rain has set in! For many people they adapt very well to these changes. For some, this can affect the sinuses. For others, it can bring on a blocked ear or a host of mild cold-like symptoms.

With a few simple steps and some key homeopathic medicines on hand, these symptoms may be soothed in order to enjoy more spring like weather, when it arrives.

It is important to note that the following recommendations are ideal to use during an acute sickness; symptoms that come on suddenly, with the knowledge that they will end. For more serious conditions it will be necessary to consult your GP or a professionally trained homeopath.

How to prepare for seasonal changes Taking plenty of vitamin C and aiming to get sufficient sleep, as well as a good diet can help to ward off coughs and colds. Homeopathy can help to deal with the symptoms that mild coughs and colds present. There are also specific homeopathic medicines that can strengthen the body to minimise the chance of a mild cold coming.

How does homeopathy work?

The word “homeopathy” comes from the Greek “similar suffering”. It refers to the philosophy that a substance that can produce symptoms in a healthy person, can alleviate symptoms in a sick person.

The substances are so minute to avoid side effects.

According to homeopathic principles, the medicine acts as a stimulus on the body to get well.

Homeopathy works by treating the whole person rather than symptoms of the illness. It can be used

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

Family Health

Introducing yoga and relaxation to children

by Marneta Viegas Children are being brought up in a world of noise and busyness. Busy parents, school pressures, additional after school activities, computer games and fast moving TV can all add to their stress levels.

School tests, falling out with friends, arguments between parents, feeling overwhelmed by homework and being bullied or teased can add to the stress as they learns how to deal with the outside world.

These stresses can cause a range of physical disorders such as sleeping problems, irritability; stomach aches, bed wetting, headaches, muscular pains as well as mental and emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, nervousness, anger and temper tantrums.

participating in school sports and are signing up for more “fun” non-competitive alternatives like circus skills (juggling) and yoga.

According to the article: “The study found that 58 per cent of secondary schools - and almost a third of all schools - offered cheerleading as a sport, more than a fifth trampolining, 21 per cent yoga and 18 per cent ‘circus skills’. This compares to the number offering rugby falling from almost three quarters of schools in 2006 to two thirds now.”

Interestingly enough, Nick Gibb (Tory schools spokesman) and Nick Seaton (Chairman of the Campaign for Real Education) were shocked and disappointed as they believe that competitive sport is crucial for exercise and team spirit.

Yoga is a wonderful activity that can help counter these pressures. When children learn simple techniques for self-health, relaxation, and inner fulfillment, they can navigate life’s challenges with a little more ease. Learning yoga from an early age encourages body awareness and appreciation of their surroundings. Physically, it enhances flexibility, strength and coordination as well as aids concentration and sense of calmness.

The beauty of yoga is that children of all shapes, sizes, abilities and ages can benefit from the exercises. Children can stretch as much as comfortable as they learn that every body is different. Most of the poses have animal names and shapes which can capture the imagination of even the youngest of children. They can imitate the movement and sounds of the animals and imagine the qualities of that animal. For example when they adopt the lion pose, they can feel strong and courageous, while in the tortoise poise, feel quiet and still inside their mind as well as their body.

More and more schools are adopting yoga at this time. A recent government study reported by the Telegraph found that fewer school children are

It is wonderful news that children and their parents are choosing non-competitive options in school settings. Yoga is a great form of exercise for mind, body and mental health and so a wonderful way for children to stay fit and healthy throughout their lives.

Relaxation is also vital for children’s health and well being. Just a few minutes a day can help young children feel calm and focussed and ready to face their day. Relaxation can help children sleep as it decreases muscle tension, slows the rate of breathing and reduces blood pressure. It can also help children’s concentration and listening skills as they feel quiet and able to listen and assimilate information, so giving them better problem-solving abilities.

Creativity and imagination is also improved as children are encouraged to take their minds away from their current situations and take themselves on imaginary journeys in their minds. Children

develop self-esteem and a feeling of self worth as they start to see their strengths and qualities in the quiet.

Here are the most common types of relaxation techniques.

Breathing exercises Children can lie on their back and put their hands on their stomachs. As they breathe in, their tummy will rise and as they breathe out, it will fall. Children concentrate on breathing in and out slowly as they focus on the rise and fall of their tummy. This can help children let go and feel calm and quiet.

Progressive muscle relaxation Children can lie on their backs on in a comfortable chair. Starting at the feet, they squeeze and relax each limb. As they move up through the body slowly, they will feel calm and relaxed.

Visualisation Children close their eyes and imagine they are floating on a cloud or lying on a boat and floating down the river. They might imagine that they are lying in warm sunshine and feeling the warmth in their body or imagine that they are sinking gently into soft sand.

Affirmations Children can repeat the words “I am calm and quiet, I am calm and quiet” and slowly as they repeat, they feel more calm and quiet and relaxed.

About the author Marneta Viegas is founder of Relax Kids and has written two books of children’s visualisations and produced a range of children’s relaxation CDs for concentration, anger management, anxiety and worry, self-esteem and bedtime. For more information visit www.relaxkids.com.

A look at how homeopathy may assist in keeping away mild coughs and colds from season to season to aid most minor ailments and conditions such as coughs, colds, aches and pains.

• Firstly, Tissue salts, sometimes referred to as ‘Biochemic Salts’ or ‘Cell Salts, can be taken as part of a programme to strengthen the family’s ability to fight colds. Tissue saltremedies aim to treat ailments by correcting imbalances or deficiencies in the body’s cell nutrition.In particular, Ferrum Phos [iron phosphate] is a suitable tissue salt for all the family. It can also be effective to take during a mild cold episode.

• Dulcamara can be useful to take prior to exposure to temperature changes. It is best taken a few days before going into a very different climate, such as before travelling to a ski resort or returning to a cold climate following a sunny, warm holiday abroad.

• Aconite is ideal for when you have been caught out by a sudden rain spell, such as a typical April shower! It is most effective if taken as soon as the first signs of a cough or cold present. It can assist the body to deal with the sudden shock of such climate change by helping with the stress that

the body/ mind can experience.

• The Australian Bush essence, Emergency Essence, is a wonderful flower essence combination to support those going through mild illness. It contains Fringed Violet and Sundew to provide a calming effect on the mind, body and emotions. It is safe for babies and small children.

• Gelsemium can be given to babies and children if they have the wide ranging symptoms of a cold. This includes sneezing, aches and pain, coughing and a dip in the child’s energy.

• Pulsatilla is good for babies and children suffering from blocked up nose, earache, sore throat, blocked sinuses, catarrh and hayfever like symptoms including watery, itchy eyes. The key indication for when to give pulsatilla is a clingy child who feels congested from hot stuffy atmospheres.

Homeopathy is a simple form of treatment that can be used at home for a wide range of symptoms. It works well with children and is safe to use for a variety of mild complaints.

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

About the author Amal Alaoui is a registered homeopath, as well as craniosacral practitioner. In addition to offering treatments, Amal runs short Homeopathy at Home beginners’ guide workshops.

Each session is 1 1/2 hours long, for £15 a person including handouts. She has clinics in Dulwich and Crystal Palace Osteopathic Clinic. Tel: 020 8771 9050 or email amalremedy@googlemail.com www.crystalpalaceosteopaths.co.uk.

