Families Hampshire West Jan/Feb 23 PRINT issue

Editor:

Welcome

Happy New Year from all of us here at Families! We wish you the very best for the months ahead.

If you’ve abandoned New Year resolutions already, then let Families re-inspire you! This really is a great time of year to focus on how to get healthier – but it’s difficult to do it on your own. So how about taking on a health challenge as a family instead so you can motivate each other? Whether it’s a new challenge or finding out why it’s healthy for kids to get muddy, this issue offers you lots of food for thought.

And, as the kids head back to school or nursery for the new term, we also have great articles on dealing with separation anxiety, a common issues faced by parents of children in the early years, as well as a focus on education including an update on SATS, advice on safely choosing an online tutor and the importance of mentoring.

Finally, in this issue, we have Britannica Magazine subscriptions to giveaway! Apply for six month subscriptions plus a Britannica All New Children’s Encyclopaedia inside. By doing so, you’ll also ensure you receive our digital magazine with lots more content and goodies on offer.

Rebecca

Editor, Families Hampshire West

© Families Hampshire West 2023. 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.

New scheme at Stroud School

From September, Stroud School pupils achieving at the appropriate level in their studies by the end of Year 5 will be given a guaranteed place at its senior school, King Edward VI, Southampton (KES) for Year 7, without the risk and anxiety associated with the external examination route.

Since 2012, KES and Stroud School have been proud partners. To celebrate their 10th anniversary their already well-established links will be further enhanced by moving to a true 3-18 school structure. And, from September, Stroud will move to a Nursery to Year 6 model and children arriving in Year 7 at KES from September 2024 will be able to earn their place from their ongoing academic attainment, rather than the traditional entrance exam route. The ‘Head’s Recommendation’ route will allow children from Stroud to obtain a guaranteed place at KES if they have demonstrated the appropriate academic potential to thrive and succeed at its senior school.

Stroud’s popular Wednesday morning events take place throughout the term and are an excellent way to visit the school. Call 01794 528360 or visit www.stroud.kes.school

Unforgetable island adventures

Set sail with Red Funnel for action-packed half-term adventures on the Isle of Wight.

Discover award-winning accommodation and attractions to suit every member of the family, from days out on the farm to walking with dinosaurs! Pack up the kids in the car, bring the dog, bikes, paddleboards – whatever you need to fit more into your holiday or day trip.

Explore the unique Island landscape on foot or on two wheels and look out for red squirrels in the woods, bird, bunnies and butterflies in the country and a whole host of seaside critters by the beach.

Although just one hour from Southampton, you’ll feel world’s away when you arrive. Travel across with a car and up to 7 people from just £28 each way this February half term.

Start your unforgettable adventure on the Isle of Wight in 2023, visit www.redfunnel.co.uk for more information and to book.

Share the adventure at The Gregg Prep School

The Gregg Prep School values each child as an individual and encourages development of their self-esteem, positive attitude and independence through learning and play.

The moment a child joins the Prep School, they become part of the school community. Reception class encourages children to learn independently through age-appropriate play as well as structured learning. Pupils are provided with opportunities to express their imagination and creativity and enjoy outdoors activities such as Forest School and Beekeeping. And, by the end of their first year, pupils will have cultivated a deep love of learning which is enriched throughout their time at the school.

The Gregg Prep School takes part in the Government’s Early Years Education (EYE) Scheme which enables parents to claim up to 30 hours of free early years education.

Call 02380 472133 if you would like to find out more and book a tour of the school. www.thegreggprep.org

Take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch

Get your family involved in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and help monitor bird life in the UK.

Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 27 and 29 January.

Challenge your children to see who can spot the most birds. Take a bike ride to a local park or make a day trip out of it and spot birds in a new place.

You can also watch Big Garden Birdwatch Live! on YouTube and Facebook to discover what birds are being spotted across the UK with live commentary, interviews and chats with special guests and wildlife experts and the chance to ask them questions.

To learn about ways to attract birds to your garden and get your FREE guide, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

Wear a Hat for a better future!

Wear A Hat Day, an iconic and fun annual event, is one of the UK’s most popular and family-friendly charitable fundraisers and it’s happening again on Friday, 31 March!

Running for more than ten years, this event raises millions for vital research into brain tumours – the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under the age of 40. Wear A Hat Day events help children explore their individuality and creativity, whilst learning to work together and think of others – in a really fun way.

Participation fosters friendships, creates better local and school communities, offers unique learning opportunities and provides new ways for children to explore ideas around different life experiences, all while giving hope to brain tumour patients and their loved ones.

