Families Upon Thames January/February 2023 Print

Welcome

Happy New Year from all of us here at Families! We wish you the very best for the months ahead.

If you’ve abandoned New Year resolutions already, then let Families re-inspire you! This really is a great time of year to focus on how to get healthier – but it’s difficult to do it on your own. So how about taking on a health challenge as a family instead so you can motivate each other? And if you’re keen to improve your child’s mental health, check out our tips for helping them with anxiety.

And, as the kids head back to school or nursery for the new term, we also have a great article on helping little ones with separation anxiety, a common issue faced by parents of children in the early years, as well as a focus on education including an update on SATS, advice on safely choosing an online tutor and how shared reading can help your child’s language development.

Finally, in this issue, we have Britannica Magazine subscriptions to giveaway! Apply for six month subscriptions plus a Britannica All New Children’s Encyclopedia inside. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Calling all young Scientists!

SATS: getting in the know

By Jessica Joan

In May, Year 2 (KS1) and Year 6 (KS2) pupils will take their SATS exams. Yet, from their very first day at school, children are being trained to be able to perform in preparation for these assessments.

So much work goes on behind the scenes in other years to get children ready and when it comes to the year in which they take their SATS, teachers are under pressure for them to do well.

To prepare for the exams, your children will be doing lots of maths, reading and writing at school, intertwined with other subjects so that they are consistently practising those skills. Sometimes this means that other foundation subjects are deemed ‘not as important’ and additional maths and English lessons squeezed in instead.

So how can you ensure your child does well in their SATS?

Your child’s school will more than likely be sending home maths, English and reading homework in preparation. It can be difficult to make your child do homework, especially when they have been worked so hard during the school day; however, it’s an important support in preparation for SATS so anything you can do with your child can really make a difference to how they perform.

Providing your child with any opportunity to read, write and do mathematical calculations will be massively appreciated by your child’s teacher!

In addition, you can download and look at past SATS papers

from previous years (www.sats-papers.co.uk) to get an idea of what your child will have to do. There will be some things that have changed since you went to school so ask your child to show you how they do things - they will relish this opportunity!

Likewise, you can always speak to your child’s teacher who will happily show you how you can support your child’s learning at home.

As well as these things, ensuring your child eats well and stays hydrated will support their minds and bodies during the school day. Similarly, creating a good bedtime routine will mean your child gets a decent night’s sleep and has the brain power to be ‘on the ball’ throughout the school week.

Jessica Joan is a primary school teacher from Worcestershire with a ten year teaching career. After experiencing burn out, she set up as a Work/Life Balance Coach for stressed out teachers and launched her Happy Teacher Course. Find out more at www.jessicajoan.co.uk

SATS and your child’s wellbeing

It’s very common for children to feel worried and even stressed about doing their SATS, especially for Year 5 children going into Year 6.

There is plenty that you can do at home to support your child mentally and emotionally in preparation. Explain that it’s totally normal to feel this way before a test and share some of your own experiences. This will help them feel less alone and comfortable in being able to share what’s going on for them. It’s a great opportunity for you to teach them about emotional intelligence and wellbeing. Start off by labelling the emotion that they are experiencing like anger, worry, anxiety. Then discuss the physical sensations they feel which come with that emotion, whether that’s sweaty palms or a racing heart. Now practise a wellbeing technique to promote feelings of calm and self-assurance during these times. Breathing techniques, exercise and meditation are all great ways to support your child’s wellbeing throughout stressful times during their childhood.

Are KS1 SATS being scrapped?

The government previously announced its plans to scrap KS1 SATS (Year 2) after the introduction of the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) which began in September 2021 and is taken by all new primary school pupils. However, it has since been decided to make KS1 SATS (Year 2) optional for schools from September 2023 instead.

The RBA is usually done with a teacher in an informal setting during a child’s first six weeks of school. It is an activity-based assessment conducted via a number of practical and interactive tasks. There have been pilots done all over the country and the validity report confirms that this new assessment provides an ‘accurate’ starting point from which to measure the progress a child makes in primary school.

To my knowledge, this change is welcomed amongst primary school teachers across the country as it limits the amount of pressured standardised testing that takes place during a child’s early school years. Primary school is a time for children to explore their learning through play and their own curiosities.

Meet the Head

Newland House is reputed to be a particularly happy school. Why do you think this is?

The culture of the school is vibrant and positive. I’m extremely fortunate to have staff that are prepared to consistently go above and beyond to ensure our children are really well looked after, working together with parents to create a true sense of community.

What are your strengths as a leader?

I place the children at the centre of everything, which is the right focus for a school. I believe I’m approachable, a good listener, I always try to find positive solutions and I have sound judgement when making significant decisions.

What is it about Newland House that makes it stand out?

The way that we develop children in every area of their life. Our academic core is the most important part but we truly value the breadth of our curriculum and our extracurricular programme. It’s why our children love coming to school and why they leave as well-rounded young people.

