Families Warwickshire May/June 2023 PRINT

Hello!

Therearealotofopportunitiesforearlysummerfunoverthenextcoupleof monthswiththeCoronationofKingCharlesIII,thehalf-termbreakatthe endofMay,threebankholidaysanddon’tforgetFather’sDayon18June!

Inthisissuewe’veincludedsomeroyaltriviajustforfunandlotsoflocal daysoutandeventsinourbrandnewandimprovedWhat’sOnguide.

Nowistheperfecttimetothinkaboutbookingasummerholidayclub, camporworkshop–thelongsummerholidayswillbeherebeforeyou knowit.Wesharethebenefitstheyprovideforyourchildren…andit’sso muchmorethanchildcare!

Swimmingistheonlysportyourchildcanundertakethatmightsave theirlife.Buthowearlycanyoustartandhowcanyoubestsupportthem whiletheyarelearningtoswimandavoidstoppingtheirswimming lessonstoosoon?FindoutfromSwimEnglandinourspecialfeature.

Don’tmissourinspiringinterviewwithVeseAghoghovbia,thewoman behindPhilly&Friends,anempoweringchildren’slifestyleandtoybrand tacklinginequalityintheplayroomandonthebookshelf.

Finally,weexploresomekeyparentingchallengesincludingreturningto workandthebestwaystocommunicatewithyourchildren.

LookoutforourOrchardToygamegiveaway–wehave loadsofLittleShoppingLottogamesonoffer!Perfect foryourkidstotakeawayonaholiday,weekendaway orjustwhileonthemove.Applyinsideandyou’llalso ensureyoureceiveourdigitalmagazinewithlotsmore contentandgoodiesonoffer.

Enjoythemagazine!

Editor

Contactus

ClaireJones editor@familieswarwickshire.co.uk T:07938657719

familieswarwickshiremag

familieswarwickshiremag

Inthisissue

Allcontent©FamiliesWarwickshire.FamiliesWarwickshireisa bi-monthlymagazineforparentsofchildren0-12.Printrun16,000.

FamiliesWarwickshireispartofFamiliesPrintLtd,afranchise company.Allfranchisedmagazinesinthegroupareindependently ownedandoperatedunderlicence.Familiesisaregisteredtrademark ofLCMBLtd,RemenhamHouse,RegattaPlace,MarlowRoad,Bourne End,BucksSL85TD.Thecontentsofthismagazinearefullyprotected bycopyrightandnoneoftheeditorialorphotographicmattermaybe reproducedinanyformwithoutthepriorconsentofFamilies Warwickshire.Everycareistakeninthepreparationofthismagazine butFamiliesWarwickshire,ourdistributors,thefranchisecompany, FamiliesPrintLtdandLCMBLtdcannotbeheldresponsibleforthe claimsofadvertisersnorfortheaccuracyofthecontents,orany consequencethereof.

Nextissue:July/August2023

Bookingdeadline:Wednesday7June2023

Thepaperusedinthismagazineismade withorcontainsforest-basedmaterials fromFSC-certifiedforestsanditsusewill nothaveharmedforests.

4. 6. 7. 8. 10. 12. 13.

Claire

Supportyourchild withswimming

AccordingtoSwimEngland,nearlytwothirdsofparentsand guardiansofchildrenages7to11haven’tbeenswimmingwith theirchildreninmorethanamonth.They’remissingout: regularfamilyswimscanbeenjoyedwhatevertheweather andhelpchildrendeveloptheirswimmingabilitymorequickly.

Ifyou’rebookingyourchildinforswimminglessons,here’show SwimEnglandrecommendssupportingthem:

Lessonsarefun. Learninghowtoswimshouldbefun,socheck withthelessonproviderthatgamesandactivitiesareregularly includedwithintheirprogrammeofteaching.

Timingiskey. Booklessonsforatimethatiseasytofitaround yourfamilycommitments.

Payattention. Ifyouarepoolsideduringlessons,bereadyto giveyourchildawaveandlotsofencouragement.Puttingaway yourmobilewillhelpyourchildunderstandthattheselessons areimportant.

Celebratetheirswimmingmilestones. Rewardingchildren keepsthemmotivatedtoimproveintheirlessons. SwimEngland’s LearntoSwimAwards andappgivechildren regularcelebrationsoftheirswimmingmilestones.

Regularreports. Parentsshouldexpectregularupdateseither throughreportsorverbalfeedback.Ifyourchildisstrugglingin lessons,talktotheswimmingteacherandaskwhatyoucando tohelpencouragethem.Iftheyhaven’tstartedswimming lessonsyet,visitthepoolbeforelessonstogetyourchildused totheenvironment.

Don’tendlessonstooearly. Watercompetencyisoften misinterpretedbyparentsandguardiansasachildbeingableto jumpintoaswimmingpoolandbeingabletoputtheirfacein thewater.Therealityisverydifferent.

Learningtojumpintoaswimmingpoolisanimportantsafety skillthatisoftenachievedintheearlystagesofyourchild’s learningtoswimjourney.Itisaskillwhichmimicsthemotionof fallingintowaterandteachesswimmerstogetthemselves safelytothesidewithoutpanicking.

However,therearemanyotherwatersafetyandsurvivalskills thatachildneedstolearnbeforetheyaresafeinwater,suchas floatingandtreadingwater.

Sodon’tbetemptedtostopyourchild’slessonsbeforetheyare competentswimmersandhaveachievedSwimEngland’s minimumwatercompetencystandards.

Whenismychildwater competent?

