Families Hereford & Worcester March/April 2019 Issue 56

FR E E

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Hereford & Worcester

IN THIS ISSUE

Education Open events

My Child Will Not Eat Useful tips and advice

What’s On Easter days out

Issue 56 March/April 2019

familiesonline.co.uk

News and Views Dear Reader I always think that Spring is the prettiest of months after the long dull days of Winter.

Leo Tolstoy wrote: “spring is the time of plans and projects” so to help you plan the Easter break we have lots of events in the area. Plus Easter camps and workshops to help provide safe, secure childcare and opportunites for children to learn new skills and make new friends.

Spring is also a time for some to start thinking about the choice of a new school. We feature some of our region’s leading independent schools.

Social Media Companies Face New Rules The government has announced its desire to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. Digital minister, Margot James says: “There is far too much bullying, abuse, misinformation and manipulation online.”

The announcement comes after the tragic death of Molly Russell, 14, whose parents had found she had viewed content on social media linked to depression, self-harm and suicide before taking her own life in 2017.

Ms James said “The tragic death of Molly Russell is the latest consequence of a social media world that behaves as if it is above the law. For too long the response from many of the large platforms has fallen short.”

"We have heard calls for an internet regulator and to place a statutory duty of care on platforms, and are seriously considering all options.”

“Social media companies clearly need to do more to ensure they are not promoting harmful content to vulnerable people” said a Government spokesman. A white paper is forthcoming. For more information: www.saferinternet.org.uk

At What Age Can Children Be Home Alone?

Parents often wonder when it is safe to leave a child unsupervised at home.

Plus ‘picky eaters’. Mealtimes can become battlegrounds, so we have some strategies that parents can put in place to support their child.

See page 10.

The law does not specify an age at which a child can legally be “home alone.”

However, parents commit an offence if leaving the child unsupervised at home puts him or her at risk.

Happy Easter.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has published a guide “Is My Child Ready to Be Left Alone?” This states that: • children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time • children under 16 shouldn’t be left alone overnight • babies, toddlers and young children should never be left alone

Diane Clifford. Editor

01684 770566 editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

BOOK TODAY Advertise with us and reach over 44,000 parents in the region.

Next issue May/June Booking deadline is Friday 5 April Families Hereford & Worcester is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Hereford & Worcester are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Hereford & Worcester. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof..

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More info at www.nspcc.org.uk

Local Volunteer Host Families Needed EIL (Experiment in International Living) UK is a Worcestershire based charity that brings international visitors (mostly students) to the UK and places them with volunteer host families. Participants do a variety of things during their time here like attend local schools, go on cultural visits around the UK and volunteer for local community projects. EIL are looking for new host families of all different types in Worcestershire and have hosting opportunities from a weekend, 1-4 weeks or even an academic year. EIL pays a contribution towards expenses.

Contact Mary on mary.griffiths@eiluk.org or 01684-562577 for more information and see our website www.eiluk.org To advertise call: 01684 770566

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News and Views Summer Babies Never Catch Up Summer-borns still struggle in year 3 and 6, according to new research. Analysis of the test results of more than 1.5 million primary school pupils across England by School Dash, an education data analytics company, confirmed the disadvantage faced by summer-born children. The research found that pupils born between April and August performed on average 7.5% behind others in reception maths tests. By year 6, summer-born pupils are on average www.schooldash.com Sun 3.6% 6 –behind.

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Does your daughter have the skills to enable her to have unlimited career aspirations and fulfil her dreams? In the words of Robin Robertson, “When girls go to single sex schools, they stop being the audience and become the players”. If you would like to find out more, Dodderhill Independent Girls School invite you and your daughter to an Open Morning on Saturday 2 March 2019. Girls age 9 years and over may wish to take part in a trial fencing session. Please contact the school office to book your place on 01905 778290.

Golden Egg Trail 17 – 22 APRIL 2019 Follow the bunny trail in search of the Golden Egg and claim a yummy Easter reward

Football Boosts Girls Confidence New research suggests that playing football can have a greater positive impact on the self-confidence of teenage girls than other popular sports.

The study by the University of Birmingham for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is the largest of its kind and features data collected from 4128 girls and young women aged 13 and over in Denmark, England, Germany, Spain, Poland and Turkey.

80% of teenage girls surveyed said they felt more confident as a result of being part of their football team compared to 74% who played other sports. 58% of the female footballers questioned said they had overcome a lack of self-confidence as a result of playing football, compared with 51% of girls who play other sports.

UEFA have launched the Together #WePlayStrong campaign, which aims to make football the number one participation sport for girls and women in Europe by 2022.

More info: www.birmingham.ac.uk/news familiesonline.co.uk

FREE trail ’s with child admission

Spetchley Park Gardens, Spetchley, Worcester WR5 1RS

Don’t miss an issue! Download the latest magazine and our back catalogue at issuu www.issuu.com

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Education

Ed’s Reading Room Hi kids, parents, grandparents, teachers – and book lovers everywhere! I’m Ed and here is my Spring book selection for you to enjoy. Ed’s Reading Room is an exciting free book review website for primary children in homes and schools. See these reviews, download the specially written reading activities for these books and buy the books online at www.EdontheWeb.com.

