IN THIS ISSUE September/October 2022 Familiesonline.co.uk HalloweenAutumnEducationfun FREE BWS_Families_Banner_180x40.indd 1BWS_Families_Banner_180x40.indd 2 17/08/2020 19_04_21 A more individual approach to education has never been more important. Whole School Open Day 5th November, 10am-2pm. Call today or visit bridgewater-school.co.uk/open day-2022 to register. Manchester
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October2 Christmas all in! ...with Away Resorts *Price based on 2-nights in Comfort accommodation at Sandy Balls Holiday Village in December. Correct at time of print. Forest of Light, Sandy Balls 04 Nov - 31 Dec 04TattershallWinterfest,LakesNov-31Dec Family getaways from £66* Book today at awayresorts.co.uk or call 03333 634189 T&Cs apply Sneezy youwhatsneeze...pandamakeleavesandflowersThegiveaway!gamesPandatocando?T&Csapply Magazine available10 Suitable for agesAPPLY4+ HERE
Welcome Can you believe the kids are back at school already? It seems like just a moment since they were breaking up!
Starting or going back to school can be challenging for children (and parents) so check out our advice on new term teething problems and inspire your kids with our great book recommendations.
Autumn is a beautiful time of year so take a look at our suggestions for activities to do with the kids outside. Enjoy our Autumn treasure hunt or try one of our family-friendly walk suggestions when half term rolls around. And, if you want to keep your kids off screens as the nights draw in, check out our half term screen-free kids’ activities too! Finally, in this issue, we have tonnes of Action Heroes sets, some fun Sneezy Panda games, Mr Frosty toys and cool Marlo & Cole t-shirts to giveaway! By applying, you’ll also ensure you continue to receive our wonderful magazine!
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 3
AutumnWhat’sParentingEducationOntreasure hunt Family friendly autumn Autumnwalks activities Screen-freeHalloweenDIYoutsideDivorce indoor activities In this issue 26222018171612104 CONTENTS Get in touch Competition winners from our May/June issue Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list HERE “Excellent” Highest Inspection Rating Tel: 0161 456 9000 www.stockportgrammar.co.uk FOUNDED IN 1487 STOCKPORT GRAMMAR SCHOOL An independent school for children ages 3-18 years Assistance with fees available at 11+ and 16+ (means tested), academic and music scholarships SGS InspiresSGS Inspires Book online for open events Senior School Open Events Saturday 17th September Saturday 12th November Year 3, Nursery and Reception Open Event Saturday 17th September Sixth Form Open Event Tuesday 11th October
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October4
During the visit, families will be given a personal tour of the school’s unique woodland setting by a member of their student body, and find out more about the individualised support and teaching that they provide. For parents wishing to get a true sense of just how far their child could go, click HERE to register your interest. The Sixth Form Open Evening will be held on Thursday 13th October and the Whole School Open Day on Saturday 5th November.
Bridgewater School invites you to begin your individual journey…
When it comes to finding the perfect learning environment for your child, the team at Bridgewater School in Worsley believe that it is as much about instinct as academic success. This is why all journeys at the family-focused school begin with a personal visit, and open days provide the perfect opportunity for families to see just why children are so happy here. At this independent day school, providing education for children aged 3-18 years, success and happiness go hand in hand. Discovering the future potential and core capabilities of every individual whilst enabling everyone to enjoy a rich and varied array of group and team activities has been the cornerstone of the school’s success, and visitors are invited to experience this refreshing and holistic approach to education for Besidesthemselves.enjoying the opportunity to speak to the Headmistress and Heads of Department, visitors to the school’s open days will also be able to discuss the many exciting possibilities open to their child with the school’s experienced, qualified and committed teaching staff.