SwimEngland’sminimumwatercompetencystandardsoffera clearsetofskillsthatshouldbeachievedbeforeachildstops swimminglessons.Thefourcompetenciesare:

•Performastarfloatforatleast60seconds

•Treadwaterforatleast30seconds

•Haveexperienceofswimminginclothing

•Swimatleast100metreswitheaseandwithoutstopping

ResearchinSeptember2021highlightedthatmorethanthree million7to11yearoldchildrenwerenotachievingthisstandard, withjustfourpercentoftheagegroupbeingclassedas‘water competent.’SwimEnglandstronglyrecommendsthatwhere possible,parentsandcarerskeepchildreninswimminglessons untiltheyhavecompleted LearntoSwimStages1to7 asa minimum.Bythispointchildrenwillhaveachievedallfourofthe minimumstandardsforwatercompetencyandwillbemuch saferiftheygetintotrouble.

Seemoreathttps://bit.ly/SwimPathway

Thesafestswimwear coloursforyourchild

Adultsupervisioniscrucialtokeepingyoungpeoplesafein,on andaroundthewaterbuthaveyoueverthoughtabout whetherthecolourofyourchild’sswimwearcouldmakea differenceinpreventingdrowning?Iftheworstdidhappen, beingabletoquicklyfindachildinthewatercouldsavevital secondsandbethedifferencebetweenafatalandnon-fatal incident.

Swimwearcolourmakesahugedifferencetowhetherachildcan beseenevenonthesurfaceofthewater,letaloneiftheyare underwater.Thecolourofthebottomofthepoolwillmakea differencebutwhenbuyingyourchild’sswimwear,thinkbright, neon,contrastingcolourswhicharealwayseasiesttoseeina swimmingpool.

Forswimminginanoutdoorsetting,theresultsarethesame. Thecaveatforthisisthatopenwatersettings,suchasbeaches andrivers,alsocomewithvarioushiddendangerssuchastides andcurrentstoconsiderbeforeallowingyourchildtoswim.

Teachyourbaby toswim

Ifyou'relookingforbabyswimmingclassesinCoventry, Meriden,LeamingtonSpa,WellesbourneandKenilworthfor your0to5-year-old,WaterBabiesWarwickshirehasgotyou covered.

Ourclassesprioritisetheneedsofeverybabybyproviding tailored,structuredactivitiesthatcatertotheirindividualpace. Ourprogramisdesignedtoteachparentshowtoteachtheir babiestoswim.Westartwiththefirstlesson,whichinvolves familiarisingyourchildwiththesensationofwaterand developingtheirnaturalabilitiestobecomeproficientincore aquaticskills.

Progress,notpushing,isthephilosophythatguidesour approachtoeverylittleonewhoswimswithus.Webelievethat understandingtheuniquerequirementsofeachchildisessential fortheirgrowthanddevelopment.Astheworld'slargestswim school,wearecommittedtoconstantlylearningand implementingnewtechniques.Weneversettleforanythingless thanourbestefforts,continuouslyevolvingourprogramand challengingthestatusquo.

Ourprogrammehasastrongemphasisonscientificprinciples thatcorrespondwithimportantstagesofyourchild'sgrowth.We aimtoencouragebothphysicalandemotionaldevelopment, incorporatingavarietyoffunelementssuchassongs,toys,and positiveattitudes.Nodetailsareleftoutinoureffortstocreatea comprehensiveandengagingexperienceforyourchild.

Alltheexperiencesyourbabyhasinthewater,whether masteringanewskillorovercomingachallengingtime,willhelp themexcelindrylandactivitiesaswell.Ourteachersare passionateabouttheirworkandcareabouteachbabythey teach,askingabouttheirprogressandwell-being.

Theatmosphereduringlessonsislivelyandenjoyable,aswe believethatlearningismosteffectivewhenit'sfun. Conversationswithourteacherswillmakeyoufeellikeyou're talkingtoafriend,astheygenuinelycareaboutyouandyour baby'sgrowthanddevelopment.

Bytheendofourprogram,yourchildwillhavelearneddifferent strokesandbeabletoswimindependentlywhilekeeping themselvessafeinandaroundwater.WecollaboratewithSwim England,thenationalgoverningbodyforswimming,and incorporatetheirlearn-to-swimframeworkintoourprogramme. Youwillbeastonishedbytheprogressyourchildhasmade,as theynotonlylearnavaluableskillforlifebutalsogain confidence.

Coronation Quiz

What do you know about the new King? Try this out with a parent or carer.

1.What is the name of the new King?

2. How many years has he been waiting to become King?

3. Who does the King meet with each week?

4. Which charity did the King set up in 1976?

5.Which royal palace was the King born in?

6.Who are the King’s children?

Thebenefitsof holidayclubs

ByAndrewCampbell

Summerholidayclubs,campsandworkshopsprovidefun, safeandnurturingspacesforchildren.Notjustuseful childcareforworkingparents,therearemanybenefitsfor childrentoo.Considerthese:

Learningnewskills

Holidayclubsofferavarietyofactivitiesthatallowchildrento explorenewinterestsanddeveloptalentstheydidn’tknow theyhadortakeanexistingtalenttoanewlevel.

Promotingphysicalactivity

Manyclubs,campsandworkshopsprovideawiderangeof physicalactivitiesincludingsports,outdooractivitiesand games.Thishelpstopromoteahealthylifestyleanddevelopa lifelongloveofphysicalactivity.

Developingindependenceandself-confidence

Coronation Anagram

Unscramble the letters to discover what you will see on Coronation Day

Beinginasettingthatisn’thomeorschoolandwherethere arenoparentscangivechildrenasenseofindependence. Theylearnhowtotakecareofthemselves,maketheirown decisionsandsolveproblemsontheirown.Takingonnew challengesandtryingnewthingsgivesthemconfidencein theirabilities.

Fosteringcreativity

Creativejuicesflowwhenchildrenexperienceperformingarts, dance,music,writing,artsandcrafts.Theseallhelpto stimulatetheirimaginationandexpressivethinking.