Check out Ed’s tweets: @kidsbookreviews – and have fun reading!

FOR AGES 5-7 YEARS

Oscar and the Catastrophe by Alan MacDonald

Last Minute!

Simple World Book Day Costumes With World Book Day on 7 March, you may not have the time, energy, funds or inclination to provide a glitzy costume for your child to wear to school. So here is Families list of book-related characters that require minimal accessories and that might work for your child this year:

(Egmont £5.99) ED SAYS: ‘‘Meet Oscar the dog and his boy Sam. Sam has a secret known only to the two of them but he will let you into it. Oscar can speak! When they hear they have a new neighbour they are intrigued to know who it might be.

Oscar is horrified that Mrs Bentley-Wallop has arrived with a large white cat. However Sam is more worried about the jewel thief in town. Oscar and Sam decide to become detectives but this proves more difficult than they thought. Will they be able to sniff out the culprit and solve the mystery?”

The Travels of Ermine: Trouble in New York by Jennifer Gray (Usborne £5.99) ED SAYS: “Ermine is so excited

to be in New York with its high-rise buildings, yellow taxis and Central Park Zoo. She is thrilled to be with Michael S Megabucks’s son on his birthday, particularly to be visiting the zoo. This is going to be a really exciting day! But meanwhile Ermine’s suitcase is switched and she discovers some robbers are pursuing her. This trip is quickly turning into more of an adventure than Ermine had bargained for! And is there really a reward at the end of this amazing trip?”midnight Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff feast in time?”

Kinney White shirt, black short and black FOR AGES 7 YEARS PLUS backpack.

The Legend of Kevin by Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre (Oxford £8.99) ED SAYS: “Kevin is a flying pony. One

Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Trousers, white top and yellow jacket Tinkerbell – Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie A fairy costume Sophie - The Tiger who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr Purple dress, blue top and patterned leggings

night in a raging storm he is blown onto the balcony of Max’s flat. Max adores animals and his greatest wish is to have a pet but when he sees Kevin on the balcony in the dark he wonders if it could be a frightening polar bear. He decides he should not be afraid of the animal and invites him into his bedroom. The storm waters rise and the town is besieged by creatures but when Max and Kevin share their quick thinking – and biscuits – they embark on an adventure together to help others.”

The Girl, the Cat & the Navigator by Matilda Woods

(Scholastic £6.99) ED SAYS: “Oona Britt dreams of an exciting life on the ocean waves. She sets sail aboard her father’s ship The Plucky Leopard as it starts out on a whale hunt although Book characters that Wear her father doesn’t approve of girls aboard ships. Oona has Pyjamas/Nightdress heard of a mysterious creature called the Nardoo and she Wendy - Peter Pan by JM Barrie wants to track it down. But life at sea can be dangerous, cold Tom - Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa and windy. If she fell overboard she might drown. However it Pearce would doubtlessly be an adventure – and Oona had always Boy - Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg dreamed of going on a great adventure. “

'Boy' – Lost and Found by Ed’s Reading Room is at www.EdontheWeb.com.

Oliver Jeffers It was created by Maggie Humphreys, a teacher of more than 25 years, and Les Snowdon, who Red and white striped top plus hat and together are authors of several books on fitness walking and healthy eating. penguin toy You are welcome to contact Maggie on 01753 730019 or by email at maggiehumphreys@aol.com. www.worldbookday.com/dressing-up 4

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

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Education

Open Morning

Saturday 2nd March 2019 10.00am to 12.00 noon join us for our Open Morning at Dodderhill School and take part in a Fencing Taster Session available to children aged 9 years onwards.

Please contact us in advance to book an appointment time.

Crutch Lane Droitwich Spa Worcestershire WR9 0BE

Girls age 4-16

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t: 01905 778290 e: admissions@dodderhill.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566 or email: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk

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Education

Distinct And Refreshing Malvern St James is a leading independent school for girls aged 4-18. What helps to make us distinct and refreshing, is our recognition and active support for the individual talents, interests and passions of girls, and the liberating and inclusive ethos the school embraces.

MSJ doesn’t produce a ‘type’ of girl. We achieve excellent academic results but we are not an exam factory. Our ethos is one of inclusion and respect. Girls can pursue their passions and interests in the field of their choice – all routes are equal. It may be horse riding, engineering, politics, the environment or climbing. We recognise the importance of allowing each individual to grow and flourish. We find ways to support girls to achieve their passions.

Our inspiration Every girl is unique, with their own character, passions and idiosyncrasies. That’s what makes life at Malvern St James so enjoyable and rewarding. We are constantly inspired by our pupils and we support them to have the confidence to excel, to love life, stand all that with they believe in andcharacter, shape a wonderful future.

Every girlupisfor unique, their own passions and

idiosyncrasies. That’s what makes life at Malvern St James so enjoyable and rewarding. We are constantly inspired by our pupils and we support them to have the confidence to excel, to love life, stand up for all that they believe in and shape a wonderful future.