EDUCATION
to a mainstream school, where
By John and Kyle Hattie children with needs (SEN) go there are both pupils child
with and without SEN. So, if your
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 5 EDUCATION What can parents and carers do to ensure their children, of all ages, develop great learning habits which will help them achieve their maximum potential in school and in life? It all starts with talking - and lots of it – from the very early years onward. READ MORE Why education begins at home
has special educational needs, what type of support can you expect from their school and how do go about getting that support? READ MORE Getting school support for a child with SEN Contributed by Contact wgs.org YEAR 3 TASTER MORNING THURS 6 OCTOBER WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN EVENTS THURS 3 & SAT 5 NOVEMBER If you wish to attend these events or be kept up to date on other opportunities to learn more about a Withington education please call 0161 249 3371 or email admissions@wgs.org wgs1937_where-girls-shine-130x180_v3-opendays.indd 1 22/08/2022 09:06
Most
special educational
By
Ben Davis Age 8+ The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend By JionAgeSheibani6+ The Elephant in the Room
Holly Goldberg Sloan Age 10+ A Kind of Spark By ElleAgesMcNicoll8+ Lost By Ele AgesFountain11+ Five Ways to Make a Friend By Gillian Cross Ages 8+ The Elephant By PeterAgesCarnavas6+ Boy at the Back of the Class By Onjali Q. Rauf Ages 8+ Wonder By R. J. AgePalacio8+ Our friends at Parrot Street Book Club contribute their suggestions.
By
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October6 EDUCATION Chapter books that encourage kindness The MovementSoup
The autumn term has begun and your child has returned to school. What kind of ‘teething troubles’ might you face over the next few months while your child copes with the changes that September brought with it? And how should you deal with them? My child is having trouble making friends Perhaps they’re in a different class or their closest friend has left the school and they’re struggling to adjust and find a new bestie or gang. Regardless, there are a couple of things you can do to boost your child’s friendships. Firstly, of course, talk to your child’s teacher and ask if there’s anyone they think your son or daughter might particularly gel with. Next up, invite them over for a playdate or arrange to meet them and their parent in the park. If confidence is an issue, role play approaching potential friends with your little one…take it in turns. My child can’t manage this year’s curriculum Primary school learning is much more of a double act these days, a partnership between parents and teachers. Again, go and have a chat with the teacher to try and understand your child’s level and find out what you can do to support your little one’s reading, writing or maths at home. This needn’t be anything formal, just reading a little more together or encouraging them to do some basic adding up when you’re at the shops or baking. For writing practice, could they write a post card to their grandparents or other relatives? READ MORE Make fruity, crunchy ice with Mr Frosty!
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 7 EDUCATION
New term teething troubles
APPLY HERE for your FREET&Cstoyapply Magazine available5 Suitableforages3+
By Liat Joshi-Hughes
Morgan the Book Cat
Brilliant first chapter books for early readers
By Polly Faber, illustrated by VulliamyClara
By Chrissie Sains. illustrated by Jenny Taylor Velda andAwesomesttheVikingtheVoyageofDeadlyDoom
Dragon Storm By Alastair DeschampsillustratedChisholm,byEricandBenMantle
Panda at the Door Written and illustrated by Sarah Horne
There’s a Dog in My Brain
By Serena Patel, illustrated by Selom Sunu
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October8 EDUCATION
The GrannyMarvellousJinksandMe
Alien in the FactoryJam
By Caroline Green, illustrated by Rikin Parekh
When your child is ready to move on from picture books, here are some wonderful first chapter books recommended by Parrot Street Book Club.
By David MacPhail, illustrated by MorganRichard Noodle the Doodle By Jonathan Meres, illustrated by Katy Halford
The Tindims of Rubbish Island By Sally illustratedGardner,byLydiaCorrey
to
Lower Sixth student Lily Amet commented: ‘Being able to show a different community our talent, alongside having fun and enjoying ourselves, was really memorable.
SGS musicians amaze
By Patel
EDUCATION
Children who
READ MORE Hand grasp challenges in young children
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 9
More info HERE.
