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IN THIS ISSUE
Education Family Health Early Years New Year Resolutions
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January/February 2021
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Familiesonline.co.uk January/February 1
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CONTENTS
In This Issue
Welcome
4
Education
10
New Year’s Resolutions for Kids
Here we are again, Lockdown 3.0. Well, if there’s one thing we know we can do, it’s Keep Calm (mostly!) and Carry On.
14
Early Years
16
Activities
17
Clubs & Classes
18
Outdoor Activities
21
Travel
As ever, we have done the research and brought together all our favourite resources for getting you through the next couple of months. We hope it’s useful and wish you all the very best on this last stretch. Hang in there everyone – better times are coming!
22 Health 26 Family Life
Get in touch Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Print Ltd. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but Families Print Ltd, its distributors, franchisees and LCMB Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequences thereof.
Claire Bottomley, Editor Competition Winners Santa’s Lapland Holiday – Julia Cockwill Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters Story Bundle Cheryl Davenport-Thomas Runners up: Loli Carballo, Rebecca Castle, Lisa Brennan, Claire Brown, Susan Turner
Huddersfield 07811 671334
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January/February 3
EDUCATION
Classic Free Audio Books for Kids A great way to introduce your child to these classic stories with no cost attached.
By Carlo Collodi. Ages 3+.
The Wind in the Willows
By Kenneth Grahame. Ages 6+.
When We Were Very Young
The Secret Garden
The Railway Children
Peter Pan
Adventures of Pinocchio
By Frances Hodgson Burnett. Ages 8+.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland By Lewis Carroll. Ages 4+.
4 January/February
By E. Nesbit. Ages 8+.
Aesop’s Fables Ages 4+.
By A.A. Milne. All ages.
By J.M. Barrie. Ages 8+.
The Swiss Family Robinson
By Johann David Wyss. Ages 7+. Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
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Photos by Venture Studios January/February 5
EDUCATION
Learning Challenges for Kids From Bella Learning, these are open-ended, purposeful tasks, differentiated by age, that your child can do as part of home-schooling or at the weekend.
Challenge 1
Challenge 2
Challenge 3
Create a poster.
Create a rainbow collage.
Audit your toys.
Challenge 4
Challenge 5
Challenge 6
Celebrate a story.
Make a family tree.
Make a sunshine picture.
Challenge 7
Challenge 8
Challenge 9
Create an observation chart. 6 January/February
Interview a relative.
Make a treasure hunt.
Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
i
an individual, yet I am part of something incredible.
I am Grovian.
Open Morning
Saturday 13 March Sept 2021 entry for Pre-Nursery to Year 5
By appointment only, please register for more information. woodhousegrove.co.uk/admissions/openmornings Familiesonline.co.uk
BRONTĂ‹ HOUSE January/February 7
EDUCATION
Habit-Building for High School and Beyond Stephen Uttley from NumberWorks ’nWords offers some advice for parents and children approaching the end of primary school. Later primary years can be a time of mixed emotions for students and their parents. Independence is emerging in the form of homework and study time and interest in specific subject areas might be developing. By working together with your child, habits can be formed now in time to start high school with confidence.
important as being reliable and providing the same support back to peers.
