HelloWinter!
Timetogetoutthewarmjumpers,cosy blanketsandhotchocolate.Ijustlove thistimeofyear!
Formanyofus,Novemberisabusy monthaswestrivetogetaheadof Christmaspreparations.We’vegotsomegreatideasforthekidsin ourChristmasGiftGuide-stockingfillersunder£15.Plus,an ActofKindnessAdventCalendarthatyoucanusewiththewhole familytobringjoytoothersduringthefestiveseason.Youcan alsoapplyforsomeamazinggiftsinourGreatChristmasToy Giveaway!
OurWhat’sOnguideispackedfulloffunforallthefamilythis winter.FromWhere’sSanta?topantos,magicalChristmasevents andChristmasmarkets.There’splentytoseeanddothroughout Birmingham,SolihullandSuttonColdfieldtohelpyougetintothe holidayspirit!
InourEducationfeature,findouthowtohelpyourchildifthey sufferfrommathsanxiety,discovertoolstoimprovetheirspelling andgettogripswithhandwriting.Wealsotakealookat Technologyandourroleasparentsandsharesomeideasfor motivatingyourtweentoreadabook!
ThismonthwearelaunchingourBRAND-NEWemailnewsletter andtocelebratewe’regivingawayLegoTM setsjustintimefor Christmas!Applyinside.
Finally,Ihopeyou’veenjoyedreadingthemagazinesin2024and wishyouandyourfamilyaveryMerryChristmasandahappyand healthyNewYear!
Claire
Editor –FamiliesBirmingham &FamiliesWarwickshire
CHRISTMAS
ChristmasGiftGuide
BySarahLindsley
Yes,it’sthattimeofyearagain!Alongwithdeckingthehalls,mealplanningandpantoticketbookingwhilethechildrenare besidethemselveswithexcitement,let’snotforgetthepresents.Weareheretohelp!OurChristmasstockingfillergift guideoffersyouinspirationintheleaduptothefestiveseason.Witheachgiftcominginunder£15theremayevenbesome oftheChristmasbudgetleftovertotreatyourself!
H&MWhiteBunnyMusical SoftToy£12.99
Thisgorgeously softandsweet bunnytoydoesn’t justlookcutein yourbaby’snursery -pullthesmall cordanditplays Brahms’Lullaby. Withthislovely, relaxingclassical musicalexperiencefor yourbaby,youmighteven findyourselfnoddingofftoo! Thebunnyalsohasaprettily embroideredfaceandaveryhandyhook andloop-fasteninghangeratthetopsoit canbeeasilyattachedtoyourbaby’scotor changingtable.
KineticSandDeluxeBeachCastlePlay Set£11.99
Bringthebeachtoyourkitchenwiththis brilliantmagicallymovingplaysandset. Madewithlargergrainsofnaturalsand,it mouldseasilyandneverdriesout.Kinetic sandisauniquesensoryexperiencethat encourageshoursofindependentplay. Unfoldtheboxtodiscoverasandyplay areacompletewithcutting,diggingand rakingtoolssoyourchildcanmakesome seriouslysupersandcastles.Thesandsticks toitselfandcomeswithatrayforstorage soevencleaningupiseasy.
Ages 12mths + From birth
LadybirdBabyTouch:MyFirstBook: ablack-and-whiteclothbook£10.99
Aperfectfirstbookforyourbabyand suitablefrombirthwithitssoft,padded pages.Withsimpleblack-and-white illustrationsandatouch-and-feel experienceoneverypage,thisbeautiful bookisdesignedtocapturebabies’ attentionandevenclaimstohelpdevelop theireyesight.Providingfun,multi-sensory stimulationforbabiesandparentsto enjoytogether,thisisalovelyfirstbonding experienceforyouandyournewborn.
2+
JohnLewisToaster&KettlePlaySet £12.50
Putyourfeetupwhileyourtoddlerserves youteaandtoast!Thiscuteandcompact kettleandtoastersethasrealisticfunctions andsoundsthatmakekitchenplaytime extrafun.Yourlittleonewillsquealwith laughterasthetoasterpopsupthetoast (twopiecesoftoytoastisincluded)andthe light-upkettlewhistlestothe‘boil’before clickingoff.Sturdyandwell-made,thisset willwithstandmultiplebangsandcrashes fromyourminichef.
JohnLewisWoodenShapePuzzle£10 Thissupercutesortingpuzzleismade fromFSC-certifiedwoodandcomesin agorgeouspaletteofcolours.Thesix colourfulshapesfitintothecorresponding slotsonthewoodenbase,introducingyour littleonetobothshapeandcolourconcepts atthesametime.Thepiecesarebeautifully smoothandtheperfectsizeforlittlehands. Prettypatternsmakethesetevenmore eye-catching.Agreatwaytodevelophandeyecoordinationwhilstalsohavingfun!
Ages 8+
Hy-ProSize2SkillsTrainerFootball £11.99
GetWorldCup-readywiththisbrilliant skillstrainerfootballfromHy-Pro.Perfect foranyyoungfootballenthusiastwho iskeentopractisetheirballcontroland coreskills.Theergonomichandleiseasy toholdandthehandheldcordlinkingthe PVCfootballcanbeadjusteddepending onboththeageandtheskillsbeing practised,whetherheading,passingor shooting.Noneedforalargespaceor multipleplayers.Yourfootballfancan nowplayfootballanytime,anywhere!
From birth
OrchardToysGames£9.75/£12/£6
DoggyDoggyWoofWoof!isanenergetic, hilariousnewmatchingandmemorygame whereplayerspairdoggyheadsandbodies. Therearetwofunwaystoplay-foryounger andolderchildren.Shout‘DoggyDoggyWoof Woof,’standup,pretendtowagyourtailand shout‘WaggyWaggyWoofWoof!’InPeter Rabbit™Don’tWakeMr.McGregor,joinPeter Rabbit,BenjaminBunny,FlopsyandMopsyand racetocollectthemostfruitandvegetables! Butdon’twakeMr.McGregororyou’llhaveto returntothestart!Inafestive,travel-sizedElf Lotto,collectallthecheekyelvesandbethe firsttofillyourboardwithmatchingcharacters.
GamewrightSleepingQueenscardgame£12.99
Ages 4+
CampbellBusyBooksBusyPark BoardBook£6.99
PartoftheBusyBookseries,BusyParkisguaranteed tobeafavouriteatbedtimeoverandoveragain.There’s asweetrhymingstoryandcolourfulandengaging illustration,butit’stheinteractivenatureofthebook withitspush,pullandslidetabsthatreallymakeit standout.Youandyourtotcanenjoyyourdayoutat BusyParktogether:visit theplayground,makethe animalsrunanddisappearandevengetthesunshine tocomeout.BusyParkhasalsobeenendorsedand recommendedby DrAmandaGummer’sGoodToy Guide (www.goodplayguide.com).
