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IN THIS ISSUE

New Year, New You Early years Education Issue 103 January/February 2024

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Alternative sports for your child to try

By Andrew Campbell Whether your child is bored with the usual options or simply not interested in the conventional after-school and weekend sport activities, you might be able to entice them to get active, develop a new interest and meet other like-minded kids by considering one of these more left-field sports.

Archery can captivate children’s interest with its blend of focus, precision and historical allure. It provides a sense of accomplishment as kids master the art of hitting targets with arrows. The sport encourages discipline, patience and fine motor skills, promoting mental and physical development. Archery also instils confidence, teamwork and respect for safety. Soft archery is now available as a safe and fun way to introduce the sport to young ones.

Cheerleading is growing in popularity as an alternative sport with over eighty nine thousand involved at recreational, competitive and elite level. Requiring a unique combination of gymnastics, dance and acrobatic stunts, it fosters physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and confidence. Competitions and events are held regularly at venues across the country and you are likely to find a club not too far away.

More info and local clubs at www.startarchery.co.uk

More info at www.ukca.org.uk

Padel tennis is an enticing sport for children due to its accessibility and engaging nature. It’s usually played in doubles on a smaller court enclosed by mesh or glass walls, making it easy for kids to keep the ball in play. Padel combines elements of tennis and squash, emphasising hand-eye co-ordination, strategy and teamwork. Its social and active aspects make it a fun and appealing sport for children.

More info and local clubs at www.lta.org.uk

Disc golf appeals to children due to its simplicity and accessibility. With just a frisbee, kids can enjoy outdoor fun, exercise and social interaction. It offers a sense of achievement, skill development and the opportunity to play in beautiful natural settings.

Disc golf is inclusive, allowing kids of all ages and abilities to participate, making it an attractive and cost-effective choice.

More info and local courses at www.discgolfuk.uk

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Street dancing is a freestyle dance form that emerged from urban culture and is great for a child who loves to get down and boogie but is not attracted to traditional dance styles. Whilst fantastic for encouraging self-expression, creativity and self-confidence, it also promotes physical fitness and flexibility while teaching rhythm and coordination. A local dance school is sure to offer classes or you will find a dedicated street dance school nearby.

Fencing is ideal for children who struggle with team sports.

Combining physical activity with mental strategy and discipline, it also promotes agility, balance and co-ordination, all while teaching focus and quick decision-making. Fencing enhances self-confidence and sportsmanship through oneon-one combat. It’s safe and emphasises protective gear and rules. Additionally, the sport encourages a sense of chivalry and respect, offering valuable life lessons alongside the physical benefits. Local clubs at www.britishfencing.com

Parkour (or Freerunning) harnesses kids’ instinctive love of jumping and throwing themselves around. It enhances strength, agility and spatial awareness, instilling self-confidence. It’s an athletic discipline which focusses on moving through urban environments using acrobatic techniques like vaulting, climbing and jumping. But it’s also popular at indoor settings such as leisure centres, gym clubs and trampoline parks.

Futsal is an exciting, fastpaced form of football. It’s played in a smaller, confined space, making it easier for kids to get involved and actively participate. The emphasis on ball control, quick passing and teamwork help develop soccer skills while encouraging social interaction. Futsal’s reduced physical demand and emphasis on fun make it an attractive choice, fostering a love for the sport from an early age.

More info at www.parkour.uk

More info at www.englandfootball.com

Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a smaller court with a low net.

Pickleball is attractive to children because it’s easy to learn, offers immediate success and doesn’t require much physical strength. It fosters hand-eye co-ordination, social interaction, and physical activity. The sport’s adaptability and inclusive nature make it an appealing choice for children of various ages and skill levels. There are over two hundred and seventy pickleball courts in Britain. More info and local clubs at www.pickleballengland.org Familiesonline.co.uk

CONTENTS

Welcome Happy New Year from all of us here at Families! We wish you health and happiness in 2024.

If your goal is to work towards a healthier family this year, then remember, there’s twelve months ahead and lots of time to put your plans into action. We have a healthy idea for you to introduce to your family for each new month of 2024 in our New Year, New You feature.

Editor Karen Sykes editor@familiesmanchester.co.uk 01706 671664

January and February can be dull and gloomy months to get through with the excitement of Christmas over and spring still many weeks away. So cheer the family up by planning something to look forward to later in the year. If fun for you is heading to a festival, check out our top choices in this issue.

Printed by Buxton Press Design Rebecca Carr Next issue: March/April Book by: 2 February

Families Manchester and Cheshire is available through nurseries, schools, libraries, selected shops and other points throughout the region. If you would like free copies for your organisation, please get in touch.

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Clubs & classes Education Early years New Year, New You Parenting Interview Family festivals

The paper used in this magazine is made with or contains forest-based materials from FSCcertified forests and its use will not have harmed forests.

Despite the inevitable bad weather to come, we all know that our kids still need to get outside. But what happens if you don’t have rainy day gear? In this issue, we talk to CBeebies presenter, Gemma Hunt, about her role as the ambassador of The Waterproof and Wellies Project which plans to give every primary school in the UK ten sets of waterproof and wellies so all children can have fun outdoors.

Finally, in this issue, we have National Geographic Science Kit 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.

Karen Editor, Families Manchester

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

Win a 4 hour deep clean with Wecasa Wecasa, the online mobile wellness, beauty and home care services booking platform, is the perfect app to help you claw back time for self-care at home, on your schedule. The team at Wecasa is on a mission to bring awareness of how me-time can bring calm, happiness and help with mental health.

