Families Birmingham May/June 2024 PRINT

TRAVEL

FamilycampingacrosstheUK

There’ssomethingveryspecialaboutacampingtrip,especiallyifit’swithyourfamily.Makingmemoriesthatwilllastalifetime andperhapssparkingaloveoftheoutdoorsfromanearlyage.Onceyou’vegotyourgeartogether,campingcanalsobeacost effectivewaytogetawayfromhomeforafewdaysonanadventure.

Weaskedourfriendsat TheOutdoorGuide (www.theoutdoorguide.co.uk)forsomeoftheirfavouritecampingandglamping (campingwithallthebellsandwhistles,includingaproperbed)sitesthatyouandyourfamilymaywanttotry.

Love2Stay,Shropshire

What’snottoloveaboutyour stayhere?It’saluxurytouring, caravanandglampingsitethat offersfamilieseverythingthey couldwantandmore.Whether youandthekidswanttogo swimming,kayaking,complete anassaultcourseortryyour handatarchery,thisisthe placeforyou!

Love2Stay,Mid-Wales

Intheheartoftherolling Welshhillsandoverlooking theSevernValley,there’s enoughtodoheretokeep allthefamilybusy!There’sa fantasticadventureplayarea forthechildrenwhilstadults canrelaxinthespaorhottub.

CharmillCottageCampsite,WestSussex

NestledontheedgeoftheSouthDownsNationalPark,this isalittlegemofacampsitethatyou’llwanttovisitagainand again.NexttothecampsiteisWildHeartHill-abeautiful woodedhillsidetoexploreandplayon(lookoutfortherope swingshiddenamongstthetrees).It’salsoashortdriveaway fromthebeachesofWorthingandLittlehampton.

OrcarberFarm, YorkshireDales

Thisisafamilyrunsitenear thevillageofAustwickwith itscountrypub,localshop andplayingfieldswithtennis, bowls,football,basketballand aplayground–perfectfor gettingactiveandenjoyinga familybreak.

CastleriggHall,LakeDistrict

Thisisacampsitewithaviewandahalf.Situatednear thewonderfulmarkettownofKeswick,thesiteoverlooks Derwentwaterandisawalkers’paradise.Onyourdoorstep arethelikesofBlencathra,SkiddawandCatbellsifyou’re lookingforachallengeorforasmallerfell,Latriggis wheelchairandpushchairfriendly.

LochNessShores ClubSite,Scotland

IntheheartoftheHighlands andwithviewsoverLoch Ness,thisisasimply stunninglocation.It’sthe perfectplacetoexplorethe surroundingcountrysideor perhapswhileawayanhour ortwolookingoutforthe elusiveNessie!

SennenCoveClubSite, Cornwall

Locatedonaclifftop overlookingtheAtlantic,thisis whereyou’llgetagooddose ofseaair.Thenearbycoastline offerssecludedcovesand sandybeacheswherelittle onescanrunfree.This campsiteisperfectlysituated toexploreLand’sEnd,St Michael’sMountandStIves.

VerwoodClubSite, Dorset

Whetheryou’relooking toexplorethemilesof sandybeachesacross BournemouthandPoole orgoandexploretheNew ForestNationalPark,thisis theperfectbase.There’salso agreatchildren’splayground onsiteandyourdogis welcometoo.

Tofindoutmoreaboutallthesecampsitesandmore,visitwww.theoutdoorguide.co.uk/stay/camping-glamping

Afterawetandwindyspring,summeris almosthere!So,ifyouhaven’torganised yourchildcareyet,we’vegotyoucovered withallyouneedtoknowaboutsummer campsandwhytheycanbesomuchmore thanchildcare!

Ifyouarethinkingofgettingawayfora weekendorshortbreakorevenplanninga holidayduringthesummerschoolholidays,checkoutourideasfor UKcampsitesyoucanvisitwiththefamily.

OurWhat’sOnguideispackedfulloffuneventsandactivities throughouttheWestMidlandsandincludessomegreatideasfor MayHalf-Term.

Didyouknowswimmingistheonlyactivepursuitthatcansaveyour child’slife?SwimEnglandtellusallaboutthevitalskillsyourchildwill learnbothatschoolandprivateswimmingclassesinourHealthand Fitnessfeatureandbest-sellingauthor,PoppyO’Neill,shareshertoptips onsupportingchildrenwhentheyfeelanxious. Whatbirthdaytraditionsdoyouhaveasafamily?It’ssolovelyto developandmaintaintheseasawayofmarkingspecialdayseachyear andwehavesomegreatsuggestionsastohowyoucandothat.Plus, getinspirationforsomeEcobirthdaygiftswhicharekinderforthe planet,andforyourpocket,andwillbeevenmorespecialtounwrap! Therearealsosomegreatarticlesonparenting,involvingyourkidsin socialaction,choosingareadingbookandrecommendationsforthetop newchildren’sbooksfromaroundtheworld.

Finally,inthisissue,wehavea SmobyFlowerMarketCreationsKit to giveaway!Applyinsideandbydoingsoyou’llalsoensureyoureceive ourFREEdigitalmagazinewithlotsmorecontentandgoodiesonoffer. Enjoythemagazine!

Claire Editor –FamiliesBirmingham &FamiliesWarwickshire

It’stimeforsummer camps

ByEllieMalt

Ioncespentafreakishlyhotweekinthesummerholidays learningtosailneartheIsleofWight.Asatween,Iwas dazzledbytheteenagedsailinginstructorswhoseemed endlesslycool.I’mnotsayingmysailingskillswereOlympian butitfeltlikeamodernversionofSwallowsandAmazons.The senseoffreedomandadventurewasamazing.Mypoint?Any programmerunwithexperienceandenthusiasmcanbemore thanjustachildcaresolution.

Holidaycampscanbedauntingandmychildrenenjoythem moreiftheygowithafriend.Perhapsthepandemicmadethem cautious?Havingaskedaround,itseemstheyarenottheonly ones.

Jenny,amotherofa7and9-year-oldtoldme: ‘Mykidsweren’t interestedingoingatallbutthreehoursatatenniscamp turnedouttobeagoodfirststep.’ Half-daycampsareagreat introductiontocamplife.

It’salsoimportanttothinkcarefullybeforeautomaticallysending siblingstothesamecamp. ‘Choosecarefully!’ warnedMaggie, whohastwogirlswithverydifferentinterests. ‘Isentbothof mineofftothesamesportscamp.Attheendofthefirstday,one camehomeontopoftheworld,theotherrefusedtogoback.’

Ifitisyourchild’sfirsttimeatasummercamp,youcanease theirworriesbychoosingsomethingthatreallydovetailsnicely withtheirhobbiesandpersonality.

Ifyouthinkatechcampmighthitthemark,trysomethingwitha morespecialistfocusonrobotics,codingandinventions. NextThingEducation runprogrammesacrosstheUKled

Budget-friendlyoptions

Ifyourchildisunder11-years-old,youmayqualifyfora Tax-FreeChildcareaccount(whichyoucansetuponthe GovernmentGatewaywebsite).Thegovernmentcontributes £2forevery£8youputintotheaccount.Tospendthemoney onasummercampyouwillneedyouruniquereference numberfromyouraccount.

