Families Cheshire July/August 22 PRINT

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IN THIS ISSUE

Summer fun What’s On Family food Issue 78 July/August 2022

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CONTENTS

Welcome The long summer holiday is nearly here, bringing with it both the prospect of trips and fun with the family, but also, for many parents, the challenges of summer childcare arrangements and keeping the kids entertained for at least six weeks….

Contact us Editor Linda Stone editor@familiescheshire.co.uk 020 8241 0423 Sales Carla Finlayson carla@familiescheshire.co.uk 07734 690020 Printed by Buxton Press Design Rebecca Carr

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What’s On Summer fun Travel Parenting Summer Fun Education Work Ice cream recipe

Well, you can rely on us to have you covered. Our What’s On is jam packed with activities and events for families throughout the summer and we also have lots of low-cost summer entertainment ideas to keep the kids busy. Going away? Take a look at our thoughts on preparing for a family holiday and ideas for holidaying more sustainably.

The long school holidays are the perfect opportunity for cooling treats! Try our dairyfree ice cream recipe which you can cut out and keep.

We hate to mention the words ‘school’ at this time of year so all we will say is – September is (unfortunately) closer than you think so keep the necessary preparations in mind. In our Education section, check out our uniform tips and the skills you can help your school starter build over the summer before the big day.

Finally, in this issue, we have loads of cool kids’ backpacks from Grass&Air to giveaway! Apply for these handy accessories for your child at familiesmag.co.uk/ go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Linda March/April competition winners

Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at https://bit.ly/MArecipients Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.

Performing and developing key life skills with PQA Whether it be diving into their dressing up box or stepping onto the stage, performing is important to children and young people, although its benefits can often go unnoticed.

Performing arts can teach children and young people key skills that can be used in everyday life.

Creativity Naturally imaginative, pretend play and make believe come easily to kids and can assist their social and emotional development, helping them form new ideas and develop resourcefulness.

Problem solving Solving problems creatively within the safety of a performing arts environment can help kids deal with issues in everyday life. If children feel comfortable exploring and dealing with problems in a non-linear way, this makes them more confident overall.

Empathy Performance is a classic form of storytelling, used both to entertain and to share tales and ideas and performing in character can help children appreciate another person’s point of view. To accurately portray a character, it’s necessary to step into their shoes and understand both their situation and what has brought them to that situation. This involves developing empathy which can then be applied in everyday life, helping them to interact with friends and adults in an understanding way and develop their social skills.

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Listening Listening is an important skill, especially when a child is in a new setting with new routines and expectations. During performing arts classes children take direction from their teachers and peers, encouraging them to be receptive to others’ ideas and work collaboratively.

Confidence Building Some children are never happier than putting on a show for their family and friends whilst others can be daunted by standing up in front an audience. Performing arts is hugely beneficial in increasing children’s confidence levels. Learning new skills, rehearsing and performing in a safe space, with the support and encouragement of expert teachers and peers, can prepare children to deal with situations in which they feel anxious.

PQA’s three core modules, Musical Theatre, Comedy & Drama and Film & Television, offer students the very best mix of both performance-based and technical training as well as providing skills for life. For more information, visit www.pqacademy.com

Families Cheshire 3

WHAT’S ON

What’s On All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.

Daily until 20 Jul Mog’s Remarkable Adventures at Dunham Massey Spring into a nature trail adventure with Judith Kerr’s Mog the Forgetful Cat. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey Daily until 25 Sep Bouncing Boggles Bonanza at Bewilderwood Daily Boggles storytelling sessions, craft, face painting, park trail and more. www.cheshire.bewilderwood. co.uk Wed 6 - Sat 9 Jul The Wizard of Oz at Northwich Memorial Court Brought to you by the Vale Royal Musical Theatre is a classic tale that will bring joy to adults and children alike! Join Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, as they embark on a glorious quest in the magical land of Oz and, with their three new friends, set off to see the Wizard. www.brioentertainment.org Fri 8 Jul – Mon 29 Aug Little Women at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre The treasured story of the March sisters is reimagined and brought to vivid life. www.grosvenorparkopenair theatre.co.uk Fri 8 Jul & Fri 5 Aug The Greatest Circus Show at Tatton Park Spectacular performers and thrilling circus acts will present an amazing theatrical show. www.tattonparkpopupfestival. co.uk Fri 8 – Sun 10 Jul Foodies Festival at Tatton Park Top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music. Kids can join in the fun at The Kids Cookery Theatre. www.tattonpark.org.uk Sat 9 Jul 21st Century ABBA at Dunham Massey Come along with family and friends, picnic and enjoy a wonderful performance of ABBA’s greatest hits. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey Prestbury Festival Great village fair with bouncy castles, go-karts, fun rides dog show and more. www.prestburyfestival.org.uk

4 Families Cheshire

Sat 9 & Sun 10 Jul Cheshire Steam Fair at Daresbury Top steam fair attractions including steam engines, fairground organs, miniature steam engines, old time funfair, arena entertainment craft and food marquees. www.outdoorshows.co.uk/ cheshire-steam-fair Sun 10 Jul Milkshake Live at Waterside, Trafford Milkshake Monkey is back and can’t wait to put on a spectacular NEW Show for you. www.watersidearts.org Family Yoga at Lion Salt Works Free sessions of yoga, perfect for families, teaching gentle movements and poses in the beautiful butterfly garden. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk The Tale of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny at Arley Hall & Gardens Enjoy outdoor theatre in the beautiful setting of the Garden. www.arleyhallandgardens.com Holmes Chapel Village Fair Traditional village summer fair with funfair, stalls and tug of war. www.facebook.com/ HCVillageFair Sun 10 Jul & Sat 6 Aug Kidchella at Tatton Park Ultimate kids festival with music and lots of family fun including face painting, glitter bars, children’s workshops and roaming entertainers. www.tattonparkpopupfestival. co.uk Sat 16 Jul Plaza Summer Fayre at The Stockport Plaza Fantastic Summer Fayre with stalls, games and refreshments for all the family to enjoy. www.stockportplaza.co.uk Funtopia at Ellesmere Children’s festival, filled with high energy inflatables and activities www.facebook.com/funtopiauk The Monkey with No Bum at The Brindley Theatre A brand-new interactive children’s show full of dancing, music and laughter. www.thebrindley.org.uk Alderfest at Whitchurch Day of summer family fun including live music, children’s entertainment, Food, open-air shopping and water sports. www.alderford.com