Establish health and well-being A routine that includes eating healthily, getting enough sleep and Allocate homework and study committing to plenty of exercise in time for specific subjects the day provides countless benefits By starting the habit early, of for students, that will see them blocking out ‘Maths’ study time through disruptive transitions such and ‘English’ homework time, for as making the leap to high school. example, students will be well Making sure that there is wind down prepared to allocate time after time at the end of the day too, such school to manage the demands for as reading a book before sleeping, each of their subjects. Later, this is a great habit to face the next day applies to university studies and the with plenty of energy and resilience. workplace too. By chipping away at each subject as you go along, exam Consider a tutor time will not become an ordeal and Partnering with the deadlines can be managed. NumberWorks’nWords team not only guides students through Lean on friends achieving English and Maths Soft skills such as collaborating, skills-building, but having regular leading, negotiating and problemconversations about your child and solving are all part of team projects their progress can unlock a range which are assigned throughout of practical advice and tips to set high school and university for them on a path to thriving in the this very purpose of developing classroom and beyond. communication skills and emotional intelligence for the workplace. Find out more here. Leaning on peers for advice, reassurance and help, is just as 8 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Books for Navigating Tricky Times
Encouraging Constant Learning
By Smriti Halls
By Dr Cath Bishop
A book can be a friend in lonely times, a delightful escape, a comfort blanket to wrap around us when the going gets tough. As a parent, sharing this understanding with your children is one of the best gifts you can give them. Find out how. READ MORE
“Who’s going to win?” From a young age, it seems natural to compare and compete with others. But, historically, what distinguished us from our ancestors was learning by cooperating, communicating and connecting. How can we help our children learn in this way? READ MORE
Getting Ready for SATs in 2021
How to Improve your Child’s Concentration
By Claire Winter
By Gail Hugman
Preparing for exams is a stressful time for everybody under normal circumstances. Added to this, children’s education has been severely disrupted by Covid with pupils estimated to be at least three months behind on their learning. So how to prepare children for SATs this year? READ MORE
If ever there was a time to help your child improve their learning skills, it’s now! Even without disrupted routines, many young children need help developing the skills of listening and concentration required in the classroom. Here’s how you can help your child. READ MORE
Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 9
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.................................
Magazine
10 January/February
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD
Familiesonline.co.uk
NEW YEAR
New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Children Pre-School
Ages 5 to 8
I need to brush my teeth every morning and before going to bed.
I need to go to bed on time every night. I need to wash my hands before every meal. I will start eating at least three fruits and vegetables every day. I will start doing my chores every day. I will stop fighting with my brother/sister/others. I will stop interrupting when someone is talking. I will learn how to tell an adult if I see anyone being bullied.
I need to wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before I eat anything. I am going to start tasting a new food every week. I am going to start listening to my mum/dad. I will learn a new word every day. I will learn how to help clear the table when I have finished eating. I will stop hitting my brother/ sister/others.
Ages 9 to 11
I will learn to make a simple meal. I will learn how to tidy my room properly. I want to choose one author and read every book they have written. I will start having one screen free day every week.
Swimmers Academy & Baby Swimmers Swimmers Academy
Beginners to advanaced, whatever their age and ability. Survival skills, stamina and stroke techniques.
Baby Swimmers
Through fun and games, see your little one progress to a confident little swimmer! Mobile Friendly 0333 335 5388 www.babyswimmers.co.uk
I want to save ÂŁ20 in my piggy bank. I need to eat fruit or vegetables with every meal. I need to do my homework before anything else after school. I will stop leaving my clothes on the floor. Familiesonline.co.uk
Classes available in Alwoodley Horsforth Headingley Meanwood Moortown Roundhay
January/February 11
ACTIVITIES
Fabulous Crafts to Celebrate Chinese New Year 11-26 February
Easy Chinese Lantern
Egg Carton Dragon Dancing Puppet
Paper Dragon Slinkie
Dragon Mask
Chinese Lantern Suncatcher
Chinese Fan
Panda Paper Bag Puppet
Year of Ox Headband
Year of Ox Paper Plate
12 January/February
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JOIN IN
©Venture Studios
Save the Date For Wear A Hat Day
Calling all families across the country: join us on Friday 26 March to take part in one of the UK’s biggest and most important brain tumour research fundraising and awareness-raising days. Join thousands of families and create entertaining hatthemed fundraising events to help find a cure for brain tumours. After a very challenging year, we know that Wear A Hat Day 2021 is perfectly timed to become a huge event, bringing hope and inspiring the nation like never before! Thanks to the brilliant charity partnership with Venture Studios, we’ve been gifted with inspirational and uplifting portraits of key worker families who, despite having their own devastating brain tumour stories, are determined to show the joy and positivity that is being involved in Wear A Hat Day. Register to take part.
