Families VAle of York Jan/Feb 2016

jan/feb’16

68

issue

free

The useful magazine for families with young children in York, Harrogate, Tadcaster, Wetherby and Selby

BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL

128 Duchy Road, Harrogate HG1 2HE

OPEN MORNING Friday 11th March 2016 10.00 am –11.30 am

Harrogate’s only stand-alone Preparatory School for 2-11 yr olds.

✓High academic standards ✓Traditional Values ✓Warm family atmosphere Currently reserving our final places for Nursery and Reception 2016.

Please contact us for further information or a tour of the school

T: 01423 508558 • www.brackenfieldschool.co.uk

welcome to families Ah... January. Lets face it; you either love it or hate it. I thought everyone hated it until my sister told me it was her favourite month. “It’s full of exciting possibilities,” she told me, “new beginnings, a clean, yet to be filled diary.”

I’m not so sure about that. My diary is already bulging with things for 2016 (‘things’ I’ll be ferrying my children to, that is) and I have a sneaky suspicion that I’ll have fallen off the diet wagon by the third week of the month - just in time to discover I still don’t fit into that dress for my husband’s big birthday!

There are only two ways to get through the month as far as I can see: embrace it and invent reasons to party, or find a large duvet and crawl under it. I shall alternate between the two.

See you in March!

Editor of Families VOY

‘outstanding’

An education in a stunning rural location

Open Doors Thursday 21st January 2016 9.30 to 11.45am

Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, Harrogate HG3 2JG. email: admin@belmontgrosvenor.co.uk www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

Please contact the school office on 01423 771029 to arrange a visit Follow us on

2 Families Vale of York

families magazine

Tel: 01405 860831 editor@familiesvoy.co.uk www.familiesvoy.co.uk Circulation: 18,000 Deadline:

The deadline for the Mar/Apr 2016 edition is early Feb 2015 Designed by: MOOIdesign Tel: 01405 869045 Printed by: Warners Midlands PLC www.warners.co.uk Front Cover: www.shutterstock.com

in this

Families Vale of York is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Vale of York are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

issue

p4

news

P8

clubs & classes

P13

little bites recipe

P14 travel

P10 reading & book reviews P15

new year, new start?

P12 the sleep nanny

what’s on

P21

“Something a little different for a birthday or just to treat your child this is the shop to have a look in” Gillian, Harrogate 45 COLD BATH ROAD, HARROGATE, HG2 0NL

EAT * SLEEP * DRESS * PLAY

TIME TO ENTER A NEW WORLD Acting, singing and dance classes for 4 to 18 year olds. stagecoach.co.uk/york 07799 622880 york@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/wetherby 0808 208 5134 wetherby@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/leedskippaxandselby

0808 208 5134 leedskippaxandselby@stagecoach.co.uk

stagecoach.co.uk/harrogate 01423 771138 harrogate@stagecoach.co.uk

Families Vale of York 3

news Stagecoach

York Kids to Star in Joseph

Excitement is growing at Stagecoach York as students prepare to start rehearsals for the professional tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which comes to the Grand Opera House York in April. The sparkling family musical, which stars X-Factor winner Joe McElderry, has received sensational reviews and continues to have huge success with standing ovations across the country.

Stagecoach York are training two teams of 32 students to take part, including many for whom it will be their professional debut.

They will form the Joseph choir who are an integral part of the show being on stage throughout performances and even open the second act! This comes hot on the heels of Stagecoach York students appearing in the professional tours of Jesus Christ Superstar and Carmen.

For more information about Stagecoach classes for 4 to 18 year olds which build confidence and performance skills for all children contact Principal Sally Thrussell on 01904 672662 or www.stagecoach.co.uk/york

Little Bugs Little Bugs Childcare offers full and part -time day care places to children aged between 6 weeks 5 years.

The nursery/crèche building situated at The Web adventure park in York, is fully selfcontained and offers the children a comfortable, warm and inviting place for them to learn and develop.

“The main focus of Little Bugs is to encourage children to fully experience their childhood in a fantastic hands on approach, just as we did as a children,” said Jane Mann, manager of the nursery.

“At Little Bugs we encourage children use their imaginations and creativity whilst supporting their natural curiosity. This means we encourage lots of messy play such as mud piemaking and den-building and love to follow the individual child’s creative leads – wherever that may take us!

“To us it’s important that all children have the right to be understood as individuals and are given their own time to develop as creative and competent learners, so as practitioners we make sure we’re providing them with inspiring spaces both indoors and out.”

If you’d like to know more about Little Bugs nursery you’ll find them at www.webadventurepark.co.uk/ attractions/little-bugs-childcare 01904 692221

New Principal at The Mount

This January sees Adrienne Richmond take the helm at The Mount School in York with the departure of Julie Lodrick who has been head since 2009.

The school is the UK’s only Quaker school for girls, combining the advantages of the Quaker ethos with the benefits of an all-girls education First established in 1785 it is one of the UK’s longest-running girls’ schools and counts among its alumnae four living dames: Jocelyn Bell Burnell, AS Byatt, Margaret Drabble and, of course, Judi Dench.

Adreienne Richmond is a mathematician whose career has covered teaching in both maintained and the independent sector. She has also taught in both co-educational and girls-only schools and maintains, like many teachers with the same experience, that girls achieve far better outcomes in single sex education.

When asked what she felt were the top three challenges faced by today’s women she replied: “Achieving a work-life balance; being something to everyone (family, children, work colleagues) whilst taking care of one’s self; achieving equality in the workplace. Women have moved forward so much in the last ten to twenty years, but many continue to face difficulties being seen by their employer as equal to male colleagues.”

To find out more about the Mount School, its Quaker ethos and single-sex education visit www.mountschoolyork.co.uk

4 Families Vale of York

Burn Bridge Preschool

celebrates 30 years!

Burn Bridge Pre-school in Pannal, Harrogate recently welcomed past and present teachers to celebrate their 30th birthday. The event also included a special visit from Mrs Joan Oates who set up Burn Bridge Pre-school as a playgroup for five children in 1985.

Adults and children enjoyed activities such as the photo booth, biscuit decorating, face painting and arts and crafts, whilst staff were delighted to be reunited with older children and hear how they were getting on.

Other highlights of the party were singing with the regular music group ‘Songbirds’ and a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ followed by a very special birthday cake.

“The celebrations were a great success,” said pre-school manager Vic Whardall. “I am proud to be part of this well established setting, here’s to the next 30 years!” www.burnbridgepreschool.co.uk

news SATs Revision Courses

The First Class Learning Centre in York is already thinking about the May tests and enrolling students onto their new Year 6 SATs revision course. Plus to save you some money, (because Christmas has hammered the purse strings), if your child starts in January, there are no tuition fees to pay until February!

Phone Becky, the York Centre manager on 07932751003 to find out more or visit www.firstclasslearning.co.uk/york-south

Cookery classes for 3 - 11 year olds M: 0776 820 7839 E: info@littlebitescookery.com www.littlebitescookery.com

Swimtime now at The Mount School

Popular local swim school Swimtime are now running Sunday afternoon swimming lessons in The Mount School.

This is in addition to established classes at lessons in The Marriott Hotel on Tadcaster Road, DW Sports in Selby, Terrington Hall School and also Wenlock House in Acaster Malbis. Lessons run along-side each other, so different level siblings have the opportunity to have lessons at the same time.

Want to win a FREE Course of swimming lessons?

The first 20 people to book lessons by quoting ‘Families Vale Of York’ will be entered into a free prize draw to win a FREE COURSE OF SWIMMING LESSONS with Swimtime. Call Sarah on 01757 247047 for more information.

www.swimtime.org

New Classes at Babyballet York are pleased to announce the arrival of new classes at York Sports Village in Heslington on Mondays from January.

“This will be the first time we’ve offered afternoon classes,” said Jane Herbert of Babyballet, “which is great for any children who have every morning at pre-school.

“This will be a three week trial for £15 consisting of a 1.10pm class for Movers (3 & 4 year olds) and a 1.50pm class for Tinies (18months to 3 years).

In addition to these new classes, Babyballet continues to run at St. James the Deacon, Woodthorpe on Tuesdays, Roko, near Clifton Moor on Wednesdays, Clements Hall on Nunthorpe Road on Fridays and Manor School, near Poppleton on Saturdays.

Call 07702 965 932 to book. www.babyballet.co.uk

*This voucher must be provided at the start of the session. Terms and Conditions apply.

See website for details. Expires 29th Feb 2016

Families Vale of York 5

news

Keep your Children Safe

Harrogate is the happiest town in Britain but this can lead to a false sense of security when it comes to safety, especially with the dangers of child abduction. However, all schools take Stranger Danger very seriously.

