Families Northeast Magazine Nov/Dec 2022 Print

Education

A

Magical Christmas at Raby Castle and High Force Waterfall

Find the Raby Reindeer Trail 26th November – 31st December at High Force Waterfall

The Plotters’ Forest Enchanted Christmas Trail Selected dates throughout November and December at Raby Castle 12 days of Christmas Trail 26th November – 24th December at Deer Park, Raby Castle

Christmas Shop & Christmas Trees 26th November – 24th December at Raby Castle

Festive Dining

During December at High Force Hotel

Contact usIn this issue

Welcome

Some of you love it and others find it overwhelming….we think you all know what we’re talking about! Yes, the festive season is just round the corner and it’s not too soon to start planning. Start with our gift guide in this issue.

As things get increasingly busy, it’s important that you don’t burn out before Christmas even arrives. Take a look at our tips for lightening your load in the run up.

Meanwhile, life ticks on. You may be choosing your child’s first school, worrying about conflict in the playground, musing on your child’s future education, planning for the arrival of their baby sibling, trying to work through the day while your children keep you awake at night or fretting about the cost of buying gifts for your child to take to all the birthday parties they are attending. If you are pre-occupied with any of these things, this issue offers something very relevant for you.

Finally, especially for you, we have Christmas gifts for kids and adults, as well as tonnes of Weebles to giveaway! Apply for these adorable wiggly, wobbly mini-toys at familiesmag.co.uk/ go. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

the forthcoming festive season!

winners

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.

Choosing the right primary school

By Gabrielle Nash

If your child turns four this academic year, they’ll be starting Reception next September and now’s the time to make their primary school application. Exciting times!

Your child’s primary school and its community becomes a large part of your family’s life, so feeling happy about the choice is very important. Depending on where you live you might have just one, two or maybe three schools to apply to. Or there may be numerous schools if you live in a city. So how do you go about knowing which will be a good fit for you and your child?

The catchment area

School catchment area is a key admission criterion for schools. This is generally based on the furthest distance that a pupil was admitted to the school the previous year but boundaries can be extended or shrink, according to the variables of each intake year. For example, one year there may be a larger cohort of siblings or looked-after children taking priority or it may be a year with a high birth rate, so the map alone does not guarantee your top choice.

You can check each school’s catchment area through your local authority to establish whether you’re likely to fall within it. Think carefully before aiming for a school for which you’re not in the catchment area. You don’t want to waste one of your choices.

Consider your working week. If you’re commuting to work, how will you do that after school drop-off? Is there a train or bus nearby or space to park your car?

A good fit

Every school is organised and managed differently, so you’ll need to do some research to see what each school offers and what matters most to you. When you’re shortlisting schools, it’s important to visit to get a feel for each one. Go armed with lists of questions and an open mind.

Each school will have its own personality but so does your child. Are they loud or reserved? Smaller schools with just one-form entry might suit a quieter child. If your child has any special educational needs, you’ll want to know the school caters well for them.

Extras

What wrap-around care does the school offer? If it doesn’t suit your needs, are there sufficient alternative options? Find out which secondary schools pupils go on to and see how that impacts on your thought process. For example, if a high proportion of the pupils go to the best local secondary school, then that’s a plus.

diamond creates bigger opportunities from small beginnings.

Educating for the future

By Louise Livingston

Children are often asked what they want to be when they grow up. From farmers to flight attendants, astronauts to doctors, the answers are always a mix of familiar careers. But astonishingly, over two thirds of children joining primary school this September will end up in jobs that don’t yet exist. Think back thirty years - there were no social media managers or Bitcoin traders!

Today’s workplace is rapidly changing. As Richard Riley, former Secretary of Education, said:

‘We are currently preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist, using technologies that haven’t been invented to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet.’

It’s a challenge and mainstream education will be required to adjust. Is an education system that focuses mainly on teaching children academic subjects outdated? Focusing on tests and exam results will not deliver for a future which will need creative, flexible problem-solvers who can collaborate.

The visionary educational pioneer, Maria Montessori, recognised this when she wrote, ‘Education must no longer be mostly imparting knowledge but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities.’

In Montessori education, children are guided by a teacher trained in child observation and development. Classrooms provide open-ended, hands-on activities where children choose tasks appropriate to their stage of development.

With activities so targeted to each child’s individual needs and interests, children are engaged and motivated to concentrate, persevere and develop self-discipline. In addition, the activities are designed to encourage children to think flexibly and come up with creative solutions. In the early years, this may simply be how to unbuckle their shoes or share a snack. Later, it may be an exploration of the Jurassic period or a novel approach to solving quadratic equations.