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January/February 13
EARLY YEARS
Best Nursery Rhymes & Action Songs for Pre-Schoolers
Little Peter Rabbit Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
Baby Shark
Finger Family Song
Little Bo Peep
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Little Miss Muffet
The Ants Go Marching
Itsy Bitsy Spider
14 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Things to Consider When Choosing Childcare
By Gabrielle Nash
Choosing childcare is a big decision for parents. Whether you are a new parent returning to work, or a stay at home parent considering the benefits for your toddler, finding a good nursery may be your best option. A day nursery provides a structured and safe environment. Assessed by the regulator Ofsted, nurseries have to meet requirements on areas like staff ratios and hygiene. Additionally, a quality nursery will support your child’s development by offering a stimulating environment, providing a foundation for school and benefiting their social skills. Sally, mother to Finn, aged 18 months describes the experience of her son starting nursery: “It’s been wonderful to see how social he’s become and how much he enjoys spending time with the staff as well as other children,” she said. Lesley Dawson, Founding Director at Children’s Corner Childcare, which has five nursery settings in Leeds, said: “Our advice for parents choosing a nursery would be to follow their instincts. Look at more than one and you will know when you find the right one for your child and family. At Children’s Corner you will see happy staff caring for engaged, inquisitive little ones who feel safe and are having lots of fun.” She added, “We allocate each Familiesonline.co.uk
Having fun at a Children’s Corner Childcare
child their own key worker, as this provides them with a sense of familiarity, continuity and security. We communicate with parents in a range of ways including a software app that gives updates throughout the day, so they know how their little one is getting on. “In all our nursery settings the children have access to a range of activities especially chosen/designed for early years development and around their own interests. They learn through play, developing their fine and gross motor skills, having fun and making friends with the care and guidance of our well-trained staff.” Finally, whatever you choose, childcare costs can be overwhelming. A guide to support with childcare costs can be found here. Depending on where you live and your circumstances, you may be entitled to government support with childcare costs. Find out more here. January/February 15
ACTIVITIES
Pre and Post Natal Workouts with Mama & Me Fitness It’s been a tough time for pregnant mums and new parents. We all know how vital support networks are when you have a new baby – whether it’s bonding with a group of other parents or leaning on your established circle of friends and family. The pandemic has not made this easy. Specially-tailored fitness classes can be a great way for mothers to focus on themselves while carrying and caring for their baby, and they needn’t miss out now. Mama & Me Fitness is a pre and post-natal specialist, providing safe and effective workouts for
Child Friendly Leeds
Do you follow the Child Friendly Leeds Blog? It’s a fantastic resource, full of Guidance, activities and creative ideas for families during COVID.
during pregnancy and right through maternity leave and beyond. Run by Stephanie Sturgeon, classes have been adapted to be Covid 19 safe, with social distancing maintained throughout and all equipment thoroughly cleaned before and after each use. When necessary, online classes are also available both live and on demand with a library of over 70 workouts to choose from. “We adapt to suit your fitness levels and classes are suitable for all abilities,” said Stephanie. “You can bring your babies along – there’s no need to arrange childcare and your baby can see you at all times, so you have peace of mind that your baby is safe and happy whilst you get the most out of your workout.” She added, “Classes are a great way to socialise and meet other mums in your local area.” Get in touch for a free taster session.
Find it here. 16 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Live and Pre-Recorded Online Classes for the Whole Family
Funky Monkeys Keyboard Classes
Teddies Online Music Club
Smartypants Languages
Online pre-recorded tutorial programme. Ages 4-12.
Pre-recorded online musical fun and arty ideas for under 5s.
Live Spanish (or French) classes for pre-school and primary
MusicBugs Leeds
Little Gym at Home Online pre-recorded gymnastics based activities. Ages 4mths-12yrs.
Tiny Signers
Live signing sessions for young children and their parents or carers.
Mother Nature Science Online Club
Hummingbird Fitness
Mama and Me Fitness
Super fun online music and movement classes for pre-schoolers.
Live online science activity classes. Ages 4-12.