Brackenfield School recently invited their local police liaison officer, PC John Jakes to visit the school to make the children more aware of Stranger Danger.

PC Jakes gave the children very important advice about how to deal with strangers and what to do if they ever became lost. He talked about safer strangers and was very impressed with the level of knowledge and mature answers from the children. After assembly the pupils enjoyed an opportunity to sit in the police car and to learn about all of the different roles that the police play in keeping our society safe.

So, based on his advice, how should children keep themselves safe?

PC Jakes advises you tell your children: • If lost, only approach a person in uniform or someone such as a shop assistant.

• If approached by a stranger who won’t leave you alone shout “Leave Me Alone!” as loud as possible.

Scale New Heights – as a Family

Are you looking for something differen t and exciting to do as a family? Perhaps a new and exciting activity for kids or a birthd ay party with a differen ce?

Harrogate Climbing Ce and outdoor climbing ntre offer both indoor sessions suitable for families, as well as activities for children aged five and upwards. Fo un access of Harrogate d on Hornbeam Park the centre is wi thin town centre shops; the centre has ample easy and great café facilit ies making a climb free parking ing trip a great day out The Centre’s friend too! ly, professional sta ff are on hand to en session is great fun sure that every . There are session s for children offeri to work through a ng the chance nationally accredit ed achievement sc along for a climb wi heme, or just go th friends.

Climbing is an excit ing and stimulating activity for all ages way for families to , spend time togeth er. For more informa and a great variety of courses tion on the and activities, or to make a booking, co centre or visit their ntact the website. w: www.harrogate climbingcentre.co m t: 01423 815024 e: info@harrogate climbingcentre.co m

Olympic Swimmer makes a Splash at Belmont Grosvenor School Former Olympic swimmer James Kirton took the plunge when he officially opened a new £80,000 swimming pool refurbishment at Harrogate prep school Belmont Grosvenor.

The Yorkshire-based athlete, who swam for Team GB in the Beijing Olympics, cut the ribbon before joining pupils for a swimming lesson.

James, who was guest of honour at Belmont Grosvenor School’s Speech Day in the summer, praised the school for investing in its ‘fantastic’ pool.

“I have visited more than 500 schools over the years and I have never come across one where money has been invested in the pool – it is wonderful to see a school like Belmont Grosvenor investing in such an important facility,” he said.

Members of the school’s PTA raised the £80,000 for the pool refurbishment through a series of fund-raising events over three years.

Work carried out at the 16m indoor heated pool includes new boys and girls changing rooms, a new extended reception area and redecoration of the entire space.

Jane Merriman, Headteacher at Belmont Grosvenor School, said she was delighted with the new pool, which is one of the jewels in the crown at the co-educational school.

“The PTA have done a wonderful job over many years in raising the money for this much-needed refurbishment of our swimming pool.

“As well as being well-used by all our pupils at Belmont Grosvenor, from the nursery upwards, our swimming pool is a popular community facility and the refurbishment has brought it in line with the rest of the rest of the excellent facilities at our school,” she said.

For more information or to arrange a tour of Belmont Grosvenor School and Magic Tree Nursery, call 01423 771029 or email admin@belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

From left to right, Arthur Everingham, Freya Eastwood, Toby Lomax, Kayla-Louise Briggs with Olympic swimmer James Kirton

6 Families Vale of York

Did you know, in a recent survey more than 75% of parents said they struggled to find out enough information when choosing a new activity for their children?

Now, with the support of businesses such as Flutterbabies and other leading children’s activity providers, this is all set to change!

A UK first, the CAA is a NEW not-for-profit association promoting excellence and raising standards across the children’s activities industry which means mums, dads and carers just have to look for the CAA logo for reassurance on a range of important issues such as child safeguarding, insurance, training, teaching standards and H&S. An expert team including some of the UK’s leading activity providers have come together to form this association to revolutionise the industry, showcase the best and, for the first time, empower parents to be able to make informed choices regarding the clubs and classes they entrust with their children. Founder Members include award-winning national and international brands such as Baby Sensory, Water Babies, Diddi Dance, Tatty Bumpkin and Rhythm Time.

Flutterbabies run a number of classes across the Leeds and York area in baby and toddler swimming, baby yoga, baby massage and baby signing.

Owner Samantha Dalton, commented; “I have run baby classes for a number of years and there has never been a recognisable benchmark to demonstrate best practices. The baby classes market has grown significantly over the last decade and this level of choice has made it difficult for parents to know which is a good class and which is not. Flutterbabies already has the STAMark for the swimming part of the business and I want my customers to be reassured that the rest of the business is at the top of the game too. After all, no parent would want to compromise on their child’s safety and well-being.” www.flutterbabies.co.uk

Under 5 5’s Gymnastics We’re W e’r ’re here to ha have lots of fun… ...why don’t you come and join us?

Lots of activities specially designed for different stages of physical development including balancing, jumping, swinging and rolling.

Learning through play and music using hand apparatus and large apparatus for variety.

Building strength, co-ordination, agility and balance and increasing physical confidence and self esteem Parent and child classes and independent sessions.

WETHERBY SPORTS ASSOCIATION

Lodge Lane, Wetherby,LS22 5HA (in the leisure centre car park) for class times and availability on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Contact Lisa 07946 082801 Gym_Gems@yahoo.com

Swimming Lessons • • • • •

All Ages and Abilities Group lessons One to One Lessons Lessons Local to you Gift Vouchers

Call Debbie or Ray: 01757 247047 or 07768 179840

Email : Sarah.roberts@swimtime.org Learn to swim, be safe, have fun!

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supports new Children’s Activities Association

.s w im ti m e . o

Inspiring tuition - FREE trial session!

Explore Learning centres provide maths and English tuition for 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities. The centres are open seven days a week, meaning Explore can fit into busy family life.

As Explore members, children work with tutors who are great educational role models, enthusiastic about learning and fantastic motivators. Each child has an individualised learning programme, and all Explore courses map to the National Curriculum in England and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.

Find out how your child can benefit from Explore Learning membership today.

Book your free trial at www.explorelearning.co.uk or call 01904 406355.

Pay Less for Days Out

Yorkshire Family Events was set up in January 2015 with the aim of making family time priceless -by making the price less!

Since then over 90 offers have been added from some of the best Yorkshire attractions, soft plays, classes and local businesses, saving families money.

The family discount card can be purchased for £10 including P+P and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

Once you’ve received your card you can go on to the website and enjoy offers from local attractions such as Lightwater Valley, York Dungeon, and many more.

To find out more and to buy your discount card go to www.yorkshirefamilyevents.com

Families Vale of York 7

clubs&classes These days, education is about much more than what goes on in the classroom. Most schools – whether state or private – offer a range of extra-curricular and enrichment activities and these can be fun, educational, sociable, confidence-boosting or all of these.

lessons There’s more to school than

By Liat Hughes Joshi

Children’s Parties

at Ashville College, Harrogate

• • • • • • • • •

Hall hire & catering options Dedicated party co-ordinator Pool parties Football parties Roller Disco parties Face painting Bouncy Castle Enjoy-a-ball activities Peppa Pig lookalike appearances Contact our events team on 01423 724 827 or email parties@ashville.co.uk Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate HG2 9JP www.ashvilletrading.co.uk

So how can you ensure your child capitalises on the opportunities on offer but still gets the balance right between work, rest and play?

Choosing activities Follow your son or daughter’s lead when deciding which classes to sign up for – most kids have a strong feel for what appeals to them. That said, it’s also worth pointing them towards something you think they might benefit from, such as drama sessions for a shy child.

Don’t force a square peg into a round hole It might be ‘daddy’s dream’ for your son to be the next Beckham but if your little boy hates the idea, it’s unwise to force him into the football club. Making children take up an activity that they really don’t feel good about, in the hope it’ll grow on them, can be counter-productive.

Encourage persistence Some of us have flighty children who get super-excited about an activity but within weeks, lose enthusiasm – unfortunately only once you’ve coughed up a whole term’s fees. Consider having a rule that your child does have to see the period you paid for out before they can give up – they might well change their mind back after a few weeks anyway!

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Taking things to the next level:

if your child is coping well with all that school throws at them and they’ve found their passion – be it gymnastics or music – you could contact local clubs and associations to see how they can take their talent to the next level, with matches/ performances or extra training.

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If your child is struggling:

particularly if he or she finds their class work difficult, it might be worth putting additional effort into building skills at home or with a tutor. Talk to their teacher about what help they need to focus on.

Perhaps they can suggest fun but educational games, or workbooks.

Tutoring can be expensive and you need to check the tutor’s credentials (because anyone can set up and call themselves a tutor) but one-to-one attention can have a remarkable impact on learning.

Try tutorhunt.com to search for local tutors.

How much is too much?