Mixed-age classes with children aged up to three years apart is another key feature of Montessori education. Younger children learn from older role models and older children benefit from the experience too. In this mini community, children share resources, put things away ready for someone else after they have used them and help each other. This fosters social collaboration and builds emotional intelligence.

Louise Livingston has over thirty years’ experience in education and a background in educational neuroscience. She is Head of Training at the Maria Montessori Institute (www.mariamontessori.org), which offers Montessori teacher training, online short courses and the Maria Montessori School for ages 2 to 12 in London.

Resolving playground conflict

By Zuzu Jordan

Playground conflicts can shape a child’s experience at school. When we show children how to manage them, they are learning vital life lessons about getting on with other people.

Conflict vs bullying

Conflicts in the playground can flare up and be forgotten from one day to the next.

As parents, we can’t swoop in and save our children from uncomfortable or even painful situations while they are at school. However, we can equip them with their own skills to use when teachers are not immediately available to intervene. Using well-chosen words can change the course of a conflict and help equip children to deal with future ones.

Of course, it’s important to understand where conflict ends and bullying begins: bullying involves a repeated, intentional act to hurt someone; it can take many forms. All schools must have an anti-bullying policy should bullying occur.

Take action

When conflict occurs, explain to your child that ‘hotting up’ a conflict makes a disagreement worse and ‘cooling down’ makes it better; we can help children realise they have the power to influence and resolve situations.

Start by listing which behaviours can hot up a conflict, such as shouting, name-calling, invading personal space, accusing, lying and being physical. Then list the behaviours that can cool down a conflict: admitting to what you did wrong, saying sorry, saying what you would like to happen, using a calm voice and avoiding words such as ‘always’ and ‘never’ which can immediately make someone feel defensive.

Active listening is a fundamental skill in resolving conflicts. Help your children practise by asking them to listen and repeat instructions back and paraphrase what you have said. Encourage them to ask questions so they learn how to develop healthy dialogues.

Older children may have more complex conflicts involving social media. These require a slightly different approach. Childline (www.childline.org.uk) and UNICEF (www.unicef.org.uk) offer solid support and advice for those who are experiencing issues online.

Dealing with conflict provides an opportunity for growth, emotionally, socially and intellectually. By continuing to observe and give children a safe space to talk about any conflicts they have, we are providing useful safeguards against potential bullying scenarios.

Zuzu Jordan is a Mastery for Maths specialist who has taught primary aged children for sixteen years and is interested in early years and home learning. For free homework and home learning resources, find the Instagram page edumate_uk.

There’s more to life at RGS

The Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, attracts students from across the North East creating a vibrant and dynamic culture; a community where there is a sense of belonging and a love for learning. The school ethos fosters a unique, all-round education which nurtures and challenges students to reach their full potential. Opportunities are vast and support is extensive, with each student encouraged to immerse themselves in both the classroom and co-curricular activities.

From Junior School to Sixth Form, the co-educational school prepares students for their next steps and forms lifelong friendships along the way. State-of-the-art facilities at RGS enable staff to utilise modern technology and provide a stimulating environment for individual pursuits and group collaboration; from a swimming pool to a purpose-built Performing Arts Centre. Located opposite Jesmond Metro station, RGS also benefits from excellent transport links throughout the region.

Join us at our Open Morning on Saturday 12 Nov, 9:30am12:30pm to discover more about why There’s More to Life at RGS and receive information about our fee assistance programme.

Register for 2023 Admissions now, by contacting our Head of Admissions on 0191 212 8968 or admissions@rgs. newcastle.sch.uk and explore www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.

Boys’ body dissatisfaction

By Dr Charlotte Markey

It’s known that girls can show an awareness of dieting by the time they start primary school. Meanwhile, many boys feel they should be bigger, more muscular, more ‘manly.’ While this is a sign of body dissatisfaction, it tends to fly under the radar or go unnoticed by adults because it’s disguised as ‘getting healthy.’

Body dissatisfaction is not a superficial concern as it impacts health behaviours, social interactions and mental health in general.

Research indicates that boys and girls are almost equally likely to experience body dissatisfaction. Where girls might focus on weight loss diets, boys are apt to over-exercise, cut sugar or carbs (or both) from their diets and become consumed with their health.

Most parents aren’t likely to be concerned if their son decides to skip dessert or spend time lifting weights. If this shift in habits also coincides with puberty, it can be difficult to tell if a boy is getting leaner, broad-shouldered or just taller.

In other words, the typical parent may not be able to tell if there is a problem brewing or just normal teen development taking place. Still, this change in habits should be a red flag to keep an eye out for body dissatisfaction or even the emergence of disordered eating.