In what areas do you think the school can still improve?

By continuing to develop our teaching practices and ensure that we enhance the educational offering for all children - from the large numbers that are really able to those whose strengths lie across the curriculum. We will also continue to refine the way that we develop children’s ‘soft skills.’ For example, their understanding of critical thinking, improving their collaboration skills and modelling how to accurately evaluate their own efforts.

How do you go about attracting and retaining high calibre teachers?

Staff at Newland House love the collegiate atmosphere. It provides them with a

support network but also a means through which to celebrate success. We have an active staff social group, a genuine commitment to supporting staff with their own professional development, a decent amount of time for staff to plan and prepare outstanding lessons and a super free lunch!

How does the school particularly promote the self-esteem and emotional well-being of pupils?

Most significantly by immersing children in our school’s healthy and positive culture. When times are tough, they are supported by both their peers and the adults that work with them, who also share in the joy of their successes. Anti-Bullying Week is such an important event in the annual calendar, our comprehensive programme of assemblies reinforces messages about good mental health and our Wellbeing Coordinator and Tilly, our therapy dog, support all children who need something more specialised.

Meet the Head Special feature

How are your personal values reflected in those of the school?

Being kind to others is our most important core value and something that I actively model. Integrity too is expected from everyone in the Newland House community.

How does the school’s early years provision give children a flavour of life in the prep school?

From Nursery, our youngest children are taught by specialist French, Music and PE teachers, starting their journey towards the subject specialist teaching that is integral to our Prep. Most significantly, the culture of the school and its core values are consistent throughout and are as relevant to 3-year-olds as to those in Year 8.

How does Newland House achieve such an outstanding record at 11+ and 13+?

The collaboration between children, teachers and parents is vital. Our teachers know the 11 and 13+ system inside out and pitch lessons to allow our children to peak at just the right time. English and maths are given daily morning slots throughout the school so that children tackle these lessons when they are freshest. Reasoning is introduced as a taught subject in Year 5 and, within all these lessons, exam technique is taught in a non-pressurised way.

We regularly review the curriculum in the light of changes to senior school assessments, giving children the best possible chance of success and I maintain close relationships with the Heads at senior schools so that we can offer individual support and guidance to parents when they are making their choices.

What co-curricular event do you most enjoy and makes you proudest?

I’ll have to pick out two! Our Sports Days are a celebration of both excellence and inclusivity that involve every child and our annual music concert at Hampton School reflects the importance of music in our school life and showcases so many of our musicians.

What is your most useless skill?

I can inflate my chin like a bullfrog much to the excitement (and disgust!) of my children!

What is your real-life superpower?

I can juggle a huge number of significant things and rarely drop any.

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird. Start the day as you mean to go on.

Newland House School in Twickenham teaches boys and girls aged 3 to 11. Visit www.newlandhouse.net for more information.

Families chats with Chris Skelton, Head of Newland House School.

Shared reading and language development

By Dr Jamie Lingwood

Early language development is incredibly important and sitting down to read with your child gives them a big advantage. Here are my thoughts on the how’s and why’s of shared reading.

Make it a conversation

Shared reading is so much more than simply reading books aloud from start to finish. It’s powerful as an interactive experience, creating a conversation along the way. Evidence suggests that asking children lots of open questions about books can really boost language skills. Exposure to new words builds their vocabulary and the more they hear spoken language, the more easily they can use it themselves. The earlier you start, the better their reading ages will be at school. Research has demonstrated how shared reading protects against a lot of language difficulties and delays. It can even predict how successful children could be as adults in terms of income!

Doing it your own way

Parents, grandparents, carers or sibling will each have their own reading styles; and that’s a good thing. Find the flow that comes most naturally to you, making the experience more interactive as you go along.

Picture books are a good start

Picture books with few or no words are great starting points. A good example is Hug by Jez Alborough, which simply repeats the word ‘hug’ on each page. It’s then down to the adult to create a story around this, starting a conversation with the child. Talking with them about what they see and what they think about the story naturally involves using a mix of words and grammatically structured sentences. The book becomes a prompt for children to express themselves.

Reading the same book over and over...

I hear this a lot from parents: ‘My child wants to read the same book over and over again.’ As an adult, what do you do? Do you read the book for the thirty fifth time this week or encourage

them to read something else? A recent study suggests that reading the same book repeatedly can help with a child’s memory, in terms of building familiarity with particular words. The biggest challenge is your stamina - knowing it’s all in a good cause might help here!

When and where?

When it comes to shared reading, little and often is the way forward. You don’t have to sit down and rigidly read with your child for a set hour at a time. Five minutes here and there is just as useful, particularly when it comes to keeping them motivated.

Fit reading around what works for you and the structure of your own lives. You may well choose a time towards the end of the day when you’re settling them down for bed. But for a lot of people, that isn’t successful because, by that point, their child is too tired to engage properly. Remember it doesn’t have to be bedtime. Pick a different point in the day. Or grab five minutes when you’re travelling on the bus together, for example.