There’s no set answer about how many activities are optimal – it varies for each child. Some will get more tired than others and find just one or two classes suffice, others embrace a packed schedule of karate to clarinet without losing energy.

Needs change over time Certainly most reception children are exhausted enough from school for the first term or so, without lengthening their day by adding extra activities.

Keep things simple at this stage.

Older primary children have a decent opportunity to learn a few different skills and enjoy classes, whereas once they start secondary, longer commutes, more homework and exam pressures might mean reining things in.

Relaxation time is vital too Watch out for activity overscheduling – quiet contemplation and scope to be creative and relax is just as important as that second musical instrument or third sport. If your child doesn’t have space to just play and chill out, consider cutting back.

Liat Hughes Joshi is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including ‘New Old-fashioned Parenting’ and ‘How to Unplug Your Child’ (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

8 Families Vale of York

clubs&classes Some great ideas for starting your child’s love of dance performing arts.

Dancing feet...

Ah, the ballet. All those gorgeous costumes, perfect turn-outs, buns and the sublime music. Who hasn’t dreamed of being a Prima Ballerina when wafting around our bedroom in a synthetic net tutu?

And if you actually went as far as learning to dance when you were younger, you might be keen to instil this love of dance in your child – even if you gave up when you weren’t allowed to tie your shoe ribbons up to your knee.

How can you find out what kind of class is best for your child, whether they are a boy or a girl? Read on to find the perfect dance space for your Baby.

Tiny dancer When your child is very young – say, under five – shuffling around on tip toe while wafting their hands or pretending to be a tiger is about as much as you can ask for. Look for a class that teaches very young children together, not mixed in with older age groups when they will probably be ignored or will be disruptive. A class where there’s an emphasis on having fun and doing different dancing games each time will keep them keen and entertained – and going back each week. Expect to have to stay for these classes and possibly join in, too.

By Sally J. Hall

Starting to get more serious Boy’s brigade

If your child makes it past the age of five or six and still wants to go to class, it may be time to start looking at a proper training class where they can take grades or get involved with productions.

The choice for ballet is the Royal Academy of Dance (rad.org.uk) syllabus or for modern dance there’s the Imperial Society Modern Theatre & Tap Dance (istd.org ) course. If they are still keen but aren’t motivated by grades, find a class that keeps their attention and won’t get boring. Street and jazz dance are great for this as they will learn new routines all the time. They can also try out holiday classes where they might spend a week doing different activities – this gives them a great grounding in what they might be best at. Allround schools are also options where they learn to sing, act and dance.

Royal Ballet Associates training If your child has been taking ballet grades and is seriously thinking about a career in dance, the Royal Ballet runs classes to prepare them for this move. The Associates Programme trains children aged eight to 15 in conjunction with their usual classes (royalballetschool.org.uk).

Dance is not just for girls and though your son may have to cope with teasing if he intends to dance and carry on dancing, there are plenty of roles for ballet, jazz and modern dancers in all areas – the stage, TV and touring groups. There’s even a Boys’ Ballet school in London (boysballetlondon. com) that teaches the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus.

What’s available?

If you’re not sure what all these styles entail, it’s best to take your child along to have a look or try a taster session. One style may resonate. And if they get older and hang up their ballet shoes, why not encourage them to move on to a funkier style rather than give up dancing altogether?

Ballet • Tap • Ballet and Tap • Modern Dance and Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Contemporary • Break Dance • Street Dance • Commercial Dance (a blend of Street and Hip Hop) Sally J. Hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The Independent and The Mail. She is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (Dorling Kindersley).

Derwent Danceworks

Raising the barre!

En Pointe has got it’s very own dance studios with sprung floors, mirrors and ballet barres.

En Pointe Dance Studios Unit 2, The Rose Centre, Rose Ave, York, YO26 6RU info@enpointeyork.co.uk www.enpointeyork.co.uk /enpointeyork

Dance Classes for Children and Adults.

NEW TERM STARTS JANUARY! Classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Streetdance, Drama and more!

Venues across York – South Bank, Thorganby, Escrick,Wilberfoss.

QUALIFIED TUITION - IDTA EXAMS

Call: 07985 687 807

www.derwentdance.co.uk.

Families Vale of York 9

a c b Teaching Your Child to Love

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readin

By Justine Crow

Reading Alone

We all have that exquisite oft-repeated childhood memory, don’t we? Nose in a book, legs dangling, miles from those meddling adults – metaphorically at any rate – so why is it so impossible for our own children to achieve literary independence, that feeling of wanting neither the chapter nor the afternoon to end? Instead, when your child proclaims that they are bored and you suggest they read a book, their sceptical facial expression says it all.

But it is hardly surprising that there’s a difference in our experience – we grew up without mobile phones, tablets, X-Boxes, YouTube, or the lure of Minecraft. It was even customary then to have the telly rationed. Now, it would be a miracle if they could concentrate long enough to watch a whole CBBC programme undisturbed. Here are my top ten tips for ensuring the book is as much of a distraction as its digital competition.

1.

Start them young. Board books, cloth books, lift the tab. Show them how it works and then let them do it themselves. Don’t be precious. Let them bite and chew and tear. Keep the delicate pop-ups out of reach.

2.

Encourage growing babes to turn the pages themselves. Not only will they get an idea of how a book functions very quickly, it will also help develop the fine motor skills that are essential for learning.

3.

When choosing books for toddlers, consider their complexity. Hardbacks are desirable but they are heavy for little hands. With siblings around, especially newborns, have a box of books the first child can escape to. Tell them it is theirs and nobody else’s. They can choose to share with the new baby or enjoy by themselves.

4.

When they are tiddlers, keep tablets and phones solely for games preferably educational ones.

Small children need the magic of a physical book to encourage their love of reading. As they grow older, e-readers have their place, such as on long journeys but don’t forget, not only do children spend a lot of leisure time online, their schools increasingly use technology in the classroom. For them, screens are the norm, not a refuge.

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10 Families Vale of York

Get them to make a bookmark and feel proud of how many pages they clock up without interruption.

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The switch from picture books to chapters is an exciting rite of passage. Now that they can actually read words, celebrate by going to the library or bookshop and allowing them to choose stories to try. It’s okay for them to discover they don’t like something they’ve picked out - they will find their preference in time.

Don’t put them off ‘big’ books - most modern kids manage to get through the Harry Potters without a problem. The arcane language of many children’s classics is tough to make sense of, even for a seasoned adult reader but let them have a go.

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Tintin is the perfect type of leave-alone-reading.

Just because graphic novels are illustrated doesn’t mean they lack in quality; just listen to the giggles when they get an Asterix book to themselves.

Many favourite authors are available in accessible comic book form, especially the classics. Short story anthologies are less daunting and juicy fact books are often hard to put down.

8.

Lead by example – if your children sees you gaining pleasure from the simple act of finding a corner and a book to retreat with, even for a mere five minutes, they will follow. Inevitably into the same corner as you!

9.

Don’t push them to read at bedtime when eyes and minds may be tired. Offer to finish a chapter aloud for them instead. It will keep them wanting more. And if they turn the light back on after you’ve closed the door to continue the adventure, is it really such a crime?

10.

Don’t force them, ever. Reverse psychology is a wonderful device.

baby & toddler 3-5 years

6-8 years

Five Minutes’ Peace

Is There a Dog in This Book?

Harry Miller’s Run

Walker RRP 5.99

Walker RRP 6.99

by Jill Murphy

Published as a board book to celebrate thirty years of this iconic childrens tale, about Mrs. Large’s vain attempts to get a five minute breather. It works because it is such a familiar scenario to both parent and toddler. I don’t ever remember having a bath without a little voice from the other side of the door asking what I was doing.

by Viviane Schwarz

The author’s style is deft and witty and pre-schoolers will chuckle each time they see what each flap reveals (especially when they lift the lid on the pop-up piano). The three cats aren’t laughing though. Nervous that they might just find something unexpectedly canine, they have many near misses.

by David Almond & Salvatore Rubbino Walker RRP 9.99 A story from the North by the acclaimed author of Skellig, illustrated by the chap who is famous for his city walk picture books. There’s no danger of any walking here though, because Harry has a race to run.