How do you know when your son has a problem or is just genuinely becoming more responsible for his health?

Boys should be gaining weight through puberty, not losing weight. If you notice your son losing weight, an appointment with a family doctor is in order.

It’s also important that health consciousness doesn’t interfere with enjoyment of food. If your son is rigid in his eating habits and won’t have a treat at a birthday party or refuses to participate in social activities that involve food, it’s likely there’s a problem. Further, supplement use (eg protein powder) is often indicative of real body image concerns.

Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating can become chronic and dangerous, interfering with health and development.

Treatment is more effective when problems are caught early. When in doubt, it’s best to seek guidance from a professional with relevant expertise, such as a registered dietitian or therapist.

Charlotte Markey PhD is a professor of psychology and chair of the health sciences department at Rutgers University, USA. Her latest book, Being You: The Body Image Book for Boys, is published by Cambridge University Press.

Triggered by teasing?

It isn’t just a stereotype that boys are less communicative than girls; this is supported by data. Boys are less likely to discuss their concerns, or even the boring minutia of their days with their parents.

Pat yourself on the back if your son comes to talk with youyou’ve already done something right when he feels able to share his thoughts.

If your son reveals that he has been teased about his weight or appearance, your instinct can be to immediately say: ‘You’re handsome/perfect.’ Try to resist doing this as it can unintentionally invalidate his concerns. Further, he will know that, as his parents, you are biased in your appraisal of him.

Instead, try to ask questions and prompt a discussion. ‘Who said that?’ and ‘Why do you think they said that?’ and ‘Do you agree with them?’ are good questions to start with. You want to listen and also make it clear that you love and value him overall for who he IS not for how he looks.

Introducing a new sibling

Introducing a new baby into the family can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking time for parents. Here are some tips on the best ways to prepare your older children for the impending arrival of their baby sibling and help them to feel loved and included during the process.

Explain what’s going to happen

If they are under the age of two, they may not be that interested at all and take the idea of a new addition to the family in their stride. However, a slightly older child might be bursting with questions or struggle emotionally with the transition.

Prepare them for what to expect

Explain that the new baby is going to be with mummy or daddy most of the time and the baby is going to do a lot of sleeping, crying and feeding. This will also help manage their expectations so they won’t expect their new sibling to be a playmate from the moment they enter your home!

Tell the story of their birth

Show your children some old photographs of when you were pregnant with them or of them when they were a baby. Talk to them about what it was like when they were younger and how they too cried and fed all hours of the day. This will be a lovely bonding exercise and help them understand why the new baby will need more attention initially.

Role play looking after the baby

Using a doll is another great way to introduce your children to the idea of having a baby around the home. They can practise

how to be gentle, hold the baby and talk to them. Overall, this helps to normalise the idea of a baby. Better still, if you’ve got friends or family with small babies, set up meet ups or playdates so your child can get used to hearing baby cries, being around a baby and observing how mums and babies interact.

Get them involved in the planning

Ask them what they think of the names you’ve picked for the baby. Chances are they won’t like your choices and would much prefer Spider-Man or Peppa but the key thing is to value their opinions!

Take them shopping for newborn essentials

It will help them feel important if you let them pick some baby clothes. They could also help put new items away, pack the baby changing bag or even prepare the nursery.

With thanks to leading UK baby brand, Nuby (www.nuby-uk. com) for this article.

Lightening the mental load this Christmas

By Chloe Lowe

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for parents. The pressure to create the perfect experience for everyone builds into a behemoth balancing on a plate of mince pies, threatening to crumble at any minute.

The upward comparison with Insta-perfect mums and crafting geniuses, let alone the constant narrative in the press, on television and on social media, means the mental load reaches an all-time high during the festive season and it’s well documented that mums bear the heaviest burden.

The sheer volume of things to think about and do can quickly lead to high-stress, low mood and burnout and not enjoying a minute of Christmas.

It’s very British to need to present the perfect picture. But when you realise that you can’t control everything, including the actions of your extended family or your delivery man, it can be truly liberating!

How to create your ‘perfectly imperfect’ Christmas

Here’s a few tips on how to manage the mental load this Christmas and feel good about it too.

Grab a pen and paper and write a list of the top three things that mean the most to you this Christmas.

Focus on those first. Doing a few things well will feel so much better than spreading yourself too thin and doing lots of things, just ‘ok’.

Ask for and accept help - it’s a sign of strength, not a weakness.

Slow down to speed up. Running on caffeine at one hundred miles per hour is detrimental to your mind and body. Slowing down and taking some deep breaths or even indulging in a Christmas movie, will help you reset, re-energise and get some headspace.

