Families Dorset March/April 2024 Print

Next issue: July/August Booking deadline: 1 June

Cover image: Depositphotos.com

Welcome

Is there a touch of spring in the air? If not quite yet, then definitely very soon. It’s time to come out of hibernation and reembrace the great outdoors as nature comes back to live.

To help you do that, get out your calendar, go through our What’s On section and put in some of the great events and activities for the Easter holidays. You’ll also find lots of those all-important Easter egg hunts for everyone to enjoy!

We also have some fabulous articles about education in this issue, including advice if your child is reluctant to go to school and information about the value of learning Forest School skills. Finally, in this issue, we have Sea Monkeys prize bundles to giveaway! Apply for six inside. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Linda

Editor, Families Dorset

November/December issue competition winners Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at www.bit.ly/ND23recipients

School wobblies –keeping reluctant children in school

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Noble

Anxiety about going to school affects about five percent of children in the UK. Part of normal development in young children, it becomes more concerning if it doesn’t pass over time. If your child is refusing school due to anxiety, the longer this continues, the harder it becomes for them to return.

Missing school not only means your child loses out on education but also other essential skills, such as mixing with their peers and becoming more independent from their parents. School attendance is, in fact, mandatory: under UK law parents are responsible for ensuring their child attends school. However, in 2022, more than sixteen thousand parents were fined for unauthorised school absences.

A variety of factors can be behind a reluctance to attend school. Young children often experience separation anxiety or may be anxious by temperament. Some children may experience difficulties at school with friendship group dynamics or feel intimidated or inferior. Others may find the work challenging and the pressure to perform well overwhelming. Difficulties at home or illness may keep them away from school. Commonly it is a combination of some or all of these things that creates anxiety and may lead to the arrival of the ‘school wobblies.’

How to identify ‘school wobblies’

The feelings your child may experience are real and this anxiety can lead to physical symptoms such as sweating, headaches, feeling sick or an increased heart rate which can make them

Exceptional opportunities at Park School

Park School is a co-educational, independent day school, highly respected in the Bournemouth area for providing outstanding education for boys and girls from ages 3 months to 11 years.

Park School’s reputation for excellence is evidenced in the school’s latest ISI Inspection report, in which inspectors commented that: ‘The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent’ and ‘Pupils make strong overall progress. Their attainment by the end of Year 6 is excellent.’

At Park School, the aim is to develop the whole child. Teaching is dynamic and interesting, encouraging children to develop a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge. The school enjoys a reputation for excellence but above all, it is a happy school, where children feel safe, valued and supported by strong relationships with their teachers and their friends.

Why not visit the school to see the magic happen and what it can offer your child? Register for the Open Morning on Thursday 21 March (9.30am) by visiting the website www.parkschool.co.uk/openmorning

feel dizzy. Children may be reluctant to get up and ready in the morning. They may be angry and upset or acting out at home or they may withdraw and seem quiet and low, often fixating on small issues. These are all automatic and mostly normal reactions.

However, it’s important to bear in mind that for every missed school day, it becomes harder for your child to go back. For some children an occasional day off could be the best thing but, for an anxious child, this can make things much worse. So try not to give in and keep continuity.

School reluctance requires a nuanced and empathetic approach. By understanding the root causes, fostering open communications and implementing positive strategies, parents and educators can work together to create an environment in which children feel supported, confident and eager to embrace the opportunities that schools offer.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.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.

A personalised support plan

Once you understand the root of your child’s anxiety, work with their school to create a personalised plan of support and schedule regular progress meetings. This plan may include:

Taking your child in earlier to school to meet with a known key adult or friend to ensure a calm start to the day.

Providing a visual timetable to give a clear structure to the day, including support when moving between lessons. Where possible, ensure your child is informed about changes.

A safe space to retreat to and opportunities for brain breaks.

Activities and clubs at breaktimes to provide structure. A specific responsibility can help them feel involved.

An in-school Social Skills Intervention Group to embed positive friendship habits.

Practising mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help calm an anxious mind.

Nature Tots: every Monday until 25th March, 10am to 12pm. Just £5 per

Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Crafts: Friday 29th March, 9.30am to 11.30am and 2pm to 4pm. Free to attend!

Open Day: Tuesday 16th April 9am to 3pm.

Little Crickets Forest School, adjacent to Cooper Dean Pavilion, Cavendish

Packaging learning

By Zuzu Jordan

Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote ‘tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember; involve me and I learn’ captures the essence behind true learning.

This may be why encouraging your own child to WANT to sit down to learn can feel like an impossible task at times, with parents often questioning how their child is able to sit, concentrate and learn at school.

Covid lockdowns thrust homeschooling onto families. Parents had to take on the role of teachers, experiencing the complexities surrounding learning, while children faced the need to respond differently to their parents as teachers.

Being in a classroom in a school setting, rather than at home, helps children grasp that a different set of rules apply. In fact, in schools, they conform simply because the majority do - children are excellent at policing each other!

There has been a rise in the number of families who choose to homeschool, many of whom have developed effective strategies to create a learning environment at home. Whether you want to homeschool, support homework or just nurture a love for learning, a deep dive into the working mind of a child can offer ways to package learning.

Understanding that learning is something that occurs through experiences or acquiring knowledge and skills, we can usefully engineer situations and scenarios to facilitate this. These techniques can package learning as inviting and exciting.

Use toys. This applies for children of all ages. For example, Nerf guns are great at firing at answers to times table questions or spelling. Scrabble tiles are also fantastic for practising spelling. Foam letters or numbers in the bath are fun for both spelling and maths questions.

Go into the wild. There’s so much learning to be done in the great outdoors: making rain gauges, following maps, gardening, studying wildlife and classification.

Question of the week. To encourage independent thinking, at the start of the week pose a question which doesn’t have an obvious answer. For example: ‘Who built the strongest buildings - Romans or Saxons?’ Developing curiosity in children is key to packaging learning.