Join this event, as a family or by persuading your local school to take part. Register now for more information and your FREE fundraising pack at www.wearahatday.org

Do something amazing in 2023!

Fair Ways Fostering, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, is an award-winning charity fostering agency based in Hampshire. They receive over 200 weekly referrals for local children needing safe and loving homes, but simply don’t have enough foster carers to fulfil this need.

Many of their foster carers have had young children when they began fostering and one said: ‘Our children are now 8 and 5 and we began fostering when our eldest was only 2 years old! We made a fantastic choice; the children love fostering and they have just won a national award for Birth children excellence. Fostering has been life changing for all of us, for the better.’

Come along to a virtual fostering event which can be found on their Facebook page, or you can scan the QR code.

If you would like to know more about fostering, call Fair Ways on 02380 230 400, email Fostering.info@fairways.co or visit www.fairways.co/fostering-services

As a Charity our surplus is reinvested into the children in our care, so you know our heart is in the right place.

SATS: getting in the know

By Jessica Joan

In May, Year 2 (KS1) and Year 6 (KS2) pupils will take their SATS exams. Yet, from their very first day at school, children are being trained to be able to perform in preparation for these assessments.

So much work goes on behind the scenes in other years to get children ready and when it comes to the year in which they take their SATS, teachers are under pressure for them to do well.

To prepare for the exams, your children will be doing lots of maths, reading and writing at school, intertwined with other subjects so that they are consistently practising those skills. Sometimes this means that other foundation subjects are deemed ‘not as important’ and additional maths and English lessons squeezed in instead.

So how can you ensure your child does well in their SATS?

Your child’s school will more than likely be sending home maths, English and reading homework in preparation. It can be difficult to make your child do homework, especially when they have been worked so hard during the school day; however, it’s an important support in preparation for SATS so anything you can do with your child can really make a difference to how they perform.

Providing your child with any opportunity to read, write and do mathematical calculations will be massively appreciated by your child’s teacher!

In addition, you can download and look at past SATS papers from previous years (www.sats-papers.co.uk) to get an idea of what your child will have to do. There will be some things that have changed since you went to school so ask your child to show you how they do things - they will relish this opportunity!

Likewise, you can always speak to your child’s teacher who will happily show you how you can support your child’s learning at home.

As well as these things, ensuring your child eats well and stays hydrated will support their minds and bodies during the school day. Similarly, creating a good bedtime routine will mean your child gets a decent night’s sleep and has the brain power to be ‘on the ball’ throughout the school week.

Jessica Joan is a primary school teacher from Worcestershire with a ten year teaching career. After experiencing burn out, she set up as a Work/Life Balance Coach for stressed out teachers and launched her Happy Teacher Course. Find out more at www.jessicajoan.co.uk

SATS and your child’s wellbeing

It’s very common for children to feel worried and even stressed about doing their SATS, especially for Year 5 children going into Year 6.

There is plenty that you can do at home to support your child mentally and emotionally in preparation. Explain that it’s totally normal to feel this way before a test and share some of your own experiences. This will help them feel less alone and comfortable in being able to share what’s going on for them.

It’s a great opportunity for you to teach them about emotional intelligence and wellbeing. Start off by labelling the emotion that they are experiencing like anger, worry, anxiety. Then discuss the physical sensations they feel which come with that emotion, whether that’s sweaty palms or a racing heart. Now practise a wellbeing technique to promote feelings of calm and self-assurance during these times. Breathing techniques, exercise and meditation are all great ways to support your child’s wellbeing throughout stressful times during their childhood.

Are KS1 SATS being scrapped?

The government previously announced its plans to scrap KS1 SATS (Year 2) after the introduction of the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) which began in September 2021 and is taken by all new primary school pupils. However, it has since been decided to make KS1 SATS (Year 2) optional for schools from September 2023 instead.

The RBA is usually done with a teacher in an informal setting during a child’s first six weeks of school. It is an activity-based assessment conducted via a number of practical and interactive tasks. There have been pilots done all over the country and the validity report confirms that this new assessment provides an ‘accurate’ starting point from which to measure the progress a child makes in primary school.

To my knowledge, this change is welcomed amongst primary school teachers across the country as it limits the amount of pressured standardised testing that takes place during a child’s early school years. Primary school is a time for children to explore their learning through play and their own curiosities.

The importance of mentoring

By Jemma Zoe Smith

There are many different strategies which enable someone to ‘be the best they can be.’ In the adult world, the two commonly debated methods are coaching and mentoring. Whilst they are often discussed together, they are in fact two different concepts. As a mentor to teens and tweens, I have often found myself wondering if mentoring would work for primary aged children?