Ask yourself what your children really want and need this Christmas and focus on that rather than succumbing to the pressure to spoil them or compete with peers.

Reduce your time on social media. It’s amazing how many hours you’ll get back.

Avoid too many excesses. Don’t deprive yourself of a glass of fizz and a few mince pies but counter them with a family walk in the fresh air or a healthy breakfast or lunch.

And don’t forget to give yourself the gift of self-care so that you can enjoy Christmas too.

Chloe Lowe is founder of @parentlistapp (www.parentlist. app), the app for busy parents who want to find joy in parenting.

Choosing and caring for your Christmas tree

We all want a fabulous Christmas tree that lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips for selecting and maintaining your tree.

How do I select a tree that’s the correct height for my room?

Measure the distance between your ceiling and floor, which gives you the vertical height limit. Take a note of the height of your tree stand. Deduct the height of the stand from your vertical height limit and you have the maximum possible height of tree that your room can accommodate. Take these measurements with you. Doing this preparation will ensure you don’t end up coming home with a tree that is too tall.

Is my tree fresh and how long will it last?

A healthy tree will have bright and shiny needles, not dry and dull. If you spot any grey sections, that’s a sign of dehydration which means that the tree is not that fresh.

If the tree is fresh, the needles should not break easily and should be hard to pull off. If the trunk is sticky and there is any sap residue, the tree is fresh. Also, the tree should be heavy, which means it is freshly cut and still contains all its water.

Which trees typically survive longest?

Choose Douglas or Nordmann Firs as the best options. If cared for well, they can last for about six weeks before withering, offering the best longevity throughout the Christmas season.

Lower the temperature in the room where you put up your tree, as this really slows down the drying process and keeps your tree fresher for longer.

What are the best watering tricks?

Your tree will need one litre of water per three cm of the stem diameter. That means a fresh cut tree can consume four to five litres a day. Watering is critical, especially for Norway Spruce trees.

Check the water level daily and never let it go below the tree’s base. Without water at the tree’s base, the tree will dry out within a week. The temperature of the water is not that important and no, you can’t overwater your tree, it will absorb only as much as it wants.

How to give a fading Christmas tree new life

Give your tree a good trim which will reduce the number of water-requiring branches. Keep the room as cool as possible and move your tree to the darkest place of the room.

Families would like to thank Fantastic Services (www.fantasticservices. com) for this article.

Barekind Bamboo Socks

These jolly Bamboo socks are great stocking fillers that save endangered animals too. Bright and colourful, they will brighten up your children’s feet, while 10% of the profits are donated to help save the animal on the sock. £7.50.

www.barekind.co.uk

By Claire Winter

EcoChristmas

GIFT GUIDE

Spread a bit of festive joy by being good both to your family and the planet this year. These gorgeous gifts for kids and adults will make everyone’s day without costing the earth.

Elf Letters

We’re all for an advent calendar that encourages children to read! This one has daily, personalised Elf letters directly from a North Pole Elf. Read the stories every day to find out what happens in the North Pole as Santa and the elves get ready for Christmas. £25.99.

www.elfforchristmas.co.uk

Nature Curious Subscription Boxes

Buttercup’s Nature Curious activity subscription boxes encourage children to explore the British wildlife on our doorsteps. Their eco-packaged worksheets and nature prints with augmented reality are designed and printed in the UK. £20 per month with bonus access to an online community.

www.buttercuplearning.com

Families has an annual subscription to give away! Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go

Kabode Alphabet Children’s Bedding

This gorgeous natural children’s bedding from Kabode is designed to inspire big dreams. The Alphabet collection makes it fun for your child to learn their ABCs and the playful design is decorated with colourful letters. Made from 100% certified organic cotton. £44.95.

www.kabode.co.uk

Play Kits Subscription Boxes

The Play Kits imaginative subscription boxes help parents make the most of playtime and support pre-school brain development. Created with leading child development experts, these are built to last and are made with sustainable wood, organic cotton, non-toxic paint and baby-safe plastics. From £80.

www.lovevery.co.uk

Bake at Home Gingerbread People

Cake or Death’s Bake At Home Gingerbread People make the perfect gift for little bakers. Delivered through your letterbox, each kit comes complete with delicious ready-made gingerbread dough, a cutter and recipe card. £15. www.cakeordeath.co.uk

GIFTS

JOGB Luxury Candle

A JOGB luxury candle is a lovely treat for someone who has everything (else)! They are artisan-made, eco-friendly candles, made using 100% natural luxury fragrances from quality essential oils. Available in three gorgeous fragrances: Relaxing SLOJO, Uplifting GOJO and Sensual MOJO. £65. www.jogbliving.com

