Families Chiltern - July/August 2023

Welcome

Summer is finally here! And if you haven’t started planning fun things to do during the long summer school holidays, now is your chance.

We have loads of fabulous ‘boredom busting’ ideas to keep the kids busymany are low cost, free and educational! Find a new summer camp or day out. Check out fun Forest School activities to do outdoors or let the kids in the kitchen to make some simple family meals.

There’s loads of inspiration for family fun on your doorstep in our What’s On guide. Have a great summer!

Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children ages 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their Challenge certificate and medal.

The theme for this year is Ready, Set, Read! and the Challenge is being delivered in partnership with national children’s charity, The Youth Sport Trust and public libraries. This year, the Challenge aims to keep children’s minds and bodies active over the summer break, empowering young people to forge new connections with others and unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading.

The Challenge launched in libraries in England on 24th June and will continue through September. More information at: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Let kids play outside to balance screen time

If you have young children, you may be worried about how much time they spend staring at a screen and wonder whether there’s anything you can do to balance out any negative effects.

New research from Japan has found that although more screen time at 2 years of age is associated with poorer communication and daily living skills at age 4, time spent playing outdoors can reduce these effects on daily living skills by almost 20%. The researchers also found that socialisation was better in 4-year-olds who had spent more time playing outside when they were age 2. The results indicate that even if screen time is relatively high, encouraging more outdoor play time might help to keep kids healthy and developing appropriately. More info: < https://bit.ly/ScreenTimeOutdoorPlay

Exciting stories at the Festival of Archaeology

The UK’s biggest archaeological event, the Festival of Archaeology, will be running from 15th to 30th July and this year’s theme is Archaeology and Creativity.

Archaeology is about storytelling and archaeologists use creative practices such as art, music, creative writing, poetry and theatre to bring to life the material we uncover and the stories of the places and people around us. Through nationwide digital and on-site events, archaeological experts will help families discover how their local landscape has changed and shaped to become what it is now, as well as discover exciting stories about their local community.

Join educational guided walks, listen to talks, get involved with exciting archaeological excavations, or join digitally online through social media and discover more about your local area.

More info: < archaeologyuk. org/festival

New app to help fill the empty shelves of local food banks

With food prices rising and food banks struggling to meet demand, a new app has been lauched to help make a difference. BanktheFood connects you with your local food bank. Whenever the food bank runs low on essentials, the app sends you a list of their most needed items.

But that’s not all - the app also sends you an urgent list of needed items when you arrive at the local supermarket, so you can easily pick up a few extra items to donate before you even reach the checkout. Over 34,000 people are already using BanktheFood, helping 350 food banks in communities across the UK. Download it from their website, (bankthefood.org), the AppStore or Google Play.

British Museum launches free Young Friends scheme

Young Friends Membership from the British Museum is now available for all families across the UK to join for free. The scheme invites young people with curious minds to become enthralled and inspired by history and archaeology. It provides the opportunity for the family to learn and get involved, both at the Museum and remotely.

Offering fun ways for the family to get involved with the Museum, both onsite and from the comfort of your own home, elements include:

Bi-weekly emails packed full of activities such as trails, quizzes and craft activities; Details of family events across the Museum; Pre-booking for the Museum’s famous sleepovers; Digital copies of Remus magazine three times a year and access to the full archive.

To sign up to the Young Friends scheme visit: < britishmuseum.org/membership/young-friends

Take nature’s pulse - join the Big Butterfly Count

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey which helps to assess the health of our environment by counting the amount and type of butterflies we see. This year, the world’s biggest survey of butterflies will take place from Friday, 14th July until Sunday, 6th August.

Everyone can take part. All you have to do is spend fifteen minutes in an outdoor space on a sunny day (including anywhere urban, not just green places and gardens.) Count the types and the number of butterflies, as well as some day-flying moths that you can see. The results will help to identify where conservation action is needed most. The data is used to identify important trends in species that assists in planning how to protect butterflies from extinction and understand the effect of climate change on wildlife.

More info: < bigbutterflycount.org

New social action platform inspires young changemakers

A new generation of change-makers is being inspired to change the world with the launch of a new social action platform for school children.

SuperKind is a not-for-profit education and social action platform. The aim of the platform is to educate, inspire and empower children and young people to become change-makers and start a lifelong commitment to charitable activities.

The social change platform was set up by husband and wife, Keren Mitchell and Natasha Freeman. They were inspired by how their own children loved taking action to address the big problems that mattered to them but realised not all children were able to access the information and tools to be empowered in this way.

SuperKind has partnered with more than forty charities, including WWF, Shelter and The Trussell Trust. Its education packs are already being used in a number of schools. More at: < superkind.org

Summer Boredom Busters

hands-on science exhibits that demonstrates the basic mechanics that make them work. There’s lots more hands-on fun in the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery where you will find exhibits inspired by Roald Dahl’s wonderful children’s stories. There’s a café, shop and garden too! For more information, opening times and ticket prices visit: discoverbucksmuseum.org

In July and August, bring the whole family for a jam-packed day out at Waddesdon. Throughout the school holidays, enjoy a range of fun activities included with your admission ticket to their Summer of Play. Get active playing rounders, have the chance to hold a bird of prey, learn how to juggle, listen to storytelling and much more! New for 2023, pick up a delicious soft serve ice cream from the Woodland Takeaway or head to the Stables and tuck into homemade pizza. For something extra special, book tickets for one of their family theatre shows or spend the day at the ever-popular Chilli Fest. Chilli Fest runs from 1 – 3 September and, this year, the Friday is focused on family fun. Titan the Robot, who was featured on Britain’s Got Talent, will be performing and it’s sure to be a favourite! Find out more at: waddesdon.org.uk/summer-holidays

This summer Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury is hosting a wonderfully humorous, hands-on exhibition combining art, science and engineering which will delight visitors of all ages. Mechanics Alive! celebrates the fascinating world of automata (beautifully hand-crafted mechanical sculptures) and displays them alongside

Step back in time at Chiltern Open Air Museum. They have a jam-packed schedule of events this summer. Every Tuesday in August is a Terrific Tuesday with themed family crafts, activities and hands on clay. There are historical reenactments every weekend throughout August including Tudors, Victorians and Vikings. There’s lots to explore on the 45-acre site such as the new adventure playground, a working farm with sheep, cows, goats and chickens, gardens and lots of old buildings to go inside such as a 1940’s post-war home, Iron Age roundhouse, a cottage built from earth and a furniture factory. Visit: coam.org.uk for full details.

Head to Missenden Abbey in Great Missenden on Sunday 16th July for their annual Summer Fair.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and entertainment including tombola, crafts and gifts stalls, food, kids rides and inflatables, live music and dancing, facepainting a spitfire flyover and much more! Book your tickets online: missendenabbey.co.uk

Join the education team for a Summer Family Nature Day at Amersham Field Centre on Wednesday 26th July. Explore the grounds, look for wildlife, follow the nature trail to find the clues and make some nature crafts. Discover what lives beneath the surface of the pond by doing some pond dipping. This is an event for families with children of any age, 10.30am-3pm. To book, call: 01306 734501 or email: enquiries.am@fieldstudies-council.org. More dates and nature activities will be confirmed soon, please see their website for more dates and events: field-studies-council.org

Children’s drama school Perform is hosting London’s first ever children’s theatre festival this summer in Coram’s Fields, Bloomsbury. This six-week festival features professional actors

across four musicals, two of which are original productions. Shows run daily from 22nd July to 28th August. The line-up includes The Three Billy Goats Gruff, a smash hit musical adventure for 2-7 year olds. For 3-8 year olds, Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! will be staged, based on Mo Willems’ wonderful books. Perform’s brandnew Caribbean adventure, Mermaids & Pirates, will be presented for ages 4-11. Finally, for ages 7-14, another original show from Perform, The Dream, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, rebooted for a new generation. As well as these four fantastic musicals for children aged 2-14, there are special guest evening events for teens plus a charming all-day café and, of course, all the usual child-centred delights of Coram’s Fields. Tickets start at £14.50. Visit performinthepark.uk for more information and to book tickets.

Brilli-ANT: How someone small changed a big story. A new immersive exhibition at The Story Museum in Oxford takes you inside the world of an anthill to find out what happened next after Aesop’s Fable of the Ant and the Grasshopper. Whilst the Grasshopper sang his songs, the ants stored up their supplies for winter but now climate change is threatening their ordered world. Brilli-ANT is designed to give children practical ways to tackle climate change in an engaging and thoughtprovoking way, without making them feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. There are also Story Explorer workshops throughout the summer plus two LEGO master builder events in August. For more information and to book visit storymuseum.org.uk

Waddesdon JunkYard Orchestra

(c) Waddesdon. Photo by Chris Lacey

Discover Bucks Cabaret Mechanical Theatre & Science Projects

Make it a summer to remember with our guide to the best local events.