Crayola24SuperTipsWashable Markers£8
Timetomakeyourmark!Crayola’s24 SuperTipmarkersaretheperfectpens togetcreativewith,whethermakingbig brushstrokesinafavouritecolouring bookorcreatingdetailed,finelinesfor drawingsandartprojects.Awinfor parentstooastheinkeasilywashesoff skinandclothing,soyoucanletyour buddingartisthavefreerein.Good qualitypenswithagreatrangeof colours.
Wakeywakey!ThePancakeQueen,theLadybug Queenandsomeoftheirclosestfriendshavefallen underasleepingspellandit’syourjobtowakethem up.SleepingQueenswasinventedby6-year-old MirandaEvarts,whothoughtupthegameonenight whenshecouldn’tgettosleep.Withbeautifully illustratedcards,playersarequicklyimmersedin afantasticalworldthatrequiresstrategy,decisionmaking,arithmeticandalittlebitofluck.Agreatway todevelopmemoryandmathsskillswhilstalsohaving fun!
£5.99
It’sChristmasEveandtheChristmasDollsgetacallfrom MissionControl:allthepresentshavebeenstolenfrom Santa’sworkshopandoneoftheelvesismissing!It’snow uptotheChristmasDolls–Star,RobinandClara–tosave Christmas.AChristmasspecialinthenewStickerDolly fictionseries,thebookcomeswithasheetofcolourful stickerstodressthedollsandkeepthedaringdetectivein ourchildbusyovertheholidays. Ages 2-5 Ages
® CityPoliceCar60312£8.99
Openingyourchilduptoimaginativeplayandfantastic forpractisingfinemotorskills,LEGO®offerssomany options.ThisCityPoliceCarset,featuringacoolpolice patrolcarandaccompanyingpoliceofficerfigure completewithtorchandhat,willkeepyourchildbusy forhoursastheyzoomaroundthelivingroomchasing thebaddies.YoucanevenusetheLEGO®Building Instructionsapptoaccesstheinteractivebuilding guidewithamazingzoomandrotateviewingtools. Yourkidswillbecomemasterbuildersinnotime.
LEGO
WINTERFUN
AWinterWonderland
ByGemmaHunt
Asthesonggoes:‘It’sthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear….’Whilstyoumayliketheideaofwalkinginawinterwonderland, withthenightsdrawinginandtheweatherthatbitchillier,thetemptationtostayindoorsisstrong.Butgettingoutsideisso goodforyouandyourlittleones.Gettingagoodlungfuloffreshair,embracingthenaturearoundyou,whilstgettingsome exerciseandburningoffpentupenergywilldoyoualltheworldofgood.
Butbeforeyouopenthefrontdoorandtakethatfirststepintothewinterair,therearesomethingsyoumaywanttobearin mind!
Wrapupwarm
Makesureyouandyourchildrenarewrappedupniceandwarm beforeheadingoutintothechillywinterair.Dressinginplentyof layersisalwaysthebestideaastheycanbeaddedorremoved, dependingonhowyourchildisfeeling.Don’tforgetahattokeep headswarmandapairofglovesormittensforchillyhands.
Helpotherchildrentoenjoy thegreatoutdoors
Asanambassadorfor TheOutdoor GuideFoundation’s(TOG)
Waterproof&Welliescampaign, I’mhelpingtoraisefundstoprovide allstateprimaryschoolsinthe countrywithatleasttensetsof waterproofjackets,trousersand welliessothatthosechildrenwho cannotaffordoutdoorclothescan playoutside.Interested?Youcan supportthecampaigntooat www.theoutdoorguidefoundation. org.
Beprepared Ifspendinghoursoutdoorssound abitmuchtostartwith,head toalocalparkorwoodsnearby, ratherthangoingtoofarafieldand feelinglikeyouhavetostayalong whiletojustifythejourney.No matterwhattimeofyearyou’reoff outandforwhatlengthoftime, checktheweatherforecastsoyou canbeprepared.Haveachangeof clothes,wetweathergear,aspare pairofshoesand,ifyouare travellingbycar,someblanketsin thebootforafterwards.
Waterproofand wellies
Getactive
Whilstaddingmorelayersis helpfulwhenyoustarttofeel thechill,doingsomeexercise willwarmyouupfromtheinside out.Whetherit’sdoingsome starjumps,dancingaroundor ifit’snotslipperyunderfoot, challengingthechildrentoa runningrace.Gettheheart pumpingandyou’llbefeeling warmeragaininnotime.
Winterwalkscanbe muckywalksbutthat isn’tnecessarilya badthing.Getyour waterproofsandwellies onandhavesomefun findingthosemuddy puddlesandhavinga goodjumparoundin them.
Snacksattheready
Don’tforgettopacksomesnacksandperhapsaflaskofwarming hotchocolateforyouroutdooradventuresthiswinter.Thesecan helpgiveyourlittleonestheenergyandmotivationtogetoutside.
Havefun! Thereareloadsoffunactivitiesyoucandooutsideinthewinter time.Whetherit’sbuildingasnowmanormakingsnowangelsona snowday,constructingatwigorfallenbranchden,gatheringfallen leaves,seedsandotheritemstomakemandalasonthegroundor perhapsascavengerhuntorgeocaching,you’llbegladyoudidgo outforthatwalkafterall!