Manycampsstillacceptchildcarevouchers.Theschemesare closedtonewapplicantsbutarestillvalidifyoujoinedonor before4October2018.

TheSummerCampsTrust (www.summercampstrust.org) charityaimstomakeresidentialsummercampasnormalforUK childrenasitisforkidsintheUS.Offeringaccesstokidsfrom allbackgrounds,theirTryoutcampsofferreducedratesforfirst timers.

TheHolidayActivityandFood programme(HAF)isa government-fundedholidaycampprogrammeofferingfree placestoanychildwhoiseligibleforfreeschoolmeals.Headto yourlocalauthoritywebsiteandsearchforHAF.Notethateach areahasadifferentnameforitsHAFfundedprogrammes.

byprofessionalcreators,inventorsandtechenthusiasts.The childrenlearncreative,technicalandlogicalskills.See www.nextthing.educationfordetails.

Foroutdoorsykids,summeristheperfectopportunityto immersetheminthemostinspiringlocalscenery.

Doyoulivenearawoodland? ForestSchools areidealfor naturelovingkids,encouragingplayalongsidelearning bushcraftskills,allinanaturalsetting.Youcanfindyournearest bylookingonthedatabaseofthe ForestSchoolAssociation whichensuressiteleadershaveForestSchoolL3qualifications orequivalent.Visitwww.forestschoolassociation.orgfordetails.

Ifyouareheadingtothecoastforaholidayorevenashort breakandyourchildcanswimandenjoysbeinginthewater,a surfschool isagoodoptiontoconsider. SurfingEngland (www.surfingengland.org)hasalistofmorethanfiftyaccredited surfschoolsandcoaches.They’vealsocreatedtheGromSquad programmeforkidstolearnaboutprotectingtheenvironment andseasafety.

Ellieisamumoftwodaughters,livinginSurrey.

Questionstoask

Herearesomeimportantquestionstoaskwhenchoosinga camp.

IsitOfstedregistered? Ifitrunsformorethanfourhoursinone day,Ofstedregistrationiscompulsory.

Whatistheratioofstafftochildren? Forchildrenages3to8, thecampshouldhavea1to8ratio.Forchildrenages8+,a1to 10ratioisrecommended.

AskifstaffareenhancedDBSchecked (DisclosureandBarring Service,formerlytheCriminalRecordsBureauorCRB)andwho isthedesignatedsafeguardinglead.

Ifhigh-riskactivitiesareincluded, doublecheckthecampis accreditedbytherelevantassociation. Checktheinstructorsandstaffhavetherelevant qualificationsfortheactivities. Manycampsemployteenswho addafundimensionbuttheyshouldalwaysbeoverseenby professionallyqualifiedstaff. Howdoesithandlemedicationsandfoodallergies?Whatare theproceduresifyourchildbecomesillorinanemergency? Willtherealwaysbeatrainedfirstaideronsite?

BilinguaSing BirminghamSouth

Song-filled Spanish,French and Italian ClassesinHarborne, BearwoodandBournville.

Helpdevelopyourlittleone’searlycommunicationskills, buildtheirconfidenceandenhancetheirphysicaland emotionaldevelopmentwithourmulti-award-winning music,language, and sensory classes.Earlyexposure toasecondlanguageisfantasticforyourlittleone’sbrain developmentandlearningskills. Classesforbabies(from4weeks),crawlersandtoddlers/ pre-schoolers!Youdon’tneedtoknowanylanguagesto joinus-you’llbesingingalonginnotime! LearnaLanguagewithyourLittleOne! 07539863024 lucy@bilinguasing.com bilinguasing.com/find-a-class/birmingham-south

Born2Sing

Weofferchildren’ssinginglessonswherewefocus ondevelopingvocaltechnique,breathingexercises, buildingconfidence,auditionpreparationandso muchmore.

Wealsowelcomeand supportchildrenwithSpecial EducationalNeedsinreaching theirgoals.

07859809350 born2sing.co.uk

Sevenwaystohelp youranxiouschild

ByPoppyO’Neill

Seeingyourchildstrugglewithanxietycanbesodifficultfor parentsandcarers.Ourinstinctstoprotectourchildrenkick inandwhilewemaytrytotakeawaythesourceofourchild’s worry,thiscanbackfireinthelongrun.

Reallysupportingourchildrentounderstandandcopewith feelingsofanxietymeansshowingthemcompassionwhile empoweringthemtobuildresilienceandit’satrickybalance tostrike!Herearesomeofmytoptipsforsupportingchildren whentheyfeelanxious.

Allowthefeeling. Insteadoftryingtosweepawayyourchild’s worrieswithlogicorreassurance,acknowledgeandshow understandingfortheiremotions.Youcouldsaysomethinglike: ‘You’refeelingreallyworried,it’ssohardwhenyoudon’tknow what’sgoingtohappennext.’Whenweshowchildrenthatwe seetheiremotionsandwe’renotupsetorafraidofthem,they’re reassuredthatthey’renotaloneandthatemotionsarenot somethingtheyneedtobeafraidof.

Getmoving. Movement,especiallyrhythmicmovementlike walking,dancingorjumping,isverypowerfulforcalming anxiety.Itsoothesthepartsofourbrainthatlogiccan’treach andhelpsyourwholebodyfeelthatbitlesstense.Ifyourchild feelsoverwhelmedorisstrugglingtocalmdown,focuson gettingtheirbodymovingfirst,ratherthanontalkingitout.

Getyourchildtohelpyou. Easy,low-stakeschoresaroundthe houseareanexcellentwaytoconnectwithyourchild,buildtheir self-esteemandcalmanxieties.Whenwehaveasimple,easyto-achievetasktofocuson,ithelpsourbrainsletgoofworries, evenifjustforalittlewhile.What’smore,helpingtocareforour

Riseinmeaslesprompts vaccinationcampaign

Anationalcampaigntoboostuptakeofavaccinethat protectsagainstmeasleshasbeenlaunchedinEnglandafter ariseincasesofthepotentiallydeadlydisease.

Measlesoutbreakshaveoccurredaroundthecountry,including inLondon,withtheWestMidlandsexperiencingcasesattheir highestlevelsincethemid-1990s.

ThesituationhasledtheUKHealthSecurityAgency(UKHSA)to declareanationalincident,withhealthexpertswarningfurther outbreakscouldoccurinothertownsandcitiesunlessuptakeof themeasles,mumpsandrubella(MMR)vaccineincreases.

FiguresfromNHSEnglandsuggestmorethan3.4million childrenundertheageof16yearsareunprotectedagainstthis trioofseriousandpreventablediseases.

Thenewcampaignwillencouragechildrenwhohavenothad MMRvaccinationstoreceivetheirmisseddoses.

Moreinfo:www.bit.lyNHSMeasles

homesincreasesfeelingsofwellbeingandbelonging,whichare wonderfulantidotestoanxiety.