Macclesfield Family Festival One of Cheshire’s biggest family friendly festivals includes live music, kids’ entertainment stages, funfair, inflatables and stalls. www.macclesfieldfestival.co.uk Winwick Carnival Fun day including stalls, rides, falconry displays and more. https:/winwickcarnival.co.uk Sat 16, Fri 29 Jul & Thu 4 Aug Princess Party at Tatton Park An interactive show filled with your favourite Princess sing-along hits includes glitter stations, photo opportunities, children’s workshops and more. www.tattonparkpopup festival.co.uk Sun 17 Jul Wallace & Gromit with Live Brass Band at The Stockport Plaza WFEL Fairey Band will bring to life a screening of Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers. www.stockportplaza.co.uk Family Fete and Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Cholmondeley Castle Gardens Fun day including bouncy castle, balloon man, face painting, Malpas fire engine and more. www.cholmondeleycastle.com Thu 21 – Sun 24 Jul Bluedot at Jodrell Bank Observatory Music, science and culture event includes live science experiments, galactic games and the Klangers. www.discoverthebluedot.com Fri 22 Jul – Mon 29 Aug Stig of the Dump at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre Popular family show is back. www.grosvenorparkopenair theatre.co.uk Sat 23 Jul Family Film at Weaver Hall Museum Free screening of The Lorax, an adaption of Dr Seuss’ children’s book. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk

Sat 23 & Sun 24 Jul Medieval Weekend at Beeston Castle Step back in time to medieval England. Meet characters from the past and hear tales from centuries ago. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ places/beeston-castle-andwoodland-park Sat 23 Jul & Sat 3 Sep Funtopia at Northwich Children’s festival, filled with high energy inflatables and activities. www.facebook.com/funtopiauk Sat 23 Jul – Fri 5 Aug The Nickelodeon Experience at Heaton Park, Manchester An immersive outdoor experience where all your favourite TV shows come to life. www.thenickelodeon experience.co.uk Sat 23 Jul – Wed 7 Sep A Fairy Tale Summer at Dunham Massey Daily magical activities including storytelling, trail of discovery. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey Sat 23 Jul – Sun 4 Sep Let’s Play at Quarry Bank The Play Pavilion, a large-scale play installation is coming to the Mill Meadow, as well as a nature themed obstacle course. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank Sat 23 Jul & Tue 23 Aug Free Family Activities at Lyme Park The visiting Bogtastic Van will be full of interesting and exciting games, videos and interactive experiences. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme Sat 23 Jul – 2 Oct The BFG in Pictures at Grosvenor Museum An exhibition of original Quentin Blake illustrations, prepared for Roald Dahl’s classic story The BFG. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk

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WHAT’S ON Tue 26 Jul – Wed 27 Jul Union Jack Ribbon Wands and Jubilee Crafts at Lion Salt Works Celebrate the jubilee with ribbon wands and more. Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk Tue 26 Jul – Fri 26 Aug Summer Farm Fun at Tatton Park Programme of activities and events including sheep racing, storytelling, milking demos and more. www.tattonpark.org.uk Wed 27 Jul The Nantwich Show Featuring a range of animals, technologies, businesses and entertainment for all ages. www.nantwichshow.org Wed 27 – Thu 28 Jul Box Corner Models at Weaver Hall Museum Make a model of somewhere you’ve been or want to go. Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk Thu 28 Jul, 11 Aug Storytelling at Grosvenor Museum Enjoy a magical morning of storytelling in the giant’s cavern.

Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk Fri 29 Jul Lily and the Heron at Grosvenor Open Air Theatre A story of bravery, courage and magic told through puppetry and music. www.storyhouse.com Sat 30 Jul & Fri 5 Aug The Greatest Family Show at Tatton Park A jam-packed live stage show to delight children of all ages. www.tattonparkpopupfestival. co.uk Sat 30 & Sun 31 Jul, Sat 20 & Sun 21 Aug Murgatroyd’s Brine Pumps Open Days at Middlewich Salt making demos, activities, displays suitable for all ages. www.middlewich-heritage. org.uk Sat 30 Jul – Sun 21 Aug The Gruffalo at The Lowry, Manchester Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups. www.thelowry.com Sun 31 Jul Abba Mia The Party at Tatton Park Incredible cast will take to the stage with a show filled with sequins, flares and ABBA’s biggest hits. www.tattonparkpopupfestival. co.uk

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Family Fun Day at Chester Racecourse A wonderland full of free activities for children and families www.chester-races.com Sat 31 Jul & Sun 14 Aug Wild Science at Quarry Bank Come, meet, hold and learn about the wildlife friends that live in back gardens and hedgerows. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank Tue 2 Aug Art Through Time at Grosvenor Museum Make a mini version of a painting in the style of an historic artist. Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk Tue 2 & Thu 18 Aug Tatton Tales: Peter Rabbit at Tatton Park Explore the Gardens on a delightful storytelling tour. www.tattonpark.org.uk Tue 2 – Wed 3 Aug Cardboard Dinosaurs at Lion Salt Works Come to the saltworks and make your very own dinosaur.

Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk Soft Play at Sandbach Town Hall Free soft play sessions for 0-5 years at 9am and 1pm.

Contact Sandbach Town Hall info@sandbach.gov.uk

Sat 6 Aug Neonino: Family friendly indoor festival at Packhorse Social Club, Stockport Neon and UV indoor festival with live DJ’s and fun for all the family. www.skiddle.com Gadgeteering at Stretton Watermill Learn about the history of the Watermill, the gadgets of old and do a bit of gadgeteering.

Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk Sat 6 & Sun 28 Aug Working Science at Quarry Bank A hands on interactive event for budding scientists aged 7-11. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank Sun 7 & Sat 20 Aug Explorer Dome at Quarry Bank Crawl down the tunnel into the Dome, to visit some of the great natural habitats of Earth. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank Tue 9 Aug Dinosaur Adventure Live at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall!

65 million years in the making... are you ready for the adventure?