Ant Peep Hole at the Brilli-ANT exhibition

Join in the Big Friendly Summer at the Roald Dahl Museum. There’s a huge range of BFG themed events and activities between Thursday 20th July and Sunday 3rd September, including BFG story-telling, arts and crafts such as ‘Build a BFG’, ‘Clay Snozzcumbers’ and ‘Create a Dream Jar.’

From Friday 28th to Sunday 30th July, Waterperry Festival are bringing their much-celebrated musical rendition of Revolting Rhymes to the Museum’s courtyard. On 3rd, 17th and 31st August, stretch your legs and explore the picture-perfect village of Great Missenden, the place that inspired so many of the stories. Follow in the BFG’s footsteps as you walk up the High Street, take a peek at the building that inspired Sophie’s orphanage and take a peek at Giant Country. To book,

Odds Farm Park near Beaconsfield turns up the heat with a Festival of Fun this summer.

The Festival of Fun kicks off on Saturday 22th July and runs through until Sunday 3rd September. There’s a fun-filled line up ready for guests including live entertainment, summer games and carnival-themed crafts every day during school holidays. Daily discos, outdoor summer games and plenty of ice cream to cool down in the warm weather. Visitors can also make a splash in the H2Odds water play area this summer. With over 500 square metres of water play, children can work together to move water through a series of pumps, channels, rivulets, wheels and gates across 80 metres of channels, streams and pools. And with two donkey foals and seven calves born in May this year, there will be plenty of baby animals too. To book, visit: oddsfarm.co.uk

Tring Natural History Museum is home to over 4,900 specimens, spread over six galleries. Book a Man and the Museum Tour and discover the history of Walter Rothschild and the stories behind the specimens at Tring. Tactile Explorer events provide blind and partially sighted children with the opportunity to get hands on with real Museum specimens. From 25th July to 31st August uncover the fascinating world of insects and discover what makes them so unique. On 2nd August discover, handle, create and identify fossils at the Fossil Fascination event. Entry to the museum is free but it’s recommended to pre-book your ticket which visitors can do online at: nhm.ac.uk.

Based largely in a medieval hall house, Amersham Museum explores life in the town in 1580, 1775, 1892, 1939 and 1964. Sit at the Tudor dinner table, relax in the 1930’s living room, or listen to stories in Ron Haddock’s 1960’s record shop. Visit the changing exhibition programme, join a guided walk, take part in an activity session, or wander through a medicinal herb garden. For opening times, visit: amershammuseum.org

For more summer holiday ideas, see What’s On from page 26.

Festival of Fun at

Family Fun

Days Out J u n i o r R e p o r t e r s

Bekonscot

By Minnie

It really IS a small world after all! On the last day of spring, my sisters, my brother, my mummy and I all visited a fantastic model village - Bekonscot in Beaconsfield. Even though the next day was the first of June, it was a crisp grey sort of day. However, I still had my hopes up, because I was excited to visit Bekonscot and its miniature railway, the oldest model village of its kind.

As I walked into the queue for the mini railway, I felt my insides bubble with excitement. We eagerly boarded the train and... full steam ahead! The train ride was short and sweet, showing us some highlights of Bekonscot. I liked the miniature hill with white lettering on it that read “Bekonscot”, mimicking Hollywood.

After the train, my family and I entered the tiny world of the model village. It was like stepping into the 1930’s! Miniature ladies in headscarves and bonnets were doing their daily chores, children playing lacrosse and rugby in old fashioned schools were cheering by our feet, and old men were raising glasses and laughing in tiny pubs. There was even a zoo, complete with monkeys, elephants, and slides for the penguins. Although all were great, my favourite section was the circus. It had music, acrobats doing trapeze and animals performing tricks.

After observing the village, we decided to get a drink to warm up. We all had a silky hot chocolate. It was delicious, and still warms me up to think about it! There was a selection of hot food as well, and a lovely looking ice cream stand.

Before leaving we made a quick trip to the toy room, where a large variety of oldfashioned toys were available to play with. My baby brother loved the train set!

Overall, our trip to Bekonscot was thoroughly enjoyable and I just hope we visit again soon.

Odds Farm

Park

Hi, my name is Andrea, and we went to Odds Farm.

First, we fed goats and sheep. Their tongues were very tickly! Then we went in a water park. In the water park there was a wheel that turned round and round and a big puddle that was really deep and covered my whole foot.

Next, we went on mini rovers. They are small cars that you can drive on a bumpy road. They were my favourite part! I was so good my little brother asked me to drive his. When we finished driving, we got a medal. We went in a big park with a tunnel slide, tire swings and a hill with a tunnel underneath it. There was also an indoor soft play, but the weather was so nice that we didn’t get to see it. We went on a tractor ride. The person who drives the tractor says lots of facts. This is one of them: ‘On the 19th of May 2023, twin calves were born.’

We also got an ice cream with sauce that made it taste better than ever. I loved visiting odds farm and can’t wait to go back!

Rushmere Country Park

By Lily

One of my favourite things to do is climb trees and so I was very excited to try out a new place - Rushmere Country Park! A friend recommended it to my Mum as we’d never been before. They knew it really well and gave us lots of tips.

When we first got there, we found there was a cafe. If you went through the cafe, they had a bird watching area set up, we got to see baby birds in their nest.

There was also an area for ice creams, but we had to wait until after our walk for those!

First, we played in the big field, there were some small trees to climb and loads of sticks to use as a wizard’s staff! We went for a walk on the fairy trail and then my Mum took us on a really, long walk but it was lots of fun. There is a pretty lake where we saw lots of birds, ducks and squirrels. It was a long walk back up the hill after.

If your child would like to write a review in an upcoming issue, please email: editor@familieschiltern.com

Back near the fairy doors were loads of trees for climbing and making dens. My brother climbed a tree and pretended to be a sloth! The fairy doors and tree climbing were my favourite parts of the day. It was like an adventure! I’ve already asked my Mum if we can go back soon.

Days Out Reviews

Tiggywinkles Visitor Centre

Tiggywinkles is often suggested as the best place to go whenever finding abandoned or injured animals. Recently, I made the lovely discovery that Tiggywinkles houses a visitor centre and welcomes animal lovers such as ourselves to explore it. My eldest is especially enthusiastic about supporting wildlife and, from the moment we stepped inside, he started eagerly asking questions.

There’s a real sense of pride as you enter. Having started from very humble beginnings, it has truly earned its great reputation. There’s a sense of peace and purpose throughout the place; from rescued baby animals that are being looked after with lieu to release into the wild, to veteran animals who cannot be released and call it their home. We were lucky enough to attend the hedgehog and baby animal talks, which were fascinating and brilliantly delivered by friendly staff. Since visiting, I’ve personally recommended Tiggywinkles to several friends as I believe it’s a very worthwhile family day out. sttiggywinkles.org.uk

Location: Haddenham, HP17 8AF. Note: Tickets can be purchased on the door, adults £5.10, children £3.20.

Langleybury Children’s farm

We enjoyed a very lovely and lazy Sunday afternoon at Langleybury Children’s Farm, it was a welcome treat to the end of a busy half term. The atmosphere was very relaxing and while the farm itself isn’t big, it had plenty to entertain us for the 2.5-hour session. Boasting a large children’s play area with café and picnic tables, there’s no shortage of equipment for all ages. Our first focus was the farm and we followed the one-way system past a variety of animals on more than one occasion. Each of us had our favourite animal to feed, all of which were curious and lively. Some small baby lambs, goats and calves were a firm favourite. The regal owls, rescued by the farm, were also a big hit, as were the tortoises.

You can buy food from the café area for each of the animals. The kids liked trying to feed the animals, but opted for squealing and watching while us adults reaped the benefits.

Location: Kings Langley, WD4 8RN. Note: Sessions are morning or afternoon most weekends and holidays. Check the website for accurate date information and to book in advance. Tickets are £5.25 for everyone over 1 year old. langleyburychildrensfarm.org.uk

By Claire Lockie Williams

Denham Country Park

Despite once having an annual car parking pass to the three Country Parks (Black/Denham/ Langley), somehow Denham passed me by until recently. This is a shame as, for my family, it is far more suited and its car park is conveniently located within a few minutes walk of the visitor’s centre, play area, woods and river. The boys loved exploring a plethora of amazing climbing trees, challenging each other and shouting down to us. Even the adults enjoyed a good climb! There was den building too, which we sadly missed, but hope to visit next time. The play area, fully enclosed, was a big hit with numerous climbing frames and a sandpit. A river section was flagged off, allowing a perfect area for river dipping and the older boys spent a good hour diligently working on catching and studying creatures before releasing them. We will definitely be returning soon.