Remindthemoftheircapabilities. Anxietycaninvolve picturingtheworst-casescenarioandit’stemptingtodismiss thesethoughtsinanefforttoreassureourkids.However,often facingtheworst-casescenarioheadonismuchmorepowerful. Evenifyourchild’sfearsaren’trational,youcanstillchatabout aplanfortheeventualitythey’repicturing.Whetherit’sazombie apocalypseorgettinglostinanewschool,youcanhavea conversationaboutwhattheywoulddo,howtheycouldhandle challengesandwhotheycouldturntoforhelp.

One-on-onetime. Havingtheundividedattentionofoneof theirparentsorcarersisincrediblypowerfulforallaspects ofchildren’smentalhealth.Itdoesn’tneedtobeagrandor complicateddayout;takingthemalongtothesupermarket oraskingthemtohelpyoucookdinnerisjustas(ifnot more)effective.Frequencyiskey,solearntospottheselittle opportunitiesforconnectionthroughouttheweekandusethem forsomepressure-freebondingtime.

Play. Studieshavefoundthatplayhelpsuslearnhowtonavigate theunexpected,sothemoreweplay,thelessanxietywefeel abouttheworldaroundus.Naturally,playwilllookdifferent dependingontheageandinterestsofyourchild,soletthem takethelead.Playcanbeanythingfrommakingupsillysongs tocardgamestodrawing;whateverfun,pressure-freeactivity yourchildcangetabsorbedinisgoingtobeabrilliantantidote tostressandanxiety.

Takeadeepbreath. Intimesofanxiety,breathingcanbecome shallowanderratic.Deepbreathinghelpsreleasetensioninthe body,improvesmoodandpromotesasenseofwellbeing.Teach yourchildtobreatheslowlyanddeeplyandyou’llgivethema valuablerelaxationtooltheycanusewheneverandwherever theyneedit.

Anxietyisapartofbeinghuman. Thekeyistohelpour childrenrecogniseandunderstandhowitworksforthem, ratherthantrytodoawaywithanxiousfeelingsaltogether.Each interactionyouinstigatecontributestoyourchild’swellbeing andrelationshipwithyou.Itcanbehardbutbyboostingour children’sresilienceandtrustingthemtonavigatedifficult emotions,theylearntotrustthemselves.

PoppyO’Neillhaswrittenseveralbooksonmentalwell-being forchildrenandadults,includingthebestsellers Don’tWorry, BeHappy and You’reaStar. Hermostrecentbook Howto SupportYourAnxiousChild ispublishedbyVie.

Learningtoswim

Learningtoswimistheonlyphysicalactivitywhichcansave yourlife.

Inrecognitionofthis,allschoolsmustprovideswimminglessons inKeyStage1or2(ages5to11),asastatutorysportwithinthe PhysicalEducation(PE)curriculum.

Inparticular,pupilsshouldbetaughttoperformsafeselfrescueindifferentwater-basedsituations;swimcompetently, confidentlyandproficientlyoveradistanceofATLEAST25 metresandusearangeofstrokeseffectively,forexample,front crawl,backstrokeandbreaststroke.

However,SwimEnglandrecommendsthatyourchilddoesn’t giveuponregularprivateswimminglessonsoncetheystart swimmingwithschoolasthesearecrucialtotheircontinued developmentandultimatelysafety.

TheaimofschoolswimmingandwatersafetylessonsduringPE aretoteachyourchildtobesafeinandaroundwater,withthe emphasisonwatersafety.

Atprivatelessons,yourchildwillbetaughtmorein-depth skillsandtechniquesthantheywillatschool.Regularprivate lessonsprogresswaypasttheminimumnationalcurriculum requirementsandyourchildcontinuestheiraquaticeducation towardsanactiveandhealthyfuture.

Whatwillmychildlearnduringschoolswimming?

Aswellaslearningtoswimthebasicstrokes,yourchildwill learnhowtobesafearounddifferentwaterenvironments e g beaches,lakes,canals.Yourchildwillbetaughthowthe skillstheylearnintheirswimminglessonscanbeusedinan emergencysituation.

Packingaswimmingkit

Swimwear. Checkschoolguidelinesontheswimwearpermitted. Towels. Twocanbegood!

Swimmingcap. Keepslonghairoutofthefaceandreduces ‘drag’tomakeswimmingeasier.

Goggles. Ideallypupilsneedtoexperienceswimmingwithout goggles;ifyourchildfallsintoalaketheywon’thavegoggles andmaypanic.Ifyouthinkyourchildneedstoweargoggles, discusswiththeirschool.

Toiletries. Packshampoo,conditioner,showergeletctowash offpoolchemicals.

Hairbrush/Comb. Hairclips/bandsareusefulifswimming withoutacap.

Lockercoins. Iflockerswillbeused,askwhethertheyrequire coinsoratoken.

Water. Inapool,childrenwon’tnoticehowmuchtheysweat. Givethemawaterbottle,remindthemtokeepitpoolsideand takeregularsips.

Snack. Dependingonschoolrules,asmallsnacklikeabanana foraftertheirlessonwillhelpreplaceenergy. Jewellery. Thisshouldideallyberemovedforsafety.

Yourrole

Asaparent,guardianorcareryouplayavitalrolein encouragingyourchildtoswimandlearnaboutwatersafety, survivalandlifesaving.Youcanhelpyourchildgrowtheirwater confidencethroughenjoyingfunfamilyswimmingsessions togetherandalsotalkingaboutwatersafetyknow-how.

Makesureyourchildhaseverythingtheyneedtotakepartin theirswimminglessonsandalsofindoutwhattheircurrent attainmentlevelisandwhattheyshouldbeachieving.

IfyouareinaParentTeacherAssociation(PTA)

Youhaveanimportantroletoplay.Childrenwhodon’tlearnto swimatschooloftenneverlearnatall.Inyourregularmeetings, youcanencourageandsupportyourschooltosignuptothe Charterandtakeswimmingandwatersafetyseriously,aswell asmakingsureitstaysontheagenda.

Forfurtherinformation,visitwww.swimming.org

Homeschooling?

AccordingtolatestBBCfigures,home-schoolingintheUK hasincreasedfortypercentinthepastthreeyears.Parents whohomeschoolmustensuretheirchildrenreceiveabroad andbalanced,full-timeeducationfromage5.Whilstyou don’thavetofollowthenationalcurriculum,youwillalmost certainlywantyourchildtolearntoswimtoitsrequired standards.

SwimEngland recommendsyourchildcompletesthe Swim EnglandSchoolSwimmingandWaterSafetyCharter, to becompetentandconfidentinallwaterenvironmentsand proficientinalltheswimmingstrokes.

Thiswillensuretheycanswimtheminimumrequiredtwenty fivemetresbythetimetheywouldnormallyleaveprimary school.SwimEnglandalsosuggestsenrollingthemin regularlessonsthatfollowthe SwimEnglandLearntoSwim Programme, aswellasparticipatinginwatersafetycampaigns suchas SwimSafe. Talktoyourlocallessonprovidersaboutthe potentialfortakingpartinbespokeschoolswimminglessons. FormoreinformationaboutthePEcurriculum,visit www.gov.uk/national-curriculum.