DIY Lip Tint or Cheek Balm Kit

Families Giveaway

Let the makeup lover in your life design their own allnatural lip tints or cheek balms. These DIY kits have gorgeous ingredients and are plastic-free. £19.99. www.acalaonline.com

Families has three kits to give away! Apply at familiesmag.co.uk/go

Target Wool Blanket

Warm up with the Tartan Blanket Co.’s recycled wool blankets which are as good for you as they are for the planet. They are made from a mix of at least 70% recycled wool and preloved, recycled fibres. Available in a range of beautiful designs and colours. £65. www.tartanblanketco.com

Cashmere Fingerless Gloves

These super-cosy, one-size cashmere fingerless gloves by Nearly New Cashmere Co. are made from discarded cashmere jumpers. As an added benefit they’re long enough to keep wrists warm too. A gorgeous festive gift. £24.

www.nearlynewcashmere.co.uk

Halo Water Bottle

Perfect for fitness fanatics, Halo insulated bottles are compact and lightweight. Designed to be incredibly handbag (and even coat pocket)friendly, Halo is a bottle you will never leave at home, making hydrating on the move that little bit easier. From £22. www.halobottle.com

Crossover Bag

This quirky crossover bag is made in Portugal using superior quality cork. It is a 100% natural raw material harvested every nine years from the cork oaks. Its 100% biodegradability and its high quality make it one of the most sustainable and durable materials available today. Vegan, waterproof and extremely light. £59.99.

www.primaberry.com

If you’re looking for places to visit and things to keep the kids entertained as winter emerges, then our What’s On guide is packed full of ideas for places to take the kids, whatever the weather, local Christmas events, Santa visits and shows.

15 Nov – Alnwick Playhouse

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Dive into Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world as his beloved stories are transformed from page to stage using a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets and charming music.

18 Nov-8 Jan - Northern Stage Hey Diddle Diddle: Christmas Spectacular

All nursery rhyme characters love Christmas! And this year some of the most famous faces from your favourite rhymes are coming together to present a spectacular Christmas cabaret.

29 Nov-15 Jan–Newcastle Theatre Royal Cinderella

You are invited to the most spectacular ball of them all! Panto superstar Danny Adams leads the cast in a brand-new production of Cinderella, with sets and costumes from The London Palladium.

3 - 31 Dec – The Customs House The Last Snowflake

Every snowflake is special and unique and comes with a wish. The only problem is… there’s only one snowflake left! It always snows this time of year in Cooksonville but, for some reason, this year the snow has stopped falling and Dennis wants to know why.

3 Dec - 2 Jan – The Forum Theatre, Billingham Beauty and the Beast

It promises to be a spectacular and enchanting production for all the family. Filled with magic and monstrous fun, tis the perfect festive treat.

3 Dec - 7 Jan – Northern Stage The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

It returns to cast its magic this Christmas, putting a modern Northern Stage spin on a classic tale.

9 Dec - 7 Jan – Playhouse, Whitley Bay Aladdin

The classic adventure story of Aladdin and his magic lamp is brought to life as always in Blue Genie Entertainment’s own unique style. With special effects, flying carpets, fantastic scenery and dazzling costumes and all the usual mad comedy mayhem. This all-singing, all-dancing, feel good family festive treat promises to be the highlight of your year! Staring Playhouse legend Steve Walls and your Favourite Dame Patsy Twankey, you don’t have to be a Genie-us to work out this is one pantomime not to be missed.

9 Dec-8 Jan-Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Beauty & the Beast

A tale as old as time…

Enchanted Entertainment return to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House in 2022 with another spellbinding Pantomime; Beauty and the Beast!

15 - 30 Dec – Alnwick Playhouse

Remarkable Robin Meet Robin Armstrong. An adventurous young girl who is obsessed with all things magic.

Robin lives in a northern village famous for its fairy tale and folklore. Since the day she was born, Robin’s best friend, Grandma, has told her legendary tales of the fairies, hobs, wizards and trolls that hide in the forest and beneath the surface.

spellbinding readings, learn how to draw scenes from the stories and even take part in the special Magic Raffle! Suitable for ages 5 to 11 years.

26 Nov - 22 Dec – Preston Park, Museum & Grounds

Meet Santa’s Reindeer

There are some very special visitors staying at Preston Park Museum & Gardens in the lead up to Christmas. Come along to the museum and meet the friendly reindeer from the North Pole. You will also be able to purchase reindeer food during your visit for a small charge.

