Families Upon Thames January/February 22 Print

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Upon Thames

IN THIS ISSUE

What’s On Education New Year, New You Early Years

Issue 148 January/February 2022

Familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Upon Thames 1

Danceforce School of Dancing, Kingston Free trial class

RAD BALLET ISTD TAP, MODERN & JAZZ CONTEMPORARY PRE SCHOOL, MINIS, JUNIORS, SENIORS & ADULTS

0208 088 0117

www.danceforceschoolofdancing.com

Venue: Christs School, Queens Road, TW10 6HW (Every Tuesday)

office@danceforceschoolofdancing.com

• • • • • Fun & engaging NEW ballet classes for girls and boys age 4+ held Wednesdays & Saturdays in Weybridge

MUSICAL THEATRE DRAMA • PIANO SINGING • PLAYWRITING YOUTH THEATRE LAMDA, TRINITY AND ABRSM EXAMINATIONS

Classes in Hampton Hill & Twickenham Please call 07973 900196 or e: info@steponstageacademy.co.uk

www.steponstageacademy.co.uk

PT

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FREE TRIAL classes available

F G R IN BE EM

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Call: 07455 336032

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office@releveschoolofballet.co.uk www.releveschoolofballet.co.uk

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Danny Clarke

Dame Sheila Hancock DBE

Caprice Bourret

Sarah Beeny

www.wearahatday.org MARCH 2022

2 Families Upon Thames

#WearAHatDay

Registered charity number 1153487 (England and Wales) SC046840 (Scotland)

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CONTENTS Calling all young Scientists!

Help us discover how babies & kids learn!

We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at Birkbeck’s Babylab & ToddlerLab in central London. Our prime locations are easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies

020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk

Handwriting Tutor

Welcome Happy New Year everyone! Let’s hope 2022 is an easier year for everybody.

If you’ve made a resolution to prioritise your health this year, then plan to change ‘just one thing.’ Find inspiration in our New Year, New You feature.

Is the environment on your mind? Find out how to support children suffering from eco-anxiety.

In our Education section, discover how more girls can be encouraged into science and how young children learn to write.

Finally, with our children’s mental health always at the top of our priority list, we have Happiness is…Mental Health Activity Packs for kids to give away to subscribers. So don’t forget to apply!

And, if you haven’t signed up to receive our digital magazine and enjoy additional, interactive content, there’s still time. Sign up at familiesmag.co.uk/ go to receive every issue free to your inbox.

✓Achieve clear and

confident handwriting

✓Neat handwriting is important in Exams

✓Don’t lose marks unnecessarily!

Mrs Cutler: 07521 554188 e: Info@handwritingsupport.co.uk BA(Hons) Languages . Professional Handwriting Analysis/Graphology . Member of the National

Handwriting Association . DAB checked

Contact us

In this issue

Editor Linda Stone editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk 020 8241 0423

4.

Education

9.

Early Years

10.

Clubs & Classes

13.

Work

14.

New Year, New You

16.

Parenting

19.

What’s On

Sales Amanda Biggs amanda.biggs@familiespublishing.co.uk 07835 848066 Printed by Buxton Press Design Rebecca Carr

A happy, nurturing and inspiring environment for boys aged 4 to 11 in Twickenham

OPENING

SEPTEMBER 2022

New day nursery for boys and girls aged from 0-4 “Our son is thriving. The progress he has made both academically and pastorally has been magical.” Current parent

Extended day 51 weeks a year Large outdoor area

185 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5NQ • 020 8614 1082 admissions@themallschool.org.uk • www.themallschool.org.uk

84 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5QS • 020 8898 3528 info@themallnursery.org.uk

Bringing out the best in every child Familiesonline.co.uk

Families Upon Thames 3

EDUCATION

Learning to write

By Catherine Lynch Children need to develop lots of skills before they can write.

The three main skills that build writing foundations are the physical ability to make marks on paper, knowing that print conveys meaning and knowing what to write.

In preparation for writing, children need to develop both their gross and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills develop first; walking, jumping, throwing and reaching. Fine motor skills, like picking up small objects, follow. Children need to be given lots of opportunities to move their bodies and build up the muscles needed to sit in a chair, hold a pen and write.

Next, children need to know what they are going to write.

Adults can support children in this stage by providing practical opportunities. Writing shopping lists together is a great way to get children writing for a purpose.

And so what are the basics of getting marks on paper?

Children’s first marks on paper start with squiggles and scribbles. With practise, their marks become more controlled and they may start to ascribe meaning to them, for example, scribbling lines on paper and saying they are a list of their friends.

As children’s awareness of letters increases they will start to use letter shapes in their writing. Familiar letters might start appearing among their squiggles and shapes.

In the next stage of learning to write, children use their phonetic knowledge to identify which letters to write.

in words, for example ‘c’ for cat and ‘a’ for apple. As their phonic knowledge improves they will start to hear and write more sounds in words. It is common for children to reverse letters, miss out sounds and muddle up letters for the first few years that they are writing.

By the end of Year 1, children should have been taught most of the letter sounds in the English language, complete with alternative spellings and sound groupings. For example, the many ways to write the /ai/ sound in sail, crayon, lake, weigh, grey, reindeer, break and acorn. Initially children won’t typically use the correct spelling of the sound; however, the more they read the better they will get at recognising when a spelling looks right.

Catherine Lynch is a former UK primary school teacher, now writing for PlanBee (www.planbee.com) about issues affecting teachers, schools and pupils. PlanBee has lots of completely free resources for teaching and learning for home and school.

Phonics explain the relationship between sounds and letters.

Typically children start by hearing and writing the initial sounds

NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL Independent Nurseery & Preparatory Day School for Girls and Boys from 3 to 13 Years

Fun activities to develop writing skills

INNOVATE, NURTURE, INSPIRE, FLY...

WELCOME MORNINGS 14 January

25 February

Newland House School

18 March

Waldegrave Park, Twickenham, TW1 4TQ T. 020 8865 1305 E. admissions@newlandhouse.net www.newlandhouse.net

4 Families Upon Thames

Create obstacle courses that require a wide range of movements.

Create challenges with a variety of ball sizes to get children developing their motor skills.

Encourage activities like picking up small objects, building with blocks, threading beads and using pens and cutlery to develop fine motor skills.

