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Issue 95 November/December 2020
familiesonline.co.uk
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Familiesonline.co.uk November/ December 1
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CONTENTS
In This Issue
Welcome
4-10
Education
12-19
Christmas part 1
It’s not long until Christmas, and, whilst it will feel different to usual, there will still be plenty to organise.
20-27 Gift Guide
So we’ve got every angle covered – gifts, cooking, decoration and cardmaking, ideas for a cheaper and more eco-friendly season, opportunities for giving to others – right through to the best family films and ideas for Christmas Eve traditions. So save our link and keep it handy!
28-33 Christmas part 2 34
Early Years
36
Family Life
38-41 Christmas part 3 42-46 Clubs & Classes
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.
Marking our 30 year anniversary, we are also delighted to bring you the Great Families® Toy Giveaway – check out the opportunity to win toys from our Gift Guide. Wishing you a Merry Christmas from everybody at Families® Magazine.
Families Magazine turns 30!
To celebrate, we have FREEBIES for YOU! -In
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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
estkent.co.uk email: editor@familiesw
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Magazine November/ December 3
LOCAL NEWS
Calling all young Scientists!
Help us discover how babies & kids learn! We’re recruiting infants from birth to school age to take part in fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. Our prime location is easy to reach and we refund travel expenses. We also have online studies you can do from the comfort of home www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk/online-studies 020 7631 6258 babylab@bbk.ac.uk www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk 4 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
LOCAL NEWS
Seaton House School is now offering Early Years funding
Seaton House School is now participating in the Government 15 hours funding scheme for Early Years. The funding is applicable for children attending a minimum of 5 morning sessions. READ MORE
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 5
EDUCATION
DI 25% SC FE OU E NT
Homefield Prep celebrate 150th anniversary with 25% off Year 1 fees
As part of our 150th anniversary celebrations our Governors are awarding 25% off Year 1 fees
This amazing offer applies to any boy registered during the 150th birthday year who will be starting Reception class this year or in the future. READ MORE 6 November/December
This amazing offer applies to any boy registered during our 150th birthday year who will be starting Reception class this year or in the future. An independent day school for boys aged 4–13 in Sutton. Email: registrar@homefieldprep.school to find out more.
Please note that this offer is available until 31.12.20 and maybe subject to alteration. Terms & Conditions apply.
familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Godstone Farm Day Nursery opening Easter 2021
Virtual Open Morning at Banstead Prep School
The new Godstone Farm Day Nursery will offer childcare from 6 weeks old and includes supervised visits to the Farm Park as well access to private gardens, set to open Easter 2021.
Banstead Prep School is a coeducational prep school and nursery for girls and boys aged 2 – 11 where there’s more to a good education. Whilst they can’t offer open mornings this term, you can visit at a time to suit you by experiencing our virtual Open Morning. READ MORE
READ MORE
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 7
Independent school and nursery for girls and boys aged 2-11, where there’s more to a good education. Click to take a virtual tour of our school. SUTTON LANE | BANSTEAD | ADMISSIONS@BANSTEADPREP.COM | 01737 363600 8 November/December familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Ewell Castle School Virtual Tours
Independent Co-educational Day School For Pupils Aged 3-18
Where Children Thrive
Nursery and Reception Places Available
Ewell Castle School invites prospective parents to watch Virtual Tours of the School where they hope to give you an insight into why Ewell Castle is such a fantastic school. READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
Give Your Child A Head Start At Ewell Castle Nursery: • Excellent Personal Development • Stimulating Learning Experiences • Forest School • Music, Drama & PE • Extended Hours Day Care www.ewellcastle.co.uk
November/ December 9
EDUCATION
Choosing a Tutor for your Child
Primary School League Tables Explained
By Kate Hilpern
By Annabel Gray
In the past, parents might employ a tutor, discreetly, to help their child keep up at school. Now tutoring is higher profile and focuses on making students more academically competitive – getting ahead, not just keeping up. So if your child needs a tutor, how do you choose one? READ MORE
There are many factors to consider when choosing a school for your child – often including how well the school is performing. A useful tool to reference is the school annual league tables. Unfortunately though, these can sometimes seem a little complicated. READ MORE
Improving your Child’s Working Memory
Children use working memory all the time: to remember what they read in the previous paragraph of a book, when doing mental maths and to follow directions with lots of steps. The good news is that, if your child’s working memory seems poor, it can be improved with practice. READ MORE 10 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Anti-Bullying Week 16-20 November
Protecting your Child from Cyberbullying
Should you Defer your Child’s School Start?