Celebrating achievements

This is the fun, rewarding and essential part of parenting, increasing self-esteem and motivating children to keep learning. Try these:

The Tate Modern allows children to upload their own artwork for display in the online gallery (www.tate.org.uk/kids).

Some maths apps have pre-made certificates. For example, Whiterose 1 Minute Maths App (www.whiteroseeducation. com/1-minute-maths)

Blue Peter Badges are fantastic way to celebrate children’s work. There are a number of badges your child can apply for and they even get your child into some attractions for free!

Computer games. The settings and characters in welldeveloped computer games are designed to entice children. This can be good for enhancing creative writing skills.

Emailing experts. Consider setting your child up with an email address so that they can email an ‘expert” in a chosen topic to find out more. For example, if they are learning about volcanoes, they could email a vocanologist.

Book and movie comparison. Turn a movie session into a learning opportunity. Watch the film and then read the book or vice versa. Compare their similarities and differences.

Reading dogs. There’s a lot of research that suggests that children’s reading improves if they read to pets. It’s as simple as that!

Treasure hunts. Children love finding things. Plant words, numbers, sentences, objects and questions around the house and send children to find them.

Board games. A lot of learning can come out of playing board games. Create your own board game linked to your chosen topic.

Current issues - whether environmental, social or political. Find something that your child is passionate about. Write letters, research, devise fundraising events.

Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find the Facebook page Edumateuk.

Cross curricular learning

Cross curricular learning links subjects together, allowing children to find patterns and connections, thus developing and deepening their knowledge of a subject. For example, writing a diary entry in the role of someone in Ancient Roman times embraces English and history and is therefore a cross curricular activity.

This type of learning helps enforce key knowledge and make subjects meaningful. Cross curricular links are particularly important in maths as they provide context for their mathematical problems.

Learning Forest School skills

By Jemma Z Smith

‘How was school today?’ a parent asked their child. ‘It was amazing: we all worked together to build a den; we played hide and seek in the woods and toasted marshmallows on a real fire!’ the child enthusiastically responded.

This was a conversation I overheard in the playground after my first Forest School session with my Year 3 class. No mention of the new method of addition that we had worked so hard on using manipulatives; no rendition of the funny poem that we had been reading in English that had us all laughing as we acted out the different verses.

Was I disappointed? Not one bit.

Learning outside the box

My class was the first class at the school to ‘do Forest School’ and they (and the adults) loved every minute of the afternoon.

Some people might question ‘losing’ an afternoon’s learning within a packed, timetabled curriculum. I’d respond that rather than loss, the experience was in fact very beneficial to helping these children, preparing them in general for life beyond education.

Teamwork, communication skills, risk analysis, trying things outside your comfort zone, resilience and independence are just a few things that my class of 7 and 8-year-olds learned that afternoon and they continued to learn and make progress in these areas throughout their time at primary school.

The future starts at Talbot Heath…

It was Bill Gates who said that 'the first five years have so much to do with how the next eighty turn out'. Talbot Heath School believes in the importance of strong educational foundations and close collaboration with parents so that a holistic, consistent approach is fostered which ensures each child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs are met. So in a fast changing world full of increasing challenges, how does the school prepare its children for the future?

Making the most of every opportunity

Developing confidence, resilience and perseverance through a broad and rich curriculum is at the heart of what the school does. Expert, dedicated and caring practitioners deliver phonics, numeracy, PE (including swimming), Modern Foreign Languages, music, art and design enabling children to explore, play and initiate their learning. Trips to local shops, parks and libraries embed learning in real experiences.

New experiences

For some children, Forest School and learning outside the classroom can seem scary and unfamiliar. They may not have as much access to the outdoor environment as previous generations and this needs to be handled sensitively. Such children can still learn the skills and also enjoy everything that the environment has to offer, when led by adults who are aware of and respond to how they are feeling in a way that helps them get the most out of the opportunity.

Making it work

Not every school has access to a forest or woodland area but they can still embrace the ethos of Forest School and it can be adapted in so many ways. You don’t have to have a real fire to sing songs in the round and you can be creative in an art or music lesson and take it outside!

Jemma Z Smith is Director of The Education Hotel. For further advice, visit www.educationhotel.co.uk

The school offers weekly Forest School sessions which give children plenty of opportunities to be learner focused; assessing risk, making decisions, working collaboratively and being independent…and most essentially, having plenty of muddy fun!

Keeping it real in a virtual world

Being digitally proficient is a vital element of growing up for today’s children. The ability to understand and use technology safely and responsibly starts at a young age at Talbot Heath with pupils having access to a 1:1 school iPad to use as a tool to enhance and enrich their learning. Alongside this, through the use of the school’s woodland campus, children understand and appreciate the importance of their environment, their place within it and how to be sustainable. Whether it be growing vegetables, playing with friends in the secret garden or reading a book in the sunshine, pupils get the real childhood they deserve.

For more information, visit www.talbotheath.org

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.