Useful links www.helios.co.uk - homeopathic pharmacy www.homeoinst.org - homeopathy research institute www.a-r-h.org - alliance registered homeopaths www.britishhomeopathic.org - for more information about homeopathy.

march 2012 - families south east

13

PERFORM

FUNKY MONKEY

CAMP BEAUMONT

HMS BELFAST

Diary Dates for Grownups

What’sOn

NEARLY NEW SALE 3 March, St JOHN’S CHURCH, 251 Eden Park Avnue, Beckenham, www.nct.org Baby and children’s toys, clothing and equipment at knock-down prices.

Organised by Beckenham NCT. 11.30am-1pm.

Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On

COLOUR IN THE HOME

Easter Workshops now booking 'TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL' WITH STAGECOACH DULWICH 10-13 April in EAST DULWICH, 0845 055 6368, www.stagecoach.co.uk/dulwich.html 'Too Cool For School' is all about hit songs, scenes and dance numbers from musicals that feature young performers including Shrek, Horrid Henry, Matilda, Camp Rock, The Lion King and many more. The Easter Workshop is four fun-filled days of dance, drama and singing with a free presentation on the last day for family and friends to enjoy. No previous experience required - all you need is enthusiasm! Two age groups: 4-7 and 8-16 years. Book first, sibling discount available.

ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND WITH PERFORM 2-4 April, St Stephen’s Millennium Hall in DULWICH and St George’s Church Hall in BECKENHAM, 0845 400 1277, www.perform.org.uk This Spring, children can tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice on an adventure that childhood dreams are made from, exploring the weird and winsome world of Wonderland.

Based on Lewis Carroll’s classic novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, children will meet a host of strange and marvellous characters on a three day course specially designed to stimulate creativity, confidence and communication skills. Together with a team of experienced young theatre professionals, the children will combine live original music, inspirational dance and quick witted improvisation into a colourful mini performance on the final day. Ages 4-8 years, 2.30-4.30pm each day. Weekly termtime classes are also available.

INTENSIVE TOUCH TYPING School holidays and weekends, YES TUITION and Training, The Station Building, 187 Greenwich High Road SE10 8HA, 020 8858 9180, www.yes-tuitionandtraining.co.uk Learn a new skill with a touch typing courses run by YES. Children find them fun, and they work - most children are tapping away proficiently in just ten hours. Sessions can be booked to fit around other holiday commitments so children can progress at their own pace.Termtime classes also available.

CAMP BEAUMONT 2-5 and 10-13 April, COLFE’S SCHOOL, Horn Park Lane, Lee SE12 8AW, 01263 823 000, www.campbeaumont.co.uk/daycamps Multi activity daycamps offering over 40 different activities including sports, games and crafts. Ages 3-17, day passes from £42, four days £140.

BUZZ THE BEE WITH THEATREBUGS 3-5 April in BLACKHEATH, CHARLTON and CLAPHAM, 11-13 April in

EAST DULWICH, GREENWICH and DEPTFORD, www.theatrebugs.co.uk Three fun-filled days of dressing up, acting, singing, arts and crafts with a show for parents on the last day. Meet Buzz the Bee, the busiest bee in all of Fuzzyway Forest! Buzz around with him to help Fairy Petal, Bounce the Bunny and even the Queen Bee herself. Will Buzz get all his jobs done before the Fuzzyway Festival? Maybe Bellows the Windmaker can help? Three hour sessions each day, £78 a child, discount available for siblings.

For East Dulwich and Clapham bookings, call 0800 9755290.

For Blackheath, Charlton, Greenwich and Deptford bookings, call 020 8244 2036.

STORYTELLING WITH INKHEAD 3, 4 and 5 April in HERNE HILL and BLACKHEATH, 01749 938137, www.inkhead.co.uk The course demonstrates how to develop stories from the point of view of different characters, understand time shifts in a story and how to build a storyboard. Individual feedback gives each member of the group appraisal on their ideas, use of English and character development.

Suitable for 8-11 year-olds; three hours each day, £135 includes books and pens.

INKHEAD EXAM BUSTERS COURSE 10, 11 and 12 April in HERNE HILL AND BLACKHEATH, 01749 938137, www.inkhead.co.uk Help your child (10-12 year-olds) prepare for the creative writing and English language section of school entrance exams. Inkhead tutors show them how to write to persuade, argue and advise; to use metaphor, simile, personification, alliteration and assonance in descriptive pieces; to write within a time constraint; and create one or two characters who become so familiar they will be able to call them to mind in any number of different storylines. Three hours each day, £135 includes books and pens.

FUNKY MONKEY KEYBOARD WORKSHOPS 10 April in STREATHAM, 11 April in HERNE HILL, 0800 107 7949 or visit www.funkymonkey.info Funky Monkey Keyboard Classes are fun throughout the term, and this Easter they are running One Hit Wonder workshops for 5-8 year-olds.

Children will learn how to play and write notes C-G, have a basic introduction to music theory, learn famous tunes, and enjoy quizzes and activities. 10am-2.30pm, £30 includes a workbook to take home.

10 March, DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Farrow & Ball provide different paints to set off to best effect the wide range of paintings in each of the visiting exhibitions at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Much of their range is based on recreations of paint colours discovered during the restoration and conservation of historic buildings.

Their colour consultant, Joan Studholme, will give an illustrated talk on how to create traditional or contemporary interiors, change the shape of a room, and use colour to emphasise or detract from a structural feature, 10.30-11.30am, admission £10 (£8 Friends).

IDEAL HOME SHOW 16 March - 1 April, EARL’S COURT, Warwick Road SW5 9TA, bookings 0844 858 6763, www.idealhomeshow.co.uk Over 600 exhibitors showcase the latest products and innovations in interiors, home improvements, gardens, kitchens, bathrooms and gadgets. Celebrity guests this year include George Clarke, Gregg Wallace, Alan Titchmarsh, Lawrence Lewelyn-Bowen, Lorraine Kelly and Suzi Perry, joining property professionals for demonstrations and advice. Exhibits include three fullscale show homes, show gardens, a ‘how to’ home improvement theatre, celebrity chef kitchen theatre, beauty bar and catwalk, plus lots more under one roof. Open 10am-6pm daily; until 9pm Thursdays, tickets free for accompanied under 15s, weekday adults £16.50 on the door, weekend adults £18.50 on the door, less for concessions, pre-booked tickets and groups of 10 or more.

MOTHERS OF INVENTION 19 March, Business and IP Centre, BRITISH LIBRARY, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB, 020 7412 7901, www.bl.uk/bipc/ In celebration of International Women’s Month, the Business and IP Centre is hosting an evening talk from a group of inspirational and pioneering female entrepreneurs. Speakers include founders Sophie Cornish from Not on the High Street, Kamal Basran from The Authentic Food Company, Tatty Devine, and retail branding expert Christina Richardson. Each will be giving a fully rounded presentation about their business and how they got started, followed by a fast paced Q&A session with the audience. Each presentation will give great insight into the secrets of business success and how to effectively juggle a healthy work-life balance. 6.15-9.30pm, book first.