Be anything, achieve everything

If you would like to arrange a tour of Malvern St James school, please contact Admissions on 01684 892288 or by email admissions@malvernstjames.co.uk

NEXT OPEN MORNING WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2019

Learning The Times Tables – Tips And Tricks In 2020, it becomes compulsory for all Year 4 students to undergo a new times table test and this is likely to put additional pressure on both parents and children get to grips with their times tables.

Getting Familiar with Multiplication Concepts The first step with multiplication is to make sure your child understands what multiplication really means. In other words, they need to understand that 4 x 3 is the same as 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 and be confident with such number sequences.

The Rule of Commutativity Show your child that each answer repeats, so, technically, they only have to learn half of the tables. In other words, 4 x 5 is the same as 5 x 4. The rule of commutativity helps them understand that they know more than they might think.

All the multiples of ten end in zero.

All the multiples of 5 end in either 5 or 0 and are half as large as the multiples of ten. (10 x 5=50 which is half of 10 x 10 = 100) Any number x 0 is always 0. No matter what. The answers to the 4 times table are double the answers to the 2 times table. For example, 3 × 4 = 12 is the same as 3 × 2 × 2.

Likewise, the answers to the 8 times table are double the answers to the 4 times table. For example, 5 × 8 = 40 is the same as 5 × 4 × 2. Learning the 11 times table is actually easy up to the number 9. It is simply doubling the appearance of the number you wish to multiply by. For example, 2 x 11 = 22, 3 x 11 = 33, and so on.

Teach the Tricks The great thing with times tables is that there are many tricks that can help memorise them more easily. Let's take a look at a couple of tricks: 2 times tables: Double it! Two times a number simply Point Out Patterns means add the number twice. 6 x 2 is actually 6 + 6 and 8 x 2 is It doesn't all have to be memorised by rote. There are clues and the same as 8 + 8. helpful hints that can be learned. For example 2x is just doubling the number. 2 x 2 = 4, 2 x 3 = 6, etc. So the pattern is 2, 4, 6, 8 etc. 4 times tables: Double the number you are multiplying, then double And once these are remembered then the rule of commutatavity it again! It is simply a matter of doubling the number, then doubling above means they also know 3 x 2, 4 x 2 etc. the answer. 4 x 5 is 5 + 5 = 10 and then 10 + 10 = 20. 4 x 5 is 20.

9× has a pattern too: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90. Notice how the tens go up by one and the units go down.

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

12 times table is 10x plus 2x. For example: 10 x 4 = 40, then add 2 x 4 = 8.

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Education

RGS FAMILY OF SCHOOLS

RGS Worcester’s two Prep Schools (RGS The Grange and RGS Springfield) offer outstanding education for children from the age of 2 to 11 years, before going onto RGS Worcester until aged of 18. First class care and individual attention gives every child a happy and stimulating foundation in their journey within the RGS Worcester family.

The first precious few years of a young child’s life are an exciting time of development, exploration, learning and fun. Both RGS Prep Schools allow children to be curious, explore, and ask questions, tackle problems, experiment and play.

Ofsted and ISI have consistently rated the schools as ‘Outstanding’, and reports highlight the critical role that the staff play to achieve the best possible outcomes for each child. Children benefit from specialist teaching in PE, Music and IT and are nurtured and encouraged to develop both confidence and skills.

RGS The Grange sits within 50 acres of land just north of Worcester City Centre.

Happy children make excellent learners and a child’s experiences in their Early Years forms the foundation for future learning, which is built upon and developed throughout the prep school.

The Early Years programme at RGS Springfield provides children with a magical first experience of school. The passionate and highly dedicated team believe that the capabilities of young children should never be underestimated and provide a supportive, nurturing and purposeful environment, children grow in confidence and enjoy all that is on offer throughout the school.

At RGS we know that through a combination of challenge, careful nurturing and personalised teaching, children really are given the best possible start to their school lives, which this time of year many parents with children of up and coming Reception age, are seeking to achieve. Opening from 7.45am to 6.00pm, we provide wrap around care as well as offering a variety of clubs and societies to develop a well-rounded child. We welcome the opportunity to show you our schools during a school day and invite you to also attend one of the forthcoming Open Mornings.

“Happy children succeed”

Open Mornings RGS Springfield 11 May 2019 9.00am - 12.30pm 01905 24999

RGS The Grange 18 May 2019 9.00am - 12.30pm 01905 451205

www.rgsw.org.uk | 01905 613391 familiesonline.co.uk

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Parenting

Finding More Familiy Friendly Work a long commute. She says that without her homeworking role she might have eventually left the legal profession.

Claire Brown left a ‘million miles an hour’ job in the City and is now working part time as Internal Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR] Manager at Carpetright.

The post means she can use her skills and experience in a senior role AND still has enough time for her family and voluntary job running her village’s residents association.

Such cases are not confined to the big corporates. SMEs like IT firm, Hireserve, has grown by employing experienced professionals on flexible hours. Their hours have increased as their families and the firm has grown.

So how do you land this kind of job? The answer is research and being clear about what you want and why it is good for your employer. Research the best family-friendly employers.

Don’t just look at their policies - everyone can look good on paper, but read what others say about them; talk, if possible, to people who work there; find out what the companies offer beyond the statutory requirements; and look at whether they are shouting out about it on their careers page or LinkedIn. Does it matter to them? Do they really get it?