Join the intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as you journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like dinosaurs. This aweinspiring show captivates both

young and the young at heart! www.brioentertainment.org Dreams Around the World at Grosvenor Museum Learn about how different cultures think about dreams and make some dream-inspired crafts. Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk Creepy Crawly Show at Sandbach Town Hall Free shows at 11am & 1 pm, a real hands on experience to meet the exciting critters.

Contact Sandbach Town Hall info@sandbach.gov.uk Wed 10 Aug Stained Glass Window Art at Lion Salt Works Create your very own piece of stained glass art which you can decorate. Free, drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk Fri 12 Aug The Giant Balloon Show at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre Expect feverous balloon sculptures, high energy comic performance and, of course, a giant balloon. www.storyhouse.com

Wed 3 – Thu 4 Aug Make a Clay Pot at Weaver Hall Museum Have a look at one of the museum’s prehistoric pots then make one for yourself. Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk Thu 4 Aug Surrealist Museum at Grosvenor Museum Decorate a bust in a surrealist style – the only limit is your imagination. Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk Fri 5 Aug Rapunzel at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre Unique adaptation of the iconic Grimm’s fairy tale with music, circus and lots of family fun. www.storyhouse.com Fri 5 – Sun 7 Aug The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Storyhouse Chester Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show. www.storyhouse.com

A splashing summer with Brio Leisure!

It’s time to enjoy the summer holidays and Brio is here to help you keep the kids busy. You can buy a kid’s summer swim pass from 1 July and let your youngsters enjoy unlimited swimming* between 22 July and 2 September.

That’s six weeks’ worth of casual swims, wet & wild sessions, family swims and more in participating centres. Come along with family and friends, dive into a summer of fun and inflatables and have a splashing good time.

With six pools across Cheshire West and Chester, you can buy a Kids Swim Pass for just £15. There’s something for everyone to enjoy so simply pop in and speak to a member of the reception team to get started!

Find your local Brio Centre at www.brioleisure.org/centres or visit the blog at https://bit.ly/briosummerswim for more information *Full promotion terms and conditions and pool admissions policy apply. Take a look at the swim sessions available by visiting www.brioleisure.org/timetables.

Swim sessions are subject to availability and programming at participating Brio Leisure Centres.

Families Cheshire 5

WHAT’S ON Fri 12 - Mon 14 Aug Deva Fest Family-friendly three day extravaganza of music, parades, shows and fabulous food and drink. www.devafest.co.uk Sat 13 Aug Cinderella at Dunham Massey Magical creatures and fairy godmothers come together to tell the best loved of all fairy tales. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey Fireworks Champions at Arley Hall & Gardens An evening of four amazing firework displays, lasers lights, drones, music food, drink and fair. www.fireworkchampions.co.uk Mini Matsuri at Tatton Park Festival showcasing authentic Japanese cultural experiences including art & craft activities and dance workshops. www.tattonpark.org.uk Sat 13 & Sun 21 Aug Storytelling Artwork at Quarry Bank Create your own artwork inspired by the story of Quarry Bank. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ quarry-bank

Sat 13 – Sun 14 Aug Astle Park Traction Engine Rally Leading outdoor show features steam engines, fairground, firework display, craft and food marquees. www.outdoorshows.co.uk

Wed 17 Aug Summer Seascape at Lion Salt Works Produce your own seasideinspired piece of art work. Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk

Sun 14 Aug Fun Dog Show at Tatton Park Farm Join the farm team for a funfilled day for you and your dog. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Dark Age Jewellery at Weaver Hall Museum Make some jewellery to take home & visit the Viking room to try on a helmet & some armour.

Free drop in.

Mon 15 Aug PAW Patrol Live at O2 Apollo, Manchester Everyone’s favourite pups come to the stage for an action packed, high energy, musical adventure. www.academymusicgroup. com/o2apollomanchester

Fri 19 Aug DIG! at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre A gentle first theatre experience, perfect for the very young with music, rhythm and singing. www.storyhouse.com

Tue 16 Aug Children’s Entertainer at Sandbach Town Hall Amazing Andre the Magician, including games and a disco for 4-8 years. Contact Sandbach Town Hall. info@sandbach.gov.uk Tue 16 – Thu 18 Aug Secrets and Spies at Grosvenor Museum Try the code-breaking trail, plus make your own spy kit to take home. Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk

Cool backpacks for cool kids!

Get your FREE Grass & Air backpack NOW* Perfect for little treasures

Fri 19 – Sun 21 Aug Just So Festival at Rode Hall A wonderland of world class literature, arts, theatre, dance, music, comedy and creative pursuits www.justsofestival.org.uk Sat 20 Aug Outdoor Cinema at Dunham Massey Outdoor screening of Mamma Mia (PG). www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ dunham-massey Tue 23 Aug Prince & Princesses Morning at Sandbach Town Hall Craft making and party games, 10am-12 noon.

Contact Sandbach Town Hall. info@sandbach.gov.uk Superhero Afternoon at Sandbach Town Hall Meet Spider Man & Wonder Woman, 1pm-2pm.

Contact Sandbach Town Hall. info@sandbach.gov.uk Tue 23 – Wed 24 Aug Summer Garden Clay Tiles at Lion Salt Works Use different-shaped pasta to create your very own summer garden-inspired clay tile. Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk Tue – Thu 25 Aug Look Out, there are Giants About at Grosvenor Museum Transform yourself into a giant by making your own mask and huge ears Free drop in. www.westcheshiremuseums. co.uk

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Tue 23 – Sun 28 Aug Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday at The Lowry, Manchester Sarah and Duck’s enchanting world is brought to life. www.thelowry.com