Provide lots of mark-making opportunities eg finger painting, drawing with chalk on the ground, using crayons, pencils and pens.

Help children get the correct pencil grip by using the ‘pinch and grip’ method.

Praise all their efforts; writing skills take time to build.

Make use of free resources available as downloads for home practice. There are many ideas for play activities, tips to get parents and children started, word tracing sheets, handwriting guides, letter formation worksheets and posters. Good resources include www.planbee.com, www.jellyandbean.co.uk, www.teachhandwriting.co.uk and www.teachingideas.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

An independent day preparatory school for boys aged 3-13 and girls aged 3-4

“THE BOYS SOLD THE SCHOOL FOR US. THEY WERE EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED MY SON TO BE LIKE IN A FEW YEARS: ARTICULATE AND THOUGHTFUL ABOUT THE WORLD.” CURRENT PARENT

To arrange a visit or sign up to an upcoming Open Morning, please contact Sally Bass at bass.s@kingshouseschool.org or call 020 8940 1878 kingshouseschool.org 68 King’s Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6ES

Creating inquisitive minds.

Developing character and confidence

Book your personal tour at www.surbitonhigh.com Registration for 2023 entry closes February 2022 Boys 4 – 11 | Girls 4 - 18 | Part of the Surbiton High School family | Tel: 020 8439 1309 | Part of United Learning

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Families Upon Thames 5

EDUCATION

Meet the Head

Meet the Head

Families chats with Samantha Sawyer, Head of Staines Prep School.

Special feature

You’ve been Head of Staines Prep for 7 years now. In three words, how do you think the pupils here would describe you?

What qualities do you look for in a great teacher?

Fair, kind and fun.

A calm and nurturing professional who encourages children to be the best they can be. Someone who is forward thinking, dynamic and engaging.

What was it about Staines Prep that attracted you to apply for the position of Head?

How do you think a Head can make a real difference to an individual pupil?

The Staines Prep Way values, which resonate with my own family values. After fifteen years overseas, I was looking for a school that was rich in cultural diversity. I also felt that Staines Prep was the right fit for my own son and would encourage him to be the best he could be.

By inspiring pupils to become a champion for their own learning. Head teachers can show pupils that even in positions of authority, there should be mutual respect and everyone should be treated equally and fairly.

Staines Prep has been shortlisted for the Independent School of the Year in both 2020 and 2021. What do you think makes it stand out?

Our commitment to support the pupils every step of the way as they learn and grow. As a non-academically selective school, our dynamic teaching, individualised learning and excellent facilities provide the backdrop for our pupils’ academic success. Being shortlisted built upon the Excellent we received in all areas of the ISI inspection in 2019.

What do you think are the key skills that children should be mastering at the start of their school journey?

Independence and a growth mindset are key to becoming a successful learner.

Also being able to take risks and interact socially with both adults and peers.

What does Staines Prep do to educate children for a future that will look very different to the present?

By introducing growth mindset, pupils are given the skills/tools they need to adapt and overcome obstacles, the confidence to learn from mistakes and overcome challenges. This, alongside our mindfulness, prepares our pupils for the future.

If you weren’t Head of Staines Prep, what would you be?

A paediatric doctor.

Our strong digital learning programme ensures pupils keep up with new technologies and have future-ready skills.

Staines Prep prides itself on its diversity.

Do you have any specific approaches that encourage this?

We value all children as individuals. By embracing and celebrating all religions and cultures we create a respectful and inclusive community which is cherished by our families.

What would you advise parents to look for when choosing a school?

Look for a school which is nurturing and welcoming. How do the pupils respond to you when you visit? Will the school embrace your child, give them the opportunities to expand on their interests, continually build on their skills and offer a wide range of enrichment activities? A school with high expectations but with an emphasis on learning rather than attainment and which places equal value on holistic and academic learning.

Who inspired you to teach?

The children of a family that I nannied whilst travelling around Australia in my early 20s. I thoroughly enjoyed helping them with their homework and found a lifelong passion for education!

Why is a balance of outdoor and digital learning so important to you?

The recent pandemic saw technology become an even more integral part of all our lives. With that came a renewed focus on positive mental health and the need for a balance with fresh air and outside learning. This is something we value strongly and, consequently, we have increased our already significant support of our pupils’ mental health with more Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA’s) and improved our facilities with a new outdoor classroom to complement our designated magical forest area, with trained forest school leaders. At the same time, we’ve invested in a new digital learning suite, with robotic studio and green screen media, for use by all ages from Nursery onwards.

What is your real-life superpower?

I have a sixth sense.

And what is your most useless skill?

I always win at Snap!

What are you known for?

My loyalty, sense of humour and full commitment to everything I do.

Netflix or Kindle?

Both, depending on my mood.

Strictly or Last Night of the Proms?

To foxtrot at the Last Night of the Proms!

Staines Prep School is a co-educational independent school for children ages 3 to 11. www.stainesprep.co.uk

6 Families Upon Thames

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EDUCATION

Join us for our Open Days Thursday 17th March 2022 5 to 7pm Saturday 19th March 2022 10am to 12 noon Staines Preparatory School, 3 Gresham Road, Staines-Upon-Thames, TW18 2BT

Every Step of the Way www.stainesprep.co.uk

admissions@stainesprep.co.uk

A GREAT PLACE TO COME TO SCHOOL

Open Morning - Friday 25 February 2022 9:30am: Headmaster’s Welcome at the Prep School, Gloucester Road 9:45 – 11.00am: Tours of the Pre-Prep & Prep

Register here: www.hamptonprep.org.uk T 020 8979 1844 E admissions@hamptonprep.org.uk Familiesonline.co.uk

Families Upon Thames 7

EDUCATION

Getting girls into science

By Gabrielle Nash For many years, girls have shied away from subjects like science and maths. As a result, the numbers of women in STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are small. International Day of Women and Girls in Science takes place on 11 February with the aim of celebrating and motivating women and girls to study and take up careers in science and related fields. Getting more girls into those fields is crucial to improving diversity.

Recent efforts to address the balance of men and women in STEM is working. Yet while the female STEM workforce has for the first time reached over one million women, most of the workforce is male and the balance still needs addressing.

So what can be done?