Leavingtechnologybehind

Asfantasticastheonlineworldcanbe,itisalwaysgreatto exposechildrentothejoysofagoodold-fashionedkickabout andteamgamesinthefreshair.Whoknows,theymayeven enjoyitMOREthangazingatascreen!

Buildingsocialskills

Inawholenewsupervisedpeergroup,childrenlearntowork together,communicateeffectivelyanddevelopasenseof community.

There’smuchtobegainedtooiftheyarelearningandplaying alongsidechildrenfromdifferentbackgrounds,culturesor abilitiesfromtheirusualcircles,asthisisanopportunityto appreciatedifference.Kidswillalsobuildfriendshipsoutside theirestablishedschoolnetwork.

Enjoyingtheoutdoors

Climbingtrees,changingabikewheelorbuildinganoutdoor campcangiveyourchildawholenewsetofskillswhile enjoyingadventurestheymightnototherwiseexperience.

Nurturingleadershipandteamwork

Byencouragingteamwork,co-operation,empathyandselfconfidence,summerdaycampswillhelpyourchilddevelop emotionalintelligence.

Answers: 1. King Charles III

2. 70 years

3. The Prime Minister

4. The Prince's rustT

5. Buckingham Palace

6. William and Harry

Crown

Westminster Abbey 3. King Charles

1. Unscramble the circled letters to spell the name of someone else who will be crowned on Coronation Day R C W N O

MayHalf-Term HolidayClubs

CoolSportz Warwick 30May–2Jun

Sociableandactiveholiday clubforchildrenaged5-16 featuringarangeoffun, game-based,multi-sport activitiesinasafeindoorand outdoorenvironment.

www.coolsportz.co.uk/ warwick

OnsideCoaching Alcester

30&31May

ActiveKidscampsofferinga combinationofTeam Building,ForestSchool, Dance,Challenges,Sports Games,ArtsandCraftsand MORE!

www.onsidecoaching.co.uk

Leamington&Warwick GymnasticsClub

Leamington 30May–2Jun

Activeandfunpacked gymnasticsholidayclubfor childrenfromReceptionto Year11.Non-members welcome.FulldaysforYear2 andabove.Halfdays availableforReceptionand above

www.thegymnasticsclub. co.uk/holiday-clubs

SuperCamps

Stratford-upon-Avon

30May–2Jun

DailyandweeklyMultiActivitycampsofferinga varietyoffun,ageappropriateactivities designedtofuelimagination andencouragelearningfor childrenaged4-12. www.supercamps.co.uk/ Venue/the-croftpreparatory-school

OnsideCoaching

Warwick,Stratford,Rugby, BinleyWoods(nrCoventry) 30May–2Jun

FootballandActiveKids campsfor5-11yearoldsto keepactiveanddevelopnew skills.

www.onsidecoaching.co.uk

WarwickHolidayCamps

UniversityofWarwick

30May–2Jun

Aninspiringrangeof educationalandcultural activitiesforchildren aged5-12.Discoverawide rangeofexperiencesthat offerssomethingdifferent everyday. https://warwick.ac.uk/ services/holidaycamps/ multi-activity/

WarwickSchool

Warwick

Extensiveprogrammeof holidayactivities,opentoall childrenfromReceptionto Year7(uptoandincluding12year-olds).Afunwayto experienceneworfavourite activities.

www.warwickschool.org/ holiday-activities

AspireActive Camps

Leamington

Enjoyafunfilledschool holidayatOfstedregistered ActiveCamps!Includesa rangeofsportsandactivities for4–11yearolds.

www.aspire-sports.co.uk/ active-camps

FunforallthefamilythisMay&June

AguidetoWhat’sOninCoventryandWarwickshire

DaysOut

AllThingsWild Honeybourne

Interactwithfascinatinganimals,learn fromexpertkeepers,enjoyarideonthe DinoTrainandexplorethewonderful worldofDinosaurs. www.allthingswild.co.uk

AstleyBookFarm Bedworth

Thelargestsecond-handbookshopin theMidlands.Browsebooksforthe wholefamilythengrabarefreshment andrelaxinthecoffeeshop&yurt. www.astleybookfarm.com

HattonAdventureWorld

NrWarwick

Fantasticdayoutforallthefamily!Come rainorshinethere’splentytodowith indoorandoutdoorattractionsand entertainment. www.hattonworld.com/adventureworld

RedwingsHorseSanctuary Oxhill Hometo80rescuedhorses,poniesand donkeys.Visittheanimalsandenjoythe café/giftshop.FREEentryandparking, donationsappreciated.Bookingrequired. www.redwings.org.uk

OceanAdventure:

NightatyourMuseum

RugbyArtGallery&Museum

26May

Diverightinforamagical underwateradventure.Fun activitiesforthewholefamily includinganeoncoralreef,sensory play,facepaintingandmuchmore! www.ragm.co.uk

RealmofZog!

WarwickCastle

It’sback!Superfansoftheloveable dragoncanrelivethemagicofZog attheZogLiveShow,interactive Zog&theQuestfortheGoldenStar trail,ZogPlaylandandsleepoverat Zogplayandstay. www.warwick-castle.com

PirateInvasion!

HattonCountryWorld

Swashbucklingpirate-themed adventureactivitiesand entertainment.

www.hattonworld.com/ adventure-world

OutdoorFun

BrandonMarshNatureReserve

Coventry

Setin220acresandheadquartersof WarwickshireWildlifeTrust,the reservehasawidevarietyoflarge pools,birdhides,woodlandwalksand wildflowermeadows. www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

FoundryWood

LeamingtonSpa

Uniqueurbancommunitywoodland. Learnaboutwoodlandhabitatsand wildlifeconservation. Plusarangeofspecialeventseach monthforallages. www.foundrywood.co.uk

HillCloseGardens

Warwick

StratfordButterflyFarm

Stratford-upon-Avon

Walkamongstsomeoftheworld’smost stunningandcolourfulbutterfliesina tropicalrainforestsetting,completewith fish-filledpools,splashingwaterfallsand beautifulblooms.