Don’t forget to say you saw these in Families Cheshire Magazine

Fri 26 – Sun 28 Aug Luna Outdoor Cinema at Tatton Park West Side Story on Friday, Grease on Saturday & Moulin Rouge on Sunday. www.tattonpark.org.uk Fri 26 – Mon 29 Aug Geronimo Family Festival at Arley Hall & Gardens UK’s largest family festival, catering solely to children and allowing families to connect for a fairytale weekend of madness. www.geronimofest.com/arleyhall-home Sat 27 Aug Dinosaur Adventure Live at The Brindley Theatre Journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like dinosaurs. www.thebrindley.org.uk Sat 27 – Sun 28 Aug Summer Country Fayre at Tatton Park Farm Visit the farm for a weekend of traditional English fayre and fun. www.tattonpark.org.uk Cheshire Festival of Power at Ashley Hall Showground New weekend family festival with family-friendly entertainment, helicopter displays, funfair, zipwire and food village. www.cheshirefestivalofpower. co.uk Sat 27 – Mon 29 Aug Legendary Joust at Beeston Castle Thrillingly authentic 13thcentury tournament of strength, skill and horsemanship. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ places/beeston-castle-andwoodland-park Sun 28 – Mon 29 Aug Cheshire Game and Country Fair at Cheshire Showground From falconry, shire horse display, cooking demos, ferrets and fishing there’s something for everyone. www.livingheritagecountry shows.com Tue 30 Aug Fireman Sam at The Brindley Theatre Come along to Pontypandy for an all singing, dancing, actionpacked show. www.thebrindley.org.uk Tue 30 – Wed 31 Aug Jurassic Live at St Helens Theatre Royal A new and thrilling, fun, educational and interactive stage show. www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com

Cheshire

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Calling parents living in Cheshire!

SUMMER FUN

Would you like to try your hand at magazine publishing?

Do you think you could grow a business?

Work part time from home around your family and do something you love.

Are you interested in media and marketing?

Come and run Families Cheshire magazine!

FREE

TAKE ME

To find out more contact Linda at

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Cheshire

info@familiesmagazine.co.uk or call 020 8241 0423 ies

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Spring 2021

Families Cheshire 7

SUMMER FUN

Low-cost summer fun

Educational

Out and about

Visit a museum. There are world-renowned museums in cities across the UK that offer free access to exhibitions year-round.

To find a museum near you, visit www.visitbritain.com

Cinema deals. Odeon cinema and Cineworld will be running kids screenings all summer, with tickets priced from £3.25. www.odeon.co.uk and www.cineworld.co.uk

Festival of Archaeology. The Council for British Archaeology has teamed up with hundreds of museums to organise more than one thousand archaeology-related events and activities all over the country. www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk

Hop on board the train. Taking the train to visit somewhere new is an adventure in itself. And it doesn’t need to cost the earth if you buy a Family and Friends Railcard. www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk

Take the summer reading challenge. The challenge, aimed at children ages 4 to 11 years, is to read six or more library books over the summer. There are stickers and other rewards available from the library. Sometimes free and always inexpensive, a local library membership will really encourage your children to dive into books, audiobooks and more. www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk 50 things to do before you’re 11¾. Get your kids closer to nature with The National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to undertake during the summer, from watching the sunset to creating some wild art.

Many can be done at home and in your garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50-things-to-do

Visit a pet store. Kids will enjoy seeing all the furry pets for sale including hamsters, rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs and fish.

Pet stores often run animal handling sessions and other free activities during the holidays. Find My Pet Pals workshops at www.petsathome.com Pick your own berries. Take your young ones to a pick-yourown farm to gather a heap of juicy strawberries or raspberries.

Of course, they will do plenty of eating too but, hey, it’s fruit!

Drive-in cinema. The perfect retroactivity for a balmy summer night or afternoon, why not head to an outdoor cinema? With outdoor or drive-in cinema popping up in various places throughout the UK, you might catch a family favourite or retro classic.

Toddlers

Home-based

Little fence painters. If you want less mess but just as much fun, simply give your toddler a bucket of water and a large brush or roller and let them ‘paint’ the garden fence.

Movie day. Draw the curtains, dim the lights and create a cinema experience in your living room. Get some popcorn and sweets on the go and enjoy your favourite family movies.

Chalk pavement painting. Arm your toddler with some chalks.

Big chunky ones are good but any chalks will do. Then let them draw and decorate the driveway or pavement.

Host a dance party. Invite around some of your kids’ friends, put together a new playlist and let them dance till they drop. All you’ll have to do is provide drinks and snacks!

Instant ice paints. Mix paint with water, add a lolly stick and freeze in an ice cube tray to make these incredible ice paints.

They melt as your toddler paints with them and they can play around with patterns and blend the colours. You’ll want them to do this outdoors, of course!

Draw outside. An outdoor blackboard will encourage all sorts of games and creativity. All you need is a piece of board, ideally marine plywood, cut to the size you require and some blackboard paint. Keep chalks in a waterproof box, ready for artistic inspiration.

Hula hoop obstacle course. Place hula hoops in a row along the garden. Challenge your little one to jump from one hoop to the next – forwards and backwards!

DIY drum set. Give them pots, pans and some cooking spoons to make their very own DIY drumset. They can clang and bang about as long as they like.

Nature sticky bracelets. Pop masking tape or thick duct tape round your toddler’s wrist, with the sticky side outwards. On a walk in the park (or in the garden) ask them to find leaves, seeds and flowers to stick to their bracelets.

Cook dinner on the campfire. Campfires are a great way to encourage children to learn essential outdoor skills. Even cooking on a campfire or barbeque in your garden can feel like a summer adventure.

8 Families Cheshire

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SUMMER FUN

Low-cost summer fun

Something different

Outdoors

Enjoy a wild swim. When it’s warm, it doesn’t get much better than taking a dip in the sea, lake or river. If you live in a big city, don’t be put off! You’ll be surprised how many wild swimming spots are nearby. www.wildswimming.co.uk

Join in National Play Day. National Play Day takes place across the country on 1 August. Children and families have the chance to play at hundreds of community events, from mass adventures in woodlands to street parties with games. Find your nearest ones at www.playday.org.uk

Let’s fish! The Canal and River Trust is running free fishing taster sessions over the holidays, with professional angling coaches on hand to teach the basics. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Go geocaching. This is a real outdoor treasure hunting game that uses an app. You navigate to a set of GPS coordinates and try to find the treasure at that location. www.geocaching.com Borrow a doggy. Join Borrow My Doggy to let your kids bond with a dog that need some love while their owners are out at work. It’s a great way to get the kids walking in the school holidays. www.borrowmydoggy.com Free tennis coaching and court usage. You can net free tennis sessions or coaching as part of Big Tennis Weekends, organised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), at venues across Britain. www.lta.org.uk

Go fly a kite! They’re cheap and easy to buy or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them. www.thekitesociety.org.uk Go for a bike ride. Cycling is a great way to reconnect with nature and get off the beaten track. Take a ride on a local cycle path or if you’re a bit more ambitious, why not take a family bikepacking trip somewhere a bit further afield?

