Families Glasgow Magazine July/August 2019

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IN THIS ISSUE Summer holiday activities Surviving the summer holidays Competitions ‌and lots more!

Issue 75 July/August 2019 familiesonline.co.uk

familiesonline.co.uk Families Glasgow

Welcome to issue 75 Summer is upon us, and hopefully drier weather. I’ve been wandering around with NittyGritty spray in my hair for days, having discovered quite by accident that it seems to repel Midges as well! With the long summer holiday on the horizon, we have once again pulled together some top tips for having fun and making the most of the change in routine. Our popular book recommendations will keep kids entertained during that all-important down time, and as usual there are lots of things to see and do in our What’s On pages. Have a fabulous summer - get out there and make some memories!

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up Keep ate to d Families Glasgow Magazine www.familiesonline.co.uk © Families Glasgow Magazine 2019 Families Glasgow is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Glasgow are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Glasgow. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Glasgow; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

In this issue 3. News & Views 6. Summer holiday special 8. Surviving the summer holidays 10. Rob Biddulph Interview 11. Your Kids’ Book Reviews 12. How to avoid social media burnout 13. What’s On

Next Issue September/October 2019

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www.firststepstomusic.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

News & Views Marvel Fans Assemble!

Marvel Universe Live! returns to Glasgow for an action packed, live arena stunt show, featuring Guardians of the Galaxy and more than twenty favourite Marvel super heroes and villains! See Spider-Man, The Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wand of Watoomb before it falls into Loki’s hands. The audience will witness cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, and impressive 3D video projection mapping in this completely new thrilling adventure.

With aerial stunts, martial arts and daring motorcycle skills, fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel universe in a show unlike anything they’ve ever seen before!

Called on by Doctor Strange, the Guardians of the Galaxy join Marvel Universe LIVE! on a momentous crusade against the scheming Nebula who teams up with the conniving and loathsome villains Loki and Green Goblin. The incredible superhuman forces of Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk and Black Widow will unite in clashes that pit student against mentor, sister against sister and brother against brother.

Join the epic battle of good versus evil October 24-27 at the SSE Hydro.

Tickets on sale now! www.marveluniverselive.co.uk

First Steps to Music First Steps to Music is a specialist Children’s Music School based in Glasgow West End and Milngavie.

They offer parent and child classes for babies and toddlers, musicianship classes for preschool aged children as well as children’s violin and piano lessons, which are taught in small groups or on a 1:2 or 1:1 basis. All the tutors are professional musicians with many years’ experience teaching younger beginners. They teach using a progressive, Kodaly based music curriculum and offer a fun and inclusive learning environment where each child is supported to achieve their musical potential.

Established in 2013 the school currently has over 120 pupils on its roll, ranging from 6 months to 10 years. Director and founder Katie Dick says: “We are lucky to have such loyal families. Many of our young violin and piano pupils started learning with us as babies and toddlers.

It is a privilege seeing them develop musically and grow in confidence.

Watching the children perform at one of our annual concerts is a real highlight.”

Extra classes and lesson times have been added to the timetable from September. Trial lessons for children interested in learning the violin or piano are available over the summer. For more information please visit www.firststepstomusic.co.uk or call Katie on 07870 975071.

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The World is Your Oyster For anyone making a step into the next chapter of life, taking a risk, making a decision or simply moving on to something new things can seem precarious. In cases like these, saying “good luck” sometimes just isn’t enough. Thank goodness, then, for Dr Seuss, master of encouragement, positivity and wordsmithery. Available in hardback with a with beautiful matching slipcase and also in paperback, Oh The Places You’ll Go is the perfect celebratory send-off for anyone looking to take life’s next steps. Whether your child is moving from primary to secondary school, your friend is taking on a new job or a sibling is moving to a new country, this is the perfect gift.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

If you’re very patient and organised, why not try what one dad in North Carolina did? Bryan Martin kept the book hidden from his daughter, dutifully taking it to her teachers, coaches and school principals every year to have them append it with positive comments and messages. Initially thinking she was just going to get a “cheesy card” when her dad said he had a present for her, Brenna received a heartfelt gift more than a decade in the making.

To WIN a copy of Oh The Places You’ll Go please e-mail competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk (subject: Dr Seuss) with your name and address no later than July 31st.

WIN

Going to Nursery Improves Behaviour Children who go to nursery are better behaved and have fewer emotional problems than those cared for by family or a childminder, a new study has found. Those who attended nursery, crèche or day care centre staffed by professionals for a year or more found it easier to make friends and had better social skills than youngsters who stayed at home.

Researchers believe more stimulating play, more time spent reading, following rules from a young age and getting praise mean children thrive in a nursery setting. The study by the Sorbonne University in France looked at the factors involved in childhood health and development using a survey of 1,428 children. It tracked their emotional development from birth up to age 8. Previous research has suggested early childcare can boost a child’s language and thinking skills, and may improve their academic performance.

More info: www.jech.bmj.com

Families Glasgow 3

The Magic of Ballet Scottish Ballet is set to tour its wee version of a big ballet, Wee Hansel & Gretel, to Glasgow’s Theatre Royal on 13-14 July as part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations. A family favourite, this fairytale is the perfect introduction for young children (and their grown-ups!) to discover the magic of ballet. Follow the breadcrumbs and join Hansel & Gretel as they go on an adventure deep into the woods… Along the way they’ll meet a rather beguiling witch and her mysterious raven, before arriving in an enchanted ginger-bread house filled with dancing sweet treats and toys that come to life.

Performed by dancers from Scottish Ballet alongside talented students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the performance is set to the music of Engelbert Humperdinck, recorded live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. This specially adapted performance, recommended for wee ones aged 3–8 years, is a colourful interpretation of the Grimm Brothers’ famous fairytale. The auditorium lighting will be kept on for the full 50 minute show, making for a welcoming and relaxed production for all the family to enjoy.

For more information and to book tickets visit: scottishballet.co.uk/ event/wee-hansel-gretel

WIN

To WIN a family ticket of four to the 11am performance on Saturday July 13th, please e-mail competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk (subject: Hansel and Gretel) with your name and address no later than July 5th.

Could your family be entitled to more money?

Until I had kids, I had no idea how much they would cost. At each stage I thought our outgoings would start to reduce, but then another expense reared its head - like them growing out of their clothes at an alarming rate. Thank goodness for hand-medowns! Our food bills have also gone up - it seemed like overnight my 14-month old went from eating scraps from my plate to eating more than my very hungry toddler. When my eldest turned three, all her activities suddenly seemed to cost the earth. She also started becoming aware of what others have and was soon telling me what she wanted.

And all of that is before trying to work out whether it is even worth returning to work while paying for two at nursery.

So I was really pleased to hear about the funded early learning and childcare when they turn three, which will double in 2020; not a moment too soon! I’ve also found out that around a quarter of two-year olds can access funded childcare too – that’s the type of information that is really helpful for families like mine with young children. There are other things that we can do to increase our income, or reduce what we pay in bills, but it can be hard to know where to start. There are so many additional money pressures when having a family, it can be hard to understand exactly what we’re entitled to or how we might save money on bills. Citizens Advice Network in Scotland offer free, confidential advice for families – chatting to them can help you find out if you are entitled to additional benefits, council tax reductions or even cheaper energy deals.

Rachel Goater, is a mum of two and Assistant Project Manager on Financial Health Project at Citizens Advice Scotland. Parents can access a financial health check by calling 0800 085 7145, 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday, or contacting their local Citizens Advice Bureau. You can find out more about how to maximise your income at: www.financialhealthcheck. scot The Financial Health Check service is funded by the Scottish Government.

