Familiesonline.co.uk Families North Yorkshire Magazine 1Issue 108 September/October 2022 Familiesonline.co.uk EarlyWhat’sEducationOnYears FREETakeMeHome IN THIS ISSUE
Familiesonline.co.uk An exceptional education for girls age 3-18 O P E N D A Y mountschoolyork.co.uk S a t u r d a y 8 O c t o b e r OPEN MORNINGS Saturday 24 September 2022 & Saturday 4 March 2023 To register, visit www.ashville.co.uk or scan the QR code Green Lane, Harrogate, HG2 9JP | Tel: +44 (0)1423 566358 An inspiring co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 2-18 Ashville offers a world where children thrive!
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Familiesonline.co.uk Families North Yorkshire Magazine 3 CONTENTS
Welcome and hello from me
Starting or going back to school can be challenging for children (and parents) so check out our Education section for some great articles that will help, including what to do if your child hates school and the mysteries of phonics explained. We also have some advice for any parents who have a child suffering from panic attacks.
WorkHalfHealthClubsWhat’sEarlyEducationyearson&classesterm15.14.13.12.10.9.4.
Can you believe the kids are back at school already? It seems like just a moment since they were breaking up! We hope you had a fantastic summer. I have just taken over as the new editor of Families North Yorkshire and I’d like to welcome you to my first issue! I am really excited for my new adventure to come and looking forward to keeping you all up to date with what is going on in our local area.
Carla Contact us In this issue
If you want to keep your kids off screens as the nights draw in, check out our half term screen-free kids activities. You could also enjoy making some Cheeky Mouse Cupcakes, a recipe from David Atherton, winner of the Great British Bake off 2019 who has just released his brand new book, My First Baking Book.
Finally, in this issue, we have tonnes of Action Heroes Sets to giveaway! Apply for these loveable mini toy sets for your child at familiesmag.co.uk/go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.
May/June competition winners Congratulations to all our winners. You can find a list at https://bit.ly/MJrecipients Carla Finlayson, editor E: editor@familiesnorthyorkshire.co.uk T: 07734 690020@FamiliesNYMag@FamiliesNYMag@familiesnorthyorkshiremagazine
Familiesonline.co.ukFamilies North Yorkshire Magazine4 dayWelcomingstudentsfrom 3 months to 19 years andfromboardersYear3 “To be the best that I can, with the gi s that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful NorthcountrysideYorkshire Over 80% of our students go on to their rst choice university | Rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI 2019 81% A*/A achieved at A Level Call arrangeto a private tour or join us at our next Open Day on 1st October
So that your time with them is productive, set goals and a timer. Goals help you prioritise and the timer prevents you from watching the clock. Your child will also have your undivided attention during this time.
It can be useful to start a session by running through a video with your child. Depending on their age, you may want to run through the video first before looking over it with them. This also really helps you focus and ensures you have your head around the topic sufficiently to be able to help explain it further to your child or answer their questions.
This year I supported two students with exam preparation and covered over fifteen different subjects with them - only three of those subjects are my specialism. So here is what I have learnt about supporting children in subjects in which you are not confident yourself.
Familiesonline.co.uk Families North Yorkshire Magazine 5 EDUCATION
At the end of each session, write down what you have covered in three bullet points. That way if your child gets another homework on the same topic, you can remember what you covered. These will also come in handy if you have a younger child or for end of year tests.
As children settle back in at school for a new academic year, parents also settle back into the routine of being called upon by their children to help them with homework. But what if you have very limited time, you are not across the school’s expectations or you simply aren’t familiar with the topic?
If the methods that your child uses are not familiar to you, don’t worry. YouTube, BBC Bitesize, Oak Academy and IXL are your friends. Simply type in your child’s year and the topic that they are studying (often found at the top of the worksheet) and the subject e.g. Year 4 - bus stop method, maths, into Google.
As a busy parent, you may only have a short amount of time in which to work with your child. Make sure that you both have clear expectations about what you will be able to achieve. If you only have twenty minutes, you may not be able to finish their homework together but you may be able to tackle a few key problems before they complete the rest themselves.
By Jemma Zoe Smith
JOINTHE R HS TODAY JOIN THE R HS TODAY membersRHSgofree Deadliest andPlantsBugs Sat 22 – Sun 30 Oct Clever creepy-crawlies and super-smart plants. Discover what happens when nature fights back! Your visit supports our work as a charity rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr
Jemma Zoe Smith is Director of The Education Hotel (www.educationhotel.co.uk).