Find the Gruffalo. If your kids love Julia Donaldson, there are themed walks based on her books up and down the country to take the family to visit. Find out more details on these trails at www.forestryengland.uk/gruffalo Woodland adventure. Explore your nearest woodland and enjoy adventure play areas, natural play, off-road cycling and lots of space to create dens. Find your local wood or forest at www.forestryengland.uk

Water fun

Crafty capers

Sponge water bombs. So easy to make! Just cut sponges into strips and tie them together in the middle with string in order to make fun water soakers, perfect for little hands.

Paint some rocks. Find some smooth and fairly flat rocks and paint them in vivid summer designs. They’ll brighten up the garden, or you can use them as paperweights.

Flower soup. Give your child a basket and pick lots of flowers and petals. Then fill a bowl or tray with water. Let them pop their flowers or petals in, one at a time to see if they will sink or float.

Flower Pressing. Flower pressing is a great way to preserve and study flowers. Once the kids have pressed their flowers, they can make them into greetings cards or bookmarks.

Petal potions. Ask your child to gather leaves, seeds, petals and grass. Then give them a pestle and mortar to grind their leaves and petals in. Give them a jug of water and little jars so that they can make petal perfume or potions.

Make a sundial. Teach your kids how people used to tell the time before clocks and watches were invented. All you need is a compass to pinpoint north. Then put a stick in the ground and watch the shadow change position as the sun moves.

Pouring fun. Fill a paddling pool or large tub with water and add a selection of pouring jugs, ladles and funnels. Add some food colouring to make it extra fun.

Create pictures with melted crayons. Do something with all those broken, used-up or otherwise useless crayons. Remove any paper or plastic wrapping. Then using a hairdryer, melt the crayons onto paper or cardboard and create your very own work of art.

Sprinkler fun. Turn on the sprinkler and fill the paddling pool while your children run through the sprinkler water! Guaranteed excitement.

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Leaf and petal nature kebabs. Give your child a kebab stick and tell them to find leaves and petals to poke on the sticks to make a nature kebab.

Families Cheshire 9

TRAVEL

How to holiday responsibly

By Vicki Bradley

We all like to do our bit for the planet but, when it comes to holidays, it’s easy for all those good intentions to fall by the wayside amongst all the planning. We asked Vicki Bradley from Tested by Tots for her ideas for some easy, ecofriendly holiday products that can easily be substituted for traditional alternatives. One of the key pillars of Vicki’s ethos is sustainable holidaying and she’s even managed to come up with some special offers to tempt you.

Remember, it’s Plastic Free July so an ideal time of year to focus on really making a difference!

Beeswax wraps

Use TOTS15 for 15% off

Beeswax wraps are a natural alternative to clingfilm; much better for storing and keeping food fresh and perfect for picnics and days out. Simply wrap your sandwiches or leftovers, sealing with the warmth of your hands. Plastic-free, washable and reusable for up to six years.

Use TOTS15 for 15% off. www.beeswaxwraps.co.uk

Sustainable teethers For a sustainable alternative to rattles, teethers and dummies, check out the Peace With the Wild collection. Made from natural, plant-based rubber there are lots of options to help you do your bit for the planet. https://bit.ly/sustainableteethers

Beachwear

Bamboo nappies and wipes

Skin needs protecting from the sun but you don’t have to compromise on your green ethos to do this. Style out the holiday in Frugi swimwear and clothing.

While regular disposable nappies can take literally hundreds of years to decompose, more than seventy percent of Mama Bamboo nappy components will biodegrade in six months, in a hot compost. Their bamboo wipes are fully compostable within three months. For a half price offer on a newborn starter kit, use the code NBTOT50 at the checkout. https://bit.ly/sustainablenappies

Beautifully designed to be bright and colourful, plus allorganic, Frugi prides itself on its sustainability message. It only uses GOTS certified organic cotton and its outerwear is made from recycled materials. Available in baby to adult sizes. https://bit.ly/Frugibeachwear

Shampoo bars

Reef-friendly sunscreen

Ditch the weighty plastic bottles and save space by packing shampoo and conditioner bars. These mini bars from Ethique are perfect for holidays and just as effective as the runny stuff!

Scientists have recently discovered that some ingredients in sunscreens could be damaging ocean life. Smart brands are now developing ‘reef friendly’ sunscreens which avoid the culprit ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate. Switch to the biodegradable spray from Nivea, which is compliant with the Hawaii Reef Bill.

Trial sizes are available for adults and children of all ages. https://bit.ly/EthiqueMiniShampoo

https://bit.ly/ReefFriendlySunscreen

Reusable BBQs

Sustainable toys

They’re very convenient but disposable BBQs can’t be recycled or composted and the aluminium frame can take up to two hundred years to decompose. Solve the problem by investing in a reusable one.

An easy swap from plastic playthings is to choose wooden, bamboo or recycled toys. Green Toys have a great range for babies upwards, covering bath time, pretend play and outdoor fun. We like the beach range - made from recycled materials and vigorously safety tested for happy times in the sand. Use 10GREENTOYS22 for 10% off. https://bit.ly/EcoFriendlyGreenToys

The Landmann Piccolino BBQ comes in two colours for under £70. https://bit.ly/LandmannPiccolinoBBQ

Use NBTOT5 0 half price offer

Use 10GREE N TOYS22 for 10% off

Tested by Tots checks out and recommends only products and services that are genuinely child-friendly. For hints and tips on holidaying with children, including holiday packing checklists, go to www.testedbytots.com

10 Families Cheshire

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TRAVEL

Your family holiday countdown

By Ellie Malt Okay, take a deep breath, hold it, now focus on this happy thought: the summer holidays are coming! The prospect of a carefree, sun-drenched release from routine has never seemed quite so inviting. If you’ve booked a getaway it’s time to stop procrastinating and dig out those dusty suitcases.