It’s not just the provision of a flexible role that matters. It is about the employers’ overall attitude to flexible workers. Line managers’ attitudes, in particular, are crucial to ensuring flexible working doesn’t mean career stagnation.

Flexible working is one of the top three benefits that today’s jobseekers look for – particularly if they are parents. Meanwhile, employers are being encouraged to publish their parental leave policies and increasing numbers of employers are offering family friendly parental leave policies, from carer’s leave to the ability to buy extra holiday.

By Mandy Garner It’s not just women who want family friendly working.

Workingmums.co.uk’s recent survey of dads shows 73% say they are considering seeking flexible working. The truth is that modern family life requires flexibility and employers who don’t offer it will lose out. Employers also need to do more than offer flexible working policies; they need to back this up with a culture that normalises different ways of working. Otherwise employees often feel side-lined or end up working overtime because expectations are not reduced in line with hours.

When this flexible working policies and the right culture work together, great opportunities arise. Samantha Hamilton-Davies is a Senior Associate [Due Diligence] in the homeworking legal team of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, based in Manchester.

Samantha works four days a week from home and has been promoted since joining the team. Previously, Samantha had faced 8

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With regard to clarity, it is best to be upfront about what you need and to put a business case for why it is in both your interests and that of your potential employer. What do they get by allowing you flexi hours? What do you bring to the organisation that they need? Remember not to downplay or apologise for skills gained outside the workplace.

When Visa in Europe was advertising the post of Director of Talent, mum-of-four Pippa Edwards, who was a Talent Manager, expressed her interest but told her manager that she didn’t want to work full time. He said: “Have you considered a job share?” “In that one sentence everything changed for me,” says Pippa. “I started to believe I could have my cake and eat it.”

Pippa now job shares with mum-of-three Vicki Mawson, former Talent Acquisition Director at L’Oréal. Both women think the company has benefited from the job share, getting a depth of expertise that one person alone would not provide.

“Before I thought that I would have to make a choice between working part time and having a career” states Pippa. I had come to accept that that was the reality, but my boss showed me that I could have both and that was so powerful. So many women should have that opportunity and not have to make that choice.”

Mandy Garner is Editor of www.workingmums.co.uk, which links top family-friendly employers with female professionals. They have just launched a partner website for dads at www.workingdads.co.uk

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Parenting The Parenting Apart Programme Helping Parents to put their Children First Separation and divorce can be a challenging and upsetting time for all involved. The relationship has ended between the adults, but their role as parents has not stopped.

It is important to make sure parents and children get the support they need. Although there may be a lot going on and the mental and emotional demands of conflict, separation or divorce can leave people feeling overwhelmed.

The Parenting Apart Programme will explore the unique challenges faced by families and will help them to identify practical strategies which will support them to navigate this specific phase in their life prioritising the emotional and mental well-being of the child/ren and giving them a voice through family breakdown.

supportive environment to communicate as parents, to form a respectful Parent Working Relationship, and to compile a Parent Working Agreement (PWA) which outlines all details for the child’s emotional wellbeing.

The Parenting Apart Programme offers: • An initial 4-week programme.

• One to one meetings with a family consultant to establish trust and develop a positive approach.

• Joint meetings enable both parents to begin communicating together properly in a supportive environment.

• Agreements jointly developed collaboratively that can be filed alongside Court orders if required.

• Reviews and ongoing support to help you through the first How it works? steps of moving on.

The Parenting Apart Programme (PAP) facilitated by the Claire Field Consultancy team is • Resident parent re-establishing parenting relationship with the offering you a non-resident parent.

• Initial one to one meetings prior to entering the Parenting Apart Programme can be held for an initial assessment.

• The programme prioritises the emotional and physical wellbeing of the children.

Tailored, personal and consistent support, helping and supporting parents when they need it the most. www.clairefieldconsultancy.com The Parenting Apart Programme (PAP) has been specifically produced to support you with hands on support and advice through an initial 4-week programme.

Children have an amazing capacity to cope with all sorts of challenges if the adults in their lives remain constant and consistent – these are the two main ingredients in the Parenting Apart Programme.

Please visit the website www.clairefieldconsultancy.com to view parent testimonials and for full details on the programme. Or contact the office directly on 01562 700447. Parents can self-refer and the team will be very happy to assist you with any enquiries.

Work from home: be the next editor of Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Would you like the flexibility of working from home and never miss your child’s school performance or sports day again? Are you interested in running your own business and would find the support offered by a franchise helpful? Are you self-motivated and well organised?

You now have the opportunity to buy Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine Franchise – a business which is up and running, including established client base, readership and drop points.

No previous experience needed, training is available and you will have the support of the fantastic team at Families Magazine Ltd

To find out more about running your own business around your family email Diane: editor@familiesherefordandworcs.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

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Parenting

Help My Child Will Not Eat From the minute our children are born there is a huge emphasis on supporting their feeding.

Parents are faced with the decision to bottle or breast feed. Mums may encounter difficulties with breastfeeding and change the mode of feeding with mixed emotions. Babies are regularly weighed to check development. Understandably, parents can start to feel an urgency to get food into their growing baby with a panicked sense of needing to keep them alive!