GemmaHuntisatelevisionpresenterfromSongsof PraiseandCBeebies,proudAmbassadorofTheOutdoor Guide(TOG)Foundation,aswellasanaccomplished children’sauthorandConfidentCommunicationCoach. Sheisavailabletohostchildren’spiratepartiesandlive eventsandfestivalswithherone-womanpirateshow. Formoreinformation,visitwww.gemmahunt.com
LetterfromSanta
Allchildrenlovetoreceivealetteraddressedtotheminthe post.AndwhatcouldbemorespecialthanaletterfromSanta? Herearetwowaysofmakingthishappen. RoyalMailLettertoSanta
ForchildrentoreceiveaFREEletterfromSantaviatheRoyalMail childrenmustposttheirlettertoSantaby 30November. Envelopes musthaveeitherafirstorsecondclassstampandbeaddressed toSanta/FatherChristmas,Santa’sGrotto,Reindeerland, XM45HQ. Thelettermustincludeyourchild’sfullnameandaddress. Moreinfoat www.royalmail.com/christmas/letters-to-santa NSPCCSantaLetter
ChildrencanalsoreceiveapersonalisedreplyfromSantaviahis elvesattheNSPCCinexchangeforadonationtothecharity. Theletterisorderedonlineandmustbeplacedby 15December. Moreinfoat https://letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk
WHAT’SON
Winterfunforallthefamily
AguidetoWhat’sOnintheWestMidlands
FestiveEvents
IceSkateBirmingham CentenarySquare,Birmingham 1Nov–5Jan2025(10:00-22:00)
DiscoverBirmingham’slargestunder covericerink&BigWheelthis Christmas.Wheelchairfriendly. Theultimatefestiveactivityforthe wholefamily! www.iceskatebirmingham.co.uk
Santa’sWinterWonderland SnowDome,Tamworth 16Nov–5Jan
PlayaroundonSanta’sChristmas SnowTrailwithfallingsnow,headoff onatrulymagicalChristmas adventureattheAll-NewSanta ShowandseethedelightsofSanta’s ChristmasVillage. www.snowdome.co.uk
SolihullChristmasLightsTrail LakeDrivePrivateEstate 22Nov–20Dec(16:30–20:45)
Journeythroughthemagicalforest anddiscoverawinterwonderlandof twinklinglightsandlanterndisplays. FestiveFoodVillageandlake. www.solihulllightstrail.co.uk
Santa’sWorkshop WestMidlands DesignerOutlet,Cannock 22Nov–24Dec
CombineavisittoFatherChristmas withsomeChristmasshopping.Each childwillreceiveachocolategiftand aphotooftheirexperiencewillbe availabletopurchase.100%of proceedstolocalcharity.Breakfast withSantaonselecteddates. www.mcarthurglen.com/en/outlet s/uk/designer-outlet-westmidlands/whats-on/meet-santa
ChristmasatBlackCountryLiving Museum Dudley 23Nov–5Jan2025
ExploreBlackCountryChristmases throughtimeinthecarefully reconstructedshops,housesand industrialareas.BookaSantaHunt (interactiveadventure)forchildren aged4+orGladTidings(Eveevent) forchildrenover8.Selecteddates. www.bclm.com
ChristmasWonderland DraytonManor,Tamworth Selecteddatesbetween 23Nov–31Dec
EnjoyyourfavouriteridesinThomas Land(andafewbonusridesasa festivetreat!),FestiveLightTrain, Zoo,RustyandDusty’sHot ChocolateFactoryandCelebration Square-filledwithfestivetreats, warmingfirepits,livemusicand entertainment.Plusameetand greetwithSanta!Bookonline. www.draytonmanor.co.uk
PolarExpressBirmingham
MoorStreetStation Weekends23Nov–23Dec&20Dec
Experienceamagicaltrainridelike nootherasyougetimmersedinthe sights,soundsandintrigueasthis classicchildren’sfilmisbroughtto lifearoundyou.Bookonline. www.vintagetrains.co.uk
Santa’sShow CadburyWorld Weekends23Nov–22Dec &23/24Dec
JoinSantainhisLiveshowand discoverhowhemakesthesleighfly andfitsallthepresentsintohissack. Chocolateytreatforchildrenand entertainmentforthewholefamily. www.cadburyworld.co.uk
WinterLightTrail
BirminghamBotanicalGardens 29Nov–1Jan2025
Asdarknessdescends,takean enchantingjourneyalongthe spectacular,illuminatedmilelong trail,fullofwonderandintrigue. https://luminate.live
LegolandDiscoveryCentre Birmingham 30Nov–24Dec
Getintothefestivespiritatthe ChristmasBricktacular!There’slots ofmagicalactivitiesplusalltheusual creativeLegofuninMiniland,build andplayzones,4Dcinema,Kingdom QuestRideandLegoCitySoftplay. PlusmeetSantainhisGrottoon selecteddates. www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com
SantaBoatTrips
DudleyCanal&Caverns Selecteddatesfrom1–23Dec
ClimbaboardTheJingleBoatand enjoyaboattriptoSanta’sGrotto throughChristmassytunnelsand discoverapantomimeshowinoneof thecaverns.MeetSantaandreceive aspecialgifttoremembertheday. www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk
ChristmasontheFarm AshEnd HouseChildren’sFarm,Tamworth Weekendsfrom1Dec&20–24Dec Realanimalnativityexperience includingone-to-onetimewithSanta plusalltheusualfarmactivities.The BigPlayBarnisalsoonsiteforindoor fun.Combiticketsavailable. www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
Aladdin PlanetIce,Solihull 2Dec(13:00&19:00) Experiencetheultimateclassicfor theentirefamilyasyou’venever seenitbefore…onice!Featuringthe Show&Skateclassofamateur skatersandsupportedbytheir ProfessionalonTourcast. www.planet-ice.co.uk
NationalTrust BirminghamandWestMidlands Fromwinterilluminationstovisiting FatherChristmas,Christmasmarkets andwinterfairs,there'splentyof festivethingstodothisyearatour NationalTrustproperties: BirminghamBacktoBacks, Roundhouse,WightwickManorand Gardens,ClentHills&MoseleyOld Hall.Eachpropertyhasitsown uniquefamilyactivities.Seewebsites fordetails. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Illuminated ArbouretumNational MemorialArboretum,Staffordshire 6–22Dec(From16:30)
Experiencethemile-longilluminated routewithmesmerisinglight,colour andsoundbringingthefascinating storiesoftheArboretumtolife.With funhands-onelements,immersive spacesandareasforpersonal reflection. www.thenma.org.uk
WinterFunland
NEC,Birmingham 7 Dec–1Jan2025
VisittheUK’sfestiveindoor fairgroundpackedfulloffamilyfun that’sallincludedinthepriceofyour ticket.Unlimitedrides,skatinganda spectacularcircusshow. www.winterfunland.com
ChristmasGrotto WestMidlands PoliceMuseum,Birmingham 14Dec(10:00–14:00)
VisitFatherChristmasandexplore thelock-up.Familyfriendlytrail, letterwritingtoFatherChristmas, festivecraftactivityandhot chocolatewitheveryticket. Under3’sFREE. www.museum.westmidlands.police.uk
AStuartChristmas MiddletonHall&Gardens,Tamworth 14&15Dec(11:00–16:00)
CelebrateChristmaslikeit's1649! DiscoverwhataPuritanChristmas waslike,aslivinghistoriansbringit tolife,withdisplaysonvintage games,weapons,armourand cooking.Makeadayofitandbooka FestiveAfternoonTea. www.middleton-hall.co.uk
ElftheMusical NEC,Birmingham 20–22Dec
Seethearenaspectacular‘ElfThe Musical’thisChristmascomplete withSanta’smagicalflyingsleigh,an audiencesnowballfightandagiant candycanejourneyfromtheNorth Pole.Funforallthefamily! www.thenec.co.uk
RaverTotsNewYear’sEveParty ZumhofBiergarten,Birmingham 31Dec(15:00) Theultimateindoorfamilydance partyplayingthebestinhouse, garage,drumandbass,suitablefor allages!Featuringahugeeffects showthroughouttheeventwith dancers,performers,coldpyro, bubbles,festivalsizedconfettiblasts, multicolouredlasersandlighting, parachutegames,giantballoons, licensedbarandfacepainting! Babiesunder18monthsFREE.Book earlytoavoiddisappointment. www.ravertots.co.uk
Theatre
BirminghamHippodrome
Birmingham
TheNutcracker Fri22Nov–Sat14Dec
AgeRecommendation:5+
Jingleclaw Thu12Dec–Sat4Jan2025
AgeRecommendation:3+
PeterPan Sat21Dec–Sun2Feb2025 AgeRecommendation:5+ www.birminghamhippodrome.com
CrescentTheatre
Birmingham BeautyandtheBeast Tue10–Sat21Dec www.crescent-theatre.co.uk
SuttonColdfieldTownHall
SuttonColdfield RobinHood Sat7–Tue31Dec www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com
SymphonyHall
Birmingham HomeAloneinConcert Mon9Dec
Disney’sTheMuppetChristmas CarolinConcertLivetoFilm Fri13Dec
TownHall
Birmingham TheSnowman:FilmwithLive Orchestra Sun15Dec(13:30) Agerecommendation:3+ TheTigerWhoCametoTea Thu26Dec–Sun5Jan2025 AgeRecommendation:3+ www.bmusic.co.uk
TheCoreTheatre Solihull
Santa’sChristmasCracker Fri20–Tue24Dec
AgeRecommendation:2-7 www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
TheOldRepTheatre
Birmingham TheWizardofOz Tue26Nov–Tue31Dec www.oldrep.co.uk
TheRepTheatre
Birmingham TheSnowflake Thu5Dec–Sun12Jan2025
AgeRecommendation:3–6 TheSnowman Thu9Jan–Sun12Jan2025 www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Where’sSanta?
