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IN THIS ISSUE
Education Easter Family life Travel
March/April 2022
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Familiesonline.co.uk March/April 1
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Familiesonline.co.uk © Frederick Warne & Co. Limited and Silvergate PPL Limited 2022. All rights reserved. PB01869
CONTENTS CONTENTS
Contact Us Tel: 07958284983 Editor: Dale Harry Email: editor@familiesherts.co.uk Web: www.familiesonline.co.uk /FamiliesHerts
Welcome We’re really looking forward to spring here at Families and in preparation, here’s our Easter magazine. Are you nervously waiting to find out the results of your school application? We have suggestions on what to do if you don’t get your first choice. Also, find out about Abbot’s Hill School’s new Head on page 7. Did you know that tidying their room can help your child at school? All is revealed on page 10.
In This Issue
4 News 6 Education 7 Meet the Head 14 Mother’s Day 15 Easter 18 Early Years 21 Family Life 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.
Plus, embrace going out with some fun outdoor adventure ideas, on page 28! We have lots of Doodlejamz to give away too! Apply for this squishy, squashy, sensory – but mess-free - drawing toy for your child. Enjoy the read!
Dale
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March/April 3
NEWS
Fun, fun, fun at Camp Beaumont
With half-term just around the Academy, and each corner, and the dilemma of childcare activity programme approaching, Camp Beaumont, the is tailored by age UK’s most experienced day camp group, including a nursery-style provider, is on hand to provide your Playtime Programme for 3-4 year child with a fun-filled adventure at olds, a unique Magic Programme over 35 locations across London and for 5-7 year olds, a thrilling Active the South-East. Programme for 8-11 year olds With over 50 activities each week, and an exclusive club style Teens Programme for 12-16 year olds. not only can your child sharpen Childminders Camp Beaumont’s award-winning up •their social skills, but they can • Day Nurseries pursue new interests, develop new multi-activity Easter camps take • Out of School Care place from 28 March to 22 April talents and unleash their creative • Pre-School Playgroups 2022. Childcare vouchers are side. and much more … accepted and all bookings are Activities range from Aqua Olympics flexible with their COVID flexible to Movie Maker to Superhero booking promise. To book, visit website or call 01604 851 0000
Dream holidays with Away Resorts Away Resorts is a collection of naturally beautiful holiday parks, each in outstanding locations, with their own style and personality. Whether you desire coastal or country locations, full-on fun or a relaxing time with loved ones, each resort is alive with character and atmosphere, and specially crafted
to suit your needs. So, are you ready to fall in love with a new type of holiday? A holiday that puts you first, with stunning accommodation and where new experiences await at every turn. A holiday to create ‘remember when we did that?’ moments that will last a lifetime.
For more information, visit website
Find childcare in Hertfordshire To find an Ofsted registered childcare provider near you and to enquire about spaces visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/childcaredirectory
ALL STAFF DBS CHECKED
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Tel: 07913 323608 replay5905@ntlworld.com 4 March/April
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NEWS
Outdoor adventure at Batford Springs Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve is an incredible green space, celebrated not just because it is an outstanding community asset, but also because of its importance to biodiversity within Harpenden. Ideal for a family outdoor adventure, the Nature Reserve is home to a stretch of the River Lea and also includes a rare chalk lined stream, wildflower meadows and a recently opened boardwalk and footbridge which leads you through the wet woodland and reed fen area. Together, this is a wonderful mosaic of habitats for a variety of species
from woodpeckers to bats and reptiles to dragonflies. As well as the fantastic opportunity to discover trees, plants and wildlife, Batford Springs also boasts a play park, accessible walking route, picnic benches and a trail of information boards. Whether you’re an avid nature enthusiast or a family looking for a day out, there is plenty you can see and do at Batford Springs.
If you’d like to find out more visit website
Inspiring half term adventures your child won’t want to miss BOOK NOW
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03/02/2022 19:10
March/April 5
EDUCATION
Is your child starting school in September? Plan a successful start with the School Starters Planner 2022/23 What’s in the planner? Daily planning calendar What’s coming up – month by month School contact details and login pages
The full 12 month planner covers the entire 2022/23 academic year.