Another factor that is stopping both boys and girls from choosing certain subjects, like computing and physics, is the idea that it is harder to achieve top grades in them. But many employers are not looking for the highest grades; instead they want logical and thoughtful people who can problem solve.

First, we must look at what is stopping young women and girls from choosing these subjects. Sadly, this is believed to be largely the result of gender stereotypes introduced at a young age.

If you are the parent of a young girl, you might think it is too early to engage her on this issue but even at a young age, girls can be motivated to pursue science-based subjects through appropriate role models.

Children are often encouraged towards traditional play based on their gender, which develops their brains and skills in a certain way. Look at introducing a variety of play experiences from the outset: from dolls to Lego, there should be plenty of variety and no boundaries.

Introduce your girls to some of the world’s incredible female scientists through books. It’s one of the easiest ways to inspire more girls to take a career in science. There are some wonderfully engaging options.

As children get older, they are faced with the stereotype and belief that boys and girls are suited to different subjects.

Research has clearly shown that there is no difference in ability between boys and girls in different subjects, so we need to tackle the stereotypes children are exposed to from an early age.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

by Margot Lee Shetterly Based on the best-selling adult novel, this picture book features four brilliant mathematicians who contributed to some of NASA’s greatest successes in space.

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Christine Darden had to persist during a time when being both black and female were limitations. With their genius minds, they ultimately helped change the world. There’s also an edition for ages 8 to 12.

Marie Curie (Little People, Big Dreams)

by Isabel Sanchez Vegara Part of the Little People, Big Dreams series, this book is about scientist Marie Curie, who became the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for Physics.

Despite being unable to go to college because she was a woman, she became a groundbreaking scientist whose discoveries dramatically helped the fight against cancer. With a simple language and structure, these books are great for children ages 5+.

Ada Twist, Scientist

by Andrea Beaty

I am Jane Goodall

by Brad Meltzer

Inspired by real-life mathematician Ada Lovelace and scientist Marie Curie, this best-selling picture book champions STEM, girl power and women scientists in a celebration of curiosity, the power of perseverance, and the importance of asking ‘Why?’

Part of the Ordinary People Change the World series, this book is all about the chimpanzee scientist, Dr Jane Goodall.

Even when her fact-finding missions and elaborate scientific experiments don’t go as planned, Ada learns the value of thinking her way through problems and continuing to stay curious. This is a funny, engaging picture book for young readers.

8 Families Upon Thames

By introducing these role models to our girls, we can spread the word about female achievement and hopefully encourage passion for STEM subjects amongst them.

Her love for animals started when she was given a toy chimpanzee as a child. She changed the world with her patient observations about chimpanzees, improving the future for many female scientists who came after her. Jane is depicted as a child, making the book playful and accessible to readers ages 5 to 8.

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EARLY YEARS

Soothing nightmares and night terrors Nightmares can be very upsetting for children but they are distinct from night terrors, which can be very alarming for their parents!

What are nightmares?

Nightmares typically start between the ages of 3 and 6 years.

They happen during deep sleep, usually in the early hours. Unlike night terrors, children can remember nightmares (or feeling afraid) after waking.

And night terrors?

Night terrors are common and usually pass in time. Children who have night terrors may shout, thrash around or jump out of bed.

They may have their eyes open but may not actually be awake.

Unlike nightmares, children don’t have to be in a deep sleep and, in fact, night terrors can happen soon after falling asleep. Your child may not remember night terrors in the morning.

If your child has experienced a nightmare: Show and tell them that you understand how scared or upset they feel.

Tell a soothing bedtime story or sing some favourite songs or rhymes together.

Encourage your child to cuddle a favourite soft toy.

Ask your child if they would like a gentle massage. Try stroking down your child’s arm from shoulder to hand, stroking their face or making circles on their back.

Ask them about the best part of their day or something that made them laugh.

Try mindfulness activities to soothe your child.

If your child is having a night terror: Stay calm – you may have woken abruptly and feel alarmed.

Only intervene if your child is at risk of injury - if they are running wildly or close to an area where they could hurt themselves.

Talk calmly and block access to dangerous areas. Holding or restraining them may be difficult and lead to wilder behaviour.

As long as your child’s safe, don’t try to wake, comfort or talk to them. They may not recognise you and could become more distressed.

Wait for your child to calm by themselves. Then wake them and settle them back to sleep. Don’t mention the episode, as they are unlikely to remember it.

Most children grow out of night terrors and they don’t cause any long-term harm. Worried by their frequency and intensity? It’s a good idea to get medical advice, find out more at www.nhs.uk/ conditions/night-terrors or speak to parenting coaches on the free helpline at www.parenting.actionforchildren.org.uk With thanks to Action for Children for this article. You can find many other useful articles on parenting at their Parent Talk site at www.parents.actionforchildren.org.uk

Preventing night terrors Establish a good bedtime routine.

Make sure their bedroom is a safe, relaxing space free of clutter. A blackout blind can be helpful to keep out day light.

Some children may find a night light soothing.

Limit screen use. Turn screens off an hour before bed and keep screens out of the bedroom at night altogether.

Help them wind down. Preparing your child for bed can include having a bath, which should help them start to feel sleepy. Younger children may enjoy lullabies, being read/told a story or even some colouring-in. Older children may want to read or listen to relaxing music.

Chat together. Encourage your child to get any worries off their chest.

If night terrors tend to happen at the same time each night, try waking your child fifteen minutes before this time. Doing this for seven days may be enough to stop the terrors without affecting sleep quality.

Talk to your child when they are calm about anything that might be worrying them. This can help you spot any triggers.

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Small and caring pre-school in Hampton Ages 2 to 5 Teaches Early Years Foundation Stage.

Curriculum and Montessori Method.

For a prospectus or to visit, call Julia on 020 8335 0666 / 07939 838 991 or email juliasmontessori@aol.com Families Upon Thames 9

CLUBS & CLASSES

The lowdown on kids and sport

By Andrew Campbell Sport is a fabulous way to keep kids active and exercising, which, in turn, has a range of health and developmental benefits.

On the physical side, these include: maintenance of a healthy weight; building stronger heart, bones and muscles; improving posture and balance; encouraging growth and development; improving sleep.