Oh dear! I can’t help my child with this
If your child is struggling with something specific, reach out to the school and ask them if they can point you in the direction of some practice that you can do with your child. Remember you are all on the same team. Use parents evening to ask what topics are coming up and to find out when exams are. Forewarned is forearmed.
SATURDAY 8TH OCT 9AM – 12.30PM WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING PRE-PREP PREP SENIOR SIXTH FORM INSIDE & OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM01759POCKLINGTONSCHOOL.COMPLEASECALLNOWTOBOOKYOURPLACE321200
Phonics is a way of teaching children to read and later write. It is based on the fact that letters and groups of letters make sounds and when we put those sounds together they make words.
This event will provide a good overview of what we offer across Acorns Pre-Prep, Prep School, Senior School, and Sixth Form, including curriculum, sports, performing and creative arts, academic and pastoral support, and boarding options. There will be pupil-led tours of the facilities and grounds, speeches from the Senior Leadership Team, opportunities to meet specialist subject teachers and class teachers, and refreshments aplenty, including a buffet lunch for those who wish to stay on afterwards.
• Help children to spot when two or three letters work together to make one sound e.g ‘ai’ in ‘rain’ and ‘igh’ in ‘light’.
• If you’re stuck or worried, ask your child’s school for help. Supporting children learning to read can be as frustrating as it is magical.
I hope these tips help you joining the Phonics Club!
Familiesonline.co.ukFamilies North Yorkshire Magazine6
Emma Lewry is an Early Years teacher, headteacher and mother of two. Emma co-owns Every Day’s a School Day (www.edasd.co.uk) which guides families through starting school with courses, groups and a school starters planner.
phonicsUnderstandingEDUCATION
• Your child will be taught phonics in a specific way at school so ask them to teach you. It’s a great way for them to test their understanding.
Ashville
Open Morning
By Emma Lewry
Phonics is one of those things that feels like a secret clubsome people understand it and to others it’s gobbledegook! If you have a child at school, they’re part of ‘the club’ and they may look askance at you when you ask what a digraph or blending is. For you and anyone who has a child due to start school, here are some tips to get you both closer to full admittance of the phonics club! What is phonics?
Top Tips • Practise recognising the sounds.
English is a tricky language and sometimes the same letters make different sounds. For example, ‘i’ can sound short as in ‘fish’ or have a longer sound like ‘eye’ in ‘find’. There are different groups of letters that make sounds: a digraph is two letters that go together to make one sound e.g. ‘ch’ in is three letters together making one sound e.g. ‘ear’ in As‘near’.children develop their knowledge, they build up and put together all of the sounds they recognise in order to read and write.
Achop.trigraph
• Read, read, read!
• Practise blending - this can be the key to unlock entry to ‘the club!’
Ashville College in Harrogate is throwing open its doors on 24 , inviting you to find out about the Ashville experience, as you prepare to support your child’s transition to the next step in their learning journey.
Mrs Rhiannon Wilkinson, Head of Ashville College, says: “We promote a love of all-round learning for its own sake, not just as a means to an end. Both inside and outside the classroom, we are committed to providing a wide range of opportunities for intellectual, physical and personal interest and development. “If you are interested in discovering more about Ashville, then please visit us at our Open Morning. We would love to meet you and your children, to share all our hopes and ambitions for their future.” warmly invites you to its
School can be a source of support and community as much as learning. It provides new experiences, exposure to different opinions, a sense of achievement, peer friendships and relationships with trusted adults. However, it can also be a lot to cope with, particularly when starting a new academic year. Children usually settle in. But what do you do if this doesn’t happen and if your child says they ‘hate’ school?
Poor chemistry with a teacher. Your child may complain that a particular teacher is ‘unfair’ or ‘mean.’ Remember, children know how to play a parent against a teacher. While acknowledging your child’s feelings, don’t automatically assume you’re getting the whole picture. Talk with the school to find out what’s really going Ratheron.than dismissing children’s worries, let them know they are heard. If they are struggling with a certain class, help them find ways to overcome their struggles. If they have fallen out with their friends, listen to them and talk about what they are going through. Helping them to find their own solutions will build resilience and restore positive feelings about school.
By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble
What to do if your child ‘hates’ school
It’s important to recognise the problem and provide the right support. School ‘hatred’ can arise for various reasons: Anxiety. This most frequently occurs during times of family stress such as a change in the family situation or when a child is about to enter a new school or phase. It can manifest as separation anxiety. Trouble learning. For some children, the jump to higher academic levels and the sheer volume of information they need to digest can be overwhelming. Loneliness. Making new friends can be difficult and children often fall out for no obvious reason. This can have a direct effect on self-esteem and turn into a dislike of school. Children who always feel alone will often feign illness to avoid school and school-related activities.