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Find wecasa here to check out all their zen-inducing services: https://www.wecasa.co.uk Main terms and conditions for the competition: - The winner will receive a code for use on http://Wecasa.co.uk or the Wecasa App for a spot clean (deep clean) of a maximum of 4 hours - Before entering please check that your postcode is eligible for the use of Wecasa services - Should you have any problems with the service please contact Wecasa customer services - The code will last for 1 month (31 calendar days) following the end of the competition and will not be renewable thereafter Full T&Cs at www.wecasa.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

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EDUCATION

Beyond the school system

By Ana Fábrega It’s a fact that the traditional school system doesn’t suit everyone, yet many parents aren’t in a position to take their children out of school. The good news is that there are some fabulous learning opportunities available outside of the school system, which can be used to complement school learning. Consider these: Self-directed learning communities. Programmes like Kubrio (www.kubrio.com) bring kids together to share interests and design their own curriculums. Over one hundred classes cover coding, game design, art, writing and entrepreneurship.

Academy (www.khanacademy.org) offer amazing courses.

Forest Schools. Forest School programmes (www.forestschoolassociation.org) put kids at the centre of learning, connect them with each other and nature and challenge them to take responsibility and make meaning for themselves.

Foster a love of reading. Let kids read freely and widely. Let them skim through books and dive deep into what interests them: poems, comic books, non-fiction, magazines, cookbooks or even the same book over and over. Choice is the secret recipe for fostering a love of reading. Once they develop this, they will be able to teach themselves anything.

Team problem-solving. Synthesis School (www.synthesis. com) empowers kids to solve the world’s hardest problems.

They compete in teams, debating ideas, testing tactics, communicating decisions, taking ownership and drawing out the best in each other.

Alternative schools. If you are thinking of a different school, consider alternatives such as Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia. For specific alternative schools, research Sora Schools (www.soraschools.com), Higher Ground (www.higherground. com) and Acton Academy (www.actonacademy.org).

Project-based learning. Programmes like Arduino (www.arduino.cc) cover chemistry, physics, electronics, coding and more. They ship all the components to your door, with online training and support to allow kids to learn by doing.

Microschools. Microschools are also wonderful options, like those available through Prenda (www.prenda.com) and other networks. To find a good one, look for mixed age groups, a childcentred curriculum and project-based learning.

Online STEAM classes. Many schools struggle to provide enough opportunity to explore science, tech, engineering, art and maths (STEAM subjects). Platforms like Brilliant (www.brilliant.org), Skillshare (www.skillshare.com) and Khan

Ana Lorena Fábrega is a teacher, turned edupreneur and author of The Learning Game: Teaching Kids to Think for Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning, available from www.bookshop.org

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The Lindy Effect Lindy ideas refer to concepts or principles that have demonstrated resilience and longevity over time. The term ‘Lindy’ comes from the Lindy Effect, a concept introduced

by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his book Antifragile. In essence, it says that ideas age differently from people. The longer ideas have been around, the longer they’re likely to last.

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Each of the learning options explored above share common traits. Although each is unique, they all take Lindy ideas from the past and apply them to today in various ways. Lindy ideas stick around for a reason: they often work quite well and have proven themselves across generations. We should leverage wisdom from the past and adapt it for today.

Although most traditional schools today do not follow Lindy ideas, there are an increasing number of alternative schools and educational programmes that do things differently. These can help parents of children for whom traditional education is not working to replace or supplement it with learning experiences that are grounded in Lindy ideas and updated for today.

Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

Supporting your child with SATs

By Jemma Z Smith By the end of their last academic year at primary school, children are usually very settled and are experiencing the privilege of being the oldest in the school. Then comes talk of SATs (Statutory Assessment Tests) which will happen in May. As a parent, it’s only natural to be concerned about your child’s academic progress and wellbeing. The key to helping your child succeed is to provide them with the right support, encouragement and a stress-free environment.

The Key Stage 2 SATs are standardised tests in the UK for children in their final year of primary school. These assessments check their understanding of key areas in core subjects (mathematics, reading comprehension and spelling, punctuation and grammar). The purpose of these tests is to measure school performance and to assess your child’s progress.

You might wonder whether it is necessary for your child to be impacted in a process partly designed to evaluate school performance. There are several reasons for this: first and foremost, the overall quality of education provided by a school significantly impacts your child’s learning experience.

Moreover, SATs results can offer valuable insights into areas where the school might need to improve, benefiting both current and future students.

Understanding the importance of SATs gives you the opportunity to advocate for your child’s success and make their transition to secondary education as smooth as possible.

Children should not be sitting mock SATs exams constantly in school as this can feel demoralising or stressful. However, they do need to see and experience a formal testing situation before the actual SATs exams, particularly if they have not been in one before. This can help to reduce the anxiety of the unknown.

At home, have open and honest conversations with your child about SATs. Explain that these tests are not about passing or failing but about measuring their growth and understanding their areas of strength and improvement. Setting up a structured daily routine that includes time for homework, study and relaxation can also help.

The KS2 SATs can be a source of anxiety both for parents and children but the right approach can help everyone navigate this period with confidence. The key is to reassure your child that you believe in their abilities and you are there to help them succeed.

Remember, the most important thing is that your child tries their best.

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

What do SATs consist of?

Can a tutor help with SATs?

Reading comprehension. This includes one paper with at least three texts to read and comprehension questions. The texts will be a mixture of fiction and non-fiction and can include poetry.

A tutor can provide your child with valuable additional support. Unlike the 11+ or entrance exams for independent schools, SATs tests are not competitive and students are not ranked comparatively between each other.

Spelling, punctuation and grammar (often abbreviated to SPaG or GPaS). This consists of two papers, one with twenty words to spell and one with questions focussed around grammar and punctuation. Students will be asked questions such as ‘identify the expanded noun phrase in this sentence’.

If your child knows the technical names for the grammar that we use in everyday speaking and writing, they will find this test much less daunting.

SATs test only what has been taught in the National Curriculum throughout your child’s time at primary school.

This means that there is a very clear structure to what your child will need to have been taught prior to taking the exams in May.

Mathematics. These papers assess arithmetic knowledge and problem-solving skills. There are usually three papers set over two days of SATs week. If your child has been able to consolidate their arithmetic knowledge, this will stand them in good stead for the subsequent two problem-solving and reasoning papers.