Some in the field of education may feel that mentoring is not appropriate for children of this age. How can you mentor someone who is just getting to grips with learning, formulating their ideas and their opinions?

However, mentoring can be very effective in instilling a love of learning, enabling open discussion and promoting self awareness at an early age. At its most simple, a mentor is ‘an experienced person who advises and helps somebody with less experience over a period of time’ 1. This period could be whilst a young child gets used to a new classroom or a change in family circumstances.

A mentor offers advice, using the benefit of their experience but always taking into account the fact that the child is an individual and that their background and experiences in life may be very

If a child is interested in sports, a good mentor will connect with them, using this interest, even if it isn’t necessarily a shared interest between them. A mentor guides but also allows a mentee to discover who they are.

Having a mentor or studying in an environment such as a classroom with a mentoring ethos can help children to get to know themselves and make sense of the world in which they find themselves.

In the age of social media, with an ever-increasing number of platforms telling children who they should be, I think mentoring is more important than ever to help children peel back the curtain and feel as if they have the permission to be their own

Getting the best from online tutoring

By Lisa Wander and Catherine Loble

With Covid and the move to online platforms, tutoring has become more accessible, with more options and opportunities available for tutors and students. As a result, over fifteen percent of children across the country are now receiving private tuition.

An Institute of Education study shows that well delivered tuition has a positive impact on attainment across the board. Certainly, in the highly competitive worlds of selective schools and public exams, tutoring has become the norm in ensuring that children are prepared and supported.

Today many parents turn to the internet to find a suitable tutor as it offers wider and often less expensive access to more options. But with it comes the concern around finding quality teaching in an unregulated world.

Online tutoring options are prolific on social media - you’ll likely get more offers than you could sift through in one evening! There are also many specialist online agencies offering a range of tutoring options, as well as A-level or undergraduate student tutors offering their services.

Employing an A-level or undergraduate student tutor may be advantageous in offering your child a positive role model.

Equally, your child may feel more comfortable with somebody closer to their own age and may therefore be more likely to challenge themselves and grow in their learning. This option can also offer a less expensive tuition route. However, it is really important to bear in mind that student tutors are unqualified and

inexperienced and don’t have the experience or understanding of child development.

In this exploding world of online tutoring, to give your child the best chance to succeed, you will need to do your research AND practise due diligence. Paying for a tutor is an important investment and cutting corners may do your child more harm than good.

Most educators recommend a robust academic assessment prior to hiring any tutor. For some children, an experienced tutor will be essential whilst for others a student tutor to support their learning can provide a wonderful experience. Either way, parents should be involved in what and how a tutor is planning for their child and have some degree of control and understanding of which topics will be covered.

Lisa and Catherine are co-founders of Emparenting (www.emparenting.co.uk), supporting children, parents and families with insights, skills and tools to nurture the development and well-being of the next generation.

Safe tutor selection

Meet your online tutor in a video call prior to engaging them and check their references thoroughly.

Consider their professional training as well as their general character and attitude.

Request qualification certificates and background checks.

Ask how they measure progress. Request regular feedback and that any homework is sent via you.

Ask for planning information. A professional tutor will never mind sharing this with you.

Sessions should only be arranged via parents; tutors should never contact your child directly.

Which platform will they use? Make sure that your child knows the rules around safety too.

Monitor online lessons by setting up in an open space in your home or leaving a door open if you are not in the same room. Trust your instincts as a parent; if something doesn’t feel right, stop sessions and change tutors.

An academic assessment

A recommended element of the tutoring process is an academic assessment prior to beginning sessions. This is the process of gathering data to understand the strengths and weaknesses of a student’s learning. It should be tailored to the individual student and delivered by an expert educator. An academic assessment will:

Test a child’s ability against the national cohort.

Help parents understand the academic level their child is currently reaching.

Identify gaps in learning, allowing tutors to create programmes tailored to your child’s needs.

Reveal potential and determine if it’s being reached.

Recommend suitability for future schools.

A robust assessment in advance of using the unregulated online world of tutoring will give you some degree of control and enable you to be more involved and aware of what your child needs in advance of hiring a tutor. It will provide a baseline for you to ensure that your child is being taught to a high standard.

Get muddy, get healthy

By Gabrielle Nash

Is your child always making mud pies, splashing in muddy puddles and making friends with worms, leaves or sticks? Do you embrace it or hate it?