Familiesonline.co.uk Families North Yorkshire Magazine 7 EDUCATION
Bullying. If your child seems quiet and anxious, has few school friends or suddenly shows a drop in self-esteem, bullying may be a factor. Ask your child’s school to keep an eye out. If bullying is happening, the school will need to put strategies in place to support your child.
Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with insights, skills and tools to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.
Magazine Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go Enter the Action Heroes universe!*whilestockslastStylesmayvaryT&CsapplyGet your FREE mini-figure set NOW* Mix & match body parts & worldsthemedbuildandCollectexpressionsfacialchange /BlankCanvasArtClub bblankcanvas.art.club lankcanvasartclub@gmail.com 07773 819 603 KIDS ART CLASSES ONLINE OR IN PERSON IN YORK TERM TIME CLASSES & HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS SIGN UP NOW For kids ages 6-16 Adult beginner classes available too Follow us
Hot on the heels of being shortlisted for its Performing Arts provision in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards, receiving a highly commended accolade in the Arts Category of the Independent Schools Association’s (ISA) Remote Learning Celebration and taking home three awards from the prestigious North London Festival of Music, Speech and Drama, Justine Langford, Creative Director of the King’s Theatre at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate explains the importance of the widereaching skills and holistic nature of studying Performing Arts.
EDUCATIONPerforming
Ashville School, Harrogate 24th September, 9.30am - 12pm www.ashville.co.uk Brackenfield School, Harrogate
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We offer a private tour with our headmaster, Mr Masterson, at your convenience. Please call to book your appointment: 01423 www.brackenfield.co.uk508558. Mount School, York 8th October, 10amwww.mountschoolyork.co.uk1pm
The benefits of your child attending Brackenfield include: - Experiencing a first-class academic education at an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ school - Developing from 2 years old at our term time only and 50-week-a-year nursery - Thriving in a friendly, caring, lively, and purposeful environment - Taking part in award-winning extra-curricular activities - Being supported by a team of inspirational teachers - Experiencing excellent wrap-around care facilities - Enjoy learning in the outdoors through our Forest School
Please check with the school directly to check dates and times for Open Days. Whilst care has been taken to cover a wide range of areas within the North Yorkshire county, all schools are not listed. State school primaries rarely publish their forth coming open days/evenings, so it has not been possible to list these, sadly. Please contact state schools directly for more information.
Open Day directory
Brackenfield is an independent Prep School for children aged 2 – 11 years. Situated within a 5 minute drive from the centre of Harrogate, surrounded by towering trees, we pride ourselves on our family feel. Our dedicated staff support our pupils to achieve the best possible outcomes in our four mission areas of Curriculum & Learning, Activities, Outdoor Learning and SelectingCommunity.the right school for your child is a very big decision.
Brackenfield School
Many of our past Performing Arts students have gone on to study at acclaimed drama schools such as the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and the American Academy of Dramatic Art (AADA).
Pocklington School, East Yorkshire 8th October, 9am - 12.30pm Whole school Open www.pocklingtonschool.comMorning Queen Ethelburga’s School, York 1st October, 10.30am - 12.30pm
The best way to find out if Brackenfield is the right school for your child is to visit. Headmaster Joe Masterson will be delighted to provide a personalised tour and discuss how the school could benefit your child. To arrange your visit go to www. brackenfieldschool.co.uk and take a look at what we’re up to at #brackenfield128.
Arts at QE
To find out more about studying at QE visit qe.org or contact our friendly admissions team on admissions@qe.org
Highfield Pre-School, Prep and Harrogate Ladies’ College 23rd September 10am - 12pm Queen Mary’s School, Thirsk 30th September & 1st October St. Peter’s School, York 15th October 8.30am - 12pm 2 - 11 years entry 8th October 8.30am - 12pm 11-16 years entry
We’re incredibly lucky at QE in that central to our Performing Arts provision is our 310 seat on-site professional theatre – The King’s Theatre. Not only does this amazing facility enable us to produce numerous large-scale productions each year, it allows us to host professional touring theatre for our QE Community and the local public.
Remember, it’s a long game. The tips and tricks you put in place to help to support your toddler’s eating will not work overnight.
Tricky toddler eating tips
If you speak to the parents of most toddlers, they’ll probably tell you that life is somewhat turbulent! Toddlers are at this lovely, exciting age where they are really exploring the world and figuring things out and their brains are firing and learning new things every day. This exploration can come with its challenges though and a BIG one is often seen at mealtimes with food refusal!