Location: Uxbridge, UB9 5PG. Note: Parking charges apply all year, start at £3.80 for 3 hours though an annual permit can be procured for all three country parks. countryparks.buckscc.gov.uk/denham

London Transport Museum

My youngest son is a big train and bus fan, so excitement was at a high just getting to the Museum by underground. Deep within Covent Garden, the museum itself is the perfect place to feed and nurture such enthusiasm. There’s a wealth of information, some interactive screens and demonstrative boards, but the real highlight is the authentic showcases. The vintage horse drawn bus carriages, the old trains and buses which let eager visitors climb into them and the ‘secrets of the underground’.

It’s a fascinating view of transport through the ages, pulling you into the past and hinting at the possible future. We were lucky enough to have been able to explore it twice–as a family we enjoyed a full day moving around the exhibits and although my second trip was only for a few hours, it was just as fun as the first, with the toddlers gleefully investigating and grumping when we had to finally leave.

Location: Covent Garden,WC2E 7BB. LTMuseum.co.uk Notes: Tickets are annual passes (£24 adult, kids free), with timed entry. Booking suggested, especially at peak times.

Explore top family beaches in UK

By Andrew Campbell

Pack the buckets, spades and picnic gear and head to one of these gorgeous beaches for an old-fashioned family day out. Each of the beaches in our list received a 2022 Blue Flag Award, international recognition of excellent water quality and safety and have seasonal lifeguard services alongside parking, toilets and food outlets.

Woolacombe, North Devon

The three mile sandy beach is popular with families looking for a traditional seaside experience. There’s a surf school, kayaking, kitesurfing and walking trails. Rockpools, burrows, a fun theme park, ice-cream kiosks, eateries and public toilets are nearby. Three large car parks offer space for three thousand cars.

A Victorian seaside resort with an iconic pier and a mix of sand and shingle, the town maintains much of its original charm. Popular activities include building sandcastles, swimming, water sports and rock pooling at low tide. Beach facilities include toilets, shops, food stands and a cliff top car park with beach access.

Cromer, Norfolk Scarborough North Bay, Yorkshire

Despite its popularity, this quintessential British seaside resort has retained much of its charm. The North Bay beach is quieter than neighbouring South Bay. The long, sandy beach is backed by sea defences, an esplanade, hills and cliffs. Brightly coloured beach huts are available to hire with crazy golf, surfing and toilets on offer. Parking is a short walk from the beach.

Burntisland Beach, Fife

Southwold, Suffolk

With its colourful beach huts, pier, lighthouse, model boating pond, shingle beach and beach groynes, Southwold offers plenty of oldfashioned seaside charm. The recently refurbished pier has loads of attractions and amenities including toilets. The beach is a quick walk to the town centre and a short promenade to the harbour area. A large car park is nearby.

St Ives, Cornwall

St Ives boasts six sandy beaches close to its bustling centre but Porthmeor is arguably the premier for older children who can enjoy the waves, alongside a beachside cafe and toilets. For younger children, Porthgwidden offers a sheltered sun trap with calmer waters, cafe and toilets but has no lifeguard service. Limited parking is available for both. Consider parking in St Erth and taking the short and spectacular train ride to St Ives.

Llangrannog Beach, Wales

A family-friendly ‘village beach,’ this sheltered sandy bay offers a great selection of traditional pub food, cafes or home-made ice cream. As well as being ideal for all the usual seaside activities, the beach is popular for water sports, including surfing and for viewing dolphins out at sea. Parking and ‘park and ride’ available and toilets in the village.

Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire

A traditional seaside holiday resort with long, firm, flat golden sand beaches and donkey rides, funfair, paddle boating, crazy golf, bicycle hire and more. Events are held regularly, including sandcastle contests, fireworks, bike racing and illuminations switch-on. The promenade has cafés, toilets and beach supplies. Car park runs parallel to the beach.

The stretch of sand and rock beach overlooking the Firth of Forth has loads to appeal to families. When you tire of sandcastle building, there are rockpools to explore; and a short stroll away, the Seaside Park has crazy golf, bouncy castle and an annual summer fairground. Amenities include toilets and picnic tables, with parking for 500 cars.

Are we there yet?

By Tanith Carey

Four of the most dreaded words for parents in the English language are: ‘Are we there yet?’

Recent research has found that children will ask this question just over half an hour into a car journey and repeat it four times during the average two hour car trip.

However, when you look at long car journeys from a child’s point of view, should we really be surprised?

For one thing, for young children, hours and minutes have little concrete meaning until they reach about age 7. After that it will still take many more years for kids to develop their impulse control and ability to wait.

You can help your kids understand the length of the journey with more solid physical markers, such as: ‘We’ll be there after we have our next snack,’ or ‘When the fields turn into a town again.’

Before you set off, look out for places to stop - parks, service stations or playgrounds along the way. Build in short exercise breaks at these places to mark your progress in stages.

Journeys will also pass more quickly if we reframe how we view them. Rather than an ordeal to be endured, see them as a chance to spend uninterrupted time with the children where the journey is part of the fun.

Liven things up by downloading a ready-made picture car bingo game, so kids can cross off a square every time they see something like a police car, a bridge or a tractor.

Asking your child what they would like to bring with them to help the time pass will help them feel more in control;

suggest they put together their ‘journey kit’ in a bag to hang on the back of your seat. It helps to also have a few novelties that you can produce at different stages of the journey too.

For younger kids try window wax crayons and stickers they can use to decorate the windows. For older ones, be ready with a pair of binoculars or a compass so they can track your progress and appreciate what they are seeing. By appreciating where your child is at developmentally, you can make journeys more pleasant for the whole family.

Tanith Carey is co-author, with Dr Angharad Rudkin, of What’s My Child Thinking: Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents. The book includes many topics including the best ways to communicate with children.

Published by DK books and available from bookshop.org

Summer in the Alps

The Alps may be an obvious destination for the ski season, but how about a summer visit? Summer offers enough green (the mountains) and blue (the sky) to set you up for the whole year - and plenty of fresh air to fill your families’ lungs.

With reasonably priced flights from London airports to Geneva then a short drive to Morzine, there is a warm welcome waiting from Paul and Francesca Eyre at Chilly Powder. With the main chalet - Au Coin du Feuplus two chalets next door, you can organise your own meals, or join the party at ‘Au Coin du Feu’ for dinners that you usually only dream of. Family friendly early evening meals for the children and a daytime crèche for little ones not quite as active as you, with drinks in the bar for the grown ups – or in the jacuzzi on the terrace – Paul and Francesca will make you wish that this was home!

For more about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter visit < chillypowder.com and more about summer in Morzine visit < morzine-avoriaz.com/ activites-de-plein-air-ete.html

Become

Would you like to host and teach English to a foreign student in your home ?

We are currently recruiting hosts who can offer a spare bedroom, 3 meals per day and the required lessons and activities

You choose when to host and who to host !

Payment from £500 to £800 per week

Get in touch to find out more: Influentme.com

What the new childcare proposals mean for you

By Anna Letouze

There was good news for parents in this year’s Spring Budget when it was announced that the government will be extending funded childcare. This funding extension will mean that by September 2025 working parents of children over nine months and up to five years will be entitled to thirty hours of free childcare per week.

As any working parent knows, paying for childcare before the existing funding for three-year-olds kicks in can be financially crippling. That the government acknowledges this struggle is a big step forward for families.

This policy has the power to help more parents back to work and improve the quality of family life with increased income. However, it’s important to acknowledge that when you look more closely at the policy, there is a risk that it could potentially exacerbate existing issues in the childcare system.

Unfortunately, the childcare system has not received full government funding to support the ‘free’ childcare places for children ages 2 to 4 that it introduced some years ago. In response, nurseries have had no option but to increase fees to meet the shortfall, resulting in the cost of childcare increasing for many parents.

Simultaneously, the running costs for childcare providers have skyrocketed and they have been closing en masse; over five thousand in the past year alone.

Again, funding for the government’s ambitious new plans for children ages 1 and 2 is estimated by the CBI to be half of what it will cost to implement, which will likely result in more closures, more competition and higher fees. Currently, the maths just doesn’t add up.

From April 2024, all 2-year-olds will be eligible for fifteen hours of free childcare. From 2025, children aged nine months and above will be eligible for thirty free hours.

The reason for the delay is that the dwindling number of providers couldn’t cope with a sudden increase in demand.

Even with the longer lead time, many providers still won’t be able to afford to offer the required places. This may leave some parents in the same situation of not being able to access their entitlement.

If your child is going to be eligible for free hours under the proposed changes, get ahead now and check with your local providers to ask whether they are going to be offering free hours for 2-year-olds. If they are, you may need to put your child on a waiting list because, as things stand, there may be a lot of competition for places.

In the meantime, there are other things you can do to lighten the load. First, make sure you’re claiming all the benefits you’re eligible for. If you are a working parent and not currently claiming financial support, start with the government’s online benefits calculator at www.gov.uk.

It’s also worth researching any other sources of support you may be able to access. The Cost of Living Support on the Working Families website (workingfamilies.org.uk) is a good start point.