Visitthebrand-newuniqueexhibition

‘RainforestRealm’ featuringa SpectacledCaimanandotheranimals thatoriginatefromtherainforestsof

CentralAmericasuchasanEmeraldTree BoaSnake,10endangeredOrange BlackfootDartFrogs,atrioofBasilisk

Lizards,3BabyYellowSpottedAmazon RiverTurtlesandaOustaletsChameleon fromMadagascar.Attheheartofthe exhibitionisareplicated‘cenote’, completewithawatercascadeanda deepandshallowpool. www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

TwycrossZoo Atherstone

EnjoyafamilydayoutattheZoo! Exploretheanimalworldandhavefun, excitingencounterswithover500 animals,from125differentspecies. www.twycrosszoo.org

RareVictorianGardenstoexplorewith Children’strailandgarden.Regular specialeventsandworkshops throughouttheyear. www.hillclosegardens.com

GoApe Coventry

NationalTrust Warwickshire

VisitoneofourlocalNationalTrust properties:BaddesleyClinton; CoughtonCourt;PackwoodHouse; CharlecotePark;UponHouseand GardensandFarnboroughHall. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

RytonPoolsCountryPark

Bubbenhall

Over100acreswithmilesofflat, surfacedfootpathsperfectforbikes, plustwoexcitingadventureplayareas, avisitor/educationcentreandacafé. http://countryparks.warwickshire. gov.uk

WarwickshireLavenderFarm

Bubbenhall

Reopening28Junfor28daysonly! Don’tmissthechanceforsome beautifulfamilyphotosatthefarm. Takeapicnicorenjoyrefreshmentsat TheLavenderCafé. www.warwickshirelavender.com

GetActive

Thebestofhighropeantics,axe throwingandmini-LandRoversat CoombeAbbeyforthrill-seeking adultsandfun-seekingchildren. www.goape.co.uk

JumpIn Warwick

Theperfectplaceforfamiliestoburn offexcessenergyandenjoysome qualityjumpin’fun!Checkoutthe AfterSchooldealMon-Thu,it’sgreat value! www.gojumpin.com

JuniorParkrun Leamington, Stratford-upon-Avon,Rugby, Coventry AFREE,funandfriendlyweekly2K eventforjuniors(4-14yearsold)Every Sundayat9:00.Childrenmustbeable tocompletethecoursewithoutanadult. www.parkrun.com

MayHalf-Term 27May-4June

KidsRule!

KenilworthCastleand

ElizabethanGarden

Getreadyforarightroyalknees-up tocelebrateKingCharlesIII’s coronationwithhands-onactivities andfresh-airfamilyfun. www.english-heritage.org.uk

JunkModellingMaker Challenge

CoventryTransportMuseum

Getcreativebyupcyclingwasteinto newinventions.Thethemethis half-termisGravity.FamilySTEM learningandimaginativeplay. www.transport-museum.com

SpectacularSwords

LuntRomanFort

30May–1Jun

Craftyourselfaswordwitha differenceandlearnhowtocreatea dazzlingscabbardandswordbelt. Aimedatages5–12butall welcome.

www.luntromanfort.org

Mini-Beasthandlingsessions andlife-cycledemonstrations

StratfordButterflyFarm www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

It’sReigningRoyals

St.Mary’sGuildhall,Coventry

TheGuildhall,whichdatesbacktothe 14thcentury,ishosting“It'sReigning Royals”from27May–4Junin celebrationofthecoronationofKing CharlesIII.

Childrencanenjoymakingtheirown crown,designacoatofarmsfortheir ownroyalhouseholdanddressupin periodcostumebeforebeingimmersed in700yearsofhistoryviaavirtualreality tourandwowedbythestoryofthe Coventrytapestryasitunfoldsdigitally beforetheireyesatthehistoricvenue, whichisoppositeCoventryCathedral Ruins.

VentureintotheMedievalKitchenasthe livinghistoryTudorsprepareabanquet fitforaKingandlearnallabouttheweird andwonderfuletiquetterequirementsfor banquetingguestson30May&1Jun. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk

PlanetIce Coventry

Getdowntotherinkandskateforfun, learntoskate,bookapartyortakethe familytowatchanIceHockeygame andsupporttheCoventryBlaze. www.planet-ice.co.uk www.coventryblaze.co.uk

TheWave Coventry Grabyourgogglesandenjoyafamily dayoutatoneoftheUK’sawardwinningindoorwaterparksinthe heartofCoventryCityCentre! www.thewavecoventry.com

WarwickKidsTeamRelayBike Ride MarketPlace,Warwick 14May Akidsteamrelayarounda900mlapof historicWarwickalongclosedroads. TeamsofYr2&3andYr4&5canenter. Afunwaytogetkidsintocycling! TicketsonEventbrite.co.uk

Museums&History Events

BritishMotorMuseum Gaydon

Exploreover400Britishclassiccars, takepartinthemedtrails,experience touchscreenexhibitsandunderstand howacarworks.Funforallthefamily! www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

CoventryTransportMuseum

Coventry

Visitthelargestpubliclyowned collectionofBritishvehiclesonthe planetandlearnabouthowCoventry changedtheworldthroughtransport. www.transport-museum.com

HerbertArtGallery Coventry

Theperfectplacetodelveinto Coventry’shistoryandengagewithart andculture.PLUSvisitDippythe DiplodocusfreshfromtheNatural HistoryMuseum. www.theherbert.org

KenilworthCastleand

ElizabethanGarden Kenilworth Getoutdoorsandexplorethemighty medievalkeep,climbupTudortowers, wanderthroughauniqueElizabethan Gardenandgethandsonwithhistory. www.english-heritage.org.uk