2024 KS2 SATs will start on Monday 13 May. Read more about them and see past papers at www.bit.ly/sats2024

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A tutor can focus on specific areas tailored to your child’s needs and boost their confidence as they prepare for their SATs. Tutors with experience in helping children prepare for SATs can make the learning experience purposeful, engaging and effective rather than ‘teaching to a test.’ This might include plugging gaps from previous years to help a child take the next step to success.

Remember to check with your child’s school earlier in the school year to see whether your child qualifies for additional reading support if they have a reading issue.

Families Manchester 5

EDUCATION

What to expect from ICT at primary school

By Zuzu Jordan When managed well, technology can transform learning into an engaging and interactive experience. Yet technology now develops and changes so fast that parents may find it difficult to keep up with what their children are learning.

Schools are constantly reviewing their ICT (Information Communication Technology) practice and policies in light of the forever evolving technological world. Additionally, the Covid home schooling experience made schools, parents and carers evaluate both the available tools and what children need in order to access learning, whatever the situation.

At primary school, parents can expect their children to be taught ‘computer science’ in ICT lessons including coding, algorithms and writing programmes to improve the world around us. They will be encouraged to use technology and logical reasoning purposefully. The range of devices and software used to achieve this will vary from school to school. For instance, there are a number of free online games which help children learn to code such as www.studio.code.org and www.scratch.mit.edu With ICT integrated across the whole curriculum, children will be using some form of technology in most subjects. This may include using tablets, laptops, cameras and the internet.

Teachers use SMART boards allowing children to directly interact with devices in lots of different ways.

Students will use technology for research and presenting information. Schools buy software to help teach some of the curriculum; for instance, Duolingo to support modern foreign language lessons. Some standard tests are even administered online such as the multiplication check in Year 4.

Schools and parents have a dual role in teaching children to be responsible users of communication and information platforms.

Children learn about the benefits and uses of these platforms but the inherent risks involved in online activity is what receives most attention during ICT lessons.

The online world is hard to control and monitor and can be very daunting for parents. All schools should hold an Online Safety Agreement Policy which outlines their plans to safeguard children online. This may tie in with their anti-bullying and child protection policies. Part of these policies involves families agreeing to clear expectations and boundaries. In schools,

pupils are explicitly taught to use technology safely and report any unacceptable behaviour. They are taught about privacy, protecting their online identity and knowing where and how to report anything disrespectful. In addition, teachers discuss the importance of critical thinking when children obtain information from the internet.

Meanwhile, at home, we are now surrounded by multiple devices to monitor including phones, tablets, smart TVs, smartphones and speakers. Games consoles are increasingly connecting people to the online world too, with children as young as age 2 able to work these devices independently.

It’s a great idea to devise your own family online safety agreement such as this one from Childnet (www.childnet.com) at www.bit.ly/OnlineFamilyAgreement It’s also important to set clear time limits on devices, check parental controls on websites and consider the location of the devices in your home.

One thing that children fear the most is having devices taken away so encourage transparent communication between you and an atmosphere where they feel comfortable to tell you about anything that worries them.

Other useful links for parents include NSPCC at www.bit.ly/ NSPCCOS and Think U Know (www.thinkuknow.co.uk).

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.

Homework tech tool kit

FREE websites or apps

Online English dictionary and thesaurus; YouTube (vetted by parents) for education videos to help clear up misconceptions and consolidate learning; Timers help kids improve their awareness of time constraints; Cameras can evidence homework or present information differently; Word processing software; Calculator.

Tip: Schools increasingly set homework using apps and websites with unique logins and passwords for pupils.

Download and bookmark the app/website and save the password.

As a teacher and parent I highly recommend the following: White Rose Education 1 minute maths (www.bit.ly/1minute maths) is great for practising the four mathematical operations.

BBC Touch Typing dance mat teaches touch typing in steps essential for navigating a keyboard.

Topmarks (www.topmarks.co.uk ) has many interactive games for lots of subjects. Handy if you want visual representation in maths.

BBC Bitesize - you can’t go wrong! It covers so many aspects of learning and is up to date.

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HEALTH

Ultra-processed foods: the dangers and alternatives

By Charlotte Stirling-Reed There has been a lot in the press recently about UPFs (ultra processed foods), especially related to what we feed our children.

In an ideal world, most babies, toddlers and young children would eat meals cooked from scratch at home as the standard.

This allows them to get used to fresh food and ingredients and a variety of tastes and flavours that are typical of your family meals. It also means that you know exactly what’s going into your young children’s bodies and how the dishes are made.

In this way, it’s easier for you to have more control over the everyday diets of your children.

Sometimes have been made using high heat treatments to create longer shelf lives. This may reduce the vitamin and mineral content.

What are the alternatives to UPFs?

However, on the other side of the coin, parenting is HARD and sometimes preparing freshly cooked meals for young children, up to three times a day, just isn’t achievable. That’s okay. It’s very much to be expected in our busy society and with more of us both working and raising children.

Firstly, think about UPFs as ‘every now and then’ foods for young children, where possible.

There really is nothing wrong with having the odd packaged snack, fruit pouch or pack of baby biscuits, so try not to get sucked into the ‘giving young children UPFs is terrible’ idea.

However, what you should know is that offering them as regular options can be problematic because they:

Use fridge-raid meals. These are meals where you look in the fridge and make mini picnics out of all the foods that need using up. This both reduces prep time and food waste at the same time. I do this at least twice a week.

Don’t represent the balanced options necessary for snacks and meals; Are often high in sugar and/or calories but with little extra nutrients such as iron, protein, iodine or zinc, for example; Are often not very satiating so don’t sufficiently fill little ones at mealtimes, either leaving them hungry or eating more than what should be a ‘portion;’ Are often overly sweet to encourage little ones to accept them readily and want more. However, this doesn’t help babies and toddlers to explore and accept a wider variety of tastes; Sometimes have added, unnecessary ingredients such as sugar, salt, fillers and oils that aren’t needed and that you wouldn’t add when home cooking;

Evaluating foods

Make big batches of meals and snacks at home to portion freeze for weeks ahead.