And finally…

Do it yourself! When your child sees you reading and clearly enjoying it, they will want to copy you. This will help them develop a habit that will open up a lifelong world of adventures and learning.

Dr Jamie Lingwood is a Lecturer in Psychology at Liverpool Hope University (www.hope.ac.uk/psychology) and belongs to the ChildLab research group, a group of psychologists and educators who are interested in researching how children develop and grow.

When a child is reading to a parent they will often come across a word they don’t know or struggle to articulate. Let them have an initial go at it, then instead of saying they are incorrect, let them hear the correct grammatical version. This is what we call re-casting.

For example, if they said: ‘The dog jump on the sofa’, you can say, ‘Yes, the dog jumped on the sofa, didn’t he?’ It’s a good strategy to adopt in shared book reading.

Getting the best from online tutoring

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

With Covid and the move to online platforms, tutoring has become more accessible, with more options and opportunities available for tutors and students. As a result, over fifteen percent of children across the country are now receiving private tuition.

An Institute of Education study shows that well delivered tuition has a positive impact on attainment across the board. Certainly, in the highly competitive worlds of selective schools and public exams, tutoring has become the norm in ensuring that children are prepared and supported.

Today many parents turn to the internet to find a suitable tutor as it offers wider and often less expensive access to more options. But with it comes the concern around finding quality teaching in an unregulated world.

Online tutoring options are prolific on social media - you’ll likely get more offers than you could sift through in one evening! There are also many specialist online agencies offering a range of tutoring options, as well as A-level or undergraduate student tutors offering their services.

Employing an A-level or undergraduate student tutor may be advantageous in offering your child a positive role model.

Equally, your child may feel more comfortable with somebody closer to their own age and may therefore be more likely to challenge themselves and grow in their learning. This option can also offer a less expensive tuition route. However, it is really important to bear in mind that student tutors are unqualified and

inexperienced and don’t have the experience or understanding of child development.

In this exploding world of online tutoring, to give your child the best chance to succeed, you will need to do your research AND practise due diligence. Paying for a tutor is an important investment and cutting corners may do your child more harm than good.

Most educators recommend a robust academic assessment prior to hiring any tutor. For some children, an experienced tutor will be essential whilst for others a student tutor to support their learning can provide a wonderful experience. Either way, parents should be involved in what and how a tutor is planning for their child and have some degree of control and understanding of which topics will be covered.

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.

Safe tutor selection

Meet your online tutor in a video call prior to engaging them and check their references thoroughly.

Consider their professional training as well as their general character and attitude.

Request qualification certificates and background checks.

Ask how they measure progress. Request regular feedback and that any homework is sent via you.

Ask for planning information. A professional tutor will never mind sharing this with you.

Sessions should only be arranged via parents; tutors should never contact your child directly.

Which platform will they use? Make sure that your child knows the rules around safety too.

Monitor online lessons by setting up in an open space in your home or leaving a door open if you are not in the same room.

Trust your instincts as a parent; if something doesn’t feel right, stop sessions and change tutors.

Surviving separation anxiety

By Dorothy Lepkowska

It’s a common scenario; the toddler who actively resists being left with anyone else, struggling to separate from parents or loved ones. So what can you do to make separating from your toddler easier?

Most children go through a phase of being overly attached to one or both parents at some point in their early years. The tears can make leaving them at nursery or with a childminder heart breaking.

Kate Harding’s toddler would cling to her every morning when they arrived at nursery. ‘She wasn’t upset when she woke up in the morning or even in the car as we drove to her early years setting but once it was time for me to leave it was the same every day’ Kate says. ‘She would cling to my leg and literally have to be peeled off by one of the staff. Often I’d leave upset and in tears myself. On those days, no amount of reassurance from her key person that she was well and thriving would make me feel better.’

Important for resilience

Experts say that it’s completely normal for young children to go through what could be described as a clingy phase and it’s an important part of their development.

For many, anxiety at being separated from a parent begins at six to nine months. It’s around this time that babies become conscious that they are separate little beings and are not the same person as their parent.

For some, this clinginess can last for a couple of years or more and can get worse when they go to nursery or a childminder.

As difficult as it is to be separated from a crying, anxious child, it’s best not to avoid leaving them. Explaining why you need to be apart, saying goodbye, telling them when you will be back and reinforcing the positives of this, is all part of teaching your child how to be resilient.

Take a deep breath and walk away. Your child is in safe hands and will thrive, as they will discover for themselves over time.

Kate says: ‘I would tell my daughter that I had to go to work so we had money and remind her how much fun it would be to play with her friends. Often this did the trick.’

Dorothy Lepkowska is an award-winning journalist, author and freelance writer for the Early Years Alliance (www. eyalliance.org.uk). You can read more of her parenting features at www.familycorner.co.uk

New Year... New start

The benefits of extracurricular activities

Extra-curricular activities can boost your child’s confidence to interact socially with others, extend their social networks and provide your child with new skills and abilities. Above all, they offer an important space to have fun and relax away from the pressures of schoolwork.