We all have those memories of getting messy and muddy as a child but when it comes to our children, it can be difficult to allow them free rein. Yet scientific evidence now suggests young children who are encouraged to enjoy safe, outdoor muddy play will go on to develop stronger immune systems than children who are discouraged from it, leading to better overall health.

In the last decade, over sanitised childhoods have contributed to higher cases of allergies in the western world1. The percentage of children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and eczema has trebled over the last thirty years.

Meanwhile, other studies have also found children who grow up on farms, with easy access to farm animals and the outdoors have a lower risk of developing asthma2. The reason behind these findings is an immune system that is exposed to bacteria and viruses when young and becomes strong, meaning it is much less vulnerable to allergies and asthma.

So how can you safely achieve muddy play?

The best way is to get your child outside as much as possible, from as young an age as possible. Touch trees, leaves, grass and mud. Play with sticks, jump in puddles and breathe fresh air. Forest schools are now a popular alternative to traditional indoor nurseries and forest school activities run by Forestry England and the National Trust are increasingly common during the school holidays.

Locate your closest natural play area - playgrounds made from natural materials; some even have options for den building and mud kitchens. Not only are you giving your child’s immune system a boost but being in the fresh air has countless other physical and emotional benefits. Instilling a love of the outdoors from a young age will continue the healthy habit of getting outside.

You can also give young children regular exposure to safe bacteria through mud kitchens and gardening. This helps bolster their immune systems from an early age, contributing

to a more diverse range of bacteria in the gut and skin. Recent research has found a direct link between diverse microbes in a child’s gut and potentially chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes and even healthy brain development. If you don’t have access to a garden, consider a local allotment or community farm project where children learn about how our food is grown AND get their hands safely dirty.

Children who grow up with a pet, especially dogs, are also known to have a healthier immune system because of the dirt an animal naturally brings in. Use common sense with this though. Don’t play in muddy areas to which cats or dogs have regular access so you can avoid harmful bacteria your child may not be used to. Always wash hands with warm soapy water.

Messy and muddy play requires patience and a relaxed attitude – from you!

Don’t put children in their best clothes outdoors; a second-hand puddle suit and old wellies will suffice.

Don’t wait for a sunny day. If the weather isn’t perfect, remember, you need rain to create that mud.

Get involved yourself. Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you have to miss the fun and it might even help your immune system!

The saying ‘a little bit of dirt never hurt you’ really is true.

1 www.allergyuk.org/about-allergy/statistics-and-figures/ 2 www.newscientist.com/article/2206654-microbes-from-farms-may-protectchildren-from-asthma-even-in-cities/

Surviving separation anxiety

By Dorothy Lepkowska

It’s a common scenario; the toddler who actively resists being left with anyone else, struggling to separate from parents or loved ones. So what can you do to make separating from your toddler easier?

Most children go through a phase of being overly attached to one or both parents at some point in their early years. The tears can make leaving them at nursery or with a childminder heart breaking.

Kate Harding’s toddler would cling to her every morning when they arrived at nursery. ‘She wasn’t upset when she woke up in the morning or even in the car as we drove to her early years setting but once it was time for me to leave it was the same every day’ Kate says. ‘She would cling to my leg and literally have to be peeled off by one of the staff. Often I’d leave upset and in tears myself. On those days, no amount of reassurance from her key person that she was well and thriving would make me feel better.’

Important for resilience Experts say that it’s completely normal for young children to go through what could be described as a clingy phase and it’s an important part of their development.

For many, anxiety at being separated from a parent begins at six to nine months. It’s around this time that babies become conscious that they are separate little beings and are not the same person as their parent.

For some, this clinginess can last for a couple of years or more and can get worse when they go to nursery or a childminder.

As difficult as it is to be separated from a crying, anxious child, it’s best not to avoid leaving them. Explaining why you need to be apart, saying goodbye, telling them when you will be back and reinforcing the positives of this, is all part of teaching your child how to be resilient.

Take a deep breath and walk away. Your child is in safe hands and will thrive, as they will discover for themselves over time.

Kate says: ‘I would tell my daughter that I had to go to work so we had money and remind her how much fun it would be to play with her friends. Often this did the trick.’

Getting used to new surroundings Nurseries and pre-school settings understand the importance of a settling-in period before your child starts officially. You might stay with your child for several sessions, gradually leaving them for longer periods. Your child’s key person will work with you to settle your child. This helps them get used to their new surroundings and helps you both become familiar with the staff and children.

Remember, this is all new for your child so it’s not surprising they might feel uncertain or anxious.