Here’swhereyoucanvisitSantain andaroundBirmingham,Solihull& SuttonColdfieldthisChristmas! Seewebsitesforfulldetails. Bookingmayberequired.
Christmas Markets
Birmingham
ChristmasWonderland&Santa’s Grotto Tamworth
Variousdatesfrom23Nov–24Dec www.draytonmanor.co.uk
TheMagicalSantaExpress StatfoldRailway,Tamworth 23Nov–23Dec www.statfold.com
SantaSafari&Santa’sGrotto WestMidlandsSafariPark 23Nov–24Dec www.wmsp.co.uk
Santa’sGrotto Touchwood,Solihull 23Nov–24Dec www.eventsattouchwood.co.uk /christmas
VisitFatherChristmas&The WorkshopExperience Redditch Weekendsfrom23Nov-22Dec&20 &23Dec https://attwellfarmpark.co.uk/
ThePolarExpress Birmingham Weekends23Nov–23Dec&20Dec https://vintagetrains.co.uk/trainrides/polar-express/
Santa’sGrotto Dobbies,Shenstone 28Nov–24Dec https://events.dobbies.com
Santa’sFieldsGrotto ChadwickEnd,Solihull 30Nov,1,7,8,14,15Dec https://santasfields.co.uk
ChristmasatDudleyZooand Castle-Santa’sGrotto Dudley 30Nov–24Dec www.dudleyzoo.org.uk
ChristmasinCathedralSquare
CraftMarket
Wed13Nov–Sun22Nov
Mon–Wed11:00–21:00
Thu–Sat11:00-21:30
Sun12:00–21:00
FestiveGiftFair(NEC)
Thu14–Sun17Nov
09:30–17:00
Fri1Nov–Tue24Dec
Mon–Thu11:00–21:00
Fri11:00–21:30
FrankfurtChristmasMarket
AckersAdventure Birmingham
Getinvolvedwiththeactionat Ackers,includinglearntoski lessons(4+),tubingortobogganing, discgolf,sessionsforhome schoolersandholidaycamps. www.ackers-adventure.co.uk
PlanetIce Solihull
Skateforfun,learntoskate,booka partyortakethefamilytowatchan IceHockeygameandsupportthe SolihullBaronsthisWinter.See websiteforfixturesandbooking. www.planet-ice.co.uk www.solihull-barons.net
Sat10:00–21:30
Sun10:00–21:00
(ExceptSun10Nov13:00–21:00)
RSPCABirminghamChristmas Fayre
29Nov17:00–21:00
EverythingDigbethChristmas Market
Sat30Nov12:00–17:00
TheCoffinWorksFestiveMarket
Sun1Dec11:00–16:00
Solihull
FestiveVillage (TownCentre) Fri29Nov-Sun22Dec
Mon-Sat10:00–18:00
Sun10:00–16:00
GoApeCannock Chase (Staffordshire),WyreForest (Kidderminster),CoombeAbbey (Coventry)
Forthrill-seekingadultsandfunseekingchildrenexperiencethebest ofhighropeantics,forestsegways, netadventures,ziptrekadventure, axethrowingandmini-LandRovers. Activitiesvarybylocation. www.goape.co.uk
JuniorParkrun
Variouslocations
AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold) EverySundayat9:00.Children mustbeabletocompletethecourse withoutanadult. www.parkrun.com
NPFBassetsPoleAdventurePark
RushUKTrampolinePark Stirchley,Birmingham Theultimateplayexperienceforall ages!OpenJump,SunsetSessions, ToddlerTakeoverandNEW ValoArena-Theworld’sfirstmixed realityplayground.Plus,the bounciestpartiesintown! www.rushuk.com
MakitLacemaking,Quilting &NeedlecraftChristmasFair (NationalMotorcycleMuseum)
SeaLifeCentre-Santa’sGrotto Experience Birmingham 30Nov–24Dec www.visitsealife.com/birmingham MeetSantainhisGrotto Birmingham CertaindatesoftheChristmas Bricktacularbetween30Nov–24Dec www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com /birmingham/
HattonEnchantedChristmas Kingdom Warwick Weekendsfrom30Nov https://adventure.hattonworld.com
FatherChristmasExperience Meriden Weekendsfrom30Nov&23Dec www.thebarnatberryfields.co.uk
com uk & N Dec ain-
Sat7Dec10:00–16:00
TheCoreChristmasMarket
Sat14Dec10:00–16:00
SuttonColdfield
ChristmasMarket (SuttonColdfield RugbyClub)
Sat16Nov16:00–20:00
SuttonColdfieldChalet
ChristmasMarket (TownCentre) Thu28Nov–Sun22Dec
Tue–Thu10:00–18:00
Fri&Sat10:00–20:00
Sun10:00–17:00
MereGreenChristmasMarket (CommunityCentre)
Sat14Dec14:30–17:00
Museums & History
LapworthMuseumofGeology
UniversityofBirmingham
ChristmasontheFarm Tamworth Weekendsfrom30Nov&20–24Dec www.ashendchildrensfarm.co.uk
Santa’sGrotto–SellyManor Museum Bournville 7&8Dec www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk
SteamTrainstoSanta EchillsWoodRailway,SuttonColdfield 7,8,14,15Dec www.ewr.org.uk
BreakfastwithSanta&MrsClaus SuttonColdfield 15,22,23,24Dec www.moorhallhotel.co.uk
PluscheckoutyourlocalRound TablewebsiteforSanta’sRoute Maps–Hemaybecomingtoa streetnearyou!