LuntRomanFort NrCoventry

ExploretheuniqueRomanFortress, takinginthesitesoftheramparts,the granarybuildingandtheworld’sonly knowngyrus! www.luntromanfort.org

TheMADMuseum

Stratford-upon-Avon

Interactwithartworks,contraptionsand machinesattheUK’sonlyMechanical Artvenue.Animpressivecollectionof eccentricandingeniouscreations. www.themadmuseum.co.uk

MaryArden’sFarm

Stratford-upon-Avon

FamilyFunattheFarmreopenson30 &31May,thenselectdatesthroughout theschoolholidaystocelebratethe legacyofShakespeare’sFirstFolio. www.shakespeare.org.uk

ShakespeareBirthplaceTrust

Stratford-upon-Avon

Discoverthefascinatingstoriesbehind theworld’sgreateststorytelleracross hisfamilyhomes. www.shakespeare.org.uk

Shakespeare’sSchoolroom &Guildhall

Stratford-upon-Avon

Visitthe600-year-oldbuildingwhere WilliamShakespearesatinthe1570s andwrotehisfirstworksand experienceTudorschoollife,dress,art andstories. www.shakespearesschoolroom.org

St.Mary’sGuildhall/Talesof

Tea Coventry Visitthishistoricalgemintheheartof theCity.Discoverits700yearold historythentreatthefamilyto AfternoonTeainthestunningvaulted Undercroft. www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk

WarwickCastle Warwick

Explorethecastletowersandramparts andover64acresofbeautifulgrounds andgardens.Liveshows,eventsand extraordinaryentertainmentforallthe family.Don’tmisstheLegendofthe Trebuchet–brandnewfor2023,Wars oftheRosesLIVE!from27Mayand TheMidsummerCarnivalfrom 17Jun–16Jul.

www.warwick-castle.com

Don’tMiss

MidlandsAirFestival RagleyHall,Alcester

2–4Jun

TheMidlandsAirFestivalisbackfor2023andwillonceagainfill theskiesabovethebeautifulgroundsofRagleyHallEstatewith warbirds,vintageaircraft,helicopters,aerobatics,flyingcircusand militaryjets,andwillalsofeaturethelargestgatheringofhotair balloonsintheUK.Promisinganaction-packed,three-dayevent programme,thisaviationspectacularisnottobemissed,offering somethingforeveryoneandafundayoutwithfamilyandfriends.

TheeventwillfeaturetheRAFRedArrows,FalconsParachute DisplayTeam,theBattleofBritainMemorialFlightandmanymore alongsideavarietyofhotairballoonsandairships,bothtethered andflyinginmassascentsincludinganumberofgiantcharacter ‘specialshape’balloons.

Ontheground,therewillbecateringoptionstosuitalltastesand children’sentertainmenttokeepthelittleoneshappybetweenair displays.

Formoreinformationandtickets,visitwww.midlandsairfestival.com

StratfordLiteraryFestival2023 CrownePlazaHotel, Stratford-upon-Avon

2-7May

Withbest-sellingauthors,livelypanel discussions,workshopsforwritersand eventsforfamilies.

CircusCORTEX BroadstreetRugby Club,Coventry 26May–4Jun

Rollup,rollupthecircusisintown!The stuntsarereal,thedancingispowerful, theatmosphereiselectric.Travel acrosstherealmsofrealityandwitness thesecretritualsofthe‘Warriors’.

KenilworthShow StoneleighPark 3Jun

Enjoyafun-filledfamilydayoutat Warwickshire’slargestoneday agriculturalshowwhichpromisestobe excitingandeducational! www.kenilworthshow.co.uk

WolfRunJunior

LeamingtonSpa

25Jun&3Sep

Childrenandteenagerscangetataste oftheactionandenjoywildrunningand obstaclesatWolfRunJunior.

Opento7-17yearolds.Thejunior courseis3kmlongandcanbe completedonceortwice. www.thewolfrun.com

BelgradeTheatre

Coventry

MogTheForgetfulCat

Tue30May–Sun4Jun

Sing-a-long-aEncanto(PG)

Wed31May

Agerecommendation:4+

MuchAdoAboutNothing

Mon19–Wed21Jun

Agerecommendation7+ www.belgrade.co.uk

RoyalSpaCentre LeamingtonSpa

PopPrincesses

Sun7May

Sing-a-Long-aEncanto(PG)

Sun11Jun

PubinthePark

VictoriaPark,LeamingtonSpa

30Jun–2Jul

Theultimatefoodandmusicfestival! HostedbySimonRimmer,SiKingfrom theHairyBikersandLisaGoodwinAllen.Bringingaward-winning restaurants,banginglivemusic,more incrediblechefsandofcoursedelicious foodtoLeamington! www.pubintheparkuk.com

GodivaFestival

WarMemorialPark,Coventry 30Jun–2Jul

Threedaysofgreatmusicandfamily entertainment.SundayisFamilyDay withMelanieCheadliningandOdyssey, TrevorNelsonandDiversitycompleting theall-starline-up.Alongsidethemusic therewillbeawholehostoffamily activitiesandmaybeafewdinosaurs! www.godivafestival.com

Theatre

RugbyTheatre Rugby SchoolofRock

Fri9–Sun18Jun

PG:Occasionalstronglanguage. www.rugbytheatre.co.uk

TheAlbany Coventry

TOPSECRET:TheMagicofScience

Sun7May

AroundtheWorldin80Days

Tue30May–Sat3Jun

Agerecommendation:7+ www.albanytheatre.co.uk

WarwickArtsCentre Coventry

TheSmedsandTheSmoos

Thu1-Sun4Jun

Agerecommendation:3+

Agerecommendation:4+ www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

FootballFreddie

Sun18Jun

Agerecommendation:3–7 www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

IndependentschoolsCoventry&Warwickshire

ArnoldLodge

LeamingtonSpa (Ages4-18)