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A child can’t have too much to read and it is never too early to get them interested, so allow them to engage with the concept of picture books, not only as something to share but also as an object of comfort and ownership. Books are different to any other form of entertainment; they can be bitten, dropped and bashed but they require a physical and intellectual participation that will be carried through a whole life of learning. Keep screens for the mundane, for emergencies and homework, as it is pretty hard to ‘love’ an e-reader, to ‘treasure’ a download - how can a beloved library be built out of something that cannot be ‘seen?’ And you can enhance the magic by taking the family to choose stories themselves - but don’t limit them; novels, comics, non-fiction, these all count as reading and encourage them to feel proud of how much they achieve themselves. In the meantime, if you show your children how much you appreciate the luxury of reading alone, they will emulate you. Leave them to it but accept that kids love a bedtime story whatever their age - I know a woman who still reads to her teenagers. As an adult, there is nothing quite like the sheer heavenliness of being left in private with something thrilling and absorbing. Get it right and they’ll long for that sensation all their lives. However, nagging your offspring to read will have the opposite effect – this is one of the proven laws of parenting, after all. Now do you mind, I’ve got a chapter to finish…

Justine Crow is the author of The Little Book of Nits published by Bloomsbury.

Parent of three, she owns her own bookshop with her partner, The Bookseller Crow on Hill, and is a qualified swimming teacher. And in what little spare time she has, she also runs gastronomic writing retreat courses in France and is the food critic of The Transmitter.

9+

The Imaginary

by A.F Harrold Bloomsbury RRP 7.99

For those readers who adore a bit of Dahl comes the story of Rudger, Amanda’s best friend - who just happens to be imaginary. But the scary Mr. Bunting is out to catch Rudger, so perhaps he exists after all. Great accompanying images by the prolific Emily Gravett (who most recently produced Meerkat Mail for the much younger age range).

12 to teen The Light That Gets Lost

by Natasha Carthew Bloomsbury RRP 12.99

Sticking with a supernatural theme, we are entering dreamy Patrick Ness territory here, with a surreal landscape inhabited by troubled teens in a compelling tale of revenge and friendship. Dark it may, be but illumination is within reach.

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Babies, Kids and Dogs

By Melissa Fallon & Vickie Davenport

Melissa Fallon and Vickie Davenport lecture at Askham Bryan College, near York and also run an animal behavioural consultant business in York and Selby.

Both women are passionate about the safe integration of pets into family life and are about to publish ‘Babies, Kids and Dogs’ a guide to creating a safe and harmonious relationship between animals and families.

Vickie says: “Children and dogs both benefit mentally and physically when raised together. Dogs will help develop empathy and social skills in children, as well as help build their confidence. It is, however, important to also develop this confidence in our dogs and prepare them to be around babies and children. Bite prevention is vital and therefore we need to teach our dogs and children how to behave correctly around each other.

“Our book will help families create the best possible relationship between children and dogs, and will help allow dogs to relax in the presence of children.

Included within this book are instructional colour photographs, tables to assist with assessing and training your dog, and step-by-step training exercises.

“Educational illustrations of ‘Charlie and Champ’ will also help engage your young children in order to teach them about behaving appropriately when interacting with their furry friends. Throughout the book we’ve included ideas to promote safe interactions and therefore develop lifelong friendships.”

You can pre-order the book at www.thebookdepository.com

Families Vale of York 11

babies

By The Sleep Nanny® 1)

2)

Going to bed too late is likely to cause your baby to have much harder time setting to sleep. When we miss our optimal sleep window our brains release hormones to wake us up and we get what is known as a second wind. Get your little one down to bed at a consistent time every evening. Most babies and children up to age six do well with a bedtime somewhere between 6 to 8pm.

Feeding to sleep is hard to avoid

Uppababy, particularly when they are breastfed.

If your baby falls asleep on a feed, she Bugaboo and will require the same help to get back to iCandy Uppababy, sleep whenever she wakes in the night. packages Your aim is to get your baby into the cot Bugaboo and Uppababy, available in before she falls asleep so that she settles herself knowingly and is aware of how to Bugaboo store. andiCandy Uppababy, do this again if she wakes up and doesn’t iCandy Bugaboo and packages need anything. packages 3) Over feeding or attempting to ‘tank your iCandy in packages availableavailable in baby up’ before bedtime is not good Uppababy, available in practice and could actually harm your store. store. baby by causing store.

Bugaboo and digestive problems.

Babies sometimes cluster feed or feed more in the early evening as a natural iCandy way to prepare themselves for a longer packages stretch of sleep but follow your baby on this and don’t available in try to force additional milk or thicken the milk in an attempt to fillstore. them up.

4)

12 Families Vale of York

5)

Intermittent reinforcement is one of the most common mistakes we make as parents.

This is when we allow something occasionally, or when we feel like it, but not at other times.

For example, you decide it’s okay to bring your baby into your bed if it is after 5 am but not before then. Your baby cannot tell the time as does not understand your rationale, All your baby understands is that this outcome is possible and it does happen so she will

6)

7) 8)

9)

hold out for it because she knows there is a chance of getting to go into your bed. Decide what your rulebook says and stick to it.

Lack of routine often means lack of rhythm and signals to prepare your baby for sleep time. Babies and young children thrive on routine and rhythm so it is important to introduce this early on. With a bedtime routine, choose how this is going to go and then follow the same steps in the same order every night so your baby knows what to expect.

Stimulation in your child’s bedroom will prevent him from sleeping well so be sure to remove all electronic devices and screens and only use low wattage warm coloured lighting like a night light.

Babies should not have mobiles hanging over the cot because these are visually stimulating rather than settling.

Not napping enough is the culprit of over tiredness which causes early rising and difficulty settling. Make sure your child is taking adequate nap time in the day according to his age.

The dummy can often be the reason for waking in the night. If your child is over six months of age and wakes frequently requiring the dummy to be replaced, it is a good idea to start thinking about getting rid of it as it may be hindering sleep more than it is helping.

Putting your toddler into a bed too soon can bring upon you months of disturbed nights and putting him back in bed.

The cognitive ability to understand the concept of ‘staying in bed’ does not come about until they are around two and a half years old. Try to keep the cot up to age three if you can.

10) Lack of winding down time for the hour

or so before bedtime is a feature of our busy lifestyles but having this time to calm down form the days activities will really help your little one. Turn off the television 1-2 hours before you start the bedtime routine.

The Sleep Nanny System™ by Lucy Shrimpton is out now, available from Amazon priced £8.99. To find out more visit www.sleepnanny.co.uk.

KEEP CALM AND TAKE FAMILY LEGAL ADVICE

Asparagus and ham omelette

Call our experts today

01904 679 990

This is a great little starter or lunch to make for valentine’s day or to get the kids helping you out in the kitchen. The asparagus is wrapped in parma ham, with a fluffy omelette surrounding it (serves 1-2)

www.coles-law.co.uk

5 Skills: Weighing with scales, beating, measuring with spoons, pouring, spreading

Equipment:

What you need:

Chopping board, knife, grater, scales, measuring spoons, baking dish or pie dish, fork

1 tsp 15g 1 1/2 tbsp 4 4 slices

Olive oil (for greasing) Mature cheddar cheese Egg Crème fraiche Asparagus Parma ham or other ham

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Outstanding care and education to inspire and guide each individual child.

What to do: 1. Preheat oven to 190°c or gas mark 5.

2. Snap off ends of asparagus and wash.

7. Pour egg mixture over the asparagus ensuring evenly spread.

3. Roll in ham towards the end.

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Discov Discover o er a remarkable education ov for girls and boys from age 2 years.

4. Grease baking tray/trays and place asparagus along the tray.

8. Bake in oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Weigh and grate t he cheese into a bowl.

6. Lightly beat the egg, crème fraiche & cheese together.

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Little Bites Cookery School is for 3 -5 year olds during term time and for 5 -11 yr olds during holidays in York.

The school aims to educate and promote healthier cooking and eating in children and parents. Classes are run by a qualified Home Economist and Nutritionist, who has composed all the recipes for the classes. Ingredients are sourced locally where possible.

I AM A MOUNT OUNT CHILD WWW.MOUNTSCHOOLYORK.CO.UK W WW HOOLYORK.CO.UK 01904 667500

www.littlebitescookery.com Families Vale of York 13

e c n a r F o t g in l l e v a r T

- side trips from

Have you already booked a trip to Disneyland Paris for 2016? You will understandably be worried about travelling to central Paris after the recent atrocities there, but might not want to pay for extra Disney tickets; and besides, all that magic can take its toll on those of us hungry for a little culture while on holiday.

So why not jump on a train at Disney’s TGV station and in around three hours you can be enjoying views of the Mediterranean, Roman amphitheatres or the Papal Palaces of Avignon instead.

French trains are fast.

Really fast. We’re talking faster even than the worldfamous Japanese Bullet trains, which means even the furthest reaches of the country are accessible in a side trip - or sometimes even a day trip - from Marne La Vallee station. What’s more if you book in advance they can be damn cheap too.

With Ouigo fares starting at €10 for adults and €5 for kids - even in the height of summer.

14 Families Vale of York

So here’s a guide to some of my favourite side trips from Disneyland Paris’ TGV station.