Toddlers are constantly testing and figuring out the ‘rules’ and what works for toddlers. So, try to stay consistent and persistent whilst rolling out some of these tried and tested strategies.
My main tips:
Start by pretending you simply don’t care if they eat or not Research shows that the more PRESSURE we put on toddlers to ‘eat up’ the more likely it is to have the opposite effect.
Welcome to the world of Away Resorts!
Familiesonline.co.uk Families North Yorkshire Magazine 9 EARLY YEARS
It’s actually pretty normal for toddlers to be picky with their food, partly due to developing independence, partly due to ‘neophobia’ (reluctance to try new foods) which generally kicks in during the toddler years and partly because growth rates start to slow around this age which can result in their appetites simply taking a bit of a dip.
What’s interpreted as ‘fun’ will vary from family to family but you could start with some calming music, a funky table cloth or kicking off with some silly faces, whatever helps to bring some joy to the table.
The book includes step by step guides, tips and advice on tricky eating, as well as fifty delicious and easy recipes.
Book today at awayresorts.co.uk or call 03333 634189
21 beautiful holiday resorts, each in outstanding UK locations, with their own style and personality. Whether you desire coastal or country, each resort is alive with character, surrounded by awesome local attractions and perfect for full on family fun. Many of our parks are jam-packed with fantastic facilities, from arcades to swimming pools, and everything in between. As for entertainment, activities and events – well, there is something to keep every member of the family grinning from ear to So,ear.are you ready to fall in love with a holiday where new experiences await at every turn?
“I don’t like it”, “yukky”, “I hate broccoli”…sound familiar? These are common phrases heard by those of us who have toddlers around the table and it’s pretty common for parents to express concern to me about this. The toddler years are often about independence and our little ones trying to seek some autonomy in their day to day lives, and that includes their food choices too.
not talking about turning your table into a racing track but simply making it enjoyable for them, engaging them and allowing them to explore the foods on offer without too much restriction, pressure or ‘mealtime rules’.
So, if you want to help your toddlers to enjoy more foods, try to fight your natural instincts and be nonchalant at mealtimes.
By Charlotte Stirling-Reed
Employ the line ‘That’s okay, you don’t have to eat it’ and stick to it. Again, taking the pressure off and putting the ball in their court at mealtimes, helps them to have a sense of autonomy and feel like they have some control. In time, this can often help encourage them to WANT to eat a little more. Make it a mealtime they WANT to be part of. If you think about it, toddlers are all about fun and exploring. That’s simply the aim of their day. So, try and make mealtimes a part of the fun journey We’retoo.
Offer a variety, even foods that are refused. If you offer foods and they are refused and then you don’t offer them again, it’s unlikely that your little ones will grow to accept them.
However, if you keep offering rejected foods (without any actual pressure to eat them), they start to become ‘familiar’ and this has been shown to help toddlers to be more willing to try them.
Charlotte Stirling-Reed is the Baby and Child Nutritionist. Her new book How to Feed your Toddler: Everything You Need to Know to Raise Happy, Independent Little Easters is published by Ebury Press.
22 – 30 Oct Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park Half Term Halloween
Enjoy lots of fun this half term at Stockeld Park. Explore the Enchanted Forest, get lost in the Magical Maze, Climb through the maze of the Spider’s Lair and much much www.stockeldpark.co.ukmore.
23 - 25 Sept - Knavesmire, York York Balloon Fiesta Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta is the biggest hot air balloon festival Yorkshire has ever seen. Enjoyed hot air balloon launches, children’s entertainment, live music, food and drink, as well as a large www.yorkshireballoonfiesta.co.ukfunfair.
22 - 31 Oct - Mother Shipton’s, HocusKnaresboroughPocusHalloween Broomsticks and wands at the ready - you’re in for a treat! MUGGLES of all ages are invited on a spellbinding adventure - behold witches flying through the trees and beware of giant spiders, ghosts and creepy skeletons lurking around every www.mothershipton.co.ukcorner.
Families North Yorkshire Magazine10
21 - 30 Oct - North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival
If you’re looking for places to visit and things to keep the kids entertained this autumn, then our What’s On guide is packed full of ideas for places to take the kids, whatever the weather, local festivals, events and shows.
A great day out for all the family with continual commentary and all the action visible on large format screens. As well as the excitement on the course itself, there’ll be a funfair, live music and lots of local food and drink outlets to choose bridlingtonwww.supersoapboxchallenge.co.uk/from.