MARCH

Every Friday until 22 Mar

Parent & Toddler Group at Careys Secret Garden

An activity related to a story/ theme to encourage exploring the woodland. Includes FREE play. www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk

Every Thu in term time

Roots and Shoots at Upton Country Park

Grandparent-friendly tots sessions with storytelling, crafts and exploration in the gardens.

www.uptoncountrypark.com

Every Fri in term time

Puddle Jumpers Club Forest School at Upton Country Park Outdoor activity sessions designed for pre-schoolers and parents. Booking required. www.uptoncountrypark.com

Every Sat & Sun until 31 Mar

Magic Potion Masterclasses at Upton Country Park

Create your own magic potions and take them home in a unique potion bottle.

www.uptoncountrypark.com

Sat 9 Mar

Make a Space Rocket at Swanage Library

Meet Steve Plant from UK Space

Agency and make a space rocket afterwards 11.30-3pm. Ages 3-11.

www.bit.ly/DorsetLibraryEvents

Create your own galaxy at Swanage Library

Have fun with chalk and make a lovely space picture to take home 12-3pm, Ages 3-11.

www.bit.ly/DorsetLibraryEvents

Family Felting Fun at Wareham Library

Create a felted greeting card or a work of art. All materials provided 9.30-11am. Ages 4+.

www.bit.ly/DorsetLibraryEvents

Sat 9 Mar to Sun 17 Mar

National Lottery Open Week at the Tank Museum

One child under 16 goes FREE with every full paying adult valid with National Lottery ticket. www.tankmuseum.org

Sun 10 Mar

Science Day at Nothe Fort Fun and immersive Science Day, full of experiments and activities for the family to enjoy.

www.nothefort.org.uk

Mothers Day at Farmer Palmers Farm Park

Half price tickets for all mums and special cream teas. www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

GO EAST at Monkey World this Easter!

This Easter holidays, Monkey World in Wareham will be fundraising. Its goal is to put rescued and rehabilitated gibbons, loris and douc back into the wild from its sister sanctuary, Dao Tien, in Vietnam, run by charity EAST (Endangered Asian Species Trust).

Through talks, activities, games and stalls, families can learn about our agile acrobats, the gibbons, their plight in the wild and how Monkey World's charity, EAST, is boosting the wild population of golden-cheeked gibbons in Vietnam.

This year is a bumper year of release for EAST, who are returning rescued and endangered loris, gibbons and doucs from the black market trade to protected forest to help grow the wild population. You can visit www.go-east.org to find out more about EAST's work.

PLUS over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, families can complete the fun Easter Trail for a chocolate treat! For more information, visit www.monkeyworld.org

Mother's Day Paddle to the Pub in Beaulieu

Treat Mum to a wonderful paddle to the pub on the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. www.newforestactivities.co.uk

Mother's Day at Seaton Tramway

Fantastic day out for everyone this Mother's Day. Mum travels FREE. www.tram.co.uk

50% for Mums at Monkey World Mum’s get 50% off entry at Monkey World on Mother’s Day. www.monkeyworld.org

Tue 12 Mar

Duplo Play at Dorchester Library

Join a themed Duplo play session all about vehicles, Ages 0-4. www.bit.ly/DorsetLibraryEvents

Sat 16 Mar

LEGO club at Dorcester Library Celebrate Science Week and create a spaceship, science lab or a robot. www.bit.ly/DorsetLibraryEvents

Sun 17 Mar

Family Science Day at Dorset Museum

Get involved with some fascinating hands-on learning and experiments. FREE. Ages 4+. www.dorsetmuseum.org

Wed 20 Mar & Wed 17 Apr

Nature Tots at Kingcombe Visitor Centre

Bring children ages 4 and under to experience the wildlife of Kingcombe. www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Fri 22 Mar to Sun 24 Mar

Victorian Weekend at Swanage Railway

Featuring Victorian steam locos hauling the trains from Norden to Corfe Castle and Swanage. www.swanagerailway.co.uk

Sat 23 Mar & Sat 13 Apr

Stargazing at Durlston Country Park

Join the Wessex Astronomical Society to use telescopes to view the stars and planets. www.durlston.co.uk

Sat 23 Mar, 27 Apr, 25 May & 29

Jun

Fox & Cubs Club at Upton Country Park Sessions designed for dads and kids to spend quality time together in the great outdoors. www.uptoncountrypark.com

Sat 23 Mar to Wed 14 Apr

Spring Games at Corfe Castle

Try a range of traditional games, welly wanging, egg and spoon race

and much more.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle

Sat 23 Mar to Mon 12 Apr

Canoe Easter Egg Hunt at Beaulieu

Two hour guided canoe tour on the hunt for Easter eggs.

www.newforestactivities.co.uk

Sat 23 Mar to Sun 14 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt at Brownsea Island

Follow interactive trail to discover all about birds and their amazing lives. Includes chocolate or Free From egg. £3 plus normal admission.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ brownsea-island

Mon 25 Mar to 26 Mar & 2, 5, 8, 9, 12 April

Little Crickets Forest School Holiday Club at Park School, Bournemouth Holiday Club runs from 8.30am to 5pm. Open to all. Booking required. www.parkschool.co.uk

Thu 28 Mar to Sun 14 Apr

Easter Fun Fair at Nothe Fort Hop into a world of fun for all the family, croquet, spoon race, bowling and more.

www.nothefort.org.uk

Easter Egg Hunt at Kingston Lacy Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities. Includes chocolate or Free From egg. £3 plus normal admission. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ kingston-lacy

Thu 28 Mar to Mon 15 Apr

Bonkers Bunnies Children’s Activity Trail at Durlston Country Park

Collect your activity trail booklet (£3.50) and find the bonkers bunnies.

www.durlston.co.uk

Fri 29 Mar, 26 Apr, 31 May, Fri 28 Jun

Parent & Baby Walk at RSPB Arne Meet other young families on a gentle nature walk with frequent stops.

www.bit.ly/RSPBArne

Fri 29 Mar & Fri 26 April

Preschoolers Nature Club at RSPB Arne

Monthly nature group aimed at preschool children aged between 2 ½ and 5 years old.

www.bit.ly/RSPBArne

Fri 29 Mar to Mon 1 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt at Corfe Castle Make your way along the trail and

find nature-inspired activities. Includes chocolate or Free From egg. £3 plus normal admission. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle

Easter Egg Hunt at Hardy Monument

Trail includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears. Includes dairy or Free From egg. £3 plus normal admission.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardymonument

Easter Egg Hunt at Farmer Palmers Farm Park

Search for hundreds of hidden mini chocolate eggs or a golden ticket to win a BIG egg.