Nimes

An easy-to-navigate city that hosts a charming old town and some of France’s best preserved Roman monuments, including a magnificent 1st-century amphitheatre and a 5th-century temple, within a 10-minute walk of the train station. Kids of all ages will enjoy Jardin de la Fontaine, a park with interesting pools, walkways and more Roman ruins. If that’s not enough ruins for you then hop on a local bus and visit Pont du Gard, a massive 1st-century Roman aqueduct which is described by UNESCO as “a technical as well as an artistic masterpiece”.

Getting There: Ouigo trains run once a

day from Disneyland Paris (Marne la Vallee).

The times vary on each day of the week, but all are around noon. It takes 3 hours to get there and the station is smack in the middle of town, very close to the amphitheatre.

Marseille & Cassis

Marseille used to have a terrible reputation, but it has worked hard to reinvent itself and has now shaken off the sleaziness and danger to attract a wide range of visitors including families. There are all the family attractions you’d expect from a big city and plenty of beaches in Marseille, but for something really special you’ll want to visit the Calanques- a series of miniature fjords where the limestone cliffs plunge into the azure sea- or the 16th century Château d’If, best known as the island prison in the novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Boat trips run from the Vieux Port in the centre of Marseille to both destinations. If you prefer to travel independently the easiest Calanques to access without a private vehicle are the ones near Cassis, a picturesque fishing port that can be easily reached by local trains.

Getting There: The Ouigo service from

Disneyland Paris runs twice daily, once in the early morning and once late evening. The journey takes around 3 hours and the station is in the centre of town. Boat trips to the Calanques run from the Vieux Port or just hop on a train to nearby Cassis and you’ll be in a beach lover’s paradise.

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PARK

Where magic is made & adventures

begin

February Fun!

13th to 21st February 2016

Disneyland Paris Avignon

Once the capital of the Catholic Church when the Popes fled the corruption of Rome. The palace they built, ‘Le Palais des Papes,’ is the world’s largest Gothic edifice. Its vast rooms are virtually empty nowadays but it remains a magnificent and imposing building. A petit train, or little train runs around all the main sights and is great fun for smaller children, while kids of all ages will be happy in Rocher des Doms, a park above the Palais.

There are play and picnic areas, a snack bar, and a duck pond to keep the little ones happy while you enjoy fantastic views across the city.

Getting There: The Ouigo service from Disneyland Paris runs once

daily depending on the day of the week this is early morning or around mid-day. The journey takes around 3 hours and the station is just out the centre of town. Local trains make the six minute journey from the TGV station to the historic centre on a frequent basis.

www.stockeldpark.co.uk

Located between Harrogate & Leeds. LS22 4AN

Getting Tickets

Ouigo is a budget rail service that operates a similar system to budget airlines, with the cheapest fares being bought in advance. That said there are lots more cheap fares than any airline I’ve ever used. www.ouigo.com is a really easy to navigate website, just remember that Marne la Vallee is the name of the station at Disneyland.

If for any reason Ouigo will not accept your credit or debit card- as sometimes happens with French railways for some annoying reasonthen consider using ticket brokers www.captaintrain.com instead.

Prices are exactly the same as on Ouigo but they have none of the card issues that plague SNCF. The downside is that you have to create an account (which is free and no card details are needed to create it).

Paul Wojnicki is a freelance journalist who now specialises in family and overland travel.

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bumpsandbashes.com Come to one small group class or organise a private class in the comfort of your own home.

Families Vale of York 15

divorce

By Soila Sindiyo

For better or worse, the numbers suggest that “Divorce Month” is real and January has the most legal breakups. We asked Soila Sindiyo of Helping Children Cope and Elizabeth Matfin, of Coles Solicitors for some advice.

Providing a caring environment for your child during and after divorce

As divorcing or divorced parents, what makes it all the more difficult is that you are expected to continue parenting to the best of our ability despite the emotional turmoil that you maybe experiencing.

I often say that the divorce or separation is, in its own right important, but what is even more crucial is how it’s handled.

You see, there are indeed means of handling the divorce process and beyond that may reduce any chances of permanent negative effects on your children.

Here are some:

• Keep predictable schedules, as this helps create a sense of security for your child. Just as it’s important for you to know what is happening in your own life from one day to the next, so it is for your child.

• When you start a new relationship, avoid introducing your child to him/her too soon. Also avoid exposing your child to your world of dating.

• Avoid any arguments during exchanges and transitions, as this will only create a sense of anxiety in your child, especially if this often happens. Make transitions as quick and as smooth as possible.

Soila is a Child Therapist who is known for taking away the pain of trauma and loss in children, adolescents and their families.

Soila is Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society. www.helpingchildrencope.co.uk soila@helpingchildrencope.co.uk

16 Families Vale of York

• Despite how you feel about the other parent, do help your child create and nurture a relationship with her other parent.

• Avoid involving your child in adult matters. These may include detailed reasons for why the divorce happened, financial problems and how Mummy cheated on Daddy with “Uncle Peter” last summer or vice versa with “Auntie Sophie”.

• As far as possible, do try to create similar routines in both homes for such daily and routine activities as mealtimes, bedtimes and homework times.

• For the sake of your child’s development and happiness, be as flexible as possible with your schedules so that she does not miss out on any special family occasions. Allowing children of divorced parents to attend such events only

enhances their sense of identity, wellbeing and relationships with extended family members.

• To be fair to the other parent and to your child, do give as much notice as possible to the other parent about special occasions or necessary changes to the schedule. This may also help eliminate any chance of conflict.

• I know this isn’t always easy, but do try to keep communications with your ex-partner as civil and respectful as possible. If this is not possible, do use other means of communicating so that your child is not exposed to any conflict between the two of you. One lady I know asked a friend of hers to read all emails from her ex-partner. This friend would then relate back what the email said, omitting anything rude or inflammatory, that would upset her friend.

Tracks for your Divorce...!

Don’t Leave Me This Way...

By Elizabeth Matfin, head of the Family Department at Coles Solicitors On Tuesday, I was driving to work on a beautiful crisp December morning, towards the white horse, on the outskirts of Thirsk when a song that I like came on the radio. Now, perhaps I am a frustrated DJ, but I am forever making up playlists in my head and the song by Lily Wood (& the Prick) called “Prayer in C” has immediately jumped to the top of my “Tracks for Your Divorce” playlist.

The lyrics immediately bring to mind so many of my clients when they first come in to see me for advice. The song starts with “You never said a word, you didn’t send me no letter – don’t think I can forgive you. See our world is slowly dying, I’m not wasting no more time – don’t think I could believe you” and continues “Our hands will get more wrinkled and our hair will be grey – don’t think I can forgive you.” Our Lily is most definitely a woman scorned.

This is a typical feeling of many of my clients, particularly those who have recently separated after finding out that their other half has been unfaithful. Devastated, understandably bitter and incredibly frightened about the future, they will initially turn to well-meaning family and friends for advice. “He’s the one in the wrong so you will get everything…” or “she’s the woman so the Court will have more sympathy…” Everyone is suddenly an expert in the law proffering conflicting advice.

The importance of taking legal advice early on Of course, family and friends can be a fantastic and much needed support during this difficult period, particularly, where there are children involved. However, at a time that is often full of uncertainty, confusion, perhaps financial insecurity and almost certainly high emotions; taking legal advice early on, can help provide clarity and a light at the end of what, at the time, feels like a long and very dark tunnel.

Yes, these clients do need a shoulder to cry on (I am that many times too) but more importantly, what they require early on, is someone to explain plainly what their rights are, what they need to do now and what options they have. And this is where a family Solicitor fits in – hopefully helping them to see through the fog to focus on the practicalities of the perhaps unexpected and often sudden separation.

Coles Solicitors have 10 offices across Yorkshire so there is bound to be a location convenient for you. You can contact head office on 01609 780717 or visit www.Coles-law.co.uk You can email Elizabeth at: Elizabeth.Matfin@Coles-law.co.uk.

Of course Lily may still be unable to forgive her ex “even when the seas will cover lands and when men will be no more” but at least if she has had the benefit of legal advice early on, then she should hopefully be in a stronger and more informed position to move forwards in her life – and on to my Track 2 – Gloria Gaynor’s – “I Will Survive”.

PS. The first half an hour appointment is free – Contact us

Families Vale of York 17

New Year -New You?

By Sally J. Hall

How to start a new exercise regime when you’re a busy mum.

It seems as soon as Christmas Day is over, two types of advertisement start to appear on the Television; the first are for holidays for the following summer, showing gorgeous people in tiny bikinis and trunks, cavorting across golden sands. The others – yes, you’ve guessed it. Weight loss.

It’s no surprise that the fitness industry targets us just as we throw ourselves, groaning with overeating, onto the sofa for a few hours of feel-good films. Their research shows that most people start a new exercise regime in January, with a huge boost in gym memberships around that time. It seems there is something motivational in having a whole new year to look ahead to and many of us start of with great new resolutions – even if they fall by the wayside by March.