16 - 17 Sep - Ormesby Hall, HeritageMiddlesboroughOpenDays
Around 70 stalls including: award winning Yorkshire food, artisan food, international food, street food, seafood, prosecco bar, real ale and cider bar.
The Woodland Wonderland
York Food & Drink Festival
There is plenty for children to do at York Food Festival. From watching chef demonstrations, to learning how to make chocolate to tasting samples from stalls! We aim to provide something for all ages to take part in and www.yorkfoodfestival.comenjoy.
22 - 30 Oct - Nunnington Hall, York Autumn Fun at Nunnington Hall Tudor Treatments: terrific or terrible? Find out this October half term at Nunnington www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hallHall.
Head to RHS Garden Harlow Carr this half term and discover the clever creepycrawlies and super-smart plants that fight back! With lots of fun hands-on activities for all the family to enjoy, find out how plants and insects from cacti to centipedes use fangs, stings, spines and slime to defend themselves and their www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carrhabitats.
23 Sept - 2 Oct - Parliament Street
www.harewood.org
Familiesonline.co.uk
Have some fun at the family friendly Spooky Themed Areas, Halloween Treasure Hunt, Pumpkin Carving and Face Painting. You even get a free bag of animal food if you’re wearing a Halloween Fancy Dress www.fileybirdgarden.comcostume!
NYMRRailwayLight Spectacular
Bring your dog to DogFest Yorkshire, in partnership with Bought By Many, and treat them to a day which guarantees to get their tails wagging at Harewood House. Try your paw at a variety of have-a-go activities from dog diving to agility, enter the Fun Dog Show for your chance to win Best in Show, or raise vital funds for Dogs Trust as you admire your surroundings on the Big Dog www.dog-fest.co.uk/yorkshireWalk.
Marvel at our heritage carriages, decorated with thousands of lights, before departing from Pickering Station for an awe-inspiring journey alongside a DJ-Mix of music that will get you in the mood for a party the whole family will enjoy. www.nymr.co.uk
22 - 30 Oct - North Yorkshire Moors
16 Sep - Knaresborough Castle Heritage Open Day
It’s our third year celebrating the Fringe Festival. An extra addition in the calendar due to so many of you loving February’s main event. As ever we’ll be joining our friends in the Yorkshire Dales National Park to put on a great show. As always it’s a pleasure to showcase just how special our dark skies www.northyorkmoors.org.ukare.
As part of our circular walk, families can enjoy the woodland pop-up play, created with willow weaver Leilah Vyner. With winding willow mazes, twisting and turning between the trees, there is plenty to discover in this new outdoor play space. Nestled next to Harewood’s All Saints’ Church, this play space sits in an area of woodland not usually open to the public, and is just waiting for you to explore!
11 Sept - South Beach, Bridlington Super Soapbox Challenge
Step inside the historic house to uncover the stories of the Pennyman family, stop by the model railway layouts and see the flowers in the garden.
WHAT’S ON ‘til 2 Jan 23 - Harewood House, Leeds
It might seem peaceful now, but the Castle was once a mighty stronghold of medieval kings. Built in the 14th century by Edward II, the Keep was a luxury royal residence. Explore the King’s Chamber, the dungeon, the garderobe and ancient graffiti. Enjoy FREE entry to the castle keep and grounds as part of the Heritage open day.
24 - 25 Sept - Harewood House, Leeds Dogfest
22 - 30 Oct - Stockeld Park, Wetherby The Halloween Adventure
Make memories in the pumpkin patch –fun for everyone, we have located more special photo opportunities dotted all over the farm! - Check Website for selected dates: www.spilmans.co.uk
22 - 30 Oct - RHS Harlow Carr, OctoberHarrogateHalf Term Fun: Deadliest Plants and Bugs
22 - 31 Oct - Lotherton Spooky Skeleton Trail Visit Lotherton this October half term and follow the spooky skeletons’ trail around the estate and into the haunted house!
15 - 16 Oct - Filey Filey International Food Festival
1 - 30 Oct - Spillman’s Farm, Thirsk Pick your own Pumpkins
Sneezy Panda game Simply pop your favourite fruity drinks into the moulds and shape trays and place them in the freezer. Put the frozen shapes under Mr Frosty’s hat and turn his handle to create tasty, crushed ice treats! Ages 3+ Mr Frosty The Crunchy Ice Maker available10
The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and –CRACK – it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears!