Usha
Musicians from Stockport Grammar School recently headed to London to take part in a series of concerts. Concert Band, Jazz Band, Wind Orchestra and Junior Chamber Choir kicked off the concerts at St James’ Church, Piccadilly. The musicians wowed audiences on the bandstand at Alexandra Gardens with performances by Concert Band, Jazz Band, Wind Orchestra and Big Band and enjoyed a tour of the National Theatre before their final performance at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden.
a packet
Does your child struggle open of crisps? Like all motor function problems, this is indicative of something more significant, in this case a general problem with ‘hand grasp.’ struggle with this struggle with other tasks like too.
handwriting
Unique T-shirts from Marlo & Cole! Magazine T&Cs apply FREE for your child APPLY HERE available10 2-3,Sizes3-4&4-5
A highlight for me was the tour around the National Theatre which gave me an insight into how hard people work behind the stage and the effort that goes into making an amazing show.’
usually
Introduce Stop, Look, Listen and Think. Point out hidden entrances or driveways that cross the pavement.
In this film for children ages 3 to 6, pupils dress up and learn how to cross the road safely using the Stop, Look, Listen, Think sequence.
First Journeys
Ages 5-7
Toddlers
Ages 7-11
In this film for ages 7 to 12, children discuss first solo journeys they’re looking forward to and older children share what their first journeys were like.
Children should not go out alone until they know and can use the Green Cross Code . Let your child make decisions with you, so they learn through practical action. Help your child plan safe walking routes. Encourage your child to talk about what they see on the roads and whether it’s safe.
Never let your child go near a road alone and always hold Showhands.children how pedestrians walk safely on the pavement and vehicles use the road. Point out safer crossing places and show how to use them. Reinforce Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
The Green Cross Code Find a safe place to cross. STOP just before you get to the kerb. LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic. LISTEN for traffic approaching from all directions. THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road. Walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing. Stop, Look, Listen, Think
The number one rule is hand holding. If your child is likely to pull away use safety reins. Make sure your child walks on the INSIDE of the pavement away from traffic.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October10 PARENTING Road safety for kids of all ages
Nitty Gritty’s top tips For preventing and treating head lice
PARENTING
Checking: Check your child weekly for any signs of live head lice or unhatched eggs, it’s far easier if you can catch them early before they have hatched. When doing your weekly check pay particular attention to behind the ears, temples and nape of the neck where lice tend to lay their eggs. If you see your child itching their scalp (especially if they are itching behind their ears or nape of the neck) this is definitely the time to do a quick check, even if you have checked recently.
Treating: If you find any sign of live head lice, eggs or nits, you now need to treat the problem by doing a thorough combing. Saturate the hair with a head lice treatment or conditioner (combing dry hair is completely ineffective). If the hair is long enough, section the hair with hairdressing clips or hairbands and go through each section combing from root to tip, removing any lice or eggs from that section before moving onto the next section. Remove any lice or eggs from the comb teeth after each stroke. It is important to treat the whole family if any member has head lice, otherwise, you will just pass them back and forth.
Preventing: To minimize your child’s chances of catching head lice make sure you tie their hair up every day for school, and for other social activities where you know they will be having close head-to-head contact with other children. If their hair is long we recommend tying the hair into tight plaits or a tight bun. We also highly recommend using a natural repellent such as our Nitty Gritty Conditioning Defence Spray, which you simply spritz onto their hair before school. Head Lice use their sense of smell to detect the presence of a potential new host, so by disguising the host’s natural smell head lice will look elsewhere.
Our defense spray includes ingredients such as Neem oil and Tea Tree oil which are known to be natural insect repellents and which lice just don’t like the smell of.
More tips and facts about head lice HERE. Use code FMCOMB to get £3 off the comb. CLICK HERE to shop.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 11
All listings are correct at the time of publication. Please check with the venue before you visit in case anything has changed.
Familiesonline.co.uk
What’s on
15 HarryOctPotter
A magical experiencecircusforall the family, including jugglers, acrobats, magic, high wire, the wheel of death and a whole bunch more colourful acts.