Don’t be afraid of using pre-prepared options when you need the convenience, even if they are sweeter or have a little added salt.

Team them up with extras which add more nutrients to the eating occasion. For example, if you’re offering crisps, add a tangerine and some hummus to dip them in.

If you’re offering a baby pouch, try decanting the pouch, mashing in some lentils and spreading it on a piece of toast to create more of a meal.

Charlotte is working in association with Stokke and their iconic Tripp Trapp chair (www.stokke.com), the chair that grows with the child. Her new book, How to Feed Your Family is out now. You can also find helpful downloadable resources for family feeding on her website at www.srnutrition.co.uk/ factsheets

WIN a family ticket to Camp Bestival!

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Check the ingredients. Many items that are syrups, juice concentrates or end in ‘ose’ contain free sugars, which we want kids to be getting less of in their diets.

Taste it yourself. See if you recognise the flavours, find it super chewy or notice anything strange about the food.

Check the portion sizes.

Products with serving suggestions eg ‘great for older toddler served with some veggies’ can be helpful and show that a brand is trying to help consumers get the balance right.

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This four-day safe, fun, magical and adventurous festival for kids of all ages, takes place during the summer holidays in both Dorset and Shropshire.

Multi award-winning and designed specifically for families, enjoy hundreds of activities from bushcraft, circus schools, sports and immersive theatre to incredible live acts and DJs, family raves, circus spectaculars, wellness, award-winning street food and cabaret. www.campbestival.net Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go T&Cs: www.bit.ly/cmpbest

Families Manchester 7

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Twelve months to It’s the New Year! This is the perfect time for a reboot designed for the whole family. Get started February Grow more veg & herbs

January Eat less meat Veganuary takes place every January. Having started in the UK in 2014, it now has global traction. If going vegan is a step too far for your family, how about Meatless Mondays? Even reducing red meat by a small amount can improve heart health. Try a half-and-half approach; instead of using just minced beef in recipes, replace half with beans, lentils or mushrooms. It increases the amount of fibre in your diet.

It might be looking a little bare out there but the frostbitten days of winter are coming to an end. What better time to visit the garden centre, shake out the gardening gloves and push some seeds into the soil. Assigning individual pots to the kids might encourage them to get more involved in growing their own veggies and herbs - and eating them!

March Bake healthier snacks

April Take up a sport together Biscuits and cakes are often the easiest snacks to reach for after school. With forward planning though, we can all do a little better.

Homemade snacks don’t have to look or taste too different from shop-bought ones; by just by adding less refined white flour and more fibre you can improve gut health over the course of a year.

For biscuits, try a bit less flour and a few more oats. With cakes and traybakes, using wholewheat flour is a great way to introduce more fibre, antioxidants and protein, along with tonnes of important nutrients like B vitamins, iron, magnesium and zinc.

Finding an active challenge you can enjoy as a family, can be loads of fun and healthy. But finding something that works for every age is tricky. Ice skating and golf can be good levellers and appealing to older children. If nothing else comes to mind, swimming or cycling usually work for most; it’s all-round physical exercise and always seems to have an immediate and positive effect on appetite and sleep.

June Go dancing!

May Tackle anxiety At this time of year, school tests and exams can pile on extra pressure. Meditating regularly, even for a few minutes a day, can make a difference and there are lots of meditation apps designed for children, as well as adults. More effective than yoga, meditation is proven to reduce the reactivity of the brain in response to stress and a Harvard-based study in 2011 demonstrated that you can even reduce the size of the amygdala (the bit of the brain associated with the stress response) when you meditate for a longer period of time.

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The days are long and the sunset casts a rosy glow… well hopefully!

The festival season has arrived and it’s time to embrace the midsummer madness and go dancing. The health benefits of dance are impressive; cardio, weight-loss, strength, agility and balance are just the start. To top it all off, dancing brings joy and is a natural form of stress relief. Throw in some choreography and you’ve even got a workout for your memory too.

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

a healthier family with our step-by-step guide and let every month take you closer to a happier, healthier, family life.

August Drink more water

July Tech-free weekends Or, more realistically, just one day! As it gets brighter and sunnier, it’s much easier to come up with tempting outdoor alternatives and any reduction in screentime is likely to improve sleep and mental health.

Consider device-free times or designated tech-free zones at home.

Are you keeping to your own weekly or daily limits? Revisit the rules, especially with older kids and discuss what a healthy balance looks like. Visual timers help some children keep screentime under control.

Yawn, we know this, yet we are probably still not drinking enough.

Let’s just recap how essential it is for our health. The blood is ninety percent water so good hydration basically effects every single organ and cell in the body, from heart to brain to skin. How about trying a different strategy for each family member? For one child, a new water bottle. For another…. deploying the dark art of parental bribery. For yourself, water infused with lemon instead of a coffee.

September Enrol in a new class

October The vitamin refresh It’s a new academic year and there is no need to limit the anticipation and thrill of a new start to just the children in the family!

There’s also no need to spend a penny. Start by visiting your local council website to find out about free short adult education courses.

Or you could check out the online learning platform backed by The Open University called Future Learn (www.futurelearn.com). Most of their courses are also free.

Perhaps you’ve dished out vitamin C to head off colds, tried some probiotics for gut health or have been taking Omega 3 to improve focus? The chances are you probably have some unfinished bottles lying around in a cupboard somewhere. October is a good time to sort through what you already have and set your priorities for the winter ahead. The NHS recommends all children under age 6 (who are not being fed formula) should have vitamins A, C and D as daily supplements. Vitamin D is particularly important as winter approaches, as we get less sunshine.

November Switch to sugar alternatives

December Family cooking day Adding more spices to our diets benefits us by replacing sweetness with flavour. Other sugar alternatives, like agave or stevia, convert to glucose more slowly, helping improve our energy and health over time. Date sugar is made from dehydrated dates, retaining more of the fibre and vitamins than standard refined sugar. Monk fruit is a natural sweetener made from a south east asian fruit.