Familiesonline.co.uk Families North Yorkshire Magazine 11 WHAT’S ON Apply for our great FREE giveaways!
www.familiesmag.co.uk/goatMarlo&Colekids’t-shirts
31 Oct - The Forum, Northallerton Halloween Spooktacular
All is calm at Creaky Towers until the wicked Belladonna reeks havoc on the Halloween party because she doesn’t receive an invitation! Will Tommy the Ghostbuster manage to save the day? Will everyone live happily ever after? This is a very family friendly show with plenty of fun for everyone with nothing anymore scary than any other pantomime.
The game with flowers and leaves which make little panda, Sam, sneeze! Suitable for two to four players. Ages 4+ Apply
A musical spectacular starring four fabulous Fairy tale Princesses who just love to sing! It’s the perfect mix. Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus, plus all the best songs from all your favourite Films and Musicals.
26 - 29 Oct - Harrogate Theatre Shrek the Musical
This is the story of a hulking green ogre who’s swamp home is suddenly invaded by a gang of homeless fairytale characters. He makes a deal with Lord Farquaad to get their homes back in return for rescuing Princess Fiona. He does this but discovers that Fiona is very different from what he expected a princess to be!
Cool UK made t-shirts from ethical babywear brand, Marlo & Cole, created to inspire the next generation’s love of music through unique, vibrant and fun illustrated designs. Printed with child-friendly inks on Oeko-Tex cotton. T-shirts for ages 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5. available10 available5 T&C’s apply
21 Oct - Grand Opera House, York Ministry of Science LIVE - Science Saved the World This year saw Science lead the way in getting our lives back to normal. Now, the UK’s favourite science team are back and more explosive than ever! Expect 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds, exploding oxygen & hydrogen balloons, fire tornados, hydrogen bottle rockets, ignited methane and even a self-built Hovercraft!
24 Oct - Grand Opera House, York Pop Princesses
11 Oct - Royal Hall, Harrogate Dinosaur World Live Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!
27Theatre-28Sept - York Theatre Royal Room on the Broom
www.pandasplaytime.co.uk E: Rachel@Pandasplaytime.co.uk
www.emilyfrances.co.uk
Baby Swimmers, York, Harrogate, Pocklington & Leeds
Razzamataz York is proud to put the welfare of its students at the heart of everything it does. Each child will receive first class tuition in a range of styles from classic West End musical theatre to funky street dance and pop singing.
Emily Frances Swimming, Selby Dedicated to offering you the best swimming experience possible through our unique swimming lessons. We offer inclusive swimming lessons for all ages and abilities available Sunday to Friday at two different locations in the Selby area: Cawood Park and Willow Lodge Pool in Bubwith.
Fun swimming classes for your little ones from 6 weeks upwards. They have put together a structured awards programme using STA Starfish and Stanley Awards so you can see your babies, toddlers and older children progress to confident swimmers. Baby Swimmers and Swim Academy cater for babies and children of all ages.
Blank Canvas Art Club, York Do your kids love Art? Well, join the club! We have online & in person afterschool classes for kids aged 5-18 (& adults too) offering imaginative, fun two-way tuition in small classes. We teach fine art skills and techniques with a varied termly curriculum of topics. Contact Suzi at blankcanvasartclub@gmail.com
www.york.razzamataz.co.uk
Familiesonline.co.ukFamilies North Yorkshire Magazine12 CLUBS & CLASSES HHHHH The List ‘A TRULY THEATRICAL FEAST’ HHHH Sunday Times ‘A HIGH-ENERGY TREAT’ BOX OFFICE 01904 YORKTHEATREROYAL.CO.UK623568 27SEP 28SEP
Jorvik Swim Academy, York Lessons are for 3+ through Jorvik Swim Academy. Lessons are taken by fully qualified teachers, supported by in-water assistants, many of whom are themselves current or past competitive swimmers. It’s fair to say we’re all passionate about swimming and its benefits! We follow the Swim England Learn-to-swim programme and have a high staff to child ratio, meaning that even nervous beginners are fully supported. Most importantly, the kids have fun whilst learning to swim. Lessons are on Sundays at Archbishop Holgate’s School. Club training sessions are on weekday evenings.
Razzamataz, York
www.jorvikswimacademy.co.uk; www.teamjorvik.co.uk
Panda’s Playtime, York Panda’s Playtime - music & sensory group for Under 5s based in Heworth & Dunnington. Sessions are full of action songs, nursery rhymes, sensory play, puppets, instruments & lots of props. A new theme each week keeps children excited about the sessions & makes them fun, enjoyable & unique. Through music, sensory & dancing, our classes encourage motor skills, communication & language skills, brain development, imagination & social interaction. The music in our classes is a natural way to learn rhyming & counting. Classes are a fantastic way to support the bond with your child, have fun & create a happy & positive feeling.
www.babyswimmers.co.uk
1
Put the butter, vanilla and icing sugar in a bowl and beat until smooth (you can add a tsp of boiling water to help).