T:01926778050

arnoldlodge.com

OpenDay:Sat13May

10:00–13:00

BiltonGrange

Rugby (Ages3-13)

T:01788810217

biltongrange.co.uk

TheKingsleySchool

LeamingtonSpa (Ages3-18)

T:01926421368

thekingsleyschool.co.uk

PrepSchoolOpenAfternoon: Thu8Jun14:00–16:00

PrepandJunior Schools

BablakeandKingHenry

VIIIPrePrep

Coventry

T:02476271190

bablake.com

kinghenrys.co.uk

OpenMorning:Sat24Jun 09:30–12:00

BablakeJunior

Coventry

T:02473271248

OpenEvening:Fri23Jun

17:00–20:00

CrackleyHallSchooland LittleCrackersNursery

Kenilworth

T:01926514444

crackleyhall.co.uk

OpenEvening:Thu4May

17:00–19:30

CrescentSchool Rugby

T:01788521595

crescentschool.co.uk

OpenEvening:Tue9May

17:00–19:00

KingHenryVIIIJunior

Coventry

T:02476271190

kinghenrys.co.uk

OpenMorning:Sat24Jun 09:30–12:30

StratfordPreparatory School

Stratford-upon-Avon

T:01789297993

stratfordprep.co.uk

TheCroftPreparatory School

Stratford-upon-Avon

T:01789293795

croftschool.co.uk

OpenMorning:Thu18May 10:00–12:00

WarwickJuniorSchool

Warwick

T:01926776418

warwickschool.org

OpenAfternoon:Fri30Jun

18:00–20:30

WarwickPreparatory School

Warwick

T:01926491545

warwickprep.com

OpenDay:Sat18Mar 09:30–12:15

SeniorSchools

BablakeSenior Coventry

T:02476271200

OpenEvening:Fri23Jun 17:00–20:00

KingHenryVIIISenior

Coventry

T:02476271111

kinghenrys.co.uk

OpenMorning:Sat24Jun 09:30–12:30

King’sHigh

Warwick

T:01926494485

kingshighwarwick.co.uk

OpenEvening:Fri30Jun 16:30–19:30

PrincethorpeCollege

Rugby

T:01926634201

princethorpe.co.uk

OpenEvening:Wed7Jun

18:30–20:30

WarwickSeniorSchool

Warwick

T:01926776400

warwickschool.org

OpenAfternoon:Fri30Jun

18:00–20:30

WarwickJuniorSchool

WarwickJuniorSchooltakespupilsfromYear3throughto Year6,andpreparesthemforthestepupintoSeniorSchool atYear7.

Our‘bearanditscubs’statueactsasanendearingexpression ofthespiritofaspiration,curiosity,andcouragethatisprevalent inallofourpupils.LocatedatthefrontoftheJuniorSchool,and oneofthefirstthingsallourpupils,parents,andvisitorssee,the sculpturewasofficiallyunveiledin2004bylocalauthorCelia Rees.Therewasmuchexcitementwhenthecompletedstatue wasunveiledanditisstillafirmfavouritewitheveryWarwick Schoolboytoday,almosttwentyyearslater!

Ourboyshaveaccesstoincredibleteachingandfacilities, manyofwhicharesharedwiththeSeniorSchool,andour ethosandpracticesinspirepupilstoachievetheirnextstep.

In2022,WarwickwasrecognisedasIndependentBoys' SchooloftheYear,anawardwhichhighlightedthatwetruly doknowhowbesttoprepareboysfortheirfuture.Weprovide excellentwrap-aroundsupporttobuildtheirconfidence,skills, andresilience,bothinsideandoutsidetheclassroom.

VisitusonournextOpenAfternoonon30June,welook forwardtomeetingyouandyourson.

Orchard Toys Giveaway

Aconfidentreturn towork

ByLucyBaker

Havingtimeawayfromworkandbeinga‘mummy’takes someadjustmentatfirst;butbeforeyouknowit,you’rein thethickofmotherhoodandbusywithyourbaby.Afterafew weeks,theideaofworkbecomesadistantmemoryand parentingroutinesbecomeyournewnorm.

Fastforwardafewmonths(orevenyears)andthetimecomes tofacegoingbacktowork.Thiscanconjureupallsortsof differentemotions,includinglackofconfidenceanddoubts aboutyourworkplaceability.Mixedfeelingsarecompletely normalandwithabitofworkonyourself-beliefandconfidence youwillbegoodtogowhenthetimecomes.

Herearesomewaystoboostyourconfidenceaheadofyour returntowork:

Shareyourfeelings. Trytoavoidputtingonabravefaceto pleasepeoplearoundyou.Ifyouarestruggling,talkaboutit.You willbesurprisedhowreceptiveyourfamilyandfriendsarewhen facedwiththetruth.

Bekindtoyourself. Acceptingthatlifehaschangedisabiggy. Lifeisdefinitelydifferentnowyouareaparentbutitdoesn’t meantosaythatitiseitherbetterorworse-justdifferent.Let’s faceit,you’vehadababysoyoucanachieveanything!

Explorenegativethoughtwork. Thisinvolvesbeingawareof negativethoughtsandreplacingthemwithpositiveselfstatements.

Supportnetwork. It’simportanttohavearobustsupport networkaroundyoubeforeandwhenyoureturntowork.While itisn’talwayseasy(duetolackoffamilynearby,expensive childcarecosts),knowingtherearepeopleyoucanrelyonifyou needthemwillhelpyoufeelbetter.Askingforhelpiskeyand althoughitmightfeelhardtodo,ifhelphasbeenoffered,do takeit.

