Issue 128 May-June 2019
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In this issue...
If your children are slightly older, then May heralds the onset of tests and exams which require you as a parent to keep a particularly cool and calm head. But for all of us May begins to hint of the long summer days and a nudge to get started with planning. We have many pages devoted to start you on that journey! We have a feature dedicated to children’s parties with hints and tips on organising your child’s next bash. As ever please remember to tell people you are contacting that you saw their details in Families West Magazine. 2 4 6 8
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News & Views
Teaching children to be kind The future of work Supporting children to reach their potential
“Alexa, are you safe for my child?”
Like us on Facebook Families West Magazine
11 7 ways to turn off the screens... 12 It’s Party Time! Plus listings 14 What’s On in West London
18 Toddlers behaving badly 19 Going veggie or vegan?
20 Clubs and classes Follow us on Twitter @FamiliesWest
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André Malraux Primary School
From Nursery to Year 6, children at this school thrive in a bilingual and dynamic learning environment. French, British and international cultures blossom with a dedicated team always engaging in varied projects. Large outdoor spaces and spacious bright classrooms are ideal for the wellbeing of their pupils. Organisation and cooperation are a few of many skills being promoted, while kindness and respect are values encouraged daily at the school. English is taught at all levels and children quickly learn to use both languages with pleasure and ease. André Malraux Primary School is a stepping stone in the successful education and the flourishing of a confident child. Find out more at: http://www.lyceefrancais.org.uk/ecole-andre-malraux
Why I love teaching Perform holiday courses
Perform Producer, Gemma Payne, tells Families West London why she loves running Perform’s drama, dance and singing holiday courses. “Holidays should be fun and my job is to take the children on a magical adventure they will remember. Together, we work on songs, dances and character and it's a joy to see the quieter ones come out of their shell and the bubbly ones become focused on learning song lyrics and lines. On the last day, there's a show for friends and family and the parents are so surprised and proud when they see what their child has achieved. The children’s faces light up when they hear the applause and they know they’ve done a good job as they run to their families for a cuddle. It's a busy week but the feeling when you've put together something memorable and entertaining for the parents is just magical. And I suspect most of the children won’t ever forget it either!” Perform Wizard of Oz holiday courses run across July and August. For full details please visit: perform.org.uk/holidays Perform summer holiday workshops for ages 4-10 in West London will be taking place in Notting Hill at St Peter's Hall, W11 3DB on 24-26 Jul, 31 Jul-2 Aug, 7-9 and 28-30 Aug from 10am-3pm. Kensington at the URC, W8 6BL on 22-26 Jul from 10am-3pm Ealing at St Barnabas Millennium Hall, W5 1QG on 22-26 Jul from 10am-3pm.
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News & Views Young Reporters taking the lead story at NHEHS
A team of five year 10 “Journalist Leaders” are pioneering a new initiative at NHEHS which finds them roving around school unearthing exciting stories, working out hooks and interesting angles, honing their interview skills and using all these tactics to create uplifting news stories for the school’s website. “We love it that we get to find out about things that are happening around the school. The small things behind the bigger picture, the did-you-knows, the reasons big ideas were created. People put a lot of effort into organising what we hear about in assembly. We dig deeper to find out more” says Li An Tan, one of the school’s leads. “We also have the chance to voice our From left to right: Isabel Hepburne-Scott, Li An Tan and Sofia Stidham. Missing from the photo: Maddie Taylor and Raima Garodia who together form the five strong team. opinions and write on things that matter to us” adds Isabel Hepburne-Scott. “This is also having a positive impact on my schoolwork,” says Sofia Stidham. “My time management and writing style have improved for example. I’m also finding we appreciate other people’s writing more now too. Big-time respect for journalists and writers generally!” You can read some of the girls’ work in the news section of the NHEHS website: https://www.nhehs.gdst.net/news/latest-news/
Britain’s BEST family festival
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Camp Bestival is known as the UK’s ultimate family festival, having won Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards five times. Taking place July 25th-28th at Lulworth Castle, Dorset, the four-day festi-holiday offers hundreds of things to see and do. From headliners Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Jess Glynne and Annie Mac, family fun with Mr Tumble, Mister Maker and Shaun The Sheep, to science shows and circus workshops, there’s so much for kids of all ages to enjoy. Tree-climbing, woodland workshops, helter skelters, giant bubble workshops and face painting for the kids through to teens having poetry slams, teen only spinning classes, sleeping out under the stars and How To… workshops, there really is something for everyone. Parents are particularly spoilt at Camp Bestival; well, they do buy the tickets! Amazing live acts and DJs, raves, discos, parties, comedy, literary talks, parenting advice and stories, cocktails, award-winning street food, like minded people all in a big old field by a castle and the sea.
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Everyday ways to teach your child to be kind
By Angela Cox
We all know that children absorb information like sponges and this includes mimicking the behaviours and actions of others. Everywhere we look we see acts of terror and violence and the new age of online trolling is rife. So how do we prioritise kindness and teach our children ways to tune into their natural empathy and consider the feelings of others? Here’s my top eight tips for encouraging kindness in our children:
Fingers on lips A lovely rule to teach children is the adage ‘if you don’t have something nice to say, it’s better to say nothing at all.’ I encourage my children to place an index finger onto their lips which provides a psychical barrier to stop unkind words passing their lips. They always giggle at this. We chat about the impact unkind words have on others before focussing on the positive and discussing how nice it feels to say kind things.
Be a role model Don’t let your child hear you saying unkind words. It’s so easy to be judgemental without thinking. You might be in a supermarket and passing comment about a stranger’s outfit for example or criticising a poor driver on the dual carriage way. Your child will hear your comments and believe it is acceptable to copy this. Be aware of your own language and make a conscious effort to say positive and kind things.
Kind hands and happy feet Kids can develop poor habits around physical contact with other children and kicking or hitting often occurs as a way of communicating negative feelings if they become frustrated. Help your children understand that kind hands and happy feet should not be used to hurt others and discuss the ways hands and feet can be used to help people instead.
Respect for people Teaching children to have lovely manners, thanking people who help them such as shop assistants, and to use kind words when describing people will ensure your child is kind and considerate. Walking the walk is crucial in this instance so always be courteous and remember your own please and thank you responses.
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Ask not tell Treating children with respect by asking them to do things rather than telling them will cultivate a happier and kinder home. Using the words ‘would you mind’ at the start of a question and ‘please’ at the end is proven to way to engage children in a task and much kinder than demanding things be done. Setting this example will rub off on your children! Gratitude Practice gratitude as a family. This can be done on the school run, over dinner or whilst having breakfast. Ask your child to think of one non-material thing they are grateful for and why. It might be that they were able to play football in the park after school or that the sun was shining. Include yourself in the activity and give reasons you are thankful too. Gratitude is linked to increased happiness and a happy home is a kinder one. Saying thank you Motivate your child to send handwritten notes or cards when s/he receives a gift or goes to friend’s house for dinner. Encouraging children to thank people for the May-June 2019
nice things that they do develops a kind nature and grateful heart.
Random acts of kindness Engage your children in carrying out acts of kindness such as leaving a drink and a snack on the doorstep for the postman or sweeping the leaves from a neighbour’s porch. If children can learn the value of giving without receiving, it will stand them in good stead. The ultimate way to do this is to carry out kindness acts without being detected, such as planting a pound coin for a stranger to find. Children get so excited thinking about who might find the pound and what they might spend it on. Being kind feels good. It helps children focus on the positive and develop strong relationships with others. A smile goes a long way too. :-) Angela Cox is an inspiring mindset-mentor and creator of The Happy Path Journal (£10.99) a book for 6 to 10 year olds which helps them learn self-care. For more information, visit: www.angela-cox.co.uk
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May-June 2019
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The Future of Work
By Gabrielle Nash
What can we do to prepare our children? It is exciting when your child heads off to school for the first time. What will their first day be like? What will spark their interest? The goal of school is to give your child the necessary tools and skills to enter our grown-up world and ultimately find a job. But what kind of job will that be?