Add to this the complication of being a busy mum – and when, for goodness; sake, are you going to find the time for a new fitness regime to shift those few pounds you put on over the Winter or to get the baby weight off? Don’t despair, we have a few great ideas.

Preparation is key Before you start any kind of exercise routine, check with your doctor (or midwife if you’re pregnant) that it’s OK. If you’re recently given birth, wait until after your six week check-up. If you had a C-section or other complications, you might want to wait a while longer. Always start with stretches to warm your muscles and don’t overdo anything.

If you start to hurt, it’s your body’s way of telling you to stop. Start with a small, short routine and

18 Families Vale of York

gradually increase the time you spend and the intensity of your work-out.

Let’s swap

Chances are your nearest and dearest may also be feeling the belt pinch. So talk through your desires for a little time to yourself to get a little fitter and suggest you swap. He has the kids while you go to the gym, for a swim, for a long walk in the woods – whichever you feel you like the most. Then do the same for him another day. If you’re single, could you and a friend swap exercise times?

Do what you like

It may sound obvious but choose an activity you actually enjoy. If you join a spinning class, can’t keep up, end up red in the face and aching all over and dread going back, it’s not the right exercise for you. Try out a few different classes – everything from kick boxing to zumba is available these days, in gyms and church halls – and then pick the one you like the most. If you have joined a gym, you might find it works better to do a different thing each time. Try to include something that gets your heart racing, something stretchy and something that involves weights.

Kids come too

Can’t palm the kids off onto a relative? Want to

get a few more steps done this week? Take the kids with you. Go to a local park with scooters and bikes and baby in a pushchair and walk around the outside of the park, encouraging the kids to race you. Not only will you all get an oxygen boost, they will sleep really well that night.

Using baby

If you are stuck at home quite a lot with a very young baby and don’t yet feel ready for the communal changing rooms, try some exercises at home. There are quite a few post-natal exercise DVDs now that start you off gently and most importantly, know how to support and strengthen your body as it returns to your pre-pregnancy shape. Pop in the DVD, do a few exercises and have your baby on a play mat next to you so that you’re still close. You can even use your baby to strengthen your arms by lifting her over and over – and she’ll love it too!

Quick bursts The time when your baby naps can be great for a quick burst – one of the hottest new fitness trends right now. Do push-ups against the wall or on your knees, use small weights to tighten arms (tins of beans work just as well), do squats and a few yoga poses for flexibility and strength in your core.

Pregnancy Health Yoga with Tara Lee DVD £14.99 A very comprehensive DVD that offers a choice of eight workout routines all suitable for pregnancy. It promises not just to strengthen your muscles but to give you more energy and help you relax too. It includes a birth visualisation by Dr Gowri Motha, the creator of the Gentle Birth Method too.

My Pre & Post Natal Workouts £34.99 Davina McCall You name the reason for exercise, Davina has made a DVD for it. But she really does know quite a bit about fitness during pregnancy and afterwards. In this DVD, Davina and her personal trainer Jackie Wren show you how to do a workout in two sections for before and after you have your baby. Well thought out and well presented.

Post Natal Pilates £9.99 Caroline Sandry Pilates is a very powerful form of exercise that gives you great strength in your core, abdominal muscles and also has the muscle lengthening effects of yoga. This DVD offers safe and effective exercises designed to be used at different stages, from right after birth or as soon as you feel able.

Stage one works on your pelvic floor and the muscles of the pelvis and abdomen. Stage two checks that those muscles are getting back to normal and then moves on to improving their strength and tone. There are also two workouts to get you breathing hard and that oxygen coursing around your body to help with the healing process.

Dumbbells £5.00 Reebok Weighing from one to five kilos, these weights are ideal for banishing the bingo wings. Get pumping! They come in five colours – one colour for each weight.

Rowing Action Exerciser £12 Pineapple This little gadget will help you get fitter at home and will tuck away under the bed when not in use. It can be used in a rowing motion to help tone your thighs, bottom, abdominal muscles and back.

Pilates Stretch Bands £8.10 Calmia Use this oversized stretch bands to give you resistance to help tighten abdominals, tone your arms and back and shoulders and slim your legs and behind. In three colours.

What’s next for you?

Phew!

You’ve made it through Christmas and we’re already into another year.

While everyone else may be busy setting personal goals and enthusing about their New Year’s resolutions, do you find yourself stuck at what feels like the crossroads of life?

No time for anything but to get through the daily routine, let alone think about what’s next for you! You could be deciding whether to return to work or you may be facing redundancy, there may be unexpected changes in your family or your personal life, you could simply want to get fit or pursue a life-long dream. So what’s stopping you? Have you really allowed yourself time to think through what’s next for you and how you might go about getting what you really want?

The Oasis School of Human Relations in Boston Spa is running a two day Where Do I Go From Here? workshop which gives you the time and space to take a step back from your daily life, open up your options and get clear on your next steps. This participative workshop, which runs on 9th & 10th April @ £150 pp, is suitable for people of all ages. You may be at different stages in your lives but what you will have in common is that your circumstances are changing whether driven by external forces or your own wish to do things differently. If you are looking to make positive changes to your life this year, start now and find out more by contacting Pippa Farrington on 01937 541700 Hall Mews, Clifford Road, Boston Spa, West Yorkshire, LS23 6DT, UK t: +44 (0)1937 541 700 f: +44 (0)1937 541 800 www.oasishumanrelations.org.uk Inspiring and developing 21st century relationships

Families Vale of York 19

dream job How to find your

Make 2015 the year to land your dream job. Career and confidence coach Fiona Clark, founder of Inspired Mums, explains how to identify your natural skills and boost your confidence.

When you’re knee-deep in nappies, up to your elbows in baby food and drowning in children’s toys it’s all too easy to lose sight of what skills you have to offer a potential employer. Add to the mix the lack of confidence that often occurs after a career break and it’s easy to see why mums often underestimate themselves.

In reality being a mum allows you to develop as an individual and acquire a wide range of new skills as your family expands. Picture a normal day and I bet it involves highly developed organisational skills, endless patience and the ability to multi-task. One of the most important factors in finding your dream job is being clear on what you are naturally good at.

Rediscover your natural skills It’s easy to undervalue something when it comes easily to you but you need to start seeing them as skills to be proud of and focus on how this can help you find your dream job.

Take a moment to think about all the activities in a typical week – whether it’s with your family, when you help at school or take part in sport – and write down all the skills you use doing them. Next, list the skills you’ve used in previous jobs and life situations.

Now choose five core skills you enjoy using most and would like to use in your future career. It’s crucial to identify these so you’re playing to your strengths and can enjoy work. Finally, think about how those skills can be used in different working environments – for example, can your project management skills be used to set up a consulting business helping other with big projects?

It’s now time to check out online job boards and research the type of skills employers are looking for and see if any of your newly acquired or rediscovered skills match. Remember to be creative and brainstorm ideas – the goal is to find something you would love to do using the skills you’ve identified.

Boost your confidence Once you’ve identified your natural strengths, you should notice an immediate improvement in your confidence levels. Your inner gremlin will no longer be telling you ‘my skills are out of date’, or ‘my career break will put people off employing me.’

However, if at any point, any feelings of self-doubt return, here’s how to turbo-boost your confidence: Write down your inner thoughts – both positive and negative. You’ll soon realise whether you’re being kind or too harsh to yourself.

Interrupt yourself every time you hear a negative statement in your head. Do something physical such as shaking your hands (to shake it off) or touching your head.

Flip it – replace any negative statement with a positive thought. Turn ‘I haven’t got the experience’ into ‘I have many relevant skills that will make me successful in that job.’

Don’t just say it, believe your positive statement. Draw up a list of all the evidence that backs it up, for example, ‘I have developed budgeting and negotiating skills during my years as a stay-at-home mum.’

Repeat the new belief statement over and over to yourself and retrain your brain to believe it.

Sell yourself confidently on paper and in person The secret to success in securing your dream job is packaging your skills effectively and presenting them in a positive way. For example, instead of saying you’re a stay-at-home-mum returning to work, present yourself as an accomplished professional seeking a position in HR using your organisational and people management skills.

By rediscovering your key skills and boosting your confidence, you should find the interview process becomes a lot easier. You will no longer dread questions such as ‘why should we take you over and above other candidates?’ and ‘what would you say are you greatest strengths?’ Instead you will be able to articulate your skill-set and give strong examples to demonstrate when and how you have used these skills. With some practice and perseverance, you will be perfectly placed to make finding your dream job a reality.