Exercise is great for mental health too with benefits including: providing an opportunity to socialise and build relationships with peers; increasing concentration, vital to academic performance; improving self-esteem and confidence; lowering stress; learning leadership skills; learning the value of discipline and a positive attitude.

But when should children start participating in sport, how much should they do and what should they do?

When should they start?

Sport can be fun for kids of all ages. However, sporting activities must be developmentally appropriate for your child. For preschoolers, sports should be less about competition and more about being active and having fun. It’s not until about age 6 or 7 that most kids have the physical skills, the attention-span and the ability to grasp the rules needed to play organised sports.

Generally, children under 8 are not ready for competition, being unable to handle the stresses of winning, losing and having their performance measured and scored. Enrolling your child in a sport or activity beyond their developmental ability can lead to frustration and early drop-out.

Age-appropriate exercise Ages 1 to 2 (toddlers) The NHS advises toddlers should do a variety of physical activities for at least three hours every day, these can include: playing in water, climbing on a frame, playing ball games, riding a bike, playing chasing games, skipping, hopping, running and jumping.

Ages 3 to 4 (pre-schoolers) At this age, the NHS recommends three hours of daily physical activities which should include at least one hour of moderateto-vigorous intensity physical activity. As well as the activities appropriate for toddlers, others may include: dancing, swimming, playground activities, climbing, active play (eg hide and seed), scooting, outdoor activities, throwing and catching. Organised activity groups that involve ball games can also be a great, more structured option.

Ages 6 to 9 As children get older, their vision, attention span and transitional skills, such as throwing a ball for distance, improve. They’re also better able to follow directions. Consider entry-level, organised activities such as running, football, cricket, gymnastics, swimming, tennis and non-contact martial arts.

Ages 10 to 12 By this age, children have mature vision and the ability to understand and recall sports strategies. Children of this age are typically ready to take on complex skill sports, such as football, cricket, basketball, hockey and volleyball.

Is your child ready?

Just because your child has reached a certain age doesn’t mean playing an organised sport is appropriate for them. As well as considering whether a sport is age-appropriate for your child, take into account how much they will enjoy the activity based on their maturity and abilities. Your child may show a natural preference for one activity over another, which shouldn’t be ignored.

Remember children change as they grow and it’s normal for them to show a keen interest in one activity one year, only to switch to another by the next. Keep monitoring their level of interest and don’t try to persuade them to continue with something they clearly don’t enjoy.

Alternatives to competitive team sports FootballFootball fun for children aged fun 18 months - 7 years.

for children Classes available in Ages 18mths to 7 yearsmultiple venues across Classes available acrossElmbridge/Spelthorne Elmbridge & Spelthorne If your child enjoys playing a team sport like football, you Get in Touch: Find out more! may be tempted to sign them up to play competitively at a northsurrey@lilocal ttlekiclub. ckersWhilst .co.uk northsurrey@littlekickers.co.uk 07880 633 885this is right for some children, it doesn’t necessarily suit those that don’t enjoy playing under pressure.

07880 633885 For children who simply want to play for the love of the game, after school clubs and/or neighbourhood teams may offer a

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better fit. For those children that don’t enjoy team sports at www.LittleKickers.co.uk all, solo sports such as tennis, karate and swimming are great LKFCNorthSurrey Facebook “f ” Logo

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10 Families Upon Thames

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CLUBS & CLASSES

Classes directory Danceforce School of Dancing FREE Kingston TRIAL RAD BALLET, ISTD TAP, MODERN, JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY PRE-SCHOOL, MINIS, JUNIORS, SENIORS AND ADULTS www.danceforceschoolofdancing.com

Fun NEW ballet classes ages 4+ Weybridge FREE TRIAL

SINGING, DANCING AND ACTING CLASSES FOR 4 TO 18 YEAR OLDS

Classes for ages 4-13 in Richmond 020 8088 0117 swl@littlevoices.org.uk www.littlevoices.org.uk

FREE TRIAL

www.stagecoach.co.uk

Fun football classes

CONFIDENCE BUILDING FUN

Ages 18mths to 7 years Elmbridge & Spelthorne

Call: 07455 336032

Try a FREE drama, dance and singing class

www.releveschoolofballet.co.uk

Book at www.perform.org.uk/try

office@releveschoolofballet.co.uk

Chertsey, Hinchley Wood & Esher, New Malden, Richmond, Staines, Teddington, Twickenham, Weybridge

northsurrey@littlekickers.co.uk

Would you like to feature your business in our next issue?

Book your space today!

Call Amanda on 07835 848066

Little Kickers teaches the FUNdamentals of football “Can I just say that we absolutely love the classes you organise. We are in awe of the standard of all staff members and the overall service!” North Surrey Parent Taking place in Addlestone, Claygate, Cobham, Epsom, Ewell, Woking, Weybridge and Shepperton, these friendly, low-pressure classes take place from Friday to Monday, in four age groups: Little Kicks - 18 mths-2½ years The perfect introduction to the fun world of Little Kickers.

Children learn the basics of football in a play-oriented, yet structured format.

Junior Kickers - 2½-3½ years Structured learning through play remains the focus as children gradually gain independence.

Mighty Kickers - 3½- 5 years Lessons cater for the confidence and boundless energy of this age group. Games are fast-paced and increasingly football-focused.

Mega Kickers – 5-7½ years Children hone their football skills and develop their social and cognitive skills, culminating in a friendly match in each session.

To register, visit www.littlekickers.co.uk/find-a-class. Call 07880 633885 or email northsurrey@littlekickers.co.uk for more information.

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Families Upon Thames 11

CLUBS & CLASSES

Happy, Confident New Year from Perform Perform, the UK’s biggest centrally run drama school, is getting 2022 off to a flying start with a new term of classes focusing on building confidence and social skills.

Many children have struggled to reconnect the pandemic and re-establish their old friendships and confidence. Child psychologist and author, Linda Blair, says that classes like these: “can help children recover from social isolation as they encourage communication and effective social interactions. Drama helps a child’s ability to understand and interpret things like eye contact and can help in countless other ways both socially and cognitively.”

Fortunately, Perform classes are packed with confidenceboosting drama-based games and activities, allowing every child to shine.