10-11 Sep Peppa Pig Best Day Ever at Lowry Theatre, Salford Peppa Pig is excited to be going on a special day out with George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig – it’s going to be her best day ever! The Peppa Pig live show is packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever for Peppa Pig fans! 10-11 Sep Be Our Guest! at Cockfields Farm Belle & Beast will be joining us this September for some Special be Our Guest Meet & Greet Sessions down on the Farm. Its included in your all day ticket price too!!
September/October12
24 FamilySepBushcraft Day at Valley Farm OWL CIC Enjoy being outdoors together on this fun day of fire lighting, campfire cooking, shelter building and much more. 5-9 CircusOctZyair at Heaton Park
11 Make,Sep Do and Disco at Victoria ManchesterBaths, Our Kids Social are hosting a Make, Do and Disco event. Check out the website for details and to book. 15-26 ManchesterSep Food & Drink Festival Food and drink related events taking place throughout Manchester. 17-18 SuperheroesSep Universe! at Cockfields Farm, Ashton Under Lyne Join Thor, Spiderman, Captain America, Black Panther & Captain Marvel for an Amazing Superhero Day out. Our Avengers will be here for Meet and Greet Sessions throughout the day. Avenger Meet and Greets are included in your farm admission and include potato picking event. 18 EscapeSep to Freight Island, Manchester Our Kids Social are hosting Happy Sundaze! Family fun at Escape to Freight Island! Come and run away with the circus and join us in seeing out the Summer in style! 10am -12pm with guaranteed fun for all ages.
8-30 PumpkinOct picking at Cockfields Farm, Ashton under lyne Grab a Wheelbarrow and head onto the Pumpkin Patch to Pick the Perfect Halloween Pumpkin, Take it along to the Spooky Carving Cave and create a masterpiece and leave all the mess with us.
Forbidden Forest Experience at Arley Hall
The Harry ExperiencePotterisanight time woodland trail experience filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
WHAT’S ON
Nature and Animal Activities at Valley Farm OWL CIC Keep an eye on our website to see dates for bushcraft, nature and animal days. Fun activities for all ages. Sat 10 Sep Fun Dog Show at Tatton Park Ten novelty classes to enter, including Cutest Puppy, Waggiest Tail and Golden Oldie, plus a fun agility course at this year’s fun Dog Show at the farm.
Throughout Sep-Oct
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 13 THE GREATEST INDOOR CLIMBING EXPERIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY VISIT WWW.SUMMITUPCLIMBING.COM ONE OF THEUK’S LARGEST KIDS ADULTS BEGINNERS ENTHUSIASTS PARTIES GROUPS FAMILIES WHAT’S ON
30 Children’sOct Halloween Party at Alma Lodge Hotel, Stockport A Themed Afternoon Tea with a Children’s Disco. Adults £17.50/Children 3-11 £11/Under 3 £5. Contact reception on 0161 483 4431 to reserve your table.
24 HocusOct Pocus in concert at Bridgewater Hall
18-31 GandeysOct SpooktacularCircus Trafford Centre 22-28 Oct Z Arts, Hulme Beam aboard an alien spaceship, take a photo amongst the monster mayhem and be part of a zombie family, or take part in an illustration workshop with Aaron himself. 22-30 atWizards’OctGatheringTattonPark
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.
24-27 HOME,OctManchester
27-30 GhostOctTrains at East Lancs Railway, Bury Terrifying tricks and terrific treats are waiting for the whole family on the ELR this October, or at least those that are brave enough to climb aboard one of our eerie Halloween Ghost Trains!
The Sorcerer Returns for a Wizards Gathering and The Pumpkin Patch. Gather friends and family for a Wizards Gathering at The Old Hall then down to the Farm to meet all your Farmyard favourites and then it’s off to search for your perfect pumpkin.
29 StablesOct Country Club, Bury Join a spooky spectacular Family Party. Adults £22/ Children £15. Under 2’s free This includes buffet, childrens entertainment and DJ. And a best dressed competition. Sun 30 Oct Arley Hall, Cheshire Run by Sneaky Experience you and your little spooksleuths are invited on a hilarious
Free drop-in workshops with storytelling and storymaking at Central Library Manchester – Mon 24 Oct, 2-4pm, Longsight Library and Learning Centre –Wed 26 Oct, 2-4pm and Powerhouse Library – Thu 27 Oct, 11am-1pm.