If you have any local news to share with our readers, and would like to include it in our September/October issue, email it by 1 August to editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk 4 Families Glasgow

Celebrate Play on Playday UK! Playday is the national day for play in the UK, and will take place this year on Wednesday 7 August.

Playday is an annual celebration of children's play with thousands of children and families playing outside at events across the UK. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of children's play and the need for quality play opportunities every day of the year.

From small-scale community events to thousands of children taking part in events organised in parks and open spaces, Playday is celebrated by each community in a way that suits them.

As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

You can hold and register your own Playday event or find one close to you by visiting www.playday.org.uk

Ranger Service joins Makaton Scheme The Whitelee Windfarm Ranger Service strives to make their services accessible to people who use Makaton to aid their communication.

Their recent completion of the training workshop now allows all visitors to access the Ranger Service in a simple and formal way. Joining the Makaton Friendly Scheme ensures service users feel welcome, and included in activities.

Makaton is a language programme that gives everyone a helping hand to talk by using signs and symbols to help people communicate. It is designed to support spoken language and helps speech, language and communication skills using gestures and pictures.

Recently the Whitelee Ranger Service held their first Makaton event where participants were invited to explore the windfarm treasure-hunt style. Through clues and the help of a map, hidden Makaton symbols were discovered along the way leading them to find the treasure. The event was well received, with over 100 people taking part across the day.

Drive for More Men in Childcare More men will be encouraged to undertake qualifications in early learning and childcare, through a new government fund dedicated to increasing their numbers.

Colleges across Scotland will have the opportunity to bid for two funding awards to run pilot projects which support men in childcare with the aim of increasing the number of men enrolling in Childhood Practice courses. Currently, around 4% of the workforce providing day care for children is male.

Colleges across Scotland can bid for a share of the £50,000 Men in Early Years Challenge Fund to run pilot projects aimed at increasing the number of men enrolling on NC (National Certificate) and HNC (Higher National Certificate) Childhood Practice courses.

The government hopes that increasing the number of men in childcare means children will benefit from different perspectives and have more male role models to look up to.

More info at www.meninchildcare.co.uk

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Celebrate 100 Years of Magic Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for the celebration of the century as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic. Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and pals take to the ice to honour the legacy of Walt Disney and welcome audiences on a magical journey through classic and modern Disney tales. Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice. This fanfare production features more than 50 unforgettable Disney stars, a sing-along score of melodious masterpieces, stunning choreography, beautiful costumes and intricate sets. Audiences will travel to the heart of Africa with Disney’s The Lion King, come along for an adventure in friendship with the gang from Disney Pixar’s Toy Story, enter the magical kingdom of Arendelle from Disney’s Frozen, and watch in amazement as Belle breaks the beast’s curse in the tale of Beauty & The Beast.

Producer Nicole Feld is proud of the largest Disney On Ice show currently touring: “Our vision is for audiences everywhere to dance and sing along to their favourite Disney songs, so we’ve included 30 tunes that they know and love.” Tickets on sale now! www.disneyonice.co.uk

Maths stars and stripes Renfrewshire pupils' love of maths is fast multiplying thanks to a partnership with experts from the USA. More than 170 primary pupils from six schools across the region took part in two weeks of maths camps designed by education experts from Stanford University.

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The alternative approach devised at the renowned Californian institution is used by one-in-two American schools with research recording significant resultant improvements in test results.

It is the first time the camps have taken place in the UK and the creative curriculum hosted at Glencoats Primary in Paisley and St Anthony's Primary in Johnstone saw maths applied across a range of subjects including electronics and art.

Primary Schools: Join the Drain Campaign!

Pupils at Sunnyside Primary school are calling on their fellow schoolmates to join them in their latest campaign which aims to highlight the consequences of dropping litter on sea life. As part of their #DrainCampaign, the Sunnyside Ocean Defenders want to see schools across the city create an ocean colour scene around their playground drains to show how discarded litter can affect marine life.

Lisa Perrie, Principal Teacher, explains: "Last year we ran a few really successful campaigns raising awareness of single use plastic. This year our focus is on litter and the fact that the litter we drop on our streets and in our playground can ultimately end up in the ocean. We have created some sassy sea characters who are all pretty miffed at our lack of care with our rubbish.

"That's why we are asking schools and businesses across the city to do something simple. We will be creating some pretty spectacular scenes around our playground drains and would love for other schools across the city to do the same. Our hope is this would create a visual link between the discarded litter on our streets and playgrounds to the scunnered seals in the ocean."

To help with this, the Sunnyside Ocean Defenders have created some sassy Scottish sea characters for schools to replicate - from a Scunnered Seal, a Bilin' Basking Shark to the Crabbit Crab and Devastated Dolphin. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Glasgow 5

Summer Activities Special

Enjoy-A-Ball

A Dwelling House

Stagecoach

Summer Camp is full of actionpacked fun from start to finish. We play various sports, including football, hockey, basketball and dodgeball. We also play various fun games: parachute games, musical games, team building games and much more.... Between activities there are options to colour in, play with Lego and complete a jigsaw. During some rest time we watch a short animated movie. Overall your child will have amazing time! Early drop-off from 8.40 available.

Come along to The Hill House throughout the summer months (6 Jul-31 Aug) for a range of family activities, from trails to drop-in arts and crafts inspired by design elements throughout the house. Find out more about the children who lived here and what they got up to inside the house.

£16/day or £80 full week. £1.50 per early dropoff. 25% discount for siblings.

Week 1: 5th - 19th July, Scotstoun Parish Church; Week 2: 22nd – 26th July, Hyndland Community Hall

Still looking for some summer holiday fun?

Between the 01.07.-09.08.19, The Language Hub will be running various language sessions for adults and children to enjoy; please book in advance. At The Café Hub each day will begin with a free drop in singing or reading session for little ones under 2. And why not stay for some breakfast or coffee, too, before you venture on? Also, put the 21/22.09.18 in your diary when The Library Hub will officially open. This is the hub’s latest community project: A multilingual lending library for children and adults.

Stagecoach Performing Arts' summer school in Glasgow is the highlight of the Stagecoach calendar and this year the school is excited to be presenting Thoroughly Modern Millie. Children from age 8 to 18 take part in fun rehearsals for two weeks (one week for the 4-8 year olds who have their own show) then present their show at the Eastwood Park Theatre in Giffnock, and it's treated as a professional show only with children! You don't have to be a Stagecoach student to join in the fun so if you have a budding actor, singer, dancer or all three in your family then Stagecoach summer school is the place to go. Summer school runs from 29th July till show night on the 10th August, call Gary on 0141 204 4057 for to register.

E: george.barr@enjoy-a-ball.com T: 07780 610 595 www.eab-glasgow-west.class4kids.co.uk

Kit Out Your Kids End of term signals a thorough clear-out of the school uniform, and what better way to make sure your kids are suitably attired next school year than to pop into ApparelXchange at 47 Haggs Rd, Glasgow G41 4AR. This social enterprise is dedicated to school uniform reuse, making sure all items are cared for before being passed on. With blazers from £10 and a full day’s outfit for the same price, it’s well worth a trip.

10am - 4pm, NTS admission, Helensburgh G84 9AJ

The Language Hub

For more information email info@ thelanguagehub.co.uk, call 0141 258 2700 The Language, Café & Library Hub, 19 & 7 Keith Street, Glasgow G11 6QQ www.thelanguagehub.scot

www.apparelxchange.co.uk

Don't forget to say you saw these advertised in

Bricks4Kidz Calling all LEGO® fans! Join Bricks 4 Kidz over the Summer holidays at one of our fantastic LEGO® camps!