26 Nov - 24 Dec – The Alnwick Garden

Christmas at Alnwick Garden

Receive a magical warm welcome from Santa and his mischievous elves as you visit him in his festive Treehouse Grotto.

1 Nov - 22 Dec – Botanic Garden, Durham University Winter Wonderland

Pick up a spotter sheet from the Visitor Centre and see what you can discover in the Garden. This is a self-led activity, and subject to availability of spotter sheets.

12 Nov - 15 Jan - Life Science Centre

Open-Air Ice Rink

Situated in Times Square, just outside Life Science Centre, the rink is ideal for ice skaters of all abilities and ages.

Early bird booking is now open. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking tickets online ahead of your visit.

18 Nov - 31 Dec – The Auckland Project

A Traditional Winter Experience... with a Twist!

Share your wishlist and collect an early Christmas treat, but only if you’ve made his good list!

26 Nov - 24 Dec – Beamish Museum

Christmas at Beamish Come along for Christmas at Beamish daytimes from 26th November to 24th December and enjoy truly traditional celebrations at the museum.

26 Nov - 31 Dec - High Force Waterfall

Find a Raby Reindeer

Wrap up warm and enjoy a wintery walk to High Force Waterfall this December. Collect the Christmas clues and see if you can find Rudolph and his friends along the way.

26 Nov - 24 Dec - Raby Castle

Fireside Stories with Father Christmas

Our Winter Experience begins on Friday 18 November, with a whole host of events and experiences to get you in the mood for Christmas. Expect all of the usual festive ingredients mixed with an element of the unexpected!

19 Nov - Seven Stories

Celebrating 35 years of Winnie the Witch, with illustrator Korky Paul Blithering Broomsticks! Join Korky Paul for a magical Winnie and Wilbur event, marking 35 years of the global phenomenon; Winnie the Witch. Listen to

Follow our festive footmen through glittering halls and gather round our roaring fire in the Entrance Hall for a special story with Father Christmas. He might even bring a present or two!

26 Nov - 24 Dec - Raby Castle

12 Days of Christmas Trail

This Christmas, families can set out on a winter exploration of the Deer Park, following the clues of a famous festive song. Keep an eye out for swans a swimming, turtle doves and even lords a leaping as you enjoy our natural winter wonderland. Spot the wild herds

Nov - 24 Dec – Whitehouse Farm Centre

Santa’s Enchanted Elf Journeyl

The Whitehouse farm elves are super excited to present to you the BIGGEST and BEST Santa’s Enchanted Elf Journey yet. For 2022 not only do the children get to choose any present they wish from our Elves’ Toyshop and join in all the usual festive activities, they also get to create their own animal character teddy in the cuddle factory & we have a new show ‘Frozen Grinchmas’.’

1 - 24 Dec – The Bowes Museum

Santa’s Grotto

Have a magical Christmas with festive experiences for all the family. Santa is back in residence this December in the enchanting winter wonderland, meet the elves and make reindeer dust before sitting with Santa and receiving an early gift. Stock up on fabulous goodies as the

popular Christmas market returns to the galleries and grounds of the Museum from 16-18 Dec. Immerse yourself in a Christmas Carol Theatre, with a tale of hauntings and humbugs, in a performance on 8 Dec. Join in activities and party games with a snowman and Father Christmas in the festive family brunch club on 6 and 20 Dec, don’t forget to take your gift home with you. Come along to the captivating new exhibition, Raymond Briggs: A Retrospective opening 12 Nov ‘til 26 Feb ‘23. This is a touring exhibition from Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration and includes work from Brigg’s pioneering titles, including The Snowman (1978), Father Christmas (1973), Fungus the Bogeyman (1977) and graphic novel Ethen and Ernest (1998). To celebrate the launch, The Snowman and The Snowman and Snowdog are screening on 12 Nov. Book your visit and events online thebowesmuseum.org.uk

1 Dec - 31 Dec – Gibside, National Trust Christmas at Gibside

Look forward to some together time as you discover sparkling tunnels of light, walk under giant baubles and beneath trees drenched in jewel-like colour. For a moment of reflection pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze at the specially chosen illuminations and don’t forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way.

3 - 18 Dec –Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens

An audience with Father Christmas at Belsay Hall

Join in the festive fun with the man himself at Belsay Hall this Christmas.

Meet Father Christmas as he tells festive tales amidst the yuletide decorations.

3 - 23 Dec - Hall Hill Farm Santa Visits

This year head to Hall Hill Farm for their very popular Santa visits. Open to the public on 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23 Dec, 10am- 4pm.

3 - 23 Dec – Hardwick Hall Hotel

Believe Christmas

An outdoor Christmas experience taking you on a journey through ‘live’ performances and interactive activities. Creating memories with your loved ones to treasure for a lifetime!