Familiesonline.co.uk
Live ladies-only HiiT training. Early morning and evening..
Live and pre-recorded pre and post-natal workouts. January/February 17
OUTDOORS
RSPB Bird-Related Garden Activities
Celebrate the Big Garden Birdwatch from 29 to 31 January!
Build a Bird Bath
Make a String Bird Go Bird Watching
Make a Flock of Fingers
Build a Bird Box
Go on an Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Play ‘Hungry birds’ Online
Make a Recycled Bird Feeder
Make a Speedy Bird Cake
18 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
OUTDOORS
Outside Activities Whatever the Winter Weather Rain
Wind
Float your boat. Make a boat and float it in a puddle or stream. Wet chalk art. Rain intensifies and blurs the colours of chalk for a spectacular effect. Make mud pies. Use old aluminium or plastic containers and have a bake off! Gauge the rain. Make a rain gauge with a plastic bottle and keep a log. Puddle jumping. Try jumping over, rather than in – who can jump the biggest? Collectathon. Gather some different sized containers outside and guess which will fill first.
Fly a kite. Make one from different materials and see which works best. Blow bubbles. Let the wind do the blowing and watch them swirl. Parachute play. Make a toy parachute using a handkerchief and toy figurine and throw up. Make wind chimes. Hang spoons, keys and beads from a coat hanger. Play Frisbee. Go somewhere with lots of space and let it rip! Make a wind sock. Attach streamers or ribbons to one end of a toilet roll holder and string to the other.
Cold
Break out the binoculars. Since leaves have fallen from trees, it’s a lot easier to spot birds and other creatures. Take a night hike. Using torches explore your neighbourhood during these dark early evenings. Build a campfire. Bring out hot chocolate and roast marshmallows and cook jacket potatoes in the embers. Go stargazing. Cold nights generally mean clear skies, perfect for watching stars. Hunt for treasure. Look for holly leaves, lichen, leaf skeletons, sticks, pinecones and acorns. Frost art. On a frosty morning, draw or write in the frost on the pavement
Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 19
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And you’ll qualify for a 34% discount off your Reading Eggs + Mathseeds subscription. £46 for BEANSTALK members, usually £69.90.
Sign up now! Please note: capital as risk. As with any investment, the value can go down as well. Terms and conditions apply. Beanstalk is a trading name of KidStart Limited. KidStart Limited is authorised Familiesonline.co.uk and regulated by 20 January/February the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA number is 473606.
TRAVEL
Family Travel Later This Year Here’s a bit of inspiration for family travel to enjoy later this year.
Head to the Coast Runswick Bay is a stunning, un-spoilt beauty spot on the North Yorkshire Coast. A quiet former fishing village eight miles north of Whitby, it’s a wonderful place for families to spend time on the beach, rummaging in rockpools, trying water sports, walking the Cleveland Way and much more. Self-catered holidays there can be booked through Runswick Bay Cottages, giving you the perfect accommodation for a relaxed family break. We’ve teamed up with Runswick Bay Cottages to give Families readers a preferential rate on one its family-friendly properties - Coastguard Cottage. Quote FamLWY when booking to receive your 15% discount on Coastguard Cottage. Minimum three-night stay. Offer excludes Bank Holidays and is valid until 1 September 2021. More info and to book.
Home from Home with Chilly Powder Do you prefer winter or summer in the Alps… or both? Francesca, Paul and their three children live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski and summer holidays for either families, couples or mixed groups. Relax in luxury with fantastic food, outstanding facilities and unrivalled in-house childcare. For many returning guests Chilly Powder is considered a real home from home. Find out about Chilly Powder chalets for summer and winter. Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 21
HEALTH
Kids’ Wellbeing Books All books can be purchased via Bookshop.org, an online bookshop with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops.
First Emotions: How am I feeling?
Don’t Worry, Little Crab
The Worrysaurus
Mindful Kids
A gentle and simple A picture book working introduction to strong through anxiety and emotions for little ones. building courage.