Packing clothes is the easy bit but what about the rest? Here’s our four step plan to help you keep calm and get ready: Step one: check the swim kits For the children, swimming is probably going to be their ‘favouritist bit.’ (Mine is sitting down, anywhere, with a drink in my hand). As children grow (ridiculously fast in my opinion), the right kit can encourage their independence. What fitted last year is unlikely to work again this year. For babies, swim nappies are a no-brainer but consider buoyancy aids, sun hats, UV suits, floating toys and beach shoes.

For children beginning to swim independently, a small life jacket could boost confidence in deeper waters, without embarrassing arm bands. Meanwhile, back in the shallow end, underwater toys and goggles will keep kids occupied for hours.

For tweens, a boogie board, wet suit, mask and snorkel are more likely to buy you some peace. Many of these items only last for one holiday so it’s worth checking charity shops.

Step two: don’t forget essential equipment, allergies and medicines No one wants to waste a precious day of their holiday hunting down a pharmacy and then describing the problem with GCSE-

French and sign language!

Step three: plan ahead for quality sleep Yes, adapting to new surroundings IS part of growing up but when your child’s bedtime routine is essential to a happy holiday, have nightlights, blackout blinds and ear plugs on standby. Small travel clocks can help your child know when to stay in bed when they wake up early in a strange bedroom. Who knows, you might even get a lie in.

Step four: get mobile!

Travel buggies are lighter and suited to aeroplanes and pavements. Fat-wheeled buggies or carriers are better for rough terrain. A sling is a faff-free solution for short walks. Finally, if any part of your journey is by road, remember the car seat. However you travel, distractions will help. Plan ahead and pack some age-appropriate activities to minimise ‘are we nearly there yet?’ syndrome.

Ellie is a writer and mum to two daughters living in Surrey.

It’s all in the planning

Tips for a smooth journey

When it comes to packing baby paraphernalia, it’s a bit of a reality check when you see just how much luggage space one tiny human needs. Sadly, all this equipment leaves considerably less room for the really important stuff like your beach books and assorted favourite holiday shoes. Sigh.

Entertaining babies on long journeys is relatively easy; you can generally use anything to hand that makes a good noise. But it’s still worth chucking a few favourite toys in.

On top of the full kit of baby feeding and changing equipment, take the essentials with you to avoid an emergency trip to the nearest chemist, supermarket or doctors’ surgery while on holiday.

Packing checklists come in useful here: yours is likely to include sun cream, after-sun, children’s paracetamol, any regular prescription medications, insect repellent, anti-histamine, plasters, a thermometer, snacks and adapter plugs.

Super-efficient tips Change all the beds before you set off on hols - there’s nothing better than coming home to clean sheets on your own bed.

Pre-order a big online food shop to arrive as soon as possible after you get home, so the supermarket run is one less thing to worry about.

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If flying, remember that the ears of babies and children can be affected by pressure changes in the cabin so ensure they have something to drink during take-off and landing or a sweet to suck if they are old enough. This will help protect their ears.

Toddlers and younger children get bored easily so it’s tempting to stuff more entertainment into the hand luggage. Go for small toys and crafts that don’t have little bits that roll on the floor and get lost. A pen that can write in ten colours is better than ten pens! Packs of cards are best left to older kids.

Snacks can fill up time. Make them as healthy as you can to avoid an unnatural sugar rush and be prepared for crumbs, spillages and food getting into unexpected places….

With all this in tow, you may end up feeling more like a donkey than a parent. Giving everyone their own backpack can really help. Not every kid will successfully be responsible for their own stuff but even a small child can start with a couple of items.

Families Cheshire 11

PARENTING

Meaningful holiday communication

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble Communication is essential to children’s development.

Teaching them to listen and talk effectively, verbally and non-verbally are invaluable life skills we can impart by being effective role models.

Relationships between children and parents are noticeably improved by meaningful communication. This is how children begin developing their ideas and beliefs. The more positive the communication, the more secure and confident they become.

It’s what’s often called ‘quality time.’ From the child’s perspective, quality time is having direct and full attention from their parents, not just being present in the same space.

Long school holidays give us more opportunities to interact.

Depending on the age of your child there are many ways to create space to encourage communication.

With younger children, it’s about playing at their level; chatting while drawing, building Lego or being part of their make believe games. Together is key.

As parents, we may still need to carry on with work and other responsibilities during school holidays. This is where enriching holiday camps and allowing some use of screens can be a godsend. But one of the greatest challenges for parents is balancing screen time with other activities.

The important distinction is that this balance is achieved via moderation and self-regulation, not restriction. Despite other responsibilities, finding time to spend together is possible and whatever you can manage will benefit your children in the long run.

With older children it might be making time for each other for a chat. If at all possible, make time for each child on a one to one basis, sharing something you both enjoy. For family communication, mealtimes set the scene for open discussion.

Effective, open communication takes hard work and practice.

Remember, it will not always be perfect. What’s important is making the effort to communicate with our children. The result will be a much closer, honest, open and positive family relationship.

Communication is only half the job; it’s how we listen and acknowledge what our children are saying that is key. Validating and acknowledging make a difference, even a simple nod or a touch will let your child know that you are listening and that what they are saying is important.

Lisa & Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with insights, skills and tools to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Listening: the key to effective communication

Screen time: how much is too much?

Make and maintain eye contact. Watch your child’s facial expressions and body language. Listening isn’t just about hearing words but also about trying to understand what might be behind those words.

The online world can be great for creativity, learning new things, connecting and downtime. It allows parents some time off too.

However, there needs to be a balance.

Eliminate distractions. When listening to your child, undivided attention is essential. Put aside whatever you are doing. If you are unable to do so at that moment, then make sure your child knows when you will be free to give them that time.

Listen without interrupting. Offer encouragement with a smile or touch. Interuption can break a train of thought so try to let your child finish before adding your own words of advice or wisdom.

Ask open ended questions and not too many. Build on what your child is telling you and show your interest by saying things like ‘Tell me more about ...’, ‘Really!’ and ‘Go on ....’

Validate. Repeat and rephrase what your child has said from time to time. This lets your child know you’re listening and helps you check what your child is saying.

12 Families Cheshire

Consider an agreement on holiday tech use. Set age specific rules around what, when, where and how much time each child is allowed. Once the rules are agreed, stick to them.

Don’t use screen time as a reward. This sends the wrong message about screen importance.

Give countdown warnings before screen time ends. Simple verbal reminders prepare children to switch off, thus avoiding techno tantrums!