It’s increasingly available in health food shops and is many times sweeter than sugar, yet it has no calories or effect on blood sugar.

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Help! It’s nearly Christmas again! This year, it might be a good idea to get some meals in the freezer before the holidays start and relatives descend. Dedicate a day to cooking as a family and let each member choose a healthy recipe. It’s great for teamwork and even better if you discover some new family favourites. Younger members can get to work on healthier versions of seasonal staples like mince pies or gingerbread men.

Families Manchester 9

PARENTING

Work and the single parent

By Rebecca Cox Are you a single parent? How do you make working ‘work’ for you?

Being solo head of a family household is no easy task. Yet roughly one in four families in the UK is headed by a single parent.

Whether you’re entering solo parenthood through conscious decision, following an unexpected loss, a relationship breakdown or a change in circumstances, the roadblocks to success (and happiness) remain the same.

The main things to get sorted early are co-parenting plans (if relevant), childcare, legal considerations, finances and work. But how do you navigate a successful career as a single parent?

Flexible working means changing the way you work and can include working fewer hours, working compressed hours, working from home, changing your start and finish times or entering into a job share. You should state in your request if you are making the request due to childcare or in relation to the Equality Act (e.g. disability) if you are asking for flexible working to care for a child or disabled person. You should also include details about the impact on family life if it is turned down.’

Working hours

Know your rights

The first consideration is to be practical about the times you will physically be able to work, with childcare top of your agenda. If you have school-age children, the hours they are at school will likely be free for work (unless you have other caring commitments).

Beyond flexible working requests, it’s important to be aware not only of your working rights but of your right to support if you need it.

Being the carer and the provider, embodying both parents at once, means you have a lot of plates to juggle and little support to keep them in the air.

Beyond the school day, think about your extra childcare needs and possibilities for meeting them, to give you the best idea of how your working days could look. If your children are preschoolers, childcare costs will need to be weighed against potential earnings. Unfortunately, the numbers don’t always add up.

Flexible working Once you know the hours available to you, with and without childcare costs attached, you’ll be in a better position to navigate how you’ll manage work within those hours.

If you’ve gone from a two-parent household to going it alone or you’re a solo parent by choice, you may have a pressing need for more flexibility from your employer.

Working single parents should understand their right to parental leave, time off for dependants, protection from discrimination in the workplace and part-time workers’ regulations. Sometimes it is impossible to make the numbers add up, so understand your right to financial aid too. Use the online benefits calculator at www.gov.uk And finally, don’t forget: parenting IS work. Unpaid work, yes, but it is one of the most important jobs on the planet and if your single parent status means that you have to deprioritise your career for a short period, there is no failing in that.

Rebecca Cox is co-author with Zoë Desmond of a new book How To Be A Happy Single Parent (Little Brown Book Group) which offers advice to new single parents trying to navigate the working world as the solo head of a family. It is available from www.bookshop.org

Working Families charity says: ‘Any employee with twenty six weeks’ service can make a statutory flexible working request.

Manage your money

Increase your income

The less you spend, the less you’ll need to earn. Creating a comprehensive budget is one of the first and most important tasks for any single parent. ‘Most people’s financial problems are due to spending, not income’ says Financial Freedom Coach, Natalye-Marrie Boyce.

When you’re tracking outgoings, prioritise housing, energy bills and household essentials; revisit flexible contracts and subscriptions that you could save on, plus luxuries like streaming services, memberships and holidays. Don’t cut luxuries altogether but be realistic about what you can afford.

If you need to increase your earnings after becoming a single parent, diversifying your income is a great idea.

10 Families Manchester

Start small, maybe with a few hours a week of consultancy work or selling or renting old designer clothes. If you’re good with your hands, consider starting an Etsy shop that you can run in your free time as a hobby.

Gradually, you may be able to scale back on your nine-to-five job and scale up a business that makes you really happy.

Familiesonline.co.uk

PARENTING

Bedwetting beyond age five

By Usha Patel Troubled by your child’s bedwetting? Help is at hand!

‘My nine-year-old is a very bright boy. He is popular at school and is ace at sports, especially skateboarding. However I still find his bed wet some mornings. His father is not happy - he thinks it is a sign of immaturity.’

This problem is more common in older children than you think.

If you’re concerned about your child still wetting their bed, let me reassure you: you are not alone. But this is absolutely no one’s fault; not yours and certainly not your child’s. It really is something outside of their control. Parents usually breathe a sigh of relief at this point and ask me if there is any cure.

Usually, the problem lies with the child’s physiological makeup, so I am always happy to tell parents that there is a solution.

Reversing this problem is relatively straightforward and sometimes can take as little as three weeks.

Why do children wet their bed at night?

The problem of bedwetting is related to a child’s development before they are born, the birthing process and their early years. It is related to a primitive, unintegrated Spinal Galant reflex.

As the name suggests, Spinal Galant is a spinal reflex. During the birthing process, it helps the unborn baby turn their head and body in a corkscrew motion down the birthing canal.

Around nine months after birth, the reflex has served its purpose, matures and becomes part and parcel of the whole body’s movement.

We call this its integrated state. It has not disappeared but, in fact, has become a building block for the next stage of the child’s development.

However, if a child is delivered by C-section, for example, they do not engage this reflex and so the development stage is interrupted. This spinal reflex not integrating can be one of the biggest causes of bedwetting.

Fortunately, this can be helped later in life by using techniques such as Masgatova Neuro-Motor-Sensory Reflex Integration.

While it takes time to work fully, most children stop bedwetting after two to three weeks of therapeutic work. Your child can finally leave some of that low self-esteem behind and start to be their bright and sparkly selves again.