Vital information you will need for school from the experts at Every Day’s a School Day
Buy it HERE
Get a 4 month taster planner for FREE
DOWNLOAD HERE
6 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
SPONSORED FEATURE
Katherine Bluck Abbot’s Hill Prep School delicious match teas there! I couldn’t believe my luck when the opportunity arose to return to the area I grew up in and take on the Head of Abbot’s Hill Prep School. I’m incredibly excited to be joining at Easter as we begin the next chapter of a post-Covid world.
Abbot’s Hill Prep School is to welcome Miss Katherine Bluck as its new Head from April 2022. Miss Bluck will be speaking at Abbot’s Hill Prep School Open House on Friday 11 March, 8.45am – 10.45am. After a pupil led tour hear from Miss Bluck as she outlines her vision for the Prep School. What was it about the school that made you want to apply for the position at Abbot’s Hill school? And what are your memories of school as a child? Being from Berkhamsted, I attended what was then Berkhamsted Girls’ School. I had many happy years with friends playing lacrosse and walking the headmistress’ dogs before leaving to study my undergraduate degree – and later PGCE – at Cambridge University. Abbot’s Hill is a school I’ve always had my eye on. Growing up, two of my closest friends were Abbot’s Hill girls; they have very warm memories of their school days. Both my mum and I played lacrosse and remember enjoying the
What are the qualities of a great teacher? It might sound cliched to say that happy children learn, but it’s so true. We all remember those teachers who believed in us, made learning fun and shaped our lives. So when recruiting or observing teachers, I always look for individuals who build strong relationships. A clear level of mutual respect between a teacher and student will make all the difference to their learning. Those teachers and teaching staff who go out of their way to encourage each child to believe the sky’s the limit are the ones I want in my school! What advice would you give to parents choosing a school? Finding the right school is like buying a house. While from the outside, you might think you’ve found everything on your tick list (like sports facilities, swimming pool, beautiful grounds, science labs etc.) that is not what ‘makes’ a school. The real feeling of ‘home’ comes from the warmth of the people in it – the staff and children who make the school feel happy, safe and like they belong there. My advice would be to seek a school with all the practical non-negotiables on your list, but then visit and really talk to the people who live and breathe it to find out how it truly feels. From the moment I arrived at Abbot’s Hill, it felt warm and friendly. The
students were making great progress across the board to achieve their potential and be themselves. Their voices were listened to in a supportive environment where it is safe to make mistakes. What more could you ask for? Who inspired you to teach? We all have those teachers who shape us; one of mine was my Y5 teacher at Berkhamsted. She was the first teacher I really felt ‘got’ me as an individual. She will always be my inspiration to be patient and kind and meet children where they are...then build upwards. What did you want to be when you grew up? Being a teacher was not on my radar when I was younger. All I wanted was to be a ballerina on the stage in London. I danced from age 2 to 17 and although I no longer dance, returning into London to see ballet back on stage was the first thing I booked when the theatres reopened post-Covid! What is your real-life superpower? I have always been good in a crisis which has been helpful during the everchanging Covid landscape in the UK, particularly in education. I also make a mean risotto! What are you known for? I love both cooking and hosting, but I am very much known for over-catering as I would be mortified if a friend left my house hungry! My friends and colleagues would also say I have a loud laugh and cannot function without a coffee in hand. Netflix or Kindle? Netflix! When it comes to reading, screens don’t cut it – you can’t beat a good paper book.
If you are a Head in Hertfordshire and would like to feature on this page then email editor@familiesherts.co.uk (this is a sponsored feature) Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 7
Independent day & boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 – 18.
Where enjoyment creates achievement
Open Days Virtual Open Day at stchris.co.uk
Junior School Tuesday 29 March Tuesday 14 June
Senior School & Sixth Form Tuesday 26 April +44 (0) 1462 650947 admissions@stchris.co.uk stchris.co.uk
LOCKERS PARK “Lockers Park prepares boys for success in the modern world.” Tatler Schools Guide
Join a Stay & Play Session Friday 25 March, 9.30-11am Children and their parents are welcome to join a fun lesson and play time in our Pre-Prep and meet our Reception Teacher and Headmaster.
St. Francis’ Kindergarten & Prep School Join Our Community... Open Days:
Visit lockerspark.co.uk to book.
19th & 25th March 2022 Excellent results | Enthusiasm for life
www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk
A purposefully small prep school for boys aged 4-13 | Boxmoor, Hertfordshire
8 March/April 130x87 Stay and Play Fam Herts 13-01-22.indd 1
Familiesonline.co.uk 01/02/2022 10:21
EDUCATION
So you didn’t get the school place you wanted. What next? Watch advice from Emma Lewry at Every Day’s a School Day
Help, we didn’t get our school choice!