By Dr Elise Kearney Research has shown that when asked, 50% of mothers claim that at least one of their children eats poorly. Whilst nutritional intake is an important issue in infancy and early childhood because these periods are regarded as key to optimal physical and brain development, the anxiety caused from feeding difficulties can be tricky to manage. Mealtimes can become battlegrounds and parents can worry about the social impact of their children eating a limited diet.

Feeding difficulties are distinct from Eating Disorders which tend to develop and become more evident at a later age. Eating Disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa tend to be characterised by ‘body dysmorphia’ (being preoccupied with a perceived flaw in appearance that is not apparent to others or a strong belief that there is a physical defect causing an ugly or deformed appearance) and related behaviours such as negative body talk, body-checking using mirrors or frequent weighing. These thoughts and behaviours are not associated with feeding disorders. Whilst feeding and eating disorders can co-occur and there is a lack of research regarding the relationship between the two.

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Between 20 – 30% of infants and toddlers in the general population have feeding related problems. Feeding disorders encompass all spectrums of feeding problems ranging from a mild form of fussy eating to a severe form of food refusal which may be observed in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

Childhood feeding disorders can include food refusal, disruptive mealtime behaviour, rigid food preferences, parental concerns regarding growth and a struggle to learn self-feeding skills.

Feeding disorders are most commonly seen in the first few years of life between 1-3 years. Recently, there has been a re-classification of early childhood feeding disorders under the umbrella term of ‘Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder’ (ARFID). Feeding difficulties were recognised as lasting beyond early childhood (6 years) though not falling into the classification of an Eating Disorder.

Sensory Food Aversion is a Feeding Disorder whereby a child might refuse specific foods with specific tastes, textures, smells or appearances. The onset of sensory food aversion is often with the introduction of different types of foods and children continue to eat preferred foods. Children with Sensory Food Aversion tend to be very ‘picky eaters’. Fear of feeding can occur following a one off traumatic incident such as choking.

This is more common in the earlier stages of weaning. Feeding disorders can be associated with medical conditions that compromise a childs ability to swallow, self-feed or make feeding painful.

When children are poor feeders as babies or children, feeding and mealtimes can become an anxious time for both parents and children. It is very common for parents and children to become locked into unhelpful patterns of communication during mealtimes due to the anxiety caused by the eating difficulties.

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Parenting Whilst it is easy to recognise severe ‘Feeding Disorders’ and ‘Eating Disorders’ what about the plain ‘picky eaters’. This might include children who are continuing to grow and develop well and are fairly happy at mealtimes but just show an above average level of ‘pickiness’. There are some strategies that parents can put in place to support their ‘picky eater’ at mealtimes.

1. Involve children in meal time preparation. This may involve washing vegetables and where appropriate helping to chop up food. Research shows that involving children can influence their food preferences, attitudes and behaviour towards food. If you have a place where you can grow vegetables (even in pots) this can be a great inspiration for children to try their own grown vegetables. When they develop more of an interest in food they tend to be more willing to try new foods.

2. Making sure that children have an appetite when they come to the table is important. This can be achieved by having a regular mealtime schedule with three healthy snacks in between meals (roughly every two to three hours). Children who ‘graze’ during the day even on milk, juice or a few crackers will be less hungry.

3. Remember to turn off all screens both child and adult! It can be tempting to allow viewing at mealtimes or to check adult phones. However, this will pose a distraction to eating.

Connecting as a family over a shared meal is associated with many positive gains. Research shows that it is associated with a healthy diet and improved overall well-being for children and teens. It promotes a positive eating environment for children. It also allows for family communication about the day. Try to eat together at mealtimes, however, if plans don’t allow for this try to eat a little something with them even if it is not a whole meal.

4. Let your child set the pace. It can be tempting to try to get children to eat everything on their plate or ‘bribe’ them with a desert in exchange for eating more of their meal. Children have a natural ability to self-regulate their eating response to internal hunger cues. This natural ability can be easily overridden by emotional cues or demands from parents which can lead to difficulties. Try to get into the habit of providing a healthy meal and allowing your child to decide how much they eat.

5. Encourage independent feeding. Feeding in the earlier years may be a messy affair! This is okay, allow for food spillage and age appropriate mess which sometimes looks like playing with food. This will help your child to build a positive relationship with food.

6. As much as is possible, try to all eat the same family meal which can be tailored to your childs needs (i.e. they can have it all on their plate with a spare plate beside them to place unwanted foods). Children are naturally food neophobic (fearful of new foods) and this is an evolutionary trait to keep them safe. Children can require a new food to be presented to them up to 15 times before they will accept the new food. If parents get into a habit of only providing what is liked it can prevent a child from learning to like new foods.

7. Try to remain calm. Whilst over dramatic praise is not always helpful at the table, make sure to pay attention to and praise the behaviour that you would like to see more frequently. When feeding difficulties are causing high anxiety, it is easy to move into a directive position as a parent. This can take the joy out of the mealtime and negatively impact on your childs relationship with food.

8. When children feel pressured to eat they do not eat well. If your child refuses a meal or doesn’t eat anything for 15 to 20 minutes, calmly remove the food and withdraw attention from the non-eating behaviour.