1
24 white chocolate buttons 24 currants 12 little ball shaped sweets 12 strawberryCupcakeslacesCheekyMouse
Push 2 chocolate buttons for the ears, 2 currants for eyes, a sweet for the nose, and the strawberry lace for the tail.
Topping 75g unsalted butter (room 150gtemp)icing sugar tsp vanilla extract
Baking with David Atherton
Pipe a swirl of buttercream then dust with icing sugar.
Prepare a 12 hole muffin tin with paper cases.
By Dr Sohom Das
Peel and finely grate the swede until you have 100g and mix Addthrough.the flour, baking powder and spices and gently mix until Fillsmooth.themuffin cases ¾ full.
Cakes 65g caster sugar 65g soft brown sugar 100ml vegetable oil 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 medium eggs 100g swede 120g plain flour 1 ½ tsp baking powder tsp mixed spice tsp cinnamon
During a panic attack, your child will feel like they are losing control. It’s imperative to maintain equanimity and fight our impulses to show our own distress and anxiety. We need to model calmness by taking charge of the situation and not dramatising or over-medicalising it. Talk to your child in a gentle and reassuring voice and remind them that the panic attack will be over soon. This will make them feel safer and they might model your behaviour, which could quickly pull them out of the sinking quicksand of panic.
Method
Like all parents, I don’t like to see my own children suffering and, as a psychiatrist, my heart goes out to youngsters who come to me for help with panic attacks. However, there are proven strategies that can be used to help support loved ones in this situation. Here are five of my top tips. Educate your child Panic attacks can be crippling but knowledge is power. Young people can be anxious about a range of issues at once, some of which may not seem logical. For instance, many children feel self-conscious and believe that people are judging or laughing at them, despite having no evidence of this. When they have a panic attack, some children may even believe that they are dying. Tell them they are not alone. Clarifying that panic attacks are common and normalising them can help children feel less isolated, abnormal or damaged. Teach your child that despite how it feels, these episodes aren’t dangerous or life-threatening. Reassure them that panic attacks are finite; they will always end. Take charge of the situation
Dr Sohom Das is a forensic psychiatrist and author of In Two Minds: Stories of Murder, Justice and Recovery from a Forensic Psychiatrist. He is also host of the YouTube channel A Psych for Sore Minds.
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Familiesonline.co.uk Families North Yorkshire Magazine 13 HEALTH
Helping your child with panic attacks
My favourite memories are kneading bread, beating a cake batter, or cutting out biscuits while pretending I was on Blue Peter with my twin brother. My mum believed in teaching us how to be safe in the kitchen, then allowed us the freedom to have fun (and make a bit of a mess).
My First Baking Book is a tribute to my mum and our family baking sessions. I believe it is important to allow a child to enjoy the process and give them some independence therefore all the recipes have fully illustrated step-by-steps and ingredient lists. Lastly, as well as a baker, I’m also a nurse who specialises in nutrition. You’ll find healthy twists in all the recipes without compromising on the most important thing…. taste!
Preheat oven to 160C (fan assisted).
Bake for 25mins then allow to cool.
Transfer to a piping bag with a swirly nozzle.
Breathe! Panic attacks can cause hyperventilation, resulting in lightheadedness, fainting and even chest pains. In turn, this triggers the downward spiral of further anxiety. Encouraging your child to slow their breathing should relieve the physical symptoms and interrupt the cycle. Ask your child to breathe in through their nose for three seconds, hold their breath for three seconds, then exhale completely and fully for three seconds. This assists physiologically and can also act as a distraction. Once they become proficient at this, they can add it to their toolbox for the next time they are having a panic attack, even if you aren’t there.
For me family time was usually spent in the kitchen. My mum was fantastic at baking and allowed all her kids to get involved.
Put the sugars, oil, vanilla and eggs into mixing bowl and beat until smooth.
GreatBakeBritishOffWinner2019
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 create tealight holders out of old jam jars by gluing on pieces of tissue paper. These also make lovely presents for grandparents.
Painting Children love to paint but 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.
Treasure hunt Choose something to be the treasure, hide it 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. To make the map look more ‘authentic,’ scrunch up the paper and stain it with a damp teabag.