By Emma Lewry
In England, secondary school places are announced on 1 March. Then, during April, primary school applicants find out their designated school. Very high percentages of families receive one of their listed preferences or even their firstchoice school. But what can be done if you are unlucky? READ MORE Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 9
Wrestling Spectacular
STANBOROUGH SECONDARY SCHOOL
Mon 11th April 7.30pm Tickets: £16.50, £12 child, £49 Family of 4 Giant tag team The UK Pitbulls are set to invade Potters Bar when big-time grappling hits the Wyllyotts Theatre stage for an Easter spectacular.
Twirlywoos Live!
Tues 12th April 1pm & 3.30pm Tickets: £14, £49 Family of 4 Join Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends! Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stanborough Park Secondary School is a co-educational independent Christian School, for pupils aged 11-16, located in Watford, Hertfordshire
What is the average class size at Stanborough? We have small classes (ratio of 1:8 on average), allowing us to give tailored and precise help where this is required. This allows us fast-track learning as well as a more nurturing and supported approach for all.
Do students perform well academically? Alongside our able students, we also have pupils who arrive at Stanborough below national expectation and leave having made excellent progress – allowing for excellent GCSE results. Last year, 95% of our students achieved grade 4 or higher in 5 or more of their GCSE’s including Maths and English.
So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs ...?! Weds 13th April 3pm Tickets: £15, £12 child, £48 Family of 4 Hit stage show starring dinosaur aficionado Dr Ben Garrod. Get ready to go on an exciting pre-historic adventure as Ben explores the biggest, deadliest and weirdest predators that ever roamed the planet.
Does Stanborough School have an educational philosophy? We develop the whole child, make children feel safe and put the child at the forefront of everything we do. Our philosophy, epitomised in our motto (God is the Master of our School), has shaped many generations of families educated at Stanborough since 1919. Our values of excellence, respect, courage, resilience, helpfulness and integrity enable our children to grow in confidence, and to better appreciate each other.
We believe that an individualised and inclusive support infrastructure including regular contact with parents is essential for helping students reach their full potential. We teach a personalised curriculum catered to meet the needs of students of all backgrounds, including disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs.
How diverse is your school? We provide choice, diversity, and excellence to our students. In many cases, the prestige and world-wide fame of a private institution attracts international interest, meaning classrooms become multi-national spaces in which students interact with children from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Does Stanborough schools run entrance exams? As an inclusive school our entrance exams do not determine whether a child is accepted or not. These tests are used to identify gaps in learning. If the family has the right principles, they will be welcome into our family.
What is Stanborough School’s admission process? You will first meet the Head teacher (meetings take place every Tuesday) who will take you on a tour of the school. You will then be invited to attend an optional taster day to get a deeper insight into what makes us so unique. Your child will sit an assessment to determine their academic ability, followed by an interview with the Head teacher.
Where can I find more information about Stanborough School? At www.spsch.org you can find out more information about our ethos, the admission process, the curriculum offered, tuition fees charged and the latest news and events. A prospectus is also available for download on the website. Feel free to book a meeting with our head teacher, to gain a better understanding of our vision and what makes us unique: www.spsch.org/meet-the-headteacher-2021
Stanborough School Stanborough Park, Watford Hertfordshire, WD25 9JT United Kingdom
10 March/April
+44 (0) 1923 673268 info@spsch.org www.spsch.org
Now taking registrations
My child has special needs. Do you offer extra support to the students?
Fun is an essential ingredient in all our nurseries where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them. FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM
T: 01707 392999 E: hertfordbarns.nursery@childbase.com Hertford Barns Day Nursery, Cole Green, Hertford, SG14 2NL T: 01582 792060 E: nurseryonthegreen.redbourn@childbase.com Nursery on the Green, South Common, Redbourn, Hertfordshire, AL3 7NG
WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU www.childbasepartnership.com
Familiesonline.co.uk
EDUCATION
Does spelling matter? By Jemma Zoe Smith As a dyslexic tutor, my answer does not fit squarely on one side of the fence. Spelling is a recognised core skill which helps with reading, processing and pronunciation. But should anyone be penalised for having important and novel ideas, simply because they struggle to write them down? In UK primary schools, children are given regular spelling tests and spelling is tested at each stage of pupils’ lives. 11+ exams, SATs, GCSEs and even some job interviews require a writing task without spellcheck. So yes, spelling must matter because it is tested at so many points in the UK (although not so much in the USA). Fail to master spelling and it is harder to make it to top universities or careers. READ MORE
Finding or setting up a Forest School
© Coco Jones
Want a Forest School toddler group? A school offering Forest School? Find here. Nothing in your area? Parents/ childminders can train as leaders. Find a trainer offering ongoing support on the Forest School Association (FSA) website. Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 11
EDUCATION
Games to improve visual perception
Can your child make sense of what they see? Visual perception is essential for your child’s reading, writing and movement. Here are some games that help with this important skill.