The world of work is undergoing a transformation and future careers will look very different to the those of today. Many of the jobs our children will do don’t currently exist, just as the top ten jobs in 2011 didn’t exist in 2004. As new technologies explode onto the scene, new job opportunities are created. According to Randstad, it is estimated that today’s students will have 10 to 14 jobs before their 38th birthday! 6 Families west London
What type of jobs? Just as our parents had never heard of job titles like “social media manager” or “app developer” neither can we as parents fathom what our children might grow up to do. Redundant is the traditional question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Our children will need to keep an open mind about their career path. Predicting what jobs will be in demand is difficult. They could perhaps include biomedical engineers creating artificial organs; interpreters (a growth industry despite automated translation tools becoming popular); or new healthcare roles looking after our increasing number of over-65s. All of these industries we know have a future. Naturally our images of the future workplace are dominated
by artificial intelligence, robotics and automation. And whilst it is predicted that the “march of the robots” will remove a quarter of jobs, experts believe that the future of AI is not to replace humans but to change what humans are capable of. Interactive Scientific, a British software company, believes that we can teach children key skills like good communication, persistence and problem solving, all before knowing what future technologies will look like. These skills will be vital for our children to navigate an unpredictable jobs market. What can you do to prepare your child? However good an education your child is receiving, there are very few establishments with a Image credit: futureproof curriculum,Perform one that
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can wholly offer the development of skills needed for getting a job in 15 to 20 years’ time. This is perhaps why more and more emphasis could be placed on vocational education. The Edge Foundation works on developing the future of education. They argue that old certainties like a university degree will no longer guarantee a job. Edge Chief Executive Alice Barnard believes “We need to support young people to capitalize on their creativity, develop the problem-solving, communication and team-working skills that employers are crying out for.” Whilst, as parents, we might think that giving our kids a head start with coding, for example, will equip them with the kind of skills they will need for the future, this is surprisingly not the familiesonline.co.uk
case. Surprisingly, whilst fostering a curiosity about technology and digital fluency is paramount, gaining complex skills like coding is not the recipe for success (partly because machines will do that very well); instead it’s more personal or “soft” skills that will help our children excel. The key things to remember? 1. Interpersonal and communication skills are vital, because the human factor in a job will still be valuable 2. The ability to adapt is crucial. One set of skills will not last 20 years, so teaching a child to be resilient and comfortable with change will help them to
continuously learn and evolve. So if your child seems like they’re not excelling in traditional measures of excellence, don’t panic Instead focus on developing their other skills and exploring all pathways. A child who is behind on maths and English might, in fact, have fantastic potential people skills. If they’re empathetic and kind, or adaptable and able to find solutions, that could take them further than their academic ability and give them the foundation to tackle a myriad of roles in the future.
Independent French School For boys and girls aged 4-11 Welcoming and friendly community
Recommended by 100% of parents (Ofsted - Parent View) International environment with daily English lessons at all levels Numerous PTA clubs, Morning/Afternoon and Homework clubs Building skill with individual attention School visits (pre-registration essential) 7/3/19 - 4/4/19 - 6/6/19 59 Brook Green, Hammersmith, London W6 7BE +44 20 7602 6871 info@ecoleprevert.org.uk www.ecoleprevert.org.uk
For more from Gabrielle Nash, read her blog: @londonishmum
Lemon Tree and St Matthew’s Montessori schools based in Ealing Broadway offering both full day care (8.00am-6.00pm) and term time (9.15am-3.15am) for children aged from 1.5 years to 5 years old. We offer French, Ballet, Yoga, Drama and PE inclusive of fees. Full and part time sessions available. Qualified and experienced teachers offer a high standard of learning, nurturing and care.
Lemon Tree Montessori: 07495 898 760 (Full Day Care) St Matthew’s Montessori: 07856 364153 (Term Time) Website: www.lemontreemontessori.com
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Supporting children to reach their potential
By Dr Kathy Weston
Every loving parent wants their children to aim high and fulfil their great potential. It can be frustrating for some parents to witness their bright child struggle to focus on their academic work or show any ambition when it comes to nurturing their obvious talents in sport, music or art. We all want to do everything we can to support our children to be the best that they can be.
So what should you do to help your children reach for the stars?
Always put their mental health and wellbeing first By nurturing our children’s selfesteem and paying attention their wellbeing and mental health, we lay the foundations from which they can thrive emotionally and even academically. There is strong evidence that children who are happy at home are more resilient, popular and engaged with learning at school.
Adopt an authoritative parenting style Research suggests that children who are brought up by loving, warm and engaged parents are more likely to be academically successful and even take part in less risky behaviours as they grow older. Being authoritative means that we need to set routines, rules and expectations for our children. In this way, they experience stability and consistency; the most important qualities of a positive home environment.
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Model the aspiration Don’t expect your children to aim high, if you don’t. Share your own goals and dreams with them and importantly, talk about how you might achieve them. If you want to write a book one day, tell them what it might be about. If you want to start a business, share your vision and your strategy for making it happen. Aim as a family to constantly set and revise goals. Share both the strategies and the challenges that will need to be overcome when you are striving to succeed. Teach your child that ‘failing’ is part of learning Repetitive mistakes are part and parcel of the daily experience of inventors, scientists and anyone brilliant involved in producing new ideas and innovations. By teaching our children that failure is part and parcel of learning, we give them the chance to truly thrive academically. What matters is how we respond to setbacks. Can we grow, learn, develop and do better next time?
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Help your child to record their progress Whatever your child aims for, ensure that you help them chart how far they have come. Perhaps they want to be top of the class in their weekly spelling test. Help them build a strategy to improve, but as they progress and improve their score, encourage them to reflect on how they got there. How did you do it? What was different this time? Reflection builds resilience. Children love to see physical evidence of their own progress. It gives them hope, confidence and faith that they have what it takes to make it. Watch your language! As parents, we can easily damage our children’s fragile sense of self through our words and actions. As far as possible, we must take care to use language steeped in positivity. It is can be incredibly motivating for children to hear a parent nudge them towards working things out for themselves, praising them for their behaviour, or their general attitude and efforts. Praise the behaviour and mind-set you wish to see, when
you see it. In this way, children are more motivated to keep their great attitude up.
Be positive, but not prescriptive about their futures Children don’t need to be able to tell adults what they will be when they grow up. Who can possibly tell? The options are vast and unknown. As parents, we need to focus on talking about how positive the future will be and equipping our children to be ready for anything. Focussing on their general resilience, outlook and sense of optimism for life gives them a psychological foundation for a great future. Attuning to and respecting what makes your particular child ‘tick,’ is key to unlocking their natural motivation to succeed. Allow them to choose what interests them and follow that. Dr Kathy Weston is one of the nation’s leading motivational speakers on the topics of parenting, family life and education. Read more about her work at: www.drkathyweston.com
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Chiswick & Bedford Park Preparatory School Independent Co-educational School for girls aged 3-11 and boys aged 3-7 Priory House, Priory Avenue, London W4 1TX www.cbppschool.co.uk
The school is well known for its friendly, nurturing atmosphere and excellent entrance examination results for boys at 7+ and girls at 11+ The school has thriving drama,art and music departments with a wide range of sports and extra-curricular activities. Pupils develop personal qualities of confidence, creativity and respect for others, in preparation for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. “Pupils’ personal development and welfare are outstanding.They leave the school well prepared for the next stage of their education.” (Ofsted September 2017) To arrange a tour please call the School Office on: 020 8994 1804. Tours are arranged on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
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“Alexa? Are you SAFE for my child?”