‘I always tried not to sneak out of the nursery when leaving’ says Kate, ‘but to give her a kiss, wish her a good day and wave through the window. At times it was hard to stay calm and collected while she was upset but as she got to know the routine the crying stopped. In any event, even at her worst, the staff always assured me that she calmed down once I’d gone and got on with the day’s activities. It was probably worse for me, in fact!’

Top Tips for buying first shoes

Buying your child their first pair of shoes. These are exciting times (where you also have to keep your wits about you)! This is a really big milestone as they are turning from a baby to a toddler. As a child’s feet are not fully developed until they are teenagers, it is important to get shoes that fit property to avoid foot health problems.

Does my child need shoes when he is crawling?

Professional advice is that barefoot is best, as this gives your child a chance to strengthen the muscles in their foot and feel and grip the floor underneath them for balance. Once they start crawling and cruising you can protect your baby’s feet from bumps and scrapes with properly fitted pre-walkers which should be light and flexible.

When should I buy my baby their first pair of shoes? When your child is walking more than crawling, which is around 4-6 weeks from their first few steps, shoes can be useful, especially if they need to walk outside and need protection. This can be any time between 9 and 18 months.

W.J. French & Son, Southampton has spent over 200 years looking after peoples feet, fitting, maintaining and repairing shoes. It is now recognised as a centre of excellence for shoe fitting and prides themselves on providing a huge range of adult and children’s shoes to choose from.

www.wjfrenchandson.co.uk

Dorothy Lepkowska is an award-winning journalist, author and freelance writer for the Early Years Alliance (www.eyalliance. org.uk). You can read more of her parenting features at www.familycorner.co.uk

Checking in by phone

Early years experts say that while parents might be tempted to seek reassurance that their child is okay by returning to the setting, this can be disruptive and unsettle their child all over again. All that is achieved is the transference of the parent’s anxiety to the child.

Instead, a quick phone call to the staff is usually enough to reassure you that everything is going well.

However, if a toddler remains unduly upset by separation for a prolonged period it might be worth investigating if there are other reasons for them feeling unsettled. Talk to your child’s key person or childminder about your concerns. They are best placed to advise you what is best for your child, even if this means delaying their start at the setting for a few weeks or extending their settling in period.

Kate adds: ‘My own experience and those of other parents I know, is that this separation anxiety is a temporary thing. There will come a day they run in without even a kiss goodbye.’

Woodland Holiday Club

Located at Itchen Valley Country Park and at their own Outdoor Learning Centre, Youth Options Ofsted registered forest school themed holiday club gives children aged 4-11 the opportunity to spend the day outside exploring and enjoying the natural world.

There will be opportunities to learn new skills and activities include shelter building, campfire cooking, woodland art, games, nature walks, habitat exploration and much more!

Sessions run from 8.30am–4pm, Monday to Friday. £32.50 per day (5% sibling discount, and weekly discounts available).

For more information or to book, email enquiries@youthoptions.org.uk or visit www.youthoptions.org.uk

Songs, games and learn music

Songplay music classes are a fun way for your child to get more music into their life.

Classes include singing, games and a dynamic curriculum of activities that develop rhythm, pulse, pitch awareness, coordination, active listening and the rudiments of music notation. These skills support the development of children who are already learning an instrument, or plan to do so in the future.

They also support emotional development, social skills, and self esteem. Each lesson is planned and adapted according to the strengths, interests and learning styles of the children in the class. Class sizes are strictly limited for this reason.

Visit songplaysouthampton.com for more information.

Songplay

Music Classes

Put a spring in your child’s step with Perform

Happy spring term!

Perform confidence-building classes are sure to blow away the winter cobwebs and will help children feel energised and inspired. This term sees 4-7s trapezing and somersaulting into a Circus Adventure whilst 7-12s work on a fun and funky adaptation of Robin Hood, in Outlaw. Imaginations will soar as children work towards a magical performance for family and friends.

Perform is not like other children’s drama schools. Its classes have a special emphasis on child development, using a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s potential. Run by experienced actor-teachers, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration. With all abilities welcome, children can join at any point in the term and will take part in the performance. The only requirement is to get ready to have the best fun of the week!

Children are welcome to try a FREE class. With local venues in Chandler’s Ford, Lymington, Romsey, Southampton and Winchester.

Find the right class and book at www.perform.org.uk/try

More about Perform’s weekly classes

Confidence building weekly drama, dance and singing classes for 4-7s and 7-12s. Classes are designed to boost confidence, communication, concentration and coordination.

Visit www.perform.org.uk/try, email enquiries@perform.org.uk or call 020 7255 9120 to book a FREE trial class in one of the following venues.