www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

Easter Eggs-tram-aganza at Tram at Seaton Tramway

Find Gilbert the Station Master's Goose and his Cheeky Chicks to win an Easter treat.

www.tram.co.uk

Easter Eggs-travaganza at Monkey World

FREE Easter egg trail for kids around the park.

www.monkeyworld.org

Fri 29 Mar to Wed 3 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt at Hive Beach

Trail includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg. £3 per trail.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hivebeach

Fri 29 Mar to Mon 8 Apr

Easter Archery Tournament at Beaulieu

Take aim during a range of fun Easter themed games and challenges. www.newforestactivities.co.uk

Fri 29 Mar to Sun 14 Apr

Easter at Farmer Palmers Farm Park

Bandit bunnies on the loose, water pistols, tractor rides and more EGG-CITING fun.

www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

Easter Holiday Activities at The Tank Museum

Investigate the medals in The Tank

Museum with Easter Holiday fun for the whole family.

www.tankmuseum.org

Easter Quiz at Wimborne Model Town

Follow the clues laid around the town and collect the letters to crack the Easter phrase.

www.wimborne-modeltown.com

Go-EAST at Monkey World

Help fundraise for primate releases through activities, games and trails.

www.monkeyworld.org

Sat 30 & Sun 31 Mar

Pre-History Weekend at Ancient Technology Centre

Living History displays, hands on activities, re-enactment displays and refreshments.

www.ancienttechnologycentre. com

Sun 31 Mar

Easter Bonnet Parade in Lyme Regis

Watch the wonderful and extravagant creations parade through the town.

www.lymeregiscarnival.co.uk

Sun 31 Mar to Thu 11 Apr

Easter at Highcliffe Castle

Join in a range of Easter crafts and activities, indoor and outdoor. www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

Spring Family Fun at Lulworth Castle

Enjoy trails, games, hunts & crafts all included in the usual admission price.

www.lulworth.com

APRIL

Mon 1 Apr

Get Up & Bounce at Upton Country Park

Bounce into spring with a visit to the Walled Garden to enjoy an array of Bouncy Castles.

www.uptoncountrypark.com

Family Easter Activity Trail at Upton Country Park

Find all the eggs and crack the code to receive your fantastic Easter surprise.

www.uptoncountrypark.com

Easter Monday Duck Race in Lyme Regis

Hundreds of individually numbered yellow plastic ducks will be dropped into the River Lym. www.lymechristmaslights.co.uk/ buyducks

Mon 1 Apr & Wed 10 Apr

Easter Fun at Swanage Pier Drop in between 11am-3pm for crafts and games. www.swanagepiertrust.com

Tue 2 Apr

Little Explorers at East Dorset Museum

Bring your little ones for a blooming good time crafting, stories, garden trail with reward.

www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk

Wed 3 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt at St Mary’s Church Dorchester

A hunt for Easter eggs hidden inside St Mary's Church, starts 2pm. www.visit-dorset.com

Wed 3 Apr & Wed 10 Apr

The Pirate Tram at Seaton Tramway

Set sail on the Seaton Pearl, hoist the Jolly Roger, walk, talk and look like a pirate. www.tram.co.uk

Wild Wednesdays at Durlston Country Park

Drop-in craft activities for kids and families, FREE. www.durlston.co.uk

Thu 4 Apr

Flower Pot Planting for Kids at Durlston Country Park

Join a Ranger, decorate your own plant pot and plant some seeds.

WHAT'S ON

Booking required.

www.durlston.co.uk

Thu 4 Apr to Wed 17 Apr

Family Activity Trail - Nature

Bingo at Upton Country Park

Pick up a FREE trail sheet, get outside to notice seasonal changes. www.uptoncountrypark.com

Fri 5 Apr

Easter Egg Hunt at Blandford Forum Town Hall

FREE Easter egg hunt, solve the clues and collect your prize. 10am-12noon.

www.blandfordforum-tc.gov.uk

Junk Modelling at Forest Arts Centre New Milton

Creating new and exciting things from discarded items. Ages 7-13. Booking required www.forest-arts.co.uk

Fri & Sat 5-6 & Fri & Sat 12-13 Apr

Family Bushcraft Workshops at Brownsea Island

From wood carving, fire lighting skills, animal tracking to foraging and den building, Ages 5+. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ brownsea-island

Sat 6 Apr

Beach Clean at Lulworth Cove Beach

Join the rangers to spring clean this beautiful beach, meet at 10.30 at Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre. www.lulworth.com

Sun 7 Apr

Beach Clean at Durdle Door

Join the rangers to spring clean this beautiful beach, meet 10.30 at Durdle Door car park. www.lulworth.com

Easter holiday fun at Purbeck Sports Centre

There are some fantastic family activities at Purbeck Sports Centre in Wareham over the Easter Holidays.

Favourites include football fun, tennis camp, dance workshops, archery, Nerf gun fun, laser tag and intensive swimming lessons. The popular Easter in Dorset Holiday Club runs Monday to Thursdays, 2 to 12 April (8.30am to 4.30pm), with sessions including multi-sports activities, fun games, swimming and lunch. Book online, in person or by calling the Centre and book early to guarantee your place!

The indoor swimming pool is open all day, every day with sessions that include lane swimming, wet and wild, family fun, aqua-fit and public sessions. Visit the website for the current swimming pool programme.

The centre also has three floodlit artificial surface tennis courts, five badminton courts, a table tennis table and two squash courts. Call 01929 500000 to book.

For more information, visit the Purbeck Sports Centre website, visit the centre or call 01929 500000.