Below we take a look at some popular activities and assess their key benefits for health and academic and personal development.

Key

Health – you’ll find healthy benefits highlighted in BLUE. Academic development – these are highlighted in PURPLE. Personal development eg social skills, communication, concentration, confidence, respect for others, commitment –you’ll find these in ORANGE.

BALL SPORTS

Ball sports are great for fitness but lesser contemplated advantages include:

• life skills - managing winning and losing, persistence, leadership, teamwork, making friends, improving selfesteem.

• physical health - this goes without saying.

• confidence – acquired as they master each incremental step.

COOKING

For many adults, it’s a chore but it’s generally great fun for kids and laden with the opportunity to acquire important development skills:

• fine motor skills - mixing, rolling and using cooking implements.

• maths’ skills - measuring ingredients and understanding fractions, addition and subtraction.

• focus and attention to detail.

DANCE

If your child can’t resist busting a move whenever music is the air, then dance classes may be a great way to channel that enthusiasm. The pay offs include:

• physical health - flexibility, coordination, stamina, muscle strength and posture.

• dedication, self-discipline and focus.

• self-expression.

DRAMA

Whether you have a shy child or a natural performer, structured drama classes can have a wealth of benefits and develop:

• emotional intelligence.

• enhanced communication skills - vocal projection, articulation, listening and observation.

• confidence.

HORSE RIDING

Learning to ride under proper guidance is very safe and offers your child lots of rewards:

• responsibility and accountability - through caring for an animal.

• mental health - coping with anxiety. Equine therapy is increasingly used for children with special needs.

• physical health - develops muscle strength, movement and co-ordination.

LANGUAGES

In general terms, the younger the mind, the easier it is to learn a second language. This can enable children to communicate with friends or family or when abroad. Other benefits include:

• improved school performance, better memory and problem-solving skills.

• improved career opportunities.

• better understanding of the world and other cultures.

MARTIAL ARTS

Learning a martial art like judo or karate can have obvious benefits for physical fitness and strength but other advantages include:

• self-control, concentration and respect - central features of learning a martial art.

• burns excess energy and allows the release of frustration and anger in a non-violent way.

• physical health – a great full body workout!

Introducing Stagecoach Weybridge!

'The first thing my daughter thinks about at the weekend is her class at Stagecoach Weybridge. She absolutely loves performing arts and always returns home buzzing’ Victoria M, Parent

Stagecoach Weybridge is one of the most established Stagecoach schools in the UK and has been giving children ages 4 to 18 years the joy of performing for over 30 years.

With two venues in Weybridge, Heathside School near the station at the weekend and St James Parish Centre, in the heart of Weybridge during the week, facilities at both venues are absolutely ideal for the types of classes Stagecoach runs.

At St James Parish Centre, classes are designed for children ages 4 to 6 years, as an introduction to the performing arts as well as the development of life enhancing skills such as working as part of a team, self-awareness, listening and of course, confidence.

The team at Stagecoach Weybridge is passionate about the performing arts and its life enhancing benefits. Mike McNulty (Principal) and his team of ten teachers ensure that Stagecoach offers children the foundation on which to build creative expression, life enhancing skills and Creative Courage For Life.

To talk to Mike about what Stagecoach Weybridge classes can offer your child, please call 07939 208234 or email weybridge@stagecoach.co.uk. To find out more over a coffee, visit the website at www.stagecoach.co.uk/ weybridge

Free trial

Ballet lessons and children’s parties for ages 3+ Magical, fun and creative Saturdays at Surbiton High School and Kingston Academy info@bellarinas.com 07949 007296 www.bellarinas.com

Put a spring in your child’s step with Perform

Happy spring term!

Perform’s confidence-building classes are sure to blow away the winter cobwebs and help children feel energised and inspired. This term sees children ages 4 to 7 trapezing and somersaulting into a Circus Adventure whilst those ages 7 to 12 work on a fun and funky adaptation of Robin Hood, in Outlaw. Imaginations will soar as children work towards a magical performance for family and friends.

Perform is not like other children’s drama schools. Its classes have a special emphasis on child development and use a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination and Concentration. With all abilities welcome, children can join at any point in the term and will take part in the performance. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week!

Children are welcome to try a FREE class. With local venues in Brentford, Esher, Hampton, Isleworth, Kew, Kingston, Richmond, Staines, St Margarets, Surbiton, Teddington, Twickenham and Weybridge, there’s sure to be a class near you.

Find the right class and book at www.perform.org.uk/try

More about Perform’s weekly classes

Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. Classes are designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try, email enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120 to book a FREE trial class in one of the following venues.