Goandseethefinestandmost extensivecollectionsoffossils,minerals androcksintheMidlands.Exciting familyactivities,educationaltalks,tours andarts&craftsactivities.Christmas MovieNightattheMuseum(10Dec HomeAlone) www.birmingham.ac.uk
SandwellMuseums
Sandwell,variouslocations
Explorearangeofdifferentmuseums includingOakHouseMuseum(ahalftimberedfarmhouse),BromwichHall(a medievalmoatedmanorhouse),and more.MostlyFREEtovisit.Seasonal activities. www.sandwell.gov.uk/museums
SellyManorMuseum Birmingham
Stepbackintimetodiscoverhowthe Tudorscooked,dressedandlived. Exploretheparlour,dininghall,kitchen andbedchamber.Dressupinreplica costumesandsuitofarmour.FREE children’strail.HandmadeChristmas CraftFair(30Nov)andSanta’sGrotto (7Dec). www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk
SuttonColdfield Kidsandfunfamilyactivities,ideal forkeepingactive,adventurouskids entertained.Paintball,LaserTag, Archery,Bushcraft,QuadTrekking, JungleEscape,Gelballandmuch more.Alldesignedforchildren,age restrictionsapply. www.npfbassettspole.com
TheBearGryllsAdventure Birmingham Epicexperienceswhichwillpush youtoyourlimits.Fromindoor climbingwalls,highropes,zipline, archery,shooting,axethrowing, cagesnorkel,sharkdivetoiFLY, there’ssomethingforeveryone. www.beargryllsadventure.com
DisneyOnIce UtilitaArena,Birmingham 30Oct–10Nov
DisneyOnIceRoadTripAdventuresskatesintoBirmingham thiswinter!Withworldclassskating,high-flyingacrobaticsand up-closecharacterinteractions,thisbrand-newproductionis onenottobemissed!
ExcitingtwistsandturnsawaitasMickeyMouseandhisDisney friendsembarkonawildridetoyourfavouriteiconicDisney destinations.“TripaLittleLightFantastic”withMaryPoppins, travelwithMoanatothesunsoakedMotunui,setoffonasafari tothePrideLandswithSimba.Discoverawholenewworldas you’resweptupinAladdin’sprincelyparade.Playatalargerthan-lifecarnivalwithWoodyandForky.
Grabyourmouseearsandbringthewholefamilyforamultigenerationalfun-filledgetaway,jam-packedwithunexpected hijinksandmagicateveryturn. Formoreinformationandtobooktickets,visit www.disneyonice.co.uk
Gettingtogripswith handwriting
ByZuzuJordan
Inanagewherescreensandvoiceautomatedsystemsare atourfingertips,itcanbehardtoconvincechildrenofthe importanceofhandwriting.YettheNationalCurriculumstates thatchildrenneedtolearntoholdapencilcorrectlyand formletters,startingandfinishingintherightplace.Children shouldlearntowritewithspeedandfluency,ensuringtheir writingislegible.
Everydayplaytimeactivitiescanhelpyourchilddeveloptheir finemotorskills,suchasthreadingbeads,playdoughand3D modelling,usingtweezerstopickupsmallobjects.Aheadof writing,childrenpractisemarkmakingbyusinganyobjectsuch asapaintbrush,featherorstick.Learninghowtodrawstraight, curvedandzigzaggedlinesisagreatsteppingstonetowriting legibleletters.
Beingshownhowtoholdapencilcorrectlyfromthebeginning helpspreventbadhabitsfromcreepingin.Childrenmust‘pinch’ thepencilwiththeirthumbandforefingerandtucktheother threefingersunderneath.Usingapencilgripcanhelpchildren whostruggleoraskyourchildtoholdacoinwiththethree ‘tuckedin’fingers.Thiswilldemonstratetherequiredtripod position.
Agoodsittingpositioniscrucialtoo.Childrenshouldsitinthe middleofthechair,feetfirmlyonthegroundandcloseenough tothetablethattheydon’tneedtostretch.
Probablythemostvaluablepieceofinformationwhenteaching handwritingisunderstandingwhichlettersbelongtowhich handwritingfamilies.
Fineandgrossmotorskills
Sowhatisthedifferencebetweenfineandgrossmotor skills?Finemotorskillsusesmallermuscles,mainlyinthe handsandwrists.Theseareforprecisemovementssuch ascutting,writingandteeth-brushing.Grossmotorskills requirethewholebodytomoveusingthelargermuscles,as inwalking,jumping,throwingandswimming.
Usuallywearemindfulofthesignificantmilestonesinour babiesandtoddlersbecausemedicalprofessionalsaskus.As childrengrow,thesegoalschangebutareequallyimportant fortheirdevelopment.
Manyparentsorganicallyprovideopportunitiesfortheir childrentoenhanceboththeirfineandgrossmotorskills.For example,takingthemtotheparkisaneasyandfreewayof helpingthemdevelopthoselargermusclesandmanytoys havebeendesignedtohelpwiththedevelopmentofsmaller muscles.Taskssuchasbuttoningandzippingcanbeeasily includedintoadailyroutine.Ultimately,consistency,positive reinforcementandage-appropriateactivitiesarethekeyto effectivedevelopmentovertime.
Tallletters:b,d,f,h,k,l,t. Explainthatthesearereferredtoastalllettersbecausethey mustbesignificantlytallerthanalltheotherlettersexcept capitalletters.
Shortlettersa,c,e,i,m,n,o,r,s,u,v,w,x,z. Alltheselettersmustbethesameheightandhalfthesizeofthe capitallettersandtallletters.
Tailletters:g,j,p,q,y. Theselettersmustreachbelowthelinethattheyaresittingon.
Capitalletters
Allsitonthelineandarealllargerthaneveryotherletter.
ZuzuisaMasteryforMathsSpecialistwhohastaughtprimaryfor 18yearsandisdirectorofArnettInternational.ForFREEresources andtips,findheronInstagramedumate_uk
Lefthandedchildren
Beinglefthandedraisesuniquechallenges.Ifyourchildis lefthanded,youmaywishtotryafewofthesestrategiesto helpthemthrive.