By Andrew Campbell
The new range of smart speakers such as Google Home and Amazon Echo offer loads of content for children. What parent wouldn’t want one of these to replace screens and make life run more smoothly? These smart speakers can play games, read audiobooks, tell jokes, provide homework help, stream music and even play mindfulness sessions for when your child needs to chill out. They can offer your kids an interactive, screen-less alternative to mobile games and social media, to help prevent them from becoming too dependent. With smart speakers, children are able to interact with technology away from the screen, using audio. However, they are not without risks. So what are the possible downsides?
Do children think Alexa is a real person? A US university study found that younger children were more likely to speak to these ‘digital assistants’ as if they were real people, asking them their favourite colour and how old they are. Fears have been expressed that children could turn to these devices to find out
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or understand things that they might otherwise ask a parent about. This may lead to them to receiving incorrect or inappropriate information as well as potentially lessening of the parental bond.
Do Smart Speakers make children rude? A child growing up with a home assistant must learn to use the device’s way of interacting. This includes the need to make demands of the device and accepting that the device has limited conversational abilities and social skills. This doesn’t adequately prepare young children for the nuances of human communication. Research has found that the way individuals interact with people in the real world reflects how they communicate with such device. It's best to remind your child that even though the device doesn't mind if you're rude, parents do!
Are there hidden costs? A lot of the content and activities offered by these devices are free, but you still have to pay for memberships and subscriptions for example, Amazon Prime or Spotify. Are they too easy to use? Given that all a child needs to do is say “Alexa” to start a game or activity, the temptation could hard for some children to resist, even if they have been told not to use it.
Should I worry about privacy? There are also serious privacy concerns about giving an alwayslistening device to your child. According to the NSPCC, putting one of these devices in your child’s bedroom raises worrying questions about how and what they will record. Some devices have been hacked in the past, allowing the smart speaker to become an always-on wiretap.
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Unauthorised purchases Make sure your children know to ask for permission before buying things or adding items to your shopping list. You can prevent unwanted purchases in the device’s security settings. Raunchy music You will need to set parental controls if you don’t want your child to be exposed to inappropriate songs or content.
Should children have their own Smart Speaker? If you accept that voice-based technology is where our gadgets are headed, then there is an argument that children need to be familiar with it as it evolves. If you decide to take the leap and buy your child an Echo or Google Home, make sure you're aware of how to keep your children secure whilst using them. Supervision is vital. Pay attention to what your child is doing and don’t allow them to access the device without your permission. familiesonline.co.uk
Seven ways to turn off screens without a meltdown
The best part about your child's screen time is that it gives you a short break. The worst part is the meltdown when you turn it off. Helping children regulate their own media use is an ongoing process, and along the way you’re likely to experience some struggles when it’s time to turn off the TV or any other digital device. When it’s time to move from TV watching to another activity, using pre-recorded shows can be effective. On traditional broadcast TV, one show follows another, but when you a DVR, streaming-video services like Netflix, or even DVDs, your child can be encouraged to turn off the TV when the show they want to watch is over. If you don’t have any of these options, consider using the “watch later” feature on YouTube. The site allows you to select and add videos to a playlist. Your child can simply watch what you’ve selected. To minimise the meltdowns, try these things: Explain your reasons Children are less likely to push your limits when you thoroughly outline your reasons for reducing screen time. Let them know that, in your family, you place a higher value on family bonding, physical activity and positive sources of entertainment. When you make it less about the negatives and more about the positives of reducing
screen time, your children are more likely to comply.
Have a clear plan Explain to your child that he or she can watch a certain number of TV shows or be on a device for a specific time period. Let them know what to expect after the show or time period too. In other words, “After the show you need to turn off the TV or I will have to come and turn it off for you. Then we’ll do some baking.” Decide what times of day are appropriate for viewing. For instance, you may decide that your children can watch television before but not after dinner, or that you want devices turned off a good hour before bedtime. When the rules are clear and consistent, you can avoid daily battles when you say it’s time for screens to be turned off.
matically plays the next show in a series. Keep screens out of bedrooms It’s much easier to exercise control when your child is within view. So that means keeping video games, the TV and the tablet in a common area where you can keep an eye on things.
By Andrew Campbell
Give praise If your child successfully transitions to another activity without a meltdown, show your appreciation. Say something like, “Thanks for turning off the TV and coming to set the table!” Children will be more likely to follow through again if they have a positive experience.
Create a routine Children who know they have to turn off the TV before a specific activity (like dinner) can sometimes transition more easily. Encourage other activities Keep other options such as board games, art supplies, books, Frisbees, and bikes around and ready when your kids claim there’s nothing else to do.
Disable back-to-back shows If you’re using a streaming service, disable the setting that auto-
Nursery places available for 2019
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It’s
TIME!
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Planning your child’s birthday can involve deep-breathing and military-style planning. This annual event has kids jumping for joy but many parents breaking out into a cold sweat. Claire Winter takes a look at some different party ideas to inspire you.
Food Parties
Kids love food, so why not theme your party around it? A pizza making party is always winner. You can go to your favourite pizza restaurant or hold a DIY party at home. Cupcake decorating parties also go down well and the guests can take home the tasty treat instead of a party bag. How about a doughnut themed party? They are even trending on Pinterest! Why not set up a Doughnut Wall covered in a variety of doughnuts? You could even attempt a DIY version. You could also serve food that has a surprise element to it. A cake that is full of sweets when you cut it. Ice cream 12 Families west London
cones filled with savoury fillings. You could also mix up healthy food with treats, such as marshmallows and fruit kebabs or tortilla chips with hummus and crudités. Number cakes decorated with fruit, meringues, and flowers are also all the rage. They make a great centrepiece on a party table.
Active Parties
According to Pinterest searches for scavenger parties are up by 302%. These are similar to treasure hunts and start with a list of things to find (or do) and a time limit. But there is no set path as players scavenge around and search for all of the items on the list. The player or
team who finds everything on the list first or finds the most items before the time is up wins. These parties can be great fun and relatively inexpensive - you could hold one in your garden or a local park or wood.
You can also do a whole variety of different activities at your local leisure centre. They often offer a variety of swimming, inflatable and sports parties. Why not pick a sport your child loves? You could also check out your local trampoline park to see what party packages they offer. Other easy activity parties include paintballing, bowling, laser quest and go-karting.
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Parties at Home
If you want to host a party at home, think about hiring a company to help. You can even get specialists to come in and set up a sleepover these days. They will put up tents in your garden or your home, and some even supply breakfast on a tray!
Or host a science party where someone comes in to do experiments and make goo with the children. They’ll even clean up afterwards. There are also gaming party providers who bring all the entertainment to you. If you prefer a more traditional party, why not hire an entertainer like a magician or clown?
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Themed Parties
Magical forest and flowerthemed parties are great fun to host if you like being creative. A perennial favourite is also a superhero party. It ticks a lot of boxes and offers great fancy dress options for boys and girls. There are also loads of great decorations you can make, or buy if you don’t have the time!
Another popular party is a Harry Potter party. You can make up lots of magical games to recreate a mini Hogwarts at
home. You could also try something a bit different like a Mexican themed party. Decorate the house with cacti, serve guacamole and dips, hit a Piñata and have plenty of themed games.
Art Parties
If your child loves making things, an arts and crafts party is the perfect choice for them. You can go to pottery centres, art studios or get a party provider to come to your house to host a craft party. You can do a huge variety
of things like mosaics, pottery, painting and jewellery making. Your potential Picassos will also get to take their masterpiece home instead of a party bag.