By Shelley Goffe-Caldeira
By Claire Winter
It’s been reported that 82% of parents said that their children’s screen time increased during lockdown, with some having an extra four hours or more of non-school related screen time per day. Given this increase, there is no question that cases of bullying will have increased. READ MORE
Are summer-born children disadvantaged? If so, should you consider deferring your child’s school start if they are summerborn? This topic has been hotly debated for years. Certainly, there are pros and cons, but generally no one-size-fits-all solution. READ MORE
Recognising a Subtle Type of Bullying
Why Children Should Write Creatively
READ MORE
Every day children experience events that are new to them as well as adding new words to their vocabulary. These new experiences help them to develop a curious mind and can trigger ideas which then develop into stories or creative writing. So what benefits does this have? READ MORE
By Tanith Carey Imagine this. Annabel spots classmate, Lisa, whispering to her best friend, Eve. Later, Eve informs Annabel that she only wants to play with Lisa today – and the two girls don’t save Annabel a seat at lunch. Tearful and confused, Annabel wonders what she has done wrong….
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 11
CHRISTMAS
Toy Giveaway! Vroom Vroom Plate
Conversation Cards
Sword & Shield Sets
Micro Scooter
Knitted Diplodocuses
Driving Experience
Space Magnetic Pack
Mermaid Tails
Robo Wunderkind
Animal Wall Prints
Germ German Attack Games
See Gift Guide for details
12 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Follow The Harlequin on social media to enjoy a virtual advent calendar
Family festive fun. your route, your day, your distance - your way!
Vote for the Christmas films you’d like to see at the Waller Studio this year and help to design a film season full of Christmas magic. The Harlequin’s popular new café menu also gets a festive twist in December.
St Raphael’s would love to invite you to take part in their Virtual Santa Dash and encourage you, your family and friends to participate in your own way, on a day that suits you. Sign up today and send evidence that you have completed your dash by midnight on 1st January. READ MORE
READ MORE
VIRTUAL SANTA DASH 1ST DEC 20 - 1ST JAN 21 020 8254 2450
straphaels.org.uk/santadash20
Registered Charity No 1182636
Santa Dash Half page Family mag.indd familiesonline.co.uk
1
29/10/2020December 15:11:47 13 November/
CHRISTMAS
A Perfect Christmas Gift For All New Lockdown Mums Who Deserve An Extra Loving Touch Award winning, eco-friendly baby brand, Yummikeys, has launched its first ever adult-only jewellery design, Ultrasound Necklace. Made with mum in mind, each necklace is delicately engraved with your personal ultrasound image; a cherished keepsake of the time when it was just you and them. Carefully designed, each elegant disc offers a daily reminder of how amazing your body truly is. Available in silver plated stainless steel or rose and yellow 18ct gold plate. READ MORE
14 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
The Godstone Farm Elves have been working hard to keep the magic of Christmas alive This year’s Christmas visit returns to Godstone Farm, with all the usual farmyard fun and a truly festive visit to see Father Christmas, but of course some subtle changes have been made to ensure everyone’s safety. Let little ones wander through the magical tunnel with the friendly elves and be guided to meet the man himself! Watch small eyes light up as each child receives a marvellous present. There’s Christmas crafts and cookie decorating too! READ MORE
Email us to include your business in our January/February issue.
Christmas On The Farm
Christmas face masks for all the family Celebrate Christmas 2020 in true style with Christmas festive face masks for the whole family. They make great gifts and stocking fillers. READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
Selected dates in December 2020
See website for details! www.godstonefarm.co.uk November/ December 15
CHRISTMAS
Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall The Royal Albert Hall will re-open its doors this Christmas with a season of festive favourites, welcoming a live audience to a much-needed celebration of Christmas in 2020! The season will feature essentials from the Hall’s Christmas tradition, including the Royal Choral Society and Handel’s Messiah, alongside Christmas carols, The Nutcracker, Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas and My Christmas Orchestral Adventure. Tickets are available now for all socially distanced performances. MORE INFO
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC THIS DECEMBER WITH OUR SEASON OF SOCIALLY DISTANCED FESTIVE EVENTS FEATURING:
CAROL CONCERTS
MY CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRAL ADVENTURE
GUY BARKER’S BIG BAND CHRISTMAS
THE NUTCRACKER
royalalberthall.com/christmas 020 7589 8212 #RAHChristmas
16 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Christmas On Stage Please check venue websites for event and booking details.