WHAT’S ON
Halloween.fordancing,storytelling,expeditionsupernaturalwithimmersivemagic,gamesandfunthewholefamilythisBookonline.
The perfect Halloween treat, Hocus Pocus in Concert will feature a screening of the complete film with livemusicalcomposerEmmy®-winningJohnDebney’sscoreperformedtothespookyfilm.
September/October14
Familiesonline.co.uk
1 BackNov To The Future at Forum StockportTheatre, Join us for some light refreshments and a great comedy movie! Book via The Box Office on 0333 666 3366.
Over time, a child will be able to problem solve and visualise a route on the wall prior to starting.
Climbing is a total body workout as the motion of climbing works every part of the body. Climbing will strengthen a child’s arm, leg and core, developing strong supple muscles.
A fast paced life and constant pressures to achieve can be a lot of stress on little shoulders. Rock climbing requires children to be fully focussed and concentrate on the immediate task. More info HERE.
Climbing offers many physical, mental and social benefits for children and young people. If you are thinking of taking your child climbing, there are many reasons why this is one of the best sports you can choose. Here are top 5 benefits from Summit Up Climbing :
ACTIVITIES
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 15
Climbing offers children a chance to go outside their comfort zone, overcoming any fear, step by step on the climbing wall, this can significantly boost their self esteem.
The greatest indoor climbing experience for the family
3. Build confidence and self esteem
5. Stress relief
4. Increase problem solving, planning and decision making abilities
There is always more than one way to conquer a mountain. This is the same with our climbing Childrenwalls. need to plan and decide their next moves at every stage.
1. Increase strength, endurance and flexibility
2. Teach hand, feet and eye coordination
Children have to look, plan and coordinate their hands and feet to a chosen spot. These enhanced coordination skills developed through climbing can be transferred to many aspects of life and learning.
DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR KIDS HERE What am I? I am a: I am a: I am a: I am a: I am an: I am an: I am a: I am a:
Autumn treasure hunt
AutumnHuntTreasure
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October16
Get outdoors and go on a treasure hunt with your kids, finding and matching autumn treasures.
Ideal for appreciating the autumn season and getting outdoors. No checking online until you get home! On the next page you’ll find pictures of eight different autumn treasures to find in the park or woodlands. Remember, the Woodland Trust has a great guide to woodlands near you. Once you’ve found them, write in the name of what you’ve found. Get your grown up to help Thenyou. take a look at the pictures in a row at the bottom. Each picture has some kind of connection to your treasures. It might be where the treasure comes from or maybe where you find it. When you’ve worked out the connection, draw a line from each of your autumn treasures to the picture at the bottom that is connected to it. And hey presto, you’re done! And hopefully you’ve found an autumn treasure you can keep or learned something you didn’t know. Have fun!
The great British countryside is full of stunning walks. Here are nine that are suitable for the whole family. So why not make a day of it?
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 17 AUTUMN Family-friendly walks for autumn
Sutherland’sGrove From waterfalls to forest trails, a Scottish wonderland in West Argyll.
Seven CountrySistersPark Miles of coastline in the South Downs National Park in East Sussex. Old Sarum Explore the walks around this Iron Age Hillfort in Wiltshire. Stowe countryside,Breathtakinglake and forest at Stowe in Bucks. Dogs on leads. BreconNationalBeaconsPark
Ham House and Garden Fun walking & activities in the gardens of a seventeenth century manor in Surrey.
Explore the National Botanic Garden of Wales or CantrefFarm.Adventure Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens Try Ripon and Fountains Abbey walk or the Lost Spa trail.
Tegg’s CountryNosePark Follow The Gritstone Trail from Disley to Kidsgrove, through Tegg’s Nose in Cheshire.