Brentford: St Paul Church of England Primary School

Esher: Church of the Holy Name & St Andrews Urc

Hampton: Linden Hall Community Centre NEW 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 Staines: St Paul’s Church

St Margarets: St Margaret’s Catholic Church Hall

Surbiton: Surbiton Hill Methodist Church

Teddington: Teddington Methodist Church

Twickenham: Twickenham United Reform Church & The Turks Head Weybridge: St James’ Parish Centre

Step into the magic of Narnia with Perform this February half-term!

A drama, dance and singing adventure for children ages 4 to 10 awaits on the other side of the wardrobe this February half-term in a holiday course based on The Lion, the Witch & the Wardobe.

The workshop runs from 10am to 3pm daily from 13 to 15 February at The Crossway Centre in Twickenham.

With magical creatures and a triumphant royal victory, this production is the perfect half-term treat.

Visit www.perform.org.uk/lion, email enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120 to book.

Hampton Hill and Twickenham

Ages 3 to18

Please call 07973 900196 or e: info@steponstageacademy.co.uk www.steponstageacademy.co.uk

Kingston and Twickenham

Pre-school

dance

classes

from 18mths

office@danceforceschoolofdancing.com www.danceforceschoolofdancing.com

SINGING, DANCING AND ACTING CLASSES FOR 4 TO 18 YEAR OLDS www.stagecoach.co.uk

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

Award-winning classes across Richmond, Twickenham and Kingston

18mths -6yrs

07551 236988 twickenham@babyballet.co.uk www.babyballet.co.uk

Fully qualified primary teacher English tuition in Hampton for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6

Free introductory meeting 20% off the first two lessons  www.therightbalancetuition.co.uk 07443 733619

CONFIDENCE BUILDING FUN

Top quality performing arts classes Book at www.perform.org.uk/try Try a FREE drama, dance and singing class

New Year challenges

By Claire Winter

Every New Year we are inundated with health, fitness and self-improvement messages. Often, if we do decide to challenge ourselves and make a change, we don’t feel adequately supported and quickly lose motivation. One way of addressing this is to take on a new challenge as a family. Not only do you all have to get up off the sofa but you get to spend quality time with each other too!

Does your family thrive on a bit of competition? You could make your challenge a goalorientated one. Or perhaps you have family members who want to nail screen time, healthy eating or exercise? Call a family meeting and decide which challenge will suit you all. If you can’t decide, hold a vote! Here are some challenge ideas.

Get wild

We know that spending time in nature is good for you and science backs it up. Challenge each other to name different trees on every walk you go on, see shapes in clouds, identify birdsong; whatever it takes to draw the family into the fresh air.

The RSPB has some great wild challenge suggestions for families; check out fun and learning at www.rspb.org.uk.

Reduce screen time

If you decide as a family to spend less time on devices, there are some great apps like AppDetox or AntiSocial which can help. Plan family fun as a healthier and more inclusive use of your time.

Catch me if you can

Coach Martin Sharp (www.martinsharp.com) suggests a family running challenge. ‘You could keep it simple and see how many laps of the park you can all do. But if you want to make it more exciting you could enter a Color Run (www.colorrun.co.uk) or a Tough Mudder (www.toughmudder.co.uk) says Martin. ‘Exercise doesn’t have to be the same thing day-in, day-out; with a bit of imagination it can turn into a grand adventure.’ Make a family chart and log everyone’s goals and achievements.

Eat around the world

Bored with your normal meals? Inspire yourselves by researching healthy ingredients you’ve never tried before. Then plan a family challenge to cook meals from around the world. Everyone gets to try something they’ve not eaten before.

Be mindful

In this stressful world, taking time to ‘just be’ is so important. Try some relaxing yoga and meditation every evening for just five to ten minutes, for a month. Insight Timer (www.insighttimer. com) is a free meditation app, packed with different tracks and exercises.

Wear a Hat for a better future!

Wear A Hat Day, an iconic and fun annual event, is one of the UK’s most popular and family-friendly charitable fundraisers and it’s happening again on Friday, 31 March!

Running for more than ten years, this event raises millions for vital research into brain tumours – the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Wear A Hat Day events help children explore their individuality and creativity, whilst learning to work together and think of others – in a really fun way.

Participation fosters friendships, creates better local and school communities, offers unique learning opportunities and provides new ways for children to explore ideas around different life experiences, all while giving hope to brain tumour patients and their loved ones.

Join this event, as a family or by persuading your local school to take part. Register now for more information and your FREE fundraising pack. Just use the quick and easy webform at www.wearahatday.org

Ten top tips for alleviating children’s anxiety

By Claire Moreau

Parenting is often marvellous and rewarding but it’s also complex, especially if your child is struggling with anxiety and you are unsure what to do next. Families asked Claire Moreau, a qualified mindfulness teacher, to share her tips for lessening children’s anxiety. Don’t be deceived by the simplicity of these…try putting them into practice – they do work!

Avoid fuelling anxiety

Children absorb emotions like sponges and if they don’t know how to manage them, they can feel frustrated, powerless and overwhelmed. Overhearing the news or emotionally-charged adult conversation can fuel children’s anxiety. Teenagers can be alarmed by news threads on social media. Besides climate change and Covid, younger generations are now worrying about the war in Ukraine and its potential consequences.