Usha Patel is a neurocognitive therapist at Raviv Practice London. If you need advice on the techniques and therapies described in this article, you can contact Usha at www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk

Unintegrated Spinal Galant reflex

How MNRI can help with bedwetting

When I assess a child, there are a few things I observe that are characteristic of unintegrated Spinal Galant reflex including:

Masgatova Neuro-Motor-Sensory Reflex Integration (MNRI) is an evidence-based programme which has frequently been shown to have great results helping children integrate their Spinal Galent reflex. This, in turn, helps children with all manner of developmental problems, including bedwetting.

Avoiding tight-fitting clothes around the waist (preferring elasticated waist trousers or jogging bottoms); Hyperactivity and symptoms of ADHD (the Spinal Galant reflex is often confused with ADHD); Frequent visits to the bathroom; Poor walking gait, sometimes with feet-dragging.

Parents report bedwetting, a curvature of the spine and their child’s inability to sit still for periods of time. Children with unintegrated Spinal Galant reflex will not have complete control of their bowel or bladder, nor proper core control: this affects how their legs move and movement in general. The reflexes are all interconnected and work together, so problems with the maturation of one can very much affect all the others.

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MNRI is a series of physical exercises and stimuli delivered by a therapist based on an initial assessment of the child’s individual reflex responses. These exercises are designed to promote the functional use or integration of certain reflexes.

They are usually done over six consecutive weeks in weekly sessions with the therapist, as well repeated daily at home.

It can take between six months and two years for the problem reflexes to be fully integrated into normal body movement.

However, parents can start to see improvements in their child much sooner. In most cases, severe problems, such as bedwetting, can stop as quickly as two or three weeks after starting reflex integration work.

Families Manchester 11

EARLY YEARS

Thriving not surviving: the toddler years

By Heidi Skudder While the baby months pass by in a flurry of contact naps, back-to-back feeds and trying to work out when you will ever sleep again, the toddler years are definitely something to look forward to.

Multiple naps a day are over, eating is on its way to being well established and you actually have time to get out and about between meal times. That said, the toddler stage has its own unique challenges which can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, it is possible to actually thrive during these years, not just survive.

Here are my top tips and observations.

Toddlers start to become more vocal and know their own minds, often refusing to engage in even the most basic daily chores: getting dressed, nappy changes - the list goes on. Prep in advance by talking them through everything you’ll be doing that day step by step, so that nothing takes them by surprise.

Poor behaviour is always about communication and although toddler tantrums are considered a normal rite of passage, excessive tantrums and big feelings could indicate that they are trying to tell you something. This could be something as simple as hunger, needing a little more sleep or even a tummy ache that they can’t explain to you. Toddlers simply aren’t ‘naughty’ just for the sake of it.

The toddler years often bring phases of fussy eating and food refusal. Keep on top of mealtimes by exposing little ones to a wide range of foods, not giving second choices and recognising that appetites vary day to day. You decide what is on their plate and they decide how much they want to eat.

Sleep is essential for a calmer journey throughout the toddler years. It’s often assumed that the sacred ‘lunch time nap’ can be dropped at two years of age but the reality is that most toddlers need this nap well into their third year, with some needing it until they go to school.

It may sometimes feel like you’re in an uphill battle with your toddler to get out of the house each day. Remember that with time and by rationalising with them, things do get easier. Soon you’ll look back and miss the fight about not wearing their wellies to the supermarket and those muddy footprints will be a distant memory!

Heidi is a parenting coach. For online toddler courses including toddler behaviour, fussy eating and sleep, see her website at www.positivelyparenthood.com

Dealing with tantrums

Toddler eating challenges

Tantrums are a normal part of your child’s development.

They happen when a child is not able to control their own emotions and their feelings bubble over into meltdowns and seemingly difficult behaviour.

The ‘division of responsibility’ is a well researched model which is proven to successfully encourage healthy eating habits.

Whilst normal, this does not make tantrums any less challenging for you as a parent and it can be hard not to get frustrated by your child when they are happening over what seems like the smallest little thing.

During a tantrum, try understanding and listening to how your toddler actually feels rather than telling them to stop crying or assuming that they are just being difficult.

Often by identifying with the emotion and feeling, it can really help stop them in their tracks and deal with their feelings more easily. For example, using the words: ‘Oh, you really wanted that ice cream didn’t you, because you love ice cream SO much. I totally understand,’ rather than: ‘stop crying’ is going to elicit a calmer response and help you both move through those big feelings more easily and in less time.

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The model is that while it is a parent or carer’s job to decide what each meal consists of, it is a toddler’s job to decide how much of it they want to eat. Just knowing that this model exists and is successful can save you from too much mealtime angst.

By forcing a toddler to take one more bite or holding off on pudding until they eat more broccoli, you are simply making them eat when they don’t want to.

Apart from unwelcome tantrums, this can also have long term knock on effects; primarily not being able to listen to what their body is actually telling them. By allowing your child to say when they have had enough and trusting in them, you are setting them up to not only have positive meal time associations but also an ability to trust in their body and the feelings associated with it. A win-win both for parents and child.

Familiesonline.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

What makes a good pre-school or nursery?

By Justina Gapper When choosing a nursery or pre-school, most parents base their decision on a combination of personal recommendation, the vibe of the setting, how much they like the staff and the setting’s Ofsted report and rating.

But what are the other features that contribute to the success of a nursery or pre-school setting? What really makes the difference between your child having a great experience, rather than just an acceptable one? Here are some things to take note of when you are visiting potential nurseries for your child.

Staff team Recruiting the right staff and ensuring they work closely as a team is crucial to the success of a nursery setting. Look out for the way staff interact with each other. Are they supporting each other, anticipating issues and problems and each other’s needs, as well as those of the children? Look out for nursery managers who are present in the main part of the nursery, as opposed to spending all their time sitting in an office. When they are working alongside their staff, they can steer the ship and also offer support at particularly busy times of the day.

Communication Communication between nursery key workers and parents is a number one priority. Can you see evidence of nursery staff working closely with parents to help new children settle?

Settling a child into nursery or pre-school can be a stressful and anxious experience for both parent and child. Not all children are

the same, so settings should, where possible, be flexible enough to adjust their procedures to suit each child.