Children ages 4 to 7 will trek off on a jungle adventure this term while ages 7 to 12 enjoy a thrilling adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. What’s more, Perform’s jungle theme becomes a West End musical during February half-term, featuring a professional adult cast, stunning costumes and fabulous music. Visit junglerumble. show To book a no-obligation FREE trial in Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Kew, Brentford, Isleworth, Esher, Cobham, Walton, Weybridge and Kingston, visit www.perform.org.uk/try, email enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120. Use code LUT70222 for a £40 discount when you book by 7 February.

More about Perform’s weekly classes Confidence building drama classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. A unique mix of fun drama games, dance and singing specially designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.

Venues: Brentford: St Paul Church of England Primary School Cobham: St Andrew’s Church Hall Esher: Church of the Holy Name Isleworth: St John’s and St Mary’s Church Hall Kew: Kew Community Centre Kingston: Alexandra Infants School & The Parish of St John the Baptist Richmond: Vineyard Life Church, The Russell Primary School & Holy Trinity Church Centre Teddington: Teddington Methodist Church Twickenham: The Crossway Centre & Twickenham United Reform Church Walton: St Andrews Urc Weybridge: St James’ Parish Centre Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class, email enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120. Don’t forget the code LUT70222 for a £40 saving!

Special offer for Families readers!

Perform is offering Families readers a special £40 introductory discount on bookings made by 7 February – just quote LUT70222.

More risky playgrounds are better for kids

Top tips for choosing an activity for your child

The British Children’s Play Survey revealed recently that British society is becoming more protective of children, at a detriment to their ability to manage risk and their overall mental and physical health.

Feeling overwhelmed by the range and volume of classes, clubs and activities on offer? Aside from the obvious issue of LOGISTICS, how do you choose?

David Ball, a professor of risk management at Middlesex University, said UK playgrounds were ‘over-sterilised.’

‘If you look at them only as a series of potential dangers, you’re missing something important’ he said.

By contrast, in Germany, playgrounds are being built to be dangerous, forcing children to negotiate perilous obstacles while risking injury if they fall.

According to Prof Rolf Schwarz of Karlsruhe University of Education, who works with councils and playground designers to develop challenging obstacles, ‘safe’ playgrounds prevent kids from learning how to handle risk in the early stages of their development. ‘If we want children to be prepared for risk, we need to allow them to come into contact with risk,’ said the professor.

12 Families Upon Thames

Here are our tips: Talk to your children, explain how many activities there’s time for and find out what they are interested in.

Let them choose at least one class, activity or club themselves.

Help them choose activities but don’t impose your own preferences.

Reluctant child? Explain that it’s important and fun to try new things but don’t insist.

Remember that moving from one activity to another is normal amongst children.

Always consider the benefits of an activity.

Don’t assume that high cost equals high quality.

Ensure staff members are professionals with relevant skills and experience.

Consider the mix of activities. Try to include a sport.

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WORK

Taking a chance with your career

By Mandy Garner Ann-Marie Murphy works as a secondary school teacher in the Midlands but after her maternity leave she switched to part-time hours to manage childcare and her job.

If the pandemic hadn’t happened, Ann-Marie would have returned to work full time when her daughter started school.

As it was, a year later, ‘when she started in Year 1, I was still only working two days a week in school because the pandemic meant it wasn’t guaranteed she’d actually be there and there was also the possibility of needing to home school too,’ explains Ann-Marie.

Like many other working mothers, Ann-Marie’s mental health was affected by the pandemic, with her anxiety levels increasing.

As a parent, she worried about having to send her daughter to school during Covid, and, as a teacher, she worried about her own exposure to the virus.

In a Working Mums (www.workingmums.co.uk) survey of one thousand three hundred working mums, thirty percent of those surveyed mentioned that worries about children’s wellbeing was one factor which contributed to the worsening of their mental health during the pandemic.

‘I work in a school of nearly two thousand children. Very few of them were willing to wear masks and social distancing didn’t exist’ reports Ann-Marie. ‘So all of that really added to a general sense of anxiety.’

Seventy percent of the survey respondents said that the anxiety about lockdowns and Covid generally affected their mental wellbeing and over sixty percent said that home-schooling and

childcare also had an impact.

In the same Working Mums survey, only nineteen percent of those surveyed reported that their employer had supported them with their mental health and Ann-Marie did not feel that she was given the support she needed.

The pandemic made Ann-Marie reconsider her career.

‘I think teaching is an important job’ says Ann-Marie. ‘But, during the pandemic, schools and teachers have not been treated well.

It has made me feel like we’re not really valued and schools have been seen as a way to keep children occupied so that parents can work.’

Sadly, the Working Mums survey shows that Ann-Marie is not alone. Twenty four percent of working mothers state that they are less likely to seek a promotion than they were before Covid.

Mandy Garner works for www.workingmums.co.uk, a website which offers employers and job seekers the chance to find home-based, part time and flexible full time jobs.

Protect your child online!

Get a free and complete guide to parental controls*

But it’s not all bad news!

Re-evaluating your career can be really beneficial.

Before Covid, Ann-Marie was running different side businesses, the most successful one being an online gifts and cards shop. During the pandemic she decided to start an additional business with her partner, as they were both working from home. The focus of the new business is on digital safeguarding for schools, which includes looking at how images and personal data are used online and managing consent.

The pandemic has opened a new door for Ann-Marie, which might have stayed closed under different circumstances.

Being exposed to circumstances where she didn’t feel safe at work and in which she felt schools and teachers were being undermined, she wanted to look at creating and building on an opportunity which gives her more freedom over how she works.

“I want to do something worthwhile which is helping but where I’ve got more control over my own safety and my timetable. The flexibility seems more important now than ever’ says AnnMarie.

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Families Upon Thames 13

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Just one healthy thing in 2022!

By Claire Winter

At this time of the year, we are bombarded with unrealistic health advice. Give up carbs, do a HIIT workout every day, walk fifteen thousand steps. Glamorous women and men in lycra stare at us from our social feeds, making us feel like failures before we even start a new health regime. So how about setting yourself an easy target of changing just one thing this New Year?

Photo by Bruce Mars from Unsplash

Take Vitamin D

Get a fitness buddy Accountability works. If you want to start a new fitness regime, find a friend to do it with you, says Paula Kerr from Fitter Stronger. ‘This might mean always training with a friend and not letting them down or keeping an exercise or nutrition record and sharing it with a friend or fitness professional.’ www.fitterstronger.org

Vitamin D is highly recommended for anyone living in the UK because we don’t get enough sunshine. Public Health England recommends every adult takes a ten mg supplement in autumn and winter - all year round if you have darker skin. It boosts the immune system, helps prevent depression and strengthens bones. Find at all good health food stores/online.