A fun, reassuring tale about dealing with worries, by a bestselling author.
22 January/February
Ollie uses superpowers to overcome school bullies.
No Worries
50 creative mindfulness Interactive self-care games/exercises to activities for children help children find calm to find happiness, calm and relaxation. and confidence.
Mind Hug: The First Ruby’s Worry: A Story Big Bright Feelings A picture book Book adventure into mindfulness.
Ollie and His Superpowers
A perceptive and poignant story.
Worry Angels
Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers. Ages 8+. Familiesonline.co.uk
HEALTH
New Year Family Mental Health Resolutions
Five Tips for Feeling Fab in 2021
By Helen Spiers
By Karlin Sloan
On 1 January 2020, many of us made resolutions with no idea that a global catastrophe was imminent. The impact of the pandemic on our wellbeing is huge. So let’s use our 2021 resolutions to be kinder to ourselves and prioritise our family’s mental health. READ MORE
From the Covid-19 pandemic to the wave of economic loss, personal loneliness, isolation, and deep uncertainty about what’s in store, this is a time when even the toughest of us can find ourselves struggling. Here are some ideas to get you get back on track. READ MORE
Eating for Immunity By Claire Winter
Maintaining a balanced diet can be difficult in a world where unhealthy and processed foods are advertised frequently and are convenient. But during the pandemic, it is more important than ever to eat well and stay hydrated. How do you start off on the right foot? READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 23
HEALTH
Support Your Child’s Mental Health Help your child to understand how they are feeling and why with these free downloadable resources from PlanBee.
Feelings and Emotions Cards
These cards will get your child thinking and talking about feelings.
Design your Own Emotion Emojis
Your child can draw emojis that represent their feelings.
Worry Monster Activity Sheets
Help your child deal with their emotions. 24 January/February
Mood Tracker
Children can express emotions they are experiencing by colouring in an object.
Synonym Emotions Booklet
Identify words that are similar to emotions like angry, sad and happy.
Draw the Emotion
Feeling Check-in Cards
Emoji Emotion Faces Cards
Mindfulness Colouring Sheets
Challenge your children Check in with your to think about how different emotions are child and see what they are feeling. expressed facially.
Ask your child to talk about when they’ve felt these feelings.
Perfect to help young minds relax. Familiesonline.co.uk
HEALTH
Six Steps to Good Mental Health Help support your child’s mental health with these steps from PlanBee. Name emotions and feelings This helps your child develop a vocabulary to explain their feelings. Explain the physical sensations Help your child recognise how different emotions feel physically. Understand when/why Once your child can spot/name their emotions, help them understand the triggers. Help regulate Once they understand the source of an emotion, help them regulate. Keep everyone safe When feeling a big emotion, your
child’s brain doesn’t work in the same way as when they are calm. Help them stay safe and maintain boundaries. Once your child is calm, relate Listen, empathise and share similar experiences to help them understand their feelings and know you care.
Example of Steps 1-3
Example of Steps 4-6
Name/Explain/Understand
Regulate/Keep Everyone Safe/ Relate
Name “I can see you are really angry.”
Regulate “Take a deep breath with me.”
Explain “Your face is scrunched up and your fists are clenched.
Keep Everyone Safe “I cannot let you hit me. If you need to get your anger out, try hitting this cushion.”
Understand “I am wondering if you are angry because someone didn’t let you play.”
Relate “Once I was so angry I wanted to throw things. Your grandad helped me calm down by giving me playdough to squeeze.”
Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 25
FAMILY LIFE
Find ‘Me-Time’ and Achieve your Goals
Vegan Food for the Family – By Stealth!
By Carina Lawson
By Louise Palmer-Masterton
The pandemic arrived like a whirlwind, changing the way we live. Whilst it is still here, we have to make sure we and our families are motivated to stay on top of things and enjoy life as best we can. Here are some tips.