Chandler’s Ford: Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, SO53 2GJ

Lymington: St Thomas Church Hall, SO41 9ND

Romsey: United Abbey Reform Church, SO51 8EL

Southampton: Highfield Church Centre, SO17 1RL

Winchester: Holy Trinity Parish Church, SO23 8DG

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New Year challenges

By Claire Winter

Every New Year we are inundated with health, fitness and self-improvement messages. Often, if we do decide to challenge ourselves and make a change, we don’t feel adequately supported and quickly lose motivation. One way of addressing this is to take on a new challenge as a family. Not only do you all have to get up off the sofa but you get to spend quality time with each other too!

Does your family thrive on a bit of competition? You could make your challenge a goalorientated one. Or perhaps you have family members who want to nail screen time, healthy eating or exercise? Call a family meeting and decide which challenge will suit you all. If you can’t decide, hold a vote! Here are some challenge ideas.

Get wild

We know that spending time in nature is good for you and science backs it up. Challenge each other to name different trees on every walk you go on, see shapes in clouds, identify birdsong; whatever it takes to draw the family into the fresh air.

The RSPB has some great wild challenge suggestions for families; check out fun and learning at www.rspb.org.uk

Reduce screen time

If you decide as a family to spend less time on devices, there are some great apps like AppDetox or AntiSocial which can help. Plan family fun as a healthier and more inclusive use of your time.

Catch me if you can

Coach Martin Sharp (www.martinsharp.com) suggests a family running challenge. ‘You could keep it simple and see how many laps of the park you can all do. But if you want to make it more exciting you could enter a Tough Mudder (www.toughmudder. co.uk) says Martin. ‘Exercise doesn’t have to be the same thing day-in, day-out; with a bit of imagination it can turn into a grand adventure.’

Make a family chart and log everyone’s goals and achievements.

Eat around the world

Bored with your normal meals? Inspire yourselves by researching healthy ingredients you’ve never tried before. Then plan a family challenge to cook meals from around the world. Everyone gets to try something they’ve not eaten before.

Be mindful

In this stressful world, taking time to ‘just be’ is so important. Try some relaxing yoga and meditation every evening for just five to ten minutes, for a month. Insight Timer (www.insighttimer. com) is a free meditation app, packed with different tracks and exercises.

Use workout cards

Fitness expert Lauren Allen (www.strongasamum.co.uk) suggests using playing cards to mix up workout challenges. Allocate a movement or an exercise to each suit. For example, clubs is squats, spades is push-ups, diamonds is star jumps and hearts is high knees. Shuffle your deck and deal out the whole pack to everyone. The number on the card represents how many repetitions of the exercise you need to complete. Set a timer and whoever clears their hand in the quickest time wins the round.

Be brave

Try a new activity that stretches the family’s comfort zone, such as ice skating, wild swimming, rock climbing or paddleboarding. Set yourself an achievable goal and get started!

Ready, steady, cook!

Cook up your own version of Come Dine with Me, with the aim of making your meals healthier. Social media platforms are full of inspiring chefs whipping up feasts you can copy at home.

What's On Fun for all the family

To promote your local event, coffee morning, nearly new sale, parenting courses or community group in the next What’s On listing. Email editor@familieshampshirewest.co.uk

Listings in this section are FREE for most non-commercial ventures. Please check details of the events before setting off in case anything has changed since going to print.

Don’t forget to sign up for our digital magazine for more interactive content at familiesmagazine.co.uk/go

All listings correct at the time of going to print. Please check with the venue before visiting to ensure events are still going ahead and venues are open.

Every Fri St Bees Musical Adventures St Barbe Museum, Lymington, SO41 9BH

Take your child on a magical sensory journey, inspired by the objects on display, through stories, songs, puppetry, baby sign, dance and creative play. 10-11am. Not on during school holidays. Under 5s. Pre-book, call 01590 676969.

Every Sat Storytime

Netley Library, SO31 5DT Let their imagination run wild. Join for free. For young children to get creative by craft making and listening to stories.

Throughout Jan & Feb ‘50 Things’ Activities

The National Trust

Why not try some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenges? From rolling down a hill to making friends with a bug, there’s something for every young explorer to do. Take part in this initiative at your local National Trust venue: Hinton Ampner, Mottisfont or The Vyne.

Until 8 Jan

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Mottisfont, Romsey, SO51 0LP This is your last chance to step into a Narnia-inspired world at Mottisfont, with an activity trail from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. 10am to 4pm. Trail £1.

Until 8 Jan

West Quay on Ice Southampton, SO15 1QF

Enjoy a skate against the stunning backdrop of Southampton’s historic city walls. Get your skates on and book a ticket, call 02381 680033.