If you need help making 2016 your most fulfilling year yet, email fiona@inspiredmums.co.uk , telephone 07789 597209 or visit www.inspiredmums.co.uk Fiona Clark is a qualified confidence and career coach who founded Inspired Mums to empower women to reach their full potential. She is passionate about helping women find fulfilling, family friendly roles.

Like her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/inspiredmumscoaching Follow her on Twitter: @Inspired_Mums

13 – 21 FEB

Half Term Activities at Stockeld Park

Get active in the great outdoors this February half term on the real ice rink at Stockeld Park. Amongst the fun to be had will be ice skating on real ice all week, with a Disco on Ice on both Saturdays from 6-8pm with a real snow machine!

With licensed café and the promise of loud music and flashing lights it’s a great way to liven up a cold winter evening.

As well as skating you’ll be able to enjoy a stroll through the Enchanted Forest, discover the maze and enjoy indoor play – all guaranteed to keep the kids happy during the school break.

There’ll be skate sessions for younger children (under 12) who can practice between 9.30 & 10.15 in a more controlled environment. A full day pass including skate hire is £12 and all activities excluding skating are £8. Young skater sessions will be £10 (one child & one adult). Opening time for older visitors will be from 10am – 6pm. Day passes are also available.

what’son

Be sure to wrap up warm!

Visit www.stockeldpark. co.uk for more mation.

jan/feb16

We’ve ordered everything according to start date – be sure to look out for all the events which run for several weeks / weekends too. And be sure to check before you set off. These were correct as we went to print but may have changed. Check if you need to book ahead too. More ‘Days Out’ can be found online at www.familiesvoy.co.uk . All events are now searchable by date, venue & age range making it much easier to find all our local events at the click of your mouse.

EVERY WED FROM 6 JAN

9 JAN

Wacky Wednesdays

Winter Wonderland

THE NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM FOR ENGLAND Free under 5s play activities, every Wednesday during term time. 10.15-11am 01924 848806 www.ncmme.org.uk 9 JAN- 7 FEB

Winter Family Fun

BENINGBROUGH HALL & GARDENS Join the Beningbrough Buddies as you help them on their quest by solving the puzzles and clues, following the new winter trail and exploring as you go.

01904 472027 www.nationaltrust.org. uk/beningbrough-hall

OLDHAM HULME GRAMMAR SCHOOL Winter Wonderland at Oldham Hulme Grammar School 10-11am 0161 624 4497 www.ohgs.co.uk

13 JAN- 21 FEB

February Fun

STOCKELD PARK With ice skating sessions for young skaters, general skating and an ice disco as well as The Enchanted Forest and the Maze to be explored there is plenty to keep you busy during half term. They’re also reinstalling indoor play for the period so you can bounce and play to your heart’s content, even in wet weather.

01937 586101 stockeldpark.co.uk

WEEKENDS FROM 16 JAN -13 MAR AND 6 -21 FEB

26-27 JAN

Destination Space

Strictly Come Dancing The Live Tour 2016

24 JAN

Senior Section Spectacular

EUREKA! Find out what it is like in space! Weekends from 16 January to 13 March and February Half Term 01422 330069 www.eureka.org.uk

Family Ceilidh for Burns Night SQUARE CHAPEL CENTRE FOR THE ARTS 01422 353073 www.squarechapel.co.uk

SHEFFIELD ARENA www.gigantic.com 30 JAN

ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM Celebrate new community exhibition on the anniversary for the Senior section of Girl Guides with an afternoon of crafts and activities in the Victorian Streets. Best of all there is free entry for anyone who wears their Rainbow/ Brownie/ Guides/ Beavers/ Cubs or Scouts uniform. www.leeds.gov.uk

Families Vale of York 21

14-21 FEB

Storytelling Sundays

5 FEB – 5 JUNE

EAST RIDDLESDEN HALL Craft activities run after the story. Aimed at children between 2-4, the session will take place in the Sensory Garden or indoors during bad weather. Blankets and soft matting will be provided to keep little ones warm. Drop-in, no ticket required.

Storytelling sessions last approximately 30 minutes. Free with general admission prices, but a £1 donation per child to cover craft materials is appreciated. 1.30 - 2pm & 3- 3.30pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk

15-21 FEB

Jorvik Viking Festival

JORVIK A week of Viking celebrations in York.

01904 615505 jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk

15 – 21 FEB

Dark Skies Festival

Changing Faces of Leeds Portraits of a city and its people LEEDS CITY MUSEUM

Uncover the city of Leeds and its people in our brand new portraits exhibition.

In late 2015 selfie-takers, budding photographers and professionals alike were challenged to uncover some of the faces of Leeds today. This unique exhibition showcases the best of the competition alongside portraits from the city’s past, found deep within our collection.

From early Victorian photography to modern day selfies, abstracts and studio portraits, this fascinating exhibition will take you on a journey through the history of the people of Leeds from the 1800s to the present day.

Get hands-on in the photography studio and create your own studio portrait!

Explore what a portrait can tell us about a person and take a look at the different ways in which people have chosen to represent themselves through time.

For more info visit: leeds.gov.uk/facesofleeds

30 JAN

7 FEB

Night Run

Winter family nature walk

NOSTELL PRIORY

Grab a head torch and explore Nostell’s parkland by night as part a national series of night-time trail running events, held in partnership with Cotswold Outdoor.

Choose from Explorer route (1.5km) or Adventurer route (7km), and if you’d rather walk than run you’ll be more than welcome. Join in free family craft activities in the Courtyard from 2.00pm, including make-your-own paper lanterns to decorate the route and fuel up at the Courtyard Café, serving hot and cold drinks, hot soups and sweet treats pre and post run until approx. 6.30pm. Sat 30 Jan 6.30pm 01924 863892 www.nationaltrust.org.uk FROM 6 FEB

Snowdrop Spectacular BURTON AGNES HALL

Wander through a wonderful blanket of snowdrops in the woodland walk. 11am - 4pm 01262 490324 www.burtonagnes.com 6-14 FEB

Victorian Butler School BRODSWORTH HALL

Learn about the etiquette of a country house, from dressing a table to folding a napkin. But make sure you pay attention, as the master of the house won’t keep sloppy butlers around for long! 11am-5pm / Normal admission + £1 per child.

01302 722598 www.english-heritage.org.uk

22 Families Vale of York

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Look out for snowdrops, berries and fresh buds. You may even catch a glimpse of winter birds feeding. 2-3pm 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

8-12 FEB

February Half-Term Activities

NOSTELL PRIORY Join in a different activity at Nostell every week day in February half-term. 11 – 3 pm 01924 863892 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 13-21 FEB

NORTH YORK MOORS AND YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARKS The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Park Authorities are teaming up to hold their first joint week-long Dark Skies Festival which, will invite visitors to eye the skies and discover the wonder of stargazing in the two Yorkshire National Parks. The low light pollution in both Parks makes them an ideal location for spotting constellations, shooting stars and other cosmic happenings.

Together with sky-at-night events, visitors will also be able to discover more of the nocturnal world within the National Parks with guided torchlight walks highlighting the wildlife activity at night.

The programme of activities includes a host of other events such as a dark sky trail run, evening caving, storytelling, glow-inthe-dark writing, poetry readings, solar system scavenger hunt, telescope-making and craft activities throughout the week.

The main events will be held in and around the National Park Centres in Reeth, Aysgarth Falls and Danby, and Sutton Bank and Hawes, both of which are also designated Dark Sky Discovery sites, with skies that have been found to be sufficiently dark that the Milky Way can be seen to the naked eye.

16-18 FEB

Bird Box Making

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Hammer and nails at the ready! Our feathery friends will be looking about for places to nest pretty soon, so this

half term you’ll be shown how to make a home for them to put in your own garden.

Hourly from 10am - 3pm 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 18 FEB

Brimham Adventure

BRIMHAM ROCKS Join rangers for this 50 Things-themed adventure. Wrap up warm for some Brimham Rocks fun and games. Suitable for accompanied children aged 5+.

1-2.30pm 01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 18 FEB

Woodland Adventure

BRIMHAM ROCKS Wrap up warm and beat the winter blues by joining the ranger for some woodland fun and games at Brimham. Suitable for accompanied children aged 5+. No dogs allowed. 1-2.30pm 01423 780688 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 19 FEB

Family Outdoor Day

BRIMHAM ROCKS Do you want your family to scale new heights? Join Harrogate Climbing Centre for a day weaselling, climbing and abseiling. Children must be accompanied by an adult (max 2 per adult). No previous experience required. 10am - 4pm 01423 780688 www.harrogateclimbingcentre.com 19 FEB

Vile Victorian Villains

ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM What did those Vile Victorians get up to?