9. Systematically introduce new foods. Provide some of your childs favourite foods alongside one new food. If your child refuses a new food, offer just one bite of the new food without tricking, hiding or bribing or forcing. If your child continues to refuse after three attempts, do not pressure your child any further. You can attempt to reintroduce that particular new food in a few days or weeks. Remember it can take up to 15 times of introducing a new food before a child will accept the new food. Childrens food preferences also change over time.

Thankfully, most children labelled as ‘picky eaters’ have healthy growth and development. However, if you have concerns about your childs eating pattern, including slow growth, weight loss and/or distress around eating, it may be helpful to get support from a professional. Managed early, feeding difficulties resolve more quickly; don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Dr Elise Kearney runs a clinic at The Therapies Centre, The Fold, Bransford, Worcester and can be contacted by email at elisekearney@btinternet.com or call 07713755224. Find out more about the service she offers at: www.thefold.org.uk/natural-therapy-centre/consultant-child-family-psychology/ A mother of four and Chartered Consultant Child and Family Clinical Psychologist, Dr Kearney trained as a Clinical Psychologist in Glasgow. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and families in the NHS and privately. Dr Kearney offers 1:1 assessment and treatment sessions for a variety of difficulties including; difficulties stemming from family separation, bedtime or sleep problems, feeding difficulties or “fussy eating”, dealing with anger or “temper tantrums” and separation anxiety, difficulties around potty training, sibling rivalry or difficulties with sharing, starting nursery/school and transition to high school or College/ University, anxiety, panic, phobias, low self-esteem, attachment difficulties, low mood and depression, behavioural problems, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bereavement (this list is not exclusive).

familiesonline.co.uk

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11

Clubs and Classes Cecilia Hall Dance Centre, Malvern

Classes for Young Children

Wednesday 4.15pm Ballet ages 6&7 years Friday 1.50pm Preschool Ballet & Dance Saturdays 9.45am Preschool Ballet 10.15am Tap & Modern 10.45am Ballet ages 4-6 years 11.15am Ballet ages 6&7 years Musical Theatre Class

Tuesdays 4.15pm Keystage 2 Many other classes available RAD Ballet ISTD Tap/Modern Telephone/text 07443 872 188 or email ceciliahalldance@live.co.uk for information and to enrol

Established 1992 Fully Qualified Instructors Specialised Classes 4 – 16 years Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced

Train with Sensei Jags Shoker, 3rd Dan

Monday: St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Droitwich Spa 6.00 – 7.00pm Wed & Fri: The Parish Centre, Barnt Green 5.30 – 6.30pm Friday: Parkside Middle School, Bromsgrove 3.40 – 4.40pm Saturday: St Peters RC First School, Bromsgrove 9.15–10.15 am Special offer 5 FREE www.kombatkids.com lessons

Call: 07730 899722 register@kombatkids.com

Join All Stars Cricket Today!

All Stars Cricket is a programme aimed at children aged 5-8 years old to give them a great first experience in cricket. Sessions are accredited by the England and Wales Cricket Board and delivered nationwide at over 2,000 centres. All Stars Cricket will help your child develop key skills in a fun and safe environment where parents can join in too and help create #BigMoments you’ll both treasure!

Following successful registration, All Stars Cricketers will receive a brand-new kit bag full of goodies to help them get their summer of cricket started and fully look the part when they attend their 8 weekly sessions. This year we have a brand-new Cricket World Cup themed activity book that is full of top tips, games and, it is a great place to keep those weekly stickers to celebrate your All Star's achievements.

Book at www.allstarscricket.co.uk. Sessions begin May 2019.

Action-packed Childcare Throughout The School Holidays For Children Aged 4-14.

If you are looking for school holiday ideas that keep your child active, where they can make new friends, build confidence and learn skills all while having lots of fun, then look no further!

Join us at Active Camps this Easter holiday!

Our number one aim is to ensure your child has fun. Safety is paramount and we go that extra mile as an Ofsted registered provider to give you peace of mind in knowing that your child is cared for in the best environment possible.

We provide fantastic early booking offers, in addition to discount offers and a loyalty scheme to our valued customers.

As we are Ofsted registered you are also able to pay via childcare vouchers. A standard day at our camps is 8am – 4pm, however, we also offer Xtra time which runs from 4pm – 6pm.

If you want to join us at Active Camps for an action-packed school holiday, visit aspire-sports. co.uk or call 0121 663 1979..

12

Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

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familiesonline.co.uk

Clubs and Classes

Wiggle, Sing and Learn Together With Zumbini Zumbini for Schools is an Early Childhood Education Programme for children ages 2 – 5 years and new to the Worcestershire area!

Created by Zumba and Baby First, Zumbini is a child-focused journey into the world of music and movement. This magical programme is energetic, playful, and fun and stimulates learning by contributing to the natural development of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills.

Combining both live and recorded music, singing, dancing, instruments and world beats, children learn and bond in a fun and playful way.

These 25-30 minute classes can be taught during the school/day care setting hours or alternatively, as an after-school club.

Please contact Sophie on 07807971555, or email at zumbiniwithsophie@gmail.com for more information.

Bring Zumbini to your facility!