Peppa Pig Guess Who?
Paddington Spot the Difference
Wooden Pick Up Sticks
Pixy Cubes
Match It Head to Tail
Dive into Shapes!
Helping children discriminate carefully between features. Ages 6mths-3yrs.
Encourages visual attention and sequencing and spatial relationships. Ages 6+.
Code & Go Robot Mouse Activity Set Copying mazes develops visual perception skills, Ages 4+
12 March/April
A fun family game involving spotting the differences between pictures. Ages 5+.
Aids visual discrimination, visual attention and visual memory. Ages 3+.
iTrax Critical Thinking Game
Copying and building designs boosts visual perception skills. Ages 6-10.
Encourages a focus on details, ignoring extraneous visual information. Ages 3+.
Develops visual perception skills involved in handwriting and reading. Ages 6-10.
Lets Go Code Activity Set
Hop, turn, step and move through a gross motor maze. Ages 5+. Familiesonline.co.uk
CLUBS
Perform classes will build your child’s confidence Perform puts children’s social development at the heart of their weekly sessions for 4-7s and 7-12s. Using performing arts based games and inspiring activities, their classes are designed to boost confidence, build concentration, develop communication skills and hone coordination – and are brimming with fun and laughter too. Run by professionally trained actors, dancers and singers, classes are kept small to ensure individual attention, with regular progress reports provided. Fantastic termly resources – such as free apps, music downloads and dance videos – support each theme,
Families readers receive a £40 discount when booking before
31st March, just quote meaning the HE310322 fun continues at home. But don’t just take Perform’s word for it, see what parents say by visiting www. perform.org.uk: ‘The beaming smile you see when Annabelle finishes a class is so wonderful to see. She has grown in confidence and thoroughly enjoys it,’ said parent Katie Pashley. Children can join at any point during the term and will still take part in the end of term performance. Classes are for all abilities; children just need to arrive ready to have the best fun of the week!
Book a no-obligation FREE trial class to get started at perform.org.uk/try. Call 020 7255 9120, email enquiries@perform.org.uk or visit website
RECRUITING NOW
Start your new career as a Foster Carer with Hertfordshire County Council You’ll receive: • training & allowances • excellent local support
Scan the QR code to find out more Familiesonline.co.uk
FOSTERWITHUS
In partnership with
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fosterfamilies @hertfordshirefostering
@HCCFosterAdopt
March/April 13
MOTHERS DAY
Mother’s Day gifts for under £20 Dads! This one’s for you and the kids! Mother’s Day is Sunday 27 March this year.
Patchwork Game
Pink-Champagne Truffles
Plant Mum Vase
The Naked Bee Hand & Cuticle Salve
Beenax Spiky Massage Ball Set
Calm Club Yoga Cards
Turmeric-infused Honey
Cotton Kimono Robe Wrap
A soothing two-player Made with dolomite, she game about constructing has her own removable Beautiful gift box and a patchwork quilt. £15.29 luxurious white chocolate mini-pot! £16.99 truffles. £16
Spiky massagers for A healing salve for mums arms, legs, shoulders anywhere there’s tension. who garden. £9.49 £8.99
Health conscious, handwhipped, British raw honey infused with natural turmeric. £9.95 14 March/April
A soft, elegant robe mum can feel truly spoilt in. £16.50
A card for every week of the year, teaching the basics. £10.95
Sea Salt Scented Tin Candle Hand-poured, sea salt–scented candle to transport mum to the seaside. £13.05
Familiesonline.co.uk
EASTER
Top Easter craft ideas Easter brings with it some fantastic opportunities to get out the paints and craft materials and create lovely eggs, chicks, cards and bunnies!