CLASSIFIED ADS:
PARTIES
And remember not to stress too much!
Your child will remember your efforts whether you hire a circus performer and a bouncy castle; host a fun party at home or organise a trip out the cinema or a trampoline park. Enjoy it and embrace the mayhem; they grow up so quickly!
PARTY PLUS
For all your party needs, Balloons Partyware · Banners · Decorations and much more. 9:30am - 5pm Monday - Saturday.
020 8987 8404
DRAMA
PERFORM Perform parties are high energy, fun and totally infectious. Based around a colourful theme, Perform’s enthusiastic party leaders use a magical mix of songs, games and laughter guaranteed to ensure every child is part of an enthralling adventure. From the moment the lively leaders walk in the door, they'll give your child and friends the best birthday party they've ever had. Whether your child wants to be a sensational superhero, a shimmering princess or a wise wizard, they'll be sure to have a brilliant time. “As Hugo went to sleep, he asked if Superhero could come back for his party next year because she was SO amazing!” Jessica Cuatrecasas (Previous party booker) Themes include: Superheroes, Mermaids and Pirates, Pirates and Princesses, Fairytale Forest, Knights and Princesses, Puppy Patrol, Popstarz, Moana, Ghost Hunters, Alice in Wonderland, Outer Space, Secret Spies,The Ice Queen, Dinosaurs, The Magician's Chamber, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Beauty & the Beast and Trolls.
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To find out more or book a party please call: 0207 255 9120 or visit: performparties.co.uk
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STAGECOACH Their themed parties for 4-10 year olds combine drama, dance and singing with a wide range of party games and storytelling all based around your chosen theme. You choose the date and the time and they can come to the venue of your choice. Stagecoach Kensington: t: 020 8398 8106 Stagecoach Chiswick:
4 Acton Lane Chiswick Park W4 5NB www.partyplus.co.uk www.partiesbypost.co.uk
Impossible = I am Possible t: 020 7823 8329 or 07939 239 397
www.sillymillietheclown.co.uk
FUN ON A FARM!
BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT ODDS FARM PARK For more information including full party terms and conditions and to book visit: www.oddsfarm.co.uk
MUSIC & MOVEMENT
t: 020 020 8398 4709
ENTERTAINERS
ADAM ANTS PARTIES t: 020 8959 1045 or 07969 121094 e: info@adamantsparties.co.uk www.adamantsparties.co.uk
BOO BOO THE CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER t: 07961 355269 www.mr-booboo.co.uk
SILLY MILLIE tHE CLOWN Parties for 3 - 9 year olds. Funny magic show, puppet’s, party games, silly songs and balloon animals.
PARTY SUPPLIERS PARTY PLUS
is at 4 Acton Lane, Chiswick, London W4 5NB Mail-order company www.partyplus.co.uk They have a wide range of themed partyware available from stock including LOL, Paw Patrol, PJ Masks, Peppa Pig, Ben and Holly and much more. t: 020 8994 1674 www.partyplus.co.uk
SPORT
KIDDIKICKS The home of EPIC sports parties! Done clowns, bored of bouncy castles? Get active, have fun and burn energy with a Kiddikicks Sports Party. To discuss themes and options email: birthdays@kiddikicks.co.uk t: 020 7937 7965
BLUEBERRY PLAYSONGS Fun, inter-active, musical parties for the under 5’s since 1991! Guitar-accompanied songs with actions, joining in, instruments, games and dancing. t: 020 8677 6871 e: info@blueberryplaysongs.co.uk
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What’s On
BOOK NOW FOR SUMMER!
WORKSHOP: 17 June 2019 £5.00 Tiny Troopers: Posters: Bring your little ones to our monthly toddlers session, perfect for under-5s. WORKSHOP: 29 June 2019 £5.00 Camo Critters: This Armed Forces Day, get up close and personal with creatures who camouflage. This activity is suitable for ages 5+. find out more WORKSHOP: 29 June 2019, 2.00pm FREE Camo Crafts: Celebrate Armed Forces Day with free camouflage themed family crafts. This activity is suitable for ages 5+. find out more WORKSHOP: 29 June 2019, 8.30am FREE At Ease early opening: Armed Forces Day special This Armed Forces Day, enjoy a relaxed early opening of the Museum where families with additional sensory needs can experience the galleries in a quieter environment.
Paint Pots Bayswater St Stephens Church, Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QT www.paintpotshouse.com 15 - 19 July A week of Paint Pots summer fun, exploring arts, crafts, music, games and other seasonal activities for ages 3-6yrs, 9.30am-12.30pm. £45 and for ages 18m-3yrs, 3-4.30pm. £25. Led by fully qualified Nursery School and Creative Classes teachers.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES BRITISH MUSEUM
WC1B 3DG www.britishmuseum.org DIGITAL WORKSHOPS Takes place at weekends and school holidays on a variety of themes. Free, 11am-4pm, for ages 7+ (unless stated). 3 May LITTLE FEET: CREATE A COMIC Explore colourful mark making and bold letters as you join your fellow manga artists in honing your creative skills. For under 5s,11am-3.30pm. 20 May LITTLE FEET: EXHIBITION EXPLORER There are lots of emotions on display in the exhibition. Join other Little feet participants to explore and find out more about your emotions. Try out a variety of activities to see how they make you feel and make some emotion cards to use at home. For under 5s,11am-3.30pm. 28-31 May MARVELLOUS MANGA Enter the graphic world of manga, discover its artists and immerse yourself in the stories and images of your own manga adventure. Free, 11am-4pm, for ages 7+ 28 Jun LITTLE FEET: FOREST ADVENTURE
FOUNDLING MUSEUM
WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk 16 May, 14 Jun BACH TO BABY Discover the award-winning classical concert series for babies, toddlers and parents. Themed concerts are performed by pianist Miaomiao Yu along with other internationally renowned musicians. 28 May FOLEY & THE ART OF NOISE Step into the shoes of a foley artist and create a soundtrack for a 3D model using everyday sound effects. 11.30am and 2.30pm for age 5+ 29 May INTERACTIVE SOUND DRAWINGS Create a large-scale sound drawing that you can move through, in this unique creative
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NATIONAL GALLERY
CUTTY SARK Photo credit: © National Maritime Museum, London workshop. Experiment with new materials and explore mark-making on a large scale in response to the sounds in the exhibition Hogarth & The Art of Noise. 11.30am and 2.30pm for age 5+ 30 May CITY BEATS Join world champion beatboxer Bellatrix and learn how to beatbox. 11.30am and 2.30pm for age 5+ 31 May THE BELLS OF LONDON Explore the bells of London and make your own out of clay. 11.30am and 2.30pm for age 5+ 29 Jun HETTY FEATHER DAY As part of Hetty Feather Day, join in artist-led workshops, join Dame Jacqueline Wilson for a book reading on her new world, Dancing the Charlestone and she will also be signing books. 10.30am-4.45pm.
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM
SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk EXHIBITIONS: HOLOCAUST Film, photographs and a large number of rare artefacts document the history of the Nazi persecution of the Jews and other groups before and during the Second World War. For ages 14+ A FAMILY IN WARTIME Explores the lives of William and Alice Allpress and their ten children and what life in London was like during the war. SECRET WAR The clandestine world of espionage, covert operations and the work of Britain’s Special Forces. FIRST WORLD WAR Discover the story of the war - Over 1,300 objects including weapons, uniforms, diaries, letters and souvenirs, will be on display as well as a recreated trench with periscopes and a dug-out, along with a soundscape and projection will evoke what daily life was like for the troops.
NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM
SW3 4HT www.nam.ac.uk 13 May TINY TROOPERS: MUSIC WORKSHOP Bring your little ones to the monthly toddlers session, perfect for under-5s. 18 May SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY: ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS Meet serving soldiers from the Royal Armoured Corps as the 80th anniversary is marked in a day of tanks, talks and family fun. 25 May - 28 May AIRBRUSH EFFECTS Pick a colour, grab a blow pen and get creative with the giant poster half-term activity. 29 May FOOD FOR THOUGHT: DIGITAL POSTER DESIGN Get inspired by the work of Abram Games and use iPads to make a digital poster. POSTER PRINTING: Channel your inner graphic designer with this family-friendly print-making workshop. find out more WORKSHOP: 8 June 2019 FREE Spotlight Saturday: D-Day Join us for this day of talks, tours and family activities as we mark the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. find out more WORKSHOP: 16 June 2019, 12.00pm £10.00 Airfix Tanks: This Father's Day, get hands-on and build your own model tank at our Airfix workshop. This activity is suitable for ages 8+. find out more
May-June 2019
WC2N 5DN www.nationalgallery.org.uk Every Sun FAMILY SUNDAYS Activities designed for families to enjoy and learn together, 11am and 3pm. MAGIC CARPET STORYTELLING For children aged 2-5. Sundays 10.30-11am and 11.30am-12pm. Fly away on the magic carpet, coming to land in front of a different painting each day. Every Weds WELCOME WEDNESDAYS Bring paintings to life through interactive music, storytelling, art and messy play activities. Every Wednesday, 10.30 and 11.30am for walkers under age five, 1pm for sitting babies to walkers. HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 27 May MESSY MONDAYS: COLOUR BLOCK Drop-in session for children under 5 years. Play with shape and scale to transform the studio into a radiant room of colour.11am and 2pm. 27-31 May WHAT SHAPES CAN SAY Experiment with effects of colour and abstract shapes to share meanings, moods, and memories. 11am-4pm for all ages. 29,30May ARTIST'S APPRENTICE WORKSHOP: MESSENGERS OF MOVEMENT Spend a day in the life of a dance artist and try out specialist techniques. For ages 8-13, 11am-3.30pm.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk NEW: 17 May-8 Sept MUSEUM OF THE MOON Stand beneath Luke Jerram's incredible touring artwork, measuring six metres in diameter and featuring detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. 3 May, 1 Jun DINO SNORES Ever wondered what goes on at the Natural History Museum at night? 7 - 11 years. 7pm till morning, torchlit trails through the museum, live animal shows and more. For ages 7-11. 17, 18 May, 15 Jun COMPANION: MOON This 15 minute experience explores the
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relationship between our planet and the Moon and the constant push and pull between these two celestial bodies in a free performance. Join interactive theatre-makers Coney in an experience where you can join in or observe as multiple art forms combine. Free, no ticket required. Suitable for all ages. 30 Jun DAWNOSAURS A free event that lets children on the autism spectrum enjoy the Museum with their families and siblings, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. Visitors have access to a wideranging programme of activities, including a chance to see, meet and even touch live animals. All activities are supported by experienced, autism-aware facilitators. A dedicated Sensory Room will also be available for those children needing a quieter and calmer space. This event is best for children aged five to 15, and siblings are welcome.
SCIENCE MUSEUM
SW7 2DD www.sciencemuseum.org.uk WONDERLAB: THE STATOIL GALLERY. The UK's biggest interactive science gallery is filled with specially-commissioned exhibits and artworks, live science shows, explosive demonstrations and immersive experiences led by the museum's talent team of science communicators. From 12 Jun DRIVERLESS: WHO IS IN CONTROL? Technology developers are racing to create fully autonomous machines with the ability to make decisions on their own. How many of these smart machines already exist? And how much control are we willing to transfer to them? An exhibition which gives a unique glimpse into the AI-driven tech that could shape the habits, behaviour and society of tomorrow. Highlights include self-driving cars, autonomous flying drones and smart underwater vehicles like the Autosub Long Range Boaty McBoatface. 10 May, 7 Jun ASTRONIGHT An overnight science extravaganza! Workshops, science shows and activities rounded off with breakfast and a breath-taking IMAX 3D film.
VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM
SW7 2RL www.vam.ac.uk 1Every Sat POP UP PERFORMANCES take part in exciting and unique performances suitable for all the family. 11am, 1 and 3pm. Free, drop in. Every Sun, 6 May DROP-IN DESIGN Pick up a design brief and bring your creative ideas to life.10.30am-5pm, for age 5+ 27-31 May POP-UP PERFORMANCE. MAY HALF TERM Enjoy performances this May half-term, inspired by FOOD: Bigger than the Plate. Roll up! Roll up! For the annual fruit and veg Olympics with Wonky Table Theatre Company. An exploration of food through music and storytelling. 11am, 1 and 3pm. 27-31 May IMAGINATION STATION: MAY HALF TERM Free making and performance activities this half-term, inspired by the exhibition FOOD: Bigger than the Plate. Make a collaborative magazine with art collective Fallen Fruit using collage making and storytelling.
WALLACE COLLECTION W1U 3BN
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www.wallacecollection.org 5 May THE LITTLE DRAW Free drop-in drawing workshop for all ages and abilities with artist Georgia Mallin. Georgia is a figurative artist and portrait painter with an interest in how we tell stories about ourselves, others and the world around us. 1:30 - 4:30pm, all ages. 25 May PAPER WINDMILLS Create your very own paper windmill and decorate them with various weather scenes inspired by some of the most atmospheric paintings found throughout the Museum, including Rubens’ The Rainbow Landscape and Hobbema’s A Stormy Landscape. Free, dropin, 10.30am and 2pm for age 5+ 28 May PORTRAIT MINIATURES Join artist Millie Nice where we’ll be looking at some of the most extravagant miniature portraits in the Wallace Collection and having a go at making our own modern miniature pin badge to take home. Free, drop-in, 10.30am and 2pm for age 5+ 30 May PARK LIFE Create a tiny sculpture park of your own in this Henry Moore inspired workshop. Fill a terrarium with clay constructions and grow your own art filled oasis. For ages 7-10. 31 May LANDLINES Draw and paint into a constructed landscape inspired by Henry Moore. Learn drawing and painting skills as we create an urban sculpture park to capture in a mixed media artwork to add to your portfolio. 10.30-3.30pm for ages 11-14.
WILLIAM MORRIS SOCIETY
W6 9TA www.williammorrissociety.org 29 May SUMMER HALF TERM FAMILY WORKSHOP Come to explore William Morris's garden at Kelmscott House and create your own flower and animal designs. A workshop in two parts for children 6-12 years Wednesday 29 May, 10.30am -1.00pm Session 1: Create your own photo on sunprint paper Session 2: Then create and print a design inspired by nature using a variety of printing materials. Booking essential.
CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDEN
W4 2RP www.chgt.org.uk 7-9 Jun CHISWICK PROMS A brand-new open-air music festival celebrating comedy, musical theatre and classical music. On Sat 8 Jun, there will be a family showing of Peter and the Wolf from 2-3pm. This perennial favourite by Sergei Prokofiev is a wonderful way to introduce classical music to younger children. 27 Jun-8 Jul GIFFORDS CIRCUS: XANADU A brand new show set in 1973!
CUTTY SARK
SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark Every weekend: CUTTY SARK CHARACTERS Come aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Suitable for ages 3+ Every Weds TODDLER TIME Bring your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime on board. 10-11.30am for ages 4 and under. SPECIAL EVENTS 4,5 May KOINOBORI FLYING FISH Celebrate the Japanese festival of Children's Day by learning how to make a fantastic carp kite inspired by Cutty Sark's travels to Japan. 11.30am and 2pm. 27 - 31 May THE TRADER'S GAME Become a trader and cross the world on a board game to collect cargoes from different countries. Make sure to beat the other ships to buy the most sought-after cargo and
beware of getting stuck in the doldrums. 11am-4pm. 1,2 Jun AMAZING AZULEJO Cutty Sark was sold to a Portuguese company in 1895 and renamed Ferreira. Celebrate Portugal Day by making your own beautiful Moorish tile decoration. 11.30am and 2pm.