Teachyourchildto tiltthepaperslightlytotheright sothey canfullyseewhattheyarewritingordrawing.
Encourageapencilgripwhichiscomfortablewith pencilheld slightlybelowthetip andthehandrestingbelowthewriting linetopreventsmudging.
Consider pensthatdonotsmudgeeasily andlefthanded toolssuchasscissorswithreversedblades.
Askyourchild’steacheriftheycan sitontheleftsideofthe desk topreventthembumpingintoarighthandedneighbour. Utilisevideos ontheinternetcreatedtohelpwithany challenges.
Finally,remember nottolabellefthandednessasaproblem; insteadcelebrateitasauniquetrait.
IndependentSchools
PrepandJuniorSchools
EdgbastonHighSchool forGirlsPre-Prep&Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831 www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
OpenMorning:Wed13Nov 09:30–12:00
HallfieldSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496 www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
HighclareSchoolPre-Prep &Prep
Erdington,Birmingham
T:01213737400 www.highclareschool.co.uk
NorfolkHouseSchool
Birmingham
T:01214547021
www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103 www.prioryschool.net
St.George’sSchoolPrep Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398 www.sgse.co.uk
OpenMorning:Thu21Nov 09:00–11:00
TheBlueCoatSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214106800 www.thebluecoatschool.com
OpenMorning:Sat11Jan2025 09:00–13:00
WestHouseSchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404097 www.westhouseprep.com
EversfieldPrepSchool
Solihull T:01217050354 www.eversfield.co.uk
RuckleighSchool
Solihull T:01217952773 www.ruckleigh.co.uk
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 www.solsch.org.uk
TheShrubberySchool
SuttonColdfield T:01213511582 www.shrubberyschool.com
SeniorSchools
EdgbastonHighSchoolfor GirlsSenior
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214545831 www.edgbastonhigh.co.uk
HallfieldSchoolSeniors Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214541496 www.hallfieldschool.co.uk
HighclareSchoolSeniors Erdington,Birmingham T:01213737400 www.highclareschool.co.uk
KingEdward’sSchool
Birmingham T:01214721672 www.kes.org.uk
KingEdwardVIHighSchool forGirls Birmingham T:01214721834 www.kehs.org.uk
PriorySchool
Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01214404103 www.prioryschool.net
St.George’sSchoolSenior Edgbaston,Birmingham T:01216250398
www.sgse.co.uk
OpenMorning:Thu21Nov 09:00–11:00
SolihullSchool
Solihull T:01217050958 www.solsch.org.uk
Registerforopen eventsonline
Supportingachild withmathsanxiety
ByCatherineLobleandLisaWander
Frombuyingakiloofapplestopayingarestaurantbillor makingsavings,mathsisafactoflife.However,manypeople seemathsasahardandoftenconfusingsubject.Thiscan leadtomathsfearoranxiety.Inchildren,thiscansignificantly impacttheiracademicperformanceandoverallconfidence. Understandingthecausesandimplementingsupportive strategiescanhelpparentseffectivelyassisttheirchildrenin overcomingthisfear.
Mathsanxietyisaworryorfearthatcanbebroughtonbymaths problems,testsoreventhinkingaboutnumbers.Estimates suggestthatupto aquarterofchildrenexperienceatleast somemathsanxiety, oftenlastingintoadulthood.Negativity, fearandanxietytowardsthesubjectblockanymotivationto practiseinordertolearnandaccesstheskillstheyneedto progress.
Mathsanxietycanbegininearlychildhood.Forothers,itcan arisealittlelaterwhenlessonsbecomemorechallengingand complex.Somechildrendevelopmathsanxietybecausethey havenotmasteredthefoundationalskills.Itishardtomaster fractionsforexample,ifyoudonotyethaveagrasponwhole numbers.
Evidencestatesthat girlstendtoexperiencemathsanxiety morethanboys. Thisseemstobethecaseatbothprimaryand secondaryschoollevels.Thatisnotbecauseboysarenaturally betteratcrunchingnumbers,expertsexplain.‘There’sthis societalstereotypethatmathisamasculinedomainandalot ofwomenincorporatethatidea’saysMollyJameson,PhD,an educationalpsychologistattheUniversityofNorthernColorado. Thatbeliefcanfuelmathsanxiety.Herresearchshowsthatone
Causesofmathsanxiety
Negativeexperiences frompreviousfailures.
Pressuretoperform fromparents,teachersorpeersandin examandtestsituationswithintimeconstraints.
Teachingmethods suchasrotememorisation,ratherthan fullyunderstandingconcepts.
Lackofconfidence wherebelievingoneis‘badatmaths’can undermineconfidencefurther.
Parentalattitudes fromparentswhopassontheirownlackof confidenceinmaths.
Societalattitudes whichsuggestthatmathsisinherently difficultorthatcertaingroupsarenaturallylessadept. Watchoutforanysignsthatcouldsuggestyourchildis affectedsuchasavoidanceofmaths-relatedactivities, negativeself-talkorexpressionsofhopelessnessabout maths.Teachersmightreportpoorperformanceontests andassignments,despiteadequatepreparation.Stressor paniccanbringonheadachesorstomachaches,sweating andincreasedheartrateandmayleadtoschoolrefusaland separationanxiety.
bigfactorinmathsanxietyisachild’s‘mathself-concept,’in otherwords,theirconfidenceintheirabilitytotackleamaths problem.
Byunderstandingthecausesofmathsanxietyandimplementing supportivestrategies, parentscanplayacrucialrole inhelping theirchildrendevelopapositiverelationshipwithmaths.
Changingthewaywethinkaboutnumbersandremembering thatourrelationshipwithmathscangrowandalterovertime canpositivelyimpactourself-confidence.Childrenshouldbeset goalswhichfeelachievable,tohelpthemmaintainmotivation whileovercominganxiety.
Finally, encouragement,patienceandafocuson understanding cantransformmathsfromasourceoffeartoan opportunityforgrowthandsuccess.
LisaandCatherineareco-foundersofEmparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk),supportingchildren,parentsand familieswiththeinsights,skillsandtoolsneededtonurture thedevelopmentandwell-beingofthenextgeneration.
Strategiesforparents
Promoteagrowthmindset. Remindyourchildthattheir abilityinmathscanandwillbeimprovedwithpractice, positivityandlearningfrommistakes.
Keepcalm. Provideacomfortablespaceforhomework,be patientandencouraging.
Focusonunderstanding, offeringreallifeexamplestoexplain concepts.
Havefunwithmathsgamesandpuzzles. Engageinactivities likecookingorshoppingthatnaturallyincorporatemaths. Praiseeffort,notjustresults. Celebratingsmallsuccesses buildsconfidence.Praisepersistence,notjustbeingright. Practice buildsfamiliarityandconfidence.