Dressthepart. Thisdoesn’thavetomeanbrandnewclothes andshinynewhandbags;therearedecentbargainstobefound incharityshopsandnoonewillknow!Giveyourselftimeinthe morningforskincare,make-upandgroomedhairsoyoulook andfeelthepart.

ReadyourCVandupdateit. Seeingthefactsdownonpaper reallydoeshelp.

LucyBakerisaself-employedmotherofthreeandfounder ofcoachingbusiness,SheCoachesConfidence.Readmore atwww.shecoachesconfidence.com

Startjournalling

Journallingisthepracticeofloggingyourthoughts,providing aninsightfulwayofproblem-solvingandgettingtoknow yourself.Apartfromtheinitialcostofajournal,itisafreetool thatyoucanuseagainandagain.

Here’showtogetstarted:

Buyyourselfaspecialbooktorecordyourthoughts.Thismight beahardbackwithalovelycover,eitherlinedorwithblank pagesfordoodlesandsketches.Findafavouritepenandset asidetenminutesadaytowritewithnodistractions.

Writedownexactlywhatisinyourhead.Questionscanbegood prompts:‘WhyamIworriedaboutgoingbacktowork?’‘DoI believeinmyself?’Freelywriteyouranswersasthoughtscome intoyourhead.

Atfirst,journallingmightfeelalittleoddandthewordsyou committopapermightnotmakemuchsense;buttrustthe processandliterallygowiththeflow.Therearenorules.Thisis yourprivatespacetorevealandlogtheprogressofyour mindset.

Negativethoughtexercise

Itisnotuncommonforwomentobombardthemselveswith negativethoughtseveryday.Butthere’shope!TheseCANbe turnedaround.

Asaprocess,activelychallengingandreversingnegative thoughtshasbeenproventoincreaseself-belief,self-worth, self-careandconfidence.

Startahabitofwritingdownallyournegativethoughtsonlined paper,missingalinebetweeneachone.Forexample:‘Ihatemy nose,’‘Ifeellikepeoplewilllaughatme,’‘Iamrubbishat running,’‘Ihatemytummy,’‘Iamnotgoodattalkinginmeetings,’ ‘IhateZoom’etc.Ifyouhearmorenegativethoughts,addthem tothelist.

Thenreframeeachnegativethought.Thismeansworkingdown thelist,changingeachnegativestatementtoapositiveone. Thus‘Ifeellikepeoplewilllaughatme’becomes‘Ifeellike peoplewilllaughwithme,’and‘Ihatemytummy’becomes‘My tummyproducedmydaughter!’

Yougettheidea.Nowtellyourselfthenewpositivestatements, outloud,onrepeat:forever.

Pleaselistentome!

ByTanithCarey

Whenwehavenon-stopdays,it’seasytolapseinto‘one-waystreetparenting.’That’swhereasthemorepowerfulgrownup,youtellyourchildhowtobehave.Butparentingbecomes somucheasierwhenit’satwo-waytransactionandyou makeaconsciousefforttolistentowhatyourchildhastosay aswell.

Astheygrow,childrenareinaconstantprocessoflearningto recogniseanddescribetheirneedsandemotions.However, withtheirdevelopingvocabulary theycan’talwaysclearly articulatetheirbigfeelings sotheydon’talwaysfeelheard.

Childrenwhodon’tfeelheardoftenactouthowtheyfeel.There couldbeangrytantrums,strops,defianceorattention-seeking behaviourtoforceyoutopayattention.Sadly,thisbehaviour hastheoppositeeffect.

Thegoodnewsisthatjustonesimpleshiftcantransformyour relationshipwithyourchild.Nexttimeyourchildexplodes, understandtheyarestrugglingwithgiantfeelings.Ratherthan thinkingabouthowtodisciplinethem, observetheirbehaviour withcuriosity,followedbyempathy.

Forchildrenages4–7

Nameemotions: Experienceshowsthatthemorewordsyou usetonametheiremotions,themoreaccuratechildrenwillbe whendescribingthem.

Beinterestedinwhattheylove: Becuriousaboutwhatyour childhastosay,evenifyou’veheardthesamedinosaurfactone hundredtimes.Ifyousay:‘Tellmemore,’yourchildwillopenup toyouatothertimestoo.Ifyoufeelyourselfgettingbored,goon anadventuretofindnewfactstofascinatethem.

Calmyournervoussystem: Whenyoufeelangryorirritated whendealingwithyourchild,whateveryouaredoing,takea fewdeepbreathstoslowyourselfbacktoempathymodesoyou canlistentowhattheyaretryingtosay.

Limityourphoneuse: Putawayyourphoneduringthespecial one-on-onetimeswithyourchild,whetherit’sbathtimes, mealtimesorstorytime.Whentheydon’thavetocompetetobe heardtheycanrelaxintobeingwithyou.

Forexample,wegrown-upstendtohearrepeatedrequestsfor thethingskidswantaswhingeingornagging.Ratherthan ignoringthem,showthemyouheardthemthefirsttimeby lookingatthem,gettingdownontheirleveliftheyarestilllittle, repeatingwhattheyhavejustsaidandgivingthemaresponse thatworksinthatmoment,evenifit’sanexplanationforwhy youaresaying‘no’.

Ofcourse,youcan’tbeexpectedtodropeverything,everytime orgivekidswhatevertheywant.

Keepsomephrasesinyourbackpocketlike:‘Iknowit’shardto wait.I’llbetheresoon,’or‘Iheardyoucallingme.Givemefive minuteswhileyoufinishyourLegohouse.’Evenifit’snotthe answertheywanttohear,theywilleaseoffoncetheyknowthe messagehasgotthrough.Justmakesureyousticktoyour word.