Morden Hall Park
An outdoor oasis in London – escape the concrete jungle!
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October18 AUTUMN Enjoying autumn outside Get your kids outside and engaging with nature this autumn with these great activity options. Play Pooh sticksPick your NoughtsPlaypumpkinownnaturalandCrosses Forage for edibleswild Make friends with a bug Go orienteeringfamily Play conkers Have fun stickswithMake a potionmagic
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 19 *while stocks last T&Cs applyMagazine APPLY HERE *while stocks last Styles may vary T&Cs apply Enter the Action mini-figureGetuniverse!HeroesyourFREEsetNOW*CollectandbuildthemedworldsMix&matchbodyparts&changefacialexpressions
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October20
Financial arrangements surrounding divorcing couples can get complicated and only with a financial order can an ex spouse be prevented from claiming against you years later. In one well known case an ex made a claim against the former spouse 20 years after their divorce when
“Pension sharing orders will enable the spouse with a lower value of pension savings to be allocated a proportion of their ex-partner’s pension pot.”
FAMILY LIFE Why women could lose out in DIY divorce
No fault divorce, DIY online divorce – both might seem appealing, potentially cheaper and possibly quicker, but don’t be deceived because when it comes to finances recent research indicates that it’s women who are losing out.
“Often it is women who have left work to have children or taken part time jobs that lose out financially. But a good solicitor will sort out the pensions and make sure everything is equal, the last thing my clients want when they divorce is to face a ruinous financial future,” said Emma
The recent research from the University of Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing and the Pensions Policy Institute, states that divorced men have pension savings on average five times more than divorced women. “Online and no-fault divorce have certainly made things easier but there are pitfalls and there is a reason professional and trained divorce solicitors are still preferable than going it alone for many people, but especially as we see in this case women,” said family lawyer, Emma Kendall. “Over and above the court dates which have to be met and making sure the paper work filed properly, there is the overlooked financial orders and pension splitting arrangements to be sorted so that one half of the couple is not financially penalised when a marriage ends,” she added. “People get obsessed by the family home as the major marital asset to be divided on divorce whilst for many couples it is actually pensions that count for more,” said Emma.
So why divorce can be costly if you don’t seek advice on finances?
Why women
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 21 FAMILY LIFE their finances were on the up and they had made £millions in an energy business. In this case no arrangements had been made, but if a financial order from court had been obtained the arrangements are legally binding. Now with no-fault divorces our solicitors are reminding clients to remember the importance of financial orders and the effective sharing of pension wealth. There is never an easy time to talk about money. Even though at Pearson we always recommend clients look closely at their finances, pensions, maintenance, potential inheritance and property, almost 65 percent of separating couples nationally think any financial links and obligations between them end at the same time as the divorce. Sometimes divorcing spouses under-estimate the value of a pension pot wealth; priorities are elsewhere for example new homes and reassuring children and so the pension can take a back burner, especially for younger divorcing couples.
More info HERE. could lose out in DIY divorce continued....
“A financial clean break is something we advise on and tackling financial issues contemporaneously rather than putting them off will save money and stress in the long run,” said Emma. “In addition a client can move on, they can also protect any future assets and even those in modest circumstances can benefit, we never know what’s around the corner, maybe that lottery win or inheritance, or even business success, if no clean break financial order is in place further claims could still be brought years later.”
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October22 HALLOWEEN Halloween crafts the kids will love Time to get really spooooky…..get crafting in good time for Halloween! Paperspidersplate Pumpkin pinata Halloween bat Halloween box scene Easy paper ghostscraftGiant webs Halloween wreath Trick or bagsTreatRock Skulls
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 23 Magazine Whatever age your children, we’d love you to tell us what’s happening in your world and about your childcare. In the autumn we’ll share parent stories about how things have changed, the different challenges and how we’re all making things work. Lot of things are changing in our lives and that includes our childcare needs and choices. Tell aboutus childcareyour Take our 5 minute survey Rising costs of living. New ways of working. Not ...theChangingChangingworking.jobs.location...listgoeson! £100£100£100£100 £100 x5 VouchersAmazon£100tobewon!