Our programmes allow kids to embrace their creativity and build exciting LEGO® models. With theme-based project kits ranging from robotics, coding, gaming and popular movies, we playfully motivate children by reinforcing S.T.E.A.M. based principles. At the same time, we enhance self-esteem, improve fine-motor skills, and teach important classroom lessons such as organisation and following directions.

8th Jul – 9th Aug, 9.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30 (£22.50) or full days (£40) various locations.

T: 07971515141 www.bricks4kidz.co.uk/scotland-glasgow

Inspiring young minds. Building better futures.

Based at House for an Art Lover, the studio offers several opportunities throughout the summer to try your hand at a new creative subject. Drawing, murals and print making are all covered in short, two-day workshops 10am6pm, £60. T: 0141 483 1619

SCHOOL WORKSHOPS HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS WEEKEND CLASSES

www.steamlab.uk 6 Families Glasgow

The Studio Pavilion

steamlab.uk STEAM Lab CIC Registered in Scotland, no SC603457

www.stagecoach.co.uk/glasgow

Geilston Garden Come along for some outdoor play adventures: Discover the bugs who have checked into our 5* Beastie Bothy, find all the wildlife on the spotter trail, see if you can spot any bees in the Wild Flower Maze and play in our natural play area.

10am - 4pm, NTS admission, Dumbarton G82 5HD

Make Do & Grow This not-for-profit social enterprise in Glasgow is focused on supporting growing families with children aged 3-12, encouraging reuse and recycling. We encourage creative development through our structured classes and free play sessions, using predominantly recyclable materials. Through the summer we have several crafty club sessions inspired by popular themes, such as Pokemon and LOL dolls. Craft: it’s fun, but super messy. So instead of wrecking your carpet, why not let us take the strain? 2hr session £10, Govan. T: 0141 440 5998. www.makedogrow.co.uk

Off-Grid Kids After School Based at the 121 Scouthall, Clarkston we offer your child outdoor adventures of all shapes and sizes within the woodland on our doorstep, providing a natural environment in which your children will thrive and develop new life-skills for now and into their futures!

We are running three weeks of summer club (Mon-Thu) beginning July 15th, 9.30-15.00 for children 5-13yrs. We will have lots of fun with circus skills training, with juggling, tightrope walking and lots of other fun activities as well as the usual woodland adventures, dens, trees, mud kitchens and great crafting activities! £100 per week, plus £5 per day wrap until 17.30 (depending on demand). T: 0776922950. www.offgridkids.co.uk and www.bookwhen. com/offgrid

www. studiopavilion.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Days Out

Put the kids in charge!

There has been a lot in the press in recent months about ‘helicopter parenting’ and the fact that many parents are doing too much for their children. So how about breaking the cycle and putting the kids in charge for the day? Claire Winter makes some suggestions.

Sometimes when we are busy we can over schedule our child’s school holidays with clubs, activities, play dates and days out. So why not counteract this by taking a step back and putting the kids in charge?

Children love independence so let each child in your family set the agenda for one day. Give them a budget and encourage them to start planning.

Parent coach Susi Ramroop (www. susieramroop.com) says it’s important to give our kids more independence. “In an attempt to please our kids and keep them busy, we fill their schedules with activities, and run the risk of overwhelming them.

Teaching them from a young age to choose a day out based on what brings the most joy exercises their decisionmaking muscles, and sets them up for a better future – making choices is the foundation for managing time and money effectively.”

Follow these easy steps: Put one of your children in charge Set the agenda. Let your child know that he or she has to plan an activity that is out of the house for the day, as well as how to get there and back and where and what the family is going to eat for each meal.

picnic, treats or eat out. Assist them to actually buy any food required.

Researching Get them to research the activity or day out they want as a starting point. Give them some tips on researching travel costs. You can assist them with this if they ask for help but try not to take over.

Advise them to pre-buy the tickets or train fares online. Depending on their age they may be able to enter credit or debit card information and manage booking systems. If not, give them some help with this. If they can stretch the budget or find free things to do, they get extra brownie points!

Let them navigate Get them to look up the location on Googlemaps or Sat Nav if you are driving or on a map if you are walking or using public transport. They can ask you for help if necessary. Ask them to direct you to your destination. If they make mistakes, it’s all part of the learning.

It may be mayhem!

Set a budget Give your child a set cash allocation for the day. They then need to decide what to spend the budget on. The budget needs to cover the day out or activity as well as food. They might decide to buy food for a

Remember things may not all go to plan but you can have fun, relax and enjoy not being in charge. Sometimes kids need to learn from experience that sweets for every meal is not a good idea!

Keep it up If the experiment went well, why not introduce it as a regular feature in family life? You could have a fun day out ideas jar that everyone contributes to. The whole family can throw their ideas into a hat or jar and you pull one out every weekend. My kids love having a Mexican, Indian or Pizza night. They plan the menu and ingredients required, then we do the shopping and cooking together. When the food is ready, we watch a film. An activity doesn’t have to be expensive or complicate. We often forget that what children actually really want is to be spending time with us, not expensive days our or material things.

Helping our children develop independence is vital. We need to give them the tools to become responsible, emotionally-intelligent adults who are capable of making their own decisions.

It’s not always easy to let go but when you do it’s great to see their smiles of satisfaction when they are allowed to do things their way!

Please share your kids in charge days out with us on Twitter and Facebook we would love to know how you get on. Use the hashtag #familieskidsincharge.

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Surviving the Summer Holidays Bedtime Routine Most parents agree that the bedtime routine is a very important factor in maintaining harmony in the home. But, when away from home, it can be difficult to hold onto this routine. Here are some tips on how to take the routine with you:

Quiet Time Once a Day Everyone needs some quiet time, mums, dads, carers and children. Time when there is no rush, not too much noise, and rest. Over the holidays, parents can sometimes feel they need to entertain their children all the time. This can mean lots of clubs, activities, play dates, screen time, and running from A to B. However, in order to avoid everybody getting over-tired, hot and irritable, quiet time at least once a day is required.

Here are some tips on how you can achieve this:

Make Space Wherever you are staying, make space for the physical things you need for the bedtime routine. Make sure toothpaste and washbags are in the bathroom and reading books and nightwear are in the bedroom.

Keep it Quiet It sounds obvious but background noise can be stressful and distracting.

The radio, TV, washing machine and traffic noise can build up quite the din. Turn off what you can.

Keep Track of Time The holiday atmosphere and excitement will extend bedtime, but it’s best not to extend by more than half an hour or miss the prompts you need to give children that bedtime is arriving. For example, at your children’s normal bedtime, remind them that they can have another half an hour, then it’s teeth, story and bed.

Preparation To make the most of the quiet time, do some preparation for it. This could take ten minutes or half an hour, but quickly wash up, put cushions back on sofas, and put phones away. This is time for all of you to relax.

Five More Minutes of You Being away from home may cause a child to be unsettled. Be prepared to give your children five more minutes of you before bed. If you are prepared to spend a little longer getting them to go down, you will naturally be more relaxed, and they will benefit from this.

Late, Late Nights When away, bedtime might just go right out of the window, as other children, family catch ups and general merriment take over. Even if your children aren’t going to bed, take them upstairs at bedtime, get them washed and into their night clothes, pull back the sheets, and let them know the bed is waiting for them when they are ready.

Make other adults are aware of their routine. For example, no sweets or sugary drinks before bed, and a quiet corner with the television, books or toys as it gets later.