Good nurseries provide daily feedback to parents, send weekly emails and use social media to show the nursery in action.

Parents should expect to receive regular updates from their child’s key worker and be kept informed of their child’s progress and what is happening more generally at the nursery.

Look out for nurseries and pre-schools that help parents understand and support at home what their children have been learning at the setting. For instance, use of Home-Link Books which suggest small, achievable, fun activities that parents can do with their children at home.

Structure, routine and safety To feel safe, children need routine, so it is important that staff are able to maintain this. Parents also need complete peace of mind that their child is safe at the setting and may want to check whether the nursery has installed CCTV and telecoms on its entrances to ensure secure access.

Waterproof and Wellies

Thinking ahead to school

The Outdoor Guide Foundation was set up with the simple aim of making the outdoors accessible to all - and that starts with children.

Nobody wants to rush children or parents towards school and nursery should be viewed as an experience that is important in its own right and not simply about preparing little ones for school transition. Having said this, it is useful understand what kind of process and support system a nursery has in place for transitioning children to school.

Nearly one third of primary school children in the UK come from families that are living below the poverty line. This means there is little money for household essentials, let alone for buying suitable clothing for outdoor play. That’s where The Waterproof and Wellies Project comes in. Over the next five years, it aims to donate at least ten waterproof suits and wellies to every state primary school in the country - all twenty thousand of them.

Why? Because time outside is vital and there’s a startling statistic that suggests prisoners get more time outside in an average week than a child of primary school age. Waterproof and Wellies has already donated kits to more than three hundred schools. With the support of local families and business, the project can do much more.

To find out more and support the project, visit www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org

Familiesonline.co.uk

For instance, does the setting provide provide transition reports for schools? These are generally, based on several areas of learning and give teachers a detailed account of the child that will be joining them.

Is a child’s Reception teacher invited to visit them at the setting before they start school? It’s clearly very valuable for little ones to meet their school teacher for the first time in a relaxed and familiar environment.

Primary teachers say it is social, emotional and self-care skills and a desire to learn that are important when children start school. Ask the nurseries you are visiting to explain how they go about nurturing these skills.

Families Manchester 13

WHAT’S ON

What's On

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

DIARY DATES Throughout Jan & Feb Science & Industry Museum, Manchester The museum has a special exhibition called Operation Ouch!

Food, poo and you! Dive headfirst into the digestive system for an unforgettable journey of supersized science. Book online. scienceandindustrymuseum. org.uk 11-14 Jan The Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show returns to Manchester Central Find out more and book online. manchestercentral.co.uk/events 14 Jan Sing-a-long Matilda The Musical at Stockport Plaza Find out more and book online. stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/ sing-a-long-a-matilda-themusical-cert-pg 20 Jan Roarsome! at Gallery Oldham A show exploring animals connections to their prehistoric relatives. Ages 5+. FREE drop-in.

Find out more and book online. galleryoldham.org.uk.temp.link/ event/roarsome 27 Jan ComedySportz at Waterside, Sale ComedySportz returns for 2024.

Find out more and book online. watersidearts.org/whats-on 27 Jan The Sooty Show 75th birthday spectacular at Stockport Plaza Find out more and book online. stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on

13-15 Feb The Three Little Pigs at Waterside, Sale Showings at 11am and 2.30pm.

Find out more and book online. watersidearts.org/whats-on 10-25 Feb Feb Half Term at Tatton Park Join in the Scarecrow Pop Star Festival this February half term.

Abba great time and look out for your favourite pop stars, dressed up in the latest styles. How many will you find? Normal Garden and Farm opening times and entry prices apply. Closed on Mon 12 and Mon 19 Feb. Book online. tattonpark.org.uk/events

BOOK NOW

Take part in the 2024 Big Garden Birdwatch Get your family involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and help monitor bird life in the UK. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 26 and 28 January.

Challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park or make a day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place.

You can also watch Big Garden Birdwatch Live! on YouTube and Facebook to discover what birds are being spotted across the UK with live commentary, interviews and chats with special guests and wildlife experts and the chance to ask them questions.

To learn about ways to attract birds to your garden and get your FREE guide, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

Never want to miss another issue?

‘It’s the best weekend of our summer- there is nowhere else quite like it!’ Festival goer 2023.

Step into a magical weekend of music, performance, DJs, workshops and sheer joy!

Immerse your family in an unforgettable weekend festival, where families step out of their day to day lives and into a wonderland of world class literature, arts, theatre, dance, music, comedy and creative pursuits together.

SIGN UP NOW IT’S FREE

Just So Festival 2024 takes place 16-18 August, at Rode Hall, Nr Sandbach, Cheshire.

Weekend and day tickets available now online. justsofestival.org.uk

A FAMILY WEEKEND ADVENTURE BEYOND YOUR WILDEST DREAMS!

16 17 18 AUGUST 2024 RODE HALL, CHESHIRE WWW.JUSTSOFESTIVAL.ORG.UK

14 Families Manchester

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INTERVIEW

Helping children embrace the great outdoors Gemma Hunt, children’s storyteller and long-time presenter of CBeebies show Swashbuckle, tells Families about her role as ambassador for The Waterproof and Wellies Project for The Outdoor Guide Foundation (www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org) and why she’s passionate about getting kids and families outside.

Tell us about The Waterproof and Wellies Project?

purpose. Like going out to collect leaves or feathers for an art project or going on a litter pick.

We’re looking to raise £6m to provide ten sets of waterproof jackets, trousers and wellies to the twenty thousand state primary schools in the UK. Unfortunately around thirty percent of children do not own their own wellies. So having these sets in schools enables them to play outside in all weathers without ruining their shoes!

If we take her bike or scooter that usually stops the moans about her legs aching if we’ve walked too far!

What advice would you give to families whose access to green spaces is limited?

Make the most of the outdoor spaces you do have access to. Take outdoor games if there is no play area. If it’s rainy, put your waterproofs on and take a flask of hot chocolate and a big umbrella!