MIDCENTURY MODERN 18 March, DULWICH COLLEGE, Dulwich Common SE21, 07875 438188, www.modernshows.com Midcentury Modern has fast established itself as the number one destination for sourcing the antiques of the future without the huge retail mark-up. Designed as an unpretentious one stop shop for busy people who love collecting beautiful pieces for their homes, you can find everything for the eclectic home, from an original Eames rocker to contemporary ceramics from hot young British designers. Do a walkabout amongst some of Britain’s top mid-century dealers in Scandinavian, European and American mid-century furniture and decorative arts. Then head for the coolest wares from British designers

LEARN YOUNG HAVE FUN Rally round for a smashing time.

A fun filled introduction to tennis for 2-8 yr olds.

Played indoors with small rackets, sponge balls and scaled-down court.

Aids agility, co-ordination and balance.

A positive introduction to tennis with lots of fun.

Weekend and weekday sessions now available.

For further details ring Gordon on 07877391005 or e-mail gordon@tennis-4-kids.com

www.tennis-4-kids.com 14

families south east - march

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

Events & Exhibitions DULWICH BOOKS EVENTS

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM FUN

including furniture supremo Chris Eckersley and top ceramicist Sophie Cook. Source the latest wallpaper, ceramics, fabrics and brilliantly innovative gifts. 10am-4pm, admission £7 on the day, under 14s free.

BUSINESSMUMS NETWORKING GROUP 22 March + 19 April, Chapters in BLACKHEATH, motherslife@hotmail.co.uk, www.selondonmumpreneurs.blogspot.com Meet like-minded mothers in business, brainstorm any issues you may have and make new connections. £15 to trial the group, includes coffee and croissants.

MUSIC FOR ADULTS 24 March in EAST DULWICH, 0800 107 7949 or visit www.funkymonkey.info Why should the children have all the fun? Join director and founder of Funky Monkey Ali Edwards for a crash course in beginner keyboard and start making your own music. Very basic or no knowledge is ideal! £45 per person.

NEARLY NEW SALE 24 March, St FAITH’S CHURCH HALL, Red Post Hill, Herne Hill SE24, www.ddtwinsclub.org Save money when you buy baby equipment, toys and children’s clothes at the Dulwich and District Twins Club sale. 10am-noon, admission £1, all proceeds to King’s Premature Baby Unit.

WORKING MUMS LIVE 27 March, BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE, 52 Upper Street, Islington N1, 020 8432 6094, www.workingmumslive.co.uk/london A free exhibition where you can meet employers face to face, pick up expert advice on retraining, working for yourself, and brush up your CV and interview skills. There will be seminars on a range of subjects and up to date information on childcare options and business funding.

Exhibitors include large employers, banks and colleges. The event is free and there are creche facilities if you pre-book. 9am-4pm, register first online and book your seminar places.

THE HAPPINESS WEEKEND 30 March - 1 April, WELLINGTON COLLEGE in Berkshire, 01628 513707, www.thehappinessconsultancy.co.uk In three days, you can learn how to be happier for the rest of your life that’s the promise of the UK’s first ‘happiness weekend’ taking place during Easter 2012.

Based on the knowledge gained from over ten years of research in positive psychology, this intensive course will teach people how to develop their thinking patterns, their actions and their relationships so that their lives become happier and more fulfilled.

The weekend will be led by Professor Neil Frude, a consultant clinical psychologist specialising in enhancing people’s well-being. He and his team will present a number of practical techniques, some newly devised by the team, that can help people to boost their happiness, to flourish and to make the most of life. £395 per person includes a two-night stay plus food and wine.

31 Mar – 15 Apr

DULWICH BOOKS, 6 Croxted Road, West Dulwich SE21 8SW, 020 8670 1920, www.dulwichbooks.co.uk CWISL WORKSHOP, 3 March. Local authors from the Children’s Writers and Illustrators in South London will be taking over Dulwich Books’ children’s section with storytelling, activities, workshops and much more.

Great fun for under 12s. 10am-4pm, free.

STORYTELLING FOR UNDER 7s, 10, 17 + 24 March. Enthralling tales for little ones, with London storyteller Vanessa Woolf. 10.30am start, free

MOVE IT 2012 9-11 March, OLYMPIA, Hammersmith Road, Kensington W14 8UX, www.moveitdance.co.uk A dance celebration for beginners, professionals and students, whether your thing’s ballroom, ballet, hip hop or streetdance. Join in with masterclasses and learn how to dance like Beyonce or Lady Gaga, meet celebrities from Strictly Dancing, Got to Dance and Britain’s Got Talent, watch professional performers and browse hundreds of exhibition stands stalls for dancewear, academies and more. Open 10am-7pm Friday and Saturday, to 5pm Sunday, tickets from £10.50 children, £13.50 adults, £44 families.

FAMILY EVENTS AT THE HORNIMAN HORNIMAN MUSEUM and gardens, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23, 020 8699 1872, www.horniman.ac.uk Museum open 10.30am-5.30pm daily, general admission free, charges apply for special exhibitions and the aquarium. The museum’s music gallery and hands-on base, regular weekend and holiday drop-ins and workshops allow family visitors to explore the collection through arts and crafts, music, stories and hands-on sessions. All this within 16 acres of beautiful green space.

MUMMERS, MAYPOLES AND MILKMAIDS. Until 9 September. An exhibition of over 50 photographs depicting regional rituals from all over England. Costumed processions, symbolic dramatisations, traditional dances and fire ceremonies mark the changing seasons and celebrate nature’s bounty. Many of these customs claim an ancient origin such as traditions like Jack-in-the-Green, or have a pagan heritage like the Celtic festival of Beltane, and are kept alive today by local communities. Awardwinning photographer Sara Hannant’s vibrant images offer a captivating and surprising glimpse of contemporary ‘Merrie England’. Free.

V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green E2 9PA, 020 8983 5200, www.museumofchildhood.org.uk This gem of a museum is fascinating for families with young children.

The collection includes dolls, dolls’ houses, puppets, teddy bears, games, childcare, clothing, furniture and art and photography.

Everyday drop-in activities include storytelling, arts and crafts, and trails.

There’s dressing-up, role play and an under 3’s area, an indoor sandpit, and regular special events. If it’s sunny there’s an outdoor space to enjoy a picnic. Open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free.

WORD UP! 31 March - 5 April and 10-15 April. An active re-telling of some popular tales, with a mask-making workshop. 10.30am-4pm.

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM FUN BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R, 020 7601 5545, www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum The Bank of England Museum tells the story of the Bank of England from its foundation in 1694 to its role today as the UK’s central bank. Examine intricately-designed banknotes, feel the weight of a genuine gold bar and see the pikes and muskets that were once used to defend the Bank.

Children’s activity sheets provide fun for younger visitors. Open 10am5pm Mondays to Fridays, admission free.

SECURE BY DESIGN - THE BOULTON & WATT £50 NOTE,

until 23 March. A new exhibition marking the introduction of the new £50 note. Using a powerful microscope camera, visitors can examine the intricate design details and security features on the new note, including the new motion thread, holograms and fluorescent inks. Children who correctly answer three questions about the new note will reveal a code to open a safe containing a prize.

GEFFRYE MUSEUM EVENTS GEFFRYE MUSEUM, Kingsland Road E2 8EA, 020 7739 9893, www.geffrye-museum.org.uk Special workshops and quizzes inspire creativity and provide amusement for accompanied 5-11 year-olds on the first Saturday of each month and during school holidays. Places allocated 30 minutes in advance of each workshop. Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon Sundays.