Beauty and the Beast
The Borough Hall, Godalming GU7 1HY
Interactive, multi-sensory pantomime, Cinderella
A Christmas Carol
The Nutcracker
The Magic of Panto
The Nutcracker
Dame Dolly Saves Panto
East Molesey Cricket Club, KT8 9AL
Head3Head Theatre Virtual Event on Zoom.
The Socially Distanced Santa Show
The Royal Albert Hall, London SW7 2AP
Ballo Arthur Pita’s The Little Match Girl
The Hawth, Crawley RH10 6YZ
Dorking Halls, Dorking RH4 1SG
Sadlers Wells Theatre EC1R 4TN
familiesonline.co.uk
The Leatherhead Theatre KT22 8DN
The Hawth, Crawley RH10 6YZ
November/ December 17
CHRISTMAS
Festive Events
Please check venue websites for event and booking details.
SteamLights at Bluebell Railway
After Dark Trail at Kew
Beaverbrook on Ice
Snowfari: Christmas animal trail at Painshill
Virtual Santa Dash
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Sparkle, glow and shimmer on a magical steam train covered by thousands of lights.
Find polar bears and penguins on a festive animal trail.
Ready, Set, Glow this Christmas at RHS Garden Wisley
Reimagined for 2020 with a new route and captivating lightshows. 18 November/December
As twilight falls, the magic begins...
Family Festive Fun. Your route, your day, your distance - your way!
Christmas lights at Bedgebury Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family.
Beaverbrook will launch a winter ice skating rink in the winter wonderland grounds.
Skate back in time in the gardens of Henry VIII’s historic home.
Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall
Programme includes carols, traditional concerts, ballet, jazz and family fun. familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Where to See Santa
Please check venue websites for event and booking details.
Santa Specials steam train journeys
Christmas on the Farm
Meet Father Christmas during a magical steam train journey.
Watch small eyes light up as they receives a marvellous present and adventure on the farm.
Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm
Santa specials at Rural Life Centre
Surrey Wildlife Trust
Santa Cruises
See Santa at the countryside museum and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Search for Father Christmas in his forest grotto.
Wey and Arun Canal Santa Cruises
Denbies Santa’s Express train
40-minute cruises on the Wey and Arun Canal. familiesonline.co.uk
A ride through the vineyard with Santa himself!
See Santa and his reindeer at Santa Fir Christmas Tree Farm.
Enjoy a gentle family cruise along the River Way in search of Santa.
Santa Special at the Spa Valley Railway
Take a ride for a festive memorable family day out this Christmas. November/ December 19
CHRISTMAS
Online Local Gift Guide for Him
When you buy from a small business an actual person does a little happy dance.
From Tee to Green Gold Retailers Second Hand, ExDemo and New Golf Equipment Retailer.
Kingfisher Farm Shop
A fabulous selection of six beers and ales from three of Surrey’s finest breweries.
Beech Lane Currey House
Denbies Vinyard
Zero Zen
Pedricks Zero Waste Shop
Mr Manly Gift Pack.
Bamboo Composite Reusable Travel Mug.
Pedricks Zero Waste Shop
Pedricks Zero Waste Shop
This string shopper bag is a simple planetfriendly switch. Made from 100% cotton. 20 November/December
Crack open a cold one with this natural toned wood and metal bottle opener.
Gift Bags of Home Roasted and Ground Spices.
Copper Pipe Desk Lamp.
That Green Girl
Oarsman’s & Angler’s Map of the River Thames from it’s source to London Bridge. familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Online Local Gift Guide for Her
Lily & Grace
Lovely keyrings personalised rainbow keyrings with the initial of your choice.
That Green Girl Make your own beeswax wraps.
Indian cookery class from Beech Lane Currey House Treat a loved one to an Indian cooking experience.
familiesonline.co.uk
Pedricks Zero Waste Shop
Crystal Face Roller. Crystal face rollers are an ancient Chinese anti-aging tool.
Pedricks Zero Waste Shop
Mayfield Lavender
Well Woman Essential Oils Kit with 3 Essential Oils to use individually or blend as required.