Why do you feel particularly passionate about this project?

I long for children to enjoy the physical, mental and spiritual value of getting outdoors more. It’s so good for their appreciation of our great British countryside, wildlife and nature.

I love to see my daughter play outside, climbing trees, investigating flowers and spotting insects, coming back with flushed cheeks and grubby knees!

On occasion, we’ve ruined clothing or footwear as we haven’t had the right gear with us BUT we’ve been able to replace them. This isn’t possible for all families so to have the right outerwear to enjoy time outside together is essential.

How do you think children’s experience of outdoor time today compares to yours as a child?

I don’t think we get outside as much as we used to – there are so many inside distractions. It used to be a treat to run around outside, play games and let off steam. Now children seem to view it more as a punishment as they’d often prefer to stay indoors connected to electronics and Wi-Fi.

What has The Waterproof and Wellies Project achieved so far?

Of course, we had more freedom to roam safely and I understand why we may not be so willing for our children to go out alone now but that is all the more reason to try and do so as a family.

How much time do you spend outside with your family?

Honestly, not as much as we should.

We do walk to school or play in the garden every day and we like to take our daughter out on her bike.

Luckily we live near the coast and great country parks like Betteshanger Park near Deal in Kent where we can walk, cycle and scoot. There’s also a great play area there and the most delicious café (I recommend the sweetcorn fritter burgers!).

To motivate our daughter, we turn outside time into an adventure or give ourselves a

Since Covid, we have donated more than three thousand sets of waterproofs and wellies to UK schools. We need more support from businesses and individuals as we’re still a way off our target and there are more than three hundred schools on the waiting list who are desperate for the gear.

You can see how you can support us at The Outdoor Guide Foundation website at www.theoutdoorguidefoundation.org You’re also a writer. Tell us about your new book.

My newest book is about helping children to express and deal with big feelings like anger, jealousy and frustration.

I understand the power of imitative behaviour and wanted to write something that children could read (or have read to them) that would inspire them to better manage their behaviour.

My favourite role model has been Jesus so I wanted to take some stories told by or about him and re-tell them from the perspective of a mixed race family like mine. My husband and daughter and my parents and I all appear in the stories.

What motivated you to write it?

I wanted to write a series of children’s books that represented our own mixed race family. I struggled to find good books for my daughter that depicted our family dynamic - so I wrote them! The first book is about encouraging children to be a good friend and is called See! Let’s Be A Good Friend; the newest one has five helpful short stories which explore emotions. It’s called See! Let’s Be ME and is available from www.bookshop.org

Familiesonline.co.uk

Families Manchester 15

FESTIVALS

Top family-friendly festivals for 2024 Time to plan ahead! The UK has loads of family-friendly festivals happening this year and, from music and comedy to food and drink, there’s really something for all ages. Some festivals offer plenty of activities for little ones to enjoy, as well as great music line-ups, whilst others are dedicated solely to family entertainment and activities. Here is our selection of some of the stand-out festivals with dates to help you plan.

Gone Wild Festival Powderham Castle, Exeter 22-24 August and Holkham Hall, Norfolk 8-11 August

Celebrating the great outdoors with fabulous music alongside family-friendly, outdoor activities for all ages. Where else can you push your mum down a 50m mud slide, learn new survival skills then dance the night away? Activities include kayaking, nerf battles, circus workshops, high ropes, tree-climbing, adventure art and more. www.gonewildfestival.com

Just So Rode Hall, Cheshire 16-18 August This weekend-long camping festival aims to help families make memories together in the great outdoors whilst enjoying the very best music, theatre, circus, storytelling and much more. Child-friendly loos, baby change facilities, breastfeeding tent and even a bath time tent, offer families practical assistance, while attractions include an exhaustive range of activities and workshops for kids. www.justsofestival.org.uk

Victorious Festival Southsea, Portsmouth 23-25 August

Set on the stunning Southsea seafront, this festival not only features some of the biggest names of the UK music scene during its three day run, but it also has a great comedy line-up with some big names. A newly expanded Kids’ Arena offers face painting, zip wires, skate sessions and family activities, all of which are free. www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

Gloworm Festival Holme Pierpoint Country Park, Nottinghamshire 16-18 August

Festival of Sport Venue and dates to be confirmed Festival of Sport is the ultimate family sports festival, with entertainment, camping, competitions and coaching from world-class sporting legends for kids ages 5 to 17.

Sports on offer range from hockey, rugby, netball, cricket and football to kayaking, golf, trampolining, lacrosse, boxing, skateboarding and climbing. www.festivalofsportuk.com

Standon Calling Standon Lordship, Hertfordshire 25-28 July

An independent boutique music and arts festival with big acts and emerging talent which features a whole area dedicated to entertaining babies, kids and teenagers during the daytime. It also offers on-site baby sitting for evenings, a swimming pool and dedicated family campsites only ten minutes from the car park. www.standon-calling.com

Aimed at children ages 0 to 13, expect music, activities and arts all geared towards different age-groups. From well-known children’s artists and headline acts, through to a funfair, farmyard, facilities for families, meet-and-greets with their heroes and places to play, every corner of this festival is an incredible adventure for all ages. www.glowormfestival.co.uk

Deer Shed Festival Baldersby Park, North Yorkshire 26-29 July

Deer Shed is a three-day wonderland of music, arts, science and sport, set in beautiful North Yorkshire parkland. Choose from forest bathing, a circus masterclass, soft play, robotics, forensics, cinema and baby massage - there’s plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. www.deershedfestival.com

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Camp Bestival Lulworth Castle Dorset 25-28 July and Weston Park Shropshire 15-18 August

This award-winning festival is known for its diverse line up of musical acts and its wide range of family-friendly activities and entertainment. In addition to music, the festival offers a variety of other attractions, such as comedy performances, theatre, circus acts, workshops and interactive art installations. Some areas are specifically geared towards children’s activities. www.campbestival.net Familiesonline.co.uk