DICKENS AND LONDON Until 10 June, MUSEUM OF LONDON, London Wall EC2Y 5HN, 020 7001 9844, www.museumoflondon.org.uk The first major UK exhibition for over 40 years celebrates the 200th anniversary of the life of Charles Dickens. Recreating the atmosphere of Victorian London through sound and projections, visitors can take a haunting journey to discover the city that inspired his works. Exhibits include paintings, photographs, costume and objects that illustrate themes that Dickens wove into his works, including his childhood hardships while his father was locked away in a debtor’s prison. Admission by timed, prebooked tickets: £5 children, £8 adults, from £18 families.

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS, Clive Steps, King Charles Street SW1A, www.iwm.org.uk The Churchill War Rooms were originally the Cabinet War Rooms, created in 1938 as underground storage areas for the Office of Works Building in Whitehall. They were soon converted to house the central core of government and to become a temporary military information centre serving the Prime Minister and the Chiefs of Staff of the air, naval and land forces. Visitors can hear the first-hand personal accounts of those who worked in the Cabinet War Rooms during the war. Learn what life and conditions were like underground and experiencing the authenticity and emotional resonance of walking through the corridors where Churchill made history. Open 9.30am-6pm, admission free for under 16s, £15.95 adults.

BRITONS AT WAR- 1938, 17+18 March. Visitors are encouraged to consider the fear felt by Britons before war even broke out. This engaging session explores the motivations and preparations involved.

As well as discussing the topic with experts, visitors will have the chance to examine genuine objects relating to the topic. Drop-in 11am-12.30pm and 2-4pm, entry included in general admission price. Suitable for all ages with parental supervision.

SCIENCE MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS SCIENCE MUSEUM, Exhibition Road SW7 2DD, 0870 870 4868, www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Aiming to be the best place in the world for people to enjoy science, the Science Museum makes sense of the science that shapes our lives, sparking curiosity, releasing creativity and changing the future by engaging people of all generations and backgrounds in science, engineering, medicine, technology, design and enterprise. Open daily 10am-6pm.

STEPHEN HAWKING: A 70TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, until 13 April. Discover objects and papers primarily sourced from Hawking’s own archives. The exhibition also features audio, specially recorded by Professor Hawking for the exhibition, and a projection of photographs from his life and career.

ME IN 3D, 7 March - 30 April. The Craniofacial team from Great Ormond

fun

r e t s a E

for families

Learn about animals from the past, hear secret stories of city animals or create your very own animal shadow puppet show!

Find out more at www.museumoflondon.org.uk/holidays or call 020 7001 9844

Barbican, St Paul’s, Moorgate

West India Quay

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

Canary Wharf

march 2012 - families south east

15

SEA LIFE AQUARIUM

JAZZ, GROOVE AND FUNK: INTERACTIVE CONCERT

HORRIBLE HISTORIES

MoreWhat’sOn Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On

DISCOVER GREENWICH

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

Street Hospital, University College Hospital and the Eastman Dental Hospital and Institute ask visitors to help them with a study investigating the structure of different faces. Visitors can have their photograph take in 3D and explore what they look like in another dimension. The photographs will form part of a database of 3D images. This will be the largest database of its kind in the world and could help treat patients with facial disfigurement in the future.

LAUNCHPAD SCIENCE SHOWS. The largest free interactive science gallery in the UK is packed with exhibits which allow visitors to launch a rocket, turn their head into a sound box and control a magnetic cloud.

Ages 8-14, free.

WHO AM I? Find out what makes you special through interactive activities which use the latest in brain science and genetics. Free.

CHILDREN AT THE V&A V&A MUSEUM, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL, 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk/families During any visit, families can pick up a trail from the Information Desk and explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation.

Suitable for 7-12 year-olds. There are also hundreds of exciting hands-on exhibits containing plenty to touch and try out. Museum open 10am-5.45pm daily, admission free Saturday BACK-PACKS. Pick up a back pack and explore the museum with fantastic jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games.

10.30am-5pm.

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM EVENTS National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and Royal Observatory, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10, 020 8858 4422, www.nmm.ac.uk.

The National Maritime Museum holds the world’s largest maritime collection. It is housed in historic buildings forming part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. It incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, and 17th-century Queen’s House. The Museum works to illustrate for everyone the importance of the sea, ships, time and the stars and their relationship with people. The Museum welcomes over 1.5 million British and international visitors a year and is also a major centre of education and research. Museum open 10am-5pm daily. General admission is free; some buildings have an admission fee.

TITANIC REMEMBERED, 8 March - 30 September. A new exhibition highlighting the stories of some of those who survived the tragedy and exploring how the fateful night in 1912 has become the most famous maritime disaster in history. Exhibits include letters, photographs and recovered objects EXPLORE SATURDAYS. Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that brings maritime history to life. Suitable for ages 6+. Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm start, free.

DISCOVER SUNDAYS. Be inspired by the museum’s galleries and take part in free design, craft, illustration and music workshops designed for families. Suitable for all ages. 11.30am-1.30pm and 2-5pm, free.

PLAY TUESDAYS. Young children can have fun with their families as they explore the museum through making, music, dance and drama.

10.30 and 11.30am, 1 and 2pm, suitable for under 5s; collect a ticket from the admissions desk.

THE SECRET LIFE OF STARS. A spectacular show, narrated by Patrick Stewart, explores the fascinating life history of the stars, from the smallest red dwarf to the largest blue giant. Using state-of-the-art digital simulation, it charts the life of a star from birth to death and beyond, and looks at what impact this has on the universe around us. Ages 5+, tickets £4.50 children, £6.50 adults, £17.50 families.

SPACE SAFARI, weekends and holiday weekdays. Join teddy bear Ted for live music and rhyme as he journeys throughout the solar system looking for the Great Bear in the sky in a show designed especially for younger children and presented by a Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomer. Tickets £4.50 children, £6.50 adults, £17.50 families.

16

families south east - march 2012

OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE (next to the Cutty Sark), Greenwich SE10, www.greenwichwhs.org.uk Unlock the history of Maritime Greenwich, through artefacts, artwork, film and stories of former lives to bring the past to life. A permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey from the College’s Tudor beginnings, through its naval past, as the Royal Hospital for Seamen and Royal Navy Staff College, right up to the present day. Special objects, including personal items from Henry VIII’s palace, as well as fascinating stories from monarchs, admirals and architects help chart the historic town’s development.

Activities for children and families play a significant part in the new destination, enabling families to maximise their visit to Maritime Greenwich and for children to explore and understand the history of the magnificent site.

SEA LIFE AQUARIUM SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM, County Hall, Southbank SE1, 0871 663 1678, www.visitsealife.com/london Explore the world’s rivers, oceans and reefs and come face to face with

the life that inhabits them. Open 10am-7pm daily, admission from £12.96 children, £17.82 adults, family tickets available.

BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS whisk visitors right into the heart of the aquarium to discover what it takes to keep everything running smoothly.

You can see the dedicated aquarists at work on research and breeding programmes, caring for sick creatures and new arrivals, preparing food and monitoring the sophisticated water management systems. Tickets can be booked online or purchased on entry; £5 children, £7.50 adults.