A fun, engaging and effective music and movement programme for children aged 2-5 years in Reception, Nursery or Day care setting.

For more information:

Call Sophie on: 07807971555 Email zumbiniwithsophie@gmail.com Zumbini with Sophie

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE AND WIN!!

For your chance to win a ÂŁ50 voucher from BBC Inflatables (redeemable off your next hire) simply find and circle the FIVE DIFFERENCES, take a picture and send by email, text or via Facebook. The winner will be drawn on Friday 29th March.

Email: info@bbcinflatables.co.uk Text: 07765 000777 Facebook: BBC Inflatables

Themed Bouncy Castles & Soft Play t: 01905 841902

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13

What’s On

Please check with the venue in case details have changed

Reopens Saturday 6th April.

Newbridge: Hold chicks and bunnies

Easter Holiday Specials

•

Lamb Bottle Feeding • Baby Animals Easter Crafts* • Treasure Hunt*

•

*

15th- 23rd April only. Closed Easter Sunday.

www.NewbridgeFarmPark.com

Nr Ledbury, HR8 2QG

01531 670780

Newbridge Easter Holiday Specials Join us for Lamb bottle feeding, holding chicks and bunnies, baby animals and some novelty edible delights too, throughout the Easter holidays!

Saturday 6 - Saturday 27 April, closed Sundays.

During Easter week, Monday 15 Tuesday 23 April (closed Easter Sunday, 21st), children can join in with our Easter treasure hunt around the farm, and make Easter crafts to take home. No extra charges apply..

Theatre...

Artrix, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AX 01527 577330, www.artrix.co.uk Morgan & West Magic Show Time travelling magicians Morgan & West present a jaw dropping, heart stopping, brain busting, opinion adjusting, death defying, mind frying, spirit lifting, paradigm shifting, outlook changing, furniture rearranging magic extravaganza! 25 April Dear Zoo Live! Rod Campbell’s best-selling lift the flap book This production will delight all those who have read the book (both young and old) as it unfolds with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

28-29 April Evesham Arts Centre Theatre, Victoria Avenue, Evesham, Worcs, WR11 4QH 01386 48883, www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk AniMalcolm A vibrant, energetic and gloriously funny musical, combining physical theatre and outstanding storytelling style to bring David Baddiel’s magical and wonderfully comic bestseller to the stage. 30 March Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 8 High Street, Pershore, Worcs, WR10 1BG 01386 555488, www.number8.org Northern Ballet: Three Little Pigs Bringing the timeless fairytale to life Three Little Pigs is the perfect opportunity to introduce your little ones to the magic of live ballet, music and theatre. 13April

MORE

ONLINE familiesonline.co.uk

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Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcs, B98 8AE 01527 65203, www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Horrible Histories We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with a brand new West End show that has never toured before featuring all new scenes! 27 March The Courtyard, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JR 01432 340555, www.courtyard.org.uk TheThree Billy Goats Gruff This is the simple story of three hungry goats and a grumpy old troll, told with a gentle ecological message.

With puppets, live music, storytelling and singing..

To advertise call: 01684 770566

The Courtyard: The Three Billy Goats Gruff

Children and families can enjoy a free pre-show activity to make animal bookmarks. 30 March

Garden Centres...ARDEN

Wyevale Garden Centre Kings Acre Road, Hereford, HR4 0SE 01527 860000, www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk Breakfast or Tea with the Easter Bunny Enjoy a delicious freshly prepared breakfast or tea. Meet the Easter Bunny and choose your very own cuddly toy, Decorate your own Easter cookie and munch on mini chocolate eggs 5 -28 April Webbs West Hagley, Kidderminster Road South, West Hagley, Stourbridge, DY9 0JB 01527 860000, www.webbsdirect.co.uk John Lawson’s Circus Roll up! Roll up! With an entirely human cast performing aerial acrobatics, juggling feats, balancing acts, some crazy clown capers and more. 13-18 April

Museums...

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR 01527 831363, www.avoncroft.org.uk Various activities Easter holidays.

Bewdley Museum, Load Street, Bewdley, DY12 2AE 0845 607 7819, www.bewdleymuseum.co.uk

Easter Holiday Activities Lots of craft activities to keep the little ones occupied. 15-26 April Easter Egg Hunt Around Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens 21 April Hartlebury Castle, Hartlebury, Nr Kidderminster, Worcs, DY11 7XZ. 01299 250416, www.hartleburycastle.com Animal Mania Craft Activities Make your own Pop-Up Chick card and Lazy Lizard to take home 16 April The Commadery, Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU 01905 361821 www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk/museums/ the-commandery/ St George at Easter A family friendly Easter day celebrating England’s patron saint. Storytelling, reenactors, mummers play, masks and plenty of craft for all ages and abilities. 22 April familiesonline.co.uk

Please mention you saw this event in Families Hereford & Worcester Magazine

Malvern EastnorTheatre: Castle: Snow Chillifest White

Spetchley Gardens: Easter Egg Hunt

Days Out...

Family Fun Weekend with PJ Masks Families can meet their favourite characters from PJ Masks.