Modelproblem-solvingbehaviour. Workthroughproblems together,showinghowtoapproachsolvingthemstep-by-step. Seekhelpwhenneeded. Ifyou’renotmathsconfident,use interactiveeducationalappsandonlineresourcesthatexplain conceptsindifferentways.It’susefultocommunicatewith yourchild’steachertodiscusstheirprogressandareasthat needsupport.
Thecasefor debating
ByErinMiller
AsanEnglishteacher,Iamconvincedthatoneofthemost worthwhileeducationalactivitiesthatyoungpeoplecan experienceislivedebating.Fromprimarytosecondary,live debatingprovidesaplatformlikenootherwhereyoung peoplecanbuildpublicspeakingandcriticalthinkingskills. Andtheyalwaysendupbuildingtheirconfidenceandhaving funwhilstdoingit!
Debatinggenerallyfollowsthefollowingformula.Thereare twoteamsofaroundthreepeople:affirmativeandnegative/ propositionandopposition.Firstlyofcourse, theremustbe amotion. Eachsidespeaksforaroundthreeminutes,during whichtimetheopposingteamcanoffer‘pointsofinformation,’ whichcanbequestionsorstatementstowhichthespeaker mustrespond.
Themotionisastatementtowhichtheteamsagreeor disagree. Forexample:‘thishousebelieveskeepingpetsis fairtoanimals.’Choosingamotioncanbetrickyascaremust betakentoselectamotionwhichensuresbothsideswillhave substantialopportunitiestorespond.
Thebeautyofdebatingisthatitcatapultschildrenintoworlds ofknowledgetheymayotherwisenotencounter.Therearethe age-olddebates:isschooluniformnecessary,shouldzoosexist andeven,ifthechildrenareanappropriateage,shouldweallow capitalpunishment?
Butdebatingalsogiveschildrentheopportunitytoresearchand understandcurrentworldaffairs.I’veseenchildrendowonders withmotionswhichinitiallyseemedalittledull,sotopicsthat maynottraditionallyappealtochildrencanactuallyworkwell.
Whichskillsdoesdebating support?
‘Criticalthinking’isoneofthosesomewhatnebulous phrasesinchildren’seducation:trickytodefinebutyou knowwhenyou’veseenit!SomeofthebestexamplesIhave seenofstudentsexercisingon-the-spotcriticalthinking isduringadebate.Debatingfacilitatesandencourages studentstothinkquicklyandproducelogical,rational arguments.Theseare higherorderskills, oneswhichwe greatlywanttoimparttoyoungpeople.
Fundamentaltocriticalthinkingistheabilitytoidentify multipleperspectives,whichisattheveryheartofdebating. Childrenmustfullyconsiderbothsidesofanargumentand thisleadsto amaturationinthinking andlogicalreasoning. Amotionforadebatecouldbesomethinglike:‘thishouse supportstheuseofhomework’andwhetheryourchildis debatingfortheaffirmativeornegativeteam,theywillhaveto fullyconsidertheopposingteam’sarguments,sothattheyare preparedtorefutethem.
It’snotonlythemotionthatinspiresthechildren,it’salsothe energyoftheteamworkandcompetition.
Cultivatinganinterestindebatingforyourchildcouldalsolead tocuriosityabouthowdebatingisstructuredinOxfordUnion debates,theHousesofParliamentandtheUnitedNations. Debatingisafundamentalpartofourdemocracyinoperation; whilstitcangetfieryattimes,itteacheschildren howtoargue theirpoints inacivilisedandpragmaticmanner.
Fosteringgeneralknowledge,researchskills,teamworkand structuringarguments…Icouldwritesomuchaboutthe educationalandsocialbenefitsofdebating.Perhapsmost importantly,debating fosterstheskillofevaluation, because toevaluateanideaistolookatitfromallperspectives,whichis essentialtoallcriticalthinking.
Inaddition,debatingfosterssocialskillsrequiredfor teamwork: negotiation,compromise,delegation andmore. ErinMillerisateacherwithakeeninterestinhowresearchcan beusedintheclassroomtoimprovelearning.
Cultivatingtheskillsof debating
Ifyourchild’sschooldoesnotaccommodateformal, structureddebatingwithinthecurriculumorextracurricularoffering,youcanstillgetyourchilddebatingin everydaysituations.
Useeverydayscenariostoraiseargumentsforbothsidesofan issue.Ifyourchildwantsyoutobuythemsomething,thatcan beturnedintoamotionaboutfinancesoreventheethicsof onlinemassmarketplaces.
Evenmotionswhichyoumaynotfeelwillbeofinterestcan capturechildren’simaginationsandtheylovetoresearchthe nittygrittywhentheyhaveaclearreasontodoso.Debating providesthatpurposebecausetheymustproduceaspeech andtheyhaveteammatesrelyingonthemtodoso.
Modellingdebatingasameansofarrivingatasolutionhelps teachchildrenabouthowdisputesaresettled.Takingan affirmativeornegativesideandarrivingatasharedconclusion ratherthana‘winner’or‘loser’resulthelp childrentolearn thatdebatesarebestsettledthroughreasonandevidence.
Keepingtweens reading
ByTanithCarey
Doesitfeellikeyou’refightingalosingbattlemaintaining yourtween’sinterestinreading?Doesyourchildalwaysseem moreinterestedinthequickfixofscreensthanbooks?
It’sunderstandablethatparentsworry.Thehumanbrainiswired fornoveltyandthebrightlightsandquickrewardsofgoing onlinecanfeelimmediatelygratifying.
Butit’sworthpersevering.Booksareakeywaytohelpyour childfeelhappierandlessstressed.ANationalLiteracyTrust surveyfoundthatkeenreadersbetweentheageof8and13 are threetimesmorelikelytohavehigherlevelsofmental well-being, comparedtothosewhodon’tengagewithbooksat all.Withbooks,kidslearntoconcentrateforlongerandimprove emotionalintelligenceastheyempathisewiththecharacters.
Inalargelydigitalworld,what’samodernparenttodo?Asis oftenthecase,partoftheanswerliesintakingactionbefore yourchildhitstweenhood.
Forages2to5, trylimitingtechlearninggames tojustONEof yourchild’smanyplayoptions.Consciouslycutdownthedigital babysittersbecausepre-schoolersneedtodeveloptheirreading brainsfirst.
Afterthat, helpkidsbecome‘bilingual.’ Thismeansproviding textbothonscreenANDontheprintedpage.Pointoutthe differencebetweenaccessinginformationquicklyonlineand deep,concentratedbook-reading.Showthemhowtodoboth sidebyside.