Review the latest apps, games and movies together. Let your child show you what they are doing.

Use parental controls to ensure children aren’t accessing inappropriate content. Try www.familyzone.com or www. breckfoundation.org/post/screen-time Establish no-tech zones such as the bedroom and mealtimes, set a good example by not constantly checking your own phone and make sure that all tech is switched off at least an hour before bedtime.

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SUMMER FUN

Three’s a crowd!

By Tori JP Entertaining three boys of different ages (12, 6 and 3) can be a challenge. I’m not a particularly crafty mum and therefore I like to get out with the kids as much as possible. Over the years, we’ve been to many indoor and outdoor venues, so I’ve learned a fair amount about what works for all three of them.

Days out that have gone well for us tend to have certain elements in common; there’s somewhere to run around (burning off some energy first!), their interest is sparked and, of course, it’s suitable for a range of ages.

Here are my favourite venue types for great days out for all ages:

and many have activities during school holidays too.

A nature trail can tick every box

The Science Museum in London or the The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester are obvious examples. If you can, look for somewhere that also has an outdoor area so you can tick the physical activity box.

Check your local National Trusts, arboretums and country parks.

We loved hunting for the Gruffalo at Queenswood Country Park in Herefordshire and exploring the deep dark wood at Cannock Chase in Staffordshire.

An activity farm The National Forest Adventure Farm in Burton on Trent was described by my husband as one of the most successful days out we’ve had as a family. The kids absolutely LOVED the potato digging event. This type of venue can also be great for wet weather days as there will often be an indoor play area and inside activities to enjoy. For a summer day, try your local fruit picking farm for guaranteed edible fun.

An interactive science museum These are generally really engaging for children of different ages

An outdoor adventure centre Something like the Habberley Trail in Kidderminster is ‘days out with the kids’ gold. Think a two mile long obstacle course with obstacles generally suitable for kids of all ages. Places like The Crocky Trail in Cheshire and Nets Adventure at Moors Valley in Dorset are also great. You also can’t beat an adventure playground or splash pad!

Don’t forget to factor in naps, snacks, spare socks and hats, porta-potties and any other contingencies you might need for a successful day out. It’s also sensible to check out parking, pushchair friendliness, baby change, available deals or discount codes in advance. As with most things, good preparation is key.

Find more from Tori JP on Instagram @girlaboutbirmingham

Divide and conquer

Team up

If you are staring a six week summer break with two, three (or more) kids in the face and feeling daunted about how you are going to keep everybody busy and happy, try to find ways in which you can spend time with just one or two of the children at a time. Can you still take advantage of your little ones’ nursery days to do activities that are suitable only for the older ones?

There’s no need to go it alone. The chances are that there are many local parents who will be in the same boat as you. There aren’t many things more exciting for kids than playing with another child’s toys, so why not arrange playdates with friends who have children similar ages to yours?

It’s also worth looking for reasonably priced or free clubs provided by local schools and community centres – these have worked well for me. Try your council website and local leisure centres for their offerings too.

Can you allow an older child to go to a movie with friends whilst you take the littlies to see a different film on another screen in the same cinema? Or do playdate swaps with other families?

I’ve found that the weeks are easier when I have a clear plan.

Don’t rule out making a spreadsheet!

Good luck.

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Or perhaps a group picnic to the park? It is definitely ‘the more the merrier’ where the summer holidays are concerned and I find that my children play much more nicely together when they each have a friend their own age present. Find out from your school network who else is looking for holiday activities.

Whilst you’ll probably find that lots of regular groups don’t run during the holidays, some local parent groups do continue to meet. Blaze Trails (www.blazetrails.org.uk) is one group that operates nationwide.

We’ve become accustomed to staying very close to home over the last couple of years but try to reach out again to your network this summer. Remember, it takes a village….

Families Cheshire 13

EDUCATION

How to have an educational holiday

By Jemma Z Smith Holidays are all about swimming, having fun and playing games, all past bedtime, aren’t they? Living in the UK, our ‘big annual holiday’ often takes place in the summer and whether you are jetting off abroad or staying in a tent at home, this break is generally considered to be a time that is free from the demands of school and everything that comes along with it.

What does it mean then to have an educational holiday? Do you have to stay inside and read books all day? Well, no. Holidays can be fun AND educational. You can use these tips to make sure that your child comes back from their summer break knowing a little bit more than they did before.

Get kids involved with planning Whether you are choosing to go to Spain or Salcombe, get your child to look up the location on a map or on Google Earth. They can find out how many kilometres you will travel to get there, how long it will take to drive, walk or fly. This will help them contextualise the place they are visiting, hopefully avoiding the ‘are we nearly there yet?’ questions as well.

Learn a bit of the local language Regardless of where you are travelling to, the locals will have a specific vernacular. Learning hello, goodbye and thank you is not just a way to introduce a new language to your child, it is also a great way to get along with the locals. Discuss any similarities between English and the local language, for example, in French the word for ‘dance’ is ‘danse.’

Take an immersive class If you are travelling to Italy, how about learning how to make pizza or pasta? If you’re on holiday in France, learn how to play boules; in Spain, try a bit of flamenco! It is a great way to celebrate a local culture and learn a new skill; after all, not all learning happens in the classroom.

If you’re holidaying by the beach and your child likes being in the water, consider scuba diving, fishing or surfing tuition.

Waiting games Instead of handing your child your phone when you’re in a queue for an attraction, try some simple word games. See how many words you can think of that are … a type of hat? Trilby, sombrero, cap, bowler! You could even bring along a pocket quiz game to keep you all occupied.

Jemma Zoe Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).

Holidays during term time

Educational travel activities

Let’s face it, it is much cheaper to go on holiday in term time.

However, you must get permission from the Headteacher of your child’s school if you want to take your child out of school.

Otherwise, you risk large fines.

Here are some ideas to keep your kids’ ticking over whilst on holiday.

One way to try to convince the Headteacher to grant permission is to meet with them and outline the ways in which your trip will be educational for your child. It’s completely up to the school whether they agree to grant permission but, if they do, they may ask your children to keep a written diary of their trip or even to access recorded lessons during their absence.