You could also consider requesting flexible working. Everyone has the right to make a request once in a role for twenty-six weeks.

Currently employers are not obliged to consider it, so prepare the groundwork to put forward a strong case. Head to the Working Families website for advice and free resources on the best way to make a request.

Anna Letouze writes on behalf of Working Families (workingfamilies.org.uk), the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers.

When you have just been crowned

outstanding

Quality childcare tailored for every child’s needs.

• Recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted

• Experienced, highly qualified staff

• Garden and covered outdoor play areas

• Forest School, Zumba, Yoga, Community Outreach activities and more

• 5-Star rated on-site kitchen, for all dietary requirements

• Open Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 6.00pm

As it says in our recent Ofsted report ‘Children flourish and thrive at our warm and homely nursery, with personal care routines closely mirrored to those at home’.

Our beautifully refurbished, family-run Victorian home has a wonderful, calm atmosphere, where our team of expert staff creates a caring and secure environment that encourages and supports children to achieve their full potential. Our kitchen uses locally sourced ingredients to create fresh, healthy and tasty meals on site, with all dietary requirements easily met - just like home.

Outside, in addition to our secure well equipped play area, we run the forest school - one of a wide range of activities we provide. It focusses on learning about and experiencing the natural world, inspiring each child to flourish and thrive.

To find out more about our outstanding nursery, call 01442 891818 or email us at info@heirsandgracestring.co.uk

Everyone is welcome.

Heirs & Graces Day Nursery Florence House, 2 Christchurch Road, Tring, Herts HP23 4EE

Six great Forest School activities for kids

By Naomi Walmsley

We all know kids are ‘better’ when they are outside. They can burn energy, get back to basics, connect with nature. Interacting with nature offers space for creative play and learning and often offers lessons that can last a lifetime. Nature is a playground, a classroom for the curious and an opportunity to connect with our natural world. But sometimes given such a big empty canvas of a space, kids need a little inspiration to get them going. Here are six ideas from my new book.

Make a simple Stone Age tool

Find a thin sheet of slate. Place the slate on a hard surface and break off bits you don’t want with a round, heavy stone. Make a triangular arrow shape and rub back and forwards to smooth it using sandstone, any rough rock or rough outdoor surface (even a brick wall will do). Hey presto! Your very own simple stone tool.

Become a mud detective!

Mark out a sticky, muddy area (or area of loose dirt) with sticks about three by two feet. One person turns away whilst the other hops, skips and jumps through the pit. Now guess how they moved through by looking closely at their tracks.

Camouflage your hand

It’s all about blending in. Place your hand on a tree or at the base of it. Take away the shine using charcoal, add mud to change the colour. Sprinkle on some woodland mulch or stick on some tiny sticks and moss or bits of bark to add texture.

4 2 3 Education

Nature is a rainbow

You’ll be amazed how many different colours you can see when you start to look. Pick up a free colour chart from a hardware or DIY shop. Head out to the park or forest or even into a town to see which natural things match the colours on your chart.

5 6

Conkers are a great resource

Amersham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross & Marlow

E: amersham@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01494 716861

Aylesbury, High Wycombe & Tring

E: aylesbury@monkeymusic.co.uk T: 01494 819138

Sharing precious time together

Make a goblin or toy village

Imagine a family of tiny goblins or take your favourite toy out with you. Find places that have interesting characteristics, a hole in a tree, creeping roots etc. Add leaves on sticks for miniature trees, pebbles for bridges, moss for rooves and make mini shelters big enough for your imaginary guests or small teddies.

Forest School Handbook by Naomi Walmsley & Dan Westall is an essential item for the backpack, whatever your age or adventure! GMC Publications, RRP £14.99, available online and from all good bookshops.

Help your child with school transition

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

While moving to a new class or school can be challenging for kids, most adapt to changes within the first few weeks as routines are established and new friendships formed. Preparation is a key component which can make a huge difference to the readiness of your child.

Encourage open communication

Open communication is essential in helping children express their worries and concerns. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings and validate their emotions. Set aside dedicated time and spaces for these conversations. This can be as simple as the walk or drive home from school or over a snack at the end of the day.

Develop problem solving skills

Encourage your child to identify potential challenges and discuss possible solutions together. This will help them feel more prepared while developing their own problemsolving skills. Encourage your child to be open to new experiences, emphasising the importance of adaptability in overcoming challenges.

Model resilience

By modelling resilience you provide a powerful example for your child to follow, helping them develop the emotional strength needed to adapt to new experiences. Give examples of your own coping strategies, taking care to maintain a positive spin. Show your child that change is a natural part of life and discuss the exciting opportunities that the new academic year will bring.

Emphasise the importance of self-care

Establish healthy routines including regular sleep, exercise and healthy eating. Encourage participation in a range of out of school activities that they enjoy. This will help them better manage their own stress and maintain a positive outlook during times of change.

Celebrate success

Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements and milestones during transition. Praising their ability to overcome challenges boosts confidence. Keep the open communication going so it becomes a habit. Children need to know you will always be behind them through and beyond their teens. Remain patient and understanding as each child’s experience is unique and developing emotional resilience takes time and practise.

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

Starting primary school

Starting primary school can be an exciting yet daunting new chapter for you and your child. The most useful thing you can do is prepare them ahead of their first day:

Practise getting dressed, using the toilet, opening a lunchbox, using cutlery.

Play games which involve turn taking and social skills.

Help your child recognise their name so they can keep track of clothes and find their peg.

Acknowledge your own feelings and anxieties. This is the start of your child’s journey away from you and that can be challenging. Recognise this is normal but try to keep those emotions away from your child.

Talk about your child’s day, emphasising the positive but be ready to help them with any worries they might express. Make time to talk and listen.

Expect teething troubles and always speak to the teacher if you have particular concerns.

Transition to secondary

Moving up to secondary school is an exciting milestone involving significant changes. It’s a lot to go from being the oldest to the youngest. To manage this rite of passage: Talk to your child about how they are feeling and the differences that they will experience.

Focus on exciting opportunities eg new friends and activities.

Encourage age-appropriate independence to prepare them for more responsibility.

Familiarity is a comfort. Look at the school website together, practise the journey, reach out to make new friends.

Encourage preparation. If your child has all their equipment/uniform/books ready every day this will help the school day run more smoothly.

Keep your own worries under wraps.

Discuss phone use and online safety. Set digital boundaries and stick to them regardless of peer pressure.

Preventing summer brain drain

By Jemma Z Smith

Summer holidays are fabulous but all too often the return to school in September can come as a bit of a shock to the system. How do you spell that word again? What’s that fractions rule? The feeling of forgetting everything is really common (for adults too!).

Here are some fun activities you can do over the long summer break to keep everyone’s minds in tip top condition and just as sharp as in term time.

Times table bingo

This can be a really good way of practising your times tables. There are lots of free and downloadable resources out there but essentially all you need is paper, pencils and perhaps a times table square that you can refer to.

While you’re in the maths zone, try making up dice games. For example, start with three or more dice and set challenges: can you roll a number higher than… an even number, a prime number or a number in a certain times table. The possibilities are endless. Assign points to the winner and make it as competitive as you wish!

Kim’s game

Looking for a school to bring out the very best in your child?

Known for its bespoke, nurturing style and brilliant academic results, Gateway School is a non-selective co-educational independent school for children aged 2-11.

We would love to show you all that Gateway School can offer you and your family. Call Helen on 01494 867806 or scan the QR code to find out more.

Story stones

This is a lovely, artistic way of keeping the kids’ imaginations and creativity firing. Firstly, you need to go on a walk and find some smooth pebbles suitable for painting on. The idea is then that each stone is used to paint a different section of a story. Acrylic paint or permanent markers are the best to decorate stones. The kids can even act out the story later.

Lights, camera, action!

Feeling dramatic? Encourage the kids to become a news broadcaster for the day! They can take on the role of a character and choose something that they want to talk about. Will it be scary or funny? Who will be the interviewee, the director, camera person and lighting technician? Then, of course, they will need to prepare a timed script and practise speaking clearly in front of an

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel,

Combining activities

Turn a long walk into a treasure hunt. There are lots of downloadable online activities or you could make your own. Ideas include finding items which begin with a certain letter, a particular shape or colour.

Rainy days call for some baking – and some maths too! Can your child work out the correct ingredient amounts for a delicious recipe? How much more is needed to halve or double the number of buns?

Going on holiday? There are always lots of anagrams, sudoku puzzles and crosswords which will make long car journeys go much more quickly. These can be especially helpful for 11+ practice as they help to build up a rich vocabulary, help with verbal reasoning type activities and keep maths skills strong.

Don’t forget board games. Counting steps on a board, rolling doubles, working with money in Monopoly and keeping score all keep children’s maths brains sharp. Filling a Scrabble board exercises word skills. Just make sure you have some good snacks at the ready to keep everyone happy when the competition gets fierce!