Sun 7 Apr & Sun 14 Apr

The Dinosaur Tram Adventure at Seaton Tramway

Adventure-filled tram ride with music, stories, fossil dig and a dinosaur activity. www.tram.co.uk

Tue 9 Apr

Kids Easter Drawing Workshop at Durlston Country Park

Join artist Mark Page for a workshop learning to draw Easter bunnies and hares. Ages 7+. www.durlston.co.uk

Wed 10 Apr & Mon 20 May

Not Quite the Dawn Chorus Walks for Families at RSPB Arne

Enjoy a guided walk listening to the chorus of birdsong, finishes with breakfast bap and drink.

www.bit.ly/RSPBArne

Thu 11 Apr

Lets’s Go Fly a Kite at Durlston Country Park

Join a Durlson Ranger to design and make your own mini-kits, then learn to fly them.

www.durlston.co.uk

Fri 12 Apr

Sensory Story Tram at Seaton Tramway

A sensory version of the popular Story Tram, perfect for babies and very young children. www.tram.co.uk

Sat 13 Apr

WonderDomes Family Activity at Durlston Country Park

An interactive, outdoor activity that explores the world of plants, through play and creativity. www.durlston.co.uk

Sat & Sun 13-14 Apr

Meet the Lambs at Kingston Lacy Kingston Lacy’s sheep will be lambing so join a member of the farm team to meet the lambs this weekend.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ kingston-lacy

Tue 16 Apr to Wed 18 Jul

Rooted in the Ruins Family Quest at Corfe Castle

Hunt the ruins for the quest boards to earn your conservation coin. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle

Thu 18 Apr & Thu 2 May

Storytime at Dorset Museum

Join a fun-filled storytime and listen to some amazing tales. www.dorsetmuseum.org

Sat & Sun 20-21 Apr

Spring Countryside Show in Shaftesbury

Lots to see and do, tractor rides, blacksmith, falconry, FlyBall and working steam engines. www.steamheritage.co.uk

Sat 27 Apr

Victorian Falconry & Hawking at Nothe Fort

Fascinating falconry tour through time in a series of live demonstrations www.nothefort.org.uk

Sat & Sun 27-28 Apr

Dorset Spring Show in Kingston Maurward www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk

MAY

Fri 3 May to Sun 5 May

Teddy Rocks Family Friendly Music Festival

Three day family-friendly music festival with action heroes, axe throwing, bouncy castles and more. www.teddyrocks.co.uk

Sat 4 May

Watersports Open Day in Weymouth

Free sailing, kayaking tasters, giant paddleboard fun, cardboard boat race, bouncy castle and more. www.andrewsimpsoncentres.org

Sat 4 May to Mon 6 May

Go Nuts at Monkey World

Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts with them will receive a FREE Monkey World badge.

www.monkeyworld.org

Tue 14 May

Discover the Farm Animals at Kingston Lacy

Join the Farm Manager to meet the cows, sheep and pigs and learn about their conservation role. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ kingston-lacy

Discover Wimborne Model Town

Fri 24 May to Sun 26 May

Cursus Cider & Music Festival in Blandford Forum

Small, inclusive and family-friendly festival with a reputation for fun, delicious food, cider and music. www.fuelledbycider.com

Sat & Sun 25-26 May

Meet the Wareham Bears at Wimborne Model Town Enjoy Bears Weekend. Meet the Wareham Bears, make music in the Sensory Garden, drive a Model Railway train, discover Life Before Lego, delight in the Beryl Dade Dolls’ House Collection – even play Crazy Golf.

www.wimborne-modeltown.com

Swanage Pirate Festival on Isle of Purbeck

A FREE festival of swashbuckling shenanigans and skirmishes for all pirates and mermaids.

www.fb.com/purbeckpiratefestival

Sat 25 to Mon 27 May

Christchurch Food Festival

Incredible food and a range of exciting activities and entertainment for the whole family. www.christchurchfoodfest.co.uk

Go Nuts at Monkey World

Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts with them will receive a FREE Monkey World badge.

www.monkeyworld.org

Sat 25 May to Sun 2 Jun

May Half Term at Corfe Castle

Discover wildlife with a new family quest, join a storyteller on interactive tour.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle

Pirates at Nothe Fort

Set sail for a day of family-friendly adventure with Pirate of the Fort, fit for the whole crew. www.nothefort.org.uk

Mon 27 May

Sherborne Castle Country Fair

Fun-packed Country Fair with attractions, entertainment and activities for all the family. www.sherbornecountryfair.com

Corfe Castle Village May Fair

Traditional village fete hosted by Corfe Castle with games, crafts, face-painting and more.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle

Mon 27 to Wed 31 May

Half Term at Farmer Palmers Farm Park

Book ahead for popular activities including tractor rides, sheep shearing and Wild West Soak off. www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

Fri 31 May to Sat 1 Jun

Swanage Fairy Festival

Magical and spectacular live shows entertainment, food and drink and arts and crafts.

www.swanagefairyfestival.com

JUNE

Sat 1 Jun

Family Fest in Wimborne Fun-packed live music with new busking area, children's shows, dog show and tonnes more fun.

www.ffdorset.co.uk

Sat 8 Jun

Summerfest in Weymouth

Action filled day of entertainment, live music, sports, food and drink stalls, fun fairs and more. www.bit.ly/Summerfest2024

Uplyme Village Fete

Traditional village fete as well as jam-packed programme of colourful and innovative events.

www.bit.ly/UplymeFete

Sat & Sun 8-9 Jun

Lyme Regis Fossil Festival FREE family-friendly festival for fossil enthusiasts of all ages with activities and workshops for kids. www.fossilfestival.com

Sat 15 Jun

Harry Paye Pirate Day in Poole Parade of pirates, live music, junior pirates competition, pirate games, children's rides and more.

www.bit.ly/HarryPaye

Sun 16 Jun

Father's Day at Seaton Tramway

Fantastic day out for everyone this Father's Day. Dad travels FREE. www.tram.co.uk