Take time to meditate Just ten minutes meditation a day can make a huge difference. Research shows that meditation has a positive effect on a range of stress-related illnesses, including heart disease, cholesterol and high blood pressure. It can also help people suffering from insomnia, anxiety and depression.

Check out www.insighttimer.com for hundreds of free meditations.

Get quality sleep

Have a cold shower Many people shared their outdoor swimming adventures last year. Intrigued?

Start small with the Wim Hof method.

Begin with a simple breathing technique and cold showers every morning and progress to cold water swimming. Doing this every day for five months has really improved my mood and quality of sleep! www.wimhofmethod.com Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels

Personal trainer, Alex Cornwell, says: ‘It’s best to accept that as a parent it may not be possible to sleep uninterrupted for eight to nine hours a night. Instead, make sure you’re getting to bed early, not scrolling through Instagram or watching Netflix. This keeps you up longer and late-night screen time is proven to reduce the quality of your sleep’. www.revolution-pts.com

Practise gratitude ‘Gratitude is the first step to embracing our body, shifting our relationship with it and seeing it as one of our best buddies. It makes a huge difference in our fitness training and the food we choose to nourish our body’ says the Body Whisperer, Vanessa Conway. Keeping a daily gratitude diary can make also make you feel more optimistic about life. www.feelmovebewithvanessa.com

Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash

Try forest bathing

Go veggie For one day a week, try and skip meat. www.meatfreemondays.com is a good website to follow. Can you make a family favourite with a meat substitute or try a new vegetarian recipe?

14 Families Upon Thames

Get out in nature and de-stress in your local forest or woodland. In Japan, it’s called Shirrin Yoku, it’s proven to help you boost your mood, health and wellbeing and it’s free. Find your local forest here www.forestryengland.uk

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Health & fitness products for parents

By Claire Winter

Getting fit when you are a busy parent can be a challenge. Here are some great products to get your health and fitness mojo back in 2022.

Twelve South ActionSleeve 2, £34.99 Wear this fabric armband on the upper arm and workout with Apple Watch, monitoring your stats and progress.

Ideal for sports where protective sports gear and full wrist mobility is needed, protecting your Apple Watch from nicks and dings while keeping its digital crown fully accessible. Amazon.

The Zeno Running Pushchair, from £819.95 Take your little one along when you exercise! The ZENO is a 4-in-1 multisport stroller which can be used for push or pull running, while the AVI is a lightweight sport stroller, ideal for running. Its innovative ‘hands free’ technology is designed for a natural running experience and can even be attached to a bike. www.cybex-online.com/en-gb/puma

Groov-e SportBuds, £39.99 True Wireless Earphones are the perfect fitness training partner, designed with a snug ear hook fit and sweat-resistance.

They feature True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology for the perfect sound, handsfree microphone, voice assistance and a multi-device charging case. www.groov-e.co.uk/sport-buds

Claude Leggings, Pocket Sport, £55 Claude leggings are designed with maximum comfort in mind. The highwaisted fit flatters, while the fabric is breathable, squat proof and quick drying.

It has a hidden key/card pocket in the waistband. These leggings will see you from your workout to chasing the kids around, to putting your feet up at the end of the day. www.pocket-sport.com

Help fund vital brain tumour research Join Wear A Hat Day! Did you know brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer? This is an unacceptable fact which leading charity, Brain Tumour Research is determined to change.

Join thousands of children, parents and teachers on Friday 25 March for Wear A Hat Day – a great way to bring people together and raise vital funds for Brain Tumour Research.

Register your school, community or family event today at www.wearahatday. org and you’ll receive a free fundraising pack.

March sees the arrival of Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Coming towards the end of the month, several celebrities will be lending their support to the incredible, hattastic Wear a Hat Day campaign.

The latest set of collectable Wear A Hat Day pin badges have a regal theme in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. Order your box of badges to sell when you register!

Funds raised from Wear A Hat Day will help towards establishing a new Research Centre of Excellence.

Eco-friendly Yoga Mats, from £40 Female-owned, independent yoga brand Wuufly, create inspiring, colourful and sustainable yoga mats. Each non-slip mat goes on an ethical journey from start to finish beginning with production from earth and animal-friendly materials, wrapped in completely recyclable acidfree tissue paper, through to delivery by CO2 neutral means. www.wuufly.com/shop Familiesonline.co.uk

Families Upon Thames 15

PARENTING

Helping kids with ecoanxiety

By Angela Terry Growing up in a time of climate crisis is not easy. Images of deforestation, melting glaciers and out-of-control wildfires seem everywhere. The scale and severity of the situation is difficult for adults to comprehend. Naturally, children can find it overwhelming.

Eco-anxiety is increasingly prevalent amongst our kids.

Research by Bath University shows that sixty percent of children and young people describe themselves as ‘very or extremely worried’ about climate change.

As a mum and environmental scientist, I am well aware of the difficulties of talking to children about this subject. The temptation is to tell them not to worry. But actually this will add to their genuine concern that this issue is being ignored by the ‘grown-ups.’ Focus instead on positive solutions. Here are my tips: Remind children that together we can change the world Taking everyday actions can empower kids. Like eating less meat or snuggling under a blanket instead of turning up the thermostat. But remind them that it’s practically impossible to live a completely sustainable life. The world needs lots of people doing sustainability imperfectly, rather than a few doing it perfectly.

Point them to less frightening online resources Exposure to gloomy predictions online can affect children’s moods. Make sure they are looking at websites that talk about climate change in an unthreatening way without a barrage of scary statistics. NASA’s Climate Kids website has been designed specifically for children and has a wide range of resources,

including videos and games.

Make green spending decisions jointly Discuss with your children which products your family buys.

There are sustainable alternatives for everything, from food and fashion to cars and bank accounts. If the green alternative is more expensive, ask your children if they would be happy to go without something to pay for it. This allows them to understand the power of purchasing.