Returning to Routine…

Staying away from home can be a great opportunity to have fun and socialise as a family, but it can also be stressful if tiredness and overexcitement kick in too deeply. Try to re-introduce your children’s routine as soon as you can if late nights have thrown it out.

Be Ready with Activities Have a list of activities ready for quiet time. Books, drawing and colouring in are all lovely peaceful activities that allow our minds to rest.

Consider Timings Quiet time is best introduced when things get a bit much at home. This can often occur when you come in from the shops, or after a long time in the car. When tears are shed, it’s time to rally the troops for some time out.

Adult Rest Remember you as a parent need to sit down too, so put your magazines, books or work aside for this time. Sit with your children and enjoy the peace yourself. Remember they will learn self-care from you.

Take a moment...

If we look for them, there are moments of quiet we can enjoy in the day, even when life is buzzing around us. Sometimes it’s a sit in the park or even some soothing music in the car. Moments of peace throughout the day can be a great way to regulate the mind and relax.

More information at www.fegans.org.uk/parent-hub

For more information, visit www.fegans.org.uk/parent-hub

Enjoying rainy days

Build a Dam

If you have a stream close by, use stone, rocks, twigs, logs and sticks to make a dam over it.

Remember to take it apart before you leave, so as not to disrupt any animal habitats.

We will undoubtedly experience rainy days this summer but wet summer days can also be quite warm. Here are some fun activities that make the most of the rain and that children can still enjoy outside in the fresh air.

Boat Race

Running water in a park stream or down a pavement is great for creating your very own boat race. Make your own boats out of things you find outside and then you just need to agree where the race starts and finishes before launching your vessels!

Rainbow Art

Sprinkle powder paints or washable markers on white card and get your children to stand out in the rain, letting the raindrops mix and making their own modern art. Take it inside to dry before the rain washes the paint away!

Buy a Worm Farm

Rain awakens juicy worms from their slumber.

Pull on your wellies and collect a few slimy friends to put in your indoor farm, so your children can study them up close.

Puddle Splashing

Make splashing puddles extra fun by creating a multi-coloured water world. Simply drop food colouring in the puddles before making the leap.

8 Families Glasgow

Raindrop Orchestra

Saucepans, empty tin cans and upturned plastic bottles can create music when drops of rain falling on them. See how creative your kids can be!

Inside-out

Take bath toys outside to bob around in the puddles. Water-activated robot fish toys (£9.99 Amazon) look great!

Dance in the Rain

Buy a waterproof cover for your smartphone and let your child take pictures of you and the family frolicking in the wet weather. Take out your most colourful brollies and welly boots to make the pictures extra special.

Go on a Bug Hunt

The rain entices out plenty of creatures, such as slugs and snails. It’s also fun to look for creatures that are sheltering like birds, spiders and woodlouse.

familiesonline.co.uk

Everyday Ways to Teach your Child to be Kind

By Angela Cox We know that children absorb information like sponges and this includes mimicking the behaviours and actions of others. Everywhere we look we see acts of terror and violence and the new age of online trolling is rife. So how do we prioritise kindness and teach our children ways to tune into their natural empathy and consider the feelings of others?

Here’s my top eight tips for encouraging kindness in our children: to think of one non-material thing they are grateful for and why. It might be that they were able to play football in the park after school or that the sun was shining.

Include yourself in the activity and give reasons you are thankful too. Gratitude is linked to increased happiness and a happy home is a kinder one.

Fingers on Lips A lovely rule to teach children is the adage ‘if you don’t have something nice to say, it’s better to say nothing at all.’ I encourage my children to place an index finger onto their lips which provides a psychical barrier to stop unkind words passing their lips. They always giggle at this. We chat about the impact unkind words have on others before focussing on the positive and discussing how nice it feels to say kind things.

Saying Thank You Motivate your child to send handwritten notes or cards when s/he receives a gift or goes to friend’s house for dinner.

Encouraging children to thank people for the nice things that they do develops a kind nature and grateful heart.

Be a Role Model Don’t let your child hear you saying unkind words. It’s so easy to be judgemental without thinking. You might be in a supermarket and passing comment about a stranger’s outfit for example or criticising a poor driver on the dual carriage way. Your child will hear your comments and believe it is acceptable to copy this. Be aware of your own language and make a conscious effort to say positive and kind things.

when describing people will ensure your child is kind and considerate. Walking the walk is crucial in this instance so always be courteous and remember your own please and thank you responses.

Kind Hands and Happy Feet

Ask not Tell

Kids can develop poor habits around physical contact with other children and kicking or hitting often occurs as a way of communicating negative feelings if they become frustrated. Help your children understand that kind hands and happy feet should not be used to hurt others and discuss the ways hands and feet can be used to help people instead.

Treating children with respect by asking them to do things rather than telling them will cultivate a happier and kinder home.

Using the words ‘would you mind’ at the start of a question and ‘please’ at the end is proven to way to engage children in a task and much kinder than demanding things be done. Setting this example will rub off on your children!

Respect for People

Gratitude

Teaching children to have lovely manners, thanking people who help them such as shop assistants, and to use kind words

Practice gratitude as a family. This can be done on the school run, over dinner or whilst having breakfast. Ask your child

Random Acts of kindness

Space Chase - 2019 Summer Reading Challenge The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday. Children's reading can decline during the summer holidays if they don't have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme ‘Space Chase’ - an out-of-this-world adventure

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Engage your children in carrying out acts of kindness such as leaving a drink and a snack on the doorstep for the postman or sweeping the leaves from a neighbour’s porch. If children can learn the value of giving without receiving, it will stand them in good stead. The ultimate way to do this is to carry out kindness acts without being detected, such as planting a pound coin for a stranger to find. Children get so excited thinking about who might find the pound and what they might spend it on.

Being kind feels good. It helps children focus on the positive and develop strong relationships with others. A smile goes a long way too.

Angela Cox is an inspiring mindsetmentor and creator of The Happy Path Journal (£10.99) a book for 6 to 10 year olds which helps them learn self-care. visit www.angela-cox.co.uk for more information.

inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

The Challenge will launch in libraries on Saturday 13 July 2019. For competitions, book recommendations and special online badges and rewards, visit www. summerreadingchallenge.org.uk Families Glasgow 9

An interview with Rob Biddulph

Best-selling author and illustrator Facebook/robbiddulphauthor

@robbiddulph

@rbiddulph

Here at Families we love snuggling up with a good book! It’s never too early to start nurturing a love of books and sharing a story with your child is the perfect excuse to cuddle up together on the sofa, or at bedtime. Best-selling author/ illustrator Rob Biddulph’s picture books have won many awards and are loved by children all over the world. Rachel Bailey talks to Rob about his newest book ‘Show and Tell’ which is published in August.

What did you do before you became an author/illustrator and what made you choose the wonderful world of children’s books?

I was a magazine art director. I worked for lots of famous titles including Just Seventeen, the NME and The Observer. I only left The Observer three years ago to become a full-time author and illustrator.

I initially decided to try and get published when I started buying lots of picture books to read to my daughters. We would read them every night and I’d think, “Ooh, this looks like a nice thing to do. I’m going to have a go!” I didn’t realise quite how difficult and competitive the world of children’s publishing is, however, and it took me about four years to get my first book deal.

Are all your books written in rhyme?

Why? Yes. Rhyming stories are the ones I enjoy reading out loud the most. I love the way that the children at my live events join in as I read, and sometimes finish off the lines for me. I guess it’s a bit like remembering song lyrics.

There is also a lot of potential for humour within the rhyming structure, and that’s really fun to play around with. A great example of a funny rhyme is How The

Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss. It’s just perfect, and my favourite children’s text ever.