From 30 Jan ZOG™ Trail

Alice Holt Forest, GU10 4LS

Everyone’s favourite dragon is returning to Alice Holt Forest with a brand-new family activity trail and free app! Get ready to join Zog™ on his latest forest adventure to collect golden stars as your little dragons learn how they help care for the forest and how the forests can care for them. The new Zog™ trail launches on 30 January. There’s lots more to do at Alice Holt Forest at this time of the year, explore the trails and discover different play areas before treating yourself in the lovely café.

Until Tue 28 Feb

Winter Garden Bird Explorer Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, SO51 0QA

Go and explore whether wet or frosty in a winter wildlife that is magical and spectacular. A recurring event.

Tue 10 to Wed 11 Jan

Beauty and the Beast Theatre Royal Winchester, SO23 8SB

A tale as old as time. Be our guest and join the Ballet Theatre UK as they bring us this enchanting tale to life. With new choreography by Artistic Director, Christopher Moore, as well as featuring stunning sets and costumes.

Thu 12 to Sun 15 Jan

The Smartest Giant in Town MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton, SO14 7DU

Based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler This heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure. From £10.

Tue 17 Jan Park Explorers

Itchen Valley Country Park, Eastleigh, SO30 3HQ

Enjoy fun and games in the woods! There will be games, seasonal crafts and a story in the woods. 10.30-11.30am. £5. Ages 3-5.

Tue 17 Jan to Thu 19 Jan

Matilda the Musical JR. Theatre Royal Winchester, SO23 8SB

A story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With secret telekinetic powers she joins a school run by a tyrannical headteacher. Join her in this magical adventure of a smashhitting musical.

Wed 18, 25 Jan & 1, 8 Feb

Forest Fledglings

New Forest Heritage Centre, Lymington, S043 7NY

If you are looking for something fun to do with your little ones during term time, come to the New Forest Heritage Centre and enjoy 30-45 minutes of themed activities including storytime and crafts followed by free play. £2 per child to attend, supervising adults go free. 10.30am or 11.30am.

Sat 21 Jan

Lunar New Year: A Family Celebration Online Event

Join the British Library in celebrating Lunar New Year alongside beloved children’s authors Eva Wong Nava and Maisie Chan. This is an online event streamed on the British Library platform. Drop into these online sessions from 10.30am–1pm to hear stories, join activities and ask questions to the authors. Pre-book. www.bl.uk/events/lunar-new-yeara-family-celebration

Fri 27 to Sun 29 Jan

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch In your back garden or local parks

The Big Garden Birdwatch is for everyone, whether you’re a complete beginner or a birding expert. Simply count the birds you see in your garden or in your local park for one hour between 27 and 29 Jan, then go online and log your results on the RSPB website. www. rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/ birdwatch

Sat 28 Jan to Mon 20 Feb

Zero Degrees

Winchester Science Centre, SO21 1HZ

The temperature may be dropping but things are heating up at Zero Degrees. As well as all the usual Science Centre fun, there’ll be even more on offer to excite all ages including Northern Lights experience in the Planetarium and Hands-on Science Live demo, create a Cloud in a Bottle.

Sat 11 Feb

Nick Sherratt’s All New Picture Book Draw Along

The Berry Theatre, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4EJ

Join this much-loved children’s writer and illustrator in a familyfriendly, fun filled drawalong. Bring pencils and paper. Ages 4+. Prebook, call 023 8065 2333.

Sat 11 Feb to Sun 12 Feb

Room on the Broom Theatre Royal Winchester, SO23 8SB

Based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler this production is a perfect introduction to the theatre for little ones. Find out in this magical Olivier Award-nominated show. Ages 3+.

The Race Centre in Chandler’s Ford offers an awesome experience for all the family.

This February Half-Term, The Race Centre will be holding their popular School Holiday Specials. These events are discounted for ‘drivers’ aged 8 to 17.

Drivers start with an entry-level car, learning the circuit and controls. Drivers can then stick with that car, or upgrade to something more challenging! All drivers are on track together competing to be the quickest. All lap times go into a leaderboard to make comparison between friends super easy. Guardian adults can also join in at the discounted rate.

Book online at www.theracecentre.co.uk

Sat 11 to Sun 19 Feb

Play Days: Games at the Museum

Milestones Museum, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG

Enjoy fun and games at the museum! Play giant board games, take in the fun of the fair and enjoy traditional pub games in a fun-filled week for the family! 10am-5pm.