Inspired by this new Crime & Punishment exhibition you’ll be able to look at crimes, capers, poo and pus. Yuk! www.leeds.gov.uk 26 FEB – 31 JUL

Scotsman Season 2016

THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM To mark Flying Scotsman’s eagerly anticipated return to the tracks the museum is planning a whole season of events and activities from February 2016 to celebrate the fame and celebrity of the locomotive legend.

08448 153139 www.nrm.org.uk

26-28 FEB

Winter Steam Gala

KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY 01535 645214 www.kwvr.co.uk

Half Term Fun

WHITBY ABBEY Half term family fun at the abbey.

01947 603568 www.english-heritage.org.uk 13-21 FEB

Wild Winter Trail

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDEN Look under leaves, up in the trees and beneath your feet to explore the wilder side of winter on the Fountains Estate.

Pick up a trail sheet and get on your way!

10am - 4pm 01765 608888 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

14 – 21 FEB

Love Birds Week

LOTHERTON HALL Love Birds Week will celebrate our feathered friends. Special bird themed activities and crafts available through half-term. www.leeds.gov.uk

23 JAN – 31 DEC

Crime & Punishment

Crime & Punishment

ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM Explore the history of crime and punishment in the UK from the 1650s to today.

Take a walk into the past when you could be fined for putting plant pots on your windowsill, when gossipy women were put in scold’s bridles and people were executed for clipping coins!

The exhibition will feature displays on Victorian street crime, fraud and dodgy trading, crime fiction and 1923 Bylaws in addition to poison, security, police, evidence, detection and trials. It will also explore why we lock people up, public order and safety, cruel and unusual punishments.

It also showcases some of the city’s fascinating collections relating to crime and punishment, including ghoulish penny slot machines, deadly poisons that could be bought over the counter and gruesome man traps.

Highlights will also include loans from Leeds’ Thackray Medical Museum, Ripon’s Prison and Police Museum and Nottingham›s Galleries of Justice Museum.

For more info visit: leeds.gov.uk/crimeandpunishment

Theatre UNTIL 17 JAN

Aladdin

HARROGATE THEATRE, This year’s pantomime adventure promises to be even more magical than ever as visitors take a trip to the Far East with Aladdin. Featuring some of pantoland’s most memorable characters.

01423 502 116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk UNTIL 24 JAN

Dick Whittington (and his Meerkat)

THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the UK’s longest running pantomime Dame, Berwick Kaler and the York Theatre Royal team as you’ve never seen them before. Whilst York Theatre Royal undergoes a major redevelopment, Dick Whittington and His Meerkat will take place this Christmas in The Signal Box Theatre at the National Railway Museum. Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper and David Leonard can’t wait to join Berwick Kaler and the panto family once again to perform as part of this unique experience. As always, expect fabulous costumes, stunning sets, toe-tapping music, breath-taking transformations and magic spectacle.

08448 153139 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk UNTIL 24 JAN

Jack and The Beanstalk

BRADFORD ALHAMBRA West Yorkshire’s biggest and most spectacular pantomime stars Alhambra Theatre favourite Billy Pearce, along with actress and television presenter Lisa Riley, John Challis and Jake Canuso. www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

9 JAN

10-11 FEB

The Legend of King Arthur

Peppa Pig’s Surprise

JOSEPH ROWNTREE THEATRE Prepare for magic, music and mirth from Oddsocks as the boy who would be king pulls the sword from the stone.

Cheer for your favourite jousting knight of the round table, admire the gutsy Lady Guinevere as she reveals her strength and skills, gasp at the magic Merlin as he controls the twists and turns of this classic English legend.

01904 658197 www.jrtheatre.co.uk

9-16 JAN

Sleeping Beauty

THE LAWRENCE BATLEY THEATRE Saturday 9 - Saturday 16 January Main Stage, Saturdays & Sunday 1.30pm & 5.30pm, Wednesday & Thursday 6.15pm, Friday 7.15pm (no performances on Monday or Tuesday) Tickets: £15 - £6 + selected concessions Huddersfield Light Opera Company 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org/Sleeping-Beauty 16 JAN

Thumbelina

THE LAWRENCE BATLEY THEATRE Saturday 16 January Syngenta Cellar, 11.00am & 2.00pm. Tickets: £7 Norwich Puppet Theatre Age recommendation: 2 - 7 years 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org

20-21 JAN

Peppa Pig’s Surprise

THE VICTORIA THEATRE Wednesday 20 January, 1pm & 4pm; Thursday 21 January, 10am & 1pm various 01422 351158 www.calderdale.gov.uk

23 JAN

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Peter Pan 2016

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK Classic well-loved tale.

0844 871 3024 www.atgtickets.com 31 JAN

The Owl and the Pussycat’s Treasury of Nonsense

SQUARE CHAPEL CENTRE FOR THE ARTS Ages 5 upwards 01422 353073 www.squarechapel.co.uk

1-2 FEB

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt ST GEORGE’S HALL Direct from a smashhit WEST END and international tour. www.bradfordtheatres.co.uk

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK Peppa Pig, George and their friends are back in a brand new live stage show.

It’s a lovely day and Peppa is playing outside with her friends. Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have got a surprise for her and George – they can’t guess what it is, can you?

0844 871 3024 www.atgtickets.com 15-16 FEB

Around The World In 80 Days

THE LAWRENCE BATLEY THEATRE Monday 15 February & Tuesday 16 February Main Stage, 2.15pm & 7pm.

Tickets: £14 / £12 / £10 / Kirklees Passport £3 off / under 26’s £7. Only Yorkshire Date New International Encounter Age recommendation: 6yrs + 01484 430528 www.thelbt.org 15 FEB

Cecil’s Starlight Safari

SQUARE CHAPEL CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

By The Musical Balloon Band Mon 15 Feb, 2:30pm Approx Running Time: 50mins (no interval) Age: 3+ 01422 353073 www.squarechapel.co.uk 16 FEB

Sid’s Show

HARROGATE THEATRE Join Sid from Cbeebies live on stage in a fantastic fun-filled adventure that’ll knock your socks off! Sid is setting out on a heroic quest to find out where in the world his favourite socks and shoes have go to - share in the adventure at the bottom of the sea, deep in the jungle or floating in outer space you’ll meet some funny characters along the way. In an interactive experience crammed with games, songs, poems and magic, Sid’s Show will leave you with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Perfect for families with children aged 3+ 01423 502 116 www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

17 FEB

The Snow Bear

SQUARE CHAPEL CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

By Hearthside Tales Wed 17 Feb, 2:30pm Approx Running Time: 55min (no interval) Age: 4+ 2.30pm 01422 353073 www.squarechapel.co.uk

19 FEB

Fantastic Mr. Fox

SQUARE CHAPEL CENTRE FOR THE ARTS Showing of the 2009 film with a picnic!

Fri 19 Feb, 11:00am Approx Running Time: 87mins, Age: PG 11am 01422 353073 www.squarechapel.co.uk

20 FEB

Lempen Puppets Workshop Make your own little Monster JUNCTION After the performance of “Little Frankenstein” build your own mini monster. Suitable for children aged 6+ (adults can stay & make a monster, too!)

01405 763 652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk

20 FEB

Lempen Puppets: Little Frankenstein

JUNCTION Frank Stein is busy rehearsing for his new puppet show, but he’s finding it really difficult as his puppets keep falling apart! Inspired by the scientist Dr Frankenstein, and with the help of the audience he creates a new real live puppet that is destined to change his life forever! A gentle horror for little horrors, Little Frankenstein will tickle the imagination of everyone from 5 to 105 years old.

01405 763 652 www.junctiongoole.co.uk

21 FEB

Tadpoles

SQUARE CHAPEL CENTRE FOR THE ARTS M6 Theatre Company Rival Superheroes learn to work together. Sun 21 Feb, 2:30pm Approx Running Time: 50mins (no interval) Age: 5+ 2.30pm 01422 353073 www.squarechapel.co.uk

23 FEB – 5 MAR

Snow Child

THE DE GREY ROOMS She’s a girl like no other. As she dances in the wild landscape and talks with the animals, she brings joy, fun and laughter to the whole village. But it’s not easy, bringing up a wild daughter of the blizzards and the wind. As the seasons turn, and winter gives way to spring and summer, will the Snow Child and her parents find their “happily ever after?” Suitable for ages 3+.

01904 715455 www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

25 FEB

Sing-a-Long-A Grease

ST GEORGE’S HALL Ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a T-bird or a Pink Lady but never quite felt cool enough to pull it off?

Well, now is your chance to don those pink jackets, grease up those quiffs and let your inhibitions go for an evening where you are the stars and remember GREASE is the word... www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

1-5 MAR

Lord of the Flies

BRADFORD ALHAMBRA William Golding’s 20th-century classic Lord of the Flies explodes onto the stage in a remarkable production direct from London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre. www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

Families Vale of York 23

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