Pedricks Zero Waste Shop
Reusable Make Up Removal Pads.
Lunar Goddess Bath Ritual Box.
Hippy Chic
Pretty Savage Homemade Soaps
A range of handmade jewellery using genuine gemstones Chakra Bracelet.
A selection of locally made soaps and bath time products.
November/ December 21
CHRISTMAS
Online Local Gift Guide for the Kids
PureBeauty
Baby Mouse
Pedricks Zero Waste Shop
Kiddie Bath Bombs. Safe form 3months +.
Framed, handsewn applique textile pictures for children. Can be personalised.
A small 5cm yoyo made from wood in a variety of designs.
Pedricks Zero Waste Shop
Pedricks Zero Waste Shop
Lovingly Made Crafts
Wooden Click Clack Cars.
Beautifully crafted Bamboo Plates.
Sweet Filled Gonk Bags with personalised bauble.
Splatter Craft
Klara Hawkins
The Handmade Parcel Company
Kids craft activity kits and a range a craft supplied.
22 November/December
Fun range of kids enamel mugs. Designs by Klara Hawkins, a Surrey based artist.
Handmade letter box gift boxes with handcrafted items sourced from artisan small business. familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Online Local Local Gift Shops and Independent Retailers
Ida’s House
The Lemon Tree Shop
Independent knitting shop stocking a wide range of yarns, patterns, needles, equipment & accessories.
The perfect place to shop for that unique gift or special treat.
Bumbles
That Girl in Green
The perfect place to find something different, every item has been personally selected.
High quality handmade and environmentally friendly gifts.
Illustrated Books and More
Sweet Vintage
An online bookstore for book collectors and people who love illustration. familiesonline.co.uk
Quest Gift Shop
Spiritual gift shop with a wide selection of incense, crystals, essential oils, tarot and oracle cards.
Pedricks Zero Waste Shop
A range of great ecofriendly and responsibly sourced gifts.
The Crafters Market
Beautiful home-ware and boutique style gifts. Now online. Showcasing local craft and all things handmade with love. November/ December 23
CHRISTMAS
Online Local Christmas Tree Decorations
Mayfield Lavender
Delightful and fun, handmade felt Christmas decorations.
The Lemon Tree Shop
Papelito Papercraft
Penny Rose Design
Lovingly Made Crafts
Pedricks Zero Waste Shop
Beautiful handmade bauble creations using thin strips of coloured paper.
A selection of keepsake wooden Lockdown baubles to mark a year we will never forget.
Fabric angel tree topper.
Personalised Christmas Baubles.
Beautifully crafted wooden snowflakes.
In The Loop Crochet
Crafty Owls
Redhill Confetti
Bespoke Christmas Glitter reindeer jingle bell Crochet Christmas Tree keepsake family baubles. nose Christmas bauble decorations. Bunting.
24 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!
Wooden Shield/ Sword Set
Perfectly designed for little hands and big adventures. Ages 4+. £15.
PomPom Climbing Triangle
Munchy Play Plate
Fun dining as little ones whizz toy cars/trains around meals. Ages 6mths+. £14.50.
Space Magnetic Pack
An affordable Christmas gift with an intergalactic theme. Ages 5+. £25.
First-of-its-kind climbing triangle which can be folded away at night. Ages 3+. £325.
Young Driver Drive-tastic
Get behind the wheel for a memorable driving experience! Ages 5+ £32.99.
Christmas Cracker Puzzles
Best Years Dino Love
Together Equal Conversation Cards
Gruffalo Micro Scooter
Bright, knitted diplodocus dinosaur – sturdy but soft too! Age 0+. £14.99. familiesonline.co.uk
Great stocking filler. Thought-provoking conversation starters. Ages 7+. £7.99.
Premium wooden puzzles in cracker packaging. Ages 3-8. £9.95.
Exclusive for 2020. Range of prints and colours. Ages 1-5. From £95.95. November/ December 25
CHRISTMAS
The Unusual Christmas Gift Guide Surprise your kids with some quirky gifts this Christmas!
Horrible Science Germ Attack
Planet Mermaid Tails
Smart Counting Football
Junko Zoomer Kits
Follow Me Ball
Penguins On Ice
Robo Wunderkind
Engenius Contraptions Marble Run
Animal Wall Prints
Imagination-stimulating Beautifully designed board game with a and created mermaid topical subject! Ages tails. 100% swimmable! 8+. £19.99. Ages 3+. From £33.99.