Clubs, Classes & Activities

Are you looking for a new activity for your children to try? Or perhaps they have a keen interest in music, sport or performing? Whatever their hobbies, we have a great choice of local clubs and classes to suit everyone.

When you call, please don’t forget to say you saw them in Families Chiltern magazine.

Multisports

Weekend Multisports classes held at Dr Challoner’s High School.

Little Sporties: ages 4 & 5.

Primary Class: ages 6 - 11

Sports Leaders: ages 12 - 16. 18 sports a year plus weekly team building challenges. All enrolments include a two-week trial. Join today at: < multisports.co.uk

Stagecoach

Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4–18 year olds. Ask about their 2-week trial.

Classes in:

Amersham: ☎ 07887 500788. Aylesbury: ☎ 01525 790795. High Wycombe, Henley & Marlow: ☎ 07539 753718.

< stagecoach.co.uk

Total Tutoring

Child in year 4 or 5? 11+ approaching?

Total Tutoring offer after-school classes with expert teachers to develop confidence and academic understanding.

Book online at totaltutoring.co.uk or

☎ 07391 966667

Email: total.tutoring.plus@gmail.com

TOTAL TUTORING

Trapdoor Performing Arts

At TISKA Karate, children and adults alike learn the essentials of etiquette, respect, self discipline, self awareness, confidence, fitness, and self-defence.

Photograph of their youngest Black belt, 8 year old Tyler Yamamoto. Contact: office@tiska.com for further details of your 1 month free trial.

Monkey Music

Award-winning Music classes, 3m-5yrs. Amersham, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross & Marlow E: amersham@monkeymusic. co.uk ☎ 01494 716861

Aylesbury, Aston Clinton, Haddenham, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Tring, & Wendover. E: aylesbury@ monkeymusic.co.uk ☎ 01494 819138 Berkhamsted, Chesham, Hemel & Rickmansworth.

E: berkhamsted.rickmansworth@ monkeymusic.co.uk ☎ 01753 889481 < monkeymusic.co.uk

Step To It Academy

A place where shy children blossom and outgoing children sparkle. They give their students the opportunity to grow and express themselves through weekly dance, drama and singing lessons, exams and performances.

Sign up for a free trial today and see how Step to It can benefit your child.

☎ 07743 065766 < steptoit.co.uk

Acting classes with West End actors and TV professionals. Musical theatre and dance classes also on Saturdays. Act, dance and sing in separate classes for pre-school, infants, juniors and teens across all disciplines. Celebrating 100% pass rate in LAMDA and IDTA examinations year-on-year.

☎ 01494 876487

< trapdoordrama.com

Puddleducks

Carefully structured aqua-natal classes for mums-to-be and swimming lessons from birth to ten years in Aylesbury, Buckingham & Wendover.

Quote ‘Families’ for a FREE taster class.

☎ 01869 226223 < puddleducks.com

Kids Swimming Lessons

Seriously FUN Swimming Schools offer children's swim classes in: Amersham Aylesbury, Gerrards Cross, Wycombe, Maidenhead and Slough. Only 6 per class, £58 per month and 50% off your initial payment with code DISCOUNT50.

Book your swim lessons online at: < seriouslyfun.com

Tiska Karate

The benefits of the performing arts for your child

By PQA

The performing arts is a wide and vibrant industry including theatre, music, dance, film making and more. With its many facets, the performing arts can open up a world of possibility for young people to develop and grow in an environment that is safe and supportive. By providing a platform for creativity, fostering confidence, and promoting a sense of connectedness and community, the performing arts play a vital role in shaping the lives of young people.

Be confident

Confidence is fundamental to a young person’s development; it enables them to have a go, try new things and succeed and fail in a safe environment. The performing arts naturally helps young people build confidence as they practice routines, perform in front of fellow students, family and friends, and receive and act on feedback. All this work culminating in the thrill of performing for an audience, with the knowledge that they have built the skills to create great work.

Be creative

Of course, the performing arts are an outlet for creativity! Whether learning a dance routine, acting in a play, or pitching a film idea, the performing arts gives young people an opportunity to use their imagination and express themselves. Flexing their creative muscles allows young people to think outside the box and find creative solutions

to problems they encounter in their work but also in their everyday lives.

Be connected

There are very few industries that rely on teamwork as much as the performing arts. Whether they are rehearsing, performing, or filming, the performing arts allows young people to connect with others who share their passion. Connecting with their peers, young people form bonds, deepen their empathy, and develop compassion for the world around them.

At The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, we believe that the performing arts can have a huge, positive impact on the lives of young people. Every week, our students learn new skills and make new friends though our three core modules, Comedy & Drama, Film & Television and Musical Theatre. Through our ethos of ‘Be Yourself, Be Amazing’ our students have the confidence to put themselves out there, the creativity to think differently and the community to feel supported whilst doing so.

The lowdown on school holiday camps and workshops

Summer holiday camps, schools and workshops are not only an ideal way to fill in childcare gaps during the long summer break but offer the opportunity for your child to discover a new hobby or take their existing passion to a new level.

Multi-activity day camps

Offering a varied daily programme of sports and creative activities, with each session lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours, multi-activity camps are ideal for children who have a range of interests or have not yet found their ‘thing.’ Some camps offer an astounding range of sports, arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, games and challenges. Generally, camps can be booked for single days, half days and full weeks, including extended hours and multi-week discounts.

Sport/single activity camps or workshops

These intensely focused summer schools offer specialisation. Think a specific sport such as football, gymnastics and cricket, one creative activity such as painting, photography and cooking, a single performing art like drama, musical theatre or dance or an area of STEM such as computer coding, robotics and game design.

Generally operating for two to five hours per day and running for just one day or as a progressive course from a few days to two weeks, these camps or workshops often cater for all ages of children and culminate in staging a performance, playing a competitive game or demonstrating a completed project. For children who have an established interest, single activity camps or workshops offer a valuable opportunity to receive elite coaching and tuition, often from highly qualified or experienced instructors which can result in a significant boost to their existing skill level, confidence and enthusiasm in their chosen endeavour.

For a child curious about an activity, single activity camps or workshops are a great opportunity for an immersive experience which will test their interest and aptitude and for gaining an appreciation of what a regular commitment to weekly term time classes, often run by the same organisation, could offer.

For children who may struggle to find school friends who share their ‘passion,’ activity camps or workshops are a great way to meet ‘like-minded’ peers in their local area.

And for you?

A patchwork of activity camps and/or workshops can be expensive but there is a distinct advantage in that they offer some mainstays of childcare across the summer that simultaneously allow your child to be doing something enjoyable, fulfilling, exciting or unique.

The benefits of residential camps

A residential summer camp may feel daunting for both parents and children but there are significant benefits in having time away from home.

Acquire new life skills. Whatever the type of camp, your child will learn new life skills based on their experiences. They may discover a sport or hobby they have not considered before.

Gain more independence. From choosing what to wear, to ensuring they eat well and keep their area tidy, your child will gain a sense of independence and responsibility that can only come from being away from you.

Experience a sense of belonging and make new friends. Having fun with peers can foster a sense of belonging. Kids bond with their teammates on tasks and feel included in the activities taking place, not to mention making new friends. Character development. With more responsibility and freedom comes newly gained confidence which could see your child becoming better organised, making better choices and achieving more in the future.

Summer Camps

Performing Arts & Dance

Tring Park Summer Courses

Tring Park School for the Performing Arts is delighted to host a variety of dance, musical theatre, acting and music summer schools for young people aged from 8-17 years. All courses are open to external applicants, offering day and residential options.

Ages: From 8-17 years.

Dates: Summer Acting Course (ages 10-16): 30th July–3rdAugust.

Summer Dance Course (ages 8-16): 30th July– 3rd August.

Summer Musical Theatre Course (ages 10-16): 6th– 11th August.

Commercial Music Summer Course (ages 14-17): 6th–11th August.

Where: Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Tring, HP23 5LX.

To book: Call 01442 824 255 tringpark.com/holiday-courses

There’s no place like Perform this summer

Perform are off to see the wizard this August, as they sing and dance their way down the yellow brick road in their Wizard of Oz holiday courses. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, your child will have the best fun of the summer as they bring this story to life. Book online at perform.org.uk/wizard

Education

Code Ninjas will inspire young techies

Code Ninjas is running several awesome camps during the holidays. Subjects include: Modding with Minecraft®, Become a YouTuber! and brand new for summer, Stop Motion Animation. Where: High Wycombe and Aylesbury. Ages: 8+yrs. When: 9.30am to 4pm. Cost: From £74 per day. Ofsted registered, Code Ninjas accepts Tax Free Childcare or Childcare Vouchers. To book: Call 01494 623125 codeninjas.co.uk

Head Start Education Summer School and Mock Tests

Join Head Start Education’s summer school and mock tests to help prepare your child for the 11+ examination.