I think I initially used the rhyming structure as something to hide behind. I spent years working on magazines and newspapers with some of the best writers in the world and I guess that as a result I felt I wasn’t worthy of the title “author” and that if I wrote in prose it would expose me as a charlatan.

Writing in rhyme, I thought, was more like puzzle solving. I do really enjoy the writing process. It doesn’t come easily – sometimes those stories that take about ten minutes to read can take up to a year to write. I believe that rhyming stories should be perfect – no half rhymes, no speeding up to fit in more syllables – and that is really, hard to do. There’s nothing worse than a bad rhyme. When you finally have your story working smoothly all the way through, the sense of achievement is amazing.

What’s your favourite childhood book?

I loved anything and everything by Richard Scarry. I would spend hours marvelling at the detail. It was great because even on the tenth reading of one of his books I’d still spot something I hadn’t noticed before. I try to include lots of layers of detail in my own books as a direct result.

We’re particular fans of Dinosaur Juniors in our house, do you have a favourite book that you’ve written?

Well, I’ll always be very fond of Blown Away - the story that gave me my big break, but my favourite is probably Odd Dog Out. The reaction I get from children (and adults) is astonishing. It really seems to strike a chord with people, which is lovely. I also like Kevin, because it’s based on my middle daughter’s “real” imaginary friend. I’m glad that I’ve managed to capture that little piece of her childhood in a book.

10 Families Glasgow

We’re looking forward to reading your new book, Show and Tell, next month. Have your children ever taken you into school for ‘Show and Tell’?

Ha. No, I’d be far too embarrassing! I have visited their school quite a few times to read my stories and do some drawing, however. I usually try out my live show there before I take it on the road. If I can survive my own daughters’ criticisms I can survive anything!

What’s your favourite way to spend time with your family?

We’ve just got a puppy. He’s a ten weekold cocker spaniel called Ringo. He’s so great! I’m really looking forward to when we can all take him out for walks (he’s still got to have a couple of his jabs before we can do that). I think that will be great way of spending some quality time together.

Apart from that, I still read bedtime stories to the girls. It’s a truly magical thing to do. That one-on-one time is so precious. I hope it never stops!

Do you have a favourite phrase/ amusing habit that your children use and you hope they never grow out of?

The two youngest girls had trouble with the word “caterpillar” when they were very young. They would say “CALERPITTAR”. It was so cute that we didn’t ever correct them. To this day they still occasionally say it. Probably not great parenting practice, but still… very sweet!

Show and Tell will be available in hardback from 8th August priced £12.99.

Visit Rob’s website www.robbiddulph.com Families have two copies to give away to the first two people to email their details to: competitions@ familiesglasgow.co.uk

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The Maker of Monsters – Lorraine Gregory, Brat is an unlikely hero: an orphan, plucked from the sea by the evil Lord Macawber, who is trying to create an army of monsters to destroy his enemies by stitching together pieces of other creatures. It’s a bit gross, really. Then, the latest monster kills Lord Macawber and lets out all the other monsters to go and wage war against humans. Brat has to escape and warn the nearby city, where Lord Macawber’s daughter holds the key to destroying the monsters. Luckily Brat makes some friends along the way. This is a pretty scary book, but it’s really cool, too. I enjoyed it a lot.

Your Kids’ Book Reviews Summer Reads For more book reviews, check out littlekidbigkid.co.uk!

The Lost Magician - Piers Torday

BOOT small robot, BIG adventure – Shane Hegarty

Caleb (age 7), Bearsden ISBN: 9781444949360, PB £6.99, 7-9yrs

The Naughtiest Unicorn – Pip Bird Dave is like no unicorn you’ve ever met – he’s quite chubby and greedy and he loves donuts. In the first book, everyone felt sorry for Mira because she got Dave at Unicorn School, and everyone else got shiny, prancy unicorns. But Mira likes Dave, because he’s funny, and they sort of fit together. I was a bit worried about how Dave would get on at Sports Day, because he’s not really built for sports. But in the end, sports day is more about working with your team, and doing the right thing, and Dave is much better at solving mysteries anyway.

Jessica (age 7), Hillhead ISBN: 9781405294799, PB £5.99, 5-8yrs

A strange animal comes to the forest. It’s blue. The other animals don’t know who he is. He has a funny suitcase with him. They don’t believe his story, because no one can carry a table in a suitcase. The forest animals are really nosy. When the strange animal goes to sleep, they break his suitcase. To find out what’s inside. That’s really naughty. They should just believe him. But it’s ok, because in the end they say sorry, and they fix his suitcase.

And his teacup. And they build him a new house. That’s was kind.

Archie (age 5), Pollokshaws ISBN: 9781788004480, PB £6.99, 2-5yrs

Daniel (age 11), Anniesland ISBN: 9780192768834, 9yrs+

This is the story of Boot, who is a bit like Wall-E because he’s a robot, and he’s a bit like Lotso from Toy Story because he wakes up at the rubbish dump. He wants to get back to his owner, and on the way he meets some new friends. His new friend Noke is really funny, and the story was only a little bit scary - it was more exciting.

It was really hard to stop reading after each chapter. I like this story a lot.

The Suitcase – Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Bad Nana: all the fun of the fair – Sophie Henn Bad nana is back! She is the best nana in the world, she’s so funny and she can do things because she’s old and no-one expects her to be silly. Jeanie and her do lots of things at the fair, but the mean girl Georgina wins everything, because her mum is the judge of everything.

But bad nana gets her back. Go nana!

Kirsty (age 8), Cathcart ISBN: 9780008268091, HC £8.99, 7-9yrs Tad – Benji Davies Fiona: We love Tad. She’s a very sweet and brave little tadpole, swimming with her tadbrothers and tadsisters in a murky pond.

She keeps hidden and in the bright spots, so the fish Big Blub won’t catch her. But there are fewer and fewer tadpoles around. Could it be that Big Blub is eating them all? Emily: Nooooo! Tad is fast, and Tad is brave and Tad jumps with her new legs!

Four children move from London during the war to a big house in the country with a relative. They discover a hidden kingdom, where they have to try and find the magician save the magical library. I can’t describe it as well as what the story is, but it’s really great, and I couldn’t stop reading it.

There are lots of long sentences and big words in this story, which might not be great for younger readers, but I really loved it, because I learned how to describe things a bit differently.

Sam (age 10), Kirkintilloch ISBN: 9781786540515, 9-12yrs Little Green Donkey – Anuska Allepuz Little donkey is really funny.

He loves eating grass. His mum asks him to try other food things, like fruit, but he says “no thanks” and just keeps eating grass.

And then one day he turns green. He’s really embarrassed to be green. He tries to hide his green, but his mum spots it anyway. So he tries other things like grapes and apples, but he doesn’t like any of them. Except for carrots.

Then he looooves eating carrots. And guess what? I’m not telling, ‘cause that would spoil the story!

Maya (age 6), East Kilbride ISBN: 9781406384666, 3yrs+

Fiona (mum) and Emily (age 4), Hamilton ISBN: 9780008212797, 4yrs+

We also loved To WIN a copy of one of the above titles, please send an e-mail (subject: book of your choice) to

WIN

competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk

with your name and address no later than August 10th. familiesonline.co.uk

Families Glasgow 11

How to Avoid Smartphone and Social Media Burnout in your Family

By Soren Kenner and Imran Rashid

Excessive use of smartphones and social media may lead to stress, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, concentration issues, lowered self-esteem and more. But just how big is the problem and what can you do to avoid it in your family?

less and they have an easier time disconnecting.