FULHAM PALACE
SW6 6EA www.fulhampalace.org every Mon and Tues (from 3 Jun) THE PALACE EXPLORERS A weekly parent/carer and toddler sessions for children aged 2-4. This term the theme is exploring a range of things that move, from the gardeners' buggy to insects, as well as playing with wheelbarrows and making hobby horses, dancing and making own moving toys. 26 May TUDOR MAY DAY TMeet the May King and Queen, dance to music with the wandering minstrels and get hands on making a tussie mussie, a May crown or even candle rolling.11am-3pm. 8 Jun LITTLE GREEN FINGERS Explore and learn how vegetables and flowers grow. Practice sowing, planting, caring for and harvesting produce and flowers in the Walled Garden.10.30am-12. 16 Jun A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Watch as the drama unfolds in this dazzling open-air production. The garden at Fulham Palace is the perfect setting for Shakespeare’s classic story of order and dis-
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DAYS OUT BRITISH LIBRARY
NW1 2DB www.bl.uk 30 May FAMILY TAKEOVER: MAKE AND CREATE Enjoy playful multisensory activities and learning resources. A selection of children’s books will be available to relish, read and even perform if you wish! A range of materials will be on hand to inspire you to make, create and invent something to take home. Drop-in, 11am-3pm. 30 May THE PHOENIX OF PERSIA A spellbinding storytelling event to launch the new picture book - a legend from ancient Persia, the tale of Prince Zal and the Simorgh is a mythical exploration of forgiveness, family and what it means to be truly wise. It will be accompanied by an original musical performance, played on traditional Iranian instruments. Children can try out the instruments for themselves. For ages 6+. 22 Jun FAMILY DAY: BUILD A STORY A family day inspired by the magic of storytelling-make, touch, sign and explore, while creating, sharing and celebrating stories. 12-4pm, free, drop-in.
May-June 2019
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What’s On order, reality and appearance, and love and marriage. Suitable for all the family. 6.30pm. 23 Jun FAMILY FUN DAY: DESIGNED BY DUNSTAN Delve into the world of design and crafts! Have a go at engraving on a rose engine with the Society of Ornamental Turners. Explore a different side to the Palace with trails, tours and plenty of interactive fun with craftspeople at the Palace.
HAMPTON COURT PALACE
KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk THE MAGIC GARDEN Experience the legendary world of the Tudor tournament in this imaginative play garden setting. Inspired by the palace’s past, the Magic Garden is located in Henry VIII’s former tiltyard where Tudor tournaments were once held. Discover something new around every twist and turn in an immersive world populated by mythical beasts, including a 25m dragon! Take the family to become Tudor Knights, besiege the battlements, storm the Tiltyard Towers and explore a mysterious secret grotto. Open from 10am-5.30pm. 5 May STORYTIME ADVENTURES These lively, interactive storytelling sessions are based on well-known children’s books which can be linked to Hampton Court’s magnificent history. 11.30am,12.45 and 2pm. Weekends in May and June SHIRE HORSE CARRIAGE RIDES Meet Henry VIII's Great Horses and enjoy a tram ride through 500 years of history. 11am-5pm.
HOLLAND PARK ECOLOGY CENTRE
W8 6LU www.rbkc.gov.uk/subsites/wildlife.aspx 11 May WALK IN THE WOODS: WILDLIFE AREA OPEN DAY A great chance to explore a hidden corner of the park. In spring the woods are bursting with new life and growth, with woodland flowers and trees coming into leaf. Free, drop-in, 12-4pm. 28-31 May FOREST DAYS Spend the day in the woods building dens, learning natural crafts and trying your hand at bushcraft activities such as whittling and fire lighting. For ages 8-12. 10.30am-3pm. 28-31 May CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Outdoor and themed creative activities utilising the park and our wooded Wildlife Area. Active sessions on dragonflies, mammals, spiders, animal homes, trees, and birds for ages 4-8. 10am-12 noon and 2-4pm. 29 May NATURE EXPLORER AFTERNOONS Fun nature-based drop in activities for all ages. 12-4pm. 6, 13, 20, 27 Jun NATURE TOTS Nature activities for preschoolers. A chance for the children to explore, get mucky and play independently in a safe woodland environment. 10-11.30am for ages 2-5. 28 May MEET THE MINIBEASTS Charlie Cockroach and Alex the Snail invite you to come and meet them and their minibeast friends at the library. Hosted by a minibeast expert from the Ecology Service, it will be a chance to learn fascinating facts about minibeasts and touch the them! Takes place at Notting Hill Library. 2-3pm.
LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk 25 May-2 Jun TRAVELLING WITH THAMESLINK Take part in STEM-inspired workshops and story time sessions: you can get creative with your family and make a turning train out of crafty materials that whizzes past your favourite city views and hear about the amazing landmarks you can see along the Thameslink route. 11am-3.45pm.
ODDS FARM PARK
HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk A FABULOUS DAY OUT AT THE FARM! Meet the farmers and get close to the animals in the hands-on area and in the large undercover animal barns. There is a massive adventure play area with a four lane astra slide, two drop slides, a netted area with zig zag chicanes and tunnels, swinging ropes and much more. Also, a special Toddler and Under 5’s areas.
TOWER OF LONDON
FACEBOOK MARGARET DANCE ACADEMY FREE TRIALS Pitshanger Methodist Church Hall Childrens Ballet and Tap E: margaretingrassia@sky.com CALL: 07848 96793 16 Families west London
EC3N 4AB www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london 25 May-1 Jun HORRIBLE HISTORIES LIVE ON STAGE: TERRIBLE TUDORS From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legend (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry's headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Have a sizzling time with Queen Mary and meet the Groom of the Stool! Will you whip the whipping boy or save poor King Ed? Survive the Spanish Armada as they launch their attack! It’s history with the nasty bits left in!
WETLANDS CENTRE
SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk 28 May FAMILY WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE Discover how to take great shots of wildlife under the guidance of expert wildlife photographer Iain Green. This course is suitable for beginners - tuition will be tailored to suit individual requirements and camera types (compact or SLR). Ages 8+. 10am - 1pm.
May-June 2019
29-31 May BIRDS OF PREY Meet a range of magnificent birds of prey such as owls, peregrines and kestrels. With their keen senses and aerial agility, these avian hunters are perfectly adapted for seeking and catching their prey. This is a rare chance to see their talons, bills and stunning plumage up close. An expert falconer, Ben Long, from the Falconry School will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about these wonderful raptors.
THEATRE AND CONCERTS BECK THEATRE
UB3 2UE www.becktheatre.org.uk 29 May MILKSHAKE! LIVE: MILKSHAKE MONKEY’S MUSICAL Be part of this fantastic production as you learn amazing songs and dances with your favourite Milkshake friends, and watch as the music, the lights, the costumes and stage come together. 25, 26 Jun THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Join the teaguzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos!
CAMBRIDGE THEATRE
WC2H 9HU www.matildathemusical.com Booking until May 2020 MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Roald Dahl’s magical story about a girl with extraordinary powers.
LYRIC THEATRE
W1D 7ES www.tallstories.org.uk/the-gruffalo 3 Jul-8 Sept THE GRUFFALO LIVE ON STAGE Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups.