Summer School: w/c 31th Jul, 7th Aug, 14th Aug and 21st Aug.

Mock Tests: 22nd July. Where: See website for venues.

To book: Call 01494 452025 or visit: headstarteducation.org

Total Tutoring 11+ Summer School

Highly recommended summer school to help Year 5 children prepare for the Buckinghamshire 11+ examination.

Dates: 14th–18th August. 10am-3pm each day. Where: St Michael’s Church Hall, Beaconsfield.

Age Range: 4-10 years.

Contact: T: 020 7255 9120 / enquiries@perform.org.uk

Sport Specific

Everyball Tennis Camps

Summer holidays – tots, mini tennis and junior tennis camps run by Everyball Tennis. Learn to play, develop your game or sharpen your skills, all ages and standards. Indoor and outdoor facilities in case of wet weather.

Where: Halton Tennis Centre.

When: Monday-Thursdays daily. Minis: 9-12pm. Junior Camps 9am-12pm and 1-4pm late pick-up at 5pm an option. To book: Call Mike James: 07958 008312 or email: mikejames@ everyball.net https://everyballtennis.uk/holiday-tennis-camps

Falcon Cricket Coaching

Falcon Cricket holiday camps are ideal for boys and girls of all abilities who want to improve their game and stay active. The camps are run by ECB qualified coaches and include drills, skills, challenges nets and games to maximise enjoyment and build confidence.

Where: Amersham Cricket Club.

When: 24–27 Jul, 7–10 Aug, 14–17 Aug & 21–24 Aug. 10am-3pm.

Ages: 6-14 yrs.

Cost: £36/day, £120/week. Use discount code CHILTERN10 for 10% off your booking. Book via falconcricket.co.uk/holiday-camps

Where:  Total Tutoring, High Wycombe.

When:  14th–18th August or 21st–25th August.

Ages:  Year 5 going into Year 6, (ages 9-10.)

Book online: totaltutoring.co.uk, call: 07391 966667 or email: total.tutoring.plus@gmail.com

Multi-Activity

Multisports Amersham & Chorleywood Summer Workshops

Lots of exciting sports in a week. Activities may include dodgeball, soccer, lacrosse, basketball and rounders. Their workshops are divided into Little Sporties for ages 4 and 5 and main school for ages 6 to 16 years.

Where: Dr Challoner’s High School, Little Chalfont.

When: 24th–28th July. 6-16 yrs, 9am4pm. 4-6yrs, 9.30-12.30pm and/or 1-4pm.

Ages: 4-16 yrs.To book: Call 0844 3350450 multisports.co.uk

Ultimate Activity Camps

These camps offer a wide range of activities, from sports and outdoor adventures to arts, survival skills and tech camps. The camps are staffed by experienced, Ofsted regulated professionals who provide a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow. Where: Maltmans Green School, Davenies School, Godstowe School and Thorton College.

Ages: 4-14 yrs. When: Daily during the summer school holidays. ultimateactivity.co.uk

They won’t be bored with Busy Living

There is plenty of fun in store at the Busy Living Playschemes. Build dens, learn new skills such as martial arts, off-site trips to the woods and make new friends. Where: St Joseph’s in Chalfont St Peter and Green Ridge Academy in Aylesbury. When: Daily during the holidays from 8am-6pm. Ages: 4-11yrs, (sibling discount is available).

To enquire: call 01494 702702 or email: info@busy-living.co.uk busy-living.co.uk

Please listen to me!

By Tanith Carey

When we have non-stop days, it’s easy to lapse into ‘oneway-street parenting.’ That’s where you tell your child how to behave. But parenting becomes so much easier when it’s a two-way transaction and you make a conscious effort to listen to what your child has to say as well.

As they grow, children are in a constant process of learning to recognise and describe their needs and emotions. However, with their developing vocabulary they can’t always clearly articulate their big feelings so they don’t always feel heard.

Children who don’t feel heard often act out how they feel. There could be angry tantrums, strops, defiance or attention-seeking behaviour to force you to pay attention. Sadly, this behaviour has the opposite effect.

The good news is that just one simple shift can transform your relationship with your child. Next time your child explodes, understand they are struggling with giant feelings. Rather than thinking about how to discipline them, observe their behaviour with curiosity, followed by empathy.

For example, we grown-ups tend to hear repeated requests for the things kids want as whingeing or nagging. Rather than ignoring them, show them you heard them the first time by looking at them, getting down on their level if they are still little, repeating what they have just said and giving them a response that works in that moment, even if it’s an explanation for why you are saying ‘no’.

Of course, you can’t be expected to drop everything, every time or give kids whatever they want. Keep some phrases in your back pocket like: ‘I know it’s hard to wait. I’ll be there

soon,’ or ‘I heard you calling me. Give me five minutes while you finish your Lego house.’ Even if it’s not the answer they want to hear, they will ease off once they know the message has got through. Just make sure you stick to your word.

This kind of listening is not about giving in or letting them have their own way. It’s about remembering that children are on a steep learning curve towards naming and managing feelings that continues well into their teenage years.

Tanith Carey is co-author, with Dr Angharad Rudkin, of What’s My Child Thinking: Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents. The book includes many topics including the best ways to communicate with children. Published by DK books and available from bookshop.org

For children ages 4-7

Name emotions: Experience shows that the more words you use to name their emotions, the more accurate children will be when describing them.

Be interested in what they love: Be curious about what your child has to say, even if you’ve heard the same dinosaur fact one hundred times. If you say: ‘Tell me more,’ your child will open up to you at other times too. If you feel yourself getting bored, go on an adventure to find new facts to fascinate them.

Calm your nervous system: When you feel angry or irritated when dealing with your child, whatever you are doing, take a few deep breaths to slow yourself back to empathy mode so you can listen to what they are trying to say.

Limit your phone use: Put away your phone during the special one-on-one times with your child, whether it’s bath times, mealtimes or story time. When they don’t have to compete to be heard they can relax into being with you.

Families Chiltern

For children ages 8–11

Listen more than you talk: Once children can be clear about what’s bothering them, often responding with just a nod, an ‘I see’ or ‘That sounds tough’ is enough. Resist the temptation to offer judgement or criticism, even if you think it sounds constructive. It’s often what you don’t say rather than what you do which makes you the best sounding board.

Set aside time: Spend regular unhurried time just doing the things they like to do. These ‘emotional deposits’ remind tweens that you like as well as love them and they will be more likely to listen to you at other times.

Validate feelings: Simply try to accept and understand how they feel, even if that feels uncomfortable for you. For example, your tween contains their behaviour all day at school. So when they come from school and moan, remember that most of the time you don’t need to do anything except listen. You could ask: ‘Do you need to vent, or do you want suggestions? Either is fine.’

What’s On

July & August

July

Saturday 1 July to 22 July

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE OPEN AIR

EXHIBITION

Saturday 8 July to 3 September

REPLAY: A LIMITED RECYCLED PLAYGROUND

Exhibition Space, Royal Festival Hall. Part installation, part adventure playground, REPLAY is a space built entirely out of waste materials, repurposed for fun. 0-11yrs, adult and child £6.50. Book online: Southbankcentre.co.uk

Saturday 8 July

ACCCESSIVAL

Thomley, Worminghall. 11am-10pm.

Food and drink stalls, live local bands and activities for children. Pre-book online: Thomley.org.uk

DESBOROUGH CARNIVAL

Desborough Road, High Wycombe. Celebration of music and culture, 11am-4pm, drop-in, free. Mywycombe.com

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. This one-man show brought to you by Vintage Verse uses only the author’s original words to tell the story afresh. Doors 11am, show 12pm. Booking required, adult £8, child £5.50 plus booking fee. Discoverbucksmuseum.org

YOUNG RANGERS

10am-3pm, drop-in, free. Mymarlow.co.uk

Sunday 16 July

BAND CONCERT

Memorial Gardens, The Broadway, Old Amersham.

2.30-4.30pm, free. Also 30 Jul, 13 & 27 Aug. Amersham-tc.gov.uk

FOR YOU FESTIVAL

Crabtree Farm, Ley Hill. A festival for all the family, performances on stage, marquee activities and meet the animals. 12-5pm,tickets £5. Book online: Thetheatreshed.co.uk

OLD AMERSHAM ARTISAN MARKET

The Broadway Old Amersham. 10am-3pm, free. Coopersmarkets.com

SUMMER FAIR

Missenden Abbey, Great Missenden.