21 Dec – Durham Cathedral

The Snowman including Shaun the Sheep

Make it a Christmas to remember with a special screening of family-favourite

The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra.

31 Dec – Gosforth Civic Theatre

Family New Year’s Eve Party

Our DJ will be spinning tunes for big ones and little ones alike, our craft room and kids snacks will keep littler ones busy while the adults can take advantage of our bar to celebrate in style.

Christmas gifts to give

Birthday presents on a budget

By Tamsin Ryan

Party invitations are a thrill for children, less so for presentbuying parents! However, fun does not have to be expensive. Here are some great gift ideas that will delight the recipients without breaking the bank.

The present box

Buying gifts throughout the year (during the sales or ad-hoc promotions) and setting them aside saves money and avoids the last-minute panic shopping dash. Great gifts to keep an eye out for are the mini Orchard Toys games (www.orchardtoys. com), which are usually not gender specific, cater for a broad age range and retail at £5.35. Look out for craft or gardening kits, books and outdoor games such as skipping ropes, hula hoops, goalie gloves or frisbees, which have lasting play value.

Multi-packs

Multi-packs can be divided up to create gift sets, which can be very cost effective. Mix and match the items to suit the age and interests of the birthday child. For younger kids, a bundle of ten books (The Works usually sell ten books for £10), a party pack of bubbles or a bumper pack of assorted playdough make a great gift.

Savvy shopping

High street discount shops all stock very well priced toys, craft items and books. There are also some good resources online such as www.poundtoy.com and The Entertainer (www.thetoyshop.com).

Favourite ‘go to’ gifts

Presents that get children outdoors or being creative are always a win; something like a magnifying glass and a bug identification

Pre-nups-cynical or sensible?

It can be easy to forget that a marriage is a legally binding contract, as well as being an emotional union of a couple. Saying ‘I do’ means the couple are bound in law, as well as in the eyes of their family and friends.

The majority of people wouldn’t sign a legally binding contract without knowing its terms or implications yet so many people marry without an understanding of the implications, particularly in relation to finances. Many do not realise the effect that the marriage may have on their finances, whether in relation to assets that they hold in their sole name, own jointly with their new spouse, or assets accumulated by them prior to the ‘big day’.

In the unfortunate event that a marriage breaks down, in most cases the main disagreement and upset relates to financial matters which often stem from a pre-conceived misconception as to what is fair and who should get what.

The same misconceptions can apply to couples that never actually get round to the big white wedding, but instead purchase their dream home and start a family together. If the relationship breaks down, they too may be shocked to learn the reality of their previous decisions. Although the ‘common-law’ marriage is a myth, there are all sorts of issues that may arise if a relationship breaks down in respect of arrangements for children or jointly owned assets and resources.

Such problems can be addressed before they arise if a prenuptial agreement or living together agreement is drawn up before a couple get engaged, tie the knot, move in together etc.

For many, pre-nups are still considered to be reserved for the

book (which come in under £10), ‘scavenger hunt’ type cards, a kite, pavement chalks or a gardening or craft kit.

‘Non toy’ gifts

Children are often inundated with toys on their birthdays, so a fun t-shirt or some funky socks can work well, especially if you can find something featuring their favourite superhero or TV character. These can be very reasonably priced in high street chains and most supermarkets and parents will be pleased you’ve bought their child something to wear.

Club together

Club together with other parents in the class and buy one larger toy, voucher or experience. The birthday child will get a much bigger present and it will have cost you each less.

Creative gift-wrapping can zing up the contents and it doesn’t have to cost a thing. Use pages from an old magazine or street map, leftover wallpaper or personalise a brown paper bag with lots of colour.

For more birthday party tips, read Tamsin’s blog at www.icecreamandjelly.com or Insta @icecreamandjelly_uk.

rich and famous and are more ‘New York’ than ‘North East’. They can be deemed unromantic and an unnecessary cost, but they are becoming increasingly popular and an acceptable and cost effective way to protect against the unknown.

When making big decisions in your life such as buying a house, getting engaged, getting married, or starting a family, it is always important to understand the long-term future implications. Even if a pre-nuptial agreement or cohabitation agreement is not on the agenda, it is important to seek early, independent legal advice to discuss what may or may happen as a result of personal decisions. It does not necessarily have to be cynical to take advice before you act, just sensible!

If you think this could be of benefit to you, please get in touch with Partner and Head of Family, Emily Cannell by calling 0191 2816151 or emailing ecannell@mincoffs.co.uk

Emily Cannell, Partner and Head of Family Law at Mincoffs Solicitors

Sleepless in ….wherever…

By Shyamantha Asokan

How do you juggle work and home when your kids won’t sleep?