Mon 13 Feb

Make and Take Craft Table Forest Arts Centre, New Milton BH25 6DS

Explore various materials, activities, colouring and make creative objects. Booking is essential.

Mon 13 Feb

Children’s Author: Chris Connaughton Storytelling New Milton Library, New Milton, BH25 6RW

Those who love stories do not want to miss this. The entertaining children’s author Chris Connaughton presents a variety of family-friendly versions of classic fairy tales.

Mon 13 Feb

Milkshake! Live

MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton, SO14 7DU Milkshake! Monkey is back and can’t wait to put on a spectacular NEW Show for you all, joined by some of his favourite Milkshake! friends plus two Milkshake Presenters creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen. This brand-new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet! It’s a family show not to be missed! All ages.

Mon 13 Feb

Kids Culture Club: Stand & Deliver: Highwaymen and Smugglers! SeaCity Museum, Southampton, SO14 7FY

Create your own wanted poster, make a highwayman mask and hat and a smuggling loot bag! 9am4.30pm (drop off from 8.45am). £35 per day (£60 per week). Ages 6-12.

Mon 13 Feb

Art for All: Buildings with Clay City Art Gallery, Southampton, SO14 7LY

Choose one of Southampton’s landmarks, a place you have visited, or maybe even somewhere from your imagination to sculpt as a clay tile. 10am, 12.30, 2.30pm. £7.50. Ages 5+.

Mon 13 to Fri 17 Feb

Meet the Big Guns Royal Armouries Fort Nelson, Fareham, PO17 6AN Fort Nelson invites visitors to experience its famous collection of big guns in action. Experienced staff will be firing the big guns on the impressive parade ground.

Tue 14 Feb

Kids Culture Club: Let’s Potter! Tudor House & Garden, Southampton, SO14 2AD

A magical day of making. Wands, spells, creatures. 9am-4.30pm (drop off from 8.45am). £35 per day (£60 per week). Ages 6-12.

Tue 14 Feb

Vicious Vikings Clay Longships

Tudor House & Garden, Southampton, SO14 2AD

Travel back to the time of Viking raiders, discover stories of battles

and glory and create your very own piratical longboat from clay. 10.30am & 1pm. £8. Ages 6+.

Wed 15 Feb

Hulla Balloony Moon Time

The Berry Theatre, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 4EJ

Long Nose Puppets offer up a marvellous moonlit show full of riotous rhyme, zany puppets and spiffy special cake; all iced with music and songs by Tom Gray. Little children will feel stuffed to the brim with magic. 11am or 2pm. Ages 2-7.

Wed 15 Feb

Jellyfish Sculptures

SeaCity Museum, Southampton, SO14 7FY

Super fun and imaginative sculpture workshop creating stunning jellyfish sculptures from recycled materials. 10am, 1pm, 3.15pm. £8. Ages 5+.

Wed 15 Feb

Fireman Sam Live

MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton, SO14 7DU

Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. You can become a fire-fighter cadet and then watch the magic of the circus. 11.30am & 2.30pm. £18. All ages.

Wed 15 Feb

Knight School

Tudor House & Garden, Southampton, SO14 2AD

Become a knight in this history and craft family workshop! Create your own heraldic emblem, have a go at archery (weather permitting) and dive into medieval times! 10.30am, 1pm. £8. Ages 6+.

Thu 16 Feb

Under the Sea: Wax Resist

Watercolours

City Art Gallery, Southampton, SO14 7LY

Use wax resist techniques to draw scenes beneath the waves and bring them to life with watercolour paints. Which sea creature will you paint? 10am, 12.30, 2.30pm. £7.50. Ages 5+.

Fri 17 Feb

Family Archaeology: Saxons Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, SO51 0QA

Be an archaeologist and enjoy the purpose-built trench and find hidden treasures from ages past. Learn about Saxon life in a carousel of activities; use fire strikers to make sparks, write Saxon runes in clay, cook a tasty Saxon snack on the fire and weave a Saxon bracelet. 10am-12.30pm. Booking is required. Suitable for accompanied children ages 4-12.

Fri 17 to Sat 18 Feb

Anglo-Saxon Takeover

Winchester City Museum, The Square, Winchester, SO23 9ES

For two days, the museum is being taken over by Anglo-Saxons, who will be on hand to tell you more about what Saxon life was like, to demonstrate some of their skills, and to talk to you about some of the fascinating Anglo-Saxon artefacts in our collection. This is an exciting opportunity to get hands-on with an assortment of historically accurate replicas of artefacts, whilst being guided by the very people who used them! 10am-5pm. All ages.