Top tip: Avoid watching/listening to the news with young children; talk to teenagers about the news threads they follow; keep adult conversation amongst adults. Without altogether avoiding sensitive topics, discussions can be held within families in an age-appropriate way.

Encourage children to express feelings

Children are more likely to express their feelings when they sense that we are fully available. Sitting in an area they pass by when returning from school or a weekend activity and gently inviting them to join us can be a start.

Teenagers might be more reluctant than young children to express how they feel. Letting them know that we’re ready to welcome whatever troubles them might not produce an immediate result, but, in time, it can prompt them to open up.

Top tip: tell them they have the right to feel overwhelmed or stressed – ‘it’s okay not to be okay.’ Listen intently to them without moving into ‘fix-it mode.’ Sometimes they just need a steady, listening ear.

Be fully present

Mobile phones are part of our lives and essential communication devices. Yet, the alerts and notifications keep us constantly looking at them and family members often have to compete.

Being fully present with the activity or conversation we’re having with our children - without being distracted by mobile phones - demonstrates that we value ‘real’ time together over virtual communication with other people and that we are fully available.

Top tip: at mealtimes, get everyone to put their phones away for a set length of time.

Limit screen time

Research has found that too much screen time can lead to mental health issues in children, such as anxiety and depression. Most children prefer electronic media to playing and interacting with family and peers, which impacts their social development.

Monitor screen time, ensure the content is age-appropriate, communicate with children about inappropriate images and model healthy device habits.

Top tip: playing board games, reading and listening to music are great alternatives. Ask your kids to help you discover their musical tastes – this can lead to rich intergenerational conversations!

Offer reassurance

Small steps can go a long way. If they worry about the future, bring them back to the present moment—’right here, right now, with you, all is well.’ Tell them that you love them no matter what. These are both pillars of mindfulness.

Create a family routine that dissolves their worries even if only for a short time - in my family, every other Friday evening, homemade pizza is sacred. We catch up while cooking, then we watch a film together.

Top tip: Empower them by doing something as a family to help the situation they are worrying about – for instance, organise a car boot sale or a family run to raise money for charity.

Spend time in nature

The term nature-deficit disorder (NDD) was coined by Richard Louv in his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods. NDD can contribute to many problems, including higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses. The good news is it can easily be reversed. Spending time in nature is easier than we think: village greens, parks, commons and nature reserves abound in the UK. They provide the perfect setting for free family activities: walking, cycling, playing frisbee or racket sports helps lift the mood; watching nature’s life cycle is always a treat.

Top tip: Swap a meal indoors for a picnic, yes, even if it is cold! Nothing beats a good walk or cycle ride before returning home to a hot drink or meal.

There are many mindfulness apps/recorded meditations for adults and children which may help them to relax and unwind. However, nothing compares with attending a course with a qualified mindfulness teacher. Such a course teaches key mindfulness skills that help children and adults identify and manage emotions, improve concentration, relax and strengthen inner resources. Parents and children can benefit from simple exercises that help establish a strong mindfulness practice.

Top tip: children’s courses are only taught in person but many adults courses are now delivered on Zoom so it is easier to fit them around family life.

With little ones, creating a comforting, wind down routine can help (reading a book together, listening to soothing music).

With teenagers, blocking the mobile phone at a set time is recommended. Finally, at all ages, placing hands on the belly, breathing easily and focusing on the breath, following the gentle movement of the belly that rises and falls. Counting the breath to ten (inone, out – two, in – three, out – four etc) over and over can quieten a busy mind.

Top tip: whatever their ages, no screens before bedtime. If, despite your best intentions and care, your child’s behaviour or anxiety level becomes worrying, it is best to seek medical advice. GPs can refer a child to a psychologist or occupational therapist with training in mental health.

Top tip: getting support for yourself while you’re supporting your children is critical. Charities like www.youngminds.org.uk run a parent’s helpline and provide free advice and support.

Claire has over ten years of meditation and yoga practice and three years of experience teaching mindfulness. She is particularly interested in how mindfulness can help parents and children develop well-being and cultivate emotional resilience, kindness and compassion. For more information on her courses, visit www.bridgemakermindfulness.com

Reading not only provides a good alternative to screen time but it’s also relaxing. A 2009 study from the University of Sussex has found that reading can reduce stress by up to sixty eight percent. Just six minutes of relaxing into a good book can lower blood pressure and muscle tension. It’s a great distraction technique.

Top tip: reading can also become a special family moment—older children can read a story to younger siblings or parent and child can each read a page aloud.