Counts up to 100 keepy-uppies with lights and sounds. Ages 6+. £20.
Make junk into working A colour changing Unique, award-winning toys using problemmotorised ball for baby puzzle game with solving skills. Ages to follow. Ages: 6mths+ multi-level challenges. 6-10. From £9.99. £16.99. Ages 6+ £19.99.
Award-winning robotics kits that teach coding through the joy of play. Ages 4-10. From £199. 26 November/December
Wooden perpetual motion marble run. Ages 10+. £28.99.
Bespoke, personalised animal wall or shelf prints. Ages 0+. From £10. familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
The Great Families® Toy Giveaway! WIN! 1 of 3
Mermaid Tails from Planet Mermaid
WIN!
WIN! 1 of 3
Gruffalo Micro Scooter from Micro Scooter
Germ Attack Game from Horrible Science
Select 3 in 1 (12mths5yrs) or Mini (2-5 yrs).
WIN!
WIN! 1 of 2
WIN! 1 of 5
Sword & Shield Sets from Green Owl Toys
Conversation Cards from Together Equal
WIN! 1 of 2
Child’s Animal Print from Lauren May Illustrates
Knitted Diplodocus from Best Years
Vroom Vroom Plate from Munchy Play
WIN!
WIN!
WIN!
1 of 2 Young Driver Driving Experience (10-17yrs)
Space Magnetic Set from Time Flies for Kids WIN!
Explorer Lite from Robo Wunderkind
Good Luck! T&Cs apply
familiesonline.co.uk
ENTER HERE November/ December 27
CHRISTMAS
Crafty Christmas Gifts for Teachers Make a homemade gift to say thank you to your teacher for their support this year.
Make a Pebble Teacher Paper Weight
Decorate a Plant Pot
Make a Jar of Chocolate Brownie Mix
Bake Flowerpot Bread
Knit an Apple
Make a DIY Pencil Holder
Put Together a Tea Wreath
Create a Cactus Pet Rock
Make Hot Chocolate Stirrers
28 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Christmas Cooking with the Kids Get the whole family busy in the kitchen with these exciting seasonal recipe ideas.
Mini Gingerbread Houses
Christmas Yoghurt Bark Slices
Rudolph Shortbread
Rudolph Pancakes
Santa Brownie Hats
Sweet Snowballs
Christmas Pudding Rice Krispie Cakes
Melted Snowmen Cookies
Kid’s Christmas Trifles
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 29
CHRISTMAS
Are You Dreaming of a Green Christmas? Here are some of our ideas for an eco-friendly Christmas.
Buy a Living Christmas Tree
Keep it outside and bring in every year.
Free Christmas Gift Cheques
Avoid unnecessary gift giving and waste. Pledge to do something instead.
Buy Reusable Crackers
Fill with your own special gifts and surprises. 30 November/December
Invest in a Reusable Advent Calendar Fill with your own treats each year.
Dedicate a Tree
Give a gift that keeps on growing.
Use Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper
Make sure it is recyclable and, if possible, made from recycled paper.
Introduce Some Vegan Food
Reduce your carbon footprint by trying some vegan food.
Charity Christmas E-cards
Help a charity at same time as helping the planet.
Switch to LED Christmas Lights
Use up to 80% less energy than standard lights. familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Seasonal Acts of Kindness
It’s a tough time for everybody, so here are some different ways to support those in need.
Centrepoint More Than a Christmas Dinner
NSPCC Letter from Santa
#FoodBankAdvent Reverse Calendar
RSPCA Christmas Appeal
Action for Children: Be a Secret Santa
BookTrust Give a Festive Book Parcel
Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day
Age UK Say Hello to an Older Neighbour
Wear a Christmas Hat Day Support this vital research on 18 December for Brain Tumour Research.
Donate when you order Help a homeless young a letter from Santa for your child. person this Christmas.
Help rescue an Support your local food bank. Collect a Reverse abandoned/neglected animal. Advent Calendar.
Help a vulnerable child have a happier Christmas.
Brighten a vulnerable Ideas for supporting an child’s Christmas with a Get your silliest jumper older neighbour with special gift book parcel. small acts of kindness. out on 11 December and donate £2. familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 31
CHRISTMAS
DIY Christmas Cards Kids love to make or colour their own and they are so much more special than bought cards!