SHARK REEF ENCOUNTER features a stunning shoal of over twenty magnificent creatures - including two impressive 2.8m long brown sharks and a ten strong group of sleek black tip reef Sharks. Visitors step onto a 5m long glass walkway and witness the unique spectacle of sharks swimming literally inches beneath their feet. Next, they come face to fin through the aquarium’s gigantic 19.6m by 12m pacific reef display where the striking creatures circle a dramatic shipwreck scene dominated by huge floor to ceiling Easter Island heads. On the upper level, the shark academy area has plenty of touchy feely, fun interactives telling fascinating shark stories - from their 450 million year evolution to the modern horrors of shark finning.

Theatre, Shows and Music JAZZ, GROOVE AND FUNK: INTERACTIVE CONCERT 10 March, 14 April, and second Saturday of every month until 14 July, St JOSEPH’S CHURCH, 103 Pelton Road, Greenwich SE10 9AN, 07855 916496, www.boppinbunnies.co.uk A series of join-in concerts for families with children of all ages, led by Henry, Anna & Tim from Boppin’ Bunnies, with the support of Jools Holland. As people arrive they are given an ‘instrument pack’ and at various points in the concert everyone plays with the performers, and sings together (hopefully in harmony!). Concerts start 10.30am, tickets £3 children, £5 adults on the door.

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE Little Venice, Blomfield Road, London W9 2PF, 020 7249 6876 www.puppetbarge.com THE FLIGHT OF BABUSHCHA BABOON, 3,4,10,11,17 + 18 March.

A baboon wants to fly to the moon in a hot air balloon. She meets an elephant whose life is threatened by ivory hunters. Can the baboon save the elephant? Ages 3+, tickets £8.50 children, £10 adults.

BRER RABBIT VISITS AFRICA, 24, 25, + 31 March and 1-15 April.

A contemporary story adapted from the original stories by Joel Chandler Harris, featuring the traditional folk character of Brer Rabbit. Tickets £8.50 children, £10 adults.

SOUTHBANK CENTRE EVENTS SOUTHBANK CENTRE, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, 0844 847 9910, www.southbankcentre.co.uk ENB REHEARSAL AND WORKSHOP, 3 March. A chance to watch rising ballet stars in rehearsals and classes, get a sneak preview of the English National Ballet’s forthcoming season and join in with a workshop. Audiences will have the opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow in training as the ballerinas take part in classes and rehearsals and then join in with an ENB workshop from 4pm until 5.30pm. Warm-up exercises, practical techniques and choreographic processes are explored in this creative dance session, focusing on the Beyond Ballets Russes season.

MARTHA, 6-9 April. The award-winning Catherine Wheels present Martha, a wonderful, humorous story about friendship, trust and a goose. Martha has delighted audiences nationally and internationally for over a decade. Ages 4+, tickets £6 children, £12 adults.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Until 15 March, LYRIC HAMMERSMITH THEATRE, Lyric Square, King Street, Hammersmith W6 0OL, 0871 22 117 20, www.lyric.co.uk Exhilarating theatre company FILTER returns to collaborate with Sean Holmes (artistic director of the Lyric in Jan 2009), to remix, rework and revitalise Shakespeare’s much-loved story. Ages 11yrs+.

GREENWICH THEATRE PRODUCTIONS GREENWICH THEATRE, Crooms Hill, Greenwich SE10 8ES, 020 8858 7755, www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk THE PHOENIX AND THE CARPET, 8+9 March. On a cold November night, four adventurous children set off through old London town to buy a new carpet, replacing the one that they have accidentally ruined. They

stumble upon a mysterious old man with a cart full of junk and treasures, and one carpet! When they get home they are in for a surprise - hidden deep within the carpet is a glowing, golden, translucent egg. This adaptation of E Nesbitt’s classic novel has a Phoenix as guide and a carpet that flies off on adventures and escapades that the children could scarcely dream of. Adult tickets from £10, half price for children.

THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY, 18 March.

A magical new show, written especially for parents to enjoy with their children. Relive the delights of this most charming of tales with a feast of first class games, colourful animal characters and heart warming family fun. 11am start, tickets £7.50 children, £10 adults.

THE OWL WHO WAS AFRAID OF THE DARK, 31 March. Plop was a baby Barn Owl. He lived at the top of a tall tree, in a field. He was fat and fluffy with big round eyes and very knackety knees. Plop was exactly the same as every barn owl – except for one thing. He was afraid of the dark.

An irresistible blend of live music, puppetry and storytelling, adapted from the much-loved book by Jill Tomlinson. Performances at 11am and 10m, suitable for ages 3-7, tickets £7.50 children, £10 adults.

POLKA THEATRE PRODUCTIONS POLKA THEATRE, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB, 020 8543 4888, www.polkatheatre.com REMEMBER THE UMBRELLA, 9+10 March. Stella the umbrella seller is a storyteller. A gentle and fascinating shadow show with live music, song and participation. Ages 4-7, tickets £7 children, £9 adults.

CIRCLES IN THE SAND, 16+17 March. A story told with sand, not words. At the end of the show you can play in the sand too. Ages 6 months to 3 years, tickets £7 children, £9 adults.

ONE LITTLE WORD, 20-24 March. A beautiful, moving story or friendship, power struggles and creative play, which explores new space, new objects, dressing up and taking turns. Ages 3-6 years, tickets £7 children, £9 adults.

RUBY RED, 30+31 March. A delightful, musical tale of feasting and fibbing (and a bit of fighting), based on young children’s retellings of favourite fairy stories. Ages 3-5 years, tickets £7 children, £9 adults.

TWIST OF GOLD, until 21 April. An epic adventure by Michael Morporgo, set in famine-gripped Ireland. Sean and Annie have just one chance of survival - they must find their father. Leaving their dying mother behind, they travel across rough seas to America. With only the gold torc that Annie wears as a necklace to protect them, they embark on a long and dangerous journey. Ages 9+, tickets £6 children, £12 adults.

DISNEY ON ICE: PRINCESSES AND HEROES 7-11 March, WEMBLEY ARENA, Engineers Way, Middx HA9 0DH 0844 847 2255, www.disneyonice.co.uk Enter a world of imagination, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and stunning moments from the inspiring stories of Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White. Tinkerbell introduces each scene, which features cutting edge set design and jaw dropping visual surprises.

SCIENCE MUSEUM LIVE 14+15 March, CHURCHILL THEATRE, Bromley, 08448 717 620,

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

Call Greg Randall on

020 8670 6141 ALBANY THEATRE

Our experience includes dealing with substantial assets

We help with family problems, including: • Divorce • Separation • Civil partnership dissolution • Disputes about children • Inheritance disputes

We aim to resolve disputes in a constructive and non-confrontational way We can also help with pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements

www.bennettwelch.com ALBANY DISCO KIDS

PUPPET THEATRE BARGE

Bank Chambers, Westow Hill, Upper Norwood, London SE19 1TY

www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/liveontour Inspired by the Science Museum’s hugely popular interactive galleries, this inventive family theatre show leads children and adults on an exploratory adventure into the wonderful world of science.

Spectacular science, dangerous demonstrations and extraordinary experiments burst onto the stage, featuring interactive sets, pyrotechnics and digital projections, interspersed with web cam footage from inside the Science Museum. Ages 7+, family tickets available.

OUR THEATRE: ROMEO AND JULIETTE 15 March, SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE, Bank Side, 21 New Glove Walk, London SE1 9DT 020 7902 1400 www.shakespeares-globe.com The annual Our Theatre production has been Globe’s Education flagship community project since 1997.