Tuna fish pie (with pumpkin tops)
These delicious hot chocolate sticks are perfect when you want a warming treat this Halloween. Kids can get creative topping them with their favourite chocolates, sprinkles or even cookies and then enjoy them by dunking in a hot cup of milk.
My son is obsessed with anything creepy and scary and these fun and super-easy snacks are some of his favourites. Your kids will love these delicious Creepy Crumpet Pizzas, Ghostly Peppers and Witches Brooms made from Cheese Strings!
Halloween treats
RECIPE
If you’re looking for something that’s Halloween-themed and easy to prepare with just one pot, this healthy pie is a perfect option. It’s a great way to get fish and hidden veg into your child’s diet too!
HALLOWEEN
Bake these delicious Halloween recipes from Neha Gandesha @squashedpickle. Watch her videos or click for recipe and ingredients.
RECIPE
RECIPE Hot chocolate sticks Spooky crispy treats Spooky snacks
Making rice crispy treats is one of my favourite things to do with my son because he can do most of the job himself! It’s a fab no-bake recipe, you can use any cereal and the results are deliciously crispy and perfect for decoration.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October24
RECIPE
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 25 HALLOWEEN DIY Halloween costumes If you have time, a home-made Halloween costume can be much more individual than anything shop bought. Here are some great options, complete with instructions. The BFG Spider’s web Bull in a shopchina Pumpkinpaintface PirateThe Worst pillowcaseSkeletonWitch BatgirlJackfaceSkellingtonmakeup
Children love to paint and getting messy is part of the fun! BUT the idea of the mess can fill many parents with dread. Instead of using poster paint, try using watercolour paints which are easier to clean up. To change things up, get the kids painting on coffee filters, a canvas or ice cubes. Painting There’s no doubt that playdough is a versatile toy. But if the smell and texture of big-branded playdough is something you’re not keen on, there are some wonderful options for soft and scented playdough that doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Check that its been UKCA tested before buying. Playdough
Baking
Baking bread is also surprisingly simple and you and your children can have lots of fun creating different animals out of the dough to then bake in the oven.
Boosted books
Reading to your kids is great but don’t limit the experience to sitting on the sofa. If the book is set in a cave, evict the vacuum cleaner from under the stairs and issue everyone with head torches! If you’re reading a desert adventure, create a Bedouin tent using some sheets and your clothes horse.
ACTIVITIES Screen-free rainy day activities
We asked Isabell Fisher, co-founder of Little Hands Learning for some easy-to-set-up activities that will appeal to little hands, eyes and brains.
Baking shortbread and scones is simple enough for inexperienced bakers to try. Hopefully the end results will taste great and they will enjoy eating them too.
Familiesonline.co.ukSeptember/October26
Art and craft
Screen-free rainy day activities
There are lots of easy science experiments that can be tried at home with household items and they encourage kids to ask questions, make predictions and understand the world around them. Try making a lava lamp with water, food colouring and oil in a jar. Add an effervescent tablet and watch what happens!
We asked Isabell Fisher, co-founder of Little Hands Learning for some easy-to-set-up activities that will appeal to little hands, eyes and brains.
Familiesonline.co.uk September/October 27 ACTIVITIES
This is a fun way for kids to learn about design and teamwork. All you need is a piece of paper, some pens, some counters (maybe toy figures), some dice and some rules. Involve your children in working out what the game is about, how it works and decorate your board before playing! Design a board game Hide some treasure and then create a map for your kids to follow. Make it more interesting (and last longer) by having the map lead your little pirates to different locations where each location’s ‘treasure’ is a clue to the next location. For more authenticity, scrunch up the paper and stain it with a damp teabag.
Easy science experiments Treasure hunt
This doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Often keeping it simple is far better than creating something elaborate. Try making a paper boat and see how far it travels or creating tealight holders out of old jam jars by gluing on pieces of tissue paper. These also make lovely homemade presents for grandparents.