In a recent report, the UK Chief Medical examiner advises parents to limit children’s access and screentime and to keep phones away from the dinner table and out of the bedroom. The report points to three areas of concern:

Introduce Alternatives Try out some of the many good alternatives to being online. Play board games, solve puzzles, read books, draw, learn to play the piano!

The real gold here is doing these activities together.

In conclusion: yes, children are at risk but there is plenty you can do about it.

It requires being observant and takes discipline on your part. What you get in return though is not just saving your kids from smartphone burnout but also spending more quality time with them.

What’s not to like?

How much time children spend online What they actually see online Persuasive (also known as addictive) design The overall recommendation from the Chief Medical Officer is to limit screen time and balance it with family time. But is that enough?

We recently undertook an extensive survey of current research on the connection between smartphones, social media, stress, sleep disturbances and lack of focus. Many of these studies paint a grim picture of the (perhaps unintended) side effects of extensive use of smartphones and social media.

A Gigantic Social Experiment Smartphones and social media have caught on like wildfire - at this point in time more than half of the world's population uses social media. The resulting economy is of a stupendous size: the combined value of tech giants like Apple, Google and Facebook now rival the annual GDP of the UK. In essence, this 12 Families Glasgow

Schedule Screentime Make an online schedule - it could be after homework, or between 5 pm and 7 pm or after dinner or whatever works in your home. Make sure you stick to what you have agreed.

spectacular growth is the largest social experiment ever undertaken and we have no clear idea where it will take us.

What we do know is that extensive use of smartphones and social media causes rewiring of children's brains (a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity) and that the list of possible side effects include stress, lowered self-esteem, FOMO (fear of missing out), decision fatigue, problems focusing and concentrating, sleep disturbances, cognitive dissonance, digital tribalism, lowered empathy and cyberbullying.

Obviously, not every child using a smartphone is going to get hit by every single possible side effect but here are some signs to look out for: Mood Swings - especially anger and frustration if you try and limit your children's access to smartphones and social media.

Changes in Sleep Patterns - difficultyfalling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night (to check their phone).

Trouble Concentrating difficulty managing school work on time and having a hard time getting started on homework (the phone is

more fun).

Being Secretive - refusing to share information on what they do online or who they interact with.

Being more Online than Offline – where the phone or tablet and social media is exerting more pull than friends, sports, family, hobbies etc.

So what can you do if you begin observing some of these symptoms? It’s pretty simple, really (albeit not easy).

Be Present and Focused Spend time interacting with your children and stay focused on them: what are they are doing, what are they excited about, what they would like to do? Being there for them with your full attention makes a huge difference.

Soren Kenner and Imran Rashid (GP) have researched and written extensively on the risk factors associated with excessive use of smartphones and social media. Their book OFFLINE is on Amazon and in bookstores now.

Be a Role Model Remember, kids don’t do what you say, they do what they see you do. So put the phone away when you are with them and interact instead.

Make their Phones Less Addictive Ask your children to turn off notifications on their phones and in their social media feeds. This way the pull of the phone or tablets gets familiesonline.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Don't forget to say you saw these events in

ONLINE

Your essential guide to family events this June, July & August. We take great care in compiling our events guide, but check with the venues before you leave home just in case times or prices have changed since we went to print.

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Hogganfield Park, Glasgow G33, 0141 276 0931 Glasgow’s Countryside rangers are hosting a free family Funday at Hogganfield Park on Sunday 30th June. All day fun & frolics including wild activities, stalls, crafts and lots more.

18-23 Jun Zippo’s Circus Various times | £9/£7.50 Victoria Park, Glasgow G14 The World's Greatest Ringmaster will present a spectacle like no other as astonishing acrobats and aerialists, amazing contortionists, clever comics and daredevil motorcyclists come together for this year’s magnificent production. They will be joined by a colourful troupe of artists from all around the world including foot jugglers, Kenyan tumblers, Cuban Springboard acrobats, knife throwers, contortionists and dancers.

19 Jun + 7 Aug Laurel and Hardy Film Screening 19.00 | TBC Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow G1 5HD, 0141 553 0840 www.britanniapanopticon.org The Sons of the Desert present Laurel and Hardy comedy classics screened in the very auditorium where Stan Laurel made his stage debut, Glasgow's very own Britannia Panopticon Music Hall.

20 – 30 Jun Refugee Festival Scotland 0141 248 9799 www.refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk Refugee Festival Scotland celebrates the contribution refugee communities make to life in Scotland – the food and drink, music and poetry, art and ideas that people bring with them when they seek safety and settle in Scotland. For two weeks in June, the festival offers people from different backgrounds the chance to meet and get to know each other better. We have Syrian food and Ethiopian poetry, sculpture, dance, films, talks and more. Most events are free and all are friendly, welcoming and full of colour and creativity.

21 Jun Puck’s Midsummer Madness 19.30 | £6.25/5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow G12 0QF, 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Warm, dreamy, romantic, summer evenings. The Fairy King, Oberon, has plans for his Queen, Titania... until Puck puts a spanner in the works! Join in with Puck’s Midsummer Madness in this theatre show for all ages.

22 Jun Shawlands Street Party 14.00-20.00 | FREE Carment Drive, Glasgow, G41 3PP Join us for another day filled with great live music, face painters, henna artist, 'Bricks4Kidz', hula hoop performance and workshop, fantastic live dancers, a market place, beer tent, street food and so much more! In addition to this familiesonline.co.uk

MORE

year's activities, we are having a quiet hour from 1-2pm before the music begins, for anyone who wants to enjoy the street party atmosphere minus the noise!

22 Jun The Gloamin’ 18.00-22.00 | £12.50/£8.50 Culzean Castle and Country Park, KA19 8LE, www.nts.org.uk Set in the beautiful surrounds of Fountain Court, The Gloamin has lots on offer with an evening jam-packed with live music, entertainment and activities.

Become mesmerized by fire jugglers, stilt walkers and a dazzling hula hoopist! Practice circus skills, take a peek into your future with the tarot reader and take part in traditional Fun Fair Games. Throughout the night enjoy musical performances from Clann an Drumma, Sticks N Kicks, Anna Sweeney, Glen Park Ceilidh Band and more. Make sure you stay for dusk, that’s when the real fun begins with the spectacular finale burning of the wicker man!

Inspired by Culzean’s starring role in the Wicker Man movie.

22 Jun The Magic Circus 14.00 | £6.25/5.95 Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Glasgow G12 0QF, 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Roll up, roll up, Magic Den presents The Magic Circus, an exciting, fun, fast-paced and colourful magic show for all the family. Everyone from 3-93 is sure to love this interactive show, so get in early as you could be a star in Den’s Magic Circus.

23 Jun Basic Fire Skills 10.00-12.00 | FREE Pollok Country Park, Glasgow G43 1AT, 0141 287 9001 A fun morning of fire lighting with the Countryside Rangers. Make your very own mini-fire, split logs for the campfire and whittle a toasting stick to roast some tasty treats. Booking essential.

23 Jun Glasgow Mela 12.00-22.00 | FREE Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow G3 6BY www.glasgowmela.com/ Scotland's biggest multi-cultural festival of music, dance, arts and food.

23 Jun Queen Margaret Drive Street Festival 11.00-16.00 | FREE www.westendfestival.co.uk Calling children, families and local residents. Queen Margaret Drive Community invites you once again for The Great Street Play and The Big Get-Together. Get ready for Outdoor Street Play, get ready to enjoy The Big Lunch on the Drive. Bring along your own food or sample delicious food from our artisan cafes. Chillax and enjoy mellow music making from local musicians.