This year over 500 students from Southwark schools are working with their teachers and Globe Education Practitioners to create an ensemble performance recreating Shakespeare’s tragic love story on the Globe stage. 1pm start, free, book first.

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WALTZ 18 March, BARBICAN CENTRE, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS, 020 7638 8891, www.barbican.org.uk Grab your dancing shoes, magic wand and a raincoat for a mind boggling journey through one man’s dreams and quite possibly the strangest love story ever told.

In the LSO Discovery Family Concert, performers will be dancing at a masked ball, sheltering from thunder storms and casting witches’ spells with the music and madness of Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique. Like five different stories rolled into one, each scene opens up onto a new adventure for all the family, each one more fantastical than the next. 2.30pm start, suitable for ages 7-12, tickets £4 for under 16s, £10 adults. A pre-concert workshop will run from 10am-12.30pm, where visitors can compose music alongside members of the LSO and make props to take into the concert. Tickets £5. A free creche is available from 2-4pm for younger children of concert-goers: book first.

Offering professional and creative solutions for all legal issues including:

You can choose from the full range of resolution options which includes:

Ř DUUDQJHPHQWV IRU FDUH RI FKLOGUHQ Ř VHSDUDWLRQ DQG GLYRUFH DGYLFH Ř KRXVLQJ DQG SURSHUW\ DUUDQJHPHQWV

Ř PHGLDWLRQ Ř FROODERUDWLYH ODZ

7R PDNH DQ LQLWLDO IUHH HQTXLU\ SOHDVH FRQWDFW Nicola Gunn RQ 020 7940 4000 RU YLVLW www.anthonygold.co.uk All solicitors are experienced and accredited specialists

THE SHAPE OF THINGS 23, 24 and 29-31 March, PUTNEY ARTS THEATRE, Ravenna Road, Putney SW15 6AW, 020 8788 6943, www.putneyartstheatre.org.uk A young student drifts into an ever-changing relationship with an art major while his best friend’s engagement crumbles, unleashing a savagely funny drama that peels back the skin of two modern-day relationships, exposing the raw meat and gristle that lies beneath. Suitable for teenagers, tickets from £7.

Lloyds Bank Chambers 186 Streatham High Road London, SW16 1BG

The Counting House 53 Tooley Street London Bridge City London, SE1 2QN

PETER AND THE WOLF 25 March, DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Members of the Chamber Ensemble Harmoniemusik with broadcaster Paul Guinery as narrator present Prokofiev’s musical fairy-tale in an abridged version for young audiences. The flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn feature in the work. Performances at 2.30pm and 3.45pm, suitable for ages 5+, tickets £5.

ALBANY THEATRE EVENTS ALBANY THEATRE, Douglas Quay, Deptford SE8. 020 8692 4446, www.thealbany.org.uk FAMILY SUNDAYS. Enjoy lunch and the Sunday papers in the cafe or garden, then take in a different show each week, which is suitable for under 7s. Single tickets £6, family tickets £22.

DISCO KIDS, 25 March. No one puts baby in the corner. Get your groove on at a disco dance party for the under 5s and their mums, dads, friends and families. Featuring a live DJ, dance choreographer and chill out area in a baby boogie wonderland. Ages 0-5, 2-5pm, single tickets £5.50, families £20.

THE LEGEND OF CAPTAIN CROW’S TEETH 30 March - 15 April, UNICORN THEATRE, 020 7645 0560, www.unicorntheatre.com Will is nine. And as family holidays go, this one isn’t very promising: three weeks in a cramped caravan by the sea with his four brothers. Yet the spirit of a fearsome pirate still haunts the area and there are adventures to be had. Ages 7+.

THE WIZARD OF OZ Until 15 April, COLOUR HOUSE THEATRE, Merton Abbey Mills, Merantun Way SW19 2RD, 020 8767 8886, www.colourhousetheatre.co.uk We’re off to see the wizard again as Dorothy puts on her ruby slippers. Follow the Yellow Brick Road all the way to the Emerald City with her good friends in this new musical adaptation. Tickets £7 children, £9 adults.

HORRIBLE HISTORIES - BARMY BRITAIN Until 1 September, GARRICK THEATRE, 2 Charing Cross Road, London WC2 0HH, 08444 12 4662, www.barmybritainlive.com British history is full of barmy people who did nasty things to each other. With blood, battles, murder and mayhem, the show explores stories from Roman, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, Victorian and the wars, featuring famous figures such as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, Florence Nightingale and General Earl Haig.

Ages 6+, tickets from £10.

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

Family & Childcare Solicitors

Solicitors

When legal decisions influence the lives of your family, you want the best.

We specialise in: • Divorce & Ancillary • Domestic Violence • Child Abduction • Financial & Property • Surrogacy/Adoption • Guardianship Legal Aid Available

Interpreters Available

t: 020 7923 4020

web: www.duncanlewis.com

Offices: Harrow, Hackney, Islington, Lewisham, Romford, Shepherds Bush, Tooting, Uxbridge & Watford. web: www.duncanlewis.com, 24hr Family Emergency Helpline: 07920 077 054

march 2012 - families south east

17

SOMERSET HOUSE

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

MoreWhat’sOn

STAR WARS AT LEGOLAND

Find even more activities: www.familiesse.co.uk then click What's On carpet, which comes to land in front of a different painting each Sunday.

10.30-11am and 11.30am-12noon, ages 2-5 years, free.

Art Activities FAMILY ARTS IN DULWICH DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY, Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD, 020 8693 5254, www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Museum open 10am-5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, from 11am weekends and bank holidays. Listed activities free for families with a gallery ticket or £3 per child.

ARTPLAY, first and last Sunday of each month. Creative drop-in workshops for adults and children, with a different activity each session. Make anything and everything from bunting to block printing and all things in between. 2-3.45pm.

FUNKY ORIGAMI, 4 + 5 April. Make a Paper Garland to decorate your bedroom or home for Easter. Learn interesting paper and cutting techniques and choose from a range of vintage materials. 10.30am12.30pm ages 6-8 years; 2.30-4.30pm ages 9-11 years, £18 per child.

INDIAN KITES, 15 April. Create your own Indian inspired patterns, experiment with melting plastics and learn basic kite construction.

Decorate your own creation and hope for a windy Dulwich day!

Children aged 6-10 years plus an adult. 10.30am-4pm, £20 per child.

THE SUNDAY SPOT Sundays, SOUTH LONDON GALLERY, 65-67 Peckham Road, London SE5 8UH, 020 7703 6120, www.southlondongallery.org Hands-on family workshops every week linked to the gallery’s collection, using stories, art materials and film. Ages 3-12, 2-4pm, free.

JEWISH MUSEUM EVENTS JEWISH MUSEUM, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street, Camden Town NW1 7NB, 020 7284 7324, www.jewishmuseum.org.uk The museum houses internationally acclaimed collections where visitors can explore Jewish culture, heritage and identity within the wider context of British history. Open 10am-5pm daily, Fridays to 2pm.

Admission £3.50 children, £7.50 adults, £18 families.