Help children join or start a group with friends Joining climate-focused community and action groups can be of huge benefit to children with feelings of anxiety, helplessness and despair. The sense of shared belonging and concern can be very comforting. Working towards tangible solutions with others gives kids a greater sense of control.

Angela Terry is an environmental scientist and mum of three.

She’s the founder of One Home (www.onehome.org.uk), the UK’s first consumer climate action hub which provides independent, practical advice on the changes you can make to help fight global warming and adapt to climate change.

Discussing climate change

Practical things to do

As a parent your first instinct is to protect your kids but it’s not helpful to tell them not to concern themselves with climate change. Worrying about this huge problem is entirely normal. Here are some suggestions for handling those tricky conversations:

One of the best ways to help children feel better about the climate emergency is to empower them to do something about it. It can be as simple as encouraging them to walk to school instead of being driven. Here are some activity ideas for the whole family:

Listen to your child’s worries and acknowledge them. Don’t dismiss them out-of-hand.

Empathise. Show you’re concerned too. But don’t focus on doomsday scenarios. There is no cliff edge. Point out they’re not alone. Talk about all the people who are also worried and striving to effect change. Check out Instagram accounts which offer a solutions-based outlook like @thegreenhub @ ouronehome @lowimpactmovement Empower without making them feel overly responsible. Tell them we all have a role to play in addressing this issue – but it’s not all on them.

Point out positive climate news stories whenever you come across them.

Teach anxiety regulation techniques, like breathing and mindfulness.

Rewild your garden. Set up a bug hotel. Start growing vegetables. Replace some of your lawn with wildflowers.

Make low-carbon meals based around local fruit and vegetables from a farmer’s market, if possible (or even produce you’ve grown yourselves!)

Take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch (www.rspb.org.uk), the Great British Spring Clean (www.keepbritaintidy.org) or Earth Day (www.earthday.org).

Fundraise for a green charity by organising a low-carbon bake sale or doing a sponsored walk.

Craft homemade birthday and Christmas presents for loved ones.

Shut curtains and blinds from dusk until dawn to keep the heat in (and energy bills low).

Write to your MP and explain why you are concerned about climate change.

16 Families Upon Thames

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PARENTING

When friendships go wrong

By Clare Cogan Friendships can be a challenge throughout our lives; from our own school playground days to when we’re back there as parents.

Late primary school age often brings significant shifts in friendships. If your child has been in a ‘group’ or has had a ‘best friend,’ you might observe fall outs between them which can include exclusions from invitations and activities. These evershifting sands can lead to tears, sleepless nights and worries.

It’s time to help your tween navigate some of these trickier times and support them. Part of building that all-important resilience in life is to help them deal with and learn from difficult times. You are their guiding light in this regard.

Consider your own friendship history. Use your own experiences of difficult friendships or times when you have moved away from friends and made new ones to help your children understand that it is okay for things to change.

Firstly, take a moment.... and a step back.

Tell your children about what happened in these friendship situations, what you felt, how you coped and how things turned out. Children love stories, no matter what age they are and yours will help them realise they are not alone, even when it feels like they are. This sharing can carry more weight than just reassuring them that things will ‘get better.’

The drama itself is easy to get embroiled in, especially if you are friends with the parents whose children are involved. Despite the temptation, texting or picking up the phone to discuss the issue is not always helpful and can even be counterproductive.

As children start to move towards transition to secondary school, we need to give them the tools and resources to cope with friendship challenges and not always step in and sort it out ourselves.

Be aware that some of what might be happening may trigger memories of your own experiences at school which may not be directly related to your child’s issue. This often happened with me when we had challenges with our boys and friendships. My inner lioness would spark off straight away in response to these issues based on my own childhood challenges.

Spend time helping your child to think about what they value in friendship, such as honesty, kindness, trustworthiness. Talk about why others choose them to be their friend and point to what makes a good friend when times are tough.

Clare Cogan is a teenage anxiety specialist and author who works with parents and their teens to help them understand how their mind affects their mood. More information at www.clarecogan.com

What is a frenemy?

When to worry

This is probably the most useful term I ever learnt as an adult!

Playground spats and fallings out are as typical among friends as they are among siblings. Forgotten by the next day, they are useful lessons in getting on with others.

A frenemy is a ‘friend’ who can flip between being kind and caring, inclusive and supportive, to being disparaging, critical and unkind. It is the friend with whom you never really know where you stand. If you challenge their unkindness, put downs or insults, they will usually respond with: ‘I’m just joking,’ ‘I can say that to you because you’re my friend,’ ‘You’re being over-sensitive’ or other similar responses including that over-used and dishonest current cop-out: ‘It’s just banter,’ which appear to excuse their behaviour.

As the saying goes, with friends like these, who needs enemies?

Know that it is not okay for your child to be on the receiving end of these remarks, even though they are difficult to challenge. They can chip away at a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Helping your young person to become aware of this behaviour and how it can affect them can also be a powerful tool to support them in navigating tricky friendships.

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However, if your child is coming home with continuous reports of unkindness and struggles and is upset, sad and clearly finding things difficult, give value to those experiences. Try not to pass judgement on the other children, no matter how hard as that is, it is possible they will be friends again tomorrow.

If you notice ongoing changes in your child’s behaviour, a withdrawal from activities they have previously enjoyed or anything else, this is the time to take some action, speak to the school to ensure that they are aware of the challenges and discuss their policy for dealing with these situations.

Just as you are supporting your child and showing they are not alone, nor are you. Packed with expert advice, Young Minds specialises in young people’s mental health, supporting young people and their parents with helplines, webchats and email services. See www.youngminds.org.uk

Families Upon Thames 17

My New Year’s Resolutions!

This year I want to:

This year I need to:

This year I am going to start:

This year I am going to stop:

This year I am going to learn:

✂

Signed.................................

CUT OUT AND KEEP Magazine 18 Families Upon Thames

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WHAT’S ON

What’s on

recycle their way out of the rubbish.

For ages 5+.

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

Share Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever at Richmond Theatre

Diary Date!

On 4 to 5 February, Peppa Pig is live on stage in Richmond! Get ready for a road-trip full of fun adventures.

From castles to caves, dragons to dinosaurs and ice-creams to muddy puddles – there is something for all the family and friends to enjoy.