Funforallthefamily AguidetoWhat’sOnintheWestMidlands

Events

FamilyFunDay ThornboroughFarm 8May

Kickoffthesummerinstyleatthe ultimatefamilyfunday extravaganza!Withadogshow hostedbyWythallAnimal Sanctuary,kidsrides,facepainting, foodanddrinkstallsandlivemusic. Ticketsonline. www.thornboroughevents.com

OutdoorFun

BirminghamBotanicalGardens

Edgbaston

TheGardenshavesomethingforall agestoenjoy,including7,000 plants,4VictorianGlasshouses, children’strailsandaplayground. www.birminghambotanical gardens.org.uk

BirminghamWildlife ConservationPark Edgbaston Hometoauniquecollectionof animalsfromacrosstheworld. Thereareredpandas,lemurs, reptiles,meerkats,otters,birds, wallabiesandacollectionof monkeys. www.birmingham.gov.uk /conservationpark WinterbourneHouseandGarden Birmingham Edwardianhistorichouseand botanicalgardenwithplentyof activitiesavailableallyearroundfor children.Children’sgarden,family trail,tearoom,giftshopand second-handbookshop. www.winterbourne.org.uk

WalsallArboretum TownCentre,Walsall Accessiblewalkways,boatinglake andlakesidecafé,tenniscourtsand acresofopenplayingfieldsto explore.Plusachildren’splayarea withskateparkandsplashpad. FREEentry. www.go.wasall.gov.uk

BigFishLittleFishxCamp Bestival‘NeonMay-Hem’Family Rave TheTunnelClub,Birmingham 19May

Donyourfestivalgearandparty withyourkidsamidstthebubbles, snowfoam,confettiandgiant balloons,withagiantparachute dance(ortwo)thrownin!There’s alsoamulti-craftareaandbaby chilloutspaceforthetiniestravers. Allwelcome!Ticketsonline. www.bigfishlittlefishevents.com

Solihull‘Sausage&Cider’Family Festival MalvernPark,Solihull 25–27May

Deliciousstreetfood,kidsfunfair, livemusicandentertainmentforall thefamily.MiniLandRoverskids drivingfun,inflatables,face painting,virtualgolfandmuch more.Dogswelcometoo! FREEentry.

TheAdventuresofDrDolittle WinterbourneHouseandGardens 1Jun

Openairtheatreproductionforthe wholefamilyinthestunningsetting ofWinterbourneHouseandGarden. Suitableforages5+. Bringyourownpicnicandrug. www.winterbourne.org.uk

OpenFarmSunday Variouslocationsnationwide 9Jun

Farming’sannualopenday!Picka farmthat’sopeningtheirgatesand takethefamilytolearnaboutthe amazingworkfarmersdoto producefoodsustainably,while caringfortheenvironmentand wildlife. www.farmsunday.org

SolihullMusicFestival

SolihullTownCentre 20–23Jun

BrandNEWlandmarkmusic festival.FREEfamilyeventwiththe mainstageinMellSquareand plentyofvenuesaroundthetown centrehostingtheaction.Live musicandgreatfoodfromthe ContinentalStreetMarket. www.solihullbid.co.uk

GodivaFestival WarMemorialPark,Coventry 5–7Jul

Threedaysofgreatmusicand familyentertainment.Sundayis FamilyDayheadlinedbyBeverley KnightMBE.Alongsidethemusic therewillbeawholehostof activitiesandperformances designedforfamilies. Ticketsonline. www.godivafestival.com

Museums&History

BlackCountryLivingMuseum

Dudley Gobackintimeandexplore26acres ofcarefullyreconstructedshops, housesandindustrialareasthat representtheBlackCountry’s fascinatingstory. www.bclm.com

DudleyMuseumattheArchives

Dudley Filledwithfantasticfossilsand guaranteedfun,enjoyawholehost ofdisplaysincludinggeology, dinosaurs,historicfindsfromDudley Castle,localheroes,glassand artwork.OpeneveryThu,FriandSat. FREEentry.

DudleyZoo&Castle

Dudley Hometoalargecollectionof endangeredspeciesaswellasbeing thesiteofan11thcenturycastle-an importantgeologicalsite. www.dudleyzoo.org.uk

SandwellMuseums

Sandwell,variouslocations

Explorearangeofdifferent museumsincludingOakHouse Museum(ahalf-timbered farmhouse),BromwichHall(a medievalmoatedmanorhouse),and more.MostlyFREEtovisit.Seasonal activities. www.sandwell.gov.uk/museums

SellyManorMuseum

Birmingham

Stepbackintimetodiscoverhow theTudorscooked,dressedand lived.Exploretheparlour,dininghall, kitchenandbedchamber.Dressup inreplicacostumesandsuitof armour.FREEchildren’strail. www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk

ThinkTank Birmingham

Fourfloorsoffuntoexplore,bursting withmorethan200hands-onhightechdisplaysalongsidehistorical collectionsandnaturalscience specimens.Funandeducational! Autismfriendlysessions. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk /thinktank

WestMidlandsPoliceMuseum

Birmingham

BrickFestLive NECBirmingham 25–27May

Theworld’slargesthands-on LEGOeventofitskindmakesits UKdebutinBirmingham,with overamillionLEGObrickson displayandreadyforplay. Amustseeeventforfansofall ages!Ticketsonline. www.brickfestlive.co.uk

TheDonkeySanctuary Birmingham SuttonPark,SuttonColdfield 31May

NationalTrust Birminghamand WestMidlands. Explorethegreat outdoorsatourlocalNationalTrust properties:BirminghamBackto Backs,Roundhouse,Wightwick ManorandGardens,ClentHills, MoseleyOldHall&Packwood House.Seasonalactivities. www.nationaltrust.org.uk May Half-Term (25May–2Jun)

LapworthMuseumofGeology UniversityofBirmingham Goandseethefinestandmost extensivecollectionsoffossils, mineralsandrocksintheMidlands. Excitingfamilyactivities,educational talks,toursandarts&crafts activities. www.birmingham.ac.uk

Learnabouttwocenturiesofpolicing history.Experienceanauthentic Victorianlock-up,hearabout pioneeringindividuals,interactive displays,dressupinpoliceuniforms andtakeyourownmugshot! www.museum.westmidlands.police.uk

Kidscanmeetthedonkeys, whilelearningallaboutthe charityanditsmission.Tickets areFREEbutmustbeprebookedinadvance.Tosupport thecharity,youcaneithermake adonationoradoptadonkey. www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

MadeintheBlackCountry BlackCountryLivingMuseum Celebratingthebostin’things, peopleandproductsthatcame fromtheBlackCountrythishalfterm.‘Aveagoo’atthelocal lingo,makeaprotestbannerand takepartinthestrike,make bricksandmuchmore. www.bclm.com

TheStickManOutdoorTrail NationalMemorialArboretum, Staffordshire FREEbrand-newmile-longtrail foryoungvisitorstohelpThe StickManonhisadventureback totheFamilyTree.Anadventure throughacresofwoodland featuringlotsofcarvingsfrom thestorytospotalongtheway. www.thenma.org.uk

ReturnoftheDinosaurs HattonCountryWorld GetreadyforaROAR-some Whitsun!Meetthebaby dinosaursinthepettingzoo, watchthedinoshowandwatch outfortheraptorencounter. Allincludedinadmission. www.hattonworld.com /adventure-world