This 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. Just check that the playdough has been UKCA tested before buying.
Screen-freeTERM
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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 how the game works and create and decorate your board before playing!
It’s important that children are tech-savvy but there is very little evidence that screentime contributes to a child’s cognitive ability. Screens are so appealing because of their continually changing content so any activities that we attempt at home with the kids need to be equally appealing to little hands, eyes and brains. Here are a few activities that are easy to set up if you need to keep the kids entertained this half term or you’re stuck at home during a rainy weekend. You probably have most of what you need at home already.
Boosted books
Design a board game
Baking Baking shortbread and scones is simple enough for inexperienced bakers to try and hopefully they will taste great! 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.
Familiesonline.co.ukFamilies North Yorkshire Magazine14
Art and craft
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. Isabell Fisher is co-founder of Little Hands Learning, an educational and eco-friendly subscription box for children ages 3 to 6. For more ideas, visit www.littlehandslearning.co.uk/activities
Playdough
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!
By Isabell Fisher
rainy day activities
Easy experimentsscience
Familiesonline.co.uk Families North Yorkshire Magazine 15 WORK
Nurtured by nature
Start to notice the woodland and nature around you. Even towns have leafy gardens and birdcalls when you pay enough attention! Start tapping into all your senses. How does it sound? How does it feel? What does it smell like? What does it look like? How do you imagine things taste? What does the movement around you feel like outside your body and inside it?
How do you spark your creativity when you are feeling uninspired or busy? For me, creativity is as essential as breathing for a happy and fulfilling life. But when and how do you get inspired?
Taking inspiration from nature
Continue to notice your breathing. Is it slow or fast? How has it changed since you started the walk?
Here’s the science bit: trees release a chemical called phytoncides which have an antimicrobial effect on human bodies; this can, in turn, boost the immune system.
Claire Winter is a journalist, ICF coach, speaker and awardwinning podcaster who loves being out in nature. She works to help women connect back to nature, ignite their creativity and share their stories. Read more at www.creatrixjourney. com or follow @thecreatrixjourney on Instagram.
If you are distracted, take a moment to ground yourself and connect to your environment. Stand still, root your feet into the ground and take three deep breaths.
When you are in the rut of daily chores, creative inspiration can feel non-existent. Perhaps current news events or the relentlessness of family life are making you feel stuck. Creative blocks can arise for many different reasons; maybe a work issue, fear of failure or self-doubt are standing in your way.
The Japanese government thought the benefits were so great that they introduced it as a national health programme.
In another study, researchers in Finland found that urban dwellers who strolled for as little as twenty minutes through an urban park or woodland reported significantly more stress relief than those who strolled in a city centre.
When you come back from your walk, stay in the refreshed zone. Write down all your creative thoughts straightaway to give yourself inspired starting points.
The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other and the rhythmic cadence of your steps can get you into the magical ‘flow’ state that many artists, writers and creators talk about.
On top of this, we also know that exercising in nature is not only good for our physical health but also our mental health. By boosting mood and energy, you are helping to improve your Letcreativity.nature
nurture you! Your over-thinking mind will clear when you take a walk, consciously seeking out greenery and clouds, listening to the sounds around you and breathing fresh air.
As we spend more time indoors and online, this is a timely reminder of the value of stopping the scroll and spending twenty minutes walking in nature.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or creatively blocked, take yourself out for a mindful walk in nature and see what inspiration you can bring back to your desk.
Mindful walking
Being creatively blocked can feel incredibly frustrating, timeconsuming and ultimately, can lead to a lack of motivation.
By Claire Winter
Forest bathing, or ‘shirrin-yoku’, was first developed in the 1980s following studies by the Japanese government. The benefits are said to be numerous. Results showed that two hours of mindful exploration in a forest or wood could reduce blood pressure, lower cortisol levels and improve concentration and memory.
While creative blocks can happen to everyone sometimes, there are ways to overcome them. A powerful tool to help you get creative is spending time in nature. Walk it out Simply going for a walk is surprisingly effective. A study from Stanford University found that walking boosted creativity by sixty percent, compared to subjects who were sedentary. The great German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche claimed that all great ideas came from walking. So, what is it about walking that helps our brains switch into a creative mode?
Mindful walking in nature has taken a step further with the introduction of forest bathing workshops.
While walking on a treadmill can work, walking in the great outdoors is more powerful to clear the mind, get inspired and come up with new creative ideas.
Set out with a small notebook or use voice notes on your phone to record any insights. If you have to take your phone with you, switch it to do not disturb mode and ignore the screen.
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