In my view, the way to win hearts and minds to veganism is by serving ridiculously delicious vegan food! But children can be notoriously difficult nuts to crack food wise and it helps to master the art of getting healthy food in by ‘stealth!’ READ MORE
READ MORE
Family Fitness By Claire Winter
It’s easy to use excuses like ‘too tired’ or ‘too busy’ to exercise. Exercising through the pandemic, with gyms and sports clubs often closed, is challenging. But regular exercise promotes physical and mental health in many ways. How can your family get fit this year? READ MORE 26 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
Get Moving with our Family Dance Party Playlist!
A-B-C, Easy as 1-2-3! ABCmouse.com
Happy Pharrell Williams (feat. Minions)
Can’t Stop the Feeling! Justin Timberlake
Gangnam Style PSY
Twist & Shout The Beatles
YMCA Village People
Dancing Queen ABBA
Who Let the Dogs Out Baha Men
Roar! Katy Perry
Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 27
FAMILY LIFE
Handling Co-Parenting Differences
The Guilty Parent Syndrome
By Rebecca Giraud and Bob Greig
By Dr Jan MacGregor Hepburn
Co-parenting is not easy, mistakes can and will be made but it’s the effort that we as parents put in that will really be of long-term benefit to our children. After all, loving our children is what we have in common with our ex-partner. READ MORE
As a parent, do you feel constantly guilty? About what you’ve said/done or not said/ done? If so, you’d be forgiven for thinking that guilt and parenting must be inextricably linked. And you would be right! BUT they don’t have to be….... READ MORE
Embracing your Inner Child
Special 15% Discount!
By Ed James, Mark and Nicky Taylor
Despite your intentions to parent your kids differently to the way you were parented, they probably view your parenting style in much the same way. But imagine the difference if you could combine the essential parts of adulthood and still be in touch with your inner child.... READ MORE 28 January/February
101 Questions Answered About Separating with Children has become an indispensable guide to divorce/ separation for parents. To mark the publication of the second edition, enjoy an exclusive 15% discount for Families readers from Only Mums and Only Dads. Use code FM10121 here. With legal help, tips and insights from professionals and parents, this book will save you time and money. Familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
The Impact of Covid-19 on Working Mums By Mandy Garner The Covid-19 pandemic has been hard for many individuals and groups, with working mums, particularly single working mums, being one of them. But the picture is complex. Women dominate in many of the most risky frontline sectors such as health, social care and education and in some of the hardest hit sectors such as hospitality and retail. Parttime jobs, traditionally done by women, have seen a precipitous fall, BUT women are less likely to be unemployed than men and many have gone into full-time roles. Then there is self-employment which has seen a big decline. A recent report from IPSE and Starling Bank showed women freelancers have been hardest hit financially by late payments of money owed to them and the associated mental impact and women-led businesses have suffered disproportionately. What is clear is that the impact of childcare problems during the pandemic has been most keenly felt by women, with countless studies, including our own surveys, showing women have been carrying most of the childcare/home schooling burden, despite dads increasing their input generally.
Our latest survey shows lockdown restrictions and school or year group closures are still causing huge challenges. READ MORE
Bella Learning Games
Fun educational games to download, print and play.
Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 Packs
Available Now!
For examples, tips and advice, find Bella Learning Games on Facebook and Instagram.
www.bellalearning.co.uk Familiesonline.co.uk
January/February 29
FAMILY LIFE
9 Best Pancake Recipes for Shrove Tuesday Experiment with some pancake-making on and around 16 February!
Banana Pancakes
Fluffy Black Forest Pancakes
Vegan Pancakes
Flourless Rainbow Pancakes
Upside-Down Pineapple Pancakes
Teddy Bear Pancakes
Mary Berry’s Easy Drop Scones
Easy Pancakes
Baby’s First Pancakes
30 January/February
Familiesonline.co.uk
Families Magazine turns 30!
To celebrate, we have FREEBIES for YOU! -In
The Grrreat Colour Reward Chart STEP 1
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IN THIS ISSUE
Easter activities & What’s Ons for * Win chocolates Mother’s Day & family day out tickets * Play café guide * School open days * Reader offers
2020 Issue 10 March/April
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