Surprise Christmas Cracker Card
Tinsel Tree Card
Sesame Street Christmas Card
Hand-Stitched Christmas Cards
Confetti Christmas Card
Layered Christmas Tree Card
Snow Surprise Christmas Card
Reindeer Christmas Card
Fingerprint Light Cards
32 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Christmas Eve Traditions
Mix and match ideas for different parts of the day and create family traditions that your children will treasure.
Morning
Afternoon
Posh breakfast. Enjoy pancakes and bacon using festive plates and cups. Feed the birds. Hang edible treats or a feeder so the birds can have Christmas dinner! Make reindeer food. Mix edible glitter and oats to sprinkle outside for Rudolph and friends. Write a thank you letter to Santa. Encourage your kids to leave thank you notes for Santa. Create a Santa sack for others. Get your children to select unwanted toys for Santa to pick up and take to other children.
Bake something Christmassy. Gingerbread, shortbread, cookies or a cake. Exercise. A family walk or cycle will help your children settle to sleep on the big night. Set up a treasure hunt. Leave clues around the house for kids to find a special Christmas Eve present like a tree decoration. Family photoshoot. Take a family selfie. Compare with Christmas photos from previous years. Play a game. Introduce a new card game or play a board game.
Evening Snuggle up and watch a film, read a Christmas story or watch a panto. Leave food out for Santa. Don’t forget a carrot for Rudolph! Enjoy virtual Christmas carols. This year many organisations will be having carolling events online. Go on a family Christmas light walk. Get some fresh air and check out the neighbourhood Christmas lights. Carol singing. Wrap up warm and treat neighbours and friends to your angelic voices – at a safe distance! Hang up the stockings. Remember the most important tradition of all (as if you’d forget)! familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 33
EARLY YEARS
Best Sing-Alongs for Learning Songs can help children learn and remember. Check out these great singalongs for under 5s.
Days of the Week Song
Counting to Ten in Four Languages There’s English, German, Portuguese and Indonesian.
Great for co-ordination and includes signing.
Shapes Song
Shape up with The Hippie Hippie Shapes in the CBeebies house.
Alphabet Song
Bring the alphabet to life with this memorable song and movement routine.
Months of the Year
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
12 Days of Christmas
So Many Colours to See
Learn the days of the week with Buzz the Bandleader.
Teaches co-ordination and body parts. 34 November/December
Sing and count with this popular Christmas song.
The Wheels on the Bus
Learn the months by singing along with Marvie from Sesame Street.
Learn about colours with The Wiggles.
familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
The Importance of Toddler Play By Dr Sarah Mundy
Play is an enjoyable part of childhood, and an important one for the developing brain. Through play, children develop physically, emotionally, cognitively and creatively. It allows them to engage in the world in a way that feels safe, explore different roles, address fears, and develop confidence. Children who have parents who actively play with them, learn about sharing, problem solving and decision-making more quickly than those who don’t. Playing with your child also helps you understand their world and shows them you are interested in them, both important aspects of a secure attachment relationship, which is seen as the cornerstone of a child’s development. So playing with our children is very important, even though prioritising this can be difficult. But how do we initiate play? And what do we do? READ MORE
Unlock Your Child’s Inner Superpowers
Children’s charity Barnardo’s has launched the Super Seekers activity packs for children aimed at helping to develop life skills such as kindness, creativity and resilience. The packs are designed to help children ages 3 to 5 years develop important life skills through fun and imaginative play. FIND PACKS familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 35
FAMILY LIFE
Storytelling Ideas for Parents By Becky Cranham www.planbee.com
Voice and Intonation Your tone of voice is crucial in engaging your children and helping them understand the story. Convey emotions by: Slowing or quickening your voice Changing the volume of your voice Making your voice higher/lower Use different voices for different characters.
Questions
Asking your child questions about what is happening and how they feel about it can help keep them engaged and following the plot.
Repeated Phrases Help Kids Join In
Think, the Three Little Pigs - “I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down!” Try books like Not Now, Bernard Green Eggs and Ham We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Use Story Tools
Tired brain? Use tools like Roll and Write Story Ideas Generator to come up with basic plots.
Build on Familiar Stories…
Use Wordless Picture Books
…and change the setting, characters or details. Turn Snow White into a cat who runs away from the evil cat queen and lives with a group of seven friendly squirrels!