Easter trees
Potato Easter egg stamps
Egg carton chicks
Easter bunny headband
Easter scene jar
Stitched Easter bunny card
Pompom bunny bonnet
Easter egg pinata
No sew sock bunny
Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 15
EASTER
Easter cooking Fill the kitchen with delicious smells and make some yummy Easter treats with the kids.
Chocolate cornflake cakes
Hot cross bun trifle
Easter bunny KitKat house
Easy hot cross bun ice-cream
Easter marshmallow bubble slice
Greek Easter cookies
Chick biscuits
Choc chip hot cross buns
Lemony Easter chicks
16 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
HEALTH
One snack too many? Even if your child is a healthy weight, it’s not great if they eat little nutritious food and get most of their energy from unhealthy or sugary snacks. Public Health England advises parents that sticking to two packaged snacks a day and keeping them each at under 100 calories (kcals) or 418 kilojoules (kJs) is really important for children. The food label usually states how many calories are contained in 100 grams or 100 millilitres of the food or drink you are buying, so do compare the calorie content of
different products. The free NHS Food Scanner app helps you scan product barcodes to find healthier alternatives. You’ll be surprised at how high the energy intake is for some common snacks.
Calories in popular packaged kids’ snacks Nature Valley Crunchy Oats & Honey Bar Packet of Walkers Ready Salted Crisps 32.5g KitKat 2 Finger Bar Soreen malt lunchbox loaf Cheestring McVities Ginger Nut Biscuit Mini Milk Ice Cream Lolly Froot Shoot Orange Juice Drink Fruit Shoot hydro water
823kJ 706kJ 436kJ 380kJ 253kJ 196kJ 134kJ 40kJ 8kJ
or 196kcal or 169kcal or 104kcal or 90kcal or 61kcal or 47kcal or 32kcal or 10 kcal or 1.8kcal
Useful online resources Better Health – tips, tools and apps to help you improve your family’s health. The Eatwell Guide – how much should you eat from each food group? Plus healthy snacks ideas. BMI healthy weight calculator - calculates healthy weight. Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 17
EARLY YEARS
Transitioning a toddler from cot to bed By Charlotte Woods and Jo Taylor Amidst the 2am online searches on ‘how to help your toddler get some sleep,’ you may have wondered when the right time is for your little one to graduate from a cot to a bed. In truth, there isn’t a one-size-fitsall answer. Do they need to use the toilet at night? Do they try to climb out of the cot? Is the cot needed for a new sibling? Or do you just feel they are emotionally and physically ready? Once you have decided it’s time, take steps to prepare for this exciting stage of development. It’s about building up and instilling confidence in your child. Think about sleep habits Make sure they can self-soothe and keep sleep prompts consistent eg white noise, a comforter or familiar song. Create a safe environment Check your child’s bedroom for anything unsafe. Ensure windows can’t be opened and consider using a stairgate. Establish a bedtime routine Maintain what works, such as a short bath, stories and cuddles – these all help to make the 18 March/April
experience more familiar. Communicate changes positively Talk to your child in age-appropriate language and use books such as: Princess Polly’s My Big Girl Bed and Pirate Pete’s My Big Boy Bed. Prepare the sleep space Get your toddler involved. Choose bed covers together and personalise their bedframes with stickers. Think about photos of loved ones and a night light too. Pre-empt bedtime requests Making their favourite meal before bed or introducing water in a beaker on the bedside table help with settling. If they need a nappy/ pyjama change, have everything to hand for minimum fuss. READ MORE
Familiesonline.co.uk
EARLY YEARS
Top apps every parent needs Overwhelmed by the number of apps available in the App Store? Ari Last, founder of the Bubble app shares his recommendations. Get these on speed dial to make parenting and family life a little easier.
Mush
Find friends with kids the same age nearby.
OLIO
Allrecipes Dinner Spinner
The Wonder Weeks
Kidday
Family Locator
A week-by-week guide to Solving the endless ‘what your baby’s development – pregnancy to after can I make for dinner?’ birth. question.
Give away unwanted kids’ items to other local parents.
Store your photographs in one place. Share albums with friends/ family.
Track the location of older children/teens when out and about.
CBeebies
Bubble
Sound Sleeper
Educational games and classic cartoons for when you just need a break! Familiesonline.co.uk
Find, book and pay local sitters/nannies recommended by friends/other local parents.