LYRIC HAMMERSMITH
W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk 11 May THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF The simple story of three hungry goats and a grumpy old troll, told with a gentle ecological message. Watch out for the dance of the goats, the flying troll and loads and loads of rubbish. With puppets, live music, storytelling and singing. For ages 3-6. 18 May EGG AND SPOON An interactive romp through the seasons opening all the gifts of nature, and a gentle introduction to the magic of theatre. For age 1-5. 25 May ENSONGLOPEDIA OF ANIMALS John has written an animal song for each letter of the alphabet. Get to grips with fascinating facts about extraordinary echinoderms, distressed damselflies, crazy corals, batty birds and amazing arachnids. Expect to find out about animals you’ve never even heard of. For ages 5-11. 28 May-2 Jun THE FLYING BATH Based on the book by Julia Donaldson. When everyone has left the house in the morning, the bath toys spring into action and head off on exciting adventures in their magical flying bath! For ages 2-5,
PUPPET THEATRE BARGE
W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com 4 May-7 Jul A CHILD'S GARDEN OF VERSE Shadow puppets and marionettes combine with specially composed music to make this a programme of beauty, poignancy and fun, which captures and nurtures the imagination. The narrative is driven by a selection of beautiful poems, illustrated and brought to life with puppets and music. For age 4+
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The Gruffalo Live on Stage at the LYRIC THEATRE RICHMOND THEATRE
TW9 1QJ www.atgtickets.com/Richmond 18, 19 MAY MY FIRST BALLET: SLEEPING BEAUTY Give children a first taste of the magical world of ballet and enjoy the classic fairy tale together, in this new version created for children aged 3+
SOUTHBANK CENTRE
EC1R www.southbankcentre.co.uk Every Mon, and 29, 31 May DRAGON BABIES Bring your little ones to shake, rattle and gong. Gamelan for ages 3-5. 13 May, 3 Jun GONG BABIES GAMELAN Bring your babies aged under six months for a fun music workshop, with no experience required. 19 May SOUTHBANK SINFONIA FAMILY CONCERT Explore more than 400 years of musical history in 45 minutes. Step into a time machine at an interactive family concert. See how the orchestra has grown, hear how its instruments have changed and share in the amazing imagination of some of the world’s greatest ever composers. Afterwards, you can meet the musicians and try out their instruments.
UNICORN THEATRE
SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com 16 Jun-4 Aug AESOP'S FABLES Re-told fables for today’s audience. Accompanied by events and workshops, this is a celebration of young and old, ancient and new - a tribute to how fresh, bold and vibrant the classics remain today. For ages 4-7 and 21 Jun-3 Aug for ages 812.
CONCERTS BACH TO BABY
www.bachtobaby.com/londonnorth 29 May in Kensington (Christ Church, Victoria Road, W8) 20 May in Notting Hill (St. John's Church, Lansdowne Crescent, W11) 31 May, 29 Jun in Chiswick (St. Michael and All Angels, Bath Road, W4) 25 May, 22 Jun in Ealing (Haven Green Baptist Church, W5 2DP)
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ROYAL ALBERT HALL
SW7 2AP www.royalalberthall.com 26 May OPERA FOR KIDS - AMAZING ARIAS The perfect setting for little ears to be introduced to operatic music in a relaxed environment. Top class musicians perform carefully selected repertoire for children and their families to enjoy without any expectation to stay still or quiet! Buggies, babies and budding musicians all welcome! 28 May MY GREAT ORCHESTRAL ADVENTURE Oh no, the conductor of the orchestra is stuck in the future! We need to try and bring him back to the present day so he can help guide our Orchestral Adventure. Using a special time machine, we’ll visit Jurassic periods and Classical eras as we travel through the ages. Join in this symphonic race against time. For ages 3+ 31 May ALBERT'S BAND PRESENTS: WORLD TOUR A colourful troupe of musicians from Albert’s Band as they take a whirlwind musical journey around the World. Led by Kevin Hathway, this fun packed, interactive concert will visit the four corners of the globe.
From Baby to Ballerina
Classes for Boys and Girls aged 21/2 to 16 years old Ballet, Pointe Work, Modern Jazz, Tap, Annual Performances
Classes held in: Bayswater, Notting Hill Gate, Oxford Street, Shepherds Bush and South Kensington
WIGMORE HALL
W1U 2PB www.wigmore-hall.org.uk 15 May, 13 Jun FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! Informal concerts for parents or carers and their babies up to 1 year old. 11am. 18 May FAMILY CONCERT: HEROES AND VILLAINS Interactive concert for families with children aged 5+ 11am. 22 May CHAMBER TOTS: IN THE GARDEN Music-making workshop for children aged 1 - 2 at 10.15am and for ages 3-6 at 11.45am. 1 Jun RNIB FAMILY DAY For blind and partially sighted children aged 6 – 12 years and their families. 11am. 6 Jun CHAMBER TOTS: TRAIN RIDE Music-making workshop for children aged 1 - 2 at 10.15am and for ages 3-6 at 11.45am. 22 Jun CAVATINA FAMILY CONCERT: THORNE TRIO Interactive concert for families with children aged 5+ 11am.
May-June 2019
Families west London 17
Toddler’s behaving badly...
By Max Walker
Raising a toddler can be one of the most challenging stages of your life as a parent. Many of toddler behaviours can feel extreme, if not downright wicked. But take heart. Tantrums, hitting, biting, throwing things, screaming and other such behaviours are normal for children between the ages of 1 and 4 years. Here are a few tips on how to manage some of these difficult behaviours.
Tantrums? Don’t panic Sometimes you may worry that you are raising a tyrant. But at this age it is unlikely that your child is throwing a fit to be manipulative. It is more likely that your child is trying to express themselves and finding it difficult. They feel frustrated, and the frustration is expressed as a tantrum.
Find out why? Your child may be tired or hungry; in which case the solution is simple. They could be feeling frustrated or jealous of another child. They may need time, attention and love, even though they're not being very loveable. Find a Distraction Children have short attention spans. Giving them something else in place of what they can’t have or starting a new activity can move your child through their frustration.
Don’t give in If you say yes to end the tantrum, that won’t help in the long term. If you’ve said no, stick to your guns otherwise your child may start to think tantrums can get them what they want. In the same way, don’t bribe them with sweets or treats. Wait for the Tantrum to Stop Losing your temper or shouting back won't end the tantrum. Ignore the looks you get from people around you and concentrate on staying calm.
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Aggression Tugging hair, kicking, biting and hitting are ways your child can express themself and try to exert control over their immediate environment. Talk to them Children often go through phases of being upset or insecure and express their feelings by being aggressive. Finding out what’s worrying them is the first step in being able to help.
Don’t retaliate physically This could make your child think it’s acceptable to do this. Instead, make it clear that what they’re doing hurts and you won’t allow it.
Show it doesn’t work One of the key ways to suppress your child’s aggression is to demonstrate that it will get them nowhere. For example, if your child pulls a playmates hair to get a toy, hand the toy back to the friend as you explain to your child “We don’t pull hair.”
Interrupt the behaviour When you catch your child with a fistful of hair, gently disentangle him, then grasp hisr hand and hold it while you say: "We don't pull hair. Pulling hair hurts."
Time out in a quiet spot Place your child in a boring place. Wait for them to calm down. Consider giving one minute of timeout for every year of your child’s age. When your child has calmed down, discuss the reason for the timeout and why the behaviour was unacceptable.
Whining An irritating blend of talking and crying - a child’s whining has the ability to make almost any parent get angry or give in. However, whining is often the only way that toddlers can express themselves when they’re tired, cranky, hungry or uncomfortable. That’s why it’s up to you to help them communicate in an acceptable manner.