Confidence building fun with Perform

50% for Dads at Monkey World Dad’s get 50% off entry at Monkey World on Father's Day. www.monkeyworld.org

Thu 20 to Sat 22 Jun

Family Festival

Family-friendly music and arts festival show casing diverse musical, theatrical and comedy talent. www.chesilrocks.com

Fri & Sat 21-22 Jun

Dorset Fest in Blandford Forum

Family-friendly music festive with range of music, entertainment and food stalls. www.dorsetfest.org

Sat & Sun 29-30 Jun

Artisan Weekend at Corfe Castle

Join artisan volunteers to learn about medieval crafts. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfecastle

Sun 30 Jun

Summertime Fayre in Dorchester Bouncy castle, tug of war, market stalls, entertainment and more. https://bit.ly/SummertimeFayre

CHILDREN'S

BRIDPORT ART CENTRE

www.bridport-arts.com

The Greatest Magician Wed 13 Mar

A dazzling and ever evolving magic show for all ages.

BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION

www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Jurassic Live Fri 5 to Sun 7 Apr

See dinosaurs live on stage along with prehistoric birds flying over your head. Ages 2+.

Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out

Wed 10 to Thu 11 Apr

Join Peppa and her family and friends as they go to the zoo and the beach for a special party. All ages.

CORN EXCHANGE www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

The Discovery Lab 17 Mar Improvised theatre meets interactive science by Big Bold Drama. Ages 6+.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Corn Exchange Tue 2 Apr

Wonderland floods onto the stage in a whirl of strange contraptions and curious characters. Ages 4+

Magic & Marvels Wonderland at Corn Exchange Sun 5 May

Mesmerising magic with aweinspiring feats of juggling and daring stunts. All ages.

MARINE THEATRE, LYME REGIS www.marinetheatre.com

Alice in Wonderland Wed 3 Apr

Filled with live music and puppetry, it's the perfect show for the whole family.

LIGHTHOUSE, POOLE

www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Awful Auntie Thu 21 to Sun 24 Mar

Expect laughs, spectacular effects, ghosts, schemes, twists and more.

Ages 5+.

The Little Prince Tue 2 Apr

Mesmerising puppetry and beautiful songs in this adaptation of the best-selling children's book.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Fri 12 to Sun 14 Apr

Delightful family show packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Ages 3+.

Grooving with Pirates Sat 27 Apr

A swashbuckling adventure in this exciting, jazz and funk fuelled show. Ages 3-7.

REGENT THEATRE, CHRISTCHURCH www.theregent.co.uk

Exciting Science Sun 17 Mar

Brand new, exciting and educational show will amaze and astound. Ages 4+.

The Little Mermaid Wed 29 May to Sat 1 Jun

Based on the classic fairy tale and Disney’s animated feature, all the characters you love.

TIVOLI THEATRE, WIMBORNE

www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk

The Greatest Magician

Thu 14 Mar

A dazzling and ever evolving magic show for all ages.

WEYMOUTH PAVILLION

www.weymouthpavilion.com

The Amazing Bubbleman

Mon 8 Apr

Spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. All ages.

Easter Pantomime Beauty and The Beast Sat 13 Apr

With a star cast, music, dance routines and jokes, slapstick and audience participation.

Cirque: The Greatest Show

Sat 20 to Sun 21 Apr

Where musical theatre showstoppers meet jaw dropping circus spectacular. Ages 3+.

Charlie Cook's Favourite Book

Tue 30 Apr to Thu 2 May

Delve into books with Charlie Cook brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs. Ages 3-8.

Don't forget to say you saw these events listed in Families Dorset magazine!

THEATRE

Birthday traditions

By Tamsin Ryan

The lovely thing about birthday traditions is that they don’t have to be big and expensive to be really fun and meaningful. Birthday traditions can become an integral part of family time together; a great excuse to get everyone in the same room and create lasting memories. They can provide the perfect opportunity for a family photo, in which you can capture the changes in your family year by year.

In our household, we have something called a ‘birthday interview book’ for our daughter. Every year we fill out the relevant page with lots of fun and sometimes factual information about her; from her favourite food or toy, to what she wants to be when she grows up. It’s going to make a lovely book to look back on in years to come. We also open our presents first thing in the morning, before we have even got out of bed, I have to confess that this tradition is mostly driven by our daughter! We also like to have a family meal with whoever of the wider family is around; we have a favourite ‘fancy’ restaurant that we always go to for birthday celebrations.

Another great bonus of family traditions is that they can potentially replace the need for an all-singing and all-dancing birthday party. Sometimes a day spent with family, some quality time with the ones we love, is more than enough and parties can take a back seat.

Here are a few fun ideas for you:

Sneak into your child’s bedroom while they are sleeping and decorate their bedroom and leave their presents at the end of their bed. Then all you need to do is sneak back to bed and wait for their surprised reaction when they wake.

Write your child a letter every year for their birthday. This will make such a

lovely keepsake for when they are older. Or perhaps get them to write something each year and create a time capsule with their letters and drawings.

If you are a risk taker and you are feeling brave, perhaps you can turn birthdays into a 'yes' day, where you have to say 'yes' to all requests from the birthday child. You may want to have a few ‘safety’ caveats for this day, where certain requests are out of bounds!

Create a super fantastic birthday breakfast feast, such as piles of pancakes covered in fruit, syrup and cream. Or maybe just start the day the best way, with birthday cake!

Plan a birthday scavenger hunt around the house and garden where the birthday child has to solve clues in order to hunt down their birthday gift.

Ask the birthday child to donate a toy of theirs to charity, before they receive any new gifts. It’s a lovely way for them

to start to learn how lucky they are to receive gifts on their birthday and also clears some space to accommodate new gifts.

Gift the birthday child something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read - a lovely way to celebrate a birthday in a more grounded way.

Grant the birthday child three wishes for their big day.