Describe the setting, characters, and what they say. Encourage your children to join in. Do they agree with your version? Can they make up their own? Try: Flotsam Flora and the Flamingo The Snowman Owl Bat Bat Owl Clown Mirror Journey Once Upon a Snowstorm
Or add your child as a character in stories like The Little Mermaid or modern classics like Bob the Builder.
Draw on Life Experiences You may, of course, embellish/ leave out certain details! Tell your children funny stories about when they were younger. 36 November/December
Tell Stories Anytime, Anywhere…. …not just at bedtime!
familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
How to Have a Thrifty Christmas
How Many Toys Does a Child Need?
The pandemic, lockdown, a slowdown in the economy, and job losses have affected many people’s finances across the UK, meaning less money to spend on Christmas. So here are some great festive money-saving tips from our Families® experts, to help you enjoy Christmas without breaking the bank. READ MORE
Toys have a way of taking over. Before you know it, you are knee-deep in discarded Lego and naked Barbie dolls. The children are bored, the house is a mess and no one is happy. Most families have too many toys and more toys actually equals less play. Why is this?
Christmas if You’re Separated
Top Self-Care Tips for Working Parents
All separated parents have a puzzle to solve at Christmas. How are you going to create a Christmas that is affordable, achievable, pleases the kids and works for your child’s other parent? None of this is easy…
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a huge test of parents’ resilience and adaptability. So how can you last the distance? Mental well-being is crucial for the long haul - and because your mental health effects that of your children. Our friends at Working Mums have 8 top tips for looking after yourself if you’re a working parent. READ MORE
By Rebecca Giraud and Bob Greig
READ MORE familiesonline.co.uk
READ MORE
November/ December 37
CHRISTMAS
WIN International Elf Service Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters Story Bundle!
T&Cs apply
ENTER HERE BY 24 NOVEMBER This is your chance to win 25 Personalised Christmas Elf Letters from the North Pole, worth £38.50. Hide these hand-crafted, ecofriendly letters around your home for your children to find each day in December and discover what the Elves are up to in the North Pole! The winner will also receive a letter from Father Christmas. Runners up will receive one of 5 sets of 7 Personalised Christmas Elf Letter NEWS or ACTIVITY Bundles. 20% off when you order HERE using FAMILYMAGIC20 at checkout.
Letter from Santa
What could be more special than a letter in the post from Santa? Children can receive a FREE letter from Santa via the Royal Mail if they post their letter to him by 11 December. Envelopes must have either a first or second class stamp and be addressed to Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ. Letters must include your child’s full name and address. Children can also receive a personalised reply from Santa via his elves at the NSPCC in exchange for a minimum £5 donation. Order online by 9 December. 38 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Christmas Decorations to Make with the Kids
Tree House Decoration
Paper Plate Christmas Tree Twirler
DIY Wrapping Paper
Snowman Lantern
Paper Angel Garlands
Pine Cone Mouse
Paper Ball Reindeer
3D Christmas Tree
Paper Plate Santa
familiesonline.co.uk
November/ December 39
CHRISTMAS
Free £5 bonus when you make your first purchase!
As you tick off the turkey, brand new sofa and Christmas presents off your lists - you can tick off the biggest gift of all when you shop with KidStart... Together we can help make a brighter future for your child. Every time you shop at one of our 2,300 partners, we top up your child’s account for free.
Make your money go even further this Black Friday, Christmas and beyond... Search for a retailer and click to Shop Shop as normal Feel great as you watch your child’s savings grow-ho-ho-ho!
Sign up now! 40 November/December
familiesonline.co.uk
CHRISTMAS
Best Family Christmas Movies Snuggle up on the sofa with your family and some Quality Street or mince pies to watch a classic Christmas movie!
Home Alone
Elf
The Holiday
An 8 year old boy protects his house from burglars when he is left home alone.
A man-sized Elf (Will Ferrell) wreaks havoc on the elf community.
Cheesy rom-com. Kate Winslett/Cameron Diaz find romance on a home swap.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
It’s a Wonderful Life
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Love Actually
Miracle on 34th Street
Jim Carrey is the perfect Grinch in this memorable festive flick.
Great British actors, a brilliant soundtrack, a festive classic that can be watched every year! familiesonline.co.uk
Beautiful black and white classic for the whole family.
A Christmas remake that’s as charming as the 1947 original.
Loveable remake of Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, with Michael Caine.