Theatre DaysOut

AshEndHouseChildren’s Farm

Tamworth

Hands-onfamily-friendlyfarm. Entryincludesanimalfeed, tractor-trailerride,pony-sit-on andlotsofanimalinteraction. Outdoorplayareasavailable. Greatforchildrenparties! www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk

CadburyWorld

Birmingham

Enjoyadaychoc-fulloffunand discoverthestoryofhowthey makeCadburyChocolate. Interactivefactorytourwith demos,excitingrides,meet Cadburycharacters.Withplenty ofchocolateytreats! www.cadburyworld.co.uk

DraytonManor

Tamworth

Thrillsandadventureforallthe familytoenjoy.Ticketsinclude ThomasLand,a15-acrezoohometoover500animalsfrom allovertheworld,aVikingsarea andnauticallythemedAdventure Cove.Funforallthefamily! www.draytonmanor.co.uk

LegolandDiscoveryCentre

Birmingham

Getcreativeandhavefunwith yourfavouriteLEGOcharacters inMiniland,the4Dcinema,the KingdomQuestRide,LegoCity Softplayandsomuchmore. www.legolanddiscoverycentre .com

MonkeyForest

Trentham

Seenatureupclosewith140 fascinatingBarbarymacaquesto watchanddiscover.Plusanew playareaforchildrentoexplore andreplicatevariousprimate behaviour.Funandeducational. www.monkey-forest.com

NationalSeaLifeCentre

Birmingham

Takeatriptotheaquariumwith theUKsonly360degreeocean tunnelandover60displaysof freshwaterandmarinelife. Quieterexperiencesessions availableforSENDchildrenand theirfamilies. www.visitsealife.com /birmingham

WestMidlandsSafariPark Bewdley

Four-miledrive-throughsafari withover100differentspecies throughoutthepark.Plus thrillingthemeparkanddinosaur exhibit.Stayovernightinaluxury SafariLodgeforatotallywild experience. www.wmsp.co.uk

TheAlexandraTheatre

Birmingham

CharlieandtheChocolate Factory(BMOS)

Tue11–Sat15Jun

101Dalmatians-TheMusical Tue2–Sat6Jul

AgeRecommendation:5+ www.atgtickets.com

BirminghamHippodrome

Theatre

Birmingham

TheWizardofOz Tue11–Sat16Jun

AgeRecommendation:6+ www.birminghamhippodrome.com

SuttonColdfieldTown Hall

SuttonColdfield

SuperstarWrestling Tue28May

ShrektheMusical Tue4–Sat8Jun

CalamityJane Tue25–Sat29Jun

www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall .com

B:Music

SymphonyHall

Birmingham

DisneyinConcert:TheSoundof Magic-UKTour2024 Tue11Jun

TownHall

Birmingham

CBSOFamilyConcert:Cartoon Classics

Sun12May

WildIslesLive Fri17May

TheLionInside Sat25–Sun26May

CBSOCentre

Birmingham

Notelets:AdventuresinSpace Fri14–Sat15Jun

AgeRecommendation:Under6 www.bmusic.co.uk

TheCoreTheatre Solihull Claytime Sat1Jun

AgeRecommendation:3-6 www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk

GetActive

AckersAdventure Birmingham Getinvolvedwiththeactionat Ackers,includinglearntoski lessons(4+),tubingor tobogganing,discgolf,sessionsfor homeschoolersandmore. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk

GoApe CannockChase(Staffordshire) WyreForest(Kidderminster) CoombeAbbey(Coventry) Forthrill-seekingadultsand fun-seekingchildrenexperiencethe bestofhighropeantics,forest segways,netadventures,ziptrek adventure,axethrowingand mini-LandRovers.Activitiesvaryby location.Bookonline. www.goape.co.uk

RockUp Birmingham Enjoysomehealthy,action-packed funinasafeenvironment.Climbing walls(age4+),toddlerclimband play(upto5’s),verticalchallenges, highropes(minheight requirements)plussoftplayfor 0-5’s.Alsoavailableforgroup bookings,schoolsandparties. www.rock-up.co.uk

RushUKTrampolinePark Stirchley,Birmingham Excitingactivitiesforallages includingToddlerCourtarea,After DarkwithUVlights,Sunset Sessions,SENSessionsfora happierbouncewithfewerpeople andnomusic,OpenJumpsessions forage4+,RushEnergyYoga–energeticyogaclassesonthe trampolines. www.rushuk.com

JuniorParkrun Variouslocations AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold) EverySundayat9:00.Children mustbeabletocompletethe coursewithoutanadult. www.parkrun.com

PlanetIce Solihull Skateforfun,learntoskate,learnto playicehockey,bookapartyor takethefamilytowatchanIce Hockeygameandsupportthe SolihullBarons.Fixturesand bookingonline. www.planet-ice.co.uk www.solihull-barons.net

MidlandsAirFestival RagleyHall,Alcester 31May–2Jun2024

TheMidlandsAirFestivalreturnsforasixthyearoffamilyfun!This spectacularaviationeventwillonceagainconsistofNightfire,airdisplays andhotairballoonlaunches.Plus,therewillbegreattradestands, children’sridesandmoreentertainmentthaneverbefore!Theeventwill alsofeaturethelegendaryRoyalAirForceAerobaticteam,TheRed Arrows,whowilldisplayonall3daysintheirfullnineshipconfiguration. Showcasingthisseason’snewdisplayfortheveryfirsttimeintheUK, includingsomeclassicfavouritemanoeuvresfromthepast,intheir60th anniversaryyear.Thisisdefinitelyanopportunitynottobemissed! Formoreinformationortobuytickets,pleasevisit www.midlandsairfestival.com

Topnewchildren’sbooksfrom aroundtheworld

BySarahCampbell

FrombustlingAfricancitiestotheAustralianOutbackviaAsianhighseas,theseextraordinarystorieswilltransport childrenaroundtheworld,broadeningtheirhorizonsandinspiringempathyandunderstandingalongtheway.The followingrecommendationsareforyoungreadersages5to12.

TooSmallTola MakesItCount byAtinuke

Tolamaybe smallbutshe’s verydetermined! Thiscollectionof threeconnected, funstories featureTola’s lifeinbustling Lagoswithher cleversister, speedybrotherandbossygrandmummy. Discoverhowtherereallyisnoproblem toobigforTooSmallTola. Ages5+.

TheLast Mapmaker byChristina Soontornvat

FollowSai,a 12-year-old heroinewhois seekingtochart herowndestiny inaworldof secrets.Taking offforathrilling high-seas expedition,thisisavividadventuresetin aThai-inspiredfantasyworld. Ages8+.

OneChance Dance byEfuaTraor

Lagosisnoplace foraboyanda bushbabybut thingsstartto lookupwhen youngJomimeets acrewofstreet kidsandtogether theycomeup withaplan.A heart-warmingstoryoffriendship,wonder anddancesetinlivelyNigeria. Ages8+.

SonaSharma, WishMeLuck byChitra Soundar, illustratedbyJen Khatun

SonaSharma livesinIndiawith herbusyfamily, whereshelearns abouttheupsand downsoffamily, friendshipand life.Awarmandgentleillustratedchapter booksetincolourfulIndia,packedwith empathyandhumour. Ages5+.