Help your baby fall asleep with this collection of calming sounds. March/April 19
EASTER
Best Easter eggs for 2022 Find it hard to choose? Here are some of the best options this Easter.
Cadbury Twirl Orange Flavoured Extra thick egg filled with Chocolate Egg You Crack Me Up Easter Egg
Lindt Milk Chocolate Egg
Comes with Lindor Milk Chocolate Mini Eggs.
fun chocolate treats.
Large chocolate orange shell and two full-sized chocolate bars.
Ferrero Rocher Milk Chocolate & Hazelnut Egg
Montezuma’s Milk Chocolate Chick with Buttons Cute clucky chick and giant buttons.
White half-eggs sandwiched with caramel-milk chocolate.
KitKat Salted Caramel Giant Egg
Thorntons White Chocolate Bunny Egg
Marigold the Duck
Chocolate egg studded with chunks of hazelnut and Ferrero chocolates.
Caramel flavour egg, with bars of KitKat Chunky Salted Caramel Fudge.
20 March/April
With white chocolate and decorated with milk chocolate.
Caramayo Chocolate Easter Sandwich
Milk chocolate with naturally coloured yellow and white speckles.
Familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
Having incredible conversations with your child By Jane Gilmour and Bettina Hohnen You: How was your day? Your Child: Fine. Want something a bit more? Timing. Try not to pounce on your child with questions straight after school or nursery. Kids often need time to decompress. Wait and read the room. Start conversations when they are rested and well fed. Setting. Many kids find face-to-face talking a bit intense. Weave your conversations into another activity eg when they are drawing.
and so on - the top of the mountain is the best, the bottom is the worst.
Expectations. Learning to communicate meaningfully together is a skill that takes time to build. Not all conversations will go smoothly Get real. Pre-teen children find but, in time, if your bids are gentle abstract concepts difficult and often and genuine, your relationship will don’t have the vocabulary to reflect thrive. their experiences. If you want to find out how your child is, draw a READ MORE mountain. Ask your child to use the mountain to show how they are feeling today, how they feel usually Truly communicating with your child is a great privilege for a parent. More than that, building a strong relationship with them improves their quality of life by protecting their mental and physical health. How to Have Incredible Conversations With Your Child by clinical psychologists Jane Gilmour and Bettina Hohnen can help you further with this. Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 21
FAMILY LIFE
Top green family products If you’re looking to replace existing family products with something new, then why not consider these green options?
Reusable bamboo straws
Eco-friendly backpack
Beeswax food & sandwich wraps
100% USDA certified organic with all-natural plant-based cleaning brush.
Large enough for A4 books and folders. 100% recycled polyester.
Award-winning reusable wraps. 100% organic cotton and British beeswax.
Biodegradable & recycled swim towels
Reusable snack bag
Disposable econappies
Reusable nappy
Reusable cutlery
Beeswax crayons
Quick dry towels. 100% recyclable materials and biodegradable cotton.
Award-winning, adjustable, all in one, washable and reusable.
22 March/April
Perfect alternative to single-use sandwich bags and cling film.
100% organic bamboo. Suitable for everyday use or picnics.
Sustainable organic bamboo fibre, plant based liners. 100% compostable.
Natural beeswax crayons made with minimum of 25% beeswax.
Familiesonline.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE
Reducing the cost of family living Get a grip of finances
Make savings
Two Smoby KS Slides to give away!
Never want to miss another issue?
Take back control of family spending with free apps like Money Dashboard or Emma. Monitor and set limits on your kids spending with apps like gohenry or the free Revolut Junior. Don’t spend more than you earn. MoneySavingExpert’s free The Budget Planner will help. Don’t get caught short. Try Piggybanking. Divide money into separate pots for essential bills. Struggling with missed bills and payments? Try prioritising and consolidating. More info at debt help tips. Get organised with family meal planning. Save money, time and waste.
Slash £1,000+ off your yearly grocery bill by taking the Downshift Challenge. Save on big brand disposable nappies by using comparison site BumDeal. Get free second-hand stuff from giveaway websites Freecycle and Freegle. Buy second-hand and get great quality for less. Try eBay, Gumtree and Facebook Market Place. Save £££ each year (and reduce your carbon footprint) by following simple energy saving tips. Try the Energy Efficiency Calculator for personalised advice on use and solutions.