WHAT’S ON What’s on

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

Every Tue

Storytelling for Pre-schoolers at Landmark Arts Centre Art, yoga and musical storytelling. Ages 2-4. www.landmarkartscentre.org

Every Sat & Sun

Tudor Cookery & Roasting at Hampton Court Palace

Try your hand at hand at roasting Tudor style or work as tournebroce in Henry VIII’s kitchen. www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-courtpalace

Every Sun Junior Parkrun

Free 2k event at Bushy Park, Latchmere, Hanworth, Kingston, Osterley, Surbiton & Twickenham. Ages 4-14. www.parkrun.org.uk

Every Tue to Fri 3-26 Jan

Free Winter Warmer Activities at Museum of Richmond Drop in for some FREE cosy crafts this winter. www.museumofrichmond.com

Fri 6, 20 Jan & 3 Feb

Museum Monkeys at Chertsey Museum

Join Charlie the Chimp for singing, stories and crafts. For under 5s. www.chertseymuseum.org

Sat 21 Jan & Sat 18 Feb

Young Archaeology Club

A group to learn and get hands on with the past. Ages 8-16. www.chertseymuseum.org

Sun 29 Jan & Sun 26 Feb

All Aboard Club at London Museum of Water & Steam Autistic and ADHD children can build and play with huge train sets. www.waterandsteam.org.uk

Daily from 8 Feb

Snowdrop Walk at Hever Castle Self-guided snowdrop walk will take you through the woodland areas, around the Outer Moat and into the colourful Winter Garden. www.hevercastle.co.uk

FEB HALF TERM

Sat 11 Feb to Sun 19 Feb

Emerging Nature at Hever Castle

Get in touch with the great outdoors with free pebble painting workshop and interactive audio guide. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Sat 11 Feb – Sun 19 Feb

Search for Speed at Brooklands Museum

Join Brooklands Museum for an action-packed week! There will be a family craft workshop, an exciting

activity trail, Concorde Supersonic Walkthroughs, pedal planes and cars, costumed storytellers and bus rides round the local area operated by the London Bus Museum. All ages welcome. Booking online. www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Sun 12 Feb

Let’s Get Creative at Orleans House Gallery

Join in a festive art activity delivered by the artist in residence. www.orleanshousegallery.org

Mon 13 to Wed 15 Feb

Perform Narnia Holiday Course in Twickenham

A drama, dance and singing adventure awaits on the other side of the wardrobe in a holiday course based on The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. The workshop runs from 10am to 3pm daily from 13 to 15 February at The Crossway Centre in Twickenham. Ages 4-10. www.perform.org.uk/lion

Mon 13 to Fri 17 Feb

Stagecoach Valentine Musical Theatre Workshop in Teddington Children will work on creating a show with costumes and lights to share with family and friends at the end of the week. Two age groups: Little Love Bugs 9.30am to 12.30pm (ages 4 to 6) and Valentine Special 10am to 4pm (ages 6 to 17). www.stagecoach.co.uk/ twickenham#workshops

Tue 14 to Fri 17 Feb

Family Workshops at Museum of Richmond

Explore Richmond’s history, get creative and spend quality time together. www.museumofrichmond.com

Wed 15 Feb Karma Kids at Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond

A workshop to explore mindfulness and empowering tools in fun and creative ways. Ages 6-14. www.binghamriverhouse.com

Sat 11 to Sun 19 Feb

Waterpower at London Museum of Water & Steam Hands-on STEAM activities, creative with our community art project and Water Movers Science Show for plenty of half term fun. www.waterandsteam.org.uk

The Little Mermaid Family Show 14 Feb

Sparkling costumes and lots of fun for all the family.

THE ELECTRIC THEATRE, GUILDFORD www.electric.theatre

The Railway Children - A Musical 1-5 Feb

A new musical adaptation of the E. Nesbit classic family novel. All ages.

The Princess and the Frog 12 Feb Classical ballet to charm audiences young and old. Ages 2-9.

THE EXCHANGE, TWICKENHAM www.exchangetwickenham.co.uk

Nick Cope Family Performance 28 Jan

Charming musical fun for children and parents alike. Ages 2+.

Strong Women Science 16 Feb Circus science show for children and families starring two women scientists turned circus performers. Ages 4-15.

G LIVE, GUILDFORD www.glive.co.uk

Cirque - The Greatest Show 6 & 7 Feb

Award-winning, smash-hit circus musical that’s fun for all the family.

Pop Princess 18 Feb Musical spectacular starring four fabulous fairy-tale princesses.

Spontaneous Storytelling Live 26 Feb

Interactive, fun, and playful spontaneous storytelling hour with Danyah Miller. Ages 6-11.

LYRIC THEATRE, HAMMERSHITH www.lyric.co.uk

Woodland Tales with Granddad 28 Jan

A cast of extraordinary puppets, this uproarious family show with environment message. Ages 3+.

Mischief and Mystery in Moomin Valley 4 Feb

Magical puppetry, an ingenious pop-up book set, original music and interactive play. Ages 4-7.