May-June 2019
Define it Point out the whining when you hear it and ask your child to use their regular voice instead. Let them know how it sounds to you (without making fun). Explain that whining sounds unpleasant and makes people stop listening.
Acknowledge your child’s need for attention Toddlers often resort to whining when they've tried and failed to get your ear. Trying getting down to their level to make eye contact and ask them to tell you what they want without whining.
Avoid triggers Don’t take your hungry toddler somewhere without taking some healthy snacks, or better still feed them before you go. Similarly, avoid taking them on errands if they are due for a nap.
For more advice on difficult toddler behaviour, visit: www.familylives.org.uk
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Thinking about going Vegetarian or Vegan?
Following a vegetarian or a vegan diet is becoming increasingly common in the UK. People are making this choice for a variety of ethical, environmental or health reasons. But is it safe for children?
Yes is the answer, according NHS guidelines. As long as they get all the nutrients they need. However, parents do need to be well-informed to ensure to ensure their children do not suffer nutrient deficiencies, inadequate energy or faltering growth. So what are some of the issues to be aware of? Children need protein to grow and develop. If you’re avoiding meat or fish (vegetarian) or any food from animals (vegan), they will need good protein
substitutes. These include eggs, dairy products such as milk and cheese, soya products, pulses and beans, nuts and seeds. If a child is getting protein from just one type of bean, the particular bean may not provide every amino acid they need, so there has to be a good balance of pulses. In other words, a child who only eats chicken will get all the amino acids - but a child who only eats one type of bean may not. Another issue is energy intake. Children need lots of energy to fuel healthy growth and development. Vegetarian and vegan foods can be higher in fibre and lower in calories than a diet that includes meat. This can mean that children get full up before they've eaten enough calories and nutrients.
As children typically don’t eat a lot, getting enough calories in them can be difficult. Include energy and nutrient-dense foods like nut butters, hummus, seeds and vegetable oils in their diets. It is especially important that children following vegetarian or vegan diets eat a wide variety of different foods from each food group to ensure they get a good balance of nutrients. Consider supplements. According to the NHS, vitamin drops are particularly important for vegetarian and vegan children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. In particular, they may need vitamin B12 supplement.
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Contact: Vivien Bornemann 020 8932 1010
For more information visit: www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well
Families West London is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families West London are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families West London. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. Design by Martin Driscoll. Email: martindriscoll@yahoo.com Printed by The MANSON Group Ltd, 8 Porters Wood, Valley Road Industrial Estate, St Albans AL3 6PZ. www.mansongroup.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
May-June 2019
Families west London 19
Activities, Clubs & Classes ARTS AND CRAFTS
PAINT POTS Paint Pots House Creative Classes. St Stephens Church, Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QT Autumn term booking available from 3rd June. From the wonders of the Sensorial Explorers and Messy Play, the children move naturally onto Toddler Art and Music, Early Montessori, Toddler Messy Play and Art Club. Children love the atmosphere of exploration and discovery at these classes. Ages: 12 months - 6 years, accompanied and unaccompanied. Book online at: www.paint pots.co.uk
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
HARTBEEPS Award-winning, original, multi-sensory musical baby and toddler classes with original music, bubbles, costumes, twinkles, sparkly parachutes, puppets and more. Classes in West Kensington, North Kensington, Notting Hill, Shepherds Bush and Maida Vale. t: 07738 522856 Classes in Ealing, Fulham, Putney, Kew, Chiswick, Hammersmith, Wandsworth, Barnes and Acton.
DANCE
DANCE GALLERY Dance Gallery is Ealing’s leading dance school and specialises in modern, jazz, tap and musical theatre productions for children aged 4-18 years. t: 0208 566 9672 www.dancegallery.co.uk
KENSINGTON BALLET 18 months - 2 years. Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill and Fulham. t: 07957 650 042 www.kensingtonballet.com
STAGECOACH PERFROMING ARTS Provide fun and engaging weekly classes in dance, drama and singing in a safe and happy environment. Students aged 4 to 18 years are taught by a professional and experienced team of teachers. They offer two-week trials for all new students so that your child can try the classes. To enrol go to: www.stagecoach.co.uk info@stagecoach.co.uk Chiswick - 020 8398 4709 Hammersmith & Kensington: 020 8398 8106 Ealing: 01494 260249 WEST LONDON DANCE ACADEMY Ballet classes in Chiswick and Ealing. Free Trial Lesson. e: info@gmail.com t: 07795 578781 www.westlondondanceacademy.com
WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE 21/2 - 16 years. t: 020 8743 3856 westlondondance@aol.com www.westlondonschoolofdance.co.uk
DRAMA
ARTSED EXTRA Fun and engaging weekly Musical Theatre, Drama and Dance classes in Chiswick. Develop skills and grow in confidence! Available to children 4-16yrs of all abilities. e: ptc@artsed.co.uk t: 020 8987 6692 www.artsed.co.uk
HUZZAH Performing Arts & Mindfulness Build confidence from the inside out with a Huzzah weekly class. Drama, dance, singing and a touch of mindfulness. Ages 4 - 7. Saturday 1 - 2.20pm in Queen's Park. Sunday’s 10 - 11.30am in West Hampstead. Creative, calm, confident kids. Sign up for a FREE TRAIL at: www.huzzahperformingarts.com
PERFORM Weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 412s. Perform is a unique children’s drama school that has a special emphasis on child development. Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential. Run by highly experienced actor-teachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs, which are: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration. The perform curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, CDs and videos that the children can play at home to keep the magic alive. To book a FREE class visit: www.perform.org.uk/try Venues: Acton, Brook Green, Chiswick, Ealing, Earls Court, ,Hammersmith, Ickenham, Kensington, Maida Vale, Marylebone, Notting Hill, Shepherds Bush. e: enquiries@perform.org.uk t: 020 7255 9120
STAGECOACH PERFORMING ARTS Provide fun and engaging weekly classes in dance, drama and singing in a safe and happy environment. Students aged 4 to 18 years are taught by a professional and experienced team of teachers. They offer two-week trials for all new students so that your child can try the class out. To enrol go to: www.stagecoach.co.uk e: info@stagecoach.co.uk Chiswick: 020 8398 4709 Hammersmith & Kensington: 020 8398 8106 Ealing: 01494 260249
FOOTBALL
KIDDIKICKS Football (W2,W4,W8,W10,W11,TW8). For boys and girls from 18 months to age 7. e: info@kiddikicks.co.uk · t: 020 7937 7965 www.kiddikicks.co.uk
LANGUAGES
ARABIC For Women and Children. Female teacher. t: 07956 845 053.
SWIMMING
SWIMMING NATURE Teaching babies, children and adults the fundamentals skills required to improve water confidence and learn to swim. For 25 years, our hands-on approach helps students reach their goals faster. Swimming Nature deliver lessons in Kensington, Hammersmith, Marble Arch. For more details visit: www.swimmingnature.com Or give us a call on 03445 040506.
TUITION SUPPORT
EXPLORE LEARNING Maths & English Tuition Centres. 5 -14 years. Free Trial session. Ealing 020 8090 8710 Hayes 020 8561 8530 Westfield London 020 809 01216 www.explorelearning.co.uk VICTORIA PAGE Private tuition 21/2 - 11 years. t: 07050 246 810.
VIVIEN BORNEMANN Home tuition. Art, Craft and design. All ages. t: 020 8932 1010.
BABY YOGA & MASSAGE
WEST LONDON BABIES Chiswick Sling Library, Family First Aid session, Breastfeeding Buddy sessions and Pregnant Parents Social Club. Also The Bub Hub which runs every fortnight and is a collective of professionals working together to support parents during the first year of their baby's life. Mums of More than One, 6-12 month old focus and lots more. t: 020 8090 8710.