Tickets and more information at www.atgtickets.com/richmond-theatre Every Sun Junior Parkrun Free 2k event for 4 to 14 year olds at Bushy Park, Laleham, Hanworth, Kingston, Osterley, Surbiton & Twickenham. www.parkrun.org.uk Fri 7 Jan Museum Monkeys at Chertsey Museum Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts for Under 5s. www.chertseymuseum.org Sat 15 Jan Young Archaeology Club A group for 8-16s to learn and get hands on with the past. www.chertseymuseum.org Sat & Sun 22-23 Jan Big Wetland Birdwatch at Morden Hall Park Join guided walks on the wetland boardwalk to look for birds.. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park Fri 4 Feb Museum Monkeys at Chertsey Museum Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts for Under 5s. www.chertseymuseum.org Sun 6 Feb Let’s Get Creative at Orleans House Gallery Join in a festive art activity delivered by the artist in residence. www.orleanshousegallery.org

FEBRUARY HALF TERM Fri 11 Feb-13 Mar Sensory Trail at Morden Hall Park Explore the park, experiencing nature using your senses www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mordenhall-park Fri 11 Feb–Sun 20 Feb w Come Rain or Shine Bingo Trail at Claremont Landscape Garden Explore the park whilst trying you luck on this trail. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden From Sat 12 Feb Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at V&A London Playful and interactive exhibition telling the complete story of Beatrix Potter www.vam.ac.uk Sat 12-Sun 20 Feb Bubbles at London Museum of Water & Steam Join in bubble-tastic fun each weekday with Wet and Bubbly Science Show and Musical Mark on Sundays. www.waterandsteam.org.uk

Tue 14-Thu 16 Feb Perform Hansel & Gretel Half Term Workshop Join Perform for an unforgettable three days in a fairytale forest this half-term and see your child make friends with the woodland creatures, discover the tempting Gingerbread House and outwit the evil Wicked Witch, enjoying sweet songs and delicious dance routines. Ages: 4-10 yrs. 10am to 3pm daily at Holy Trinity Church Centre, Richmond.

020 7255 9120, enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/hansel Sat 19 Feb Young Archaeology Club A group for 8-16s to learn and get hands on with the past. www.chertseymuseum.org Sun 6 Mar Let’s Get Creative at Orleans House Gallery Join in a festive art activity delivered by the artist in residence. www.orleanshousegallery.org

Josephine 29-30 Jan The extraordinary story of performer, spy and civil rights activist Josephine Baker for ages 7+.

Butterflies 5 Feb An uplifting tale of friendship, told using innovative staging, physicality, humour and an original musical score for ages 3-8.

Plundered 12 Feb A swashbuckling adventure in the Amazon. Can you help defeat the pirate? For ages 5+.

Robin’s Winter Adventure 14-19 Feb Uplifting tale of change, bravery and friendship told with puppetry, poetry, music and magical design for ages 4+.

Little Red Riding Hood 26 Feb Be taken down the path into the snowy wild wood, hear catchy songs and spot hilarious puppets. For ages 3-8.

Messy 5 Mar Magical visual story with original music, puppets, tap dancing and even a trip to the moon. For ages 3+.

Under the Frozen Moon 27 Feb Heart-warming puppet show of a young girl’s quest to confront a dragon.

THE FORTUNE THEATRE, COVENT GARDEN www.atgtickets.com Jungle Rumble 14-20 Feb An original family musical from Perform UK, with a sensational West End adult class, marks a natural progression for this highly regarded drama school. Jungle Rumble brings the jungle to life with thrilling choreography, uplifting songs and an inspirational message about working together to protect the Earth. More info and tickets at www.atgtickets. com/venues/fortune-theatre THE ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON www.rosetheatre.org Zog and the Flying Doctors 10-19 Feb Brand new adventure with a modern take on a classic fairy tale. For 3+ years.

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk Robin’s Winter Adventure 22-22 Jan An uplifting tale of change, bravery and friendship told with puppetry, poetry, music and magical design.

The Hare and the Tortoise 26 Jan An interactive storytelling performance for 0–5s.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE DORKING HALLS www.dorkinghalls.co.uk The Smeds And The Smoos 15-16 Jan Music, laughs and interplanetary adventures for everyone age 3+.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea 26-27 Feb Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show for ages 3+.

G LIVE, GUILDFORD www.glive.co.uk Oldilocks and the Three Bears 22 Jan Live show packed full of songs, games and laughter.

BO OK YO UR TI CK E TS NO W

Justin Live 17 Feb Come and see CBeebies superstar and children’s favourite Justin Fletcher live on stage.

The BIG Birthday Show 26 Feb Family magic show full of tricks, balloons, games and nonsense.

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE www.atgtickets.com/newwimbledon-theatre Baby Bear 2-5 Mar An uplifting, beautiful and comical theatre production for 0-18mths.

LITTLE LYRIC, HAMMERSMITH www.lyric.co.uk Dustbin Doris 15 Jan An amazing trove of wondrous tales

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The Elves and the Shoemaker 22 Jan Classic fable using magical puppets, intricate design, original music and the simplest of dialogue. For ages 3+.

RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES www.riverhousebarn.co.uk

Fri 4 - Sat 5 Feb 0844 871 7615* ATGTICKETS/Richmond*

*Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per min, plus your phone company’s access charge.

www.peppapiglive.com

#peppapiglive

Peppa Pig © [2021] ABD Ltd/Ent. One UK Ltd

Families Upon Thames 19

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Happiness is…..a happy child!

Receive a FREE Mental Health Activity Pack from Storytime for your child* 14 pages of fun activities

HAPPINESS is ACTIVITY PA ...

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One of the biggest cha llenges fac teachers and ed by parent and deal with carers is helping chil s, dren their feeling activity pac s. That is why to talk about k! We recom we created mend that then share this you read it the ideas and first, and activities in it with your kids.

Be cool.

Be kind.

Be you!

Inside this pack:

Recognising Emotio ns .............................

2 Feelings Are Like Rainbows ........... ........ 4 Resilience Tool Box ................................. .5 Fun with Framing! ................................. .... 6 Gratefulness Diary ................................. ... 7 The Pancake of Mistak es ........................

8 Get Active with Emotio ns! .......................

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On page 17-20, there is a special section about how you can help your kids build resilience and get comfortable with their emotions!

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Read first and then share with your child….

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