Mary Anning and the Sands of Time 11 Feb

Winter fun at Brooklands Museum

Stay nice and toasty this winter as you explore Brooklands Museum’s thirty two acre site in Weybridge. An interactive and living experience, celebrating decades of innovation since it opened in 1907, the Museum tells the stories of men and women who achieved ground-breaking history in British motorsport and aviation, continuing to break records time and time again.

Discover the collections through hands-on experiences, both indoors and outdoors and meet the volunteers who can share stories and insights based on real-life experiences at Brooklands.

The 2023 events programme is packed with family favourites and brand-new events, including Best of British during King Charles III Coronation weekend in May, at which Paddington will be making a special appearance! Working Vehicle Day, later in July, is sure to appeal to the kid in us all.

Easily accessible by car or train, parking is free and there’s a café and plenty of picnic space available.

Book your tickets at www.brooklandsmuseum.com/your-visit

Sat 25 Feb

Mum2mum Nearly New Sale in Teddington

Buy quality second hand and nearly new baby and children’s gear. www.mum2mummarket.co.uk

Sun 5 Mar

Let’s Get Creative at Orleans House Gallery

Join in a festive art activity delivered by the artist in residence. www.orleanshousegallery.org

CHILDREN’S THEARE

DORKING HALLS

www.dorkinghalls.co.uk

The Tiger Who Came to Tea 31 Jan-1 Feb

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show. Ages 3+.

Jurassic Earth 11 Feb State-of-the-art animatronic lifelike Dinosaurs in an interactive and exciting story-telling show. Ages 3+.

Live actors and pre-historic puppetry bring the Jurassic world to life again. Ages 3+.

Burglar Bill 14-18 Feb

Classic tale brought to life with exciting sets, puppets and original music and songs. Ages 3+.

Tom Thumb 25 Feb

Classic story brought to life with feathery spinning birds, a flying house and a portable forest. Ages 3+.

Mister Magnolia 4 Mar

Fun family extravaganza not to be missed, based on the book by Quentin Blake. Ages 4-10

NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE www.atgtickets.com/newwimbledon-theatre

Ministry of Science Live 29 Jan Join presenters as they dive deep into the world of science with a few loud bangs along the way. Ages 6+.

The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen 5 Mar

Exciting new concept, this show features award-winning comedians and improvisers. Ages 7+.

OSO ARTS CENTRE, BARNES

Captain Cauliflower and Marvin the Mischievous Moose 21 Jan

Join an adventure filled with extreme silliness and unquestionable danger. Ages 3-8.

Seed Heart 11-12 Feb Tells a tale of human impact on the environment and what we can do to restore our green planet. Ages 4+.

Comedy Club 4 Kids 18 Feb

Top stand-up comedians and sketch acts but without the rude bits. Ages 6+.

POLKA THEATRE, WIMBLEDON www.polkatheatre.com

Grandad, Me and Teddy Too until 29 Jan

A heart-warming show that celebrates the special place grandparents hold in young children’s lives. Ages 2-5.

Jack v Giant 11 Feb-26 Mar

New musical based on the classic fairy tale, brought to life through puppetry and music. Ages 4-8.

Rise and Fall 15-19 Feb Poetic and intriguing performance for young audiences about holding on and letting go. Ages 2+.

Belongings 25-26 Feb

Unique blend of physicality, innovative design and original music. Ages 6-11.

RICHMOND THEATRE www.atgtickets.com/richmondtheatre

Ministry of Science Live 21 Jan

Join presenters as they dive deep into the world of science with a few loud bangs along the way. Ages 6+.

Story-time with Little Supernovas 17 Feb

Join Little Supernovas for Little Red Riding Hood. Ages 18mth-5.

Fireman Sam Saves the Circus 26 Feb

All singing, dancing, action-packed show. Ages 3+.

THE ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON www.rosetheatre.org

Room on the Broom 14-19 Feb Magical Olivier Award nominated fun-filled adaptation of the picture book. Ages 3+.

Unexpected Twist 15-19 Mar A thrilling re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic, Oliver Twist by Michael Rosen. Ages 8+.

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Burglar Bill 14 Jan Classic tale brought to life with exciting sets, puppets and original music and songs. Ages 3+.

Valentine Workshop with Stagecoach in Teddington

This fabulous Valentine Musical Theatre Workshop will run during half term from 13 to 17 February. There will be two courses for different age groups: Little Love Bugs 9.30am to 12.30pm (ages 4 to 6) and Valentine Special 10am to 4pm (ages 6 to 17).

Each group will work on creating a show with costumes and lights to share with family and friends at the end of the week. From the second your child arrives they will start making friends, having fun and learning some great new skills! Every child who attends the workshop will also receive a limited edition glitter t-shirt.

The workshop is open to all – no previous dancing, singing or acting ability or attendance at a term-time Stagecoach school required. No auditions - just a willingness to give it a go!

Cupid can’t wait to meet you all!

For more info and booking, call 020 8979 5276, visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/twickenham#workshops or email twickenham@stagecoach.co.uk