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP, 4 March. If you are starting to trace your family history and would like to find out more about researching your Jewish ancestors, the museum’s workshop offers a fantastic opportunity to consult standard texts, swap information and get advice from experts. Take your family tree with you. 3.30-5.30pm, £8, book first on 020 7284 7384 or email admin@jewishmuseum.org.uk CLICK!, 3 April. Explore photography and the work of photojournalist Judah Passow. Join photographer Miranda Lopatkin and turn your lens to investigating contemporary images of Jewish life. Participants will investigate Passow’s images, learn about photography, and create portraiture shots. This is an intergenerational workshop for

FAMILIES AT THE TATE

families to produce striking results together. Ages: 6-11yrs with an adult, £6 per adult and young person. Take a camera and connection cable.

ART AT SIR JOHN SOANE’S HOUSE SIR JOHN SOANE’S MUSEUM, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields WC2A 3PB, 020 7440 4263, www.soane.org Tucked away in Lincoln’s Inn Fields at the heart of London, this magical, mysterious museum encourages young visitors to explore Soane’s treasures and develop new skills with specialist guidance.

Sir John Soane (1753- 1737) was an inveterate collector, filling every nook and cranny of his beautiful home with items that fascinated him.

From fossils to classical fragments from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome and from contemporary paintings to architectural models, drawings and literature, he intended that after his death both his house and its extraordinary contents should be used to educate and inspire. Free drop-in activities run on the third Saturday of every month, with activities for all ages and families can take part together from 1.30-4.40pm.

SOMERSET HOUSE FAMILY EVENTS SOMERSET HOUSE, Strand WC2, 020 7845 4600, www.somersethouse.org.uk Somerset House offers a range of creative learning opportunities for families, young people and adults. Inspired by the programme of events and exhibitions, year-round activities include practical workshops, talks and film screenings, and late studios with a blend of making, music and projections.

Families can enjoy free Saturday workshops from 2-3.30pm with a different theme each week, plus drop-ins during half-term. Parents with very young children can join the under-fives’ story, drama and crafting sessions, which run from 11am on Saturdays.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY TRAFALGAR SQUARE WC2N 5DN Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays to 9pm, admission free.

With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the gallery, along with free hands-on art workshops for families at weekends and during school holidays. No need to book, but places are limited and allocated on arrival up to one hour before the start.

DRAWING SUNDAYS. Activities for families to enjoy and learn together, at 11am and 2pm every Sunday, free.

MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING, Sundays. Fly away on the magic

TATE BRITAIN, Millbank SW1, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain Open daily 10am-5.50pm, and until 10pm the first Friday of the month.

Family trails are available daily from the Information Desks and are free for 5yrs and under. Go on a journey around Tate Britain and post your discoveries into your ‘Post it’ box as you go. When you get home, open up the box and show your friends what you found. Or you could follow the ‘Join up’ trail: play the listening game, search for shapes, patterns and talking hands, and make your own sculptures.

Every weekend the free Art Trolley encourages children to imagine and create, make colourful collages, style a wonderful sculpture or perhaps make a sketchbook and fill it with great ideas.

TATE MODERN BANKSIDE, London SE1 9TG, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/modern Open 10am-6pm Sundays to Thursdays, to 10pm Fridays and Saturdays, admission free.

OPEN STUDIO: WEEKEND SESSIONS. The Clore Studio hosts drop-in sessions to explore, experiment, play and create with ideas and materials from artworks in the collection displays. Suitable for all ages, 11am-4pm.

WHAT’S GOING ON THERE?, weekends. Visit the Welcome Room and pick up free new activities, display your own creation, build a plinth for a very small sculpture. 11am-4pm.

UNDER 5S ZONE. The under 5s Zone on Level 5 invites children on a creative, physical and sensory exploration of themes inspired by cubist art works.

THE WALLACE COLLECTION HERTFORD HOUSE, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, 020 7536 9500, www.wallacecollection.org Open 10am-5pm daily, admission free. Visitors can hire a multimedia tour with interactive games or pick up free themed family trail.

THE LITTLE DRAW, 11 March and 1 April. Learn about looking, drawing and interpretation using the rich wealth of objects and architecture on display. Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages from 1.30-4.30pm. For more info about The Big Draw and other workshops, visit www.drawingpower.org.uk.

FAMILY TOUR, 24 March. Join an exciting, creative, thrilling and interactive journey with young curators from St Vincent’s Primary School.

Explore the collection through new eyes and handle objects throughout Hertford House’s intriguing corridors and magnificent rooms. From 2.30pm, free.

The Great Outdoors WILDLIFE DISCOVERY CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE GARDENING, 28 Marsden Road, London SE15 4EE, 020 7252 9186, www.wildlondon.org.uk MINI MONSTERS MEET MINI BEASTS, 5 March. Parents and children go wild exploring nature and discovering wildlife. 10.30am-12.30pm, free.

FROG DAY, 25 March. Celebrate the splendour of our native amphibians through pond dipping, pond and wildlife workshops, frog cakes, tea and coffee, arts, crafts and much more. 11am-3pm, free.

FLORIMANIA 16-18 March, HAMPTON COURT PALACE, Hampton Court, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU, 0870 758 8080, www.hrp.org.uk See stunning baroque-inspired flower arrangements in William III’s |Apartments this Mothering Sunday weekend. Flower arranging |demonstrations will be available at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm each day. Open 10am-4.30pm, admission from £7, families £38.

MOTHER’S DAY AT THE HOP FARM 18 March, HOP FARM FAMILY PARK, Maidstone Road, Beltring, Paddock Wood, near Tonbridge TN12 6PY, 01622 www.thehopfarm.co.uk

18

families south east - march 2012

Enjoy a family day out visiting shire horses, animal farm, pirate cove, soft play area and more. On Mothering Sunday, there is a special carvery menu for lunch in the Whites Banqueting Suite.

NATIONAL FROG DAY CELEBRATION 18 March, GREENWICH PENINSULAR ECOLOGY PARK, Thames Path, John Harrion Way, Greenwich SE10 0QZ, 020 8239 1904, www.urbanecology.org.uk Find out more about frogs as the Trust for Urban Ecology celebrates its tenth National Frog Day. Early March is when the Park’s frogs emerge from their winter sleep to lay frogspawn in the pools and ponds and to mark the occasion, the Trust are organising a frogtastic day of free, fun, froggy themed activities. These will include pond dipping, storytelling, treasure trails, froggy art and, new for this year, a garden pond workshop and ‘Meet the Newts’ sessions (newts are frogs’ cousins and are amphibians.)

Visitors to the Frog Day event can get advice on their own ponds and amphibians in their gardens, as well as enjoy a barbecue and refreshments and browse book and gift stalls. Greenwich toy shop, Compendia, have kindly donated gifts to raise much needed funds in a Froggy Raffle on the day. 11am-3pm, admission free.

STAR WARS AT LEGOLAND From 24+25 March, LEGOLAND, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4AY, 0871 222 001, www.legoland.co.uk Stormtroopers manning the turnstiles, Droid workshops and Jedi training camps all await guests at the official opening of the new LEGO Star Wars miniland experience. Following a chronological path, LEGO Star Wars painstakingly recreates seven of the most famous scenes using around 1.5 million LEGO bricks. There are around 2,000 models in 1:20 scale from the planets Naboo, Geonosis, Kashyyk, Mustafar, Tatooine, Hoth, Endor and Christophsis, along with authentic Star Wars sounds, actions and lighting effects.