Thiskindoflisteningisnotaboutgivinginorlettingthemhave theirownway.It’saboutrememberingthatchildrenareona steeplearningcurvetowardsnamingandmanagingfeelings thatcontinueswellintotheirteenageyears.

TanithCareyisco-author,with DrAngharadRudkin,of What’s MyChildThinking:Practical ChildPsychologyforModern Parents. Thebookincludes manytopicsincludingthebest waystocommunicatewith children.PublishedbyDKbooks andavailablefrom www.bookshop.org

Forchildrenages8-11

Listenmorethanyoutalk: Oncechildrencanbeclear aboutwhat’sbotheringthem,oftenrespondingwithjusta nod,an‘Isee’or‘Thatsoundstough’isenough.Resistthe temptationtoofferjudgementorcriticism,evenifyouthinkit soundsconstructive.It’softenwhatyoudon’tsayratherthan whatyoudowhichmakesyouthebestsoundingboard.

Setasidetime: Spendregularunhurriedtimejustdoingthe thingstheyliketodo.These‘emotionaldeposits’remind tweensthatyoulikeaswellaslovethemandtheywillbe morelikelytolistentoyouatothertimes.

Validatefeelings: Simplytrytoacceptandunderstandhow theyfeel,evenifthatfeelsuncomfortableforyou.For example,yourtweencontainstheirbehaviouralldayat school.Sowhentheycomefromschoolandmoan, rememberthatmostofthetimeyoudon’tneedtodo anythingexceptlisten.Youcouldask:‘Doyouneedtovent, ordoyouwantsuggestions?Eitherisfine.’

MeetVese Aghoghovbia

FamiliesspoketoVeseAghoghovbia,thefounderandcreator ofPhilly&Friends,anempoweringandaward-winning children’slifestyleandtoybrand.

Whatinspiredyoutocreatethisbrand?

Becomingaparentin2017openedmyeyestotheinequalityin play.Irealisedhowlittlerepresentationtherewasinthe playroomandonthebookshelfatthetime.Iwantedtowritea ‘loveletter’tomylittlegirltotellherhowprecioussheisand giveherthegiftofrepresentationbecauseyouhavetobethe changeyouwanttosee.

WhenIwrote WhoDoISeeintheMirror? Ididn’trealisethen thatIwaswritingalovelettertomanychildrenworldwideand creatingabrandtheywouldeventuallyfallinlovewith.Thislittle ideaforasimplechildren’sbookhasgrownintoamuch-loved, award-winningchildren’sbrandwithgivingbackembeddedin itsDNA.

Tellusaboutyourfirstbook

WhoDoISeeintheMirror? isasimpleyetpowerfulbookabout agirlwhogoesonajourneytodiscoverwhatmakeshertruly special.Itendswiththestrongmessagethatwhatisonthe insidemattersmost.Itisaveryaffirmingbookthatencourages ourlittleonestolovewhotheyareontheinsideandtheoutside. AccordingtothejudgesatJuniorDesignAwards,‘itisagreat librarystapleforallchildren’.

Howdidyourvisionforthebranddevelop?

WhenIfirstwrote WhoDoISeeintheMirror? Ithoughtmynext stepwouldbetopublishaseriesofeducationaland empoweringbooks.However,asthebusinessgrewitbecame

clearitwasalotmorethanthat.Weworkverycloselywithour communityandrespondtotheirrequestsinlinewithourbrand visionandmission.Weareaddingadropofcolourtothe playroomandthebookshelf,providingasolutiontothegrowing demandfordiversityinplay.

HowhascreatingPhilly&Friendsimpactedyouasamother andwhatdoyourchildrenthinkofwhatyoudo?

Mykidslovehelpingmepreparepackagesforcustomers.My daughtersaysI’madollmakerbutalsoanengineerandamum. IlovethatshegetstoseewhatIdo.

Theotherday,someoneaskedherwhatshewouldlovetodo andshesaid‘allthejobsintheworld!’Thatmademechuckle butalsomademeproudtoknowthatshedoesn’tfeellimitedin whatshecanbecome.

WhatisyourfavouritePhilly&Friendsproductandwhatare yourchildren’sfavourites?

Ican’tpickone.IlovethemallbutWhoDoISeeintheMirror? willalwayshaveaspecialplaceinmyheartbecauseit kickstartedthisjourney.Mykidshaveinfluencedeverysingle productandI’veseenthemloveeachoneatdifferentstages. Mydaughterhasgonefromreadingherbookeverynightto sleepingwithherPhillydollsandnowshe’sgivingme suggestionsonthenextfewproducts.

What’sbeenthehardestpartofyourjourneywiththebrand sofar?

Self-publishing.Ihadtoteachmyselfeverything,figureout eachstepandself-fundtheproject.

Self-publishingisnotforthefaint-heartedandrequires significantfinancial,mentalandphysicalinvestment.Youare thewriter,marketer,producer,salesperson,logistics,supply chainmanager;everything.ThereweremanytimesIwantedto giveupbutIamgladIdidn’tbecausethefeedback,support andappreciationforthebookhavebeennothingshortof amazing.

Whatadvicewouldyougiveotherparentsembarkingona similarpathtoyou?

Don’tholdyourselfback,youcandoit.Plan,brainstorm, research.There’saworldofinformationonGoogleandit’sall free.Findsomeonewhoisdoingsomethingsimilarandask themlotsofquestions.

WherenextforPhilly&Friends?

Thefutureofdiversityinplaydependsonsmallinclusive children’sbrandsgrowingandbecomingsuccessful.Inthenext fiveyears,Ihopethatourbooksandtoyswillbeinthehomesof everylittleboyandgirl.

Philly&Friendshasarangeofbooks,wallart,dolls, jigsawsandpegsetsdesignedtoinstilconfidenceand self-lovethroughthepowerofrepresentation.

Findthematwww.phillyandfriends.com