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March/April 23
TRAVEL
Unique UK animal encounters Create lasting memories with a UK animal encounter. Compiled by Yonder, a new travel brand offering nature-rich stays and experiences.
Spot badgers in Dorset
Go whale watching See wild boar in the in Scotland Forest of Dean
Stay: Shepherd’s Hut, Blandford Forum
Stay: Tirlaggan Studio, Oban
Watch beavers in Cornwall
Walk alpacas in East Sussex
Stay: 2 Pencoose Barns, Truro
Herd sheep in the Lake District Stay: Winster Fields, Windermere 24 March/April
Stay: Gun Hill Cottage, Heathfield
Spy red squirrels in the Yorkshire Dales Stay: Mary’s Cottage, Hawes
Stay: Danby Lodge, Coleford
Kayak with seals in Pembrokeshire Stay: Maerdy Lodge, Haverfordwest
Spot African animals in Kent Stay: Shore, Hythe
Familiesonline.co.uk
TRAVEL
Lesser-visited UK staycation spots Avoid the crowds! Try one of these lesser-visited staycations spots put together for Families by Gabrielle Nash.
Lundy Island, Devon
Tenby, Wales
The journey to this showstopping island is an adventure! The kids will love taking the ferry over from Ilfracombe. The name Lundy means puffin, the island’s most famous resident. Enjoy a back to nature holiday with just a handful of other inhabitants, staying in one of the historical properties. There’s even a lighthouse you can stay in!
Tenby is the perfect location for a family holiday but so often overlooked in favour of more traditional spots. Stunning sandy beaches are the major draw card but the town has a vibrant atmosphere, colourful cottages and an array of family-friendly eateries. There are also plenty of family attractions nearby.
Dungeness, Kent
Aberdeen, Scotland
Dungeness is a quiet settlement on Britain’s largest shingle beach. The well-known power station makes a great rainy-day activity and opportunity for kids to find out how electricity is generated. Surrounding it lies a beautiful nature reserve. Stay in a seaside property and take the narrow-gauge steam train out to Dymchurch and Hythe.
Perched on the east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen has a beautiful sandy beach to one side and the striking mountains, the Cairngorms to the other. Take the trail of seventeen castles you can even stay the night in one! For activities, check out the busy harbour for boat-loving kids and don’t miss the Science Centre.
Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 25
TRAVEL
Lesser-visited UK staycation spots Avoid the crowds! Try one of these lesser-visited staycations spots put together for Families by Gabrielle Nash.
County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Bamburgh, Northumberland
In Northern Ireland’s lake district in the south-west of Northern Ireland, you’ll find beautiful accommodation options from a lodge on a private island to luxury camping. Kids will love the walk through the Marble Arch caves or enjoy taking a trip on the waterbus. A must-see is the medieval Enniskillen Castle.
Situated on a vast stretch of golden sand on the Northumberland coast, Bamburgh is a family holiday dream. The stunning Bamburgh castle sits imposingly above the beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Try surfing or windsurfing, or head to a local cafe for some freshly caught fish.
The Wye Valley
Cheshire
The Wye Valley is an area of outstanding natural beauty with the River Wye running through it. The area offers a great family holiday with opportunities to try wild swimming, fishing or canoeing. Whether you fancy a log cabin with a hot tub or glamping with the kids, you’ll find plenty of choice.
With some great family-friendly attractions, enjoy Cheshire’s beautiful countryside or opt for a city break in Chester. For space lovers, there’s a new visitor centre at the observatory Jodrell Bank, kids will love Chester Zoo and everyone will enjoy the Ice Cream Farm, a theme park dedicated to ice cream!
26 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
SPRING OUTDOORS
Spring make n’dos Enjoy nature and garden-themed activities with the kids - perfect to while away some hours at the weekend or during the school holidays!
Weave a nature loom
Make a spring sensory bin
Make a garden gnome
Spot early signs of spring
Grow potatoes in a tub
Make a butterfly feeder
Make easy pine cone hedgehog
Grow microgreens
Make simple garden wind chimes
Familiesonline.co.uk
March/April 27
SPRING OUTDOORS
Outdoor adventures Enjoy the great outdoors this spring and get the kids to try some of these great activities.
Try the string walk
Plant a tree
Join a fossil hunt
Take a family walk
Try orienteering
Make a stone cairn
Go pond dipping
Play Poohsticks
Go canoeing
28 March/April
Familiesonline.co.uk
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Magazine
March/April 29