Send your child’s birthday card in the post, even if you are all at home, as it’s always fun to receive mail.

Write little Post It notes for the birthday child and hide them round their room, the house, in their school bag, their lunchbox etc.

There are a myriad of other little things you can do to mark the special day, like having an advent calendar style countdown or marking their height every year on the doorframe or a height chart. Or perhaps the whole family could dress from head to toe for the day in the favourite colour of the birthday child and finish off by hosting a family games night with prizes, forfeits and half time snacks.

Whatever traditions you and your family choose to adopt, the important thing is that you do them together and have some fun. These shared moments will be cherished and remembered long after the birthday parties and the gifts have faded. So get creative and enjoy coming up with your own traditions.

For more birthday and party tips, read Tamsin’s blog at www.icecreamandjelly.com or check out her Instagram page @icecreamandjelly_uk

Eco birthday gift ideas

By Tamsin Ryan

At a time when we are all trying to reduce the amount of plastic we consume, it seems our little ones are against us every step of the way, filling our homes with plastic toys and gadgets that often only provide a few seconds of fun before they are pushed aside for the next in line.

So when the next birthday comes around, why not consider gifting something that is a little kinder to the planet and might also provide some longer lasting fun?

Non-physical gifts. In a world full of ‘stuff,’ perhaps it’s worth considering a gift that’s not physical. How about a fun day out or an experience that the whole family can enjoy or even an activity class?

Another idea is an annual (family) membership to a local amusement park, museum or similar, which means your gift can be enjoyed again and again. A subscription for a magazine or activity box is also a gift that keeps on giving.

Garden games are a long standing favourite gift. They are a great way to get kids outside and offer lots of family fun. You can find some really lovely wooden games such as quoits, jenga and skittles, that will truly last a lifetime.

Books are often overlooked but can be such a meaningful and enjoyable gift, with favourites read and loved again and again and then passed onto siblings, friends or the next generation. Choose one of your own childhood favourites or opt for book vouchers as an alternative.

Pre-loved gifts are a great option. Children outgrow toys quickly and generally don’t know the difference between new and pre-loved anyway. Your money is likely to stretch a bit further so this is a budget-friendly option that needn’t disappoint. If you are short on time, then www.rumage.com searches all your favourite marketplaces and you can filter by location to find a seller nearby.

Handmade and upcycled presents. With a little time and creativity, these can can really add a personal touch. You can make something bespoke that will be unique to the lucky recipient. Previously I’ve upcycled a scooter and a guitar for my daughter, which have been loved and adored.

‘Fiver’ parties. These are rising in popularity and it’s easy to see why. Combine a fiver from each birthday guest and the combined monies will buy a meaningful gift the birthday child will really love.

For more birthday tips, read Tamsin’s blog at www.icecreamandjelly.com or check out her Instagram page @icecreamandjelly_uk

Party with Nikki’s Dance Parties

Nikki’s Dance Parties is a Dorset based party provider that offers a wide variety of children’s parties. From discos, dance parties, princess-themed parties, early years character and mascot discos, pamper parties, arty crafty parties, mascot Meet & Greets and an unmanned hire service, there’s something to suit every taste.

Catering for all age groups, Nikki’s Dance Parties work closely with the client to create the theme for a bespoke party experience, ensuring its young clients have a party to remember. Flexibility is key with packages for large or small parties available. All hosts are DBS checked and the company is fully insured. Nikki’s Dance Parties covers the whole of Dorset and surrounds in venues provided by the client.

Nikki’s Dance Parties also runs holiday workshops and seasonal events.

For more information on packages, email nikkisdanceparty@gmail.com or call/text 07864 780143.

Facing tween challenges

By Tanith Carey

No longer a child but not yet a teenager; 8-to-12-year-olds change quickly.

The result is that parents face lots of shifts, including their tween wanting more privacy and independence. None of these will feel as daunting once you know the developmental reasons and see the world through your tween’s eyes. Take this common real-life scenario:

Your tween says: ‘Dad said I could’. Scenario: Your partner goes against your rules and lets your tween play video games on a school night, sparking a row when you get home.

What your tween’s thinking: ‘I’ve worked out that dad is laxer about gaming, so I’m taking advantage. I know mum will be angry but for now, all I care about is more screentime. However, when my parents disagree, I feel I’m to blame. When they contradict each other, it makes me feel unsafe and like the grown-ups don’t have a clue.’

What you might be thinking: If you’ve worked hard to maintain this boundary, you may conclude that your partner doesn’t respect how hard it is to stick to these rules. You may also be angry that being so lax will mean your tween will now want to play video games every school night, making your job harder. You may also resent your child for taking advantage.

How you could respond: Before saying anything, take a few deep breaths to help you calm down. Once you feel ready, speak to your co-parent out of your child’s earshot and agree on a united front to jointly give notice to your child that it’s time

Keep Out

Scenario: Your tween has put a sign on the door saying: Keep out!

What your tween’s thinking: ‘My room is no longer just a place to sleep and keep my toys. Now I want more time to think, I want it to be my kingdom where I can have privacy and also use it to show off some of my developing interests.’

What you might be thinking: You may struggle to take this new boundary seriously and worry the sign is going to be a red flag to any siblings who will see it as a challenge.

How you could respond: Tweens are using ‘magical thinking’: a belief that if they think something, it will happen and the sign really will stop people coming in without permission.

As far as possible, respect their wishes and start knocking if they ask you to. See it as part of their personal development and how they choose to decorate their door as a guide to their developing interests.

to wind down their game. Update your child: ‘Sometimes Dad and I do things differently but now we both agree it’s bedtime.’ After your tween is asleep, keep talking to your co-parent. Keep an open mind, rather than going on the attack. For instance, is gaming their way of connecting and having fun with your child? Could there be slightly different rules on the nights when they are in charge?