SavingSorya:ChangandtheSun BearTrang byTrangNguyen&JeetZdung

Writtenbyscientistandenvironmental activistTrangNguyen,thisinspirational graphicnovelisbasedonatruestory aboutayoungconservationistwho overcomestheoddstosaveasunbearin Vietnam. Ages8+.

TheBoyWho SavedaBear byNizrana Farook

Aboyandabig, hairybearmeet, becomefriends andhavethe adventureoftheir lives,thwarting theplansofsome verydangerous thieves.Young animalloverswillbegrippedbythis adventuresetinafictionalSriLanka. Anotherbrilliantescapadefromthe authorof TheGirlWhoStoleanElephant. Ages8+.

The Midnighters byHanaTooke, illustratedby AyeshaI.Rubio

Aghostlytale abouttwo friends,one murdermystery andaworldof intrigue.Ilove themysterious, richlygothicinspiredEuropeansettingofthis entertainingandmagicaladventure. Findoutwhatittakestofindthe couragetobeextraordinary. Ages5+.

TheSong Walker byZillahBethel

Agirlisfound wandering throughthe Australian outbackwith mismatched shoesanda violincase.This greatadventure withatwist isanextraordinary,spiritualstoryof friendship,discoveryandcourage. Ages8+.

Momo Arashima Stealsthe Swordofthe Wind byMisa Sugiura

Momojust wantsan ordinarylife butsheishalf human,half Shintogoddess andevilspiritsarethreateningto escapeanddestroyhumanity.Athrilling Japanese-inspiredfantasyadventurefull ofaction,adventureandevenatalking fox. Ages9+.

SarahCampbellisco-founderofParrotStreetBookClub(www.parrotstreet.com),anonlinechildren’sbookshopoffering ahandpickedcollectionofhigh-qualitychildren’schapterbooks,plusanaward-winningmonthlybooksubscriptionfor ages5to14.

Choosingareading book

ByZuzuJordan

‘Idon’tlikereading’ arewordsparentsdreadtohearand battletochangeandinsuchhouseholds,readingcan becomeanon-negotiable,timedandrecordedhomework chore.Yetweallstrivetomouldchildrenwhowanttoread, forpleasure,whichbecomesincreasinglydifficulttoachieve whenwehavetocompetewithmoderndevices.

Sohowdoweencouragealoveforreadingandbooks?

Itstartswithknowinghowtomatchreadingmaterialtothe child.Whenchildrenaregivencompletefreereininchoosinga book,sometimesitcanbeoverwhelming.

Forgivetheclichébuttheyoften‘judgeabookbyitscover’or pickabooktheyfindtoochallengingtoactuallyreadandendup givinguponitalltogether.Childrenneedjustasmuchsupport inchoosingabookastheydoreadingone.

Trysomeofthesetechniquesnexttimetheyseemstuckin choosingsomething:

Fivefingerrule. Askthemtoreadthefirstpageofabook.If theystruggletoreadmorethanfivewordsonthatpagethenthe bookdoesn’tsuitthemYET!

Trydifferentgenres. Notallreadinghastobefictional.Expose childrentonon-fictionintheformofchild-friendlynewspapers orinformationtextonasubjecttheymightbeinterestedin.

Findanauthoryourchildlikesandresearchotherworksbythe sameauthor.

Readingcomprehension

Becomingaconfidentreaderismorethanjustdecoding wordsor‘barking’atthetext.Childrenwhocanseemingly readfluentlycanlackunderstandingwhichmaygo undetected.

Therearedifferenttypesofquestionsyoucanaskwhichwill helpyourchildtodeveloptheircomprehensionofwhatthey read.Forexample: retrieval questions, vocabulary questions, inference questions, prediction questions, summarising questions, authorchoice questionsand givingopinion typeof questions.Allthesequestionsarewordedtoencourageyour childtointeractwiththetextonadeeperlevel.

Inordertoanswercomprehensionquestions,yourchildneeds tolearntoscanatextquickly.Viewingreadingpassagesin chunksorparagraphswillmakethislessoverwhelmingforthem andlookingforkeywordsandnumberswillcertainlyhelpwith retrievaltypequestions.Mostotherquestionsrequireevidence andthereforeactualexamplesfromthetext.Whenyouare readingwithyourchild, askthemforevidenceoftheiropinions oncharacters,plot,settingandvocabulary.

Listentotheaudioversion. Listeningtosomeoneelsereadcan motivatechildrentoreadthebookthemselves.

Useorganisations like BookTrust and CLPE (Centre forLiteracyinPrimaryEducation)whichhavecreated recommendedbooklistsfordifferentagegroups.

Findoutwhattheyarereadinginschool. Whatotherbooksare similar?Whichotherbooksdidthesameauthorwrite?

Meettheauthor. Gettingasignedcopyandmeetingtheauthor canencouragechildrentoread.Lookoutforeventsatyourlocal bookshop.

ApplyfortheBluePeterBookBadge whichrequireschildrento readabookandsubmitareview.

ZuzuJordanisaMasteryforMathsspecialistwhohastaught primaryagedchildrenforsixteenyearsandisinterestedinearly yearsandhomelearning.Forfreehomeworkandhomelearning resources,findheronInstagram@edumate_uk

Audiobooks

Technologyhasprogressedsomuchinrecentyearsthat playingaudiobooksforchildrenhasbecomeeasier.Although asparentswewouldlikethemtoactuallyreadthebook,there aremanybenefitstolisteningtosomeoneelsereading.

Ofcourse,childrenneedtodeveloptheabilitytodecodewords andreadindependentlywithstamina.Butaudiobookscanbe convenientandjustasportableasthepaperversions.Infact, youcancarrymorebooksinyourpocketwhentheyareinan audioformatandtakethemanywhere:inthecar,bedroom, aeroplaneandeventhebath!

Anarratedstorycanincreaseyourchild’sinterestinabook, particularlyifdifferentvoicesnarratethecharacters.

Audiobooksalsohelpwithlanguagedevelopmentaschildren willnaturallybeexposedtomorevocabularyandbooksthat theymaynotbeabletoreadyet.

Readingalongwiththeaudioisagreattip!Ifyoualllistentothe sameaudiobook,youcansharethesameexperienceswhich naturallyopensupdialogue.

ThingsIwishI’d known

ByEmilyNorris

Itmaysoundsimplebutthekeytolifewithchildrenisgood preparationandorganisation.Easierforyou,italsoinvolves givingthechildrenresponsibilitiesforthemselvesasthey growupwhichcanalsohelptokeepthemengaged.NowI’m parentingschoolagedchildren,thisiswhatIwishI’dknown earlier.

Involvethechildren

Delegateage-appropriatechoreswhereveryoucan.Children canhelpwithcleaningfromanearlyage,generallyvery successfully(bartheoccasionalwhinge).Atnurseryandpreschool,theylearnhowtotidyuptheirtoysanditshouldbeno differentathome.

Ifyourlittleoneiskeentohaveagoatmoppingtheflooror emptyingthedishwasher,letthem;evenifittakesyoualittlebit longerwhenthey,ahem,‘help’you.