When approaching the Headteacher, try to think as broadly and laterally as you can about the learning opportunities your child may have whilst on holiday. Ensure that you highlight the learning areas with tangible examples - ‘getting a flavour of the culture’ may not cut it.

Take time to consider which activities your child will be doing that lend themselves to maths and English learning.

14 Families Cheshire

Using currency and converting between pounds and local currency; Using a map and scales; Writing letters/postcards home; Writing a scrapbook/keeping a journal.

There are also some longer projects that older kids can embark on and many of these relate to the school curriculum. I use these when I accompany students on their trips as a full-time tutor.

Creating a vlog or website for friends and family; Getting involved with local conservation efforts; Learning about volcanoes or Egyptians by visiting key places and then creating a poster or presentation; Putting together a talk or a short video which will teach the class about the place you’re visiting; Writing a story for kids about the area that you are visiting.

Familiesonline.co.uk

WORK

Home working in the school holidays

By Louise Goss School holidays can be one of the most challenging times for a working parent. Even with organised childcare, holiday clubs and generous offers from grandparents, there are often days when you are trying to meet deadlines while acting as a snack vending machine or being constantly pestered by demands to ‘look at me.’

Here are a few tips to help you cope with the stressors and be as productive as possible.

Prepare in advance Realistically, you probably won’t get as much done on the days your children are home. Knowing and accepting this can immediately lessen the stress and frustration. Ahead of the holidays, if you have time to prepare in advance, you’ll also ease the anxiety over how you’ll manage your workload.

If you have any big projects or deadlines looming, try to get the bulk of the work out of the way so that you’re left with the smaller tasks to complete during the holidays.

Of course, it’s not just managing your own expectations but also those of your customers, colleagues and clients. A good way to prevent misunderstandings about availability is to let clients know you won’t be available for a big order or that deadlines will need to be extended to allow for shorter working days.

You can help emphasise these boundaries for others and keep them firm for yourself by highlighting reduced office hours when you speak to colleagues and in your emails and utilising automated out-of-office email responses.

Fill their cup It can be hard to focus with a child clamouring for your attention.

But by giving your child the right kind of quality time, they are often more accepting when you need to step away to work. I often find when I am very present and engaged with my children for a short time, they are satisfied and happy to then play alone for a while, freeing me up to work in peace.

Getting them set up with a game or started with some Lego building are great ways to give them your time and then allow

you to step away.

Communication is key Communicate with your team. Be transparent about your situation and capacity. Explore flexible working options.

Setting boundaries is important when you are trying to work with other family members around.

Communicating to children and partners when you are and are not available can prevent any misunderstandings or resentment.

Younger children hear the word ‘no’ a lot, so a more positive way of asking them to be patient is to give them something to look forward to after you’ve finished your work, whether it is the collage you’ll make together or a den you’ll build.

Ask for help Don’t forget or be afraid to ask for help. We can often feel guilty or that we have failed in some way if we don’t manage everything. However, asking for help is a sensible way to relieve stress and maintain some balance.

Older children and other family members may be able to help with housework or babysitting. You could even organise a swap with a fellow working parent to look after each other’s children a couple of times a week, allowing you each to work on your childfree days.

Louise Goss is a journalist and the Founder of The Homeworker magazine (www.thehomeworker.com) which supports people who work from home and remotely.

Use your pockets of time

Skew your day

If you have flexibility and can organise your days as you need them, allocate tasks according to the different lengths of time you have available in your day. For instance, during nap time, tv time, snack time or minutes when the kids are playing a game, catch up on emails and admin.

To allow time to spend with your family as well as work, skewing your working day a little is a great way to fit in your hours.

Leave longer tasks for longer pockets of time. It can be helpful to have a list of quick jobs you can do in a spare few minutes.

I often find I can do a couple of hours in the evening or get a couple of hours done first thing because I’m not having to rush around for a school drop off.

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If you have flexible working or work for yourself, adjust your working day to start earlier or finish later.

Families Cheshire 15

CUT  AN OU DK T EE P

Make dairy-free Neapolitan ice cream!

We asked Emily Leary, multi-award-winning food, lifestyle and parenting writer, presenter, photographer and author of A Mummy Too (www.amummytoo.co.uk) to share her delicious, creamy dairy-free Neapolitan ice cream recipe with us.

So the secret ingredient in this wonderfully tasty ice cream is …. banana!

When you freeze sliced bananas and then blitz them in your blender or powerful food processor, the banana eventually turns into a silky, creamy ice cream which can be flavoured with vanilla, cocoa and frozen strawberries to create gorgeous Neapolitan ice cream. Freeze in a container to create that classic Neapolitan look.

Instructions Ingredients

Step 1 Grab a non-stick tray that will sit flat in your freezer.

In a single layer, add the banana slices to the tray with the strawberries to one side. It’s okay if the layers overlap a bit, you may just have to break them up once frozen. You may need more than one tray. Then freeze your fruit.

Step 2 Blitz the frozen bananas in a blender. Set the frozen strawberries to one side.

The bananas will look chunky/sandy at first; continue until you have a pale, creamy mixture. If you don’t have a strong blender, blitz in batches. If your bananas won’t blend, let them defrost for five minutes, until softer.

Step 3 Divide the banana mixture between three freezer-safe bowls.

•

6 large bananas (750g peeled weight) sliced into 2cm (3/4 inch) pieces

•

150g (5.3oz) strawberries, hulled and halved

•

1 tsp vanilla extract

•

2 tsp cocoa powder (dutch processed)

Equipment • • • • • • •

Weighing scales Measuring spoons Chopping board Kitchen knife Food processor 3 bowls 1 litre freezer-safe tub with lid

Makes approx. 1 litre of ice cream.

Step 4 Add the vanilla to the first bowl, the cocoa to the second and the strawberries to the third.

Stir well. Pop the third bowl with the strawberries and banana back into the blender and blitz until smooth. You now have your three flavours.

16 Families Cheshire

Step 5 Your ice cream may have become quite loose, which can make sectioning it in the container tricky. If necessary, cover all three bowls and firm back up by freezing for an hour.

Step 6 Once the three flavours are firm enough to hold their shape, transfer into a 1 litre tupperware container in the traditional Neapolitan pattern. Pop on the lid and freeze for another hour, or until firm enough to scoop.

Enjoy!

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