Keep in mind too that parenting is about teamwork, which requires different strengths. The most important thing is that you both stay consistent to what you each decide and don’t undermine each other in front of your child.

Tanith Carey is co-author with Dr Angharad Rudkin of a new handbook for tween parents What’s my Tween Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents, available now from www.bookshop.org

All my friends have a phone

Scenario: Your tween pleads for a smartphone because ‘all their friends’ have one.

What’s your tween’s thinking: ‘Not all my friends do but I’ll tell my parents that anyway so they’ll think they’re being unfair.’

What you might be thinking: While you may believe they’re too young to have access to such a vast online world, their request may tap into your fears they’ll get left out by their peers.

How you could respond: Acknowledge their wish and explain that you understand while standing firm: ‘I know a phone would make you feel grown-up but I want you to grow up experiencing life in the real world first.’

As your child gets older, you could also compromise by letting them use an old family phone or tablet that you ALL access and only in the common areas of your home, after homework. Never in bedrooms. Make it a rule your child can only post to closed groups of school friends and family, not in public forums.

Is gaming truly a villain?

By Dr Amit Sra and Vivek Behi

According to a recent survey, a staggering ninety one percent of children ages 3 to 15 play video games on a device.* This gives rise to concerns about potential gaming addiction, the impact on children’s social skills and the presence of seemingly violent or inappropriate content, all of which contribute to parents’ unease about their children’s gaming behaviours. But what if we challenged the notion that gaming is the villain?

In our view, there are often-overlooked advantages of gaming for children. Here are some of the key benefits for young minds and some guidance for parents on ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.

Despite the common perception of gaming as a mere pastime, recent research underscores the significant impact of strategic and puzzle-solving games on cognitive functions. By enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking and spatial awareness, these games are more than entertainment. They actively stimulate creativity and imagination, with many titles encouraging players to construct their own virtual realms and narratives. These activities lead to cognitive advantages that translate into reallife problem-solving and creative thinking, providing a mental exercise with practical applications.

With the rise of online multiplayer games, our children have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds.

Many video games involve multiplayer modes or online communities, enabling social interaction and collaboration. Engaging with others in a virtual environment can help children develop social skills, teamwork and a sense of camaraderie,

Tips for in-game purchases

In numerous games, it is now typical to find in-app purchases and microtransactions. It is essential to initiate open and positive conversations with your child regarding responsible spending in these gaming scenarios. Prompt them to grasp the significance of money and recognise the possible repercussions of unauthorised in-game purchases. Establish boundaries on their spending over specific periods and emphasise the importance of seeking permission before making any purchases. This approach ensures that gaming remains an enjoyable and educational experience while instilling vital financial lessons to safeguard against unforeseen expenses.

As well as discussing responsible spending with your child, educate them on the concept of virtual economies within games. Explain how in-game currencies work and the importance of distinguishing between virtual and real-world money. Emphasise the satisfaction of patience and earning rewards through gameplay rather than resorting to instant purchases. By instilling these values, you empower your child to make informed decisions, fostering financial responsibility and enhancing their overall gaming experience.

while being part of gaming communities can create a sense of belonging for children, especially those who may feel isolated in other aspects of their lives.

Despite the benefits, protecting your child’s online experiences is a top priority as a parent. Creating a secure and enjoyable gaming environment for your kids is crucial to them gaining from the advantages. Like films, games come with age ratings. The Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system provides detailed age ratings to help parents determine the suitability of a video game for their child.

As long as parents ensure children are engaging responsibly, gaming can be more than a hobby. It serves as a valuable avenue for children to learn, develop and forge connections in today’s digital landscape.

Dr Sra and Mr Behl are owners of the youth esports arena Valhallan (www.valhallan.com), which offers a secure and nurturing environment in which children can foster their love of gaming.

Further gaming benefits

Video games often receive criticism for their perceived impact on our children’s mental health but the reality is that their influence on child development is frequently misunderstood.

Beyond mere entertainment, gaming is a powerful training tool for a range of essential skills. Engaging in virtual adventures or competitive game challenges provides children with a unique opportunity to relax and develop emotional resilience. Immersive gameplay allows children to escape momentarily from real-life pressures and challenges, providing a sense of relaxation and escapism. Certain video games often include objectives and rewards, teaching children the value of setting goals and working towards them, while achieving in-game milestones can boost self-esteem and motivation.

Some games go a step further by offering players a chance to improve their emotional regulation and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations; skills that easily transfer to real-life scenarios. In essence, gaming provides a constructive way for your child to relieve stress, giving them space to unwind and acquire coping skills that will be significant for their overall personal development.

Be egg hunt ready with our BUN�Y Binoculars!

Hop into the Easter spirit with this delightful craft!

Unleash your little one’s creativity and recycle cardboard tubes to make bunny-shaped binoculars. Are you ready for the hunt?

Let the crafting adventure begin!

You will need:

• Loo roll tubes (x2)

• Cereal box card

• Tape

• Scissors

What to do:

• PVA glue

• Colouring materials

• Printed template (scan QR code to download)

Step 1:

Glue the two tubes together to make binoculars. Leave to dry.

Step 3:

Glue the rest of the template to cereal box card. Once dry, ask a grown up to help you cut out the nose and ears.

Step 2:

Ask a grown up to help you cut out the band from the printed template.

Step 4:

Use glue to attach the nose to one end of the binocular tubes. Leave to dry.

This activity has been provided by toucanBox (www.toucanbox.com) whose all-in-one subscription craft boxes for kids make playtime easy-peasy.

Step 5:

Colour in your band, then wrap around the binoculars and glue tab to secure.

Step 6:

Ask a grown up to help you cut a small slit for each ear, about 1cm away from the end of the tube.

Step 7:

Insert the bunny ear tabs into the slits. Fold the tabs towards you and tape to the inside of the tube.