A wide range of activities and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. Includes: craft & gift stalls, live music, kids rides & spitfire flyover (weather permitting). 11am-4pm, adults £4, child £2 u2’s free. Book tickets online: Missendenabbey.co.uk

Thursday 20 July to 3 September

BUILD A BFG

May

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. Be inspired by the creative talents of the young artists from across Bucks who have entered work in this Open Art Exhibition. Come and enjoy their art and vote for your favourite. Discoverbucksmuseum.org

Saturday 1 July

PICNIC IN THE PARK

West Common, Gerrards Cross. Fun fair, live music, stalls & food. 12-7pm, drop-in, free. ly

Sunday 2 July

GREAT MISSENDEN ARTISAN MARKET

High Street, Great Missenden. 10am-3pm, free, food and drink plus some non food stands from local businesses. Also on 6 Aug. Coopersmarkets.com

WHIZZFIZZFEST

Vale Park, Aylesbury.

Musical playground, performances, pottery painting, musical instrument making and a storytelling tent. 11am-4pm, free. Whizzfizzfest.org.uk

Monday 3 July

MINI MONDAYS

Iver Environment Centre. Crafts, tails and stories. 10am-12pm, 2-5yrs, £6.50, pre-book online.: Iverenvironmentcentre.org

College Lake, nr Tring. A wildlife club for children 8-11 yrs. 10.30am-12.30pm, booking required, £7. Bbowt.org.uk

Sunday 9 July

GERRARDS CROSS ARTISAN MARKET

Station Road, Gerrards Cross. 10am-3pm, free. Coopersmarkets.com

GREEN FESTIVAL

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles. Get involved in fun activities for the whole family, including Arbor the Tree theatrical performance, family activities, eco-friendly market, horse riding nymph, spoon carving demonstrations, live folk music and lots more. 10am-5pm, book online, Coam.org.uk

Saturday 15 July

FESTIVAL OF ARTS

Market Place, Old Amersham. Showcasing artwork by local artists. 10am-5pm, drop-in, free. Amersham-tc.gov.uk

WHIZZFIZZFEST- HATS OFF Chesham High Street. Music, magic shows, crafting, climbing walls, giant bubbles & more. 12-6pm, drop-in, free. Whizzfizzfest.org.uk

WILD MARLOW BEE FESTIVAL

Higginson Park, Marlow. Talks and demonstrations, guided walks around the park, exhibitors and activities for children.

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. Pick up a free trail sheet from the ticket desk and explore the Museum. Free with Museum entry. Roalddahlmuseum.org

Thursday 20 July to Thursday 27 July

THE BFG STORYTELLING

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. Listen to the Museum’s expert storytellers read from The BFG. Free with Museum entry. Also on 1 August to 3 Sep. Roalddahlmuseum.org

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July

CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles. Come and admire an amazing collection of classic cars, motorcycles and historic bicycles. Book online: Coam.org.uk

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton. All aboard a train ride with Thomas, say Hello to Sir Topham Hatt and join Rusty and Dusty for a trainload of fun. Booking required: Bucksrailcentre.org

Saturday 22 July to 2 September

MECHANICS ALIVE! EXHIBITION

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury. A humerous, hands-on exhibition combining art, science and engineering to delight all the family. Book online: Discoverbucksmuseum.org

Saturday 22 July to 3 September

FESTIVAL OF FUN

Odds Farm Park, near Beaconsfield. Live entertainment on every day in the school holidays plus carnival-themed crafts, outdoor summer games, daily discos, baby animals and make a splash in H2Odds water play area. Book online: Oddsfarm.co.uk Satu

Saturday 22 July to 4 September

BEANO GOES WILD

Whipsnade Zoo, nr Dunstable.

Join the Beano characters on a comic strip trail, meet the amazing animals and join in with blamtastic games and interactive challenges. 5+yrs, free with admission. Whipsnadezoo.org

Saturday 22 July to 28 August

PERFORM IN THE PARK

A magical festival of children’s theatre in the heart of London. Four fantastic musicals for children aged 2-14 plus evening events for teens. Set in a pop-up tent in Coram’s Fields WC1N 1DN, families can also enjoy the park with wide lawns and wonderful play areas. Bring a picnic or enjoy the charming all-day café. Tickets start at £14.50. Visit performinthepark.uk for more information and to book tickets.

Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in

Discover Bucks Museum, Aylesbury HP20 2QP

Tuesday 25 July

CLAY SNOZZCUMBERS

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. Find out about the disgusterous snozzcumber, the very much hated food of the BFG. Make your own snozzcumber out of clay. £4 per person plus Museum entry. Suitable for age 5 and up. Also held on: 2, 8, 16, 22 & 30 August. Roalddahlmuseum.org

EVENING FAMILY EXPLORERS

Iver Environment Centre.

An evening of family fun!

5pm-7.30pm, 3-10yrs, £6/£8 with workshop. Pre-book online. Iverenvironmentcentre.org

Wednesday 26 July

BIG FRIENDLY PLAY

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden.

10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm

Perfect for drama lovers! Work together to tell the entire story of the BFG and Sophie. £5 per person plus Museum entry. Suitable for age 7 and up. Book online: Roalddahlmuseum.org

SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL

Queen Elizabeth Hall, The South Bank Centre. An all-singing, all dancing, dynamic stage show. Ages 6+. See website for show times, relaxed performance on 16 August, BSL interpreted performance on 19 August. Tickets from £22.50. Book online: Southbankcentre.co.uk

SUMMER FAMILY NATURE DAY

Field Studies Centre, Amersham. Explore the grounds, look for wildlife, follow the trail to find the clues and make some crafts. 10.30am-3pm, £5 adult, £5 child. Booking required online: Field-studies-council.org/Families

Wednesday 26 July to 31 August

GARDEN GAMES

Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury. 10am-3pm. Various games available to borrow on your visit to Waddesdon. Included with grounds admission Waddesdon.org.uk

Friday 28 July to Sunday 30 July

REVOLTING RHYMES OPERA

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. Waterperry Festival are bringing their muchcelebrated musical rendition of Revolting Rhymes to the courtyard. See website for times & to book: Roalddahlmuseum.org

Saturday 29 July

COMIC CLUB

The Story Museum, Oxford. Develop your comic making skills. 11am-12.30pm, age 8-11yrs, booking required £12. Storymuseum.org.uk

AN EVENING OF OPERA

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles

A love story built around your favourite opera classics.Pre-book online: Coam.org.uk

Saturday 29 July to 6 August

HOLTSPUR SCARECROW TRAIL

Holtspur School & Pre School near Beaconsfield. Find all the Scarecrows and vote for your favourites. Collect Trail map for £2.50 from: Thirst4Coffee, HP9 1DN; Londis Newsagent, Mayflower Way or Beacon Centre, Holtspur Way. Holtspursch.co.uk

Sunday 30 July

ZOOLAB ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury. 11am-4pm. Included with grounds admission Waddesdon.org.uk

Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August

STORY EXPLORERS: FEARSOME FRUITS AND VENOMOUS PLANTS

The Story Museum, Oxford. Story Explorer courses offer young people aged 8-12 the opportunity to explore their creativity, with guest appearances from professional storymakers including authors, artists, musicians and drama practitioners. 10am-4pm, £44 pre-booking required online: Storymuseum.org.uk

WILD WEEK

Iver Environmental Centre. Five days of fun activities. 10am-4pm, 7-11yrs, £185 for the week, £150 for siblings. Pre-book online: Iverenvironmentcentre.org

August

Tuesday 1 August

CREATE A DREAM JAR Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm £4 per person plus Museum entry. Suitable for age 5 and up. Book online: Roalddahlmuseum.org

NATURE EXPLORERS DAY CAMP College Lake, nr Tring. 10am-3pm, 7-12yrs, booking required, £35. Also on: 8,17,24 Aug. Bbowt.org.uk

TERRIFIC TUESDAYS

by Katie Taylor

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles. Themed crafts and activities all included in the standard admission price. On all Tues in Aug. Coam.org.uk

Thursday 3 August

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury. 6.30pm, adult £17.50, child £13.50 (incl. shuttle). Waddesdon.org.uk

BIG FRIENDLY WALK

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. Explore the picture-perfect village of Great Missenden, the place that inspired so many of the stories. £4 per person plus Museum entry. Book online: Roalddahlmuseum.org

Friday 4 August to Sunday 6 August

CIRCUS WORKSHOP

Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury. Circus workshops are fun for all the family. 11am-4pm, free with admission. Waddesdon.org.uk

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August

BRITAIN AT WAR

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles. Learn what life was like during some of Britain’s wars. Take part in some swing dancing! Coam.org.uk

Monday 7 August to Friday 11 August

STORY EXPLORERS: THE POWER OF PUPPETS

The Story Museum, Oxford. 10am-4pm, pre-booking required, £44, Storymuseum.org.uk

Thursday 10 August

LEGO MASTER BULDERS

The Story Museum, Oxford. Join Master Builder and his friend Brick Grylls on an expedition to Camp LEGO. 11am, age 5+, booking required, £16.50. Thestorymuseum.org.uk

WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Waddesdon Manor, nr Aylesbury. 6.30pm, booking required online: Waddesdon.org.uk

Friday 11 to Sunday 13 Aug

JUNKYARD ORCHESTRA SOUNDGARDEN Waddesdon Manor, nr Aylesbury. 11am-4pm, included with grounds admission Waddesdon.org.uk

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August

TUDOR COURTROOM

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles. Listen to tales of slander and deceit. Be part of the jury with the fate of the accused in your hands. Coam.org.uk

Sunday 13 August

PEPPA PIG

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. Meet Peppa, unlimited train rides and a circus workshop, book online, bucksrailcentre.org

Compiled

Monday 14 Aug

MINI MONDAYS

Iver Environment Centre. Crafts, tails and stories. 10am-12pm, 2-5yrs, £6.50, pre-book online. IverEnvironmentCentre.org

Tuesday 15 to 26 August

BLIPPI THE WONDERFUL WORLD TOUR

Oxford Playhouse.

Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest. Also showing at Wycombe Swan on 18-20 September, wycombeswan.co.uk Oxfordplayhouse.com

Wednesday 16 August

A MAMMOTH DAY OUT

College Lake, nr Tring.

Visit with the whole family and discover its prehistoric past. 10.30am-12pm & 2pm-3.30pm, 2yrs+, booking required, adults free, child £8. Bbowt.org.uk

Thursday 17 August

LEGO MASTER BULDERS

The Story Museum, Oxford.

Animal Rangers Ray and Rachel have got a ‘mammoth’ task to do. The animals have escaped from their enclosure, and we need the help of our Master Builders to restore order at Legoleat Safari. 2.30pm, age 8+, booking required, £16.50 Thestorymuseum.org.uk

TALE OF PETER RABBIT AND BENJAMIN BUNNY Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury. 6.30pm, booking required. Waddesdon.org.uk

Thursday 17 August and Friday 18 August

FAMILY FUN DAY

Iver Environment Centre. Also 24-25 Aug. 10am-12.30pm or 1.30-4pm, 3-10yrs, £6/£8 with workshop. Pre-book online:Iverenvironmentalcentre.org

Friday 18 and Saturday 19 August

SHED OF STORIES

Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury 11am-4pm. Included with grounds admission. Waddesdon.org.uk

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August

RAGGED VICTORIANS

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles. Learn about the less than savoury aspects of Victorian Life. Coam.org.uk

Sunday 20 August

SENDSATIONAL MORNINGS

Natural History Museum at Tring. An opportunity for children with neurodiverse conditions to enjoy the Museum at a quieter time. 10am-12pm, free, pre-book online: Nhm.ac.uk

Friday 25 August

HASBRO STARS LIVE ON STAGE

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street. Get ready for fun, laughter and lots of singing and dancing in the unique multi-character live stage show. 12pm and 3.30pm. Pre-booking required online: Atgtickets.com/Aylesbury

Summer holiday and term time fun with Perform

Perform are ensuring a fun-packed July and August with their Wizard of Oz drama, dance and singing holiday courses plus their first ever festival of children’s theatre, Perform in the Park. See page 6. Children can sing and dance down the yellow brick road with the Wizard of Oz. With colourful costumes, uplifting songs and dazzling dancing, children ages 4 to 10 will have the best fun of the summer as they bring this story to life. This five-day course runs in Beaconsfield on 14-18 August from 10am to 3pm each day. Book online at perform.org.uk/wizard

And Perform’s term time classes are back in September and there’s no better time for your child to try Perform. Packed with self-esteem boosting activities, Perform’s weekly classes get the academic year off to a flying start with a fun and relaxed focus on developing confidence, communication, co-ordination and concentration. Using a mix of drama, dance and singing, these high-energy classes are designed to allow even the most reticent children to shine. Classes are for all abilities and every child is welcome to try a free class (see venues below). Book a FREE class at: perform.org.uk/try

Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes Confidence-building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. To book a FREE class in Amersham, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Gerrards Cross, Tring and Wendover, visit: perform.org.uk/try

Friday 25 to Monday 28 August

CLIMBING WALL & ARCHERY

Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury 11am-4pm. Included with grounds admission. Waddesdon.org.uk

Saturday 26 to Monday 28 August

VIKING RAID

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles. The Vikings have taken over but the Saxon’s are fighting back! Pre-book online: Coam.org.uk

Saturday 26 August

LIVE IN THE PARK

Vale Park, Aylesbury. 12-9.30pm, Live music & entertainment. Aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

Tuesday 29 August

SWISHWIFFLING SCIENCE

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden. 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm, 5+yrs. Book online: Roalddahlmuseum.orgWed

Wednesday 30 August

DINO DAYCollege Lake, nr College Lake, nr Tring. 10.30am-12pm & 2pm-3.30pm, 2+yrs, booking required, adults free, child £8. Bbowt.org.uk

Thursday 31 August

ROBIN HOOD Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury 6.30pm. Adult £17.50, child £13.50, (incl. shuttle.) Waddesdon.org.uk

Friday 1 to Sunday 3 September

CHILLI FEST Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury Prices vary. Pre-booking required: Waddesdon.org.uk

The Brilli-ANT Exhibition at The Story Museum. Quote ‘Anthill’ at their shop for your free gift

Kids in the kitchen

Cooking empowers kids in the kitchen and gives them lifelong skills for when someday (not so long away), they’ll be preparing meals for themselves or their own families.

Give your child the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen with these two fun, easy and nutritious summer lunch recipes that they can make by themselves – or with a little help.

Chicken Caesar Salad Kebabs

Makes 6 skewers

Everything is more fun on a stick! This isn’t your typical salad lunch since all of the components are separate and you can choose to include what you like. Serve the kebabs with the easy, creamy home-made dressing for dipping and you have a seriously tasty lunch.

Get ready!

Grab a liquid measuring cup, a small bowl, a whisk or fork, a knife and cutting board, six small wooden skewers or paper lollipop sticks and measuring spoons.

Get set!

¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise or plain greek yogurt;

2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil;

1 tbsp (15ml) red wine vinegar or lemon juice;

½ tsp garlic powder;

½ tsp Dijon mustard;

½ tsp Worcestershire sauce;

2 tbsp (13g) grated Parmesan cheese;

Pinch of ground black pepper;

4 Romaine lettuce leaves;

2 slices focaccia bread or any bread;

1 (6–8oz [170–226g) cooked chicken breast (such as leftover cooked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken);

8 cherry or grape tomatoes.

Go!

First, make the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use or pack in small containers.

Cut the lettuce, bread and chicken into bite-sized pieces or cubes. Cut the tomatoes in half. Place all of these ingredients onto six small skewers in any order you like.

Eat right away or pack the skewers into containers with some dressing on the side for dipping and store in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.

Mix it up!

Create different sandwich kebab combinations. Try hardboiled egg, cheese cubes, rolled ham or turkey, bacon, cucumber chunks and different kinds of bread.

One Pot Mac and Cheese with Trees

Makes 4 servings

Are you obsessed with creamy, cheesy pasta? Me too! Ditch the box because you won’t believe how easy this mac is to make from scratch. You cook both the pasta and the sauce at the same time and in the same pot—it’s like a magic trick! If you don’t love broccoli, feel free to leave it out or stir in some frozen peas when you add the cheese at the end of the recipe. American cheese makes the sauce extra creamy but if you don’t have any, you can replace it with 1 more cup (113g) of shredded Cheddar.

Get ready!

Grab a large liquid measuring cup, a large pot, a wooden spoon and dry measuring cups and spoons.

Get set!

2 cups (480ml) whole or semi-skimmed milk;

1 cup (240ml) water;

½ tsp kosher salt;

2 cups (128g) elbow macaroni or small shell pasta;

2 cups (182g) frozen broccoli florets;

1 cup (113g) shredded Cheddar cheese;

3 slices American cheese, ripped into pieces.

Go!

In a large pot, add the milk, water and salt and place the pot over medium heat. Once the pot starts to bubble, stir in the pasta and turn the heat down to medium-low. Cook the pasta for five minutes, stirring often and making sure the pot doesn’t boil over. If the liquid starts to bubble up close to the top of the pot, turn the heat down more and keep stirring. After five minutes, stir in the broccoli and cook for five minutes or until the pasta is tender.

Turn off the heat and add the Cheddar cheese and American cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve!

Chef’s tip If using fresh broccoli for this recipe, use a small paring knife to cut small florets off the larger head of broccoli. You want all the florets to be roughly the same size so they cook in the same amount of time. Always supervise kids when using knives in the kitchen.

These delightful recipes are just two of many featured in the new book Kid Kitchen by Heather Staller, a trained culinary professional and parent of two. Reprinted with the permission of Page Street Publishing Co. 2023.

Photos: Michelle Boule.

Dr Steffen Decker · (GDC 131767) - Specialist Orthodontist BDS, MAS in Lingual

Program Director MSc in Dento-facial Orthodontics Dr Steffen