AsaGestaltpsychotherapist-in-training–whichfocuseson experienceinthebody–oneofmyfavouritewaystodothisis
Engagingtweensfurther withreading
Letthemchoose. Whileit’stemptingtoencourageyour childrentoreadtheclassicsyoulovedwhenyouwere little,letyourchildfollowtheirowninterestsandget excitedaboutanewbook,whetherit’sfromthelibrary orabookshop.Atthestartofeveryschoolholiday,make aspecialvisittoletyourkidspickouttheirown.Looking forwardtothistripandgivingthemachoicewillmakethem moreinvested.
Goexploringtogether. Thankstotheinternet,ourchildren haveneverreadmorewordsorhadaccesstomore experiences.Theycannowbrowsethroughhundredsof websitesandsearchanysubjectthatintereststhemin seconds.Infact,researchhasfoundthattheaverageperson nowreadsasmanyas100,000wordsaday:aboutthirtyfour gigabytesadayacrosstheirvariousdevices.
Don’tjustleavethemtoit. Dosomeresearchtofindoutmore aboutthesubjectsinarecentbookthathasinterestedthem.
by helpingchildrenrecognisehowscreensandbooksmake themfeeldifferent.
Asanexample,helpyourchildnoticehowimmersivevideo gamingmakesthemfeeltenseandjumpy.Thennotice howcurlingupwithagoodbookandbeingabletotakein informationattheirownpacemakesthemfeelcalmer.Role modelbookreadingyourselfandtalkabouthowitmakesYOU feel.
Makephone-freefamilytimeatreat ratherthandeprivation. Forexample,holdaphoneamnestywhereyouALLgotoacafé forahotchocolatewithyourfavouritebooksforhalfanhour’s reading.
Whenkidsrealisehowgoodbookscanmake themfeelandhowtheybondyoutogether,it marksthestartofalife-longhabit.
‘Allmyfriendshaveaphone!’isoneofthe75real worldscenariostackledinWhat’smyTween Thinking?PracticalChildPsychologyforModern Parents,byTanithCareywithDrAngharadRudkin, publishedbyDKbooks.
Tipsforreadingwith youngerchildren
Don’trushthem. Justbecausechildrenareabletosound outwords,itdoesn’tmeantheycanunderstandthe meaningofthewholesentence.Ifchildrendon’treallyget what’shappeninginabook,theycangetboredandturn offreadingearly.Resistthetemptationtogetcaughtupin theclassreadingraceoverwho’sonthemostadvanced Biff andChip book.
ReadWITHthem. Oncechildrenareabletoreadfairlyfluently aroundage7,it’seasytoassumeyoucanleaveittothem.But accordingtothe KidsandFamilyReadingReport, which surveyedoveronethousandparentsandtheirchildren,only thirtysevenpercentofparentsofchildrenages6to8stillread thembedtimestories.
Thisisdespitethefactthatchildrenmissthis‘special’time ofthedaywithparentsandtheystillreaphugebenefitsin understanding,vocabularyandengagement.Anightlyreading sessionalsosetsupreadingintheirmindsasaregularand relaxinghabit.
Rolemodel,not moderator
ByHannahBrencher
WhenIdecidedtounplugfromtechnologyforonethousand hoursoverthecourseofayear,Isawitasachallenge toreclaimmytimeandrelievetheconstantbarrageof notificationsthathadbecomealltoofrequent.WhatIdidn’t anticipatewashowprofoundlyadigitaldetoxwouldtransform myapproachtomotherhood.
WhenIstartedthisexperiment, mydaughterwasjustovera yearoldandalreadyreachingformyphone. Whocouldblame her?MyhusbandandIwereconstantlycheckingourdevicesin frontofher.Thismademequestiontheexampleweweresetting her;whatmessagewasshereceivingandwasitapositiveone?
We’veallbeenoutsociallywithpeopleconstantlycheckingtheir phones,makingusfeelunseenandunimportant.Itstruckme thatmylittlegirlmightfeelthesamewayifIseeminglychose myhandsetoverher.
Withsomuchfocusonmanagingourchildren’sscreentime,I realiseditwasimportanttoturnthatlensonmyselfandexamine myhabits. Iwastoopluggedin,checkingmyphoneatall hours,evenwithoutanyurgentneed andusingitasameansto copewithdailystress.
Somethingneededtochange.IknewIhadtostartparenting myselfbetterandasktougherquestions:WasthishowIwanted tospendmydays?Wasthisconstantconnectivityenergisingor drainingme?CouldIsethealthierboundariesformyownscreen useandbecomearolemodelfortechnologyformydaughter, notjustamoderator?
Almostimmediately,IwasstruckbyhowmuchcalmerIfelt whenthephonewasoutofsightorcompletelyoffandIcould getdownonthefloorandconnectwithmydaughteratherlevel.
Ithenstarteddesignating‘zones’wherephoneswereprohibited: atthediningtable,duringweekendactivities,atbedtimeandin theearlymorningswhenweweregettingreadyfortheday.By takingitoneunpluggedhouratatime,IrealisedIdidn’thave togiveuptechnologyentirelyoreliminatesocialmediatofind balance.
Ibegantodiscover pocketsinmydaywhereIcouldpractise beingfullypresent inallmyroles;mother,wife,CEO,friend, daughter.InoticedalotofthepressureI’dplacedonmyself startedtoease.
Pocketsofpresence
MydaughterandIbegantofinddaily‘pocketsofpresence’ whenweweresimplytogether.WebuiltcastlesoutofLego, sippedimaginaryteafromwoodencups,tracedlettersand madeart.
Thesemomentsmeanttheworldtoher.Theyconveyedthat therewasnowhereI’dratherberightthen.Evenfifteenminutes spentonapuzzlewasenoughforustofeeltrulyconnected. AndnotoncedidIwalkawaywithoutfeelinggratefulforthe choicetoconnectwithhermoredeeply.
Parenthoodcanbeoverwhelmingandforme,certainhabitslike scrollingonmyphoneafteralongdayhadbeenformsofselfcare,‘checkingin’withmyself.Inreality,Iwascheckingout.
Disconnectingfromtechnologyhashelpedmefindbetterways torechargemybatteries;readingagoodbook,goingforawalk, journalingoreventidyingaspace.Focusingmytimeontasks thataren’ttech-focusedsignificantlyboostsmyenergyand allowsmetobepresentformyfamilyinthebestwayIcan.
Iknowmydaughterwillgrowupinaworld teemingwithtechnology. Asherfirstteacher, it’smyresponsibilitytomodelhealthy behaviours anddemonstratetheimportance ofbeingtrulypresent,eveninourdigitally connectedworld.So,Iputmyphoneaway andmadeaconsciouseffor toshowupfully forher.
HannahBrencherisawriter,TEDTalkspeaker, mentalhealthadvocateandauthor.Hernewbook, TheUnpluggedHoursisavailablenowfrom www.bookshop.org