FromtheageofthreeIwouldgettheboystoputtheirpyjamas undertheirpillowsinthemorning,cleartoysbackintobaskets, putdirtyclothesinthewashingbasketandhangtheirwet towelsinthebathroom.Granted,Iwouldhavetofoldthetowels forthembuttheylearnedearlyonthatweallhadtodoourbit.

Fromage5or6,theywereexpectedtomaketheirownbeds, cleanthesinkoftheirtoothpastetrailsandkeeptheirroomstidy.

Assemblylinelunchbox

Fromaboutage8,kidscanmaketheirownpackedlunches. Writeoutachecklistofeverythingtheyshouldinclude (sandwich,fruit,drink,treat,forexample)andpopitinsidetheir

Generalorganisation

Geteverythingreadythenightbeforeschool

Itsoundssoobviousbutthehabitofsortingeverythingyou needforthemorningthenightbeforeisagame-changer.Lay outtheuniform(includingsocksandunderwear)inoneneat pile.

GettheschoolbagsandPEkitspackedandlinedupbythe frontdoorreadytograbandgo.Olderchildrencantake responsibilityfortheirownbagsandevenlayingthebreakfast tablebecausewhenyou’retryingtogeteveryoneoutofthe houseontime,everysecondcounts!

Mealplanning

WhenImealplan,Ifeelsomuchmoreorganisedanditsaves metimeandmoney.ItendtoplanfromMondaytoFridayand leavetheweekendsmorefluid.

Whetheryouworkfulltimeorparttimeoryou’reastay-athomeparent,mealplanning,batchcookingandfindingways tomakeyourweeklyfoodshopmoreefficientcanreallyhelp lightentheload.

lunchboxorbag.Theycanworktheirwaythroughthelist, makingtheirownsandwichandfindingtheotheritems-weuse alowshelfinthefridgeforalllunchingredients.

Ataskthatcanbedonethenightbefore,itwillbuildyour child’sconfidenceandindependence.Youcanbearoundina supervisoryroleandgettingonwithotherchoreswhiletheytoil away.Butremember,supervisorsrequirecupsoftea!

TIP: Getreadybox

Keeponeoftheseinthekitchenorlivingroomanduseitto holdhairbrushes,toothbrushes,hairgel,bobbles,sparesocks, sunscreen–anythingyoumightneedquicklyasyou’releaving thehouse.Usestripsofcardboardtocreatedividerssothat itemsdon’tgetjumbledup.

EmilyNorris,YouTuberandmumofthree,hasbeencreating upbeatandsanity-savingcontentformotherswithyoungfamilies since2014.Emily’scontentisthego-tochannelformumsandshe hasnowwrittenabooktitled ThingsIWishI’dKnown,whichis burstingwithideasforentertainingchildrenandthingsthathelp tomakelifethatlittlebiteasier.

Conversationstarters

ItcanbehardtogetkidstochatandI’velearnedthat‘how wasschool?’doesn’telicitmuchdetail,ifany!

Agoodconversationoverdinnercanhelpfamilybonding aswellasprovidingadiversionfromyourchildrenmoaning aboutwhat’sontheirplate.

Somestartingpointswouldbeaskingwhatwasthebestthing abouttheirday;whotheysatnexttoatlunch,whatmade themlaugh.

Then,youcanbroadenthequestions,forexample,asking whattheirdreamholidaywouldbe,whattheymightdoto changetheworldwhentheygrowuporwhatmakesthem happy.

Ialsorecommendgettinga Wouldyourather book,whichis somuchfuntoplaywithyourkids!It’sperfectforfamilymeals orholidays,withquestionssuchas‘wouldyouratherhave noodlesforfingersor10-footarms?’It’satoughie!

Involvingyourkidsin socialaction

ByAnoushkaFreeman

Inaworldwherecompassionandempathyareinvaluable qualities,parentsplayacrucialroleinshapingtheirchildren intoresponsibleandcaringindividuals.Engaginginsocial actionwithyourchildrenhelpstoinstiltheselifelongvalues andmore.Plusitcanbeagreatwaytospendqualityfamily time.Here’showyoucanmeaningfullyinvolveyourkidsin socialaction.

Nevertooyoungtotalk

Startconversationsearly.Whileyoungchildrenmightnot graspcomplexglobalissues,introducingtheconceptof kindness,empathyandhelpingotherssetsthefoundationfor acompassionatemindset.Useage-appropriatelanguageand sharestoriesthatillustratethepowerofpositiveactions.

Maximiseeverydaykindness

Useeverydayactivities.Teachyourchildrenthesignificanceof smallactsthatmakeadifference,likepickinguplitterorturning offlights.Thesesimpleactionshelpnormaliseactivecitizenship.

Leadbyexample

Childrenlearnbestthroughexample.Showcasethevaluesyou wanttoinstilbyactivelyparticipatinginsocialactionyourself. Whethergivingtoacharity,helpinganeighbourorvolunteering yourtime,youractionsprovideapowerfulmodelforyourkids toemulate.Whereverpossible,taketheopportunitytoinclude yourchildrenintheactivity.Forexample,ifyouaredonatingto charity,explainwhyyouchosethecharityandwhatimpactyour donationmayhave.

Exploredifferentwaystohelp

Exposeyourchildrentoavarietyofsocialactionopportunities suchasgoingonlitterpicksorwritingtoMPsaboutcauses theycareabout.Thisnotonlybroadenstheirunderstanding ofsocietalneedsbutalsoallowsthemtodiscoverwheretheir passionslieinmakingapositiveimpact.

Empowerchildrentochoose

Inviteyourchildrentochooseacausethatresonateswith them.Supporttheminresearching,investigatingandexploring differentareasofinterest.Thisempowersthemtotake ownershipoftheirsocialactionandenhancestheircritical thinkingskills.

Committoit

Establishadedicatedtimeforsocialactioninyourfamilyroutine. Thiscommitmentcanbereinforcedthroughaccountability

Getinspired

10-year-oldLiamHannon’sdadsethimthechallengeof doingsomethingtogivebacktohiscommunity.Aftersome discussion,Liamsettledonhelpinghomelesspeople.He enlistedhisdadtohelphimmakeanddistributesandwiches, eachwithaspecialhandwrittennoteordrawing.

Byspreadingthewordtofriends,familyandthroughsocial media,donationsandoffersofhelppouredin.Theduohasgone fromdistributingfortybagsintheirfirstweektohundredsof bagsperweek!

measures,suchascreatingacharityjarthataccumulatesfunds inresponsetohelpingwithchoresaroundthehouse.This encouragesconsistencyandalsoreinforcesthevalueofsharing one’stime,treasureandtalenttohelpothers.

Maketraditions

Incorporatesocialactionintofamilytraditions.Whetherit’s creatingChristmasshoeboxes,donatingtoafoodbankor includingacharitybirthdaywishlist,thesetraditionsinstila senseofpurposeandgivingthatextendsbeyondindividual actions.

Reflectandcelebrate

Socialactionshouldnotbeaone-offevent.Keepthe conversationalivebydiscussingongoinginitiativesand celebratingtheirimpact.Thiscontinuousdialoguehelpschildren understandthelong-termimpactoftheiractions.