Catboy and Luna Girl will be appearing at intervals at The Engine House. 27–28 April

All Things Wild Nature Centre, Station Road, Honeybourne, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7QZ 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Hawks of Steele Falconry.An interactive WR13 6NW 01684 584900, Falconry experience. Get up close to some www.threecounties.co.uk amazing birds of prey offering you some great Countrytastic Keep the children entertained handling opportinities. 15-19 April all day long with free activities, entertainment, animals and much, more. Indoor and outdoor fun.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, 18 April Advance tickets only.

Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4JP 01993 823006, www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Hampton Court Castle and Daily Activities. Penguin feeding takes place Gardens, Hope-under-Dinmore, every day at 11am and 3pm in the Walled Leominster, HR6 0PN 01568 797676, Garden. There are keepers on hand to answer www.hamptoncourt.org.uk questions. Daily Lemur talks at 12noon. The Easter Activities See website for details.

Narrow-gauge railway takes you all around the Open from 13 April Park: Plus ‘Skymaze’ adaventure playgroud.

The Hive, Sawmill Walk, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 The Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PD 1RL 01531 633160, www.eastnorcastle.com 01905 822866, www.thehiveworcester.org EGGsplorers Easter Treasure Hunt Test Bringing Science to Life - Family your skills with the legendary Easter Treasure Science Show Get ready to get hands-on with Hunt around the castle and grounds. Chocolate surprising experiments, shocking science facts for everyone who takes part and a chance to win and the odd explosion. 12 March an enormous Easter Egg!! 19-22 April.

Easter Trail Drop-in anytime to solve a ChilliFest All things Chilli to try and buy! Live “riddle” to find the pictures of famous bunnies music, bars, hot food, children’s cookery school, hidden in the children’s library. Claim a chocolate Chilli Eating Competition and cookery treat at the end of the trail. 14-28 April demonstrations 5-6 May Christopher’s Caterpillars A bright and beautiful tale of mini-beasts and mysteries.

Newbridge Farm Park, Little Marcle, Little Presented by Topsy Turvy Theatre 17 April Marcle, Ledbury HR8 2QG 01531 670780 www.newbridgefarmpark.com Easter Treasure Hunt Join in with our

Easter treasure hunt around the farm, and make Easter crafts to take home. No extra charges apply. Closed Easter Sunday.

15-23 April

What’s On

Severn Valley Railway: Easter fun Worcester Wildlife Trust, Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, Worcester, WR3 8SZ www.worcswildlifetrust.org Birdwatching for kids Easter holiday activity See who’s returned to Upton Warren nature reserve this spring 17 April Egg-tastic Easter holiday trail A spring themed trail around the Lower Smite Farm 25-26 April National Trust 0844 800 1895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts Bring the whole family together for fun and nature-filled discoveries as you spot the first signs of spring at our special places. Follow bunny’s clues to finish your adventure with a delicious, chocolatey treat.

Join the hunt at one of the following properties.

Berrington Hall, nr Leominster, HR6 0DW Tel: 01568 615721 Brockhampton Estate, Greenfields, Bringsty, Herefordshire, WR6 5TB 01885 482077 Clent Hills, Nimmings Wood car park, between Hagley and Stourbridge, B62 0NL 01562 712822 Croft Castle, Yarpole, nr Leominster, HR6 9PW 01568 780246 Croome Park, Croome D’Abitot, WR8 9DW 01905 371006 Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich, WR9 7EA 01527 821214 The Weir Garden, Swainshill, Hereford HR4 7QF 01981 590509

Enjoy British Science Week Families can enjoy wonder-full time together during British Science Week 2019 which will take place from 8 to 17 March.

Science Week is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths with

Severn Valley Railway, Comberton Hill, fascinating, entertaining and engaging activities for all ages taking place across the Kidderminster, DY10 1QX 01562 757900, UK. Last year there were over 2,100 events involving almost 1 million participants. www.svr.co.uk Easter Fun Passengers can take exciting steam You can also download a series of FREE activity packs at www.britishscienceweek. train journeys along the line through the stunning org filled with resources and ideas to try out at home or school, without the need Severn Valley, stopping-off at any of the six for a science background or expensive equipment. stations en-route. Fun, family-friendly activities including themed crafts and competitions will be To find an event close to you, visit www.sciencelive.net at The Engine House Visitor Centre. 13-28 April familiesonline.co.uk

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Ofsted registered

Action-packed childcare this

Easter Holiday

We accept childcare vouchers

Open from 8am-6pm Week 1 15th - 18th April Week 2 23rd - 26th April

Hagley

Hagley High School

Worcester

Nunnery Wood High School

Alvechurch

Alvechurch Middle School and Crown Meadow First School

Wombourne Wombourne Leisure Centre

23rd - 26th April

Bromsgrove

South Bromsgrove High School

Early Bird Offer

ÂŁ17 per day

Book before 5pm on Friday 29th March

8am-4pm

For more info visit aspire-sports.co.uk or call 0121 663 1979 Xtra Time available up to 6pm. See website for full details. Terms and conditions apply,

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Families Hereford & Worcester

All Things Wild Nature Centre Station Road, Honeybourne, Near Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 7QZ 01386 833083 www.allthingswild.co.uk

To advertise call: 01684 770566

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