29 Jun Baby Shark 10.00-16.00 | FREE Silverburn, Glasgow G53 6QR Pop by for a meet and greet with Baby Shark & Pinkfong, giveaways on the Silverburn PLUS app AND of course a sing-a-long!

29 Jun Glasgow Games Gathering 10.00-16.00 | £3/£1 Bellahouston Sports Centre, Glasgow G52 1HH www.g3gamers.co.uk Wargamers, boardgamers and roleplayers can get together for a day of gaming and browsing of traders. We’ve worked to bring some of your favourite miniature manufacturers and traders from all genres and sizes. We’ve also got some great clubs and individuals from all across Scotland running games for you to come and play from historical, to fantasy and scifi, tabletop, boardgames, and RPG. 30 Jun Hogganfield Local Nature Reserve (LNR) Fun Day 11.30-15.30 | FREE

30 Jun Free Vintage Bus Service 11.30-17.00 | FREE Riverside Museum, Glasgow G3 8RS Experience the atmosphere of bygone travel and take a ride on one of GVVT's restored vintage buses! The West End Festival Vintage Bus Service brings historic restored buses and coaches to life by allowing you to travel on board them “on service”.

These will run on a frequent service all around the West End allowing you to experience bus travel as it was in bygone times.

5 Jul Earth Party 12.00-13.30 | £1 | 5-11yrs Waterstones Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3EW, www.eventbrite.co.uk Join us for a magnificent party!

There will be a scavenger hunt, story-time and other fun activities to keep the kids entertained on Friday afternoon! Our parties last approx 1.5 hours. Tickets are for attending children only. Parental supervision is required at all times.

5-21 Jul Glasgow Games Various times Queens Park Arena, Glasgow G42 www.qpa.inhouse.scot/whats-on The Glasgow Games return to Queen's Park Arena this Summer featuring a series of health and wellbeing events to encourage participation in an active lifestyle!

6 Jul The Greatest Showman Singalong 19.00 | £7/£5 Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow G1 5HD, 0141 553 0840 www.britanniapanopticon.org Roll up! Roll up! Join us for a wonderful evening with the Greatest Showman and sing along with your favourite songs at the world's oldest music hall.

Goody bags will be provided for children under 12. Dressing up is encouraged!

6-10 July Eastwood Park Family Festival Various times Eastwood Park Theatre, Glasgow G46 6UG, 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk If you've ever fancied being a superhero, joining a pirate ship, researching your family tree, or making your own Willy Wonka golden ticket, head along to Families Glasgow 13

Win tickets to Scotland’s biggest gaming festival

Scotland’s ultimate gaming experience, Resonate, returns to the SEC, Glasgow from 20-21 July for its fourth year. With a starstudded line-up of talent already confirmed, some of the biggest global names in the world of gaming and YouTube will be heading to the city and we’ve got 10 pairs of tickets to giveaway.

Reaction and commentary YouTuber WillNE is among those signed up for the game-filled event along with YouTuber and Fortnite Twitch streamers The Burnt Chip and Gee Nelly. YouTube sensations Syndicate and Pyrocynical will also be joining, along with international gaming and lifestyle YouTuber Alfie Deyes.

Resonate will showcase the latest games, software and gadgets.

The biggest of its kind in Scotland, the event is now firmly on the map within the gaming community as a must-visit. Throughout the weekend the creators will be putting on some unmissable stage performances as well as holding meet and greets.

As well as the talent, Resonate is welcoming Big Betty for the first time - a self-contained esports and multifunctional TV facility on a 21 metre long truck, boasting a rooftop VIP and players’ lounge with up to 20 gaming stations.

The event will also be hosting a Retro Zone with some old school favourites and an Indie Zone showcasing the best upcoming releases independent game developers have to offer.

Tickets are priced from £12 and available to buy from www. resonatetotalgaming.com

WIN

To WIN a pair of tickets please e-mail competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk (subject: Resonate) with your name and address no later than July 11th.

Terms and conditions: Prize is one pair of tickets to Resonate (travel not included). Prize is only valid for one day and can be redeemed on either Saturday 20 or Sunday 21 July 2019. The prize has no cash alternative, is non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Resonate reserves the right to refuse entry without explanation.

Eastwood Park Theatre this July.

From fun and games to singing and dancing, from learning and reading to heritage and arts, there is something for all ages and all interests in this packed schedule of events. Britain’s Got Talent Star Edward Reid will be leading an afternoon of songs and audience participation, whilst Grinagog Theatre paddling back with their fantastic musical Row Your Boat.

Check website for individual activity dates and times.

9 Jul Gangsta Granny 19.00 | £15/£10 The Hill House, Helensburgh G84 9AJ www.nts.org.uk Heartbreak productions invite you to share in this exciting escapade, a David Walliams best seller adapted for the outdoor 14 Families Glasgow

stage. Join us, Ben, and his Gangsta Granny on their grandest adventure full of forbidden fun.

13-14 Jul Wee Hansel and Gretel 11.00 & 13.30 | from £18.90 | 3-8yrs Theatre Royal, Glasgow G2 3QA, 0844 871 7615 www.atgtickets.com Join Hansel & Gretel as they follow a bewitching ballerina to an enchanting gingerbread house, conjure up dancing sweet treats and toys that come to life.

This specially adapted hour-long show is the perfect way for young children and their families to discover the magic of ballet.

14 Jul Mr Fibbers – Back In Tune 14.00 | £5 | 8-12yrs East Kilbride Arts Centre, East Kilbride G74 4DU, 01355 261 000

www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk Mr Fibbers is back and funnier than ever with ‘Back in Tune’: a show packed with jokes, games and comedy songs that kids just love. You are guaranteed to leave laughing and singing his catchy tunes all the way home.

17 Jul Doggie Day 14.00-16.00 | FREE Castlemilk Park, Glasgow G45 0AZ www.cassiltoun.org.uk Calling all canines and their friends! Bring your owners to our fun doggie show, with all the favourite categories such as; the dog with the waggiest tail and leave the sausage. Watch out this year for new categories to be announced! Fun for all the family – please note, you do not need to bring a dog to attend this event!

17-21 Jul Luna Kids Cinema Various times Victoria Park, Glasgow G14 www.seetickets.com The Luna Kids Cinema is a venture run by the country’s leading producer of open-air cinema events. Our screenings follow one simple formula: a classic film on a big screen in a beautiful or prestigious setting. With kid’s activity areas, delicious hot food and a full refreshments bar on site, as well as the option to hire a premium backrest, it’s the perfect destination for the whole family to enjoy a day out this summer. The Luna Kids Bar will be serving a range of soft drinks, healthy juices and water, while the Big Kids Bar will offer everything from chilled prosecco and wine to hot drinks.

17 Jul The Comedy of Errors 19.00 | £12/£10 Queens Park Arena, Glasgow G42 www.folksytheatre.co.uk Folksy Theatre present a special outdoor production of Shakespeare's classic tale of mistaken identities. After being separated from their twins in a shipwreck, Antipholus and his slave Dromio go to Ephesus to find them. The other set of twins live in Ephesus, and the new arrivals cause a series of hilarious mistaken identity. Filled with Folksy's wonderful live music, audience interaction and downright silliness!

19 Jul Mr Magnolia 14.00 | £12/£10 Queens Park Arena, Glasgow G42 www.folksytheatre.co.uk Mr Magnolia has many things, such as an old trumpet that goes rooty-toot, some very fat owls learning to hoot, a big purple dinosaur who's a magnificent brute, two sisters who play the flute, and even a swimming pool.

But he still only has one boot!

Join Mr Magnolia on his wacky adventures, filled with Folksy Theatre's bold characters, live music, puppetry and audience interaction, it's a day out not to be missed! Based on the book by Quentin Blake.