Spendingtimeworkingtowardsasharedgoalisabrilliantway tostrengthenfamilyconnection.Whenthatsharedgoalhelps others,suchasinthecaseofsocialaction,youarealsohelping tonurturecompassionate,responsibleandsociallyaware individuals.Thesevalueswilllastforlife;researchshowsthat youngpeoplewhoengageinmeaningfulsocialactionaretwice ashabituallyphilanthropicinlaterlife.

Sobyfollowingthesepracticalsteps,youareactivelyshaping thenextgenerationofchange-makers!

AnoushkaFreemanrepresentswww.superkind.org,the socialactionandcharityplatformforyoungpeoplewho wanttobechange-makers.Findfreeresourcestohelp youngpeoplelearn,beinspiredandgetempoweredtomake apositivedifferencetotheircommunitiesandtheworld.

Studieshaveshownthatsocialactionhasavastarray ofbenefitsforyoungpeoplewhotakepartinit.Itbuilds empathy,resilience,leadershipandteamwork.Ithasbeen linkedtohighergradesandlowertruancyandcanhelphugely withemployability.

ResearchfromtheCabinetOfficeshowedthatengagingin socialactionloweredanxietylevelsinyoungpeoplebyover twentypercent.It’sevenbeenshowntochemicallycontribute tohappinesslevelsthroughthereleaseofendorphins–thesocalled‘helpers’high.’

Ecobirthdaygifts

ByTamsinRyan

Atatimewhenwearealltryingtoreducetheamountof plasticweconsume,itseemstoymakersandourlittleones areagainstuseverystepoftheway,fillingourhomeswith plastictoysandgadgetseverywherewelook.Moreover,these colourfulandjoyouspiecesofplasticoftenprovideprecious littlefunbeforetheyarepushedasideforthenextinline.

Whentheinevitablebirthdaypartyseasoncomesalong,gifting somethingthatisalittlekindertotheplanetmightalsoprovide somelongerlastingfun.

Gardengames arealong standingfavouritegift.They aregreatforgettingkids outsideandprovidethe opportunityforlotsoffamily fun.Lovelywoodengames suchasquoits,Jengaand skittleswillprovideyearsof funandlastalifetime.

Booksareoftenoverlooked butcanbesuchmeaningful andenjoyablegifts.Favourite storiescanbereadand lovedagainandagainand thenpassedontosiblings, friendsorthenextgeneration. Alternatively,abooktoken giveschildrenthefunof browsingarealbookshop.

Nopresents! Ifyouarehaving apartyforyourchild,you mayjustwanttoaskforno presentsatall,ifyoufeelyour childhasmorethanenough. Alternatively,askeveryoneto bringalongabookthatthey haveenjoyedreadingandthen doabookswap,soeveryone goeshomewithagift.

Prelovedgifts arealsoa greatoption.Aschildrenoften outgrowtheirtoysbeforethey reallygetachancetoplay withthem,youcanfindplenty ofprelovedtoysthatarelike new.Yousavemoney,kids barelyknowthedifference betweennewandpreloved andaren’tbotheredanyway. Trynearlynewsales,charity shopsorschoolfairs.Ifyou’re shortontime, www.rumage. com cansearchallyour favouritemarketplacesforyou andfilterbylocationsoyou canfindasellernearby,saving onpostage.

Lastinggifts. Asubscription isagiftthatkeepsongiving, perhapsamonthlymagazine oracraftbox.

Non-physicalgifts. Insteadof stuffandmorestuff,consider afundayoutoranexperience thatthewholefamilycan enjoyorsomedance,music orsportsclasses.Another ideaisanannual(family) membershiptoalocal amusementpark,museum orsimilar,whichmeansyour giftcanbeenjoyedagainand againthroughouttheyear.

‘Fiver’parties arealsorising inpopularityandit’seasy toseewhy.Theyreducethe pressureonparentstosearch fortheperfectgiftandalso meanthebirthdaychildcan usethecombinedmoniesto buyameaningfulgiftthatthey wouldreallylike.

Handmadeandupcycled presents addareally personaltouch.Youcan makesomethingbespoke thatwillbeuniquetothe luckyrecipient.Previously I’veupcycledascooteranda guitarformydaughter,which havebeenlovedandadored. Whatevergiftyoudecide togowith,byconsciously avoidingnewplasticand makingsustainablechoices, yourbiggestgiftwillbetothe planet-andthusthefutureof thebirthdaychild.Whatmore couldtheyaskfor?

Birthdaytraditions

ByTamsinRyan

Thelovelythingaboutbirthdaytraditionsisthattheydon’t havetobebigandexpensivetobereallyfunandmeaningful. They’reallaboutcreatinglastingmemoriesandprovidingthe perfectopportunityforafamilyphoto,capturedeveryyearto seeyourfamilygrowandchange.

Inourhousehold,wehavea‘birthdaybook’forourdaughter. Everyyearwefilloutanewpagewithwhatmakesherspecial; fromherfavouritefoodortoy,towhatshewantstobewhen shegrowsup.It’sgoingtomakealovelybooktolookbackon inyearstocome!Shealsoopensherpresentsfirstthinginthe morning,beforewe’veevengotoutofbed.Later,we’lleatout withwiderfamilymembers,atthefavourite‘fancy’restaurant thatwealwaysgotoforbirthdaycelebrations.

Anothergreatbonusoffamilytraditionsisthattheycan potentiallyreplacetheneedforanall-singing,all-dancing birthdayparty.Sometimesqualitytimewiththeonesweloveis morethanenoughandpartiescantakeabackseat.

Hereareafewfunideasforyou:

Adddecorationsandleavetheirpresents attheendofyour child’sbed,whiletheysleep.Alovelysurprisewhentheywake!

Writeyourchildaletter everyyearfortheirbirthday, foralovelykeepsakewhen theyareolder.Ortheycould writesomethingeachyearfor atimecapsuleoftheirletters anddrawings.

Writelittlepost-itnotesfor thebirthdaychild andhide themroundtheirroom,the house,intheirschoolbagand theirlunchbox.

Askthebirthdaychildtodonateatoyoftheirstocharity beforetheyreceiveanynewgifts.It’salovelywayforthemto acknowledgehowluckytheyaretoreceivegiftsontheirbirthday andalsoclearssomespacetoaccommodateanynewgifts.

Prepareafantastic birthdaybreakfastfeast, suchaspilesofpancakes coveredinfruit,syrup andcream.Ormaybe juststarttheday thebestway-with birthdaycake!

Somethingtheywant, somethingtheyneed, somethingtowearand somethingtoread. Gifting thebirthdaychildwiththese isalovelywaytocelebratea birthdayinamoregroundedway.

Planascavengerhunt aroundthehouseandgardenandask thebirthdaychildtosolvecluesinordertohuntdowntheirgifts.

Offera‘yes’day, whereyou agreetoallrequestsfromthe birthdaychild.Youmaywant tohaveafew‘safety’caveats forthisday,toensurecertain requestsareoutofbounds.

Sendtheirbirthdaycardin thepost, evenifyouareall athome;it’salwaysfunto receivemail.

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