During the launch weekend, visitors will be able to climb aboard a life size Landspeeder for a photo, hone their lightsabre skills at Jedi training camp, and enjoy the spectacle of a battalion of Stormtroopers marching through the park as they search for Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, and Chewbacca, who will be roaming the resort. Open 10am5pm daily, admission from £30.78 children, £38.88 adults when booked ahead online.

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

and finally

The Cuteness of Tantrums - setting boundaries

By Helena Foss

Actually, mothering is only really relentless when I am not quite rising to the challenges it is chucking at me. And the last few months, dear readers, I have mostly been struggling with: boundaries. Ah yes, that old brick wall that children just love kicking against, for as long as they possibly can, until their little metaphorical feet hurt too much to keep going.

What is it with little ones? Why do they give us such a hard time? I mean, where is their respect?

Losing it Not long ago I found myself in that awful position of being the kind of mother I thought I would never be, losing my rag as I attempted to manage an all-gunsblazing tantrum, smack bang in the middle of town, at rush hour. Reasoning was not getting anywhere.

Neither was shouting. In the end, I had to grab my boy by the scruff of the neck and yank him onto a bus, holding him at arms’ length to avoid his attempts to scratch me. Determinedly ignoring the bus full of tut-tutting commuters, I pulled him and his flailing limbs upstairs and mercifully found a place right at the back for him to howl himself into exhaustion. Not my finest hour.

I really thought I knew about boundaries. Not only do I have a background in therapy, hey, I watched almost every episode of BBC3’s ‘The House of Tiny Tearaways’ with child psychology expert Professor Tanya Byron at the helm. The theory is great; but practically speaking, I had no idea how tough it would be to draw that all important line without resorting to threats, bribery or a big stick.

With the jigging motion of sitting on the back seat of that bus starting to calm us both down and normalise my blood pressure, I noticed that my internal dialogue was sounding horribly judgemental: ‘After all I have done for you,’ my inner embittered doormat moaned, ‘you ungrateful little...’

Cue the scratchy sound of a needle veering off an old vinyl record. ‘Noooooo!’ I yelled inwardly, sitting up with a jolt as if waking up out of a nightmare. This was not the person I ever wanted to be.

The Blame Game

About the author

See, I know that blame is the easy option. The popular American family therapist Dr Phil insists that you have to teach people how to treat you. In fact, it is your job to point out when people are taking you for granted. But this takes courage, tenacity and, importantly, respect for oneself. It means giving up the niceness and need-to-be-needed so prevalent in the female conditioning.

Lying in bed that night, still stunned at just how hellish my afternoon had been, it dawned on me that I had been giving into everyone’s wants apart from my own – and lost my sense of self in the process. It was indeed mortifying to mentally assess just how resentful towards my family I had become; how relentless everyone’s needs felt upon me. My son had given me the gift of reflecting back just how secretly angry I was at myself, for relentlessly ignoring my own needs.

The art of good taking good care of oneself, as well as our children, I have found, is being able to set ground rules as a matter of fact. ‘This is Mummy time’ has to be said in the same straightforward manner as ‘the grass is green’.

It is just how it is; no need to defend it with barbed wire and machine guns. As a friend of mine likes to say, ‘once everyone in the family knows their place, even the dog and the cat, we can all relax.’

Helena is a hypnotherapist and writer about all things holistic and spiritual.

See www.helenafoss.co.uk.

Cute tantrums ‘You know, when I think back to those days of tantrums,’ a mother of several teenagers reminisced to me recently, ‘I actually think it was really cute.’

Cute?! It took me a while to get my head round that one. Children’s little brains, I have to remind myself, are not wired for considered, rational behaviour. If they want something they want it. Now. Not having it can bring on a full-blown grief reaction. As overt as they are with their sadness, they are with their happiness and love too. There is nothing quite like my son running up to fling his arms around me when I walk through the door, after nipping to the corner shop.

The other week, my son’s school nursery teacher told me she had asked the class if anyone knew what a tantrum was. My boy’s hand, apparently, shot up. ‘A tantrum,’ he said solemnly as he stood in front of the class, ‘is when you just pry and pry and pry.’

(He hasn’t got the hard ‘c’ sound nailed in that particular word just yet). The discussion opened up and, one by one, the faces of his nursery chums lit up. ‘Oh yes,’ they chimed, ‘I do that sometimes too!’ And: ‘So do I!’ A four-year-olds tantrum support group!

Awwwww. Now that really is cute.

w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

Copyright Franck Boston- Fotolia

Relentless: that is the word I tend to mutter when I’m stomping around in a grumpy haze, steadying myself on walls and furniture, hand clamped onto forehead, begging the powers that be for strength as I surrender to the teethclenching exasperation that sometimes constitutes motherhood.

‘It’s just relentless.’ I hiss to myself. ‘Relentless! Why did no-one tell me just how damn hard this parenting thing was going to be?’

march 2012 - families south east

19

Families South East PO Box 11591 London SE26 6WB Tel: 020 8699 7240 Email: info@familiesse.co.uk Contact: Robina Cowan

FAMILY & HOME SERVICES PAINTING & DECORATING

Handyman For all your household repairs and odd jobs.

I offer a professional and courteous service

www.shaunthehandyman.co.uk 020 8249 3264 or 07913 656 502

Interior / Exterior Experienced, Reliable, Clean Fully Guaranteed / Insured FREE ADVICE AND QUOTE John:- James & Lamont

Must-Have Design,

Competitive Fixed Fees

www.architect.so Book a Feasibility Consultation or Call 02086779145 / 07792781971

020 8462 4646 - 07802 535695 Mobile Manicures & Pedicures

Families online For back issues and more articles than we can squeeze into each issue, a directory of local companies, competitions and forums plus the latest What'sOn listings, join us online.

www.familiesse.co.uk

Professional - reliable - amazing value

Call 020 8265 1745 \ 0798 346 6700

MORE services in our directory www.familiesse.co.uk

PARTIES

HEALTH & COUNSELLING Relationship Counselling

CLASSES & TUTORS

Young People, Couples, Individuals, Families

Geraldine Fletcher BS, MA, MBACP, Relate

UNIQUE GIFT

07789 654 941

Power Kite Lessons

gerryfletcher@yahoo.co.uk

Adult & Children’s Entertainer Magic, Plate Spinning Balloon Modelling Interactive Games Karaoke, Mini Disco

Tel: 020 8480 8176 www.amigosmagic.co.uk

For

party ideas WISH YOU WERE HERE? Advertise YOUR BUSINESS in Families South East and reach thousands of interested, local parents

and MORE local entertainers: www.familiesse.co.uk

THE VALE PRACTICE Structural & Cranial Osteopathy – Acupuncture Specialising in the treatment of children and expectant mothers.

T. 020 8299 9798 www.thevalepractice.co.uk

Counselling Individuals and Couples

Helen Storey

MBACP

020 8699 1652

Next issue out 23 March, before the schools break up

EASTER FUN out of school workshops, daycamps, shows and family activities PLUS education news, family life, local companies and events.

Children’s portrait by Wendy Stuart at Marmalade Studio in Greenwich http://web.me.com/wendyfstuart/marmaladephotography

20

families south east - march 2012

If you have something to tell southeast London parents - book your slot now!

Deadline end of February w w w. f a m i l i e s s e . c o . u k

DESIGN: Lancasters 020 8658 9975 www.lancasters.co.uk Printed on paper from sustainable forests. www.russellpress.com

Qualified instructor Clive 0797 088 6246