Nativity
Fondly remember the chaotic nativity plays you’ve all endured/ enjoyed! November/ December 41
CLUBS & CLASSES
Local Academic Tuition
Explore Learning
Excel Tuition
First Class Learning
Maths & English SATs & 11 Plus tuition.
Croydon Tuition in key academic subjects.
Kumon
Maths and English study programme.
Maths Masters
Epsom,Tadworth & Redhill Professional, affordable maths tuition clubs for Key Stages 1-2.
Mock Test Masters
Parch Hill Tuition
Southern Tutors
Starlight Learning
Croydon Maths and English tuition for ages 5-18-years.
42 November/December
11 +, key stage 2 Maths and English tuition.
Various locations Expert English and Maths tuition for all ages and abilities.
Sutton, Croydon and Wallington Specialist providers of 11+ mock tests in the UK.
Kenley, Caterham, Purley and Coulsdon Tuition for children in Years 3- 6.
familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Preschool and Toddler Classes
Aquatots
Gymboree Play & Music
Various locations Swim programme for children from 10 weeks to 7 or 8.
Face to face classes for 0-5s on patented apparatus.
My Gym Wallington
Monkey Music
Teddies Music Club
Face to face and online music toddler groups for 0-5s.
Sing & Sign
Wallington SM6 8SY Fantastic fun filled programs for ages 6 weeks – 10 years.
Various locations Award winning music classes for babies and young children.
Various locations Baby singing and signing class.
Rugbytots
Little Gym
Cavat School
A fun and dynamic PreSchool programme for 2-7-year old boys and girls. familiesonline.co.uk
Face to face and online gymnastics activities for 4mths-12yrs.
Purley Fun performing arts school from 18 months - 4 years. November/ December 43
CLUBS & CLASSES
Art, Language and Music Classes
A to G Music School
Sutton 1-1 lessons. Instruments and vocal coaching.
Craft My Day
Worcester Park KT4 8HY Arts and crafts activities.
Realistic Music Academy
Epsom Contemporary music academy. 44 November/December
Art K
David Thomas Organist
Various locations Art K cater for art learning both in the studio and at home.
South Croydon Tuition in organ, piano and music theory.
Rock Project Croydon
Petite Ecole Reigate
Caterham and Purley Drums, Guitar, Bass Guitar and Vocals.
Reigate French classes every Saturday. Ages 4 16.
Krafty Kids Club
Surrey Sound of Music School
Various locations Arts & Crafts club for children of all ages.
Lessons in piano, singing, flute, violin, drums, guitar & more. familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS & CLASSES
Active Sports Clubs
2play Football
Croydon Football coaching for children 5–8 years.
Flexi Flics Gymnastics
Coulsdon, Reigate, Warlingham & Kenley Gymnastics for age 4+.
MultiSports Sutton and Cheam
Multisports classes with 18 different sports a year. 4-16 years. familiesonline.co.uk
Axten 1-2-1 Private Football Coaching
Epsom Fencing Club
Future Gymnastics
Great Waves Swimming Academy
London and Surrey 1-1 football coaching. for beginners to
Carshalton Fun gymnastics sessions for children from 3 +.
Skills UK
Croydon and Sutton Weekly football sessions for ages 2-11 years.
Epsom Coaching in all 3 weapons. All abilities and all ages.
Lessons for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Star Tastic Gymnastics
Epsom, Stoneleigh, and Reigate. Classes for all ages. November/ December 45
CLUBS & CLASSES
Performing Arts Classes
Ashtead Ballet School
Ambition Dance
Ashtead and Epsom Ballet, Tap, Modern dance. Ages 3 years +.
Epsom Dance classes for children aged 18 months to adult.
Dance Studio 84
Ewell Dance
Bright Sparks Performers
Croydon Boys and girls classes from 2-18 years.
Firebird Academy of Ballet
Sanderstead Royal Academy of Dance ballet school. Ages 3 to adult.
Ewell, Epsom and Stoneleigh All types of dance for ages 2 to adult.
Coulsdon Ballet training to ages 3 years +.
Perform
Presto Performing Arts
Stagecoach Performing Arts
Purley, Caterham, Reigate, Oxted Performing Arts classes. 3 – 10 years. 46 November/December
Sutton and Wallington Performing Arts for all children aged 4-16.
Various locations Dance, Singing, and Acting. Ages 4-18. familiesonline.co.uk