It’s 4.30am and I’m sleeping across the bottom end of my bed. I’m all crunched up so my feet don’t dangle off the edge, with no pillow and my duvet at a weird angle. I doubt this even counts as sleep – but I’ll take whatever I can get.

So how did I get here?

My three-year-old daughter and my fifteen-month-old son are just emerging from a month of back-to-back nursery illnesses, which has thrown their sleep right off course. Although, even in normal circumstances, neither of them is great at sleeping when they should or where they should. They certainly don’t sleep like the children in all the parenting books I’ve read (seriously, who are those children?).

Here’s a typical night in our house at the moment…

• 8pm: Both kids go to sleep in their bedrooms.

• 11pm: My son wakes and will only go back to sleep in our bed. Husband goes to sofa.

• 1am: My daughter wakes and goes to sleep on the sofa with my husband.

• 2am onwards: My son wakes one or two more times and I cuddle him back to sleep with varying degrees of success. Sometimes it takes an hour.

• 6am: The kids are up for the day.

Sometimes my son falls asleep on my lap and I have to shuffle him onto our mattress at a diagonal angle, in order not to wake him, leaving me just the bottom strip of the bed to sleep on.

Sometimes he falls asleep on my arm and I have to ‘ninja slide’ it out from under him when he’s in a deep-sleep phase. The whole thing is absurd.

Writing emails in my mind

Of course, I still need to go to work – and working while sleepdeprived is brutal.

Madonna and Margaret Thatcher, two under-slept women who were big in the 1980s, both seemed to equate a lack of rest with a passion for their job. This is questionable for a million reasons. Tracy Emin, big in the 1990s, perhaps more sensibly described her insomnia as ‘crippling.’

In any case, I just turn out to be a rubbish version of my usual self. My eyes burn as I read research reports, concentrating is hard and pretending not to be tired is tiring.

In meetings, part of me is listening to what everyone is saying but part of me is just thinking about how well-slept they all look. If you’ve had a meeting with me recently and you thought I was a bit distracted, it’s because I was thinking about how great the skin under your eyes looks.

Overnight, when I’m woken by the kids, I struggle to go back to sleep as work-thoughts pop up and race around my head. I lie at the bottom of the bed and write emails in my mind. Meanwhile my son snuffles and snores like a contented little sea-lion, in his rightful place at the centre of the only double bed in the house.

I was, of course, working when I was on maternity leave last year – looking after children and running a house is a job. But I was surrounded by other women with young children, in a blearyeyed ecosystem where everyone was tired. The professional

‘back-to-work’ world feels very different. Arianna Huffington has said that sleep is a feminist issue, as women get far less of it than men.

But, in the midst of it all, there are suddenly moments of pure rest.

There are endless parenting books that tell you not to cosleep with your children but in my family’s case it’s a balm for everyone involved. At the weekend I have afternoon naps with my daughter and her truly innocent sleep, the kind that only a child can have, calms me until I drop off too.

Shyamantha Asokan is a Midlands-based journalist and mother of two. This blog is part of a series called The Chaos Train, a record of daily life when you have a career and preschool children.

With thanks to www.workingmums.co.uk who host her blog online. Find part time, home based and flexible full-time jobs plus advice for working mums on its site.

Make Christmas banana penguin pops

Here’s a really fun Christmas activity to do with your little ones! These penguin pops not only taste delicious, they are also super simple to create. With just a hand full of ingredients, these banana penguins will impress and entertain the kids!

You will need:

1 banana

2 lolly sticks

75g milk chocolate

candy eyes

3 orange Smarties (cut in half)

Baking paper

1

andCutout keep"

Step 1

Start by melting your chocolate in the microwave for around 2 mins. Stirring occasionally.

Step 2

Peel your banana and cut in half.

Step 3

Slide the lolly stick into the flat part of the banana.

Step 4

Take your warm melted chocolate and dip your bananas in it, coating the back fully. Coat the top of the banana to a third of the way down and upwards from the tip for around 1cm, leaving space to add the feet.

Step 5

Cut the Smarties in half.

Step 6

Place your dipped banana on a plate lined with baking paper. Add your candy eyes just below and in between the eyes, add half a Smartie to make a nose.

Step 7

Use two more halves of Smarties to make two feet!

Place in a cold refrigerator for around 30 mins to set. Enjoy!

Neha Gandesha is a mum from North West London who shares her colourful kid-friendly meals and snack recipes on her Instagram page

@Squashedpickle.