19-20 Jul Tabby McTat Various times | from £13 Theatre Royal, Glasgow G2 3QA, 0844 871 7615 www.atgtickets.com Tabby McTat is a cat with the loudest of meee-ews and a best friend with a guitar. Together they sing their favourite songs delighting the crowds, until one day Fred disappears. Separated and alone, Tabby finds shelter and a new life with all the home comforts that any cat could dream of. However, memories of his life with Fred haunt him, and he sets off to search the streets for his long-lost friend.

20 Jul Alexandra Park Festival Day 12.00-16.00 | FREE Alexandra Park, Glasgow G31 3JE, 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk A fun day out for all the family, entry is FREE and the line-up includes live music, kids activities and inflatables, a carnival parade, a live wrestling show, food and market stalls, and much more.

20 Jul Glasgow Canal Festival 10.30-18.00 | FREE www.glasgowcanalfestival.com/ The Glasgow Canal Festival is North Glasgow's most exciting annual festival, with a packed programme of arts, watersports, interactive adventures, heritage tours, boat races and much much more! The festival takes place along the banks of the iconic Forth & Clyde Canal, a 5-minute walk from Cowcaddens Subway station. Come and while the day away in our deckchair lounge, listen to live music by a range of local musicians, discover hidden storytelling corners, take part in a family-friendly arts workshop, try your hand at canoeing or race down the canal with a team of friends.

20 Jul Moon50 Landing Party 18.00-22.30 | £7.50 Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow G51 1EA, 0141 420 5000 www.glasgowsciencecentre.org Join us for an unmissable one-off family party, exactly 50 years from the moment we landed on the moon. We’ll you back to 1969 with retro cars, flower power and of course celebrating humankind's first steps on the surface of the moon. A truly intergenerational celebration of nostalgia and science for all the family with activities, live music, science shows and more - so step back in time and relive the moment!

20-21 Jul Resonate 10.30-18.00 | from £12 SEC, Glasgow G3 8YE www.resonatetotalgaming.com Returning for a fourth year, Resonate will showcase the latest games, software and gadgets. The biggest of its kind in Scotland, the event is now firmly on the map within the gaming community as a must-visit. Throughout the weekend, the creators will be familiesonline.co.uk

putting on some unmissable stage performances as well as holding meet and greets.

27 Jul Big Fun Run 11.00 | £16.25/£14 Bellahouston Park, Glasgow G41 5BW www.bigfunrun.com/glasgow Big Fun Run is a series of 5k untimed runs staged within scenic settings. Run for fitness, run for charity, run for fun…just run!

There’s no pressure, just some easy moves and lots of laughs.

It’s all about getting involved, having fun and enjoying the whole experience of the day.

27 Jul Gangsta Granny 19.00 | £15/£10 Pollok House, Glasgow G43 1AT, 08444 932 202 www.nts.org.uk 27 Jul Funbox Present The Space Race 13.00&15.30 | £12.50 Village Theatre, East Kilbride G74 4HG, 01355 261 000 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk Space...the final fun-tier. Join Anya, Kevin, Gary and Bonzo as part of the crew of the Starship FUNBOX as they take a space odyssey across the universe to explore strange new worlds and dimensions on their galaxy hopping quest to find their keys.

Find out if the moon is really made of cheese? What is the stinkiest planet? Where are the friendliest aliens?

28 Jul The Bridge Family Festival Day 12.00-16.00 | FREE Platform, Glasgow G34 9JW, 0141 276 9696 www.platform-online.co.uk With live music, children's activities, a swimming pool party, sports tasters and community stalls, there is lots to keep all the family busy!

31 Jul Cassiltoun Family Forest Fun Day 13.00-16.00 | FREE Castlemilk Park, Glasgow G45 0AZ www.cassiltoun.org.uk Our annual day of family fun, with games, activities, face-painters, toasting marshmallows and workshops. There is something for everyone to enjoy in and around Castlemilk Stables and Park.

31 Jul - 4 Aug Madagascar the Musical Various times | from £13 Kings Theatre, Glasgow G2 4JN www.atgtickets.com The Musical follows all your favourite cracka-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

3-4 Aug Wild Things Week-End 10.30-16.00 | £6.50/£5 RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond,

Gartocharn, 01389 830 670 www.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond Bring your wild things to RSPB Loch Lomond and delve into the secretive world of miniature beasts. All you have to do is enter and take a closer look! From the buzz and humm from the meadows to underwater world of the pond there's so much to discover.

4 Aug Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust Family and Community Open Sunday 11.00-16.00 | £5/£3 Bridgeton Bus Garage, Glasgow G40 3AH, 0141 554 0544 www.gvvt.org/ Visitors will have access to wander round and look at what goes on, seeing vehicle restoration work at all stages, including our large display of restored vehicles.

Activities for kids include our Lego man treasure hunt. New for this year, there are two other treasure hunt games, one to find the wee coloured buses and another where the eagle-eyed need to spot different details on some of the vehicles in the garage.

5 Aug Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman 14.00 | £16 Kings Theatre, Glasgow G2 4JN www.atgtickets.com Cheer on Hugh Jackman, lust after Zac Efron and hiss Rebecca Ferguson (…or maybe not) as you experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible - with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want. Our live host will teach you a unique set of dance moves that will truly make you Come Alive.

As they show you how to use our interactive prop bags, you also get to practice your cheers, your boos and even a few wolf whistles. Then you can sit back and relax and sing and dance along to the lyrics on screen. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation is essential.

10-11 Aug Nerf War Carnival Various times | from £19.99 SEC, Glasgow G3 8YW www.nerfwarcarnival.com An epic family event with themed arenas and attractions for all ages.

Participants can choose from any of the 6 arenas on offer including Fortnite Battle Royale, SWAT, Battlefield, Zombie Apocalypse, Nerf on Wheels and Blaster Zone, not to mention 6 incredible attractions as well.

10 Aug Oor Wullie’s Big Walk 9.00-17.00 | £10/£5 Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow G3 6BY glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity. org/oor-wullies-big-walk This year, we are proud to be part of Oor Wullie's BIG Bucket Trail, Scotland's first ever national public art trail. To celebrate this exciting trail, our sponsored walk has brand new 3k & 10k routes which will take you through Glasgow's West End. Once you reach the

finish line, you'll earn your medal and have the chance to enjoy all of the super entertainment at our family fun day!

This year, Pride events across the world celebrate Stonewall 50, the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York.

16-17 Aug World Pipe Band Championships Various times | from £5 Glasgow Green, Glasgow G1 5DB www.theworlds.co.uk The colourful and friendly atmosphere of this event makes it a great outing for anyone, whether or not they are piping fans, and The Worlds, as its affectionately known, attracts a local audience – including families – as well as loyal attendance annually from piping and drumming enthusiasts.

25 Aug Big Goldilocks and the Three Bears Plus…

14.00 | £5 East Kilbride Arts Centre, East Kilbride G74 4DU, 01355 261 000 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk This comical story is retold through a massive 6ft tall book complete with pop ups and props coming out of the book! Big Goldilocks wanders off from her parents into the forest but soon gets lost, getting hungry, grumpy and tired. Goldilocks arrives at the Three Bears house for a big bowl of cereal but soon it’s up to the audience to help scare her away…

17-18 Aug Pride Glasgow From £8 Riverside Museum, Glasgow G3 8RS www.prideglasgow.com

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Hansel &Gretel FOR 3 — 8 YEAR OLDS & THEIR GROWN UPS TO DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF BALLET

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